The Toyota Cheetahs delivered their best performance of the Vodacom Super Rugby season when they won comfortably against the DHL Stormers in an exciting local derby, but the Vodacom Bulls and Cell C Sharks were kept try-less as they ended up on the losing side in Round 11.
The team from Central South Africa and the Capetonians were involved in an thrilling derby where the most tries were scored this season. The Toyota Cheetahs won this encounter in Bloemfontein on Saturday afternoon by 35-22, outscoring the visitors by five tries to three.
It was the most tries scored against the DHL Stormers in a local derby since the Cell C Sharks and Vodacom Bulls put five and seven respectively past them in 2007.
Earlier on Saturday, the Vodacom Bulls had to battle the elements and Sias Ebersohn’s boot in Perth. The Force beat the visitors from Pretoria by 15-9 in a kick-fest where no tries were scored.
sarugby
It was the first time ever the Vodacom Bulls had failed to score a try in two consecutive matches as they went without a victory on an Australasian tour for the first time since 2008.
And the Cell C Sharks, despite losing their first home match of the season by 34-18 against the Highlanders on Friday evening, managed to hold on to their top spot on the log. They’ve since departed on their Australasian tour and know they will have to improve a lot from this defeat if they are going to be successful Down Under.
The Lions had a bye this weekend and have also made the trek across the Indian Ocean where their overseas tour kicks off next week.
Cell C Sharks (12) 18 / 34 (24) Highlanders:
The Cell C Sharks looked a bit lethargic as they delivered probably their worst performance of 2014 when the Highlanders, full of life upon arriving in South Africa, became the first team to beat the KwaZulu-Natalians in Durban this season.
The home team lost by 34-18 in a match most supporters at Growthpoint Kings Park will want to forget as soon as possible. Their team was outscored by four tries to zero in only their second defeat of the season.
The Highlanders basically had the result sewn up at the break, in which time they had scored three tries. But the Cell C Sharks refused to give up. The home team looked sharp early in second half and fought back from 24-12 down to 24-18, but the fact that they didn’t finish their chances cost them dearly.
However, when Malakai Fekitoa waltzed through for the Highlanders’ only try after the break – from one of their very few opportunities, mainly thanks to slack defence from the home team – it was game over.
This was the first time since May last year, when they went down to the Reds, that the Cell C Sharks leaked four tries in a Vodacom Super Rugby match.
Scorers:
Cell C Sharks:
- Penalty goals: Tim Swiel (6)
Highlanders:
- Tries: Shane Christie (1), Richard Buckman (1), Aaron Smith (1), Malakai Fekitoa (1)
- Conversions: Lima Sopoaga (4)
- Penalty goals: Lima Sopoaga (2)
Force (9) 15 / 6 (9) Vodacom Bulls:
The Force won a kick-fest in a wet Perth by 15-9 over the Vodacom Bulls, who returned to South Africa winless from a Vodacom Super Rugby tour for the first time in six years.
Because of the bad weather, both teams used the boot most of the time to gain territorial advantage. Attacking opportunities were limited, but the fact that the Force made fewer mistakes is probably the reason they won.
The Vodacom Bulls did have a few chances, but looked flat on the attack. Their kicking game, usually pretty good, also let them down on a day where it needed to fire.
They were brilliant at line-out time and poached more than a third of the Force’s throw-ins, which begs the question why didn’t the visitors kick the ball out more often? The Vodacom Bulls’ scrum was also very solid, but they missed too many tackles and knocked the ball on too often.
In the end, the kicking boots of Sian Ebersohn, Jacques-Louis Potgieter and Handré Pollard, who between them slotted eight from eight, were the only telling factors in this match which will not be remembered for too long.
Scorers:
Force:
- Penalty goals: Sias Ebersohn (5)
Vodacom Bulls:
- Penalty goals: Jacques-Louis Potgieter (2), Handré Pollard (1)
Toyota Cheetahs (20) 35 / 22 (10) DHL Stormers:
It was a try-fest at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein where the Toyota Cheetahs had too much firepower as they beat the DHL Stormers by 35-22 on Saturday afternoon.
A total of eight tries were scored, five of those going to the home team, who used their opportunities better and also showed some improvement on defence.
The DHL Stormers started the match very well when Juan de Jongh was held up over the line shortly after the kick-off, but from ensuing scrum Nizaam Carr burst over under the sticks.
Thereafter the Toyota Cheetahs awoke from their initial slumber and scored three great first-half tries – by Hennie Daniller, Rayno Benjamin and Willie le Roux – to go into the break leading by 20-10.
The DHL Stormers narrowed the gap to 23-15 after an hour when Devon Williams rounded off, but the Toyota Cheetahs were not done yet. First Cornal Hendricks rounded off after a turn-over close to their line with the visitors hot on the attack, and four minutes later Trevor Nyakane crashed over to put the result beyond any doubt.
The Capetonians had the last say when Springbok captain Jean de Villiers scored his team’s third try, but it was too little, too late for the visitors, who swapped places at the bottom of the log with the Toyota Cheetahs after this defeat.
Scorers:
Toyota Cheetahs:
- Tries: Hennie Daniller (1), Rayno Benjamin (1), Willie le Roux (1), Cornal Hendricks (1), Trevor Nyakane (1)
- Conversions: Elgar Watts (2)
- Penalty goals: Elgar Watts (2)
DHL Stormers:
- Tries: Nizaam Carr (1), Devon Williams (1), Jean de Villiers (1)
- Conversions: Peter Grant (1), Kurt Coleman (1)
- Penalty goal: Peter Grant (1)
Other results – Round 11:
Blues 21 / 13 Waratahs (Auckland)
Brumbies 41 / 23 Chiefs (Canberra)
Hurricanes 35 / 21 Reds (Wellington)
24 @ MacroBull:
They are to blame accepting this absolute dribble. They could very well have negotiated a better format. WE hold the strings as we bring more money to this SR than both Nz and Oz do. Why not just go back to the old format. We could have still missed playing one kiwi and oz side each year. Even if we have a Arg and whoever will join. Right now we play 16 games if we played each other once and missed two teams like we do we will play less games.
SARFU could have come up with a better format for everyone. The Aussies are laughing at us they got exactly (more or less) what they wanted. To keep us out and they only play Nz teams.
The way I read it we will have the Arg and Asia or whoever team stationed here in SA like the Arg Vodacom team used to be. Just read it. They saying we will only have to travel for 2 weeks now. But what about the semi and final if we make it that far? I can tell you they will have worked on the Africa 1 and 2 conference teams playing each other in the play offs. So we will NOT be having two teams in the play offs as some think. Well that is how I see it happening.
This is a useless format for our rugby. So one year some of our teams only play Oz teams and then the other play Nz teams. Then the following year we play the other country we missed. Oz and Nz rugby will pull way ahead of ours now because that useless Saru could not negotiate a better format. We should just have spoken to the NH teams if this was going to happen. It is a super crap tourney now.
I want my team to play Nz teams every year. I don’t give a damn toss about the Aussie teams to be honest. Even if my Sharks get beat in every game by them. I want my team to play kiwi sides every damn year. Now that we will not would have hoped we went north to a better time zone. Instead we now left with this diluted format for ourselves.
29 @ Bullscot:
Howzit bud. I am very disappointed with this useless new format that will come about in 2016. So we here in Africa will be divided into two conferences with the Arg and Asia or which other team will joint. Think they will be stationed here in SA. So Africa 1 will play Nz teams home and away one year and Africa 2 Oz teams home and a way one year. For me to miss totally during the tourney to play the kiwi sides is a massive loss for many of our teams. It is mostly them and us that really make this tourney worth watching. Though of course this year is different I know, but we know that will not last as we a strong Rugby country and by next year will have Stormers and Bulls back on top no doubt about it. Saru should have negotiated a better format for us supporters here and especially our players.
Read sarugbymag they probably mention in more detail how it will work.
It is a useless format bud. I will not watch SR after next year just Currie Cup.
30 @ Bullscot:
The other team could also possibly come from Europe it seems. They are certain about Arg just not the other team that will join in the Africa conference. They mention Europe as well where that team might come from.
Frans Steyn will start at flyhalf for the Sharks in their Super Rugby clash with the Rebels in Melbourne on Friday.
Jake White had hinted earlier this season that he would utilise the centre at No 10, but has held off in recent weeks with Tim Swiel occupying the flyhalf spot.
It seems his patience has run thin following the Sharks 34-18 reverse against the Highlanders, and Steyn has been tasked with steadying the ship.
Heimar Williams and Paul Jordaan will make up the new centre combination, while Odwa Ndungane returns on the wing.
In the forwards, Bismarck du Plessis returns to captain the team. Jean Deysel has also recovered in time to take his place in the starting XV, along with Ryan Kankowski who will start at eighthman in place of Keegan Daniel.
Sharks – 15 Lwazi Mvovo, 14 Odwa Ndungane, 13 Paul Jordaan, 12 Heimar Williams, 11 JP Pietersen, 10 Frans Steyn, 9 Charl McLeod, 8 Ryan Kankowski, 7 Jean Deysel, 6 Marcell Coetzee, 5 Stephan Lewies, 4 Willem Alberts, 3 Jannie du Plessis, 2 Bismarck du Plessis (c), 1 Tendai Mtawarira.
Subs: 16 Kyle Cooper, 17 Dale Chadwick, 18 Lourens Adriaanse, 19 Etienne Oosthuizen, 20 Keegan Daniel, 21 Cobus Reinach, 22 Fred Zeilinga, 23 SP Marais.
Anyhow here is the Sharks team this week:
The Cell C Sharks
15. Lwazi Mvovo
14. Odwa Ndungane
13. Paul Jordaan
12. Heimar Williams
11. JP Pietersen
10. Frans Steyn
9. Charl McLeod
8. Ryan Kankowski
7. Jean Deysel
6. Marcell Coetzee
5. Stephan Lewies
4. Willem Alberts
3. Jannie du Plessis
2. Bismarck du Plessis (Captain)
1. Tendai Mtawarira
Replacements
16. Kyle Cooper
17. Dale Chadwick
18. Lourens Adriaanse
19. Etienne Oosthuizen
20. Keegan Daniel
21. Cobus Reinach
22. Fred Zeilinga
23. SP Marais
Strong team and pleased to see Fred is back. I may have rested Albert, well had him on the bench and also Jannie as they have played every game this year. Fransie has to start as Fred needs to ease back after injury. If we had known we would have been thrashed last week then would have been great to rest Alberts, Jannie and Fransie.
Fred is a terrific talent but needs more game time in senior CC this year and he will get there. So far he has been out of his depth at this level but he is too talented not to come right. He will be ready next year after this years CC I am sure of if. For now just pleased Fred is back from injury. Then in July we get Lambie back as well. Then Fransie if not injured by then can just concentrate on 12 again.
Come on Sharks. This will be a tough one again after the travel and playing on Friday night. I thought somehow we were playing on Saturday so no extra day to get over the travel. Sill pleased we have Bissie and Deysel back as well.
36 @ Puma:
Sorry name wrong there. Meant Timo is a terrific talent. Fred is up to speed already after last years CC. Timo Swiel needs more CC game time to get to this level like I mentioned above and I have no doubt he will get there. A huge talent. Just not this year it is a bit soon for him this level.
@ Bullscot:
Yes, the Aussies are very keen on getting Japan involved – that is why I think the extra team will come from that country. The extra team will be in one of the two SA conferences (at least initially) for the sake of arriving at an even number that can be divided in two (6 of our own teams plus 1 Argentina team plus 1 extra team). That way the Aussies and Kiwis can keep their conferences as is and have loads of Trans-Tasman derbies. This is first prize. Second prize for Australia will be to work on getting Japan into their conference(s) at a later date. They have no interest in penniless Argentina and will graciously leave them to us.
Before the home and away Derby games’ system introduced in 2012, the total number of SA derbies;
Was 5×4/2 = 10 games per season
Now it is 4x5x2/2 = 20 games per season!
Add the CC class I games to the total, what do we get?
The increase of SA derbies might designed to conceal the weakness of the quota players in two counts:
1. It reduce their exposure to the NZ & Aus teams
2. It creates strength vs strength situation while each SA has to field a minimum numbers of quota players, case in point was the Cheetahs Vs the Stormers: a galore of tries, no structure, no organization, no discipline in defence either but then, who cares?
Tell me I am wrong?
@ Hondo:
The SA government will have more leeway to impose quotas as the Aussies and Kiwis grow increasingly distant. One day in the not too distant future SANZAR will wake up to discover that years have passed since an SA team last played an Aussie or Kiwi team in Super Rugby – and yet those two countries will still be happily spending our broadcast money 😯
@ kaksioek:
SANZAR should be SARU
@ kaksioek:
Yeah well, look at it this way… we have the money (spectators) and they (specially the Kiwi’s) have the quality players.. so they need us and we need them…
@ robzim:
So you like this deal? Sweet, so let’s see … you, plus Oregan Hoskins and Cheeky Watson makes … three satisfied South Africans.
@ kaksioek:
I did not say I like the deal.. but it is not worse than the current deal that also lacks integrity as teams do not play against the same opposition.
@ Puma:
You say go back to the old format…
But a sharks vs stormers game will more often than not garner a lot of interest and be close to a sell out..
Like bulls vs stormers… bulls vs sharks..
I amd not saying I dislike the old system of 12 teams, but commercially the conference system is a success, judging by the interest 4 games a year garner interst from the big teams playing against eachother.
Yes we want our teams to play the overseas sides, but from spectators going to games there are less interest.
@ robzim:
Don’t worry, I know what will make it perfect – how about if I throw in a poster of Ma’a Nonu?
Again, I would prefer we play against the best teams, and we could have a difficult time, holding on and not losing yards on the kiwis.
Can’t see this format being approved.
The Kiwis made it clear when Aus wanted them to split that they value playing the SA sides as it prepares their new players to the rigors of playing the Boks and hardening the f… up.
Why will they now accept it when for one year they don’t face SA sides?
@ nortierd:
True, I can’t see this as being official.
btw I am so confused about the dates, 2015, 2016, 2018… so many dates being thrown around.
PS is there a relegation game at the end of this season?
@ nortierd:
Perhaps they will be outvoted by SA and Aussie?
On the bright side of the new system for tjarks, the sharks will almost always win the conference cup.
MacroBull wrote:
No
Kings got what they wanted, CC this year and SR in 2016, so they don’t have to lose against the Stromers in relegation matches.
robzim wrote:
If SA vote against NZ that will be a kick in the teeth after NZ batted for us.
@ 52
@ nortierd:
Its going to be impossible to find a system that will please everybody including the tv stations.
What do you think of AC dropping Deon and Grant ?
Just watched the highlights of the Cheetahs game, how quick is that Cornal Hendricks?
@ MacroBull:
Faster than Devon Williams who is faster than Rhule who is lightning fast.
@Robzim 53
Grant deserves to be dropped, Deon still had some good games and was valuable slowing down ball and had some good runs as well, but not at 2. Think he can make a decent impact if he comes off the bench as 6
@ MacroBull:
That’s something … I guess.
@ nortierd:
@ 56
Yip.. Deon’s best position is on the bench but then he must only be brought on as a loosie.. not that Scarra is that brilliant either.. personally I would have given Steven Coetzee a go with Scarra on the bench… I also found it strange that Devon Williams dropped completely out of the match 22 as he did not have a bad game last week and could at least have played off the bench as he can cover fullback too.
@ robzim:
I think he needs bigger wings to catch the sprinting wings… or improve chances of the charge down?
Fark it I dont know anymore, maybe carrying an injury.
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