Stormers to provide ‘a good fight’ up front

Connacht expect a big scrum battle against the Stormers in Cape Town on Saturday even with Neethling Fouche sitting in the stands.

The Stormers tighthead prop copped a harsh four-match ban for a tackle on Ulster centre Ben Carson in Belfast in the previous round of the competition.

The Stormers went on to lose 38-34 and drop down to 10th on the Vodacom URC log. But they are just one point behind eighth-placed Edinburgh with a four-match home run to come, starting with Connacht who are just two log points behind the Cape franchise in 13th position.

MORE: Fouche’s failed appeal ‘simply astonishing’ – Dobbo

“Thank heavens, is what I would say,” Connacht scrum coach Cullie Tucker told Netwerk24 when asked about Fouche’s absence.

“I have incredible respect for Neethling. He is a devastating scrummager, but at the same time there are other good tightheads in their group. There is Frans Malherbe, and Brok Harris can also be there at any time.

“The Stormers have a great scrum. When you analyse them, you can see they love to scrum. That is a big weapon for them. It is going to be difficult for us, but we have a good plan and are looking forward to a good fight there.”

ALSO: Stormers to embrace Connacht challenge

Tucker said the lineout battle would be as important to his team.

“Some of our phase play on the attack has been very good this year and our lineouts, including the driving moves, have played a big part in that. [Lineout coach] John Muldoon is doing a fantastic job there.

“It’s important that our lineout success is close to 100% to enable us to gain a foothold in the game and stop the Stormers from running amok with their pressure passes.”

MORE: Connacht suffer injury blows for SA safari

However, Connacht’s backline has been weakened by the withdrawal of two Ireland stars, midfielder Bundee Aki (foot injury) and winger Mack Hansen (ankle injury).

“It’s a loss,” Tuker admitted, “but we have quality players behind them. These are younger guys who I think will be in the spotlight in the coming years. They can’t wait. Hopefully there are guys who will give a good account of themselves on this tour.”

FULL STORY

Photo: Tyler Miller/Getty Images