The Stormers may have lost to the All Blacks in Cape Town, but their performance was nothing short of heroic, setting the stage magnificently for the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry tour.
Mark Keohane, writing for the Sunday Times, expressed that the 38-21 final score didn’t reflect the true nature of the game, highlighting the Stormers' tenacity against the world's second-ranked team. Despite it being their pre-season debut with full contact, the Stormers matched the All Blacks stride for stride for a good 70 minutes of the game.
With their main Springboks out and the URC season yet to start, John Dobson's squad had seemingly slim chances. However, with 14 minutes to go, the game was knotted at 14-14, hinting at a potential monumental upset.
"They lost but they won,"
Dobson’s ability to ready his team to challenge a nearly peak-form All Blacks was commended by Keohane. This match not only demonstrated the Stormers' resilience but also provided an early look into what Rassie Erasmus’ Springboks might expect in their forthcoming tests.
The All Blacks, despite their vulnerabilities in scrums, lineouts, and aerial battles, managed to secure a win with six tries to the Stormers’ three. They also overcame the setback of three yellow cards and numerous penalties.
"It says everything about the quality of the All Blacks that they can lose three players to yellow cards, concede double-digit penalties, be second best in the scrum and the aerial contest and still score six tries to three and win by 17 points,"
For Keohane, the night was as much about the Stormers and Cape Town as it was about the victorious All Blacks. Their gritty performance ensured that Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry kicked off memorably.
The match has potentially laid a blueprint for the Springboks on how to exploit the All Blacks' weaknesses observed during the clash. While New Zealand showed significant attacking prowess, the insights gained from this encounter could prove crucial for the upcoming Test series.
In conclusion, although the All Blacks left with a win, the Stormers' fighting spirit and tactical execution spoke volumes, suggesting that the heart of Cape Town rugby beats as strong as ever.
