Process-driven Stormers braced for Ellis Park 'play-off'
SPOTLIGHT: The Stormers XXIII won’t look past the Lions with their Currie Cup season on the line as they look to make the play-offs for the first time since 2021.
Currently in fifth place on the table and on 16 competition points with neighbours Boland, the Stormers have a mathematical chance, depending on the rest of the weekend’s results, to make the semifinals.
According to defence coach Pine Pienaar, the Capetonians will focus on their processes against the Lions following a solid win over the Bulls XV at Loftus Versfeld this past weekend to stay alive in the tournament.
“At the back end of the competition we need to be successful in our processes and results; we got the result [against the Bulls], but that currently means nothing for us,” Pienaar said.
“We have a short turnaround time with two days of preparation before getting onto an aeroplane on Thursday for a tough assignment at Ellis Park against a quality Lions team.
Despite every competition point being crucial for all teams in the play-off race at this stage, Pienaar said getting the win is the main focus, with a four-try bonus point not being a talking point in their camp.
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“For us it’s about getting the process right. There hasn’t been talk about getting the four-try bonus point,” Pienaar told Rugby365.
“We know we’re up against a quality Lions team – the last few years have been a reflection of what they are currently doing.
“They’ve been in the last two Currie Cup Finals, so we know it will be a tough task for us. It’s more about us focussing on the result rather than [scoring] four tries and how we can be better.
“There were a couple of areas against the Bulls which we weren’t too happy about, and that was the focus for us the last two days.
“We are just process driven and ensuring we put up a good performance from our side, and the result will look after itself.”
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Pienaar also gave an injury update on their lock stocks, which have been running thin throughout the season due to several injuries.
“Gary Porter is back this week, but I thought a guy like Luan [Botha] did exceptionally well calling the line-outs.
“Gerbrandt Grobler is out for the remainder of the Currie Cup and currently busy with his rehab. He’s got a back injury which I can’t describe in medical terms.”
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