Stormers out to maintain run
UNBEATEN: COETZEE’S CHARGES YET TO LOSE TO SA SIDES
Cheetahs, though, will make it really tough, says coach.
The Stormers boast an impressive unbeaten run against fellow South African teams this season, a trend that is expected to continue this afternoon against the battling Cheetahs in Bloemfontein.
The Capetonians will arrive in the City of Roses high in confidence, having already beaten the Bulls twice and the Lions and Sharks once each in the 2015 Super Rugby campaign.
The Stormers’ overall winning percentage in local derbies is 63.4%, producing a better return than the Bulls (60.7%), Sharks (54.7%), Cheetahs (32.1%) and Lions (24.5%).
Over-confidence could also be their biggest handicap, however, and coach Allister Coetzee cautioned his players against complacency this week.
“The Cheetahs pushed the inform Lions in Johannesburg last week. They’re a good side, especially in Bloemfontein, and we know this will be a tough match,” Coetzee said.
The Free State franchise have displayed relative inconsistency by scoring breath-taking tries one moment and conceding soft points the next.
Interestingly, three members of the Cheetahs backline – flyhalf Joe Pietersen, centre Michael van der Spuy and wing Rayno Benjamin – started their careers with the Stormers.
But Stormers props Oli Kebble, in his first start, and Frans Malherbe should be able to lay a good foundation up front, with the likes of fullback Cheslin Kolbe and burgeoning centre Damian de Allende finishing the job at the back.
When the Cheetahs beat the Stormers 35-22 in Bloemfontein a year ago, it was only the second time the Capetonians could not collect at least one point from the derby clash.
The last four encounters between the two sides have been won by the home team, but the Stormers dominated the derby in earlier years, winning seven of their fi rst nine clashes.
Kick-off for the game is at 5.05pm.