Ben-Jason Dixon eagerly awaits the return of powerhouse No 8 Evan Roos to the Stormers starting loose trio.

Roos was a late withdrawal before last Saturday’s Vodacom URC clash against the Sharks at Cape Town Stadium as the coaching staff were reluctant to risk a hip-pointer injury.

His anticipated return for Saturday’s rematch in Durban would reunite a back row that includes Dixon and Paul de Villiers.

Dixon, who is enjoying an extended run of games, said the team was eager to make amends for the 30-19 loss to the Sharks, and key to that may be in the manner the trio complements each other.

“It’s a combination that’s really come along. I really enjoy it a lot,” he said. “Evan brings a lot of fire to get us going on attack and in other areas of the field as well. And Paul the same, when he makes a big hit or a turnover, or just keeps going through a long defensive set.”

For Dixon, the dynamic strength of the Stormers loosies lies in how they feed off each other.

“That’s where I come alive,” he said. “When you’re making tackles off each other and putting pressure on the opposition. I think we complement each other and the pack as a whole, because when one guy plays well, it lifts the other guys.

“I think we have good connections there and we’re keen to go and show it a bit more than we showed the fans and everybody last weekend.”

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Stormers forwards coach Rito Hlungwane added: “One of the core things we look for in our loose forwards is a high work rate. It’s something we challenge and measure all the time.”

Dixon is embracing the responsibility that comes with more game time.

“It’s always a privilege to be on the field. I feel physically good, but I also know I can be better in the big moments.”

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