Defence not a concern for Stormers

The Cape side recorded an impressive 57-31 bonus-point win against Melbourne Rebels last weekend to move nine points clear at the top of Africa Conference One.

The Stormers scored seven tries, but they also conceded four in that match, which might be a concern for head coach Robbie Fleck ahead of the play-offs.

However, Winter says the 11 tries that was scored in the game was just a product of both team's attacking intent during the 80 minutes.

"The Rebels have always been a good attacking side and they have been playing good attacking rugby this year," said Winter.

"We created a lot of turnovers and we tried to play an exciting brand, but it also made us leak some tries. 

"We worked hard again today [Tuesday] and yesterday [Monday]. Our systems have been good - if you look at the statistics we are either first or second for conceding tries. 

"I think it opened up a little bit in that game and they got some tries and we obviously wanted to score as well. When that is the attitude of the two sides, you are going to leak some."

One area where the Stormers did dominate in Melbourne was at the set piece. 

The Rebels were under constant pressure at scrum time, however, Winter feels the Force will provide a sterner Test in that facet of the game after watching the Perth team's performance against the Cheetahs.

"It was a game of two halves at the weekend. In the first half I think the Cheetahs played really well and then I thought the Force played a lot better in the second half - they played an exciting brand of rugby. 

"They [Force] got a good pack and on any given day they can really put things together.

"They got a good set piece as well - their scrums were really good in the second half, which was something we took note of. 

"There has be to be zero complacency from us - we just have to make sure that we do our job and we improve every week.

"In saying that the guys were very good. We are going to have to be very clinical in our approach if we want to improve on last week's performance," Winter added.

The Stormers also put in an improved performance in the line-outs last weekend after struggling in that area in previous rounds. 

"I think it has just been a work in progress," said Winter. "You have to give the players a lot of credit. 

"I think we are just trying to build that culture of a good work ethic.

"Fleckie and myself had a chance to do a lot of preparation and we realised the set piece will be important. We had a lot of time to prepare for it. 

"I think it comes down to the preparation that we have done and the individual talent that came through."

By Warren Fortune

@rugby365com