Vermeulen slams 'arrogant' Stormers

 

The Cape side failed to make use of their scoring opportunities and went down 17-25, with replacement flyhalf Kurt Coleman missing three shots at goal in a frustrating outing which cost them the top position in the South African conference.

 

Having edged the Bulls at Newlands last week, Vermeulen suggested that his side had taken too much for granted against an under-strength Cheetahs side that stunned them in the first half to take an 18-10 lead into the half-time break.

 

"I think we pitched up in a mental state maybe just a little bit arrogant after beating the Bulls the previous week and thinking that you are playing the bottom of the conference Cheetahs away from home.

 

"Rugby is a physical game, but it is also a mental game. In the physical game I think we pitched up, but we lost it out there in the mental game," said Vermeulen.

 

The visitors regrouped and made much of the running in the second half, but could not get the momentum they needed with Coleman's wayward kicking and a shaky line-out making things even more difficult.

 

Vermeulen said that the attitude of the team had made it difficult for him to lead, which he believes ultimately cost them the game.

 

"We had an ugly talk in the changeroom and if you look at the game there were a lot of chiefs but not enough indians and that made it difficult for me to lead the team, everyone wanted to give their five cents and that is where we lost it," he said.

 

Stormers coach Allister Coetzee admitted that the Cheetahs had been the better team, but made it clear that his side had let themselves down through sloppy execution.

 

"It is a case of one big frustration, we didn't deserve to win the game, the Cheetahs started well and they deserved the win.

 

"We still created enough chances, but that is not the standard that we are used to and we really disappointed in ourselves.

 

"It is no use having a dominant scrum and then you win a penalty and kick it out but you can't win your line-out and you can't kick it through the poles.

 

"We weren't good enough and we take full responsibility for that," he said.

 

Despite the setback, Coetzee is confident that his side has what it takes to bounce back quickly, with the Brumbies next in line at Newlands.

 

"We have come back from more difficult situations than this one, we have got to take it on the chin," he said.

 

The only injury concern for Coetzee is centre Juan de Jongh who may miss out on the clash with the Brumbies due to a hip injury.

 

"Juan de Jongh has got a hip-pointer, he is the only one who could be doubtful for next week," he said.