UNITED RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP
Leighton Koopman|Published
Ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes in the build-up to a Stormers rugby clash?
The Cape side have given their supporters a glimpse into life inside the team camp with their latest Stormers Unfiltered video, following the players from their first training session of the week through to matchday and the post-match celebrations.
The video offers a look at what a typical week looks like for the Stormers as they prepare for one of the biggest fixtures on their calendar: the coastal derby against the Sharks at DHL Stadium.
While the on-field action was excellent and the packed stadium for the 39-22 victory told its own story, seeing how the Cape side got into their stride during the week, with Springboks like Cobus Reinach and fetcher Paul de Villiers rejoining the squad after some time off following the Test in Australia, offered something different.
Captain Nel sets the tone
It all starts in the changeroom, where captain Ruhan Nel addresses the squad and makes it clear what is expected of the players ahead of facing their Durban rivals.
“Be in constant communication with the guy next to you. Ask him ‘what do you want from me, what are we doing, what is the call?’. Remind each other of our jobs, all-right? There is a lot of things we can become today, but the one thing we will not become today is loose and disconnected
“All-right boytjies, let’s get stuck in, boys.”
From there, supporters are taken through the various stages of the week, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the preparation, conversations and team environment that help shape the Cape side’s performances on the field. While supporters usually see the finished product on matchday, Stormers Unfiltered shifts the focus to the work that goes into getting the team ready for 80 minutes of rugby.
The build-up to a match involves far more than the training sessions supporters might catch a glimpse of from the stands. It is about preparing physically and mentally, getting the details right and ensuring everyone understands their role when the pressure is on.
Willemse, Dayimani and Fouché provide the lighter moments
Little gems are scattered in the video, like when utility back Damian Willemse is seen by physio Inge Croy and Willemse says at the end “my hips don’t lie”. The Sharks defence found out that Willemse’s hips do not lie when he razzle-dazzled them with his sidesteps and hip sways as he beat a handful of defenders on the attack numerous times.
The video also captures the atmosphere around the squad as the week progresses, giving fans a closer look at the personalities within the group and the moments that form part of the team’s preparations.
Between No 8 Hacjivah Dayimani and tighthead prop Neethling Fouché a couple of expletives drop as training on attack, defence and in the scrums and lineouts gets serious towards the end of the week. Fouché encouraged the guys to pitch up for every set piece. Judging by how they scrummed the Sharks and blew them away with the rolling mauls, the Stormers forwards took his words to heart.
And, of course, no behind-the-scenes look at a Stormers match week would be complete without the action itself. From the pre-match strapping sessions, to Siya Kolisi getting a closer look at Dayimani and his beach-blonde hair, to the backflip celebration of winger Seabelo Senatla, who scored the first try of the new ‘Men in Black’ era in Cape Town.
For Stormers fans, it is an opportunity to see a different side of their team, beyond the tries, tackles and big moments that unfold between the four lines. They bring supporters closer to the squad, showing what it takes to prepare for a match and offering a glimpse into the routines and team culture behind the Stormers jersey.