Stormers hold on in scrappy Newlands opener

In a typically scrappy but entertaining opening fixture to Super Rugby, the Stormers managed to hold on to a 28-20 victory over the Jaguares at Newlands on Saturday afternoon.

It was definitely a game of two halves as the hosts looked generally comfortable in the first half and even extended that dominance early in the second 40.

But the gritty attitude of the Argentinians saw them launch a fine fightback, which was only derailed by their own poor execution and discipline.

That was the story of their day.

Who was the star in this match?

It’s hard to look past Siya Kolisi, who’s now a classy, consistent performer. The Stormers captain was in the thick of things even before proceedings started, running around to all his teammates to fire them up. He also let his deeds to the talking. Not only did he barnstorm his way over the line from close range – showing great strength – he made 10 tackles and won two turnovers.

Key themes and moments

• The Stormers might’ve gone into half-time with a comfortable 15-6 lead but they didn’t always lay a good platform upfront. The early lineouts were wayward and the tacklers at the breakdown needed time to adapt to the tweaked laws regarding releasing the tackled player. The lineouts went better later on but there’s work needed.
• Despite not gelling necessarily, there’s reason for optimism regarding the Capetonians’ exciting back three. Dillyn Leyds flourished at fullback with the extra space given to him, Raymond Rhule brilliantly rounded off the hosts’ third try after Nizaam Carr’s superb offload and Seabelo Senatla looked dangerous in possession though the timing of his passing can improve. Nonetheless, if they stay fit, this can be a fine back division.
• The Jaguares were again infuriatingly inconsistent. Their close range passing was delightful at times and their ball control very good in the third quarter as they mounted their comeback. Wing Emiliano Boffelli was muscular in scoring his try before the Argentinians’ scrum exploited home hooker Ramone Samuels’ yellow card with a penalty try. Yet they also conceded a needless yellow in the first half, missed an unacceptable 33 of their 99 tackles and too many handling errors.
• The Stormers will be pleased with the way they handled the pressure in the dying minutes. Veteran prop JC Janse van Rensburg effected a crucial turnover at a scrum in the 76th minute when the visitors were on a roll again before young halfback Justin Phillips snuffed out Jaguares flyhalf Nicolas Sanchez’s break in midfield.

Point scorers:

Stormers – Tries: Damian de Allende, Siya Kolisi, Raymond Rhule. Conversions: Damian Willemse (2). Penalties: Willemse (2).

Jaguares – Tries: Emiliano Boffelli, Penalty try. Conversion: Nicolas Sanchez. Penalties: Sanchez, Boffelli.

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