EIGHT OP ‘N DATE

THE Stormers will give everything to remain in the top eight of the United Rugby Championship when they face Benetton on Saturday (6.15pm kickoff).

The Stormers - in eighth position with 40 points – have a heavy load on their shoulders against the fifth-placed Italians in what they will consider a must-win encounter at Cape Town Stadium – a ground where they have had fair success this season, winning four of their six matches, with their defeats being by one and nine points respectively.

They will, however, be wary of the fact that South African Benetton star Rhyno Smith and his brasse have proved that they can win away from home with three wins on the road in the bag already, while they also come off an encouraging 42-31 victory against the Lions at Ellis Park last week.

The Kapenaars will take comfort from the fact that they have scored 35 points more than Benetton, who have been marginally better on defence, which should pave the way for a humdinger of a match.

Fullback Warrick Gelant, who has been at the helm of the attack this season, says the team, not just he, has benefitted from the return to fitness of fellow playmakers Damian Willemse and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu at a crucial stage of their season.

Gelant says about the duo linking up with the span since facing Scarlets away: “They lifted the morale of the team.

“It was not just good for me on the attack, but for the entire side. The calmness they bring, the maturity and experience. They lead by example, and it is great for the guys to have them back. It also changes the picture of the attack for most of us.

“We can now play other parts of our game and not be on the ball all the time. Someone else can take charge of the attack. The nice thing is, they see what I see on the attack and it’s much easier [playing alongside them]. Even when the roles are reversed and I run with the ball as the first receiver. If I run off them, they know what I see and if they run off me, I know what they see.

“It is nice to have guys like that, they spoil you and play entertaining rugby. It is also what we want to give our fans.”

WEEKEND’S URC FIXTURES

Friday: Zebre v Edinburgh, Cardiff v Munster, Glasgow v Bulls (all 8.35pm). 

Saturday: Lions v Connacht, Ospreys v Dragons (both 4pm), Scarlets v Leinster (6.15pm), Ulster v Sharks (8.35pm).