WP setting new Stormers blueprint
27 Sep 2012
Robbie Fleck says WP are using the Currie Cup to improve their attacking game for Super Rugby next season.
Earlier this year, the Stormers topped the overall Super Rugby standings without any four-try bonus points. They also scored the least amount of tries in the competition (28). However, their defensive-orientated game plan proved ineffective during the play-offs.
The Stormers were thumped 26-19 by the Sharks at Newlands in their home semi-final. This was the Cape franchise’s third Super Rugby play-off loss in as many seasons. They were beaten by the Crusaders (29-10, semi-final) and Bulls (25-17, final) in 2011 and 2010 respectively.
They also suffered Currie Cup heartache over the last three years as the Golden Lions (29-20, semi-final), the Sharks (30-10, final) and Blue Bulls (21-19, semi-final) all ended Province’s title hopes. WP last won the Currie Cup in 2001.
However, WP have been the most impressive attacking team on the domestic scene this season.
After seven rounds, they have scored the most points (214) and are tied as the top try-scorers (22). They still have the best defensive record too, having only conceded 163 points and 15 tries.
Fleck stressed there is still room for improvement, but these initial signs are promising.
‘After reviewing our Super Rugby season, we realised that a defensive-orientated game plan can only get you so far,’ Fleck told keo.co.za. ‘We did well in the league campaign, but if we want to win trophies, we needed to tweak our philosophy.
‘If teams matched us in terms of goal kicking and defence, what would be the next step for us? A better attacking game would give us an edge. And the Currie Cup was a perfect platform to start strengthening it.’
WP forwards coach Matt Proudfoot lauded his heavies for their contribution to the team’s attacking success: ‘The pack’s approach to the breakdown has become more dynamic. I’m also happy with our scrum and lineout performances. I still think we can contest better at the scrums, though.’
Fleck added that the forwards’ contribution has given the backs quality possession.
‘We haven’t changed much to our backline systems,’ explained Fleck. ‘There are signs of improvement because we are getting better service. During Super Rugby, we used to be static on attack and depended a lot on our centres to create momentum. But now we are running the ball better and testing defences around the rucks.’
By Gareth Duncan
10 Comments
27 Sep 2012, 12:20 pm
Let’s hope it all works. WP have been good to watch in the CC, and with some of those powerful forwards back for the Super 15 may do very well.
27 Sep 2012, 12:41 pm
Well thats refreshing to read ! Admitting that they made a mistake and addressing it !! Gives me a little hope for next season. I dont mind us losing as long as we give it our best. previous seasons it seemed as if the Stormers and WP were coached to not lose the game as oppose to actually go out and win it.
Previously I compared it to playing a game of football trying to draw nil-nil and hoping to win the penalty shootout.
27 Sep 2012, 12:58 pm
I think that our backline might be a little better because Duvies isnt playing. He’s to slow and that often kills our backline.
Brache also looks dangerous and keeps defenders guessing, just like groom and Schreuder do around the fringes.
Been impressed with De Allende, he’s big and fast and actually gets over the ad line unlike many of our backline players.
This is all good but if we don’t have a 10 then we in serious sh#t. If Elto doesnt come then we prob not going to win the Super 15. Its that simple, Tim Swiel is good but still u19.
Kurt Coleman, there and there abouts , Gary van aswegan is always injured and Peter Grant hasnt won us anything yet sooo.
Neone know if Jebb is sticking around next year?? I think he’s worth keeping, however Ive been very impressed with the u21 8th man, kids gonna be very good.
15) Jo
14) Gio
13) JDJ
12) JDV)
11) Habana
10) Bash
9) Schreuder
8) Duanne
7) Kolisi
6) Burger
5) Bekker
4) Etzebeth
3) Malherbe
2)Tiaan
1) Kitsie
Thats a powerful pack but not much spark in the line, also to many small backline players.
27 Sep 2012, 13:02 pm
15)Gio
14) De Allende
13)Jp duPlesis
12)Brache
11) Vanden Heever
10) Tim swiel
9) Groom
8) Koster
7) Elstadt
6) Nizaam Carr
5) de Kock
4) Armandt
3) Brok
2)Scarra
1) Deon
27 Sep 2012, 13:35 pm
@Fleckie-4: If I was looking for an out of the box solution to our 10 woes I’d seriously consider playing Duvenhage at 10. Remember when he came on for the Blues game?
He runs the backline extremely well with ball in hand, he can kick, if Joe Pieterson is at 15 we don’t need another goal kicker, and with Schreuder and Groom finally looking like senior players we don’t need Dewald at 9.
27 Sep 2012, 14:25 pm
Hey Fleckie, I did not have to watch videos of the S15 to come to the realisation, it was there for all to see that the defensive mindset was not going to work. Startling revelation!
27 Sep 2012, 15:50 pm
@Pietie-6: ha ha I agree! Anyway Fleck is proof that ex players are not necessarily good coaches. The player talent is there…the coaching is not.
27 Sep 2012, 17:31 pm
Lets bloody hope so Fleck! Im not watching ANOTHER season like this year’s Stormers! Boring, scraping wins and then imploding in the semis.
yes, yes I know a win is a win, but wow – watching some of the games and tried from 2010 – now THAT was rugby! Offloads, running into space, supporting each other – absolutely fantastic.
27 Sep 2012, 19:07 pm
“we used to be static on attack and depended a lot on our centres to create momentum”
Robbie, the moment you bring Peter Grant and Duvenhage back the centres will be sitting ducks for any half decent defense- it’s been like that for the last few years and there is no reason to believe it will change unless you replace them.
In Groom you have the perfect scrumhalf for a more attacking game. You got to throw big bucks at Jantjes.
9. Groom
10. Jantjes
11. Habana
12. de jongh/Brache/Howard
13. JP du Plessis/Jean Div.
14. Vd Heever
15. Pietersen/Aplon
27 Sep 2012, 23:54 pm
BWAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA HA HA HA HA HA HA…..
Fleckie you comedian !
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