Unbeaten Stormers eye attacking edge in first local URC derby against dangerous Lions

Unbeaten in both the United Rugby Championship (URC) and the Champions Cup so far this season, the Stormers return to Cape Town knowing they now carry a big target on their backs.

That reality adds extra spice to Saturday’s first local URC derby of their campaign against the Lions at DHL Stadium, a fixture that could also mark a clear shift in mindset for the Cape side.

After meeting the demands of a tricky European tour where the forwards’ battle and control in the backline were the order of the day, the Stormers are ready to lean back into their natural attacking instincts in front of their home supporters.

In Europe, results mattered more than style. The Stormers tightened their game, kicked smartly, defended with discipline and trusted their systems to get them through difficult away fixtures in the URC and Champions Cup. It worked as they racked up win after win.

They came home unbeaten, battle-hardened and confident. But now, with Cape Town crowds back in full voice over December and January, the message from the team is clear: it’s time to make the people smile again with their rugby.

According to backline coach Dawie Snyman, there will be a special atmosphere at their home stadium.

“SA derbies always have an edge to them,” Snyman said.

“Our game has been conditions-driven, and we had to go with a different approach, ensuring our set piece, kicking game and defence fired. Over the weekend, we felt the speed of the game was different at home. So now it is time to see if we can develop that part of our game, but keep the basic stuff in place to not get too far ahead of ourselves.”

While they started unbeaten, he doesn’t believe they are close to a finished project or peaking too early in the season.

“We weren’t at our best against La Rochelle this past weekend, and we are a team that wants to grow and improve in all areas of our game. That will always be our approach. Yes, we may have started well, but we had some tough matches and it gives you confidence.

“However, we won’t rest on our laurels and think we are okay. Every session and meeting we do is to get better. We will keep the focus.”

Playing at DHL Stadium brings a different energy to their game, though, and the Cape side wants to move the ball, play with tempo and stretch the defences of their opponents in the way that has become their DNA. They have that desire to entertain supporters, who expect ambition and flair from their team, especially in a derby that is always contested at a high tempo.

That said, the Stormers are under no illusions about the dangers of overplaying their hand. The Lions thrive on chaos and turnover ball, and they possess the pace and skill to punish any sloppiness.

Snyman added that the next few home games could be massive in the context of their season.

“Winning eight in a row won’t really count if you can’t win your home games. We have a couple of games here and we need to capitalise on that. Any SA derby is tough, and it will be important to maintain that momentum we built.”

Springbok utility back Damian Willemse is still nursing a hamstring injury and is not available for the first local derby of the season.