DHL Stormers top in first game of Neo Africa Tri Series

Playing with a squad of 28, Allister Coetzee opted to give the subs game time emptying the bench in the latter period of the second half. With a number of promising youngsters on the pitch, the Stormers managed to maintain their structures both on defence and attack and Danie Poolman rounded off the match with the final touchdown after the buzzer.

Coetzee declared himself happy with”a work in progress” and expressed satisfaction with the performance of many of the youngsters. “Our conditioning and fitness levels were good. We are now have 5 weeks to build on the technical rugby stuff. Whilst we have a lot still to do, our mistakes were mostly individual mistakes and not system errors and that was pleasing. “said the coach.

“Depth wise, it’s crucial that we give our youngsters game time, so that we are prepared when we hit competition phase, which is going to be long tough and demanding.”

The DHL Stormers will watch the game between the Lions and the Sharks at Newlands on Tuesday with interest, before taking on the Sharks on Saturday in the final game of the Neo Africa Tri Series 2011.