you The South African franchises kicked off Super Rugby Week One with a Stormers win over the Jaguares and a Lions win against the Sharks in a local derby.
Super Rugby Week One
DHL Stormers 28 Jaguares 20
DHL Stormers – Tries: Damian de Allende, Siya Kolisi and Raymond Rhule; Conversions: Damian Willemse 2; Penalties: Damian Willemse 3
Jaguares – Try: Emiliano Boffelli; Penalty try; Conversion: Nicolas Sanchez; Penalties: Nicolas Sanchez and Emiliano Boffelli
The Stormers looked reasonably good in first half, but seemed to take the foot off the pedal later in the game. In the end, a victory by eight points against an erratic Jaguares team will not be their proudest moment of the season. It is obviously very early in a long competition, but a lot of work will be needed to be considered a threat for silverware.
The Stormers found themselves having to absorb a lot of pressure late in the game after a Ramone Samuels yellow card. Damian de Allende was roped in to play on the flank to help bolster the Stormers scrum during this time.
On the positive side, young Damian Willemse looked very settled at flyhalf and is a very promising prospect for South African Rugby.
The Stormers travel to Sydney to take on the Waratahs next week and the Jaguares face the Lions in Johannesburg.
Both Robbie Fleck and Siya Kolisi praised the character the #DHLStormers showed after their 28-20 win against Jaguares at #DHLNewlands. Team flies out to Sydney today on a three-week Australasian tour with vital win – https://t.co/yCxSK7ia5H #iamastormer #WeStandTogether pic.twitter.com/OG3C8A7hb8
— DHL STORMERS (@THESTORMERS) February 18, 2018
Emirates Lions 26 Cell C Sharks 19
Emirates Lions – Tries: Lionel Mapoe (2), Aphiwe Dyantyi, Kwagga Smith. Conversions: Elton Jantjies (3)
Cell C Sharks – Tries: Robert du Preez, S’bu Nkosi, Makazole Mapimpi. Conversions: Du Preez (2)
The Lions had to call on all of their big match temperament to defeat the Sharks in an entertaining and fast paced game at Emirates Airline Park.
The home faithful would have been delighted to see regular captain Warren Whiteley make a successful return to the game, having being injured since June 2017.
The Lions played only one pre-season warm up game and did look a little underdone. They continually tried to up the tempo of the game to put the visiting Sharks under pressure. The Sharks made good work of putting the Lions lineout under pressure, but it was the Lions scrum dominance that was the real difference between the two teams. This dominance forced Sharks Head Coach to change his props at half time.
On the positive side, young Robert du Preez, starting his first game at flyhalf for the Sharks, continues to show promise and big match temperament that should excite all South African rugby fans. Man of the Match Aphiwe Dyantyi was impressive for the Lions as was centre Lionel Mapoe.
The Lions will host the Jaguares next Saturday and the Sharks have a bye.
The Lions Rugby Company would like to wish head coach, Swys de Bruin happy birthday!
We hope you have the best day, Coach!#LetsUnite pic.twitter.com/JUYCm46NS4— Emirates Lions (@LionsRugbyCo) February 18, 2018
The Bulls started their season with a bye and on Saturday will host the Hurricanes in Pretoria.
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