Stormers raise eyebrows over Springbok involvement in Bulls’ derby build-up

REMEMBER the days of playing hide and seek, as our parents sat on the lawn on those warm summer evenings, watching the children dart around, having tons of fun? One suspects that the parents enjoyed being spectators as much as the children enjoyed having them there as potential referees, should there be any disputes.

Sometimes, though, that balance tipped. A well-meaning adult would quietly point out a hiding spot — “There’s one behind the shed” or “Check behind uncle Burt’s car” — and the illusion of fairness would collapse. The protests were immediate and loud. Help, especially selective help, was never part of the game.

That sense of unease, however faint, appears to echo through the Stormers camp this week as attention shifts to the involvement of Springbok coaches in the Vodacom Bulls’ preparations for Saturday’s north-south derby at Cape Town Stadium.

Stormers defence coach Norman Laker admitted his surprise after SA Rugby confirmed that members of the Springbok coaching group would assist the Bulls on a short-term basis. The support includes Bok assistant coaches Felix Jones and Jerry Flannery, SA Rugby Mobi-Unit coach Duane Vermeulen and head of athletic performance Andy Edwards.

Speaking at a Stormers media briefing on Monday, alongside scrumhalf Cobus Reinach, Laker said the timing stood out, particularly given the context of a local derby.

“It was quite interesting for me to see that, in such a big week, they’re bringing the Springbok coaches in to help the Bulls,” Laker said. “Normally, the national coaches don’t really help teams when there are derbies involved. That’s always been the case.”

While Laker made it clear he was not questioning whether the move was allowed, he pointed out that it represented a departure from previous practice.

“In the past, guys like Felix Jones and Daan Human have assisted franchises when we were playing overseas opposition. Felix has helped us before, Daan has come in to help with scrummaging – but never ahead of a local derby,” he explained.

Pressed on whether the Bulls could gain an advantage, Laker stopped short of drawing conclusions.

“I can’t say if it’s a fair or unfair advantage. I just find it interesting. That’s all I can really say,” he said.

Despite the raised eyebrows, Laker insisted the Stormers’ focus has not shifted.

“It doesn’t matter who coaches the team this week. A north-south derby is a game where players don’t need motivation. They’ll come out guns blazing, backs against the wall, wanting to win.”

Reinach, who is set to experience his first Stormers-Bulls derby since returning to South Africa after eight years in England and France, said the fixture’s significance had already been impressed upon him.

“You hear from the boys how big this fixture is,” he said. “It’s going to be physical, it’s going to be intense, and it’s about who fronts up on the day.”