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SUPER RUGBY PREVIEW 2018: In the second instalment of our 15-part build-up to the season starting with the South African conference we look at the Stormers.
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The Stormers are truly the ‘enigma’ of South African rugby.
If the Sharks are the most successful team never to have won Super Rugby, the Stormers are the most promising outfit never to have reached their full potential.
Just one Final in 25 years of Super Rugby (including the Super 10) suggests the team with the most talent-laden feeder zone in the country, has not lived up to its promises.
“Next year is our year,” has become a staple response from the cacophonous Cape Town fans.
One of the most apt descriptions – courtesy of reader DanGP – is that they are sold off the menu as the “finest Cape vintage”, but often turn out to be no more than a “papsak”.
* For the uninformed: Papsak, directly translated, means ‘flat bag’ and is a description of the silver foiled bag inside a box of wine – simply put, a cheap vintage.
There is no doubt the enormous amount of talent that emanates from the Western Cape and particularly the massively competitive school system.
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However, that talent has yet to be converted into championship team outside of domestic competitions like the Currie Cup.
That is why we ask the question again: ‘Will 2018 be the year of the Stormers?’
The Stormers’ Director of Rugby, Gert Smal, said they are “excited” about the depth of talent they have at their disposal.
“It is important that we keep on moving forward in terms of our results, playing style and composure in all areas,” Smal said.
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They certainly did not receive any favours from the organisers when the draw was made.
More Super Rugby 2018 Previews
The Stormers start at home, against the Jaguares, before they set off on a murderous Australasia tour – which sees them face the Waratahs (in Sydney), the Crusaders (Christchurch) and Highlanders (Dunedin).
Not even the home game against the under-performing Jaguares is a given.
It will require a special effort not to start with four successive defeats.
To come back from that will be tough, but if any team can do it, is it the Stormers.
Injuries could be another massive downer for the Western Cape franchise.
Having already lost a number of senior players – like Juan de Jongh (moved to Wasps), Rynhardt Elstadt (Toulouse), Huw Jones (Glasgow), Oliver Kebble (Glasgow) and Cheslin Kolbe (Toulouse) – they will also be without the services of key Springboks like Frans Malherbe and Eben Etzebeth for a substantial part of the season.
The departure of Rob du Preez to the Sharks also leaves them a bit thin ay flyhalf.
It prompted them to call up Griquas journeyman George Whitehead to help cover the No.10 jersey. However, young Damian Willemse is the man expect to run the show at flyhalf.
They do have the talent, but do they have the will?
2018 Predictions
South African Conference Placing: Third
Player of the Year: Steven Kitshoff
Rookie of the Year: Juarno Augustus
Super Rugby Placing: Seventh
History
Best finish: Runners-up in 2010
Worst finish: Eleventh in 1996, 2006 and 2014
Squad movements
In: Sergeal Petersen (Cheetahs), Raymond Rhule (Cheetahs), Johannes Engelbrecht (Shuttles), Joshua Stander (Bulls), Neetling Fouche (Bulls), George Whitehead (Griquas).
Out: Bjorn Basson (Oyonnax), Kurt Coleman (Kings), Juan de Jongh (Wasps), Rob du Preez (Sharks), Rynhardt Elstadt (Toulouse), Huw Jones (Glasgow), Oliver Kebble (Glasgow), Cheslin Kolbe (Toulouse), Godlen Masimla (Kings), Brandon Thompson (Glasgow), Frans van Wyk (Bulls), Shaun Treeby (released).
Squad (provisional squad): JC Janse van Rensburg, Steven Kitshoff, Wilco Louw, Frans Malherbe, Caylib Oosthuizen, Alistair Vermaak, Bongi Mbonambi, Dean Muir, Ramone Samuels, Chad Solomon, Jan de Klerk, Johan du Toit, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Eben Etzebeth, John Schickerling, Chris van Zyl, Eduard Zandberg, Juarno Augustus, Nizaam Carr, Jaco Coetzee, Stephan de Wit, Siya Kolisi, Sikhumbuzo Notshe, Kobus van Dyk, Cobus Wiese, Dewaldt Duvenage, Justin Phillips, Jano Vermaak, Jean-Luc du Plessis, Damian Willemse, Damian de Allende, Daniël du Plessis, Dan Kriel, Dillyn Leyds, Khanyo Ngcukana, Seabelo Senatla, Sarel Marais, EW Viljoen, Sergeal Petersen, Raymond Rhule, Johannes Engelbrecht, Joshua Stander, Neetling Fouche, George Whitehead.
By Jan de Koning
@king365ed
@rugby365com
Comments on RugbyPass
You know he can land a winning conversion after the full time siren is up. (Even if it takes two attempts.)
5 Go to commentsA very insightful article from Jake. I would love to know how South African’s feel about their move to Europe. Do you prefer playing in Europe or want to go back to Super Rugby?
2 Go to commentspure fire
1 Go to commentsA very well thought out summary of all the relevant complications…agree with your ”refer the Cricket Test versus 20/20 comparison”. More also definitely doesn't necessarily mean better!
2 Go to commentsMust be something when you are only 19 y.o and both NZ and France want you. Btw he wasn’t the only new caledonian in french U20 as Robin Couly also lived in Noumea until 17. Hope he’s successful wherever he chooses to play.
7 Go to comments“Several key players in the Stade Rochelais squad are in their thirties” South Africans are going to hate the implications of that comment!
5 Go to commentsI know Leinster did a job on La Roche but shortly after HT Leinster were 30-13 ahead of them and at a similar time Toulouse were trailing Exeter. At 60 mins Leinster were 27 ahead but after 67 mins Toulouse were only 19 ahead before Exeter collapsed. That’s heavier scoring by Leinster against the Champions. I think people are looking at Toulouses total a little too much. I also think Northhampton are in with a real chance, albeit I’d put Leinster as favourites. If Leinster make the final I expect them to win by more than ten and with control.
5 Go to commentsHey Nick, your match analysis is decent but the top and tail not so much, a bit more random. For a start there’s a seismic difference in regenerating any club side over a test team. EJ pretty much had to urinate with the appendage he’d been given at test level whereas club success is impacted hugely by the budget. Look no further than Boudjellal’s Toulon project for a perfect example. The set ups at La Rochelle and Leinster are like chalk and cheese and you are correct that Leinster are ahead. Leinster are not just slightly ahead though, they are light years ahead on their plans, with the next gen champions cup team already blooded, seasoned and developing at speed from their time manning the fort in the URC while the cream play CC and tests. They have engineered a strong talent conveyor belt into their system, supported by private money funnelled into a couple of Leinster private schools. The really smart move from Leinster and the IRFU however is maximising the Irish Revenue tax breaks (tax relief on the best 10 years earnings refunded at retirement) to help keep all of their stars in Ireland and happy, while simultaneously funding marquee players consistently. And of course Barrett is the latest example. But in no way is he a “replacement for Henshaw”, he’s only there for one season!!! As for Rob Baxter, the best advice you can give him is to start lobbying Parliament and HMRC for a similar state subsidy, but don’t hold your breath… One thing Cullen has been very smart with is his coaching team. Very quickly he realised his need to supplement his skills, there was talk of him exiting after his first couple of years but he was extremely shrewd bringing in Lancaster and now Nienaber. That has worked superbly and added a layer that really has made a tangible difference. Apart from that you were bang on the money… 😉😂
5 Go to commentsNot sure exactly what went wrong for him at Glasgow but it’s pretty clear he ain’t Franco’s cup of tea. Suspect he would have been better served heading out of Scotland around the same time as Finn, Hoggy and Jonny!
1 Go to commentsBulls disrespected the Northampton supporters and the competition. Decide quickly, fully in or out.
25 Go to commentsI wonder if Parling was ever on England’s radar as a coach? Obviously Borthwick is a great lineout coach, but I do worry he might be taking on too much as both head coach and forwards coach.
1 Go to commentsJason Jenkins has one cap. When Etzebeth was his age he had over 80 caps. Experience matters. He will never amount to what Etzebeth has because he hasn’t been developed as an international player.
2 Go to commentsSays much about the player picking this gig over the easier and bigger rewards offered to him in Japan. Also says a lot about the state sanctioned tax benefits the Irish Revenue offers pro rugby players, with their ten highest earning years subject to an additional 40% tax relief and paid as a lump sum, in cash, at retirement. Certainly helps Leinster line up the financial ducks in a row to fund marquee signings like this!!! No other union anywhere in world rugby benefits from this kind of lucrative financial sponsorship from their government…
5 Go to commentsTrue Jordie could earn a lot more in Japan. But by choosing Leinster he’ll be playing with 1 of the best clubs in the world and can win a champions cup and URC…..
6 Go to commentsThanks for that Marshy, noticed you didn't say who is gonna win it. We know who ain't gonna win it - your Crusaders outfit. They've gone from having arguably the best Super Rugby first five ever, to having a clutch of rookies. Hurricanes all the way!
1 Go to commentsGeez you really have to question the NRLs ability to produce players of quality. Its pathetic. Dont the 25mil in Aus produce enough quality womens players. Sad.
1 Go to commentsBulls fan here, and agree 100% with the conclusion (and little else) of this article. SA sides should absolutely f-off from the champs cup until we get fair scheduling, equal support for travel arrangements and home semis. You know, like all the european teams get.
25 Go to commentsI’m yet to see why Grace would be an ABs contender. He’s pedestrian and lacks the dominance required of a top flight 8.
11 Go to commentsGee my Highlanders were terrible. They have gone backwards since the start of the season. The trouble began when we left Millar behind to prep as the 10 against the Brumbies and he was disconnected from the team that came back from Aussie. We rested Patchell for that game and we blew an avalanche of ball in good attacking positions in the 1st half. Against the Rebels we seem to of gone into a pod system with forwards hanging off from the breakdown leaving Fakatava to secure our ball!
80 Go to commentsPot Kettle, the English and French teams have done it for years.
25 Go to comments