Brumbies clash a 'SA derby'
Stormers coach Allister Coetzee expects the physicality of Saturday's clash with the Brumbies to match that of a traditional South African derby.
The Brumbies kicked off their South African tour with a comprehensive 29-10 victory over the Sharks in Durban last weekend, in which they wrapped up the bonus point in the first half.
Coetzee said he was impressed with the log leaders' all-round game but highlighted the physicality former World Cup-winning Springbok coach Jake White has instilled in the team as the key reason behind their unbeaten start to the season.
"This is a quality Brumbies side, they showed that at the weekend. It was a very disciplined, tidy performance. We have to be at our best this weekend," Coetzee, who coached alongside White at Springbok level from 2004 until 2007, said.
"They played in the right areas. They made hardly any mistakes in their own half, they weren't in their own half, and that's what this game is all about. If you make mistakes in your own half you'll either concede points or it'll be a set-piece for the opposition and it was clearly shown in that game."
"They have a disciplined kicking game and are a side with a great set-piece but you must never be fooled to [just] look at all the technical issues; look how physical they've been. That's something that other teams might be overlooking.
"We know Jake is a South African and knows what comes first when it comes to playing overseas teams like the All Blacks and the Australians and that's physicality, you have to make sure you win the collisions.
"We have to make sure we front up physically. They've got big, physical backs who complement the pack so it'll be a challenge not just in the pack but at the back as well, therefore the breakdown will be crucial," he explained.
Coetzee said the Brumbies' ball retention and patience with ball in hand will test their defence after the Chiefs became the first team in almost four years to score four tries against the Cape side at Newlands.
"They had fantastic continuity on attack and put teams under pressure with ball in hand so it'll be a challenge for our defensive system."
Coetzee added that the team returned from their bye refreshed and relishing Saturday's encounter.
"Mentally the players have come back with energy, there's an excitement and a buzz in training and that's the things that will hopefully carry you through the game on Saturday," he said.
