Snyman to torment Stormers again?
SPOTLIGHT: Stormers are bracing themselves for some Bok firepower in Munster’s pack after lock Rudolph Snyman was cleared to play in this Saturday’s United Rugby Championship Final.
After missing the semifinal win over Leinster, Snyman completed his return-to-play protocols and he set to play a key role in Munster’s plans on Saturday.
Back in April, the 28-year-old was a menace in the line-outs and his offloading in tackles gave John Dobson’s side plenty of problems in a 26-24 win at Cape Town Stadium.
That was the Stormers’ first defeat at home since December 2021.
Ahead of Saturday’s Final, Stormers coach Rita Hlungwani was asked if Snyman was someone his team was keeping tabs on.
“No, we will be keeping tabs on how we want to impose our game against them,” was Hlungwani’s response.
However, the Stormers forwards coach did acknowledge some of Snyman’s strengths on the field.
“He is a very decent player. He is Springbok and a guy who is highly respected around the world,” Hlungwani added.
“If I was to point out one thing that he does [well], he is a tall guy and through contact, he is able to offload the ball pretty well.
“We respect him, we know his strengths and we will be ready to see if we can nullify him come Saturday.”
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Line-out problems
One area the Stormers will be looking to improve on is the line-outs. Munster put them under pressure in that area in April and things also didn’t go too smoothly in the semifinal win over Connacht.
“It does happen now and then when you lose one or two line-outs. I wouldn’t say it is a system thing because we have gone deep into the season,” said Hlungwani.
“There were times where we have done well and there were times where we sort of struggled a bit.
“It is something we felt was fixable.
“Against Munster, we lost one or two, which was scrappy, so it is not a train smash but it is things that are within our control.”
What will help the Stormers’ cause is the news that Springboks Deon Fourie and Marvin Orie will be back in the team.
“Marvin and Deon have been training since last week and they are available for selection,” said Hlungwani.
The Stormers are also looking to put in a special performance for Seabelo Senatla, who was involved in a car accident earlier this month.
According to reports, Dobson revealed that the wing suffered a career-threatening injury to his arm.
“I don’t know the exact details of how the surgery went, but Seabelo is one of us and everyone will do our best to make sure that we make him happy and represent him as best as we can,” said Hlungwani.
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