Coming to the end of the tournament the Stormers are in line for a spot in the semis. While the Reds are also looking hopeful, but a lot rides on the outcome of this match. Both sides need at least a bonus point to stay in contention!

Reds Tactics
Previous experience against Morne has taught me to be wary of his counter attacks and clever moves. He is an awesome coach on attack and very tight on his defense. His one weakness appears to be that he buckles under pressure. Keeping the lead will put on this pressure especially when the clock is ticking down to the end. Therefore Ill take any points on offer and try keep the ball in hand. He has also used deep kicks at the kick-off to put my team under immediate pressure, it is crucial to set-up with this in mind. When we get possession, kicking the ball behind his line can force him into making reckless mistakes. Otherwise, as per usual, keep the ball in hand and work it into his half (with as few rolls as possible), then when the right players are in position use the available cards to ensure a score. Very important: when attacking ensure your defense is solid as he will ruthlessly exploit any gaps that are left open!

Game Commentary
The Reds receive the ball at the kick. There is some early testing of the defenses and the Reds yield first, giving away an early penalty for being offside. The shot at poles is wide and the Reds sigh with relief. From the 22m drop they gain possession through a penalty by the Stormers and from the line-out they work the ball into their opponent's half. Smart inter-play between the wing and half-back see the Reds get a great opportunity chasing down their kick. The Stormers fail under pressure and it seems the Reds must surely score, but an off-the-ball tackle dashes that move and the end result is the Reds only get a penalty! The kick at posts is too much of a stretch and even though the points are tempting, they opt for the line out. A good set move by the forwards sees the Reds exploit a week spot in the Stormers' defense and their No8 goes over for the try! The conversion is made and the Reds are up 7 points, midway through the half.

The Stormers come-back strongly, immediately putting the Reds under pressure, but lost lineout balls and poor finishing off with the Try-line just in sight, lets the Reds relieve the pressure. They take it all the way back to the Stormers half, but then also turn-over possession. Once again the Stormers push back up to the Red's try line, but some good defence from the Reds forces the Stormers into making errors and the Reds get possession again. With the hooter having sounded, the Reds decide to punt the ball into touch.

The Stormers start the game on the attack again. It seems like they will surely score, but they knock-on in front of the try-line. Good defence by the Stormers and some slow passing by the Reds keeps them pinned in their half for long periods, but they manage to retain possession. They eventually break-out from their half, but the Stormers get turn-over. The Stormers make good ground as soon as they get the ball, working it back into the Reds half. The Reds shepherd the runner back towards their cover defense and force the Stormers into losing the ball. However it's soon back in the Stormers hands, but once again they lose the ball just as the Reds find themselves under pressure. With the Reds having absorbed a lot of the Stormer's attack, they see an opportunity to close-up the game with the end drawing near. They work the ball ball up-field, sucking up the last of the tired Stormer's energy. The hooter sounds and still the Reds drive it forward. Continued pressure eventually forces the desperate Stormers to concede another penalty. The Reds don't hesitate to slot the ball between the poles and take the final score to 10-0. Effectively knocking the Stormers out of contention for a place in the semis...

Full time Score: RED 10 - STO 0

Game Overview
Well, this was one of the strangest games I have ever witnessed. The Stormers seemed to do every thing right. When they had possession they drove well and made the gaps, but they just seemed to be making one roll too many. Perhaps full credit is due to the Reds defense for creating the pressure and forcing that extra dice roll. The stats show an interesting picture, but although the Reds handling was worse than the Stormers, most of there errors where made in the Passing of the ball, and not at the crucial rucks.