For the first time in a while, a Stormers defeat wasn’t blamed on Manie Libbok. Instead, Jurie Matthee and Clayton Blommetjies were under scrutiny after missed kicks cost the team a crucial victory. Matthee, usually reliable, missed multiple shots at goal before Blommetjies failed to convert a last-minute try that could have pushed the Stormers to seventh place on the log.
Although injuries cannot be used as an excuse, Bulls director of rugby Jake White raised valid concerns about the demanding year-round rugby schedule and increasing player injuries. Both teams were missing key players, but the Stormers still had a strong pack apart from JD Schickerling and Ali Vermaak. Despite this, they were thoroughly outplayed in the scrums and should have been out of the contest by halftime.
The Stormers’ attack thrives in chaotic situations, where Libbok’s X-factor makes a difference. While Matthee is talented and possibly better suited for northern winter conditions, he lacks the dynamism Libbok brings to counterattacks and transition play. The team struggled to create attacking momentum without him and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, highlighting how crucial their presence is to the Stormers’ game plan. Despite being outplayed in key areas, the Stormers still managed to score five tries, which is something for the Bulls to consider when preparing for the rematch at Loftus in three weeks.
Unfortunately for the Stormers, Libbok is expected to be out for at least eight weeks due to a knee injury sustained against Leinster. If surgery is required, his season could be over. His absence is a significant blow, especially with tough upcoming fixtures against the Lions and Bulls before a critical tour to face Ulster and Scarlets—two direct competitors for a playoff spot.
However, there is some hope, as Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Damian Willemse, and Suleiman Hartzenberg are expected to return soon. Hartzenberg, though not always mentioned alongside the other stars, is highly talented and could be a key figure for the Stormers going forward. The experience gained by young players like Jonathan Roche and Paul de Villiers during this injury crisis is another positive for coach John Dobson.
With four winnable home games at DHL Stadium later in the season, the Stormers still have a path to a strong finish—provided they navigate their upcoming challenges effectively. The next phase, including the remaining derbies and the tour, will be crucial in shaping their campaign and ensuring they secure a place in the playoffs.
