Stormers philosophically accept Rhule’s game-changing red

Stormers coach Robbie Fleck lamented his side’s “card fever” – they picked up three – against the Lions at Newlands on Saturday evening but accepted wing Raymond Rhule’s red card as justified.

Rhule had been sent off early in the second half after competing for a high ball with Lions counterpart Ruan Combrinck and making contact with his head.

It was undoubtedly a turning point in the game as the hosts let slip a 17-7 lead to eventually lose 23-26.

“Look, it’s small margins but if you look at it from a safety point of view, if you connect to the head, it’s a red. So, I can’t argue with that decision,” said Fleck.

“I know there was no intent from Raymond but if you consider safety of a player, it was the right decision.”

The Capetonians’ mentor though admitted Rhule’s forced departure probably ruined the match as a spectacle, even if general play wasn’t of the highest quality up to that stage anyway.

“It wasn’t great for the game. However, the refs do have to take care of the players,” said Fleck.

The cards were merely part of a broader theme of general Stormers ill discipline, a fact that will frustrate the coaching staff given that they paid special attention to it in the build-up to the match.

“There might’ve been some penalties that were 50-50 but the cards were indicative of our discipline perhaps,” said Fleck.

” (Flanker) Johan Coetzee’s yellow came after the ref had given us a team warning though (centre) JJ Engelbrecht was perhaps a bit unlucky because (Lions fullback) Andries Coetzee had jumped into the tackle.

“Generally, we could’ve been better but we showed some great character. To stay within touching distance for half an hour with 14 men was a great effort.”