Tag Archives: semi-final

Stormers loss, Sharks gain

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What a game of rugby played by the Sharks and Stormers this weekend. It had ups and downs, moments of brilliance and moments of stupidity. Yes my favourite team lost but it wasn’t unexpected, and kudos to the Sharks for winning against all odds. As a nation we will be supporting them come finals time and hope they can produce the same game against the Chiefs.

Once again the platform for the Sharks was laid by the forwards. Their senior players in particular raised their hands and made telling contributions. The form loosies inSouth Africaat the moment are definitely the Sharks trio of Daniel, Coetzee and Kankowski. In my opinion Daniel is the top loosie forSouth Africaat the moment. He doesn’t just lead the team well but also leads from the front. In contrast Jean’s leadership is exemplary but his game play is not.

Experience, in my opinion, was the deciding factor in the game. The frontrow was where the platform was laid for the rest of the team, and you’d expect nothing less from a Springbok frontrow. The Stormers weakness was tighthead. If the Stormers want to become better they need to find an international class tighthead. Brok Harris just doesn’t cut it anymore.

The Stormers senior players didn’t rise to the occasion either. Jean was having a normal game, Juan de Jongh missed tackles, Grant was industrious with ball in hand but his kicking was shocking, as was Joe Pietersen’s and Duvenage’s. Duvenage is a consistent scrumhalf but will have to find an attacking edge to his game. He doesn’t break and thus doesn’t keep the opposition guessing.

The Stormers’ game plan also doesn’t giving them the luxury of trailing. They were too defensive minded. If they build up a lead it is easier for them to keep it than it is to chase one down. The defensive system works, of that there is no doubt, but they didn’t adapt when it mattered. They did show what they were capable of in the build up to Aplon’s try though. They showed patience, good decision making and good hands, but after that they went back to a frenetic form of play instead of just building systematically like they did with that try.

The Sharks deserved to win this game. They were better in all aspects and hungrier than the Stormers on the day. Sharks rugby looks strong. The only positive Stormers have of this season is that they have shown an amazing depth. Now that depth needs experience… and a tighthead.

Super 15 Semi-final Match Ups

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Well tomorrow is the first semi-final game of the Super 15. It has been one hell of a season. It has been gruelling and closely fought. One of the closest competitions I can remember.

Chiefs vs. Crusaders – Hamilton (Fri 09:35am)

Chiefs: 15 Robbie Robinson, 14 Tim Nanai-Williams, 13 Andrew Horrell, 12 Sonny Bill Williams, 11 Asaeli Tikoirotuma, 10 Aaron Cruden, 9 Tawera Kerr-Barlow, 8 Kane Thompson, 7 Tanerau Latimer, 6 Liam Messam, 5 Brodie Retallick, 4 Craig Clarke (c), 3 Ben Tameifuna, 2 Mahonri Schwalger, 1 Sona Taumalolo.

Replacements: 16 Hika Elliot, 17 Ben Afeaki, 18 Michael Fitzgerald, 19 Sam Cane, 20 Brendon Leonard, 21 Jackson Willison, 22 Lelia Masaga.

The Chiefs face the Crusaders tomorrow morning. In my opinion the Crusaders should win this battle. I know the Chiefs have Sonny and Cruden playing some excellent rugby, but the fact is that the Crusaders know how to win semis. That coupled with the fact that they don’t have to travel 22000km’s and that they have some momentum going in, should tip the scales in their favour. It will be a close battle… or should be at least, but the Crusaders should take it by 5 or more.

Stormers vs. Sharks – Newlands (Sat 17:00pm)

Stormers: 15 Joe Pietersen, 14 Gio Aplon, 13 Juan de Jongh, 12 Jean de Villiers (c), 11 Bryan Habana, 10 Peter Grant, 9 Dewaldt Duvenage, 8 Deon Fourie, 7 Rynhardt Elstadt, 6 Siya Kolisi, 5 Andries Bekker, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Brok Harris, 2 Tiaan Liebenberg, 1 Steven Kitshoff.

Replacements: 16 Frans Malherbe, 17 Deon Carstens, 18 De Kock Steenkamp, 19 Don Armand, 20 Louis Schreuder, 21 Burton Francis, 22 Gerhard van den Heever.

This is another of those tight games you wouldn’t want to put money on. The Sharks have come off an excellent win against the Reds. Their forwards dominated and their backs played like they have learnt their trade inNew Zealand. The return of all their first choice forwards has really helped the Sharks in the latter part of the tournament. Lambie and Jordaan won’t make the game. Lambie’s loss won’t be felt that badly since Ludik has found some excellent form. However, Jordaan’s loss might be the Stormers gain. Bosman is not a player that instils any confidence in his play, and with the memory still fresh of how Jean schooled him last year it might have a negative impact on his play. Plus I think overall he is just a mediocre player at best. The Stormers have had to endure another season of heavy losses but somehow still managed to top the table, the mark of any quality side. The break might not have been such a good thing since the Sharks head into the match with momentum, on the other hand they just had to travel 22000km’s. I expect the Stormers to just squeak through by 3 point or more.