What we learned from the second round of Super Rugby, according to CRAIG LEWIS.
Stormers maintain momentum
Although the Stormers battled their way to a hard-fought win over the Jaguares on Saturday, there was no doubt that the Cape-based side were most deserving victors. Coach Robbie Fleck might lament a few basic errors and the odd defensive lapse, but the Stormers still look to be a very well-rounded team this season. Again, their pack impressed at the set pieces, while they continued to embrace a ball-in-hand brand of rugby. Next weekend they will face the Kings, and should secure a third successive victory that will set their season up perfectly.
VIDEO: Highlights of Stormers vs Jaguares
SP Marais has found a home in Cape Town
Only last year, Marais found himself in the rugby wilderness and even considering retirement after being excluded from the Kings’ Super Rugby squad. After eventually joining the Bulls for a short-term stint, he was then offered a lifeline by the Stormers. Backed to play a more attacking brand of rugby, he scored a superb try in the Stormers' season opener. Against the Jaguares on Saturday, he created two tries (with a superb offload and chip respectively), while he scored a decisive try himself. He looks to be a player happy and in form.
ALSO READ: Janse van Rensburg on playing for his mother
Rohan Janse van Rensburg is a motivated man
Janse van Rensburg dedicated his performance against the Waratahs to his late mother, Renthia, who passed away from cancer last week. He delivered with another blockbusting performance that would have made her proud. Again, he was destructive with ball in hand, while he finished well to score two tries on Saturday. After a memorable 2016 that saw Janse van Rensburg finish the year with the Bok No 12 jersey on his back, he looks equally as motivated to build on that form this season.
VIDEO: Highlights of Lions vs Waratahs
Cheetahs, Kings continue to impress
The Cheetahs were unfortunate not to secure an opening round win over the Lions, but they made no mistake against the Bulls on Saturday, having led 28-14 at the break. Earlier on, the Kings also built on the promise they had shown in week one, to clinch a comfortable win over the Sunwolves and record their first triumph overseas since 2013. The signs are encouraging that these two Super Rugby strugglers from last year will be more competitive this season.
VIDEO: Highlights of Cheetahs vs Bulls
Sharks bounce back, Bulls on downward spiral
Not many pundits predicted the Sharks would come out on top in Canberra after suffering an opening round loss to the Reds, but a dramatic late try enabled them to come away from Australia with a deserved win. It sets them up nicely for an upcoming sequence of matches to be predominantly played at home. By contrast, the Bulls will be an unhappy bunch. For the second week in a row, they were largely outmuscled by their opponents and failed to perform with the desired physicality and intensity. It stands in contrast to Bulls teams of old, and back-to-back losses to start their season have left them with ground to make up early on.
WATCH: Lukhanyo Am’s match-winning try for Sharks
Photo: Sydney Seshibedi/Gallo Images
