A nation of champions
23 Dec 2009
South African rugby’s trophy cabinet has never been this full.
Click here to subscribeWhile the Boks finished the year on a disappointing note, it didn’t change the fact that in 2009 they added the Tri-Nations trophy, Lions series trophy, Freedom Cup and Mandela Plate to the Webb Ellis Cup that they won in 2007. The Bulls, of course, claimed the Super 14 title for the second time while the Springbok Sevens team finally got their hands on the World Series trophy.
To celebrate these achievements, SA Rugby magazine assembled all of the above silverware and took a unique cover photo that makes its new bumper 150-page edition a collector’s one.
Also in the new issue:
– Andries Bekker on his injury nightmare, learning from Victor Matfield and why the Stormers are better off without Luke Watson
– Why selection and tactical blunders were to blame for the Springboks’ disastrous European trip
– Jaque Fourie on shrugging off life’s disappointments, his contract dispute with the Lions, and mentoring Juan de Jongh at the Stormers
– Why the Southern Kings will only see Super Rugby if Saru makes some strong decisions and there is unity between the three provincial unions that make up the franchise
– Over a pint of Guinness, Munster centre Jean de Villiers talks about broadening his horizons, chirping Ronan O’Gara and his plans to return to South Africa in 2010
– A South African coach, South African businessman and a clutch of South African players have reversed the fortunes of Saracens
PLUS: Your ultimate guide to the 2010 Super 14 – all the teams, stats and facts
JP Duminy is on the cover of the new SA Cricket magazine. Click here for more
1,039 Comments
Pages: [1] 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 … 21 » Show All
14 Dec 2009, 08:03 am
We are well deserved Champs.
Has any other rugby nation held so many trophies at once?
14 Dec 2009, 08:03 am
Unfortunately it looks like the Sevens trophy will be leaving our shores….
14 Dec 2009, 08:07 am
@jondood:
Aus might have come close in 1999.
14 Dec 2009, 08:07 am
@PissAnt:
Or 2000/2001
14 Dec 2009, 08:09 am
Congrats to the Boks on a (mostly) outstanding year. They were Kings of 2009, no question. Every match will be ultra-tough in 2010 though as every team now aims to dethrone the Boks.
NZ have already begun the dethroning job and:
- have taken over as world #1 ranked side
- have surged into the lead on the 7′s circuit
- are the world under 21 champs.
Expect every team to come at the Boks ultra-hard. That’s what happens when you have been at the top.
14 Dec 2009, 08:11 am
@Delek:
Yes after being on top we can only go down, however lets see what happens come 2010/11.
14 Dec 2009, 08:12 am
@PissAnt:
Aus 2001.
Brumbies won the Super 12
Aus held the Bledisloe and 3N
World Cup holders at the time
Won the Lions series in 2001
Cant get details of the Sevens in 2001 though.
14 Dec 2009, 08:14 am
@PissAnt:
So pretty much even then.
Did they have number one status as well?
14 Dec 2009, 08:25 am
@jondood:
I would assume they did, won pretty much everything that year.
14 Dec 2009, 08:37 am
well done to all players, teams, coaches and management involved… it’s be a good year…
however…
it’s one thing to become champions…
it’s quite another to remain champions…
I wish South Africa would demonstrate the focused, ruthless determination to win IN SPITE of being champions… but in true SA tradition… once we’re on top we become complacent and exhibit a sense of entitlement which sees us have our asses handed to us time and again…
14 Dec 2009, 09:15 am
mossie to mentor juan de jongh? Hhmm
14 Dec 2009, 09:23 am
@jondood: If I remember correctly they didn’t start the ranking system until some time after 2001, and I am not sure if the 7′s had the World Series trophy at that stage, so all in all, I would suggest that the success of the Aussies in 2001 and before can be compared with the Boks of 2007.
The Aussies went on to the final of the 2003 World Cup-in order for this Bok group to cement their legacy, they need to be competitive next year and in 2011.
14 Dec 2009, 09:25 am
The Boks have peaked between world cups.
14 Dec 2009, 09:43 am
@TheTackler:
As far as I know the NZ’landers are ranked #1 at the end of 2009?
14 Dec 2009, 09:47 am
@TheTackler:
ahem… peaked between world cups…?
if memory serves…
we peaked AT the 2007 World Cup…!!
but nice to know you still consider us to be the top team in the world…
sure your New Zealand countrymen will have something to say about that…!
14 Dec 2009, 09:51 am
#1 ranking isn’t the same as peaking. For NZ regaining the #1 ranking is merely resuming regular business as usual, nothing worth resting on one’s laurels about.
14 Dec 2009, 09:56 am
@TheTackler: It is regular business for them, and come 2011, New Zealand will finish the year as number 1 after having been knocked out of the semi-finals at the World Cup.
New Zealand players will have to get tips from Indian cricketers about how to avoid the angry, effigy burning lynch mobs.
14 Dec 2009, 10:07 am
@jondood:
I think you will find Oz did have the #1 spot and managed to keep it more than a few weeks,ulike one team i know of
Anyway a good year for the boks,they havnt had one better. Shame about the end of the year tour.but you cant let that get in the way of some mighty fine wins,congrats guys
14 Dec 2009, 10:12 am
@Hurricane:
spoken like to true gentleman and rugby aficionado…!!
Well done to NZ for getting over their ‘yips’…
gonna be a great and interesting 2010…
the slate is clean…
14 Dec 2009, 10:12 am
@WOLFMAN21:
Unlike 2007 where we didnt finish with the #1 spot.
Its nice to know people will write us off,which is fine by me,those are the people that will dissapear from Keo for a long time,just to save face
14 Dec 2009, 10:15 am
@ufo:
Hey UFO
It will be another great year for rugby 2010. Another year closer to the ultimate prize. I hope its gonna be NZ prize
14 Dec 2009, 10:18 am
this would be a truly spectacular semi final
france vs new zeland
Boks vs wallabies
perfect opportunity for the blacks to shake off their french RWc hoodoo
14 Dec 2009, 10:18 am
@Hurricane:
It will be awesome for you guys to win it at home…!! Seriusly will. I’ll have no probs with that result at all…
Though, you’ll understand and forgive me for saying I hope the Boks crash your party!!
14 Dec 2009, 10:21 am
@mbaxman93:
Would be nice,bloody France
@ufo:
UFO
UNderstand and expect the Boks to crash the party,as long as the party is the final i will be happy just to make a damn final
14 Dec 2009, 10:21 am
@Hurricane:
BTW… my comment on the other thread is just banter for banter’s sake…
Win or lose, I want the Boks to always play the strongest possible All Black side in every Test…
14 Dec 2009, 10:23 am
@Hurricane:
I’ll be chuffed as all hell if WE make the final…!!
as defending champs would hate to see us bomb like we did in 2003…
14 Dec 2009, 10:23 am
@Hurricane: I’m just messing around with Tackler and his arrogance. NZ may have finished first, but they lost 4 games-3 of which were against the Boks and I doubt that you Kiwis consider it to be a greatly successful year. Not a lot of players came through and NZ are still overly dependent on Richie and Carter.
It will be good for you if you win in 2011 (overdue) and I will be the first to congratulate you-I don’t have an issue if my team doesn’t win, and I’d far rather have NZ winning than Ireland, England or Wales.
14 Dec 2009, 10:31 am
It has been a good year … for the first 10 months. I was just having a moan with colleagues about how disappointing the year end is for us, we couldn’t buy a win on the year end tour, can’t seem to get our 7′s guys going, can’t win a friggin cricket game against the arch enemy .. pomfontein (also known as SA 2nd XI), I am a Liverpool FC supporter … say no more! I want the new year to start ASAP so we can put all this misery behind us or Christmas day to roll around so I can eat drink and be merry!
14 Dec 2009, 10:32 am
@ufo:
lol
All good mate.its good to get a bit of good ole hearty banter out there,it gets a bit of the chest as well, and i am known for it.
@WOLFMAN21:
Totally agree with you Wolf,we need our Carter and McCaw,but in honsety any team that had those 2 in it would be in the same boat. Find for me this year was Cory Jane,even though i have seen him play for Wellington and the sevens its good that he has been in the ABs team,he is the future for fullback,Mils is hanging on to that position by reputation only,just the way i see it.
And it wasnt a good year for us,started of by being outplayed in the 3 games vs the Boks,only was saved by playing good against the Ozzies. Our end of the year tour was a huge success,which took away the pain of being outplayed and gunned in the tri nations
14 Dec 2009, 10:33 am
@Timbo:
lol
It will get better Timbo,but hopefully not at NZs expence
14 Dec 2009, 10:36 am
This from News24
Jean’s Irish stay short-term?
Jóhann Thormählen
Bloemfontein – Springbok centre Jean de Villiers has said that it is too early to speculate about his future following reports in Irish circles that his move to Munster will only be a short-term one.
The Irish Independent this week likened the Boks’ involvement with Munster with that of Australian flank Rocky Elsom, who only played for Irish side Leinster for one season.
De Villiers says that his contract has been drawn up with an option to continue playing after a year.
However, with the World Cup coming up in 2011 and the selectors not keen to pick overseas-based players, the Irish may well be correct.
“I will only make a decision next year,” said De Villiers.
He added that he is enjoying it a lot at the Irish side and is not looking back for a minute.
De Villiers said that it is obviously a dream to play for the Boks again, but that he is only focusing on Munster for now.
He does not want to comment about the World Cup in 2011 and a possible return.
“I have learned not to plan that far ahead. My experiences of World Cups have not been that good,” he said.
In 2003, De Villiers was injured shortly before the tournament, while in 2007 he played in only one game before having to withdraw.
The 28-year-old will therefore be keen to play in a full tournament.
“I’m just concentrating on Munster for now and will see how things look next year,” he said.
While De Villiers was one of the Boks’ best backline players in their recent game against Ireland, the view has been expressed that his impact at Munster has not been big enough.
He only got game time in the 74th minute of Munster’s match against Perpignan in Limerick on Friday night. Munster won the game 24-23.
14 Dec 2009, 10:45 am
@WOLFMAN21: Can’t really see a dependence on two of the world’s best players as a bad thing.
The boks lost Jean, Frans and Pierre spies for the EOYT and couldn’t by a win.
All teams struggle to find replacements for regular test players when they are not available.
The Boks should rather see 2010 as an oppertunity to beat the ABs iith Carter and McCaw playing – as this will be the team playing in the 2011 WC in Nz.
14 Dec 2009, 10:47 am
Oh Dear. Skop sounds like a typical Creationist. Had a moerse lekke laugh just now.
Have you ever noticed how Creationists look really unevolved?
Please Skop don`t tell me you are one.Then i would just have to debunk all the stupid **** that emanates from you.
You know stuff like Noah and his Ark.
14 Dec 2009, 10:48 am
@Hurricane:
I am actually writing both the Blacks and Boks off for 2010.
14 Dec 2009, 10:49 am
@jondood: 1 – Not sure, but very proud of our rugby this year.
We need to step it up after the eoyt. Still wont let that stop me feeling really proud of our players. They done the business in the big games.
14 Dec 2009, 10:50 am
@PissAnt:
And thats a fair call. France can easily see both NZ and the Boks off on their day
14 Dec 2009, 10:51 am
@Hurricane:
OH 2010,sorry i thought 2011
14 Dec 2009, 10:51 am
Nation of Champions?
Wish that was true in all aspects of SA society.
Nevertheless, i am mighty proud to be South African.
14 Dec 2009, 10:53 am
@Dumb Supporter: 32 – We also lost Juan Smith. 4 players in total. Huge loss. ABs struggle just when they lose McCaw and Carter.
Also our 2nd side was not our B side. They have to select on merit everytime. Our 2nd best most of them were left sitting back here at home. Nonsense that.
14 Dec 2009, 10:55 am
@Hurricane:
I actually think the Boks and the Blacks are suffering the same sickness, that of being one-trick ponies.
Amazing to say that of the Blacks but that is the effect Graham Henry in my mind had (has) on them, turned them into one-trick ponies and something Peter de Villiers, after all the promise of 2008 and promise of evolution in our game, fell back to the tricks of 2007 which on the day, can be easily worked out and countered by top teams.
Of course the physical edge and competitive nature of our teams will always make them tough to beat, but it hardly leaves them with an aura around them which makes them invincible – something the Blacks have been for much of the last 20 years.
Teams I see evolving into something special is Ireland, France and Australia.
14 Dec 2009, 10:57 am
@ufo:32 – ufo, If Jean does not get enough game time for Munster he sure will fall behind in form. May never get his position back here if someone steps up. Maybe it is best he comes back home and plays some rugby. Seems we need him more than they do.
14 Dec 2009, 10:59 am
@Timbo: I echo your sentiments all they way, especially being a scouser these days
14 Dec 2009, 11:03 am
@Hurricane: I think you’ll find the #1 spot didn’t exist as the rankings weren’t introduced until 2003, England being the first holders of the #1 spot. Not that it would have been worth anything without winning the World Cup in ’03 (which we promptly did).
14 Dec 2009, 11:05 am
@PissAnt: 40 – Morning PissAnt, I sort of feel the same there. With Ireland and France. Come world cup time they going to be tough to beat.
Australia under Deans have not done as much as I thought they would have by now. Then they do have a young side and next year will tell us more.
Ireland with Gert Smal as their forward coach too. They out played us there. They did however beat us on penalties. (this time, next time it could be tries) They do love to keep the ball in hand and run. My feeling had we had Fransie playing against Ireland we just may have won.
We missed 4 kicks at goal. Not the way I want to win but every kick that you miss costs huge. 2 of those kicks were very difficult for Morne think it would have suited Fransie those kicks. Ag, why is he playing his rugby in France at the age of 22. So crazy to have lost him so young.
14 Dec 2009, 11:07 am
@Puma:
for sure bud…
if he has a “legal” get out clause he should use it…
would love to see him, Fourie and Habana making magic for Province…!
14 Dec 2009, 11:09 am
@Hurricane: 24 – Howzit Hurricane, The problem is Boks and ABs will face each other in the semi if all goes to plan. Huge pity that as one of us will be out before the final. ABs very tough to beat on home soil.
14 Dec 2009, 11:10 am
Big Hit looks like you’re desperate for compliments. Let me help you. England were very good in 2003 and deserved world cup wimners. Feel better now?? Ask Uncle Delek any time you need counselling……..
14 Dec 2009, 11:11 am
@Puma:
surely they seed the one and two sides in opposite halves of the draw…???
14 Dec 2009, 11:12 am
@Delek: just pointing out the error from my friend Hurricane and of course the utter irrelevance of rankings without trophies.
14 Dec 2009, 11:13 am
@ufo: 45 – ufo, He should not good to just sit on the bench. Province would have looked lethal with JF and JdV at center with Habs on the wing too. Awesome.
From what I read he has signed a years contract then someone here said 10months. That still keeps him out for the S14. I would rather he be here playing his rugby than just wasted on the bench there.
Pages: [1] 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 … 21 » Show All
Have your say
You must be logged in to post a comment.