One task at a time for Stormers
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: A bonus-point win over the Jaguares on Friday will serve as a massive confidence boost ahead of the Stormers’ tour to New Zealand and Australia.
Fresh from a bye-week the Stormers face the Argentinian team in a Round five match at Newlands.
Following Friday’s fixture, the Stormers will embark on their Australasia tour on Sunday. The Cape Town-based side’s trip includes matches against the Hurricanes, Blues, Reds and the inform Rebels.
The Stormers’ away form has been a concern in the past, last year the side failed to record a single victory on the road. Those concerns were certainly amplified with their dreadful season opener against the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld.
However, it seems like the side’s recent 16-11 win over Sharks in Durban have certainly paused that worry.
“This week has truly been all about this [Friday’s] game, we haven’t really focused on the tour,” the 43-year-old told reporters at Newlands.
“After our slow start [a 3-40 defeat to the Bulls] we were just focusing on retaining our confidence and those two wins [against Lions and Sharks] was obviously critical in regaining that and gaining momentum.
“It’s certainly important to perform well before you embark on a tour, but for now it’s all about this game against a team that has put a lot of opponents under pressure.
“We certainly need to be better than what we have been in the last three weeks,” he added.
https://soundcloud.com/user-645352503/robbie-fleck-and-john-dobson-chat-to-reporters-ahead-of-jaguares-clash
Stormers, having scored just two tries after three games, could utilise Friday’s match as an ideal opportunity to add to their try tally and perhaps record a bonus-point win.
However, head coach Fleck emphasised how crucial it is to secure the win first before chasing any extra rewards.
“The team certainly wants to play the expansive brand which is part of our DNA and this weekend gives us an opportunity to try things at home… but the wins have got to come first.
“I think if we start winning and playing with confidence, the tries will follow,”
By Leezil Hendricks
@leezil07
@rugby365com
