Cheetahs and Stormers

I've had my say on the Bulls throwing away their game, now for my take on the Cheetahs and Stormers.

The Cheetahs are our best side at this stage, not bad for a side blessed with less depth than the th big 3. They play such enterprising rugby and if only our other sides replicated their style, Bok rugby would be in a better position.

Agreed with Moz on Willie le Roux, he is a quality player blessed with skills and desire to make things happen. I dont believe he is a wing, but plays there to accomadate Daniller. His best position is fullback and should be a contender for the Bok fullback spot. He is a better bet than a player like Ludik or the out of form Kirchner.

Rhule had another good game and it was good to see Sadie contributing positively. Ebersohn had another good game and was probably our best 12 of the weekend, although the standard of the opposition needs to be taken into account.

Strauss had another huge game, this guy is the best hooker in the game right now. Nkanyane and de Jager continue to impress as did the Cheetahs loose trio.

The Stormers disappointed as they should have beaten the Saders had they not let them back into the game. The Duvenhage miss tackle which led to the Stormers try was poor. Jantjies had a game to forget and the kid did himself no favours regarding building momentum in terms of settling in the Stormers side. de Jongh was poor again, while he makes his open field tackles, he misses the head on tackles and adds no value in attack at all. de Allende or Taute have to start at 13. Jean had his best game of the season at 12. Groom is far better than Duvenhage.

Malherbe continues to impress this season, Bekker had another good game. Kolisi was once again huge and the Stormers best player. Elstadt and Vermeulen were very good.

It was sad to see the Stormers let that one slip. Another disappointing weekend for the SA sides.

You did a very good summary of the two games and I essnetially agree with you about what you wrote. 

However, you made a very valifd comment about the Cheeetahs attacking game and the fact that they do not hessitate in launching backline attacks.   I do like their way of play - which is ingrained in them even with makeshift flyhalfs like Francis at flyhalf.   For them the ball must do the work.   I have also seen the same tendency in the Kings - but they are less successful because they do not really have the required personnel to play like that.

The non-performers are the Bulls, The Stormers and the Sharks.   The problem with the Bulls is Morne Steyn - with the Stormers Earl Silky Hands Jantjies and Juan Scything Tackle De Jongh and with te Sharks a kicking Lambie and a slow and one-dimensional Francois Steyn.   None of the teams can play a ball carying attacking game with the duds I just mentioned.

Hey Mike....you are a broken record....and the record was never very good to start with.

Mozart

Gone haywire again? We are talking here of ATTACKING BACK LINE PLAY - remember? And what I said about the non-performers is 100% true.