Jean 'hurt' by management shake-up

 

The Stormers have won just a single Super Rugby game this year – a one-point victory against the Huricanes at Newlands.

 

It has lead to many calling for the heads of coaches Allister Coetzee and Robbie Fleck.

 

On Monday it was revealed by this website that Gert Smal is in-line to become the new Director of Rugby at Western Province.

 

Smal's imminent arrival has sparked talk of an overhaul within the Stormers coaching team on their return from the Australasian tour.

 

Captain Jean de Villiers, commenting on the rumors, said in a teleconference call from Brisbane he is 'hurt' at the idea.

 

"It definitly in a way hurts, in that we are all in this together, management and players collectively," De Villiers said ahead of their final tour match – against the Reds in Brisbane on Saturday.

 

"To sort of place the blame on one or two guys is always tough, and we don't really know what is going to happen, but we have made a decision as a squad to stick to what we know and keep on putting in the hard work.

 

"From a management point of view we can't fault their effort and the work they have put in. They have done everything to put us in a position to as prepared as we can be," the captain added.

 

De Villiers, as a true captain, has made it clear that his primary focus is the team and their success.

 

If there is to be any change that will benefit the Stormers in the campaign the captain is happy for it to happen.

 

"The players need to perform on the field, and we are the only guys that can get the results, so it is always tough when you hear  things like that.

 

"But then also, if it is for the improvement for the squad and the team then it's obviously a good thing," he added.

 

De Villiers' openness is a direct contrast to coach Coetzee, who – when quizzed on the proposed changes in a teleconference call from Brisbane earlier this week – diverted the topic to the upcoming Reds game.

 

He admitted only to have had a "meeting" with Western Province Rugby Football Union President Thelo Wakefield on Sunday.