11 years in the making.... the Stormers are in the semis!!

Thats right islanders, the Stormers, as most of you may have noticed by now, are in the Super 14 semi-finals. Who would have thought?! After several failed attempts at clinching the coveted Super 14 championship, the Stormers are a mere 160 minutes. I sound rather bold don't I? However, like most determined Stormers supporters I was rather despondent, bleak and rather annoyed at the blue clad-ed boys (previously back of which prior to being black the jersey was a combinations of mustard yellow, white and blue - thank you for saving us Bob) performances over the years. Ok so for some of you kiddies, barring Santles and maybe Asher, may remember the Stormers making it in the 1999 Super 12 semi-finals. The Stormers beat practically everyone from the hurricanes to the Bulls (who sucked ass that time). This was largely attributed to a young, charismatic Captain playing in the 8th-man position, Bobby Skinstad. Bob, as he now likes to be called was perhaps the most marketable player next to Chester Williams in the 90s. However, this rugby stud did much more than participate in a Spur steak ranch commercial, he inspired the Mother City to show their passion for the hooligan's game (played by gentleman). He was rather prolific in the jersey colour change and made use of his status as a sex symbol to generate support from the entirety of the Western Cape. On a serious note, I don't think I have ever seen so many hot chicks in Rugby field. Thanks to Uncle Bob, this is a regular feature in all rugby fixtures throughout the country. So on behalf of the Islander republic, we salute you Bob Skinstad!

Pos	Name	Pld	W	D	L	F	A	Diff	BP	Pts
1	Queensland Reds	11	8	1	2	233	170	+63	2	36
2	Stormers	11	8	0	3	290	244	+46	4	36
3	Otago Highlanders	11	8	0	3	280	203	+77	3	35
4	Canterbury Crusaders	11	7	1	3	324	262	+62	3	33
5	ACT Brumbies	11	5	0	6	278	195	+83	8	28
6	Waikato Chiefs	11	5	0	6	248	301	-53	6	26
7	Sharks	11	5	1	5	241	232	+9	3	25
8	Waratahs	11	4	1	6	246	248	-2	6	24
9	Auckland Blues	11	4	1	6	202	201	+1	5	23
10	Wellington Hurricanes	11	4	1	6	213	226	-13	4	22
11	Cats	11	4	0	6	312	341	-29	6	22
12	Northern Bulls	11	1	0	10	203	447	-244	3	7

Super 12 1999, the final log standings

Back to the semi-final of 1999 - The Stormers were the absolute favorites in winning the Super 12 that year. There advantages were:

• an Inspirational captain
• Had an 8-3 ratio, exact same to the top 3 teams
• Had a home semi-final
• Strong financial support.... oh wait, thats not true!

That last point could have very well been the source of the Stormers failure in 1999. The Stormers were pitted against the then, Otago Highlanders, perhaps New Zealand's worst team at present. During their final week of preparation there were allegations that several pay disputes occurred in the Stormers camp. Particularly, Pick n' Pay promised several incentives should they make it to the semi's. Either the incentives weren't provided, or the other sponsors weren't playing ball, the Stormers botched it up completely in what could have been South Africa's first ever accomplishment in obtaining a Super rugby championship (for the next 8 years at least). The Stormers lost 33-18, despite one of Breyton Paulse's legendary intercept tries occurring that chilly evening. The Crusaders began a winning rampage lasting for almost 6 years and became the first side to ever win the Super 12 sitting in 4th place. Everyone has a shot at winning this ladies and gents... everyone!

So will history repeat itself? Or will the Stormers put aside all financial concerns and sponsorship deals and take the hand of destiny, in an effort to become the 2nd South African team to ever win the Super 14 (it will be the 3rd occasion)? To all Stormers supporters out there, please go out and show your support... whether it be buying a Stormers jersey, wielding a Die Burger signboard or going to Newlands or a Sports Pub in Blouberg - Storm Saam!!!!