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If the DHL Stormers are to transition from a great group to an distinctive one, they’ve to duplicate their ‘granite’ house type when taking part in abroad, writes MARK KEOHANE.
Writing for TimesLIVE, Keohane acknowledges the Stormers’ spectacular house stats over the previous two years, successful 28 out of 31 matches, however factors out that the true take a look at of greatness lies in successful persistently on the highway.
He underscores the Capetonians’ historic challenges in matches overseas, notably within the Champions Cup, the place their away file is much less formidable than their performances within the Republic.
Keohane attracts comparisons to groups just like the Crusaders, Toulon, Saracens, Toulouse, and the All Blacks, who achieved greatness by successful away from house.
He argues the significance of successful in unfamiliar situations, framing the Champions Cup match between the Stormers and Stade Francais in Paris on Saturday as an important step for head coach John Dobson and his costs of their pursuit of top-tier standing.
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“The Stormers are granite in Cape City, however there’s an excessive amount of putty once they cross customs on the best way out of South Africa,” Keohane writes. “They’ve nonetheless discovered a approach to win in Johannesburg, Pretoria and Durban, however it’s up north abroad the place they’ve battled essentially the most.
“They’ve received 5 from 5 at house within the Champions Cup and only one from 4 away from house. Their total away file is 9 wins, 4 attracts and 10 defeats within the URC and their abroad file is 4 wins, three attracts and 13 defeats in 20 begins.
“The best groups, in each competitors, be it the Rugby Championship, the Six Nations, the World Cup, Tremendous Rugby, Champions Cup or the URC, win away from house greater than they lose.
“The transition to distinctive can solely include successful abroad – and that might have been the message from Dobson to his troops all week.”
Picture: Paul Phelan/ProSports/Shutterstock
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