Stormers centre Damian Willemse is tackled by two Bulls players during their URC match. Willemse praised the team's forwards after their win at Loftus.
Image: AFP
The Stormers’ season has found its second wind, and now it’s about pushing for a home United Rugby Championship playoff for the Cape side.
After a bruising period, defined by three demoralising derby defeats against the Sharks and Lions, John Dobson’s men produced a performance of immense character to silence the Loftus crowd with a 32-19 victory over the Bulls.
As the focus shifts to a crucial home run, starting with the Dragons on Sunday afternoon (3pm kick-off), the Cape side is finally beginning to resemble the clinical outfit that has dominated the URC landscape at the start of the season.
Key to the revival in Pretoria was the return of the squad’s seasoned campaigners and going back to the type of work-rate that saw them go on an eight-match unbeaten run. The presence of Springbok forwards Deon Fourie and Neethling Fouche added stability in the pack, while centre Ruhan Nel brought leadership and organisation at the back.
"It was a massive boost for the team," said Springbok Damian Willemse, who himself made a big impact on his return to the side. "It was great to be back after a couple of weeks off, especially with the calmness that Deon brings into the team, the physicality aspect and experience. Neethling is vital for us when it comes to the scrum and his leadership as well."
But the victory wasn't merely about the returning players, but a mental reset. Having trained in punishing 40-degree heat during a recent Cape Town heatwave, the Stormers’ conditioning proved superior when it mattered most against the Bulls.
Willemse and defence coach Norman Laker praised the efforts of fitness and conditioning coach Riefaat Jappie, as well as sports scientist Brandon Isaacs, who got the Stormers ready for the Loftus altitude battle.
Their conditioning seemingly also contributed to their improved discipline, as they didn’t fade in the second half in Pretoria like they did in previous matches against the Sharks and Lions.
"We’ve really worked hard on our conditioning over the last three weeks," says Willemse. "It was just about the mentality. We went into the weeks leading up to the game putting our shoulder to the wheel and just putting our head down; going back to the fundamentals and playing in our framework, which is based on hard work.
“We put ourselves in difficult situations against the Sharks and the Lions, conceding penalties. We were then under the pump defending mauls and long sequences in our own 22.”
While Willemse walked away with the man-of-the-match honours, he was quick to deflect the praise toward a forward pack that dominated their Bulls counterparts. Loosehead prop Ntuthuko Mchunu went toe-to-toe with Bulls tighthead Wilco Louw at scrum time and also produced a superb performance around the field. He could have easily also won the award.
"When I was given the man of the match, I didn't feel like I deserved it. It’s a lot of unseen work done by the pack," Willemse said. "I thought a guy like Ben-Jason Dixon was outstanding; Mchunu was outstanding with his scramble defence. In terms of the pack, the mauls and the scrum platform they provided, that’s why we could attack well and pull off a couple of magic plays."
Now, the task is to capitalise on that momentum. With six games left and the Stormers "sitting pretty nicely on the log," a home playoff is within reach. However, Willemse warns against complacency when the Dragons arrive in Cape Town.
"Looking forward, it’s going to be massive. We are looking forward to a big game against the Dragons, who are number one in defence in the URC this year. They are a quality outfit and we know we have got to put our best foot forward."