Form will decide Super Rugby semis
23 Jul 2012
MARK KEOHANE, in his Business Day column, says play-offs are all about momentum – and all the momentum this weekend will be with the Sharks and Crusaders.
The Stormers’ and Chiefs’ reward for claiming the top two spots in the league stages was a home semi-final and a week’s breather in between games. But what was supposed to be a favour for the consistency of the season could be the curse that ends the Super Rugby season for the hosts of both semi-finals.
Form is definitely with the Sharks and Crusaders and form is all that will matter this weekend. League clashes count for nothing when the teams meet in a match in which there is no second chance.
The Stormers, in 2010 and 2011, were the best defensive team in the competition, yet losing in a final and a semi-final is the return of a good side and not a champion one.
This season they’ve exceeded expectation. Their defensive record is unrivalled and so too is their lack of attack. The players have shown impeccable discipline in respecting the coach’s strategic approach to what best suits the strengths of the team. The squad has been depleted through injury, yet the resolve of the reserve players has been strengthened.
You have to applaud the Stormers’ campaign, regardless of whether the climax is a first home final and a trophy or a second successive home semi-final defeat.
A year ago there was an expectation because of momentum and player availability. This year needs more perspective, even if it may bring no comfort.
The Stormers have the respect of every team in the competition and they are now recognised as among the most powerful in the league. It is a respect that has been earned over the past three years through consistent performance. A team whose players were once labelled pretty boys with no appetite for a scrap are now the biggest scrappers in the tournament. Again, this may not be enough to win the title. The quality of Stormers players in too many positions does not match the desire of those who will play on Saturday.
A team doesn’t fluke winning Super Rugby’s trophy. No limited or poor team has ever ended the season champions because when the big moments have come the quality players have produced — and that’s why I also give the Sharks an advantage, despite the travel back from Australia and the venue being in Cape Town.
The Sharks have the greater individual pedigree in the pack and big-name players are flexing their muscles at just the right time. The physicality that was absent earlier won the Sharks the match against the Reds, who had lost just two of their past 23 matches in Brisbane.
The Sharks, individually and as a unit, were brutal in the collisions, but never did the need to impose themselves physically come at the expense of composure or attacking intent.
It was a glorious evening for the Sharks and South African rugby. It also ensured one all-South African semi-final, which means SA will be represented in the final. That makes a statement that had to be made after the Boks’ disappointment of the 2011 World Cup.
It is also confirmation of the strength of the South African game, which is why South African players must always be expected to be among the leaders in the game
We have always had the players, but the belief of those players hasn’t always matched their playing pedigree.
The Sharks never doubted they could win against the Reds because they’ve won there before. The Bulls never believed they could win in Christchurch, despite all the pre-match boasts of changing history and fearing nothing. The result was as predictable as the traditional Bulls success at Loftus.
There is no need for crisis in Pretoria. The best Bulls team in the past decade couldn’t win in Christchurch.
The Crusaders, inconsistent this year, relied on the incomparable Richie McCaw and the equally magnificent Dan Carter. McCaw, in particular, was a beast and to produce a performance of such influence in his 11th season of Super Rugby was monumental, even by his incredible standards.
Carter was as imposing and as good as at any stage of his career, yet even if he had produced the worst game of his life it wouldn’t have changed the result. The Bulls were beaten before they got on the aircraft.
The Crusaders were very good because, like the Sharks, their best players stood tallest. It is why they will beat the Chiefs in Hamilton.
And while it isn’t the popular view in Cape Town, the Sharks have the better combinations and the better individuals.
476 Comments
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23 Jul 2012, 15:14 pm
The Stormers-Sharks Super Rugby semi-|final is shaping up to be a grudge match of the highest order, although Stormers’ coach Allister Coetzee says that there is “no score to settle” at Newlands on Saturday.
And, for once, the Stormers have managed to dodge the injury bogey as talismanic flyhalf Peter Grant has been passed fit to play on Saturday.
The score is 1-1 between the Stormers and Sharks this year after the two teams won their respective home league games.
The Sharks were dynamic in dismantling the Reds 30-17 in Brisbane at the weekend, with their impressive attacking play backed up by an unrelenting defensive effort.
After only just reaching the playoffs in sixth position on the log, the Sharks are now suddenly in the semi-finals and will fancy their chances of travelling all the way from Brisbane to Cape Town and beating the top-of-the-log Stormers.
“There is no score to settle. We want to win a semi-final! We want to make sure that we get it right this weekend and progress in the competition to the last stage,” Coetzee said yesterday.
“It is going to be a hell of a tough match. I mean, the Sharks just overpowered the Reds there. One thing about South African sides is that you know there will be a hell of a physicality coming, and the Sharks showed that at the weekend.
“It was a really good performance and, once again, it is up to you as the team whether external factors such as jet-lag get to you, and that was never a factor for them. They just put it aside and got off to a great start, and that was a fantastic approach to what they wanted to achieve.”
Coetzee pointed out that the Sharks’ breakdown work was also superb and, coupled with the physicality showed in their victory over the Stormers in Durban in May, it presents the Cape side with a massive test upfront, especially as they are still waiting on the fitness of star No 8 |Duane Vermeulen.
“They built a good lead, and it is difficult to play catch-up in any play-off game. They were very effective, and didn’t make as many mistakes as the Reds. Also, they forced the Reds to turn over a lot of balls,” Coetzee said.
“The Reds were dominating in the second half and had a lot of possession, and the Sharks had to make almost 200 tackles in the game.
“However, every time there was a slip-up – a knock-on or a mistake by the Reds that broke their rhythm. But the Sharks were really clinical and their counter-attack was really good whenever they got turnover possession.”
The importance of a quality flyhalf was illustrated in Brisbane as the Sharks’ Frederic Michalak controlled the game expertly, while the Reds missed the suspended Quade Cooper and then had replacement Ben Lucas go off injured after just 20 minutes.
So, it will be a relief to the Stormers that Grant is fit to play on Saturday after taking a knock to his quadricep muscle against the Rebels. He sat out of training last Thursday, along with Gio Aplon and Rynhardt Elstadt, with Coetzee saying at the time: “We just want to make sure that there isn’t any swelling before you run the guy.”
Yesterday, Coetzee said: “Peter Grant, Gio and Rynhardt are all fine and are all good to go.”
The Stormers held a two-day camp in Hermanus at the weekend, where Vermeulen completed the training sessions. But Coetzee said that the star No 8 had not been cleared yet for the semi-final.
“We have to keep monitoring and see how he progresses tomorrow, and throughout the week,” Coetzee said. “We will also see how Schalk Burger and Nick Koster are doing tomorrow, but they were behind Duane last week.”
Bulls winger Bjorn Basson is being treated in a New Zealand hospital after suffering a torn intestine during their play-off match against the Crusaders in Christchurch on Saturday, reports Sapa-AP.
He left the field during the first half and later underwent surgery. Bulls chief executive Barend van Graan said the 25-year-old Basson would have to remain in New Zealand for at least five days.
23 Jul 2012, 15:16 pm
@sharks_lover-299: If your argument was any good I might agree.
But you seem to be flip flopping from travel and injuries to reminding us all of how the Sharks whipped the Stormers by 5 points in the last meeting and how poor the Stormers have been of late.
I would like to see an honest rugby assessment from you, that’s all, and dwang, many might agree with it who knows.
23 Jul 2012, 15:16 pm
200 – 5… No wickets…. not looking good for the Proteas..
23 Jul 2012, 15:17 pm
@Provvas-303: Begin Bid
23 Jul 2012, 15:18 pm
@the artist formerly known as gunther-296:
It’s got nothing to do with geography….
However let’s not debate this topic further as I’m sure other bloggers on here are getting tired of it.
Just keep in mind that I read your comments with the same preconceptions that you apparantly read mine.
Now go ahead and have the last word on the subject as I’m sure you are itching to
23 Jul 2012, 15:19 pm
@Provvas-303: New ball is up in 4 overs time, sure that might help to bring in a few wickets
23 Jul 2012, 15:19 pm
@>^..^< katman-297:
He’s copied it straight from his number plate.
23 Jul 2012, 15:23 pm
Wicket at last
23 Jul 2012, 15:24 pm
@TooMuchRugby-305:
Don’t be a liar.
You have been bleating about Pretoria trash etc in your posts for a while now.
I just wandered why you felt you were better just because you could see the mountain from your trailer window?
You still haven’t answered that question.
23 Jul 2012, 15:25 pm
Tahir gets another, and Kingkallis takes a great catch
23 Jul 2012, 15:25 pm
@>^..^< katman-297: The choir has long since been converted
23 Jul 2012, 15:26 pm
this fakkin site with your commenting too fast **** or you seem to have submitting that comment previously is frustrating as hell!!
Wicket!! Did not see it.. was it with the new ball?
23 Jul 2012, 15:27 pm
CAPE TOWN – Struggling local clothing and jewellery manufacturers are quietly optimistic that this weekend’s Super Rugby semi-final at Newlands between the Stormers and Sharks will result in a strong, albeit temporary, growth in sales.
It is hoped that an influx of Shark supporters to the Mother City will see especially floral-print beachwear and non-branded gold jewellery fly from the shelves.
23 Jul 2012, 15:27 pm
We really should get a result here now…
That will throw all the retired cricketing icons into disarray.
What is next for the Poms? The Olympics?
23 Jul 2012, 15:29 pm
@Provvas-312: No, Tahir to the Pom keeper, swept violently and only got a small scratch on the ball, good catch by Kallis jumping up to his left
23 Jul 2012, 15:30 pm
@The Sharks rugby pedigree is packaged by Mad Eye Productions.-314: They won the Tour De France,
23 Jul 2012, 15:32 pm
@sharks_lover-315: Thanks.. so when is the new ball due??
23 Jul 2012, 15:32 pm
@The Sharks rugby pedigree is packaged by Mad Eye Productions.-314:
Flower will be telling them to put their brooms away vs Tahir.
23 Jul 2012, 15:33 pm
@Provvas-317:
In two overs, I believe.
23 Jul 2012, 15:33 pm
If we can get Bell out soon it will surely end any fighting spirit left in the poms
23 Jul 2012, 15:33 pm
Balls just drops short of Smith for another wicket , so close
23 Jul 2012, 15:34 pm
Almost another one. Inches short of carrying to Kallis.
23 Jul 2012, 15:34 pm
Ok I am out…. one more day closer to the bruiser in Newlands.. who will cry and who will jump with jubilent triumph over the arch enemy???
Who will drink with joy and who will suip in sorrow?
23 Jul 2012, 15:34 pm
I mean Smith.
23 Jul 2012, 15:35 pm
Not sure if they will take the new ball right away, reverse swining and taking lots of turn for Tahir, But we will know in 2 balls time
23 Jul 2012, 15:37 pm
@>^..^< katman-322: lol cant be Katman , Kallis was the bowler
23 Jul 2012, 15:37 pm
ok Tahir still bowling
23 Jul 2012, 15:39 pm
@the artist formerly known as gunther-309: OK, this is my final words on the subject.
I was referring to certain mentality (not going to elaborate again) that are commonly found amongst certain inhabitants of Pretoria (Snorcity) and supporters of the well known Blue Bulls rugby franchise which is also present in isolated habitats across the country. This terrible malaise of backwardness and inhibited thinking has unfortunately also spread to the management and player corps of said Bulls rugby franchise and to a lesser extent to Springbok rugby and SARU in general.
I’m sure there are individuals that support other franchises (Stormers included) that suffer from a similar kind of affliction and frankly I detest them just the same.
23 Jul 2012, 15:40 pm
@sharks_lover-326: I know. That’s what I was thinking, but my daft fingers were tying something else. Tried to correct myself immediately, but the site told be six times I was posting too quickly. Took a call to the Sports Minister to get my correction published.
23 Jul 2012, 15:40 pm
@>^..^< katman-329:
23 Jul 2012, 15:41 pm
@WP Till I Die-313:
dogbreath was confusing ageing sharks supporters with your average big bay resident.
23 Jul 2012, 15:43 pm
@sharks_lover-316: Yes, they’ll always have Paris I suppose……
It’s just so terribly sad that the self appointed custodians of and slef appointed global leaders IN, tennis, lawn bowls, cricket, rugby and most other modern sports seem to fall at the finish line in so many of these codes
I already feel sorry for their Olympians…the presssssssssssssssssssure as Matfield would say.
@the artist formerly known as gunther-318: Chimney sweepers at the moment….A gutter/street sweeping style might suit them more against Tahir. They be fecked now.
23 Jul 2012, 15:46 pm
What’s the score? Still for 5? Cmon Proteas!
23 Jul 2012, 15:48 pm
@The Sharks rugby pedigree is packaged by Mad Eye Productions.-332: Poms annoy me to no-end, Wiggins already saying “my win is more significant than any other in recent years”
and i’m thinking, how the feck did you come up with that s.hit chap?
23 Jul 2012, 15:49 pm
Steyn gets Bell!
23 Jul 2012, 15:49 pm
Great catch by King Kallis!
23 Jul 2012, 15:50 pm
@Sasuke-333: 6, tahir too prior…bresnan must go, soon!
23 Jul 2012, 15:50 pm
Bellend gone.
De Villiers looking relieved.
Adele clearing her throat.
23 Jul 2012, 15:51 pm
@the artist formerly known as gunther-338: lol @ “adele”
23 Jul 2012, 15:52 pm
Yesssssssssssssss as Steyn gets Bell
23 Jul 2012, 15:53 pm
Rumour has it transie.
23 Jul 2012, 15:54 pm
@Transformation-334: They are so full of it at times, which I am especially enjoying the cricketing icons change of attitude within the last 2 days
@WP Till I Die-313: You left out the hair accessories for gents. Diamante encrusted clips, organic orange alice bands, black and white rekkies.
@TooMuchRugby-328: I agree with a lot of what you say re: a national psyche of backwardness
Dale,eye of the tiger my man, eye of the tiger!
23 Jul 2012, 15:55 pm
@The Sharks rugby pedigree is packaged by Mad Eye Productions.-332: This is true
23 Jul 2012, 15:56 pm
@The Sharks rugby pedigree is packaged by Mad Eye Productions.-342:
Risin’ up, back on the street
Did my time, took my chances
Went the distance
Now I’m back on my feet
Just a man and his will to survive…
So many times, it happens too fast,
You trade your passion for glory
Don’t lose your grip on the dreams of the past
You must fight just to keep them alive…!
23 Jul 2012, 15:56 pm
@charo-331: And you are confusing Big Bay residents with visiting Sharks supporters. Full circle
23 Jul 2012, 15:58 pm
Is this tiger’s eye some sort of Vajazzle?
23 Jul 2012, 16:01 pm
@the artist formerly known as gunther-346: According to his Norwegian ex, it’s the wandering kind.
23 Jul 2012, 16:02 pm
Cheers Broady ya knobber.
23 Jul 2012, 16:03 pm
broad out!
23 Jul 2012, 16:04 pm
Steyn remover is on song this afternoon
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