CHAMPIONS CUP
Leighton Koopman|Published
The Stormers are determined to add a star to their badge by winning the Champions Cup, with utility back Damian Willemse admitting the ultimate prize would mean the world to the Cape side ahead of their opener against Bristol Bears at DHL Stadium on Saturday (4.15pm kick-off).
The Springbok star, however, knows they face a stern test against an English outfit boasting plenty of firepower in their backline and is wary of the threat posed by the visitors.
Coming off a brilliant victory over the Sharks in the United Rugby Championship (URC), the Cape side will be eager to keep the winning momentum going. However, the challenge posed by the Bears could provide an early test of their European ambitions.
“For us as a club, it would mean the world to add a star to our badge,” Willemse said.
“We feel very strongly about this competition. We’ve reached the quarter-finals and played in the round of 16, so we know what the pressure feels like when you go to Europe and play against the big clubs, like Bordeaux, Toulon and Leinster.
“We really want to add a star to our badge, but obviously, it’s still early days. We’ve got a very tough match against Bristol this weekend. I really rate them as a team. They’ve got an incredible coaching staff, and what they’ve done with their programme really shows on the field. We’re looking forward to our opening game.”
Willemse is under no illusions about the challenge Bristol will pose, with the English club boasting an exciting backline capable of hurting opponents in several ways. The Stormers will look to build on last Saturday’s performance, but they are also bracing themselves for a very different challenge.
The Stormers’ determination to get their campaign off to a winning start is reflected in the few changes director of rugby John Dobson has made to the side. Willemse and the rest of the backline remain unchanged, while a couple of changes in the forwards complete the selection.
“There’s a lot of firepower in that backline. Louis Rees-Zammit is there, Gabriel Ibitoye and Tom Jordan are massive players, and Benhard (Janse van Rensburg) is there as well. They’ve got the full package and are an outstanding team. As I said, they can move the ball, kick and run, so it’s going to be a massive clash on Saturday.
“I’m very excited for the start of the Champions Cup. We’ve had a very good week and are looking forward to being back at home for another weekend. We’re obviously playing a very strong side in Bristol. Their performances in the Premiership have been outstanding, and it’s the style of play they have that makes them a real danger side.”