Vodacom Stormers ready for big effort

Coach Allister Coetzee, when asked whether this was the biggest game he was involved with since joining the Stormers, said he thought so. Captain Schalk Burger said it was definitely the biggest day since he became involved.

The Stormers finished second behind the Bulls on the points’ table after the league phase of the competition. They then saw off the challenge of the Waratahs in the semi-final at Newlands, while the Bulls trounced the Crusaders at Orlando Stadium.

This will be the first time that such a huge game is played in Soweto and the importance of the occasion was not lost on Coetzee. “Because we live in SA, when did we play Currie Cup or Super 14 rugby in Soweto?

“Especially up in the north, how sport has been perceived by a certain group in the country. For us as the Stormers it’s great to be part of history. It’s perceived as a soccer-playing community and on the other hand the white-dominated playing in the country playing there for the first time.

“It’s not rocket science. It’s brilliant and it shows how far the country has moved along. It’s great for us to be part of developing the game and having a rugby match in Soweto with the World Cup is great for the code.”

Captain Burger said he doesn’t think the support in Soweto will be different for the Bulls. “I don’t think it will be any different to Loftus. We’re playing away from home, so it’ll be the same as if we played at Loftus.”

The Springbok flanker said it was a fantastic opportunity for the Stormers to win the title. “It didn’t happen overnight. It was a long season and we played really well. We gave ourselves a good chance to compete in the final.

“Obviously when you reach the final you want to win it. We’ve prepared well, but it won’t be easy. They’re a fantastic side, so we’ll give it our best shot.”

Coetzee said they have prepared well and have selected their best side. “We are excited to play in the final of this competition and we want to embrace this occasion. We want to throw the kitchen sink at it.

“There’s everything to play for but we’re under no illusion that we’re playing against a helluva good side, but we’ve left no stone unturned to be well prepared. We want to give our fans a reason to be proud supporters of the Stormers.”