Matfield the Master
13 Jun 2011
MARK KEOHANE, in his Business Day newspaper rugby column, lauds Victor Matfield’s mastery of Andries Bekker and the Stormers.
The occasion demanded Andries Bekker to peel away just a bit of the Victor Matfield aura, but as with the Super Rugby final of 2010 it was the veteran Matfield who simply added to his aura. He remains the best lineout specialist and strategist South Africa has produced and his performance in the 19-16 win against the Stormers at Newlands provides the comfort that Matfield still has the strength of mind and physical capacity to be influential and dominant at this year’s Rugby World Cup.
There were whispers on the eve of the match that Bekker was injured and would not play. The Stormers management denied this but if there was no injury to Bekker before the game then there definitely was to him afterwards – and I am talking about those psychological scars that are a lot more lasting than any physical beating.
Bekker’s performance was always going to be critical to a Stormers victory, but the player who has stood tallest all season had to be content with an evening in the shadow of the master Matfield. It was another reminder that Bekker, for all the potential to be better than Matfield, has not yet delivered in those big moments. Until he does he hasn’t earned the right to be spoken of internationally in the same breath.
The wind conditions at Newlands were testing but the reason the Stormers lost three of their first six lineout balls had more to do with the presence of Matfield than the weather.
The Bulls deserved the win because they played the better finals type rugby and made fewer mistakes. The Stormers fumbled their way through the first 70 minutes and some of the basic handling errors were embarrassing for players at this level.
The defence on both sides was effective and the Stormers were marginally more creative in attack, but the Stormers could not replicate the aggression they showed against the Sharks a month ago.
The match had the traditional South African-derby brutality but as a spectacle it failed to deliver to a capacity Newlands crowd, whose doubts about the Stormers this morning will be justified.
There will be similar questions around the Bulls ability to win away from home in a one-off situation should they be required to travel to Australia or New Zealand for a match against the Reds or Crusaders.
The attacking efficiency from both sides at Newlands was substandard. The Bulls scored from a Stormers lineout mistake and the Stormers scored with two minutes to go and could have had a match-winner with the last movement of the game had Bryan Habana shown the express pace of four years ago to beat the cover defence.
Creatively this match offered nothing for the first 75 minutes as South Africa’s two best teams hammered away at each other. It was all too predictable and from a Cape perspective so too was the result because once again the Stormers lost a match they were favourites to win and once again every doubt resurfaced about the championship capabilities of the Cape-based side, who have lost to the Reds, Crusaders and Bulls at Newlands this season.
Those excusing the Stormers defeat will seek comfort in the Stormers going so close despite having to select their fourth-choice flyhalf because of injuries.
But this was a Bulls team missing Bakkies Botha and Fourie du Preez. Come on, there can be no excuse for the Capetonians.
The Stormers, in securing the bonus point, claimed the South African Conference but they can’t claim the bragging rights of being a cut above the rest of the South African teams and the visit to Bloemfontein has the potential for more questions than answers.
The Sharks and Bulls will determine their own play-off destiny when they front each other in this Saturday’s final league match and everything now favours a home team win and Sharks play-off elimination.
The Sharks decline over the last six weeks has been gradual and a more composed opponent would have humiliated them in Johannesburg. The Lions led 30-9 after 55 minutes, lost Butch James to the sin-bin in the last quarter and were defending their line at 30-all.
I don’t know which would have been worse for Lions coach John Mitchell … to get stuffed or to stuff it up like this?
James, up until his yellow card, had played splendidly at flyhalf and like with Matfield at Newlands the Bok veteran definitely can make a contribution to South Africa’s World Cup success.
398 Comments
13 Jun 2011, 10:43 am
matfield dominated the lineouts. thats all. bekker wasn’t at his best on saturday but still had much more of an involvement than matfield. Matfield does very little in general play, he is what I call a ruck watcher
13 Jun 2011, 10:50 am
whatever…I’d rather have the consistent Bekker who has dominated over the whole tournament in multiple facets of play hereby placing his team in a position to finish in the top 2 rather than Matfield who decides to rise to the occasion (pardon the pun) in Newlands but has been largely anonymous most of the season. Bekkers allround contribution still overshadows matfields unless rugby is just a game of lineouts
13 Jun 2011, 10:51 am
pull out the stats and I can guaruntee Bekker was more of a worker around the field than Matfield
13 Jun 2011, 10:54 am
@bertus_baarmoeder(bertus_baarmoeder)-1: 5 assists, 18 tackles made, 5 ball carriers, overall gain line percentage of 75%, arriving 1st at 18 rucks.
Very little.
Ruck watcher.
Really?
13 Jun 2011, 10:57 am
Keo, I’d have fully believed you, but the scars of last year’s Tri-Nations still run deep. We led ourselves to believe that Big Vic’s mastery of the line-out art would help retain the trophy, but the way the Boks were systematically dismantled in all facets of play has me a little skeptical at how good he still is. I don’t remember a single match in which the Boks ate the All Blacks lineout (overall, not a few steals), which is something we’ve grown so gratefully accustomed to. He might have dominated the best forward in Super 15 at the moment, but I don’t think our international opponents will be quivering in their boots.
13 Jun 2011, 11:00 am
Here we go, the Bulls beat a Stormers team who have a fifth choice flyhalf, are suffering from jetlag and haven’t had a break for, feels like Christmas and now they are the best thing since sliced bread.
13 Jun 2011, 11:03 am
I thought we were about to see a ‘changing of the guard’ ?
@Kea-Cat(KEA)-6: Bulls did what they had to do. Just remember, the Bulls were short two of their big names as well in Bakkies Botha and Fourie Du Preez. From what I understand, both will be available to play against the Sharks. Goodnight nurse….
13 Jun 2011, 11:09 am
I think you missed the key component in the Bulls victory.
Their loosies were phenominal on the day, with only Schalk on the Stormers side performing well enough to deserve a mention.
13 Jun 2011, 11:09 am
@Dusky(Dusky)-7: Exactly. Especially Fourie. The game plan would have been executed with much greater precision had he donned the 9 jersey on Saturday me thinks.
13 Jun 2011, 11:11 am
Matfield’s best game in 2011 is 20% below his average game in 2009. He’s on the decline. Only produces an occasional dominant game now, and then only at lineout time. Rating? 6/10.
13 Jun 2011, 11:11 am
Matfield got outsmarted by Thorn, Donnelly & Sam Whitelock, albeit Smit’s throwing was in some games atrocious.
13 Jun 2011, 11:12 am
@Kea-Cat(KEA)-6: Stormers have always been the great pretenders… I say that respectfully, as my Sharks team are punching well below their weight category this year (we could have done more to resolve our centre paring’s woes), but the Stormers just don’t achieve anywhere near their pedigree. I’m particularly dismayed at the lack of impact the backline has had…
The Bulls deserve due praise – and they deserve the pounding they got at the beginning of the season – becaus they have been very good in the last 2 odd months. If they really hit their straps (and I hope they don’t this coming week – The Waratahs can do everyone a favout by losing), they will be a good outside bet for the title…
13 Jun 2011, 11:13 am
ag please keo next you will be saying that John Smit is still the hooker he used to be. If habana scored the last try i geuss this article would have read Habanna is the master. This was an extremely disapointing game from arguably SA 2 best teams. Did anyone watch the saders/blues game … comparatively chalk and cheese from the 2 best NZ franchises
13 Jun 2011, 11:13 am
@Transformation(Transformation)-11: also Vic got jacked by O’Connell in 2009 to a point where he commented that “i think they knew our afrikaans calls”.
13 Jun 2011, 11:14 am
@NicG(NicG)-12:
The only team I will care to wager any bet on winning the title if they don’t end up 1 or 2 on the log, is the Crusaders.
13 Jun 2011, 11:15 am
I fully agree with KEO!!! Matfield showed his pedigree. To win a World cup you need 3 big performances from your most experienced players… the ones that have been there and done it time and again. You have to consider who there opponents might be in such games (quarter, semi and the final). Bakkies, Danie, Matfield, Bekker and Flip……. they have the bulk and speed and perhaps a few brain cells between them… BUT MATFIELD remains the KING.
Too often have the young guns slipped up in the games that count ie log leaders REDS, All Conquering Crusaders and then imploding in a 20 – 3 lead against the chiefs…… referring to the STORMERS
BUT why has nobody mentioned the main reason for a Stormers loss!!! We had a QUOTA CARTMAN as a scrumhalf…. (I’m not fat i’m just slow and overweight…. ie supersize me)….
Send him to weight watchers camp with a box of jam doughnuts and a 2 liter gingerbeer… he’ll die a happy man!!!
13 Jun 2011, 11:16 am
@Taahirah(Taahirah)-4: 5 ball carries, 10 metres made, 0 offloads, contested 2 rucks. We can pick any stats out to paint a picture, but the bottom line is he offers very little around the field
13 Jun 2011, 11:17 am
@Taahirah(Taahirah)-4:
bertus barmoer…
spent most of the game moering the bar rather than watching the rugby.
spies and matfield had their best games of the year.
the bulls back row were huge against probaby the best back row in the comp.
13 Jun 2011, 11:19 am
@skillie(skillie)-16:
Fair enough Ricky was below par,but how about telling your pack to front up in collision point and most importantly clean the breakdown and not leave it to Habana & Aplon thus maybe ball for scrumhalf could be faster FOR OUTSIDE BACKS…not Schalk,Bekker,Liebenberg etc
13 Jun 2011, 11:21 am
Keo for the record 4th choice flyhalf versus 2nd choice (Hougardt) scrumhalf is hardly a good comparison. Of course the lack of a flyhalf has had an impact on the Stormers. For a start they have had to adjust the game plan for the last 5 or 6 games. Come on man be fair here! Hats off to the Bulls. They came to Newlands and did the business but don’t tell me having no flyhalf is not a factor. I doubt this Coleman kid is even 4th best in WP at the moment versus the incumbent bok flyhalf. pleeeease!
13 Jun 2011, 11:21 am
@TheTackler(TheTackler)-10: I’m with you a 100% on that one. Should he destroy your lineout at Eden Park on a wet Auckland night sometime in October, though, consider this concurrence as null and void. If the Boks win.
13 Jun 2011, 11:24 am
The biggest problem for the Stormers on Saturday in the lineouts was the hookers, not the locks. Although Elstadt was a weakness as I said he’d be. Danie dominated him in the lineouts.
Well done to the Bulls, one breakaway try was all it took.
Pity the ref didn’t play advantage at the end when the bulls knocked on, as we retrieved the ball, but it;s our own fault for needing to score in injury time.
A good effort in the last 15 minutes by the Stormers, but the first 65 minutes was ****. We didn’t deserve to win the game. Knock ons galore.
The only comfort to me was that we were able to run the bulls that close playing that badly.
13 Jun 2011, 11:26 am
@Dusky(Dusky)-7: Don’t get me wrong, the Stormers were terrible and they deserved to lose, all what I’m saying is the Bulls are going to come short if they think that they are so good after beating a K ak Stormers and an even worse Sharks side.
13 Jun 2011, 11:28 am
@Transformation(Transformation)-11:
Whitelock.Thorn etc got snorted by Blues old man Ali Williams on the weekend.Matfield still the best lineout exponent in the game, knowing how important that facet is for Bok platform as well as territorial dominance while conditions in RWC 2011 in NZ will mimmick those of wet NH hemisphere…Matfield is a must.
13 Jun 2011, 11:29 am
@bertus_baarmoeder(bertus_baarmoeder)-1: If being a ruck watcher, as you call it, gives you the “best no5 of all times” tag, then Andries should try the same.
What a game this was. Not pretty, but the defensive effort and intensity of both teams reminded me of a very important game in 1995.
13 Jun 2011, 11:29 am
19.mshiniwami said
Aplon and Habanna wouldn’t have to clear the ball if January played the game more like a sprint race than a conrades marathon. Therefore leaving our blindside option on winger short.
Quite evident that Duvenhage playing flyhalf was quicker to clear the ball as a scrummie than January… even Ricky started to look like a great flyhalf in those last 5min….
13 Jun 2011, 11:35 am
matfield
is baas
bekker is
klaas
13 Jun 2011, 11:35 am
@mshiniwami(mshiniwami)-24: no doubt, that don’t negate the fact that he was made ineffective by Thorn& Donnelly with Whitelock as cover last year.
13 Jun 2011, 11:37 am
@mshiniwami(mshiniwami)-24: Matfield got MONSTERED by Chris Jack, just this year in the 27 – 0 demolition, and Chris Jack is a reserve for the Saders. the question is, so what ?
13 Jun 2011, 11:39 am
@PissAnt(PissAnt)-15: It’s the safe bet… can’t disagree
13 Jun 2011, 11:40 am
@Transformation(Transformation)-29:
and wynand
monstered
jean
on saturday
13 Jun 2011, 11:41 am
@Blue Label(Blue Label)-25: Matfield used to be phenomenal, he is not at his best anymore though. Next weekend keep an eye on him, he doesnt do much, his involvements are minimal, and his defensive technique is suspect. Goes into tackle way too high, never drives anyone back in tackle.
13 Jun 2011, 11:44 am
@gunther is feeling bullish(gunther)-18: Agreed with you there.
I had a big chuckle when FLO made his first steal early in the game, and Stegmann gave away his first penalty soon thereafter.
My joy was short lived however.
Good to see the old guard finding some form and confidence at the right end of the competition. They were always going to be in the squad, and it’s a good thing their confidence is on the up.
As I’ve always said, pick the team in August, not March. There are some who performed well then that are nowhere now. Likewise some late season surges of form.
So I’m feeling better about our chances by the week.
As for the Stormers, well they need to buck up, but they can still pull it off.
13 Jun 2011, 11:46 am
Lock is the one area where SA stands head and shoulders above any other nation (no pun intended).
But we need to bring them into the game more.
A kicking game is the answer, but the right kicking game.
We should kick more for touch instead of kick-chase, and let the opposition kick more for touch by kicking for corners.
13 Jun 2011, 11:46 am
If everything goes to plan the Bulls are off to play the Blues, while the Stormers sit at home with their feet up. If the Bulls and Crusaders win, the Stormers play the Crusaders and the Reds the Bulls.
Imagine a repeat of last years final at Newlands, whishfull thinking.
13 Jun 2011, 11:46 am
Danisaur made Matfield look very good. Schalkie will be having nightmares and sleepless nights for a few weeks, really got bullied by Danie.
13 Jun 2011, 11:47 am
@bertus_baarmoeder(bertus_baarmoeder)-32: You’re entitled to you opinion. Fortunately, the two-eyed thinks differently.
I just knew the Lions would come out firing! They would have knocked back most S15 franchises with that 1st-half performance. Great comback from Sharks. We’re in for two humdingers again this weekend.
Any early predictions?
Bulls 24 – 20 Sharks
Cheetahs 22 – 27 Stormers .
13 Jun 2011, 11:48 am
@Kea-Cat(KEA)-35:
The Bulls will beat the Reds in Brisbane.
They won’t beat the Crusaders in NZ though.
13 Jun 2011, 11:50 am
@Transformation(Transformation)-29:
Yeah but that neither does it negate Matfield’s obvious influence on gameplans and tactics. Sbali you are the one who has been mentioning performances where players have dominated others etc. Jack was dominated by Wayne van Heerden in 07/08 and van heerden was a bit part lock for Cheetahs at the time with Jack still an All Black.
13 Jun 2011, 11:50 am
@willievz(willievz)-34: Agree 100% Playing percentage rugby in opposition halve. We’ve got the line-out jumpers to steal ANY opposition ball, and the fetchers to win many turnovers!
13 Jun 2011, 11:52 am
@Blue Label(Blue Label)-37: Most people outside of pretoria would agree that matfield isnt the player he used to be
13 Jun 2011, 11:52 am
@willievz(willievz)-38: They first have to beat the Blues, they haven’t played them this year yet, but surely they should beat them, the Stormers beat them and so did the Sharks, LOL.
13 Jun 2011, 11:54 am
@Blue Label(Blue Label)-37: I’ve got Sharks to beat Bulls in a tight one (and yes that is my heart talking – not my head) and I think the Cheetahs in Bloem will be a tough ask for the Stormers. Expect them to play similarly to the way the Lions did against the Sharks… If the Stormers rock up, they should take it.
13 Jun 2011, 11:56 am
@stormersboy(stormersboy)-33:
quite right.
I think the bulls have too much to do to make the finals.
but it’s nice to see boks start to hit their straps.
13 Jun 2011, 11:57 am
@bertus_baarmoeder(bertus_baarmoeder)-41: Have you done the survey? And yes, he is not the same player he used to be, because he’s got more than 100 caps, and past his best. However, there are currently no better no5 in the world. The same people outside Pretoria will tell you that. Except those in beautiful Cape Town and sunny Durban!
The same goes Carter. Not at his best anymore, but no better flyhalf playing the game today….
13 Jun 2011, 11:58 am
@willievz(willievz)-34:
exactly.
the problem is not the kicking, but the type of kicking.
the rolling maul will be a feature in the worldcup.
best we sort ours out.
13 Jun 2011, 12:05 pm
@mshiniwami(mshiniwami)-39: the point is about keo’s nonsensical “master this week” & “absolute rubbish” the other, matfied has undoubtedly been the best over many years but he has been outfoxed more often than not lately by decent lock combinations. he can bully the cheetahs rubble lock but has a tough time when facing the likes of sharpe – not intimating that they’re anywhere better than him.
13 Jun 2011, 12:10 pm
@Transformation(Transformation)-47:
Ok fair enough,but you know keo ubhala amasimba njalo. Its his M.O,you just have to watch/listen to KeoTV etc he is no different to a shock jock.From the “Howard Stern” school of sh*t journalism
13 Jun 2011, 12:13 pm
@mshiniwami(mshiniwami)-48:
I dunno.
Keo looks like he could eat Howard Stern and still have room for cheese and port.
13 Jun 2011, 12:20 pm
Well Done Bulls !!!
You deserved the win on the day.
It is very funny how some now want to call this one is better and this player is the ruler of that player….
I refrain from that kind of thing for this WC year.
Most inportant thing is Morne did little to convince me he can Handle Dan Carter, Cooper, or even James o Connor in the WC……had the Stormers backs taken just 50% of his uppies that game was different…..
Vic and Bekker is in my WC squad solid and squarely!
Spies is not up to standard, and Basson need to be picked, Wynand offers nothing!!!!! NOTHING!!!!! And we need to get rid of Habana quickly……
For the WC Schalk is a must and I’m glad he is on form this year! Danie is great back up and overall most of the squad should come from bulls and Stormers…..these easy picks shark boks is not on….like Charl Mcleod last year…….over a guy like Sarel Pretorius??? Come on!
Hope Divvy can shock us with some of those “surprises” like Basoon in, Sarel in, Wynand out, Ndungane out……
13 Jun 2011, 12:22 pm
@NicG(NicG)-43: The Cheetahs/Stormers game has more of a chance of being an upset than the Bulls/Sharks game. I say that, because the Cheetahs are playing this last game for a bit of a jol, and some pride. That’s always a dangerous combination when it comes to the Cheetahs.
The Bulls/Sharks fixture is much more cut and dried to me. Bulls to win by 10 or more.
13 Jun 2011, 12:22 pm
rubbish article from keohane.on the basis of the worst display by two stormers hookers these past two years keohane comes to the conclusion that matfield,who regularly has been owned by kiwi and aussie locks these past two years, has his aura back and that bekker is psychologically scarred for life.get real keohane.
13 Jun 2011, 12:25 pm
@Kea-Cat(KEA)-6: @stormersboy(stormersboy)-22: @Stormtrooper(Stormtrooper)-20:
Excuses, excuses, hell even blaming the ref. It was there for all to see that Kaplan did his best to manufacture a briesies win. If not for him, the winning margin would have been way bigger. Red card the ******* e r.
Bekker has always been the pretender, ole beanpole foulds to easily when up against real men. Stay on the parkbench boy.
Duane who?
The Bulls, although dissapointing did what they had to do. BMT versus the fragile briesies will win every BIG game.
13 Jun 2011, 12:26 pm
******** = farker
13 Jun 2011, 12:27 pm
The funniest thing about this article is that it is a complete reversal in what Keo was saying before the weekend. But, then we all know that there were about 50 articles on here saying how the Stormers would beat the Bulls…..:-) Just like the week prior to the Currie Cup final as well….
13 Jun 2011, 12:27 pm
I’d love to see those post-game stats, but I don’t recall the Bulls’ lineout running particularly well either. The reality is that both sides were better disrupting the opposition than winning their own ball, although (yes) The Bulls did have the edge at set-piece.
Funny thing is, had Habana or the Stormers support gone in for that try at the death, then everyone would have been talking about Matfield’s missed tackle on Jaque Fourie that led to the crucial break. (http://bit.ly/m6Lx3y 5:50-5:52) Small margins, as always.
But, whatever… Great to have both Matfield and Becker in the Bok setup.
13 Jun 2011, 12:28 pm
if the boks do badly in the tri-nations one can link it to the S15. the saffa top teams lost to the top teams from the other conferences.
Pdv will be under pressure to not do wholesale changes if they do bad in the 3 nations given that there are some old goats in the side.
13 Jun 2011, 12:29 pm
Should call old Tappit Vermeulen Verdwyn Vermeulen after Sat game
13 Jun 2011, 12:29 pm
@stickman(stickman)-56: I wonder how Habana feels about being hauled in by Basson from behind ?
13 Jun 2011, 12:31 pm
butch James is certainly going to make a contribution in this rwc…he will be sent off. his awful tackling is coming to the fore because he can’t keep up.
13 Jun 2011, 12:34 pm
@wallabie.(wallabie.)-57: No they didn’t. Stormers and Sharks both beat the Blues. Waratahs lost to the Bulls and Sharks….so your statement is not completely accurate.
13 Jun 2011, 12:34 pm
@Dusky(Dusky)-59: i wonder how you gonna feel when basson signs your s15 exit ticket on saturday?
13 Jun 2011, 12:34 pm
bull scrum
now had the
better of
sharks
cheetahs
and stormers
it tells you
what
13 Jun 2011, 12:36 pm
@wallabie.(wallabie.)-60:
Nice try,lol..how about the Wallabies get their “Test captain” Rocky Elsom on the pitch first
13 Jun 2011, 12:37 pm
@Valkyrie(Valkyrie)-62: Buddy, I have already resigned myself to the fact that the Sharks season is over. Look for another Sharks supporter to talk kak too.
13 Jun 2011, 12:38 pm
Go Cheeters,you have jonker so Kaplan the kant cannot influence the game the Stormers way.
Bulle gaan die Sharks looi.
Oh how I wish the Bulls end 6th and the Stormpies 3rd. Just make sure if Kaplan has the whistle that he gets taken out early Vic. It will be the easiest game with the next weeks semi in mind.
13 Jun 2011, 12:40 pm
@mshiniwami(mshiniwami)-64:
replace elsom as captain with either genia, pocock, horwill.
13 Jun 2011, 12:41 pm
On the positive note is that, even after the loss to the Bulls, the Stormers still have their destiny in their own hands, they must win in Bloem and enjoy a bi-weekend, whilst the Sahrks or Bulls will have to go and play the Crusaders. Its that’s simple, really
13 Jun 2011, 12:42 pm
@Dusky(Dusky)-59:
People said the same when Takudzwa Ngwenya rounded him on RWC 2007…went on to equal Jonah Lomu’s single tournament tri record with 8 tries.
And earlier in the season at Loftus when Stormers beat Bulls he beat Basson to score match changing try.
13 Jun 2011, 12:44 pm
@Xkreni-WP(Xkreni-WP)-66: For the Bulls to end 6th they have to lose or draw to the Sharks, dumbass.
13 Jun 2011, 12:44 pm
@mshiniwami(mshiniwami)-69: Well, then Basson must have had his pap ‘n vleis the night before Saturday’s game. Habana had a good couple of meters on him and he still got him. Seems to me. I didn’t see from the front, did Habana have his mouth open ? Because if he did that would act as an air break. He should put a piece of tape across his lips for aerodynamics.
13 Jun 2011, 12:45 pm
@Dusky(Dusky)-51: I know we have been cr@p this year, but if we hit them with the 2nd half rythm stick (and it will take a few team changes from the start), then not such a foregone conclusion. The Bulls were sucking air at the end of the Stormers game and we never extended ourselves (so other than some tired legs and the slightly larger problem of trying to hit form), we are still in with an outside chance.
13 Jun 2011, 12:45 pm
@Dusky(Dusky)-59: That he’s not the player he was two seasons ago!
More seriously though, don’t think anyone could realistically have scored from that position (‘cept maybe one of those Fijian monster wingers)… Of course, V/d Heever was coming in defence on the angle as well. Nonetheless, Basson is very good and very fast. No qualms about him in a Springbok jumper.
13 Jun 2011, 12:45 pm
@wallabie.(wallabie.)-67:
wont happen,especially under Deans.Not a turncoat like Ozzie media,would never change Test cappie now.Otherwise Reuben Thorne would have been chopped liver by 2003/4 for both Saders/AB
13 Jun 2011, 12:47 pm
@XhosaKid(XhosaKid)-68:
Not quite that simple, if the Crusaders claims a bonus point victory over the Hurricanes this weekend which is quite likely, and the Reds get win or two points from theirs, the superior points difference of the Crusaders might see them pip the Stormers for second place on the log if they only get 4 log points.
But they will know before kick off just what is needed, as theirs is the last game of the weekend.
13 Jun 2011, 12:48 pm
@NicG(NicG)-72: There is only one way, and that is to do something the Sharks haven’t done all season, so a massive ask. They will have to gain momentum from the kick off – it’s the only way with the Bulls. You have to hit them early, and hope that it waivers their confidence. Just like the Currie Cup semi-final. I reckon Keegan’s early try was a huge psychological blow to the Bulls.
But, like I say – Sharks haven’t been able to pull that off all season, so how on earth they going to suddenly do it at Loftus ?
13 Jun 2011, 12:49 pm
@Kea-Cat(KEA)-70:
If the stormers end 3rd then that is what they must do dumbass
13 Jun 2011, 12:51 pm
@Dusky(Dusky)-65: I don’t buy that at all, you guys have been the loudest mouths since your “successful” tour, that was just before the Crusaders knocked the stuffings out of you. Now you have become “no-hopers” or under dogs?.
No, man up, go to Loftus and win, it will be 15 against 15
13 Jun 2011, 12:54 pm
The more important question is:
Is Ryan Vrede now the Master, and Keo the Has-been, after their public square off on Keotubby TV before the Bulls/Stormers clash?
13 Jun 2011, 12:54 pm
@Dusky(Dusky)-76: Some fresh faces in the starting line-up to shake things up and desperation to stay in the tournament… stranger things have happened.
Having said that – Bulls are the real deal when it counts (even if they were gifted 2007 with 2 sh*t calls after the whistle should have been blown). They know how to play percentage rugby and apply pressure when it counts.
I’m still keeping my fingers crossed – couldn’t otherwise call myself a supporter!
13 Jun 2011, 12:55 pm
@XhosaKid(XhosaKid)-78: Just being realistic dude. No doubt, the Sharks will go there to win. I doubt they are surrendering – but, looking at their performances recently I just cannot see them beating the Bulls. It would take a total swing in form for that to happen.
13 Jun 2011, 12:56 pm
@PissAnt(PissAnt)-75: Exactly, we dont have to rely on anyone else to do us a favour, we have worked hard in order to be in this position, at least when and if we choke against the Cheetahs then we can look at ourselves straight in the eyes and call ourselves Chokers!!!.
13 Jun 2011, 12:57 pm
@PissAnt(PissAnt)-75:
I thought points difference is irrelevant, as the Crusaders beat the Stormers when they met this year. And the record between the two teams counts for more than overall points difference, or am I mistaken?
13 Jun 2011, 12:59 pm
@PissAnt(PissAnt)-75: i thought they look at WINS before they go to PD, open to correction though.
13 Jun 2011, 13:00 pm
@Tacitus(Deucalion)-83:
Got a mail this morning confirming the process that would be followed should teams end up on same log points:
Most wins from all matches
• Highest aggregate points difference from all matches
• Most tries from all matches
• Highest aggregate difference in tries for and against from all matches
• Coin toss (only used to determine Finalists)
13 Jun 2011, 13:00 pm
@XhosaKid(XhosaKid)-82: I thought you had already looked yourself square in the eyes and called yourselves chokers ? I mean 2010 – Two finals, two runners up medals….the biggest chokers usually only show their colors in the final – or at least that is always what I was told about the Sharks.
13 Jun 2011, 13:01 pm
@Transformation(Transformation)-84:
You are quite correct, most wins first, then points difference, Stormers just need a win therfore to end second.
13 Jun 2011, 13:02 pm
@PissAnt(PissAnt)-85:
So who has won more matches between the Saders and Stormers?
13 Jun 2011, 13:02 pm
Stormers currently stand 11 from 15, Crusaders 10.
13 Jun 2011, 13:04 pm
The Bulls best bet is actually for the Stormers to end first and for the Blues to lose.
That way, we can end fourth, have a quarterfinal at Loftus and a semifinal at Newlands. Then the worst case scenario is just a one game trip overseas for the final or even, if team 6 beats team 3, the possibility of a final at Loftus.
13 Jun 2011, 13:05 pm
@PissAnt(PissAnt)-85: Then we just need to beat the Cheetah?, if I’m correct, regardless of by how much
13 Jun 2011, 13:07 pm
@XhosaKid(XhosaKid)-91:
Correct, any win will see Stormers end 2nd. Even if only by a single point.
13 Jun 2011, 13:10 pm
@Xkreni-WP(Xkreni-WP)-77: if the bulls lose it might be tickets for them.you might need to go slow on your hatred for the stormers this saturday.
13 Jun 2011, 13:10 pm
@Tacitus(Deucalion)-90: Are you opening up a can of whoopass here already ? The Bulls haven’t beaten the Sharks yet buddy. It’s almost a certainty that they will, but there is still the little matter of 80 minutes of rugby. Or are the Bulls underestimating the Sharks again like the Currie Cup semi-final ?
13 Jun 2011, 13:12 pm
@Valkyrie(Valkyrie)-93: For the Bulls and Sharks it all hinges on whether the Brumbies will do us a favour and beat the Waratahs. If the Waratahs win their match, then the loser of Bulls vs Sharks will definitely drop out.
13 Jun 2011, 13:12 pm
@Dusky(Dusky)-94:
No, but whether we beat the Sharks or not, my scenario above remains our best bet. Cause if we lose to the Sharks, were out. Simple as that.
The Tahs ain’t gonna lose this weekend.
13 Jun 2011, 13:12 pm
if the waratahs win with a bonus point, not likely, the shorks and bulls will know that loser goes home early. the winner will be screwed for the semi play off.
13 Jun 2011, 13:13 pm
@Dusky(Dusky)-94:
What! The Sharks lost already. Well the Bulls have written The Sharks off before a match plenty of times in the past with laughable consequences.
13 Jun 2011, 13:14 pm
@Tacitus(Deucalion)-96: I know dude – I am just pulling your leg. I myself reckon the Sharks stand about a 20% chance of winning this weekend. I wouldn’t blame the Bulls if they felt confident for the game. There is no reason not to.
13 Jun 2011, 13:15 pm
@Tacitus(Deucalion)-90: don’t see the tahs beating the crusaders in nz.no final at loftus i am afraid.
13 Jun 2011, 13:15 pm
@wallabie.(wallabie.)-97:
Nope. If the Bulls win, the Tahs can’t overtake them, even if the Tahs get a bonuspoint. Cause then they will be equal on the log, but the Bulls have won an extra game, so they will top the Tahs on the log.
13 Jun 2011, 13:16 pm
@Great White Shark(Predawn)-98: I have learned from the last couple of years that this is the best possible scenario for the Sharks. It has the a greater galvanizing effect on them than anything Plumtree or any other sports psychologist can say or do.
13 Jun 2011, 13:17 pm
@Valkyrie(Valkyrie)-100:
But the Sharks might just… Because they did pretty well against a Saders team firing on all cylinders in London, and the Saders seem to be misfiring a bit lately compared to those early games.
SBW especially seems to have been found out.
13 Jun 2011, 13:17 pm
@Transformation(Transformation)-84:
the waratahs lost out 2 years ago to the crusaders yet the tahs had more wins. agg got the better of them.
13 Jun 2011, 13:18 pm
@wallabie.(wallabie.)-104:
That rule has now changed.
13 Jun 2011, 13:18 pm
@Dusky(Dusky)-102:
Stormers lost the game in the loosies and 9 & 10 combo.
Sharks need to front up there, and they will have a chance.
13 Jun 2011, 13:20 pm
@PissAnt(PissAnt)-106:
And in the front row, where the Bulls seemed to dominate – both at scrumtime and in general play.
Kaplan’s weird interpretations notwhitstanding, Greyling was piling the pressure on his opposite number at scrumtime.
13 Jun 2011, 13:20 pm
@wallabie.(wallabie.)-104: Didn’t the Waratahs lose out last year because the Bulls sent a second string side to play the Stormers in the final league game ?
It would be a weird kind of justice if the Waratahs make it into the playoffs at the Bulls expense this year…..
13 Jun 2011, 13:20 pm
@Great White Shark(Predawn)-98: if i am correct i remember the sharks beating the bulls at loftus playing with 14 men for nearly 60 minutes a few seasons back.loftus doesn’t have any hold over the sharks and i am quietly confident that there might be a wailing and gnashing of teeth come saturday night in danville.
13 Jun 2011, 13:21 pm
@Tacitus(Deucalion)-101:
winning an extra game does not position a team higher if there is an aggregate difference.
13 Jun 2011, 13:21 pm
@wallabie.(wallabie.)-104: Oh, now I remember. The Tahs didn’t lose out, but they did lose out on a home semi-final……now I remember……:-)
13 Jun 2011, 13:21 pm
So the Bulls vs Sharks game has virtually turned into a “last 16″ knock out game. 6 weeks ago, I would have hoped the Bulls silent the nauseating HG and his band of followers, but now the Bulls fans that had disappeared have come back and I would love for them to be snotklapped and silenced for good.
I really don’t know who I hate the most between these two teams.
13 Jun 2011, 13:22 pm
@Tacitus(Deucalion)-107:
I did not see any video of the game yet, but it seemed live that scrums was a lottery.
I know a number of scrum calls came from the touchie as I saw them communicate.
Sharks front row is one area I don’t think there is any concern, locks possibly especially if Sykes is ruled out, but loosies is where they will need to front up big time.
13 Jun 2011, 13:22 pm
@wallabie.(wallabie.)-110: Yes it does. This year it does. The first consideration is number of games won. Go take a look at the log. Bulls and Sharks on equal points, and then take a look at the points difference – Sharks have a better points difference – so, how come the Bulls are 5th and Sharks are 6th ?
This IS how it works this year. First number of games won, and then points difference.
13 Jun 2011, 13:23 pm
@XhosaKid(XhosaKid)-112:
don’t worry.
nobody gives a tinker’s toss who you hate.
13 Jun 2011, 13:23 pm
@Valkyrie(Valkyrie)-109:
Must you get into the usual trash talk before the game?
The truth is, no one knows how the teams are going to perform on Saturday. I learned that lesson after the whoopass encounter at Kings Park last year.
It is much better to let the other team’s supporters have it AFTER the game, than shooting your mouth of beforehand but getting handed some humblepie afterwards.
Like what’s happening to all the sour Stormers supporters today.
13 Jun 2011, 13:23 pm
@Valkyrie(Valkyrie)-109:
My mantra has always been that Moftus is a home game for The Sharks.
13 Jun 2011, 13:24 pm
@wallabie.(wallabie.)-110:
It changed mate.
Most wins counts ahead of points difference this year.
13 Jun 2011, 13:24 pm
@Dusky(Dusky)-111: The Tahs lost out to a blinding side step from JdJ, just ask Wales about that side step as well……..
13 Jun 2011, 13:24 pm
Burger is the wrong captain for Stormers.
Being a keen Bulls fan I enjoyed the resuly however as a Bok supporter I was worried to see Habana get burned by the cover when in the past he would have scored.
Hopefully he does some speed traing before the WC.
The Sharks and Lions game was way more entertaining and i wish the Boks would make use of Mitchell in preperations for the WC. He has taught his guys something about offloading in the tackle and then finding space through tight defences – not sure how he is doing it but its great to watch.
Another two guys the Boks should consider utilising are Droske and Berndan Venter.
13 Jun 2011, 13:25 pm
@XhosaKid(XhosaKid)-112: Come now – isn’t ‘hate’ a bit of a strong word.
Incidentally, I don’t hate the Stormers but their fans are the sorriest, most unsporting group I have ever come across. I am very pleased I don’t support a team that has fans who have to resort to booing their opposition like a bunch of unruly 10 year olds. Pathetic !
13 Jun 2011, 13:25 pm
@Tacitus(Deucalion)-116:
Hey the Stormers loss did wonders for my Superbru! Especially in a weekend with two bloody draws.
13 Jun 2011, 13:26 pm
@Great White Shark(Predawn)-117: true.sharks supporters normally packs out loftus.
13 Jun 2011, 13:26 pm
@XhosaKid(XhosaKid)-112:
Yeah, some Bulls fans might actually have better things to do with their lives and only come on here when it gets to the business end of the comp where the chokers and pretenders are exposed like on Saturday.
13 Jun 2011, 13:26 pm
@PissAnt(PissAnt)-113:
Let me refresh your memory.
Greyling slips his bind fleetingly and gets penalised immediately.
Blaauw or Brok or whoever scrums against him goes to ground three times in a row, but Kaplan decides to reset the scrum each time cause they supposedly “slipped”.
I never once saw the Stormers push the Bulls back, but the Bulls had a few monster scrums that had th Stormers backpeddling like Lance Armstrong after an injection of unconfirmed liquids.
13 Jun 2011, 13:27 pm
@XhosaKid(XhosaKid)-119: No – the Tahs lost out because the Bulls sent a schoolboy team to Newlands. I know Stormers fans wont acknowledge that, because they are so desperate for affirmation they could spit their false teeth out, but that’s a fact. Stormers beat a 2nd or 3rd string Bulls side last year in the Super 14.
13 Jun 2011, 13:27 pm
@gunther is feeling bullish(gunther)-115: just saying……
13 Jun 2011, 13:28 pm
@XhosaKid(XhosaKid)-112:
How can you hate people you have never met?
Some would call your comment bigoted…
13 Jun 2011, 13:28 pm
@Tacitus(Deucalion)-101:
let’s hope your bulls win because them shorks will be playing for a win!
the bulls can’t put a second string side this year and them bulls need to be put to pasture….some of them. there will be hammering each other this weekend, next weekend then may have to fly the weekend after.
the crunch games are in rsa if the the reds, tahs and crusaders win this weekend. this weekend will show where bok rugby is.
if you are a bulls fan…good luck.
13 Jun 2011, 13:28 pm
@Tacitus(Deucalion)-125:
Gary Botha had a strong game for me, it will be interesting to see if Ludeke continues with his two-game policy rotation with him and Chili…
13 Jun 2011, 13:29 pm
@wallabie.(wallabie.)-129:
My hope is on the Highlanders upsetting the mentally fragile Blues, thus giving the Bulls a home quarterfinal.
13 Jun 2011, 13:29 pm
@wallabie.(wallabie.)-129: Let me tell you, if there is one team in this entire tournament than can win this thing after sneaking into the playoffs in 5th or 6th position, its the Bulls.
13 Jun 2011, 13:30 pm
I hate iPad auto correction!
13 Jun 2011, 13:30 pm
@XhosaKid(XhosaKid)-112: again its your type of arrogance why the stormers supporters are disliked so much
and you think the bulls or sharks care that you hate them ?? want a ton of tissues to whipe the snot??
i am glad the bulls gave you guys a snot klap , even though it was not good for my own team
you guys carried on in here like the bulls did not have a hope in hell last week
well they had you fooled
13 Jun 2011, 13:30 pm
@Tacitus(Deucalion)-131: Not impossible. I think there is a greater chance of the Highlanders beating the Blues than the Brumbies beating the Waratahs.
13 Jun 2011, 13:30 pm
@Dusky(Dusky)-121:
S’true. Was saying to some mates the other day that I never knew just how cringeworthy South Africans could be when it comes to rugby support.
There are supporters and then there are dooses.
13 Jun 2011, 13:32 pm
@XhosaKid(XhosaKid)-127:
its a shame when people make generalisations.
if you are not careful I will talk to your boss and get you put on the back of the bakkie with the pondoland bulls fans and the mozambiquans.
I will also have you removed from the guest list at ZAR.
13 Jun 2011, 13:32 pm
@Tacitus(Deucalion)-131: @PissAnt(PissAnt)-130: hiyas PA you well mate??
hiyas tacci ltnc , lol welcome back
and congrats , whilst you were gone , i told these okes the bulls should not be written off , they will be back with a bang, well just look
13 Jun 2011, 13:34 pm
@Great White Shark(Predawn)-136: Even Bob Skinstad, the biggest turncoat Stormers supporter ever said that it was pathetic.
Maybe they were trying to cheer Morne Steyn on, but ‘boooo’ is the sound that comes out when you have no teeth in your mouth ?
13 Jun 2011, 13:34 pm
@Dusky(Dusky)-132:
maybe last year in loftus….not in NZ or aus. not after a humdinger this weekend and then a humdinger the weekend after….a flight….then another humdinger.
but the tahs could lose!
13 Jun 2011, 13:35 pm
@Dusky(Dusky)-139: mate the booing is not just at Newlands though , its a problem at all our stadia
13 Jun 2011, 13:35 pm
@Xkreni-WP(Xkreni-WP)-124: I’m sure like how Loftus was becoming empty and emptier midway through the competition.
13 Jun 2011, 13:35 pm
@PissAnt(PissAnt)-130: if the sharks start with bissy then botha and chilly will be in for a long saturday.no more taking candy from children scenario for them this saturday.
13 Jun 2011, 13:36 pm
The Stormers have never had what is took to win big games. They won’t win this year either.
My money is on the Bulls for a final position. Whether they will win it again is up to them.
13 Jun 2011, 13:36 pm
@Train(Train)-120: Quite right about the Lions – they looked like the Saders in the first half , they played some beautiful rugby and it does show that South Africans do have the ability to offload in the tackle !!!! I hope Mitchell does get the support of the Lions union because it is about time that Transvaal return to the heights of the rugby elite – that sort of rugby will get the crowds back !!!!
13 Jun 2011, 13:36 pm
@wallabie.(wallabie.)-140: I know it unlikely, that’s not what I am saying. I am saying, if I had to choose a South African team to try do it, I would choose the Bulls.
13 Jun 2011, 13:37 pm
@President_of_the_Sharks_rugby_experts(sharks_lover)-138:
All good.
13 Jun 2011, 13:38 pm
@President_of_the_Sharks_rugby_experts(sharks_lover)-141: Its by far the worst at Newlands. And wasn’t it at Newlands that a bunch of idiots continued to make a noise while they were trying to have a moments silence for the victims of the Christchuch earthquake ?
Pathetic. Honestly, I feel embarrassed to be South African.
13 Jun 2011, 13:39 pm
@President_of_the_Sharks_rugby_experts(sharks_lover)-138:
Picking the Bulls this week saw me make up some vital log positions on the official Stormers Superbru pool!
13 Jun 2011, 13:39 pm
@Dusky(Dusky)-146:
all good
13 Jun 2011, 13:40 pm
@President_of_the_Sharks_rugby_experts(sharks_lover)-141: thank you very much mr.president.
13 Jun 2011, 13:40 pm
again this weekend will be hell
my team has a chance yes , but i think a very slim chance
same as stormer match in bloem , take the cheetahs lightly at your peril
13 Jun 2011, 13:40 pm
@logie_Jumpbuck(logie_Jumpbuck)-144: Stormers have got some fairly serious weapons, but when you have lost two finals in a row like the Stormers/WP did last year, the playoff demons come knocking when it gets to this stage of the competition….
Ask the Sharks, they worked long and hard to exorcise their demons, and they still aren’t all gone.
13 Jun 2011, 13:42 pm
@President_of_the_Sharks_rugby_experts(sharks_lover)-134: maybe like me, your English is second language, if not , I don’t know how you got to “arrogance” from my dilemna, I was just talking about my Hobson Choice…
13 Jun 2011, 13:42 pm
not so sure about this mastery, not sure there’s much to choose between them at all, if there’s anything matfield has over bekker at the lineout, bekker shades matfield in the tightloose.
13 Jun 2011, 13:43 pm
@logie_Jumpbuck(logie_Jumpbuck)-144: Still think it will be a Reds v Saders final – both teams have played excilarating rugby ….. Bulls rugby is outdated , this year you can see how both Oz and NZ teams have outshone last years champions …. The Bulls remind me of England in the last WC , they do know how to win final rugby by playing percentage rugby but boring…. With the quality and depth at Loftus , they should be leading the way in world rugby but this will demand a change in coaches , management but the with the current culture at the Bulls i can not see this happening.
13 Jun 2011, 13:43 pm
@PissAnt(PissAnt)-149: LOL MOrne i had bulls to win too , although is was not good for my sharks
but i been saying all along , when them bulls get the bit between the teeth that dangerous, and they know how to win anywhere
13 Jun 2011, 13:44 pm
@President_of_the_Sharks_rugby_experts(sharks_lover)-134: Find a Stormers fan that acted like that, its a myth that the majority of us are like that, unless you take one poster i.e. Skoppy as a majority.
13 Jun 2011, 13:45 pm
Iwas sitting on my balcony before the game watching hundreds of Stormers supporters stroll past towards the stadium, loud as ever! Then after the game the same bunch made their way to Groote schuur fields and they were mum.
Loved it!
13 Jun 2011, 13:45 pm
How does Bekker get away with screaming at his fellow lineout forwards? He is a petulant child, man. It’s not the first time I have seen him do it either.
13 Jun 2011, 13:46 pm
@XhosaKid(XhosaKid)-154: firstly its the net, you want perfect english go to the library man
and BTW check your own spelling
13 Jun 2011, 13:46 pm
@gunther is feeling bullish(gunther)-137: LOL!!!!, I promise to be a good native, like Mandela.
13 Jun 2011, 13:46 pm
@logie_Jumpbuck(logie_Jumpbuck)-159:
you have a balcony?
imperialist oppressor.
13 Jun 2011, 13:47 pm
@stew(stew)-156: I’m not so sure whether it’s outdated rugby. The game is still played the same way it has been played for a hundred years barring a few changes to tweak the rules.
You need a strong pack.
You need a good kicking flyhalf.
You need a good decision maker between 9 and 10.
You need fast wingers.
This has always beed so. They still win games on these priciples.
13 Jun 2011, 13:48 pm
@XhosaKid(XhosaKid)-162:
you are a very cheeky native.
but I like you because you pretend to like the bulls.
so I will overlook your subversive tendencies…
13 Jun 2011, 13:48 pm
@cab(cab)-155: We all know that Matfield likes to play centre …. Cab tight work is for forwards dont you know that LOL
13 Jun 2011, 13:49 pm
@XhosaKid(XhosaKid)-154: and refer back to your own post re HG and his followers , why not see your own stormer supporters stupidities that has made HG the blogger he is
and because he dont take C*rP FROM YOU OKES YOU BRAND HIM??
13 Jun 2011, 13:50 pm
@gunther is feeling bullish(gunther)-163: nope, i’m an agent. I was upgraded recently by the queen.
13 Jun 2011, 13:50 pm
@gunther is feeling bullish(gunther)-165: boet you ready at loftus to accept the 50/50 split in support there this comming weekend??
No doubt will be packed with Sharkies there this weekend
13 Jun 2011, 13:53 pm
I always said we need Big Vic (and JS) at the world cup… even during his and the bulls out-of-form run earlier in the season…
on saturday he showed everyone why…
well done Vic (and the bulls) again…!!
13 Jun 2011, 13:54 pm
@seamus(seamus)-160:
He am surprised that he only screamed at and did not “donner” Deon Fourie who besides being the worst “thrower of a ball into a lineout” in super rugby also seems to have a hearing problem.
13 Jun 2011, 13:54 pm
@President_of_the_Sharks_rugby_experts(sharks_lover)-167:
who has made HG the blogger he is?
how did anyone make him sit still long enough to BRAND him?
are you suggesting that he has been abused in the same way as pooper was by KKK and that as a society we bear a collective sense of responsibility and shame?
are you a nurture over nature proponent?
these are all questions that need answering.
13 Jun 2011, 13:54 pm
@logie_Jumpbuck(logie_Jumpbuck)-164: Your foundation principles are sound but with todays modern defensive strategies you need creativity in the midfield – if you look at breaks these days it more than often comes between 12 / 13 , why because the cover defence hasnt reached this point , if the ball is passed quickly ….. The Bulls do lack this creativity , i think the last decent centre they had was the guy who died in the car accident ( my apologise i forget his name)…… Imagine the Bulls with a creative backline they would be unstoppable !
13 Jun 2011, 13:55 pm
@bertus_baarmoeder(bertus_baarmoeder)-1: keep telling yourself that…..
13 Jun 2011, 13:55 pm
@Robzim(Robzim)-171:
Should read “I am”
13 Jun 2011, 13:57 pm
@President_of_the_Sharks_rugby_experts(sharks_lover)-169:
yes I blame budget air travel.
before that you never saw sharks fans move around in such numbers.
that’s why I have bought a tv that is bigger than an rdp house.
and a fridge that is bigger than a tv.
besides, I don’t like the genral public in large numbers.
they make my teeth itch.
13 Jun 2011, 13:58 pm
@stew(stew)-173: Ja, Ettiene Botha. He was also very very suinig and started to get worked out by opponents towards the end of his career.
Look, all i’m saying is that the bulls are good enough to beat any team on any given saturday with their playing style. It’s not champagne rugby, but when last did the French win the world cup…..or NZ for that matter?
13 Jun 2011, 13:59 pm
Matfield is still king. Not only at line-out time, but his leadership and tactical play is by far the best of any no. 5 lock in world rugby.
Ratings for the 4 locks that started; Bekker 6, Elstadt 4, Rossouw 6, Matfield 8.
13 Jun 2011, 14:01 pm
@President_of_the_Sharks_rugby_experts(sharks_lover)-167: HG and his band of merry-men = Skoppy. Now, that’s the entire Sharks fraternity on this site against The Legendary Skoppy. Grant10 is just in love with John Smit.
13 Jun 2011, 14:01 pm
@TheAgent(TheAgent)-178: Yip, no susbstitute for experience……or pace for that matter. SOmeone should tell Bryan Habana that.
I’m sorry, is it just me or would habana have scored that last try 2 years ago. No one would have caught up with him.
13 Jun 2011, 14:04 pm
@logie_Jumpbuck(logie_Jumpbuck)-168: Come on Logie, did you expect fans to walk into Newlands as if they are a prayer group attending a night prayer at a local skwatta camp?
13 Jun 2011, 14:04 pm
@stew(stew)-166:
ja stew, these days with smit at scrummie, burger at flyhalf and matfield on the wing, one hopes the bokke still got a few in the engine room.
13 Jun 2011, 14:04 pm
the danville boys club should not take it as a foregone conclusion that they will beat the sharks this saturday.those ford wrecks and garden gnomes gonna take some abuse this saturday night.sharks,though,needs to start with bissy for that to happen.
13 Jun 2011, 14:05 pm
Bekker has yet to deliver full stop. Name one test where he has played well. Last year, and the year before that, Bekker was lauded as the form lock. But it amounted to yet more poor showings at test level. Whether he replaces Bakkies or Matfield, he fails. He is no better than Olivier, who has never made the transition to test level despite quite often being the form 12 of the Super 14. It’s time to accept that the frail and average Bekker is not the player he is made out be like all those that have fanboys gushing over them. Think Watson, Pretorius, Jantjes, Britz to name but a few.
13 Jun 2011, 14:07 pm
@Valkyrie(Valkyrie)-183:
it will be nothing compared to the abuse the poodles got on saturday night.
13 Jun 2011, 14:07 pm
@XhosaKid(XhosaKid)-179: now if you put it llike that i cant argue
13 Jun 2011, 14:09 pm
@XhosaKid(XhosaKid)-181: funny! no mate, i’m just stirring a little. i’m used to the remoer, it’s just that some of the stormers supporters were really really loud, shouting abuse to bulls supporters as is usual everywhere. But they were like mice with slippers on coming out
13 Jun 2011, 14:11 pm
@stew(stew)-173: Not creativity, but organized variation and the ability to think about what you are trying to achieve with the ball. New Zealand are not successful ball in hand because of creativity but because they have better technical understanding of how to move the ball around to beat defenders and defensive systems. They active think on their feet as a result of this understanding and practice this from a very young age.
13 Jun 2011, 14:12 pm
@Blitzbok(Blitzbok)-184:
yeah im not convinced on bekker, he could be v good and there are moments when he cleans out well and does alot more than matfield in that respect which is not hard, both are the best lineout locks in the world, seem to recall that bekker got the upperhand stealing a number of matfield’s balls in their previous encounter.
13 Jun 2011, 14:14 pm
@stew(stew)-173: You are talking about Ettiene Botha. Botha was a special player. However, the Bulls’ gameplan is built around their strong tactical kickers. Therefor, you dont need that much creativity in the midfield, but it would be a “nice to have” You need guys there that can tackle well, and forwards that can put enough pressure to force turnovers.
Somebody mentioned it on tv this weekend. Hurricanes, tsunami’s and eathquakes can be predicted, but you cant stop it. Thats the approach the Bulls have taken. They dont care that opponents know what they’re bringing. Their only objective is to execute that gameplan to the dot. It seems to work.
During the Bulls’ “maar jare”, they played with guys like Lance Sherryl, Luke Smith, Louis Strydom and the likes, none of whom were renowned for their technical kicking abilities. Morne Steyn, Derick Hougaard and Naas Botha are all cut from the same cloth, hence the Bulls success in they times that they were playing… Just my opinion….
13 Jun 2011, 14:14 pm
This from Rugby 365.com. I’m not convinced that it’s 100% accurate, for e.g. the Bulls cannot top the Stormers as they have won more games than the Bulls, so the Bulls cannot win the SA conf, but here you go:
“rugby365.com has attempted to paint a picture of what each team need to do in the final week of league action and their prospects. It is not en exact science, but a pretty good guess, we feel.
It is exciting times, so here goes!
Reds:
Current position: Australian conference – first; global standings – first
Best possible finish: Australian conference – first; global standings – first
Worst possible finish: Australian conference – first; global standings – third
Final league fixture:
18 June: v Chiefs, away
Stormers:
Current position: South African conference – first; global standings – second
Best possible finish: South African conference – first; global standings – first
Worst possible finish: South African conference – second; global standings – fifth
Final league fixture:
18 June: v Cheetahs, away
Crusaders:
Current position: NZ conference – first; global standings – third
Best possible finish: NZ conference – first; global standings – first
Worst possible finish: NZ conference – second; global standings – seventh
Final league fixture:
18 June: v Hurricanes, home
Blues:
Current position: New Zealand conference – second; global standings – fourth
Best possible finish: New Zealand conference – first; global standings – second
Worst possible finish: New Zealand conference – second; global standings – seventh
Final league fixture:
17 June: v Highlanders, home
Bulls:
Current position: SA conference – second; global standings – fifth
Best possible finish: SA conference – first; global standings – second
Worst possible finish: SA conference – third; global standings – seventh
Final league fixture:
18 June: v Sharks, home
Sharks:
Current position: SA conference – third; global standings – sixth
Best possible finish: SA conference – first; global standings – second
Worst possible finish: SA conference – third; global standings – seventh
Final league fixture:
18 June: v Bulls, away
Waratahs:
Current position: Aus conference – second; global standings – seventh
Best possible finish: Aus conference – second; global standings – fourth
Worst possible finish: Aus conference – second; global standings – seventh
Final league fixture:
18 June: v Brumbies, home
Highlanders:
Current position: NZ conference – third; global standings – eighth
Best possible finish: NZ conference – third; global standings – eighth
Worst possible finish: NZ conference – fifth; global standings – 10th
Final league fixture:
17 June: v Blues, away
Hurricanes:
Current position: NZ conference – fourth; global standings – ninth
Best possible finish: NZ conference – third; global standings – eighth
Worst possible finish: NZ conference – fifth; global standings – 11th
Final league fixture:
18 June: v Crusaders, away
Chiefs:
Current position: NZ conference – fifth; global standings – 10th
Best possible finish: NZ conference – third; global standings – eighth
Worst possible finish: NZ conference – fifth; global standings – 11th
Final league fixture:
18 June: v Reds, home
Cheetahs:
Current position: SA conference – fourth; global standings – 11th
Best possible finish: SA conference – fourth; global standings – ninth
Worst possible finish: SA conference – fourth; global standings – 11th
Final league fixture:
18 June: v Stormers, home
Western Force:
Current position: Aus conference – third; global standings – 12th
Best possible finish: Aus conference – third; global standings – 12th
Worst possible finish: Aus conference – fourth; global standings – 13th
Final league fixture:
17 June: v Rebels, away
Brumbies:
Current position: Aus conference – fourth; global standings – 13th
Best possible finish: Aus conference – third; global standings – 12th
Worst possible finish: Aus conference – fourth; global standings – 13th
Final league fixture:
18 June: v Waratahs, away
Lions:
Current position: SA conference – fifth; global standings – 14th
Best possible finish: SA conference – fifth; global standings – 13th
Worst possible finish: SA conference – fifth; global standings – 14th
Final league fixture:
17/18 June: Bye
Rebels:
Current position: Aus conference – fifth; global standings – 15th
Best possible finish: Aus conference – fifth; global standings – 15th
Worst possible finish: Aus conference – fifth; global standings – 15th
Final league fixture:
17 June: v Force, home
By Jan de Koning
13 Jun 2011, 14:15 pm
@TheAgent(TheAgent)-178: very true , and this is one of the reasons the sharks are struggling this year, their locks are not performing
Sharks should have bought atleast one lock like VD Merve, strong enforcer type
I know we have a kid comming through of 19 thats 119KG and 2.06 just hope he is made of stern stuff
13 Jun 2011, 14:15 pm
@cab(cab)-189:
Bekker got through a hell of a lot of work on Saturday, and again from what I saw live, more than any other Stormers loosie apart from Burger.
13 Jun 2011, 14:16 pm
@cab(cab)-189: Something that Matfield brings at test level that bekker cant is that he runs our entire lineout. Both technically and tactically. he does a lot of analysis and offers alot tactically. Jones said that Matfield knows more about lineout play than coaches and he is a very smart person off the field. Bekker falls very, very short of this. When Matfield retires the void he leaves is going to be massive! We’ll have an average hooker who cannot throw into lineouts with a physically frail lock who never pitches up and offers nothing much in the dressing room and who has no presence. And no du Preez to orchestrate things either. Bad times.
13 Jun 2011, 14:17 pm
@logie_Jumpbuck(logie_Jumpbuck)-177: Ettiene Botha had his best playing days ahead of him. He had the ability to break the line almost at will! He reminded me alot of Fleckie at his best!
13 Jun 2011, 14:20 pm
@stormersboy(stormersboy)-191: Its 100% accurate
13 Jun 2011, 14:24 pm
@Blue Label(Blue Label)-190:
yes i think thats exactly right – it may not be pretty, but 3 S14 trophies in 5 years and in the hunt for the 4th is testament to its effectivity.
all 3 of the current SA teams are strong, but not sure any of them are the complete article like the Crusaders this year. The stormers backline and backrow is the best, but they lack the locks of the bulls or the frontrow of the sharks. what I cant fathom is why 4 of SA top centres are all queued up at WP, while 5 of the countries top locks are queued up the bulls. Players like JdJ, Sadie, Juandre Kruger and Flip are all starting off the bench when they could be boulstering the other SA franchises chances immensely as well getting in vital Super 15 experience for their Bok aspirations.
13 Jun 2011, 14:29 pm
@Blue Label(Blue Label)-190: Luke Smith? Dont know him.
Franco, maybe?
Lance could kick the ball.
13 Jun 2011, 14:30 pm
@PissAnt(PissAnt)-193:
exactly right, thats how i saw it, i thought bekker had a good game and worked hard.
@Blitzbok(Blitzbok)-194:
yep, Matfield is a very smart player, despite the strange looks on his face when talking to the ref, i believe he’s a fan of vince lombardi and is interested in all kinds of stuff outside the game – but he just does nothing in terms of ruck or breakdown which is so vital and is the only lock that is carried like this in any of the test teams – what i will say tho is his tackling has always been fantastic and he is still extremely mobile. I just wonder if PdV’s pack is going to lack the required grunt and b/d intensity that we saw in 2009. these boys are getting on and committing even less, there’s a tipping point and a fine balance between strategic experience and hard intense grafters upfront.
13 Jun 2011, 14:32 pm
@cab(cab)-197: True. Imagine Flip next to Andries, and JdJ next to Wynand (I’m a fan, because of the gameplan). It makes so much more sense. Unfortunately, SA rugby is not mature enough to see the bigger picture. WE developed him, he stays HERE mentality. If SA rugby was managed by a smart CEO, we would have been unstoppable in the international arena! Just think how long Morne had to be benched, as he was playing in Liefling’s shadow? Disgraceful, to say the least!
Anyways, I still believe that we will see a Stormers vs Crusaders final. The Bulls will run out of steam when they travel- if they can built on Saturday’s momentum to beat the Sharks.
13 Jun 2011, 14:33 pm
@Taahirah(Taahirah)-198: Luke Smith was a rather good goal kicker, but his kicking out of hand was very poor. Same goes for Sheryll. Luke wore the no10 jersey before Sheryll.
13 Jun 2011, 14:39 pm
@cab(cab)-189: exactly a month and two days ago, keo wrtote that Vic was close to being washed out and had played his “worst game in a decade” against the crusaders, now Vic is the “master” after merely disrupting Stormers lineouts. Keo is a bullshitter! Surely this means if Habana scores a brace of intercept tries after working out for a week with Sheryl Calder then he’ll be back to “Vintage Habana”? mnxim!
let him write something about all his kak picks this year!
http://www.keo.co.za/2011/04/11/bok-icons-fading-fast/
13 Jun 2011, 14:42 pm
@logie_Jumpbuck(logie_Jumpbuck)-180: I also think Habana would’ve scored a couple of seasons ago. But one also has to say that Basson is a real speedster. Must also say that Habana tried his best. He looked for work. That is perhaps the problem, he is so desperate to regain his form. I think it will come.
@President_of_the_Sharks_rugby_experts(sharks_lover)-192: Who is this kid. That is huge. Especially his weight, hope he doesn’t pick up any more, then no one will be able to lift him.
13 Jun 2011, 14:45 pm
Guys, does anyone know who is the ref for the Cheetah’s vs Stormers game this weekend.
13 Jun 2011, 14:45 pm
@Transformation(Transformation)-202: Form is temporary, class is permanent. Great players will lose form, but they will regain it. I believe both Victor and Habana falls in that category.
13 Jun 2011, 14:45 pm
@XhosaKid(XhosaKid)-204: I hope it is Pro.
13 Jun 2011, 14:46 pm
thing is its not just about 1 bulls player, most wrote then off,
even players like WO and JPret are shining, Hougaard playing better and better at 9 , Russow near unstoppable
13 Jun 2011, 14:48 pm
@TheAgent(TheAgent)-203: wait i’ll check out quickly
13 Jun 2011, 14:48 pm
@TheAgent(TheAgent)-206: Jonker, from Richards Bay!
13 Jun 2011, 14:48 pm
The reason why Schalk should not be captain is because he can’t controll his temper, and more importantly, he is not a “diplomat”. He argues with the ref instead of trying to get the ref on his side. That is where guys like Smit and Fitzpatrick stand out.
13 Jun 2011, 14:49 pm
@XhosaKid(XhosaKid)-204:
Sadly it is Marius Jonker.
13 Jun 2011, 14:50 pm
@Blue Label(Blue Label)-209:
And Pro is the one linesman
13 Jun 2011, 14:50 pm
@XhosaKid(XhosaKid)-204:
Stormers/Cheetahs, Marius Jonker
Bulls/Sharks, Kaplan
13 Jun 2011, 14:53 pm
@President_of_the_Sharks_rugby_experts(sharks_lover)-207: I think WO held his own against the 2 Boks. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again; no other center in SA has the physical workrate of WO. It is amazing that he doesn’t get injured all the time. He takes the crush ball all the time without losing posession, and his defence is simply awsome.
Not saying he should be the Bok 12, but for the Bulls and the way they play, he is a KEY player.
13 Jun 2011, 14:53 pm
@Robzim(Robzim)-212:
it get’s better and better.
13 Jun 2011, 14:54 pm
@TheAgent(TheAgent)-203: johan schoonbee who is 2.06
13 Jun 2011, 14:57 pm
@Blue Label(Blue Label)-200: As a Bull Bulls fan would you like to see a more creative Bulls side ?
13 Jun 2011, 14:57 pm
@TheAgent(TheAgent)-214: 100% correct
13 Jun 2011, 14:58 pm
@President_of_the_Sharks_rugby_experts(sharks_lover)-216: Okay. Will defenitely keep an eye out for him. Is he a 4 or 5? Suppose a 5?
13 Jun 2011, 14:59 pm
@TheAgent(TheAgent)-214: SBW ran straight through WO in Napier this year , IMO i think the Bulls can do better
13 Jun 2011, 14:59 pm
@stew(stew)-217:
As a fan of any team, I just want to see trophies in the cabinet.
13 Jun 2011, 15:01 pm
@TheAgent(TheAgent)-214:
Yeah he is very KEY to Bulls gameplan but he is no different to Sam Tuitupou was to Blues(2003 Super12 winning campaign) or Darryl Gibson (98,99,2000 Saders Super 12 Invincibles)…But they never played a lot of internationals did they?? Nor did Lee Stenseness who was Blues 12 in 96/97-Graham Henry’s powerhouse Blues team.
13 Jun 2011, 15:01 pm
@Blue Label(Blue Label)-196: OK, sorry. You have to narrow the 90 odd points differential to leapfrog us, but yes, in theory it’s possible.
Not likely, but possible.
13 Jun 2011, 15:01 pm
@TheAgent(TheAgent)-205: how long does it usually take for someone to “regain” their form?
Habana has been rubbish for the better part of 4 YEARS without EVER being dropped!
13 Jun 2011, 15:01 pm
@gunther is feeling bullish(gunther)-215:
Are you a signed up member of the Blue Bulls fan club (Cape town chapter)?
Yesterday, as I was mountainbiking on a wine farm just outside Durbanville I came upon one of their satelite offices.
Operating from a white opel Monza with black windows.
R and B full volume
Wine from tupperware cups
Huge Blue Bull flag on pole next to Opel and friendly recruiting officers who tried to stop me
New face of rugby in the Western Cape?
13 Jun 2011, 15:01 pm
@stew(stew)-217: Yes. However, if given a choice between being entertaining or winning, I would much rather see a winning Bulls side. And a winning Stormers side. And a winning Sharks side. I dont care much for the Lions and Cheetahs.
We cant all be winners… 
13 Jun 2011, 15:02 pm
@PissAnt(PissAnt)-221: Exactly!
As Heyneke Meyer puts it:
“Daar is twee tipes rugby. Wen rugby. En verloor rugby…”
13 Jun 2011, 15:04 pm
@TheAgent(TheAgent)-219:
Personal Details
Full Name: Johan Schoonbee
Date of birth: 13 June 1990
Weight: 118kg
Height: 2.06m
Position: Lock
School: Paarl Gym
Team: Sharks
13 Jun 2011, 15:04 pm
@stormersboy(stormersboy)-223: We’ve been in that position before…
13 Jun 2011, 15:04 pm
@Robzim(Robzim)-225: Which Wine Farm fella??
13 Jun 2011, 15:04 pm
@stew(stew)-220: And he did the same to JdV in Cape Town. The problem does not lie with either WO or de Villiers, but with the way defence was organized. A week after he outplayed de Villiers and shined against the Stormers, he got neutralized by the Cheetahs’s Uys. Not because Uys is better, but because the Cheetahs worked out a plan that worked. Remember what Brendan Venter said? I’m sure he was in contact with his Cheetah team mate Naka.
13 Jun 2011, 15:05 pm
@PissAnt(PissAnt)-221: 100 % correct but there is a certain amount of satisfaction when you win in style – just saying i think with a foreign coach this can be achieved at the Bulls , i base this on the improvement Mitchell has brought to the Lions – i was honestly shocked how well they performed in the first half against the Sharks
13 Jun 2011, 15:06 pm
Agent , this kid had an injury, he made the baby bok squad last year
13 Jun 2011, 15:06 pm
@stormersboy(stormersboy)-230:
D’aria- Just before the exit gate.
13 Jun 2011, 15:07 pm
@stormersboy(stormersboy)-230: Hiyas M brudda , hows you and how is junior??
13 Jun 2011, 15:07 pm
@Robzim(Robzim)-225: privileged english speaking nazi-loving sadf so-called liberal enjoying the fruits of their opression.
13 Jun 2011, 15:07 pm
@TheAgent(TheAgent)-231: Speaking of Brendan Venter, I watched that rediculous post-match interview again this weekend. It was the funniest thing ever!
13 Jun 2011, 15:08 pm
It was just good defence … Basson would have stopped just about every wing in the world with that cover defence.
Maybe Fourie should have passed earlier … no no no it must be Habana’s fault.
13 Jun 2011, 15:08 pm
@Transformation(Transformation)-202:
i see the forensic services are in overdrive, yeah what a difference two months makes, from a has-been to the master – the tweeting is gevaarlik nogal.
13 Jun 2011, 15:09 pm
@Valkyrie(Valkyrie)-236: I’m guessing you are also knee-high to a grasshopper like your hero Tom Cruise … hence the attitude in cyberspace?
13 Jun 2011, 15:10 pm
@Taahirah(Taahirah)-229: Yes you have, my friendly blogger with a girly name
, yes you have….
Wouldn’t bet on it happening again though.
Although if we lost to the Cheetahs by like 50 points and you beat the Sharks in Durbs by the same…..
But ja, I guess anything is possible.
You deserve to be in the top 6 based on recent form. so good luck to both you and the Sharkies.
13 Jun 2011, 15:10 pm
@Transformation(Transformation)-224: I don’t know, you tell me.
As for Habana, his “rubbish” form was still good enough to score 2 tries against the Chiefs in the 09 final, still good enough to win the Tri-Nations and Lions series in 09, still good enough to score the only Stormers try in the S14 final in 2010, and still good enough to help the Stormers move from nowhere in 09, to a hot favourite in the past 2 years.
So yes, he has been “rubbish”, but even that is still better than most international wings. Easy to remember the “bad” since 2007 (that is 4 years), isn’t it?
As for Matfielkd. I see no comment, so I assume you agree on him?
13 Jun 2011, 15:13 pm
@stormersboy(stormersboy)-241:
13 Jun 2011, 15:13 pm
@Blue Label(Blue Label)-237: That was so funny, watched it a couple of times. A pity he is not interested in the Bok job.
I just hope it goes to Meyer. If there is one guy that can take a new, young team to WC glory in 4 years, it is Heyneke. He is already making the right noises about Strauss at hooker and Sadie at center. Both can take SA forward, with Strauss perhaps the captain?
13 Jun 2011, 15:13 pm
@kevin w(kevin w)-240: i am here to keep these so-called fish hoek,clifton,camps bay etc libersals who gladly donned the nazi-loving sadf uniform real and to expose their hypocrisy.
13 Jun 2011, 15:13 pm
@PissAnt(PissAnt)-213: Funny, for some reason I prefer NZ or Aussie refs for local derbies.
13 Jun 2011, 15:14 pm
@Robzim(Robzim)-225: Sounds awesome! Cant wait to move back to Cape Town, seems like you guys finally got some class…
13 Jun 2011, 15:15 pm
@Valkyrie(Valkyrie)-236:
shut up capo.
13 Jun 2011, 15:16 pm
@President_of_the_Sharks_rugby_experts(sharks_lover)-235: Hey T. they discharged him today, the operation went well, the took the drain out yesterday and now the biggest challenge is keeping a wriggling, energetic 3 year old from putting weight on his leg for 3 weeks
Mom’s going to need her own perscription soon if you know what I mean….
PS thanks to all the bloggers for all your support, those that I haven’t had the opportunity to thank personally, it’s nice to see that in spite of the fierce rivallry that we experience, and I exclude guys like SharksLover from this, as he is a personal friend, that we are all still caring human beings underneath all of the bravado.
13 Jun 2011, 15:17 pm
@gunther is feeling bullish(gunther)-248: capo?
13 Jun 2011, 15:18 pm
@Robzim(Robzim)-225:
who knows.
I have never been to Durbanville.
It scares me.
I’m allergic to man made fibres and patchwork leather garments.
maybe they were lost?
however it sounds like they were fitting in just fine.
13 Jun 2011, 15:18 pm
@Valkyrie(Valkyrie)-245: yeah but its a rugby website, so why not talk rugby … are you seeking attention and your knowledge or love of rugby cannot get you a response. Try posting a mature opinion on the game and you might get an answer. I don’t give a toss if some guy was forced through conscription to go to the army, i nearly was.
13 Jun 2011, 15:19 pm
@Robzim(Robzim)-234: There a good track there?
13 Jun 2011, 15:19 pm
A bit off topic somewhat….what Toyota Fortuner do you okes recommend?
It’s been suggested I get an automatic 3 litre 4×2 Diesel. Oh it’s for the wife.
13 Jun 2011, 15:21 pm
KEO – agree with you about most of this, except for Butch. Ja he played well, but the precise reason he SHOULDNT be in the Boks is that he is still tackling like that and giving penalties away!
13 Jun 2011, 15:21 pm
@TheAgent(TheAgent)-242: I agree. Same principle applies for Matfield. Even though Habs is not at his best, very few are better!
13 Jun 2011, 15:21 pm
@stew(stew)-232:
I know it is a debate that has gone on for years, but I am not understimating the Bulls effort last Saturday in the least, they came with a plan and executed it very effectively.
You will seldom score 4 tries against the best defensive unit in the competition, especially at home in front of a sold out stadium.
They knew they could beat the Stormers by disrupting their most important platform, the line outs, and by putting pressure on a back three that has been exposed many times this year already.
Sometimes a grinding win like that is more satisfying than a 50 point snotting.
13 Jun 2011, 15:23 pm
@Great White Shark(Predawn)-254: Sure it is.
4 x 2.
Automatic.
Eish.
Why dont you just buy a Mercedes Benz SLK and get it over with?
13 Jun 2011, 15:23 pm
@kevin w(kevin w)-252: oh no,you had a choice.now don’t go blame your former government’s laws for becoming paid killers .take collective responsibility for your actions and not this lame excuse of being forced to do things against your will.
13 Jun 2011, 15:24 pm
@TheAgent(TheAgent)-242: so even when the Stormers complete two barren season as far as tries are concerned you attribute that to habana? hahaha
yes from 2007 up to the present habana has been a SHADOW of the player that he was at the world cup, this is objective criticism and has nothing to do with none sentimental rubbish you seem to revel in. habana scored against the Bulls at Loftus this year, was that his “class” back, in your assessment has habana’s season been fantastic?
13 Jun 2011, 15:24 pm
@kevin w(kevin w)-252: Valkyrie is a chick, she hates all men. Go check out who she is on Wikipedia.
13 Jun 2011, 15:25 pm
@Taahirah(Taahirah)-258:
I wish I could afford one….
13 Jun 2011, 15:27 pm
Not really..won’t fit in it…my kop would get snotted every time I bend down to get in…
13 Jun 2011, 15:27 pm
@TheAgent(TheAgent)-242: I” don’t know, you tell me.”
that’s a useless copout. u can’t not know, you’re spouting about “class being permanent” so clearly you should be able to ascertain the length of either a dip or spike in form of all the “class” players you’re referring to!
13 Jun 2011, 15:29 pm
@stormersboy(stormersboy)-253:
Track goes from Majik Forrest – D’Aria -Bloemendal- Nitida- Hillcrest and back.
Quite good but Hillcrest is.. well.. a few steep ones.
13 Jun 2011, 15:30 pm
@TheAgent(TheAgent)-261: you mean she would be wuite a woman if she wasnt such a man??
13 Jun 2011, 15:32 pm
@Transformation(Transformation)-260:
“so even when the Stormers complete two barren season as far as tries are concerned you attribute that to habana? hahaha”
HAHAHA. So you think the fact that the Stormers don’t score enough tries, it is his fault, but if the reach the final, it is not because of him? Or if the Stormers defence is the best in the comp, Habana is not to be credited at all?
You know better, just admit it. I’m sure if he scores the winning try for the Sormers in a semi-final or final you will look for a knock-on earlier in the game to knock him with. Or if he scores a winning try for the Boks at the WC you’ll say it was just luck.
I respect Habana for giving it his all. He is working through things, he knows where is is and where he should be. He will get there and the fans will once again praise him, with the exception of a few “I-dont-like-him-but-I-cant-remember-why-but-I-still-dont-like-him” supporters.
13 Jun 2011, 15:32 pm
@TheAgent(TheAgent)-261: Valkyrie is a nazi. She is a teutonic symbol brought into modernity by the the Hero of the nazi’s Richard Wagner. Valkyrie has chosen her nic revealingly.
13 Jun 2011, 15:33 pm
The Hougaard try involved a series of Stormers mistakes:
1. The ball was overhthrown.
2. There was no cover for the overthrow (Flo was there but not watching for that outcome)
3. Duvehange and Schalk both missed the tackle on Hougaaard.
4. No fullback
5. Cover defense was left to Habana – who caught Hougaard (for those who criticize his speed) but too late.
The Stormers will watch that bit of tape a few times.
13 Jun 2011, 15:34 pm
@Robzim(Robzim)-265: Yeah i done the Hillcrest ones a few times (both routes), it’s a bugger.
Need to get back into things, letting the fitness side slip a bit. Too much heavy lifting, not enough cardio.
13 Jun 2011, 15:36 pm
@Transformation(Transformation)-264:
205.TheAgent said:
13 Jun 2011, 14:45 pm
@Transformation(Transformation)-202: Form is temporary, class is permanent. Great players will lose form, but they will regain it. I believe both Victor and Habana falls in that category.
224.Transformation said:
13 Jun 2011, 15:01 pm
@TheAgent(TheAgent)-205: how long does it usually take for someone to “regain” their form?
Now what? Am I supposed to answer that question? Can you answer it? Go ahead.
13 Jun 2011, 15:37 pm
what right-thinking mother would christened their son with a gayish-sounding name like TYRONE ?
13 Jun 2011, 15:38 pm
@funkyzoo(funkyzoo)-269: Great post Funky and very true. I was actually so impressed with Habana for catching him like that – in mid-air nogal. I would love to know words were exchanged between them on the ground – it seemed to rile Hougaard a bit.
I re-watched that bit a few times already
The saddest part of the game was the lineouts – led to majority of the chaos. Fourie and Liebenberg appeared to think about Matfield too much. I saw Bekker kakking Elstadt out, so something was not right
13 Jun 2011, 15:39 pm
@TheAgent(TheAgent)-267: ho hum…
13 Jun 2011, 15:40 pm
@gunther is feeling bullish(gunther)-251:
Don’t lie.
You love the patch work leather jacket.
Be honest.
13 Jun 2011, 15:42 pm
@Valkyrie(Valkyrie)-272:
Very popular in the States with African Americans. It’s a standing joke there like Laquisha and other made up names.
13 Jun 2011, 15:42 pm
@Transformation(Transformation)-274: ho hum to you too bro. To make a statement about how I see things is not “spouting about “class being permanent”. It is an opinion. No need to get all worked-up.
13 Jun 2011, 15:42 pm
@Robzim(Robzim)-265: You live out that way or do you drive?
It’s on my doorstep. Sometimes i forget how lucky I am. As a younger man i used to tear up that part of the world on my 200R before there was any housing there…
13 Jun 2011, 15:43 pm
@stormersboy(stormersboy)-270:
Opposite applies to me- should utilise my membership at Virgin more often but if the sun shines it’s hard to stay inside.
I was quite impressed with Eben Etsebeth last Friday against Scotland.
Hopefully he will get a few opportunities in the Currie Cup this year already.
13 Jun 2011, 15:46 pm
@Valkyrie(Valkyrie)-272: LOL. That is the “naziest” staement I’ve heard in a long time.
13 Jun 2011, 15:46 pm
@TheAgent(TheAgent)-280: statement
13 Jun 2011, 15:48 pm
@stormersboy(stormersboy)-278:
It is also on my doorstep but I do not want to say it too loud here.
The southern suburbs snob Gunther will place me in his ” patchwork leather garments” category
13 Jun 2011, 15:49 pm
@TheAgent(TheAgent)-267: no, HE has NOT scored enough tries hence my conclusion that he is off form!
in the 2007 season JP Pietersen was the top try-scorer in the S14, the next year he couldn’t buy tries and summarily got DROPPED and sent for “conditioning”, yet when bryan is sh*t he gets chance after chance with the assumption that he might “turn the corner” – to use a phrase that is always used in his defence. when is he going for “conditioning”?
13 Jun 2011, 15:50 pm
@Robzim(Robzim)-279: Drop me a line at Stormerskeo@gmail.com
I have something to show you.
13 Jun 2011, 15:50 pm
@TheAgent(TheAgent)-277: what would be the use of getting worked up with you?
13 Jun 2011, 15:50 pm
The last move (Fourie/Habana) is interesting:
1. JF = Brilliant line break.
2. Habana was there, at pace, and on a great running line. And he communicated clearly with Fourie.
3. Basson did catch him, but he was running at pace when Habana got the ball, started right next to him, and Habana was trying to run while looking over his shoulder to fend if he had to. Even so Basson only just caught him. Claims of Habana being slow are overstated.
4. Where was the support when Habana got tackled? Where were Aplon, JdV, JdJ, Duvenhage and Januarie? You can forgive Fourie as he had just been tackled, but in the last move of the game, a clean linebreak with everything to play for, why were the other backs not there? Why was Schalk the next guy to arrive? After Schalk the next to arrive was Januarie (very late), by which time there were SIX Bulls at the breakdown.
Aside from missing the Hougaard tackle that led to the Bulls try Schalk was brilliant.
13 Jun 2011, 15:52 pm
@funkyzoo(funkyzoo)-286:
Schalk has been phenominal for well over a month now.
13 Jun 2011, 15:52 pm
@TheAgent(TheAgent)-277: wasting your energy with transie.this oke is just the opposite to nazi-loving afrikaners and so-called english speaking liberals like robzim.habana might score 4 tries in the s15 final but that would mean fokkol to transie as he is touting for his xhosa buddy mvovo to make the bok team….anthing but coloureds and zulus when it comes to transie.
13 Jun 2011, 15:53 pm
@Transformation(Transformation)-283: Well, then we agree he is “off form”. That is what I said. Do you think he was just “on form” from 2004 till 2007 (I think after 2007, but we’ll go with your view)? Or is that “class”. Does good form without class last for 4 years?
13 Jun 2011, 15:54 pm
@Great White Shark(Predawn)-254:
i’ve got the manual version at home.
not sure it will suit your wife.
it is not much more than a hilux converted to a station wagon.
rather get one of the korean pavement riders.
13 Jun 2011, 15:54 pm
@Transformation(Transformation)-285: What is that supposed to mean, “with you”? That is rude, but go ahead. I thought you were someone I could talk to.
13 Jun 2011, 15:54 pm
@funkyzoo(funkyzoo)-286: very good post funky.
13 Jun 2011, 15:54 pm
Anycase, been fun, I am out.
13 Jun 2011, 15:55 pm
@stormersboy(stormersboy)-284:
I will do so in a bit.
Got to hit the N1 now before the traffic gets worse.
13 Jun 2011, 15:57 pm
@Robzim(Robzim)-279: For me it’s a convenience thing. I go to gym after 20h00 in the evenings after the kids are down.
That way I don’t get given a hard time about it. My oldest is growing up now so he’s at the age where we can ride a bit together and i wan’t to get him out a bit more for some father son time, and biking is a great way to do it.
13 Jun 2011, 15:58 pm
@Robzim(Robzim)-294: No worries.
13 Jun 2011, 15:58 pm
@Transformation(Transformation)-285: It is a pity that you have to get personal when things don’t go your way, if someone disagrees with your view.
13 Jun 2011, 16:02 pm
@TheAgent(TheAgent)-297: that’s just typical malemaesque behaviour.
13 Jun 2011, 16:04 pm
@Robzim(Robzim)-294:
do you work for the government?
clock watching at 4 pm
13 Jun 2011, 16:08 pm
This is SPARTA??
13 Jun 2011, 16:09 pm
@funkyzoo(funkyzoo)-286: Another great post and I did wonder that to myself too – where were all the other speedsters?
Schalk was brilliant.
13 Jun 2011, 16:11 pm
@Valkyrie(Valkyrie)-259: I SEE A WOOD CHIPPERS BEEN A CHIPPING!
13 Jun 2011, 16:14 pm
how come Butch got two more days for his defense, it’s not like that kind of thuggery isn’t his trademark, and he was lucky not to get a red for his shoulder earlier
13 Jun 2011, 16:16 pm
@TheAgent(TheAgent)-297: please, point out where i got “personal with you”, you quote a cliched refrain and yet can’t back it up and you think “things are going your way”? hehehe
13 Jun 2011, 16:18 pm
@PissAnt(PissAnt)-287: But he still can’t pass a ball to save his life!
13 Jun 2011, 16:18 pm
@funkyzoo(funkyzoo)-286: Why didn’t that little ref play more advantage? Shocking
13 Jun 2011, 16:21 pm
@TheAgent(TheAgent)-291: ag, your pious act is lost on me, i have no inclination to be rude to you. what you thought was and is not is irrelevant…
13 Jun 2011, 16:26 pm
wow harsh on Butch, still was always going to be the case but its okay still think he had a really good game, one tackle got away, margins are small at this level.
Wow this article seems balanced and reasonable, not really. Bekker was not at his best but come on he was facing one of the best there has ever been, Bekker and Vic are such similar players, lets be honest Andries and the Stormers were all over the Bulls at Loftus, and Vic and his boys returned the favour,
Why as South Africans do we always have to look for the win / lose scenario, what about win / win and be damned privelaged and blessed to have two formidaable locks going toe to toe, wont be the case forever,
Shew but we always look to rip our guys to shreds, provincialism has and will always be the Boks most undermining factor.
13 Jun 2011, 16:30 pm
@Transformation(Transformation)-304: @Transformation(Transformation)-307:
I backed-up my “cliche”, and you did not agree. That does not mean I could not back it up. I’m always open for discussion on rugby related issues, as long as the other person is sincere and open for discussion. That is why I entered this discussion with you.
13 Jun 2011, 16:35 pm
oh and Kudo’s to me for guessing that Minnie and Grobelaar would be played in tandem, proved to be an effective gambit for the Lions. wow I should be the next Lions coach, nah mm just a blog jockey leave it to the guys who actually do this for a living.
13 Jun 2011, 16:38 pm
@TheAgent(TheAgent)-309: so have you found me i’m insincere & insular?
13 Jun 2011, 16:39 pm
@Transformation(Transformation)-311: But rather fetching…
13 Jun 2011, 16:43 pm
@Robzim(Robzim)-282:
eish.
sorry man.
Durbanville is really nice.
13 Jun 2011, 16:43 pm
If I were AC, I’d pick the following, fresher team to play the Cheetahs on Saturday:
1. Kitshoff
2. Tiaan Liebenberg
3. Brok Harris
4. Elstadt
5. Bekker
6. Burger
7. Flo
8. Nick Koster (to counter Ashley Johnson, we need someone with some pace)
9. Duvenage
10. P Grant
11. Habana
12. Juan de Jongh
13. Jaque Fourie
14. Johan Sadie
15. Aplon
16. Deon Fourie
17. Blaauw
18. Anton van Zyl
19. Duane Vermeulen
20. Januarie
21. Coleman
22. Jean de Villiers
Use of reserves:
Half time, if all goes well, I would sub Habana for JdV. Habana needs a rest.
If there are some troubles on defense on settling with the new combonations, I’d bring JdV in on inside centre to get things stable.
At the 60 minute mark, I’d sub Kitshoff for Blaauw and Flo for Van Zyl (moving Elstadt to blind side flank and Van Zyl to lock.)
13 Jun 2011, 16:47 pm
@goyougoodthing2(goyougoodthing2)-306:
The ref didn’t play advantage because:
1. After the Basson knock-on Basson collected the ball. As the Stormers did not have the ball it was not obviously an advantage situation.
2. Had f the Stormers recovered the ball very quickly thereafter then again it is a potential advantage situation. But in this case there was a charge, a tackle and a ruck before the whistle went. The Stormers did not get it back immediately.
3. The ref did not continue reffing. If he was looking for an advantage play then he should have been reffing the ruck, but he was standing back at the original knock-on location, and in consequence he could not possibly have seen the ball coming out on the Stormers side.
On balance I wanted him to play advantage, and I think it would have been defensible had he done so. But I don’t think it was outrageous for him to blow for the knock-on.
HOWEVER: It is very clear that despite doing a brilliant job of chasing, tackling and standing up to get the ball Basson played the ball while lying on top of Habana as he reached to prevent Habana laying it back. Forensically you would say it should have been a penalty to the Stormers seven yards from the line and near the posts. It would have been a gimme 3 pointer, or a great chance for a repeat of the first Stormers try.
13 Jun 2011, 16:47 pm
@TheAgent(TheAgent)-309:
transie is now going to make you chew your arm off.
by the end of your discussion you will be begging somebody to put you out of your misery.
13 Jun 2011, 16:49 pm
@stormersboy(stormersboy)-312: lol…on arrival @ the airport last night alighting from a flight from jo’burg i walk towards the carousel to pick up my luggage, the man next to me puts on his mobile and it makes the usual nokia sound so i look up at him and i was sooo shocked as to who it turned out to be…
the one & only jake white!
i greeted and he acknowledged and i picked up my bag and left…
i wonder why he is PE?
13 Jun 2011, 16:51 pm
@gunther is feeling bullish(gunther)-316: why do you like spoiling my fun?
13 Jun 2011, 16:52 pm
@funkyzoo(funkyzoo)-315:
FORENSICALLY IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN A PENALTY?
Somebody call Horatio and the team.
Oh my aching sack.
13 Jun 2011, 16:53 pm
@Transformation(Transformation)-311: Yes, I did unfortunately.
• 202.Transformation:
13 Jun 2011, 14:39 pm
@cab(cab)-189: exactly a month and two days ago, keo wrtote that Vic was close to being washed out and had played his “worst game in a decade” against the crusaders, now Vic is the “master” after merely disrupting Stormers lineouts. Keo is a bullshitter! Surely this means if Habana scores a brace of intercept tries after working out for a week with Sheryl Calder then he’ll be back to “Vintage Habana”? mnxim!
• 205.TheAgent:
13 Jun 2011, 14:45 pm
@Transformation(Transformation)-202: Form is temporary, class is permanent. Great players will lose form, but they will regain it. I believe both Victor and Habana falls in that category
• 224.Transformation:
13 Jun 2011, 15:01 pm
@TheAgent(TheAgent)-205: how long does it usually take for someone to “regain” their form?
Habana has been rubbish for the better part of 4 YEARS without EVER being dropped!
• 242.TheAgent:
13 Jun 2011, 15:10 pm
@Transformation(Transformation)-224: I don’t know, you tell me.
As for Habana, his “rubbish” form was still good enough to score 2 tries against the Chiefs in the 09 final, still good enough to win the Tri-Nations and Lions series in 09, still good enough to score the only Stormers try in the S14 final in 2010, and still good enough to help the Stormers move from nowhere in 09, to a hot favourite in the past 2 years.
So yes, he has been “rubbish”, but even that is still better than most international wings. Easy to remember the “bad” since 2007 (that is 4 years), isn’t it?
As for Matfield. I see no comment, so I assume you agree on him?
• 260.Transformation:
13 Jun 2011, 15:24 pm
@TheAgent(TheAgent)-242: so even when the Stormers complete two barren season as far as tries are concerned you attribute that to habana? hahaha
yes from 2007 up to the present habana has been a SHADOW of the player that he was at the world cup, this is objective criticism and has nothing to do with none sentimental rubbish you seem to revel in. habana scored against the Bulls at Loftus this year, was that his “class” back, in your assessment has habana’s season been fantastic?
• 264.Transformation:
13 Jun 2011, 15:27 pm
@TheAgent(TheAgent)-242: I” don’t know, you tell me.”
that’s a useless copout. u can’t not know, you’re spouting about “class being permanent” so clearly you should be able to ascertain the length of either a dip or spike in form of all the “class” players you’re referring to!
• 267.TheAgent:
13 Jun 2011, 15:32 pm
@Transformation(Transformation)-260:
“so even when the Stormers complete two barren season as far as tries are concerned you attribute that to habana? hahaha”
HAHAHA. So you think the fact that the Stormers don’t score enough tries, it is his fault, but if the reach the final, it is not because of him? Or if the Stormers defence is the best in the comp, Habana is not to be credited at all?
You know better, just admit it. I’m sure if he scores the winning try for the Sormers in a semi-final or final you will look for a knock-on earlier in the game to knock him with. Or if he scores a winning try for the Boks at the WC you’ll say it was just luck.
I respect Habana for giving it his all. He is working through things, he knows where is is and where he should be. He will get there and the fans will once again praise him, with the exception of a few “I-dont-like-him-but-I-cant-remember-why-but-I-still-dont-like-him” supporters
• 271.TheAgent:
13 Jun 2011, 15:36 pm
@Transformation(Transformation)-264:
205.TheAgent said:
13 Jun 2011, 14:45 pm
@Transformation(Transformation)-202: Form is temporary, class is permanent. Great players will lose form, but they will regain it. I believe both Victor and Habana falls in that category.
224.Transformation said:
13 Jun 2011, 15:01 pm
@TheAgent(TheAgent)-205: how long does it usually take for someone to “regain” their form?
Now what? Am I supposed to answer that question? Can you answer it? Go ahead.
• 274.Transformation:
13 Jun 2011, 15:39 pm
@TheAgent(TheAgent)-267: ho hum…
• 277.TheAgent:
13 Jun 2011, 15:42 pm
@Transformation(Transformation)-274: ho hum to you too bro. To make a statement about how I see things is not “spouting about “class being permanent”. It is an opinion. No need to get all worked-up.
• 283.Transformation:
13 Jun 2011, 15:49 pm
@TheAgent(TheAgent)-267: no, HE has NOT scored enough tries hence my conclusion that he is off form!
in the 2007 season JP Pietersen was the top try-scorer in the S14, the next year he couldn’t buy tries and summarily got DROPPED and sent for “conditioning”, yet when bryan is sh*t he gets chance after chance with the assumption that he might “turn the corner” – to use a phrase that is always used in his defence. when is he going for “conditioning”?
• 285.Transformation:
13 Jun 2011, 15:50 pm
@TheAgent(TheAgent)-277: what would be the use of getting worked up with you?
• 289.TheAgent:
13 Jun 2011, 15:53 pm
@Transformation(Transformation)-283: Well, then we agree he is “off form”. That is what I said. Do you think he was just “on form” from 2004 till 2007 (I think after 2007, but we’ll go with your view)? Or is that “class”. Does good form without class last for 4 years?
• 291.TheAgent:
13 Jun 2011, 15:54 pm
@Transformation(Transformation)-285: What is that supposed to mean, “with you”? That is rude, but go ahead. I thought you were someone I could talk to.
• 297.TheAgent:
13 Jun 2011, 15:58 pm
@Transformation(Transformation)-285: It is a pity that you have to get personal when things don’t go your way, if someone disagrees with your view
• 304.Transformation:
13 Jun 2011, 16:16 pm
@TheAgent(TheAgent)-297: please, point out where i got “personal with you”, you quote a cliched refrain and yet can’t back it up and you think “things are going your way”? hehehe
• 307.Transformation:
13 Jun 2011, 16:21 pm
@TheAgent(TheAgent)-291: ag, your pious act is lost on me, i have no inclination to be rude to you. what you thought was and is not is irrelevant…
I’m sure if you read through all the posts, you’ll notice #264 and #285.
13 Jun 2011, 16:53 pm
@stormersboy(stormersboy)-312: Lol! Brilliant!!!!
13 Jun 2011, 16:55 pm
@gunther is feeling bullish(gunther)-316: Check 320. He just out-transied Transie.
Is that even legal????
13 Jun 2011, 16:55 pm
@gunther is feeling bullish(gunther)-316: I dont get worked up, it is just not a strategy I like. Discuss rugby, make jokes, I love it. But if someone throws little subtle comments in to distract from the conversation, I tend to not want to continue.
13 Jun 2011, 16:57 pm
@Transformation(Transformation)-318:
I would do the same thing for anyone I saw who was about to wander into the kalahari desert with nothing more than a steri stumpi and half a packet of winegums.
I can see the vultures circling from here.
13 Jun 2011, 16:57 pm
@Taahirah(Taahirah)-322: I did, didn’t I? Now Transie will come at me with all guns blazing.
Transie, keep your cool mate. Dont skell me now.
13 Jun 2011, 17:00 pm
@Taahirah(Taahirah)-322:
its like masturbation on an aeroplane
it’s frowned upon, but not illegal as such no.
transie won’t like it tho’…
not one little bit.
I might order some popcorn.
13 Jun 2011, 17:03 pm
The funny thing is that I’m a Bull and he is a Stormer, and here I’m coming up for Habana, and he is against him.
Look at it this way, if Habana scored that last minute try, the whole debate would never have taken place, and Keo’s article would’ve been titled “Habana stiil the best in SA”
13 Jun 2011, 17:03 pm
@gunther is feeling bullish(gunther)-319: Imagine the pensive glance at the floor before he takes off his sunglasses and looks up as he says something like
It could have been, my fellow blogger, it could have been……
Cue “The Who” Music….
And PS I wouldn’t ignore your aching sac.
Mind you, it’s probably phantom pains, as the original sac is in a glass jar in Mrs Gunther’s pantry.
13 Jun 2011, 17:03 pm
@TheAgent(TheAgent)-320: i apologise if i have offended your fragile sensibilities mate, i was just talking. the length of time of what constitutes a “temporary” loss of form is what we seem to have a difference in opinion. habana is a classy player, he will score the odd or couple of tries but SURELY that can’t mean that he is on FORM again!
if you read one of my initial posts to mshiniwami i actually lambasted KEO in his assessment of matfield as being washed-out in April and 2 months later he is the master. there seems not to be a CLEAR assessment of what constitutes loss and gain of “form”.
13 Jun 2011, 17:06 pm
@Transformation(Transformation)-329: Couldn’t agree more mate. And thanks for apologising, but no need. I’m just a sensitive, fragile SA supporter.
13 Jun 2011, 17:06 pm
@TheAgent(TheAgent)-327: who said i’m a Stormer? it is what you assumed the other day and i let you wander off in your delirium.
13 Jun 2011, 17:08 pm
@stormersboy(stormersboy)-328:
Horatio always gets his man
Mrs Gunther carries my sac around in her handbag.
It’s very large you see and it makes sitting easier.
13 Jun 2011, 17:09 pm
where is that fish hoek eco warrior *** so-called white liberal today?the poor deluded oke really believes by giving his labourers a ride in the front seat of his bakkie that equates to being a liberal conveniently forgetting that he terrorized the same okes whilst wearing his beloved nazi-loving sadf uniform back in the days.
13 Jun 2011, 17:10 pm
@Transformation(Transformation)-331: You are a Stormer man.
13 Jun 2011, 17:12 pm
@TheAgent(TheAgent)-327:
transie isn’t a stormer he is a king.
of what we are not quite sure.
we have written to the department of traditional affairs.
they have written back to say that he is more than likely a minor chief.
13 Jun 2011, 17:14 pm
@TheAgent(TheAgent)-334: keep believing that then
13 Jun 2011, 17:15 pm
@Transformation(Transformation)-317: Did you ask him for his autograph?
13 Jun 2011, 17:17 pm
@Transformation(Transformation)-336: You support the Stormers. I think, and I could be wrong, that you are actually an Elephant man.
13 Jun 2011, 17:17 pm
@gunther is feeling bullish(gunther)-335: lol what is mildly amusing is that this morning francois convinced another blogger that i am a “closet all black supporter” and on the same day i’m painted as a “breezer”?
gotta love the assumptionsampoos
13 Jun 2011, 17:18 pm
@TheAgent(TheAgent)-337: no, how long have you been on this blog again?
13 Jun 2011, 17:19 pm
@TheAgent(TheAgent)-327: habana is finished buddy…..especially after marrying that white chick.inter-marriages have never been a good thing.superior blood mixing with inferior blood bound to be catostrophic and hence his poor form.
13 Jun 2011, 17:20 pm
@gunther is feeling bullish(gunther)-335: The Kings are not in the comp yet, so he supports the Stormers. See post #338
13 Jun 2011, 17:20 pm
@Transformation(Transformation)-340: Not long, but I catch up quick. Why?
13 Jun 2011, 17:21 pm
@Transformation(Transformation)-340: Why not? Would you greet anyone you see at the Airport, or just the ones you admire?
13 Jun 2011, 17:26 pm
@gunther is feeling bullish(gunther)-332: touche!
13 Jun 2011, 17:26 pm
@TheAgent(TheAgent)-343: cos you’d know how i feel about jake white and in actual fact about the stormers too…
13 Jun 2011, 17:28 pm
@TheAgent(TheAgent)-344: this is jake, i was testing him…
13 Jun 2011, 17:28 pm
@Transformation(Transformation)-346: Okay, fair point. Sorry if I offended your fragile sinsibilities mate.
13 Jun 2011, 17:28 pm
@gunther is feeling bullish(gunther)-319:
You don’t like the word forensic? That’s cool.
The point is that what Basson did is illegal, and it would have been legitimate to hand the Stormers a penalty in front of the posts, 3 minutes after the siren, with a score differential of 3 points in the Bulls favor.
13 Jun 2011, 17:30 pm
@TheAgent(TheAgent)-348: me, offended? not likely but i can see you’re eager to prove you’re worthy…i’ve noted you
13 Jun 2011, 17:31 pm
I see Grant is fit to play, and will play against Cheetahs.
13 Jun 2011, 17:32 pm
@Transformation(Transformation)-350: Gee, now that is the biggest compliment I’ve recieved in a long-long time. Thanks.
13 Jun 2011, 17:32 pm
anyway out till later…
gym calls
13 Jun 2011, 17:34 pm
I just loved that Bulls supporter after Hougaard scored. You could hear his voice above everyone else. Classic.
13 Jun 2011, 17:35 pm
@Transformation(Transformation)-353: Cheers
13 Jun 2011, 17:38 pm
13 Jun 2011, 17:51 pm
is trannie one of the “ou manne” on this blog now?
13 Jun 2011, 18:14 pm
@charo(charo)-357: hiyas charoping
13 Jun 2011, 18:14 pm
@charo(charo)-357: no but he is still the top troll
13 Jun 2011, 18:23 pm
@President_of_the_Sharks_rugby_experts(sharks_lover)-358:
don’t delay
pillay
i’m not in the moodley
13 Jun 2011, 18:33 pm
@charo(charo)-360:
13 Jun 2011, 18:37 pm
@President_of_the_Sharks_rugby_experts(sharks_lover)-361:
i’m cutting boet.
need to get to the barber.
the new loslyf has arrived.
13 Jun 2011, 18:39 pm
@charo(charo)-362:
bro
when you back in SA??\
13 Jun 2011, 19:04 pm
heard Bakkies and FDP will be 100% for sat…..oooooh vok sharkies….best we pray for a brumbies win!
Also read Brussow , P Burger and Benjamn all fit and well…[ maybe brussow]…
stormers…oppas !!
13 Jun 2011, 19:08 pm
News just in: “Loftus is sold out for Saturday”
Bloody awesome!
13 Jun 2011, 19:09 pm
@grant10(grant10)-364:
Cheetahs confirmed he is still injured (Brussow), so you won’t see him, but all the wings are fit.
13 Jun 2011, 19:39 pm
@PissAnt(PissAnt)-366: would have nice to have seen brussow…..but damn we need a win….hoping chiefs do the business….perhaps top spot still a realistic hope then
13 Jun 2011, 19:39 pm
@PissAnt(PissAnt)-365: what a Sat in prospect!!
13 Jun 2011, 19:42 pm
@grant10(grant10)-368:
Its going to be awesome!
13 Jun 2011, 19:50 pm
How’s AC going to play it?
I just can’t see him ‘risking’ anything by changing personnel unless his hand is forced by injury. Obviously PG will be back and hopefully DD at scrum half, but I’ll guess the rest of the starting 15 is largely the same.
I just wish he’d shake things up a bit, especially from 11-15.
13 Jun 2011, 20:05 pm
@JockBok(JockBok)-370:
The obvious way would be the same as they should have done this week:
1. Kick for the corners and trust your lineout
2. Pin them in their own half with robust gainline defense.
3. Attack them directly with your mauls, forward charges and midfield crashes.
4. Use your strike runners to grab chances in the loose.
5. Keep the score ticking over with penalties and drop goals.
In other words the traditional SA game.
And of course you should keep back some firepower on the bench, to ignite the game with 20 to go.
The only problem is that all of the above require Accurate Execution, which is coach talk for not dropping the ball.
13 Jun 2011, 20:08 pm
I can’t imagine Habana getting dropped at this stage of the season. but hopefully AC has the balls to move Aplon to FB and at least that’s one problem area taken care of.
15. Aplon
14. JdV
13. Fourie
12. JdJ
11. Habana
10. Grant
9. DD
8. Duane
7. Flo
6. Schalk
5. Bekker
4. Van Zyl
3. Brock
2. Liebenberg
1. Blaauw
4/3 split on the bench
16. Fourie
17. Kitsoff
18. Elstadt
19. Koster
20. My mother in law
21. Coleman
22. Sadie
13 Jun 2011, 20:20 pm
@funkyzoo(funkyzoo)-371:
The bones of the side can and will stay the same as last weekend, but 1 or 2 crucial changes are needed for the Cheetahs. Tiaan has to regain his spot as first pick hooker, Fouries impact from the bench is potentially far more devastating than the other way around and his put ins to the lineout were shocking on Saturday. Hence, van Zyl to start and shore things up with Koster to come on with Fourie and Sadie in the second half *when* things get looser.
It’s important the Stormers assert authority through the set pieces early on and try and build a lead through structure. The game will be loose and Aplon at 15 is essential as well as JdJ to dance through the midfield.
Man, Stormers have the personnel, they just need to use them effectively. Horses for course AC.
13 Jun 2011, 20:38 pm
just watched the game again and can ,safely,come to the conclusion that habana and january had a massive second half and in fact january played a massive role in bekker’s try,thus securing the stormers that all important bonus point.saturday’s game called out for the magic of earl rose after coleman’s struggles and ac must be kicking himself for not selecting the pearl on the bench.
13 Jun 2011, 20:42 pm
sssssh, dont tell Premenstrual at Dawn for “fear” of ruining my hard-earned reputation, but Big Vic is a ‘Great’ lineout forward, one of the very best
13 Jun 2011, 20:58 pm
@Black Panther(Black Panther)-375:
but he sure does seem to be a slow-healer. Fortunately the titanium-reinforced arm blades available these days have helped elongate his career
altho
possibly helped shortened others.
13 Jun 2011, 21:01 pm
@JockBok(JockBok)-372:
Good team, but I would start with Koster at 8 to provide more speed against the fleet footed Cheetahs- Vermeulen is in any event probably a bit overplayed- Coleman is also out injured (confirmed) so Earl Rose will have to cover no 10.
The reserve scrumhalf must be either Schreuder or Groom.
13 Jun 2011, 21:07 pm
@President_of_the_Sharks_rugby_experts(sharks_lover)-363:
was due back at the end of this month but will have to delay to end july.
they are finalising a replacement for my successor.
13 Jun 2011, 21:08 pm
bulls vs sharks is a tough game.
the bulls do look be hitting their “emotional edge of the edge” mentality.
I wonder about fitness levels and fatigue, the seaso n is now getting long. Bulls management did say earlier in the season that they changed their fitness focus for this season.
Is it starting to pay divedends when you start to see the upward curve in performance from the backrowers?
Dewald Potgieter was the best looseforward on the park for my money.
And matfield…that oke is a machine. How many tackles does he put in every game. not your traditional hardforward…but near enough an extra looseforward.
I’m thrilled that the bulls are playing at 17:00 on the weekend. I’ve always felt that they are a little iffy performance wise playing at 19:00.Still better when they play at 15:00 though.
13 Jun 2011, 21:11 pm
the cheetahs in bloem will be a very tough game.
It’s not inconcievable that all the top 3 sides lose this weekend.
hurricanes look pretty decent last weekend.
reds look like they are on their last legs…and play away to the chiefs.
stormers in bloem.
could be some topsy turvy results this weekend.
13 Jun 2011, 21:18 pm
@Black Panther(Black Panther)-376: Two breaks of the forearm, hence the protection.
It was already present in 99/00 when he played for the Griquas.
Gareth Thomas also wears one and and Dan Browne to name a few
Referees check it out before a match and it is IRB approved
13 Jun 2011, 21:39 pm
just rolling out an old rib-tickler of mine for old times sake, JL1. Which is probably what Vic was aiming for before it slipped down Byrons nose first.
13 Jun 2011, 21:44 pm
@Black Panther(Black Panther)-382: Speculative and his shoulder hurt Byron
13 Jun 2011, 21:53 pm
for rugby’s sake, hope sbw doesn’t become the next butch james.
let him get some more union exposure and a few yellow cards.
and then let him learn how union players tackle.
13 Jun 2011, 21:53 pm
The usual slip sliding two face hero riding double deluxe dubious totem pole worshiping garbage
Stormers under Burger got Bulls bevrees en befok, that’s all that happened, Matfied or Bulls didn’t dominate anybody. Burger and Bekker and Coetsee and co. simply choked on their own screwed up overindulgence self imploding vrees. Once they eventually shook it off late in the 70th minute thats when they started to play, and within that last 5 or 6 minutes, they put Bulls to the sword which is what they were supposed to do the previous 75 minutes, and they scored a try and almost a second after the hooter which they couldn’t get their psyches out of bevrees freeze mode for 70 odd minutes before that.
Stormers beat themselves, Bulls just pitched up at Newlands but Stormers went into Bulls bevrees mode and choked, simple, Matfield never mastered Bekker. Bekker, Burger, Habana, and co. beneeked themselves for 70 odd minutes that’s all.
13 Jun 2011, 22:32 pm
@ashampoopaloo(joel1yahoo)-385: Not even Chuck Norris can beat the Stormers! The only thing that can beat the Stormers … is the Stormers themselves!!!
You must be on some good **** brother…
13 Jun 2011, 22:32 pm
I remember someone posting here about 3 weeks ago that he was more scared of the Rebels away than the Bulls at home. A big Stormers man. Now, looking back, lets do some math.
Stormers beat Rebels by 37 points away, and lost to Bulls by 3 at home. That is 40. If one ad just 10 points for away/home difference, that is 50.
My conclusion is that it can be compared to picking Italy to beat the All Blacks in Auckland.
13 Jun 2011, 22:58 pm
@JL1(JL1)-383:
yuh a-huh, sure it was. My guess is its easier to swing a ‘broken twice’ arm safe in the nose’ledge that the arm aint gonna break no more.
I recall someone recently, in the immediate aftermath of the Highlanders vs Lions match, surmised that only ‘Bok players’ and not mere Super-players, got suspended/cited for incidents like that. Cant be right all the time, old boy.
Matfield is a Great player, the opinions expressed here earlier in the season that he should be dumped were hilarious to anyone outside SA. Funny and eloquent fella off the field too.
13 Jun 2011, 23:04 pm
@Transformation(Transformation)-353: Transie stop lying to TheAgent, you are a Cheetah – especially if the calming influence of Corne Uys plays on the day!
14 Jun 2011, 00:16 am
@Transformation(Transformation)-14: Didn’t he say that because Gert Smal was their forwards coach?
14 Jun 2011, 02:13 am
Botox name of the game for Bulls
June 13 2011 at 09:28am
By NTANDO MAKHUBU
” The secret is out. Top sporting personalities have beauty treatments – including having their lips plumped. ”
Mof Myburg se moffies.
14 Jun 2011, 02:14 am
@Black Panther(Black Panther)-388: BP, dont cast aspersions on their Big Vic…
he obviously forked out the extra money and got the deluxe armband model…
it has a unique feature, apparently all you do is add just ice… four cubes is usually sufficient…
14 Jun 2011, 02:51 am
How predictable the old bakkie-bouer is surprise surprise… I said exactly that a week ago!
If the Stormers lose in his warped mind it will be because Burger was a **** captain and nothing to do with Matfield being awesome… and if the Bulls win vice-versa… what a predictable old cnut!
14 Jun 2011, 05:01 am
No mention of Butch’s citing…this is not journalism this is fake.
Naas has a very vlaid point: http://www.sport24.co.za/Rugby/Springboks/Naas-Butch-could-cost-Boks-20110613
I think its time to ditch Keo and move to Ruggaworld.
14 Jun 2011, 07:23 am
@KevinRack(KevinRack)-394: dont let the door smack you too hard on the way out
14 Jun 2011, 07:42 am
@KevinRack(KevinRack)-394:
Smartest thing you’ve said all season
14 Jun 2011, 07:50 am
@PissAnt(PissAnt)-365: about time. When last was Loftus filled to capacity?? With the 2010 Soccer World Cup maybe.
14 Jun 2011, 09:55 am
@KevinRack(KevinRack)-394: Come now Kevin. You know we don’t come to KEO for the rugby, but to be entertained by the sanctimonious, ignorant, arrogant, belligerent and tragic comments. The other sites are for grown ups.
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