What we learned from the opening round of Super Rugby, according to CRAIG LEWIS.
Stormers have set early pace
Most pre-match predictions suggested there would be very little to separate the Bulls and Stormers at Newlands on Saturday night, while the contest was widely expected to be a hard-fought battle of attrition. As it turned out, this was far from the case. The Stormers embraced an impressive high-paced ball-in-hand approach, and raced into a 24-0 lead at half-time that effectively sealed the result. It’s clear that they’ve embraced a new brand of rugby under coach Robbie Fleck, and if Saturday’s contest was anything to go by, they could be the South African front-runners this season.
VIDEO: Highlights of Stormers vs Bulls
Stormers’ forwards pack a punch
Gone are the days when the Stormers’ pack and set pieces could be regarded as a weak point. On Saturday night, the Stormers pack destroyed the Bulls at scrum-time, particularly in the first half, with the front row of Wilco Louw, Bongi Mbonambi and JC Janse van Rensburg proving to be highly effective, while Eben Etzebeth and Pieter-Steph du Toit reigned supreme at the lineouts. The strength of this tight five has added to the Stormers’ all-round game, and will ensure they remain a force to be reckoned with this season.
VIDEO: Highlights of Cheetahs vs Lions
Handré Pollard will need time to get back to his best
Pollard’s return to action after more than a year out of action due to injury was understandably highly anticipated. There was probably no man that the Boks missed more in 2016, with Pat Lambie and Elton Jantjies failing to really make the No 10 jersey their own. However, it was hardly surprising that Pollard looked rather rusty on Saturday night. He came straight into a high-pressure cauldron after an extended absence from the game, while a back-peddling Bulls pack was unable to provide front-foot ball. He clearly needs more game-time under the belt.
VIDEO: Highlights of Reds vs Sharks
There is hope for SA rugby
The doomsayers were already coming out in force after the Sharks suffered a disappointing opening-round defeat to the Reds, while the Lions and Cheetahs contested an error-riddled affair in Bloemfontein. None of these performances were particularly high in quality, with ill-discipline and basic errors creeping into the games. However, the best was left for last as the Stormers and Bulls produced an extremely entertaining derby filled with high-octane rugby, filled with plenty of skill and intent, which provided an indication that the South African style of play can make much-needed progress.
VIDEO: Highlights of Kings vs Jaguares
Kings will be more competitive
Around this time last year the Kings were in utter turmoil. Their financial woes meant an under-prepared team made a disappointing re-entry to Super Rugby, with a heavy opening round loss to the Sharks proving to be the first of many one-sided defeats. However, their buildup to this year’s competition has been far more productive, with the squad having been put through their paces in no uncertain terms during the pre-season. It looks to be a better squad with better conditioning, and their competitive performance against the Jaguares on Saturday would have provided them with enough positives to feel they are moving in the right direction.
Photo: Thinus Maritz/Gallo Images
