Oh what a difference De Villiers makes!
My word. The first 30 minutes of today's Stormers vs. Hurricanes match were some of the best SA SuperRugby I have seen. The second phase ball was quick, the handling was silky, the home team respected possession - wonderful!
Within that first 30 minutes, the Stormers had spread the ball wide 8 times to the 2 of the Hurricanes. Players combined for the first time this season as wings cut round to join the line, forwards supported the backs, all in all wonderful.
As the Hurricanes came back, the Stormers defended as though they finally had a pattern and you could see the impact of players understanding their role. It enabled De Wet Barry to come into his own as he made some bone shattering hits. The confidence told as Schalk Brits and Ross Skeate combined to copy Friday's Waratahs' move - Brits getting a return from the top of the line out to charge down the touchline and score in the corner - it was wonderful.
The second half was predictably tighter. The Stormers cut down on the flair and the Hurricanes swung the very little ball they had down the line - always looking dangerous. The Stormers defensive scrambles resulted in a huge number of lineouts to the Hurricanes - who fluffed more than they won. If it were not for this, the amount of possession going to the Hurricanes would have been enormous.
As it was, the Hurricanes retained ball well when they had it, but more importantly, made good ground in each phase.
The Stormers defense began to look all the more frail. It took a magnificent effort from De Villiers to chase down Nonu from behind, but eventually the Stormers could not hold out the Hurricanes in the corner.
Leading by a point with five minutes to go, you would have bet on the Stormers to take it after dominating most of the match. But when the Stormers have played defensive rugby this season they have looked poor. They did again, missing four tackles to allow the Hurricanes in again. 23 - 19. Not wonderful.
Where did it go wrong? Some unconverted opportunities in the first half where the Stormers should have scored at least one and possibly two tries. They were blown a number of times for slowing the ball on the ground. They conceded huge amounts of ground to rolling malls. And they showed their usual inability to close out the tight match. And kicking away possession - Werner's chips were anticipated. And Grant's line kicking needs to punish the opposition. Bolla's kicks over the top for touch were inadequate.
Massive amounts to be positive about, but the Stormers need some harde-gat attitude to take them to the next level. Some increased match fitness for De Villiers and Joubert will also help. But time is ticking before they begin the mission impossible - the Australasian road trip.
Within that first 30 minutes, the Stormers had spread the ball wide 8 times to the 2 of the Hurricanes. Players combined for the first time this season as wings cut round to join the line, forwards supported the backs, all in all wonderful.
As the Hurricanes came back, the Stormers defended as though they finally had a pattern and you could see the impact of players understanding their role. It enabled De Wet Barry to come into his own as he made some bone shattering hits. The confidence told as Schalk Brits and Ross Skeate combined to copy Friday's Waratahs' move - Brits getting a return from the top of the line out to charge down the touchline and score in the corner - it was wonderful.
The second half was predictably tighter. The Stormers cut down on the flair and the Hurricanes swung the very little ball they had down the line - always looking dangerous. The Stormers defensive scrambles resulted in a huge number of lineouts to the Hurricanes - who fluffed more than they won. If it were not for this, the amount of possession going to the Hurricanes would have been enormous.
As it was, the Hurricanes retained ball well when they had it, but more importantly, made good ground in each phase.
The Stormers defense began to look all the more frail. It took a magnificent effort from De Villiers to chase down Nonu from behind, but eventually the Stormers could not hold out the Hurricanes in the corner.
Leading by a point with five minutes to go, you would have bet on the Stormers to take it after dominating most of the match. But when the Stormers have played defensive rugby this season they have looked poor. They did again, missing four tackles to allow the Hurricanes in again. 23 - 19. Not wonderful.
Where did it go wrong? Some unconverted opportunities in the first half where the Stormers should have scored at least one and possibly two tries. They were blown a number of times for slowing the ball on the ground. They conceded huge amounts of ground to rolling malls. And they showed their usual inability to close out the tight match. And kicking away possession - Werner's chips were anticipated. And Grant's line kicking needs to punish the opposition. Bolla's kicks over the top for touch were inadequate.
Massive amounts to be positive about, but the Stormers need some harde-gat attitude to take them to the next level. Some increased match fitness for De Villiers and Joubert will also help. But time is ticking before they begin the mission impossible - the Australasian road trip.
posted at 8:45 PM
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