I am probably starting to sound like an agony aunt, but Rugby Press in general really leave so much to be desired, it seems more in place at a kindergarden party. I am not pretending to be above the board, because what I do can hardly be described as journalism, partially biased social commentary more like. Everyone knows I am a Stormers supporter, I never pretended to be anything else, however, in the interest of all bloggers and other people who have to read my ramblings, I try to be as honest as possible in my assessments, and I will never decapitate someone for not agreeing with my stance on a subject, and lastly I try to be entertaining…even ridiculous at times…
But this is not such a time, the Stormers played probably some of the worst rugby I have ever had the unfortunate honour to witness, yet they won, in basically exactly the same way that the Bulls, a day or so earlier, stuttered to victory, against another Superrugby minnow. Both teams played pathetically, both teams were overshadowed by a lesser team, both teams were finalists in 2010, but failed to live up to the hype, but now, I have to read shite like this on our beloved voldy:
Mr Ryan Vrede on the Bulls: However, their capacity to rebound away from the comfort of Loftus must be applauded. Fifteen points away from home is a significant deficit, arguably one try conceded away from being out of the contest, and speaks of their character and experience. Few sides in the competition could have managed that and being able to grind out victories despite a flawed performance is a trait shared by champion teams.
Mr. Jon Cardinelli on the Stormers: The Stormers blew an opportunity to make a statement against the Lions, as well as the chance to show that they’d worked out the pre-season problems. The disciplinary afflictions, suspect option-taking and awful execution that stifled their progress in the warm-ups are still painfully apparent. The defence by any standards has also been a disappointment. The manner in which they conceded linebreaks, as well as the two tries, in their first official game was an indictment on where they presently stand.
Now I want to know what the difference here is? Please don’t start with, ‘Ja but the Bulls played away from home.’ The Bulls are the Super 14 Champions, they can play and win anywhere.
In my opinion the two games were basically replicas of one another, two minnows who gave as good as they got, and then some, two giants who rested on their laurels and basically found the inspiration to come from behind, and do what was necessary to secure victory. Apart from Australia and England, South Africa has got to have some of the worst, and by that I mean biased, rugby journo’s on the planet. How can the paying public be expected to stay informed, when “information” depends on where you read it.
I am no journo, I am just a fat guy, with a lot to say, a lot of opinions on a number of matters, please feel free to differ, because that is what a blog is about.
By the way, the referees were again abysmal, as soon as “pause” gets removed from the pre-scrum routine, we will again have games with more rugby and less reset scrums, and maybe, Piet van Zyl is needed once again, to remind the referees to whom they are supposed to be accountable.
Anybody who takes the youngsters, Cardinelli and Vrede, seriously… is rater desperate!
That said, it seems like the SA Teams are bunched a bit closer this year… and some surprises might just be in the offing.
Was extremely surprised that the Lions didn’t win.
As a big WP supporter I have to admit that rugby lost on Sat evening at Newlands when the Stormers won. It is very frustrating watching them try to play rugby. I’ve never been do disappointed with a win.
There is absolutely nothing going on in that star-studded backline. They look like utter buffoons. And no, it is not just January’s fault. It was the same when Duvies came on.
Peter Grant made a bit of a difference, but is still average at best.
I felt very sorry for the Lions, who played some good rugby.
But I’ll stick with my beloved Cape side and hope they can turn it around. A win is a win, and we’re still undefeated! Unlike the Sharkies!
Read it again Skaamhaaie :17-16!!!!!
What are you talking about Prof?…Sharks haven’t lost. Last time they played WP they also won? Sharks are going to be hard to beat this year.
Yes Saint, know how you feel.
However as GBS points out, we can hardly call those Voldy guys rugby men.
My observations are like this:
Possession is vital (as always the basics which thankfully we seem to be returning to)
More important than possession once you have the ball is now to have the forwards that can drive it straight up over the advantage line like Willem Alberts.
Possession that simply gets wasted running sideways gets you nowhere with the modern defensive lines.
And lastly teams need defence that can knock the attacking team backwards and create opportunity to win the ball back.
This all means physical, forwards who will not stand back.
It also means that unless you are 100% mentally prepared for the above every game, you stand a chance of losing to the team who are hell bent on taking you on physically up front no matter who they are.
I love this kind of rugby!!!
hmmm, strange thing isnt it?
no yellow cap in the top10 of the superbru prediction game …. wonder who’s wearing the yellow cap for a whole week? 😀
Stormers is giants ? Hoe bepaal jy dit, deur na hul leë trofeekas te kyk of wat ? 😉
Wat die Bulle betref: dit is maar moeilik om te erken, maar die dag gaan kom dat die Bulle nie meer die rugby oorheers soos die afgelope dekade nie, en dan gaan die volgende topspan besef dat dit baie moeiliker is om daar bo te bly as om daar bo te kom.
Elke span wat teen die Bulle speel is om hul beste, en gee alles, so ek verwag nie van die Bulle om elke keer maklik te wen nie, inteendeel, wen word al hoe moeiliker soos die ander spanne aanhou verbeter.
Ek dink ook hierdie jaar gaan ons spanne baie nader aan mekaar wees, en dit gaan nie noodwendig net die Bulle, Haaie en Stormers wees nie.
There are two ways of looking at this:
1] The Lions and Cheetahs have improved so much that they are going to do well during the S15
or
2] The Bulls and Stormers played kak and had better watch out that they don’t land up being cellar dwellers.
Take your pick.
The Sharks look the best of the SA teams.
Rugbyprof wrote:
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