Stormers embrace 'intimidating' Thomond Park challenge
SPOTLIGHT: Only one team will remain unbeaten in the United Rugby Championship when Munster hosts the Stormers at Thomond Park this weekend.
And for the visitors from the Cape, it’s a venue they’ve never beaten at Munster before.
In fact, Munster had been the Stormers’ bogey team, having defeated the Cape Town-based side four times in five attempts, including the 2023 URC Final in Cape Town.
But for the Stormers, that’s all history.
After historically being a poor touring team in the tournament, they have turned their fortunes around, defeating Scarlets, Zebre and Benetton away so far this season.
Stormers attack coach Dawie Snyman said his team will embrace the challenge of playing at Thomond Park to measure themselves in what is arguably their biggest game so far this season.
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“It’s a special venue [Thomond Park] to play at. The crowd is phenomenal to play in front of,” Snyman said.
“Even the respect they have, for instance, if Jurie [Matthee] would line up for a kick at goal, it’s dead silent to the point of being intimidating.
“It’s a great place to play, and we want to measure ourselves against the best.
“It’s a top-of-the-table clash, and they’re a great side and proved it over the past couple of seasons.
“It’s a big motivation for us to go and perform on that side.
“You want to measure yourself and try to get results at big venues and in big games.”
Snyman emphasised Munster’s strengths and what the Stormers expect from the men from Limerick.
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“They have strengths across the park. They’ve got a phenomenal work rate.
“Their players work off the ball at a high level. They have attacking systems that will challenge your defence.
“They possess great playmakers who can play a kicking and running game.
“They’re a well-balanced side with a set piece that’s always been good.
“It’s a typical Irish side that’s well coached and organised, and they’ll definitely have one or two plans that we will need to be ready for.”
