The Stormers jetted off to New Zealand on Sunday, high on confidence after bagging three wins in a row in this year’s Super Rugby tournament.
Their latest scalp was the Jaguares at Newlands on Friday night, with the Stormers turning on the style with three tries in the second half to record a 35-8 victory.
They were rather fortunate to enjoy a 16-8 lead at the break after the Jaguares drew first blood with a superb team try, before Daniel du Plessis hit back after a blunder from the Jaguares kick receivers off a chip-kick by his cousin, Jean-Luc.
The second half was a totally different story as the Stormers’ rolling maul worked a treat – with captain Siya Kolisi first scoring off the back of one seven minutes after the break.
Scrumhalf Herschel Jantjies then sniped through a gap for his team’s second try, with his replacement, Justin Phillips, dotting down the bonus point try also on the back of a maul two minutes from time.
SCORE: Herschel Jantjies nips over for try. Photo: Supplied
It was the perfect confidence booster ahead of their tour of Australasia.
And with the Hurricanes, Blues, Reds and Rebels lying in wait, coach Robbie Fleck is confident that if his team can build on their second-half performance against the Jaguares, they will have a successful month abroad.
Having beaten the Lions and the Sharks prior to the win over the Jaguares, Fleck says: “This was a critical game for us before we go on a month-long tour.
OVER: Dan du Plessis scores a five-pointer. Photo: BACKPAGEPIX
“There is a lot of work for us to do, but when we get it right like against the Sharks and in the second half of this game, this team can do some good things.
“The group is energised once again, we’re a happy group and we’re working hard.”
The Stormers mentor adds: “[But] it’s a different kettle of fish playing New Zealand teams over there; some players in this group have won there before and we have to go there believing we can upset one or two teams over there.”
Stormers:
Tries:
Dan du Plessis, Siya Kolisi, Herschel Jantjies and Justin Phillips; Conversions: SP Marais (2), Jean-Luc du Plessis;
Penalties:
Marais (3).
Jaguares:
Try:
Bautista Delguy;