Share

Stormers coach job: Smal stays mum

Cape Town - Western Province director of rugby Gert Smal feels Robbie Fleck did well in his first year as Stormers head coach, but refrained from commenting on whether the former Springbok centre will remain as mentor of the Cape franchise next season.

Fleck was named interim head coach of the Stormers for this year's Super Rugby competition after Eddie Jones abruptly left to coach England in November last year.

The Stormers crashed out of Super Rugby after an embarrassing 60-21 home quarter-final loss to the Chiefs this past weekend.

In an interview with Netwerk24, Smal said Fleck did a commendable job in his first season as head coach, but was reluctant to confirm whether his role would be made permanent.

“We are busy with a process that will be very important for WP,” Smal said when probed on the matter.

Smal though did admit the Stormers would need to improve “technically, tactically and even our fitness levels”.

“We’ll have to change our approach in order to beat New Zealand teams. They beat us with pace, good skills and even with their physical onslaught," said Smal.

“We can no longer just depend on how big we are. They are just as big, if not bigger. We’ll have to be smarter.”
 


We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1117 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1283 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 1977 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE