The DHL Stormers will reportedly face the 2022 Currie Cup champions, the Pumas, in a practice match in Nelspruit next week.
The clash, scheduled for Wednesday, 18 September, will help both teams prepare for next season. The Stormers are gearing up for their 2024-25 Vodacom URC opener against Ospreys on 28 September in Wales while the Pumas are set to face Emerging Ireland in the Toyota Challenge Series on 2 October.
Quoted by Netwerk24, Pumas head coach Jimmy Stonehouse views this match as vital preparation. “We need a decent pre-season. There are some guys that are here with us that have never been part of a pre-season with us,” he said.
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“I think it’s time we go back to the old school way of doing things and have a pre-season again so we can get the players ready for next year.”
The Pumas’ defeat to the Cheetahs last week end the Lowvelders’ 2024 Currie Cup campaign, and Stonehouse emphasised the need for improvement in key areas, notably the set piece and decision-making.
“Our scrum hasn’t been good enough this year,” he admitted. “Our group of players needs to function better together.”
Photo: Dirk Kotze/Gallo Images
The post Jimmy’s Pumas to host URC big guns appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Src: sarugbymag.co.za
