Cape Town - “Everybody” expects the Stormers to beat the Reds, and it is exactly that kind of perception that the Cape side have to be wary of at Newlands on Saturday.
The 29-22 loss to the Lions last week, although not totally unexpected, has left the Stormers with a five out of seven win record this season. But, considering their draw this year, they can’t afford to slip up against the lowly Reds.
Robbie Fleck’s men have already dropped a game that they should’ve won, against the Sharks, despite good victories over the Bulls, Brumbies (both home) and the Cheetahs and Jaguares (both away).
The fact that they are not facing the New Zealand sides this year and that they play the three leading Australian sides at Newlands in the Brumbies, Waratahs and Reds means that they must push for top spot on the overall log, even with a new coaching set-up and a younger team.
That would see them being able to host a quarter-final, semi-final and final at Newlands against what is most likely to be New Zealand teams, such has been the level of performance from the Kiwi sides in 2016.
If these confusing conference systems weren’t in place, four New Zealand sides would occupy positions in the top five of the standings if they were based on actual log points. The Stormers would’ve been the exception in fourth position, with just the inconsistent Blues out of the running in 11th.
Instead, we have a situation where the Stormers, Lions and Brumbies are regarded as above the Crusaders and Hurricanes, even though the last two mentioned teams have more log points! That’s because each conference leader would be guaranteed a home quarter-final.
Be that as it may, the Stormers cannot lose any further games in South Africa if they hope to host at least a semi-final. And that starts with the Reds on Saturday, who may have been in turmoil this season after coach Richard Graham was sacked after two matches, but who beat the defending champions the Highlanders two weeks ago in Brisbane.
They almost knocked over the Bulls at Loftus last Saturday when they were trailing by just 27-22 with 20 minutes left, but a few late tries saw Adriaan Strauss’ team running away with a 41-22 win.
The Reds’ strengths are a powerful scrum, with Wallaby props in James Slipper and Greg Holmes, as well as dangerous three-quarters in Samu Kerevi, Chris Feauai-Sautia and Karmichael Hunt, as well as iconic Japanese fullback Ayumu Goromaru, who played a huge role in his country’s Springbok slaying at the 2015 Rugby World Cup.
Wallaby lock Rob Simmons will also return from a shoulder injury for the Stormers game.
Powerful outside centre Kerevi and right wing Feauai-Sautia scored the three Reds tries amongst themselves, and will pose a threat to the likes of Johnny Kotze, Leolin Zas and Kobus van Wyk.
“They’ve gone through some changes in their management and the style of play, as they started off a little bit conservatively, quite structured. But against the Highlanders, they were deadly from counter-attacks and with turnover possession,” Fleck said.
“They’ve got exciting backs and young players, and they’re looking for opportunities. They didn’t get too many chances against the Bulls, but they’re an exciting side.”
That is why Fleck may decide to bulk up the Stormers midfield with Springbok centre Damian de Allende alongside captain Juan de Jongh, as the experienced Wallaby No 12 Anthony Faingaa is also still around.
Kerevi told the Reds website that they are excited about playing at Newlands on Saturday (3pm kickoff). “The boys are enjoying Cape Town. Some boys’ first time… But in training today it was real tough – a lot of contact and a lot of things we need to get right from the Bulls game,” he said.
“I haven’t played against them personally, but they’re big boys – the forward pack is real strong – so we’ve got to be strong upfront. In the backline, they’ve got some sick players. They’ve got De Allende, who is a South African centre, so I’m excited for that opportunity for myself.”
Marius van der Westhuizen has been appointed as the referee, so the Stormers should have a better time of it in terms of the whistle compared to last week at Ellis Park with Stuart Berry in charge, as Van der Westhuizen has held training sessions with the Stormers in the past.
@IndyCapeSport