Numbers game: Stormers are No.1 as they eye 8-0 Bulls run, says Jake White
Bulls coach Jake White admits the Stormers have their “number” ahead of tomorrow’s north-south derby at Loftus Versfeld (5:05pm), but Stormers flanker Deon Fourie can’t wait to keep the 7-0 winning run rolling.
The Stormers are currently on a yster streak against the Bulls in the United Rugby Championship and have not lost to SA team since December 2021.
White acknowledged the Stormers as the “form team of URC”, praising their consistency but challenged his manne to break the hoodoo, urging them to replicate standout performances against the likes of Saracens and Bordeaux this season.
He says: “They have had our number in this competition, to be fair. But they’ve had the number of a lot of teams.
“They are the form team of this competition. They played two finals, won one and lost the other narrowly. What they do, they do very well. They have a very settled coaching staff that have been together for 10 to 15 years, coaching the Vodacom Cup and junior ranks.
From GrassRoots to Greatness this Saturday at Loftus 🐂
— Official Blue Bulls (@BlueBullsRugby) February 29, 2024
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“We are getting better and I’m much happier about where we are now in year three, compared to where we were in year one.
Fourie, revelling in the winning habit, expressed excitement about maintaining their dominance.
The Stormers ace adds: “I think it’s just a confidence thing with the Stormers at the moment.
“Winning is a habit, but it takes hard work to keep that habit. The Bulls are firing at the moment and they want to break that bogey.”
In case you have not heard it enough 😉#FillUpLoftus
— Official Blue Bulls (@BlueBullsRugby) February 29, 2024
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Stormers assistant coach Rito Hlungwani, however, downplays their bragging rights, saying:“The history that everyone talks about is not something we’ve discussed – that’s for social media.
“We are well aware that they are a very strong team [and] are above us on the log.”
Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu says the DHL Stormers’ preparation will be vital for Saturday’s @Vodacom #URC derby against the Vodacom Bulls in Pretoria. #iamastormer #dhldelivers https://t.co/PBhkOWHBEx
— DHL Stormers (@THESTORMERS) February 29, 2024
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