Coetzee: Disappointed by first defeat

In his post-match press conference the coach praised the opposition’s display, but admitted that his team were not at their best.

“We are very disappointed with our performance. Credit to the Reds who were a better team than us on the night.”

“This is a tough competition and you have to make sure you pitch up every week. Their plan on the day was tactically better. They did their homework, their physical intensity was outstanding. We battled to get going and gain any momentum and it forced us into mistakes. We didn’t adapt well and playing for 20 minutes with 14 men really hurt us.”

The coach now wants to move on and focus on the next challenge for his team. “It hurts to lose especially at Newlands. We have to take it in on the chin and move on. What is important is how we react to this and how we stand up the next time round.”

On the injury front Jean de Villiers has a slight groin strain. Coetzee did not want to risk him so he was rested against the Reds. The Springbok centre will be assessed on Monday and a call will be made on his availability for the next fixture.

Despite the loss, the DHL Stormers are still top of the South African conference on 29 points. The team are now in third on the overall log one point behind the Reds and the Crusaders. Up next for the team is a trip to Johannesburg to take on the MTN Lions on Saturday 16 April.

Run Order of Play
Minute Action Score
9 Yellow Card – Duanne Vermeulen 0 – 0
25 Penalty – Cooper 0 – 3
30 Penalty – Cooper 0 – 6
33 Penalty – Cooper 0 – 9
37 Penalty – Grant 3 – 9
58 Penalty – Grant 6 – 9
67 Yellow Card – Fourie 3 – 9
68 Penalty – Cooper 3 – 12
73 Try – Harris 3 – 17
74 Conversion – Cooper 3 – 19

Scorers:

DHL Stormers – Penalties: Peter Grant (2).
Reds – try: Mike Harris. Conversion: Quade Cooper. Penalties: Cooper (4).