Stormers in a spot of bother after two losses

With the roles of the Stormers and the Sharks reversed from last season, the biggest question is: Can the Cape side progress in the Super rugby tournament knowing they can't afford another slip up?

After their second defeat in two matches, the Stormers find themselves in the exact position the Sharks were early on last year. The Durban side still made the final, playing do-or-die rugby during which any defeat along the way could have ended their campaign.

Allister Coetzee believes his men can resuscitate their season, despite the 12-6 defeat by the Sharks in Durban on Saturday night.

"As a team we are not used to losing and, if you want to be a championship [winning] side, that's one thing you shouldn't be happy about. But I was very pleased with the effort and attitude; it was a big step up from last week," Coetzee said.

"Playing two away games against tough South African sides like the Bulls and the Sharks, [meant] it was always going to be a tough start and we knew that.

"I'm still confident we can get the few things right that are still lacking at this point in time. It exposed our shortcomings and immediately highlighted areas of concern, which is good - we know where we stand early in the competition."

The defeats have put the Stormers in the unfamiliar role of playing catch-up instead of leading the pack, as they have been in the past.

Their chronic problem, as Coetzee admitted, was their wobbly scrum, which was shredded by Beast Mtawarira and company.

"We can't afford to lose any more games and put more pressure on ourselves," Coetzee said. "I've seen sides lose four games on the trot and six games in the competition. The Sharks went to the final after they lost their first two games..

"To me, our issue of concern is our scrummaging and the fact that we conceded four penalties from that set piece again tonight."

Coetzee also admitted that the Stormers missed centre Juan de Jongh's creativity. The Springbok was the key that unlocked the stubborn Sharks defence in the Currie Cup final last year, but De Jongh and Tiaan Liebenberg's fitness will be assessed to determine whether they will be fit to play against the Chiefs this weekend.

In the other dugout, Sharks coach John Plumtree was delighted with his side's scrumming, which won them penalties at vital times.

"We knew it was an area that they would tidy up during the week but it was still where we tried to get them," Plumtree said. "I said to Jannie (du Plessis) it might not be in the first or 20th minute but it could make a difference in the 50th or 70th minute."