Kolisi: We must raise our game
BIG WIN DOESN’T PAPER OVER THE CRACKS Cape side have one more chance to fine tune against Bulls as Super Rugby play-offs loom large.
Despite the big scoreline in their crushing 52-15 victory over the Sunwolves at the weekend, Stormers captain Siya Kolisi stopped well short of putting his stamp of approval on the performance.
The Stormers ran in eight tries in their Super Rugby clash at Newlands, but they were found wanting, especially in the first half, in both their supporting structures and defensive awareness.
“It was very tough out there and we made it very hard for ourselves,” said Kolisi, who was handed the Africa Conference 1 winners’ trophy after the game.
“At times we didn’t stick to the plan which I wasn’t happy about.”
Wing Cheslin Kolbe, who scored his second successive hattrick, fullback Dillyn Leyds and flyhalf Damian Willemse stood out for the home team, but they will need to be more clinical against the Bulls this weekend in a dress rehearsal for the play-offs.
“The way we started wasn’t what we wanted to do, but in the second half it was more what we set out to do and the way we want to play,” Kolisi said.
“We wanted to play through the middle and not throw the offloads when it’s not on, but step by step it’s getting better.”
Willemse, in his second start, and flank Juarno Augustus, on debut, showed a bright future was on the cards for the Western Cape side.
“I’m very happy with what I’ve seen from the youngsters. Ever since the pre-season they have been working very hard,” said the skipper.
“I was really pleased with the way Willemse conducted himself after a very tough first half, and he could take it a bit more on himself to show the people what he can do.
“But he is getting better and better. He will improve even more and he is always willing to learn, so I’m very proud of the way he played.”
Sunwolves captain Willie Britz believed the Stormers could look forward to a good end to the season.
“It’s always tough coming to Newlands and I want to wish the Stormers well for the quarters. For the sake of SA, I wish them good luck,” Britz said.
“As for my team, I think we would be better if we could retain the same side every week and make our one-on-one tackles.”