Stormers brace for awesome challenge as Boland trip looms in Currie Cup test

Stormers XXIII coach Tom Dawson-Squibb says his team will embrace the “awesome challenge” of facing Boland Cavaliers in Wellington on Sunday, fully aware they head into the Currie Cup clash as underdogs despite opening their campaign with a dramatic win.

The Stormers XXIII edged defending champions Griquas in the final moments of a thrilling contest at Cape Town Stadium last weekend, but Dawson-Squibb believes the trip to Boland Stadium will be an even sterner examination.

Boland Cavaliers began their own Currie Cup campaign with an impressive victory over Bulls XV and also beat the Stormers XXIII in a recent friendly, a combination of results that, in Dawson-Squibb’s view, makes the home side clear favourites.

“It’s an awesome challenge. I said it last week and I’ll say the same this week – we’re going into our second match as underdogs,” Dawson-Squibb told reporters after naming his side on Thursday.

“They beat the Bulls, and they beat us in a friendly. It’s on their home paddock in front of a passionate crowd.

“Hopefully there’ll be a bit of blue and white there as well. But I always see that as an opportunity.

“We know our backs are against the wall and that Boland are favourites.”

Ungerer handed captaincy in Du Plessis absence

The Stormers XXIII will be without regular captain Jean-Luc du Plessis, who is sidelined through injury, meaning experienced scrum-half Stefan Ungerer will lead the team in Wellington.

Ungerer, who has amassed considerable domestic experience, described being asked to captain the side as a significant moment in his career, but underlined that leadership would be shared among a core group of senior players.

“It’s a huge honour and privilege to captain the side,” Ungerer said.

“We’ve got a strong leadership group, with plenty of experience up front and a few senior guys in the backs as well. It’s very much a shared responsibility, but I’m really looking forward to it.”

The new captain is under no illusions about the scale of the task awaiting the Stormers XXIII as they seek to build on their opening-round success and make it two wins from two.

Boland momentum and home support a key factor

Ungerer has followed Boland’s recent progress closely and believes the Cavaliers’ rise has been fuelled by the strength of club rugby and supporter culture in the region.

“I watched quite a few of Boland’s Currie Cup games last year, and it’s special to see what’s been building there,” he said.

“Club rugby in the Boland and Wellington area is massive, and the support they’ve received has filtered through into the rugby they’re playing and the results they’re getting.

“We’re well aware of the challenge that awaits us on Sunday.”

Boland’s strong community backing is expected to create a hostile environment for the visitors at Boland Stadium, although the Stormers XXIII are hopeful of some travelling support in their traditional blue and white colours.

Kick-off details

Sunday’s Currie Cup fixture at Boland Stadium in Wellington is scheduled to start at 15:00, with KickOff Rugby set to provide live updates and a full match report.