Stormers to 'counter' aerial raids
The Stormers back three of Seabelo Senatla, Dillyn Leyds and Cheslin Kolbe are preparing themselves for a barrage of kicks from the Brumbies' backline.
Senatla, speaking ahead of his team's Super Rugby play-off match against the Australian franchise at Newlands on Saturday, said a few minor tweaks were being worked on to counter the Brumbies' kicking game.
He added that they are well aware of the finishing prowess of their opponents' back three.
"They [Brumbies] generally kick a lot, both in general play or when under pressure, so I need to make sure I help Dillyn and Cheslin in order for us to cover the field properly," Sentalta said.
"Things will remain the same when we are in possession, but in terms of covering their kicking game, we have made a slight change.
"They have a solid back three and all of them are good finishers if they are given the space to do so. They can hand their side momentum at any stage in the game. We respect them but our focus is not on them.
"Their kicking game makes you think that counter-attacking will be a weapon. However, personally I think there will also be some space on the sides, because of the way they [Brumbies] defend.
"So if we can get our width right, we can hurt them on the wide channels.
"Also, they like keeping their back three behind the line as cover, so that opens up some space on the line because they rely on 12 players to cover that space.
"In terms of attacking, we will either look to attack wide or through the middle and get through them in general play.
"If we can do the small things right, everything will simply fall into place. If we can do our things right, we can keep them at bay," he said.
The majority of the Stormers will return to action in the play-off match after enjoying some much needed rest last week, after they secured the South African Conference with a game to spare and Senatla believes they are ready to "smash it."
"Everyone is looking refreshed, re-energised and are ready to go," he said.
"Obviously, winning the conference with a game-in-hand did us well because some guys got a chance to rest. The preparations have been going well and everyone is ready to smash it this weekend," he added.
By Tauriq Ebrahim
@Tagels03
@rugby365com
