Tom Dawson-Squibb, the Stormers' head coach, remains upbeat despite the team's recent home defeat. After falling to a last-minute try by Faf de Klerk, the Stormers lost 31-26 to the Cheetahs at Athlone Stadium. They were ahead until the 70th minute but now must focus on their upcoming match in Nelspruit for round five of the Currie Cup.
The Stormers, currently sixth on the table, still have a fighting chance in the tournament with two bonus points from the game. Dawson-Squibb found positives in the performance, despite the outcome.
"In many respects it was a good performance, I’m more positive than I expected. We did enough to win … just one too many errors at key times."
The Stormers had opportunities to seal the game but didn't capitalize, a fact not lost on team captain Jean-Luc du Plessis.
"We left some tries out there, and deserved to be up by more at half-time. I thought we edged it, but that doesn’t count – the scoreboard counts."
Issues with the scrum were highlighted by Dawson-Squibb as a key area of concern that contributed to their difficult day.
Looking ahead, the Stormers are preparing to take on the Pumas, who have climbed to third place after a tight victory over the Vodacom Bulls XV. Dawson-Squibb has never met Pumas' coach Jimmy Stonehouse but respects his ability to consistently produce competitive teams. He emphasized that there’s no time for lamenting past losses.
"I’m not daunted going to the Pumas. I’m bitterly disappointed right now, and I’m also super-fizzed to go to Nelspruit. We don’t have time to sulk. Now it’s time to get flippin’ ready."
In terms of personnel, the Stormers expect some reinforcements with the potential return of a few players, although injuries will keep others sidelined.
"Oli Reid, hopefully his injury is gone, Wandile Mlaba and Herman Lubbe won’t be with the senior Stormers, I think Keke Morabe will probably come back," mentioned Dawson-Squibb, hopeful about bolstering his squad. "It’s unfortunate for Josh Boulle, he’s got a bit of an injury, but maybe he’ll be back next week."
The challenges are stacking up, but the resilience and determination of the Stormers are clear as they set their sights on their next confrontation in the Currie Cup. With three rounds left until the semi-finals, every game from here on out is a crucial step towards securing a spot in the final stages of the tournament.
