623 Comments

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• 51.Desmond_Tiete:
  17 Aug 2011, 08:49 am

  also Aplon had a shocker Saturday! one have to wonder if he just isn’t a good Super Rugby player – not Int standard – almost like Wynand!

• 52.justrugby:
  17 Aug 2011, 08:51 am

  @grant10(grant10)-46:

  Agree, only thing is with FDUP, Morne and Steyn , all 3 who’s first instinct is to perhaps put the ball to boot, not sure if it will improve our backline play.

  Frans with his size will also be inclined to want to bash it up, I think if you going to change for the sake of getting the backline going De Jong might be a better bet ??

  Not sure ,FDUP ,Butch and Steyn were pretty good in 2007 though !!

• 53.hendrikp:
  17 Aug 2011, 08:53 am

  @Champs 95 07 and Beyond(Champs 95 07 and Beyond)-50:

  Pietersen only 25 at this stage. Think Sadie will have an excellent season in 2012, which means Jaque & Jean may have to take on a reduced role. Fourie is a hard runner with deceiving pace, and a genuine finisher (3rd all-time for Boks) – I’d use him on the left wing. Jean as a utility back.

  If not Ruan Pienaar, then I think Conrad Hoffmann if he gets some game-time at the Sharks could be the back-up. Brilliant player who’s been struck down by injuries. Very very quick.

• 54.hendrikp:
  17 Aug 2011, 08:55 am

  @Desmond_Tiete(p0ppa69)-51:

  Aplon needs to be playing on the wing. He takes high balls straight on which is suicide. Not enough courage for that, and can you blame him? Also doesn’t have a very good boot on him. Just not accurate enough to be playing 15.

  As an international winger, he could be a real star.

• 55.BreakdownBoy:
  17 Aug 2011, 09:14 am

  @Desmond_Tiete(p0ppa69)-51: Don’t know where you come with that idea, the guy punches way above his weight and is the best attacking player we have. Yes he aint the complete package, he needs to work on his kicking, but don’t compare him with Meisiekind, for one Aplon has scored great tries in the bok jearsey, Wynand has never performed not even against northern opposition.

• 56.justrugby:
  17 Aug 2011, 09:17 am

  @hendrikp(hendrikp)-45:

  Hi Hendrik

  See below does not really support your statement ?

  “”In addition to a decline in rushing yards, the NFL’s all-time best running backs also scored well fewer touchdowns. As Cockcroft (2008) notes, “Those all-time great running backs lost 20.4 percent of their touchdown production from their age-29 to age-30 seasons. Then, they lost another 13.7 percent from their age-30 to age-31 seasons and 11.9 percent more from age 31 to age 32. In a matter of three years, from their age-29 through age-32 seasons, history’s greatest running backs lost 39.5 percent of their touchdown production.”

  The reason for the decline in performance by running backs after they turn thirty is most directly related to the decline in necessary skills after the athlete has reached his physical peak. While some other skills may be improved upon in order to maintain or even improve performance after their physical peak at age twenty-five, the most important factors in a running back are the purely physical characteristics such as speed, quickness, explosiveness, and power.”

  Remember I am saying their is exceptions, but when the bulk of your squad is over 30 or approaching 30 they are in decline !!

• 57.hendrikp:
  17 Aug 2011, 09:24 am

  @justrugby(justrugby)-56:

  Completely different expectations from the players. A running back is nothing more then a battering ram. The faster and more agile you are the better. And obviously most people are at their best in their early 20′s

  Rugby players develop their skills and knowledge of the game over time. Being at the high end of 20 might slow you down, but you develop other skills, while the experience at a higher level consistently also helps.

  I just don’t think being on the wrong side of 20 should or does matter.

  The Boks aren’t in decline because of their age. They have been left behind in terms of playing style. If anything I’d say they’ve gotten better as a unit. We weren’t exactly playing extroardinary rugby in 2007 were we? Narrowly beating England in a WC final.

• 58.hendrikp:
  17 Aug 2011, 09:25 am

  @BreakdownBoy(goodstuff)-55:

  3 tries in 15 tests. 2 of them on the right wing.

  Best attacking player my backside.

• 59.ruggerbefok:
  17 Aug 2011, 09:29 am

  why so much on the benni mccarthy of rugby -frans steyn.he was in shocking condition with one of the bloggers on fox sports saying he looked 15 kg overweight.common Mark call a spade a spade -like Lambie is the future,so is Frans Steyn not-should not take him to world cup.seems more interested in ridiculous looking image as well

• 60.hendrikp:
  17 Aug 2011, 09:32 am

  @ruggerbefok(ruggerbefok)-59:

  I couldn’t care less about what he looks like. Still has amazing skills and had a good game on Saturday.

• 61.Sasuke:
  17 Aug 2011, 09:33 am

  There is just something about Frans Steyn that screams class, with the right conditioning he can still go on to play many tests for the Boks.

• 62.we have it on good authority that on september 11, a legend will rise...:
  17 Aug 2011, 09:34 am

  @BreakdownBoy(goodstuff)-55:
  your just defending the merits of one non-elite player against anothe non-elite player.

• 63.HHS:
  17 Aug 2011, 09:35 am

  @Sasuke(Sasuke)-61: The only thing he is screaming is “Supersize it”.

• 64.keo:
  17 Aug 2011, 09:36 am

  Frans Steyn is committed to a few more seasons in France. Next year (so starting now) Lambie should be at 15 and Aplon has to be on the wing. Both these guys have Xfactor. Why are our coaches so scared of picking blokes who can create

• 65.hendrikp:
  17 Aug 2011, 09:36 am

  @Sasuke(Sasuke)-61:

  Spot on. Steyn is one of the best. Show me another fullback who can slot drop-goals from 60 metres, or is incredibly comfortable under the high ball. Makes huge hits. Excellent cover defender.

  Francois Steyn is one of the best in the world. Let’s not forget that simply because of his haircut or a few extra kilos.

• 66.Transformation:
  17 Aug 2011, 09:36 am

  @ruggerbefok(ruggerbefok)-59: they won’t. they have love affair with frankie steyn @ SA Rugby Magazine.

  if they call him on his extra 10kg, his dad will bar them from “exclusive interviews” in Racing and give then SASI. in fact just wait for jon cardinelli to accuse PdV of being responsible for Steyn’s rubbish conditioning.

• 67.justrugby:
  17 Aug 2011, 09:37 am

  @hendrikp(hendrikp)-57:

  True , but remember I am not referring to age alone, I am saying it is age plus playing at the top level for many years that is the problem, the wear and tear aspect !!

  See below for further input.

  Actually quite a fascinating debate , I am no expert though so my input is based only on my opinion and from what I see on the field !!

  “Based on data gathered by several sources, it appears unquestioned that, in general, athletes reach their peak of on-field performance in their mid-twenties. After that, nearly all athletes regress as their physical skills decline, even only slightly. When an athlete is playing versus the absolute top athletes in the world in his sport, even the slightest decline in physical ability can cause a noticeable drop in performance. For running backs, it may be lacking that burst that previously enabled him to reach the hole a fraction of a second before it closed. For a wide receiver, it may be losing the ability to separate from the fastest players on the field, cornerbacks. And for quarterbacks, it may be not quite having the same velocity on the ball to squeeze it into the tightest of holes in the pass defense without being tipped or intercepted. There is a constant influx of young, hungry, and physically gifted players coming into the NFL, which makes it harder and harder for aging players to maintain their performance year after year. “

• 68.HHS:
  17 Aug 2011, 09:38 am

  @hendrikp(hendrikp)-65: Like a Benny McCarthy?

• 69.Transformation:
  17 Aug 2011, 09:38 am

  @hendrikp(hendrikp)-65: he can’t be all of that when he is carrying 10kgs extra!

  he is in competition with piri weepu these days.

• 70.hendrikp:
  17 Aug 2011, 09:39 am

  @keo(keo)-64:

  Aplon on the left wing then? I like it, a lot… but the argument about getting slower with age gets thrown out the window then considering Aplon turns 30 next year.

  Yes with Lambie at 15. Keep Frans Steyn involved, but Lambie at 15 until he commits to coming back to SA.

• 71.Sasuke:
  17 Aug 2011, 09:39 am

  @HHS(Hop Hop Spinnekop)-63: :LOL: hahaha

• 72.HHS:
  17 Aug 2011, 09:40 am

  I thought Derek Coetzee is Mr Mastermind himself when it comes to conditioning.
  FS is a fatty, JS is a fatty and Butch was sucking in some big ones 15 min into the game. What’s going on here?

• 73.Transformation:
  17 Aug 2011, 09:41 am

  @Sasuke(Sasuke)-61: no doubt, but currently he is a disgrace to the Boks jersey, dikgat!

• 74.hendrikp:
  17 Aug 2011, 09:41 am

  @Transformation(Transformation)-69:

  I haven’t put him on a scale. All I know is he didn’t put a foot wrong on Saturday. Compared to Aplon who dropped 2 balls and had one shocking touch finder.

  I know who I’d prefer.

• 75.hendrikp:
  17 Aug 2011, 09:45 am

  @justrugby(justrugby)-67:

  Doesn’t interest me too much, but I use someone like Randy Moss as an example. He had by far his best season with the Patriots when he was 30. Slightly slower, but perfected other aspects of his game.

  I understand what you’re saying. But getting older shouldn’t be a deciding factor.

  England won the 03 World Cup with a side that had almost all their players over 30.

• 76.Transformation:
  17 Aug 2011, 09:46 am

  @keo(keo)-64: because keo, picking lambie, gio and whoever will complete the back three is just the beginning, they will need to be coached to work in unison – running lines, support, timing. we can’t just chuck lambie @ 15 with habana & jpp, who even after close to 8 years of bok rugby DON’T work together, and hope for “creativity” to manifest from thin air.

• 77.Sasuke:
  17 Aug 2011, 09:48 am

  @hendrikp(hendrikp)-74: Frans also had one come off the side of the boot and he also misconnected with a punt down field handing the ball to the Aussies on a silver platter. He was good on Saturday but he did put a foot wrong.

• 78.HHS:
  17 Aug 2011, 09:50 am

  Lambie should get use to the bench imo.
  Taute will be Bok 15 soon and Elton will play 10.

  It’s a joke fan boys…. relax.

• 79.Transformation:
  17 Aug 2011, 09:52 am

  @hendrikp(hendrikp)-74: it said there on the screen Francois Steyn 110 kg

• 80.hendrikp:
  17 Aug 2011, 09:53 am

  If I could pick a Bok team right now for next year. I’d try change to having a somewhat expansive game. We are going to need to start scoring some tries if we are to keep up with NZ and Australia.

  1 Coenie Oosthuizen – Potential to be best loosehead in the world.
  2 Bismarck du Plessis
  3 Jannie du Plessis – Stick with him.
  4 ? Maybe Flip vd Merwe. We really going to miss Bakkies.
  5 Andries Bekker – next in line obviously.
  6 Heinrich Brussow
  7 Schalk Burger – He’s still got a few years in him.
  8 ? Open contest. Spies if he starts performing consistently.
  9 Ruan Pienaar. Varies his game more then Hougaard. Needs to come back to SA though. Struggling with the speed at the moment.
  10 Really don’t know. Maybe Jantjies? I’d probably go with Peter Grant until a suitable 10 came through.
  11 Jaque Fourie – Excellent player, but Sadie runs better lines. Fourie is a genuine finisher. I’d love to have him on the wing.
  12 Juan de Jongh – Play more expansively. Like it.
  13 Johann Sadie – Will be a star next year. Watch this space.
  14 JP Pietersen
  15 Pat Lambie / Frans Steyn.

• 81.Transformation:
  17 Aug 2011, 09:53 am

  @HHS(Hop Hop Spinnekop)-78: jeez i forgot about Taute, he is way quicker and creative from the back!

• 82.>^..^< katman:
  17 Aug 2011, 09:53 am

  @HHS(Hop Hop Spinnekop)-78: A joke? I don’t think so. Taute is one season away from green and gold. And if Jantjies continues to progress at his current rate, it’s not too far-fetched to suggest he could be in the running pretty soon.

• 83.Sasuke:
  17 Aug 2011, 09:53 am

  I think the Sharks will determine where Lambie gets used for the Boks. It looks like he will play 12 and 15 for the Sharks seeing that Michalak is at 10.

• 84.chucky:
  17 Aug 2011, 09:55 am

  @hendrikp(hendrikp)-80: Delusional

• 85.HHS:
  17 Aug 2011, 09:56 am

  @Transformation(Transformation)-81: I’m keeping an eye on Taute but he can be a bit on and off but he will get there. Against the last weekend Cheetahs (The only SA Crusader beaters ) he was great.

• 86.Sasuke:
  17 Aug 2011, 09:56 am

  @>^..^< katman(katman)-82: Will Jantjies even start for the Lions with Butch there? I cant see someone start for the Boks if he cant even start for his Franchise.

• 87.hendrikp:
  17 Aug 2011, 09:56 am

  @chucky(chucky)-84:

  ??

• 88.Gunther:
  17 Aug 2011, 09:57 am

  I confused.

  Bryce in Oz is telling me to get into gold and keo is telling me to invest in Lambie.

  What should I do with my trust er um hedge fund?

• 89.HHS:
  17 Aug 2011, 09:57 am

  @>^..^< katman(katman)-82: Shhhhh man. I know that and you know that. I’m just keeping the fan boys calm. Preventing a London here.

• 90.hendrikp:
  17 Aug 2011, 09:58 am

  @Sasuke(Sasuke)-86:

  Should do. Mitchell used James more as a 12 then a 10 this season. Or switched them around a bit.

• 91.chucky:
  17 Aug 2011, 09:59 am

  Lambie to Learn from Michalak at the Sharks. He will be playing 12.
  Much like
  Carter/Mertens – Saders
  Giteu/Larkham – Brumbies
  Gascot/Wilkinson – Eng

  Boks Backline post RWC

  9. Hougaard
  10. Lambie
  11. Mvovo
  12. Juan Dejongh
  13. Sadie/ Taute(plays similar to JAque Fourie who started at 15)
  14. Pietersen
  15. Steyn

• 92.Sasuke:
  17 Aug 2011, 10:00 am

  @hendrikp(hendrikp)-80: I posted a similar team yesterday.

  I had

  for 2012 (without overseas based players)

  1. Beast
  2. Bismarck
  3. Jannie (will be reaching prime for a prop)
  4. Flip
  5. Bekker
  6. Brussouw
  7. Burger
  8. Spies
  9. Hougaard
  10. Lambie
  11. Mvovo
  12. de Jongh
  13. Fourie
  14. JPP
  15. Aplon

  16. Chiliboy
  17. Coenie
  18. Elstadt
  19. Alberts
  20. Duvenage
  21. Jantjies
  22. Sadie

• 93.>^..^< katman:
  17 Aug 2011, 10:00 am

  @Sasuke(Sasuke)-86: While the cat’s away, the mouse will play. Second choice players all over SA are using the opportunity to stake their claim while first choice players do Bok duty. And if they make a big enough impression, a coach will take a lot of convincing to drop them for the last part of the CC. Jantjies is cementing his spot in the team with every start he makes. Even a guy like Hollenbach will be hard to drop once Doppies is fit thanks to his very impressive form. Good coaches let fresh talent shine, not just established players.

• 94.justrugby:
  17 Aug 2011, 10:01 am

  @>^..^< katman(katman)-82:

  Agree !!, looking forward to seeing him on Friday, you obviously also going ??

• 95.Transformation:
  17 Aug 2011, 10:01 am

  @HHS(Hop Hop Spinnekop)-85: yup, he was ripping them to shreds, that killian try beginning of the game was something to behold..jantjies, mapoe – quick hands to – a marauding taute who rips steps in side, draws 2 defenders, offload to killian who is running the sweetest of lines…score.

  i even saw mitch give a short round of applause

• 96.Gunther:
  17 Aug 2011, 10:04 am

  @>^..^< katman(katman)-82:

  easy richardt the leoheart.

  let’s see if they can improve on last years super 15 performance first.

  ne?

  Did you see that one ear, one eye Ftizie is fronting the “Abstain for the All Blacks” Campaign?

  Oh the irony.

• 97.Sasuke:
  17 Aug 2011, 10:04 am

  @Sasuke(Sasuke)-92: Fourie still there for his experience….he can pass on a lot of knowledge to the youngsters in that backline. He will be my vice-captain in the backline.

• 98.we have it on good authority that on september 11, a legend will rise...:
  17 Aug 2011, 10:04 am

  @Transformation(Transformation)-79:
  cheesing myself hehehhe

• 99.justrugby:
  17 Aug 2011, 10:04 am

  @Sasuke(Sasuke)-92:

  Not bad , I would have Flip nowhere near a bok side though and I would play Vermeulen ahead of Spies everyday of the week !!

• 100.Transformation:
  17 Aug 2011, 10:05 am

  @Gunther(gunther)-88: is your trust…ahem hedge fund a shareholder in a management company contracted to the limpopo department of transport to oversee tenders for the next 2 years at a cost of close to R200 million?

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