Stormers defence coach Norman Laker believes his manne have had the perfect wake-up call ahead of their clash against Super Rugby leaders the Sharks this weekend.
Two weeks ago, the Cape side were the team to beat, but their tackling let them down when the Blues ended their perfect start to the season.
But Laker is remaining positive that his work will help them bounce back to victory, after grafting in their bye week, at the Shark Tank on Saturday.
He says: “We’re keen to get back on the road and winning games. One thing about losing to the Blues - you don’t usually say losing is a good thing - but if we can take one positive out of the game, it’s that we had a bye week to refreshen and we’re looking forward to this game.”
MISSING MAN: Pieter-Steph du Toit is a huge loss. Picture: Nic Bothma/EPA.
The Stormers will be without World Rugby Player of the Year, Pieter-Steph du Toit, who is recovering from surgery to remove a hematoma from his thigh.
But Laker reckons the back-up will do the job against the Sharks.
He says: “Pieter-Steph is a big loss for us. He is a phenomenal leader, I mean he is the World Rugby Player of the Year, so you can’t replace him.
“But the guys we have in the system and filling his role are doing it well. So I do think the guys stepping into his spot will do the job. They deserve their chance.”
%%%twitter https://twitter.com/Cheslin_Kolbe11?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Cheslin_Kolbe11has been training with the DHL Stormers this week. He spoke to us about reconnecting with his former teammates and being one of the Faithful. #iamastormer #dhldelivers #thefaithful pic.twitter.com/xC3EdnnIF0
— DHL STORMERS (@THESTORMERS)
It looks like a battle between PSDT’s brother Johan and Cobus Wiese for the No.7 jersey, with Laker saying both youngsters are fit for the trip to Durban.