Stormers coach Allister Coetzee on Monday told a high-powered delegation that poor refereeing and a high injury toll were big contributing factors to their struggles this year.
Sport24
The Stormers on Saturday returned from an unsuccessful Australasian tour where they lost their last three games against the Blues, Waratahs and Rebels.
According to the Cape Times, Coetzee, his assistants Matthew Proudfoot and Robbie Fleck, as well as captain Jean de Villiers and team manager Chippie Solomon, held talks with Stormers chairperson Sam Dube, managing director Rob Wagner and president Thelo Wakefield to discuss their ailing season, in which they have only won only four out of 11 games to sit 11th on the overall table.
Wakefield though, said the union’s leadership is backing the Stormers to “turn things around”, starting with a game against the Reds at Newlands this weekend.
“I think we had a very fruitful discussion this afternoon,” Wakefield told the newspaper on Monday.
“The purpose of the discussion was basically how to get the campaign back on track, and to find out what the obstacles were overseas. The reasons offered were in some cases poor refereeing, and then also injuries on tour to key players and in key departments.
“I’m very confident that the coaching staff will do their utmost best to satisfy the fans this weekend. There was no talk of Allister’s position at all, no talk of any position. Look, at the end of the season, we will sit down and do an evaluation of what we have in terms of expertise around the team.
“If we must reinforce, we will reinforce.”
Wakefield said injuries to flyhalf Peter Grant and hooker Tiaan Liebenberg were big blows.
“Allister mentioned that up until now, he’s had 17 injuries all together, with very senior guys like (Rynhardt) Elstadt, (Duane) Vermeulen, Liebenberg and Peter Grant. These are players who form the backbone of the team, the most experienced guys. Many of them were Springboks, like Peter Grant, Eben Etzebeth, Bryan Habana and now Duane Vermeulen,” continued Wakefield.
The Stormers’ clash against the Reds kicks off at 17:05 on Saturday.
Toetie,
How’s about coming out with the truth rather… and declare that the coaches suck!
Kings are very fortunate to have Solomons
Thinking back at his days at WP, missing those days…
Same goes for Rassie – we lack BALLS in top management
Has the Stormers management ever thought that the conservitive game plan is the real reason for them not being able to win games?
@ Loosehead:
Has the Stormers management EVER thought FULLfokkenSTOP! I see the potential/quality of the players and then I look at the results/season so far, and I want to cry!
the less i say about toetie, the better
so i’d rather concentrate on another story making headlines
..
from rugby365
Graham Henry may be in trouble with SANZAR after he had a full go at the match officials after the Blues’ loss against the Crusaders on Saturday.
SANZAR CEO Greg Peters told this website that Henry’s comments are being considered for disciplinary action.
“We are aware of the comments he made today and are considering this matter,” said Peters.
…
now if i were a betting man, i’d put my last cent on:
1. sanzar making a statement saying that after talks with the world cup winning coach, he clarified his concerns, and that sanzar was happy with it
2. they would therefore not be looking into the matter anymore
and
3. there would be no discussion around the issue either as sanzar see it as closed.
he is lucky he didn’t say anything against a assistant referee, heard you get a R200K + fine when you do….
It’s true that we struggled with injuries this year, but so did the Bulls.
It’s true that we got some shocking ref decisions but so did everyone.
Talk is cheap but money buys whiskey.
And the bar is closed Toetie.
Crap game plan, poor execution of said game plan, and 14 flyhalves in the team, and the player wearing no 10 does not see the ball.
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