Stormers
We, the South African rugby public, are treated to a vast amount of clichés each year: game of two halves, looking to give 110%, take each game as it comes, the best team on the day got the win… but one that has probably topped the pile of late has been – a win is a win. And we have the Stormers to thank for that.
Points mean prizes. Well, most of the time.
In 2012 the Stormers finished on top of the log, but as many would point out in all of .3 of a second, they did that by playing boring 'win at all costs rugby'. Sounds like sour Sharks grapes, but there are many (me included) that feel the win at all costs approach is what ultimately made them lose in semis, and even the reason why they are yet to have a SupeRugby ***le to their name. So the question for 2013 is, have they grown in stature from getting so close and can they now get the cigar?
Well I am just going to kick off by answering that question with a yes, and I do so for two obvious factors: Greater talent depth in the squad and WP winning the 2012 Currie Cup. If they can top the SupeRugby log by essentially just hanging on and kicking their points, it's only natural to think they can win it with renewed belief and greater player stocks. SupeRugby is becoming like the NFL, the greater the squad, the greater your chances of winning, and the Stormers squad for 2013 has backups everywhere.
The crucial turning point?
STRENGTHS
Defense. They conceded just 21 tries during the league stage of the 2012 competition, 9 fewer than the second best defensive team the Chiefs. A defensive structure is a great thing to build a team upon, and with it being a pillar of strength for quite a while with this team, the attempts to create more attacking options will not compromise it.
Star quality. A glance at a possible starting XV will make the opposition green with envy, and when you think of the quality that won't always get a game, the Stormers look to be a force to be reckoned with throughout the long and drawn out campaign.
Dealing with pressure. The Stormers have the ability to soak up a great deal of pressure and frustrate their opponents. This composure which has been developed over the past few years will stand them in good stead this year as they look to make that leap from ***le contenders to ***le holders.
The Schalk factor. After missing an entire year of rugby last year, Schalk Burger's return to the team as captain is a major one. Not only does he bolster the loose forward area which was running a little skinny last year, but it also adds even more fire to an already dangerous pack of forwards. With Schalk leading the charge, look for this team to play with a lot more purpose than last year, something that will naturally result in more tries.
I do feel for the poor sod who tries to run past Schalk in the opening game, they'll have 11 months of built up rugby frustration delivered upon them in a heartbeat.
WEAKNESSES
Naturally a team that prides itself on defense will have shortcomings in attack. The general feeling is that once the Stormers get behind, they just don't have the capabilities to score and chase the game. This however won't be as big a weakness as before, meaning this team doesn't really have much in the weakness column.
Weight of expectation. With so much going for them and a series of near misses, nothing less than a win will do for the Stormers in 2013, and this in itself could be an unnecessary and distracting pressure.
SCHEDULE
The Stormers schedule looks to be a decent one. A very tough start with Bulls and Sharks away with the Chiefs following at home, but they will no doubt see this as an ideal opportunity to start their ***le campaign in the best possible way with three big scalps.
BYE
Feb 22 – Bulls (a)
Mar 2 – Sharks (a)
Mar 9 – Chiefs (h)
BYE
Mar 23 – Brumbies (h)
Mar 30 – Crusaders (h)
Apr 6 – Cheetahs (a)
Apr 13 – Sharks (h)
BYE
Apr 26 – Hurricanes (a)
May 3 – Blues (a)
May 11 – Waratahs (a)
May 17 – Rebels (a)
May 25 – Reds (h)
June 1 – Kings (h)
BYE – International break
June 29 – Cheetahs (h)
July 6 – Kings (a)
July 13 – Bulls (h)
In the Hurricanes, Blues, Waratahs and Rebels they also don't exactly have the toughest of tour fixtures down under. When you again consider the greater player depth they have this year, they will be even stronger on the road than before, an ominous sign for their opponents when you consider their touring record last year. Then at the end and in between the international break they get the Cheetahs at home as well as the Kings home and away, so the opportunity to finish strong is with them here too.
SQUAD
Forwards
Steven Kitshoff, Tiaan Liebenberg, Pat Cilliers, Eben Etzebeth, Andries Bekker, Schalk Burger, Siya Kolisi, Duane Vermeulen, Deon Carstens, Brok Harris, Frans Malherbe, Deon Fourie, Scarra Ntubeni (Martin Bezuidenhout), De Kock Steenkamp, Ruan Botha, Rynhardt Elstadt, Don Armand, Michael Rhodes, Nizaam Carr.
Backs
Nic Groom, Elton Jantjies, Bryan Habana, Jean de Villiers, Juan de Jongh, Gio Aplon, Jaco Taute, Dewaldt Duvenhague, Louis Schreuder, Peter Grant, Kurt Coleman, Gary van Aswegen, Tim Swiel, Gerhard van den Heever, Damian de Allende, Marcel Brache, Kobus van Wyk, JP du Plessis, Pat Howard, Joe Pietersen.
FINAL ASSESSMENT
Previously the Stormers have had a lot of smoke blown up their assess when it wasn't always deserved. Going into 2013 however, they are real money favorites for the ***le. No, I'm not talking about the SA Conference ***le, I'm talking the big kahuna. Injuries have stunted this team in the past, and in many ways the predictable game plan has been one born out of sheer survival. But here is a team that is stronger than ever, and with a bulk of the players still on the up and up prime wise, the small fine tuning needed to make that next step up is one that is destined to happen.
I find I am useless at rating Aussie teams.
