Vodacom Stormers worry over Wicus

JC Kritzinger replaced Blaauw early in the first half of the 26-13 win. He will be going for a scan on Monday to determine the extent of the injury. Coach Allister Coetzee admitted he was concerned about Blaauw’s injury.

“That is our biggest worry at the moment, but I must add that JC Kritzinger didn’t disappoint us when he came on. He also carried the ball strongly.”

The Stormers were impressive in the first half but faded in the second. Coetzee said it was good to start the Super 14 with a win, particularly at Coca-Cola Park in Johannesburg.

“It is always a difficult field to play on. Therefore I am happy and satisfied that we could start on a winning note. It was definitely a match of two halves. In the first half we had the patience to build an innings.

“We took the penalties and suddenly scored tries and raked up 26 points. We however set ourselves high standards and in the second half we let ourselves down. We weren’t as accurate as we wanted to be.

“We didn’t retain our ball and at times kicked quality ball away. Maybe it is a blessing in disguise because we know now we have a lot of hard work to do.

“We are playing against the Waratahs next week. They are a quality side and we need to prepare well.”

Stormers captain Schalk Burger said it was more difficult in the second half, as they had to defend most of the time. He rued the fact they couldn’t clinch the bonus point for four tries.

“They kept us in our own half for a long time. That sapped our energy. When we eventually went on the attack it was difficult because the guys were very tired by then.

“After the first we probably thought the bonus point will come, but it is difficult if you don’t have the ball.”