Stormers assistant coach Helmut Lehmann has issued a stern warning over his side's disciplinary flaws while providing critical injury updates ahead of their Round 2 Currie Cup clash against the Boland Cavaliers.
The Cape side is sweating on the fitness of experienced prop Oli Kebble and playmaker Jean-Luc du Plessis. Both players are racing against the clock to be cleared for the weekend's regional derby.
Lehmann confirmed the coaching staff is awaiting final clearance from the medical team before naming the matchday squad.
“Oli was medically assessed on Monday and had a scan on his shoulder,” Lehmann told the media. “He didn’t partake in training on Monday or Tuesday. We’ll decide on his availability once we get proper feedback from our doctors regarding the extent of the injury."
Du Plessis is also a major doubt after picking up a knock in the opening-round victory over the Griquas.
“JL also didn’t feature in the past two days’ training," Lehmann added. "He left the field with a niggle on Friday, but the nine-day turnaround gives us a little bit more time for the guys to sort their niggles out. We’ll hopefully know from the medical side where he stands before Thursday’s team announcement.”
While the Stormers opened their campaign with a win, Lehmann was highly critical of the team's breakdown execution and structural discipline. Conceding 12 first-half penalties against Griquas repeatedly invited pressure, a flaw the coach insists cannot happen in Wellington.
“That was the frustrating part about Friday night; our discipline was poor, and it put the team under a lot of pressure,” Lehmann admitted. “It’s not going to be any better for us if we continue with that ill-discipline, especially playing away at Boland.”
The Cavaliers head into the clash brimming with confidence following a clinical 24-10 victory over a Vodacom Bulls XV. Hawies Fourie's men also hold a recent psychological edge, having thrashed the Stormers 54-26 in a pre-season friendly just three weeks ago.
Despite the daunting atmosphere awaiting them at Boland Park, Lehmann believes his squad is in a far better psychological and tactical space to handle the challenge this time around.
“Having another opportunity three weeks later to improve gets us excited,” Lehmann said. “They’ve got a proper set-up there. The way they play is exciting rugby, and they bring the people to the ground, and that’s where the pressure cooker comes in.”