The DHL Stormers are set to receive a boost ahead of their must-win Investec Champions Cup clash against the Leicester Tigers in Cape Town, with key centre Ruhan Nel returning to training after recovering from a calf injury sustained in mid-December.
Backline and attack coach Dawie Snyman confirmed Nel’s return on Monday, highlighting his defensive organisation and leadership as vital assets, especially against a Tigers backline featuring England internationals Freddie Steward and Jack van Poortvliet.
“Ruhan brings a lot, not just defensively but also as a leader. That kind of presence helps settle things when you’re under pressure.”
Reflecting on the Stormers’ heavy 61-10 defeat to Harlequins, which snapped a 10-match winning streak, Snyman acknowledged the under-strength side struggled.
“We were poor in pretty much all areas. We were under pressure, and we beat ourselves in one or two key moments. Credit to Harlequins, they were phenomenal, but it’s not the standard we expect.”
“The manner of the loss wasn’t ideal. That said, it’s our job now to fix those areas and make sure we get it right.”