Perspective required when rating Stormers
30 Jul 2012
JON CARDINELLI writes the Stormers’ campaign was compromised by a high injury count rather than a characteristic lack of composure.
The manner of defeat was disappointing, but was the result really that unexpected? This is the question Stormers fans should be asking following Saturday’s semi-final defeat.
It is usually the case that a team’s success is determined by how far it progresses in a particular tournament. For a regular play-off contender like the Stormers, a Super Rugby title win should denote success.
The Cape side has lost two finals and three semi-finals in the space of three seasons. Their title drought has spanned 11 long years. These are the numbers that critics and fans care about, and these are the facts that will be cited when most deliver their damning post-season reviews.
But to accept this view is to subscribe to a perception that is simplistic, narrow and more than a little hysterical.
I don’t believe the Stormers’ game plan and selections have been flawless, but I do believe the 2012 season has been different to those of the past.
It’s unfair to marvel at the manner in which the Stormers have responded to the challenges of the past five months and then denounce a play-off failure as just another in a long line of mental mishaps.
Indeed, what the Stormers have succeeded in doing this year is convincing a lot of people that they could survive without several key players. In reality, how can a team be expected to go on and win a championship when they’ve lost the quality of Schalk Burger and Duane Vermeulen? The Crusaders are always a less daunting prospect when Richie McCaw and Dan Carter are unavailable, and as the recent season will confirm, the Bulls are easier to beat now that Victor Matfield and Fourie du Preez have moved on.
Every team must cope with injuries and losses, but the Stormers’ loose forward stocks were depleted to the point where they had lost their capable reserves as well as their stars.
Nick Koster and Nizaam Carr were ruled out, forcing Rynhardt Elstadt to move from lock to flank. Sanzar turned down the Stormers’ request to include Canadian Jebb Sinclair in the play-offs, necessitating Deon Fourie’s shift from hooker to No 8. Club players like Don Armand and Tyrone Holmes were also promoted to the greater squad.
The Stormers’ results may have convinced the rugby public that they were capable of absorbing the losses, and credit must go to the coaching staff as well as the youngsters for fueling that belief.
Eben Etzebeth, Steven Kitshoff, Siya Kolisi… these are the rookies who made it look so easy during the regular season; they convinced everybody that the gap between junior rugby and Super Rugby was really not that big. On Saturday, however, we were reminded exactly why experience is crucial in play-off matches.
Etzebeth was the exception in the semi-final, showing a temperament and attitude that belied his years, but the other youngsters in the Stormers side didn’t rise for the big occasion. As a result, the Stormers weren’t successful as a collective.
I’m not suggesting that the Stormers are absolutely without fault. I maintain that their kicking game is inadequate, and it was certainly a weakness in their most recent defeat.
Peter Grant has proved a match-winner in front of goal, but his line-kicking is not up to standard. Coach Allister Coetzee complained that the Stormers couldn’t get out of their half in Saturday’s semi-final, and Grant’s boot was partially to blame.
Usually this weakness is offset by the contributions of Dewaldt Duvenage and Joe Pietersen, but when those players don’t come to the party, the Stormers struggle to win the territorial battle.
The set piece is still an area of concern. Kitshoff has emerged as one of the finds of the season, but as a unit, that Stormers scrum has been too inconsistent. The lineout is not the force it was in 2010, as the hookers are struggling to find their jumpers. The much vaunted maul has also delivered an underwhelming showing.
While these shortcomings and areas of concern need to be addressed, there should also be some perspective. The injury situation has forced many forwards to play out of position, and the changes in personnel has often prevented the pack from settling, even if that lack of synergy has rarely been reflected in the results.
Somehow the Stormers managed to top the log with what they had, somehow they managed to convince many people that they had a shot at winning the title. And who knows, if they had won through to a home final, it may have been possible.
There are reasons to feel encouraged if you consider that Burger and Vermeulen will be back for the 2013 season and a number of youngsters will be going into their second season with plenty of starting experience.
While there should never have been an expectation to win the 2012 trophy following the loss of so many key players, there will be great expectations for the Stormers to go all the way in 2013.
For now, a little perspective should ease the pain that accompanies a play-off defeat. Fans and critics must also accept the fact that the Stormers were beaten by the most complete side in the tournament.
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249 Comments
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30 Jul 2012, 05:02 am
Dragons Stormers
30 Jul 2012, 06:22 am
yeah… can’t believe all the whinging and whining and gnashing and teeth and ripping and burning of sackcloth from stormers ‘fans’…
sure it’s very disappointing… but to suddenly suggest that the coach and players are absolutely useless is so much infantile dummy-spitting… talk about immaturity… people really do need to grow up
stormers played some very good rugby in this match… spreading the ball from side to side through the phases… but obviously not for long enough or constistently enough… and the sharks momentum simply proved overwhelming…
yeah… it will take jean and the boys a while to wrap their minds around this…
such is life… it ain’t always pretty or easy…
c’est le vie
30 Jul 2012, 06:25 am
hi there UFO
Yes and the Sharks defended like stomers and attacked like sharks
Sharks were just better than Stormers, and deserved the win
And many of us Stormer fans will be 100 % behind them to win
30 Jul 2012, 06:28 am
Nonsense JC. Everybody else had an injury crisis at one time or another this season. The Stormers lost because of their soft front row and their backline’s inability to attack. Even if Schalk, Koster, Vermeulen and Carr had all been fit; they would’ve made little impact in addressing those two issues.
30 Jul 2012, 06:28 am
I disgree with you JC. Everybody else had an injury crisis at one time or another this season. The Stormers lost because of their soft front row and their backline’s inability to attack. Even if Schalk, Koster, Vermeulen and Carr had all been fit; they would’ve made little impact in addressing those two issues.
30 Jul 2012, 06:29 am
hey coach…
absolutely…
30 Jul 2012, 06:30 am
Some valid points on the youngsters in their first campaigns. But the Stormers were too passive for a playoff game. Etzebeth’s charge on Bismarck should have ignited the team, it didn’t, they spluttered along in overdrive.
When you consider the Stormers hardly challenged a Shark’s lineout with a loosie playing lock, it becomes pretty evident…..they didn’t seek to dominate.
Bekker, possibly the best 5 in rugby called his number only once in the lineouts. There was no plan to put pressure on the erratic Michalak, leaving him on easy street….with so much time it was embarrassing.
When the Stormers decided to run, they did so with great effect. But the phase rugby was too little, too late.
This wasn’t a failure of composure, it was too much composure when a little bit of mongrel was needed.
30 Jul 2012, 06:35 am
@ufo-2: Hi ufo. As Stormers fans the frustration is not with the injuries so much, although we lost excellent players. It was the disappointment of watching a backline, that had no key personnel missing, playing without any attacking venom. A side that has been home semifinalists for the last three years should have a top class attacking strategy and we have not progressed one iota in this regard.The guys played with the passion and gees that WP rugby is famous for, but the backline coaches brought absolutely nothing to the side. To watch the likes of JdV, JdJ, Habana, Aplon, Pieterson play with so little incision on attack begs the question why.
I am disappointed with the “we have moved forward” line, when clearly we haven’t.
30 Jul 2012, 06:40 am
i see lambie may be fit for Chiefs
I think Plumtree needs to find a way to keep Ludik in the starting bunch
Not sure if Jordan is backm but keep Jp at 13 and I think Ludik needs to stay on the wing and Lambie at FB
30 Jul 2012, 06:42 am
@stormer in a teacup-8:
Yes Our backs had potential to do much more in most games
We did struggle against Sharks pack on sat i think thats where we lost the game really
30 Jul 2012, 06:47 am
hey SiaT…
sure… as i said we weren’t consistent… but when we did use the backs they really did look good… especially leading to gio’s try and other times…
but not good enough on the day obviously…
as mozart says… maybe too much composure… being patient, hanging in there and waiting for that moment of magic… had worked all season… but not saturday…
we just got beat…
it happens..
thing is… everyone said before that if a team got ahead we would not be able to come back… well we did come back into the match… and were within inches several times… even a late score could have tied it up…
so indeed… perspective is required from stormers fans…
imo anyway…
30 Jul 2012, 06:53 am
AAAh, the excuses start….
Sharks also had key players missing.
It does not come down to the individual. The stormers do not have the balls for play-off rugby.
Got trampled in the ONE final they palyed and so too in the in the 2 semis on home ground when both sides they palyed had to travel the world.
So say it out loud k u n t face….NO BMT
Chokers, chokers, chokers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
30 Jul 2012, 07:07 am
I think the youngsters did ok in the game. I believe Liebenburg, Brock, Duvenhage didn’t disppeared a bit. It is tough when you are playing against world class players though.
I think it is unfair for the people to say the Stormers choked. From the early rounds nearly everyone on this blog recognised the Stormers were a good team but with not enough all-round class to win the competition. It was infuriating watching them not use their star-studded backline.
I saw the line-up of the Sharks who won the Currie Cup in 2008. They played with the same front row as they are now. Experience plays a key role. Also helps when you have a player like Kanko fresh as a daisy after an extended injury break.
30 Jul 2012, 07:07 am
Why is that brokeback dummy JC disrespecting the guppies by writing about those losers and not the winners.
It is finals week and you would think that the guppies and the Chiefs get all limelight, not in the farked up mind of some.
30 Jul 2012, 07:09 am
@Xkreni-WP-12: Glad you got all that off your chest….
30 Jul 2012, 07:11 am
I don’t think Steve Walsh had a great game , especially blowing the breakdown. Stormers nearly stole it at the end through illegal means. Now he has got the final!
30 Jul 2012, 07:28 am
Monday’s are about winners not the losers.
Besides who were the stormers missing for this game?
Vermullet and Schalk?
Schalk has been more than adequately replaced by Kolisi.
How many injuries did the sharks have for this game?
No your boys were outright favourites and they shanked it off the 18 th tee into the Clubhouse parking lot through the windscreen of the Chairman’s Jag.
To blame injuries is nonsense.
Grow some balls Cardinelli.
30 Jul 2012, 07:28 am
I think all teams have there injure problems through out the season. I doubt if burger and co played they would have made any different. The sharks were just that much better. Its sad how ppl trump up this cape side but they were beaten by a better team. The scrums were dominated by the sharks and the Stormers could not dominate the line when they have according to some the best lock in the world. Well done Sharks
30 Jul 2012, 07:35 am
On my way home from the game on Saturday I was gutted and told my ten year old. ” don’t worry my boy, next year we will win the trophy” he gave me this confused look and asked ” what’s that?”
30 Jul 2012, 07:37 am
And Don Armand is not going to like you calling him a Club player.
Did he not play for the victorious Vodacom Cup team?
30 Jul 2012, 07:38 am
@ufo-11: i made the point last week that the stormers wont be able to chase the game if the sharks go in front & i was right. i pointed to the their two losses this season as a guide, in both games they were trailing at half-time & couldn’t over-turn the deficits as the team is weak & rudderless on attack.
in as much as the stormers defence is impenetrable their attacking nous lags waaaay behind, loads of x-factor players in that backline that are inadequately coached.
30 Jul 2012, 07:42 am
Well, let’s talk about the team that’s still in the competition!
Sharjs backline should hopeflly read the following this weekend.
Mcclead
Michelak
Mvovo
Lambie
Jordaan
Pieterson
Ludick
Not sure about outside centre and wing. I think JPP is primarily a wing. I don’t want to see Bosman starting in any position. Sorry Meyer!
30 Jul 2012, 07:44 am
As a stormers fan, the biggest dissapointment was not the loss, but the manner of the loss, and all the previous semi final losses. The stormers just did not pitch up. There was also no variation on attack. The stormers are exactly like the bulls in this regard (and I fear the Boks as well if you look at the last test). If they cannot run over the defence, what do they do? They still try to run over the defence. And whats plan C? Run over the defence!!! Eventually you have to figure this aint working.
Also, the stormers have always had the problem that they can get stuck in their own half. I think its time to face the facts, Grant should be replaced. He is a good player, but does not fit the current game plan. His goal kicking is invaluable, so maybe move him to 12.
30 Jul 2012, 07:45 am
@ufo-2: I agree. I watched the match again,and apart from the front row struggling, the match was very even. JC’s last little sentence summed it up. The Sharks are a very good balanced team. Get a tighthead(not to many in SA)and a new 9 and your team will be in the playoffs again next year.once in the playoffs it is anyones game IMO. As for the Sharks, lets hope for the best!
30 Jul 2012, 07:46 am
Oh and congratulations to the Sharks for an awesome win. They were brilliant.
30 Jul 2012, 07:48 am
The Bok captain was the weakest link. Missed the tackle on Ludick and failed to get into any camera shot when JP sliced through. Sonny-Bill would have slaughtered him.
30 Jul 2012, 07:56 am
@halfgk-23: You have the players. Just not a 9. He asks no questions from the opposition. In attack or defence. Why is he so popular in the WP??? He is a better 10. I am not a Stormers supporter , but for heavens sake please stsrt playing some backline rugby again.
30 Jul 2012, 07:58 am
@Lang Giel-26: He was one of the best for the Stormers! Go watch the game again.
30 Jul 2012, 07:59 am
@Transformation-21:
good for you…
30 Jul 2012, 08:00 am
@optiplay-27: totally agree
30 Jul 2012, 08:01 am
Stormers were missing their front line loose trio, but the sharks were missing their front line 10,12 and 13 in Lambie, Steyn and Jordaan.
30 Jul 2012, 08:03 am
@BULLET-22:
Lambie at 12 maybe for the final. Not sure what other options we have. Bosman must stay in SA.
30 Jul 2012, 08:06 am
@CenturionShark (aka LondonShark)-31:
stretching a bit there…
when lambie was fit plumtree was playing him at fullback most recently… if he had been fit he no doubt would’ve started at 15… and jordaan has hardly been a frontline player thought the season…
styen, while a frontline player was only drafted late in the season…
so only real frontline player missing was lambie…
and in fact viljoen started the season as the number fullback anyway
30 Jul 2012, 08:06 am
@halfgk-23:
Ja, it’s really odd that no one blames Grant for the Stormers lack of tries but when the Bok backs fail to fire, it’s Mornes fault (and I’m not defending Morne here).
30 Jul 2012, 08:08 am
as the number 1 fullback
30 Jul 2012, 08:09 am
@ufo-33:
I see your point, but Lambie was our first choice ten from around week 3 (Plumtree moved him back from 15 to 10).
Jordaan has been our 13 boet, so I’ll call you on that one. He was good enough to allow JPP to move back to wing.
Your view on Steyn is noted
30 Jul 2012, 08:10 am
Good morning all. Firstly congrats to the Stormers for topping the log. Us Sharks fans know the heart break of going all that way and ending up with empty hands. Regarding the Stormers players, how I envy you for having Etzebeth, that boy is a monster! That said, I am so proud of the Sharks! At first I wondered what Plum was up to when he reshuffled his backline to include Viljoen, but it turned out to be a master stroke. Now let’s hope Plum can pull another rabbit out of his hat and that the players can front up physically and bring the trophy home. Sharks all the way!
30 Jul 2012, 08:11 am
@CenturionShark (aka LondonShark)-34: Agree on Lambie at 12. Stotmers should buy Pienaar an Jantjies??
30 Jul 2012, 08:12 am
@KingRiaan-37: Nice post!
30 Jul 2012, 08:15 am
@CenturionShark (aka LondonShark)-36:
hehehe…
i didn’t offer a personal view of steyn…
i have been a huge fan of his… even when many sharks fans weren’t so partial to the kid…
add frans to the mix and who’s place is he gonna take…? serious question…
add frans to the mix and the sharks become practically unbeatable…
30 Jul 2012, 08:15 am
@optiplay-39: Thanks mate
30 Jul 2012, 08:16 am
i have LONG been a huge fan of his… and still am..
30 Jul 2012, 08:17 am
@KingRiaan-37:
have to second optiplay’s sentiments…
great post…
and well proud you should be…!
30 Jul 2012, 08:19 am
pity we won’t see steyn vs sonny bill…
let’s hope the AB pick him…
30 Jul 2012, 08:20 am
JC what a load of rubbish.
The Strompies lost cause they played the whole year not to lose, and when they had to play to win they did not know how.
They lost cause they do not have a T5, the front row is useless , with Bekker playing wing, Eben is the only one trying.
They lost cause their fkyhalve is useless,
They lost cause to win, you have to score tries.
The Sharks is the only team , Bulls included that don’t have these above flaws.
Hope that the Sharks take this one they deserve it.
30 Jul 2012, 08:21 am
@ufo-43: Thanks mate, yes I’m very proud and if the boys manage to win on saterday I’m gonna cry like a little baby hahaha
30 Jul 2012, 08:22 am
@ufo-40:
ha ha, I mean that I get your point that Steyn was a late import.
Frans is the best 12 in SA. So that’s where he must play for the Sharks. Lambie, Steyn,Jordaan combo is potent to say the least.
Whitehead can provide cover for 12 and 13 from the bench (and with Jordaan being pretty injury prone, he’ll get game time).
30 Jul 2012, 08:23 am
As others have said, I can’t quite believe that the focus remains on the Stormers when their season is over
How many more threads are in the works? Coetzee says his lawn isn’t doing as well as he hoped
Jean can’t find his pant?
Petersen can’t find his balls?
30 Jul 2012, 08:25 am
@the artist formerly known as gunther-17: The way Strompies played this season and the obvious weaknesses in the team , at 2,3,5,9,10,and 15, a number 8 and 6 would not have made any difference.
HM was right only to select Eben from Strompies , although Bresler was huge on Saturday.
30 Jul 2012, 08:25 am
@ufo-44: Sonny is going to play against the Aussies, but not against the Boks. So advantage Boks
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