Taking centre stage
10 Jun 2008
Jean de Villiers is determined to become the axis around which the Springboks revolve.
In the latest issue of SA Rugby magazine, on sale Wednesday 11 June, the Bok centre talks about the pain of missing the 2007 World Cup, what he has that Frans Steyn doesn’t (and vice versa), and why he’d be happy to wear the Bok No 13 jersey even though he prefers 12.
He also expresses his burning desire to beat the All Blacks in New Zealand this year. ‘It’s still a huge goal among the senior players,’ he says. ‘We achieved a lot under Jake [White], but the fact that we’ve never won in New Zealand has always bugged me. After this year’s Super 14, I’m confident we can head over there with a very strong side and pick up the win.’
Also in the latest issue:
– Ian McIntosh on the ELVs: the former Bok coach (who was on the IRB’s Law Group Project) gives unique insight into how they were conceived, why they were supposed to be adopted as a package, and the ‘orchestrated’ effort to undermine them
– Seven steps to glory: former Bok mental coach Henning Gericke on how to beat the All Blacks in New Zealand
– The key to Robbie Deans: why he’s the right man for the Wallabies job
– Frank Bunce rates Anthony Tuitavake, while Stirling Mortlock aims to bury the Wallabies’ World Cup ghosts
– Jeremy Guscott on why Ian McGeechan will get the Lions roaring in 2009
– Former Bok centre Joe Gillingham left South Africa for France and never returned. Keo finds out why
– WP scrumhalf Paul Delport has suffered more setbacks than most, but he hasn’t given up on his Bok dream
– Currie Cup preview: Can the Sharks win first title since 1996?
219 Comments
10 Jun 2008, 08:11 am
Jean De Dragon!
10 Jun 2008, 08:11 am
In the centre – Dragon
10 Jun 2008, 08:11 am
Oh Shucks – beaten again!!!
10 Jun 2008, 08:14 am
“what he has that Frans Steyn doesn’t (and vice versa), why he’d be happy to wear the Bok No 13 jersey even though he prefers 12.”
Speed and power but lacking tactical variation and a kicking game ?
10 Jun 2008, 08:21 am
I am the biggest supporter Province ever had (in my own mind) but must say i had my reservations about Jean when Rassie made him captain but he came out on top. I rate him on current form the best centre in the southern hemisphere
10 Jun 2008, 08:25 am
Jean is definitely the most complete centre in South Africa and probably in the world at the moment….
10 Jun 2008, 08:32 am
#6 Storm Voort: yes storm, and of course you convieniently forget about brian o’driscoll, mortlock and conrad smith….
10 Jun 2008, 08:35 am
#7 Windhond_Sharks: exactly my thoughts too – he is good but let’s not get carried away.
10 Jun 2008, 08:37 am
Giteau and Mortlock
Deans would either be incredibly brave or really foolish to break up this deadly combination.
Aside from the two above:
De Villiers
Fourie
Darcy
O’ Driscoll
Barkley
Jauzion
Noon
Contempomi
McAllister
Mauger
Tait
Steyn
Man, there are some good centres on the planet.
10 Jun 2008, 08:38 am
7 & 8: This is patr of the problem. The Kiwis has a helluva lot of faith in the ability of their players to be the best in the world. We seem to want to always say something along the lines of, “He is good, but….” The attitude difference can make itself make a difference.
10 Jun 2008, 08:39 am
Gents,
Where are the results of the Super 14 predictions competition.
10 days down the line and we haven’t heard a thing from Keo.co.za.
Was this just a false ploy to boost ‘hit’ numbers?
10 Jun 2008, 08:44 am
I admire your grit and determination Jean, but just stay off the injury list. We need you for those tests in NZ in Wellington and Dunedin. News today on NZ’s Radio Sport was that Carisbrook in Dunedin is already 80% sold out for the House of Pain test against the Boks. Not sure if it is the World Cup holders tag the Boks now proudly own or the fact that the the Southern Men last had a test 3 years ago. Seems they want to remind their North Island detractors that they can fill the ground and deserve to host test matches there.
10 Jun 2008, 08:46 am
#7 Windhond_Sharks:
i disagree with #6 Storm Voort: he is’nt “probebly”he is “definately” the best centre in the world far better then #9 puff: australiens
10 Jun 2008, 08:53 am
for me all JDV previous coaches made him play with a structered plan, “jean you must run into your opp.”
since rassie came to CT jean has been playing what he see’s infront of him…
10 Jun 2008, 08:56 am
puff
you left out the name of pierre speis
10 Jun 2008, 09:03 am
It looks like SA Rugby mag and keo are run on the same priciples.
Keo recycles articles time and again and SA Rugby magazine recycles cover pictures.
True or false?
10 Jun 2008, 09:10 am
Where’s that guy that always writes about the WP?
Westelike Provinsie deel rugbylesse uit in Windhoek
DIE Namibiese rugbyspan, oftewel die FNB Vyftiental soos die telbord hulle genoem het, se dapperste verdediging was Saterdag teen die Westelike Provinsie nie genoeg om ‘n neerlaag met 45-6 af te weer nie.
‘n Goeie skare het die Hage Geingob-stadion volgepak, net om te sien dat harde werk nog vir die Welwitschias voorlê om hul wedstrydplan en spankeuse reg te kry voordat hulle Woensdag na Dakar vertrek vir die allerbelangrike Afrika- en Wêreldbekertoets teen Senegal.
Beserings en onttrekkings het afrigter John Williams nie veel ander opsies gelaat as om ‘n redelik onervare agterlyn in die veld te stoot nie. Met Melrick Africa se laat onttrekking is die nuwelinge in die middelveld aan die diepkant ingegooi en moes hulle boonop vir die grootste deel van die wedstryd verdedig.
Op die aanval was daar maar min kans om die Streeptruie te beproef. Die telling getuig nie werklik hoe hard die wedstryd voorlangs was nie. Die besoekers het vier drieë in die laaste tien minute gedruk nadat die Namibiërs vir groot dele van die wedstryd moedig verdedig het. Die Namibiese heelagter TC Losper het eerste punte aangeteken met ‘n strafskop.
© wiets Coeetzee
Die persoon met sy arms in die lug op die foto is die wenner van ‘n getekende WP-rugbytrui.
Die voorsprong was egter van korte duur aangesien die WP-haker Deon Fourie kort daarna in die middelveld verby Wacca Kazombiaze is om onder die Namibiese pale oor te duik. Losskakel Ricardo Croy het verdoel om die WP met 7-3 te laat voorloop. Die WP-voorspelers het sterk gedryf met die bal.
Agtsteman Justin Melck het ‘n losbal opgeraap en sy span se tweede drie gedruk. Croy het weer verdoel. Met die WP 14-3 voor, het die skeidsregter mnr. TC Fontein die WPvoorspelers gestraf omdat hulle die bal op die grond vasgehou het. Losper het weer geslaag met die strafskop. Kort voor rustyd het die WPstut Schalk Ferreira met krag oor die doellyn gedryf om die rustydtelling 19-6 in WP se guns te maak.
Die Namibiërs het meer aanvalle in die tweede helfte geloods, maar afronding het ontbreek. Die voorspelers het heelwat balle in losgemale asook lynstane verloor. Die fiksheid het ook nie gehou nie. Die WP-heelagter Johan Pietersen, en later ook Gio Aplon as impakspeler, het uitstekend gespeel en met vaart en vlugvoetigheid die Namibiese verdediging geflous.
Pietersen is as die speler van die wedstryd aangewys. Een van sy breekslae het die WP se volgende drie vir die plaasvervanger Terry Jacobs geskep. Croy het oorgeskop en die WP se voorsprong het tot 26-6 vergroot. Enkele minute later het Jacobs sy tweede gaan druk. Die reserweslot Adriaan Fondse en senter Dylan des Fountain het in die laaste paar minute ook drieë gedruk. Croy het weereens akkuraat verdoel.
10 Jun 2008, 09:11 am
#6 Storm Voort:
Complete ? You do realize that a complete 12 can also kick for territory and chip through a rush defense. I can not recall JdV ever doing anything else but putting his head down and running.
10 Jun 2008, 09:13 am
Everything starting with “Axis” this morning.
I wonder why.
10 Jun 2008, 09:14 am
#11 Rager: keep asking. if you post maybe 25 times in every thread, someone will have to give you an answer.
10 Jun 2008, 09:18 am
#19 Dawn: Coz why Axis a chick magnet. You sprey, dey come.
10 Jun 2008, 09:29 am
I’ve always said he is one of the two world class stars at WP.
I just wish he would stop with that ridiculous habit of “signing his name in the air” for the camera when celebrating a try. It is so windgat, and rather embarrassing as well.
Compare that to the men who score a try, get up and start walking back to the halfway line without indulging in fits of self-praising vanity.
Come on Jean. Develop the maturity to match your undoubted talent, man.
10 Jun 2008, 09:31 am
#21 katman:
10 Jun 2008, 09:36 am
#22 Tacitus:
You being a little pedantic. Young players will express their joy. They don’t have to be robotic metronomes. I don’t think JdV goes cringefully over the top. He has his way as does Habana etc.
If you remember how Bulls winger JJ Van Der Walt celebrated a few years back you would see that JdV in hardly over the top in his exhuberance.
Tacitus, life is for enjoyment too. Smile and shake those hips of yours!
10 Jun 2008, 09:36 am
Tact
Just like when Habana puts his hand on his brow after he scores hey???
Very immature né???
Grow up bru. You must be one of the most negative people on this site!!!
10 Jun 2008, 09:38 am
#22 Tacitus: It still beats the quasi-religious mannerisms our northern brothers employ as their try-scoring insignia. That really gives me the heebie-jeebies.
10 Jun 2008, 09:38 am
I sincerely hope JdeV will remain injury free this season as we do not have another centre of his caliber. He made Jacobs look good on saterday.As for Butch , he has improved a hell of alot. I do hope that Piet snor will bring Matfield back in the starting 15.Wales however did not come up to expectations. 2nd test will be a run away for the Boks which unfortunately is not good with the trinations coming up as the AB and ausies is a different game
10 Jun 2008, 09:39 am
And how was Shane Williams with his “where are they” gesture after he arrived at the posts hours before anyone else – was that embarrassing too?
10 Jun 2008, 09:42 am
#24 Jinx da Lynx:
The best one ever was Gaffie du Toit’s Apollo ‘Lord of the Sliver Bow’ manoeuvre when he scored try – I choked on my biltong.
10 Jun 2008, 09:47 am
Katman
Tacitus would like all folk not to enjoy themselves too much. Being serious is more important than being happy. Never show emotion. Just “druk” it down and soldier on. Never show any little imperfection, never be spontaneous, never sparkle…just be reptilian and f#cking serious.
Chicks must dig you Tac.
10 Jun 2008, 09:49 am
#7 Windhond_Sharks:
I am not so syre about Smith but the other 2 for sure.
10 Jun 2008, 09:51 am
#29 Kerneels:
Hilarious!
I think Tac likes ostrich biltong because it’s the only biltong he eats with his head in the sand.
10 Jun 2008, 09:52 am
Mortlock is finished.
I’m surprised nobody mentioned Jauzion and Giteau.
10 Jun 2008, 09:52 am
#30 Jinx da Lynx:
Jy moet staan in jou ry
Jy moet jou hare kort sny
Jy moet altyd netjies bly
Jy moet al die pryse kry
Jy moet altyd netjies bly
Trou en kinders kry
In jou karretjie ry
En stem vir die party.
10 Jun 2008, 09:53 am
‘I think Tac likes ostrich biltong because it’s the only biltong he eats with his head in the sand.’
…and his poephol in the air…
10 Jun 2008, 09:54 am
#34 katman:
Whoooo…potent stuff. Who wrote that Katman? Very truthful.
10 Jun 2008, 09:55 am
the longer butch and jean can play along side each other and throw in a ‘little’ jaque fourie on the outside, the better it will certainly be for the boks!
10 Jun 2008, 10:06 am
#7 Windhond_Sharks: You have got to be kidding me! BoD! The same one Smith cut into little pieces just the other day. When was the last time he had a major hand in anything creative for Ireland. The other 2 JdV played in the S14 with his rep in tact. Didn’t Jean score the first try vs the Brumbies? About time we give our guys the cred they deserve and we stop living in awe of anyone who wears a black jumper. ‘Nough said!
10 Jun 2008, 10:06 am
Guys
Go to the mg’s new sportleader to give Tony “Southern Spears” Mckeever a hard time
http://www.sportsleader.co.za/tonymckeever/2008/06/05/note-to-south-african-rugby-fans-7-days-of-shock-awe/
10 Jun 2008, 10:09 am
#36 Jinx da Lynx: i think that was jonny k (johannes kerkorrel).
10 Jun 2008, 10:10 am
#36 Jinx da Lynx: Johannes Kerkorrel on his 1988 album Eet Kreef. Song called Energie. All about the conformist,non-questioning role Afrikaners were expected to play to keep the big old machine greased.
Jy moet staan in jou ry
Jy moet jou hare kort sny
Jy moet altyd netjies bly
En stem vir die party
Jy moet in ‘n huisie bly
Trou en kinders kry
In jou karretjie ry
Jy moet al die pryse kry
Ek sê nee dis ‘n mors
Ek sê nee dis ‘n mors, ja
Ek sê nee dis ‘n mors
‘n Mors van energie
Betaal jou paaiemente
Selfs al kak jy weens die rente
Wees versigtig wat jy doen
Of jy verloor jou pensioen
O, en moenie vrae vra
Oor die dinge wat jou pla
Jy moet leer om stil te bly
Jy sal ‘n goue horlosie kry
Ek sê nee dis ‘n mors
Ek sê nee dis ‘n mors, ja
Ek sê nee dis ‘n mors
‘n Mors van energie
10 Jun 2008, 10:13 am
#40 the peanut gallery:
Thanks bru.
Sometimes I think Tacitus is still in his army browns and his doiby at his computer.
In fact… in vol webbing en geweer.
10 Jun 2008, 10:15 am
#4 klingon_x: maturity and a brain…
10 Jun 2008, 10:15 am
#42 Jinx da Lynx: ya, there’s only one blogger more anal – g13g
10 Jun 2008, 10:17 am
#18 klingon_x: You need to watch more rugby then…I’ve seen him chip, grubber and even take line kicks in the past.
10 Jun 2008, 10:17 am
#41 katman:
Ja well not to be callous, but we all know where that guy ended up. So by all means, rely on that genius as your spiritual guru and life coach…
10 Jun 2008, 10:18 am
#22 Tacitus: Wish Spies would stop pointing to the sky when he scores…as an athiest I find it offensive
10 Jun 2008, 10:18 am
#41 katman:
was a great song… that, hillbrow and someting about a bmw, i really love those songs…
10 Jun 2008, 10:18 am
#41 katman:
I still have that album on cassette from my JHB days in the late 80′s. I must get it out. I still have some old casettes from THAT time but hardly play them. In 2 drawers collecting dust.
Ons ry ‘n BMW ons stem vir die PFP.
10 Jun 2008, 10:20 am
#47 squonkmonk: halleluya
10 Jun 2008, 10:20 am
#41 katman: spaar ‘n gedagte vir Bernoldus die legende van Marie Ferrari en ‘hou my vas korporaal’ faam.
10 Jun 2008, 10:21 am
#47 squonkmonk:
Ja well as a religious person I find atheists offensive…
10 Jun 2008, 10:25 am
#45 squonkmonk:
Must be my short term memory problem again. Last year in the RWC he was almost invisible. It took Steyn at 12 to bail us out. Yep – that boy hasn’t got a brain ?
10 Jun 2008, 10:27 am
#46 Tacitus: Well, whether you preceded it by “not be be callous” or not, it still was.
You seriously saying that because his life took a sad turn we should discount everything he said or stood for? Shall we start applying this logic to everyone?
10 Jun 2008, 10:32 am
#51 shooter: He was a legend before his time.
Hou my vas, Korporaal,
ek’s ‘n kind skoon verdwaal
Gaan ek weer my cherry sien,
as ek van die trein af klim?
Ja, sowaar, Korporaal,
dis maar swaar, Korporaal
Ek speel oorlog met my beste dae
Ja ja ja.
Ek en al my maatjies bymekaar
10 Jun 2008, 10:33 am
#4 klingon_x: He has class my friend! How can you try and compare Steyn to him? Steyn will be lucky making the Sharks Currie Cup team this year!
10 Jun 2008, 10:33 am
Jean is good, very very good. He’s playing some great rugga at the moment… I believe he is up there with the world’s best… Must admit it does help when you are playing outside BJ… Butch could even make Bobo look good last year playing for the sharks.
I’d still like to see Steyn at 12 and Jean at 13… If Steyn does get a bit selfish, Butch can always throw one of his famous skip passes… Jacobs deserves to be on the bench where he plays his best rugby from.
10 Jun 2008, 10:34 am
This should be fun – Tac, what is your opinion on Koos Du Plessis and Eugene N Marais?
10 Jun 2008, 10:39 am
#31 jondood: he is the only center that i rate as a specialist in the all black set-up.
10 Jun 2008, 10:40 am
#47 squonkmonk: ja boet, he points to his dad who died a while ago. man you have a short memory…..it was all over the media the first time he did it.
10 Jun 2008, 10:41 am
Sniper, where do you get off insulting steyn… As far as I’m concerned I think he’s a national hero. Remember those two drops against Australia to win the match. Let’s see De Villiers do that. Let’s see any other player in the world do that. He’s a match winner that makes rugga worth watching.
10 Jun 2008, 10:42 am
#47 squonkmonk:
I find your comment offensive!!!!!! Live and let live, please all get off the ***** bashing……not good at all and not warranted on this rugby site!!!!!!!!!!
10 Jun 2008, 10:43 am
#61 Butch James 4 president: I havent insulted Steyn! I have called the obvious! He is not up to standard this year. Match winner – Mmmm one match – don’t think so!
10 Jun 2008, 10:44 am
#58 Kerneels: Marais was not only a brilliant writer and poet and one of the most important voices that helped shape Afrikaans as we know it today. He was also an expert in several fields of natural science and much of his work on ant colonies and primate behaviour was widely plagiarised by European scholars at the time.
He was also a morphine addict and took his life in the thirties with a shotgun. By Tacitus’s standards we should shun him too.
10 Jun 2008, 10:44 am
#58 Kerneels:
Koos Dup was a genius. Very powerful.
Tac prefers Carike Krezenkamp singing “Kaalvoet in die reen”.
10 Jun 2008, 10:44 am
#62 Tripple E: #47 squonkmonk: you like stirring don’t you. you need to seek attention elsewhere muppet….
10 Jun 2008, 10:46 am
#61 Butch James 4 president: I can only remember him losing matches. Remember the Super 14 Final?
10 Jun 2008, 10:46 am
#62 Tripple E: Don’t take everything so seriously…it was a comment said in jest to rile Tac who has an unnatural obsession with the man and a seeming dislike for any sort of reaction by a try-scorer.
#60 Windhond_Sharks: ditto
PS He seems very sure that his dad went up when there are in fact two directions (according to old testament scripture) one can go
10 Jun 2008, 10:46 am
What the hoohaa is going on here?
10 Jun 2008, 10:46 am
#66 Windhond_Sharks: now I like stirring?
Koos Dup and Marais were both brilliant
10 Jun 2008, 10:47 am
#61 Butch James 4 president:
Typical saffer twats. You find them on all the forums. They were ecstatic when Steyn helped us at the RWC with one of the most impressive performances from a youngster ever at the RWC.
10 Jun 2008, 10:47 am
#66 Windhond_Sharks: Everyone on here seems to like stirring, I’m just trying to fit in.
10 Jun 2008, 10:48 am
It is amasing how so many amasing poets and song writers tend to just loose the plot and end up taking the so called sad turn in life.
10 Jun 2008, 10:49 am
#70 Tripple E: not you, obviously. i merely seconded your reply to sm’s post….
10 Jun 2008, 10:49 am
#53 klingon_x: That’s a touch unfair…he played one game!
Besides, I think Jake (and I am NOT a Jake basher…I actually liked him a lot as coaches go) stifled his natural ability in getting him to be a crash-ball centre.
See how much better he is under Rassie and PdV
10 Jun 2008, 10:49 am
#72 squonkmonk: of course you are….
10 Jun 2008, 10:50 am
#47 squonkmonk:
Why do you find it offensive. He might be ponting at the birds for all you know.
10 Jun 2008, 10:50 am
#68 squonkmonk: Led Zeppelin also confirmed this two-direction theory in their anthemic hit, Stairway to Heaven:
If there’s a bustle in your hedgerow
Don’t be alarmed now
It’s just a spring clean for the May Queen
Yes there are two paths you can go by
but in the long run
There’s still time to change the road you’re on
10 Jun 2008, 10:52 am
#77 Brickwall: Don’t run into it!: Maybe I don’t like birds
10 Jun 2008, 10:52 am
#75 squonkmonk:
What does your nick mean?
10 Jun 2008, 10:53 am
#80 Brickwall: Don’t run into it!: **** stirrer!
10 Jun 2008, 10:54 am
#79 squonkmonk:
So Atheists don’t believe in birds either?
10 Jun 2008, 10:54 am
#77 Brickwall: Don’t run into it!: Or maybe I’m just like Tac and dislike any show of emotion, be it directed at the fans, the coach, the team, God, *****, the Devil, Allah, ********, mother, father or the cape bloody vulture
10 Jun 2008, 10:55 am
#83 squonkmonk: or I might just be taking the piss…
or, ooops, stirring!
10 Jun 2008, 10:55 am
#64 katman: That was my point Kat…
Eugene Marais is (in my opinion) the best Afrikaans poets and his work in natural science (Soul of the Ape, Soul of the Ant) are nothing short of brilliant. But as you , he took his own life (shot himself in the stomach with a shotgun) after some truly tragic events – mostly derived from depression and his addiction to morphine.
gewis is alles net ‘n grap
ons speel in die komedie mee
geblinddoek deur ‘n lamfer lap
was selfs doe son ‘n skadu gee…
(from Skoppensboer)
10 Jun 2008, 10:55 am
#75 squonkmonk:
His try on Saturday being an example. Clinging on to the ball and just keep going until he is buried – lucky to make the tryline against a weak Welsh team. He is really not much of different player than Steyn : although we have seen Steyn showing much more imagination on the break at 12 in the RWC.
10 Jun 2008, 10:56 am
#80 Brickwall: Don’t run into it!: it means what is says
10 Jun 2008, 10:58 am
Tri-Nations op Superbru vir Keo bloggers.
Pool code: bearamid
Pool name: Keo?s Bigmouths
10 Jun 2008, 10:58 am
JDV is the best centre in the world on current form.
10 Jun 2008, 10:59 am
Can I join this brawl?
10 Jun 2008, 10:59 am
#87 squonkmonk:
What does it say?
10 Jun 2008, 11:00 am
why are the christians brawling with the atheists?
arent the christians supposed to turn the other cheek?
i am a man of faith myself, but i have little faith in the human condition.
10 Jun 2008, 11:01 am
#90 Dawn: please do dawnie.
10 Jun 2008, 11:01 am
#71 klingon_x:
Who you calling saffa twats.
I WILL hurt you.
10 Jun 2008, 11:01 am
#90 Dawn:
Since when do you ask?
10 Jun 2008, 11:02 am
#86 klingon_x: The thing is I’ve seen him offload for more often than Steyn has (can’t recall Steyn passing to Fourie once in the final…not that I care…we won).
Not that I dislike Steyn…awesome talent…but we seem to forget that the guy is barely out of nappies and still has lots of learning to do. To do so under the mentorship of JdV and Fourie (and Jacobs…he’s not large but he’s a very intelligent player and we need some of those) will make him an even greater player.
I don’t for a moment subscribe to the idea of dropping Steyn entirely, but for now at least I see him as a bench player, especially as he is so versatile.
However, in the 3N if I were coach I would start Steyn ahead of Adi if Jacques’s not back in the mix.
What I really like though is the competition developing for just about every spot in the team…very healthy for Bok rugby
10 Jun 2008, 11:02 am
JDV…now this is a good player. Noone can over rate him!
Unfortunately RSA dont see this…remember RWC…everyone was hoping he was dropped for steyn…wonder what happened to steyn.
Steyn sometimes plays like a ‘rabbit in headlights’.
10 Jun 2008, 11:03 am
#91 Brickwall: Don’t run into it!: **** Stirrer bro **** stirrer
10 Jun 2008, 11:03 am
There is not a better 12 in NZ nor Aus than JDV. Not on current form.
10 Jun 2008, 11:04 am
#87 squonkmonk:
Seriously though, don’t think it has a particular meaning, just liked the ring of it.
A squonk, however, is a mythical creature of the Scottish forests that is very ugly and very shy because of its ugliness; when cornered by humans it gets so uptight it bursts in to tears and melts away to nothing.
Read in to that what you will
10 Jun 2008, 11:05 am
#97 wallabie – Superbru S14 Champion!: Thank you! I rest my case!
10 Jun 2008, 11:05 am
#91 Brickwall: Don’t run into it!: like a few folk here…nothing much at all
10 Jun 2008, 11:06 am
#97 wallabie – Superbru S14 Champion!: listen you bloody aussie! no one wanted JdV dropped for steyn. it was circumstantial and steyn grabbed his chance.
we see and we believe.
and by the way, mujati was never a loosie. thats beast. you will see the difference soon.
10 Jun 2008, 11:06 am
Can’t help but get excited about the combo of Butch, JDV and Mossie.
Probably the most physical midfield in the wolrd. And between JDv and Mossie – they car run riot.
10 Jun 2008, 11:07 am
#98 Sniper:
Brrrr…..say it again, say it again….brrrrrr!!
10 Jun 2008, 11:08 am
#102 squonkmonk:
Do you always try to avoid a question?
10 Jun 2008, 11:09 am
#100 squonkmonk:
And how do you connect that to monk?
10 Jun 2008, 11:09 am
#92 rangerman: Yeah well that idea seems to have been chucked out along with love thy neighbour and all those other wonderful lessons many so-called Christians prefer to ignore…it’s the unfortunate fact of organised religion, it’s got bugger all to do with spirituality, ethics and morals.
10 Jun 2008, 11:09 am
#106 Brickwall: Don’t run into it!: Perhaps
10 Jun 2008, 11:09 am
#104 johnnybravo:
My mond water.
10 Jun 2008, 11:10 am
#107 Brickwall: Don’t run into it!: I’m a religious squonk, my athiest remark was an obvious stir!
10 Jun 2008, 11:10 am
#104 johnnybravo: Do they share a car?
10 Jun 2008, 11:10 am
#57 Butch James 4 president:
We have quite a few solid combos there. Grant can play 10 when Butch is injured. JdV, Grant and Steyn can play 12. Fourie, JdV and Steyn can play 13. It is not unusual for 12 and 13 to move around in a match.
10 Jun 2008, 11:13 am
walla, you googling mujati or what?
i dont know how to make the smileys so dont take me too seriaaas eh?
you arent a bloody aussie. just an aussie.
10 Jun 2008, 11:13 am
#113 klingon_x: Thanks for the lesson! I thought all players move around during a match! I will watch carefully on Saturday though!
10 Jun 2008, 11:14 am
#85 Kerneels: I read his biography (written by Leon Rossouw) – Die Groot Verlange – and it’s an amazing story about an amazing individual.
I found a pretty good English translation of Winternag:
O the small wind is frigid
and spare
and bright in the dim light
and bare
as wide as God’s merciful boon
the veld lies in starlight and gloom
and on the high lands
spread through burnt bands
the grass-seed, astir,
is like beckoning hands.
O East-wind gives mournful
measure to song
Like the lilt of a lovelorn
lass who’s been wronged
In every grass fold
bright dewdrop takes hold
and promptly pales to frost in the cold!
But the original poem is really special:
O koud is die windjie
en skraal.
En blink in die dof-lig
en kaal,
so wyd as die Heer se genade,
lê die velde in sterlig en skade
En hoog in die rande,
versprei in die brande,
is die grassaad aan roere
soos winkende hande.
O treurig die wysie
op die ooswind se maat,
soos die lied van ‘n meisie
in haar liefde verlaat.
In elk’ grashalm se vou
blink ‘n druppel van dou,
en vinnig verbleek dit
tot ryp in die kou!
10 Jun 2008, 11:15 am
#114 rangerman: Morning Bro! I was even to scared to comment! I thought: “Rangerman is getting violent!” Yes all sometimes I do “thought”!
10 Jun 2008, 11:16 am
#117 Sniper: lol, never violent. very little gets under the skin nowadays, must be this website. great therapy!
10 Jun 2008, 11:17 am
#112 PlayBall:
grapgat, after submitting – thaught some-one was gonna say something.:-)
10 Jun 2008, 11:18 am
#116 katman: katman, that is a great bit of prose i must say.
thanks for the translation too. i forget you are a dutchie.
10 Jun 2008, 11:19 am
#116 katman:
Ek het vir Baas gewaarsku gisteraand van te veel Port drink.
Nou kyk nou.
10 Jun 2008, 11:19 am
Let’s not get ahead of ourselves Jdv blows hot and cold in the Green and Gold , he is a great player but he to tends to hold onto the ball sometimes when he really should swing it . Steyn lifted our game in the World cup even Jdv would admit it himself it’s a shame that Steyn is dipping in form I think the two of them will be a great centre combo .
10 Jun 2008, 11:20 am
#122 gman:
and drop Fourie? – now way. He’s in a league of his own.
10 Jun 2008, 11:20 am
#116 katman: What talent! Great translation!!!
10 Jun 2008, 11:21 am
#120 rangerman: Not my translation though. It’s by a guy called JW Marchant.
10 Jun 2008, 11:22 am
#122 gman: Sounds like a a Steers special – Great Combo!
10 Jun 2008, 11:23 am
#116 katman:
Hy sit soo eensaam in die aande as dit so koud is en die wind waai en hy luister na Kerkorrel dan huil hy so in sy port in.
Ek en my man Johannes kry hom vreeslik jammer, as ons vir hom so beskou van die shack af … maar wat kan ‘n mens nou maak.
10 Jun 2008, 11:25 am
#127 Dawn: lol
10 Jun 2008, 11:25 am
hie hie
10 Jun 2008, 11:27 am
#122 gman:
Since when do we select players on form only ? Everybody says Steyn had “dropped form” this season. The matches I watched he was always excellent on defense and he made more meters in the Sharks backline this season than any other player. For Steyn it appears that “dropping form” means not single handedly winning a match with a try, two drop kicks and three 60 meter penalties.
10 Jun 2008, 11:27 am
#127 Dawn: So gepraat van die shack: julle moet teen Sondagmiddag uit wees.
I’m letting you go. Interest rates. Fuel price. Xenophobia. Something’s got to give. You are it. Sorry.
10 Jun 2008, 11:28 am
#116 katman: Jip, read it as well. He is my dad’s hero (even named the first born after him) so we grew up with his work.
My personal favourite:
O die dans van ons Suster!
Eers oor die bergtop loer sy skelm,
en haar oge is skaam; en sy lag saggies.
En van ver af wink sy met die een hand;
haar armbande blink en haar krale skitter;
saggies roep sy.
Sy vertel die winde van die dans
en sy nooi hulle uit, want die werf is wyd en die bruilof groot.
Die grootwild jaag uit die vlakte,
hulle dam op die bulttop,
wyd rek hulle die neusgate
en hulle sluk die wind;
en hulle buk, om haar fyn spore op die sand te sien.
Die kleinvolk diep onder die grond **** die sleep van haar voete,
en hulle kruip nader en sing saggies:
“Ons Suster! Ons Suster! Jy het gekom! Jy het gekom!”
En haar krale skud,
en haar koperringe blink in die wegraak van die son.
Op haar voorkop is die vuurpluim van die berggier;
sy trap af van die hoogte;
sy sprei die vaalkaros met altwee arms uit;
die asem van die wind raak weg.
O, die dans van ons Suster!
Anyone who has ever seen a Lowveld thunderstorm approaching should know what this means.
10 Jun 2008, 11:28 am
#111 squonkmonk:
Oh, and here I though that I just exposed you for the true hipocryte you are. I am offended.
10 Jun 2008, 11:30 am
#130 klingon_x:
It was JW’s way. You no to select players based on reputation and talent. Look where it got him. mmmm aaaa….. he won a world cup. Damn, there goes the form theory.
10 Jun 2008, 11:31 am
#130 klingon_x: Are you Steyn’s father? We all watched the same games and don’t come to the same conclusions!
10 Jun 2008, 11:31 am
very interesting on marais, never heard of the chap until now.
10 Jun 2008, 11:32 am
#132 Kerneels: sy trap af van die hoogte; sy sprei die vaalkaros met altwee arms uit
I love the image.
10 Jun 2008, 11:33 am
#103 rangerman:
Sorry I got them mixed up.
But I think my point was understood.
10 Jun 2008, 11:33 am
#131 katman:
Ek sal maar gaan as baas dit so wil he.
Ons vat die shack saam sommer.
10 Jun 2008, 11:34 am
#134 Brickwall: Don’t run into it!:
As said in my opinion Steyn did nothing this season to get dropped. He didn’t have a few absolute shockers like DR for example.
10 Jun 2008, 11:35 am
#135 Sniper:
Do you want me to point you to SArugby stats LOL
10 Jun 2008, 11:36 am
#140 klingon_x: When you do nothing you actually get dropped! “As I said in my opinion Steyn did nothing this season..”
10 Jun 2008, 11:38 am
#28 katman: I loved it. Very good and give credit where its due. He had Habananana on his butt
10 Jun 2008, 11:38 am
#141 klingon_x: Don’t believe them – they never tell the truth!
10 Jun 2008, 11:39 am
140
10 Jun 2008, 11:40 am
#142 Sniper:
See Brickwall’s comment. Anybody who says Steyn “did nothing” this season must have missed the Hurricanes and the Cheetahs games. Or requires Steyn to deliver sub-human miracles each and every time he runs on the pitch.
10 Jun 2008, 11:40 am
#140 klingon_x:
I agree with you. i also think Ruan is class and should play whether he is on form or not. He will not dissapoint.
10 Jun 2008, 11:42 am
123 johnnybravo ..
Mate Fourie is our best outside centre yes indeed but you want someone to fill his shoes when he’s not there .
klingon_x .. ???? Let’s pick everyone because of what they did in the past ..
10 Jun 2008, 11:44 am
#146 klingon_x:
You’ll find that 80% of rugby supporters get high on flash in the pan performances and still fails to recognise true class.
In afrikaans we call them “mooiweers ondersteuners”
10 Jun 2008, 11:45 am
#148 gman:
No, lets pick them cause we know what they are capable of.
10 Jun 2008, 11:45 am
#69 Dawn:
Good question…
10 Jun 2008, 11:47 am
the sardines have arrived on the natal coast!!!!!
**** it, my weekend has just got soooo much better. every gamefish in the indian ocean will be lining up for my hook this weekend. i am so excited i cant control myself!!!!!
fishing, rugby and braai, in no particular order please.
10 Jun 2008, 11:49 am
#136 cab: He was one of the most remarkable individuals in South Africa’s history. Leon Roussouw’s biography, Die Groot Verlange was translated into English – called The Dark Stream. I’m sure the English will be a good read too. It’s not simply the story of this incredibly gifted individual, but also a glimpse into what South Africa was like at the turn of the previous century, with towns like Pretoria, Johannesburg and Heidelberg starting to develop into the political and cultural hub of the region. And of the parallel developments of Afrikaans – up in the Transvaal and down in the Cape – and the battles and efforts to streamline this into one unified language. Well worth a read.
10 Jun 2008, 11:51 am
155
10 Jun 2008, 11:52 am
#152 rangerman: SEEE- RI – YAS?
Where are they?
10 Jun 2008, 11:54 am
#152 rangerman:
Do you have any contacts for fishing charters around the Durban and immediate North Coast area?
10 Jun 2008, 11:54 am
#152 rangerman: Are you talking about your rugby team or the genuine ‘sardine run’! hehe
10 Jun 2008, 11:57 am
#133 Brickwall: Don’t run into it!: better luck next time
10 Jun 2008, 11:59 am
#153 katman: amazing, never heard of him, learn something every day, also never heard of leon roussow, will get a copy.
10 Jun 2008, 12:00 pm
#140 klingon_x: That’s another subject entirely…Daniesauraus should not be anywhere near this team. Steyn, on the other hand, should but he’s not an automatic choice to start.
10 Jun 2008, 12:01 pm
Remember to sign up for Superbru
Pool code: barndial
Pool name: Keo Muppet?s Battle
10 Jun 2008, 12:02 pm
#141 klingon_x: beware trusting anything published on the SA Rugby website…they tend to get things *** backwards most of the time
10 Jun 2008, 12:05 pm
#152 rangerman:
Where are they?
How long are they going to be there?
I have missed the sardine run for about 3 years… And now I’m in Egypt flying down to SA next Saturday.
10 Jun 2008, 12:10 pm
#163 Desert Stormer: Tackler should be able to tell you.
Hang on. That’s the chicken run, right?
10 Jun 2008, 12:11 pm
Snorre!!
10 Jun 2008, 12:17 pm
#161 Desert Stormer:
Your pool does not excist?
10 Jun 2008, 12:21 pm
#116 katman:
Not a good Winternag translation IMO
It would take some linguist like JM Coetzee to pen a good translation
I think it will be difficult to get both rhyme and the feel of the original in an English translation
10 Jun 2008, 12:22 pm
Like dust sounds different to stof
10 Jun 2008, 12:26 pm
afternoon all ye muppits,
Dawn me, lady how are you on this fine cold day in the Mother City
10 Jun 2008, 12:30 pm
#167 Dust: I thought it was particularly well done, considering the very specific metre of the original. And I certainly get a sense of the mood. Plus he’s done a decent job in keeping the rhyme intact.
10 Jun 2008, 12:32 pm
#139 Dawn: Unless you’re prepared to take a significant pay-cut. If you’ll work 5 and a half days a week for R200 plus the shack we can work something out.
10 Jun 2008, 12:34 pm
(every time I refresh the page I get an error message and I have to press the Back button on my IE)
I dont think he kept the rhythm – the English lines are longer. That detracts from the desolate efficiency of the Afrikaans
10 Jun 2008, 12:39 pm
#172 Dust:
download Mozilla Firefox, sow much nicer the IE
10 Jun 2008, 12:40 pm
Wonder what HtBW would se
10 Jun 2008, 12:40 pm
#172 Dust: I don’t agree. Line for line the metre is exactly the same – same amount of syllables with accents and stresses in the exact same spots. The translator clearly paid a lot of attention to not only translate the text accurately, but to make the flow identical to the original. And if you’ve ever tried to translate poems or lyrics, you’ll discover just how tricksy this can prove.
10 Jun 2008, 12:41 pm
#173 MR Lam:
Does the page auto-refresh in Mozilla?
10 Jun 2008, 12:45 pm
#175 katman:
Hell, don’t I know Katman
I once tried converting that rap ballad … and then I got high, yes I got high, it was ‘cos I was high … into Afrikaans
CAme up with … want ek was gerook etc … and twas a lot of fun but mega difficult
Just say it was you who did the translation!
10 Jun 2008, 12:47 pm
#177 Dust: Not me, I assure you.
How about: Ek was op ‘n plak
10 Jun 2008, 12:50 pm
#177 Dust:
Why would you want to translate that into Afrikaans?
10 Jun 2008, 12:51 pm
#169 MR Lam:
Ja it is cold.
I really need a cuddle buddy.
10 Jun 2008, 12:55 pm
#180 Dawn:
Keep believing.
10 Jun 2008, 12:58 pm
#166 Brickwall: Don’t run into it!: They always mess up the apostrophe. Just use the pool code: BARNDIAL
10 Jun 2008, 12:59 pm
#179 Dawn:
For fun, a challenge
What do you think of “Winter Night”
An example of desolate efficiency in English is the book by JM Coetzee “Waiting for the Barbarians”. Not dont all you rugby lovers rush out and buy one; its not about men in black and white jumpers
10 Jun 2008, 13:00 pm
What the hell are you talking about #175 katman ?
10 Jun 2008, 13:02 pm
#181 Sheriff:
You mean there’s no hope!!!!!!
10 Jun 2008, 13:08 pm
184, DS
Go back to #116 – it all started way back there, and at #85
10 Jun 2008, 13:12 pm
#185 Dawn:
I sent you something by courier; did you get?
10 Jun 2008, 13:14 pm
arrogant prick
stay out of the media and just focus on the game.
10 Jun 2008, 13:15 pm
I would never go for a NZ chick.
Unless of course if she is Jewish…
10 Jun 2008, 13:20 pm
#187 Sheriff:
R u serious?
10 Jun 2008, 13:21 pm
Good Morning All,
Although my pre-match prediction of 48-12 was not far off, I have to say I was a little disappointed in the easy way we gave Wales their tries. We also had a further 5 opportunities to score tries which we didn’t make use of. Both these things can be corrected in a very short time though, so…no real problems here. On the other side I was very disappointed in Wales as well as they would not even have beaten Scotland, the way they played against us.
My analyses for each player in the game against Wales.
Guthro Steenkamp – He had a great game, and at times you would have figured Guthro to be a loose forward in how he was making his way around the park.
John Smit – John lead from the front, and I have to praise John as it was not just the old cliché of John just being a great captain, but also his general hooker play in all departments stood out. Through what John did on the field on Saturday, John has affirmed himself as not only being a great Captain for South Africa, but also a great player.
Brian Mujati – Two things that were noticeable was that Brian gave away one penalty, but also won us another. I think Brian generally had a good start, keeping in mind that it was only his first test.
Bakkies Botha – So nice to see the Bakkies of old, Bakkies had a great game, he was good in the lineouts and he was great at doing what Bakkies does best, sure there is going to be many bruised Welch forwards after the game on Saturday.
Andries Bekker – Had a great start to his career, yes he knocked a couple, which I am sure he would normally catch with his eyes closed, but he also stole one of the Welch lineouts, which led to one of our tries. Andries will be a future great, no doubt about that.
Luke Watson – This was the best game that I have seen Luke play, he was great in the Super 14, but he was even better in the game against Wales. Luke also made 2 tries for the “Boks”. Luke would have been my man of the match.
Jean Smith – Jean had a good game like he always does. But it far from Jean’s best.
Pierre Spies – Pierre is playing better every time he gets his chance, but he is still far from being at his best. It was noticeable that Pierre missed one very important tackle, when Wales scored a try, and also knocked one ball near the end of the game when the “Boks” would surely have put 50 on the board. But Pierre did however show touches of brilliance with also making many great tackles, running with the ball like the Pierre we knew last year, and great finishing and support running which led to the try he scored.
Pierre at his best is better than Kanko at his best. They are both destructive runners, Pierre is stronger though, Pierre is also faster, and when Pierre gets his defense back up to scratch he will not only be the no.1 eight man in the country, but also the no.1 eight man in the world. Tough game this, because Kanko for me would be the second best eight man in the World. But there is only space for one of the 2.
Bolla Conradie – This is the best game that I have seen of Bolla this year. Pieter choosing Bolla was definitely justified.
Butch James – Butch was just as good if not better than he was at the 2007 World Cup.
Brian Habana – I can still see that Brian is lacking in confidence, Brian is very far from being at his best. The problem off course, as it always has been lies between the ears, sure he will get it sorted out soon though, whatever it is causing his major lack in confidence in his own ability at present.
Jean De Villiers – Jean is playing his best rugby of his career. Jean was fantastic.
Adi Jacobs – Adi has what it takes, but you can see Adi doesn’t quite believe it yet. Adi did have a better game than his last for the Sharks, and you can see that he is slowly growing in confidence, but he is not where he wants to be yet. I know Adi has the goods, but I think Adi doesn’t fully believe it yet.
Tonderai Chavhanga – He will be one of our future greats, and if Habana does not rediscover his confidence in his own ability soon, Tondi will start being the talk of the town. Tondi did not have a good game against Wales, but it was his first game, and you could see that the belief and confidence in his own ability was there, he was just too tense and made many mistakes because of it. Was only his first test though, “watch” him next week.
Conrad Jantjes – Another future great of “Springbok” rugby. Conrad was excellent in every department of his fullback play and I am afraid to say that Percy will be the player that will be phased out sooner than we all think. Conrad will certainly be our fullback at the 2011 World Cup.
Cheers everyone
10 Jun 2008, 13:22 pm
#188 greatest13gerber:
Oh shut up you yard of wet tripe.
10 Jun 2008, 13:23 pm
#161 Desert Stormer:
Ok I joined. Who you on there?
10 Jun 2008, 13:25 pm
#190 Dawn:
Ag Dawn, I sent you a mail. To that shell e-mail address.
Did you get it?
10 Jun 2008, 13:26 pm
No, it’s emmett with two t’s @ shelldotcom.
Try it again.
10 Jun 2008, 13:26 pm
What pool should I join for the 3nations????
10 Jun 2008, 13:28 pm
#191 MADaboutrugby:
When you started to write this document on MS Word it was morning.
Point no 2; is the idea not to post and then interact with those who want to engage you on it.
Bit of a hit and run scenario here
10 Jun 2008, 13:31 pm
#197 Sheriff:
That’s a mean thing to say.
10 Jun 2008, 13:38 pm
#198 Dawn:
I think the bloke makes some interesting points and I’m tempted to respond, only to see the “cheers everyone” at the end
Postman mentality.
MadAbout, come back here
10 Jun 2008, 13:38 pm
#193 THE MAULER: Desert Stormer
10 Jun 2008, 13:41 pm
#200 Desert Stormer:
Your name isnt there and I joined barndial
10 Jun 2008, 13:43 pm
#195 Dawn:
How is dawn today…is it bright and sunny or dull and cloudy.
10 Jun 2008, 13:47 pm
#202 wallabie – Superbru S14 Champion!:
What the heck is wrong with you.
You not insulting me.
10 Jun 2008, 13:48 pm
#203 Dawn:
10 Jun 2008, 13:49 pm
#203 Dawn:
Did you watch the football?
10 Jun 2008, 13:51 pm
#205 wallabie – Superbru S14 Champion!:
So far, all the games.
10 Jun 2008, 13:51 pm
#195 Dawn:
No jokes. I’m sure I sent it with the 2 t’s.
Having difficulty accessing my mail. I will have to try to resend it tonight.
10 Jun 2008, 13:54 pm
#206 Dawn:
The dutch gave the italianos some spaghetti!
10 Jun 2008, 13:57 pm
JDV is fantastic and had he been at the WRC, he would have been amazing. Always breaks the line etc. However I rate Jaque Fourie.. The man is a amazing centre. He picks great lines, runs a great crush ball and is always there in support, not forgetting his awesome defence.. You know that when South Africa come up against world class centers you feel at ease knowing Jaque Fourie is there to tackle any threats in sight. He is legendary..
While Jean De Villiers scores all the tries Fourie is running the decoys and moving men out of position then there is his rucking like a loosey..
10 Jun 2008, 14:07 pm
Byt Jean op sy tande of wat?
10 Jun 2008, 14:10 pm
#201 THE MAULER:
Ok dont worry I got it right!!!
10 Jun 2008, 14:26 pm
#200 Desert Stormer: desert stormer you still here?
the sards are at the wild coast sun and heading north with just a light n-westerly blowing.
apparently there are thousands of dolphins and tens of thousands of sea birds!
it isnt called the “greatest shoal on earth” for nothing and anyone who has the chance should try to witness this phenomenon.
and eata da potugees sardines with cheepsh!
10 Jun 2008, 14:27 pm
someone asked me if i had contacts with fishing charters and the answer is no, unfortunately!
10 Jun 2008, 14:28 pm
#208 wallabie – Superbru S14 Champion!:
That was an excellent game.
10 Jun 2008, 14:31 pm
#191 MADaboutrugby: I think we all got it…it’s about the seventh time you’ve posted that since Sunday, all on different threads. Talk about covering your bases.
10 Jun 2008, 20:13 pm
JdV is an awesome player. He will benefit under PdV as he will beable to play is natural game. Remember a couple of years back when he was touted as our most creative back with the most flair? Well we saw glimpses of that Jean this year.
Frans Steyn is an enigma. He has talent but something is missing. I think he needs a few hours on the psychologists chair to set his head right coupled with someone who can manage him properly. He needs some guidance and needs to play with players that will set him straight and tell him to stop farking up.
He does not deserve the Springbok jersey at the moment.
Age isn’t the reason for his kak performances. Beale, those 2 centres for the Tahs (their names escapes me), James O’Connor who is frikken 17 have all been playing with more maturity than our Steyn. So “he is young and must be given time to mature” isn’t an excuse anymore.
10 Jun 2008, 20:43 pm
Geez great cover….I’ll be waiting outside my nearest SASOL Delight tomorrow morning in anticipation.
10 Jun 2008, 21:26 pm
can’t agree with you more, will drives couple of km just to get a look at that cover
11 Jun 2008, 08:54 am
#6 Storm Voort: If Jean is so great, how come we got the ball once to Habana (standing still) and not once to Chevanga? why have we scored so few tries the past two years, besides out of broken play and intercepts – why could Wales on Saturday score such an easy looking try against our ‘star studded’ backline? Why did JdV again throw two passes where the ball bounced on the ground before reaching the guy next to him, and these weren’t passes where someone tackled him?!
**** Muir is stuffing up Francois Steyn and Ruan – keeps moving them around all the time – trying to make another few Brent Russels? Ruan should be the future bok 9 and Frans the bok flyhalf – ask Murray Mexted – Frans needs help to kick the ball faster at flyhalf – taking a few steps too many resulting in charge downs.
SA had two lucky breaks in the 2007 RWC – the one was Eddie Jones who fixed in a few weeks what Alistair Coetzee couldn’t do in 4 years!! and the other was JdV getting injured.
JdV should be playing wing – he has an uncanny ability to get across the line with little space on the wing – but with him, Jacobs and Chevanga, the Aussies and All Blacks are licking their lips – open paved road to the try line. There is no way they’ll stop Gitteau and Mortlock when they start running hard.
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