The 2018 Super Rugby season commences this weekend in Capetown, with the Stormers taking on the Jaguares. Join The Roar for all the action from 12 midnight (AEDT).
The restructured competition sees the South African conference getting the ball rolling, with the Australian and New Zealand Conferences starting the following week.
After a reasonable 2017, where they were knocked out by the Chiefs in the qualifiers, Stormers coach Robbie Fleck has named a strong squad to start the year, ably led by skilful loose forward Siya Kolisi.
Even though they will be missing explosive winger Cheslin Kolbe, who has moved to Toulouse, there are still several Springboks in their setup, while former sevens player Seabelo Senatla has switched seamlessly to the 15s game and has his eyes on a national jersey later this season.
As for the Jaguares, ex-Wallabies assistant coach Mario Ledesma, who is now heading up the Argentinean team, recently told rugby.com.au he was impressed with the attitude of his players during pre-season training. They will need to replicate that at Newlands after an average 2017 season.
Ledesma has named a strong 29-man squad, captained by flanker Pablo Matera, while Juan Martin Hernandez – Los Pumas’ utility known as ‘El Mago’ or ‘The Magician’, who can play flyhalf, centre or fullback – is as steady as they come.
Join The Roar for live scores and a blog of the match, starting from 12 midnight (AEDT).
Carlos the Argie
Roar Guru
Feik ñus! Only 21.
RobC
Roar Guru
I will join your booing. Too late?
RobC
Roar Guru
riddler, Tuculet was penalised for shoving the other man illegally
RobC
Roar Guru
I dont think he did!
Shakti Gounden
Roar Guru
Their backline does look promising. Anyways enjoy the beer and the rest of the day!
Harry Jones
Expert
Heat is good Beer is better
Harry Jones
Expert
Fast Young Wild
Shakti Gounden
Roar Guru
Haha! Thanks Harry! Hope Newlands was not too hot!
Harry Jones
Expert
Jags missed 28 tackles ... in the 1H!!!
Shakti Gounden
Roar Guru
Well might as well not tried!
Harry Jones
Expert
Very good blog, Shakti You are the Damian Willemse of blogging
RobC
Roar Guru
Gonzalo Bertranou 3 tackles, 7 missed
riddler
Guest
my understanding of the quick lineout is that the oppo cannot hinder it.. still doesn't explain why the ref called it in invalid.. if everyone has to try and take a quick lineout from where they pick up the ball... sort of makes it nonsensical..
Shakti Gounden
Roar Guru
Agreed! Damian has great pace for a fly-half in the mould of BBarrett in terms of pace.
Shakti Gounden
Roar Guru
Thanks RobC. My second blog so I am very appreciative for the opportunity. Thanks for the rolling expert insight.
RobC
Roar Guru
Damians did well. - Old Damian did the deed - New Damian will be great indeed
Shakti Gounden
Roar Guru
Full Time MOTM - JD Schickeling (LOCK) - Strong in defence! Stormers : 28 Jaguares: 20
Harry Jones
Expert
I booed
Shakti Gounden
Roar Guru
Full Time A sloppy match that turned to be nail-biting finish. Stormers deserved their victory however could not capitalise on multiple chances in the first half. Captain Kolisi, Schickerling and flyhalf Damian Willemse were impressive. Seabelo Senatla did not see much ball in the second half but looked very dangerous early on. Jaguares on the other hand will be happy with their second half however they would be disappointed by not completing their phases and putting the Stormers to the sword when they were under siege with one man down. Boffeli and Lavanini were strong for them. Stormers : 28 Jaguares: 20
Harry Jones
Expert
Because Tuculet was running on to the field The entire sequence was FUBAR