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Coetzee's job safe: Wakefield

Cape Town - Western Province president Thelo Wakefield says coach Allister Coetzee's job is not on the line, despite the Stormers' struggles in Super Rugby this year.

The Stormers have been been heavily critcised by their fans this season, having won only four of 10 Super Rugby games so far.

After last week's 21-15 loss to he Waratahs - a game in which they failed to score a try and never looked like coming close - supporters vented their anger on social media platforms, with many calling for coach Coetzee's head.

But Wakefield has urged fans to stay patient and stand by their team.

"We are worried about the performances of the team, but are very mindful of the fact that the Stormers lost some key players due to injury," he told the Cape Times. "Here we can mention Peter Grant, Tiaan Liebenberg - these are Springboks. We lost Eben Etzebeth and Bryan Habana, who only recently came back."

The Stormers are currently in Sydney preparing for their final tour match against the Rebels in Melbourne on Friday.

And Wakefield, a man who knows how tough a tour can be having spent 10 years as the Stormers' manager, said it's unfair for people to start calling for a new coach.

"I wouldn't say the coach's job is on the line really, because we cannot go into that 'Fire the coach syndrome'. We must remember that when we won the Currie Cup, he was the best. People hailed him as the best.

"It is not just about firing Allister Coetzee and saying that he didn't do enough. I know the man. I know he is a good coach and I know what he is capable of.

"Allister is contracted until the end of 2015, but at this stage, his contract is not under discussion. I can say this in bold letters that Allister will not be fired," continued Wakefield.

Wakefield did, however, admit that the board will sit down with team management once they return from Australia to find answers on where things went wrong so far.

The Stormers, who topped the standings last year, are currently 10th on the overall Super Rugby log.

Their clash against the Rebels kicks off at 11:40 (SA time) on Friday.

HAVE YOUR SAY: Should Allister Coetzee's job be on the line? Or is it too early to start thinking about a new Stormers coach? If you're a Stormers fan, then send your thoughts to Sport24.
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