Stormers hungry to beat ‘desperate’ Harlequins

Stormers forwards coach Rito Hlungwani expects a “brutal” Investec Champions Cup clash in the cold against Harlequins on Sunday.

On Monday, Hlungwani praised the Stormers for a bruising Vodacom URC win over the Bulls which saw them remain unbeaten this season, but he was quick to warn that a struggling Quins outfit poses a formidable challenge.

“It was a very tough game, a lot of sore bodies out there,” Hlungwani said. “I was really proud of the boys. We weren’t perfect, there were mistakes, but I always judge the group on their fight, and there was no shortage of that.”

Hlungwani was particularly impressed with how the Stormers adapted after the Bulls altered their tactics to shut down the driving maul.

“We prepared for one picture and we got a completely different one on the day,” he explained. “They changed how they defended the maul, put pressure on us in a way we hadn’t trained for that week. The players had to adapt on the field, without messages coming from the sideline, and they did that. That showed real growth and rugby intelligence.”

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The Stormers scored their two tries – including a 79th-minute winner – from mauls as the in-form side problem-solved under pressure.

“The calls were changed on the field, the players made decisions themselves, and eventually we got reward. That adaptability and fight is something I was very happy with.”

There is concern, however, over veteran prop Ali Vermaak, who left the field early. Hlungwani confirmed the outlook on a lower-leg injury was not encouraging.

“He’s going for scans and it looks like it could be a long-term injury, but we’ll know more once the medical team gives us clarity.”

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Attention now turns to London and a Champions Cup clash against Harlequins, who are enduring a turbulent period after several heavy Premiership defeats.

Despite that, Hlungwani expects a fierce contest.

“They’re going through a tough time, but they’re still a quality team, especially at home,” he said. “We’re expecting a brutal game in very cold conditions. They have very good players and they’ll be desperate.

“But we’re going there to compete and in the perfect world, come out with a win. It’s a game we really, really want to win, especially going forward into this competition. It will help us get the home playoff, hopefully a home quarter-final … so we’re going there with a lot of desperation and hunger.”

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Prop Oli Kebble echoed that view, stressing that the Stormers would not underestimate their hosts.

“The Stoop is never an easy place to play,” he said. “We know what’s coming physically.”

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