WP rugby needs rebooting
STRUCTURAL and changes needed at WP:
There is no director of rugby at WP — a role Coetzee fulfils on an ad hoc basis. He is also the Currie Cup coach. The union desperately need a director of rugby to take charge of contracting and planning, whereas a different Currie Cup coach would also give Coetzee time to recharge his batteries.
The Stormers need to alter their style of play because their strong defensive game plan has been analysed and is beginning to be picked apart by opponents. Teams are finding ways to counter the Stormers’ smothering defence, usually through a superior kicking game.
On attack, the Stormers re-
tactical main a limited side, but not because they don’t have the players. Jean de Villiers, Juan de Jongh, Gio Aplon and Damian de Allende would light up any backline in the tournament, so it comes down to philosophy and tactics. Utilising a top-notch consultant such as John Mitchell or Brendan Venter could provide new insight. His record is second to none. Under him, the Stormers have had more success than with Rassie Erasmus, Kobus van der Merwe, Gert Smal and Alan Solomons combined.
Coetzee, in his fifth season as Stormers head coach, has taken the team to three semifinals and one final. From 1997-2009 the Stormers made only two semifinals (1999, 2004).
The Stormers under Coetzee have the best away-game win percentage of all SA teams in the tournament. From 2010-2013, Coetzee’s Stormers have won 69.2% of their matches — 45 of 65. They have a 53.2% away-win ratio.
Frans Ludeke of the Bulls has a 67.7% win ratio (44 from 65 matches) and a 43.5% away-win rate.
The Crusaders’ Todd Blackadder has 65.2% (45 from 69 games), with an away record of 55.5%.
John Plumtree of the Sharks was 56.9% (37 from 65) with a ratio of 42.9% away from home.