Stormers Seek to Depart Cape Town on a High Note Ahead of URC Quarter-Finals
Stormers utility back Suleiman Hartzenberg is eager to give the people of Cape Town one final reason to celebrate before the team embarks on their United Rugby Championship (URC) quarter-final journey. John Dobson’s charges, who have already secured a playoff berth, will host the Lions at DHL Stadium on Saturday in their final regular-season home fixture.
“It’s still going to be tough going forward but just to have the belief that we are able to produce overseas, and it’s not a curse, was important,” Hartzenberg told the Stormers’ official website, reflecting on their recent tour victories against Dragons RFC and Connacht.
The Lions, currently ninth in the URC standings, are chasing a quarter-final spot and will be highly motivated to upset the fifth-placed Stormers, who are set to play their first ever away knockout match in the competition after winning the inaugural tournament in 2022 and finishing as runners-up to Munster in 2023.
“Everyone’s going out swinging and giving their best, especially the Emirates Lions, being in the position that they’re in,” Hartzenberg said. “They’ll definitely come to give us a run for our money.”
The young utility back, who has scored five tries across all competitions this season, is eager to leave a lasting impression on the Stormers’ home supporters before the team embarks on their playoff journey.
“It’s also an important match for us, seeing as it’s our last home game for the regular season, and we would like to carry the momentum into the play-offs as well as give the people of Cape Town one last smile before we head off,” Hartzenberg added.
The competition for spots in the Stormers’ backline is fierce, but Hartzenberg insists there is a strong camaraderie within the squad as they pursue their common goal. The 21-year-old, who recently attended his second Springboks workshop, is keen to continue his impressive form and keep pushing for national selection.
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