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Stormers gain Chiefs revenge to stay perfect
By Peter Hanson
Stormers gained a measure of revenge of for last season's humiliating play-off defeat by maintaining their 100 per cent start to the season with a thrilling 34-26 beating of Chiefs, whose own unbeaten start came to an end.
Robbie Fleck had faced New Zealand opposition just once as Stormers head coach before Saturday's Super Rugby contest at Newlands, and that ended in a 60-21 battering in the favour of Chiefs.
It was a different outcome on this occasion, though, as Stormers edged a fine contest by running in four tries to three.
Sikhumbuzo Notshe scored the first try of the game for the hosts in just the third minute, only for an Aaron Cruden penalty and a score from Toni Pulu to have the Chiefs in front.
The lead continued to switch with Stormers captain Siyamthanda Kolisi scoring before Pulu had his second for Chiefs.
But Stormers took control of the match with tries either side of the break from Robert du Preez and SP Marais.
James Lowe scored out wide for Chiefs to make it an interesting finale, but Stormers held firm for a sixth straight win.
Full-time at #DHLNewlands and #DHLStormers have beaten Chiefs 34-26 to take unbeaten run to 6 games! #STOvCHI #iamastormer #WeStandTogether
— DHL STORMERS (@THESTORMERS) April 8, 2017
Meanwhile, Sharks rebounded from a tight defeat to Lions last time out by narrowly defeating Argentinian side Jaguares 18-13 at Kings Park.
Cobus Reinach's early unconverted try for the hosts was cancelled out by Nicolas Sanchez's two penalties, but Curwin Bosch split the posts himself to have Sharks leading 8-6 at the break.
Andre Esterhuizen touched down shortly after the break, but Sharks were forced to withstand a nervy ending when Agustin Creevy scored for Jaguares - only for another Bosch penalty to ease their fears.
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Latest Comments
The New Zealand performance in the return fixture in 2016 was filthy. A lot of Irish supporters were pretty shocked by it, viewed it as de facto cheating just to avoid another defeat.
Also shocked by the abuse to Ireland, captain, vice-captain and spectators after the full time whistle in Paris defeat, last match.
Sledging is sledging, but that happens during the game and targetting spectators should be completely out of bounds.
The Irish public used to enjoy these matches, even in defeat. Now they are necessary but unpleasant, because NZ apparently cannot accept or respect successful challengers.
Go to commentsThanks for the analysis Nick, thought provoking as usual. Couple of queries though, in the pic where you've circled Williams bind , I'm pretty sure it shows Stuart's knee on the ground, surely that's a NZ penalty? Also having had the chance to watch it again the All Black scrum seeems to improve after halftime, but before either England or the All Blacks replace their props. Not sure if that was the result of Tuipolutu coming on or some halftime tips. Either way this is only Williams second international season, so he'll be better for the experience.
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