Stormers, Glasgow to bring ‘razzle dazzle’

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The Stormers and Glasgow Warriors are chasing a top-four finish ahead of Friday’s clash in Cape Town, but neither team wants to be outdone on attack, reports DEVIN HERMANUS.

John Dobson’s men, who are fifth in the Vodacom United Rugby Championship, have notched five successive wins on the back of a potent running rugby that has yielded 49 tries, but will face a Glasgow side well positioned in third in the URC, and tied with the Stormers for touchdowns.

The Scottish side, who will face the Vodacom Bulls next week, arrived in Cape Town on the back of a 27-17 victory over Newcastle Falcons in the Challenge Cup.

Defence coach Norman Laker says the Stormers can expect a good match-up against the visitors: “There will be quite a lot of battles; Glasgow are third on the log and obviously there for a reason.

“They’re a well-coached team with players who can break the game open. Their lineouts are good, and steal well at the lineouts, but ours is good too.”

Asked whether the Stormers have too much firepower and dangermen for Glasgow, Laker added: “I’m not going to give a comment on who brings the razzle dazzle … we’ll see on Friday night.”

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Among their ranks is New Zealander Josh McKay, who previously toured SA in Super Rugby, and the utility back is eager to stretch his legs.

“I’ve been there with the Highlanders, but haven’t been there since before Covid and the hard lockdowns,” he told the media ahead of Friday’s game at Cape Town Stadium. “It’s a bit warmer than Scotland! 

“But, we’ll be back on grass and both South African teams will be playing hard and fast footy, so we’re looking to stack up a few more wins on the road and put ourselves in the best position for a top-four finish.”

McKay added: “It’s no secret how the SA teams have been playing, and how games over there have been going. There have been high scoring games. There has been a lot of X factor from them, a lot of razzle dazzle. Everybody is pretty prepared for what we are going over there to face.

“I haven’t really been at altitude, but we’re focusing on the Stormers first and then get our lungs up to speed [for the Bulls]. We just need to keep attacking and not take our foot off their throat… we’ve been a bit guilty of taking our foot off the pedal, but we’re looking now to just smash it into the floor.”

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Devin Hermanus