STORMERS skipper Jean de Villiers described the side's 20-15 victory over the Reds as one of the best of his career.
After losing seven of their opening 11 matches, the Stormers arrested their slide down the table with a deserved and gutsy victory over a Reds team that was fighting for top place in the Australian Conference.
With a horror injury list, the Stormers were given little chance of beating a Reds team laden with Wallabies. But the Cape side prevailed with a committed performance that not only showcased their quality defensive structure but also some good touches on attack.
De Villiers scored the only try of the match, which was a result of a perfect cross-field kick from flyhalf Elton Jantjies and excellent interplay with Bryan Habana and Joe Pietersen.
"Eight of the starting XV were under 23 and yet they showed amazing maturity out there and that proves we're on the right track," De Villiers said.
"From a coaching point of view, we're doing the right things, selecting the right players and contracting the right people.
"You can't have 16 players on the injured list and beat a quality team like the Reds by luck. It shows depth and skill and in all my years as a Stormers player this is one of the best wins of my career," he said.
The Stormers still have a mathematical chance of making the play-offs, although it is highly unlikely.
l The Cheetahs beat Southern Kings 34-22 at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.
l Bulls lock Flip van der Merwe has been cited for trampling on Sharks' Keegan Daniel during the Bulls 18-16 win on Saturday.
l Bulls wing Bjorn Basson was also cited for an alleged tip tackle on Sharks flyhalf Pat Lambie.
Stormers prevail over the Reds
STORMERS skipper Jean de Villiers described the side's 20-15 victory over the Reds as one of the best of his career.
After losing seven of their opening 11 matches, the Stormers arrested their slide down the table with a deserved and gutsy victory over a Reds team that was fighting for top place in the Australian Conference.
With a horror injury list, the Stormers were given little chance of beating a Reds team laden with Wallabies. But the Cape side prevailed with a committed performance that not only showcased their quality defensive structure but also some good touches on attack.
De Villiers scored the only try of the match, which was a result of a perfect cross-field kick from flyhalf Elton Jantjies and excellent interplay with Bryan Habana and Joe Pietersen.
"Eight of the starting XV were under 23 and yet they showed amazing maturity out there and that proves we're on the right track," De Villiers said.
"From a coaching point of view, we're doing the right things, selecting the right players and contracting the right people.
"You can't have 16 players on the injured list and beat a quality team like the Reds by luck. It shows depth and skill and in all my years as a Stormers player this is one of the best wins of my career," he said.
The Stormers still have a mathematical chance of making the play-offs, although it is highly unlikely.
l The Cheetahs beat Southern Kings 34-22 at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.
l Bulls lock Flip van der Merwe has been cited for trampling on Sharks' Keegan Daniel during the Bulls 18-16 win on Saturday.
l Bulls wing Bjorn Basson was also cited for an alleged tip tackle on Sharks flyhalf Pat Lambie.
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