Stormers turn to AFL coach for remedies
The Stormers have turned to the Australian Football League for some answers to their aerial woes.
Steven Morris, a former professional Australian rules player for the Richmond Tigers in the AFL, has been a important figure in Cape Town recently.
Following a mid-season break, the Stormers return to action this week.
After an eight-match unbeaten run at the start of the season, the Stormers have hit a couple of speed bumps that could still have dire consequences.
Back-to-back losses to the Sharks have seen them drop from first to third in the United Rugby Championship standings.
Two more defeats, to the Lions at Ellis Park this Saturday and against the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld a week later, will not only end their dream of claiming the South African Shield, but will leave them under pressure with just six rounds remaining in the run-up to the play-offs.
Seasoned hooker Kotze, who is set to make his 50th appearance for the Cape Town-based franchise, said Morris has had an impact.
“We have Stevie [Steven Morris] here from the AFL [team, Richmond Tigers], because they deal with something like 400 kick in a game,” Kotze said in the build-up to their two-week Highveld venture.
“Getting a different perspective on one of the aspects has helped our outside backs a lot.
“It has helped the team a lot to understand that aspect of the game.”
Morris, after his playing days drew to a close, took over as Richmond VFL coach in 2022 and was known for his player reviews following each match.
* (WATCH as seasoned hooker Jean-Jacques Kotze explains the role of an AFL coach in their set-up…..)
Turning to their losses to the Sharks, Kotze said they have taken the defeats as a collective and won’t let the pressure get to them.
“You feel the frustration and the pressure,” the 25-year-old said, adding: “We are motivated to get that momentum back with a win.”
Kotzé made his Stormers debut against Edinburgh in late 2021 and would go on to start in the URC Grand Final that season as the Cape Town outfit claimed the inaugural title.
Director of Rugby John Dobson paid tribute to Kotzé, who has been a central figure in the squad since making his debut.
“JJ is someone who grew up supporting this team and while earning 50 caps, also managed to qualify as a physiotherapist,” Dobson said.
“He is an impressive young man who has earned the respect of his teammates and opponents,” he added.
@JanDKrugby
