Former Stormers captain Corné Krige believes the combination of Eddie Jones and Western Province director of rugby Gert Smal could be an intoxicating mix for the Stormers.
Jones is set to be unveiled as the new Stormers coach within the next couple weeks following the departure of Allister Coetzee to the Kobelco Steelers in Japan.
Jones and former Springbok forwards coach Smal worked together during the 2007 World Cup, when the Australian was roped in as a consultant by then Bok coach Jake White. The Boks ended up winning the title after combining brute force in the forward pack with a bit more accuracy on attack.
The Stormers are still searching for their first Super Rugby title after years of heartache and tears. And it is evident that the Newlands crowd are finally starting to lose their patience, as less than 30 000 people rocked up for this year’s Super Rugby playoff at home against the Brumbies.
However, Krige feels the combination of Jones and Smal can help the Stormers take that next step.
“Eddie Jones and Gert Smal could be a very potent combination,” the former Bok captain told the Cape Times yesterday. “It’s one that can take the union to new heights.”
Krige, himself, had many battles with Jones in the past at Super Rugby and international level. Jones was in charge of the Brumbies team that beat the Stormers in Canberra on their way to the 2001 Super 12 title. However, Krige came off the bench for the Springboks that same year to help the Springboks beat Jones’s Wallabies 20-15 at Loftus. Australia, though, still managed to win the Tri-Nations title that year.
“Eddie Jones will be a good fit for the Stormers,” Krige said. “He thinks outside the box, and he comes up with lot of unique ways of attacking.
“I like the fact that he has always promoted a running style of rugby. And that mixed with a good forward pack could be very potent.
“I think, with him being Australian, and having worked with the Springboks before with Jake White, he understands the South African culture very well.
“The Stormers would probably also be one of the more liberal cultures, if I can call it that, and probably the one where he would adapt to far more easier. I think in that sense he can be a major success.”
Krige also played under Smal for the Stormers, and won a couple of Currie Cup titles with the legendary Western Province loose forward.
That’s why Krige is really excited about the future of the Stormers, as Smal has already played a big part in trying rebuild the union after the team failed to reach the Super Rugby playoffs in the previous two seasons.
“I have always rated Gert Smal,” Krige said. “I have always rated his style ... his management style, his discipline, his honest hard-working work ethic. He ticks all the boxes. It was only a matter of time before success was going to start coming his way.”
Krige has especially been impressed by the Smal’s acquisitions over the last few months, as he tries to get the team ready next year’s Super Rugby campaign.
However, the Zambian-born Krige stressed the need for an international flyhalf for the Stormers. The Stormers have been linked to French-based Johan Goosen and the Lions’ Marnitz Boshoff, but both are still contracted by their teams.
“If they can get an international quality flyhalf, they could have a great team next year,” he said. “Gert has always believed in a dominant pack and a great tighthead. If you look at Vincent Koch and Frans Malherbe, we have got the depth there now. It’s just a matter of bolstering other areas. It will be very interesting to see who he contracts at No 10.” - Cape Times