Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Craig Ray
Published on 2024-03-22 11:20:08
The Stormers are currently in ninth place on the overall United Rugby Championship (URC) standings, but their position could change significantly in the coming weeks. With only two points separating them from a playoff position, the team has a chance to climb up the rankings with four consecutive home games on the horizon.
Their upcoming fixtures include matches against Edinburgh, Ulster, Ospreys, and Leinster. Coach John Dobson is aiming to secure at least 16 points from these games, with bonus points for scoring tries being a welcome addition to their tally.
The Stormers have a strong record at home, having lost only three games in three seasons at Green Point. This history of success adds pressure for them to perform well during this critical period.
Edinburgh coach Sean Everitt acknowledges the challenge of facing the Stormers at DHL Stadium but remains optimistic about his team’s chances. He believes that any team can be beaten in South Africa, drawing on past victories by northern hemisphere teams in the country.
In the battle for a spot in the top four, Edinburgh currently holds the fourth position with 34 points. However, with the Stormers trailing closely behind, the race for playoff berths is extremely tight and unlikely to be decided until the final rounds of the URC.
In addition to their on-field performance, the Stormers received positive news off the field with the completion of a R150 million equity purchase by Red Disa Investments. This consortium, which includes Fynbos Ekwiteit, Ardagh Glass Packaging Africa, and Marble Head Investments, now holds a majority stake in the professional arm of the union.
The establishment of a new entity, Western Province Professional Rugby Pty Ltd (WPPR), marks a significant shift in the governance of professional rugby in the region. The deal aims to safeguard the Stormers’ future amidst challenges such as the potential sale of Newlands Stadium.
Looking ahead, the Stormers are determined to end the season on a high note and make their fans proud. Despite a challenging year so far, players like Eben Etzebeth are committed to turning their performances around and finishing strong.
In addition to the Stormers’ matches, other fixtures in the URC include games between the Bulls and Dragons, Sharks and Ulster, as well as Lions and Connacht. The pressure will be on the Sharks to secure a much-needed win at home and improve their season record.
Overall, the URC is gearing up for an exciting conclusion, with teams vying for playoff spots and pride on the line in every match. Fans can look forward to thrilling rugby action as the competition heats up in the coming weeks.
Read the original article on Daily Maverick
