Stormers get midfield boost for crucial Champions Cup clash
NEWS: The Stormers are set to bolster their backline for Saturday’s big Champions Cup clash against Leicester in Cape Town.
On Tuesday, assistant coach Dawie Snyman revealed that centre Ruhan Nel has returned to training ahead of the Round Four clash.
The 34-year-old veteran has been out of action since mid-December after suffering a calf injury.
Nel’s presence in the backline will be a boost, especially on defence against a Leicester side that has scored 14 tries – nine against Bayonne (Champions Cup) and five against Saracens (PREM) – over the last two weeks
Meanwhile, the Stormers, who were without a number of frontline players, conceded nine tries in their 10-61 defeat to Harlequins on Sunday.
“Ruhan Nel is looking alright. He is training today, and Jonny Roche is on his way back,” said Snyman.
“He [Nel] brings a lot to the team, not only defensively, but also as a leader.”
Meanwhile, the Capetonians will also be looking for a spark on attack, with Snyman highlighting wasted opportunities in their last two games.
“It’s an area you are always going to work on. I think against the Bulls, we had two open trylines, and we missed those ones.
“Against Harlequins, we had two nice momentum carries in the 22 before the ball was turned over, and we finished five metres from our own line.
“It’s an area of the game we always pride ourselves on and want to do well, and it is what the faithful want to see when we play at home.
“We will try and sharpen it up.”
Snyman revealed that the players who remained in Cape Town last week were involved in training on Friday and Monday.
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