Stormers coach: 'Don't feel sorry for them'
SPOTLIGHT: Stormers assistant coach Rito Hlungwani revealed his approach to using his forwards to build momentum and create scoring opportunities.
The Stormers opened their 2026/27 United Rugby Championship campaign with a 29-15 bonus-point win against Connacht and will conclude their mini European tour this Friday evening against Sean Everitt’s Edinburgh.
What was notable in the Connacht clash was how the Stormers forwards came in at first receiver and made strong carries to get over the advantage line.
The proof is in the pudding: The top three carriers were debutant Riley Norton (20), Hacjivah Dayimani (19) and Springbok Andre-Hugo Venter with 18.
Hlungwani was asked whether this approach is sustainable throughout a full match with forwards’ legs tending to get heavy, but he believes they are conditioned enough to play that type of game.
“I told Ruhan [Nel] earlier he mustn’t feel sorry for our forwards. These guys train really hard, and we prepare them for the worst-case scenario,” Hlungwani said.
“When you see them working like that, know that they’ve been prepared to do so.
“I don’t want them [the backs] to go get it into their heads that we must try and save the forwards’ legs – we go six-two [forward-heavy on the bench] so these guys must get in there and work.”
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Hlungwani conceded that while he’s pleased with the forwards’ efforts, he’d like to see the backs improve their strike rate by the platform set up front.
“In saying that, I would appreciate it if the backs sometimes take advantage of the hard work; how we get the [opposition] defence tight and utilise that space to score on the outside.
“You’ll see that a lot; our forwards are going to go through the front door. They train hard to get that right, and you mustn’t feel sorry for them.”
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