Stephen Nell

Cape Town – Vuvuzelas are not permitted at Newlands when the Stormers play, but the Bulls and their supporters will be making a mistake if they think that their new “Player23” will knock the Stormers off their stride.

“It’s a Super 14 final between South African teams and whatever comes with that – vuvuzelas and the excitement – has to be embraced,” said Stormers coach Allister Coetzee.

“We have a saying in the team and that is to block out external factors.”

Stormers flyhalf and goalkicker Peter Grant will feel the pressure the most.

After Matt Giteau he’s the most accurate goalkicker in this year’s Super 14, but he can probably expect the Bulls fans to bring out their vuvuzelas when he kicks for posts on Saturday.

“The goalkickers know the pressures that come with the job and really just need to focus on what needs to be done – kicking the ball through the posts,” said Coetzee.

“The vuvuzelas can’t hurt you. They can make a noise, but can’t tackle you. Peter has showed that he can handle pressure.”

Grant certainly did not experience problems with Hamilton’s chainsaws and cowbells when the Stormers wiped the floor with the Chiefs, so why be frightened by vuvuzelas?

One of the Stormers’ biggest challenges will be to stay calm under pressure. The Crusaders could not do it against the Bulls in Soweto on Saturday and lost 24-39.

“This is a very good Bulls team and the big thing is not to get rattled,” said Coetzee.

“That’s what happened to the Crusaders. We saw how good players like Colin Slade, Sean Maitland and Dan Carter knocked the ball on. They made mistakes because of the pressure.”

For the Stormers it will be important to handle the Bulls’ kicking game.

“They have very good kickers in Fourie du Preez, Morné Steyn and Zane Kirchner. They launch high kicks and chase very well,” said Coetzee.

“Most of the teams in the Super 14 can not handle it. The All Blacks could not even handle it last year when Fourie du Preez and Morné Steyn played against them.

“We know the plan and mentality, and hopefully that gives us a better chance of being competitive against them.”