Stormers coach Allister Coetzee says he hopes his team will "pitch'" for next week's Super 14 semifinal against the Waratahs at Newlands.
This is the first time in 11 years that the Stormers have reached the semifinal round in Super rugby following their 38-10 victory over the Bulls at Newlands on Saturday evening.
"My big hope is that the team will pitch up on the night (next Saturday)," said Coetzee.
"We saw how well the team played when they pitched up this evening.
"Reaching the play-offs is a goal we set ourselves this season and on that score we can say 'missIon accomplished' and now we look ahead to the semifinal.
For us it is like a final. "We can't look too far ahead and we have to sure that we're accurate in our next game.
"Waratahs is a much-improved side with a big pack of forwards."
Frans Ludeke, the Bulls coach, said his side could not get hands on the ball in the first half but he was happy with the way his second-string team played in the second half.
"The good thing about this match was that it was a good experience for the youngsters," said Coetzee.
"It was great for them to play in front of big crowd.
"But now we'll focus on our match in Orlando, which is still on the Highveld.
"Our boys will be fresh next week and they've worked hard for us to be in the position where we are now."
Bakkies Botha, the Bulls' matchday captain, said we was proud of the way the young Bulls played at Newlands. "This team learnt a lot out there today," said Botha.
"The Stormers are a fine side and the fact that we did not win the match was not important.
"What was important was that these young players gave such a good account of themselves." Botha said he had overcome his injury and was feeling no ill-effects.
"I've managed to pull through 60 minutes of action and I've had no pain," said Botha.
"Now I just have to work on the lungs so that I can get match fit."







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