Stormers coach: ‘Don’t feel sorry for them’

Stormers assistant coach Rito Hlungwani discussed the team's forward-heavy tactical strategy following their 29-15 bonus-point victory over Connacht to open their 2026/27 United Rugby Championship campaign. The Cape Town franchise will finish their European tour on Friday evening against Sean Everitt's Edinburgh. In the opener, debutant Riley Norton recorded 20 carries, followed by Hacjivah Dayimani with 19 and Andre-Hugo Venter with 18.

Hlungwani insisted the forwards are physically conditioned for heavy workloads, noting the team utilizes a six-two split on the bench. While satisfied with the pack's physical performance at first receiver, the coach called on the backs to better capitalize on the compressed defenses and finish scoring opportunities out wide.