Stormers wall holding strong ahead of crucial Cardiff tie

The Cape-based side hosts Cardiff on Friday evening at 19:00 in their final regular-season match, aiming to secure fifth place on the URC log, which would set up an away quarterfinal against Glasgow Warriors.

Laker insists the focus remains on the task at hand, as every game at this stage of the competition carries playoff intensity.

“We are gonna out there and give our best, if we are gonna get four points, we’ll take the four, if we can get five, we’ll take the five. Cardiff is a very strong team, they’ve done really well. We haven’t beaten them in a while,” Laker said.

“We can’t take anything away from Cardiff, they are a quality outfit, well coached with some good international players. So, it’s gonna be a dog fight on Friday night and all week it’s to prep as good as possible to take us into Friday night’s game and not to worry too much about permutations.”

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The Stormers have conceded just three tries in their last two matches, and Laker says he’s pleased with the team’s defensive progress heading into the playoffs.

“Quite happy, obviously disappointed with the one try that we conceded, obviously a good attack by the Dragons and I think we did really well against Benetton as well. 15 internationals playing for Benetton’s starting lineup, which is a quality outfit. So, to concede one in 18 minutes, I’m so proud.’’