Connacht centre Bundee Aki will be a key feature for the team if they want to beat the Stormers in the URC semi-finals. Picture: Sydney Seshibedi/Gallo Images
Irish side Connacht are gearing up for their biggest match in a number of years when they take on the Stormers in the United Rugby Championship (URC) semi-finals in Cape Town on Saturday.
The visitors produced a massive upset in the quarterfinals by beating local rivals Ulster, which earned them a trip to South Africa for the next play-off.
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If they want to produce another monster upset to get through to the final they will need to rely on some star performers. Here are three potential game breakers for the heavy underdogs.
Jack Carty
The Irish flyhalf is one of his team’s most important players and will play a key role in their efforts to upset the Stormers on their home turf.
Carty played a starring role in his side’s upset quarterfinal win over Ulster, with him converting all five of his penalties to score all of his team’s points in their 15-10 win. His goal kicking will be extremely important in the semi-final if they are to punish any ill-discipline from the Stormers, while his running game is also a big facet of their play.
Bundee Aki
The New Zealand-born Irish international is one of the more senior members of the Connacht team and a massive presence in their midfield.
The inside centre is one of their biggest threats and with him eager to secure his spot in Ireland’s World Cup squad he will be eager to put in another big showing for his side.
The last time Connacht played the Stormers earlier in the season it was Aki’s red card that set them on their way to a comfortable defeat, so he will also be keen to make amends for that.
Niall Murray
Rising second row talent Niall Murray has enjoyed a fantastic season for Connacht and will be looking to put in a big showing in the semi-final against the Stormers.
Murray’s impressive performances saw him named in the URC “Elite XV” for the season and he will have a massive role to play in trying to upset the Stormers lineout.
With Marvin Orie ruled out through injury and the uncertain throwing of Joseph Dweba, Murray will look to take advantage and put his side on the front foot in that facet of the game.
