Storm n' bietjie.

A messy game all round but the Stormers were pretty much dominant, except for a period where they relaxed on a big lead. The substitute players also let the Blues back in with some silly penalties...something to watch in future.

I thought Koster, Liebenberg and the two props had fine games Poor Cowley missed some early hits by the Blues scrum and said Kitshoff was under the cosh.....when in fact he overcame the pull down tactics of his opponent.....and then walked right through him.

In the backs Grant showed his penchant for missing tackles in the second blues try....and Aplon was mistake prone....but the rest Duvenhage, Jean, de Jongh, Habana, and Joe looked good.  Jean lit up the park with some fine tight breaks....one for the try and one straight past Nonu. Still the best we have, by a mile. Habana was good value and scored a fine opprtunist try. But when Aplon was away down the left late in the game and Bryan cut inside to take the pass....I couldn't help but think a quick pass to the old Habana was a guaranted try in the corner.

Blues looked poor all round. But regardless of opposition strength, the Stormers lifted their game immensely. Good solid win. Just a shame you guys allowed them back in the game. Poor Bekker was humiliated yet again. That said, Jean had a fine game. Kolisi really is becoming a force to be reckoned with; is there a place for Schalk in this side? Agreed on Kitschoff, though I did feel he finished strongly.

My standout performers; Jean, Kolisi, de Jongh, Koster and Duvenage.

About that Habana cut inside. It was the right option. There was no way a Habana of any vintage would have pulled that off on the outside. I can't really think of any wing crazy enough to even try! Just lost the ball though. Otherwise nothing wrong with it. (Wasn't it de Jongh that made the initial break? I certain it was)
 

You may be right Card, it could have been de Jongh with the break. He certainly looked threatening all evening.

Agreed, it was a messy game, I get the feeling that the Stormers are still searching for their real game, the one that sees them giving the ball some air with backs and forwards combining in a running game. I thought De Jongh had a good game, so did Liebenberg and Kolisi but not Vermeulen. Some of the decision making was a bit iffy but then again there was enough to suggest that things are starting to come together. Habana remains and inspirational workhorse.

Habana used to have pace to burn.....now he is all heart. As you say Denny it's inspirational to see an undisputed great giving his all at this stage of his career.

Forgot to add that Brock Harris had a good game, it's most unusual to see him making some telling surges.

The Stormers are clearly working away behind the scenes to find their way. The structure of their attacks was significantly better against the Blues and so I think last week was the turning point for them. Certainly they are dark horses here.