Stormers outclass the Blues in Auckland - Super Rugby update
The Stormers have outclassed New Zealand’s top ranked Blues in a Super Rugby match played on 20th May. The visiting Stormers overcame the Blues by 28-26 in front of their home crowd in Auckland. Schalk Burger guided his team to an important victory
with a last minute try. The Stormers were trailing by a huge deficit of 19-3 at the end of the first half but bounced back quite nicely in the second half to clinch the win.
The disputed try from Stormers skipper Schalk Burger proved to be a decisive one as multiple replays were unable to determine its clarity. The match referee asked the TV official to clarify the situation and give his opinion of whether Burger grounded the
ball over the line or not but he could give only the benefit of doubt to the Stormers.
Later on, Dewaldt Duvenage, the first-five eight of Stormers kicked a successful conversion to grab the victory and put his side back on the winning track. The injury-hit Stormers started off the match very badly and they were chasing the Blues most of the
time during the first half. Overall, they scored three tries in the second part of the game.
The Blues were expecting the match to be an easy victory over the South African side but they were surprised by the Stormers. The match had great significance for the hosts because their skipper Keven Mealamu was playing his record breaking 130th
Super Rugby match and he wanted to make it memorable.
Talking to media after the match Stormers coach Coetzee called the victory a great boost to the morale of the team and said, “At 19-3 down after the first half, stern words were spoken in the change room at half time from both Schalla and the players and
the coaching staff and what is particularly pleasing to see is the deep resolve and character in this team.”
He further said that, “We have players that want to play for this team and the Faithful and their belief, attitude, fight and resilience is what made the difference. The win is a massive morale booster for this side and definitely stands us in great stead
for the rest of the competition.”
Stormers will take on the Brumbies on 28th May in their next clash of Super Rugby Championship.
Tags: