Ex Supersport
There won’t be any silverware in the DHL Stormers’ trophy cabinet at the end of the season, but the smile worn by coach Allister Coetzee after his team’s 21-19 over the Cell C Sharks in Durban told the story of a turn-around that has now been confirmed.
Not only was it the third successive win scored by the Stormers and also the one that ensures they avoid the ignominy of ending the season without a single away win, it was, as Coetzee reminded the post-match press conference, achieved by a side that was severely depleted at the home ground of the top team on the log. (About as embarassing for the Sharks as the crusties loss to 13 sharks player!!!!!Bwahahhahahaha)
“This must rank as one of the finest Stormers wins,” beamed Coetzee.(has to be)
“I can’t stress enough what it means to us in terms of giving the guys confidence. This is a very young team. The pack that played today was severely under-strength in that we were missing no less than six first choice players. We had an entire front-row out, we had Eben Etzebeth out, we had Schalk Burger out, and we had Deon Fourie, who could have played in the loose-forwards, also out.
“The Sharks are a top team and they have done really well this year, so to come here and win is a notable achievement. I think the Sharks might still go on and win this competition, so what we did today with the young players was special.” (some comfort from the gentlemanly Coetzee to the grieving rooitwit!)
Indeed it was, and while the Sharks were undeniably tired after their tour and looked like they were sha sleep walking after their initial furious onslaught which the Stormers did well to withstand, that should be balanced out by the knowledge that Coetzee was right – it was achieved by a team significantly under-strength. Apart from the players he mentioned, there were others at the back, such as Jean de Villiers and Kobus van Wyk, who were also missing.(Add in Aplon as well)
But out of the Stormers’ injury crisis this year has come a positive – several young players have been blooded, and some of them have benefitted enormously from the experience they have gained. Ruan Botha now looks like he has established himself as the first choice lock for even when players such as De Kock Steenkamp are fit again, and he has filled the gap left by Andries Bekker sufficiently to take away the need to send an SOS to Japan for the former stalwart to return next season.
A new era for the Stormers is beckoning, and Nizaam Carr is another one of the players who probably wouldn’t have been playing now were all the other players fit and available who has come through and made a massive statement. Although he was yellow carded against the Sharks, he was a constant thorn in their flesh and there were several Sharks rugby people and fans encountered in the Kings Park braai areas after the game who asked the question: “Who the heck is that No 6, he’s quite a player?”
They asked similar question of the Stormers No 16 too. Mike Willemse was the first choice Western Province under-21 hooker last year, but lost out to the second string age-group player Stephan Coetzee in the pecking order due to him being injured for most of the early part of the season. There was nothing wrong with Coetzee’s contribution against the Sharks, but when Willemse came on later in the game he underlined just why he is so highly rated.
In fact, his contribution was so good that you suspect that coach Coetzee could be faced with quite a dilemma when the squad gets back from the June break and they start building towards the next match, which is a big home derby against the Bulls. Both hookers at Kings Park underlined the value of having big players in that position, but Tiaan Liebenberg and Scarra Ntubeni, the first choice hookers, should both be available, as should Fourie. (Its ano brainer go for the big hooker when playing the bulle)
Fourie was missed at times, particularly his abrasiveness at the contact points, but with Carr playing so well at No 6, it is difficult to imagine where he might be accommodated other than in an impact role. (Deon is better, faster than Carr and tougher)
Etzebeth is also of course due back after the break, which will probably see Michael Rhodes, who has been so impressive recently, dropping to the bench where he will provide good cover at both lock and blindside flank.
An interesting question is the one that will be asked around Gio Aplon. The diminutive Springbok is headed for France at the end of the Super Rugby season but is expected back from injury and will be available for those last two games. With Cheslin Kolbe playing so well and the Stormers recently underlining the value of having two big players in the other back three positions, would it make any sense giving Aplon one last Stormers hurrah when he is not going to be part of the future?
With all the young players coming through it is a future, let it be said, that is suddenly looking a lot brighter than before Gert Smal arrived to bring some clarity to the grand plan two months ago, while the impact of mental coach Henning Gericke can also not be underestimated.
The Stormers didn’t play the fearless rugby against the Sharks that they did in previous matches but they certainly didn’t lack BMT in the Durban match.
BUlle and Sharks fans you could be in for awhipping at Newlands. So prepare for the worstas you hope for the b est.
Beeno kindly advice to these grieving fans.
