Stormers captain Salmaan Moerat is acutely aware that this 50th match in the Cape side’s colours may well define their season.
The United Rugby Championship encounter against the Lions tomorrow – the only South African team they’ve lost to at Cape Town Stadium in the tournament – takes on heightened significance for a side languishing in 13th place on the log, despite a comparatively promising start to the season than previous years.
Stormers captain Salmaan Moerat on playing in his 50th cap against the Lions tomorrow in a crucial tie for his side #STOvLIO #URC pic.twitter.com/R6CqUF9Juw
— Leighton Koopman (@Leighton_K) December 19, 2024
The situation remains critical for the inaugural champions, though, who are just seven points off a playoff position.
But they face the dire possibility of further sliding down the ranks should they succumb to yet another defeat at their home ground (3.45pm start).
With a string of tough matches looming as they advance into the new year, the necessity for victory against the visiting Lions could not be clearer.
The pressure is mounting on the inaugural champions. They are on a four-match losing streak in all competitions, but will look to spark a revival in front of a home crowd.
However, there is a silver lining on the horizon as the team could welcome back several key Springboks who have been absent due to injury during much of their URC campaign.
The Emirates Lions are the only South African team to win in Cape Town in the #VURC 👀
— SuperSport Rugby (@SSRugby) December 18, 2024
Will they do it again this weekend? pic.twitter.com/O3QDKNu9zn
This week sees the anticipated returns of prop Frans Malherbe, utility back Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, flyhalf Manie Libbok, and loose forwards Deon Fourie and Ben-Jason Dixon – all set to bolster the squad against the visitors.
Libbok took the lead during training this past week, and is set to be cleared for duty after sustaining a horrible concussion against Toulon a couple of weeks ago.
Star No 8 Evan Roos, who has recovered from a shoulder injury, also looked sharp during training, but he is set to only return in January.
“We will be banking on our Springboks,” Moerat remarked this week, acknowledging the invaluable insights and experience they bring to the game.
“It’s going to be good to have them back,” he added, highlighting Malherbe’s status as a favourite among his teammates.
Despite the confidence brought by their returning players, Moerat knows the high stakes of the encounter.
“It’s always challenging to pick yourself up after losing a couple of games in a row,” the Bok lock said.
“It does affect your psyche after a while if you continue losing, but I must say, the guys are positive about the weekend.
“And we are back at home. We haven’t played at DHL Stadium in a while, so there is excitement.”
This optimism is crucial as they confront a rejuvenated Lions side, lying in fifth with a consistent run of form that has elevated their confidence.
“The Lions’ form has been coming for a while,” Moerat added.
“They’ve developed into a consistently good team, although they are still a young side.
“They are settled now, and their coaching staff too. We are expecting a fast and furious game.”
As Moerat approaches the milestone of 50 caps, he reflects on the journey that brought him here.
Adversity has shaped his path, with injuries to his knee and a torn chest muscle accounting for a slower journey than anticipated.
Nonetheless, having played a full match against Harlequins in London last week, he remains steadfast in his resolve to regain his form.
“The return (after my knee surgery) felt very good. I think by the 50th minute, I was huffing and puffing. But I am content.
“As a team, we know where we want to be. We know our potential, so we must just click.”