Stormers’ chances of playoffs spot fading fast

THE Stormers could mathematically still qualify for the Super Rugby playoffs‚ but in reality their campaign is over with three matches to play.

Losing 26-23 to the Sunwolves in Hong Kong on Saturday‚ the Stormers’ eighth defeat in 13 outings this season and their seventh out of seven away from home‚ signals the end of the road.

Sunwolves flyhalf Hayden Parker coolly slotted an 84th-minute drop-goal to win the match after the Stormers lost the ball inside the home team’s half.

It was a deserved first win over the Stormers for the Japanese franchise and despite the tight scoreline‚ the Sunwolves were the superior team.

That is the most worrying aspect of the loss – the fact that the Stormers were outplayed in most departments.

They struggled in the sweltering conditions, but both teams had to endure them.

Coach Robbie Fleck is going to be in the firing line‚ particularly as this is his third year at the Stormers’ helm and if anything‚ they have gone backwards this year.

Recriminations will come and if Western Province rugby is serious‚ the entire structure, from the president down‚ needs to be overhauled. An unkind fixture list that saw the Stormers play six away games in their first nine outings meant they started on the back foot.

Injuries to key players have also hurt‚ but most teams have long injury lists.

The Stormers’ biggest weakness has been defence‚ as 48 tries conceded in 13 matches indicates.

It is an issue they have failed to adequately address and only the Sunwolves have conceded more tries this season.

Fleck tried to sound defiant after losing to the Sunwolves‚ but it is clear he is scrambling for answers.

The same excuses recur weekly and while he is not solely to blame‚ he is the one responsible for results.

“The Sunwolves played with a lot more confidence than we did in the conditions‚” Fleck said.

“Well-played to them and especially to Hayden Parker‚ hitting that drop-goal with his right foot [Parker is left-footed].

“This result won’t change our approach because we want to win every game we play.

“But in terms of making the playoffs it does make it tough for us because other results will have to go our way.

“We are pretty devastated but we will have to [beat the Lions] next week at Newlands and reassess over the June break.” –TimesLIVE