AUDIO: Stormers' plan to combat 'classy' Bulls
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: It’s been a tough season for the Stormers and this coming weekend it does not get any easier.
Just a fortnight ago the Cape-side produced a marvellous display claiming a 41-24 win over the Rebels in Melbourne, however, the revival was quickly halted by last weekend’s 17-19 defeat to the Brumbies at Newlands.
Now, Stormers welcome the Bulls to Newlands on Saturday, a team currently on top of the South African conference with five wins from eight matches.
The last time the two teams met was in February where the Stormers suffered a 3-40 thrashing at Loftus Versfeld. The opening weekend’s defeat was certainly a shock to the Cape side’s system, who are still struggling to find the right formula.
“We haven’t forgotten that first game we played against them,” Stormers assistant coach Russel Winter told reporters, adding: “The Bulls are a class outfit, they are a good side and that day [3-40 defeat to Bulls at Loftus Versfeld] was not a good day for us.
“However, we looked at that match, closed it off in week one and this week we just have to make sure we pitch up and play the best we can – hopefully we get the result,”
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A win for the Bulls would mean that three-time Champions cement their place at the top of SA conference, while for the Stormers a defeat may see them bid farewell to any hopes of making the playoffs.
The silver lining for the Stormers, though, is the return of Springbok Eben Etzebeth.
The lock missed the team’s opening Super Rugby match which was clearly evident in the Cape Town franchise’s inefficient line-outs (losing five line-outs) against the Bulls.
Aside from improving the line-outs, Winter admitted that the Stormers will have to alleviate their handling error-count and execute much better if they want to have any chance of a W during the North-South derby.
“During that first game [the Bulls] were flawless. I think their error-rate was so small, they hardly made a mistake, set-pieces and handling were good – they did not miss a beat.
“We know they have a good pack of forwards and experienced backs, so we have to be on top of our game. Obviously, our error-rate has to come down and we have to make sure our ball security is good and utilize our opportunities
“I think during that game our scrums were good but our line-outs were not, and we struggled to get the ball which certainly hurt us,”
Following Saturday’s match, the Stormers travel to Buenos Aires to take on Jaguares.
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