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Dawie Snyman (Gaalo Images)
- After canceling their game against the Sharks, the Stormers have already shifted their focus to facing the Bulls in Newlands.
- Stormers assistant coach Dawie Snyman says it’s unfortunate not to face the Sharks, as they had gained a good momentum in recent weeks.
- The Stormers will convert to Western Province and open their Currie Cup account against rivals in Pretoria next weekend.
Stormers assistant coach Dawie snyman says it is unfortunate that their Super Rugby Unlocked clash against the Sharks has been called off, but emphasizes that they have already shifted their approach to facing the Bulls in Newlands next weekend.
The last Super Rugby Unlocked match this Saturday at Kings Park was canceled after a Covid-19 outbreak among the Sharks forwards.
The cancellation means the Bulls are now almost certain to clinch the Super Rugby Unlocked title, with the Capetonians now fully focused on the Currie Cup.
The Stormers will move to Western Province for the Currie Cup and will open their campaign against the Blue Bulls in Newlands on Saturday, November 28.
The Stormers lost 39-6 to the Bulls in Pretoria last month, but have since achieved impressive victories over Griquas (39-6, Kimberley) and the Cheetahs (30-13, Newlands).
Addressing reporters at an online press conference Tuesday, Snyman said it was unfortunate that his momentum slowed down a bit this week.
“We feel like we are starting to gain momentum as a team and obviously if you keep playing as a unit you will just improve.
“But it’s out of our control, there is nothing we can do about it, now we just have to focus on what we have to finish this week and start preparing for the next,” he said.
Snyman said there were many positives to his last two victories.
“It was almost like playing two types of games. I was pleased that we were able to execute. At Kimberley we wanted to open the game and at Newlands it was more like a test match. We knew we had to defend well because the Cheetahs can attack … but also put them on. under pressure and opening them … there were some good signs. “
The game against the Blue Bulls will also take on greater significance as it is potentially the last time these old rivals will meet in Newlands, before the Cape union changes its headquarters to the Cape Town Stadium in 2021.
“It’s going to be a great game, Western Province’s last game against Blue Bulls in Newlands. Obviously this week we were preparing for the Sharks … [but] we see ourselves as a team and how we can develop as a team. It will be the same process next week, making sure to take a step forward every time we enter the training and playing field.
“It’s a huge game against the Bulls, but it’s also a long-term development for us as a team entering a [possible] semi-final and final later in the season. “
Snyman added that he was satisfied with the improvement shown in all departments regarding their positions in recent weeks.
“We went through a period as a team where we weren’t 100% sure how to play certain scenarios and what decisions to make. I think those things have been resolved and I think as a team we know exactly how we want to play.” And I think we showed it at Kimberley and on the weekend.
“What excites me about this team is that we can adapt. If it’s an open game, then we can play that way, if we have to defend well, we can do it and if we need to pressure the teams with our forwards in then we can do that. too “.
The game canceled in Durban means the teams will share two registration points.
This is different from the European Fall Nations Cup scenario, where regulations state that the teams responsible for the cancellation lose the match. France earned a 28-0 bonus point win over Fiji after their match had to be canceled due to multiple Fijian players testing positive for the coronavirus.
Snyman was hesitant to comment on whether a similar decision should have been made locally.
“It’s out of your control. I feel like it’s a shame for teams that want to play … I know those guys want to play rugby … it’s something that’s difficult to handle at this stage, but I’m not sure what it is. the right thing”. way to do it. “
