Rugby writer Wynona Louw rates the Stormers after their win over the Jaguares at Newlands.
SP Marais 7.5/10:
This guy has silenced whatever critics he might have had with a massive performance against the Bulls and another big one against the Jaguares. Continuously looked for space with sharp running, and his passing game was tops again (including a superb pop-off-the-ground that helped set up EW Viljoen’s try). One or two of his passes didn’t work out, but he definitely deserves credit for trying it in the first place.
Rounded off a good team try and brilliantly chipped in behind the Jaguares’ defence in the build-up to Jano Vermaak’s try. Caught holding onto the ball on the ground in the first half and also lost the ball forward in the tackle.
Cheslin Kolbe 7/10:
I don’t think he’s a perfect fit on the wing because, well, he just doesn’t have that outright pace and acceleration to beat defenders on the outside. But his general play against the Jaguares can’t be faulted. He excited with his typical impressive stepping and he made his tackles, while he also got in a good kick or two. Was also great under the high ball.
EW Viljoen 7.5/10:
He followed up his great debut against the Bulls with another solid, man-of-the-match performance against the Jaguares. Some brilliant passes and strong running. Tapped the ball back to the Stormers’ side after Marais’ chip in behind defence. Badly dropped the ball in opposition 22 after 13 attacking phases, but given his general performance, that doesn’t really matter.
Dan Kriel 6/10:
He had a relatively quiet Stormers debut, with that run down touch in the first half probably his most noticeable contribution. But he got the basics right. He also produced a good break that got the Stormers into the attacking zone.
Dillyn Leyds 7/10:
Intercepted a sloppy pass and did well to cover some ground up field. Made a great break before losing the ball backwards leading up to Viljoen’s try. Good game overall as he produced a number of good runs, passes and contributed to defence.
Jean-Luc du Plessis 6.5/10:
Decent performance by the pivot. Good goal-kicking. Missed a penalty kick from close to touch, which was understandable, unlike his replacement Robert du Preez who missed one that just shouldn’t be missed at this level. Beautifully gathered his own chip in behind the Jaguares defence before offloading to Kriel. Some nice touches on attack (including that netball-like pass over the top to get the ball away in the first half - and it worked). Conceded a penalty for not releasing the tackled player just before half time. Failed to find touch from a penalty.
Jano Vermaak 7.5/10:
Definitely one of his best games in a while. Massive game with quick, clean service and nice running. Booted the ball and gathered it before offloading to Viljoen for his try in fine style. Superb running for his own try.
Sikhumbuzo Notshe 6/10:
One handling error that ruined a promising move. Beautiful step early on and a fine slicing run to top it off and get them into Jaguares 22.
Siya Kolisi 6.5/10:
Got stuck in at the rucks, made his tackles and carried well. A good enough performance by the skipper.
Rynhardt Elstadt 5/10:
I would like to see all that aggression channelled into something that will actually aid the Stormers’ cause. Penalised early on for an early tackle which led to the first three points for the Jaguares.
Pieter-Steph du Toit 6/10:
Penalised a few times, but at least he made up for it by poaching a few Jaguares lineouts. He carried well, but missed a few tackles.
Eben Etzebeth 6/10:
Got involved and made a strong tackle contribution.
Wilco Louw 6.5/10:
Not a lot of scrums, but he certainly did the job when he did pack down. Looks a very good prospect.
Bongi Mbonambi 6.5/10:
Good performance at the lineouts. Gathered Viljoen’s ball tap and offloaded to Vermaak for the try. Did his part in open play.
JC Janse van Rensburg 6/10:
Good scrummaging. Also contributed in open play.