Springboks loose forward Ben-Jason Dixon will be available for the Stormers ahead of their opening United Rugby Championship (URC) match against Connacht in Galway on Friday.
The bruiser will be a welcome boost for the Cape side as they brace for a physical and running game from their hosts at Dexcom Stadium (8.45pm kick-off SA time).
Assistant coach Dawie Snyman on Tuesday confirmed Dixon is with the squad in Ireland. He missed the Boks’ trip to Baltimore with a concussion and subsequently was not selected for the trip to Australia for the one-off Test against the Wallabies on Sunday.
However, it wasn’t all doom and gloom for the flanker. He can now start the URC campaign with the Stormers as they look to get off to a flying start again. They are hoping to emulate their unbeaten run of last season, which stretched over eight clashes in the competition.
“We have a full bill of health and everyone is available for selection ahead of Friday,” he said.
Stormers target points on tour
“It makes a difference when we have a full week of preparation after getting here nice and early. On Monday we could see the travel was still a little bit in the legs of the players, but having the chance to recover and build up to Friday after arriving early was good.
“However, whether we started at home or away, it is the beginning of the season, and there will be some mistakes in the first and second games. Things will go well and other things won’t because we are still settling into one or two tweaks in our gameplan.
“We are going for whatever we can get (points-wise) on this tour. The goal is to hit the ground running and get some points out of the next two matches.”
Snyman described Connacht as a team that loves to run with the ball in hand, and they have the ability to frustrate defences. So, the Stormers’ job will be to front up in contact and to keep the runners of the home side in check, especially when it comes to the defence in the backline.
Midfield places up for grabs
With inside centre Dan du Plessis opting for an overseas contract and Damian Willemse with the Springboks, there could potentially be some tweaks in the midfield.
Captain Ruhan Nel needs a new centre mate and, depending on him playing in the No 12 jersey, the Stormers have the option of youngster Markus Muller, who starred in the Currie Cup, or the experienced Wandisile Simelane. But Nel is the glue in the Cape side’s defensive line and belongs at outside centre. That means Johnny Roché could fill the position on his inside.
The Stormers also confirmed the signing of scrumhalf André Warner on a six-month loan from US-based team Seattle Seawolves. Warner will add considerable experience in the absence of Springbok Cobus Reinach. Lions rookie No 9 Haashim Pead is returning to Cape Town and should link up with the team soon.
