The Stormers have swiftly shifted attention to their Champions Cup opener against Bayonne in France after last weekend’s bruising contest against Munster.
The Stormers face a new challenge on Friday when they launch their Champions Cup campaign against Bayonne in France. With only a brief window to recover and regroup after the Limerick clash, the Stormers have turned their attention fully to the French hosts.
Speaking to the media earlier this week, coach Norman Laker and lock JD Schickerling said the squad welcomed the task despite the limited preparation time following their physical encounter with Munster.
STORMERS RESET FOR BAYONNE TEST
The squad landed in Biarritz on Monday afternoon after a tiring trip, with defence coach Laker noting that players settled quickly and began focusing on the short turnaround before Friday night’s kick-off, with the Stormers using the day to assess earlier issues and to reinforce the tactical demands expected in France.
“You just have to fall back on the detail,” Laker said. He added that the experience within the group helped them adapt despite the limited preparation window.
Schickerling echoed his coaches sentiments, saying their message remained clear.
“We have to move on quickly from Munster and focus on this Friday,” he said.
COMEBACK WIN OVER MUNSTER GAVE MUCH-NEEDED CONFIDENCE BOOST
According to Laker, the Stormers took significant confidence from their second-half display in Limerick, which ultimately resulted in a that win carried symbolic weight.
“We could have done a lot better, but I was very happy with the nought points in the second half,” he said. “It is easy if you have the right leaders,” he said.
“This was the first win in Limerick for the Stormers ever,” Laker said.
STORMERS KNOW BAYONNE COME WITH DIFFERENT SET OF CHALLENGES
Referencing the team’s previous French experiences, Laker explained that the Stormers squad not expects a fierce atmosphere at Stade Jean-Daugé, a physically demanding contest in their European opener.
“We played two years ago in Clermont and the sound was phenomenal. From what I’ve heard, Bayonne is very similar,” he said.
“We can go full-out for this game. We are normally an 80-minute team. We never stop,” Laker added.
Additionally, Laker suggested that with a stronger URC league position this season, the Stormers can select a settled side. He stressed that previous years required more rotation, whereas this season allows for consistency in selection.
