Execution key as Stormers begin vital three-game URC road trip

THE Stormers face an important early-season stretch in their United Rugby Championship (URC) campaign as they kick off their three-match overseas tour against the Scarlets tomorrow night (8.45pm kickoff) in Llanelli.

- LEIGHTON KOOPMAN

With the Cape side unbeaten so far this season, the tour presents both a challenge and a golden opportunity to stamp their authority early and solidify their position near the top of the table. But this can only happen if they shake off the ghosts of poor away starts from the last couple of campaigns.

In previous seasons, they struggled early when playing in Europe.

Slow starts in unfamiliar and often unforgiving conditions, lapses in execution, and differing referee interpretations have regularly cost them matches they could and should have won.

Despite strong home form at the DHL Stadium, they have often had to play catch-up on the road.

This time, they enter the tour with winning momentum and early cohesion, despite some top players missing the opening games.