Stormers v Glasgow Warriors: Crucial match-ups to savour

The biggest United Rugby Championship match of the weekend will have added spice given the fact that both teams are fresh off major upsets in their respective Round 15 matches.

While the Stormers were the closest South Africa had to a banker last weekend, they came short against a niggly Connacht side at Cape Town Stadium, losing 24-33. Glasgow, meanwhile, were made to look like spectators as the Lions produced a rugby masterclass to school them 54-12 at Ellis Park.

History favours Franco Smith’s team in this top-of-the-log clash, and the Stormers will be motivated to break the five-match winning streak the Scottish outfit have over them.

The Stormers (51) need a bonus-point win to take the top spot on the standings, which Glasgow currently occupy (55). Equally important, John Dobson’s unit will need to secure a victory if they want to at least retain their No.2 position on the standings.

*READ: KEY BATTLE IN TOP-OF-THE-LOG CLASH

With everything at stake, the Stormers will have to make the most of their final home game before concluding the league phase with away games against Ulster and Cardiff.

With coveted home play-off berths on the line with just two rounds remaining in the regular season, we look at four player battles that will have a big say in how things play out in Cape Town.

Damian Willemse v Kyle Rowe (15)

A host of possibilities open for the home side with Willemse running out at 15.

While he was far from poor on the wing in the Stormers’ last two matches, he was just too removed from action.

His work under the high ball will be much needed given Glasgow’s kicking game, his physicality in getting over the gain line will be vital, and the touches and opportunities he can bring on attack will rank right up there in importance.

Flair extraordinaire might not be the goal for the Stormers, but try-creating opportunities need to be there, especially considering Glasgow’s potency on attack and the shift Rowe and the rest of their outside backs can be expected to put in.

After all, it might be Rowe’s finishing that gets the most attention, but the Scotland international has built an equally impressive resume where work rate is concerned.

Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu v Adam Hastings (10)

It is dangerous what the Springbok flyhalf can do.

Even in a game where things don’t go their way, Feinberg-Mngomezulu almost always ensures that the Stormers cross the try line, whether he creates it or goes over himself.

His knack for individual brilliance can come in handy when things are tight, and there’s no match in which the Stormers would welcome that element of superb unpredictability more.

But Hastings doesn’t lack X-factor, either.

His territorial kicking can cause all sorts of trouble, while he’s just as adept at springing in a nifty cross-kick or terrorising defences with the unexpected…something we’ve come to expect from his opposite flyhalf as well.

Few things are guaranteed in a rugby match, but creating something out of nothing is a trait that both flyhalves can dish up in a matter of seconds.

This is probably the most appetising match-up.

Ruhan Nel v Huw Jones (13)

The former Blitzbok stalwart has his work cut out for him against the top team.

With Glasgow’s affinity for disrupting opposition defences with their high-tempo, support-play centered approach, getting their defensive structure right is of the utmost importance. The Stormers can’t be caught off guard. After all, the 2023/24 season winners lead the attack stats for a reason.

Then there’s Jones – the possessor of a devastating skillet, of which the Stormers are well aware.

He was one of the most exciting midfielders during his time in the Cape, and how he goes will play a massive part in what Glasgow’s backline manage to cook up on Saturday afternoon.

Neethling Fouche v Zander Fagerson (3)

If ever there was a scrummaging event to circle on his calendar, this is it for Fouche.

Glasgow have the flash, but they also have a strong set-piece game, and what better way for the Stormers to show the visitors that they mean business than by forcing them backwards?

It’s something that Fouche and Co are no doubt capable of, and the numbers back it up.

This season, the Stormers have won 105 scrums and lost just nine for a success rate of 90 percent. They have also won the most scrum penalties in the competition, 55.

Fagerson may have the stamina, but longevity will be nothing without impact against the Stormers’ scrum, especially when the opposition have Zachary Porthen and Oli Kebble among their reinforcements.

Worth a Mention:

Paul de Villiers v Euan Ferrie (6)