What we learned from the sixth round of Super Rugby, according to CRAIG LEWIS.
Lions thrive off never-say-die spirit
The contest between the Sharks and Lions was one of the games of the season so far. Filled with drama, intensity and high-quality action, it was a result that could have gone either way. For much of the match, it appeared as if the win would go the way of the Sharks, but the Lions simply refused to give up in front of 40,000 fans. Despite trailing 10-0 early on, and then 16-6, the Lions’ winning mentality shone through. They found a way to win as Jaco Kriel finished off a lovely attacking movement late in the game. It ensured the Lions maintained a formidable record at home, with the Johannesburg-based side not having lost a Super Rugby clash at Ellis Park since last April.
Stormers’ offloading game is key to their success
The Stormers were in irrepressible form at Newlands this past Saturday. Although they came up against a Cheetahs team that is generally more well-known for their attacking brand of rugby, it was the home side that turned on the style with ball-in-hand. Their interplay and offloading was simply too hot to handle for the Cheetahs, and once again it was clear to see the benefit of the work done by Kiwi skills coach Paul Feeney. Again, fullback SP Marais was particularly impressive, with his offloading in contact remaining out of the top drawer.
WATCH: Highlights of Stormers vs Cheetahs
Bosch, Du Preez have taken their chances at 10
Both the Sharks and Stormers suffered notable early-season blows when their first-choice flyhalves, Pat Lambie and Jean-Luc du Plessis, sustained injuries that ruled them out of action for several weeks. However, for the Sharks, Curwin Bosch has stepped up and proven his abilities at flyhalf, where he has delivered mature performances that belie his tender age. Meanwhile, Robert du Preez has seamlessly taken over from Du Plessis, with his impressive performances over the past couple of weeks proving to be key to the Stormers’ success.
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Cheetahs’ defence is a major problem area
During the Currie Cup last year, the Cheetahs’ ability to marry attack with resolute defence was a major contributing factor to their unbeaten charge to the domestic title. Coach Franco Smith is an advocate of a high-paced line speed approach on defence that he learned during his time coaching in Italy, but while it appeared to work wonders in the Currie Cup, the Cheetahs have not boasted the same sort of clarity and cohesion on defence in Super Rugby. This was never more evident than this past Saturday as they leaked eight tries and 53 points against the Cheetahs.
The Bulls can offer a ball-in-hand threat
There can be no denying that the Bulls caught everyone by surprise when they produced a highly impressive first-half performance against the Chiefs on Saturday to open up a 9-3 lead at half-time. Coming off the back of a disappointing defeat to the Blues, the widely-held expectation was for the Bulls to suffer another thrashing at the hands of the high-flying Chiefs. Although their physicality and abrasiveness was key to their performance, the Bulls were highly efficient with ball-in-hand for much of the match, with their phase play and attacking intent catching the Chiefs by surprise early on. Although the Chiefs ultimately battled back to secure the win, there were at least some encouraging signs from the battling Bulls.
WATCH: Highlights of Chiefs vs Bulls
Photo: Anne Laing/HM Images
