Get Newsletter

Stormers are a 'world-class' side says Marais

The Stormers outscored the Bulls by six tries to five en route to a 41-33 victory at Loftus in Pretoria on Saturday.

ADVERTISEMENT

The result did not have any impact on the final standings and play-off permutations as it was already confirmed before the match had kicked off that the Stormers will host New Zealand team, the Chiefs in a Super Rugby quarterfinal in Cape Town on Saturday.

The Stormers head into the play-offs full of confidence after back-to-back victories over the Sunwolves and the Bulls.

Speaking to reporters after the game on Saturday, Marais said that the Stormers have good enough players to challenge any team in the Super Rugby tournament.

"I think they [Stormers] a good side, world class players, Eben [Etzebeth] and Pieter-Steph [du Toit] and them, I think they got a good balanced side," commented Marais.

If the Stormers manage to beat the Chiefs at Newlands on Saturday, a potential trip to New Zealand awaits against the Crusaders in the semifinals.

ADVERTISEMENT

The Stormers lost all three of their games against the Crusaders (24-57), Highlanders (14-57) and the Hurricanes (22-41) on their New Zealand tour during the 2017 Super Rugby regular season.

However, Marais explained that the experience of playing against New Zealand teams in their own home ground during the regular season will make it easier for the Stormers to play a semifinal fixture in New Zealand.

"It's always going to be difficult, they play one at home [quarterfinal against the Chiefs on Saturday] and then maybe away against a New Zealand side, but they are a good enough side and I think even the touring will be easier for them.

"Robbie [Fleck] said to me they got a bit hammered on tour, but they've been there [New Zealand] now, so they know what to expect, so I think they will do good," said Marais.

ADVERTISEMENT

The last time the Stormers played the Chiefs in Cape Town was in a Round Seven Super Rugby this season and on that occasion the Stormers outscored the Chiefs by four tries to three en route to a 34-26 victory.

The last time the two teams did battle in a Super Rugby quarterfinal was in 2016 and on that occasion the Chiefs outscored the Stormers by eight tries to three in a one sided 60-21 victory for the Chiefs at Newlands Stadium.

2017 Super Rugby Quarterfinal Draw:

 

QF1: Lions [1] versus Sharks [8]

QF2: Crusaders [2] versus Highlanders [7]

QF3: Stormers [3] versus Chiefs [6]

QF4: Brumbies [4] versus Hurricanes [5]

 

Quarterfinal Match Schedule (all times local):

 

Friday, July 21: Brumbies v Hurricanes, Canberra – 19:35

Saturday, July 22: Crusaders v Highlanders, Christchurch – 19:35

Saturday, July 22: Lions v Sharks, Johannesburg – 14:30

Saturday, July 22 Stormers v Chiefs, Cape Town – 17:00

 

Semifinal Draw:

Pre-determined draw as follows (highest ranked team to host):

 

SF1: Winner QF1 v Winner QF4

SF2: Winner QF2 v Winner QF3

By Josh Isaacson

@isaacson_j

@rugby365com

Join free

Aotearoa Rugby Podcast | Episode 6

Sam Warburton | The Big Jim Show | Full Episode

Japan Rugby League One | Sungoliath v Eagles | Full Match Replay

Japan Rugby League One | Spears v Wild Knights | Full Match Replay

Boks Office | Episode 10 | Six Nations Final Round Review

Aotearoa Rugby Podcast | How can New Zealand rugby beat this Ireland team

Beyond 80 | Episode 5

Rugby Europe Men's Championship Final | Georgia v Portugal | Full Match Replay

Write A Comment