CAPE TOWN – Stormers coach Robbie Fleck says he knows all too well that they will have to “outscore the Chiefs to beat them” in their quarter- final clash at Newlands today (kickoff 5pm).
When talking about the game after naming his team on Thursday, Fleck reflected on their Round Seven victory over the Chiefs at Newlands, where they secured a 34-26 win and outscored Dave Rennie’s side four tries to three.
And the Stormers coach knows they will have to do the same today if they want to add another win over the Kiwis to their list.
“To beat them we know we will have to outscore them in tries. We scored four against three in April. We have just got to be the best at what we do,” Fleck said.
Fleck also said he was expecting the Chiefs to bring their characteristically quick-tempo game to Newlands, but added their win over the Bulls last week was a positive in terms of what they achieved in that fixture.
“We know what to expect against the Chiefs, we know that ball will be in play a lot, so our tactic against the Bulls last week was to keep ball in play by avoiding lineouts,” he said.
“The players responded exceptionally well. We had quick ball and tempo at lineout time. We know we could have the ball in play for four or five minutes, so we have been building towards that.
“We are not scared of anything. We have prepared for all eventualities. What they are good at we can also do."
Like in any clash, the breakdown is set to be of utmost importance today, especially against a team like the Chiefs.
Earlier this week, Rennie said that he was hoping that the referee, Jaco Peyper, would oversee the breakdowns in such a way that his team would still be able to get quick ball.
During the recent All Blacks v British & Irish Lions Test series, Lions coach Warren Gatland also voiced his opinion on what he believed to be illegal ruck tactics by the Kiwis, but Fleck was confident that Peyper would handle the area well.
“We are pleased that Jaco is there on Saturday as he has a very clear idea of how they play at the breakdown,” said Fleck.
“I have had lots of conversations with him in the past and he is well informed on how the breakdowns should be handled.
"It is important because their breakdown tactics are a big thing for the Chiefs, the way they go about cleaning out around the fringes.
“Both teams are very similar, both are capable of playing good rugby, so hopefully the game will be a great spectacle. This quarter-final will be a great spectacle in terms of the rugby played if Jaco does what he did in the round robin game. If everything is kept legal at the breakdown it will be a good game.”
Another thing that will add to the match being a great spectacle are the players. And there are more than a few exciting ones to watch.
For the Stormers, flyhalf Damian Willemse will look to build on his exciting displays with ball in hand in his toughest game to date, while wings Dillyn Leyds, who is the back-up flyhalf, and Cheslin Kolbe should aim to reproduce the top attacking spells that they’ve produced throughout the season, especially in the past few games.
Damian Willemse during the Stormers training session at Newlands Stadium. Photo: Chris Ricco/BackpagePix
Skipper Siya Kolisi, who Chiefs co-captain Sam Cane said plays more like a Kiwi earlier this week, will also be watched by Rennie’s men, while one half of the Bok lock duo, Eben Etzebeth, should look to add another impressive performance filled with big tackles and huge runs against the Chiefs.
For the Chiefs, fullback Damian McKenzie is always one to watch for his attacking mastery and today will be no different, while pivot Aaron Cruden and outside centre Anton Lienert-Brown also deserve a mention.
Teams For Newlands
Stormers:
15 SP Marais, 14 Cheslin Kolbe, 13 EW Viljoen, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Dillyn Leyds, 10 Damian Willemse, 9 Jano Vermaak, 8 Nizaam Carr, 7 Rynhardt Elstadt, 6 Siya Kolisi (captain), 5 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Frans Malherbe, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 JC Janse van Rensburg.
Replacements:
16 Ramone Samuels, 17 Oli Kebble, 18 Wilco Louw, 19 Chris van Zyl, 20 Sikhumbuzo Notshe, 21 Justin Phillips, 22 Seabelo Senatla, 23 Juan de Jongh.
Chiefs:
15 Damian McKenzie, 14 Solomon Alaimalo, 13 Anton Lienert-Brown, 12 Stephen Donald, 11 James Lowe, 10 Aaron Cruden (co-captain), 9 Tawera Kerr-Barlow, 8 Michael Leitch, 7 Sam Cane (co-captain), 6 Liam Messam, 5 Mitchell Brown, 4 Brodie Retallick, 3 Nepo Laulala, 2 Nathan Harris, 1 Kane Hames
Replacements:
16 Liam Polwart, 17 Aidan Ross, 18 Atu Moli, 19 Dominic Bird, 20 Lachlan Boshier, 21 Finlay Christie, 22 Tim Nanai-Williams, 23 Shaun Stevenson.
Referee:
Jaco Peyper