Burger King
19 Aug 2011
JON CARDINELLI says Schalk Burger’s growth as a leader bodes well for the Boks in a World Cup year.
‘My timing sucks,’ Schalk Burger says, referring to his swollen thumb and an invisible metal pin that’s keeping the previously dislocated metacarpal in place. He looks at the immobilised hand again as he alludes to a Tri-Nations campaign that will proceed without him.
It’s been 11 months since Burger last played for the Springboks. He missed four Tests last November after sustaining a broken rib in the Currie Cup final. He’ll miss four more as he recovers from a thumb injury incurred in the Super Rugby semi-final defeat to the Crusaders on 2 July.
‘I did a few sums after that game and realised that I’d be cutting it pretty close in terms of getting ready for the World Cup,’ he says. ‘It’s also the type of injury that forces you to adapt completely. I now have to do everything with my left hand, from brushing my teeth to wiping my arse. I also can’t play any golf or go surfing, so that just adds to the frustration.’
While there’s no danger of Burger missing the World Cup, he will arrive at the tournament having not worn the iconic No 6 jersey in more than a year. Critics will question his right to start given that so many impressive loose forwards are pushing for inclusion, but in the end Peter de Villiers may favour reputation rather than form.
That’s not to say that Burger, when fit, has been anything short of outstanding. If anything, his performances in the 2011 Super Rugby competition have served to highlight attributes that will be needed by the Boks when they go to New Zealand with the aim of outmuscling opposition packs.
Burger embodied the Stormers’ challenge in the recent tournament, and his masochistic attitude was particularly prominent in the matches against South African opposition. According to former Bok captain Corné Krige, who was himself renowned for a robust and uncompromising style, Burger can make a similar impact at the World Cup.
‘I’m not sure if there are too many similarities between Schalk and I, he’s a much better player than I ever was,’ Krige says. ‘He’s a great all-round player; he can play to the ball, he’s a powerful ball-carrier and a phenomenal defender. When it comes to work rate, I don’t think anybody else in South Africa comes close.
‘He’s surpassed my greatest expectations. I remember sending his father a text after Schalk scored a try on debut against Georgia at the 2003 World Cup. I wrote, “This guy is going to be one of the big ones.” He’s achieved more than I ever dreamt he would, and the great thing for South African rugby is that he has more to give.’
The metal pin in Burger’s thumb will be removed after three weeks, and he will resume training thereafter. It’s unlikely that he will make his return to the Test arena before 11 September, although he admits that he’d love to have a run before the squad departs for the World Cup.
‘My body will get a chance to rest after a demanding Super Rugby season, and I will also have a chance to condition myself before the tournament in New Zealand. But I really wanted to play for the Boks in the Tri-Nations and take some match fitness into the World Cup.
‘It seems that I’m always getting my timing wrong,’ he says with a light chuckle that suggests he’s not completely concerned about missing the Tri-Nations. ‘I’ve been in this position before and have managed to come back. My first goal is to win a place in the squad, and thereafter I will use those group games to gather some momentum.’
The Boks won’t be playing any warm-up matches prior to the global showpiece, so it will be important for Burger to get some form of game time before the opening clash against Wales. Even if it means playing 40 minutes of rugby for Western Province in the Currie Cup, he will need the match practice.
‘I’m usually pretty focused on the task at hand, and when a Super Rugby campaign comes to an end, I shift my focus to the Tri-Nations. But because of this injury, I’m now already thinking about the World Cup,’ he says. ‘The big difference between this campaign and that of 2007 is that the schedule is far more congested and there’s hardly any time to prepare. In 2007, the training camp was longer and we played three warm-up matches against Namibia, Scotland and Connacht before we even got to France. This year we will go straight from the Tri-Nations into the World Cup, so our preparation and attention to detail needs to be spot on.
‘This will be my third World Cup, and the build-up to each campaign has been different. The 2003 campaign was a failure as we bombed out in the quarter-finals, but to be honest we didn’t really believe we were in with a shot of winning the tournament. It was quite the opposite in 2007 as we went into that competition ranked No 2 in the world, so we were confident. This year we have a lot of experienced players, and there’s the extra motivation for some who will view the tournament as their swansong.’
The Boks beat Ireland and Wales on last year’s tour of the home nations, and thus managed to garner valuable psychological currency ahead of the 2011 World Cup pool match against Wales and a possible quarter-final meeting with Ireland. Burger admits that while every victory helps to instil a sense of confidence, the Boks won’t be taking the Celtics for granted.
‘A year is a long time in rugby. You can strengthen your mental hold over a particular team by beating them regularly, but every match at the World Cup is a one-off and past results don’t count for much. It sounds clichéd, but you have to go into the tournament with a week-by-week strategy.
‘The pressure intensifies when you reach the play-offs. What we will need to do before we get to that stage is play a good brand of rugby and ensure that everything is in place. When you’re under pressure in a knockout game, you tend to revert to what you know, so we will be striving for perfection at an early stage.’
Experience and leadership are precious commodities in a do-or-die situation, and this is where Burger, as a veteran of 63 Tests and a member of the 2007 World Cup-winning group, will come to the fore.
He has led the Stormers and WP to three play-offs in the space of two seasons, and the fact that the Cape-based team hasn’t won a championship trophy is no indictment on his leadership ability. Burger is quick to challenge those who would call the Stormers’ recent season a failure just because they were hammered by the Crusaders in their semi-final. He also doesn’t agree with the view that the Stormers have developed the same choking problem that afflicts South Africa’s national cricket team in major tournaments.
‘I can see why some people would say that,’ he says. ‘The bottom line is that we still haven’t won a championship trophy. It can become an issue if you get so close to winning and then fall at the last hurdle; it will always be in the back of your mind. But what people need to remember is that there are also a lot of senior Bok players in this Stormers team who know what it takes to win big tournaments having enjoyed success with the Boks in a World Cup, Tri-Nations or British & Irish Lions series. We were thumped by the Crusaders in that particular semi-final, but I don’t think you could go so far as to suggest it was part of a bigger mental problem.’
Krige was disappointed with the Stormers’ limp showing, but agrees with Burger in declaring the season a relative success. A former Stormers captain himself, he also believes that Burger is the right man to take the franchise forward, and that his burgeoning leadership skills will be a boon to the Boks.
‘I had my doubts initially about Schalk as a captain because I thought he didn’t want it enough, but he’s proved me wrong with some passionate and determined performances,’ says Krige. ‘He leads by example which is exactly what a captain needs to do. It’s a pity he never got the chance to carry that form through to the Tri-Nations because he would have added value to the Boks’ leadership core.
‘A good captain will always look to surround himself with strong leaders. It’s something I never had the luxury of as captain of the Boks back in 2003, as while I had the likes of Schalk, Victor Matfield, Bakkies Botha, Juan Smith, Jaque Fourie and Jean de Villiers in my team, they were all at the start of their respective careers. I would have loved to have played alongside them once they had amassed more than 50, and in some cases 100, caps because the more experience you’re able to draw on, the easier your job becomes as a captain. Schalk has shown that he can be as valuable a leader as a player in Super Rugby, and he will surely bring that through to the Boks in their World Cup campaign.’
There are those who have criticised Burger’s leadership style and accused him of being too laid-back to be entrusted with the ultimate responsibility. And yet, the 2011 season has witnessed a few moments where he has shown exactly what the team and its success means to him. Burger celebrated wildly after the Stormers’ come-from-behind win against the Blues in late May, an uncharacteristic show of elation that may have surprised local and foreign fans alike.
‘You’re always going to get emotionally involved as the leader of a team,’ he says. ‘That Auckland game was massive in the context of the season, as if we had lost that match, we would have been on a three-game losing streak and staring at the prospect of missing a qualifying place. So when the final whistle went I just let rip. It was a massive achievement in the context of the game and in the context of our season, and I just let the emotions come pouring out.
‘As you get older, you take on more responsibility, and I’ve discovered that I enjoy the responsibility of being captain. I haven’t let it detract from my individual performances because I believe that a captain and indeed every senior player needs to lead from the front.’
While the major decisions will fall to Smit and vice-captain Victor Matfield, Burger will be at the forefront of the Boks’ charge for an unprecedented third world title. Fate may have dealt him a poor hand on the eve of the 2011 Tri-Nations, but it’s at the global tournament itself where South Africa’s quintessential hardman will be looking to get his timing exactly right.
– This article first appeared in the August issue of SA Rugby magazine. The September issue – a 260-page World Cup special – will be on sale from 24 August.
109 Comments
19 Aug 2011, 06:20 am
Robo-dragon!
19 Aug 2011, 06:21 am
“I haven’t let it detract from my individual performances because I believe that a captain and indeed every senior player needs to lead from the front.’”
Damn straight this machine had one of his best seasons ever in the S15!
19 Aug 2011, 06:33 am
Corne Krige — legendary failure. Worst skipper in history.
19 Aug 2011, 06:44 am
The Incredible Schalk…
THE most physical player in rugby… EVER… imo
no one throws their body into the battle like Schalk… no one plays with broken bones the way this guy does… he is a one of a kind…
he HAS to start for the Boks in the WC!
19 Aug 2011, 07:00 am
@TheTackler(TheTackler)-3: Kind of like poor old Taine Randell
19 Aug 2011, 07:00 am
Good morning all.
Ya this guy was a monster of note. Hope he does heal 100% cause now with Juan out we are in a spot of bother.
19 Aug 2011, 07:07 am
Burger king with a super sized heart, one of the greatest number 6 in bok jersey ever!
19 Aug 2011, 07:16 am
@Staal(Staal)-6: more Staal. Ja, I agree. With Scalla and Brussouw to choose from for the left side of the scrum we’re pretty much sorted in theory. It’s the right side that is now of concern. Alberts and Deysel perhaps?
19 Aug 2011, 07:18 am
II’d anticipate Schalk to rise to the occasion. He will be very influential in Kiwi next month. Very. I’d pick him with a broken arm. Even if he only uses it to threaten other okes.
19 Aug 2011, 07:20 am
“very influential in Kiwi next month” would not want to see that! Hehe oh well when in rome…
19 Aug 2011, 07:22 am
@TheTackler(TheTackler)-3: common Tackles, you know everything about everything. I’m looking for a convenient camp site to park our ‘van’ near North Harbour Stadium after the SA/Samoa game. Just a spot to doss and work off a possible sore head from cheap Kiwi beer.
19 Aug 2011, 07:24 am
@NoRugbyGuru_0_(RugbyGuru_0_)-10: not that kind of influential. Please No.
19 Aug 2011, 07:26 am
okay guys work calls. Speak later. Enjoy a wonderful day everyone.
19 Aug 2011, 07:36 am
This is one guy I would take to war with me. He is always giving 100%.
19 Aug 2011, 07:52 am
i would let schalk knock my chick up (if he wanted too)…and keep the kid…and love him like he was mine…he is that incredible…
just hope he doesn’t get angry and start scolding the ref in one of the knockout games.
19 Aug 2011, 08:29 am
read an interesting arcticle by Brendan Venter….he reckons Brussow and Scalk at 6 and 7 respectively and we have the flanks to bother the kiwis….
I agree with him.
Now if only our selectors would add Alberts at 8 we would be a real force.
19 Aug 2011, 08:49 am
Springbok captain-elect 2012
Juan Smith to challenge him if he continues with Test rugby next year.
Dog fight for no.7/blindside jersey come 2012…
Leadership vacuum will occur post 2011 RWC
Never been my favourite player BUT has an engine that is unmatched…Falls of his fair share of tackles,but when on form makes more than anyone else AND some.
19 Aug 2011, 08:51 am
Crazy thing he is only 28…..
19 Aug 2011, 08:55 am
@TheTackler(TheTackler)-3: Is it absolutely neccesary to take a cheap shot at Corne??? Get over the past and yourself pal.
19 Aug 2011, 08:56 am
imo Corne gets to much airtime…
19 Aug 2011, 08:57 am
Alberts a stronger, more physical player, in my view. Burger a close second to him.
Burger on the bench as looseforward cover, and Alberts and Brussouw as the starting flanks.
19 Aug 2011, 09:00 am
@TheTackler(TheTackler)-3: TheTackler – legendary Keo.co.za doos. Worst retread Japie in history.
19 Aug 2011, 09:06 am
@Stormtrooper(Stormtrooper)-19:
you know the saying…’you live by the cheap shot, you die by the cheap shot’…and corne sure did take share of cheap shots, on and off the field,,,
so i’m gonna go with tackler on this on.
19 Aug 2011, 09:15 am
I will have Schalkie anywhere in the back three. Just wish he gets this ambition of playing at 10 out of his head. Him and Victor both
19 Aug 2011, 09:17 am
@Champs 95 07 and Beyond(Champs 95 07 and Beyond)-24: schalk ahead of brussow?
Insane my man
19 Aug 2011, 09:20 am
Jake White summed it up when he justified choosing Schalk Burger over Luke Watson back in the day. He said if you threw one ball into a room, sent in Schalk and Luke Watson, shut the door and said who ever came out of the room with that ball would get picked… Jake said he could have done that as many times as he wanted and Schalk would have come out with that ball every time
19 Aug 2011, 09:21 am
@Tacitus(Deucalion)-21:
Yeah Alberts is quite the player.To think before Lions and Sharks-he was a Bulls u19 player straight out of Monnas….Was overlooked for Antonie Claasen
19 Aug 2011, 09:21 am
The reality is we need Brussouw in the team more than we need a Juan Smith/Schalk Burger combination.
Therefore, as sad as Juan’s injury is, and as big a loss as he is to the team individually, by getting the Juan/Schalk combination out of the tiny heads of our coaching team, and getting Brussouw back into the starting line up, this bit of misfortune may actually have served a positive purpose in the bigger scheme of things.
19 Aug 2011, 09:22 am
@joburgchief(joburgchief)-26:
Jake still wouldnt pick Heinrich
Jake is delusional
19 Aug 2011, 09:22 am
@mshiniwami(mshiniwami)-27:
Didn’t know that. Some guys are late developers, I guess.
19 Aug 2011, 09:25 am
Schalk Burger Jr Legend of S.A Rugby.
@Tacitus(Deucalion)-28: Agreed.
@joburgchief(joburgchief)-26: Scary.@mshiniwami(mshiniwami)-17: Agreed.
19 Aug 2011, 09:26 am
@mshiniwami(mshiniwami)-27: And now Antonie Claasen wants to sip the red wine of Paris.
19 Aug 2011, 09:28 am
@we have it on good authority that on september 11, a legend will rise…(i_love_u_bakkiesbotha)-15: :LOL: WTF
19 Aug 2011, 09:29 am
@Tacitus(Deucalion)-30:
Yeah true,was moved to lock where he didnt want to play and didnt get gametime with Cliff Milton and the boys there.Moved to the Lions.
He did have his fair share of injuries around that time. Was a teammates with him for a bit at UJ/Lions agegroup teams. The most physically dominant player I ever player with, a MASSIVE bloke with speed too as we all now see.Glad he is starting on the weekend.Hopefully the balance is better allowing Spies to flourish as an out and out ball carrier.Showed signs of improvement last week.Just needs more of that and to tighten up defensively.But its a start I guess.
19 Aug 2011, 09:31 am
@joburgchief(joburgchief)-26:
It was a stupid and meaningless thing to say by White – firstly, it cannot be proven who would have got the ball and secondly such an exercise is no indicator of excellence at rugby or leadership or anything worthwhile.
19 Aug 2011, 09:33 am
@Sasuke(Sasuke)-32:
Yep,there was a fair share of hype of him playing for Brive where he is captain I think.But that’s died down a fair bit much like when Gerhard Vosloo was there.The rise of Dusseatoir & Quadrogo killed off Vosloo and I fear the rise of Picamoles has temporarily ended Claassen.
19 Aug 2011, 09:33 am
@Tacitus(Deucalion)-21: That would be my loose trio combo too.
And Danie on the bench to cover lock.
19 Aug 2011, 09:35 am
@mshiniwami(mshiniwami)-34: Spies thrived on a good solid scrum. Here’s hoping the Boks can replicate that this weekend.
19 Aug 2011, 09:37 am
@25.grant10 I said I would pick him anywhere in the back three. I just hope Brussouw can be in peak condition to complete a game soon. We all know Schalk can broken thumb or not
19 Aug 2011, 09:39 am
@Robzim(Robzim)-35: Yes but that exercise would determine hunger and determination and i think you call it bloody mindedness to emerge with the ball by any means possible.
19 Aug 2011, 09:41 am
@mshiniwami(mshiniwami)-34:
Recall Spies’s dominant performance against England last year with Alberts on the field.
That is our best combination, especially with Brussouw and Bismark as our dedicated fetchers.
Why the coaches took so long to understand this boggles the mind.
19 Aug 2011, 09:41 am
The great green scHULK is our last hope. When at the top of his game in terms of fitness and form he is like having 2 players on the field. And the springboks (even when not a great springbok side) will always be difficult to beat when they ahve 16 players. GO SCHALK!!!
19 Aug 2011, 09:42 am
@>^..^< katman(katman)-37:
It took me some time to warm to Alberts – and I know you’ve been a fan of his for years. But after that Bulls Sharks Currie Cup semifinal where he monstered the likes of Dewald Potgieter my eyes opened.
In that kind of form I’d love to have him in my team.
19 Aug 2011, 09:43 am
@mshiniwami(mshiniwami)-29:
@Robzim(Robzim)-35:
i dont think its quite correct to say jake said he would not pick heinrich. i think he in fact said he would pick schalk over heinrich if given the choice (this after having a question posed to him). it was never about heinrich as such on his part but in fact about schalk.
19 Aug 2011, 09:44 am
For Grant 10 You will be pleased to note or embarressed that Rod Kafer had another dig at John Smit this week. he showed numerous mistakes and replays of the Bok scrum going backwards because of the failure at no 3. the panel all agreed PdV doesnot have the balls to sack Smit, in the same way Deans sacked Rocky. However they all agreed on Smits contribution to the Game in the past and all respected him as a man and leader. But all were sniggering at the prospect that Smit will be the failure of this Bok team
19 Aug 2011, 09:47 am
@Robzim(Robzim)-35:
calm down robbo.
luke is awesome
19 Aug 2011, 09:49 am
@Robzim(Robzim)-35:
By the way, having seen Luke lead the Kings out against the Cheetahs in a warm up game a few weeks ago, I can tell you he is now part of the same fatboys club that Frans Steyn belongs to.
Lekker dik geword.
19 Aug 2011, 09:53 am
I think this is currently our strongest team, considering injuries:
1. Gurthro Steenkamp
2. Bismarck du Plessis
3. Jannie du Plessis
4. Bakkies Botha
5. Victor Matfield
6. Heinrich Brussow
7. Schalk Burger
8. Willem Alberts
9. Fourie du Preez
10. Butch James
11. Bryan Habana
12. Jean de Villiers
13. Jaque Fourie
14. JP Pietersen
15. Frans Steyn
16. John Smit
17. Beast Mtawarira
18. Danie Rossouw
19. Pierre Spies
20. Francois Hougaard
21. Morne Steyn
22. Juan de Jongh
19 Aug 2011, 09:59 am
6 Brussouw
7 Alberts
8 Burger (c)
Bench: Pakslae/Ashley/Josh Strauss/anyone but Spies
Schalk should have been made Bok captain a couple of years ago already. And this nonsense with having a captain who isn’t the best in his position who has to deputise all the time to Matfield (great player, kak skipper), would not have arisen.
19 Aug 2011, 10:02 am
@WP Till I Die(WP-Forever)-48:
Agree 100% with that squad barring bench slight tweek:
16. John Smit
17. Beast Mtawarira
18. CJ van der Linde
19. Danie Rossouw
20.Pierre Spies
21.Francois Hougaard
22.Morne Steyn/Pat Lambie
No way do I want ANY chance of Smit playing 3 ever again,before last week’s test maybe BUT after the massacre that changed momentum and we ended up losing game because of that. Full complement of front row please
19 Aug 2011, 10:04 am
Alberts is a Meneer, I hope that he collects some bones this weekend.
19 Aug 2011, 10:04 am
@WP Till I Die(WP-Forever)-48: I disagree with you about Gurthro (I would pick Beast), Butch (I would pick a lot of guys before him, but preferably Morne, with Lambie on the bench) and Fatboy Steyn (Gio is my man, but I’d also be happy with Riaan Viljoen or Jaco Taute).
Apart from that, you’re spot on.
19 Aug 2011, 10:06 am
@pierre(pierre)-49:
you just spoken about nonsense of having a captain who isnt the best in his position yet you pick Schalk at 8(he hasnt played there since 2007 WC vs USA)…When he isnt the best 8 in SA,nor the best 6 nor the best 7….. But he isnt quite as in the league of Smit granted.
19 Aug 2011, 10:10 am
@mshiniwami(mshiniwami)-53: Schalk is the best in whatever loose forward position he happens to be picked on the day. The guy is a phenomenon who has adjusted our expectations to the point where we now almost take it for granted. I think it was John Robbie who wrote an article a couple of years ago saying that Schalk is the man of the match almost every time he plays, and the only reason he doesn’t get the award every time is that we’ve gotten used to it. That still applies today, and probably even more so with his current upsurge of form.
19 Aug 2011, 10:10 am
@pierre(pierre)-52:
Frans Steyn is there mostly for his long-range drop kicks.
I might conceed on Beast before Gurthro – just think Beast makes an awesome impact player coming on after the break.
Butch James is crucial to our game plan.
19 Aug 2011, 10:12 am
@mshiniwami(mshiniwami)-50:
OK – but I would really prefer having Juan de Jongh on that bench…
19 Aug 2011, 10:13 am
@grant10(grant10)-16: Don’t agree with Alberts @ 8. He doesn’t have to allround skills of being a link player. His ground covering on defense also not that wonderful. His trength is playing on the advantage line, so would be best to use him to build momentum.
A no. 8 should be creative as well, which Alberts hasn’t displayed yet.
19 Aug 2011, 10:17 am
@Tacitus(Deucalion)-41: Your Spies infatuation is more in hope of him performing rather than him actually performing. He was OK last week, but like you said, the scrum was OK. A less dominant scrum and he’d be fumbling at the base and with that, his only positive contribution. Defensivey he was poor, he’s not very creative and doesn’t have a subtle side to his game.
19 Aug 2011, 10:20 am
@Tacitus(Deucalion)-43: I only found our recently that Alberts played flyhalf at school until he got too big. Which explains his handling and passing skills.
Despite what people here say/bleat/repeat, I’d start with Spies at 8. I think he’s starting to find his form again, and when on form he is destructive. And I’d have Alberts at 7 and Brussow at 6 – this is a great combination of speed, guile and power. Then you bring Burger on with 20 or 25 minutes to play. Lovely.
I hate to be the I-told-you-so guy, but I have been advocating the Alberts cause for a long time. Kind of visionary, if I may say so. My other big prediction is also an ex-Monnas boy – Jaco Taute. If this World Cup were 6 months later, he’d be in the squad, and possibly starting. Mark the words of the katman. They seldom disappoint.
19 Aug 2011, 10:21 am
He’s a definite leader – hey, here’s an idea: why don’t we get him to replace John Smit as a captain?
No. 57 pompies2 – good point
19 Aug 2011, 10:23 am
@pompies2(pompies2)-57: I’m sorry, but that’s completely made up. He has a better passing/linking game than any other SA loosie, except perhaps for Ashley Johnson. And he is the hardest, most accurate tackler in SA rugby bar none. You can perhaps fault his role as crash ball specialist, but you can’t fault his skills.
19 Aug 2011, 10:24 am
@pierre(pierre)-54:
I dispute that claim, as great as Burger has been and achieve folk hero status-he ISNT the best loosefwd in ANY position(6/7/8) in South Africa. I will agree he has been great from SA with his tackling WORKRATE as the most amazing facet of him game.But he isnt as efficient in all the other facets of loose forward play.Thus not making him the best especially how loose forwards are picked these days in a TEAM-its all about BALANCE.
Question-
-is Schalk the best opensider/breakdown specialist in the country? NO
-Is Schalk the best blindside-ball carrier over advantage line,lineout exponent/clear/tackler-NO
-Is Schalk the best 8-athlete,speed,ball carrier,link to backs,offensive weapon-NO
Now he is the BEST HYBRID of all of those above BUT does he particularly trump others when picking a BALANCED loose trio?? NO. But if he was picked ahead of any one EXCEPT BRUSSOW or a FULLY FIT JUAN,i wouldnt complain as the difference is miniscule with other contenders.
Schalk is Schalk,no player like him in the world(even though Dewalt Potgieter is a diluted version)….His selection doesnt trump balance/selection criteria.
At least thats my view
19 Aug 2011, 10:28 am
@>^..^< katman(katman)-61: We’ll have to disagree then I’ve yet to see the slight of had, offloading in the tackle link play with the backline array of skills. As I say, his strengths would be best utilised as a point man in attack, used to suck in defenders.
19 Aug 2011, 10:31 am
@>^..^< katman(katman)-59:
Agree with you on Alberts and Schalk from bench.In fact a bench constisting of Beast,Burger,Rossouw,Bismark,Hougaard,Lambie for last 20-30 min provided our first XV does their bit and gring down opposition,would be AWESOME.
About Jaco Taute…..ummmm not convinced yet,does some very good things but also does some ordinary things…When i watched tiny Christian Wade(ENG) run through him like he wasnt there at IRB u20 WC,its only further exacerbated my doubts my doubts. One for the future though.
19 Aug 2011, 10:32 am
@>^..^< katman(katman)-59:
Credit where it’s due. You backed Alberts when he was still a lock at the Lions.
19 Aug 2011, 10:35 am
@pompies2(pompies2)-63: Well, everyone here has an opinion of him, but few have actually watched him that much. From his early days at the Lions I have seen him display incredible touches. The stuff that tells you he is a real ball player, and not just a big oke that turned to rugby. You know how some guys look at ease whether they pick up a tennis racket, cricket bat or golf club? I’ve seen AB de Villiers dribble a soccer ball and Albie Morkel hit a driver and you just know these guys are natural ball players. Well, Alberts seems to be like this. A ball player who just happens to be 120kg.
19 Aug 2011, 10:35 am
@mshiniwami(mshiniwami)-62:
Exactly. A great all rounder, but not the best fetcher – that’s Brussouw, not the best ball carrier – that’s Alberts or Smith, not the most athletic loose forward – that’s Spies, etc. etc.
Schalk is therefore good backup to all three positions, but not the preferred choice in any of them.
19 Aug 2011, 10:36 am
@mshiniwami(mshiniwami)-64: Bit off the topic here but speaking of Jaco Taute… Alberts put in a monster hit on him last year.
I would like to see him do that to some AB’s this weekend.
19 Aug 2011, 10:37 am
@pompies2(pompies2)-58:
Spies needs a physically dominant 7 in order to be at his most effective.
Look at how his game improved when the Bulls started playing Danie at 7 instead of Pottie. His game improved dramatically.
This last weekend, although slightly off his game, Danie was still dominant enough in the first half to let Spies play his natural game.
With a dominant 7, Bissie at 2 and Heinrich at 6, Spies will be fine.
Defensively needs a bit of work but I have a feeling he’ll do well this weekend.
19 Aug 2011, 10:38 am
@mshiniwami(mshiniwami)-64: Unfair to judge Taute on his jnr World Cup performance. I believe he was flown in half way through and had to slot into a team he’d never practiced with, almost straight off the plane. Watch him for the Lions and you’ll get a better idea of what he can do. Certainly the best fullback in the CC this year.
19 Aug 2011, 10:42 am
@Esoteric(Esoteric)-68: That’s up on Youtube. Great tackle. And to Taute’s credit, he got up and played on without crying about it.
19 Aug 2011, 10:44 am
@>^..^< katman(katman)-71: Indeed and kudos too him accordingly
19 Aug 2011, 10:44 am
@Esoteric(Esoteric)-68:
I was at that game, happened right in front of me. Monster hit.
To his credit he got straight up and back into position.
Ref Jason Jafta was actually in shock at the hit and awarded a penalty when it was a perfectly legal hit. I think he just got a fright that someone could put in a hit like that.
19 Aug 2011, 10:48 am
@>^..^< katman(katman)-70:
He is possibly the best 15 in a diluted CC-Viljoen has also played well for Griquas.
But the Wade incident had nothing to do with plane/late arrival etc.Dude missed tackle of a wee fella CLEAN..couldnt believe my eyes after he had a good u20 WC last yr at 13 which I think could be best position in long run.Very Jaque Fourie-esque.
Lions are playing well but Im a little uneasy at the hyperbole’s and accolades especially people regarding some of their players as possible Bok contenders…A little premature I think and Super 15 was 14 rounds long-a higher level competition in quality but those same players didnt stake Bok claim barring maybe Joshua Strauss. Raubenheimer has been outstanding for Griquas at 7 but you wont see me trumpeting him as a Bok Test player.Same goes for some of those Lions players.
19 Aug 2011, 10:49 am
See it here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=47WS6qMtdsI
19 Aug 2011, 10:50 am
why no cc articles?
would like to know who the keo crew rate for the weekends games….
am placing a few spread bets so wanna compare notes.
19 Aug 2011, 10:51 am
alberts has put in some MONSTER hits in the last two years, none more so than the rib cracking tackle on schalk last year in the cc final.
i think he was overused as a battering ram by the sharks but the rustenburg rest may have rejuvenated him.
then sbw will learn to fear the africans.
19 Aug 2011, 10:51 am
@>^..^< katman(katman)-75: Jiiiiasssis. “I’ve got the ball, I’m running… I’m stepping…. oh no… fark… I can’t breathe and my ears are ringing”.
19 Aug 2011, 10:52 am
@rangerman(rangerman)-77: Ja, didn’t he moer someone else as well in that game, also sending that player off?
19 Aug 2011, 10:53 am
@John Galt(John Galt)-73: jafta had a little wee in his broeks
19 Aug 2011, 10:55 am
@mshiniwami(mshiniwami)-74: taute missed a tackle, paul jordaan missed a tackle in the irish game and ended in the bushes face first. siya kolisi had a shocking game against the english. but should all those one-off bad performances ALWAYS be used selectively to cast doubt on young players?
kolisi has had 2 MoM games subsequently, taute was on fire last week.
how come the currie cup is “watered down” yet the u20 champs are hyped?
19 Aug 2011, 10:57 am
@mshiniwami(mshiniwami)-74: Well I’ll be the first to admit that the CC is missing some of its stars, but that doesn’t mean that all the good performances must be ignored. And I also never pushed any of these Lions players for Bok spots. I feel Taute has the potential to be a Bok by next season. I think Elton Jantjes is busy making a name for himself again, and could possibly catch the selectors’ eyes in the future. And I think someone like Strauss is unlucky to be playing at a time when we’re spoilt for choice when it comes to big ball-carrying loose forwards. Other than that I don’t think the Lions have any real Bok contenders. Minnie is great, but not better than the Bok loosies. Mapoe and Hollenbach are having a great run, but aren’t in the Fourie, De Villiers league. And our tight 5 are punching way above their weight.
19 Aug 2011, 10:59 am
@rangerman(rangerman)-77:
alberts hits are amazing, absolutely
but consider that schalk finished that game with said cracked rib and did his fair share of tackling to boot….thats also amazing…
19 Aug 2011, 11:02 am
@Esoteric(Esoteric)-79: basically he was operating as a wrecking ball all day long.
i think he has the rugby nous to put himself in the right positions for these big hits and they can be game changing.
just check the youtube montage of alberts vs wales on the eoyt, he monstered their runners all night long.
i am so happy he is starting instead of danie tom.
19 Aug 2011, 11:06 am
@mshiniwami(mshiniwami)-62: I can accept that Brussow is preferred for the highly specialised “winning the ball on the ground” role. But who is better in tackling, mauling, the line-out, ball carrying and open play than Schalk? You could prefer Juan at no 7, but whoops, Juan is out. What about 8? That “linking to backs” stuff – great in theory, but when last did you see Spies do that? I’d rather have a workmanlike guy who is solid on his feet int he tackle, makes plenty of metres carrying the ball in hand, and is like a steel wall defensively, than a guy with a gorgeous 40m sprint time because he’s really a re-treaded wing but who goes down from the slightest attempted tackle. Who was our no 8 when we won in 1995? Mark Andrews – a lock. Who was our no 8 when we won in 2007? Danie Rossouw – a lock/loosie hybrid known for his workrate, tackling and staying on his feet with ball in hand – not for his sprint times or “linking to the backs”.
19 Aug 2011, 11:08 am
@we have it on good authority that on september 11, a legend will rise…(i_love_u_bakkiesbotha)-83: schalk is an yster no doubt.
imagine how much more schalk may have done in that game if he had not been broken by alberts?
thats what i am really getting at.
19 Aug 2011, 11:15 am
Check out this little compilation of Alberts contributions against Wales. This is not just the try, which was impressive, but mostly his defensive work. This is what he brings to the Bok jersey. How anyone could not want that is beyond me.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CqhMzlHPTyI
19 Aug 2011, 11:15 am
@Transformation(Transformation)-81:
Fair enough. Fact of the matter is that criteria is different when judging players in relation to the competitions at least from my point of view.The u20 competition is a good indicator for players of the future when i say future i mean possibly 3 or 4 years from now.The time period is wider thus allows enough time for proper development.Give or take there are some special talents that make it within 12-18months to big time(senior national colours)
But Currie Cup when stars are present competing for Bok places especially on EOYT which is used to blood new players against slightly less fancied opposition,its a HIGHER level than u20 competition thus I think exposure to big time is relatively closer looking at quality of competition.I dont believe this Currie Cup is indicative of that level due to so many players missing even extended Bok squad members to a large extent.
But thats not to discount players as not being good or ones for the future Bok colours,I just think though a higher level of competition/quality is still needed to be genuine Bok contenders and to shorten time span towards that. Plus for younger players of around 19-21,its a great indicator…but mid 20′s to late…Im a litlle complacent to heap praise.
But hey just my view.
By the way Kolisi,Marcel Coetzee,Johan Sadie,Dale Chadwick/Strauss have impressed the most for me.
@>^..^< katman(katman)-82:
Ok i understand what you mean.Yeah ur tight 5 is punching above their weight.Nice to see Strauss developing well.Mapoe looks very comfortable at 13,played well at 14 and looks to be regaining form that made him a genuine Bok contender-his fluidity in his running stride is returning which shows he is finally getting over injury.His will grown in confidence,most encouraging. Hoolenbach looking good/poor mans De Villiers-playing well at 12 only bodes well for Lions minus le Grange.
19 Aug 2011, 11:18 am
@>^..^< katman(katman)-87: haha, i beat you to it
19 Aug 2011, 11:23 am
@rangerman(rangerman)-89: Right you are. I didn’t see that.
And here he does the same against the Bulls:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=brcvS87dUnI
19 Aug 2011, 11:24 am
@pierre(pierre)-85:
Schalk in the blindside role isnt better than Alberts in my opinion.Difference is slight but Alberts shade him at 7
Now the 8 debate is a contentious one.Fair call on Spies,if he was able to play to his potential/physical gifts that would be different as you say “theory”. Playing a workman like 8 is NOT the RULE,its because SA hasnt had great options there when those WC’s were played.If Kitch had chosen Tiaan Strauss in 95′ then who would you have ppicked to play 8?? definitely not a retreaded lock at 8. in 2007 the same,if Joe van Niekerk was fit or Spies do you think White would have chosen Rossouw??? More result of circumstance than RULE to pick locks at 8.But they did do their part especially Danie.
Fact of the matter is that there is no pure 8 in SA therefore Schalk would get in by default rather than principle.But at 6 and 7 he is second best.
19 Aug 2011, 11:29 am
@>^..^< katman(katman)-90: ja, also a good one.
seriously, his performances tapered off this year mostly due to him playing so much and in a specific role as the ball carrier.
i suspect deysels injury was the cause.
but he has rested now, watch out kiwis!
19 Aug 2011, 11:41 am
@Champs 95 07 and Beyond(Champs 95 07 and Beyond)-45: well fark the aussie detractors….
I reserve the right to criticise the Saffas…..but fark them aussies….
19 Aug 2011, 11:51 am
alberts at 7 or 8….
Just not Danie at 7 again…please pdv
19 Aug 2011, 12:06 pm
Superman owns a pair of Schalk Burger pyjamas.
When the Tokoloshe goes to sleep every night, he checks under his bed for Schalk Burger.
When Schalk Burger goes swimming he doesn’t get wet, the water gets Schalk Burgered.
Schalk Burger’s calendar goes straight from March 31st to April 2nd; No-one fools Schalk Burger.
Schalk Burger can kill two stones with one bird.
Once a cobra bit Schalk Burger’s leg. After five days of excruciating pain, the cobra died.
19 Aug 2011, 12:21 pm
@grant10(grant10)-93:
i think you mean fark bryce_in_oz…
19 Aug 2011, 12:47 pm
JC, I agree with most of the stuff you write, but there isn’t a decent leader in the Stormers/Province team. They are simply hopeless.
Burger, De Villiers and Bekker promise much, but simply aren’t good enough to lead their teams when it counts.
19 Aug 2011, 14:29 pm
@seamus(seamus)-97: Who do you want as Springbok captain after the World Cup?
19 Aug 2011, 14:46 pm
@mshiniwami(mshiniwami)-62: Agree wholeheartedly, 100%.
Excellent post.
19 Aug 2011, 14:50 pm
@pierre(pierre)-98: If we pick Burger as captain (which I think they will), we will enter another John Smit-2004 scenario.
I would go for Juan Smith, until the next WC.
19 Aug 2011, 14:56 pm
@we have it on good authority that on september 11, a legend will rise…(i_love_u_bakkiesbotha)-96: that goes without saying
off to newlands now
cheers
19 Aug 2011, 15:57 pm
@grant10(grant10)-101:
enjoy the game, cheers…
19 Aug 2011, 17:08 pm
Just a quick post before I’m off to Newlands…
To you guys who don’t rate Schalk and think he should be on the bench or not in the team…
Spies has his second half-good game in 40 odd matches and he’s better than Burger who has a great game in every game… i know who’d i’d rather go with…
Suddenly Willem Alberts is better than Schalk..? Are you kidding me…?? Schalk is 28… Willem is 27… Where’s Willem been hiding this talent while Schalk’s been winning international rugby player of the year etc etc…?
IF Juan was fit… I’d play Heinrich 6, Scalk 7 and Juan at 8 where he played lots of early games for FS…
With Juan injured… I’d start with Heinrich 6, Schalk 7 and Willem at 8…
Anyone who reckons Schalk shouldn’t be a starting Bok is letting provincial infatuations go a little too far… or just hates WP/Stormers a little too much… take off the provincial coloured shades and look again…
Sheesh…
But you guys may be right… Ask anyone CURRENTLY playing international rugby who they’d rather have in the Bok team… I’m sure they’ll ALL agree with you guys and pick Willem over Schalk…
Nuff said…
19 Aug 2011, 17:36 pm
Schalk is great player and should be in the team. I agree if we had a decent 8 then it would be hard for Schalk to make the team as he is not better than Juan or Brussow but would be great off the bench. But I think play Burger at 8 – I recall he played few games in WX07 at 8. Is he good captain not sure – dont think his smart enough sorry to say, you need captain that can read the game and the Ref and the tempo of the players, I dont think he has what it takes but saying that Victor is aweful and sadly John Smit is the only one we can rely on but he is not fit or good enough to be on the bentch. Who will be the captain next year not sure but I really think Lambie has the potential to be good leader not now but in the next 4 years or so.
20 Aug 2011, 11:22 am
Here we go again.
2003 RWC it was decided to dump Teichman for Skinstad.
Now it’s about dumping Smit for Skulk’s supposed captaincy.
Lots of input from possibly SA’s worst ever captain, “Durty Bugger” Krige.
Some just never learn.
Anyway, today’s game should prove, or disprove, Smit’s worth to the team.
Interesting times indeed.
20 Aug 2011, 12:52 pm
@OCO(OCO)-105: Howzit Oco,
It was the 1999 world cup that Teich was dropped for a injured Skinstad. It cost us that wc I have no doubt. Taking a injured player just never makes sense. Dropping your captain just before a world cup is even more brainless.
Hope we have learned by it. Then nothing will surprise me in SA rugby.
20 Aug 2011, 12:58 pm
@rabooby(rabooby)-104: Agree totally. Think in the future Lambie has the potential to be a Bok Captain. He has leadership qualities for sure.
Remember he as Head Prefect at Michael House. Lambie is mature beyond his years. A ablsolute pleasure to hear the younster speak. Always says the right things and comes across calm and very well spoken.
For 2012 think Chili could be our captain. From everything I have read it looks like it will be Chili. Remember he was the u19′s captain and he was actually a top class captain. Not sure how well that will sit with Bissie cause both play hooker. Will Bissie once again want to sit on the bench?
20 Aug 2011, 13:31 pm
@Puma(Puma)-107: Puma…are you seriously suggesting that Chili should start ahead of Bismarck?
It’s not April Fools Day is it?
21 Aug 2011, 04:37 am
@Puma(Puma)-107:
Bismark and Strauss are the future… Strauss captains his province with aplomb too having been mentored by Smith…
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