Stormers captain Steven Kitshoff will play his final game in Cape Town against Munster. Photo: Supplied.
Stormers, Kitshoff chasing fast start
Steven Kitshoff has outlined the Stormers desire to start well in the United Rugby Championship final against Munster at DHL Stadium.
Stormers captain Steven Kitshoff will play his final game in Cape Town against Munster. Photo: Supplied.
Steven Kitshoff has outlined the Stormers desire to start well in the United Rugby Championship final against Munster at DHL Stadium on Saturday.
Kitshoff has enjoyed a fairytale ending to his time with the Stormers and is ready for one more win in front of the adoring Cape Town crowd.
He knows the Stormers need to start well if they want to down the Irish.
Kitshoff targets quick start
“We know this pitch and it’s difficult to play catch-up rugby on it,” Kitshoff said ahead of the game.
“If you go down a couple of points, you’ll have to fight your arse off to get those points back. We had good starts in the other playoff games.
“We started with a lot of intensity, but we slipped before half-time and the pressure was back on us in the second half.
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“It’s something we’ll discuss during the game to ensure we close out the first half, from where we regather our thoughts and sort any issues out.”
The 36-year-old was part of the team that won the inaugural Vodacom URC, and capped off a spectacular campaign with a Vodacom Man of the Match performance against the Vodacom Bulls in Cape Town.
Acknowledging Munster’s formidable reputation, Fourie is excited to test himself against a quality side that has consistently delivered exceptional performances throughout 2022/23.
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Having missed the DHL Stormers’ two previous defeats against Munster, this week’s duel will be a significant moment for the veteran loose forward as he seeks to leave his mark against formidable opponents.
“I missed out on Munster this year, and last year I missed a game when we played them over at Thomond Park after I broke my cheekbone,” he said. “So I haven’t played Munster in my career yet, and definitely looking forward to testing myself against a quality side like them.
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“I think their record speaks for itself, especially this year, so it’ll be interesting.”
Stormers to face Munster
DHL Stormers: 15 Damian Willemse, 14 Angelo Davids, 13 Ruhan Nel, 12 Dan du Plessis, 11 Leolin Zas, 10 Manie Libbok, 9 Herschel Jantjies, 8 Evan Roos, 7 Hacjivah Dayimani, 6 Deon Fourie, 5 Marvin Orie, 4 Ruben van Heerden, 3 Frans Malherbe, 2 Joseph Dweba, 1 Steven Kitshoff (captain).
Replacements: 16 JJ Kotze, 17 Ali Vermaak, 18 Neethling Fouche, 19 Ben-Jason Dixon, 20 Willie Engelbrecht, 21 Marcel Theunissen, 22 Paul de Wet, 23 Clayton Blommetjies.
