The DHL Stormers will host two-time defending champions La Rochelle in the round of 16 on Saturday at the DHL Stadium at 16:00 after surviving the so-called Investec Champions Cup's "pool of death".
Springbok Damian Willemse said during a press conference on Tuesday that he is super proud of the DHL Stormers' performances in this competition.
“We went to Welford Road and got great confidence going into the next game. We came home and beat La Rochelle right at the end. We got over the hurdle against Sale Sharks and then we went to Paris, which was really tough in that time of winter. We won that game as well and that’s the confidence we can take."
However, Willemse stressed that the match on Saturday is a round of 16 game, which is a knockout round.
“This is not a pool game. This is a round of 16, so there is going to be pressure and tight moments, that we need to be ready for and sharp."
“It’s a massive occasion. We can’t look at it and not have fun. That’s what we do as the Stormers. We go out and play to the best of our ability, but we also go and have fun. We can’t just be under pressure, we need to enjoy ourselves.”
“They have got more experience than us, in terms of playing in this competition, but we are just making sure that we are prepared for whatever comes on Saturday.”
“La Rochelle is a very well-coached, talented side. They can keep the ball and can take you on physically. They can counterattack with their outside backs."
“They got a very balanced game, they have big forwards, who can take you on physically and can take you on in the set-piece."
“At the back they have Danty, who carries very well. Then they’ve got Raymond, Jack Nowell or Dillyn Leyds at the back, or Brice Dulin. They’ve got everything in their artillery."
“Will Skelton is a world-class player. He is a great rugby player and he’s as tough as they come. We are going to have to try and shut down his time and space on the ball," Willemse stressed.
“If you give a guy like him time, he is going to hurt you, so it is another battle for our forwards and for us as a team to look forward to.”
