‘SA teams should stick to their strengths’

THE Stormers have made much of their attempt to morph their game from a set-piece and defence-dominated approach into a more attacking New Zealand-style of play‚ but one New Zealander believes they should not veer far from their traditional strengths.

Blues forward coach Steve Jackson believes that South African rugby teams trying to copy the New Zealand game could be doing it to the detriment of their own performances.

Of course‚ the Blues take on the Stormers at Newlands today, and it could also be part of Jackson’s mind games before the clash.

“South African rugby has still got big men‚” Jackson said.

“You’ve just got to work to your strengths, and that’s what we do back home.

“Our strength is that we’ve got a lot of guys with flair and who come through our system that can deliver that for us, and we play to that.

“I know there’s a lot of talk of teams trying to emulate what New Zealand teams do‚ but we’re a different kettle of fish to most places.

“Most teams get too excited about playing the New Zealand way. South African teams‚ with born and bred big men‚ should just keep playing up front.”

Jackson’s words are not without merit.

The Stormers have improved their attack this season, scoring 40 tries so far‚ but their defence has fallen apart. They cannot strike a balance.