Stormers 51 Western Force 16
It was like the Siege of Mafeking all over again, except this time it was the Boer who were the defenders.
Notwithstanding James O’Connor’s brilliant individual try in the 24th minute (earning a VC and Bar), every time the Western Front attacked the Stormers’ red zone they were repulsed by a hard-edged defensive screen. There was just no way through.
Not that this was a surprise to anyone, as the Stormers have the best defensive record in Super Rugby. But by no means are they a one-trick pony. In this match they showed an attacking capacity that belied their reputation as a team that doesn’t possess too many tryscoring skills. Six tries later they had demolished the Force, who looked like they belonged in another division.
The momentum that the Force had picked up lately was killed stone dead. They had trouble getting themselves into good attacking positions because the defence was not only decent enough to prevent them from getting over the gain line, it forced the players into pushing passes and making silly mistakes.
Don’t get me wrong, the Force had a few things going for themselves – their set piece for one. The Force lineout operated effectively despite the presence of Andries Bekker, and apart from an early touch of ‘the Ulugias’ (which infected both teams). The scrum held up well despite the usual plethora of penalties being apportioned out. Getting first phase possession wasn’t an issue, although it did take them some time in the first half to actually get into enemy territory.
In the end the Stormers had 53 per cent of possession and used it wisely. They’re a team that punishes your mistakes and with the Force regularly turning over the ball, they paid the price. A good example of this was in the 54th minute when JO’C was smashed in a tackle in his own half and turned over possession. The ball passed through untold pairs of hands for a brilliant try by Jacques Fourie.
Another piece of magic occurred with hooker Deon Fourie at the start of the second half. The Force dropped a kick-off and the pill was turned over. Fourie was seagulling out wide and really, fortune favours the brave. He sprinted down the touchline like Jonge Nokwe, chip-kicked, and a favourable bounce had him over in the corner.
The Force were somewhat weakened before they even got onto the park. About four of them had picked up ‘Kapstaad Belly’ and had spent the night on the crapper. Gene Fairbanks was too sick to play and was replaced by debutant Brian Sefanaia. Unfortunately, nobody told the commentators this fact, although it didn’t take me too long to work out that Gene isn’t actually Tongan.
Really, the only Force highlights were JO’C’s try and goalkicking. He scored a pearler by using his speed and guile. He bisected a couple of front rowers, who should have known better, and stepped Habana to score. He also knocked over three penalties and a conversion. His play around the park was again first class, but there weren’t too many opportunities to be creative.
Nick Cummins was another affected by the bug but he turned in a very strong effort with a number of excellent breaks. The forwards just couldn’t make any inroads into the Stormers’ defensive line, although there didn’t seem to be a lack of effort. Sam Wykes, Ben Whittaker and Sharpie were the standouts – if that’s what you could call them.
As predicted, Francois Louw was at the forefront of the breakdown battle. Despite his yellow card for a professional foul, he was probably my MOTM. Andries Bekker showed why he’ll be a Test player again this year. Peter Grant was outstanding with the boot and knocked over just about everything that came his way (nine kicks). Both Fouries scored a brace of tries, with Bekker and JdV the other two.
It was 27–16 at half-time and the Force failed to score in the second half. Look, the Stormers are just a better side and are not No. 1 in the comp for nothing. The Force will need to regroup after this one. They looked mediocre and are not in this class.
Wallaby Watch:
Put his hand up: James O’Connor continues to show that he’s indeed the best, or at least the second-best, five-eighth doing the rounds in the Australian Conference.
Did himself no favours: Richard Brown is generally a standout in Super Rugby (maybe not Test rugby, you might say) but today he didn’t seem to fire.
Bolter watch: I thought Nick Cummins had a strong game in the centres despite his debilitating condition. I’d really like to see how he’d go playing outside a Test-quality inside centre.
