Bulls were bullied in brutal contest
2 Apr 2012
MARK KEOHANE, in his weekly Business Day column, says the Super Rugby match at Newlands on Saturday evening was a great advertisement for South African rugby.
The Stormers and Bulls produced an electric contest, which was complemented by an electric atmosphere.
The Stormers were worthy winners and it would have been an injustice — on the night’s performance — had the Bulls even left the stadium with a share of the spoils, which looked the likely outcome with the teams at 17-17 after 77 minutes.
The Bulls were courageous in everything they did, but the cleverness in tactical approach did not match the bravery in the collisions and at the breakdown.
The Stormers bullied the Bulls in contact and the manner in which the final three points were fashioned — from a scrum penalty — was befitting the home team’s set-phase superiority. Young Stormers prop Steven Kitshoff, in particular, produced the effort of a veteran and emphasised his enormous potential.
Stormers coach Allister Coetzee and forwards coach Matthew Proudfoot got the selections right from numbers one to eight and each one of the starting pack contributed to a night worth remembering if you just happened to be at Loftus on that awful afternoon some years back when the Bulls scored 75 points against the Stormers.
The Cape Town franchise have come a long way since their lowest point in Super Rugby history and the Bulls have maintained a consistency that makes them SA’s premier provincial and regional side.
The Stormers certainly are no longer the powder-puff brigade and no one can accuse them of being show ponies, although their attack certainly could do with a show pony or two. I had the Bulls to win by 10 because I backed their pack to do enough to give their impressive backs enough ammunition with which to fire.
I got it wrong and the Stormers got it very right because in this most brutal of contests the home team always held an advantage in every collision. Games of this nature are decided by who has an edge in every tackle or every attempt to break the tackle, and I was surprised at how decisively the Stormers dealt with the Bulls forwards-inspired attack.
The Bulls backs were not a factor because the forwards never built momentum and simply did not have any individual or collective ascendancy in determining gainline advantage.
Given the superiority in the contact and the quality of ball given to the backs, the Stormers still struggled to convince on attack and the backs, as a unit, were as impotent as the forwards were potent.
Ironically — and I use the word because he is seen as the glue that keeps the Stormers backs together — captain Jean de Villiers’s structured style is a restriction to the Stormers attack when once he was a revelation in all things creative.
De Villiers shoulders so much defensive responsibility that the natural attacking instincts of his game have suffered.
The Bulls — and most definitely former Stormer Johann Sadie — will learn from the experience at Newlands and they left with a valuable bonus point, while the Stormers got four quality league points.
In a sense it was a win-win for the South African challenge in the competition.
Our two best teams each got something for their efforts, but the Stormers maximised the advantage of playing at home.
Elsewhere, the Cheetahs produced the most inspired performance in their Super Rugby history to turn a 32-11 deficit after 25 minutes into a 47-38 win against the Hurricanes in Wellington, and complete their most successful Super Rugby overseas adventure.
The victory was their second in four tour matches and with a bit of good fortune the Cheetahs could well have won all four matches overseas. They lost to the Brumbies in the last minute and had the chance to beat the Crusaders. It has been a brilliant month for the boys from Bloem, more so because they left SA after taking 50 points from the Bulls in Bloemfontein.
The Cheetahs’ win was also another reminder that to be successful in Super Rugby you need a pack with grunt, as much as you need gifted game breakers. The Canes were feeble up front and the Cheetahs were colossal in the last hour of the match. It proved to be the difference in a fantastic match.
The Sharks continue to battle with the search for an imposing back five in their pack but they did well to beat a confident, if limited, Brumbies outfit in Canberra.
The Lions were again the disappointment of the weekend — and each week shows that they are not good enough. Coach John Mitchell has given them belief and structure and they are the team who best use the width of the park in attack, but they don’t possess the class of player to make all these ingredients a winning recipe.
284 Comments
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2 Apr 2012, 13:49 pm
@Hoops(Hoops)-147:
I agree, the Stormers are the team to beat this year. They need to end top of the log though, otherwise a final away could be to much.
2 Apr 2012, 13:49 pm
@Provvas(Provvas)-149:
i’ve always liked him as a person… and a player… he’s not your usual domkrag prop… but fans love to hate him… have often said he’d do better if he went to the sharks or bulls… suddenly EVERYONE would rate him…
i know only a few people do rate him… and he most probably won’t be a bok… but i just put that stats up to show that… no matter what anyone says… he is one of the hardest working tight heads around… for time on the park he makes 2 tackles for every one of werner kruger…
the only two that come close are wp nel and frans malherbe…
2 Apr 2012, 13:52 pm
no one blogger should have a monopoly on cut and paste.
Maybe Zille had a point afterall.unlike transformation i will let people make up their own minds on this issue.
News | Features
The story of an ‘education refugee’
2012-04-01 10:00
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Jeanne van der Merwe
Softly spoken and confident, with a ready smile and hopes of studying computer science or civil engineering at university next year, Lwando Buwa (19) is one of Cape Town’s fortunate township matrics.
Buwa’s excellent marks in mathematics earned him a place at the Centre of Science and Technology (Cosat).
Cosat is an award-winning school in Khayelitsha that hand-picks promising pupils and offers intensive teaching in maths, science and technology – all with a view to shepherding them towards tertiary education.
Buwa is not only a top student, he is what Western Cape Premier Helen Zille might call an “education refugee”.
Zille infuriated many when she suggested that pupils moving from the Eastern Cape to the province she runs were “educational refugees” in search of better schooling opportunities.
Her use of the word “refugees” angered many, who argued that it turned South African citizens into outsiders in their own country. Buwa, though, is pragmatic.
“If I stayed in the Eastern Cape, I would not have ended up here, that’s for sure,” he says pensively, looking around at the well-stocked shelves of the school’s library.
Born in Centane in the rural Eastern Cape near Butterworth, he arrived in Khayelitsha in 2005.
His school career, until then, had been patchy at best. He dropped out repeatedly and often skipped school with his friends to avoid tackling the long, tiring journey to class.
“In Centane it was hard to go to school because the school was so far away and I couldn’t get up early enough,” he recalls.
“I went for Grades 1, 2 and 3, but then I started losing interest. The walk was long and tiring. So in Grade 5 I stopped.
“I changed to another school that was nearer to my village, but this school was still far away and you had to cross a river to get there. In September, when the rains started, I stopped going. The other guys I went to school with stopped, and so did I.”
He relocated to Ikwezi Park in Khayelitsha, joining his mother, who had moved to Cape Town to work.
“In Cape Town, I don’t know what happened, but I started liking school very much. From 2005 I had no absent days and no late days.”
Buwa knows about the “refugee” spat, but isn’t sure what all the fuss is about.
“I think it’s good to go to a place where you can get more knowledge about life, and where you can get more education than before.”
Not having command of English was his biggest problem when he first arrived in Cape Town because “in Centane, they were not teaching us in English”.
“We would read an English story, but then they would explain the story to us in Xhosa. They were not preparing us for university. Here they teach us in English.”
He visits family in Centane each year and has kept track of his peers in the area.
“Most people my age are not in school. They drop out at around Grade 8. If you go to school alone and you see your peers not going, it would be hard for you to go. By going to school you might be making yourself look better than them, so then you drop out too.”
According to education department statistics, school enrolments in the Western Cape rose by 17 900 this year.
Western Cape Education Department spokesperson Paddy Attwell said registration figures suggested that migration from the Eastern Cape had “contributed significantly” to the rise in the province’s school-going population.
“Learners from the Eastern Cape account for about 44% of the learners who registered for the first time for Grades 1 to 12 in 2012 on our Central Education Management Information System.
“They represent 77.9% of the learners who registered for the first time from other provinces, followed by Gauteng (with 5.3%) and the Northern Cape (with 2.7%).”
2 Apr 2012, 14:03 pm
Well done Lwando Buwa, good on you. Study hard and earn a good living.
2 Apr 2012, 14:04 pm
@CAPECRUSADER(CAPECRUSADER)-153: How exactly does this impact on the Super15?
2 Apr 2012, 14:08 pm
@>^..^< katman(katman)-155: just as much as the lions impact on the super15 this year…….then you probably know that already hey!!
2 Apr 2012, 14:09 pm
Ok so as i do, here is Rugby365.com’s team of the week:
Team of the Week – Round Six:
15 – Ben Smith (Highlanders):
He is showing why he displaced Joe Rokocoko in the All Black team in 2009. If he carries on in this vein, he will certainly add to his two Test caps.
Bubbling under: Riaan Viljoen (Sharks)
14 – Odwa Ndungane (Sharks):
He may have his detractors, especially those who mock him about his supposed lack of pace, but go have a look at Riaan Viljoen’s second try – while most players will sprint headlong without looking, he knew the cover was coming and then cleverly headed back to his support, which ensured the opportunity was not lost. And please have a look at his workrate as well.
Bubbling under: Sean Maitland (Crusaders)
13 – Richard Kahui (Chiefs):
His combination with Sonny Bill Williams is working a charm for the Chiefs. Don’t be surprised if they are the All Blacks’ starting centres this year.
Bubbling under: Robert Ebersohn (Cheetahs)
12 – Jean de Villiers (Stormers):
He’s also had to cope with a lot of criticism in recent years, but the Bok veteran showed there is plenty of life left in his legs.
Bubbling under: Sonny Bill Williams (Chiefs)
11 – Zac Guildford (Crusaders):
He has overcome all his demons and are playing the rugby that can make him a regular starter for the All Blacks.
Bubbling under: Lwazi Mvovo (Sharks)
10 – Johan Goosen (Cheetahs):
This young man may be raw, very raw, but he is the entire package.
Bubbling under: Aaron Cruden (Chiefs)
9 – Aaron Smith (Highlanders):
Keeping veteran Jimmy Cowan on the bench tackles some doing, but he is showing why he was talked about as a future All Black after playing for NZ Maori in 2010.
Bubbling under: Brendan McKibbin (Waratahs)
8 – Kane Thompson (Chiefs):
Plenty of carries and a high tackle count in a game where the Chiefs pack gradually wore down the opposition.
Bubbling under: Nasi Manu (Highlanders)
7 – David Pocock (Western Force):
At least this week he got rewarded with a win for putting his body on the line for his team’s cause.
Bubbling under: Willem Alberts (Sharks)
6 – Adam Thomson (Highlanders):
Jamie Joseph will have to manage him carefully, because he is invaluable to the team. You could clearly see the difference between the previous week’s defeat and the win at the weekend.
Bubbling under: Heinrich Brüssow (Cheetahs)
5 – Nathan Sharpe (Western Force):
Like Pocock, he was rewarded for another stand-out performance with a convincing win over the defending champions.
Bubbling under: Juandré Kruger (Bulls)
4 – Eben Etzebeth (Stormers):
Go measure your Springbok blazer young man!
Bubbling under: Toby Lynn (Western Force)
3 – WP Nel (Cheetahs):
There is no reward like a try for a hard-working prop.
Bubbling under: Patric Cilliers (Lions)
2 – Chiliboy Ralepelle (Bulls):
He made another emphatic statement about his Springbok aspirations this year.
Bubbling under: Bismarck du Plessis (Sharks)
1 – Coenie Oosthuizen (Cheetahs):
This is a prop that has it all – he can scrum, turn over ball, cleans rucks and have a mean step … when he doesn’t run over the opposition.
Bubbling under: Steven Kitshoff (Stormers)
Our individual selections!
Paul Dobson XV: 15 Riaan Viljoen, 14 Pat McCabe, 13 Robert Ebersohn, 12 Jean de Villiers, 11 Lwazi Mvovo, 10 Daniel Carter, 9 Brendan McKibbin, 8 Duane Vermeulen, 7 David Pocock, 6 Adam Thomson, 5 Brodie Retallick, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Chiliboy Ralepelle, 1 Coenie Oosthuizen.
Timmy Hancox XV: 15 Ben Smith, 14 Odwa Ndungane, 13 Richard Kahui, 12 Sonny Bill Williams, 11 Zac Guildford, 10 Johan Goosen, 9 Aaron Smith, 8 Nasi Manu, 7 David Pocock, 6 Adam Thomson, 5 Juandré Kruger, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 WP Nel, 2 Chiliboy Ralepelle, 1 Coenie Oosthuizen.
Len Kaplan XV: 15 Ben Smith, 14 Dom Shipperley, 13 Richard Kahui, 12 Jean de Villiers, 11 Zac Guildford, 10 Aaron Cruden, 9 Dewaldt Duvenage, 8 Keegan Daniel, 7 David Pocock, 6 Adam Thomson, 5 Nathan Sharpe, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Ben Tameifuna, 2 Bismarck du Plessis, 1 Coenie Oosthuizen.
Michael de Vries XV: 15 Ben Smith, 14 Sean Maitland, 13 Richard Kahui, 12 Jean de Villiers, 11 Zac Guildford, 10 Johan Goosen, 9 Aaron Smith, 8 Kane Thompson, 7 David Pocock, 6 Adam Thomson, 5 Nathan Sharpe, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Patric Cilliers, 2 Chiliboy Ralepelle, 1 Coenie Oosthuizen.
Jan de Koning XV: 15 Riaan Viljoen, 14 Odwa Ndungane, 13 Robert Ebersohn, 12 Andries Strauss, 11 Lwazi Mvovo, 10 Johan Goosen, 9 Aaron Smith, 8 Pierre Spies, 7 Willem Alberts, 6 Adam Thomson, 5 Juandré Kruger, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 WP Nel, 2 Chiliboy Ralepelle, 1 Coenie Oosthuizen.
2 Apr 2012, 14:11 pm
I included the individual scribes’ selections, as I expect some argument.
2 Apr 2012, 14:12 pm
@Mr Black(Mr Black)-151:
Look…I’m the first to say i am not counting any chickens yet….but the rest of the comp is not so dominant as previous years.
I agree…we need home semi and final and go in as favs….because last year no one gave the stormers scrum any credit and we got nailed in the semi unfairly I believe. Most muppits will now jump at that suggestion but it is how I feel.
With more people seeing hoe we scrum they will give us credit and we will get the 50/50 calls, which we never got before.
But there is a massive tour ahead of us and we need at least 50% from it to be in it. The bookies got the Saders as favs and then stormers…got to count for something!
2 Apr 2012, 14:14 pm
odwa….reallly!! better than sean maitland?de koning must have been smoking the good stuff early this monday morning.
2 Apr 2012, 14:14 pm
Just saw Keohane stuffing his face at Crave
2 Apr 2012, 14:17 pm
This from Keo above:
“Elsewhere, the Cheetahs produced the most inspired performance in their Super Rugby history to turn a 32-11 deficit after 25 minutes into a 47-38 win against the Hurricanes in Wellington, and complete their most successful Super Rugby overseas adventure.”
Actually ………………………………….the Cheats first ever win in NZ.
So WHY was this achievement, not worthy of it’s Own Thread.
Are the Cheetahs something lessor than The Bullies, Guppies and Brokebacks?
Only fit for a paragraph at the bottom of a Bulls thread.
If The Big Guy Upstairs is a true Rugby Fan………………………………………………….no way is Keo getting through those Pearly Gates.
2 Apr 2012, 14:19 pm
@cane(cane)-162: Cheetahs threads on this site rarely get more than 15 – 20 responses, tops.
Which is sad, to be sure, but it obviously is of nothing more than a passing interest to those who read this site
2 Apr 2012, 14:28 pm
@cane(cane)-162: Keo lives in Cape Town, supports the Bulls and has a financial interest in Luke Watson’s career. Therefore expecting articles that aren’t about the Stormers, Bulls or Kings is most unrealistic. Last week’s Sharks flurry is hard to explain.
That Cheetahs game was sublime though.
2 Apr 2012, 14:31 pm
@>^..^< katman(katman)-164: One of the best games i’d watched in a long time.
2 Apr 2012, 14:31 pm
@stormersboy(stormersboy)-163:
Again……………………”the most inspired performance in their Super Rugby history”
That is one hell of a statement.
If the most inspired 80 minutes of Cheats Rugby ever, is not worth it’s own thread, then little wonder few Cheetahs Supporters bother to post here.
2 Apr 2012, 14:35 pm
Cheetahs are leaking to many tries. There must be a balance between attack and defence
2 Apr 2012, 14:35 pm
@>^..^< katman(katman)-164: @stormersboy(stormersboy)-165:
I only caught a highlights package at the end of week 6.
But f**k me there were some great tries last weekend.
8)
2 Apr 2012, 14:38 pm
@cane(cane)-168: ja I saw most of the games, it was a good weekend indeed.
2 Apr 2012, 14:39 pm
@cane(cane)-168: 32 all at half time tells a story.
2 Apr 2012, 14:42 pm
watched all the games this weekend… that cheetahs game was the best game of the weekend and will be rated oner of the best games of the season by any neutrals…
and yes it was inspirational….
the canes had got a bonus point try before the cheetahs had even scored… and then the cheetahs came back to win it…
certainly a comeback of note…
and yes… deserves a thread of it’s own…
2 Apr 2012, 14:44 pm
There is only one side that has a realistic shot at lifting the S15 trophey at the end of this year. And its not the Stormers.
Unfortunately I think the Bulls lack of experience and Morne Steyns “yips” will probably mean no S15 title for SA this year, but if that side can stay together a year or two they will take on all comers.
Cape fans can talk about how they outplayed the Bulls all they like. Doesn’t make it true. They one on the scoreboard but thats about it.
2 Apr 2012, 14:44 pm
@CAPECRUSADER(CAPECRUSADER)-153: hahaha nice story, well done lwando, the smarts to learn are never lacking in this part of the world!
now that you’ve proved you can clearly read, try comprehending what is written.
At no point did i say people don’t move from the EC to WC, it urbanisation, nothing new about that hence you find that Lwando’s mother left to find work in cape town before lwando’s studies defaulted.
in Grabouw where the violence broke out, the people who have moved from the EC are NOT all there as so-called “education refugees”, the labour system practiced by the farmer there has more of an influence than the failure of the education system in the EC.
ps no one indeed has any monopoly on cutting and pasting on this blog, except maybe stormersboy, with his team of the week pastes
2 Apr 2012, 14:45 pm
and one was supposed to be won………
2 Apr 2012, 14:49 pm
@>^..^< katman(katman)-164:
Okay,
That accounts for Keo’s self interest.
But what about ………………………………………..JC……………………………………Ryan……………………………..Simon…………………………………………….and Sir Gareth.
Do none of these Gents, (a term I use loosely), value their reputations as ground level, salt of the earth Reporters.
2 Apr 2012, 14:53 pm
My Superbru picks is standing at 60.98%. Tough this year.
2 Apr 2012, 14:54 pm
@cane(cane)-175: They’re simply the worker elves. Santa Keo calls the shots. Ho ho fcken ho.
2 Apr 2012, 14:58 pm
Grant’s limitations as a tactical kicker is affecting Duvenhage’s game, which will be the major issue going forward.
And creativity on attack is a non issue as I feel it will eventually materialise.
2 Apr 2012, 15:20 pm
@cane(cane)-162:
I believe the Free State beat the Highlanders in 1996 or 1997? Quite a big score too if I am not mistaken…
2 Apr 2012, 15:20 pm
I really didn’t see any side “getting bullied” on Saturday. I saw the Stormers getting away with a couple of scrums where they – not the Bulls should have been penalised – and in fact were generally overshadowed in the scrums which caused them to get less playable ball than the Bulls. However in the tight loose the Stormers pack were definitely better than the Bulls. With the Bulls backs playing better as a unit, I reckon the Stormers were actually a little lucky to win this one and my prior comments that the Stormers pack looks a bit special will require further substantiation at the set pieces before I am proved correct on that score.
As for Keohane’s comments regarding JdeV, I don’t know where he’s coming from. JdeV is the standout 12 in SA if not the whole Super15 and he look like he’s definitely playing his part as captain superbly. If he’s only good defensively, then I wonder who it was that single-handedly scored that great try the other week?
And I agree about the Cheetahs – and ask the question as well as to why Ashley Johnson wasn’t picked anywhere as being the best 8th Man on show for the weekend?
Just another bit regarding the Stormers – at last de Jongh has started putting his hand up again.
2 Apr 2012, 15:20 pm
@Jeraldjay(Jeraldjay)-178: interesting theory. how did you figure that out? why would the better of the 2 tactical kickers have an effect on the worse one. in case you are wondering. Duvenhage’s tactical kicking needs a kick in the arse.
2 Apr 2012, 15:20 pm
@stormersboy(stormersboy)-157: This from planet rugby!!
Some strange selections…who is Adam Kyriacou???
Team of Round 6
15 Ben Smith (Highlanders) – In the first game of the weekend, Smith was a constant threat from the back in Invercargill as he cut lines all day. Two tries went his way but it was how he seemingly glided across the turf that sees him pip Riaan Viljeon and goal-kicking full-back Dave Harvey.
14 Kade Poki (Highlanders) – Having suffered for a long time with a niggling knee injury, it was good to see Poki coming back to something near his best form on Friday. The former Crusader has the ability to beat a man even when space suggests it would be nigh on impossible and is blending well with Smith and Hosea Gear.
13 Nick Cummins (Western Force) – What a wise move it was from Richard Graham to bring in Cummins from wing for their clash with the Reds. Cummins has been restricted somewhat on the touchline and on Saturday we saw just how devastating he can be.
12 Andries Strauss (Cheetahs) – Arguably the toughest selection in our list as few put their hands up except for Strauss, who backed up last week’s strong showing with another impressive effort at Westpac Stadium. We are still bemused why the Sharks let him go.
11 Julian Savea (Hurricanes) – We come to the cushion of Hosea Gear’s departure from Wellington. Savea has been superb for the ‘Canes throughout the early season and once again demonstrated how powerful he is, against the Cheetahs. Unfortunate to lose.
10 Beauden Barrett (Hurricanes) – What can we say about this young man? Once more he directed traffic in a manner beyond his years and then chucked in another play of the week with a fine solo try that saw him beat four tacklers. If he carries on like this then look out DC.
9 Brett Sheehan (Western Force) – As one Australian commentator put it, “Sheehan is getting better with age”. We couldn’t agree more. The 32-year-old number nine helped dog out a memorable victory over the Reds and starred from start to finish for his side.
8 Keegan Daniel (Sharks) – He has the whole package. As we all know, this man tackles, runs and leads from the front but against the Brumbies, Daniel stood out in the turnover department. According to our stats he made three along with nine tackles and six carries.
7 Willem Alberts (Sharks) – Alberts is a brute of a man and carried superbly for the Sharks in Canberra. Nailed on starter for South Africa right now as Schalk Burger nurses his knee.
6 Adam Thomson (Highlanders) – First name on the list after his hat-trick. Need I say more?
5 Nathan Sharpe (Western Force) – Despite the end being in sight, Sharpe shows little signs of slowing down as he put in another typically Sharpe-esque performance. Always on hand for a carry and secure in the line-out, the Wagga Wagga lock topped it all off with a try.
4 Steven Sykes (Sharks) – It looks like Sykes is lapping up being back from Leinster and once again slipping into a Sharks jersey. He made ten tackles against the Brumbies but it was his general play around the field that impressed us most. A mention – yet again – for Stormers hard man Eben Etzebeth who continues to outshine lock mate Andries Bekker.
3 Ben Alexander (Brumbies) – Dan Palmer’s absence meant that Alexander had to shift from loosehead to tighthead this past week, and to make our XV says plenty of the man. He was tireless again for the Brumbies, putting in eight go-forwards and seven tackles.
2 Tiaan Liebenberg (Stormers) – And so we arrive at the hotly contested hooking position. Chiliboy Ralepelle, Stephen Moore, Adriaan Strauss and also Dane Coles pushed for the jersey but for a hungry performance at Newlands, try-scorer Liebenberg edges the quartet.
1 Coenie Oosthuizen (Cheetahs) – Up against the Chiefs top try-scorer, Sona Taumalolo, but in truth there was little doubt where our final shirt was headed. Oosthuizen has been a rock for the Cheetahs and after being on the bench a week ago, he returned with a bang.
Compiled by Adam Kyriacou
2 Apr 2012, 15:31 pm
@Bokbafana(Bokbafana)-182:
Interesting.
Every one sees what they want to I suppose.
2 Apr 2012, 15:52 pm
Bokbafana… Planet rugby is an Aussie or NZ site so must be from there…
2 Apr 2012, 15:53 pm
@Bokbafana(Bokbafana)-182: Sykes?
Don’t think so.
2 Apr 2012, 15:57 pm
@stormersboy(stormersboy)-185: agreed…Eben has marked that spot as his!!!
2 Apr 2012, 16:06 pm
@Bokbafana(Bokbafana)-186: Sykes did Ok this weekend but let’s face it, he’s coming off a pretty low base.
Eben was immense on Saturday, and has been consistently so.
2 Apr 2012, 16:08 pm
@pompies2(pompies2)-181:
Because of Grant’s weakness as a tactical kicker, Duvenhage’s taking most of the responsibility on his shoulders. Now the opposition is expecting Duvenhage to kick and his gameplan has become more predictable.
Just my opinion.
2 Apr 2012, 16:11 pm
That Etzebeth kid is built like a brick shithouse. Looks pretty imposing.
2 Apr 2012, 16:52 pm
@sonofgun(sonofgun)-81:
Chilliboy has be outplaying Bissie since the start of the competition. Did you watch them when they went head-to-head in the 1st round of the competition?
I don’t agree with people who punt for Chilli to be made captain. Let him, Bissie, Stauss and Liebenberg battle it out for the two hooker spots in the team. Making him captain will just put undue pressure on him and I can already see the quota tag being hung around his neck while his current form suggests that he will be anything but a quota if he is selected as 1st choice hooker right now.
2 Apr 2012, 16:56 pm
@Jeraldjay(Jeraldjay)-188: can’t agree. duvenhage’s only kick is the box-kick. he doesn’t have the vision or ability to execute any others. His general play is poor as is his option taking. And please don’t tell me about his speed of service.
2 Apr 2012, 17:21 pm
@pompies2(pompies2)-191:
… or his bullet pass.
DD will be our downfall. We need to get a better scrumhalf and quick if we want to pull through.
Where is that boy from the Ikeys? (Wise or something, not really sure.) He was not so bad and with experience, I think he’ll be better that DD and his current understudy.
2 Apr 2012, 17:28 pm
@pompies2(pompies2)-191: plus duvenhage only kicks with his left foot! no variation.
2 Apr 2012, 17:59 pm
@nama1(nama1)-190: The real form hooker in SA (not to say that Chiliboy and Bissy aren’t on form, because they are both playing well, especially Chiliboy) is Adriaan Strauss. He has been sensational week in week out. South Africa has an insane level of depth at hooker and hopefully will now be selecting on merit, which will mean all will get better with competition, as long as they all get a fair chance, which didn’t happen in the past.
2 Apr 2012, 18:23 pm
@nama1(nama1)-190:
Chiliboi intimidated the Stormers!
They needed Joubert to win
On the more serious note, the Stormers backs aren’t a factor, it was worth watching how the Cheetahs backs did the demolition job on the Canes to realise what a potent back line can do in the up tempo’s Super Rugby competition!
2 Apr 2012, 18:26 pm
@nama1(nama1)-192:
The UCT player is Nic Groom- he is a much more abrasive type of player than Duvenhage and Schreuder but his kicking game is not as good as theirs. As Jeraldjay has pointed out the lack of a kicking game by Peter Grant is forcing AC to select a good kicking scrumhalf to “cover” for Grant.
As a newspaper journo wrote this weekend a good balanced team needs “artists” and “clerks” but to have two “clerks” in the vital no 9 and 10 positions will probably not win cups at this level.
Just imagine what this team will do if they had a player like Barrett or even Jantjes at no 10.
2 Apr 2012, 18:27 pm
Well done Stormers ! and to the cheetha’s , good good rugby from them. The best game of the weekend in my eyes. Take my hat off to the players and the coaching team. I think we will see more of them when they come back.
Stormers still long road ahead. As Keo said , the backline still not op to scratch. Forwards proved themselves so far and looking forward to see how they do overseas.
2 Apr 2012, 18:27 pm
@HongKongSlong(HongKongSlong)-194:
Difficult to choose between them, Strauss is more of a leader from the front and a better hooker and better scrumming technique, but Bissie owns the opposition now, you can see him enjoying so much playing without Smit and the Beast
2 Apr 2012, 18:53 pm
@Transformation(Transformation)-173: The ANC is miffed at losing the province to the DA and are trying everything in their power – and we can see that they’re trying every dirty trick in the book – to regain it. That uneducated buffoon Trevor Manuel can go establish an “education” forum where its needed. He must still be made accountable for signing off the arms deal the d00s!
2 Apr 2012, 19:20 pm
I see lots and lots of Stormers articles, and a few less Bulls articles.
Where are the Sharks, Cheetahs and Lions articles?
Helloooooo? The Sharks and the Cheetahs had good wins too…
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