CAPE TOWN – The Stormers progressed successfully through their two opening Super Rugby fixtures, and look forward to their first away assignment against the Kings in Port Elizabeth on Saturday.
The Jaguares, with a number of Test internationals in their number, gave the Stormers a robust examination in Cape Town on Saturday, with the home side prevailing 32-25.
The Stormers second consecutive victory gives them eight points and takes them to to the top of the Africa Conference One. Coach Robbie Fleck said that he was satisfied with the manner in which his side coped with the pressure applied by the visitors.
“It was a very good test for us of what is coming our way. Credit to the c, they put us under a lot of pressure, their line-speed was very effective in taking out our attack," Fleck said.
“In the second half I felt their physicality and tempo increased. The way they took us on through the middle was pretty effective. There was some good rugby from our side and they had us under the pump so we had to hang in there."
The Stormers coach said that his side can be proud of the way they sealed the win, even though the opposition were reduced to 13 men at once stage.
“I am immensely proud of the win, it is a very good win. Yes, there are lots of work-ons, they tested us more than the Bulls did last week so we can take a lot more learnings from this game," he said.
“We still had to score the tries and defend our line and we did. The two yellow cards were justified because we put them under pressure and we came out with a win. We weren’t happy with our physicality in this game which is something that we have to work on going forward."
The only injury concern for the Stormers is wing Cheslin Kolbe, who left the field with an ankle injury. “Cheslin has got a bit of an ankle injury, it doesn’t look too serious but he might be out for a week or so,” added Fleck.
After two home games, the Stormers have their first away game against the Southern Kings in Port Elizabeth on Saturday before a bye the next week.