Stormers embrace 'disruptive' trip to Exeter

SPOTLIGHT: Heads down and work is the theme inside the Stormers camp as they prepare for their first Champions Cup quarterfinal fixture against Exeter Chiefs.

Already facing the difficult task of a European knockout match, Stormers had to deal with a travel setback as their trip to Exeter was delayed due to logistical issues.

The Stormers’ initial plan was to leave Cape Town on Monday, however, found themselves still in Cape Town on Tuesday morning.

The team eventually had to split into three groups and arrived in Exeter on Wednesday.

Their journey also included a three-hour bus trip from London to Exeter.

Speaking to reporters assistant coach Norman Laker admitted the travelling was  ‘disruptive’.

“We wanted to leave on Monday, but I don’t think there were flights, I’m not 100 percent sure so can’t really give the exact details,” Laker explained.

“Then it came through that we were leaving in three groups on Tuesday, but it was spread out. [My group’s] flight had a technical error so we had to change airlines.

“It was a little bit disruptive, but we are not going to hammer on it and let it get in our way of performing on Saturday."

Laker revealed the side will have two training sessions ahead of Saturday’s quarterfinal clash.

“We will train on Thursday and Friday,” he said, adding: “We are really looking forward to the game and we are not bothered about the travel.

"Credit must go to [Stormers' team manager Christopher] Chippy Solomons who did an amazing job to get us here."

Stormers centre Ruhan Nel, who was part of Laker’s travelling group, refused to dwell on the unfortunate circumstances.

“Ideally, direct flights will always be prize number one,” Nel said.

"But there are certain things we can’t change so there is no use in fighting it or letting it affect us.

“I think the players have done really well in just accepting that we might take a or two longer to reach our destination

"So if we going to use that as a reason why we don’t perform during the match then we are looking for an excuse."

Nel added: "Many of us are playing long enough and technology has developed, so everybody was sitting with an iPad, cellphone or laptop, where we could go through the plan for the weekend, and have a look at Exeter’s stuff.

“So, sometimes there will be one or two fewer field sessions, which is actually a good thing as you stay fresh."

The Stormers were not the only team who had to deal with these unfortunate circumstances.

According to reports the Sharks underwent a 24-hour trip which included multiple stops before their landed in France to face Toulouse on Saturday.

Former France international hooker Yannick Bru, who is part of the coaching team at the Durban-based Sharks, told the podcast Entre les potos that the team first stopped in Johannesburg before splitting into two groups for different flights to head for France.