The Stormers comfortably have the stingiest defence after four rounds in this year’s Super 14, but realise that it will be tested to the limit against the Hurricanes at Newlands on Saturday.
Allister Coetzee’s team has thus far conceded only 38 points – 46 less than the second best defensive unit, the Crusaders (84).
The Hurricanes have also defended well and have conceded only 88 points.
While the Hurricanes lost unexpectedly by 12-28 against the Cheetahs, Coetzee expects the return of key players to make them very tough opponents this weekend.
Among them are All Black centre Conrad Smith and speedy wing Tamati Ellison. On top of that Willie Ripia is expected to start at flyhalf after youngster Aaron Cruden played against the Cheetahs.
“They are coming with a heck of a team this week,” said Coetzee.
“Ma’a Nonu and Smith have good feet and will have a go at the defence. However, we have played against good opponents before and our defence was outstanding. We have to keep that up,” said Coetzee.
“Our excellent defensive structures should motivate us to express ourselves more on attack.”
The Stormers certainly have the players to do that, but the strengths that they displayed against the Highlanders this past weekend may well be a good recipe to frustrate the Hurricanes.
Apart from the fact that the Highlanders could not score a try, the Stormers disrupted the Kiwis’ lineouts very well and competed well at the breakdown.
They are also adapting well to the stricter application of the laws and are conceding less penalties.
“I’m very happy with our lineout play. We only lost one ball over the weekend. Apart from the fact that we are using it as a launching pad for attacks, we are also turning over opponents’ balls. However, I’m not underestimating the Hurricanes in any area,” said Coetzee.
Apart from the Hurricanes being superb attackers, they are also very physical. It will therefore be interesting to see if hooker Tiaan Liebenberg and lock De Kock Steenkamp return to the Stormers’ starting line-up this week.
Liebenberg missed the game against the Highlanders because of flu and is still being treated. Anton van Zyl started ahead of Steenkamp to strengthen the Stormers’ hand at the lineouts, but the Stormers were still very physical.
“We’ll see how Tiaan responds to treatment. It looks promising,” said Coetzee.
As far as his team’s adapting to the stricter application of the laws is concerned, Coetzee was delighted about their good discipline this past weekend.
“Francois Louw adapted well with his accuracy and decision-making. He stole three balls,” said Coetzee.
“We conceded eight penalties and as far as discipline is concerned, that is good. The fact that we could steal balls at the breakdown shows that we are making the right decisions there.”
Coetzee emphasised the importance of mental discipline and for the team not to lose their edge in the manner that they did against the Brumbies.
“The Hurricanes still have to play us and the Bulls on tour and will come with a strong focus,” he warned.
“We have to match that and play with the same intensity as we did on Saturday.”
Komaan Stormers, vat die manne “cleaners” toe… 👿
Just dont forget the bonus points. Even the Bulls had to win at the end to secure home advantage. In this competition you must be serious about bonus points.
goeiemôre mense
en
bloubul ondersteuners!!
o
en tighthead oek!!
en snoek
en sharky_forever!!
kom kom kom
waars almal?
ek het darem vanoggend soe ñ paar miniete om te chat!!
helloooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!
Morning all and Ash! Super 14 getting to an interesting stage.
morning irish
how are you?
I’m really good and you mate?
irish @ 9
lol
naaaah, i will start taking notice the closer the stormers/bulls game get
jeez, i hate those guys!!
Ash @ 12 – LOL – I have gathered 😉
irish @ 11
well its raining …. so all is well …. especially after the heat wave we’ve had over the last two or so weeks!!
The Bulls are a well oiled unit though and ooze confidence.
irish @ 15
are you trying to spoil my day? 😯
Ash @ 14 – I gathered it was pretty hot in that part of the woods! The weather is also changing here mate – we actually get some sunshine every 12 days 😆
btw
your take on the current referee system used in the s14?
#18
😳 sorry
that should read … super 10 + lions, sharks, force and BULLS!! 😆
Ash @ 16 – BUT the Stormers are really surprising all and sundry. JdV thinks this is their year.
Ash@19 – I have only seen highlights of SOME games and read what is said here. I believe the rucking players away from the ball and contesting the ball on the ground was a good thing – but according to the knowledgeable it slowed the game down. Northern Hemisphere will suffer I think.
Helloooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo friends, muppits moepels & mopkoppe.
The Hurricanes will be smarting from the loss against the Cheetahs because that is ONE game they certainly targeted to win on tour and now that has backfired on them properly.
Should the Stormers beat the Canes and should the Bulls beat the Canes as well, then the Canes are seriously on the back foot for the rest of the Super 14…. and that’s exactly what we as South Africans want.
The Canes are very dangerous, beware of them Stormers… you’ll have to have your A-game fully on song!
Morning Rugby Talkers 😀 How you all?
Have to agree with Super, bonus points can get you a semi or you could just miss out.
Sharks headed the log last year for about 7 weeks. We hardly picked up any bonus point in that time. Had we done that even if we lost to a few teams at the end we would still have made the semi. Not getting the bonus points could put pressure on some of the top teams.
20 – Morning Irish, Yip think this is the year for the Stormers, pity JdV is missing out.
22 – GBS, I think Canes will come short against the Stormers this week. Once the pressure is on a team can make too many mistakes. If Canes did target the Cheetahs for a win they got a huge wake up call for sure. Cheetahs can beat any team on their day. Well now with Brussow out it will be tougher for them.
Stormers to beat the Canes by 5 or 7. Canes will be a lot better this week but Stormers confidence is up after a good win last week and Canes with pressure!!! Stormers will take it.
Go Stormers and Bulls. Bulls will win it easy there is not even a slight doubt about that game.
17 – Irish………hahahaha. Sunshine ever 12 days or so 🙄 😆 Here we are still sweltering. I am really looking forward to our winter. More like summer for you. Umhlanga around 25 everyday and full sun BUT no humidity. Best time of year for me.
19 – Ash 😆
25@ Puma – I certainly hope the Stormers can beat the Canes, was just warning that they’re a dangerous unit to contend with.
The Bulls will also have to be on song against them!
I feel that apart from the Stormers Fly Half, they have a balanced side that can go most of the way if not all the way.
28 – GBS, Canes are a very good side. Don’t think they will play that bad again. Then I think this Stormers side is a very good side and at home should beat the Canes. Hoping need to have two Saffa sides in the semi. Maybe a final too. That would be very good for our rugby.
So Go Stormers and Bulls.
Puma, please tell me that the Sharks are going to turn it around after coming so close in Sydney?
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