Stormers turn focus to fight for playoff spot

THE Stormers will not dwell on the sub-standard refereeing performance by New Zealander Mike Fraser last weekend during their 15-9 home loss to the Chiefs‚ preferring to focus their attention on their fading Super Rugby playoff ambitions.

The Cape side meet the Sunwolves in Hong Kong – the first time Super Rugby will be played in the Chinese city-state – and need a full five points to stay in the post-season race.

But the Sunwolves are riding high after claiming their first win of the season – an emphatic 63-24 victory over the Reds in Tokyo last weekend.

That is a shot in the arm for the Japanese franchise‚ even though Hong Kong will be like an away game for them.

Stormers assistant coach Paul Treu is one of the few squad members who have been to Hong Kong thanks to his years as Blitzboks head coach‚ and knows that the conditions will be draining.

He said there would be full focus from the Stormers this weekend‚ preferring not to stew on Fraser’s mistakes last weekend‚ which prompted director of rugby Gert Smal to write to Sanzaar.

“We travelled smoothly and things went according to plan,” Treu said.

“Hong Kong is an eye opener for the guys with its humidity and heat.

“There are so many factors you have to consider when you lose games‚ but moaning about the referee is the last thing that we want to get involved in.

“Our execution and mistakes also let us down and we gave it away in the last 20 minutes against the Chiefs.” – TimesLIVE