Stormers aim to smother Steyn
10 Jun 2011
JON CARDINELLI chats to Robbie Fleck about the Stormers’ plans to neutralise Morne Steyn.
The Bulls have racked up some monumental victories over the past few seasons, and Steyn has so often been the difference in the matches that matter. He kicked a difficult penalty to win the 2009 Currie Cup semi-final at Newlands. When the Bulls hosted the Stormers in the 2010 Super 14 final in Soweto, Steyn and Fourie du Preez produced a tactical kicking masterclass to compromise the Cape side’s defence.
But Steyn was well contained when the Stomers visited Loftus Versfeld earlier this season. The home pack was bullied, and so the Bulls’ halfbacks struggled to impose themselves without front-foot possession.
It’s for this reason that Fleck isn’t too worried about the Steyn factor ahead of Saturday’s game. It’s a massive fixture in terms of what’s at stake for the Bulls and Stormers, but the formula for success will be much the same.
‘The Bulls tend to be more adventurous in the early stages, they like to try a few different things at the start of a game. But it shouldn’t take them too long to revert to what they do best. They have a game plan that has won trophies, and when they execute it, like they did in that game against the Sharks, they are hard to stop,’ Fleck told keo.co.za.
‘Their forwards really come at you and they try to put even more pressure on you with their fantastic kicking game. But we have to back ourselves to stand up to that challenge. We have managed to nullify the effect of their kicking game in the past, so it’s by no means a daunting prospect. It all starts with fronting up physically, that will go a long way to negating the impact of their kickers.’
The Stormers have opted to bench their best tactical kicker in Dewaldt Duvenage, and not much is known of Kurt Coleman’s ability with the boot. The 21-year-old flyhalf did well in front of goal last week, kicking five from six, but wasn’t asked to kick much out of hand.
Fleck believes Coleman has the full range of skills to be a success, and added that he should receive the necessary platform from his forwards.
‘He was nervous in that Brumbies game, you could see it in the way he played. On occasion, he sat too deep in the pocket instead of taking the ball flat and getting involved.
‘We told him that we wanted him to take more control in the next match against the Rebels, and his response was incredible. He bought into the change of mindset and really exceeded everybody’s expectations.
‘Obviously a Stormers vs Bulls game is a very different prospect, but he’s made an improvement in all departments, so there’s good reason to feel encouraged.’
On Wednesday, Schalk Burger highlighted the Bulls’ experience and ability to win tight matches as a real threat to the Stormers’ chances. Fleck agreed that the Bulls shouldn’t be taken lightly, but pointed to the growth of this Stormers team over the course of their 2011 campaign. If they fall short this weekend, it won’t be for a lack of unity.
‘We matured as a group on that tour to Australasia. It goes to show how a tour can bring people closer together.
‘By the end, we were in a really good head space and were playing some decent rugga too. There were some difficult times and we were honest with ourselves after the match against the Chiefs, but that only made us tighter as group.’
349 Comments
Pages: « 1 [2] 3 4 5 6 7 » Show All
10 Jun 2011, 01:27 am
@cab(cab)-46: Saders have won 3 titles on the trot.. so Bulls may be able to emulate them, but I still dont think they will this year… even with the “momentum” the Bulls seem to be gaining, big test for them the next two weeks…
10 Jun 2011, 01:28 am
he writes pretty well – easy come easy go attitude – i quite like it.
he takes critique better than most i reckon, just wants reasons behind it.
but get the feeling he still hankering for the sweet dream indoctrination he received from the watchatutu tribe in his youth. u not going to get open-minded thinking there, but its an interesting exercise until ive bled it dry.
10 Jun 2011, 01:32 am
@poppa69(poppa69)-51:
yeah Popps but how many trophies the saders got in total? the bulls catching up. yeah not sure they got the right loosetrio, and locks ageing rapidly too, but if rossouw is played at 7 it presents a far stronger pack. they looked helluva impressive against the sharks and for 20 minutes other side halftime against tAhs shortly before uncontested scrums.
10 Jun 2011, 01:36 am
@cab(cab)-46: i think, unlike the too much rugby idea, that 3 teams in play-offs could actually be beneficial. the WC squad gets named early, but even then alot can happen. the Tri Nations is long and by then players would’ve gotten rest somehow or another.
the more we stay in the games, the better.
this weekend is actually the mother of all games for this year’s S15. so anything can happen. the bull’s forwards was surprised/ not ready for stromers + they were not at level yet and the stormers’ real campaign started for them at that that game , and because the of result, of that game.
until then, they were rather un-impressive although they scragged the victories for the points, until then.
after that, their game and form shaped mostly all the way.
the bulls found it in them to get up at 8 count. and a hurt bull is a dangerous thing.
we saw what the cheetahs did to the crusaders. old story on paper and on the field.. the bulls may have the mental and phhysical edge more consistently this weekend. well, that’s what we’re hoping.
who knows. even spies might wake up. now that heinecke and Pdiv is backing him. confidence is good. if he only contribute 40minutes of commitment, you guys are in trouble.
come to think of it. why does ludeke never sub him.
10 Jun 2011, 01:37 am
The self ingrained halfwit intellectual is more closed minded than the most fundamental religionists and you scientists are actually the worst closed minded dead end schmucks of all, one day long into the future you will realize what nature is and who’s who in the zoo. You can only hope you realize it before you dead. But it ain’t in your hand and you got not even the slightest inkling about how anything or how any of it works. Do you – Mr. Jones?
10 Jun 2011, 01:41 am
an easy come easy go attitude that sanctions and bans and censors opinion to suit his own agenda… you as blind as they come, you and the entire little consortium of that closed minded closed rank happy clappy back slap club.
night night … time to hit the sack.
10 Jun 2011, 01:46 am
@cab(cab)-53: Saders have 7 titles, they won 4 in 5 years then another 3 in 4 years… The Bulls have only equalled the total the second best kiwi team (in terms of Super rugby) has accomplished…
Danie does add grunt to their forward pack, and anything can happen in finals football, so not writing their chances off at all, just dont think they have been good enough to claim the title this year… nothings ever certain though… I think they really miss the work Gurthro does for them..
10 Jun 2011, 01:47 am
ja, good point about the coaches skop. guess that’s why many name managers instead of coaches in the football leagues.
alraaitie. beware of the agapantus. press submit comment at own risk.
nite >
10 Jun 2011, 02:02 am
@shooter(shooter)-54:
yeah your take on the number of games they get seems similar to heyneke meyers, maybe but im not convinced, noakes perhaps overdoes it but i think there is def something to be said for resting players who seem to come back alot better, especially the older guys of whom there alot in the squad.
u right this week is a mutha of a game, apparently sold-out, should be like a test match atmosophere, the age-old rivalry has resumed despite wp looking deader than the dodo the last decade or so.
@poppa69(poppa69)-57:
yes you def right on gurthro, huge player for them, but this young guy greyling looks very pomosing too. Someone’s gotta to try play TH, also for the boks where we struggle to compete with your lot in this posi.
better be off.
10 Jun 2011, 02:06 am
i’ve got alot more time for the mr jones’ of this world then these so-called shooting stars that have no real substance other than talking a good game and leave a trail of misery in their wake. takes all sorts.
10 Jun 2011, 02:27 am
you never met a shooting star that’s why you a pseudo scientist.. you a f’ng fraud who stands outside of the laboratory proclaiming you know wtf goes on inside it… you never met a true scientist in your life… Einstein is a total figment of your imagination alien to you, you haven’t even begun combining oxygen with hydrogen yet you proclaim to know how water is formed.
Stop deluding yourself you dumb fck ignorant idiot… your highfalutin hypothesis carries f’all water its an empty shell of self mesmerized delusional arrogant ignorance. You are worse than an outright fundamentalist religionist because of your absolute arrogant stupidity. You don’t know sweet fanny fckall about who or what governs creation same as you know bugger all about how your blood stream functions or how the molecules go round your brain to produce the thoughts you think… stupefied ignoramus dumb fck dunce thinking they know so much when back the ranch these highfalutin arrogant fuckwits know absolutely zero fckall, about anything actually worth knowing.
10 Jun 2011, 02:33 am
Imbecile fool… takes a fool to think they know it all… when these stupid intellectualized deluded arrogant fckng idiots know absolutely zero nothing whatsoever bugger all. Stupefied imbecile idiot self proclaimed knower of fckall schmuck.
10 Jun 2011, 03:44 am
@ashampoopaloo(joel1yahoo)-62:
Looking in the mirror again doos?
10 Jun 2011, 08:14 am
@Transformation(Transformation)-21: or ask him, what was his nic before the reincarnation as TheAgent.
10 Jun 2011, 08:48 am
“We only have one goal and it’s to win this one. This one is easy to predict.” ~ Victor Matfield
Gonna be a helluva game…
Good luck Stormers!!
Good luck Western Force!!!
James O’Connor… best all-round rugby player on the planet…
#justsaying
10 Jun 2011, 08:56 am
Judging by the behavior of the ferrets, the bulls have no chance.
If they do manage to fluke a win it will be the refs fault, according to Joel the assshampooist.
10 Jun 2011, 08:59 am
and the fake pom poodles surfaces fron his hideout.
10 Jun 2011, 09:01 am
@XhosaKid(XhosaKid)-64:
Who is it?
10 Jun 2011, 09:01 am
I REALLY hope we see the Bulls in rampage mode this weekend. If that team rocks up, nothing the Stormers do will make a difference.
Problem is, we haven’t seen that team once this year. The closest they came to that was for about 50 minutes against the Sharks in Durban.
10 Jun 2011, 09:02 am
Brok Harris the best ball player on the planet.
#just saying.
10 Jun 2011, 09:05 am
Transie
Make up your own funnies if you can.
Nevermind I see your big boetie is here.
10 Jun 2011, 09:06 am
@gunther keeps the cape in shape(gunther)-66:
Forget the ferrets…According to Victor… the Stormers have no chance. “This one is easy to predict!!!”
10 Jun 2011, 09:08 am
@gunther keeps the cape in shape(gunther)-70:
Gotta give you credit where it’s due…
You’re a slow learner…
But at least you learn!!
Eventually!!
10 Jun 2011, 09:09 am
UFO
Big Vic should speak to some of the stormers fans here then.
They’ll set him right
10 Jun 2011, 09:11 am
Gotta go and work…
Good luck to all the teams.. play well… play hard…
Let’s just hope the refs don’t fark it up for anyone… And the teams that win, win because they played the better game!!
Cheers all
#justsaying…
hehehe
10 Jun 2011, 09:21 am
@gunther keeps the cape in shape(gunther)-71: why bother? i’m not trying to out do you here
10 Jun 2011, 09:21 am
the problem is you dont actually understand what criticquing is, you think its insult, no wonder cos you have no substance, just bullshit, like the shooting stars, you dont understand the concept of crticuing ideas and concepts, its too much for your noodle. yet have absolutely nothing to teach. go on then tell us about molecules and such, you dm fk. you dont even know wtf you are talking about, everything you know has been spoonfed to you from some numskull whose sat in his own little comfy cave for the last 40 years contemplating his navel refusing to challenge his own ideas and believing he has the answers. not quite sure why u raising einstein, cos you dont have the foggiest clue about his theories, nor do you actually comprehend he was a theoretical physicist, who do not work in labs u daft twat.
10 Jun 2011, 09:22 am
@Tacitus(Deucalion)-69: Tac , concern is how much of the Bulls dominance was down to them playing back at their level and how much was down to the Sharks not fronting up and making a load of handling errors. What is a big concern for the Bulls is not having Gurthro available. I think that the front row is young in super15 terms (without Botha and Gurthro) and if they get bullied back they step down. This Stormers side will be a different proposition to the Sharks and Danie/Flip vs Elstadt will be a key momentum swinger for me.
10 Jun 2011, 09:32 am
@bananaboy(bananaboy)-78:
Interesting is how many of the experts like Naas have either Werner Kruger or Dean Greyling in their preferred Bok front rows.
I reckon the Bulls front row is stronger now thatn it was with Gurthro.
10 Jun 2011, 09:38 am
@Tacitus(Deucalion)-79:
I agree that it is stonger scrummaging wise. No prop(o.k maybe beast) is better in cover defence than gurthro. He makes an immense amount of tackles in the centre of the field of 2nd phase defence.
10 Jun 2011, 09:54 am
Matfield has sure had a lot to say about this one?
Not sure it’s going to be quite as black and white as he sees it though. He’s a little over-arrogant in my opinion. Almost suggesting that all the bulls need to do is pitch up and play.
Worked well for you guys at Loftus hey Oom Vic?
10 Jun 2011, 09:58 am
Hey guys, and some ladies as well. I’ve been a Keo reader for some time now, and decided that the time has come to register to have my 5c worth thrown in.
This weekend’s games (C’mon, there’s really just 2) is damn near impossible to predict.
In the big NORTH-vs SOUTH derby, it will be the Stormers’ X-factor players (such as Aplon, Habana, JdV and Jacque Fourie) up against the Bulls hardmen (Danie, Stegman and to a lesser degee Potties). I honestly believe that the week’s preparation and gameplan will determine the outcome of this one, as these team are currently very evenly matched. With the homeground advantage, I’d give it to the Stormers with 2.
The Lions-vs-Sharks game might seem like a done deal, but I’m not convinced. The Lions outfit is starting to play some very good footy, and if the Sharks think they’re just gonna be gifted a win, they will lick their wounds all they way back to rainy Durbs. I am particularly interresting in seeing the matchup between Butch and Freddie, but I think the Lions will be in it for 70 minutes, before the Sharks take it away, and win by 8.
10 Jun 2011, 10:00 am
@Blue Label(Blue Label)-82:
As a Stormers supporter, I hope to hell it’s by more than 2, if only because I don’t think my heart could hang on in the final minutes of a game where we have only a 2 point lead and Morne Steyn is still on the field.
10 Jun 2011, 10:01 am
@Blue Label(Blue Label)-82: hi blue label…
10 Jun 2011, 10:04 am
@cab(cab)-77:
Whoyoutalkingto
10 Jun 2011, 10:05 am
@Vetkoek(Vetkoek)-83: talking of morne still being on the field, has it happened to a saffa team this season that the lose almost all their backline players in the same game like it happened with the saders in cpt?
imagine the bulls losing hougaard, kirchner & basson just in the first half? would you tip them to still win
10 Jun 2011, 10:05 am
@Vetkoek(Vetkoek)-83: Yeah, its gonna be nervewrecking, but thats why we love this game innit?
@Transformation(Transformation)-84: Hiya.
Cant wait for tomorrow. If there were any tickets available, I’d be on the next flight to Cape Town.
10 Jun 2011, 10:06 am
@Dawn(Dawn)-85: hes talking to Skoppie Dawn…
10 Jun 2011, 10:07 am
@Dawn(Dawn)-85: skop…
anytime cab is talking over your head about space theories, know he is having a pseudo-intellectual duel with skop
10 Jun 2011, 10:07 am
@Vetkoek(Vetkoek)-81:
Matfield said less this week than Burger and Coetzee. Hell even less than Fleck.
If you are referring to this “We only have one goal and it’s to win this one. Even 3-0 will do the trick. This one has to be won. You only really see in the dressing room whether the guys are switched on, but this one is easy to predict” about being arrogant you are wrong. He means it is easy to predict if the guys will be switched on, not to predict the winner.
10 Jun 2011, 10:08 am
@Pirlet BEL(Pirlet BEL)-8:
Olivier is the form centre in SA at the moment?
hahahhhhahahahhaahhahahahahahaahahahahahahaahhahaahahaaahhhhhhhhaaaaaa.
hahhahahahahahahahhhhhhahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaahahha.
hahahahaahaha.
(pause for breath and to wipe tears away from eyes).
hnahahahaahhahahahhaahhaha
10 Jun 2011, 10:08 am
@Vetkoek(Vetkoek)-91:
bwaahahahahhhhahahahahhahahahah.
hunh.
hunhhhn.
snigger.
Nothing like starting your friday with a good laugh. Thanks my man.
10 Jun 2011, 10:11 am
@Vetkoek(Vetkoek)-92:
I’ve never seen the stormers supporters this confident. The last time someone was this sure of victory was last year when Tac predicted the bulls to beat the sharks in the cc semi. We all know how that ended.
10 Jun 2011, 10:13 am
@onerb(onerb)-90:
ah- in that case I submit my apology in humble postration.
I misunderstood the context.
However, I have moved on from Meneer Matfield and am now amusing myself with D.H Potgieters poetic and rather moving “If there are sparks in the eyes of the guys when we assemble on Mondays during any other week, then I suppose there will be shooting stars this time around”.
Shooting stars? Come now. And the folk up north like to call our players fairies?
10 Jun 2011, 10:14 am
@Blue Label(Blue Label)-87: Welcome to the dark side fella.
10 Jun 2011, 10:14 am
@Vetkoek(Vetkoek)-91: i think between WO and “turnstile” Bosman they’ve raked up highest minutes count of all SA centres.
10 Jun 2011, 10:17 am
@onerb(onerb)-93:
The stormers supporters (like the Bulls supporters) are made up as follows in my opinion:
1) Those who know what they are talking about.
2) Those who THINK they know what they are talking about
3) Those who try to SOUND like they know what they are talking about; and finally
4) Those who are on a cocktail of Tik, Coke, Heroin, LSD and their imaginations.
And the only thing they ALL have in common is that none of them can predict the future.
So we guess. And my guess – as a Stormers supporter – is that the Bulls may squeak this one. I hope I’m wrong.
10 Jun 2011, 10:17 am
@stormersboy(stormersboy)-95: hiyas M ,
hows the lighty doing bro??
10 Jun 2011, 10:19 am
@Transformation(Transformation)-96:
minutes looking behind them as their opposite number hares away, ball in hand you mean?
10 Jun 2011, 10:20 am
Dragon centurion
Pages: « 1 [2] 3 4 5 6 7 » Show All
Have your say
You must be logged in to post a comment.