Stormers vs Reds: Super Rugby live scores, blog

The Stormers played generally well. At least well enough to win against the inexperienced Reds. They will have to do much better if they want to win the tournament. They persisted with attacking the left, perhaps because it yielded points for them in the first half. They should have learnt their lessons and opted to score via a more direct route. The Stormers needs an attack general to put away opponents such as the Reds. Maybe in the next few weeks, Damian Willemse will do it. Despite the impact from grueling travel, The Reds delivered yet another good performance. Their commitment to playing like 23 Brad Thorns of different sizes is showing through. I am curious to see how they plan to improve their attack, as their triple threats have not shimmered. Perhaps its all in good time. For now its important for the Reds to win contact areas, set piece and earn the respect - and in due course - fear from their opponents

With an 18 to ZERO lead, four minutes from half-time, the Stormers were poised for a big margin win. Deft kicks, interplay between the backs and backrow and tough play forced the Reds to concede territory, possession and many penalties. Players such as Taniela Tupou were fortunate remain on the pitch after an apparent shoulder charge. The Stormers forced the Reds to either kick the ball back, attempt low percentage kicks or run into touch. They had all the momentum, control, forcing the Reds on the back foot in set piece and in the loose. The younger of the two Damians (Willemse) showed the skill, judgement and dexterity needed by the Stormers to win matches. Maybe even a championship. Raymond Rhule did well in attack, playing a major role in their first try. But in what seemed like a blink of an eye, the Reds were within four points of the hosts. A 12/13 chip chase by Duncan Paia'aua / Samu Kerevi led to an inspired Isaac Rodda lineout steal. It turned into a Jono Lance / Caleb Tumi switch play try. One minute into the second half, a lazy box kick was blocked and chased down by Adam Korczyk. It was turned by Ben Lucas then Alex Mafi into another 7 points. The next 15 minutes was a pitched battled between both sides, though most of it was spent in the Reds half. The tackles were fierce and the rucking was tough. It was in the 54th minute from a Timu knock on, that the Stormers delivered what turned out to be the killer blow. The Stormers scrummagers powerfully turned the Reds forwards towards the right touch line. A quick clearance, to Craig Barry to grubber for a Raymond Rhule left corner converted try, 25 points to 14. The Stormers then spent most of the remaining half dropping balls in the process of scoring a try, aided by excellent mauling and strong scrummaging. There were too many to count. To their credit, the Reds continue to deliver punishing tackles. On the 78th minute, the beleaguered Reds won another defending scrum in their 5m line, with replacement scrumhalf Tate McDermott, collecting the pill under pressure. Samu Kerevi cleverly put livewire Filipo Daugunu through a lazy gap. Filipo defeated two Stormers backs for a 90+ metre five pointer. The gap was only six points. Enough for the Reds to steal the match, if they only had time. After a restart right - on the buzzer, the Stormers let the Aidan Toua run through another gap, then conceded another penalty from which the Reds could mount a penalty from 10 metres out. Thankfully for the hosts, their maul defence was as good as their attack. they were able to end the game with four tournament points. At death, the Reds earnt a losing bonus point, probably surprising most pundits.