Stormers zero in on weather conditions for Connacht confrontation

The Stormers may have had the pleasure of going on a period of fine form in hot South African weather, but that changes this weekend ahead of their Connacht challenge.

Indeed, when loose forward Hacjivah Dayimani fronted the media earlier in the week - while still in South Africa - he did so wrapped in a jacket, moving all in attendance to quip that he was readying himself for the unpleasant conditions in Dublin.

Now that they have arrived in Ireland and have gotten a feel for conditions, Stormers captain Steven Kitshoff has been pleased by what he's seen ahead of their United Rugby Championship (URC) clash.

"We had a good training session [on Thursday], the weather is a bit cold but we're getting used to it, and really looking forward to the game," Kitshoff told reporters on Friday before the captain's run.

"We've been talking about the conditions since Monday ... we knew we were going to face tough conditions; wind rain and I think the guys did well [during the training session] in getting used to the weather."

That's not to say though, that they aren't prepared for any eventuality on the day, with head coach John Dobson painting a picture of chequered weather patterns.

"It's changed daily," Dobson said. "Yesterday [Thursday] it was raining, now [Friday] it looks dry ... but we are expecting a windy game with some blasts of rain."

After a run of good results in the URC during local derbies, the Stormers will have an opportunity to pick up where they left off as far as international opposition is concerned.

Kitshoff was pleased to report that the whole team is on the same page.

"The guys understand what the plan is and how we want to play," Kitshoff added. 

Kick off on Saturday is at 15:00.