Well Manie does show vulnerability in Defence….his wet game is not that bad as I have seen him perform better in wet conditions….but his in consistency is worrying…he blows hot and Cold…so maybe on his present form, you can’t really count on him to pull it thru in a tight Test…I still think he has got the goods to be more of a consistent performer, but if it will happen only time will tell….I Think a guy like Jurie Matthee is a one of those more stable Flyhalf in the Mold of Pollard…Jordan Hendrickse is impressing more as a performer at 10 with more consistency….it’s important to have another mister Reliable as Back up to Pollard. Who can that be??
kingcorn
Senior player2,866 posts
So the Stormers are sitting at mid table. In their first two seasons they were able to win it and then become runners up.
In the last final, at Green point, Munster managed to take the cup. The Stormers and Manie specifically couldn't cope with Munsters tactical game.
It is final winter in the Cape and the field is becoming wet and heavy. Manie and the tap dancers have been able to enjoy a hard dry field during the the summer but now that winter is settling in it is becoming harder for them to use their agility.
You also have to look at the Stormers away record. Not so good at all.
The Stormers need to take a honest look and almost have wet weather players and then the tap dancers.
I just watched chasing the sun and Manie getting ready for the England game. He had a really poor kicking record going into that game but the French got undone by bombs on a weak wing and the scrum. Manies influence was minimal.
The came the England game and you could see how nervous he was. Not to mention him stressing about the shock clock.
So for me he has two things that counts against him. High pressure and the wet.
Rassie yanked him off after 30 min in that semi and it was Pollard that kept his cool as he guided SA back.
When Manie is on fire and the team is dominating he is a joy to watch. But when things are tough, he struggles to put his make on the game. His kicking becomes less effective and not to mention his quick hand speed let's him down in the wet. Neither can he hold his own in contact. Previously he had the highest balls conceded in contact and yesterday we saw Manie lose it yet again in contact.
There are better , steady 10s that has better all round game.
Manie should stick to exhibition games.
I won't pick him ever in the wet.
Then let's look at some of those hot stepping Stormers. Dyamani, normally great to watch but could get into his game yesterday.
Gelant was a non entity and neither could Willemse come on and change the game.
In the wet the Stormers need to put a bigger pack out that can grind a game out.
Hartzenberg, fantastic player hardly saw the ball.
Hope the Stormers can wake up now