High praise by coach as a focused Stormers ‘step up’

CAPE TOWN — Stormers coach Allister Coetzee praised his team for their focus, as the South African Super Rugby Conference leaders ran in five tries to beat the Cheetahs by 42-12 at Newlands on Saturday night.

The Stormers all but secured the SA Conference title in the process in their 10th win of the year. They need just two more log points from their last two Super Rugby matches to record an unprecedented third SA Conference title in five seasons. “The players really stepped up in all departments. The focus was there,” Coetzee told the Stormers’ website.

“I think we did the basics very well. We played in the right areas, we didn’t force things and adapted to the conditions, and when we had to put pressure with ball in hand we did that.

“Of course, there were a few opportunities out there that we didn’t finish but it is still a work in progress.

“They say the road to success is always under construction. There is never a complete game, but we’re certainly trying our best to get close.”

When asked about any negatives from their five tries to two victory, Coetzee said: “We need to finish more. We are creating enough opportunities. One thing that was frustrating was that our attacking ball was slowed down. That is something we need to work on.”

The only injury worry from the weekend is hooker Scarra Ntubeni, who left the field in the 19th minute with a calf strain. Ntubeni is set to miss this Saturday’s clash against the Lions, but Coetzee is hoping to have powerful flank Michael Rhodes (hamstring) and hard-running wing Kobus van Wyk (knee) back in the selection frame.

Meanwhile, Saturday’s match was Naka Drotské’s final match in charge of the Cheetahs. He will be stepping away from the game to pursue business interests.

Stormers boss Coetzee paid tribute to his long-time rival. “Naka has been a real servant of Cheetahs rugby. He has done a helluva lot with little resources over the years,” said Coetzee. — Sport24