We want to add a star to our badge – Stormers’ Damian Willemse
The men from the Cape start their challenge with a tough match against English side, Bristol.
Springbok star Damian Willemse expressed excitement about the Stormers' ambitions for the Champions Cup, as they prepare to face Bristol Bears in their opening match at the Cape Town Stadium on Saturday. No South African team has ever advanced past the quarterfinal stage in the tournament, but the Stormers have reached the quarterfinals once in the past, only to be eliminated in the next rounds twice and once in the round of 16.
Director of Rugby John Dobson expressed confidence that the team would aim to reach at least the semifinals this season, bolstered by recent acquisitions of Springbok players. Willemse emphasized the significance of winning this competition, stating that it would "mean the world" to add a star to the Stormers' badge. He acknowledged the pressure of European competition, having faced teams such as Bordeaux, Toulon, and Leinster.
The Stormers will face a tough challenge against Bristol Bears, who boast a strong backline including Louis Rees-Zammit, Gabriel Ibitoye, Tom Jordan, and Benhard Janse van Rensburg. Willemse highlighted the importance of securing at least two wins out of four pool games to progress to the knockout stages, and acknowledged the significance of a home victory, as missing out on that by just one match last season.
The Stormers have a series of challenging away games scheduled, including encounters with Bordeaux-Begles in France and Gloucester in England.
Written by urgent.news from The Citizen's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
