Stormers coach John Dobson and captain Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu blamed ill-discipline and set-piece errors for a second straight loss to the Sharks.
The KwaZulu-Natalians won 36-24 at Kings Park on Saturday – the first time they’ve done the double in one season over the Stormers since 2012 Super Rugby.
The Stormers were unable to build on a promising first half and again paid the price for costly infringements, particularly around the maul and in the aerial contest.
REPORT: Sharks do derby double over Stormers
Dobson admitted the Sharks were deserving winners across both encounters, while expressing deep frustration that the same issues resurfaced just a week after the loss in Cape Town.
“Credit to the Sharks, they beat us properly over the past two weeks. Our discipline was poor and our set-piece definitely let us down. I thought their aerial game was really good and they played with a really clear plan that worked for them.”
JP: ‘Brutal’ Sharks showed killer instinct
The Stormers conceded 17 penalties – two more than last Saturday – and what troubled Dobson most was the lack of progress between the two derbies, with familiar problems once again undermining his side.
“The most destroying part of last week is that the same things that went wrong last week, went wrong this week. Five-metre lineouts not converted, giving penalties away at mauls which led to some of the discipline stuff. So for the stuff to fix, there needs to be a change in behaviour. It was really poor from us and I feel bad for our supporters.”
KEO: JP Pietersen & his street-smart Sharks school stuttering Stormers
Feinberg-Mngomezulu echoed his coach’s sentiments, pointing to a critical lapse in composure after the Stormers had wrestled control early in the second half.
“The lack of discipline cost us. When we played our game, we were on top of them. In the second half, we were up 24-14 and we just let it slip. We were being reckless, careless and irresponsible.”
Photo: Steve Haag Sports/Gallo Images
The post Dobbo, Sacha rue ill-discipline appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.