'They're a dangerous team': Stormers bracing for 'desperate' Connacht as URC resumes

'They're a dangerous team': Stormers bracing for 'desperate' Connacht as URC resumes

Stormers boss John Dobson is expecting a full-strength and highly motivated Connacht side at Cape Town Stadium, as the Irish outfit continues to mount a late playoff push.

The URC returns this weekend after the Champions and Challenge Cup break, and the first order of business for the Stormers is to navigate a tricky clash against an in-form Connacht side in Saturday's opening kick-off at 1:45pm.

"Connacht is a hell of an important game," Dobson admitted. "We are up against a desperate kind of team who really put us under pressure before."

The Irish outfit are just a single point outside the top eight after a run of five straight victories, with Dobson cautioning against the danger posed by Stuart Lancaster's attacking system.

"They're a dangerous team," Dobson warned.

"They've got a really impressive attack. Second and third phase, they're well set up.

"I think what happens in Galway, because it's very windy, they play a lot of ball-in-hand rugby, so they've got a really good attack.

"I also think Stuart's done a very good job in building depth which is something they haven't always had."

"So it's a difficult one for us and it's going to be a hell of a game."

There is also positive news on the squad front for the Cape side, with their lock resources set to be bolstered.

"Ruben [van Heerden] is available this week," Dobson said. "Salmaan [Moerat] is a few weeks away, but we're getting there in terms of depth."

The 28-year-old Van Heerden has been sidelined since early February after undergoing surgery on a thumb injury.

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