Gutsy Canes give Stormers a sniff
13 Jul 2012
JON CARDINELLI reports that a thrilling 28-25 victory for the Hurricanes in Wellington has left the door open for the Stormers to top the Super Rugby league.
A controversial try awarded four minutes into injury time allowed the Hurricanes to snatch a late win and keep their own play-off prospects alive in the process. This result is a bad one for the Bulls, Sharks and Reds, who are all chasing a qualifying spot, but it is a very favourable one for the Stormers.
The Cape side simply need to beat the Rebels in Cape Town on Saturday to win the league and secure a home semi-final. This would result in the Stormers’ first ever top-of-the-table finish, and put them into a position to play a possible final at Newlands.
The Chiefs certainly blew an opportunity in Friday’s encounter at the Cake Tin. It was clear that a bonus-point win was what they were after, as five log points would have secured top spot.
A simple win would also have given them a chance to finish in pole position. The Stormers haven’t scored a bonus-point win this season, but if the Chiefs had won narrowly in Wellington, the Cape side would need to win big in their own final league match. Perhaps the Chiefs should have secured the win before being so ambitious.
But special mention must go to the Hurricanes for their role in a result that has turned the tournament on its head. They were once again inconsistent in this crunch match, and flyhalf Beauden Barrett missed four kicks at goal. To be fair, they were the better side on the day, and as the final call indicated, the 50/50 calls also went their way.
There was minimal kicking in this contest as both teams went in search of a bonus-point win. The Chiefs started well, but then battled to live with Hurricanes at the breakdown. Indeed they were fortunate to be ahead in the final minutes, and if they had won they would have pointed to a crucial score right before half-time as well as Aaron Cruden’s intercept try in the 58th minute as game-winning plays.
But in defeat, it can be said that the eight points the Chiefs banked right before half-time were scored when Hurricanes prop Ben May was off the park. The tighthead was sin-binned for a reckless tackle on Sonny Bill Williams, and the Chiefs made the Hurricanes pay to the tune of eight points.
The intercept try allowed the Chiefs to take the lead at a crucial stage of the game, and credit must go to Cruden for reading the play and latching on to the pass by Barrett. It was a seven-pointer against the run of play, but it highlighted the Chiefs’ threat from the turnover.
Aside from his goal-kicking and that unfortunate pass, Barrett had an absolute blinder at flyhalf. His decision making was excellent and the Chiefs’ defence was guilty of giving him too much room to run and create opportunities for team-mates running a supporting line.
For the Chiefs, Williams was superb, breaking tackles and delivering some inspired offloads. But unfortunately for the visitors, Williams failed to link up with his team-mates after making many a break, and as a result the Chiefs failed to finish some great attacking surges.
The Hurricanes are a young side, but they showed terrific character as the clock wound down. The Chiefs should have put them away during this period, but poor ball security at the breakdown and some woeful tactical kicking allowed the hosts to take control.
It was all the Chiefs could do to hang on, conceding penalty after penalty at the breakdown. The Hurricanes eventually got over the line with the clock on 84 minutes, Dane Coles showing some incredible strength to finish.
Referee Jonathan Kaplan referred the decision to the TMO as the 25 000 screaming fans anticipated a fairytale finish for their Hurricanes team. Tawera-Kerr Barlow looked to have pulled off a heroic tackle on Coles, although it seemed inconclusive whether Kerr-Barlow had got his arm under the ball or if Coles had indeed got the ball down on to the tryline.
The TMO decided it was the latter, and that decision has had some far reaching ramifications. It’s now likely that the Stormers will beat the Rebels on Saturday and top the league, but the Sharks and Bulls will need to win big in their respective clashes to guarantee a spot in the play-offs.
For the Hurricanes, they have kept their hopes alive with an outstanding win over the Chiefs, and no doubt they will be cheering the Sharks and Bulls’ opponents on Saturday.
897 Comments
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13 Jul 2012, 12:40 pm
@NoRugbyGuru_0_(RugbyGuru_0_)-398:
!
13 Jul 2012, 12:40 pm
@Hurricane(Hurricane)-399:
Tahs, and both cats…
13 Jul 2012, 12:41 pm
@Gumboots(Gumboots)-365:
You may have noticed I was being a little tounge in cheek about the string of unlikely results that I desire. Each week is more unlikely than the previous one
I am well aware that we need to beat the Cheetahs tomorrow and thats not always easy. Dont think there is rain.
Hopefully the Reds only get 4 so we just need to win
13 Jul 2012, 12:41 pm
@Sasuke(Sasuke)-388: Do you really think the Bulls can win in Christchurch? Its something they have never done, not even with their greatest ever team. Its mission impossible for them.
13 Jul 2012, 12:41 pm
@Tacitus(Deucalion)-395:
Aartappels, pampoen, RYS en vleis
I merely greeted the blogging community and now you’re blaming me
Ranger and WPTID are 2 of the most progressive bloggers you will meet and in the republic for that matter; you should learn from them
13 Jul 2012, 12:42 pm
@Biscuit(Biscuit)-403:
Mate I know that!!!
Three SAFFA teams would be ideal and an SA final the cherry on the cake…
13 Jul 2012, 12:42 pm
@Sheriff(Sheriff)-405:
You smokin somethin?
13 Jul 2012, 12:43 pm
@Gumboots(Gumboots)-402:
Ok, damn it, i have to support an Ozzie team,is this what super rugby has done to me.
13 Jul 2012, 12:44 pm
Watch that poll change drastically now almost like you can win something for picking the correct answer!
13 Jul 2012, 12:45 pm
Right now!
1 Chiefs 64
2 DHL Stormers 62
3 Brumbies 58
4 Hurricanes 57
5 Crusaders 56
6 Vodacom Bulls 54
7 Sharks 54
8 Reds 53
My log prediction for tomorrow:
If the Sharks and Bulls get 5 points, the Reds are out. Crusaders should get 5 points against the Force. Stormers only need a win.
1 DHL Stormers 64
2 Chiefs 66
3 Brumbies 62
4 Crusaders 61
5 Vodacom Bulls 59
6 Sharks 59
7 Reds 58
8 Hurricanes 57
13 Jul 2012, 12:46 pm
@NoRugbyGuru_0_(RugbyGuru_0_)-398: Its semi for about half a second when there is a thread on Pierre Spies!
13 Jul 2012, 12:46 pm
@HongKongSlong(HongKongSlong)-404: Yes you right that is a long shot!
13 Jul 2012, 12:47 pm
@RainbowBanana(RainbowBanana)-410: j
Phew something went wrong…
13 Jul 2012, 12:48 pm
@RainbowBanana(RainbowBanana)-410: Stormers 66 Chiefs 64
13 Jul 2012, 12:49 pm
@RainbowBanana(RainbowBanana)-410: Yes that is correct sir.
13 Jul 2012, 12:49 pm
@Gumboots(Gumboots)-413: Doh!Chiefs 64, Stormers 66
13 Jul 2012, 12:49 pm
@Tacitus(Deucalion)-407:
You know I don’t smoke, tobacco that is.
I sense you have something on your heart. What is it that you would like to say to me?
I say this because you talk and talk to me but your head is getting in the way. Do you want to tell us about your Khoi ancestors? If so, go ahead.
Remember the truth will set you free…
13 Jul 2012, 12:50 pm
@Michael(mikeybrass)-384: lol, its max not me.
i am pure aryan scots with a bit of norse thrown in for good measure but we all started off here in africa.
@WP Till I Die(WP-Forever)-386: exactly, you are a cullart.
and its not an issue.
13 Jul 2012, 12:52 pm
Stormers and Keo get a sniff ……
13 Jul 2012, 12:52 pm
@Sheriff(Sheriff)-417:
You need to have a chat to someone about your issues, lad.
13 Jul 2012, 12:53 pm
@Sheriff(Sheriff)-390: who suggested it was a problem?
not i.
@NoRugbyGuru_0_(RugbyGuru_0_)-398: not on nutsack.
keep it clean please.
13 Jul 2012, 12:54 pm
@rangerman(rangerman)-418:
If he’s a cullart what does that make me!
13 Jul 2012, 12:54 pm
@Dawn(Dawn)-419:
Dawn don’t breek af.
Keo’s shenanigans has long been forgotten.
13 Jul 2012, 12:54 pm
@Dawn(Dawn)-422: a south african
13 Jul 2012, 12:54 pm
@Tacitus(Deucalion)-420:
But I’m talking to you about my issues with you
Tell us about your Ouma Vytjie – remove the shackles
13 Jul 2012, 12:55 pm
@Jeraldjay(Jeraldjay)-423: really?
pity no one told hsm.
13 Jul 2012, 12:56 pm
@Tacitus(Deucalion)-420:
No chatting
Just moer him with cans of whoopass
13 Jul 2012, 12:56 pm
@Sheriff(Sheriff)-425:
Talking to me about your issues with me, are you?
I’m not a shrink, hence I can’t help you.
13 Jul 2012, 12:56 pm
@Dawn(Dawn)-419:
The loaded question: Are you the next keo?
13 Jul 2012, 12:56 pm
@Gumboots(Gumboots)-400: I remember someone telling me a good few years back I think about some fellow on this blog who was threatening fire, brimstone and whoopass on the Stormers, or the Sharks in a Currie Cup semi final or final – can’t remember how the story went as I got it 3rd hand. But could the story I was told possible be what you are referring to?
I just saw whoopass and thought of the dude who became an SA internet celebrity because of his ‘opening a can of whoopass’ promises?
Or are you just whoopassing in general, nothing to do with the folk lore I mention?
13 Jul 2012, 12:57 pm
@Tacitus(Deucalion)-428:
Help me help you
13 Jul 2012, 12:58 pm
@The Sharks rugby pedigree is packaged by Mad Eye Productions.(The Sharks rugby pedigree is packaged as dog food)-430:
Helen
13 Jul 2012, 12:59 pm
@The Sharks rugby pedigree is packaged by Mad Eye Productions.(The Sharks rugby pedigree is packaged as dog food)-430:
Tac is the whoopass king
13 Jul 2012, 13:00 pm
For many moons Tacitus proudly wore the GRAVITAS mantle.
Now, I have handed it over to STBUR.
Wherever he is.
13 Jul 2012, 13:00 pm
@Dawn(Dawn)-433:
The Bulls have taken a sabatical from whoopass delivery.
I’ll let you know when we open up shop again.
13 Jul 2012, 13:02 pm
@Sheriff(Sheriff)-432: Who is Helen and what did he/she have to do with whoopass? I’m looking for the story if possible?
@Dawn(Dawn)-433:
Blou rokkie whoopass? What did he do?
13 Jul 2012, 13:02 pm
@Tacitus(Deucalion)-435: lol
That whoopass handed out to the Reds early was great!
13 Jul 2012, 13:04 pm
@The Sharks rugby pedigree is packaged by Mad Eye Productions.(The Sharks rugby pedigree is packaged as dog food)-430:
It was back in October 2010 – just before a match between the Bulls and Sharks in Durban…I believe the match in question was on 16 October 2010.
Tacitus was going on about a can of whoopass being opened on the Sharks for days leading up to the event…
13 Jul 2012, 13:08 pm
@The Sharks rugby pedigree is packaged by Mad Eye Productions.(The Sharks rugby pedigree is packaged as dog food)-436:
Tac has made blogging history with his “Bulls opening a can of whoopass” thang.
A legend in Keo’s time
13 Jul 2012, 13:08 pm
@The Sharks rugby pedigree is packaged by Mad Eye Productions.(The Sharks rugby pedigree is packaged as dog food)-430:
13.Tacitus:
15 Oct 2010, 10:30 am @baw(maxed)-9:
Agreed. Vrede should have used a more technically accurate description for what will transpire in Durban tomorrow.
To quote Ryan:
“I suspect the Bulls will dominate possession and a sustained assault should expose what’s been a shaky Sharks defensive line. They’ll target the space between Lambie and Andries Strauss with their strike runners, while Louis Ludik and his wings can expect an aerial bombardment of frightening precision.
Given the above, expect the Bulls to open up a can of whoopass tomorrow.”
13 Jul 2012, 13:08 pm
@The Sharks rugby pedigree is packaged by Mad Eye Productions.(The Sharks rugby pedigree is packaged as dog food)-430:
It was the Sharks Bulls Semi Final. The Sharks of course thumped the Bulls and the persnon in question has never lived it down. It was in fact Tac!
13 Jul 2012, 13:08 pm
@The Sharks rugby pedigree is packaged by Mad Eye Productions.(The Sharks rugby pedigree is packaged as dog food)-436:
You gonna get tickets for the Argie game?
13 Jul 2012, 13:09 pm
@WP Till I Die(WP-Forever)-440:
And so it was and so it ever will be!
13 Jul 2012, 13:10 pm
@WP Till I Die(WP-Forever)-438: Oh sh y te. That didn’t turn out well…
Was it the ‘bees’ semi final? The one the Bulls thought they just had to pitch up at to win?
13 Jul 2012, 13:10 pm
@The Sharks rugby pedigree is packaged by Mad Eye Productions.(The Sharks rugby pedigree is packaged as dog food)-430:
72.Tacitus:
15 Oct 2010, 11:32 am
People have a strange inclination to feel guilty if they are confident about something. Almost like “karma” or something will hold it against you and therefore bring misfortune onto you and your team.
Fact is, no matter what anyone says on this blog, it won’t have some “karmic” effect on the result tomorrow. If the Bulls are 100% switched on, and the Sharks are 100% switched on, it will be Bulls by plenty.
Whether Bulls fans display “cautious optimism”, and a “let’s wait and see” attitude, or whether they lay it down straight for everyone that the Sharkies are in for a world of hurt courtesy of a monumental can of whoopass that will be administered by the Men in Blue – what will be will be.
I’m giving my honest assessment, based on the quality of the two teams.
Whether I whisper it to myself when no one’s listening or announce it for all and sundry, the result will remain as it was always going to be.
So no need for whimpering around until after the final whistle. We’ve got the best team in South Africa, and we’ve got the trophies to prove it.
Bring it on, losers.
13 Jul 2012, 13:11 pm
@Sheriff(Sheriff)-390: @rangerman(rangerman)-381: Apologies… I descend from Scandinavian/Scots and some Pom… Obviously the Viking invading grand grand x by a few pappy had his way with my Pict grand grand times a few Mammy…Nothing but “son”, “sen” or “sagne” as a suffix to the names of my ancestors… I am blue-eyed and now greying slightly… Yet was born on this continent… understand and speak 3 of this continent’s languages…
Am I not African?
13 Jul 2012, 13:11 pm
@WP Till I Die(WP-Forever)-445:
Yay
Leave him now.
Whoopass shop is closed.
13 Jul 2012, 13:11 pm
@rangerman(rangerman)-421:
Referring to the situations as you outlined them as ‘Problem 1, 2 etc’ could convey that message
I’ve always known that you are kullid, only kullids can be as progressive as you; same applies to WPTID
13 Jul 2012, 13:11 pm
every SA team has to pick 3 quotas …. so we are actually playing with 12 players +1 quota picked on merit and 2 k@k players … for 3 SA teams to make the top 6 is excellent!!!!
13 Jul 2012, 13:11 pm
@WP Till I Die(WP-Forever)-445:
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