The final run - 2012 Super Rugby Champion

[PaarlBok]

I am pretty happy at the moment to be a Stormers supporter. They played finals rugby all year. There is only one team that will probably beat them in finals rugby and that will be the Saders altho we came pretty close to beat them at home this year.

 

[PaarlBok]

This current Stormers side is no where near the one of last year. Still no time frame on when Burger, Koster, Vermulean will be back. They only managed 1 try against the Cheetahs last night and had 1 against the Lions up until the 70th minute the previous game. If a team gets a good start against them they're gone. I would back any of the current top 9 to beat them over there.

and that show the differense between this years team compare to the past. The last two years we lost Burger and Bekker and we lost our way. This year however Burger only played 14 minutes of SupeRugby and Bekker missed quite a bit and we actually did better compare to the past. We found the likes of Etsebet, Kolisi, Carr just step up to this level and do the job. In fact the Stormers backup in the lower level Vodacom Cup was unbeaten and the players drew from there add value with their confidense and we saw some of these youngsters actually poaching the starting jerseys from experienced players.

But then as a Tah supportyer you really wont value the art and habit of winning rugby and youngsters making the best of their oppertunities.

 

[qwerty51]

Come on Paarl, you struggled over the Cheetahs and Lions the last two games.

 

[Ulrich]

The Stormers "struggle" against everyone, but they always end on top.

 

[qwerty51]

I have no doubt they is generally the case, their defence is excellent however look what happened in the finals last year. The Crusaders got out to an early lead and the Stormers had no way back because they had no offence. Teams will be aware of this and try to get an early lead on them, I can't see them beating anyone in the top 6 tbh.

 

[Ulrich]

I have no doubt they is generally the case, their defence is excellent however look what happened in the finals last year. The Crusaders got out to an early lead and the Stormers had no way back because they had no offence. Teams will be aware of this and try to get an early lead on them, I can't see them beating anyone in the top 6 tbh.

Perhaps, but haven't teams been trying to get out in front all season and found the defence too strong? What makes you think they will be able to do this in a finals scenario? The fact that there's more to play for? Well.. same goes for the Stormers so there it evens out again.

If any team is capable of winning the trophy AWAY from home I'd say it's the Stormers rather than the Chiefs.

 

[qwerty51]

They haven't played anyone of quality of late, that Bulls effort was huge though. The Sharks were the best and they easily dispatched them.

 

[PaarlBok]

If any team is capable of winning the trophy AWAY from home I'd say it's the Stormers rather than the Chiefs.

Thats the other differense between this year and the past Stormers teams, we played for some reasons better away from home. The only way we can play away is if we lose to the Rebels without bonus points and the Chiefs stay at the top. I dont have that many worries against the Chiefs, their pack was shown up heavily on the weekend and the Stormers defense will put them on the backfoot specially in a final.

 

[Brisbok]

I have no doubt they is generally the case, their defence is excellent however look what happened in the finals last year. The Crusaders got out to an early lead and the Stormers had no way back because they had no offence. Teams will be aware of this and try to get an early lead on them, I can't see them beating anyone in the top 6 tbh.

Clearly! They are usually very weak at Newlands. You would have to think if it came down to the Sharks/Bulls/Brumbies vs the Stormers in a semi at Newlands it would be all of the others who would be favourites. Particularly if they have all played in Australasia the week before.

The only team I would back to beat them at Newlands in a semi would be the Crusaders, given their history in finals. Even they are rather inconsistent this year though.

 

[PaarlBok]

They haven't played anyone of quality of late, that Bulls effort was huge though. The Sharks were the best and they easily dispatched them.

The Sharks still could not beat the Brutes in the Ring, that win by the Stormers with a depleted side was massive. Show we have it between the ears.

 

[Ulrich]

The Sharks have been on a rampage of late, duly noted. However I'd still back the Stormers to beat even the Sharks in a playoff match. Anyway no use in speculating too much.

 

[PaarlBok]

The Sharks have been on a rampage of late, duly noted. However I'd still back the Stormers to beat even the Sharks in a playoff match. Anyway no use in speculating too much.

The Sharks and Saders will be the difficult ones for us. But then the Sharks will probably have to beat the Brumbies and the Chiefs to get in the final. We'll probably get the Saders on Newlands in the semi.

 

[Ulrich]

The Sharks and Saders will be the difficult ones for us. But then the Sharks will probably have to beat the Brumbies and the Chiefs to get in the final. We'll probably get the Saders on Newlands in the semi.

I am also of the opinion that the Sharks and Saders are our biggest hurdles.

 

[PaarlBok]

I am also of the opinion that the Sharks and Saders are our biggest hurdles.

First things first, Rebelle dit is!