Smith, who played a significant role in last year's Currie Cup campaign for Western Province, is familiar with the pressures of such a high-stakes match, having competed in the same fixture against the Sharks in Durban. His experience is expected to be vital for the Stormers.
"Kyle and I have played a couple of friendlies together, probably two or three years ago, so I have played with him quite a bit. He’s a very talented young flyhalf coming through the Stormers system. He’s been in the system for a while now and has learned from guys like Sacha, Manie and now Jurie."
Ungerer praised the 21-year-old's development within the team, highlighting his time spent learning from esteemed players like Springbok playmakers Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Manie Libbok, and Stormers flyhalf Jurie Matthee. This, Ungerer believes, has well-prepared Smith to steer the team effectively.
"He’s a confidence player and we’re all excited to have him in. I think he’s also excited to wear that No 10 jersey and drive us around."
After a disappointing loss to the Boland Cavaliers last week, the Stormers are focused on a strong comeback. Ungerer admitted the team did not meet their high standards and emphasized the need for a return to their renowned physical play.
"The standards we put out in the last game definitely weren’t characteristic of a Stormers side, and we’re well aware of that," Ungerer stated. The team has concentrated on honing their strengths, particularly in defense and set-piece situations, which have traditionally been their hallmarks.
With the upcoming game, the Stormers are eager to demonstrate their capabilities and reinstate themselves as formidable contenders in the Currie Cup. The integration of Kyle Smith in a leading role is a key strategy in their plan to revitalize their performance and thrill their supporters.
