Stormers undercooked for Force
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Stormers coach Allister Coetzee believes that his team may have gone into their last fixture on tour expecting an easy victory after the highs of Sydney a week before.
Last weekend, after a run of three consecutive losses, the Stormers finally turned things around against the reigning champion Waratahs, with a polished 32-18 victory.
However, this week, with the team starting to wane after a number of tough games, and one foot already on the plane back home to Cape Town, Coetzee said it was clear that the Stormers was hoping for an easy game in Perth.
"We probably though that this would be an easier assignment," Coetzee said.
"I am obviously pleased with the result, but not the performance – it was not our best."
The Stormers may have been able to grind out a win, but for the coach it was easy to spot the things that went wrong for them on the day – most notably their inability to finish off opportunities.
"The basic fundamentals of the game let us down somewhat," Coetzee added.
"Keeping ball in hand and losing the ball at crucial stages in attack were problems.
"I think we created so many great opportunities – like a great scrumming performance where we got a penalty try.
Kobus [Van Wyk] could have also been under the sticks, if he had held onto the ball. Even Nizaam Carr had opportunities on attack.
"However, we couldn't finish them.
"The players knew exactly where we went wrong, because we were not playing towards the ball, we were not beating the ruck, or very clinical at the break down.
"Those are the things we need to improve on next week at home."
The Stormers return from tour to take on the Bulls at Newlands, in a game that will play a big part in determining the South African conference.
Coetzee admits that there is a lot to improve upon, but at least they have some winning momentum to fall back on.
"It is about keeping on winning," the coach said.
"We are adding to the win against the Waratahs with another good victory on tour.
"I am pleased with the character shown by the team on tour and their will to win. I am positive that winning makes it easier for the following week too."
"We are looking forward to another big game, back at home against the Bulls in a huge North-South derby.
"But for us on tour it is mission accomplished," he said, adding: "We have turned things around, going from a three-game losing streak to picking up some key victories.
"That shows the character of this team."
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