Johannesburg – Stormers assistant-coach Matt Proudfoot says the mood in the camp is positive despite two consecutive Vodacom Super Rugby losses on their Australasian tour.
The Stormers take on the Rebels in their final tour match Down Under in Melbourne on Friday.
“Most of the guys trained, so we're happy with how the day went because it was one of our main sessions for the week,” Proudfoot said in a statement on Tuesday.
Lock Gerbrandt Grobler, who arrived in Sydney on Monday following injuries to loose forwards Duane Vermeulen and Rynardt Elstadt, was part of that training sessions.
“Grobler arrived all bright-eyed and bushy-tailed last night and he came across well this morning after bonding with the forwards last night,” said Proudfoot.
“He's gelled nicely with the guys, but we're fortunate that he's been with us before, so he has a fair understanding of the basics. It was just a case of refreshing his memory a bit.
“He's brought some enthusiasm and a fresh attitude and it's great to have that in the team.”
The Rebels have won just two matches from eleven starts in 2013 but, like the Stormers, have picked up five losing bonus points this season.
“They have a very high work-rate with an exceptional line-out,” Proudfoot said.
“Scott Higginbotham has been quite robust in their last few games, so we're expecting quite a challenge from them up front, especially in the set-piece.” – Sapa