Stormers gearing up for ‘exciting’ battle against Lions, says Orie

Stormers lock Marvin Orie says the team is preparing for a different challenge to the one they received in their bonus-point win over the Bulls last week, when they take on the Lions in their United Rugby Championship (URC) match at Cape Town Stadium on Saturday night.

The Stormers are riding high in second place on the URC table, have won their last four games in the competition and will be eager to end a perfect year at home on a high against the Lions, who were the last team to beat them in Cape Town back in December last year.

Their set piece laid a strong platform for them in their win over the Bulls, but they know that they will be facing a side that enjoys running the ball a lot on Saturday.

“Our set piece went really well against the Bulls. The lineouts and scrums were good and the courage and energy that we played with was really good,” said Orie.

“But I think the Lions will be a different challenge, they are a completely different team. They are known to play an exciting brand of rugby. That hasn’t changed recently, even with a lot of personnel changes in the team.

ALSO READ: Lions under pressure against quality Stormers team in URC derby

“They have a lot of new exciting 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 give the ball air, try new things and express themselves,” he added.

“They also have a strong set-piece. They have always been known for having a strong scrum and the lineouts will also be a big challenge. I am sure we will be able to match that energy, nullify it and impose ourselves on them.”

Turning the tables

Last year’s upset 37-19 loss to the Lions in Cape Town was the spark that saw the Stormers set off on what became a brilliant winning run that powered them to the URC title, and many of the players still remember that game vividly.

“That wasn’t a good experience for anyone involved in the game. It was also my first game back from being involved in the national team on the end of year tour. I felt I wasn’t up to standard in that match,” said Orie.

“Funnily enough, according to the statistics, we dominated most areas. Unfortunately, that doesn’t always translate into points or a win, as it proved in that game,” he added.

“At that stage of the season, it was good timing to get a lesson and show us all the areas we needed to improve on. It wasn’t a nice experience, but it was needed at the time. I think the Lions will take confidence from that.”

ALSO READ: Their failure to beat local opposition could be the Lions’ downfall