by Stormers second row Marvin Orie said they are preparing for a different kind of contest when they face the Lions in United’s rugby league clash in Cape Town on Saturday.
Orie and his Stormers teammates put in an impressive all-around performance en route to a 37-27 win against the Bulls last weekend.
Their set piece laid a solid foundation against the Bulls, but the Lions will bring a different challenge as they utilize an expansive game plan.
Completely different team
“Our set piece went really well against the Bulls,” Orie told the citizen. “The throw-ins and scrums were good, and the courage and energy we played with was really good.
“But I think Lions will present a different challenge; they are a completely different team. They are known for playing an exciting brand of rugby. That hasn’t changed recently, even with many personnel changes in the team.
“They have a lot of exciting new young talent. There’s a lot of energy and I think they will bring that energy on Saturday. They seem to have a lot of courage in the way they hit the ball, try new things and express themselves.
“They also have a strong set piece. They have always been known for having a strong scrum and throw-ins will also be a big challenge. I’m sure we will be able to match that energy, cancel it and impose ourselves on them”.
The Stormers are in excellent form at home and have not lost a game at Cape Town Stadium for over a year.
The Lions were the last team to beat them there as they earned a shock 39-17 victory over the Cape Men in early December 2021.
That accomplishment is still fresh in Orie’s memory, and he believes the Lions will be highly motivated to deliver a similar performance this weekend.
“It wasn’t a good experience for anyone involved in the game,” said the 29-year-old. “It was also my first game after being involved in the national team on the end-of-year tour. I felt I wasn’t good enough in that game.
He lost the match despite dominating
“Strangely, according to the statistics, we dominated most areas. Unfortunately, that doesn’t always translate into points or a win, as he proved in that match.
“At that stage of the season, it was a good time to take a lesson and show us all the areas where we needed to improve. It wasn’t a good experience, but it was necessary at the time. I think Lions will gain confidence.”
READ MORE: United Rugby Championship: Stormers boss John Dobson eager to complete unbeaten year in Cape Town
The article United Rugby Championship: Stormers prepare for different fixture against Lions claims Marvin Orie first appeared on Planetrugby.com.
