Former Springboks and Stormers skipper Corne Krige has identified some key factors which have led to the Cape Town-based outfit’s mediocre form in this season’s United Rugby Championship (URC).
Both of John Dobson’s teams’ URC finals—which took place in Cape Town—saw them emerge victorious in 2022 and again as runners-up to Munster in 2023.
As the Stormers are now sixth in the rankings and are fighting to get in the top four on the table to earn a home quarterfinal, it is extremely doubtful that there will be a third URC final in the city this year.
For the Ospreys’ game last week in Cape Town, Dobson made some alterations to his starting lineup, and the outcome was a shocking 27-21 loss for the home team.
‘You can never underestimate anybody’
“There was quite a bit of a backlash on that,” said Krige on a URC online round table. “Obviously everybody was incredibly disappointed at the loss, but you can never underestimate anybody in the BKT URC.
“We didn’t play well that day, but I don’t think we underestimated them. We made a lot of errors and knock-ons and failed to keep the ball in play.
“We always try to toss the ball about and have a fun game. We enjoy messy, open games because they present opportunity.
Nevertheless, we were unable to group any phases together due to the disarray.
“It disappoints me as a Stormers fan because they couldn’t do the fundamentals correctly.
However, you can only play to the extent that you are permitted to.
This weekend, the Stormers can ill afford another loss to table-toppers Leinster, who also suffered a defeat in their previous match, against the Lions in Johannesburg last week.
With both the Stormers and the Irish province keen to return to winning ways, Krige expects their clash to be an entertaining one.
“It will be a very good match, that’s for sure,” said the 39-cap Springbok.
“I think Leinster will be hurting after that big loss against the Lions. That really was a big surprise for me even though they didn’t send their first team out there.”
The Stormers have lost six of their 14 league matches during their current URC campaign and Krige believes there are some crucial elements which have contributed to that.
“I believe a significant portion of our team’s experience was lost with the departure of Steven Kitshoff. The 49-year-old remarked, “He is an amazing leader.
And now everyone is aware of our style of play. Since no one expected anything from them, they won the BKT URC in their debut year. To be honest, no one really knew anything about our style of play.
We simply pass the ball about in the back after maintaining parity up front. Individuals have begun to observe our game and comment on how they can exert pressure on us.
There are moments when I think we ought to play a tighter, more cautious game. However, I don’t think that will change because fans enjoy seeing them play thrilling rugby.
Backing the Stormers to reach third final
Krige believes his previous squad may make it to their third consecutive URC final despite their inconsistent play.
They’re still involved. They are still among the top six, right there,” he continued.
They are an extremely hazardous group. You should never undervalue them. They have an amazing coach who knows how to inspire them, and they are incredibly resilient.
However, if they don’t place in the top four, things will be difficult. If they have to lose in the playoffs, it will be really difficult.
