The DHL Stormers weren’t always completely on top of their game in their quarterfinal win over Edinburgh but visiting coach Mike Blair saw enough to suggest to him that the Cape team can go all the way to the Vodacom United Rugby Championship title.
Although that ambition from Stormers fans might seem fanciful given how outstanding and formidable Leinster were in dispatching Glasgow Warriors at the RDS Arena in Dublin on Saturday, and there is the substantial obstacle of Ulster standing in their way in the semifinal, Blair believes that if the Stormers offload game is on song they can beat anyone on their day.
“They string things together. When they do, I don’t think there’s a more dangerous team in terms of individuals. When they spark up and it connects, they can beat anyone,” said Blair after his team’s 28-17 defeat in an at times tense quarterfinal played in front of more than 25 000 people at the DHL Stadium.
Blair was echoing the sentiments of the coach of the other Scottish team, Glasgow Warriors, when they were beaten by the Stormers’ X-factor and brilliant offload game at the same venue in April.
At a time when there is some negativity from some sections of the UK media towards the inclusion of South African teams in next season’s Champions Cup, Blair forwarded an opposite view.
“I think they have been brilliant for the tournament. It’s added an extra layer of quality and just a different challenge. It is a challenge as all the South African teams do bring a different challenge,” he said.
“Coming out here straight after the Six Nations during league play was really difficult. Three of our starters weren’t available to play against the Sharks, but we beat them away from home and we considered that a great achievement. Some things went right for us on that day and it was great for us.
“Then we played against the Lions and what a great challenge that was for us, playing them at altitude. It was another close game.Each South African team brings a different quality and a different challenge so it’s brilliant for the competition. It doesn’t make it any easier though.”
Blair added that just like South African teams have quickly shown that they have adapted to the competition and the northern teams they play against, so the Ireland, Scottish, Welsh and Italian teams will adapt and improve the more they are exposed to the challenges that he South African opposition pose. And he reckons that next year’s competition is going to be tougher and of higher quality as a result.
“For a start, I don’t think we will see a situation again like this year’s where the Welsh teams just didn’t shape. They will be better next season and it will be a tougher competition,” said the former Scottish international.