It was the first time the Stormers had conceded a try-scoring bonus point since head coach Rassie Erasmus took charge last year and Gold admits he and the players are determined to ensure it doesn't happen again any time soon.

"It was really disappointing. We regard it as a wake-up call," said Gold, who previously coached in England with London Irish and now enjoys a dual role with the Stormers and the world champion Boks.

"We are a team that defends well and maybe it was just over-eagerness that led to one or two players not staying in position in the defensive line.

"We kept a cool head after we conceded that early try and were clinical when we scored 27 points thereafter.

"Maybe we made the mistake of taking it as a given that the fourth try will automatically come. We lost concentration and balance in our game and started to run from within our own half."

With the victory over the Reds coming after defeat to the Sharks on the opening weekend of this year's competition, the Stormers now play their third consecutive home fixture against a Blues side that were thrashed 59-26 by the Bulls in round two.

Despite the ease with which their countrymen brushed aside the challenge of the Aucklanders, Gold knows the Stormers will have to make improvements to keep the Blues' attacking threats at bay.

"The Blues will pose a different type of challenge," said Gold.

"Their physical presence is bigger than that of the Reds. Added to that, their average age is higher and they have much more international experience.

"When we did our analysis last season, we found that they are the side who scored the most tries from first phase at scrums. That is mostly because of their deadly centres.

"We cannot play a lot of rugby in our own half. The Blues have world-class backs and it is difficult to defend against them from broken play.

"We need to be more calculated against the Blues and protect our ball better."