‘We’ve achieved nothing yet’
10 Feb 2010
The Stormers aren’t buying into the hype that they’re overwhelming favoruites to beat the Lions this Saturday.
First they won the Tri-Series, and then their second trophy in last week’s hammering of Boland at the new Cape Town Stadium. Hell, they even won the Newlands challenge when they beat the Cape Cobras in a cricket match. There’s a buzz around the Stormers which isn’t unbelievable. Three trophies in the space of a month. Give it up for the boys in blue.
Believe the marketing hype, and you’re bound to believe the Stormers are destined for greater things in 2010. The more educated Cape supporter will tell you to be careful. They’ll remind you that neither the Stormers nor WP have won a big competition since 2001.
If you can’t find a Stormers supporter willing to admit to their side’s past failings, ask one of the thousands of Bulls or Sharks fans residing in Cape Town. They’ll tell you that when it comes to the Super 14, the Stormers are pre-season champs and in-season chumps.
Nobody is more aware of this perception than Allister Coetzee, the new Stormers head coach. The media have gone huge with the pre-season success, but Coetzee and his captain Schalk Burger have worked hard behind the scenes to ensure the squad doesn’t become windgat. It’s this kind of attitude that’s got them into trouble before, and it’s why Coetzee laughed off talk that Saturday’s match against the Lions represents a soft start.
‘Talk is cheap – that’s the only message to my players in preparation for Saturday,’ he told keo.co.za. ‘There’s no easy game and we still have to go out and win.
‘We’ve achieved nothing yet, so there’s no need for arrogance. We all know that there’s a thin line between confidence and arrogance. Nobody wants to be caught off-guard, especially against an unpredictable side like the Lions. It’s going to be all business.’
The Stormers head into this year’s competition with two new senior Springboks, Jaque Fourie and Bryan Habana, at their disposal. Many have questioned the pair’s move to the underachieving Cape franchise, but Coetzee explains their value lies beyond their playing ability. Fourie and Habana will be called on to exercise their leadership skills as early as Round 1.
‘We are looking to our senior players to show some composure in the tight games, and that’s what we expect from Jaque and Bryan this Saturday. There are a number of leaders within the team, which is a good sign.’
While the Lions struggle at Super 14 level, they do usually save their best performances for the Stormers and WP. They beat WP at the back end of the 2009 Currie Cup, a defeat that cost Province an ‘easier’ semi-final against the Cheetahs, and also denied them the bonus point for four tries in the 2008 Super 14.
The Lions aren’t going to qualify for the play-offs, but they have every chance of punishing an overconfident team. Fortunately for Coetzee, the Stormers have worked hard to tick the humble box in the build up to Super 14 proper. Win or lose, they will now be judged by the rugby showings and not made to remember their pre-season promises.
By Jon Cardinelli
413 Comments
Pages: « 1 2 3 4 5 [6] 7 8 9 » Show All
10 Feb 2010, 13:21 pm
@rangerman:
Hehehehe, do I detect some nervousness, Ranger of the North?
10 Feb 2010, 13:21 pm
@mshiniwami: Always respect your views Mshini but remember Ruan has been injured plenty. Then only really played FH last year and only for a short period of time. Maybe give him a whole season there this year and then see. If he does not step up then it is time to say he is not good enough, but not now when he has hardly had a chance there mate.
10 Feb 2010, 13:22 pm
Nothing like a great debate on Keo:}
Mshini don’t worry about Joe,heaps of talent and has stax of fuel to burn.
Guys Pierre started as a number 8 then was moved to wing at age group rugby and has returned to his position.
Frans played 12 at the u19 world cup and is currently still playing there. Sharks have a nack of stuffing up with players and their positions.EG Ruan
Oubaas,Mendez played all 3 front row positions its not like he was converted and I believe thats wat we talking about.
Mortlock was a wing but due to age and lack of pace was moved in 1.
10 Feb 2010, 13:22 pm
@Treehugger: could never agree with that boompie
ruan is a talent and sadly south africans have no clue about talent
just like we threw frans steyn away
so next its ruan?? and then??
10 Feb 2010, 13:23 pm
Hiho Puma
10 Feb 2010, 13:24 pm
@ufo:
Jury still out.does some good things…and many bad things(that howler vs AB’s last yr has to be on the Gaffie du Toit level) but still young.
Great feet.Thats his only upside for me at present.But has many holes in his game at present.(ex:positional play,up& unders,distribution,physicality/tackling,option-taking etc)
Plus is windgat even when he hasnt/cant back it up yet.
10 Feb 2010, 13:24 pm
@sharks_lover: Spot on Sharky.
10 Feb 2010, 13:25 pm
@Treehugger: Hello young lady, what you doing here?
10 Feb 2010, 13:25 pm
@mshiniwami: 26 time is running out?? eush bollox mate
then shimi you must have been one of those booing f steyn at absa stadium
and can the ones left behind make up for the steyn loss?? HELL FKN NO
ruan has been stuffed around like steyn , so now he useless too??
again bollox mate
10 Feb 2010, 13:27 pm
wptid lol thisw is why i hardly discuss other teams with anyone , im too busy arguing with sharks supporters that have no faith in their own
10 Feb 2010, 13:28 pm
@Puma:
Fair enough.
I have hope for the boy to turn up.
BECAUSE WE NEED HIM TO.
Just tired of being dissapointed.
Cant stand the way he shakes his head when he doesnt get his way.
Ruan is talented bt has to grow up otherwise career will leave him behind.
Hope he proves me wrong.Trust me.
10 Feb 2010, 13:29 pm
can one imagine the support a ruan or a f steyn would get if they played for the bulls or the stormers???
i shudder to think
10 Feb 2010, 13:30 pm
Sharky thought Steyn was incredible. Also if the public is told enough times some one is talented they start to believe it, but some of us start doubting it after a while.
Am going to switch over to laptop. Back in a while.
10 Feb 2010, 13:30 pm
@Puma: imma put boomninny over my knee
10 Feb 2010, 13:31 pm
@Fleckie: F Steyn has mainly been a 10 though, right through school. Same as Morne playing 12 at U21 World Cup with Ruan at 10.
Either way, there are so many examples of players moving position and excelling, it’s completely irrational to say that it’s a cancer. Even you moved from 13 to 12 successfully!
10 Feb 2010, 13:31 pm
boompie sorry dawlink but one can tell ya never played rugga
you must not forget you also can only play as well as those around you
10 Feb 2010, 13:32 pm
and i know that comment will make boompie smack me , but maybe i will enjoy it
10 Feb 2010, 13:33 pm
@mshiniwami: Think he is very talented Mishini, just has hardly played FH. Needs a season or two there. I think he will be our best if just left there to play. Only let someone else take the goal kicks.
What your thoughts for this game on Saturday Mshini?
10 Feb 2010, 13:33 pm
ok be back in a bit
work to go do
and boompie hun good to see you again ,
10 Feb 2010, 13:34 pm
@sharks_lover:
10 Feb 2010, 13:34 pm
@Puma: tc puma bro catcha later brudda
cant wait for saturday
10 Feb 2010, 13:35 pm
@sharks_lover:
Whahahahaha…quite right there, actually – if Frans Steyn was at the Bulls they would have claimed in Pretoria that the Second Coming was at hand…
10 Feb 2010, 13:35 pm
Cheers Sharky, me too out of here now. Cheers all.
10 Feb 2010, 13:35 pm
Smit at 3….
Mr Turbo reverse
0 to a 00 in 2 seconds flat
Smits 3 jersey comes with a health warning to Sharks 8 th man and scrumhalf…..
Barney the champ….he goes down Bok rugby grinds to a stop.
Has to be captain.
Matfield is too weak.
Barney…Barney….we all need barney….
hip…hip….
Hoorah!!
10 Feb 2010, 13:36 pm
0 to a 100 that should read
10 Feb 2010, 13:36 pm
@sharks_lover: For sure Sharky, me too can not wait.
Catch up later. Need to go out.
10 Feb 2010, 13:37 pm
@WP Till I Die:
10 Feb 2010, 13:37 pm
so whats the story with Alberts and Ludick and all the soap opera drama…?
10 Feb 2010, 13:37 pm
@grant10: New Soap-Box…
Ag, why bother… go take your pills!!!
10 Feb 2010, 13:38 pm
@mshiniwami:
may I suggest electro-shock therapy for ruan …..
it transformed jack nicholson’s approach to fly half in one flew over the cuckoo’s nest…
10 Feb 2010, 13:39 pm
@grant10: So you’re saying drop Bissie until after 2011 RWC?
10 Feb 2010, 13:40 pm
@gunther:
Electro-Shok (TM), is that one of those new Verimark products?
10 Feb 2010, 13:41 pm
@WP Till I Die: Ja, like the kicking-ball-on-a-string thing Morne advertisers!
10 Feb 2010, 13:42 pm
Sharky lol you are a wicked man
10 Feb 2010, 13:43 pm
@sharks_lover:
Calm down bud,just expressing my views.I have a right to differ from your view and have presented an argument with points/facts not on an emotive basis.
And again at 26 time is running out as a back to make ur mark.He should be in his prime at 26 but is still struggling to put injuries,mental state behind and still succeed in position.Being a top class international takes at least 2 yrs when one is fit and playing well.Then one plays at a consistent high level and entrenches himself as incumbent/world’s best contender.(just look at Fourie Du Preez since 2007-steady graph)
People also fail to realise RUAN played 10 for u21 WC winning side in 2005 under PDV,played 10 in entire CC 2006,then played there sparingly between 07/08 and played entire 09 there.So its not like he was yanked into a position he never played.he always had the aptitude and skills set.He just not producing the goods.He always starts in almost every position he plays but still not the best in the country in any of them.For such a so called prodigous talent thats not good enough.Many a coach have believed in him but he has returned the faith in the form of consistency.
I for one think he is too talented to be in limbo like this.And rather than blame coaches-who have played their part im sure,Im placing most of the responsibilities square on his shoulders.He is gifted,let him take games at the scruff of the neck and control them,impose his will/skill on them and quit whining.
The great and prodigous talents have to.
10 Feb 2010, 13:44 pm
@Mutant:
It’s no fun playing “dryfings” on your own…
10 Feb 2010, 13:46 pm
@WP Till I Die:
yep only available in KZN …. the are trialling it on sharks players at the moment…if it proves effective they will roll it out to include stormers fans…
10 Feb 2010, 13:47 pm
Things for the Sharks to ponder for this weekend’s opening Super 14 match:
1. Will Alberts be eligible for inclusion, pending the hearing today?
2. Will Jacobs and Pienaar be match-fit?
3. Who will play flyhalf, Dumond or Meyer?
4. Which one of the Sharks’ flasher girls is hottest?
10 Feb 2010, 13:47 pm
@Puma:
Sharks will win on Sat but only due to condition and due to first fame of season.Chiefs are without Masaga and talisman Muliaina.Lauaki at captain not a good move neither.Will be error ridden game with Sharks squeaking it 17-12 due to better pack and ball control.
10 Feb 2010, 13:48 pm
Ooo ek wil huistoe gaan
Na mama toe
10 Feb 2010, 13:49 pm
Mshiniwami good thing you can put things eloqueuntly, cause i certainly cant and loose credibility.
10 Feb 2010, 13:49 pm
@mshiniwami:
Mils injured?
10 Feb 2010, 13:55 pm
@Dawn:
as far as i know.Read some thread earlier in the week saying so.I stand to be corrected though but it seems yes he is injured.
10 Feb 2010, 13:59 pm
@mshiniwami: @ 256
That’s why I said “gonna be…” he has a way to go yet… but stacks of talent… and everyone makes mistakes occasionally… it’s when they keep making the same ones over and over that it becomes a problem…
10 Feb 2010, 14:00 pm
@Mutant: 281
No….drop Smit
10 Feb 2010, 14:04 pm
@Dawn: Mils and other key ABs are being “rested’ for the first three weeks.
10 Feb 2010, 14:04 pm
@grant10: Put Smit on the wing…or at FH, he created a try like that.
10 Feb 2010, 14:05 pm
@grant10: Yawn….
10 Feb 2010, 14:10 pm
@FireStraeuli: 297
If it was up to you morons he would be at scruhalf!
10 Feb 2010, 14:12 pm
@grant10: Double Yawn….
Yawn Yawn Yawn
Pages: « 1 2 3 4 5 [6] 7 8 9 » Show All
Have your say
You must be logged in to post a comment.