The DHL Stormers have kept the winning home record intact, with a 34 – 18 win over the Melbourne Rebels.
Despite the slippery conditions, the Stormers made better use of their pack to set up a four tries to two victory. The Rebels go home empty handed from the tour to SA.
First Half
The Rebels were struck by injury before a minute was played. Jack Maddocks succumbed to an ankle injury, which forced Hodge to fullback, Naivalu to wing, English to outside centre. Tayler Adams was called onto the bench.
Both sides made good field position, only to turn the ball over through poor handling. No doubt the slippery conditions played a part in the poor execution. Both teams defended strongly, making the try line more elusive for the opposition, but both teams managed to give away penalties within kicking distance. After 14 minutes, scores were 6 – 3 Rebels.
The Stormers attack, combined with their monster scrum (powered by the angry ginger), started to click. Their hard work was rewarded in the 16th minutes with try. A lineout ball, pass to de Allende, bumped easy rebel tackles, and run to score under the posts. Willemse added the extra two, score 10 – 6 Stormers.
de Allende was happy with hist try.
The Stormers kept the pressure on, and looked to score another try to Viljoen. A TMO review picked up an obstruction, and the try was disallowed.
The Stormers didn’t have to wait long for their next opportunity. After another scrum turnover, the Stormers patiently phased the ball closer to the line. Seeing their chance, Willemse found du Toit out wide, who popped the ball to a running Engelbrecht to score the try. Willemse added the extras, scores 17 – 6 Stormers at the break.
Willemse added the extras, scores 17 – 6 Stormers at the break.
du Toits pass up the Engelbrecht try.
Second half
The Stormers picked up where they left off. Another strong scrum in Rebels territory, a clever kick from Duvenage found Leyds, who scored an easy try. Willemse added the extras, scores 24 – 6 Stormers.
Willemse had the chance to add another penalty goal, but missed for virtually in front. Scores remained at 24 – 6.
Sensing the game was slipping away, the Rebels went on the attack. Some great forward running move the ball within striking distance, the Stormers barely holding out the Rebel attacking raids After the 18th phase, Faianga’a spun the ball wide to an unmarked Naivalu, who made no mistake with the try. Debreczeni added the extras, scores 24 – 13 Stormers.
The Stormers nearly stuck back quickly, only to spill the ball at the final pass. They did earn a penalty for offside, earning another penalty goal through the boot of Willemse. Scores 27 – 13 Stormers.
Sefa score two wonderful tries out wide today.
Both teams locked into an arm wrestle; both found good field position, but both managed to blow the chances with poor execution. It took another 17 phase build up for the Rebels to finally score another try, and edge closer to a bonus point. Similar to the first try, Sefa found himself on the end of a long pass, and scored out wide. Debreczeni missed the conversion, scores 27 – 18 Stormers.
In the dying minutes of the play, Stormers make good metres, finding JJ Engelbrech out wide, who scored the match-sealing try. Willemse adds the two, leaving the final score 34 – 18 to the Stormers.
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The Game Changer
The Stormers pack unleashing hell on the Rebels in the first half. This helped which unlocked their backline to freely attack and score tries. They dominated all facets of forward play for the remainder of the half, putting a huge dent in the Rebels hopes. The crucial turnovers they made helped set up both tries in the first half.
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The G&GR MOTM
Special Mention to JJ Engelbrecht for his two tries, but the GAGR MOTM goes to the Stormers forward pack. As noted above, they unleashed hell on the Rebels in both the set piece and mauling. They provided the platform for the back to score the tries.
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Wallaby Watch
Adam Coleman is starting to find his mojo, balancing the angry forward and diplomat roles. He’s looking more at ease in the leadership role, and rediscover some confidence. Sefa Naivalu’s two tries won’t go unnoticed by Cheika – more of the same please, Sefa!
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The Details
Stormers: 34
Tries: De Allende, Engelbrecht (2), Leyds
Conversions: Willemse (4)
Penalties: Willemse (2)
Rebels 18
Tries: Naivalu (2)
Conversions: Debreczeni
Penalties: Debreczeni (2)
