The balancing act Stormers strive to master
INTERVIEW: Balance in any form of life is critical to achieving success, and for the Stormers it’s no different.
The Stormers fielded two “under strength” sides in their opening United Rugby Championship encounters against Connacht and Edinburgh, narrowly losing the latter before returning to Cape Town.
They also fielded three debutants in those games: scrumhalf Ezekiel Ngobeni, hooker Vernon Paulo and former Junior Springbok captain and lock Riley Norton, who is starting to become a regular selection in the team.
Following those clashes, the Stormers went full metal jacket in their recent URC and Champions Cup games against the Sharks and Bristol Bears by fielding their strongest possible teams following the integration of their regular Springboks, and claimed back-to-back wins in the process.
But that won’t be sustainable as the Boks have to feature in the second leg of the Nations Championship during November when the URC takes a break.
Continues below…
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Attack coach Dawie Snyman explained how the Stormers will manage not just the Boks, but players who have several minutes under their belts over the course of the next two weeks against Scarlets and Ulster.
“You need to manage the squad; we can make a few changes in the forwards as you’ve seen in our selections and the impact of the substitutes,” Snyman said.
“We went with a six-two bench split this [past] weekend, and these guys go through a hell of a lot of work, so somewhere along the line we need to give one or two of them a breather.
“That’s where we’ll manage the squad and ensure, selection-wise, that we get it right in terms of who is due for a break.
“It’s important to have probably more than less in that position that’s really pushing hard to perform.”
Snyman added that it is a tricky assignment to rotate players and keep delivering consistent performances, but also highlighted an important element to maintain the momentum each week.
“Combinations are obviously important, and also understanding in the squad; it’s important that everyone is on the same page.
“If you wear a No.6 jumper, you understand exactly what’s expected of you, so what we’ve been trying to do is ensure everyone understands how we are doing things and why we are doing it.
“If there will be small tweaks in the side and rotations taking place, the players can fit into those roles.
“It will also be important for us to keep some of the core of the team. If you make wholesale changes, you will put your rhythm and flow under pressure.”
Snyman added: “We spoke a little bit about cohesion and continuity in selection; we also worked hard to create a bit of depth in our squad so everyone is on the same page.
“A guy like Markus Muller didn’t play this past weekend, but he’s been in the team, working really hard and understanding what’s important in his position.
“Maybe we’ll make small changes and not wholesale ones and tweaks here and there, which is better for continuity than just one big [team] overhaul.”
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