Friendlies are there to test structures, shake off rustyness and gain match fitness and match sharpness.

The result is meaningless , just because this is a friendly competition and not a once off friendly match, shouldn’t mean that its all of a sudden a competitive competition with something to win.

It’s simply an oppurtunity for the die-hard fans to see some action ahead of the competition.

Or that Ashley Johnson outplayed Duane Vermeulen by far in the CC last year yet no-one called for his inclusion (because the Bloem media is not that influential) in the Bok team…

Perceptions…

Perception can create havoc in a players career. Similar to when Butch James was cited continuously in the media and on blogs like this one as a yellow card magnet, yet, stats show that Schalk Burger, Bakkies Botha, Marius Joubert and De Wet Barry (at the time) were by far the kings of the card enforced 10 minute rest.

Same as Luke Watson. Stats suggested he was at least as good as Richie McCaw, yet his self absorbed attitude got in the way of him reaching anything close to the status of the Kiwi skipper.

Interesting things stats – completely ignore (as you mentioned previously), a players impact of just being on the field.

I could mention some other stats as well, like the fact that Adi Jacobs lead the meters gained by any South African center by a country mile while everyone was punting Jacque Fourie. Or that his defensive stats are nowhere close to as poor as many would like to believe.

Or that Derick Hougaard was by far the best defensive flyhalf in the country for some time, and for a flyhalf supporting an apparent ten man game, his attacking stats weren’t half bad either.

Or that Ettienne Botha was (by stats) the crown prince of attacking inside centers.

Perception – can ruin a player. Habs better sort himself out, or perception could ruin him as well.

Really?

It is amazing how his stats show something completely different…

But I guess what you ‘perceive’ presents a much stronger case than what facts show.

And its Bryan, not Brian.

This year Basson will show you what Habana could have been if Brian didn’t think himself to be a demi-god.

Warm-up games are good, but to try and make it into a formal tournament smacks of desperation to me. A few people trying to get a slice of the rugby pie.

I mean a warm-up is just that – a few stretches and jogs up and down before you walk to the starting line for the sprint. To create a tournament from it is ludicrous. But as you say – at least it is something the Stormers can win.

They should have played it at Cape Town’s fancy new stadium, that way the stadium will at least have a use once a year.

Talk of scrapping it is terrible, especially now since the Stormers have managed to retain the title.

In fact, I expect things to go the other way. Soon the Cape press will be telling us it is the best and most prestigious of all domestic competitions!!

15.) Conrad Jantjies is not close to being at his best. There isn’t a suitable replacement in sight.

14.) Maybe Gio should move to Fullback. At least he’ll get more ball.

13.) Jacque Fourie is still the best. I suggest Juan de Jongh move to right wing with Gio moving to the back.

12.) Jean de Villiers is still the best.

11.) Bryan Habana will come good.

10.) No surprise Elgar Watts showed some good touches, he played in a **** team last year and still shone. After Peter Grant though.

9.) Ricky takes 3 seconds…if you lucky 1.5 seconds to pass the ball. Unacceptable. I think Alistair must not be happy with his scrumhalf position.

The first team should look like:

15.) Gio Aplon
14.) Juan de Jongh
13.) Jacque Fourie
12.) Jean de Villiers
11.) Bryan Habana
10.) Peter Grant
9.) Dewald Duvenage ?
8.) Duane Vermeulen
7.) Francois Louw
6.) Schalk Burger
5.) Andries Bekker
4.) Adriaan Fondse
3.) CJ van der Linde
2.) Tiaan Liebenberg
1.) Wicus Blaauw

I don’t think he has lost ability.

Three weeks with bulls should see him right, and some time with Sheryl Calder.

quite right.

its damging the planet.

does he not realise he is gambling with our children’s future?

that’s why I keep copies of all JC’s articles in the bathroom.

for recycling purposes.

That said, a player must perform on the field too, and that Habana is not doing.

they have sold more jerseys so yes.

the stormers measure their success by jerseys sold and the takings in the bar under the railway stand.

who needs to win anythin when you have the best supporters in the world

innit?