Fleck breathes a big sigh of relief
NEWLANDS: STORMERS STOP THE ROT AGAINST BLUES
Hapless Cheetahs blown away by the Hurricanes.
The Stormers were more relieved than overjoyed after their 30-22 Super Rugby win against the Blues at Newlands on Friday night. It ended a four-game losing streak as they delivered their seventh win of the season, which set them up for a likely top spot in the Africa1 Conference as well as a home playoff position.
“It just gives the guys a bit of belief,” said Stormers coach Robbie Fleck.
“I think we finished really strong and we were fit. It is just the mental side of playing under fatigue and making decisions under pressure.”
Stormers lock Eben Etzebeth and Blues centre Sonny Bill Williams got well “acquainted” early in the game, perhaps a sign of the frustration and desperation of both sides.
The result, however, could set up an intriguing clash against the Sharks this weekend in Durban, in their last match before the June international window arrives.
While the Stormers were forced to dig deep and had to rely on a late, somewhat controversial try, with a suspected double movement by replacement flank Sikhumbuzo Notshe, it provided a boost for the home side.
“The win does give the boys a bit of confidence, but the focus now is on the Sharks,” Fleck said.
“The focus won’t change regardless of the opposition.”
Meanwhile, though the Sharks also had to work hard, they eventually beat the Sunwolves 38-17 in Singapore to remain one of the toughest sides in the competition.
The struggling Cheetahs went down in their 10th loss of the season after crashing 61-7 in a record defeat to the Hurricanes in Wellington.
The Kings lost 19-10 to the Brumbies in Port Elizabeth, ending a dream run of three straight wins.