Stormers pip Reds

[pieter blackie]

Stormers pip Reds

Cape Town - The Stormers ran out 27-24 victors after surviving a late onslaught by the Reds in their Super 14 match played at Newlands, Cape Town on Friday night.

Despite the win, the Stormers would feel hard done by because they missed out on a great chance of securing a bonus-point try, four minutes from the end when their skipper Jean de Villiers dropped the ball after pulling off an interception on his own 22 metre line.

Two instances of good fortune in the first minute helped the Reds to score an unconverted try moments after they kicked off into the Stormers' 22m area.

First, the Stormers were blown up at a ruck and the Reds ran the short-arm penalty right up to the Stormers' posts. The Stormers scrambled a turn-over at a breakdown point but lock Andries Bekker who had ranged up in the backline in the flyhalf position tried to boot into touch but his attempt was charged down by Reds flyhalf Quade Cooper, who followed up to dot down the first five-pointer in the game (5-0).

[JediKnight]

Sounds like the Reds were unlucky but the Stormers seem to have caught the Force disease....taking the foot off when a couple of scores in front.

[jargan83]

10-0 vs Sharks last week for a loss
22-5 vs Reds last night for a narrow win
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[GIGS20]

Looking at the highlights, the Reds tries all seemed pretty genuine apart from the one charged down.

[TOCC]

havent watched it yet, but apparently the Reds had the majority of the possession and field position, but just couldnt break the Stormers defence..

Reds have conceded a ridiculous amount of points in the 10min after halftime in the last two matches

[welshrugbyfan]

Their a team to watch that's for sure. They were good last week against the Bulls who will also be a much better team this year after the debarcle of a new coach starting in January last year and Victor Matfield back in charge on the field.

Last night the Reds were excellent away against the Stormers as well. Just some unfortunate ball handling at crucial times let them down.

Definately a side to watch this year. Good to see from the men in maroon.

[tic]

Generous words Welsh - I think you may be right. 2 points from Africa - not great, not bad. Hopefully some momentum now with the Cheetahs at home. McMeniman back next week and hopefully Horwill soon after.

[welshrugbyfan]

It's a tough ask to go to the republic as a club side and come away with wins. Still miss David Croft and his bald nut getting in amongst the rucks. Never got a wallaby game, damn shame that Phil Waugh and George Smith were on the scene the same time he was.

Got a soft spot for Queensland, they love their rugby up there so good on em I say.

Still think the QLD NSW super 14 game is the real state of origin not that watered down other code.

Anyone remember the Super 12 clash between the two at the SFS in 97?

Half time they went for it and even when the siren went they were still going for it. Aagh gotta love the passion. Blokes getting stomped on claret everywhere, good times for all.

[unipirate]

good to see the reds getting close.

they might even win a few away games at this rate

[jargan83]

Still think the QLD NSW super 14 game is the real state of origin not that watered down other code.

Your dreaming WRF
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[BDAVEY]

The REDS are playing bloody good rugby they will be up there this year prob about 5-6 I would say Digby just awesome and I like that new fullback too.

[James]

It is good to see the other Australian teams do well (not the Waratahs). If you saw how much the Blues got smashed by the Bulls it puts the improvement of the Reds into perspective. A strong Reds means a good catchment area for the Force.

The Force have an average of 8 points a year out of South Africa. I hope it continues.

[TOCC]

just watched the Reds game, yeah so there were some good signs to come out of it.

Reds having the majority of the posession and territory is a plus, they are still lacking the composure to finish off moves and breaks though, a reflection on there experience and age.

Still i thought Digby, Cooper, Higginbotham and Mclinden all played well.

[beige]

Morgan Freeman was at the game with Francois Pienaar - looks like that RWC 95 movie is a goer!

[TOCC]

for the Sharks, Luke Watson and Ricky Januarie were the two best players, i would have put Watson up for MOM