Fleck: Stormers in a better space

‘WE ARE FITTER AND ARE MORE BALANCED’ Coach says they have learned a lot from 2016 thrashing.

The Stormers are now in a much better position to deal with the threat that the Chiefs will hold for them, than they were 12 months ago. This is the opinion of Stormers coach Robbie Fleck ahead of this weekend’s home Super Rugby quarterfinal against the same team who annihilated them 60-21 a year ago in the play-offs.

“Thanks to the Chiefs, we learned a helluva lot from that game,” said Fleck.

“Now down the line we are way better prepared than we were 12 months ago.”

The Stormers also beat the Chiefs 34-26 earlier in this year’s competition and they in fact are the only local side to have beaten Kiwi sides this season, having also defeated the Blues.

“We are a fitter side, we are a better balanced side and we have also improved our structures and our skill levels which were all question marks about us last year,” he said.

In another boost, fullback SP Marais, props Wilco Louw, Oli Kebble and Ali Vermaak, and flankers Rynhardt Elstadt and Kobus van Dyk will all be available for selection.

Louw (knee) and Elstadt (wrist) were ruled out of the match against the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld last weekend after picking up injuries late last week, but have recovered and will be up for selection this week.

Marais and Van Dyk have both been out for two weeks with knee injuries but returned to full training this week.

Kebble (hamstring) and Vermaak (calf) will also both be available for the Stormers for the first time since the June international break.

Despite the Stormers’ poor record – having recorded just one win in seven play-off matches – Fleck said they know what it takes to come out on top in what will be a big physical exchange.

“The main thing is that we build it up this week and there is absolute clarity for every player and management member,” he said.