Mchunu And Hlungwani Crack 4G Pitch Secret
The DHL Stormers head into their crucial URC clash against Ulster battle-hardened and better prepared, drawing on valuable experience of adapting to the 4G surface at Affidea Stadium in Belfast on Friday night.
Speaking ahead of the encounter, forwards coach Rito Hlungwani reflected on the unique demands of artificial pitches and the fine margins that often decide high-intensity matches on such surfaces.
“It’s a really fast pitch where the ball bounces unpredictably and keeps rolling. You gain momentum in the carry, so your tackling height has to be right. Those are all small details we’ve worked on,” Hlungwani explained.
Historically, the Stormers have struggled to win in Belfast, with most meetings between the sides decided by narrow margins—aside from a heavy defeat in 2023. However, the squad believes their recent tours of Europe and exposure to similar conditions will stand them in good stead this time around.
“We have a strong understanding of how to play on their 4G surface, which will help us a lot. Like them, we’re building good form after coming through some tough games, and we back ourselves. I think that will be the key difference,” he said.
Hlungwani also highlighted the team’s growing composure and adaptability on overseas tours.
“I remember the first time we went there—no one had ever been to Belfast. We weren’t used to that kind of crowd or the weather, but those experiences have helped us become more comfortable travelling abroad.”
“Connacht away was our last win on a 4G pitch in 2024. We came close against Ulster before,” he added, referring to their 38–34 defeat last season, which was impacted by a second-half red card to Neethling Fouche after the visitors had raced into a 17–0 lead within the opening 10 minutes.
“From previous experience, we feel we know how to prepare. The biggest test was Stade Français, and we believe we’re well prepared for this one.”
With Ulster currently eighth on the URC table and still fighting to secure a playoff spot, Friday’s match carries significant importance for the hosts. Connacht remain the only side capable of displacing them, adding further urgency to Ulster’s campaign.
The Stormers, however, are equally motivated, knowing a slip in Belfast could cost them top spot.
“We’ll also be desperate. It wouldn’t be ideal to leave Cape Town and return having lost our place at the top. We want to maintain our number-one position and secure home playoffs in front of our supporters,” Hlungwani added.
Ulster’s recent 29–12 victory over Exeter in the EPCR Challenge Cup semifinal—where South African loose forward Juarno Augustus delivered a standout, man-of-the-match performance—adds another layer of intrigue to the fixture. However, the Stormers are not reading too much into it.
“They played well against Exeter, but we are a very different team and present a different challenge. I’m sure their preparation will reflect that. Our main focus is on being the best version of ourselves,” he said.
Hlungwani also believes Ulster’s European success will not distract them from their URC ambitions.
“They’ll want to stay in the top eight despite reaching the Challenge Cup final. We know they’re aiming to succeed in both competitions.”
Loosehead prop Ntuthuko Mchunu also shared his perspective on the playing surface, having previously played on it with the Sharks.
“It’s a challenging pitch,” said Mchunu. “It’s much firmer. Coach Brok (Harris) has prepared us well. You need the right studs—we never travel with just one pair of boots. We rotate studs to ensure proper grip and maximum traction in the scrum.”
“No matter the opposition, our mindset stays the same. It’s less about them and more about improving on our previous performance,” he added.
As the Stormers prepare for another demanding away fixture, they will be driven by the opportunity to end their winless run in Belfast while maintaining their position at the top of the URC table.
