Sharks, Stormers tipped for S14 success
19 Jan 2009
Former Springbok assistant coach Alan Solomons believes the Sharks or Stormers could become the second South African winners of the Super 14 while his outlook for New Zealand’s franchises is bleak.
Solomons, who currently works as a high performance consultant for the IRB, coached the Stormers to a semi-final in 1999 and was also the assistant to Nick Mallett during a golden period for the Springboks when they went 17 Tests undefeated. In addition, he has also coached Ulster to the Celtic Cup title.
Speaking to keo.co.za from Belfast, Solomons predicted that the quality of the Sharks’ squad and their coaching staff meant they had the best chance of winning the tournament, but he noted that the Stormers were an emerging force who would build on their improvement in 2008, and challenge for the title this season.
“My money is on the Sharks and Stormers to make the play-offs and then for one of them to kick on from there and win the whole thing,” he told this website.
“South Africa are currently in a golden cycle in terms of the calibre of players we’re producing or currently have playing the game at Super 14 level, and the Sharks in particular have the bulk of those elite players. They have the depth in talent, and in [John] Plumtree they have an outstanding coach. Their strength lies in the fact that they can rotate their squad and still field an unbelievable unit.
“The Stormers did well under Rassie [Erasmus - head coach] in 2008. I liked the brand of rugby they played and they’ve made some good signings between now and then. They’ll build on what they achieved last year and if they can get into the semi-final anything can happen on the day.”
Solomons noted that it would be a defining season for Bulls coach Frans Ludeke, who last year failed to mount a successful title defence with the Pretoria franchise.
“Last year was tough for Frans. He had just taken over the defending champions and replaced Heyneke Meyer, who had built that squad of players over a number of years,” he said.
“He struggled to put his unique mark on that side, which makes 2009 a defining year for him. He did well in the Currie Cup, but the measure of the man will come in the Super 14. He’ll be helped tremendously by the return of [Victor] Matfield though. I think people underestimate his impact from a playing and leadership perspective. It’ll be huge.
“There’s a question mark about how they’ll go, but I certainly think they’ll finish in the top half of the table. That said, if they play to their potential consistently they have the ability to win the tournament.”
His outlook for the Lions and Cheetahs was less optimistic however. Solomons identified a lack of depth as the primary challenges they would have to overcome if they hoped to be involved at the business end of the tournament, but he didn’t foresee them finishing in the top half of the table.
Meanwhile, Solomons noted the mass exodus of players from New Zealand to Europe would continue to hurt them.
“You could probably pick a very strong All Blacks side from the New Zealanders playing in Europe,” he said. “Their franchises have suffered with some top players deciding to move north and [Dan] Carter’s and [Robbie] Deans’s departures will certainly make the Crusaders vulnerable.
“Neither they nor Australia have the depth of talent we have to combat an exodus like that. When I was coach of the Stormers [between 1997 and 2000] the New Zealand blokes would often tell me that a fifth New Zealand franchise is not sustainable because they simply didn’t have the quality of players to fill five.
“This all points to a successful year for the Sharks and Stormers. I’m very positive about their chances. In fact, if they manage to keep their core of their sides together over the next four or five years, they could well dominate in the manner the Crusaders have.”
By Ryan Vrede
415 Comments
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19 Jan 2009, 12:52 pm
#94 NZINCHINA: Good pleased you had the chance to see some games here in the sunshine!! lol. Yeah the beers, biltong and braais are always great at the rugby. You need to come to a game here at the Shark Tank. Best in the country (well the atmosphere) also the weather is always great in Durbs. Even the winter weather. Read yesterdays paper and we may have to change to the new stadium once its built. Not sure but it could happen. Not too worried as that stadium is looking really fantastic right now. (Soccer stadium being built for the world cup)
19 Jan 2009, 12:54 pm
#100 rangerman: Yes but may go back this week. Not sure.
19 Jan 2009, 12:54 pm
Cane
are there rugby hooligans in NZ like there are football hooligans in Pomland?
I was thinking about that soccer problem you have. Just get the rugby hooligans to chase the poofball fans away from the stadium – problem sorted.
19 Jan 2009, 12:54 pm
#92 rangerman:
Not sure what that whole saga was about but it cause enough disruption me thinks.Their style of play is effective especially with the player calbre they have(which isnt very high)-high levels of fitness,ball skills,moving ball from side to side and with Giteau running the show.But dont think they will make playoffs.They will be tough in perth though
19 Jan 2009, 12:57 pm
#83 Puma:
….”: Thats what I had above earlier. Well something like that. “…….
It doesn’t take a brain surgeon to come to the conclusions we made Cougar
What I would like to see in the finals is:-
Lions,
Highlanders,
Reds
Canes (Blood is thicker than water).
With the Cheats an unlucky 5th on the table.
19 Jan 2009, 12:59 pm
#101 Puma:
Yes saw that on TV last year looks like its going to be a magnificent stadium, after watching most of my rugby tests at Eden park you realise how far you are away from the pitch when you go to a stadium like Ellis park, in saying that we haven’t lost at Auckland since 94′ so I quite like going there!!
19 Jan 2009, 12:59 pm
#102 Puma: ja, weather not so schweet yest and tod but we still managed to play a game of rugby (tackle in knee depth and deeper, touch in shallower water) at north beach yesterday.
i love durbs.
#104 mshiniwami: ja, they nearly beat the sharks in the opener last year and that would have given their campaign a different complexion methinks. i am wary of them to say the least, especially with gits staying on. lets hope ruan kicks a little lower this time when converting our tries in perth
19 Jan 2009, 13:01 pm
#88 NZINCHINA: “beer include” Sounds like a bargain to me.
19 Jan 2009, 13:01 pm
#108 It is just a game:
Yer I beat Boonies record that day
19 Jan 2009, 13:04 pm
#86 mshiniwami:
As usual your summary is very close to the mark.
However……the Aussies seem to be able to rise to the occasion. So we’ll have to wait and see.
19 Jan 2009, 13:04 pm
#106 NZINCHINA: Yes that stadium is going to be really great. Looking magnificent already. Should be complete this year.
I have been to Ellis Park many times. Great to watch rugby there. You are close to the game. I am going to watch the Lions there this year could not get tickets for the game at the Shark Tank. Just don’t like where Ellis Park is situated at the moment though. No parking there at all. Then again I used to get the bus that was laid on by MonteCasino. Much easier. Also every time I watched a game there the Boks won. So that was a bonus. Its our (House of Pain) lol.
19 Jan 2009, 13:06 pm
#111 Puma:
Cheers mate, out of here.
19 Jan 2009, 13:08 pm
cheers all!
19 Jan 2009, 13:09 pm
#107 rangerman: I love it here ranger and the overcast weather we have had (LOVING it.) It can normally be so hot and humid this time of year. Just watch it will get like that just when the S14 starts. Its tough for the guys to play in the humidity.
Must have been fun in the rain playing touch rugby! Yeah I still like the Durban beach front. Some don’t but I do. Still a great beach.
19 Jan 2009, 13:09 pm
#113 rangerman: Yip me too out of here now. Cheers all.
#112 NZINCHINA: Cheers mate.
19 Jan 2009, 13:16 pm
#88 NZINCHINA:
I agree. Ticket prices are not family friendly. Or friendly to anyone for that matter……….but hey, that must have been a prime seat.
Pity Sir Clive phucked things up so badly. Ask Big Hit to reimburse you, as it was the English that phucked that tour.
i.e. they selected a 36 year Neil Back…..to counter a mid twenties Ritchie.
Now how phucken stupid is that.
And just to show much better Soccer does things. Once or twice a year they have a “Kids are free” day.
And I get reminded about that…..”hey Dad, you can take Me and Spencer and Terrance and etc…………..
19 Jan 2009, 13:19 pm
SA overseas XV
1.CJ
2.Liebenberg
3.BJ
4.Skeate
5.van Zyl
6.van Heerden
7.Gerrie Brits
8.Van Niekerk
9.De Kock
10.Butch
11.Russell
12.Barry
13.Joubert
14.P.Burger
15.Du Toit
16.Oelschig
17.Claasens
18.Juandre Kruger
19.Du Plooy
20.Vosloo
21.Barnard
22.Stoltz
Nowhere near the same as NZ
19 Jan 2009, 13:20 pm
#96 clamburger:
Yes clammer….that was one heavy trip.
19 Jan 2009, 13:30 pm
#103 RedLion roars again:
No problems with either set of fans here Your Redness. Unless your Name is Wayne Barns……………***** am I looking forward to that………surely in 2011 the IRB will have to give him a game here……….
19 Jan 2009, 13:35 pm
And everybody knows that the plague is coming
Everybody knows that its moving fast
Everybody knows that the naked man and woman
Are just a shining artifact of the past
Everybody knows the scene is dead
But theres gonna be a meter on your bed
That will disclose
What everybody knows.
Oh everybody knows, everybody knows
Thats how it goes
Everybody knows this is the year of the Hurricane.
19 Jan 2009, 13:36 pm
Apologies for the long post, but this was taken from the Sharks site and indicates everyone believes it will be difficult for NZ and Aussie sides this year.
While the Sharks look nicely settled, the same cannot be said for many of their opposition.
2008 Champions, the Crusaders have a new coach in former captain Todd Blackadder after the loss of Robbie Deans to the head Wallaby job, while match-winner Dan Carter is currently taking a sabbatical, playing club rugby in France.
They will also be missing last year’s squad members Scott Hamilton, Campbell Johnstone, Caleb Ralph, Greg Sommerville, Reuben Thorne, Mose Tuiali’i and Ali Williams.
Another team with a new coach is the Blues with Pat Lam taking over from David Nucifora. Jimmy Gopperth has moved from the Wellington to Auckland and Ali Williams has also returned after a stint with the Crusaders, while they have also signed Josh Blackie and Tasesa Lavea.
However, Isa Nacewa, Ben Atiga, Nick Evans, Troy Flavell, Danny Lee and Nick Williams will not feature in 2009. Furthermore, their loss is the Red’s gain with Daniel Braid having made one of the biggest moves – from New Zealand to Australia following the latter country’s decision to open the door to foreigners to increase their player pool.
The Chiefs have lost some influential, long term members of their squad with Simms Davison, Jono Gibbs, Tasesa Lavea, Jamie Nutbrown, Kristian Ormsby and Tom Willis all out of the team.
Highlanders’ captain Craig Newby will play no role in 2009 which is a severe blow to the team who will look to improve on their 11th position on the log in 2008.
The Hurricanes are another team who have lost a massive player, Jerry Collins having moved to the Northern Hemisphere. His loss is a severe blow for the team, and together with the missing Jimmy Gopperth, Chris Masoe and Shannon Paku, they have lost a lot of experience.
The Australian sides who have no domestic competition to rival New Zealand’s NPC or South Africa’s Absa Currie Cup and who started their preseason training back in October already have also been affected, as in New Zealand, by the player drain to the North.
The Waratahs may well feel the loss of an outstanding talent, Wallaby loose forward Rocky Elsom having departed from Sydney to Ireland. They have however lured Scott Fava from the Western Force.
However, with long term servant David Lyons having signed to play in Wales and Josh Valentine and Dan Vickerman also missing from the squad, the losses for the Sydney-based side are certain to have an impact on last year’s finalists.
Despite leading his team to the Final last year, coach Ewen McKenzie was given his marching orders and Chris Hickey, the former Australian Under 21 coach, will be in charge this year.
The Brumbies too have a new coach in Andy Friend who takes over from Laurie Fisher and although they have lost Alistair Campbell, Julian Huxley and Adam Wallace-Harrison, they have retained the core of 2008’s squad, including the signing of Wallaby hooker Stephen Moore from the Reds.
The Reds meanwhile welcome Daniel Braid but have also been hard hit in depth, having lost the services of Rodney Blake, Sam Cordingly, David Croft, Chris Latham, Steven Moore, John Roe, Clinton Schifcofske and Andrew Walker. Their preseason training squad comprised one third new players.
The Western Force have undergone some tough times of late, Coach John Mitchell under fire and Matt Giteau seeking an out to his contract to return to Canberra, but it appears both will remain – for the time being. They have not been nearly as hard-hit as the Waratahs and Reds, but will however have to do without Scott Fava and Matt Henjak
19 Jan 2009, 13:42 pm
#121 bananaboy: Where is Ali Williams going to play if he is not with the Crusaders?
19 Jan 2009, 13:43 pm
Everybody knows that the dice are loaded
Everybody rolls with their fingers crossed
Everybody knows that the war is over
Everybody knows the good guys lost
Everybody knows the fight was fixed
The poor stay poor, the rich get rich
Thats how it goes
Everybody knows, everybody knows
Thats how it goes
Everybody knows cane gunna be gloating.
19 Jan 2009, 13:43 pm
Woke up this morning
With a funny funny feelin’
And that feelin’
Was an unusual feelin’
19 Jan 2009, 13:44 pm
#122 Loosehead: Ok, back to the Blues. Did he dislaike Nucifora that much?
19 Jan 2009, 13:45 pm
#122 Loosehead:
He has gone home to the Blues. It was only a personality clash with Nucifora that sent him South in the first place.
19 Jan 2009, 13:54 pm
#121 bananaboy:
“”"”They will also be missing last year’s squad members Scott Hamilton, Campbell Johnstone, Caleb Ralph, Greg Sommerville, Reuben Thorne, Mose Tuiali’i and Ali Williams.
..
Caleb aged 109.
Reuben..aged 86.
Sommerville…..aged 79.
Scott is replaceable and Ali will be replaced by Ross Filipo. I would pick Ross over Ali anyway.
The Crusaders will be there or thereabouts…………unfortunately. 8)
19 Jan 2009, 14:00 pm
I reckon SA will have two sides in the Super 14 semi’s.
Forecast:
1. Sharks
2. Crusaders
3. Waratahs
4. Stormers/Bulls
19 Jan 2009, 14:03 pm
And everybody knows that its now or never
Everybody knows that its me or you
And everybody knows that you live forever
Ah when you’ve typed a line or two
Everybody knows the deal is rotten
Old black joes still pickin cotton
For your ribbons and bows
And everybody knows…..
Thats how it goes
Everybody knows
Them Stormers Suck.
19 Jan 2009, 14:06 pm
#128 WP Till I Die:
Not far off the mark WP.
19 Jan 2009, 14:06 pm
#121 bananaboy: i get the feeling the sharks may feel the weight of expectation. and i agree with the peeps that said write off the ABs at your own peril.
blou bulle will be there/thereabout when all is said and done. they have the quality, and then some, to make an impact this year.
as usual, home games will be very important, while wins overseas are priceless. this is where the sharks have been good whenever they have done well in the S14, picking up wins away from the Tank.
i’m interested to see how the 10/12 combo of Ruan and Frans is going to combine. two outrageous talents, we just need Steyn to pass.
19 Jan 2009, 14:07 pm
#129 cane:
Expect a letter from Leonard’s attorneys soon. I only reported you because of the last sentence.
19 Jan 2009, 14:20 pm
hypee, hypee, hypee!!
Natal, WP..all hypee, paperr tigers
19 Jan 2009, 14:20 pm
#132 Robzim:
I’m off to see Lenny in Concert, here in Wellington tomorrow…….If Old Lenny can manage it, he can serve any legal papers on me himself.
Everybody knows that you love me baby
Everybody knows that you really do
Everybody knows that you’ve been faithful
Ah give or take a night or two
Everybody knows youve been discreet
But there were so many people you just had to meet
Without your clothes
And everybody knows
Thats how it goes
Everybody knows, da Canes will pose.
(Old Lenny)
19 Jan 2009, 14:25 pm
#134 cane:
pose butt lose
19 Jan 2009, 14:37 pm
#122 Loosehead: Sorry Loosehead just popped out for lunch. Ali is playing for the Blues this year, you can check it out on his own website Aliwilliams.co.nz.
19 Jan 2009, 14:40 pm
#119 cane:
Cane when is the 7′s kicking off in Wellington – it is the best 7′s after the HK 7′s for sure.
19 Jan 2009, 14:41 pm
#131 mozez22: Mozez I agree with you. The sharks do have the potential but they are still a young side and the pressure of expectation could hurt them. At some stage though those outrageous talents are going to pay off for the Sharks. These boys are too good to go have their carreers end up as train wrecks.
19 Jan 2009, 14:43 pm
#127 cane: Cane absolutely everyone is replaceable but how will it affect the way in which they gel together with the change in coaching as well. How long was the core of the Crusaders team together. Also I would rather see the Sharks win it when everyone is at full strength and settled in their teams.
19 Jan 2009, 14:48 pm
Julle manne wat so die Stromers afskryf moet maar so voortgaan. Waar kom almal nou skielik daaraan dat die Stormers nie diepte het nie? Watter diepte het die Lions/Bulls/Sharks en Cheatas dan nou so skielik dat niemand oor hulle worry nie? Laasjaar is die Bulls gepick om 2de te kom na die Crusaders, en kyk hoe het daai kite geval. hahahaha. Nee wat, Lions en Cheetas gaan weer baklie oor die 14de plek, Bulls sal darem seker onder die top 8 eindig met die Stormers en Sharks in die top 4. Eerste game op Nuweland…..Stormers met 6.
19 Jan 2009, 14:52 pm
solomons is not far wrong. Stormers are going to surprise a lot of people this year, and first off they going to be suprising the high flying sharks first game up then the reds and the blues and then the bulls and the lions before they even go abroad.
Solomons is also not far wrong when he says Kiwi’s and Aus teams are going to struggle this year from lack of depth, in fact this is the year when all SA teams could even feasibly finish in the top half of the comp. Apart perhaps the lions who could end up in the last 2 again.
19 Jan 2009, 14:53 pm
Die belaglikste op die site is hoe windgat en grootbek die Lion supporters is. Ja julle wat dink julle het ‘n suksesvolle seisoen agter die rug indien julle met minder as 4driee teen die Stormers verloor. Wanneer het die Lions in die top 10 ge-eindig? Seker laas toe Jannie Breedt nog gespeel het. hahaha
19 Jan 2009, 14:56 pm
Champoinship Contenders IMO
Sharks(well balanced)
Crusaders(championship credentials)
Hurricanes(plenty of talent)
Bulls(depth)
Darkhorses-Chiefs/Stormers/Blues
19 Jan 2009, 14:58 pm
#141 yliad: Nah I don’t think the Stormers are going to surprise the Sharks. If they do yes it would be a surprise but cant see it happen. (Hope not)
#140 KingPaul: #141 yliad: Sharks on the 14th by 7 points.
19 Jan 2009, 14:59 pm
#143 mshiniwami: That sums it up quiet well. No Oz team then? Maybe the Tahs?
19 Jan 2009, 15:03 pm
watch net hoe die Stormers mees van die neder mense se pragtige glimlaggies mooi omkant hulle gesiggies skuif
19 Jan 2009, 15:03 pm
#144 Puma: I hope Steyn will be playing on flyhalf, then Stormers by 15!! hehehe.
#143 mshiniwami: Bulls(depth)??? What depth? Who are these “depth” players??
Of bedoel jy depth soos in dom?
19 Jan 2009, 15:10 pm
Afternoon people!
This is probably the most wide open Super Rugby tournament in years…… If the Sharks can just win all their home games again… unbeaten at home barring the S14 final…. And then win a few away then a home semi is there for the taking…… Stormers, Bulls, Canes, Saders even Chiefs are in with a massive shout!! If the Lions and Cheetahs can start winning their home games to it will help an SA side get to the top…
19 Jan 2009, 15:17 pm
#147 KingPaul:
Of die dieptes van vernedering waarin hulle verlede jaar in die super 14 in gesak het.
19 Jan 2009, 15:19 pm
I wont be to phased if the Stormers beat the Sharks in the first game! An away game and its the first game… Just as long as the Sharks play like they can win it!
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