Super14 Semi-Final Preview: Stormers vs Tahs

When these two teams last met the Stormers won convincingly 27 -6 at Newlands. Bryan Habana scored two tries for the Stormers and the match was a largely disappointing as far as excitement goes.

The second round match was one of the first real demonstrations of the Stormers defensive capabilities. The Waratahs could only score two penalties from Berrick Barnes in that match.

Both teams have changed vastly since the second round.

The Stormers found an attacking edge on tour which added to their defence and for a couple of Rounds there were THE form team of the tournament. After they lost to the Reds though the Stormers have not been anywhere near where they were against the Chiefs in Week 10. Last week shouldn’t count as they were playing against a second string Bulls team.

The Waratahs also found an attacking edge to their game but have had a very mixed campaign bouncing between awesome form and then reverting to almost boring the next week. Drew Mitchell has very dangerous and Kurtley Beale looks to have finally found a home at fullback.

This match has a curve ball in it. When the match kicks off both teams will know if the Bulls or Crusaders lost in the first semi-final. If the Bulls are knocked out of the Super14 the Stormers and the Waratahs could both host the Super 14 final. As the Waratahs have pretty poor record against the Crusaders we feel that they will be hungrier to host the Super14 final as they will need every advantage they can get.

The Bookies have given the Waratahs an 8 point start. The Waratahs were put under more pressure than the Stormers last week. This will help the Waratahs a lot but they usually struggle against the Stormers. Home advantage should win this one for the Cape Towners. We think the Stormers will win this but not by much. Stormers to win by 4.

Last Thirteen results
20 Feb 2010 Stormers v Waratahs 27-6 Cape Town – Stormers won
04 Apr 2009 Stormers v Waratahs 6-12 Sydney
10 May 2008 Stormers v Waratahs 13-13 Cape Town – Draw
17 Mar 2007 Stormers v Waratahs 16-10 Sydney – Stormers won
18 Feb 2006 Stormers v Waratahs 26-32 Cape Town
19 Mar 2005 Stormers v Waratahs 10-25 Sydney
13 Mar 2004 Stormers v Waratahs 27-23 Cape Town – Stormers won
21 Mar 2003 Stormers v Waratahs 39-29 Sydney – Stormers won
02 Mar 2002 Stormers v Waratahs 25-26 Cape Town
04 Mar 2001 Stormers v Waratahs 7-35 Sydney
26 Feb 2000 Stormers v Waratahs 22-15 Cape Town – Stormers won