VIDEO: 'Dillyn has told them about our DNA'
SPOTLIGHT: The reunions will continue for the Stormers this weekend when they welcome Stade Rochelais to Cape Town Stadium for their Champions Cup Round of 16 match.
Last week the Capetonians came up against their former captain Steven Kitshoff in their United Rugby Championship Round 13 match against Ulster.
This week, the Stormers will be seeing Dillyn Leyds in Stade Rochelais colours once again.
Leyds was a prominent figure in Western Province and Stormers teams between 2013 and 2020 before he made the move to France and joined Ronan O’Gara’s side.
The French team also has another former Stormer in the squad in the form of Raymond Rhule, who had a handful of appearances for the Capetonians in 2018.
Leyds was part of the Stade Rochelais team that went down 20-21 to the Stormers in December in a pool match.
He was a constant threat on attack and his former team will be keeping a close eye on him again.
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“I’m very excited to welcome Dillyn back to Cape Town,” said Stormers star Damian Willemse.
“It’s been a strange time for all of us playing against Steven and now against Dillyn on back-to-back weekends.
“He showcased what a great player he is [in the December match] and now it’s a knockout game so guys will be putting up their hands.
“He will always be a beloved player here in Cape Town. He will always be a part of us.
“We know what a world-class player he is, so we are looking forward to having him back.”
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Stormers assistant coach Norman Laker said the match against Stade Rochelais in December was a bit of an eye-opener.
“They are a well-coached side,” said Laker.
“Dillyn Leyds has told them a little bit about our DNA and what to expect from us.
“We didn’t know anything about them. All we knew was the guys that we played against in Super Rugby a few years ago and Dillyn.
“We learnt a lot about their individuals, but now we also know what they are like as a team.
“There are a few things that we learnt from them, but we will see on Saturday.”
@rugby365com
