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The Stormer lost their pre-season warm-up match against the Cheetahs.

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In their eagerness to make an impression, many Stormers rookies lost their way as the side slumped to a 22-14 defeat at the hands of the Cheetahs in their Tri-Series warm-up match at Newlands on Saturday.

“We probably tried to play too much rugby as players were really keen to make an impression,” said Stormers coach Allister Coetzee.

“There were times when we needed to kick more and then, at times, we just gave away possession.”

Coetzee was taken aback by the 22-14 defeat, but did his best to hide his disappointment.

“I have made the players understand that we are not happy losing at Newlands. It is clear that a few players need some technical work.

“There was nothing wrong with the effort and the game was important because we could see what players have to offer.”

The Stormers team on Saturday was made up largely of fringe players trying to force their way into the Stormers' Super Rugby squad. Schalk Burger, Rocky Elstad and Deon Fourie were the only players in the run-on side that are assured of places.

“Now that this game is a thing of the past, I'm fairly certain in my mind about who will make the squad,” the coach said.

“Some of the players who don't make it will be called on later because there are bound to be injuries. At this stage everything revolves around building up for the February 24 match against the Hurricanes.”

Coetzee said there was a far greater sense of urgency in the ranks of the Cheetahs.

“It was obvious that they came to win this game and one could see that by their kicking game,” said Coetzee.

“Their side included many first-choice players. We created pressure, but then we released that pressure with too many errors on attack. Next week we play the (Southern) Kings and then will send out our best team, and the one we're likely to use against the Hurricanes.”

Cheetahs coach Naka Drotské said he was pleased with the way his defence held out.

“We've spent a lot of time on defence in the past few days because it's been our weakness for the past two or three seasons. Technically, we played the right game. We've made stupid mistakes against the Stormers in the past, especially when we were ahead in the game.”

Drotské said there were once again encouraging signs that some young players were ready for Super Rugby duty.

“We've seen with this match, and last week, that we've got a few youngsters coming through the ranks, and are putting their hands up,” he said.

“Players like Rocco Jansen have made the huge step up (from Currie Cup) and they showed they can be dangerous at this level.” – Sapa