CAPE TOWN – Stormers forwards coach Rito Hlungwani has praised the team’s efforts in their win over the weekend but says there is a lot that needs to improve on.
John Dobson’s charges opened their United Rugby Championship account on a high at Ellis Park on Saturday after a 35-33 win over the Lions.
Hlungwani said playing the first game of the season in a high altitude zone is tough but nothing the team cannot handle.
“I’ll have to say, you know, playing your first game versus the line at altitude is probably one of the tougher games to start with,” said Hlungwani.
“But we were quite happy that we came back with a win. We will look to improve like last year and get better every day.
“But as for Saturday, it will be nice to do something better and come with a win in Stellenbosch on Saturday.
“It will be great to see the Stormers faithful to come and support us.”
Hlungwani also gave an update on the captain Salmaan Moerat after picking up an injury on Saturday.
He said they will also have to think about who will stand in his place for the captaincy role.
“Unfortunately it looks like a pretty serious injury so we won’t be seeing him for the next couple of games,” he said.
“I think maybe Dobson will confirm later in the week, but it’s not a good injury.
“We still have to finalise it and discuss it thoroughly but Neethling [Fouche] is in the leadership group so he would be one of the guys we would consider.”
Image: Stormers.
