DHL Stormers ready for action

The waiting is almost over with the 2016 Vodacom Super Rugby season getting underway this weekend, and DHL Stormers coach Robbie Fleck feels his team is well prepared for what lies ahead.

After what has been an intense pre-season, with friendly victories against the SWD Eagles and the Jaguares from Argentina under their belt, the DHL Stormers start their Vodacom Super Rugby campaign with a clash against the Vodacom Bulls at DHL Newlands on Saturday.

Fleck said that he has been satisfied with their preparations, as they turn their attention to the first challenge in the form of the Pretoria side.

“We have had a good pre-season and the prep has been good, so I am confident in the players around me and I am confident in what we have done over the last couple of weeks,” he said.

Although there was no match on the weekend, Fleck said that if anything the intensity in training last week was lifted in anticipation of what should be a serious test on Saturday.

“It was business as usual, it was actually quite a tough week. The boys got stuck in on Monday and Tuesday with a bit of conditioning and we had a good session on Thursday and ended on Friday with a bit more of a tactical session.

“After the Jaguares game there were still lots of work-ons that we needed to get right and we certainly worked hard and ironed those things out,” he explained.

The DHL Stormers coach is expecting the Vodacom Bulls to stick to their traditional strengths, but also bring a little more variety to their game than they have in the past.

“Our analysis shows that they are a willing side, and there is intent there. But knowing the Bulls they are not going to veer to far from their traditional strengths of a strong line-out and maul, a strong midfield and big ball-carriers.

“I would like to think that they are similar to us in the sense that they are building a gameplan on their traditional strengths but they are looking to probably play a little bit more and do some things a little differently which makes them a more dangerous side,” he added.