Stormers prop Neethling Fouché is adamant that only a few minor adjustments and a boost in morale are needed for the Cape Town team to reverse their recent misfortunes. With a disheartening three-match losing streak, all against local rivals, the Stormers have plummeted to fifth in the overall URC standings as they head into the high-stakes north-south derby against the Vodacom Bulls this Saturday.
Fouché, a battle-hardened tighthead with a single Springbok cap to his name, refuses to attribute the team's recent downturn to a lack of effort or commitment.
"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,"
he explained, confident that a resurgence in team confidence is the key to turning the tide. "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."The seasoned player highlighted the team's dedication and dismissed any notions of diminished effort or apathy. "We deeply care about the team. Is it a lack of trying, lack of caring, lack of effort? It is no to all of those. I think sometimes we try too hard," he noted, echoing the sentiments of coach John Dobson who famously advised,
"Don't throw the baby out with the bath water."
Fouché also mentioned that the team is aware of what is necessary to improve. "We know we have the template, it is about getting the small but special moments right," he added. The upcoming game at Loftus Versfeld is anticipated to be a major event, and according to Fouché, motivation levels are sky-high. "It is not a tough one to get up for," he shared. "Someone said to me this morning, 'If you had to ask the question who wants to play for the Stormers against the Bulls this weekend, 20,000 guys would immediately put up their hands, and say 'I would love the opportunity to play the Bulls at a packed Loftus.’”
As the Stormers prepare for one of the calendar's most anticipated matches, the team's resolve will be put to the test. Whether these "small fixes" as mentioned by Fouché can indeed steer the squad back to winning ways remains to be seen, but the determination within the camp suggests they're ready to leave no stone unturned in pursuit of victory.