‘A Big Wake-Up Call’ – Khan

Stormers scrumhalf sensation Imad Khan admits that playoff rugby brings pressure, but for the young Stormers No. 9, it is the kind of pressure he has dreamed about his entire life.

The talented halfback is preparing for his first United Rugby Championship (URC) quarter-final appearance after missing last season’s playoff defeat to the Glasgow Warriors through injury, and there is a clear sense of excitement within the Stormers camp ahead of their clash at DHL Stadium.

“It’s a massive week and a big game is coming up,” Khan said.

“I’m feeling good and confident. The team feels good as well, and there’s a positive vibe in the air. Playing at home makes it even better.”

Although injury denied him the opportunity to feature in last season’s URC playoffs, he did gain valuable knockout rugby experience in the Investec Champions Cup Round of 16 clash against Toulon.

Despite still being in the early stages of his professional career, Khan has benefited from the guidance of experienced scrumhalves around him, including Dewaldt Duvenage, Stef Ungerer and Springbok Cobus Reinach.

“Cobus is a world-class player, so to be alongside him in the changeroom is incredible,” Khan explained.

“I try to take something from all the players. Stef is also hugely experienced, Dewaldt helps on the technical side of things, and Cobus has a wealth of experience.

“They teach me a lot about the technical aspects of the position, but in the playoffs it’s about driving the team in the right direction.”

Khan’s combination with Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu has become one of the Stormers’ most exciting attacking partnerships, with the pair’s chemistry dating back to their schoolboy days at Bishops.

“I think so,” Khan said when asked whether their understanding stems from school rugby.

“We’re the two Bishops boys, so that chemistry has been there for a long time. Playing alongside him takes a lot off my shoulders. I’m there to do my job, put the team first and support the side.”

Khan believes their communication has been central to their growing understanding on the field.

“The communication between us is key. Through all the chaos, I somehow hear his voice and find him,” he said.

“It’s helpful to hear that guiding voice behind you. Hopefully, we can keep building on that and continue to connect and find each other.”

While playoff rugby naturally comes with heightened expectations, Khan insists he embraces the occasion rather than fears it.

“I’ve always dreamed of playing here, on this field and for this club at the highest level,” he said.

“So yes, there is pressure, but it’s what I’ve wanted to do all my life. It’s more exciting than pressure.”

The Stormers head into the quarter-final looking to respond after their disappointing defeat to Cardiff in the final round of the regular season — a performance Khan believes served as an important warning ahead of the knockout stages.

“Definitely, Cardiff was a big wake-up call for us,” he admitted.

“Going into a playoff, there’s no room for mistakes. We don’t often get the opportunity to play the same opposition in back-to-back matches.

“We analysed the game extensively and there were plenty of lessons to take from it, but now we need to execute.”

The Stormers have focused heavily on improving their work at the breakdown after struggling for attacking fluency during the defeat in Wales.

“One of the key focus areas over the last two weeks has been the breakdown,” Khan explained.

“Every game has that contact point. The 4G surface adds a different element, so we’re definitely looking to secure the ball better and bring some flow back into our attack.”

For a side renowned for its attacking rugby, going almost 70 minutes without scoring a try against Cardiff was an unusual sight. However, Khan says the squad understands exactly where improvement is needed.

“Scoreboard pressure and putting points on the board are important,” he said.

“One of the things we want to improve is our work around the contact area and the breakdown, which ultimately helps us get into the 22 and score points.

“It’s something we can improve on, and in playoff rugby every point matters — whether it’s three, five or seven. We want to score as many points as possible.”

With DHL Stadium expected to be packed for the quarter-final, Khan says the backing of the Cape Town crowd could play a major role.

“We want to make Cape Town proud and, ultimately, we want to play winning rugby,” he said.

“A full DHL Stadium is an experience you simply cannot describe.”