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DHL Stormers forwards coach, Rito Hlungwani, is expecting a physical battle when they take on Benetton at Cape Town Stadium this Saturday at 18:15.
Benetton, currently fifth on the URC log, sit three places above the Stormers.
Hlungwani says they’re focusing on defence and set-pieces this week.
"Benetton are a very tough and physical team to play against. They defend really well so it's going to be a nice challenge for us to welcome them to the DHL Stadium," said the Stormers forwards coach.
Last weekend, the Stormers clinched a 34-29 victory at the DHL Stadium in Cape Town, they were given a huge fright as Connacht crossed the whitewash in the game’s dying moments, only for the score to be disallowed for an infringement in the build-up.
That result has given them a much-needed confidence injection heading into the weekend.
"We know what we need to improve, so the feeling within the camp is good. We are in very good spirits, and the team is preparing well before we face Benetton with full confidence," said Hlungwani.
Benetton go into the clash on the back of a 42-31 win over the Lions in Johannesburg, a result that lifted them to fifth in the URC standings, just one point ahead of the Stormers in eighth.
Hlungwani says they’ve studied that game closely, especially the pressure Benetton applied to the Lions’ line-out.
Furthermore, veteran Deon Fourie has also been ruled out after breaking his tibia in the Connacht clash.
That opens the door for youngster Paul de Villiers, and Hlungwani is confident in the rising talent’s capabilities.
