Norman Laker says an unbeaten Vodacom URC season was never realistic as the Stormers bounced back with a statement win over the Bulls.
The Stormers had come under pressure after three successive derby defeats ahead of the Loftus showdown, but Laker said those setbacks were never a cause for panic.
“You must be naive as players and coaches to think you’re going to go through a URC season without losing a match,” the defence coach said on Tuesday. “I don’t think there’s a team that’s done it.
“The three losses weren’t good enough, but we learned from them and came back much stronger.”
The 32-19 win over the Bulls, who had been on a four-match winning streak, saw the Stormers jump from sixth to second on the URC log.
“It just shows again you can’t write anyone off,” Laker said. “It’s a tough competition and every team has quality players.
“If we follow our plans and structures, we can beat any team on the day – we just have to make sure we play to the best of our ability and don’t do silly things.”
DOBBO: Stormers’ most dominant performance
Laker pointed to a defining two-minute period just after half-time that was key to the Stormers coming out on top. With the visitors ahead 10-7, the Bulls staged attack after attack deep in opposition territory.
“I’m really proud of that sequence,” he said. “They had us under pressure and we defended for about 20 phases without conceding a penalty or making mistakes. When they didn’t get points there, I knew we were in the right space.”
STATE OF THE URC: SA trio have it all to do
Springbok playmaker Damian Willemse said the turnaround in form and result was built on lessons learned during the losing run.
“We put ourselves under pressure in those games – conceding penalties and defending too much in our 22. That makes it easy to leak points.
“But credit to the coaches and players, we worked hard on those areas and it showed at Loftus.”
NORTJE: Bulls have to be much better
Willemse also highlighted the importance of experience returning to the lineup, helping steady the group in a high-pressure fixture.
Willemse, along with fellow centurions Neethling Fouché and Deon Fourie, and midfield general Ruhan Nel, proved key in the outcome.
“It was massive having the senior guys back,” he said. “They bring calmness, physicality and leadership, and that lifts the whole team.”
The foundation, however, was laid up front.
“The forwards were outstanding,” Willemse added. “They gave us front-foot ball and dominance at set-piece, which allowed us to play.”
NEW DIGI-MAG! SA stars light up Europe
While the performance marked a return to form, Laker stressed the focus has already shifted to Sunday’s match against the Dragons in Cape Town.
“We’ve done the review and moved on,” he said. “Now it’s about backing it up.”
Photo: Grant Pitcher/Gallo Images
The post Laker: Stormers learned from losses appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
