Stormers survive the Hurricane
25 Feb 2012
JON CARDINELLI reports on the Stormers’ unconvincing 39-26 win over an ill-disciplined yet plucky Hurricanes side on Saturday.
A last-minute effort by fullback Joe Pietersen so nearly earned the Stormers a bonus-point try, but it seemed fitting that the Cape side were denied a full-haul of log points. In fact, the Stormers turned in a performance that was at times so loose that they were fortunate to walk away with a win at all.
They dominated the early stages of the first half, their forwards manhandling the tourists at the point of contact and via the rolling maul. The loss of captain Schalk Burger to what appeared to be a serious knee injury did little to stall their forward momentum, and by the 34th minute they had established a formidable 20-9 lead.
It was all the Hurricanes could do to spoil at the breakdowns and at the maul, and by the end of the half they had lost props Tristan Moran and Ben May to yellow cards for professional fouls. Despite the two-man disadvantage, however, the Hurricanes stonewalled the limited Stormers attack and struck with a try of their own right on half-time. Beauden Barrett followed up a cool goal-kicking display with a game-breaking offload right on the buzzer, and centre Tim Bateman finished under the posts.
Suddenly the team that had been on the wrong side of a savage beating was only seven points adrift. The Hurricanes were also first to score in the second stanza when Barrett intercepted a loose pass by Jean de Villiers and raced clear. The young flyhalf showed terrific pace to avoid a desperate Gio Aplon en route to the tryline, and then managed to get up and slot a difficult conversion.
The next 20 minutes was a mixed bag for the hosts, who produced some impressive forward drives but also put themselves under unnecessary pressure with basic errors. If they had been playing a more experienced Hurricanes outfit, they may not have been so fortunate to escape with the spoils.
They were awarded a penalty try after a sustained period on attack in Hurricanes territory, and Pietersen continued to knock the penalties over to generate some breathing room. There were some positives in an largely erratic display, and Pietersen’s goal-kicking under pressure was certainly one of them.
The maul also worked well, but the Stormers still seem to lack that killer instinct on attack. They should have scored a try towards the end of the first half and buried the Hurricanes, but flyhalf Gary van Aswegen eventually opted for the drop goal after it was clear the hosts weren’t going anywhere. This after stand-in captain Jean de Villiers had decided to turn down goalable penalties and push for the try.
There were also a number of youngsters on show for the hosts, but considering their fine start, they should have put this inexperienced and ill-disciplined Hurricanes side away by far more.
319 Comments
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25 Feb 2012, 20:15 pm
Jonker pulled a “Bryce Lawrence” on the Hurricanes. What a disgraceful display
from this ex policeman, ex private detective. The Stormies probably promised him a cheerleader.
25 Feb 2012, 20:16 pm
Testing testing.
The Stormers were awesome today. Etsebeth was a giant. Bekker looked hungry for action. Aplon hasn’t lost any of his zip. Joe has that class look about him – always seems to have time to do things. The centres were ordinary today – they stood too shallow and couldn’t create space in which to move. They have to stand deeper on attack.
25 Feb 2012, 20:57 pm
Would have been interesting to see how went against 15 Canes for the full 80 minutes
25 Feb 2012, 21:08 pm
a win is a win is a win is a win. End of story.
25 Feb 2012, 21:16 pm
Even ignoring the yellow cards the canes lineout was a mess, forwards never gave their backs a platform at all.
25 Feb 2012, 21:29 pm
@IAAS(I am a stormer)-252: What’s the point of putting Brian on 13 and then JDV not ever passing the ball. The only time remember him passing, he gave away a try. He should definitely be dropped. I’d prefer JDJ and Brian sharing the centers. At least then we’ll see what Brian can do at 13.
25 Feb 2012, 21:33 pm
The canes thought they’d lose so came to spoil and play dirty… So many tackles around the necks not penalised… Jonker kept them in the game… Penalised gio for not rolling away, when he actually was, then ignoring canes players not getting out the way… and lots of other inconsistencies…
When schalk was moered the canes gained confidence and the stormers lost composure… schalk makes a huge difference and a massive contribution to the team… and his presence was clearly missed…
Our front row did well… their props kept dropping the bind or driving in…
Eben had a great game… Duane very good… Andries eager but rusty and underdone… Kolisi very good… Joe very good and gio has got to be the most exciting attacking player in the world…
Was extremely disappointed with the poor attitude of the canes… a very dirty display of non-rugby…
25 Feb 2012, 21:34 pm
@garth(garth)-256:
But with Schalk out for an extended period, JDV will be the captain. And our 12.
25 Feb 2012, 21:46 pm
@ufo(ufo)-257:
Yip, that more or less sums it up- canes played like Boland used to play against WP- they always knew they were going to lose and tried to keep the score down with negative tactics- The Stormers unfortunately played into their hands with some overoptimistic and woeful passing as well as a lack of concentration at crucial moments.
Besides the players that you mentioned i think Koster was also good while van den heever tried hard and did some good work.Jean had just about his worst game ever and Van Aswegen was disappointing – sadly Francis does not have the talent to play at this level and i think we might end up with grant playing at 10 again.
25 Feb 2012, 21:54 pm
yeah rob… their tactics worked and made our guys lose focus…
I agree koster was good and I think gerard vdh is going to make the bulls regret letting him go… Very industrious, looked for work and I think playing with gio and joe is going to revive his career…
sure jean and gary were poor… but I don’t think we should turf either after a game such as this… both are intelligent and will learn from today… I’d pick both again next week…
but yes… I fear you may be right about grant..
25 Feb 2012, 22:00 pm
And rob… their taking out bekker at the line out was obviously a planned ploy to disrupt… even after being warned and yellow carded they STILL persisted with it…
lost all respect for hammert, conrad smith and the canes… what self-respecting rugby team goes into a match planning to foul and play dirty..
disgusting really
25 Feb 2012, 22:09 pm
Hammet played that way when he was at the Saders, no surprise that it’s come out here.
How good was Eben?
Jeez that guy is going to get better and better.
We all knew he had massive potential. Let’s see how he plays out the season.
The question is now, would you drop him for Elstadt?
Tough call.
Maybe Elstadt at looseie? Now that Schalk looks to be out for a while?
Siya was the second best player on the pitch today. How could you drop him now?
Tough decisions come Monday.
25 Feb 2012, 22:15 pm
Hehehe… Yip fulfilling his potential nicely on the field…!!!
They can’t drop eben…!!! Or siya…
Bring rynhardt off the bench as cover for lock or loosie… Let him play his way back and earn a starting place…
25 Feb 2012, 22:16 pm
@IAAS(I am a stormer)-258: I’d make Bekker captain. I was not impressed by Gary either. He still has some way to go. Goosen and Jantjies are streaks ahead.
25 Feb 2012, 22:17 pm
Burger our for 4 to 6 weeks apparently.
25 Feb 2012, 22:20 pm
Yeah… huge loss for the stormers… any slim chance we had of a god season has been seriously diminished…
25 Feb 2012, 22:22 pm
Good
25 Feb 2012, 22:37 pm
Yet another home victory path for the Yappies paved solely by a Yappie referee.
25 Feb 2012, 22:44 pm
@PrickBoks going South(PrickBoks going South)-268: So which specific calls do you not agree with?
25 Feb 2012, 22:48 pm
I was impressed with the Stormers performance today. Yes, this was one of the weakest Hurricanes teams ever to land on our shores but a win is a win and today was a step in the right direction.
There is no doubt that Schalk will be missed but all is not lost. We have the depth at loosie to carry us for the next few weeks until Schalk gets back.
Van Aswegen wasn’t to bad and will improve with confidence. JDJ will be back soon then Habana can move back to wing. JDV had a poor game but you don’t become bad player overnight and we need his experience.
Joe Pieterson looked composed and is an accurate goal kicker. Aplon is one of SA’s best attacking players.
And some poephol on the other thread is making a big deal about Juandre Kruger’s performance last night but Kruger’s not half the player Etsebeth is or will ever be.
25 Feb 2012, 23:00 pm
Van Aswegen was kuk imo BUT give him another run. I remember Coleman last year having a shocker in his first outing and then improved for the second game. Back Van Aswegen AC. Habana did zip tonight.
25 Feb 2012, 23:12 pm
@Jeraldjay(Jeraldjay)-270: Jean’s ego has just got bigger over the years. He is no longer a team player and should go captain the vodacom team. It does not matter how great your backline is if they don’t seethe ball. The Bulls have the same issue with Steyn.
25 Feb 2012, 23:18 pm
@garth(garth)-272:
Jean is not a big ego kind of guy.
But you right, the ball needs to get to the wings once in a while.
25 Feb 2012, 23:27 pm
@Jeraldjay(Jeraldjay)-273: He may not be a big ego type of guy off the field, but he definitely acts like one on the field. That’s why JF used to make the calls, else he’d never see the ball.
25 Feb 2012, 23:38 pm
Stormers have big big problems if they struggle to put this Hurricanes team to bed.I have to be honest,this must be the most pathetic Hurricanes team I’ve ever seen.Wooden spoon candidates.But Jonker was never gonna let them ruin the Stormers party.
25 Feb 2012, 23:42 pm
@Jeraldjay(Jeraldjay)-270: Wahahaa,so you must definately be one of those typical Stormers supporters who think your team were decent today!!!!? Etsebeth is a little boy,for now.Tell us,how did these fabulous players of the Stormers struggle to put the Wooden Spoons of NZ away? Jonker saved the Stormers every time they were in trouble against 13 Hurricanes!!!
26 Feb 2012, 00:01 am
@Loftus(Loftus)-276:
The Hurricanes played like Minnows in a RWC. They used spoiling tactics and were lucky to walk away with only 2 yellows. Jonker was actually lenient on them.
As a SA Rugby fan I will support the Bulls when they play the Aussie and NZ teams but you Bulls will support any team that plays against the Stormers.
26 Feb 2012, 00:57 am
I was disappointed when Van Aswegen took that drop goal when we had the Hurricanes under the kosh. He is lacking some experience. Burton will be better against the Sharks next week.
26 Feb 2012, 05:13 am
@garth(garth)-269: lets just say
if you penalise the canes prop for binding onto the stormer props upper shoulder/arm
then dont let the Stormers props get away with doing the exact same thing
26 Feb 2012, 05:57 am
I see Grant is on his way back and will make training on Wednesday.
I’d go for:
1. Kitsoff
2. Liebenberg
3. Carstens
4. Etsebeth
5. Bekker
6. Kolisi
7. Vermeulen
8. Koster
9. Duv
10.Gary
11. Aplon
12. Grant
13. Habana
14. VDH
15. Joe
26 Feb 2012, 06:05 am
@garth(garth)-280: Actually, on2nd thought I’d prefer playing Malherbe at 3.
26 Feb 2012, 06:50 am
Well it is what to be expected.
This is a very new and young (putting it nicely) Hurricanes team. Thanks to the Cantabrian coach, our team is in all sorts. But really i think we put up a good fight.
For those stormer fans who are happy with the win……. good luck cos it really was a pathetic win.
At home against this Hurricanes out fit that played with 13 players for a bit, honestly you are kidding yourselves.
Look i know the stormers were the better team especially on paper but if they played like that at Wellington, you would have lost.
Not a great start for the Hurricanes and i know that and i am realistic unlike some of these stormer fans thinking the stormers played a good game…..they sure as hell didnt.
The other 4 kiwi teams will eat the stormers.
As for the ref, it happens. He will miss things,cant dwell on it. Bring on next week.
26 Feb 2012, 06:55 am
@garth(garth)-280: U like the thought of giving Grant a run at 12, anything to keep him out of 10 really.
You can’t play Brock at 1, he’s a terrible loosehead.
Stephen did Ok, He deserves to have another run.
26 Feb 2012, 07:18 am
@stormersboy(stormersboy)-283: I like the thought. Sorry, Typo.
26 Feb 2012, 07:29 am
Hurricane. Your team will get better and so will ours. Stormers very rarely hit their straps until a few games into the season. We are not deluding ourselves that this was a great or cohesive effort, but we do know it’s points in the bag, a winning start with room for plenty of improvement. I hope the Canes develop into a good side as they have had a lot of inconsistent performances over the years.
26 Feb 2012, 07:38 am
@stormersboy(stormersboy)-284:
Is this your preferred backline for the season?
9. Duvenhage.
10. Van Aswegen.
11. Habana.
12. Grant.
13. JDJ.
14. Aplon.
15. Pietersen
26 Feb 2012, 07:58 am
@Jeraldjay(Jeraldjay)-286: Not necessarily. I would give jean more game time at 12, even though he obviously had a pretty static game yesterday, but his defence was pretty solid,
I’d have Grant as cover at 12, I’d play Brian at 11 and see how he goes, GVDH to come on as cover.
I’d give Gary another run at 10, I also believe that he’s a very talented player and would give him more game time to get over his confidence issues. I think in time he’ll come good,
I really struggle with Grant at 10, there is so much that he does very badly and not just his kicking that it limits our backline so much.’
If Jean continues to struggle I’d even consider playing JDJ at 12 and Brian at 13 and see how that goes,
I thought that GvdH did Ok last night, He’s fitting in well IMO. Hard to drop him.
What impressed me most last night was the forwards. Nice to see them stepping up.
We;ll have to see how they do against better opposition though.
What combo would you play?
26 Feb 2012, 08:16 am
@stormersboy(stormersboy)-287:
Duvenhage
Van Aswegen
Habana
JDV
JDJ
Aplon
Pietersen
Yes, the forwards impressed me as well. But our performance should not be gauged on yesterday’s opposition.
Gary deserves a run. I believe with confidence he will pull through.
Our centres should definately work on their ball distribution skills.
26 Feb 2012, 08:33 am
@Loftus(Loftus)-275:
Mate one of the weakest Bulls teams came to the party and beat the Sharks who are favourites to win the SA franchise. Your point? Any team can beat any team on the day. For heaven’s sake it is the first round and all teams look rusty. Upsets are caused mostly in the front end of the competition. Being arrogant only makes you look silly.
Well done to the Bulls; Lions and Stormers on great wins this weekend. Let’s hope all our teams do us proud.
26 Feb 2012, 08:51 am
yes… it’s only week one… and things are bound to change in the next few weeks…
for a stormers team that everyone writes off…
combined log has stormers at top and hurricanes at bottom… stammers will not stay at the top… but i hope like hell the hurricanes stay just where they are…
three saffa sides in the top 6… ! sharks will get there too quite soon…
26 Feb 2012, 08:52 am
stammers = stormers…
mobile… grrrrr…
26 Feb 2012, 09:13 am
@Jeraldjay(Jeraldjay)-286: I think having Grant outside of Gary will take some of the pressure of him and offer some mentorship from someone that has been there. Jean has not been good for a long time now. My backline for the season would be:
9. Duv
10. Gary
11. Aplon
12. Grant
13. JDJ
14. VDH
15. Joe
I would not mind seeing how Brian goes at 13 with a decent 12 inside him.
26 Feb 2012, 09:15 am
Next up for the Stormers is the Sharks at Newlands next weekend. The following weekend, the Stormers have their first bye.
So the Sharks game will be high intensity stuff as if local derbies aren’t already. This should give us a better indication as to both teams are progressing.
26 Feb 2012, 09:30 am
absolutely iaas…
gonna be a huge match…
concerned we won’t have burger to counter the physical sharks but duane, bekker, etzebeth, koster, kolisi and the rest will man up big time for this…
very nervous about this game… think sharks are gonna be snorting fire and brimstone… they are an excellent side…!
26 Feb 2012, 10:05 am
@ufo(ufo)-294:
We have a new enforcer on the field in Etsebeth with another on the bench hopefully in Elstadt. The Stormers forwards won’t stand back for any team now. And Kolisi has proven that he can step-up. I’m sorry for Schalk – he’s a massive loss – but then again it’s not all doom and gloom either.
26 Feb 2012, 10:12 am
@Jeraldjay(Jeraldjay)-288: That would be the backline I’d pick this weekend.
Grant on the bench if he copmes back in time, GVDH the other.
26 Feb 2012, 10:14 am
@ufo(ufo)-294: Will Alberts be fit for this weekend? Do you know? That is the key for them.
26 Feb 2012, 10:38 am
i have no idea bud…
not to be nasty… but hoping he isn’t…
26 Feb 2012, 10:53 am
299
26 Feb 2012, 10:54 am
SPARTAN Stormers!
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