Dan du Plessis says the DHL Stormers are decided to harness the successful momentum constructed up of their final 4 matches as they head into the Vodacom URC playoffs.
They face the Glasgow Warriors at Scotstoun Stadium within the quarter-finals of the URC, after the Stormers completed the common season in fifth place following a hard-fought win in opposition to the Lions at DHL Stadium.
The Capetonians journey to Scotland with 4 successive wins within the league, a tally that features away wins in opposition to Dragons and Connacht, and Du Plessis emphasises the significance of slipstreaming that momentum within the playoffs.
“This previous weekend in opposition to the Lions was crucial for us to get the victory, to take that confidence into the playoffs,” he advised thestormers.com.
“We had a profitable tour simply earlier than the Lions, successful two out of two the place we’ve possibly struggled up to now not touring in addition to we should always.
“We took lots of confidence and classes from these video games and it was essential to return again dwelling and solidify that in opposition to a really sturdy Lions group that had all of it to play for.
“What we are able to take from the win, and has possibly been creeping into our recreation the final couple of weeks, is our self-discipline. Going right into a quarter-final in Glasgow we can not afford to be giving so many penalties away, and also you’re taking pictures your self within the foot should you do this in a playoff recreation.
“But it surely was additionally a giant constructive for us to indicate we are able to step up with 14 males; it was robust to regulate to dropping Angelo [Davids] however the boys actually put up their fingers and confirmed we are able to struggle.”
The Stormers are taking the subsequent step of their development as a group below Director of Rugby John Dobson, as they face their first away playoff within the URC in Glasgow, and Du Plessis is relishing the chance.
“There’s a good vibe within the group in the meanwhile that’s been helped by the truth that we come off a few victories the previous few weeks,” he added. “Dobbo and the coaches have finished an incredible job holding the blokes constructive and energised in the direction of the tip of the season. The blokes are wanting actually centered and decided.
“It was a step in the fitting course on the final tour to show to ourselves that we are able to do it away from dwelling as effectively, and we’re wanting ahead to what will be an excellent quarter-final in Scotland.”
The Stormers tasted defeat of their final two visits to Glasgow, however Du Plessis says that the group is fired up for what will likely be an excellent problem.
“Glasgow have stepped it up a notch in assault since Franco [Smith] has taken over, they’ve performed enticing rugby at instances and in addition confirmed they’ve obtained what it takes to win large video games,” he defined.
“I do assume we’ve gone there beforehand and never put up our greatest performances. We’ve learnt so much from our final two journeys to Scotstoun Stadium and we’ll do every part in our energy to alter the result this week.”
Du Plessis’ all-round recreation in midfield has been a significant cog for the Stormers on each side of the ball this season, and the hard-running centre’s versatility an asset following accidents to key gamers.
“Gaza [Damian Willemse] was a giant loss for the group, any group would miss a participant of his high quality. However the guys who’ve slotted in, whether or not or not it’s at 12 or 13, have finished an excellent job and confirmed their versatility,” he mentioned.
“Between Sacha [Feinberg-Mngomezulu], Wandi [Simelane] and JL [Jean-Luc du Plessis] there’s numerous versatility within the backline, and that’s not mentioning the others.
“For myself, it has simply been actually essential to be versatile, particularly this season after dropping Ruhan Nel early on, and now Damian.”
Photograph: Shaun Roy/Gallo Photos
