Cape Town - Stormers captain Jean de Villiers has described their win over the Reds as one of the best in his Stormers career.
An injury-depleted Stormers won 20-15 against a team laden with Wallaby stars - which saw the Cape side ease their relegation fears by going 10 points clear of the Kings in the South African conference.
De Villiers, who scored a spectacular try to cap a fine individual performance, told the Cape Times the win was highly rewarding for his young side.
VIDEO: Stormers v Reds, highlights
GALLERY - Super Rugby - Round 15
"Eight of the 15 starters were 23 and younger. And the maturity showed was fantastic. You can't buy that - you can't have 16 guys out injured and still beat a side like the Reds just on luck.
"It takes a massive effort. It's one of my best wins as a Stormers player, and definitely from an emotional point of view, the most emotion that I've been through. Ja, a lot of relief after this game."
Coach Allister Coetzee shared his skipper's feelings.
"I think it's been one of the toughest weeks in my career - coming back from an unsuccessful tour, plenty of injuries, and still face a quality side like the Reds. To get a win should not be underestimated, and it says a lot about the character of this team. I think it's something that you can't coach, that character that we have," said Coetzee.
More good news was that no further injuries were reported after Saturday's game, with lock De Kock Steenkamp (chest) and hooker/flank Deon Fourie (ribs) also set to return for this weekend's clash against the Kings at Newlands.
An injury-depleted Stormers won 20-15 against a team laden with Wallaby stars - which saw the Cape side ease their relegation fears by going 10 points clear of the Kings in the South African conference.
De Villiers, who scored a spectacular try to cap a fine individual performance, told the Cape Times the win was highly rewarding for his young side.
VIDEO: Stormers v Reds, highlights
GALLERY - Super Rugby - Round 15
"Eight of the 15 starters were 23 and younger. And the maturity showed was fantastic. You can't buy that - you can't have 16 guys out injured and still beat a side like the Reds just on luck.
"It takes a massive effort. It's one of my best wins as a Stormers player, and definitely from an emotional point of view, the most emotion that I've been through. Ja, a lot of relief after this game."
Coach Allister Coetzee shared his skipper's feelings.
"I think it's been one of the toughest weeks in my career - coming back from an unsuccessful tour, plenty of injuries, and still face a quality side like the Reds. To get a win should not be underestimated, and it says a lot about the character of this team. I think it's something that you can't coach, that character that we have," said Coetzee.
More good news was that no further injuries were reported after Saturday's game, with lock De Kock Steenkamp (chest) and hooker/flank Deon Fourie (ribs) also set to return for this weekend's clash against the Kings at Newlands.