Stormers bow to kings in dripping wet clash
The Southern Kings convincingly took the crown in an epic pre-season clash against the youthful Stormers after also battling torrid rain and wind at Loerie Park in Knysna on Friday 17 January.
Every year, the Stormers are tasked with selecting a town where they will play a warm-up game to ready themselves for the season ahead, and this year this unique honour fell upon Knysna.
The summer temperatures leading up to the game, which would have been perfect for local fans coming to watch some of South Africa’s biggest rugby heroes battle it out in their home town, suddenly came to an end on matchday with spectators having to take cover under the pavilion when the heavens opened up over Knysna during the rugby action.
Beginning of game day action
Gameday at Loerie Park started long before the Stormers/Kings kickoff, as two teams from Titans Women’s Rugby Academy got things underway at 15:00. With the clouds beginning to grow darker as the game and the day went on, the women played an exciting game to take the crowds into what promised to be a thrilling Knysna derby to follow between Greater Knysna and Knysna United.
The game lived up to the hype, as the two clubs went head-to-head with Knysna United dominating the first half of what was a short game as they had to be off the field in time for the two main sides’ warm-ups.
Despite a stronger second half, Greater Knysna was not been able to catch up to Knysna United who won the first Knysna derby of the year 19-12.
The Knysna United and Greater Knysna forward packs prepare to scrum in their clash.
The main game
The game between the Stormers and Kings stuck to its scheduled 19:00 kick-off, with the rain pouring from the get-go. Bar experienced campaigners Frans Malherbe – captain for the day –, Bongi Mbonambi, Hilton Lobberts, and Seabelo Senatla, the Stormers ran out with a rather young, inexperienced team more suited to fast and flashy running rugby.
With the rainy conditions putting a heavy damper on such plans, the Kings had the advantage as their squad was more accustomed to the conditions due to their time playing in Europe in the Pro 14 competition.
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Playing with the wind at their backs in the first half, a tight Kings defence kept the opening 30 minutes scoreless, with tighthead prop Rossouw de Klerk eventually crashing over the line just after the half-hour mark. A conversion from Bader Pretorius extended the lead before a Jean-Luc du Plessis penalty brought the Stormers within four points going into half-time.
Stormers flyhalf Jean-Luc du Plessis takes a penalty for the side.
The second half
With the wind now to their advantage, the Stormers bombarded the Kings line for the first 15 minutes of the second half. They weren’t able to capitalise on their chances and the Kings defence held strong.
Despite a short spell of exciting play when the rain eased up slightly, the game remained a battle of the forwards with the Kings pack taking control as the more experienced Stormers players came off the field and the more experienced Kings players came on from the bench.
Two more penalties from Pretorius would seal a 13-3 victory for the Kings, who will be returning to the Pro 14 competition against the Cheetahs this weekend.
Johan du Toit soaks in the rain and the atmosphere before running on to the field. Photos: Blake Linder
Read a related article: A look at game day at Loerie Park
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Source: Knysna Plett Herald News