Burger Overdone

Once Burger was on the field, however, it was clear who the leader was, with De Allende clearly deferring to him when it came to some crucial decisions. It was an indication of just how valuable experience can still be.

But the rest of the Stormers replacements also contributed in the sense that they just did so much better than the Reds substitutes, and none more so than young flyhalf Brandon Thomson. Last year’s SA under-21 pivot nailed four important kicks at goal in that last quarter, as well as putting in some excellent field and tactical kicks.

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When Burger came on the Stormers settled right away and looked better as the game continued from then on. He gas not been great this season but is getting better as things get towards the business end. 

Coetzee will probably be conservative in his first year as bok coach and retain some of the Bok legends. Schalk is likely to be part of the first squad this year to impart his knowledge

There were some disappointments in the Stormers team yesterday and some really good players as well.   I was not impressed with De Allende yesterday - but it is clear that he needs some more matches to get back to his best - after having being out of rugby for more than three months and only one bench game.
The bright sparks yesterday were Jean-Luc du Plessis, Du Toit and Zas in the starting line-up.  Elstadt yesterday proved that he is not a lock and he was poor in line-outs.  The moment Schickerling came on to replace him - the whole line-out situation changed and he proved to be a valuable replacement.
Thompson was good - but definitely not an improvement on Du Plessis - who has an excellent all-round game with nothing wrong with his kicking game as well.
Burger provided some much-needed leadership - but his performance thus far in the  competition was at best lukewarm.   We need a proper player as a loosie - not one who cannot compete anymore and is there to display only leadership.   There are much better loosies around and to say he should be in the Springbok team with his present level of performance is really lunacy.    
             

Elstadt however had a great game, was all over the park....but he is a 7 not a lock.
de Allende was not good, but we can excuse him, its been a while