Super Smitty shines again
24 Mar 2008
John Smit maintained his impressive return to form as Clermont edged within a point of table-topping Toulouse in the French Top 14.
Smit’s form and that of Springbok fullback Percy Montgomery will no doubt please Springbok coach Peter de Villiers. Smit will captain the Boks this year and De Villiers met with Montgomery two months ago to discuss his international future. Both players have responded positively to the new Bok coach’s interest and Smit’s form, in particular, will bring a smile to De Villiers, who won’t have taken much comfort from the first six weeks of South African Super rugby performances.
Smit, speaking to Keo.co.za, said he had fully recovered from the knee injury that sidelined him for six weeks and that being back at peak fitness was critical to his recent performances.
“The mind is strong but equally important is that the body has to be strong. I am feeling really good at the moment, enjoying my rugby and the team is getting good results. I’ve now had six successive matches and in each one the knee has felt better and with each week I have felt I’ve made a bigger contribution to the team.”
Smit said he watched as much Super 14 rugby as possible and was in constant contact with players in South Africa.
“I am following the Sharks very closely and I’ve seen what’s been televised here. The competition seems to be settling down now and despite results not always going the way of the South African teams I still think there has been some very good rugby played by South African sides. Individually there has also been good performances, so I am very optimistic about the international season.”
Smit also singled out Clermont teammate and former Springbok centre Marius Joubert’s performances this season as being special.
“For me he has been the form centre in the competition and consistently the best in France. He has a huge desire to play for the Springboks again and the change of pace in lifestyle seems to have been good for his game. He is playing outstanding rugby.”
Clermont hammered Montpellier 56-17 to consolidate second position in the league, while Montgomery’s outstanding goalkicking has lifted Perpignan into fifth place.
Montgomery kicked three conversions and four penalties in the 45-7 win against Albi.
Toulouse remain top of the table, despite sending a second team to play Stade Francais in Paris, where they got smashed 29-0.
Results of Round 15
Biarritz vs Brive, 10-0
Bourgoin vs Auch, 36-0
Castres vs Montauban, 21-7
Dax vs Bayonne, 11-6
Perpignan vs Albi, 45-7
Clermont Auvergne vs Montpellier, 56-17
Stade Français vs Toulouse, 29-0
Standings after Round 15
1. Toulouse 58
2. Clermont 57
3. Stade Francais 44
4. Biarritz 41
5. Perpignan 40
6. Castres 40
7. Montauban 35
8. Bourgoin 34
9. Bayonne 33
10. Montpellier 30
11. Brive 27
12. Albi 25
13. Dax 20
14. Auch 10
206 Comments
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25 Mar 2008, 05:45 am
Bok
You talking about Peter, the current selector?
Who did he play for, and what position?
Scrummie, I think.
No, I remember Green Vigo, Wilfred Cupido, Christie Noble, Don Samsodien, Stanley Bruintjies, Turkey and Hennie Shields, and of course, Thinus Linee (geez, this oke could tackle!)
Green Vigo would have walked into any Springbok team, los hande…
25 Mar 2008, 05:46 am
BokiNZ
You sound like some over the top dramatic Fashionista with your “that is sooooo last year!!”
Has either team changed dramatically ? I didn’t think so but am willing to be corrected as long as you don’t “klap” me when you do it.
25 Mar 2008, 05:47 am
BokiNZ
I admit, grey clouds were ominus once Meyer left but there was always hope(helped by the win against WP). However, harsh reality has occurred and the season is very much over. BUT I myself do not blame it on Frans, he was always going to be in for a fight during this “post meyer” period.
25 Mar 2008, 05:48 am
Even if the Stormers won’t make the play offs, they are going to do the Sharks a huge favour….this coming weekend!
You heard it here first.
25 Mar 2008, 05:52 am
Pietman,
as I found out, quite a few blacks from EP had opporttunities to play league with Vigo.
Does anyone know what happen to Aviril Williams after ’84???
he disappeared quite fast
25 Mar 2008, 05:52 am
Holding thumbs Pietman. No reason why they should not!
25 Mar 2008, 05:53 am
whatever
Yes. It is a bit of a drag and unfortunately by the looks of it here to stay! But no politics today!! I can tell you stories about a courageous Peter Jooste, who you now know as Bok selector. He realy was the heart and soul of Tygerberg Union team. Another day maybe, when we all feel like walking down memory lane and comparing notes.
25 Mar 2008, 06:01 am
Nah Pieta. Peter played for SARU while the others were playing their rugby on the Federation (SARVU) side. SARU was affiliated with SACOS (Sam Ramsamy) which was, as you know, against ‘normal sport in an abnormal society’. But enough of the history lesson! Aren’t we all glad the Sharks are playing this week?
25 Mar 2008, 06:06 am
Ja Boki, just so long as SA does not end up having “abnormal sport in a normal society”
25 Mar 2008, 06:07 am
Yes, BokiNZ, i am glad the Sharks are playing this weekend, and i hope they can live up to expectations. Every week they put out what many would regard as the ‘dream team on paper’, yet never seem to really get the result you would expect. It’s a bit like watching the US basketball team at the Olympics every 4 years – they have all the big names and reputations, but can only do enough to scrape through every time.
25 Mar 2008, 06:07 am
Bok
I see PJ is listed as a rugby legend on our Sarsu website, but I regret not knowing more about the man.
He seems a very enlightened person, the little I could find about him, with the way he handles things at the selections and so on.
25 Mar 2008, 06:09 am
Bok
Yep, the Sharks carry all of SA’s hopes for this S14, let’s hope bro…….
25 Mar 2008, 06:13 am
RP you know what ‘klap’ means? But I’ll leave all the “klapping” to whatever. Not that he would want to klap you though! The biggest difference in Stormers camp is the change in management. Rassie is a much better coach than the previous one (he can’t be named as it would cause a relapse in most Stormers supporters. They needed treatment to forget that whole episode. Sort off what the Bulls gonna need after Ludeke!
) Force remained much the same as can be seen in their performances. They looks like a team thats together for 2-3 yrs.
25 Mar 2008, 06:22 am
Talking of “klapping”. It’s a short week here in NZ and I”m now going to “klap” a few beers with some mates and shed some tears about the week-ends rugger and swear and cuss about a few refs, especially Marks, who I thought has a shocker!
Catch ya all later
25 Mar 2008, 06:22 am
BokiNZ
Yes do know what it is … Sorry … got my “klappers” mixed up … I think he would given the chance
Still think your lunch money is being bet by your heart & not your head.
25 Mar 2008, 06:29 am
Kwas
Some would say that that is a sign of a good team. Like the Blues on Saturday. They weren’t all that flash and managed to get the result by playing at the right side of the field near the end. To me, the Sharks totaly blasted the Blues in their game. Make no mistake, they’re a class outfit.
Pieta
He was one of the those they handed Bok blazers to as recognition for playing the game in the ‘apartheid’ days, like Cheeky. Personaly, I think he could’ve done more on the ‘transformation’ front. He was President of Tygerberg (who was that WP lock went and played for them) coupla yrs ago and at the same time WP selector, I think. Anyway, long story short, Tygerberg ended top of premier league in WP, beating Maties twice (if I remember correctly) but only 1 player (Patrick Peterson) got selected in WP side. That’s not much, you would say, but same season Noordelikes ended 2nd or 3rd (not sure). So, I think he missed an opportunity there or, the cynic in me says, he got an opportunity there. Anyway, that is the last time I’ll talk about him or any other ‘old’ SARU players, unless you are realy interested.
25 Mar 2008, 06:39 am
Rp
uhm! Maybe I am. The results stand as is but some of the refs had a hand in it, I would suggest. As whatever above I to believe Marks had a shocker, same as your mate Lyndon Bryce, or whatever the hell his name is. Hopefully Stormers get arguably best Kiwi ref in Steven Walsh! And then we’ll see whose betting whose lunch money overhere!
25 Mar 2008, 06:39 am
Bok
Interesting.
Is Tygerberg/Tech the same side you are talking about?
I think Tommie Loubser and Tiaan Strauss played for them, or was it Noordelikes?
25 Mar 2008, 06:42 am
Not a good weekened for saffas!!
Stormers looked very good….i reckon the best saffa team this year.
Sharks have been benficiaries of good luck.
25 Mar 2008, 06:42 am
BokiNZ
Hang on a minute
You are complaining to a NZer about poor quality refereeing interfering with the outcome of a game ? 
Surely not !! 
Look, if you just want to throw your money away – just give it to me 
25 Mar 2008, 06:42 am
weekend
25 Mar 2008, 06:43 am
Bok
Cheeky never got the blazer!
He was guest of honour at that function when Zola and those got capped, but strangely enough Cheeky not.
Wonder why?
I have the link of that party somewhere, will let you know.
25 Mar 2008, 06:44 am
& I put all those
in especially for Bod who ought to be here any minute to remonstrate 
me for excessive use 
25 Mar 2008, 06:54 am
Not too sure, Piet. Was the time when Chester was coach at Noordelikes.
25 Mar 2008, 07:01 am
morning Wallabie
Signs are looking good for Wallaby side this year.
Good coach, potent backline with Cross, Latham, Gittau, Mortlock, Loti etc.
Just a bit at scrumhalf
25 Mar 2008, 07:02 am
174
Should read a bit thin at scrumhalf
25 Mar 2008, 07:04 am
Piet
But you let me know when you get it. Would make for an interesting read.
Ah! That IS interesting! Would’ve thought he’d be one of the firsts to have got one! Can you blame the man for being on the warpath now that his son gets the same treatment?
RP
Can’t concentrate with all that smileys around. Think your message gets lost in all that! About my hard earned $’s. Thought you had enough of that lying around!
25 Mar 2008, 07:09 am
Bok
I am searching, it is in the EP Herald archives somewhere around Oct 2002, when that function was held down in PE (I think it was).
Gotta run, will check some more later at the office and get back to you.
25 Mar 2008, 07:10 am
Yah but daniel… we all know that’s not where they get ‘klapped’. They had a potent bacline back in Oct as well. Admit they have much better coach in Deans
25 Mar 2008, 07:13 am
Sure thing Pieta! Will search as well.
25 Mar 2008, 07:13 am
#178
Agreed, their forwards are not there to instill fear in the opposition, but to be honest, who does nowadays?
I’m impressed with this Cross bloke, and if you put him next to Gittau and Mortlock it could be dangerous.
25 Mar 2008, 07:14 am
BokiNZ
Don’t worry it was only a wind up for “Bod”.
Not my fault you are easily distracted
I am just saying if you are going to just throw them (your hard earned $$s) away – send them over here & I will put them to good use !
25 Mar 2008, 07:26 am
morning princess..i hope he doesn’t remonstrate you to excessively…my goodness! how were your picks this weekend?
25 Mar 2008, 07:34 am
More Bucky
Got to throw him a bone every now & then
“MY” picks were pretty good thanks – I am back in the top 40 ! I cannot say the same however for the “JV” … Gosh – some people just will not listen to reason ! But, what can a girl do ?
How did you do ?
25 Mar 2008, 07:47 am
is it a phirm bone, now that is the question!!
i almost had 6, but then latham ruined the party…still not to bad…going to pick the stormers this week though. so you actually get to watch any of the games?
25 Mar 2008, 07:48 am
what’s the JV again?
25 Mar 2008, 07:49 am
mmmmm… full of ourself this morning I see. Sweetie, if it wasnt for some real weed of a Kiwi linesman backing down, the “mighty Blues” wouldnt be so mighty this morning and you wouldnt be so brazen.
“Ref… No 4 threw a punch at the Stormers player during the ruck”
“Did he connect, as that would be a red card offence”
“Ummmm”
“Did he connect”
“Ummmm… I am not sure” (Despite his head doing a full 180 deg recoil after the punch smashed into his face)
“Whats your recommendation?”
“Ummmm…. penalty only”
Pathetic little twaz…. Imagine if the roles had been reversed…
25 Mar 2008, 07:53 am
hey bod, it’s amazing at how easy they can turn a blind eye…any citings this week i doubt it…you healthy again, have a good long weekend?
25 Mar 2008, 07:57 am
morning All…
Cheez the Cheetahs and the Stormers could have won!!!!
Eosh my Bulls team was as pathetic as last week… No commitment!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I see Vic is negotiating to come back to the Bulls and Pierre spies is going to help us… Will this be the turn of the tide???
25 Mar 2008, 08:02 am
Buck
The JV is where I am supposed to make reccomedations to Bod & he is supposed to follow them – after all I am the majority shareholder … NOT that I am one complain you understand
Again I must ask – is someone here REALLY
about poor refereeing to an NZer ?
Are you sure that was not your “flu meds” talking to you?
Anyway what makes you think 14 Blues could not have held your Stormers at bay anyway ?
Oohh … did I really ask that ? 
Good morning Bod 8)
25 Mar 2008, 08:13 am
Morning Bod,Buck and Rugby Princess
Such an idyllic morning in Cape Town. Intoxicatingly lekkerrrrrrrrrrrrr!
25 Mar 2008, 08:14 am
Good morning Jinixe =8)
Nice Easter break ?
25 Mar 2008, 08:17 am
As RP would say…niicce!
It really is niicce this morning. Give me autumn.
27 degrees today. I want 20 degrees but will be patient for the temp drop. I need cool after the long summer heat.
25 Mar 2008, 08:27 am
Buck
What is it a “phirm bone” ? Saffa doggie treat ? Maybe Bertie likes them ?
I also almost had 6, but then that convict ruined my little victory party
I will pick the Force, but the JV will no doubt pick the Stormers 
Yes I did get to watch a few of the games … only 2 live though – still it is better than nothing !
25 Mar 2008, 08:29 am
Jinxie is 20 degrees & over cast here now but we are heading into months of hot, wet & steamy weather
I really only like hot weather when I am on vacation & not far from water of some kind …
25 Mar 2008, 08:54 am
skopskiet – forgets that Jake White, John Smit, and hte rest are world champions – like it or not they are WC……….
Agree that Dolley is hte biggest bang gat rugby player I have seen for a long time…..
Marius Joubert IS playing fantastic rugby and is hte top center in France this seson – he should be bok again……
25 Mar 2008, 09:00 am
morning jinx!
joubert…hmmm might be playing well up north, but remember he passes less than devilliers, so don’t expect him to be breaking the line to often against NZ and OZ
RP – it can be a treat and depends entirely on the style
25 Mar 2008, 09:09 am
Buck
Que? So, it is dog food ? I don’t have a dog, which is why I wanted Bertie so much
But I travel too much & it would not be fair to him 
25 Mar 2008, 09:37 am
Howzit Buck
**** weekend… still laid low. I tried a round at Royal Parow, but lasted 15 holes before the virus kicked in…. its ok though as Chelsea soothed all my woes and pains this weekend!
25 Mar 2008, 09:59 am
Cheetahs, Bulls, and Lions teams are strong this year.
………….must be to hold up the entire log
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