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Cape Town - Stormers coach Allister Coetzee says they need to win the physical contest if they are to get the better of the Blues in their Super Rugby clash in Albany on Friday.
The Blues have some exciting attacking backs like centre Rene Ranger, wing Frank Halai and fullback Charles Piutau - all players who prefer to keep ball in hand.
However, this is something Coetzee's side could exploit with their strong defence.
"The way to beat the New Zealand teams is to dominate them physically - and we're aiming for exactly that against the Blues," Coetzee told Die Burger.
"They are effective when they shift the ball wide and in Piutau and Halai they have guys who can step. They don't kick very often.
"Physically and mentally we have to be ready for the demands this game will put on us defensively."
The Reds, who beat the Blues 12-11 in Brisbane last Friday, had to make 217 tackles to get the better of the Kiwis.
The clash at the North Harbour Stadium kicks off at 09:35 (SA time) on Friday.
The Blues have some exciting attacking backs like centre Rene Ranger, wing Frank Halai and fullback Charles Piutau - all players who prefer to keep ball in hand.
However, this is something Coetzee's side could exploit with their strong defence.
"The way to beat the New Zealand teams is to dominate them physically - and we're aiming for exactly that against the Blues," Coetzee told Die Burger.
"They are effective when they shift the ball wide and in Piutau and Halai they have guys who can step. They don't kick very often.
"Physically and mentally we have to be ready for the demands this game will put on us defensively."
The Reds, who beat the Blues 12-11 in Brisbane last Friday, had to make 217 tackles to get the better of the Kiwis.
The clash at the North Harbour Stadium kicks off at 09:35 (SA time) on Friday.
