Stormers face scrap for survival

Stormers face scrap for survival

14 May 2012

JON CARDINELLI says the injury situation can only worsen for the Stormers in the next three weeks and fans should brace themselves for at least one loss.

Coach Allister Coetzee’s worst fear was realised on Saturday when No 8 Nizaam Carr hobbled off the field. The log may not reflect the fact, but Carr’s knee injury has plunged the Cape franchise even deeper into crisis.

The Stormers will be without Schalk Burger and Nick Koster until the end of June, and may have to make do without Duane Vermeulen for the rest of their campaign. It was hoped that they could survive this four-game stretch without conceding further injuries, and that Jebb Sinclair would play a supporting role to the incumbent loose trio of Siya Kolisi, Rynhardt Elstadt and Carr.

But with Carr joining a lengthy list of casualties, Sinclair will be thrust into the starting line-up. It means that Coetzee will also have to promote a loose forward from the Western Province Vodacom Cup team, as apparently there are no other experienced players available.

When asked whether he would seek further help from abroad, a despondent Coetzee replied, ‘Who? Do you have any names for me?’

It was a statement that explained the recruitment of Sinclair. The Stormers had failed to acquire the services of Springbok flank Francois Louw and presumably failed to acquire other high-profile players with unbreakable club commitments.

Outside of Sinclair, a Canadian who plays his club rugby for London Irish, there aren’t many players with a gap at this point of the season.

Saracens enjoy a good relationship with the Stormers, and it was suggested after their recent exit from the Premiership semi-finals that some of those players may be available. Saracens hooker Schalk Brits did after all play loose forward for the Cape side when they were similarly afflicted last year.

But Coetzee’s response didn’t inspire any confidence of a Saracens forward flying to the Stormers’ aid. It is likely that the Stormers will have to make do with what they have until Burger and Koster return at the end of next month.

It’s a massive blow, and you’d have to say they’d do well to stay in contention for a home semi-final. They may have lost only one game to date, but because they haven’t scored four-try bonus points their position in the top six is far from secure.

They need to keep winning to stay in contention for that crucial home play-off. It’s going to be a tough ask with a depleted pack, even more so considering the demands of looming forward-oriented contests against the Waratahs, Sharks and Bulls.

It will be nothing short of amazing if they manage to win their next three matches, two of which are away from home. It will be incredible if they can come through these inevitably brutal physical clashes without losing more players to injury.

They will also hope that the Highlanders and Chiefs do them a favour by beating the Bulls and thus preventing the Pretoria side from extending its lead at the top of the South African conference.

Two defeats for the Bulls will allow the Cape team to stay in touch despite their own (and here I say probable given their depleted stocks) losses in the next three rounds.

The Stormers have a slightly easier run-in to the play-offs than the Bulls with matches against the Lions (home), Rebels (home) and Cheetahs (away) scheduled for after the June Tests. The Bulls will host the Cheetahs and Lions, but face a difficult trip to Durban.

The Stormers will be boosted by the returns of Burger and Koster for those matches, but they won’t want to leave themselves with too much to do in terms of securing a home semi-final. They need to survive the next three matches without conceding further injuries, and they also need to pick up some crucial log points.

A win against an inconsistent Waratahs side this weekend is non-negotiable, as away victories in Durban and Pretoria for a depleted Stormers side seem far less likely.

Follow JC on Twitter
Follow SA Rugby magazine on Twitter


475 Comments

Pages: « 1 2 3 4 5 6 [7] 8 9 10 » Show All

  • 301.Mr Black: Reply to this comment
    14 May 2012, 13:29 pm

    Interesting facts

    Games won per country.

    NZ – 31
    SA – 28
    Aus – 20

  • 302.Hondo: Reply to this comment
    14 May 2012, 13:33 pm

    @nama1(nama1)-247:
    I guess Andre’ Watson’s already busy planning the next refereeing swindle to make that happened!
    Not kidding :)

  • 303.Mr Black: Reply to this comment
    14 May 2012, 13:34 pm

    Log points per country

    SA – 168
    NZ – 167
    Aus – 139

  • 304.TooMuchRugby: Reply to this comment
    14 May 2012, 13:35 pm

    OK, maybe youv’e heard this one before but I couldn’t resist.
    How do you make the biggest engine ever?
    Have the Bulls score at Loftus – You’ll have at least 35000 tappets jumpig up and down……….

  • 305.mad eye: Reply to this comment
    14 May 2012, 13:39 pm

    To really put the Sharks win in perspective ,look at the Stormers win against the Force,one intercept try which Habbanna spilt over the line. They squeaked in with Kaplan reffing and all the rest penalties.
    Stormers then have a week off and play the Cheetahs,who just scrapped home against the Force,Stormers win with2 points.
    Sharks literally smash the force score 7 tries,maybe one was suspect,but Mvovu still had so much to do to get there.
    Still you have AHoles here have te termerity to insinuate that the Stormers victory was magnificent and the Sharks win was lucky.
    Going to be a few wake up calls in the next few weeks.
    Remember Sharks win was without Alberts,who has now had a good rest,
    Somebody is going to feel the benefits of his rejuvenation in the next few weeks

  • 306.Mr Black: Reply to this comment
    14 May 2012, 13:40 pm

    @poppa69(poppa69)-300:

    Luckely it didn’t influence the outcome of the match. To many dodgy calls around imo.

    @TooMuchRugby(TooMuchRugby)-304:

    :lol:

  • 307.poppa69: Reply to this comment
    14 May 2012, 13:42 pm

    @Mr Black(Mr Black)-306: yeah I agree, Sharks were always going to win that game.. think the game as a whole is just too fast for the refs these days…

  • 308.Mr Black: Reply to this comment
    14 May 2012, 13:44 pm

    @mad eye(mad eye)-305:

    Who said the sharks win was lucky? Point me to that post so that i can join you in revolt.

    Otherwise STFU!!!

  • 309.poppa69: Reply to this comment
    14 May 2012, 13:45 pm

    @Mr Black(Mr Black)-303: some more stats

    NZL teams vs SAF teams 11 -7 (10 games in SA)
    NZL vs AUS 8 – 5
    SAF vs AUS 11 – 3

  • 310.Mr Incredible: Reply to this comment
    14 May 2012, 13:46 pm

    Saw PdV a couple of weeks ago at a club game in Paarl. Word is he might be taking up a role at a University next year. Whether director or coaching, there’s definitely some smoke there!

  • 311.greatest13gerber: Reply to this comment
    14 May 2012, 13:46 pm

    WP chokers

  • 312.Great White Shark: Reply to this comment
    14 May 2012, 13:49 pm

    @poppa69(poppa69)-309:

    Not too shabby.

  • 313.Horings: Reply to this comment
    14 May 2012, 13:50 pm

    @Sharkie10(Sharkie10)-296: Unfortunately those arguments do not hold in rugby. For example the Bulls lost against the Blues and the Blues lost against everyone except the Bulls and Lions, while the Bulls won against everyone except the Blues and Stormers.

  • 314.poppa69: Reply to this comment
    14 May 2012, 13:50 pm

    @Great White Shark(Predawn)-312: your teams are smashing the Aussie teams… we seem to be struggling somewhat against them , but then the rebels have beaten 3 NZ teams :shock:

  • 315.Sharksgirl: Reply to this comment
    14 May 2012, 13:50 pm

    @Great White Shark(Predawn)-274: The absolute best! My kids have come since toddlers and they simply love it!

  • 316.Sasuke: Reply to this comment
    14 May 2012, 13:52 pm

    What the Stormers need now is some experience to guide the youngsters through this testing time.

    I would employ a 5-2 bench split for the next 3 games with Deon Carstens providing experience on the bench,

    16. Deon Fourie
    17. Malherbe
    18. Deon Carstens
    19. De Kock Steenkamp
    20. Don Armand
    21. Louis Schreuder
    22. Gerhard van Den Heever

    Dewaldt can cover 10 in an emergency.

  • 317.stormersboy: Reply to this comment
    14 May 2012, 13:52 pm

    What is more than a little annoying (and this is how the Bulls must have felt for most of the season) is how we are position 1 (Bulls) and 2 (Stormers) on the log and yet due to the whole conference system we are in fact 1 & 4.

    #sucksbigtime.

  • 318.Mr Black: Reply to this comment
    14 May 2012, 13:52 pm

    @poppa69(poppa69)-309:

    Anyway you look at these stats its clear that the Aussies is struggling a bit this year.

  • 319.stormer in a teacup: Reply to this comment
    14 May 2012, 13:52 pm

    @mad eye(mad eye)-305: Perspective? You are using words you don’t understand. The Stormers played the Force away, Ina monsoon, at the end of their tour, with a swathe of injuries. They did not squeak in – they won by two converted tries. The Sharks played them at home in ideal conditions. By yourself a dictionary .

  • 320.Great White Shark: Reply to this comment
    14 May 2012, 13:53 pm

    @poppa69(poppa69)-314:

    Rebels have seriously impressed this season. From what I can make out there seems to be a very positive vibe in the team.

  • 321.poppa69: Reply to this comment
    14 May 2012, 13:55 pm

    @stormersboy(stormersboy)-317: chiefs on same points as Stormers but better points diff.. (chiefs +77, Storms +68)

    agree though, brumbies are 6 points behind the Stormers/Chiefs..

  • 322.Mr Black: Reply to this comment
    14 May 2012, 13:56 pm

    @stormersboy(stormersboy)-317: Yes, that sucks big time.

    But those are them apples!!

  • 323.ufo: Reply to this comment
    14 May 2012, 13:56 pm

    @mad eye(mad eye)-305:

    could you show us those temeritous posts…? :shock:

    but you’re right… put it like that… sharks should go all the way… stormers should be ashamed of themselves for having the temerity to compete…

  • 324.Dawn: Reply to this comment
    14 May 2012, 13:56 pm

    I’m so confused.

  • 325.ufo: Reply to this comment
    14 May 2012, 13:57 pm

    @poppa69(poppa69)-321:

    number of wins counts before points diff these days…

    crazy…

    but true…

  • 326.stormersboy: Reply to this comment
    14 May 2012, 13:57 pm

    Rugby 365′s team of the week:

    Team of the Week – Round 12:

    15 – Luke Morahan (Reds):
    A lot has been said about Morahan having the ‘x-factor’ and he is certainly beginning to display those skills.
    Bubbling under: Julian Huxley (Rebels)

    14 – Mark Gerrard (Rebels):
    The old war-horse turned on the charm again at the weekend, especially those classy out-of-hand kicks.
    Bubbling under: Cory Jane (Hurricanes)

    13 – Conrad Smith (Hurricanes):
    He again showed why he is regarded as New Zealand’s premier outside centre.
    Bubbling under: Robbie Fruean (Crusaders)

    12 – Sonny Bill Williams (Chiefs):
    Slightly more subdued that in his debut Super Rugby season in 2011, but certainly a lot more effective. He has learnt a lot about the little nuances of the game and is not off-loading everything anymore.
    Bubbling under: Jean de Villiers (Stormers)

    11 – Julian Savea (Hurricanes):
    This powerfully built speedster is proving to be equally as devastating at senior level as he was as a junior.
    Bubbling under: Lwazi Mvovo (Sharks)

    10 – Kurtley Beale (Rebels):
    He may have featured most often at fullback for the Wallabies, but he showed that he is equally at home as a flyhalf. Step aside Quade Cooper!
    Bubbling under: Ben Lucas (Reds)

    9 – Will Genia (Reds):
    The old Genia magic is back!
    Bubbling under: TJ Perenara (Hurricanes)

    8 – Scott Higginbotham (Reds):
    He has become the Reds’ enforcer … the physical edge they lacked earlier in the season.
    Bubbling under: Gareth Delve (Rebels)

    7 – Liam Gill (Reds):
    The tournament’s premier poacher.
    Bubbling under: CJ Stander (Bulls)

    6 – Luke Braid (Blues):
    Along with his brother, Daniel, they made a mockery of the toothless Lions.
    Bubbling under: Nick Crosswell (Highlanders)

    5 – Juandre Kruger (Bulls):
    Andries Bekker may have started the season as the country’s premier No.5, but he is already looking over his shoulder at a charging Bull.
    Bubbling under: Hugh Pyle (Rebels)

    4 – Rob Simmons (Reds):
    On this form he will be hard to keep out of the Wallaby squad.
    Bubbling under: Steven Sykes (Sharks)

    3 – Werner Kruger (Bulls):
    It is not just his match-winning try, it was his overall workrate that won him the vote.
    Bubbling under: Ben May (Hurricanes)

    2 – Bismarck du Plessis (Sharks):
    He is making sure his claims to a Springbok starting spot can’t be ignored.
    Bubbling under :Andrew Hore (Highlanders)

    1 – Tendai Mtawarira (Sharks):
    The Beeaaast is back!
    Bubbling under: Arizona Taumalolo (Chiefs)

  • 327.poppa69: Reply to this comment
    14 May 2012, 13:58 pm

    @Mr Black(Mr Black)-318: yep, just shows how shallow their playing pool is, but will always be that way with AFL and League the priorities for young players..

    @Great White Shark(Predawn)-320: yep, rebels have been improving every week it seems .. think they may lose one or two players at the end of the year though… people like Delve (who has been great for them)..

  • 328.poppa69: Reply to this comment
    14 May 2012, 13:59 pm

    @ufo(ufo)-325: both have same number of wins, Stormers have had the extra bye…

  • 329.Sasuke: Reply to this comment
    14 May 2012, 14:03 pm

    @ufo(ufo)-325: yes thats crazy.

  • 330.stormer in a teacup: Reply to this comment
    14 May 2012, 14:07 pm

    @Sasuke(Sasuke)-316: Carstens has not featured this season. I don’t think we need any extra experience in the front row. This is s time to back the youngsters to trust the leaders.

  • 331.ufo: Reply to this comment
    14 May 2012, 14:09 pm

    @poppa69(poppa69)-328:

    so chiefs have had an extra game…

    guess you’ll be rooting for the Tahs this weekend… :wink:

  • 332.Mr Black: Reply to this comment
    14 May 2012, 14:10 pm

    @stormersboy(stormersboy)-326:

    4 Sharks out of 30 chosen :sad:

    O well, i’m biased towards my team anyway.

    Thought Keegan was sublime.

  • 333.Sasuke: Reply to this comment
    14 May 2012, 14:12 pm

    @stormer in a teacup(stormer in a teacup)-330: He turned with the Stormers but didnt get any gametime. He is match fit now after playing in the Vodacom cup. He will provide experinence to the squad as a whole not just the front row.

  • 334.ufo: Reply to this comment
    14 May 2012, 14:13 pm

    does anyone have any idea when heyneke is going to name his squad…?

  • 335.stormer in a teacup: Reply to this comment
    14 May 2012, 14:14 pm

    @Great White Shark(Predawn)-320: Rebels are probably the next Aussie team to win this thing. They are well funded and run by business minded people with good management skills. They have bought marquee players who would not have gone there unless they have the ambition and the means to achieve. Expect their squad to improve in quality and depth in the near future. They make the Lions and Kings franchises look like the amateur outfits they are

  • 336.poppa69: Reply to this comment
    14 May 2012, 14:14 pm

    @ufo(ufo)-331: actually, will back the cheetahs again like I did last week :D

    Tahs I dont think will beat the Stormers at Newlands, but I am so far down the bru log its a case of having to back the under dog..

    think the international series could actually hurt a few of the top teams if plaeyrs are injured during the tours.. (which are great to have back by the way, first decent decision in a long time)

  • 337.ufo: Reply to this comment
    14 May 2012, 14:14 pm

    @Mr Black(Mr Black)-332:

    you’re doing well…

    only one stormer… :lol:

  • 338.Sasuke: Reply to this comment
    14 May 2012, 14:15 pm

    @ufo(ufo)-331: Stormers can overtake the Chiefs this weekend if they get a bonus point or if they win by 9 or more points. Although they wont really overtake the Chiefs because the Chiefs are NZ conference leaders.

  • 339.Sharkie10: Reply to this comment
    14 May 2012, 14:16 pm

    @Mr Black(Mr Black)-299: Yeah, but not just bonus points for scoring tries. The fact that we have 8 bonus point from 11 games says allot, The Sharks have accumulated the most of all the teams so far. Even if half or most of them were for losing. There has only been one game where the Sharks were completely out played and did not get a losing bonus point, that was against the Hurricanes, where we lost 40 something. All the other games were lost by 7 or less. Actually indicates that the Sharks have not been that bad at all and deserves to be in the top 6 at this stage. They just need to keep winning from here on in.

  • 340.Sasuke: Reply to this comment
    14 May 2012, 14:16 pm

    @ufo(ufo)-334: Saturday 2nd June 2012 21h15

  • 341.stormersboy: Reply to this comment
    14 May 2012, 14:17 pm

    @Mr Black(Mr Black)-332: There were some very good performances by some Sharks players this weekend.

    The ones that caught my eye were Lambie, Mvovo, Beast, and Jordaan

  • 342.ufo: Reply to this comment
    14 May 2012, 14:17 pm

    @poppa69(poppa69)-336:

    yeah… i would’ve backed the cheetahs too if they were playing someone else… and will this weekend too…

    yeah… agree with you… tours are great for rugby… could’ve been another midweek game but on the right track…

    hopefully there are no serious injuries…

    i want the stormers to beat the best… :evil:

    :wink:

  • 343.stormer in a teacup: Reply to this comment
    14 May 2012, 14:18 pm

    @greatest13gerber(greatest13gerber)-311: Feeling bored Oom?

  • 344.poppa69: Reply to this comment
    14 May 2012, 14:18 pm

    @stormersboy(stormersboy)-341: Mvovo is over rated imo… has pace but not much else.. Beast is another loosie, but his scrumming still suspect..

  • 345.ufo: Reply to this comment
    14 May 2012, 14:19 pm

    @Sasuke(Sasuke)-340:

    wow..!! :wink:

    thanks…

    :lol:

    exciting times…

  • 346.Bill Reyts: Reply to this comment
    14 May 2012, 14:20 pm

    @Sasuke(Sasuke)-340:

    Straight after the Bulls Stormers game. I have my tickets for Loftus already…

  • 347.stormersboy: Reply to this comment
    14 May 2012, 14:20 pm

    @Sasuke(Sasuke)-338: No, we are already ahead of the chiefs due to more games won.

    But actually in 4th due to the conference system.

  • 348.stormer in a teacup: Reply to this comment
    14 May 2012, 14:20 pm

    @poppa69(poppa69)-321: stormers would be ahead of them as the first criterion is games won.

  • 349.ufo: Reply to this comment
    14 May 2012, 14:21 pm

    @Sasuke(Sasuke)-338:

    although that’s possible… it’s hardly probable…

    getting the bonus point that is…

    :wink:

    of course the chiefs could just lose too…!!

  • 350.poppa69: Reply to this comment
    14 May 2012, 14:21 pm

    @ufo(ufo)-342: I think the Vrystaat have really improved, and have managed to hold on to a lot of their players, think they are on an upward curve which should continue next year as well.. they are only two wins out of the six, and still 6 rounds of the comp left.. who knows

    just hope your Stormpies dont meet the Saders, they seem to have a block against them recently :wink:

Pages: « 1 2 3 4 5 6 [7] 8 9 10 » Show All

Keo.co.za has always promoted uncensored views, but has never tolerated racist or crass outbursts. Come on guys and girls. If you can't moderate yourselves or each other then I am going to be forced to regulate the posts and enforce a registration process for comments. The choice is yours.

Have your say

You must be logged in to post a comment.