Bismarck was subject to a nasty pile drive tackle by Liebenburg, after which he seemed to have neck issues. A card would have been appropriate. And that head on head clash with JP and Vermeulen was also nasty, but no malice intended.
So what did we learn? In these tight tough games, Frans is a powerhouse in the inside channels...it makes a difference. And his boot was stellar. Bismarck was massive at the breakdown as was Alberts. The Stormers could never match the intensity.
On the day Lewies and Coetzee were a bit better than Schalk and Botha. Although Schalk was warming to his work as the game went on.
McLeod was energetic and effective. Jordaan was dangerous in space, and had a better game than de Jongh, although he was well fended by KanKan! Still one has to appreciate the one handed pick up at pace close to his line by D Jongh. Taki was the best Stormers back, and his handoff of JP was a classic.
Worst Stormers back by a mile was Taute. Inept kicking, toothless running and a series of terrible passes, one of which was on a plate to Mvovo. The Stormers make a mistake playing Aplon on the wing to accommodate this slow thinking player. Aplon is far more effective at 15... And the one Stormers back who could have sparked something.
The Sharks are tough nuts and dangerous off turnovers. But winning against the Saders away looks to be a huge hurdle.
