Stormers prop Neethling Fouché believes it will take only a few small fixes and renewed confidence for the Cape side to turn their fortunes around.
Going into Saturday’s north-south derby against the Vodacom Bulls, the Stormers are on a three-match losing streak – all of them against South African opposition – that has seen them slide down to fifth on the overall URC log.
MORE: Stormers’ reinforcements ready for Bulls battle
But the 33-year-old tighthead insists the team’s recent struggles are not down to a lack of effort or commitment.
“I can understand why a lot of people are looking at big stuff, but I believe it is a couple of small things that we have to put right,” said the one-Test Springbok.
“When the confidence comes back that will lead us to a better place. When you lose, you go home, and you want to just put your head under a wet towel and shut out the world. We care so much about the Stormers and making the fans proud.”
Fouché stressed that the squad remains deeply invested in the team’s success despite their recent setbacks.
“We deeply care about the team. Is it a lack of trying, lack of caring, lack of effort? It is no to all of those. I think sometimes we try too hard. As Dobbo (coach John Dobson) recently said, ‘Don’t throw the baby out with the bath water.’”
DOBBO: Leave Beckham-like Sacha alone
“We know we have the template, it is about getting the small but special moments right,” he added.
Saturday’s clash at Loftus is one of the biggest fixtures on the local rugby calendar, and Fouché says motivation will not be an issue.
“It is not a tough one to get up for,” he said.
“Someone said to me this morning, ‘If you had to ask the question who wants to play for the Stormers against the Bulls this weekend, 20 000 guys would immediately put up their hands, and say ‘I would love the opportunity to play the Bulls at a packed Loftus.’”
MARCELL: Bulls wary of Stormers threat
Photo: Grant Pitcher/Gallo Images
The post Neetas backs Stormers to turn corner appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
