Stormers utility back Scott van Breda may be ineligible for today's Super Rugby quarter-final clash against the Chiefs at Newlands, but he has nonetheless noticed the positive impact coach Robbie Fleck and veteran star Schalk Burger have had on the squad.
Stormers utility back Scott van Breda may be ineligible for today's Super Rugby quarter-final clash against the Chiefs at Newlands, but he has nonetheless noticed the positive impact coach Robbie Fleck and veteran star Schalk Burger have had on the squad.
After having lost their last four playoff games dating back to the 2010 final against the Bulls, the Stormers could have been forgiven for feeling the pressure ahead of this evening's 7 pm kickoff.
However, van Breda insisted that this was not the case, stating: "Before, they've always been sort of favourites and [people have said]'The Stormers are the team. Surely this is their year.' I think this is the first year – we've spoken about it – where people are focusing on the Lions and the New Zealand teams."
"We're kind of just floating under the radar, which is quite nice. The pressure is actually – as much as it is on, it's also off for us as well, because nobody is expecting us to even beat the Chiefs this weekend, and if we win, then people will say, 'Oh, no, but it's then maybe it's the Lions in Jo'burg. No, the Lions will surely win that.'"
"Slowly, we can creep under the radar, and maybe this will be the year when we actually get it done, when there's not that much expectation compared to past years."
The 24-year-old praised Burger and Fleck for helping the squad put their nerves at ease, claiming: "[Fleck] has just tried to take all the pressure off us."
"Between him and Schalk, who has also been really good in this situation, [they were]just saying 'Guys, listen: these chances don't come along too often, so don't put pressure on yourselves and let it get to you. Rather enjoy the moment and then we'll see what happens.'"
"We were training the same this Monday and Tuesday as we did three weeks ago before the Rebels, so nothing's actually changing. We're keeping our processes the same and keeping the guys relaxed, so they can perform the same this weekend."
Van Breda moved to Western Province from the Southern Kings at the beginning of the year, and was not initially in the Stormers' Super Rugby squad.
Although he eventually made his breakthrough, coming on for the first time against the Melbourne Rebels on 2 July, he fell short of the required total of four appearances that would have made him eligible for today's clash despite having been a late arrival.
The 24-year-old will not feature in any of the Stormers' playoff games unless they suffer an injury crisis and he is given special permission to join the squad. Nonetheless, is hoping that his teammates can make history and bring the Super Rugby title to Newlands for the first time ever.
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