The Western Stormers have put on a powerful forwards display to win 31-15 against the Melbourne Rebels.
The First Half
The first half was a fairly even contest in physicality and defensive terms, but concentration lapses put pressure on the Rebels. From the first kick-off the Rebels went on the attack immediately, only to be repelled by trademark Stormers defence. The first foray into the Rebels 22 saw Demetri Catrakilis score a penalty through a Rebels infringement. The next fifteen minutes saw the Rebels repeatedly attack the Stormers line and were unlucky to come away without a try. Mike Harris went close, only to be wrapped up in a Schalk Burger bearhug. The Stormers returned fire with some pressure kicking and eventually forced the Rebels error. This lead to turnover possession and a Damian de Allende try out on the left wing to make it 10 – nil to the Stormers.
The Rebels quickly regrouped and were finally rewarded with an enterprising try out wide to Dom Shipperley. Mitch Inman and Scott Fuglistaller were instrumental in breaking the advantage line and set up the pass for Dom. The conversion from Harris saw the score narrow 10-7 to the Stormers.
The last ten minutes of the half were all Stormers. Another penalty goal kept the scoreboard ticking and the pressure kept mounting on the Rebels defence. At the 40 minute mark a lapse in concentration saw a loose pass intercepted by Dillyn Leyds and another five pointer. This left the Stormers in the lead 18–7 at half time.
Dillyn Leyds enjoying his first Try of the night.
The Second Half
The second half started off at pace, with the Rebels working up the right side. A Stormers infringement saw Jack Debreczei kick a monster penalty from 45 metres out. Scores 18-10 to the Stormers.
The restart saw Nick Stirzaker earn a penalty and a stern warning from the referee for rucking Schalk Burger. Many observers sympathised with Nick’s frustration as Schalk’s prone body was impeding the passage of the ball. Another Demitri Catrakilis penalty goal moved the score to 21–10 to the Stormers.
From the point the Stormers took complete control of the match. A scrum on the Rebels 10 metre line was marched back into the 22, setting up great field position. Once the ball left the scrum a nice inside ball saw Dillyn Leyds score a brace for the night. Catrakilis added the extra two, and the Stormers went to a 28-10 lead.
The next 10 minutes saw the Rebels repeatedly attack the Stormers line, only to be repelled by some monstrous defence. After repeated raids in to the Stormers 22, the Rebels were able to earn a clever turnover, go on attack and score out wide. Sean McMahon earned the turnover and Jack Debreczei helped set up Tom English for the Try. Score 28 – 15 to the Stormers.
At this point the Rebels sniffed a slim chance of a bonus point from the game. The Rebels made some positional changes and were rewarded with an intensity lift. However, a scrum infringement to replacement prop Keita Inagaki saw another penalty goal to the Stormers. This left the finals score at 31 – 15.
The Rebels never gave up and were unlucky to not be rewarded in the dying minutes with another try. Sean McMahon came agonisingly close to his first Rebels try, only to miss the line by millimetres. I think he was fairly stiff not to get the points, but that’s Rugby.
Burger and Vermeulen, partners in crime in the second half.
The Wash up
On balance the match was quite a physical affair with neither side being totally dominated.
The Rebels certainly wanted their first win in South Africa with many players putting in strong performances. Jones, McMahon Debreczei and Harris all had good games. The Stormers must be commended for bringing their physical brand of Rugby to the game; Vermeulen, Kolisi, Burger and Etzebeth all played well on defence and attack.
The major difference was some questionable passing and lapses in concentration. It is evident the difference that Tamati makes in orchestrating the Rebels backline defence and he was sorely missed tonight. Two of the three tries were scored through gaping holes in the defence.
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The Game changer
The tipping point was early in the second half. The Stormers Scrum marched the Rebels about 30 metres backwards and it was only a matter of time before a Try was scored. Watching an eight-man pack march another pack about 30 metres is a thing of beauty and power. Bravo Stormers, bravo.
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The G&GR MOTM
McMahon, Jones and Debreczeni played well in a losing side. Cam Crawford had a good Rebels debut and Dom Shipperly racked up a big 78 run metres that included 13 carries and try. A big shout out for Keita Inagaki for making his Super Rugby debut.
But the MOTM goes to Duane Vermeulen for a massive defensive effort. Duane amassed 12 tackles (with 3 turnovers) and seemed to be at the base of every ruck or maul.
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Wallaby watch
The usual suspects gave Michael Cheika more food for thought. Sean McMahon, Scott Higginbotham and Luke Jones all had good games in a losing side. I thought they all played well to their individual strengths, something that Cheika will look to as he balances the Wallaby squad.
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The Details
Crowd: 22,000
Score & Scorers
[one_half last=”no”]Stormers: 31
Tries – D.de Allende (24), D.Leyds (40, 46)
Con – D.Catrakilis (25, 48)
Pen – D.Catrakilis (6, 33, 44, 66)
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[one_half last=”yes”]Rebels: 15
Tries – D.Shipperley (28), T.English (57)
Con – M.Harris (29)
Pen – J.Debreczeni (42)
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Cards & Citings
None.
