Stormers must avoid defence 'chain reaction' in vital Benetton URC clash

CONTINUITY in selection could be what fires the Stormers to a win over Benetton in their third-last United Rugby Championship (URC) encounter at the Cape Town Stadium today.

- LEIGHTON KOOPMAN

The Cape side currently occupy eighth place on the URC log, but a win over their Italian opposition could propel them into a more favourable knockout spot

With that in mind, director of rugby John Dobson opted not to tweak too much with the winning combination that triumphed over Connacht a week ago. Only Leolin Zas steps into the starting line-up, replacing Suleiman Hartzenberg for the critical encounter at the DHL Stadium (6.15pm kick-off).

While Zas will add some needed fireworks on the attack, it’s his defensive work that will come under scrutiny against a Benetton side packed with outstanding attackers.

In his absence last weekend, the Cape side struggled to defend their wider channels, and Zas will look to improve on that display out wide.

Dobson said they’ve identified a couple of individual errors in their defence after leaking five tries, but without naming anyone, said they would look to improve on that this weekend. They know Benetton will capitalise on any defensive lapses.