VIDEO: Stormers on high alert for Edinburgh's threats
SPOTLIGHT: Stormers centre Daniel du Plessis shed light on the different challenges Edinburgh might bring compared to the Dragons in Round 14 of the United Rugby Championship.
The Stormers scraped an eight-point win against a spirited Dragons outfit after many predicted an easy blowout win for the Cape Town outfit, considering the Dragons’ lowly log position.
The Stormers will once again face a team that is outside of the top eight in the form of Edinburgh, who will be keen to bounce back from their 17-54 thrashing at the hands of the Lions.
Du Plessis, who made his first start since returning from a long-term injury, said they’ll expect Edinburgh to bring two different elements to their game compared to what the Dragons challenged them on.
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“We’re expecting a big fight from Edinburgh; it’s a do-or-die [situation] for them.
“I know where they’re sitting on the log, but I’m not sure points-wise what their permutations are to make the top eight, but I’m sure they can still get there.
“We’re expecting a bit of a different game than last week, where the Dragons kicked long.
“We might face a bit more of a contestable [kicking] game this weekend.
“I also think we’ll face a greater threat at ruck time as well, depending on their loose forward selection.”
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Du Plessis added: “Boan Venter and Pierre Schoeman could start, so the clash at scrum time is going to be a really big one as well.”
The Stormers created ample scoring opportunities against the Dragons but failed to get over the line on several occasions despite scoring four tries to earn a bonus point.
Du Plessis, however, isn’t too concerned that it will be an issue against Edinburgh and admitted that it’s been the message within the team and from the coaches to be more clinical in their execution.
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“I think it’s Ruhan [Nel] who said at least we’re creating [scoring] opportunities rather than not creating any at all.
“That was the talk all week and the message from the coaches that we’ll have to be more clinical, especially against a good Edinburgh side.”
Du Plessis also touched on his injury history and is optimistic that he’ll get back to his best if he remains injury-free and enjoys a consistent run of form.
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“After a couple of injuries, you kind of get mentally strong, and it prepares you in case another injury occurs.
“There’s been a couple [of injuries], but every time I’ve been able to return and be able to get back to my best.
“Sometimes slower than other times, but I’ve always eventually got back there, and I’m sure I will get back to top form soon as well.”
