The Stormers demolished the Waratahs 25-6 at home in Cape Town to set up an all South African final in Soweto.

The Stormers showed how far they have come as a team as the weight of public expectation was no hindrance as the clinically outplayed the Waratahs to move into their first super rugby final.

The match was very similar to their round robin encounter in week 2, with strong defences dominating the match. The Stormers only concede an average of 1 try, and 10 points per match at home this season, and the Waratahs could find no way to penetrate it. All they had to show for their efforts were a lone penalty and a drop goal.

For the Waratahs to have won this game, they needed to play a high risk game, and chance their arm. To lose by 19 points without even firing a shot shows they suffer from the same disease many of the South African sides have, and that is trying no to lose.

The Stormers (and Bulls) have shown that to win, requires enormous self-belief and the confidence to go for the win. Whereas that inhibited Stormers sides in the past, this side was able to enjoy the occasion in front of their home fans because they believed they would win.

A large part of their success comes in knowing how they want to play. They have absolute faith in each other on defence, and that is why they’ve conceded so few points. It also requires the commitment of each individual to make their tackles and boy do they make them count.

Stormers coach Allister Coetzee had this to say “Our defence against the Waratahs was splendid. It just goes to show how systems can win matches. We pitched up physically and the work rate was good, and when you have those two attributes working for you, it will be very hard for the opposition to cut your defence.”

Juan de Jongh provided the “x” factor and moment of brilliance to swing the match, and from there it was back to the game plan and strangling the Waratahs.

Other than de Jongh’s superb solo effort, the Stormers victory was built on teamwork. As individuals each player did his just and that made the collective effort effective.

“It was typical semi-final stuff and it’s fantastic to get through it. They contested the ball pretty well at the breakdown but at the end of the day we won it and that’s all that matters” said Stormers captain Schalk Burger after the match.

They now face the Bulls in their first final. Whilst their defence is strong, it remains to be seen if they can score enough points in a pressure environment against a quality side.

“The Bulls have been the form side this season. They’ve led the way and we’ve been trying to follow in their footsteps. We’ve made it to the final and anything can happen in a final” said Burger.

Stormers 25

Try: Juan de Jongh
Conversion: Grant
Penalties: Grant (6)

Waratahs 6

Penalty: Barnes
Drop goal: Barnes

Stormers player ratings:

1. Wicus Blaauw – 7

Solid around the field although didn’t get the scrum dominance his side would’ve wanted.

2. Tiaan Liebenberg – 8

Strong with ball in hand and always a danger. Consistent at the set pieces.

3. Brok Harris – 8

Gets through a mountain of work around the field and always making tackles.

4. Adriaan Fondse – 7

Revels in the tight exchanges and muscled up well.

5. Andries Bekker – 7

Gave away 1 penalty but always a danger on attack.

6. Schalk Burger – 9

I’m not quite sure where Schalk plays as he is everywhere! He leads by example and makes tackle after tackle after tackle. He’s also everywhere on attack and has regained the form that made him so feared.

7. Francois Louw – 7

Works hard at the breakdown and even if he can’t make steals he puts the opposition under enormous pressure. Was unlucky a couple of times as he was standing over the player but they wouldn’t release and he didn’t earn a penalty.

8. Duane Vermeulen – 7

Has such safe hands and always willing to do the hard yards. Another solid performance.

9. Dewaldt Duvenhage – 8

Kicked really well, getting the Stormers out of their half and deep into Waratahs territory. Had been inaccurate in the last few weeks, but showed his class when it really mattered.

10. Peter Grant – 7

Missed a couple of kicks but no chances were particularly easy. Took the ball to the line well when his options were limited.

11. Bryan Habana – 7

Minimal opportunities on attack, solid on defence.

12. Juan de Jongh – 10

Produced one of the tries of the season to give the Stormers a handy lead. Stepped beautifully 3 times and it was a great solo effort. Was also strong on defence including one awesome cover tackle when the Waratahs were looking dangerous. Has improved with every outing this season.

13. Jaque Fourie – 7

Solid in the midfield defence but had few opportunities with ball in hand. One chance in the second half produced an expertly positioned kick that gave the Stormers great field position.

14. Gio Aplon – 8

Dangerous with ball in hand but limited chances. For a small guy he is committed on defence and wrapped up the danger of Drew Mitchell well.

15. Joe Pietersen – 7

Good positional play and kicking.

16. Deon Fourie – 7

Mobile around the field and made his presence felt almost as an extra loose forward.

17. Eusebio Guinazu – 7

Did his job well.

18. Anton van Zyl -

Not on long enough to make a decent rating.

19. Pieter Louw -

Came on for Schalk Burger but the game was won by then. Not on long enough to make a decent rating.

20. Ricky Januarie – 7

Strong around the base of the ruck when he came on.

21. Willem de Waal -

Not on long enough to make a decent rating.

22. Tim Whitehead -

Not on long enough to make a decent rating.