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
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10 Jun 2011, 10:21 am
HAHAHAHAHAA – I did it.
The dragon thing is mine. It belongs to me now.
FOREVER
10 Jun 2011, 10:21 am
@onerb(onerb)-93: I think it’s just elation at the recent run of good form, a good tour etc.
I do’;t think for a second any reasonable Province supporter thinks it’s going to be easy. On the contrary…
10 Jun 2011, 10:25 am
@Vetkoek(Vetkoek)-94:
I have to agree, that’s a bit on the pink drink side.
10 Jun 2011, 10:27 am
@President_of_the_Sharks_rugby_experts(sharks_lover)-98: Hi T thanks for asking.
Still monitoring, hopefully the bloodwork will have improved, if it looks good they won’t operate, hopefully be home soon.
Just got in from the hospital now, holding thumbs. He’s in reasonably good spirits, exept when they draw blood of course.
10 Jun 2011, 10:28 am
@stormersboy(stormersboy)-104: good stuff bro , praying for the lil one , and hope he gets home fast to cause some havock lol
in a good way that is
10 Jun 2011, 10:29 am
@stormersboy(stormersboy)-95: LOL @ Dark Side. Some interresting caracters on here. I think if Keo ever arrange a get-together for all the bloggers in here, there would be one helluva party! I think after all the banter, the guys get along quite nicely. Apart for the two racist bloggers. Skop-something, and there was another guy… Jorrie Muller-something.
The guys’ posts I enjoyed alot are:
Gunther
Stormersboy
Heavens Game (met ‘n knippie sout)
Grant10
Katman
Transformation
Some other bloggers made for a good laugh as well!
10 Jun 2011, 10:29 am
@Vetkoek(Vetkoek)-97:
only
the stormers
have no 4
no other
team
has
skop
10 Jun 2011, 10:30 am
@stormersboy(stormersboy)-102:
Yes I know, nerves does that sometimes
I think it should be a cracker and maybe the stormers on form will edge it. But the unanimous conviction in which all the punters(Rugbyheaven etc) are just writing off the bulls chances will only prove to motivate them.
I’m sure a couple of posts would have been up in the dresser at loftus for the extra motivation.
10 Jun 2011, 10:31 am
@Blue Label(Blue Label)-106:
I am deeply offended that I have not made that list.
I shall begin with immediate effect to rectify this heinous injustice.
Now I know how Basson must have felt when he got left out.
10 Jun 2011, 10:32 am
@Blue Label(Blue Label)-106: hell one can tell you aint been here long
10 Jun 2011, 10:32 am
“..Fourie du Preez produced a tactical kicking masterclass to compromise the Cape side’s defence.”
Anyone notice how the self proclaimed rugby experts (all quite coincidentally from the Cape) criticise and vilify Steyn and du Preez (who are both coincidentally from Pretoria) as being useless…hmmmm…
10 Jun 2011, 10:34 am
@Vetkoek(Vetkoek)-109: LOL..
10 Jun 2011, 10:34 am
@onerb(onerb)-108:
The Stormers supporters have motivation of their own this weekend.
40 thousand odd fans will be wearing pink tutus and sipping bacardi breezers in the stands.
The plan is to cause the Bulls players to suffer complete mental breakdowns as a result of the perception that many of their Keo supporters were right and that Cape Town really is that (happy/elated/ecstatic/g.a.y.)
10 Jun 2011, 10:34 am
@Blue Label(Blue Label)-106: Yes, I think that you need to take a lot on here with a pinch. HG can start a fight in a monastary, by his own admission. He’s here mostly to wind people up.
But I’ve learned a lot over the years from discussions with many of the bloggers on here. Each has his own perspective to bring, but it does improve my knowledge.
I’ve met some of them in “real life” and correspond with some on private email, and they are great blokes.
10 Jun 2011, 10:36 am
@President_of_the_Sharks_rugby_experts(sharks_lover)-105: Thanks very much T, we’re not home and dry yet, but it looks promising.
10 Jun 2011, 10:36 am
@Porra the Fat and Clever Speedster(Porra)-107:
I
would
agree but
for
your unusual
writing
style.
10 Jun 2011, 10:36 am
@Blue Label(Blue Label)-106:
I had a dream last night that I met skopskyt in a pub and threatened to faark him up….he kept very very quiet
I have a feeling it would be the same result in real life…
10 Jun 2011, 10:38 am
@stormersboy(stormersboy)-114: Even though each guy might have his/her own opinion, you do improve your rugby knowledge in here. Sometimes you get more info from the bloggers in here, than from articles posted on various websites/newspapers.
10 Jun 2011, 10:38 am
@Great White Shark(Predawn)-117:
sheesh – what sort of pubs do you frequent?
Even in your dreams I wouldn’t go there.
10 Jun 2011, 10:39 am
I have said this in here on many occasions already , but let me start off by saying i would rather the stormers win tomorrow as it would suit the Sharks more, but the people writing off the bulls as easy beats are in for a very rude awakening 2morrow
10 Jun 2011, 10:42 am
@Great White Shark(Predawn)-117:
assshampoo is keo’s rockhead balboa.
you are nobody on the interweb if you haven’t been threatened by one of his poesklaps.
apparently there is a space on the forecourt of the fishoek shell garage that is known as fuckadilly corner.
that’s were the bmx gang fights are settled.
happily its right next door to the ER.
where skoppy has a bed reserved just for him.
10 Jun 2011, 10:45 am
@President_of_the_Sharks_rugby_experts(sharks_lover)-120: I think everyone with a little bit of rugby acumen, will agree that deep inside they know that the Stormers-Bulls clash will not be easy. Its one thing to be confident, but another to be honest. What you say is true. If the Bulls loose, then it gives the Sharks a bit of freedom, in that they can loose one of their remaining games (which they can in any case). However, if you look at it from a South African perspective, a Bulls victory would mean the possibility of three teams in the top6. Thats a guarenteed spot in the final (if the Stormers finish 2nd)
Either way, we are in for one helluva good weekend’s ruggas!
10 Jun 2011, 10:48 am
@Great White Shark(Predawn)-117: aahhh the KEO blog John Rambo
10 Jun 2011, 10:49 am
good to see fans form both sides are extremely confident ahead of this game. personally i think a bit too much is being made of it, but thats a reflection of the great rivalry. i guess the bulls are in do or die mode so maybe that explains all the hype.
hope its a good game, both teams play attractive rugby and no one gets injured.
10 Jun 2011, 10:50 am
uhm like i said before you must be new here
trust me there are some stormers supporters in here that have written off the Bulls all season , and to them the BUlls should not even rock up tomorrow , they got no chance,now remember i am a sharks supporter ,,but i know when that bulls team gets the bit between the teeth they will take some stopping
trust me if the stormers win tomorrow i will be the happier for it
10 Jun 2011, 10:51 am
@Blue Label(Blue Label)-122: What do you think is the best for SA – three teams in the top 6 or a team in the no1 spot?
10 Jun 2011, 10:52 am
Looks like Schalk is getting ready to roll over.. The stormers should sell JDV and Schalk to the Bulls or exchange them for Gurthro. Brian can also go back in exchange for Basson. Problem solved.. all the Nazi’s and their token in one place.
10 Jun 2011, 10:55 am
stormers!
10 Jun 2011, 10:56 am
@President_of_the_Sharks_rugby_experts(sharks_lover)-125: Fair comment.
10 Jun 2011, 10:56 am
@Beertjie(Beertjie)-126: a sharks team whipping the odds and taking the titel
10 Jun 2011, 10:58 am
@youknowwho(youknowwho)-127:
shut up skinhead
10 Jun 2011, 10:58 am
@Beertjie(Beertjie)-126: Thats a difficult one. Does the Stormers have what it takes to beat the likes of the Reds or the Crusaders in a final? I dont know. They have a much better chance against the Sharks or Bulls in my opinion.
10 Jun 2011, 10:59 am
@President_of_the_Sharks_rugby_experts(sharks_lover)-125:
and plenty of sharks fans that like to predict stormers losses before each game saying that sooner or later their luck will run out.
for some strange reason our provincial rivalry in SA is so strong many fans would rather see another SA team lose to a NZ/OZ team, just to see that team lose. unless its the lions or cheetas of course.
10 Jun 2011, 11:00 am
@Great White Shark(Predawn)-117:
not sure you’d actually want to hit him. **** spl@tters after all.
10 Jun 2011, 11:01 am
it’s imperative for the good of south african rugby that the stormers defeats the afrkaner nazi-loving racist north tomorrow.
10 Jun 2011, 11:04 am
@Beertjie(Beertjie)-126:
1 team in no 1 spot would be way more prefereable in my mind. a while back kiwi’s were speculating they’d have 3 in top 6. and i thought how great, they can all smash each other up in the playoff and semi’s while SA players rest ahead of tri nations. now its looking possible SA will have 3 in the top 6, with 2 of them possibly having to fly overseas to win their qualifier.
10 Jun 2011, 11:07 am
@munkiboi(munkiboi)-134:
It was odd to dream about some arb ou I’ve never met before. Clearly his winning personality has had quite an impact on my subconscious
10 Jun 2011, 11:09 am
@Great White Shark(Predawn)-137:
yes i think we all love to hate him. it bothers me we support the same team! i’d feel much better if he was a bulls fan.
10 Jun 2011, 11:10 am
@Great White Shark(Predawn)-137: ja that winning personality…bwaahaa
10 Jun 2011, 11:10 am
@Valkyrie(Valkyrie)-135: Thats a bit of a generalization(spelling?), dont you think?
@munkiboi(munkiboi)-136: You have to ask yourself: “Which franchise has the best chance of winning the title” This year, just like last year, I think that the Stormers can do it? Hopefully this year they have more belief. It sure as hell looks like it, by the way they’re playing at the moment
10 Jun 2011, 11:11 am
@onerb(onerb)-93: Who are these over confident Stormers fans?
10 Jun 2011, 11:13 am
@munkiboi(munkiboi)-138: but there’re worse characters, just look at the drivel spewed out from, youknowwho or valkyrie at 135.
10 Jun 2011, 11:13 am
@gunther keeps the cape in shape(gunther)-131: You dont get the concept.. Skinheads go red in the sun.. Moi? I generally burn down to a sexy midnight blue.. big difference
10 Jun 2011, 11:14 am
@Blue Label(Blue Label)-140: a “bit” of a generalization?? ha ha…
10 Jun 2011, 11:16 am
Jeez if he was a Bulls fan the dweebs on RuggaWorld would have made him an honorary senior member of their blog by now.
10 Jun 2011, 11:18 am
lets forget about who the refs are going to be at the world cup…have they decided who the commentators are going to be yet?
10 Jun 2011, 11:18 am
@Valkyrie(Valkyrie)-135: Problem is that their are a couple of Nazi sleepers/trojans at the stormers… but we know who they are
.. but lets keep the Nazi thing rolling.. the label will stick soon. Pity the Stormers based their name on the Nazi SS even though they tried to sell it off as the Cape of Storms Stormers.. THey had black uniforms and all
10 Jun 2011, 11:23 am
@Great White Shark(Predawn)-145: dweebs?
10 Jun 2011, 11:31 am
Just read Ricky Januarie moving to Lyon
and Riaan Swanepoel moving to Clermont
10 Jun 2011, 11:31 am
Stormers will do well to focus on all aspects of their own game, instead of targeting one aspect of the Bulls. The Sharks have learned their lesson in this regard with the Bulls through the years. You concentrate on one element of their game, and they nail you somewhere else.
From what I have heard, the Bulls are quite calm and collected prior to this game. With their experience over the last couple of years, they have gotten used to these big occasions in Super rugby. And its not the first time they are playing to secure their position in the tournament.
Just based on the experience factor, and their success rate in these scenarios – I think the Bulls are going to be a tough nut for the Stormers to crack. Forget all the match-ups, pre-match talk and hype, who’s going to better who, which players or combinations should be targeted etc. It will all be determined on the field at Newlands tomorrow and I just know that’s how the Bulls are approaching it.
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