'Wings on strings' for Stormers

 

The Stormers lost heavily in Round 11 to the Cheetahs away from home, letting in five tries in a uncharacteristically leaky defensive performance. 

 

The Stormers boss has identified the problems from that day and vows it won't happen again.

 

"It is still fresh in my mind what happened to us there," Coetzee said when referring to the 22-35 loss.

 

"I think what is different to what we faced this weekend [against the Force] is that we knew there would be a kick return most of the time. 

 

"The Cheetahs are looking for run space."

 

Having identified the danger-men in the Cheetahs side, Coetzee is wary of the likes of elusive playmaker, Willie le Roux – he cannot be afforded the same freedom if the Stormers are to defeat the high-flying men from Bloemfontein.

 

"They have got good decision makers who know when it is on wide and when the kick space is there," Coetzee added.

 

"They have got players like Willie le Roux who will come off the wing or fullback into first receiver and he is brilliant at making those decisions.

 

"We have to back our system once again but unlike last time we cannot offer them the run space.

 

"I think the kick space we have been good at, if that has been exploited then it is just every mans responsibility to look after that kick and make sure we field it.

 

"You cannot give a team the options that they want, and what they love – they [the Cheetahs] have the skill set to exploit us." 

 

By cutting down their space and having 'wings on strings' the Stormers hope they can strangle out a victory at Newlands.

 

"The Cheetahs are a team that ask a lot of questions around you and over you, but we have to back our system and make sure that we get our wings on strings," Coetzee said in relation to occupying the space in which the Cheetahs like to kick into.

 

"It is crucial, vital, that the wings be in no-mans land sometimes, but they must be able to close that space as well – and know when to close.

 

"This comes from communication from the wings on strings and that is going to be important."

 

Coetzee seems intent on ensuring his teams defensive edge is finely honed against the wild and unpredictable Cheetahs with many questions being asked about key positions.

 

The Stormers are boosted with the return of captain Jean de Villiers who would more than likely slot back into centre.

 

This leaves Springbok select Damian de Allende with a potential shift to wing – a critical position for Coetzee in this match.

 

Sailosi Tagicakibau is also back from injury and looking to compete for his spot out wide from Kobus van Wyk and the impressive Cheslin Kolbe.

 

"These are positive headaches, Jean [de Villiers] is back as a captain, Juan de Jongh is playing great rugby, Damian [de Allende] is playing fantastic rugby.

 

"He [De Allende] has just been announced in the Springbok enlarged squad which is great news, great reward for him, but we have to get the right team for this weekend," Coetzee added.

 

Another key position for the Stormers is flyhalf with Peter Grant, Kurt Coleman and Demetri Catrakilis all pushing for that starting spot.

 

Coetzee, while playing his cards close to his chest, has said he has a clear idea of who he want to pick for the team in order to execute his gameplan.

 

"I have a clear belief in who I want to pick this week.

 

"Obviously two out of the three will be in the team, I need to make a choice who will sit out.

 

"One has got to look at who will be dominating the communication role there and giving direction but also who is assertive in making sure the team exits well.

 

"It's not just one area, its the guy who can bring all the different skills to the team," Coetzee concluded.