A rampant Stormers side are bracing themselves for a tough scrum battle when they collide with a desperate Harlequins outfit in the Investec Champions Cup on Sunday, forwards coach Rito Hlungwani said. While the Stormers are unbeaten in 10 matches, out-of-form Harlequins will have their backs to the wall at the Twickenham Stoop (kickoff 3pm SA time). Harlequins CEO Laurie Dalrymple and chair David Morgan have issued a statement regarding their team’s disappointing form in the English Premiership.
The London side were handed a comprehensive 66-21 defeat by Northampton Saints on Saturday as they fell to a seventh loss in nine matches this campaign. Defeat at Franklin’s Gardens was preceded by Harlequins losing to Bristol Bears (40-14) and Sale Sharks (43-17), results that caused concern among supporters. The statement read: “Performances and results in the men’s team are not at the level we expect at Harlequins and are not considered acceptable by anyone in the club.
“Everyone is working tirelessly and urgently to address this and to deliver the necessary on-pitch improvements.” It is against this backdrop the Stormers will bid to take another step towards clinching a home playoff in the Champions Cup. If the Stormers decide to rest some of their frontline players for the trip to England, Jurie Matthee could get another chance at flyhalf. Star No 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu could be given a break after a bruising derby against the Bulls last week.
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“This is a huge game that awaits us in London, and we want to ensure we are ready,” Hlungwani said. “Harlequins are having a tough challenge in the Premiership, but I am sure they will focus on the Champions Cup.
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