Young Stormers not running scared

Stormers coach Allister Coetzee is not concerned by the inexperience of his squad, and says they are in better shape than last year.

The Cape side made a horror start to an injury-hit campaign last year, and despite an encouraging finish to the competition they still ended in 11th place.

Coetzee has not added much experience to his squad in the off-season, but he feels that many of his players came of age last year and is convinced they have the firepower to contend with the top sides.

"I saw last year how relentless and resilient these young guys are, some of them might be young in terms of age but they have got a couple of Super Rugby games under their belts already.

"We are not scared or worried about the inexperience in the team, I think we are looking forward to the challenge," he said.

The Stormers coach said that the continuity in the squad means that they are a far more settled unit than they were at the start of last season.

"We are far ahead compared to previous years in terms of our planning and out there at training so we are really happy.

"There is a lot of continuity in the group in terms of the way we want to play. I think we are better prepared and better off than this year last time.

"What we want are 80-minute performances from the players and they are working very hard to do that, the conditioning has improved and if every player improves by one percent there is a massive improvement in the side already," he said.

Coetzee admitted that a slightly easier draw has made him even more positive that they will be able to start the season on the right note.

"In Super Rugby there is no easy draw or easy games, but it is always nice to play a few early games at home. We have got two away and three at home before we go on tour.

"You have to come out of the blocks really well in this competition and pick up a couple of wins," he said.

Although there are still a few players out injured, Coetzee said that all being well he should have a full-strength squad at his disposal soon.

"The injury list seems to be quite long, but they are not long-term injuries, guys are on track with their rehab and there are a few niggles.

"Players like Jean Kleyn and Eben Etzebeth will join us on Monday.

"Frans Malherbe is a week ahead of schedule and will probably be ready by the third game against the Lions away," he said.

By Michael de Vries