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Stephen Nell
Cape Town – Schalk Burger is not having any sleepless nights over Saturday’s showdown with Phil Waugh and New Zealand referee Keith Brown because he has “never for a single day” been guilty of illegal play.
That was the tongue-in-cheek reaction from the Stormers captain when he was asked about a recent comment by Waugh that South Africans will struggle with the stricter application of the breakdown laws.
“I have never been illegal for a single day in my life and don’t know what he is talking about,” Burger said with a naughty grin.
However, discipline will be crucial for Burger and Waugh, with the stricter applications of the laws at the breakdown making life difficult for fetching flanks.
“The new law makes it difficult for everyone to be effective on the ground. We’re still trying to play to the ball and be a nuisance for one another, but it’s more difficult.
“Phil is a good player. We’ve played against one another many times before and I’ll probably invite him for a beer this week to make sure he does not play that well on Saturday!”
On a more serious note, Burger is unconcerned about Waugh’s verbal barbs at South Africans.
“There are few things you can get away with on the ground. You have to get on your feet and leave the ball-carrier. It’s pretty clear to everyone how the referee will apply the law,” said Burger.
While it is still leading to a lot of penalties, many experts believe that stricter application of the laws will ultimately promote attacking rugby.
It will be easier to build phases and pressure as the defending team will run a bigger risk if they infringe at the breakdowns.
Burger expects the Stormers to be thoroughly tested by the Waratahs. The Cape side beat the Lions this past weekend, but were not really impressive.
“The Waratahs probably have a little more structure than the Lions so you know what to expect,” said Burger.
“They make very few errors, are a championship side and it will be tough. We’ll have to kick well tactically to get territory and hold on to the ball when we get there.”
Burger does not believe Dean Mumm’s suspension will necessarily result in a weakening of the Waratahs’ lineout.
“Their lineout will still be strong and they are generally strong in the set phases.”
Saturday’s match is the first of five consecutive Newlands matches for the Stormers.
Cape Town – Schalk Burger is not having any sleepless nights over Saturday’s showdown with Phil Waugh and New Zealand referee Keith Brown because he has “never for a single day” been guilty of illegal play.
That was the tongue-in-cheek reaction from the Stormers captain when he was asked about a recent comment by Waugh that South Africans will struggle with the stricter application of the breakdown laws.
“I have never been illegal for a single day in my life and don’t know what he is talking about,” Burger said with a naughty grin.
However, discipline will be crucial for Burger and Waugh, with the stricter applications of the laws at the breakdown making life difficult for fetching flanks.
“The new law makes it difficult for everyone to be effective on the ground. We’re still trying to play to the ball and be a nuisance for one another, but it’s more difficult.
“Phil is a good player. We’ve played against one another many times before and I’ll probably invite him for a beer this week to make sure he does not play that well on Saturday!”
On a more serious note, Burger is unconcerned about Waugh’s verbal barbs at South Africans.
“There are few things you can get away with on the ground. You have to get on your feet and leave the ball-carrier. It’s pretty clear to everyone how the referee will apply the law,” said Burger.
While it is still leading to a lot of penalties, many experts believe that stricter application of the laws will ultimately promote attacking rugby.
It will be easier to build phases and pressure as the defending team will run a bigger risk if they infringe at the breakdowns.
Burger expects the Stormers to be thoroughly tested by the Waratahs. The Cape side beat the Lions this past weekend, but were not really impressive.
“The Waratahs probably have a little more structure than the Lions so you know what to expect,” said Burger.
“They make very few errors, are a championship side and it will be tough. We’ll have to kick well tactically to get territory and hold on to the ball when we get there.”
Burger does not believe Dean Mumm’s suspension will necessarily result in a weakening of the Waratahs’ lineout.
“Their lineout will still be strong and they are generally strong in the set phases.”
Saturday’s match is the first of five consecutive Newlands matches for the Stormers.
