Chiefs edge Durban scrap
21 Apr 2012
RYAN VREDE reports on the Chiefs’ 18-12 victory over the Sharks at Kings Park.
The Sharks spoke this week about finding the synergy and cohesion that has been lacking for most of their campaign. It didn’t happen for them tonight for a plethora of reasons, most notably their inability to retain the ball through enough phases for them to build line-depleting pressure on their opponents.
When they weren’t knocking the ball on in contact or, at times, under no pressure whatsoever, or overcooking lineouts, their ill-discipline further undermined their cause. Unseasonable humidity complicated handling, and while both sides were guilty of fundamental errors in this regard, the Sharks could have aided their effort by holding the ball through their forwards more often than they were willing to do.
Indeed they bossed possession and territory and when they were direct they looked capable of unlocking the Chiefs’ stingy defence. Instead they often went wide without earning the right to do so first, and were met by organised, physical and intelligent defence.
The Chiefs absorbed early pressure well then struck against the run of play. A multi-phase move eroded the Sharks’ defensive line and they shifted the ball wide to Aaron Cruden who cut through amidst calls of obstruction from Sharks players. A review of that score suggested they may have had a solid argument for a penalty. Cruden converted and later kicked a penalty to give his side breathing room.
Much of the Sharks’ focus had been on nullifying the efficient strike runners in the Chiefs’ pack as a means of diluting Sonny Bill Williams’ potency. But the midfielder rendered himself a relative non-factor with his worst performance in Super Rugby. His offloads failed to find their mark and his hands seemed to have been dipped in industrial strength lubricant before kick-off. However, even with the Chiefs’ most dangerous attacking weapon blunted, the Sharks couldn’t get the precision into their attacking game to capitalise.
Pat Lambie kicked three penalties either side of half-time to draw his side within a point. The Chiefs reverted to a more forward-orientated in the second half while the Sharks retained faith in their sterile method. Their fans would have hoped their replacements would have injected some penetration into their play, exploiting the Chiefs’ travel-weary legs and minds.
And they gradually grew in stature, Lambie kicking a penalty to set up a tense finish. You sensed the Sharks would end stronger but they never had the patience and tactical purpose to steal the victory. They became increasingly frantic as full-time neared and in so doing became easier to repel. Chiefs scrumhalf Augustine Pulu scored an audacious try after the siren sounded, faking to kick for touch then breaking through a gap and dancing down the touchline.
The Sharks needed to win this one to keep their charge for the conference title on track. Dropping home points has often been terminal to teams’ ambitions and you have to think that this one will come back to haunt them.
584 Comments
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22 Apr 2012, 16:20 pm
The Stormers seem to have a lot of haters at the moment. Not used to winning they are (as Yoda would put it).
Enjoy it while it lasts boys. The wheel of life does turn.
Enjoy your moment in the sun.
22 Apr 2012, 16:21 pm
@sharks_lover(sharks_lover)-312:
cheers man… yeah, to me it’s more important to recognize the character of the individual than the color of his… fan jersey…
@Bill Reyts(Gumboots)-315:
for sure bill… and we wp-/stormers supporters have had lots of practice at being losing fans for 10 years now… not a nice feeling… which is why i don’t go online after a game and insult the losing fans… very uncool… IMO…
not that i don;t enjoy the banter… love it… but there’s always a line…
also enjoy the vast majority of comments and the enjoy learning things from many of the bloggers… which is why i still read and post here…
i also like knowing how the ‘other side’ thinks… whether that mean kiwi or aus or bulls or sharks or cheetahs or lions fans… keeps me in check and sometimes forces me to take stock and look at myself and not take it all or me all too seriously…
i love it… but it is just a game after all… and we’re not even the players…!!
22 Apr 2012, 16:21 pm
@Bill Reyts(Gumboots)-348: I hear you and as much as I hate to admit, I have to agree.
22 Apr 2012, 16:22 pm
Anyone here from Durban? Jeez these new street names are a joke.
Long live the memory of Major Ted Swales V.C.
A true South African hero.
22 Apr 2012, 16:22 pm
Out for me. Have a good one.
22 Apr 2012, 16:26 pm
@wooden spoon(wooden spoon)-351:
Yeah well,as a pall of darkness descends in Natal,home ground ‘advantage’ means nothing with the slippery conditions in the tank,sharkies can kiss their season goodbye as I reckont hey may add only one or two more wins in an already dismal season.
22 Apr 2012, 16:27 pm
@Bill Reyts(Gumboots)-348:
But sometimes posts like these by someone who feels the need to simply degrade someone else, fires me up and force me to defend a player of my team:
See this post on the Sharks link by SpiesisWorthless., post number 615 I think?
“Spies is probably the worst player ever. He’s constantly overwhelmed in contact by virtually everyone even the smallest back. He has absolutely ZERO value at the breakdown and is a defensive liability. He’s clumsy and un-coordinated and has a horrific work-rate. He has no redeeming qualities as a player and has been a burden for the Bok’s for years effectively rendering them a 14 man team (at best), and at worst getting in the way and making things even more difficult.
I hope the rugby fans are watching him closely: I guarantee you will come to the exact same conclusions. If Meyer picks Spies (even on the bench) it will be a farce of the highest order.
He should be chased off every rugby park in the country at every level.”
Outa here.
22 Apr 2012, 16:28 pm
@skyewalker(skyewalker)-356: you may be right. Indeed, the way the Sharks are playing, they may not even win one or two more games.
And no doubt you will come on here after those losses and hate. Your choice – do as you must – I’m easy like Sunday morning about it.
22 Apr 2012, 16:29 pm
Bill,you live in the Pretoria area if i am correct.Do the Pretorians feel Meyer will look favourably on their team for the next four years?Will Meyer select his Bull favourite,Timote Ctrice Olivier?The last question aske with trepidation.
22 Apr 2012, 16:30 pm
@ufo(ufo)-352:
Stormers also need a few mean fans imo,and I feel a mean streak comin’ on right about now,where is that ***** heavens game. ??
22 Apr 2012, 16:30 pm
@wooden spoon(wooden spoon)-358: Catrice
22 Apr 2012, 16:31 pm
@Kleuter(Kleuter)-357: What’s wrong with that description?
22 Apr 2012, 16:31 pm
@Kleuter(Kleuter)-357:
Most people here just enjoy good banter. I for one never go out of my way to insult anyone. Sometimes I say something tongue in cheek and then realise someone took exception to what I was actually trying to say. I chirp a lot and most will tell you so, but I do it not to insult. Dawn got angry with me the other day and not one word I said was meant to be an insult but a joke.
Cheers.
22 Apr 2012, 16:32 pm
@stormerforlife1(stormerforlife1)-361: no idea what that word means, sorry.
Cat food?
22 Apr 2012, 16:33 pm
@wooden spoon(wooden spoon)-358:
I come on after a stormers or sharks game for a session with the chickensh*ts who called it wrong.
22 Apr 2012, 16:33 pm
@stormerforlife1(stormerforlife1)-359:
I’m in the East of Pretoria and my mates are already calling the Boks the Blue Boks and they are actually very serious about it. They feel HM will repay loyalty to most of the boys. Whether this happens or not, we will have to wait and see. I sincerely hope he will select on merit though.
22 Apr 2012, 16:34 pm
Swales’ VC citation reads :
“Captain Swales was ‘Master Bomber’ of a force of aircraft which attacked Pforzheim on the night of February 23, 1945. As Master Bomber he had the task of locating the target area with precision and of giving aiming instructions to the main force of bombers in his wake.
Soon after he reached the target area he was engaged by an enemy aircraft and one of his engines was put out of action. His rear guns failed. His crippled aircraft was an easy prey for further attacks. Unperturbed, he carried on with his allotted task; clearly and precisely he issued aiming instructions to the main force. Meanwhile the enemy fighter closed the range and fired again. A second engine of Captain Swales’ aircraft was put out of action. Almost defenceless, he stayed over the target area issuing his aiming instructions until he was satisfied that the attack had achieved its purpose.
It is now known that the attack was one of the most concentrated and successful of the war. Captain Swales did not, however, regard his mission as completed. His aircraft was damaged. Its speed had been so much reduced that it could only with difficulty be kept in the air. The blind-flying instruments were no longer working. Determined at all costs to prevent his aircraft and crew from falling into enemy hands, he set course for home. After an hour he flew into thin-layered cloud. He kept his course by skilful flying between the layers, but later heavy cloud and turbulent air conditions were met. The aircraft, by now over friendly territory, became more and more difficult to control; it was losing height steadily. Realising that the situation was desperate Captain Swales ordered his crew to bail out. Time was very short and it required all his exertions to keep the aircraft steady while each of his crew moved in turn to the escape hatch and parachuted to safety. Hardly had the last crew-member jumped when the aircraft plunged to earth. Captain Swales was found dead at the controls. Intrepid in the attack, courageous in the face of danger, he did his duty to the last, giving his life that his comrades might live.”
A real pity Edwin Swales Drive was renamed.
22 Apr 2012, 16:34 pm
@wooden spoon(wooden spoon)-364: Sorry,not meant for you….stickey keyboard problems.
22 Apr 2012, 16:35 pm
@skyewalker(skyewalker)-365:
22 Apr 2012, 16:36 pm
DHS old boy too. Has a house named after him there.
22 Apr 2012, 16:36 pm
@wooden spoon(wooden spoon)-367:
New name not Julius Malema I hope
22 Apr 2012, 16:38 pm
@wooden spoon(wooden spoon)-367:Sad indeed.What’s the new name?
22 Apr 2012, 16:40 pm
@skyewalker(skyewalker)-360:
okay luke… do your thing… but remember it’s a lot easier to do so when we’ve won… it may not be quite as cool or comfortable next time we lose…!
22 Apr 2012, 16:40 pm
@Bill Reyts(Gumboots)-371: @stormerforlife1(stormerforlife1)-372:
Solomon Mahlangu.
MK cadre. Killed two innocent civilians and was hanged.
22 Apr 2012, 16:42 pm
@wooden spoon(wooden spoon)-374:
Go to Durban regulary on business. Everyone still says Smith, West or Point
Street. Confuses the hell out of me…
22 Apr 2012, 16:44 pm
@Bill Reyts(Gumboots)-375: Lol, great way to remember Mahatma Ghandi by renaming Point Road after him!…
I wonder what was wrong with the name “Point” that it was deemed “offensive”?
22 Apr 2012, 16:45 pm
@wooden spoon(wooden spoon)-376:
It is such a colourful street! I have no idea.
22 Apr 2012, 16:55 pm
@ufo(ufo)-373:
No matter,haters gonna hate.
I am fortunate to lead a life full of love and *light* ,but when it comes to rugby boards you can kiss my blue and white striped shorts.
22 Apr 2012, 17:00 pm
Hardly recognised a street name last time was in Dbn. The only street name here that changed in the last while was Saddam Hussein road.
And don’t bother taking a satnav to the copperbelt – the streetnames on the gps are still the old northern rhodesia names.
Almost 50 years later. Go figure
22 Apr 2012, 17:08 pm
@skyewalker(skyewalker)-378:
hehehe
good for you…! that’s the most important…
22 Apr 2012, 17:22 pm
@ashampoopaloo(joel1yahoo)-310:
“You couldn’t find bigger f’ng two faced liars if you had to trip over a rattle snake in the street.”
Repetition. Why does this blogger remind me of a loud smelly ****?
22 Apr 2012, 17:24 pm
@wooden spoon(wooden spoon)-376:
I have to use my Tom Tom otherwise I’d never find my way around these new heathen names in Dirtbin.
22 Apr 2012, 17:48 pm
@trupisero(trupisero)-379:
I knew a doctor -now in Oz – who went often there to perform surgeries, he told me once that the local boys then -20 odds years ago – were still using the original English names
Go figure
22 Apr 2012, 17:52 pm
“My blood will nourish the tree that will bear the fruits of freedom. Tell my people that I love them. They must continue the fight.” – solomon mahlangu
22 Apr 2012, 18:01 pm
And so, the phoney war ends… Yesterday was a test of the Sharks’ Super rugby winning credentials, and they failed it… It is one thing taking into consideration a long season and timing a team’s conditioning to peak later in the competition but certain games have to be won and momentum has to be established… Home wins are none negotiable even against a team like the Chiefs who have established themselves as one of the favourites… It is all not over and the Sharks may well find themselves in the playoffs still, despite the Brokebacks glee over yesterday’s result… But it is clear that the dynamite will not win this comp.
The Breezers and the Chiefs have established themselves as front runners and undisputed favourites to win the Super rugby comp. Can they live with this tag when the Crusaders and Bulls – with undoubted pedigrees of actually winning this thing – lurk in the shadows… I think not…. I think the shadows of the Pale blue (or pink, depending on preference) and the Black and Red loom large… Too large for the johnny come latelies of the SH premier provincial competition….
I thought the Breezer bubble had popped last weekend… I was wrong… But instead the bubble has inflated to gargantuan proportions fueled by the oxygen of dumbfuck, blind refugee hating hysteria… I maintain that this bubble is still to pop, and if and when it does the snot en trane will do justice to a small atrocity…
As for these unimaginative brokeback breezing hypocrite punks wanting a piece of a Sharkie till he dies on an overwhelmingly Storming Norman one eyed Cape focused refugee hating blog, because I have the “temerity” to expose your undoubted whining hypocricy…..
Come get some, naked fools!
22 Apr 2012, 18:03 pm
No time for these name changing rubbish in the cape.the shack dwellers from ec know their place in society.
22 Apr 2012, 18:07 pm
@skyewalker(skyewalker)-378: …. nothing more than the breezing brokeback fairweather “supporter” you are… No more, no less…
One of the “brave” on a Stormer dominated one eyed site… Hail Skyewalker… Only the “brave”, hey…. Punk
Btw, is Sky”e”walker the “sophisticated” Cape Town refugee hating version of Star Wars’ Luke’s version… Or is this linked more to a Luke the Puke version of King’s “fame”…
Figures, yeah?
22 Apr 2012, 18:10 pm
Oh look what Gat that Heaven has spewed out in disgust.
22 Apr 2012, 18:10 pm
@Bill Reyts(Gumboots)-369: A Stormer “supporter” wearing the jersey in Pretoria…. yeah, right… That’ll be the day… I doubt you even got half the ballas to do that by the looks of your wishy washy posts…
22 Apr 2012, 18:12 pm
@Michael(mikeybrass)-388: Yeah… the truth… Something you got no idea about, Maltese Poodle…. Like when I made a fool of you with your Maltese bombing bulldust…
22 Apr 2012, 18:13 pm
@Heavens Game(Heavens Game)-387:
Hey HG many of us Stormers fans support you guys
I agree Chiefs are a good team and it was close
Ref decisions did not help
22 Apr 2012, 18:14 pm
Where these “brave” brokeback yokels…?
Big talk premature ejaculators
22 Apr 2012, 18:18 pm
@Heavens Game(Heavens Game)-392: Thanks for all those entertaining tries yesterday by your team by the way…..
22 Apr 2012, 18:18 pm
@CoachPete(CoachPete)-391: Coachy, I can spot the yokels from the salt of the earth rugby loving types a mile away…. As said time and time again, rarely does this lunatic poster have a go at exposing the naked foolishness and hypocrisy of the latter… Because there aint none to expose… Otherwise I laaik lighting the fire and let the fools expose themselves…
22 Apr 2012, 18:18 pm
@Heavens Game(Heavens Game)-390: What happened, slip on the dew????
22 Apr 2012, 18:20 pm
Now where’s that Easter and Christmas lecturing skop skiet and donner surrender ****** idiot?
22 Apr 2012, 18:22 pm
Sharks coach John Plumtree conceded that the massive error count was key contributor to their Super Rugby loss to the Chiefs in Durban on Saturday.
The hosts spurned several opportunities throughout the game, making mistakes in crucial areas at King’s Park that allowed the New Zealanders to re-take top spot on the log in a tense 18-12 win.
“The little opportunities we had, we didn’t take, ultimately that was probably the difference in the end,” said Plumtree.
“That’s the difference between winning and losing. The effort and commitment was there, the plan we had in place was working nicely.
“We put them under a lot of pressure, but then they also put us under pressure, so the intensity of the match was right up there.”
No shitsherlock
22 Apr 2012, 18:24 pm
@stormersboy(stormersboy)-393: No tries yesterday… granted… But, in the bottom half of the log, the Sharks have still scored more tries than the favourite “mighty” Stormers at the top… Sharks don’t lack creativity thats for sure… even though creativity includes creatively snatching defeat from the jaws of victory this season many times… like yesterday… and against the Stormers too… Creativity on attack that is plaintively absent in Cape Town…
Creativity…Must be a refugee thing… Maybe not enough of them under the mountain…
22 Apr 2012, 18:25 pm
@stormersboy(stormersboy)-397:
Chiefs made a lot of mistakes to The score would have been higher.
I think SBW knocked on 4-5 times
22 Apr 2012, 18:25 pm
hey Her Highness Gonna Gloat no more no more
How does it feel
To be without a home
Like a complete unknown
With no direction known
just like a Rolling Stone ?
And ain’t it just so f’ng sweet to see these pompous little piffle arsed squirming squealing squirt squeaks eulogizing about pompous pom pom old mother hubbard war hero’s while sniffing down their pompous pom pom whiter shade of pale out of place noses at the real hero’s who liberated Africa from the clutches of these out of place pompous mogul marauding war mongering f’ng heathen colonialist goons
And in the very next breath they wanna bullshit you that they’re on the payroll of peace lovers
Can you not hear the f’ng cry baby bunting talking absolute pomp and ceremony sh’t behind his pompous pommie poefta pedigree.
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