CAPE TOWN – I don’t know what should be praised more – the Stormers’ superb all-round performance in their massive 53-10 smashing of the Cheetahs, or Cheslin Kolbe’s fantastic try-saving tackle on Henco Venter in the dying minutes of the game.
And after bagging that huge win at Newlands, I think it’s safe to say that the Stormers have now got more than the required dose of confidence for the huge clash against the dangerous Chiefs next week.
I mean, Robbie Fleck’s men just got it right at Newlands on Saturday.
From physical dominance to exciting, enterprising play, the Cheetahs didn’t stand a chance.
Of course, if a team produces such an impressive performance, there should have been a number of players who were instrumental.
And the Stormers had a few.
Right wing Kolbe had a massive game, and the fact that he chased down Venter all the way from his own half AND took him down (which resulted in Venter losing the ball forward on the tryline) was far from the only telling contribution he made.
He was obviously big on defence, and he also thrilled with a number of good running lines and passes.
Fullback SP Marais also did his thing at the back and cut through defenders as he spotted gaps and created space, while outside centre EW Viljoen had an outstanding game and produced a number of try-creating offloads and fantastic running lines.
Dillyn Leyds, of course, was also in the mix of the top performers, but the two tries he scored don’t even say enough about his general contribution to the Stormers’ impressive game.
No 8 Sikhumbuzo Notshe was also rewarded for his rangy play with a hat trick of tries. And that was a lovely basketball pass, Sikhumbuzo!
The Stormers’ eight five-pointers also said a lot about their game.
Fleck’s men showed again that they can score from conventional set-pieces – something they couldn’t always get right in the past – when Leyds dashed down the left touch again to score just before halftime.
Incredible tackle from @Cheslin_Kolbe11 saves a certain try and the #DHLNewlands Faithful go wild! #STOvCHE #iamastormer #WeStandTogether
— DHL STORMERS (@THESTORMERS) April 1, 2017
And early in the second half, inside centre Dan du Plessis got the points after a scrum in the Cheetahs’ 22.
The Stormers also showed great defence to keep the Cheetahs out of their in-goal area during a 17-phase spell, while the Stormers forwards, with vice-captain Eben Etzebeth scattering Cheetahs in his wake, also produced a couple of irresistible driving mauls, as well as using the pick-and-go tactic to good effect.
Last week, Du Preez mentioned that the Stormers have a “Kiwi Day” during which they prepare for the New Zealand opposition.
What a great Kiwi Day it was at Newlands on Saturday!
Points-Scorers
Stormers 53 – Tries: Dillyn Leyds (2), Sikhumbuzo Notshe (3), Dan du Plessis, Robert du Preez, Siya Kolisi. Conversions: Du Preez (4), Kurt Coleman (1). Penalty: Du Preez (1).
Cheetahs 10 – Try: Paul Schoeman. Conversion: Fred Zeilinga (1). Penalty: Zeilinga (1).