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Cape Town - Reds coach Phil Mooney has predicted that the Stormers will be contenders for the Super 14 title with the Sharks this year.
Mooney’s men held their first training session of the week at Hamiltons on Tuesday. He hopes they can register their first log points of the new campaign at Newlands on Friday after the weekend’s 20-33 defeat to the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld.
Mooney realised it will be tough. “I still think the Sharks and Stormers will be among the contenders for the title this year,” he said.
“Saturday’s game was a situation where the Stormers were 10-0 up and the Sharks could up the pace after Jean de Villiers was injured.
“The Sharks are also a wonderful side. That try Stefan Terblanche scored is about as good as you will see in rugby.”
Mooney believes the Reds could have beaten the Bulls had they utilised their chances better.
“We had opportunities to win, but could not sustain the pressure throughout,” he said.
“The Stormers pose a completely different threat to the Bulls. I expect them to keep the ball in hand more. It can place pressure on our defensive lines and at the breakdowns.
“We played some good rugby towards the end of last year’s Super 14 and would like to play consistently well this term.
“The Stormers have a number of strengths. Andries Bekker is one of the most athletic people I have ever seen considering his size. Their loose forward combination is also world class.”
The Reds team is: Mark McLinden, Digby Ioane, Charlie Fetoai, Berrick Barnes (capt), Peter Hynes, Quade Cooper, Will Genia, Leroy Houston, Daniel Braid, Scott Higginbotham, Adam Byrnes, Van Humphries, Laurie Weeks, Sean Hardman, Greg Holmes.
Substitutes: Saia Faingaa, Dayna Edwards, Rob Simmons, Poutasi Luafutu, Ben Lucas. Anthony Faingaa, Brando Va’alu.
