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Cape Town - Sport24 readers say the Stormers must stop making excuses and accept responsibility for their disappointing Super Rugby season.
Despite the Stormers' strong finish with their 30-13 victory over the Bulls at Newlands, the Stormers were unable to make the Super Rugby playoffs as they had done for the previous two years, finishing seventh overall in the standings in what most regarded to be a disappointing season for the Cape side.
A recent statement by Allister Coetzee on the difficulty of their 2014 draw was the last straw for many, who believed the coach should apply himself by addressing his team's weaknesses rather than finding fault elsewhere.
The Stormers coach has at various times during the season blamed the fixture list, referees and injuries for the Stormers' mediocre season, yet many felt it was time for the coaching staff and the players to take it on the chin and accept the blame.
This is what Sport24 readers had to say about Coetzee's complaints:
"Sour grapes. Just another effort of Allister to draw the attention away from his lack of innovation." - Luthor Jones
"I just hope Alistair gets fined for his comments on the refs this season." - LJ
"Stiff upper lip as the poms say, suck it in Allister and stop complaining." - Simon Berry
"Score more 4 try bonus point wins and you'll be in the play-off, and that's how you break the spell of mediocrity in rugby." - Sean Bagley
"Are you for real AC? What about the Bulls tour from hell this year? Did not see them complain." - Raven Blue
"Sounds about exactly like what the Bulls had this year - and they made it to second on the log - they played the Blues, Crusaders, Reds and Brumbies on tour." - Omge Klits
"Already looking for excuses..." - Mark Schrade
"Coach let's accept this. To be the best we must beat the best anytime, any where and always." - Isak Visser
"But then all your home games will be a lot more easier Mr Coetzee, stop moaning and get on with it!" - Freedomnic
"We beat 3 out of 4 of those sides this year anyway so whats the problem?" - Donovan Stanford
"All teams suffer tours from hell. AC has moaned this entire season, I think its time for AC to man up." - Ettienne en Aileen Steffens
"Stop complaining and get on with the game." - Tristan Laggerway
"Correct me if I'm wrong, but if they had home games this year against the Chiefs, Crusaders and Brumbies, it just makes sense that next year will be away games against these sides. Do they only ever want to play home games against good teams?" - Spiessa
"If you are a championship title seeking team, does it matter where the games will be played? I think a major attitude adjustment is needed." - Charl du Preez
"This is actually very silly. Coetzee must just take time and think over this a little. Whenever on tour they normally say two out of four is a reasonable result. So we are talking about 2 games overseas that may or may not be easier. Besides, he will be playing the weaker sides (according to Coetzee) at home so that is a lekker opportunity to score 5 pointers, Mr Coetzee. The Bulls only won one game overseas and they could still have topped the log in the end. Actually come to think of it, it is better to play your four toughest matches on tour imho." - Niko Eksteen
The 2013 Super Rugby season will ultimately be seen as a disappointing one for the Stormers. (Gallo Images)
What do you think was the biggest reason for the Stormers failing to reach the Super Rugby playoffs? Send your thoughts to Sport24!
Despite the Stormers' strong finish with their 30-13 victory over the Bulls at Newlands, the Stormers were unable to make the Super Rugby playoffs as they had done for the previous two years, finishing seventh overall in the standings in what most regarded to be a disappointing season for the Cape side.
A recent statement by Allister Coetzee on the difficulty of their 2014 draw was the last straw for many, who believed the coach should apply himself by addressing his team's weaknesses rather than finding fault elsewhere.
The Stormers coach has at various times during the season blamed the fixture list, referees and injuries for the Stormers' mediocre season, yet many felt it was time for the coaching staff and the players to take it on the chin and accept the blame.
This is what Sport24 readers had to say about Coetzee's complaints:
"Sour grapes. Just another effort of Allister to draw the attention away from his lack of innovation." - Luthor Jones
"I just hope Alistair gets fined for his comments on the refs this season." - LJ
"Stiff upper lip as the poms say, suck it in Allister and stop complaining." - Simon Berry
"Score more 4 try bonus point wins and you'll be in the play-off, and that's how you break the spell of mediocrity in rugby." - Sean Bagley
"Are you for real AC? What about the Bulls tour from hell this year? Did not see them complain." - Raven Blue
"Sounds about exactly like what the Bulls had this year - and they made it to second on the log - they played the Blues, Crusaders, Reds and Brumbies on tour." - Omge Klits
"Already looking for excuses..." - Mark Schrade
"Coach let's accept this. To be the best we must beat the best anytime, any where and always." - Isak Visser
"But then all your home games will be a lot more easier Mr Coetzee, stop moaning and get on with it!" - Freedomnic
"We beat 3 out of 4 of those sides this year anyway so whats the problem?" - Donovan Stanford
"All teams suffer tours from hell. AC has moaned this entire season, I think its time for AC to man up." - Ettienne en Aileen Steffens
"Stop complaining and get on with the game." - Tristan Laggerway
"Correct me if I'm wrong, but if they had home games this year against the Chiefs, Crusaders and Brumbies, it just makes sense that next year will be away games against these sides. Do they only ever want to play home games against good teams?" - Spiessa
"If you are a championship title seeking team, does it matter where the games will be played? I think a major attitude adjustment is needed." - Charl du Preez
"This is actually very silly. Coetzee must just take time and think over this a little. Whenever on tour they normally say two out of four is a reasonable result. So we are talking about 2 games overseas that may or may not be easier. Besides, he will be playing the weaker sides (according to Coetzee) at home so that is a lekker opportunity to score 5 pointers, Mr Coetzee. The Bulls only won one game overseas and they could still have topped the log in the end. Actually come to think of it, it is better to play your four toughest matches on tour imho." - Niko Eksteen
The 2013 Super Rugby season will ultimately be seen as a disappointing one for the Stormers. (Gallo Images)
What do you think was the biggest reason for the Stormers failing to reach the Super Rugby playoffs? Send your thoughts to Sport24!
