2EyedKiwi says...

This should be a cracker. The top team over the comp vs currently the most in form team! I am a complete neutral on this, but here's hoping for a Sharks victory, for no other reason than a home final in Hamilton next week!

(Trinats4 - man, you really have turned in to a bitter little girl since your Reds got smacked. Cheer up mate, you're usually much more fun)

Posted 23:31 27th July 2012

JayStarr says...

Yes, please stop your Stormers bashing. Last year we went down to our 5th fly-half and this year we are down to our 11th "loose forward"... Please tell me how many other teams have suffered such losses in these key positions and still made the semi-finals... nevermind top the table?

Also, that loss to the Crusaders in Christchurch could've easily gone the other way. You also seem to conveniently forget how brilliantly the Stormers played against the in-form Highlanders the week before, after flying accross the Indian ocean, Australia and the length of New Zealand... And how they also beat the Reds convincingly at Suncorp, with Quade Cooper in the team... Or how they beat the Bulls at Loftus with a seriously depleted squad... THAT is why they are top of the table - because they won the difficult games too.

After flying accross the Indian Ocean and Australia twice in 2 weeks, the Sharks need to start well if they want to win on Saturday. However, one of the things the Stormers have done really well this year is start well. The Stormers will also inevitably have more energy than the Sharks in the last 20 minutes. The Stormers also have (by far) the best defense in the competition: they have only given away 21 tries in 16 games (that's not even 1 and a half tries per game) - the next best is the Chiefs with 30 (33% more). Peter Grant also has the best goal kicking percentage of any kicker: 45 out of 46 kicks (that's 98%). The Stormers also have one of the lowest penalty counts in the competition...

So please explain to me how the Sharks are going to breach the Stormers' defense so many times that the Stormers (who are playing at home) can't come back in the last 20 minutes, while at the same time staying out of their own half and not giving away any penalties? Because that's the only way they can win... Which is what you predicted them to do.

Posted 22:14 27th July 2012

Safruga203 says...

seaninhalf boet, I am a sharks supporter, and cannot see us progressing to lifting that cup even if we beat your Stormers. I really want a South African team to win this and really hope that if we do loose, that you score some tries...Best defence in the league YES but that, as seen in previous super rugby seasons, doesn't mean anything without and equally good attack. I understand that statistics mean nothing to an individual unit, because on their day the Stormers can outclass anyone who steps on the same rugby field - especially with that back line, I just hope is an open game so we see some real running rugby from the franchises best performing conference! All the best. Come on SHARKKKSSSS

Posted 19:11 27th July 2012

seaninhalf says...

Stormers to win. It's a home semi final, we have most of our big guns back and we really should win this. I'm not sure about winning the final, but hope springs eternal! Our defense (throughout) has legendary status; Peter Grant's kicks have been the most consistent of any kicker this season (I think he's only missed 3 out of almost 50??). These 2 sides are the most equal - Bulls were terrible this year - Steyn hasn't been able to kick to love nor money and their defense has been abysmal. 2 of the games the Bulls won, they gifted the losing side with 2 bonus points! Who does that?? Sharks, I am very glad that we have you guys in the semi final. Going to be an absolute cracker! Can't wait! STORMERS!!!!!!!!!

Posted 15:17 27th July 2012

zambokke says...

Were The Chiefs really great in SA earlier in the comp? They beat the Lions by 7, Cheetahs by 6 and a Beastless Sharks by 6. I think that if they have to come to CT in a final then they will struggle. Traditionally a strong champions Saders tour would destroy all before them, the Chiefs were not the same. I'm glad to see the back of the Crusaders. The Sharks could stay in contention in NZ or The Stormers can win in CT. I thin kthat SA have the advantage.

Posted 14:19 27th July 2012

SACanuck says...

Sharks by 10. They are on fire and nothing can stop them at the moment not even time zones or Welsh. The key is they are playing as a team and not individuals. Someone has make them believe. Go Sharks

Posted 13:14 27th July 2012

Martinmarais78 says...

Hoping our Capeborn boys are better than theirs on the day!

Posted 12:36 27th July 2012

kappelange says...

Come on a final between Stormer and Chiefs will be awesome, great attack vs great defense, best of SA vs best of NZ, two teams that have a small back three and powerful centres, inexperienced forward packs yet underrated, both teams produced an international second rower in his first season.

They didnt even play eachother this season. You cant ask for a more even matchup than this.

Posted 12:05 27th July 2012

ruggaluva says...

@Trinats2.... i thought i could hear a high pitched whine. Yup its you.

Your lot got beaten and it had little to do with the ref - ref wasn't perfect but when are they ever ?

Sharks deserve their place with some good rugby recently... a little more consistency would have really helped BUT take nothing away from a Stormers side that although they didnt play the Chiefs yet they have had as tough a season as anyone else with a host of disruptions and a lot slew of super intense matches leading up to and culminating in the Crusaders match. No surprise they started to break down after that.

Stormers should take this.... but only just. Sharks would have had my vote if they didnt have that crappy travel schedule !

Posted 11:02 27th July 2012

noord_transvaal says...

all neutral South Africans supporting the Stormers ?! Fat chance ! Sharks all the way. Sharks by 2

Posted 08:20 27th July 2012