‘Now or never’ for Stormers

AS the Stormers embark on their third Super Rugby campaign under the guidance of coach Robbie Fleck‚ former franchise great Breyton Paulse believes 2018 is the year for coach and team to come of age.

Over the past two seasons, the Stormers have made the Super Rugby playoffs‚ only to lose in the quarterfinals‚ and Paulse believes it is now or never for Fleck to take his team to the top.

“Knowing the type of competitor that Fleckie is‚ this is a big year for him‚ and obviously for the team‚” Paulse‚ who played 79 times for the Stormers‚ said.

“He is now ready to step it up and the time is right to make the team gel.

“In 2018 he should be able to fully implement the ideas he’s had in his mind for the last two seasons.

“After being in the job for just over two years now‚ he will be thinking that with the quality of the squad he has and the settled team at his disposal‚ they should step it up this season.

“The last few seasons haven’t been the greatest‚ so it’s time to deliver.”

The structure of the tournament when it comprised 18 teams in 2016 and last year made qualifying for the playoffs simpler, with three places in the South African conference available.

This year the tournament reverts to 15 teams with only the winner of the SA conference guaranteed a playoff berth.

Making the post season will require more consistency across the campaign and in matches against teams from the Australian and New Zealand conferences.

The Stormers have a tough draw, with an opening home match against the Jaguares followed by an Australasian tour that sees them play against the Waratahs‚ Crusaders and Highlanders.

Given the tough tour coming so early in their season‚ it makes winning their opening game against the Jaguares imperative, to start the campaign on a positive note.

Paulse‚ capped 64 times by the Springboks and still the Stormers’ all-time leading try scorer with 35‚ believes it is the Stormers’ pack that could be the point of difference this year despite some injury concerns going in to the campaign.

Lock Eben Etzebeth will miss at least the first three months of the season due to a shoulder injury while tighthead props Wilco Louw and Frans Malherbe are both likely to miss the first few weeks‚ at least.

But with Boks – flank Siya Kolisi‚ lock Pieter-Steph du Toit‚ prop Steven Kitshoff and hooker Bongi Mbonambi – they have the spine of a strong pack.

“On paper the Stormers’ forwards will compete with any pack in the world‚” Paulse said. “Fleckie just has to activate them in the right way.

“Most of the pack have been in the setup for a while‚ they have experience and skill. They have everything going for them, there can be no excuses.” – TimesLIVE