Ruhan Nel: Stormers out for revenge in Galway URC opener

The Cape side intends to start the campaign with a strong statement and settle unfinished business from last season.

Speaking ahead of the trip to Ireland, Nel acknowledged how difficult the assignment would be.

"Connacht is a tough place to play, and I think they will tip plenty of teams there this season," he said.

"If we can go over there, do a job and really start the season off well, it will be a good beginning."

The memory of last season's home defeat to the Irish province remains fresh in their minds, and the loss at DHL Stadium came during a difficult week for the Stormers.

"Speaking about games that are fresh in our minds, the Connacht one at DHL Stadium, it was a very tough week for us," Nel explained.

"We felt we were in that game and then we conceded two very uncharacteristic tries. So, we will look to settle the score on their field."

The match marks a special occasion for the Stormers in their revived 'Men in Black' away jersey, a look that carries historical weight in Cape Town rugby.

Nel said the squad is excited by the return of the black kit but determined not to let the symbolism overwhelm their approach.

"We are really excited to play the first game in the black jersey. We would like to replicate that style, but the game has evolved, and things are a bit different," he said.

"There is a bit of responsibility playing in the 'Men in Black' jersey, but we will not put more pressure on ourselves and move away from our identity and what makes us good."

The Stormers captain also made it clear they will not be content with simply securing another top-eight finish and are targeting silverware.

"Some teams might just be in it to reach the top eight and secure Champions Cup rugby; however, we are not playing to just qualify, we want to win those cups," he said.

"We want to be competitive in both tournaments. But it's not just to see how far we go in the competitions; we want to win both."

Reinforcing that belief is the return of high-profile Springboks Siya Kolisi, Cheslin Kolbe and Wilco Louw, who are back in the Stormers fold. Nel believes their presence will lift the group both on and off the field.

"We have some big names coming back and have a genuinely great group here that will look to win the big cups," he said.

After reaching the semi-finals of the URC last season, the Stormers view this campaign as a fresh start with higher expectations. A tough away fixture against a side that previously disrupted their ambitions offers an immediate chance to set the right tone. 

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