DHL Stormers tighthead prop Neethling Fouché said that they have to "be much better" to snap their three-match losing streak when they face the Vodacom Bulls at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday at 14:00 (SA Time).
He admitted the Stormers "just haven't been good enough" lately and noted that players are looking at themselves first to correct their form after slipping from top to fifth on the log.
“We have to admit to ourselves that we have not been good enough. We as players are looking at each other, and the finger points to you first. We have to be much better against this Bulls team. They are a side finding their rhythm.”
“I can understand why a lot of people are looking at big stuff, but I believe it is a couple of small things that we have to put right. Then the confidence comes back, and that will lead us to a better place.”
“When you lose, you go home, and you want to just put your head under a wet towel and shut out the world. We care so much about the Stormers and making the fans proud. We deeply care about the team.”
“Is it a lack of trying, a lack of caring, a lack of effort? It is ‘no’ to all of those. I think sometimes we try too hard. As Dobbo recently said, ‘Don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater.’ We know we have the template; it is about getting the small but special moments right.”
He expects a fierce set-piece contest against a Bulls pack featuring several Springboks, describing it as a "massive privilege" to play at a packed Loftus.
“It is not a tough one to get up for. We are aware that it is a massive privilege. Over the course of a career, you get a limited number of opportunities to play these huge North-South derbies in Pretoria, against a very good Bulls team.”
“It is going to be an immense battle, and, firstly, credit must be given to the respective scrum coaches. We have Brok Harris, and they have Werner Kruger.”
“You guys have heard all the cliches, but it really is about eight versus eight, and which eight is going to be more connected, that is the question. Everyone is so well coached these days. The Bulls have a big pack and heavy flanks.”
“We have guys returning from injury. There is no easy answer to give you about how the scrum will go. As an eight, you have to pull together, be connected, and not scrum away from the challenge.”