Stormers stem Red tide

Stormers stem Red tide

20 Apr 2012

JON CARDINELLI watched the Stormers repel a late Reds rally to record an impressive 23-13 win in Brisbane.

The Stormers continue to deliver in the face of trying circumstances. They went into this game without Schalk Burger, Jean de Villiers or Andries Bekker, and still they managed to play with the composure and resolve needed to topple the best Super Rugby has to offer.

Some will argue that the Stormers should have put this Reds side away by more, as the Queenslanders suffered some serious injuries early in the piece. Coach Ewen McKenzie would have been feeling a sick sense of deja vu as flyhalf Sam Lane and then centre Ben Tapuai left the field inside the first 10 minutes. At that point the Reds were already 10-0 down, and were battling for any sort of momentum.

But to dismiss the Reds’ effort under these circumstances would also detract from the Stormers’ achievement. The Reds fought hard to stay in the game, and as the clock wound down in the second half, the visitors were made to fight just as hard to keep the Reds at arm’s length.

At times the Stormers attacked with confidence and purpose, but it was another fantastic forward effort and titanic defensive display that earned them an important win. The Cape heavies made an impression at the collisions from the first minute, and maintained that intensity throughout. It was at the point of contact where they troubled the Reds, and in many instances created attacking opportunities.

It didn’t matter that the Stormers struggled for territory. The Reds pack battled to build momentum from the scrum and at the collisions, and the Stormers were quick to pounce on a turnover and unleash a backline that was in a mood to counter-attack.

It was a turnover that allowed the Stormers to win a lineout deep in the Reds’ half in the 10th minute. Juan de Jongh crashed it up before Peter Grant attacked the line. Grant then effected a telling offload in the tackle to Gio Aplon, and at 10-0 the visitors had raced to a good lead.

The Reds managed to settle as the half progressed, but showed a lack of discipline in that crucial period just before half-time. A penalty attempt by Ben Lucas dropped short and the Stormers ran it back at a disorganised Reds defence until they were deep in the opposition 22. Some terrific skills allowed the Stormers to keep the ball alive, and from a later phase Grant sniped again, reached for the tryline, and scored.

At 17-3 it appeared to be all over for the shell-shocked Reds. McKenzie had gone into this match with five forwards on his bench and the early injuries to Lane and Tapuai had forced him to field both of his backline reserves. The Reds were hanging on at half-time.

The Stormers showed their composure in the second stanza. It wasn’t a case of defending a 14-point lead, but more a case of understanding that the Reds were battling to trouble their forwards. And as the game continued, the Reds did indeed become more desperate.

The hosts had their chances to narrow the deficit, and turned down a few shots at goal in favour of a crack at the tryline. The decision proved flawed as Rob Simmons lost the ball over the line, and the Stormers defence managed to clear from a subsequent scrum. This was but one of many instances where a Reds venture into Stormers territory culminated in a frustrating turnover.

It was far from a perfect showing from the Stormers, and while their leaders pulled them through they missed Andries Bekker’s management skills at the lineout.

The visitors’ blew a few early opportunities through lineout turnovers in good attacking positions. They also gifted a try to James Horwill in the 63rd minute when replacement hooker Deon Fourie missed his jumper at a set piece five metres from his own tryline.

But the Reds never looked like closing the gap. Their desperation grew as the full-time hooter drew close, and they passed up a shot at goal in favour of another dip at the tryline.

Again it ended in a turnover. They managed to win another penalty which Mike Harris duly slotted, but then they blew any chance of a draw or indeed a losing bonus point when they conceded a three-pointer at the other end of the park.

The Stormers still lack the killer instinct to be considered a real title prospect, but what is clear is that there is a tremendous belief in their playing pattern.

Their defence was the difference on this occasion and takes them to two wins from three tour matches. With only the Force to play, they have a good chance of making that record three from four and stretching their lead at the top of the South African conference.


664 Comments

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  • 301.Hurricane: Reply to this comment
    20 Apr 2012, 15:10 pm

    @Dawn(Dawn)-298:
    yep
    Sometimes when Prickboks chracter starts going off, feels like a BP.

  • 302.Dawn: Reply to this comment
    20 Apr 2012, 15:11 pm

    Strange Skop isn’t here yet

    He must stll be out chumming sharks in False Bay

  • 303.Hurricane: Reply to this comment
    20 Apr 2012, 15:11 pm

    @Dawn(Dawn)-290:
    Howdy Dawn

  • 304.houston, we have a problem...: Reply to this comment
    20 Apr 2012, 15:11 pm

    @Bill Reyts(Gumboots)-260:
    ja, dit was n opgewonde game behalwe vir die feit dat die stormers weereens aan die slaap geval het in die tweede helfte.

  • 305.Dawn: Reply to this comment
    20 Apr 2012, 15:13 pm

    @Hurricane(Hurricane)-303:

    Howdy doodee

  • 306.Hurricane: Reply to this comment
    20 Apr 2012, 15:13 pm

    @houston, we have a problem…(i_love_u_bakkiesbotha)-304:
    Hmm i dont know if they fell asleep. I think the reds woke up in the second half :-)

  • 307.Bill Reyts: Reply to this comment
    20 Apr 2012, 15:14 pm

    @skyewalker(skyewalker)-297:

    Hmmm he is always on about Brokebakes etc. Makes one think… I think it is shims way of coming to terms with Shimself…

  • 308.Sharksgirl: Reply to this comment
    20 Apr 2012, 15:16 pm

    @Pee Wee(Pee Wee)-170: @Provvas(Provvas)-162: @Slappes(Slappes)-173: It always amazes me how you guys react to Heavens game as if he is a true reflection of Sharks supporters. Heavens game is a braggart and certainly does not represent the majority of us Sharks supporters, who incidentelly were supporting the Stormers in this game, I refer you to Sharksworld. Yet instead of ignoring him, and taking the comments in the context from where they are coming you choose to stoop to his level and have a go at the rest of us or our team. Provvas side with the Chiefs if you will, real adult of you, hopefully that will not come back and bite the Stormers in their arse at the end of the competition.

    To the other Stormer supporters congratulations! I didn’t see the game followed it on Rugby365 and am looking forward to seeing it when I get home.

    Heavens game, please! don’t embarass us any further, the Sharks did not look that flash against the Blues and we also only won by only 7 points and the Blues are languishing last on the log with one win in all 9 rounds! :oops:

    Anyway Go Bulls, Go Sharks!!!!! and go Crusaders!

  • 309.Bill Reyts: Reply to this comment
    20 Apr 2012, 15:16 pm

    @Hurricane(Hurricane)-306:

    Verstaan jy Afrikaans? Jy is flippen slim vir ‘n Skaapverkragtertjie.

  • 310.cane: Reply to this comment
    20 Apr 2012, 15:17 pm

    HG goes to the doctor with hearing problems. “Can you describe the symptoms to me?” asked the doctor. “Yes. Homer is a fat yellow lazy baastard and Marge is a skinny bird with big blue hair.”

  • 311.houston, we have a problem...: Reply to this comment
    20 Apr 2012, 15:17 pm

    @stew(stew)-262:
    so another semi final repeat at loftus then…nice :grin:

    @Hurricane(Hurricane)-268:
    snake eyes…

  • 312.skyewalker: Reply to this comment
    20 Apr 2012, 15:18 pm

    @Bill Reyts(Gumboots)-307:
    you said it…where there’s smoke…there’s HG!

  • 313.Hurricane: Reply to this comment
    20 Apr 2012, 15:18 pm

    @Bill Reyts(Gumboots)-309:
    Jy sal verbaas wees wat hierdie klein kiwi kan doen

    I think?

  • 314.cane: Reply to this comment
    20 Apr 2012, 15:18 pm

    @Sharksgirl(Sharksgirl)-308:

    Hey Babe,

    We all know HG is not the real thing.

    :)

  • 315.Bill Reyts: Reply to this comment
    20 Apr 2012, 15:18 pm

    @Sharksgirl(Sharksgirl)-308:

    Thanks and we are supporting your team tomorrow too. You and Treehugger are true Sharkies…

  • 316.Dawn: Reply to this comment
    20 Apr 2012, 15:18 pm

    @Sharksgirl(Sharksgirl)-308:

    Noted.

  • 317.Dawn: Reply to this comment
    20 Apr 2012, 15:19 pm

    @cane(cane)-314:

    Careful how you throw “babe” around

    I’m still here

    :evil:

  • 318.Bill Reyts: Reply to this comment
    20 Apr 2012, 15:20 pm

    @Hurricane(Hurricane)-313:

    Man I’m impressed. You Kiwis never cease to amaze me…

  • 319.houston, we have a problem...: Reply to this comment
    20 Apr 2012, 15:20 pm

    @Hurricane(Hurricane)-306:
    no, they’ve done that a number of games now. built up a lead in the first half and then slowly gave it away through the course of the second half.

    cant be a coincidence all the other teams are waking up in the second half.

  • 320.Dawn: Reply to this comment
    20 Apr 2012, 15:20 pm

    @Hurricane(Hurricane)-313:

    Is jy klein?

    Ek het gedink jy’s groot!

  • 321.cane: Reply to this comment
    20 Apr 2012, 15:21 pm

    HG has just told me he’s shagging his girlfriend and her twin. I said “How can you tell them apart?” He said “Her brother’s got a moustache”.

  • 322.Dawn: Reply to this comment
    20 Apr 2012, 15:21 pm

    @houston, we have a problem…(i_love_u_bakkiesbotha)-319:

    What are you complaining about now.

  • 323.skyewalker: Reply to this comment
    20 Apr 2012, 15:22 pm

    @Sharksgirl(Sharksgirl)-308: @Sharksgirl(Sharksgirl)-308:
    :cool:

  • 324.Bill Reyts: Reply to this comment
    20 Apr 2012, 15:23 pm

    My alltime favourite gals are:

    Dawn
    Treehugger
    TrippleEEE
    RugbyPrincess
    SpringbokSarah
    Sharksgirl
    and
    Oh Carol…

  • 325.Bill Reyts: Reply to this comment
    20 Apr 2012, 15:23 pm

    @cane(cane)-321:

    :lol:

  • 326.cane: Reply to this comment
    20 Apr 2012, 15:23 pm

    @Hurricane(Hurricane)-313:

    Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah,

    Is nothing as it seems,

    You are a Bokke in sheeps clothing.

    8)

  • 327.Hurricane: Reply to this comment
    20 Apr 2012, 15:24 pm

    @houston, we have a problem…(i_love_u_bakkiesbotha)-319:
    How about runnig out of steam?
    Are they fit enough to kkep the intensity up?
    Dont know.

  • 328.Transformation: Reply to this comment
    20 Apr 2012, 15:24 pm

    considering that the Stormers only scored 17 points on the back of the Reds having 10 missed tackles, eight turnovers and six penalties in the 1st half alone, AC should be concerned as to his teams real ability to attack.

    one thing is clear, fleckie is useless.

  • 329.Hurricane: Reply to this comment
    20 Apr 2012, 15:24 pm

    @Dawn(Dawn)-320:
    Dawn, please.

  • 330.Sharksgirl: Reply to this comment
    20 Apr 2012, 15:24 pm

    @cane(cane)-314: Thank you Cane and Bill! Cane I’ll support the canes when they are not playing the Sharks another SA team or the Saders :) and especially if they play against an Ozzi team ;)

  • 331.Bill Reyts: Reply to this comment
    20 Apr 2012, 15:25 pm

    Sorry HG I just couldn’t find a spot for you on my top gals list. Just missed out…

  • 332.Transformation: Reply to this comment
    20 Apr 2012, 15:25 pm

    @Transformation(Transformation)-328: not forgetting injuries to sam lane & ben tapuai in the 1st 10 min of the match.

  • 333.Hurricane: Reply to this comment
    20 Apr 2012, 15:26 pm

    @Hurricane(Hurricane)-329:
    Oh i see “Klein”
    I get it know, was supposed to be little

  • 334.Bill Reyts: Reply to this comment
    20 Apr 2012, 15:27 pm

    @Hurricane(Hurricane)-333:

    Nie Calvin nie?

  • 335.houston, we have a problem...: Reply to this comment
    20 Apr 2012, 15:28 pm

    @Hurricane(Hurricane)-313:
    :lol:

    lees jy onse lynstaane jou donner..?..
    :lol:

  • 336.stormer in a teacup: Reply to this comment
    20 Apr 2012, 15:28 pm

    @Sharksgirl(Sharksgirl)-308: We don’t think HG is typical of Sharks supporters – most of us would think you are. Most Stormers fans want the Sharks to beat the Anzac teams. On a blog anyone who makes the kind of incendiary idiotic comments that people like HG and Skop make are bound to generate a lot of hostility – its human nature – and does not qualify as an achievement of any description. I’m sure you can relate. Go the Sharks. Do us proud and help peg those pesky kiwi low life swine ( working up a head of steam here) back for all of us.

  • 337.Transformation: Reply to this comment
    20 Apr 2012, 15:28 pm

    @houston, we have a problem…(i_love_u_bakkiesbotha)-311: make it in christchurch this time, the bulls can’t win s(hit in christchurch :D

  • 338.Dawn: Reply to this comment
    20 Apr 2012, 15:29 pm

    @Hurricane(Hurricane)-329:

    Love it when you beg.

  • 339.Hurricane: Reply to this comment
    20 Apr 2012, 15:29 pm

    @cane(cane)-326:

    :-)

    What do they say if you cant beat them….join them.
    But that does not hold up as we always beat them :-)

  • 340.Sharksgirl: Reply to this comment
    20 Apr 2012, 15:31 pm

    @Dawn(Dawn)-316: Don’t be jealous have you ever heard of a menage a trois? ;)

  • 341.cane: Reply to this comment
    20 Apr 2012, 15:31 pm

    And still no Heavens Game?

    Notice how convivial things are Okes.

    And you lot blame us!

    :)

  • 342.Hurricane: Reply to this comment
    20 Apr 2012, 15:32 pm

    @Bill Reyts(Gumboots)-334:
    lol
    nope not Calvin

    @Dawn(Dawn)-338:
    :-)

  • 343.houston, we have a problem...: Reply to this comment
    20 Apr 2012, 15:32 pm

    @Dawn(Dawn)-322:
    the stormers, they run out of steam in the second half most times.

    little hurricane thinks the reds picked up the game but i think its rather the stormers who dropped theirs.

    @Hurricane(Hurricane)-327:
    yes, my point exactly.

  • 344.ufo: Reply to this comment
    20 Apr 2012, 15:33 pm

    Sharksgirl…

    Based on the years of posts from us… I’m pretty sure most Stormers supporters back all South African teams against foreign teams… so yes… we will be backing the Sharks to do this biz tomorrow…

    Don’t let us down…!!

    :wink:

  • 345.Bill Reyts: Reply to this comment
    20 Apr 2012, 15:34 pm

    @Hurricane(Hurricane)-342:

    Thank goodness! HG would have been back in a whimp…

  • 346.Transformation: Reply to this comment
    20 Apr 2012, 15:34 pm

    @Sharksgirl(Sharksgirl)-340: hey you saucy, hot-blooded italian Shortie!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • 347.Hurricane: Reply to this comment
    20 Apr 2012, 15:34 pm

    @houston, we have a problem…(i_love_u_bakkiesbotha)-335:
    Just guessing

  • 348.cane: Reply to this comment
    20 Apr 2012, 15:35 pm

    @Sharksgirl(Sharksgirl)-330:

    Thanks, we need every bit of cosmic support we can get.

  • 349.Bill Reyts: Reply to this comment
    20 Apr 2012, 15:35 pm

    @houston, we have a problem…(i_love_u_bakkiesbotha)-343:

    A little hurricane is a windwhirl isn’t it? Maybe a rename there… In Afrikaans it is called a Poep.. :lol:

  • 350.THE MAULER: Reply to this comment
    20 Apr 2012, 15:36 pm

    Well done Stormers!! Good win! Next game easy!!

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