Cape side closer to clinical
13 Mar 2010
The Stormers’ attack has improved but Allister Coetzee says his team is yet to play to its potential.
It’s a big statement to make following a five-try, 37-13 thumping of the Hurricanes. Coetzee is right to say the Stormers improved, as they barely managed a bonus-point win against the Highlanders last week. To beat the Canes is an achievement, but to do better that a bonus-point victory over one of Super Rugby’s traditional giants, well, does it get any better than that?
Coetzee was far from arrogant following Saturday’s convincing performance. He underlined the importance of the Stormers’ defence, as they kept the Hurricanes tryless until the 68th minute. The attack was also praised, even though Coetzee admitted the Stormers missed out on a few opportunities.
‘I’m pretty pleased that we’ve been improving every week, that is important. We’ve maintained our big defensive effort, but we’ve taken more risks on attack. We’re getting there,’ he told keo.co.za.
‘We’re creating a lot of opportunities and it’s true we could have scored even more tries on this occasion. But what’s good is that we’re converting more chances than we have before. We’re respecting the ball upfront, and then we’re having a go, but still keeping the ball through the phases.
‘Defence wins you big competitions, and it’s a good place to start. We got that right earlier and have shifted our focus to attack, and we are slowly getting to where we want to be.’
There wasn’t a player in the starting line-up who didn’t deserve plaudits following the famous victory. Schalk Burger led a fantastic physical assault against a team renowned for the rough stuff, while backline stars included Jaque Fourie and the ever-improving Juan de Jongh.
Sireli Naqelevuki collected the Man of the Match award for his efforts. The Fijian was a late replacement for Gio Aplon in the Highlanders match, and he took his opportunity on that occasion. He followed that up with an outstanding showing against the Canes, and seems to have reclaimed his starting spot for the time being.
It’s quite a comeback after a mediocre Currie Cup campaign that ended in the ultimate anticlimax. Naqelevuki’s high-tackle in the dying minutes led to the penalty which cost Western Province a win in the 2009 semi-final.
‘We retained Sireli and backed him through the bad times, and we knew he just needed some confidence to produce,’ said Coetzee. ‘He’s a world-class player and we appreciate his strengths and what he brings to the team.’
The Stormers sit in second place behind the Bulls, who recorded another 50 points in Saturday’s win over the Highlanders. While the Stormers aren’t racking up 50-plus scores, they are managing to keep the opposition out of their end zone.
‘They won comfortably, but I don’t know if you could say it was impressive,’ said Coetzee in reference to the 35 points conceded by the Bulls at Loftus. ‘On the other hand, they have their own philosophy. They’re looking to attack more.
‘Ultimately, it’s not about the points difference, it’s about the win. We’re not thinking about bonus points and 50-point scores, we’re focused on winning.’
By Jon Cardinelli
251 Comments
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14 Mar 2010, 21:14 pm
@The Almighty Shaun: 196. Sorry. Don’t do facebook, am more LinkedIn inclined.
14 Mar 2010, 21:14 pm
yes I believe PA just up the road in Capri somewhere. Didn’t know that ufo’s also around these parts. You can leave a message on here when you in the area to make a time.
14 Mar 2010, 21:16 pm
STORMERS YEAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
Watch out Bulls the South easter is blowing
14 Mar 2010, 21:17 pm
@SpringbokSarah: Don’t be disheartened.. we have other ways of making a difference.. The blogosphere has presented us with a wonderful opportunity to change things.. pity SA still remains backward with regard to broadband access for all
14 Mar 2010, 21:19 pm
@skopskiet:
Skoppie hey there
There was once a man form Capri
Tried to pee over a tree
the tree was too high
he peed in his eye
Now the poor ******* can’t see
14 Mar 2010, 21:20 pm
@Heavens Game: 199.. I am also linked.. but I have never used it except joining one community that I was invited to.
14 Mar 2010, 21:23 pm
@CoachPete: I like you
@The Almighty Shaun: cyber space… nothing really matters, what you say doesn’t really count… like Zuma really reads blogs… it’s the lack of morals and interrogatory but let’s leave that for another day
14 Mar 2010, 21:26 pm
@The Almighty Shaun: It is actally incredibly useful for a networking site. The knowledge share in the groups is very, very good.
14 Mar 2010, 21:26 pm
@SpringbokSarah:
I like you too
Hey when I dont bleed green and gold I bleed blue, and its not BULL’s blue.
14 Mar 2010, 21:28 pm
@SpringbokSarah: 205.. Obama rose to power through a phenemonal cyber campaign..
Got to go.. I need to show the family how use the new Wii fit that I bought.
14 Mar 2010, 21:29 pm
hey coach, how you like that all encompassing Storming performance yesterday. I reckon Bulls might be just a little wary and concerned about the new emergence of the rising force from the south back at the cattle ranch.
14 Mar 2010, 21:33 pm
@CoachPete: lol ja it’s blue not baby blue
@The Almighty Shaun: I live in SA remember
@skopskiet: Bulls are worried I rate
14 Mar 2010, 21:34 pm
@The Almighty Shaun: A man of your ilk should be able to understand that stats are one thing, but that there are other things that need to be factored in, like what would be best for a Bok team- a totally commited young turk or someone who by his own confession did not want to be there in the first place.
Luke Watson was part of the analysis because any analysis without him would have been a joke, but surely you would agree that that very same analysis showed that there was very little to choose between him and my eventual candidate. And that choice was born from my most honest assessment, and I will not apologize for that.
You will, from visiting this site, also know that I am not a Jean Deysel fan, because inspite of his many good attributes, I do not believe he is an ideal fit with any two candidates for the other loosie positions as part of a Bok loose trio. It is not about the individuals, but about the balance in the trio as a result of how they compliment one another. But that is just my personal view- based on my own bias, for it will always be there, my statistical analysis and any other ancilliary factors that may have a bearing.
Likewise, if this does not match your opinion, so be it, but it does not give you the right to accuse me of having made a so-called critical error.
14 Mar 2010, 21:34 pm
@skopskiet:
Yes I like the what i see
Forwards and backs playeing well together
As you know for years I have said JF is best 13 in the world and its showing.
Yes the last game at newlands angainst Bulls may be huge.
its sometime away, still a lot of rugby to play but right now Bull are letting in quite a few tries while Stormers are scoring and defending well
Mayby by May our Stomers and the North wester will blow the Bulls off the park
14 Mar 2010, 21:36 pm
@SpringbokSarah:
Yeah baby blue bulls looking south shaking in their boots
14 Mar 2010, 21:40 pm
@skopskiet:
And grant’s confidence up,getting quality ball and It helps when you see our 11 13 and 14 ouside you ?
14 Mar 2010, 21:40 pm
@Heavens Game:
i am also on linkin but, like shaun, don’t take enough advantage of it.
although it did get me contacted by a head hunter who has me lined up for a position in the big naartjie
14 Mar 2010, 21:40 pm
Cheers. Dinner calls
14 Mar 2010, 21:41 pm
@Heavens Game: I am proberbly the most connected person at the moment.. ok huge exaggeration..
But besides my FB, website and my time on this blog where everybody knows my real name… I also work with 500 companies across the UK and Europe..
Funny thing happened a week ago.. I work on the same floor as one the Ministers (Uk) and we obvioulsy cross paths with him and his staff.. One of them came into my office and asked if I had fancy paper to print on.. after a bit of discussion it turned out that they were meeting a SA delegation and needed good stationery … I had worked with quite closely with one of the delegation when I was in SA.. The minister was impressed.. I am now one step away from.. No 10
14 Mar 2010, 21:44 pm
@The Almighty Shaun: #176 great observations shaun!
I said the same thing on the game thread. i’m interested in what Tacitus has to say about his Blue Bulls playing like clones of the multiple championship winning Crusaders
14 Mar 2010, 21:46 pm
@The Almighty Shaun:
in our family, it is the kids who show the adults how to work new-fangled electronic gadgets
14 Mar 2010, 21:47 pm
@CoachPete: ja Bakkies did say Stormers were the team to watch
14 Mar 2010, 21:49 pm
@catleya: 211.. I will like to take this discussion further because it has huge implications.. I will catch up with you in the week because I have to go now… Go well
Cheers all.. good night
14 Mar 2010, 21:49 pm
Forget about Luke and move on with your life… He’s not bothering anybody
14 Mar 2010, 21:49 pm
Evening folks.
How was that try by young van den Heever…
14 Mar 2010, 21:50 pm
@The Almighty Shaun: night
14 Mar 2010, 21:51 pm
@SpringbokSarah:
This good start at home is going to help when they tour
last year they started 0-2 at home then had a good away tour.
I hope with some good wins there are some bonus points too,
with a possible home semi maybe?
14 Mar 2010, 21:51 pm
@Tacitus: never mind that… Did you see Lane flop?
14 Mar 2010, 21:52 pm
@SpringbokSarah:
Did I see what?
14 Mar 2010, 21:52 pm
@Tacitus:
Future bok maybe? JPP at 15?
14 Mar 2010, 21:54 pm
@CoachPete: its looking very likely
14 Mar 2010, 21:56 pm
@Tacitus: lol sorry predictive text… Did you see Jane flop
14 Mar 2010, 22:01 pm
One team we should not overlook are the brumbies
With Matt, Mortlock, and Rocky there and on 4 wins too they may be the Aussie team to beat (besides reds)
14 Mar 2010, 22:04 pm
@CoachPete: you had to pick the team we lost to
14 Mar 2010, 22:05 pm
@SpringbokSarah:
Then that makes them a very good team
14 Mar 2010, 22:10 pm
Van den Heever is quick no denying but I still say Mapoe is a better prospect at 14, more of an all round comprehensive rugby player and better on defence too.
Form team for now
J. Pietersen
Mapoe
Fourie
De Jongh, Jdv, Le Grange
Habana
Grant – Steyn
Duvenhage
Vermeulen – Spies
Smith – Burger
Louw
Matfield – Bekker
Flip
Kruger
Liebenberg – Bismark
Steenkamp – Oosthuisen.
14 Mar 2010, 22:11 pm
@CoachPete: no they got lucky… I demand a re-match!
14 Mar 2010, 22:14 pm
@skopskiet: flooooooooo!
14 Mar 2010, 22:16 pm
@skopskiet:
Only 9 Stormers in that “best team” starting line up? You’re getting soft in your old age.
14 Mar 2010, 22:16 pm
@skopskiet:
Yes about 14 VD heever may have a shot
I like WO at 12
You know my 9 selection
Grant on form yes
Spies my edge Vermeulen but Sormers loosies as a group doing very well
Otherwise all the rest on form no problem
14 Mar 2010, 22:21 pm
@SpringbokSarah:
You may just get your wish
Stormers Vs Brumbies at newlands (semi final)
14 Mar 2010, 22:22 pm
Bull Vs Crusaders at Pretoria
Stormers Bulls final at Newlands
14 Mar 2010, 22:23 pm
Im out… Cheers all…
Stormers forever!
14 Mar 2010, 22:26 pm
@CoachPete: yay!
@CoachPete: ****…
14 Mar 2010, 22:29 pm
@SpringbokSarah:
Why **** ???? nothing like Stromers beating Bulls twice at newlands in one year
14 Mar 2010, 22:39 pm
Ok saffas have all gone to sleep
Cheers all
14 Mar 2010, 23:56 pm
@CoachPete: Pom’s however still awake…
Hiya Coach, another time perhaps!
15 Mar 2010, 03:27 am
Bulls backline is going to struggle this coming weekend. Its between Houghaard and Rose for the title of S14 worst defender…Houghaard does his best to stay away from contact. Good with ball in hand though. But as soon as they play a side who defends well the Bulls will struggle.
15 Mar 2010, 04:43 am
@Rugbyfiction:
You must be getting confused between him and Dippenaar, they both have the same hair style.
Dippenaar is the real weak link in the Bulls defense. But I agree somewhat, it seems there are always overlaps as if the two wings don’t call.
How much longer until Jaco comes back?
15 Mar 2010, 05:35 am
@Kobus Kitty: When he can shimmy up the horns in less than 15 seconds.
I reckon I would set my alarm to 4 am to witness Cirq de bulle
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