Stormers XXIII ignore standings in Currie Cup ahead of decisive match against Lions

Springboks centre Jesse Kriel stated that the team is not going to panic, despite losing to the All Blacks 33-16 on Saturday at Ellis Park stadium. This followed a tough match in which veteran Cheslin Kolbe also left the field with an injury.

Despite the defeat, the Springboks do not intend to succumb to panic, although South Africa now needs to win three consecutive matches to secure the series in the greatest rugby rivalry. In Saturday's match, the Boks conceded five points from three penalties, while New Zealand demonstrated the ability to apply pressure, provoke errors, and effectively utilize their chances.

Kriel noted that in series matches, if the team fails to convert its opportunities and the other side does so, the score usually goes against them. He added: 'The All Blacks were clinical when they got their chances. We need to be better, and we look forward to this challenge.'

Currently, the Springboks' task is to travel to Cape Town this week, followed by matches at the FNB stadiums in Johannesburg and Baltimore, USA. Kriel believes this situation should be viewed similarly to a World Cup campaign, where every match holds immense significance.

He emphasized that the team has faced similar circumstances before. 'We have been in such situations before. We know we weren't as precise as we would have liked,' he said. 'We also understand that New Zealand played incredibly well; they were well-prepared and came here with an excellent plan.'

Kriel continued, comparing the tournament to a playoff: 'We knew it would be like knockout rugby, so yes, you can look at it that way. We know we still have three chances to play how we want and perform as the team we can be.'

The Springboks possess experience in recovering from setbacks at the highest level. They lost to New Zealand in the 2019 World Cup group stage but subsequently managed to lift the Webb Ellis Cup. In the 2023 campaign, the team also suffered a defeat to Ireland in the group stage before winning three consecutive one-point victories in the playoffs en route to another world title.

During Saturday's loss, Kriel had to adapt due to Kurt-Lee Arendse's early injury, which forced him to move from centre to left wing. Grant Williams also shifted to the wing, and Sasha Feenberg-Mngomezulu moved to fullback. Later, Cheslin Kolbe left the field due to injury.

Kriel noted that the team often trains in similar scenarios. 'I obviously moved to the wing, and I am quite comfortable there, and Grant Williams went to the wing. Sasha Feenberg-Mngomezulu ended up at fullback. In big games like this, you have to be able to adapt.'

However, for Kriel, the most important lesson from the defeat was this: 'I just don't think we were as precise as we wanted to be that evening, and New Zealand put a lot of pressure on us.'

Now the Boks have little time to dwell on the loss. With three matches remaining, their reaction in Cape Town will determine whether they can regain momentum and maintain hopes of winning the series.

Stormers XXIII is preparing for the upcoming match against the Pumas team as the race for the Currie Cup playoffs gains momentum. Earlier on Sunday in Cape Town, Stormers XXIII played against the Cheetahs, where midfielder Stephan Ungerer scored a touchdown.

Stormers XXIII assistant coach, Santle Lekoko, emphasized the need to maintain energy and unity within the squad. He urged the players to leave behind the disappointment after the loss to the Cheetahs and focus on the next challenge in the Currie Cup against Pumas in Nelspruit.

Speaking to the press after the frustrating defeat at Athlone Stadium, Lekoko expressed respect to the Cape Town fans, noting the coaching staff's pride in the players' effort and fighting spirit. He stated: 'It is very disappointing because we want to do everything possible every week.' He added that seeing Athlone Stadium full was incredible, and despite not achieving the desired result, they were proud of how the players supported each other.

Lekoko noted that Monday brought much enthusiasm, as there are still big opportunities ahead. Attention has now shifted to Mbombela Stadium, where the team will meet the strong Pumas team, known for its physically fit forward, dangerous running game, and deadly driving mauls.

Considering the new rules that enhance the influence of the rolling maul role, Lekoko reported that their forwards coach, Helmut Lehmann, is paying close attention to neutralizing the threat from the home team. Lekoko stressed: 'The Pumas are an experienced, physical team, especially away from home.' He continued that the mauls have gained significant strength due to the new rules, so the team needs to be extremely prepared for this aspect of the game. He highly praised the work of his forwards coach, Helmut Lehmann, who spends a lot of time ensuring the team is ready to stop this threat, recognizing it as an important part of the game.