Following the Stormers’ narrow 24-20 win over the Sharks in Cape Town, here are our player ratings from the Capetonians.
Stormers player ratings v Sharks
15 Warrick Gelant: The full-back is always a high-risk player but with that additional risk sometimes comes reward as it did in Seabelo Senatla’s try. Still, there might have been moments where Gelant could have gone for safer options but that’s not how he rolls. 5
14 Suleiman Hartzenberg: The top carrier for the Stormers but the wing never really had wide open space to work with. He would have been wanting to be stronger in the air but all in all, it was another solid outing from a very promising wing. 7
13 Ruhan Nel: The veteran is a grafter for his side and it showed again. Often Nel is not the one doing the flashy work, instead he is in the tackles and cleaning rucks in the humble nature he embodies. 6
12 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu: The talented star got injured in the opening phase of the game and never recovered fully until he was removed before half-time. This injury streak is a massive concern for the Springboks. 5
11 Seabelo Senatla: What a game from the Blitzboks legend. 19 months ago Senatla almost lost his arm after a serious car accident and today he scored a try whilst beating four defenders. It was the kind of outing that showed he still has what it takes. Anyone who loves rugby would love watching him score that try. 8
10 Manie Libbok: We wrote this very recently, his goal-kicking is a major concern and it will always keep him from being world-class. The fly-half did play some of the big moments very well, especially when he went over for his try and while we still rewarded him for his match-deciding players, there is still a big elephant in the room. 8
9 Herschel Jantjies: With respect to the World Cup winner it was not his best outing until he copped a big blow to the head. 3
Loose forwards
8 Marcel Theunissen: Carrying numbers were high for the number eight and his ability to move his feet just before contact does earn him a lot of metres. He was solid but did not set the world alight. 6
7 Ben-Jason Dixon: Busy body as his usual standard is but Dixon failed to truly influence the game as he has in past. He still made nine tackles and took some lineout throws. 5
6 Deon Fourie (c): The Stormers back-row always looks better with the seasoned campaigner in the mix. He has not reached his best yet since returning from injury but he looks better and better with each minute. 7
Tight five
5 JD Schickerling: The second-row loves to get involved but unfortunately has to take part of the blame for some of the lineout woes. He managed to make up for it with his high work-rate but he always looks better alongside a lineout caller. 5
4 Salmaan Moerat: Nothing serious to write home about. The big second-row sort of made an impact with some of his carries but he certainly didn’t barge the door down. 5
3 Frans Malherbe: No fuss and all class, the big tighthead had a fascinating battle with Ox Nche that he came out on top in. That is all that is required from the big man. 8
2 Andre-Hugo Venter: The hooker is always worth his money in open play but if he misses his mark with his throwing he has not executed his fundamentals and that influences his score. 5
1 Ali Vermaak: A very underrated scrummager and it showed today as he truly held his own against double World Cup winner Vincent Koch. 7
Replacements: Paul de Wet was brilliant he picked up the tempo and kept the fringe defenders guessing while Jean-Luc du Plessis’ tries won the game. The bench was the difference as the Sharks’ injuries hurt their progress. 9
READ MORE: Planet Rugby’s Big Quiz of 2024 featuring the Springboks, Antoine Dupont and the Six Nations
Src: Planetrugby.com - https://www.planetrugby.com/news/stormers-player-ratings-blitzboks-legend-shines-19-months-after-horrific-car-accident-as-bench-wins-it-against-the-sharks
