Adam Hastings wary of Stormers' backline threat ahead of URC quarterfinal

Hastings was a key figure in the Warriors' 28-17 triumph over the Cape side in Stellenbosch earlier this season, although the Stormers have lifted the level of their play since then, boosted by the return of several key figures.

The experienced flyhalf understands just how dangerous the Stormers can be with their blend of creativity, speed, and attacking intent and knows they will have to be acutely wary of the threat when the two teams meet in Friday night's first URC quarterfinal.

"They're a fast-paced team who have a lot of flair players throughout that backline - they can cause you problems from anywhere," Hastings told the club's official website. "We know they'll look to keep the ball alive with their offloading game, so it's important for us to shut that down."

The Stormers head to Scotland riding the momentum of a 34-24 victory over Cardiff in round 18, a result that secured their place in the playoffs for the fourth year running. After a slow start to the season, they mounted a barnstorming finish, winning six of their last seven games to rocket up the table and finish in fifth place.

Head coach John Dobson has an arsenal of potent backs at his disposal, with Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Gelant, and Manie Libbok all renowned for their ability to unlock tight defences.

For Hastings - who rejoined Glasgow this season after a stint at Gloucester - the focus will be on maintaining discipline, structure, and executing cleanly at the set piece.

"Set piece is going to be massive for us, too," he said. "We know we need to nail our roles there and make sure we execute on first phase.

"We've got some pretty electric backs that we want to get the ball to in space, so that's definitely been a focus for us as we sharpen up this week."

Though he wasn't part of the squad that clinched the URC title last year, Hastings believes the current team can draw on the same emotional intensity that carried them through their 2023 title run, which included a convincing 27-10 quarter-final win over the Stormers at the same venue.

"I watched last year's knockout games on TV, and just the intensity the boys played at was something else," he said.

"The emotion that was shown throughout the team was something you could really feel, and that's something we want to re-create this year."

This will mark Hastings' first appearance in the URC playoffs since his return, and he's counting on the passionate home support of the Warriors fans to play a pivotal role once again.

"You play all year to make it to the knockout games, so to have a home quarter-final is amazing," he said. "We love playing at Scotstoun because we know the difference the supporters make.

"If they can bring the noise and wave those flags, that'll be great."

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