Stormers' Andries is no 'big Bek'
Fri, 18 Apr 2008 11:29
The Stormers are riding a wave of confidence as they put the finishing touches on their preparations for their Super 14 clash against the dangerous Hurricanes on Saturday.
The squad is in fine fettle after another sparkling performance last weekend against the Cheetahs underlined their impressive rise in form over the past six weeks.
As always when the Stormers are winning, there is a buzz around Cape Town - more specifically, around the Stormers training base in Durbanville, where they have been readying themselves for a crunch match against one of the competition's top outfits.
The Hurricanes showed their play-off credentials by making the Bulls look silly at Loftus Versfeld. The Wellington-based outfit dismantled the outgoing champions so extensively that Bulls fans across the country are up in arms - and it is this destructive force that the Stormers will have to overcome on Saturday if they are to continue their amazing rise.
The Stormers backline have been getting much of the credit for the team's success, but the basic fact is that the forward pack have become a tough proposition, and have shed their 'soft touch' image.
Much of this is due to the tireless work of the Stormers tight five, who have been excellent in setting the yardstick for the franchise's solid defensive structures. The big units have also been instrumental in stabilising the set-pieces for the Stormers.
Andries Bekker has been one of the unsung heroes in this department, but the second row forward came to prominence with a superb try against the Cheetahs last weekend.
Bekker spoke to rugby365.com and revealed that the overseas tour was the catalyst for the team's success.
"I think this has been our best tour ever," said the giant lock, who stands 2.08 metres in his socks.
"The vibe was great, and everyone enjoyed the tour. I feel that the team spirit in this squad is really special.
The soft-spoken Bekker said that it was not all plain sailing, and that a tour of that magnitude has it's drawbacks.
"To be away from home for four weeks is not easy, but I have to say those four weeks went by very quickly. I suppose everything's easier when you're winning," quipped Bekker.
The Stormers of course struggled initially in the competition, losing to the Bulls, Sharks and Crusaders in the first rounds. But Bekker reveals that it only galvanised the squad, and that the players were in the process of familiarising themselves with the new Stormers style of play.
"I have to say the spirit was still strong even after we lost those first three games. I think we just needed to play together a bit more in the beginning.
"In those first three games we were still getting used to each other, and the guys were trying to understand the structures. But I think once those the games were out of the way the guys really started clicking."
Bekker encapsulated the supreme confidence running through the Stormers veins by revealing the team's aims for the rest of the season
"I believe we can win all our remaining games, and if we do manage to do that, we could very possibly still finish in second place.
"But of course we are focusing game by game - if we can win this weekend [against the Hurricanes], then it definitely sets us up for a grand finish," said Bekker.
But first there will be some hard work to do for Bekker an his teammates at a packed Newlands on Saturday, with a truly mouthwatering clash in prospect.
The Stormers and the Hurricanes will commence battle on Saturday at 17.00.
By Phil Coetzer
