Crusaders loom large for Stormers

Very few games in Super Rugby provide a bigger challenge than taking on the Crusaders in their own backyard.

But it’s this kind of challenge that the Stormers should embrace, said their Kiwi skills and attack coach Paul Feeney (above).

“The Crusaders are unbeaten, while their forward pack is laden with All Blacks,” said Feeney, referring to experienced internationals like All Black skipper Kieran Read, props Wyatt Crockett and Owen Franks and lock Sam Whitelock.

“They are furthermore playing confidently and they are at home, so it doesn’t get much tougher than that,” he said.

It’s the opening game of the Stormers’ tough three-match tour, but Feeney said they have taken notice of where they must improve after losing their own unbeaten record to the Lions last week.

“The boys are feeling good. We had a long travel over here, but they are in good spirits and we took some good learnings out of the last game,” he said.

“We are excited about the challenge of playing the Crusaders.”

The Stormers departed on Sunday and coach Robbie Fleck said they won’t spend too much time sulking over their 29-16 loss to the Lions at Newlands and that they have moved on.

“Every week we start from scratch, that is what we have been good at this year,” said Fleck.

“Whether it is a win or a loss, we have got to come back and work hard all over again.”

While the Stormers were guilty of incidents of ill-tempered reaction in their last two matches against the Chiefs and the Lions, Fleck focused on new challenges coming their way.

“This is the toughest competition around, when you take in the travel and who the opposition is,” he said.

“The tour is not going to be easy but we are looking forward to it.”

The Stormers also face the Highlanders and Hurricanes on their tour to New Zealand, after which they’ll enjoy a bye.

We are excited about the challenge of playing the Crusaders. Paul Feeney Stormers skills coach