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Stormers coach Allister Coatzee had the last laugh after plotting a Super Rugby boilover against the NSW Waratahs, despite resting influential captain Duane Vermuelen.
The defending champion Waratahs face a fight to make the finals after crashing to a 32-18 home loss to the resurgent Stormers at Allianz Stadium.
Resuming after an Easter weekend bye, the Waratahs were off their game on Saturday night, conceding four tries and a bonus point to the visiting South Africans while slipping to 10th on the table.
The defeat leaves the titleholders seven points adrift of Australian conference leaders the Brumbies entering the halfway point of the competition and with plenty of work to do to remain in touch with the top six.
The equation could get even worse if the Tahs can’t regroup quickly enough to muster a win over the unbeaten Hurricanes in Wellington next Saturday.
The Stormers, on the other hand, will be full of confidence taking on the Western Force in Perth after snapping a three-match losing streak.
Coetzee admitted victory was even sweeter after he’d come under fire for resting Vermeulen, the classy Springboks back-rower who was last year shortlisted for world player of the year honours.
“I was heavily criticised for sending Duane back and at least I can sleep well tonight,” Coetzee said.
“I knew the question was asked in Rugby HQ (on Thursday night) whether we disrespected the Waratahs – and never. That was never the case.
“We respect every team in Super Rugby. It’s always been the plan with Duane.
“He’s one of the category A players with the national side’s management program, so he’ll be rested for three weeks now.”
Coetzee felt the Waratahs may have been “short of a gallop” and off the pace physically after the bye, but Cheika refused to blame the fortnight between games as any excuse.
“I just think we played poorly. Particularly in the second half we were just very poor,” Cheika said.
“We just didn’t do the things that we do normally and you pay when that happens.”
The haphazard display had unhappy fans filing out of Allianz Stadium before fulltime and not even the second-half return from injury of star centre Adam Ashley-Cooper could spark the Waratahs.
Uncustomary handling errors from Kurtley Beale and Israel Folau, plus loose passing from Will Skelton, thwarted their attack while the usually reliable Bernard Foley had an off night with the boot.
He missed three from five shots, including one penalty goal attempt from in front of the posts, while the Waratahs scrum was twice pinged for collapsing and also pulled up for one of the forwards apparently standing up.
But with Michael Cheika serving a suspended ban and walking a fine line after being formally warned for approaching South African referee Jaco Peyper during his side’s last-start win over the Blues, there was no chance of the coach seeking any scrum tips mid-match on this occasion.
Despite their troubles, the Waratahs snatched a 15-13 halftime lead through tries to wingers Taqele Naiyaravoro in the 13th minute and Rob Horne seconds before the break.
But the Stormers scored the only three tries of the second half through winger Jacobus Van Wyk, fullback Cheslin Kolbe and outstanding centre Damian De Allende, who finished with a double.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.