Getting serious about sevens
9 Dec 2010
SIMON BORCHARDT says sevens will never matter to the majority of South African rugby fans as long as the national team is made up of high-school graduates and provincial rejects.
A week ago, a poll on keo.co.za asked: ‘Do you care about the IRB Sevens World Series?’ Of the 994 readers who voted over the next two days, 71% said no.
That didn’t surprise me. After all, why should fans care about a tournament that doesn’t involve top-quality players?
In a recent interview with SA Rugby magazine, Bok Sevens coach Paul Treu told the story of a meeting he had with Rassie Erasmus about calling up two WP U21 players to the sevens squad. Erasmus turned down the request, saying there was a chance they’d be needed in Super Rugby.
You have to feel sorry for Treu. He cannot select any contracted provincial player without the permission of the province, and is forced to rely on youngsters who aren’t yet ready to play professional rugby or older guys who can no longer command a starting place at their unions.
I don’t buy the argument that our sevens players want to be sevens specialists because they prefer the format to 15-man rugby. When Fabian Juries, a sevens legend, was offered a contract with the Cheetahs, he didn’t hesitate to put pen to paper. Ex-SA Sevens captain Mzwandile Stick did the same when Eastern Province – a First Division Currie Cup team – came calling. In this country, representing the national sevens side is a consolation prize and nothing more.
That would change, though, if Treu was allowed to pick Vodacom Cup players for the Sevens World Series and Saru paid those unions compensation. How can a B-grade provincial competition that nobody cares about be a higher priority than an international series?
Treu should also be allowed to pick two or three Boks for the South African leg of the World Series in December. If the event is moved from George to PE or Cape Town next year, the organisers will have to attract crowds of 45,000 a day – not just 8,000 – and will therefore need crowd pullers like Gio Aplon and Ryan Kankowski (two former sevens players who have gone on to bigger and better things).
Before I get an e-mail from Prof Tim Noakes about burnout, Treu obviously wouldn’t be allowed to pick someone who’s played more than 1,400 minutes that season and desperately needs a break. Those who are selected would only play a maximum of 90 minutes of sevens rugby if South Africa reached the final, and sevens is obviously a lot less physical than the 15-man game.
Getting top-quality players (provincial and Boks) involved in the Sevens World Series from the 2011-12 season would make it that much easier for them to be brought into an Olympic Games squad that can realistically expect to win a gold medal in 2016.
Yes, sevens is a lot of fun, but it’s time we got serious about it.
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194 Comments
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9 Dec 2010, 23:01 pm
@PissAnt : This from the SA Rugby page on Facebook, Not sure of you’ve seen it:
“Lions CEO Manie Reyneke says he’s confident of luring Butch James and Frans Steyn back from Europe. Made them offers and waiting for answers.”
10 Dec 2010, 01:08 am
@PissAnt :
Not even a great tv sport…
10 Dec 2010, 03:01 am
Hmmm
I recall alot of people on here took it seriously when SA won the top 7s team of the year in i think 2008 wasnt it.
Make your minds up
10 Dec 2010, 03:05 am
@Hurricane :
Alot is not everyone…simple really.
10 Dec 2010, 03:44 am
@Hurricane :
A bit of a generalisation bud?
A little like saying SA B just gave the Aussies one in the cricket
10 Dec 2010, 04:12 am
@whatever :
Except one is true and the other is not…
10 Dec 2010, 04:49 am
Your Moms tutelage.
10 Dec 2010, 04:52 am
@TheTackler : Tosh.
10 Dec 2010, 05:27 am
This is not as good as 15′s but the skill levels are far greater. This game teaches the player to use the space and I believe it to be a great tool for the 15 man game.
It is plainly obvious our ball skills are lower than the Ab’s and Aussies and this game could help if we took it seriously enough.
I do agree with 7′s prop rugby…
10 Dec 2010, 05:51 am
@KevinRack :
7(14) v 15(30) people on a pitch the same size. Hardly teaches them using space as there is so much more to start with.
Lack of skills of most our top players is due to a lack of proper training over many years, playing 7s’ will hardly fix it.
The analogy of 20/20 v test match cricket describes it best, no matter how flashy you look in the limited overs game, it will hardly improve your test cricket ability no matter how serious you take it.
10 Dec 2010, 08:20 am
interesting take
been wondering how the cape town stadium could be filled especially with the “enthusiasm” in this country
10 Dec 2010, 08:27 am
BORING
10 Dec 2010, 08:29 am
Obviously Simon didn’t get Die SON this morning otherwise we’d have more interesting story
10 Dec 2010, 08:32 am
most quota players play sevens … let there rather be sevens and keep government happy than letting them play 15 man rugby!
10 Dec 2010, 08:34 am
Morning all.
Hope we are all well. Hangover is starting to really set in after nice christmas lunch became dinner as well.
10 Dec 2010, 08:40 am
There are some really exciting youngsters playing in the age group teams who dont have the physicality to make it in Super 15 or currie cup. These are perfect examples of future 7′s players. The beauty about rugby is that it allows players of all shapes and sizes to participate and 7′s should be looked at as another avenue to allow a certain type of player to excel and represent his country. A Bakkies Botha will be made to look silly on a 7′s pitch but he dominates in the 15 game. Just an example of how great it is to have this form of the game available to our youngsters.
10 Dec 2010, 08:42 am
Beer oclock anyone?
Australia dropped three players and plucked left-arm spinner Michael Beer out of his debut first-class season for next week’s crucial third Ashes test against England in Perth.
Marcus North, Xavier Doherty and Doug Bollinger paid the price for Australia’s crushing innings and 71-run defeat to England in this week’s second Adelaide test, while opener Simon Katich was forced out with injury.
Beer, 26, who is playing his first Sheffield Shield season with Western Australia, gets a surprise call-up in Australia’s hour of need ahead of former first-choice Nathan Hauritz.
Steven Smith replaces the out-of-form North at number six in the batting order, while Mitchell Johnson and Ben Hilfenhaus, discarded for the second test, come back into test reckoning ahead of Bollinger.
Tweets from the Ashes Join the conversation Bollinger struggled after taking the early wicket of Andrew Strauss in the England first innings to finish the Adelaide test with the figures of 1-130.
Phillip Hughes will replace Katich, who will miss the rest of the Ashes series with a torn Achilles tendon.
“Phil is an exciting young batsman who has already proven his ability to succeed at international level and he deserves this opportunity to return to the Australian side,” chairman of selectors Andrew Hilditch said.
Hilditch said Smith will replace North after scores of 1, 26 and 22 in the first two tests.
“This is obviously disappointing for Marcus who has played some outstanding test innings for Australia but it was felt to be the right time to bring the exciting prospect Steve Smith into the test team,” he said.
“Steve has already had success at international level and will also add to the bowling depth with his legspin bowling and dynamic fielding.”
The biggest selection surprise was Beer, who comes in for another left-arm spinner Doherty, who was battered for 1-158 in Adelaide.
“Michael is a left-arm orthodox spinner who has been very impressive at domestic level this year,” Hilditch said.
“He took wickets against England in the tour match for WA earlier this summer and we expect he will bowl very well against the English on his home ground.”
Hilditch said Johnson and Hilfenhaus will be strongly considered for selection in the Perth test match where conditions will suit them.
“Ryan Harris and Peter Siddle were the pick of our quicks at Adelaide Oval and these four make up the pace attack for the Perth test match,” he said.
“The squad is a very exciting one with a blend of talented young players and experienced international cricketers.
“We are confident it will play an aggressive brand of cricket as we try to change the momentum of the test series in this critical Ashes test match.”
England as the Ashes holders can win the series if they beat Ponting’s team in Perth from next Thursday.
10 Dec 2010, 08:53 am
All groups seem equally tough.
Pools
Pool A: Australia, Scotland, Wales, France
Pool B: Samoa, Fiji, USA, Namibia
Pool C: New Zealand, England, Kenya, Russia
Pool D: South Africa, Argentina, Portugal, Zimbabwe.
Fixtures (all times SA, CAT, GMT+2)
11.37 Australia v Wales
11.59 Scotland v France
12.21 Samoa v USA
12.43 Fiji v Namibia
13.05 New Zealand v Kenya
13.27 England v Russia
13.49 South Africa v Portugal
14.11 Argentina v Zimbabwe
14.43 Australia v France
15.05 Scotland v Wales
15.27 Samoa v Namibia
15.49 Fiji v USA
16.11 New Zealand v Russia
16.33 England v Kenya
16.55 South Africa v Zimbabwe
17.17 Argentina v Portugal
17.49 Wales v France
18.11 USA v Namibia
18.33 Kenya v Russia
18.55 Portugal v Zimbabwe
19.32 Australia v Scotland
19.54 Samoa v Fiji
20.16 New Zealand v England
20.38 South Africa v Argentina
10 Dec 2010, 09:08 am
The problem for Australia is that they cannot prepare a pitch that suits them as England match or better them in every department. The only way they can win the test is to bat first on a flat pitch and hope that their top order come to the party. Put England under pressure on a wearing pitch. Dont think they have the bowlers to get England out twice so will have to rely on English mistakes and pressure.
10 Dec 2010, 09:11 am
@Eish : The things is, and England have done xtremely well up to this point, I have doubts about the ability of that team to take the initiative as favourites. I’m hoping that they don’t take it too lightly and blow it at some stage. The Aussies will be back that’s for sure.
10 Dec 2010, 09:12 am
Something else to consider is that Aus will be playing 2 spinners, one being a lefty. This means they will be digging up footmarks on both sides of the pitch. 4th innings, whoever it is, is going to battle.
10 Dec 2010, 09:14 am
@stormersboy : A bit like our Boks Stormer. Play best with their backs against the wall and not have the favorites tag. England have probably had a few good parties after the last test but I think Flower is a different kettle of fish. He doesn’t take any s..t from what I have heard.
10 Dec 2010, 09:18 am
@Eish : Yeah I really hope so. I think it’s really good for that game to have a strong English side. Also not unpleasant to watch the Aussies take one up the nought too……
10 Dec 2010, 09:21 am
I hear you.
10 Dec 2010, 09:36 am
http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Flondon.thesouthafrican.com%2Fnews%2FOpen-letter-to-Max-Clifford&h=39673
This the link to an open letter to Max Clifford, Dewani’s attorney in England.
10 Dec 2010, 09:47 am
If this guy is guilty then he has got be the worst kind of criminal. Gets other people to do his dirty work and cries to the rest of the world.If he is innocent then he is going through hell and it is only going to get worse. Was his wife insured for a large amount of money? There are stories of financial problems but they still travel to SA and stay in the best hotel? Man, this has gripped the nation and hopefully the rest of the world. The truth must come out.
10 Dec 2010, 09:47 am
@Eish :
he is not his attorney, nor is he his solicitor.
he is a PR agent.
10 Dec 2010, 09:54 am
@gunther : yes he is a spin doctor and apparently very sharp, i wouldn’t be posting anything unsubstantiated about him.
10 Dec 2010, 09:55 am
I see Bheli Cele called the Shrien Dewani a m o n k e y…
How is he going to spin his way out of that?
Personally I blame apartheid for desensitising out venerable chief of police.
10 Dec 2010, 09:58 am
@Transformation :
he is.
Pr guru to the stars.
I think he has hitched his wagon to a lemon this time
and he has made some VERY ballsy statements which he may come to regret.
I am typing this wearing kid gloves.
10 Dec 2010, 10:00 am
Paul O’Sullivan feels differently though….
could this be THE Paul O’Sullivan that kicked Jackie Selebi in the knackers?
Dear Max,
I’m writing to give you some sound advice and to make a humble request.
First the advice:
The problem with making statements that are not true, is that you cannot take them back. You have repeatedly accused the South African media of being dishonest. The reality is that you have been economical with the truth in your representation of your client. You have said that your client being accused of murder is ‘convenient’ for South Africa, attempting to persuade yourself and your media that we ‘need’ a scapegoat for your client’s evil deeds.
Certain elements within your media have been far more dishonest than our media. Indeed, they regularly attempt to convince the public in the UK, that South Africa is a crime-ridden country full of racist unrest and mayhem, which all goes unchecked. The UK media have been so good at what they do, that your client thought this would be the ideal place to bring his wife and kill her. A bit of a self-fullfilling prophecy by The Sun, Daily Mirror, et al. No sooner had he stepped foot in the country, he was seeking out evil people to do his bidding. He chose innocent people and lured them with his dirty cash. He thought our messed-up criminal justice system would live up to the reputation given it by the likes of you and elements of the British press and be left clueless as to what to do, resulting in him and his cohorts never facing justice.
Nothing could be further from the truth. Your client now knows (painfully knows) that our criminal justice system is not as screwed up as he has been led to believe. I’ll bet he’s now hoping our prison system is not as bad as it is painted.
We have one of the most beautiful countries in the world and I would never give it up. There are millions more like me, despite what you and your media chums keep trying to convince themsleves of.
Now for the Humble Request
Max,
I beg you, stop bad-mouthing my country. You are welcome to come here and spend time with us and you will see that we have one of the best countries in the world. Even after the disgraceful things you have said, we will welcome you with open arms and show you the real South Africa. We are truly a rainbow nation, where the country is alive with possibility. I have never (ever) found more friendly people than I find here, of all race and creed. Yes, we have some crime problems, who doesn’t. But we are dealing with it and most visitors (more than 99.9%) have only a great experience, to remember us by. In fact, during the recent Soccer World Cup, we hosted hundreds of thousands of people from around the world. Around 180 of them were arrested and charged for various petty offences (including a journalist from the UK) but less than 0.0002 of the visitors were actually victims of crime, all but one being petty crime. This means that 99.98% of the World Cup visitors had a fantastic time.
I make this request Max, because your statements are damaging to my country and damaging to the people employed in the tourism industry. Indeed an apology to the people of South Africa, particularly the people of Cape Town, would be well appreciated, for the damage caused by you, on behalf of your client.
Finally, Max, a message to those that are thinking of coming here to carry out such dreadful deeds:
Don’t, there’s a damn good chance you will get caught and wind up in prison.
Needless to say, should you ignore the advice by not keeping quiet, you can expect that I will be taking action against you personally, to ensure like-minded individuals get a strong message, not to bad-mouth and slander this beautiful country of ours.
I do hope you enjoy what’s left of today Max, and please tell your client we look forward to seeing him here again soon. Very soon!
Best wishes,
Paul O’Sullivan
10 Dec 2010, 10:02 am
Dont know him from Adam but this letter was sent to him. Thought it made a whole lot of sense. As far as the suspect is concerned, who knows. As I said earlier, if he is innocent then he must be going through all types of hell.
10 Dec 2010, 10:17 am
@gunther : i just don’t get it.. uf my wife got butchered in phuket or sao paulo, coming back to mzantsi and hiring a spindoctor would be the last thing on my mind.
10 Dec 2010, 10:22 am
If they have so much evidence against the guy maybe there will be a sudden silence from all his supporters. Spin doctor or not, there comes a time when you count your losses and keep quiet? One thing is for sure, somebody is going to eat their words and at the moment it is a very close call.
10 Dec 2010, 10:34 am
@Transformation :
exactly.
as soon as I saw that I thought you cheeky little basteraud.
10 Dec 2010, 10:49 am
I’d be amazed if they would prepare an extradition document and go to all that trouble simply on the basis of a “his word against mine” argument. There must be other supporting evidence (I hope). I heard somewhere that there is CCTV footage of the two of them meeting after the hit? Not sure what that proves but according to the court papers filed the explaination of events and evidence cited was not exhaustive, but purely for plea bargain purposes only and that more will be brought to light later.
Wonder what that means….
Hope our guys don’t stuff this one up like they did with Agliotti.
10 Dec 2010, 10:52 am
did they ever arrest mark thatcher? and where is jurgen harksen?
10 Dec 2010, 10:53 am
@stormersboy :
cell phone records will nail the little phucker.
I’m sure there are some nasty little smses floating around the ether.
10 Dec 2010, 10:55 am
@Transformation :
as far as I know Jurgen has been doing time in Germany.
The Milk Snatcher’s son got away with a fine that his mummy paid.
what have they to do with this case?
10 Dec 2010, 11:02 am
@gunther : I believe there are some SMS’s that will clear up any doubt. As I say, I just hope they don’t stuff it up.
@Transformation : I think Harksen is out by now. Thatcher was connected from the start. He has the knowledge, if not backing of the Poms. So it was taken care of. Nasty piece of work that Mark.
A mate of mine “dated” Harksen’s ex wife for a while. She a bit of a nutcase, but not bad for a cougar.
10 Dec 2010, 11:08 am
@stormersboy :
thatcher is an unmititgated krunt.
harksen’s wife.
that’s pushing it, even by cougar standards.
10 Dec 2010, 11:10 am
@gunther : stormerseun is hoping our boys don’t mess up this case, i was just wandering about international criminals we haven’t prosecuted successfully in our country…
10 Dec 2010, 11:16 am
@gunther : @81, Thanks Paul, I said it during the week, Dewani must blame his UK Press for leading him to believe SA is a wild west with lawlessness. It took less than a moth to arrest and sentence the dude that committed the murder, Dewani must be kakking his pants for believing the UK media.
I remember a “Machete war” article just before the WC
10 Dec 2010, 11:17 am
@Transformation : Glenn Agliotti
Vito Roberto Palazzolo
Count Ricardo Augusta
There must be more….
10 Dec 2010, 11:18 am
John Stratton? (never extradited)
Brett when he was alive
10 Dec 2010, 11:20 am
Often in this country with it’s overburdened legal system those that have deep pockets are able to hire the best, who are often way too good for the prosecuting team…
10 Dec 2010, 11:21 am
@Transformation :
apart from glen agliotti?
and vito palazzolo?
we never prosecuted Harksen here and it took over a decade to extradite him to germany.
thatcher paid an admission of guilt which was used to fund a youth trip to venezuela to ascertain whether five-a-side football can cure aids.
10 Dec 2010, 11:25 am
@gunther : 98 exactly that. a decade!
10 Dec 2010, 11:28 am
@Transformation :
so what’s your point the guy stuck it to our legal system for a decade.
how does that make sa law and order look good.
10 Dec 2010, 11:30 am
@stormersboy :
aren’t palazzolo and augusta the same guy?
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