Stormers defence coach Norman Laker admits he is surprised by the decision to allow members of the Springbok brains trust to assist the Vodacom Bulls in the build-up to Saturday’s derby at Cape Town Stadium.
The Vodacom URC north-south clash has been given added intrigue following SA Rugby’s decision to deploy Bok assistant coaches Felix Jones and Jerry Flannery, SA Rugby Mobi-Unit coach Duane Vermeulen and head of athletic performance Andy Edwards to the struggling Bulls on a short-term basis.
Speaking at a Stormers media briefing on Monday alongside veteran scrumhalf Cobus Reinach, Laker said he found the timing of the intervention unusual, particularly given long-standing precedent around local derbies.
“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.”
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Laker stressed he was not questioning the legality of the move, but noted it differed 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.
Asked whether the Bulls would gain an unfair advantage, Laker was careful with his response.
“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.
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Despite the surprise in the camp, Laker insisted the Stormers’ focus remains firmly inward.
“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, preparing for his first Stormers-Bulls derby after returning to South Africa after eight years playing in England and France, echoed the sentiment.
“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.”
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Photo: Daniel Hlongwane/Gallo Images
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