Bok set for Stormers debut?
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The long-awaited Stormers debut of Springbok scrumhalf Cobus Reinach could finally materialise this weekend when the Cape Town outfit face Benetton in Treviso on Saturday.
The double World Cup winner joined the Stormers at the start of the 2025/26 United Rugby Championship season, signing from French giants Montpellier after a successful five-year spell in the Top 14.
Reinach, who also enjoyed three seasons with Northampton Saints in England, brings a wealth of experience and composure to the Stormers’ setup.
While the Stormers’ Springbok contingent has already featured during the first leg of their European tour, Reinach was afforded additional time to settle in Cape Town before linking up with the squad this week in Italy.
Now, the 35-year-old has finally joined his new teammates as they aim to maintain their unbeaten run when they face Benetton in Round Five.
“No team will ever complain when you add that kind of experience,” said Stormers forwards coach Rito Hlungwani.
“It’s really helpful for us and great to have him around.
“He’s still learning a few of the things we do differently, but a player of his calibre adapts quickly. We’re very happy to have him here.”
The Stormers have started their URC campaign in fine form, winning all four of their matches to sit top of the log with 19 points. They are one of only three unbeaten teams in the competition and will be eager to keep that momentum going.
However, Benetton present a significant challenge. The Italians have proven a tough nut to crack in Treviso, with the Stormers falling short in their last two visits – 22-18 in 2021 and 20-17 in 2023.
Unlike previous seasons, when John Dobson’s men struggled on the road, the early signs suggest they have turned that corner. Hlungwani described Saturday’s clash as their “big test” of the tour.
“We’ve beaten Scarlets away, we’ve beaten Zebre away – now the real test for us is Benetton,” Hlungwani added.
“They’re a team we really want to beat. We’ve never done it at their home ground. So after this game, we’ll be able to assess the tour properly – the travel plans, the adjustments in how and where we train, and see what’s worked.
“We’ll take those lessons into our next trip.”
