After their 36-12 defeat against Leinster in their United Rugby Championship encounter at the Aviva Stadium, here’s how the Stormers squad performed on Saturday.
Backline battle to build momentum
15 Warrick Gelant: The Springboks full-back gave his side impetus from the back in the first half but was then moved to fly-half when Manie Libbok limped off the field with an injury close to half-time. Although he won two breakdown turnovers, Gelant could not impose himself in his new position and his team struggled. 5
14 Ben Loader: The Gloucester-bound flyer had several attacking opportunities – mostly during the opening half – and was rewarded with a try from one of those runs. Was involved mostly in defensive duties after the interval. 6
13 Ruhan Nel: Like most of the Stormers, he was full of running during the opening half but went quiet in the second half and was restricted mostly to defensive duties during the rest of the match. 4
12 Jonathan Roche: The young playmaker impressed during the game’s early stages as he showed some deft touches on attack. Was involved in the build up to Loader’s try but less prominent as the math progressed. 5
11 Leolin Zas: The 29-year-old had few attacking opportunities early on and was kept busy on defence throughout this match. The speedster was more lively on attack during the game’s latter stages when the Stormers were chasing the match but by that time Leinster had won the game already. 4
10 Manie Libbok: The Springboks star was forced off the field in the 39th minute due to injury and his departure was keenly felt as his attacking skills kept Leinster’s defence on their toes. Missed a tackle in the build up to the hosts’ first try but made up for it with his superb playmaking skills and after he left the field the Stormers’ attack faded. 7
9 Paul de Wet: Another one who looked lively during the game’s early stages but seemed to lose his way once Libbok departed the scene. Was eventually replaced by Herschel Jantjies in the 64th minute. 4
Springboks back-rowers struggle to get going
8 Evan Roos: The dynamic Springboks strike runner toiled manfully for the full 80 minutes but, despite giving his all as a ball carrier, he made little headway. Scored a consolation try in the game’s closing stages. 5
7 Ben-Jason Dixon: Another Springboks loose forward of whom much was expected ahead of this encounter and although he caught the eye with big defensive hits and powerful carries during the early stages, he soon faded and battled to impose himself in the second half. Yanked off in the 64th minute with Marcel Theunissen replacing him. 4
6 Deon Fourie: As usual, the veteran loose forward put in a big shift either side of the ball but with Leinster holding the upper hand in most departments, he made little impact. Was replaced by Paul de Villiers in the 63rd minute. 5
5 Ruben van Heerden: The hardworking lock was the Stormers’ go-to-man in the lineouts and gave his all in other departments especially on defence where he made a team-high 16 tackles. 6
4 JD Schickerling: He emptied the tank during his stint on the field but was only on the field for 30 minutes before being replaced by Salmaan Moerat, although Schickerling made his presence felt in the lineouts while he was part of the action. 5
3 Neethling Fouché: The Stormers hardman was involved in a tough battle at scrum time with Jack Boyle but conceded a couple of penalties at the set-piece. Also put his body on the line on defence before being replaced by Brok Harris inside the final quarter. 5
2 Joseph Dweba: The Springboks hooker couldn’t find his lineout jumpers on a few occasions but showed his class as a ball carrier and when competing at the breakdowns. 5
1 Ali Vermaak: The experienced front-row put in a mixed performance in the scrums in his direct battle with former France stalwart Rabah Slimani. Vermaak was also solid on defence but was also penalised in that department when he strayed offside while defending at a ruck. 5
Replacements: The big talking point was the departure of Libbok shortly before half-time and with just two backline replacements and no recognised fly-half on the bench, the Stormers were always going to struggle. Although the visitors’ bench players looked full of energy when entering the fray, none of them really made the necessary impact which was expected of them. 4
Src: Planetrugby.com - https://www.planetrugby.com/news/stormers-player-ratings-manie-libboks-departure-keenly-felt-while-hardworking-lock-shines-in-heavy-defeat-to-leinster
