Team intensity satisfies Coetzee
The 2011 and 2012 SA Conference winners scored two tries to nil as they recorded a deserved second victory of the season at DHL Newlands, having also led by 18-0 at half-time.
“I am very satisfied with this win – the players showed great attitude,” Coetzee told the official DHL Stormers website on Saturday evening.
“The intensity was there, especially in the first 40 minutes and we went on to score two outstanding tries.
“We’ve trained well this season, but the intensity has been lacking at times (on matchday). But it (that intensity) was there tonight and that was very satisfying for the coaching staff.”
Whilst satisfied with the victory, set up by first-half tries from Damian de Allende and Nizaam Carr, Coetzee felt the DHL Stormers’ discipline let them down, admitting: “I’m not happy with our discipline in general.
“There are things that are inexcusable – I’m talking about the off-the-ball stuff – but I will have to have a closer look at the 50-50 calls.
“We were lucky tonight in that we scored two tries with 14 men, so our ill-discipline didn’t cost us, but that shows how the whole team was on the same page tonight.”
Skipper Jean de Villiers agreed with his coach about the DHL Stormers’ discipline on the day, adding: “I don’t think it (our discipline) was good enough. It’s something we need to improve on.
“When you have a 15/18-point buffer you can get away with it, but our lack of discipline has cost us this season and it’s not improving. It’s definitely an area we need to look at.”
De Villiers, however, was still pleased with the victory, but he was quick to focus his attention on next weekend’s trip to Bloemfontein where the Cheetahs lie in wait.
“We can take a lot of positives from this game,” said De Villiers, whose quick-thinking in taking a tap-penalty led to the team’s first try.
“We’re still far off the 80-minute effort we’re looking for, but, without a doubt, this win is a step in the right direction. The key now, however, is doing it again next week.
“A change like this doesn’t come from just one week or two weeks… or even three weeks. It’s something that needs time and it’s something you’ve got to keep on driving week-in and week-out, which makes next week’s game against the Cheetahs the most important of the season.”
Flyhalf Demetri Catrakilis went off early in the match after taking a blow to his nose and Coetzee told www.iamastormer.com: “Demetri took a blow to the nose and it could be two small fractures. He could be out for a minimum of 14 days, but sometimes players can play with a broken nose, so we will have to see.”
Whilst Catrakilis’ injury was disruptive, especially so early in the game, the team shrugged off his loss – much to Coetzee’s delight.
“Fortunately we had Peter Grant (to move into flyhalf) and Jaco Taute really played well when he came on (at fullback), so it did not prove too disruptive,” added the Stormers boss.
“Peter is not quite back to his best with (his) place-kicking, but he’ll get there as his confidence returns.”
