The NSW Waratahs have gotten their season started in the right kind of fashion, defeating the Stormers by seven points at home on Saturday night.
» Click here to read the full match report
Final score
Waratahs 34
Stormers 27
The Waratahs begin their 2018 Super Rugby campaign with a home match against the Stormers at Allianz Stadium. Join The Roar for live scores and a blog of the match from 7:45pm (AEDT).
While they did not play each other in 2017, previous encounters between these teams are generally tightly contested, with the Stormers holding a 10-9 record in 20 matches, with one draw.
After a disastrous 2017 season where they finished only ahead of the listless Rebels in the Australian conference, NSW will be looking to forget the past.
Their preparations have hit a major hurdle, with starting hooker Damien Fitzpatrick in serious doubt after suffering a knee injury during a warm-up match against the Rebels. This adds further headaches for coach Daryl Gibson, with halfback Nick Phipps already ruled out with a calf injury.
Meanwhile, after re-signing last year, Kurtley Beale will be trying his best to earn a Wallabies jersey for the World Cup next year. Talented and versatile –
he can fit into any spot in the backline – Beale is an integral part of the Tahs’ creative think-tank.
If Beale and Israel Folau have an impact this year, then their side will have plenty of points in them.
As for the Stormers, they are coming off a scrappy win against the Jaguares, where poor execution and impatient decision-making meant they were lucky to get away with the points.
But their backline is filled with world-class players, while impressive lock JD Schickerling and captain Siya Kolise make for a strong forward pack, too.
Damian Willemse showed his class last week, with some brilliant game management, setting up crucial tries and scoring one himself. If the speedy fly-half is allowed to control the pace of the match, expect Seabelo Senatla, Dillyn Leyds and Raymond Rhule to have a field day.
Prediction
Even though Waratahs have an impressive record at home, the Stormers will be too strong.
Stormers by 10.
Harry Jones
Expert
Skøl, Viking Rhule the Matador leads SR again in missed tackles. 5. He’ll be at 35+ by the end...
The Neutral View From Sweden
Roar Guru
Chieka probably has a wry smile tonight: Folau - How anyone can suggest he is not world class... Beale - Far from great today, but he showed real heart Hooper - Another monster shift from The Duracell Rabbit (but strip his WB captaincy) Foley - Indeed The Iceman Hannigan - Bacon saver
And now I need new pants ?
The Neutral View From Sweden
Roar Guru
Ahhh, you are the Incredible Hulk!
Cynical Play
Guest
Jake Gordon was good.
It is about anger mate.
The Neutral View From Sweden
Roar Guru
Kolisi's knock in the first half was pretty blatant also.
double agent
Guest
I'm sure the NSW fans stayed away in protest at the treatment of the Force. Nothing to do with them being cellar dwellars 2017.
The Neutral View From Sweden
Roar Guru
Nein! That is not good news. One wonder why he is held in such high regard? He has never been a favorite of mine.
Shakti Gounden
Roar Guru
And not to mention some very poor around the back offloads that gave Waratahs some relief in the first half. He played well last week but was ordinary tonight. I feel the loss of Willemse in the second half really affected their structure and direction and resting Senatla might have not been a good idea. But Marais was excellent so someone has to make way next week.
double agent
Guest
This deliberate knock on rule needs clarifying. If ruled on as strictly as in the 7s then Beale gets a try and a Stormer a yellow card.
The Neutral View From Sweden
Roar Guru
Damn BB, you must really back yourself in a fight. Taking on a pro rugby team requires skill and serious muscle mass. How big are you mate? Maybe veteran MMA could be something for you? If I planned to take on a rugby team by myself, I would bring an AK-47 ;)
The Neutral View From Sweden
Roar Guru
I think Rhule get a lot of unfair stick. he tackles well all game (it very clear he has trained at this and improved), but still, some people hammer him for not stopping 110 kilo flanker a meter from the goal line I feel for you Harry. Maybe the Stormers did not deserve to win, but oh boy oh boy, that game was on a silverplate several times to be "stolen" by the Stormers. 0-3 during the yellow card was probably the biggest reason why your boys did not get the W.
Harry Jones
Expert
Great summary. You forgot to mention that the Stormers brain trust RECRUITED and PAID good money to bring the WORST tackler in SR history to the Cape (which is full of guys who are fast AND like to tackle), kept him on the field for 80:00+, and relied on him to make a tackle to save the game.
Tatah
Guest
Loved the win. We have problems in the front 5. Simmons a proven failure was never the answer. When he’s on the field it’s like an playing with 14 men. They didn’t miss a trick when he was off. Michael Wells? Not sure he’s the answer either. They’ve got to get that right.
double agent
Guest
T Robertson. How much longer have I got to see him being dominated? Go back to Shute Shield.
Harry Jones
Expert
Stormers Scrum was Test quality LO was U14D Exit was U10C Breakdown was ok Aerial was poor Raymond is a matador
double agent
Guest
That was a dumb decision Shak.
Harry Jones
Expert
As strange as it sounds, we didn’t milk our scrum dominance ENOUGH! ??
double agent
Guest
Sometimes when we say sport we mean Rugby. We forget there are a whole variety of pointless and inane pursuits claiming to be sport.