Stormers try to shed away blues
KITSHOFF: LUNGS ARE GOING TO BURN UP ON HIGHVELD
The Stormers have an ideal opportunity to address their poor Super Rugby away record this weekend when they clash with the Lions at Ellis Park. Despite winning only two of their eight away games last year (against the Sharks and Rebels), and losing five of their last six away derbies against fellow SA opposition, the Stormers were in top form and led the overall standings after two rounds of matches.
And though the Lions beat them 41-22 at Ellis Park last year, the Joburg side was still trying to find its feet in the new campaign.
Stormers captain Steven Kitshoff was a happy man after their second straight win last week against the Bulls, again keeping the opposition scoreless, but he admitted the altitude would bring a challenge of its own.
“Up on the highveld the lungs are going to burn again, but we as a team are really looking forward to our first away game,” Kitshoff said.
“We’ve got a good week of preparation behind us and we’re getting ready to take on the Lions.”
The Stormers have scored six tries in two games and have not conceded any, and the thrilling try scored by wing Seabelo Senatla last week could offer a glimpse of what might await the Lions’ sometimes leaky defence.
“There’s some flair in the backline and we have some great loose forwards who can link between forwards and backs,” Kitshoff said.
“It’s incredible to watch from just running behind them and I’m very happy for them to have scored such a beautiful try.”
If there was one area where the Lions could expect a lot of heat, it was at scrum-time, and Kitshoff lauded his fellow Springbok prop Frans Malherbe who competed in his 100th Super Rugby match last week.
“Franna did exceptionally well over the weekend,” Malherbe said.
“He put up a massive scrum performance and I’m very proud of his achievement.”