Stormers paid for arrogance, says skipper

Stormers skipper Duane Vermeulen was seething after his team's 25-17 loss to the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein, claiming his side were "arrogant" going into the match.

The result was a blow to the Stormers ambitions of hosting a Super Rugby semifinal this season. They were outplayed in the first half and without much territory or possession they were always playing catchup.

"We knew it would be difficult and we knew the Cheetahs would run the ball from side to side," Vermeulen said.

"In a way, we pitched up here in an arrogant mental state.

"There was some arrogance after beating the Bulls the previous week and then pitching up here against a team near the bottom of the standings and thinking we were going to win the game."

Coach Allister Coetzee admitted Vermeulen was increasingly frustrated by his teammates' carping and by the team's inability to do the basics properly.

"The Cheetahs capitalised on our mistakes," he said.