This is a timely boost that coach John Dobson believes could define both their domestic and European ambitions.
Fresh off their 39-26 the investec chamopions cup win over the Leicester Tigers, Dobson confirmed that a number of key players are expected to return for Saturday night’s clash at Cape Town Stadium, including Damian Willemse, Warrick Gelant, Cobus Reinach and captain Salmaan Moerat.
Lock Adre Smith, flyhalf Jurie Matthee, tighthead Sazi Sandi and centre Ruhan Nel are also in line to come back into contention, significantly strengthening a squad that has been stretched in recent weeks.
The Stormers were without four of their most influential backline players against Leicester, and Dobson admitted the disruption showed at times, particularly in their attacking structure and impact off the bench.
But with the Sharks looming – twice in two weeks, home and away – the Stormers coach believes the timing of the reinforcements could not be more critical.
We’ve got two massive local derbies coming up,” Dobson said. “We can see what the Sharks’ roster is going to look like next week – it’s going to be like the Bulls game again. We’ve just got to get through these next two weeks, then we’ve got a nice two weeks then a week’s prep before the Lions. We want to keep that [unbeaten] record in the URC.”
Beyond the immediate derby battles, Dobson was clear that building depth now is central to the Stormers’ long-term goals – particularly in Europe.
“We really, really think we’ve got a squad now that can compete properly in Europe,” he said. “It’s always been our dream and that’s what Project 2029 is all about. We think we’re in a position to go deeper that we’ve ever gone in this competition.
“Get the two [Sharks derbies] out of the way, then Europe becomes very important to us.”
The Stormers’ next European assignment is the round of 16 clash against Toulon in France.
