Super Rugby Preview (Round 3)
9 Mar 2012
JON CARDINELLI and RYAN VREDE analyse the key match-ups and pick the winners at the weekend.
Shocker! Keo.co.za has suffered a horrendous start to the season with mediocre returns on the first two rounds of predictions. The Highlanders have caught us out twice with their defiant back-to-back performances, and perhaps we overestimated the Lions’ ability to rack up two wins on the trot. Lessons have been learned.
This week should see better results as far as our picks are concerned. JC has opted for all the home teams while Vrede believes the Chiefs could upset the Kiwi conference champs on Friday. The big South African derby in Durban will be won by the Sharks while the Bully Boys will continue their impressive start to the season with a victory against the Blues.
Unfortunately for Cheetahs fans, we could witness the beginning of another terrible tour as the Bloem Boys go down to Jake White’s Brumbies in Canberra.
KEO.CO.ZA SUCCESS RATE
VREDE: 7/14 (50%)
JC: 8/14 (57%)
Round 2
VREDE: 4/7
JC: 4/7
Round 1
VREDE: 3/7
JC: 4/7
CRUSADERS vs CHIEFS, NAPIER, FRI 08:35
VREDE’S CALL: The all-round potency of the Chiefs’ pack has surprised me and has been the reason for their back division’s influence. The Crusaders were outmuscled by the Highlanders last week and another performance like that will see the same result. I don’t think they’ll be as poor as that but I still have strong reservations about the quality of their pack. The Chiefs haven’t beaten the Crusaders since 2008, but this time they will match them in the forwards and have a superior back division. Saders openside flank Matt Todd was excellent in his rookie season but has been largely nullified as a breakdown force due to his team’s lack of defensive punch at the gainline. Furthermore, in Tyler Bleyendaal the Saders have a talented flyhalf, but not one adept at building pressure through a field position game and one with indifferent form as a goal-kicker. These are the key boxes you have to tick in blunting the Chiefs. The Saders don’t do so. Chiefs by 5
JC’S CALL: Neither team has been consistent in the past two rounds, but the fact that the Crusaders are coming off a loss could be significant. They aren’t exactly at home, playing in Napier, but at least they won’t face the added challenge of fighting for a victory in the rain and cowbell clamour that typifies matches in Hamilton. Their forwards will be keen to prove a point, and coach Todd Blackadder has re-introduced a couple of World-Cup winning All Blacks to his front row. They’ll boss the scrums, and should be more aggressive at the collisions after last week’s lesson in Dunedin. A big question mark hangs over their defence after a porous showing against the Highlanders, and Blackadder will also need to implement a plan to negate the skill and strength of Sonny Bill Williams. It’s going to be another close Kiwi derby, and I think the Crusaders’ desperation for a win will be reflected in a superior and ultimately game-winning performance at the tackle. Crusaders by 5
Crusaders – 15 Sean Maitland, 14 Israel Dagg, 13 Robbie Fruean, 12 Adam Whitelock, 11 Zac Guildford, 10 Tyler Bleyendaal, 9 Andy Ellis, 8 Kieran Read (c), 7 Matt Todd, 6 George Whitelock, 5 Tom Donnelly, 4 Luke Romano, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Corey Flynn, 1 Ben Franks.
Subs: 16 Quentin MacDonald, 17 Wyatt Crockett, 18 Sam Whitelock, 19 Luke Whitelock, 20 Willi Heinz, 21 Tom Taylor, 22 Tom Marshall.
Chiefs - 15 Robbie Robinson, 14 Asaeli Tikoirotuma, 13 Richard Kahui, 12 Sonny Bill Williams, 11 Tim Nanai-Williams, 10 Aaron Cruden, 9 Tawera Kerr-Barlow, 8 Kane Thompson, 7 Tanerau Latimer, 6 Liam Messam, 5 Brodie Retallick, 4 Craig Clarke, 3 Ben Tameifuna, 2 Mahonri Schwalger, 1 Sona Taumalolo.
Subs: 16 Hika Elliot, 17 Shane Cleaver, 18 Michael Fitzgerald, 19 Sam Cane, 20 Augustine Pulu, 21 Andrew Horrell, 22 Jackson Willison.
FORCE vs HURRICANES, PERTH, FRI 13:05
VREDE’S CALL: The Canes were awful in Johannesburg last week but were gifted a victory through the Lions’ tactical naivety and handling errors. You’ve got to think they’re knackered after extensive travel in the last three weeks and with the return of Richard Brown to lend the Force some punch, as well as Cameron Shepherd’s recovery from injury, the hosts have the edge. David Pocock will be influential in stifling the Canes’ preferred high-tempo, expansive approach. The Canes simply don’t have a pragmatic weapon in their arsenal and will become increasingly loose. The Force must be defensively accurate and stay compact, things they have only managed in short spells previously. If they do, they’ll take the points. Force by 3
JC’S CALL: Beauden Barrett impressed with his option-taking and goal-kicking on the tour to South Africa, and will be a key man for the Hurricanes in this scrap. The Force will need to show a greater appreciation for possession if they’re to deny the Hurricanes turnover opportunities, which allowed the Hurricanes to remain competitive in matches against the Stormers and Lions. Mark Hammett has spoken about implementing more structure to the Canes’ game, but they may struggle in a tactical arm-wrestle. The Force must target that Hurricanes pack at the set pieces, and force the visitors to take chances from deep within their own half. The Force are not a flashy side by any stretch of the imagination, but when their forwards fire they are capable of strangling teams and eking out narrow wins. Expect them to win in this manner on Friday. Force by 5
Force - 15 Cameron Shepherd, 14 Nick Cummins, 13 Patrick Dellit, 12 Rory Sidey, 11 Napolioni Nalaga, 10 James Stannard, 9 Brett Sheehan, 8 Matt Hodgson, 7 David Pocock (c), 6 Richard Brown, 5 Nathan Sharpe, 4 Toby Lynn, 3 Salesi Ma’afu, 2 Nathan Charles, 1 Kieran Longbottom.
Subs: 16 Ben Whittaker, 17 Pek Cowan, 18 Sam Wykes, 19 Angus Cottrell, 20 Justin Turner, 21 Ben Seymour, 22 Alfie Mafi.
Hurricanes – 15 Andre Taylor, 14 Cory Jane, 13 Conrad Smith (c), 12 Tim Bateman, 11 Julian Savea, 10 Beauden Barrett, 9 TJ Perenara, 8 Victor Vito, 7 Jack Lam, 6 Faifili Levave, 5 Jason Eaton, 4 Jeremy Thrush, 3 Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, 2 Dane Coles, 1 Ben May.
Subs: 16 Motu Matu’u, 17 Michael Bent, 18 James Broadhurst, 19 Brad Shields, 20 Chris Eaton, 21 Daniel Kirkpatrick, 22 Charlie Ngatai.
BRUMBIES vs CHEETAHS, CANBERRA, SAT 06:35
VREDE’S CALL: There’s so much wrong with the Cheetahs at the moment that I can’t see them in the frame in this match. Their set piece is poor, their forwards have failed to front and their defence went all Powerlines FC against the Bulls. The Brumbies have the forwards to erode their resolve and the backs to ensure the Bloem boys stay winless. Brumbies by 10
JC’S CALL: It was interesting to read why Naka Drotske selected Ashley Johnson and George Earle for this clash. Drotske believes that the pair will add more power to the Cheetahs pack, but you have to ask why the same mentality wasn’t applied for physical clashes against the Lions and Bulls. Coenie Oosthuizen hasn’t played a match in 2012 and shouldn’t be expected to get it absolutely right in this game. The Brumbies by comparison look a more organised and settled unit, and would be expected to put this Cheetahs side away. While Jake White is big on structure, the power play will create opportunities for the Canberra side’s talented back division. The Cheetahs’ defence has been woeful, and again it’s been worrying to read about Drotske’s complete surprise. It’s going to be a long tour for the Cheetahs. Brumbies by 9
Brumbies - 15 Jesse Mogg, 14 Henry Speight, 13 Andrew Smith, 12 Christian Lealiifano, 11 Pat McCabe, 10 Matt Toomua, 9 Nic White, 8 Ben Mowen, 7 Ita Vaea, 6 Peter Kimlin, 5 Ben Hand, 4 Sam Carter, 3 Dan Palmer, 2 Stephen Moore, 1 Ben Alexander.
Subs: 16 Anthony Hegarty, 17 Ruaidhri Murphy, 18 Scott Fardy, 19 Michael Hooper, 20 Ian Prior, 21 Zack Holmes, 22 Joseph Toman
Cheetahs – 15 Hennie Daniller, 14 Cameron Jacobs, 13 Robert Ebersohn, 12 Philip Snyman, 11 Willie le Roux, 10 Johan Goosen, 9 Tewis de Bruyn, 8 Ashley Johnson, 7 Philip van der Walt, 6 Heinrich Brussow, 5 Izak van der Westhuizen, 4 George Earle, 3 WP Nel, 2 Adriaan Strauss (c), 1 Coenie Oosthuizen.
Subs: 16 Hercu Liebenberg, 17 Trevor Nyakane, 18 Davon Raubenheimer, 19 Justin Downey, 20 Piet van Zyl, 21 Sias Ebersohn, 22 Ryno Benjamin.
HIGHLANDERS vs WARATAHS, DUNEDIN, SAT 08:35
VREDE’S CALL: The Highlanders earned a deserved victory over the Crusaders last week with an aggressive approach at the breakdown off the back of dominant tackle fights. It has been the bedrock of their success to date and will be again against the Waratahs. The Tahs are undoubtedly boosted by the return of Berrick Barnes, whose distribution and tactical intelligence has been central to their past successes. I still think the Tahs’ eight are vulnerable when confronted with a robust unit, such as the one the Landers boast, diluting the impact Barnes and co could make. The hosts will harass and scrap all game and have a backline capable of moments of brilliance. It won’t be pretty but the Highlanders won’t care. Highlanders by 5
JC’S CALL: You’d have to think that a man of Tom Carter’s particular talents would be well suited to a game of this nature. He lacks the ability to innovate or bring his outside backs into the contest, but he’s proved a successful means of crossing the gainline and fracturing opposition defences. Barnes should be in the Tahs side, but calling the shots from the flyhalf position. It could be that coach Michael Foley wants the extra tactical kicking option and that the Tahs will play a territorial game. On paper, they have a pack that should outmuscle most, but as the Crusaders found out last week, the Highlanders don’t care much for reputations. The new Forsyth Barr Stadium also looks to be an intimidating venue for visiting teams, and those vocal Dunedinites could inspire the Highlanders to another powerful yet purposeful forward performance. It’s going to be brutally physical and is probably the toughest one of the weekend to call, but I’m backing Jamie Joseph’s side to pull through. Highlanders by 5
Highlanders - 15 Colin Slade, 14 Kade Poki, 13 Tamati Ellison, 12 Phil Burleigh, 11 Hosea Gear, 10 Lima Sopoaga, 9 Aaron Smith, 8 Nasi Manu, 7 John Hardie, 6 Adam Thomson, 5 Nick Crosswell, 4 Josh Bekhuis, 3 Chris King, 2 Andrew Hore, 1 Jamie Mackintosh (c).
Subs: 16 Jason Rutledge,17 Bronson Murray, 18 Culum Retallick, 19 James Haskell ,20 Jimmy Cowan, 21 Kurt Baker,22 Buxton Popoali’i.
Waratahs – 15 Bernard Foley, 14 Tom Kingston, 13 Rob Horne, 12 Berrick Barnes, 11 Adam Ashley-Cooper, 10 Daniel Halangahu (c), 9 Sarel Pretorius, 8 Tevita Metuisela, 7 Pat McCutcheon, 6 Dave Dennis, 5 Kane Douglas, 4 Dean Mumm, 3 Sekope Kepu, 2 Tatafu Polota-Nau, 1 Benn Robinson.
Subs: 16 John Ulugia, 17 Paddy Ryan, 18 Lopeti Timani, 19 Jono Jenkins, 20 Brendan McKibbin, 21 Tom Carter, 22 Brackin Karuaria-Henry.
REDS vs REBELS, BRISBANE, SAT 10:40
VREDE’S CALL: It doesn’t matter whether the Rebels include Kurtley Beale or Clark Kent in their backline, so poor are their forwards across all disciplines that the backline is seldom a threat. The Reds have settled into a pattern resembling the one that worked so well for them in 2011 – dominant and controlled forward play that established the platform for their backs to shine. The attacking variation is also there, with Will Genia and Mike Harris exhibiting their ability to drive the Reds into enemy territory with the boot. The Rebels won’t have answers to any questions the Reds will pose and must brace for another hiding. Reds by 15
JC’S CALL: Vrede’s right, the Rebels would have done better to buy the Incredible Hulk and The Thing as a means to boost their forward effort rather than multi-talented Wallabies backs who battle behind the advantage line. The Reds haven’t been as convincing as they were in 2011, and are missing a few regulars, but at home they will be too powerful for the Rabbles. Reds by 20
Reds - 15 Luke Morahan, 14 Dom Shipperley, 13 Ben Tapuai, 12 Jono Lance, 11 Digby Ioane, 10 Mike Harris, 9 Will Genia, 8 Jake Schatz, 7 Liam Gill, 6 Scott Higginbotham, 5 James Horwill (c), 4 Rob Simmons, 3 James Slipper, 2 James Hanson, 1 Ben Daley.
Subs: 16 Saia Faingaa, 17 Greg Holmes, 18 Van Humphries, 19 Radike Samo, 20 Beau Robinson, 21 Ben Lucas, 22 Rod Davies.
Rebels - 15 Kurtley Beale, 14 Mark Gerrard, 13 Mitch Inman, 12 James O’Connor, 11 Cooper Vuna, 10 Danny Cipriani, 9 Richard Kingi, 8 Gareth Delve (c), 7 Tom Chamberlain, 6 Tim Davidson, 5 Hugh Pyle, 4 Luke Jones, 3 Laurie Weeks, 2 Adam Freier, 1 Nic Henderson.
Subs: 16 Luke Holmes, 17 Rodney Blake, 18 Alister Campbell, 19 Jarrod Saffy, 20 Nick Phipps, 21 Lachlan Mitchell, 22 Julian Huxley.
SHARKS vs LIONS, DURBAN, SAT 17:05
VREDE’S CALL: The Lions refused to play the percentages against the Hurricanes last week and paid the ultimate price. Nothing coach John Mitchell has said in the week suggests they will look to be more balanced. The Sharks struggle when they are pushed back deep through accurate tactical kicking and then confronted with an organised defensive unit. The Lions won’t challenge them in this way. The return of Willem Alberts to the starting line-up offers the Sharks a gainline force and a competent lineout target. The Sharks will boss both these facets of play, as well as the scrums. Sharks by 7
JC’S CALL: Butch James will lend the Lions more grunt on attack and defence, but the Sharks have to be favourites to take the Lions at Kings Park. A lot will be expected of the wrecking ball Willem Alberts, but Marcell Coetzee could also have a big role to play in the battle at the gainline. I think this game will be tighter than most expect, as while the Lions have lost some key forwards the Sharks have also battled in this department in the past two matches. The decision-making of the Sharks halfbacks will also need to be better than it was last week, and Pat Lambie must be more accurate in front of goal as Elton Jantjies has shown himself capable of slotting pressure penalties from long distances. The Sharks also need to utilise the kicking strengths of Riaan Viljoen far more. If the Sharks can keep the Lions pinned in their own half, and if the Lions look to employ the same multi-phase strategy as last week, then the hosts will win this one comfortably. However, the Sharks will need to be more clinical if they are going to reap the rewards of this game plan. Sharks by 10
Sharks – 15 Riaan Viljoen, 14 Odwa Ndungane, 13 JP Pietersen, 12 Tim Whitehead, 11 Lwazi Mvovo, 10 Pat Lambie, 9 Frederic Michalak, 8 Keegan Daniel (c), 7 Willem Alberts, 6 Marcell Coetzee, 5 Ross Skeate, 4 Steven Sykes, 3 Wiehahn Herbst, 2 Bismarck du Plessis, 1 Dale Chadwick.
Subs: 16 Craig Burden, 17 Jannie du Plessis, 18 Anton Bresler, 19 Jacques Botes, 20 Charl McLeod, 21 Meyer Bosman, 22 Paul Jordaan.
Lions – 15 Jaco Taute, 14 Deon van Rensburg, 13 Doppies La Grange, 12 Alwyn Hollenbach, 11 Michael Killian, 10 Butch James, 9 Michael Bondesio, 8 Warren Whiteley, 7 Joshua Strauss (c), 6 Derick Minnie, 5 Franco van der Merwe, 4 Marius Coetzer, 3 Jacobie Adriaanse, 2 Callie Visagie, 1 Caylib Oosthuizen.
Subs: 16 Martin Bezuidenhout, 17 Ruan Dreyer, 18 Stephan Greef, 19 Cobus Grobbelaar, 20 Tian Meyer, 21 Andries Coetzee, 22 James Kamana.
BULLS vs BLUES, PRETORIA, SAT 19:10
VREDE’S CALL: With the Bulls on a hot streak and the Blues travelling to Loftus without Jerome Kaino and the elusive Rudi Wulf the odds are stacked against the Kiwi side. Ma’a Nonu starts in midfield and will test the 10-12 axis of Morne Steyn and Francois Venter’s defensive strength. But he will do so largely without a notable platform given the inferiority of his forwards. The Bulls will rule at the set phases as well as on attack and defence at the gainline. Steyn will drive them deep into their half and the Blues’ attacking instinct won’t allow them to respond conservatively. The Bulls’ defence has been outstanding thus far and expect them to isolate runners and force infringements. Steyn will build the lead and the Bulls will accelerate in the final quarter to register a comfortable win. Bulls by 15
JC’S CALL: The Blues have played some stupid rugby over the past two weeks. Aside from their tactical failings, they have also been hampered by poor leadership and unforced errors at the set piece. It bodes badly for a match against the Bulls, who have been excellent at the lineout despite the loss of several second-row Springboks. The Bulls have shown themselves to be disciplined and aggressive at the collisions, while the Blues have only fired in patches. They may look to unsettle the Bulls with their two fetchers, Daniel and Luke Braid, but as long as the Bulls win the physical fight at the collisions, the Braids will struggle to disrupt the Bulls’ attacking flow. There are some dangerous individual runners in that Blues back division, but they’ve shown nothing as a collective to suggest they can topple a structured side like the Bulls at a notoriously intimidating venue like Loftus. I don’t think the Bulls are as polished as they have been in previous seasons, but they should beat this disjointed Blues side comfortably. Bulls by 10
Bulls – 15 Zane Kirchner, 14 Akona Ndungane, 13 Wynand Olivier, 12 Francois Venter, 11 Bjorn Basson, 10 Morné Steyn, 9 Jano Vermaak, 8 Pierre Spies (c), 7 Jacques Potgieter, 6 Deon Stegmann, 5 Juandré Kruger, 4 Flip van der Merwe, 3 Werner Kruger, 2 Chiliboy Ralepelle, 1 Dean Greyling.
Subs: 16 Willie Wepener, 17 Frik Kirsten, 18 Wilhelm Steenkamp, 19 CJ Stander, 20 Ruan Snyman, 21 Louis Fouché, 22 JJ Engelbrecht.
Blues - 15 Lachie Munro, 14 Sherwin Stowers, 13 Benson Stanley, 12 Ma’a Nonu, 11 Rene Ranger, 10 Gareth Anscombe, 9 Piri Weepu, 8 Chris Lowrey, 7 Daniel Braid, 6 Luke Braid, 5 Ali Williams, 4 Anthony Boric, 3 Charlie Faumuina, 2 Keven Mealamu (c) 1, Pauliasi Manu.
Subs: 16 Tom McCartney, 17 Tevita Mailau, 18 Filo Paulo, 19 Bradley Mika, 20 Alby Mathewson, 21 Hadleigh Parkes, 22 David Raikuna.
133 Comments
8 Mar 2012, 12:08 pm
Mostly the same except Crusaders will beat the Chiefs…
8 Mar 2012, 12:11 pm
Chiefs
Force
Cheetahs
Highlanders
Reds
Lions
Bulls
8 Mar 2012, 12:21 pm
JC and Ryan,
As much as I respect your views ……………………………………………………………It’s Skoppies selections I want to see.
And as soon as I see them ……………………………..I’m off to the Betting Shop, faster than a dung beetle follows the Bulls.
8 Mar 2012, 12:23 pm
Crusaders
Hurricanes
Brumbies
Highlanders
Reds
Sharks
Blues
8 Mar 2012, 12:26 pm
Skop will say Crusaders but dont be surprised if Chiefs win… Sharks but dont be surprised if Lions win… Highlanders but dont be surprised if Tahs win… Something like that!!
8 Mar 2012, 12:27 pm
@Nils(Nils)-4: \
Oooooooooooooooooohhhhhhhh, Nils only one SA win this weekend.
You naughty boy.
8)
8 Mar 2012, 12:28 pm
I’ve actually picked the Canes to win again since I do not trust that Force lineup to retain possession or even defend manfully in the slightest.
8 Mar 2012, 12:32 pm
Cardinelli finding it incredibly difficult to give the Bulls any credit, as usual.
“I don’t think the Bulls are as polished as in previous seasons, but they should beat this disjointed Blues team.”
Grudging pick if I ever read one.
Why not just come out and say you wish every week that the Bulls will lose, and this business of them actually winning some games doesn’t sit well with you.
8 Mar 2012, 12:32 pm
Come Monday morning, JC and Vrede’s will wish they still had their respective 50% and 57% success rates.
For writers of rugby opinion, 2 from 3 (i.e. 67%) should be a minimum pass mark.
8 Mar 2012, 12:33 pm
@THE MAULER(THE MAULER)-5:
When the Oracle speaks,
all is not exactly clear.
but if you interpret it correctly.
vast fortunes are yours…………………………………….money for nothing.
8)
8 Mar 2012, 12:37 pm
Crusaders will topple the Chiefs.
Force are rubbish and will be thumped by Canes.
And the Lions will win a tight one against the Sharks.
Other than that, I kind of agree with the “expert” picks.
Although the Highlanders Waratahs game might go down to the wire.
Tricky week to pick.
8 Mar 2012, 12:38 pm
@cane(cane)-10: Have you been following his score? Because I reckon Skoppie is languishing around the 30% mark.
But it’s your money, I guess.
8 Mar 2012, 12:39 pm
@>^..^< katman(katman)-9:
Just picking the bladdy home team every time will get you around 65% right.
8 Mar 2012, 12:39 pm
@>^..^< katman(katman)-12:
Well, it’s either 30% or 100%, depending on which of his two picks for basically every game you choose to go with..
8 Mar 2012, 12:39 pm
@>^..^< katman(katman)-9:
I agree 110% Katmandu.
If a Rugby Scribe cannot be in the 66.66%.
Then he is …………then he or she……….then they……then……then…………….
Well they are fcuken useless. Full stop.
Even a maggot should get it right 50% of the time.
8 Mar 2012, 12:41 pm
@Tacitus(Deucalion)-14: I think the official Skoppie picks are the ones submitted between 11am and 1pm. The rest fall too far between medication doses to be recognised.
8 Mar 2012, 12:48 pm
@>^..^< katman(katman)-9:
Amandla.
In the words of the modern South African Lexicon THEY MUST GET IT
Expect the keo minions to embark on industrial action if this doesn’t happen.
There will be some bins overturned at Gnome Towers.
I also expect Keo’s Executive Desk Set (from an apprecaitve Watson family) to be sellotaped to the ceiling in protest.
Aluta Continua.
8 Mar 2012, 12:52 pm
Had a quick chat with Wynie this morning and he said it can go either way. But he looked and sounded confident. Bulls by 7.
8 Mar 2012, 12:52 pm
@cane(cane)-15: That German Octopus makes these two look pretty daft.
8 Mar 2012, 12:55 pm
Fuckadilly is still on the misty mountain hop.
he has examined a sacrificial piece of tofu and his provisional picks are
Crusaders
Hurricanes
Brumbies
Highlanders
Reds
Sharks
Bulls
with any of the
Chiefs
Force
Tahs
Rebels
Lions
Blues
to provide an upset.
The tofu entrails also suggest that soem draws may not be out of the questionn.
I expect The Mystic Long Drop Merchant to maintain his 100% record this weekend.
8 Mar 2012, 12:56 pm
8 Mar 2012, 12:56 pm
I reckon you can accept that the Blues will score 3 tries against you. To beat them, therefore, you have to score more than that.
8 Mar 2012, 12:57 pm
@the artist formerly known as gunther(gunther)-17: Anyway, pass marks are a western invention forced onto an African context. And these so-called pass marks cannot even begin to take the dynamic into account.
Down with pass marks. Down.
8 Mar 2012, 13:01 pm
@Atlas(Atlas)-18: Name dropping
8 Mar 2012, 13:06 pm
similarly…
for a change…
will definitely go with home team wins this weekend…
but any of the away teams could beat the travel factor and upset the home sides…
but some home teams may hold on desperately for the draw…
8 Mar 2012, 13:06 pm
3 tries and will probably miss 1 or 2 conversions so the bulls should compensate with 5 or 6 penalties just to keep parity. after that they can look to open up and score once the blues are tired (read: ordentlik deurmekaar gemoer).
simples….
8 Mar 2012, 13:11 pm
@Atlas(Atlas)-24:
look if you are going to name drop please aim a little higher.
wynie will talk to anyone who waves a klippies under his nose.
how is the loesie looking?
8 Mar 2012, 13:14 pm
@cane(cane)-6: And both are coached by … ahem … not 100% locals.
In the last pair Bulls are favourites, of course yet there’a always a hope (remeber Highlanders?).
8 Mar 2012, 13:17 pm
All home teams except the Force. They like to play sh it against everyone except the Crusaders and Stormers.
8 Mar 2012, 13:23 pm
I will try to pick my picks for the weekend as far possible as what these guys are picking.
8 Mar 2012, 13:24 pm
@the artist formerly known as gunther(gunther)-27: Sitting in it. Watching the guy cutting the grass.Very serene. Internet access is very slow, very embabroer. I am a *******, took a photo of the losie and send it to my uncle in Nigeria. He went livid. He said something about wasting his money. Stupid Stormer.
8 Mar 2012, 13:25 pm
@Atlas(Atlas)-18: i didnt know wynie can speak english?
8 Mar 2012, 13:28 pm
@Sasuke(Sasuke)-32: He talks the tale very deliciously since he was twice. It are his home tale.
8 Mar 2012, 13:29 pm
@the artist formerly known as gunther(gunther)-20: lol
8 Mar 2012, 13:29 pm
@KWAGGA ROBERTSE(KWAGGA ROBERTSE)-33: lol
8 Mar 2012, 13:30 pm
@Atlas(Atlas)-31:
tell me more.
what’s the vibe?
is there biltong?
has the brannas been stocked up for saturday?
8 Mar 2012, 13:37 pm
@Atlas(Atlas)-31:
@the artist formerly known as gunther(gunther)-36:
ja, tell us more
riveting stuff…
8 Mar 2012, 13:49 pm
@the artist formerly known as gunther(gunther)-36: Was at the practice this morning. Boyz look fit, strong and hungry for the game. The platters and biltong only come on match day. The booze came today, that is why I am here. Good times, good times. (Even my own Mavis is looking forward to the game, she just told me to tell you to send regards to her twin, your Mavis)
8 Mar 2012, 13:52 pm
@Atlas(Atlas)-38: Sounds great!
8 Mar 2012, 13:54 pm
Chiefs
Hurricanes
Cheetahs
Landers/Tahs (Draw)
Reds
Sharks
Bulls
8 Mar 2012, 14:00 pm
@Sasuke(Sasuke)-39: It is perfect. Oh, I bumped into Barend van Graan the other day (now that is name dropping). He look like a nice guy but I just greeted him and walked away. He reminds me of my Metaalwerk onnie. Bad times, bad times.
8 Mar 2012, 14:02 pm
crusaders
hurricanes
cheetahs
highlanders
reds
sharks (maybe lions, ala skop)
bulls
8 Mar 2012, 14:03 pm
@Atlas(Atlas)-41: He is a big guy no?
So you run the loesie?
8 Mar 2012, 14:04 pm
@Atlas(Atlas)-38:
sounds like one of the best investments you made.
is your uncle still in business?
8 Mar 2012, 14:04 pm
‘Saders by 5
‘Canes by 4
Cheeters by 3 ( It’s gonna be close)
‘Landers by 4
Reds by 15
Yappies by 6
BULLS by 8
8 Mar 2012, 14:06 pm
@welcome to my life, hugh…(i_love_u_bakkiesbotha)-42: you forgot about Stormers they are playing the perennial losers…..the team called Bye! Everyone gets 4 points against them so they must be bad….but no-one scores a bonus point against them so their defense must be decent to not concede four tries!
8 Mar 2012, 14:08 pm
@Atlas(Atlas)-38:
Maevis is indeed a Bulls supporter.
Her favourite players are Chilliboy and Pierre Spies.
(she loves wrestling).
Xhosaskid reckons Maevis only supports the Bulls to suck up to me because I am white (mostly).
He is very unnecessary that one.
Although Maevis does owe me the equivalent of the Greek deficit in unsecured non-nterest bearing flexible term repayment optional neotiable loans.
So there may be a dynamic at play here.
8 Mar 2012, 14:11 pm
@Sasuke(Sasuke)-43: He is big for an old guy(kidding). Ja, it is now part of my job description. Cool isn’t. @welcome to my life, hugh…(i_love_u_bakkiesbotha)-44: He wants to buy a losie at Nuweland but we don’t know if they will be in Super 15 next year.
8 Mar 2012, 14:12 pm
@the artist formerly known as gunther(gunther)-47: She must get it!
8 Mar 2012, 14:13 pm
What team does cardinelli actually support by his posts is is certainly not the bulls
8 Mar 2012, 14:16 pm
@blueboy(blueboy)-50: Must be Stormers.
8 Mar 2012, 14:17 pm
@the artist formerly known as gunther(gunther)-47: How can I respond to that? Good one
My Mavis ( see the spelling) loves Meisiekind. Her kid use the same hair products.
8 Mar 2012, 14:19 pm
@Atlas(Atlas)-48: Super cool!
8 Mar 2012, 14:19 pm
@Atlas(Atlas)-52: lol
8 Mar 2012, 14:24 pm
Former Springbok winger Ricardo Loubscher is the new favourite to become Springbok backline coach for the forthcoming season.
8 Mar 2012, 14:26 pm
@Sasuke(Sasuke)-46:
hehe ok, but bulls to get 5.
@the artist formerly known as gunther(gunther)-47:
mostly..?. which parts..?..
@Atlas(Atlas)-48:
hehehe be careful, this website is a front for the stormers team and its supporters. just investigate ownership structures and its links to cross shareholding corporate entities. you could mysteriously find yourself unable to log on one morning
en om te dink n mens kon n losie op loftus vir tussen R60000 en n R105000 koop in 2001. what do they go for now?
8 Mar 2012, 14:26 pm
@Atlas(Atlas)-52:
Black Like Me Curl Relaxer?
8 Mar 2012, 14:28 pm
SARU GM: Communications Andy Colquhoun would not discuss the coaching roles before an official announcement was made, saying that there was no new news on the Bok management team at the moment.
But a source close to the Bulls has confirmed that Loubscher is on a “wish list” handed to Roux to discuss with Bulls CEO Barend van Graan.
The wish list also includes Bulls forwards coach Johan van Graan and conditioning coach Basil Carzils.
The one Bulls coach who isn’t likely to join Meyer is long-time confidant and friend John McFarland, whose contract is apparently locked in until the end of 2013. It seems Stormers defensive coach Jacques Nienaber is likely to fulfill this role, with most of the other positions already being “inherited” by Meyer.
The team manager Charles Wessels is likely to stay, as is team doctor Craig Roberts and physios Vivian Verwant and Rene Naylor, as all have long-term contracts with the national union.
Meyer has also not ruled out using consultants in his management team, with lineout specialist Victor Matfield a prime candidate to help the national team out and may even go overseas in search of coaching staff if he cannot secure his team in South Africa.
No timeline has been given for the appointments, and it is clear that Saru are trying to get the balance right, both in terms of having the specialists that Meyer wants, and those that are both affordable and available for the national cause.
@welcome to my life, hugh…(i_love_u_bakkiesbotha)-56: Yes Bulls to trample Blues in Purples!
8 Mar 2012, 14:30 pm
@Sasuke(Sasuke)-54: Few days ago I offered tickets to keolings later in the year. It still stands. Its not a fancy one but it is a Losie. And it is mine, all mine. Bwahahahahaha
8 Mar 2012, 14:34 pm
@Atlas(Atlas)-59: lol
8 Mar 2012, 14:38 pm
@the artist formerly known as gunther(gunther)-57:
@welcome to my life, hugh…(i_love_u_bakkiesbotha)-56: Thanks, I’ll take my bets. The grapevine says the cheapest is R60 000, and that is only for the clubs. To think there are 350+ losies, they must make millions ( It’s their income, no wonder WP and Sharks don’t want to move)
8 Mar 2012, 14:46 pm
How short can you cut grass. The guy is going over the field, over and over and over….
8 Mar 2012, 14:51 pm
@Atlas(Atlas)-62: Bulls want to run the Blues off their feet!
8 Mar 2012, 14:51 pm
@Atlas(Atlas)-61:
ok ja, they make the kind of money that would make your uncle in nigeria proud, thats for sure.
@Atlas(Atlas)-62:
they cutting it short? must be aiming for a high tempo game on saturday.
8 Mar 2012, 14:56 pm
My bets again
‘Saders by 5
‘Canes by 4
Cheeters by 3
‘Landers by 4
Reds by 15
Yappies by 6
BULLS by 8
Now that is a weekend
8 Mar 2012, 15:02 pm
@Sasuke(Sasuke)-63: @welcome to my life, hugh…(i_love_u_bakkiesbotha)-64: I must agree, you both got it right. I think it will be a high tempo game. Can’t wait!!!!!!!!!!!( see all those uitroeptekens, signature of a very sick mind)
8 Mar 2012, 15:33 pm
Doesn’t say much about JC and Vredes rugby knowledge with such bad prediction percentages. I was 100% right on all winning team predictions so far.
For this coming weekend you wanna bet money follow these predictions:
Crusaders too strong even better than last week to win by at least 12
Hurricanes by 7
Cheatahs playing **** rugby atm, Brumbies by 9
Waratahs & Highlanders – highlanders run come to end, Waratahs by 5
Reds & Rebels – easy pick…reds by at least 15 prolly safer to go Reds by 23+
Sharks & Lions – Lions not same team that won Currie Cup and not playing anywhere close to the same style of rugby, think they still celebrating their Currie Cup win. Sharks finally get much needed win. Sharks by 7
Bulls & Blues – Gonna be close one, Bulls tipped by 3
Don’t waste your time following JC and Vrede’s predictions follow these
8 Mar 2012, 15:34 pm
@Atlas(Atlas)-66:
good rugby can do that
8 Mar 2012, 15:52 pm
I must go now. The Broederbond is filling the Losie next to mine. They must be here to vote who will be the next bok kaptein. What I heard is that the wp broeders want Burger and the inland Broeders want Fourie. I’ll wait outside and give you the verdickt before Heineke. Hope the Broederbond choose intelligently.
8 Mar 2012, 16:01 pm
@Atlas(Atlas)-69:
fourie? interesting..?..
ok thanks, will be waiting on the update.
8 Mar 2012, 16:10 pm
@welcome to my life, hugh…(i_love_u_bakkiesbotha)-70: there is even a ANC heavyweight that said she will back Fourie just for her own political motives. Interesting
8 Mar 2012, 16:27 pm
Wat gaan hier aan.
8 Mar 2012, 16:32 pm
@SASUKE What is loubschers credentals as a rugby coach,i must admit i do not know much about his coaching ability although i can still remember him as a player,and he was an ok player.
8 Mar 2012, 16:35 pm
@Dawn(Dawn)-72: weet jy wie was die ou wat jy in jou bed gekry het. Of was dit n nick steeler
8 Mar 2012, 16:48 pm
@blueboy(blueboy)-73: apparently he’s been the man behind the scenes of the blue bulls u21 success & resurgence of tukkies..
8 Mar 2012, 16:50 pm
@Transformation(Transformation)-75:
Clearly the broederbond have shown their hand by choosing Ricardo.
8 Mar 2012, 16:50 pm
Oh it’s hard to be humble
If your perfect in every way
I can’t even look in the mirror
Cause I get better looking each day
Man I’m humble!
8 Mar 2012, 17:00 pm
@the artist formerly known as gunther(gunther)-76: the overture to AC was a ruse, they knew they wanted the Loftus porchie in there from the get…
who else has been mentioned to assist meyer that doesn’t come from the loftus bunch? slimy broederbonders
8 Mar 2012, 17:03 pm
Lord its hard to be humble
When your perfect in every way
8 Mar 2012, 17:03 pm
Transie #75 i have just found out some information on the supersport website and it refers to loubscher as having worked under HM at loftus for seven years as part of his coaching team i do not know if that qualifies him to coach a bok back line.
8 Mar 2012, 17:03 pm
@Transformation(Transformation)-78:
RASSSIE!
who is also a broederbonder.
I was hoping chester would get a crack.
8 Mar 2012, 17:09 pm
@the artist formerly known as gunther(gunther)-81: well rassie was confirmed a broederbonder by extraball so no coming back for him, plus he didn’t want to take orders from wakefield & tobie titus!
blaady agent!
8 Mar 2012, 17:11 pm
@Transformation(Transformation)-82:
well if khakiballs said it…..
8 Mar 2012, 17:48 pm
I’m still waiting…….
8 Mar 2012, 18:08 pm
For?
8 Mar 2012, 18:13 pm
My uncle in Nigeria wants to move some money to buy one of those vacant losies
At Newlands. All we need is your name and bank details. You will get 15 persent of the total deal. Any takers?
8 Mar 2012, 18:20 pm
No thanks
8 Mar 2012, 18:21 pm
@blueboy(blueboy)-80:
What would qualify a person as an assistant coach? Serious question as I have asked myself this.
Is the qualifications of the individual more important that his ability to work together with the head coach as a team (player)? We all know how there was division between Peter and Gold/Muir.
Head coach imo should surround himself with people he believes is capable but most importantly, those he trusts and believes in his vision and can best help him achieve that.
In that respect, Ricardo might not be a bad option (also considering those available).
8 Mar 2012, 18:23 pm
@the artist formerly known as gunther(gunther)-83:
> well if khakiballs said it…..
ET’s a bit scarce these days, he might have been arrested
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/03/02/tagblogsfindlawcom2012-legallyweird-idUS252394395120120302
‘Black Madam’ Butt Injection Doc Arrested at Philly Pumping Party
Philadelphia police have arrested Black Madam — a “transgender ‘goth hip-hop artist’” known for administering illegal silicone butt injections. Black Madame, legally known as Padge Windslowe, was picked up at a local ‘pumping party’ where she was getting ready to dole out some injections.
Police caught up with her after a 23-year-old woman was taken to the hospital with a pulmonary embolism. The silicone used in Black Madam’s butt injections had migrated into the woman’s lungs.
Along with the suspect, police apprehended Black Madam’s butt injection kit. It included syringes, silicone and crazy clue, which NBC reports was used to close up injection wounds.
The 42-year-old is being held, and has been charged with conspiracy, aggravated assault, theft by deception and reckless endangerment, according to the Philadelphia Daily News. This is also not the first time she has been investigated for her less-than-legal actions.
Locals likely heard of Black Madam in connection with the 2011 death of a Claudia Seye Aderotimi. The student died after receiving a butt injection, and the Daily News reports that police are still investigating the incident.
Both her death and the other victim’s hospital stay are good reasons for why you should avoid silicone butt injections. Besides being known to cause all sorts of health problems, they are illegal when not performed by a medical doctor.
Because she isn’t a doctor, Black Madam’s butt injections will likely land her in jail this time. Plus, you can’t run around injecting things into a woman’s body after lying to her face.
8 Mar 2012, 18:37 pm
Round 3
The Cheetahs at the Brumbies: the Cheetahs threw the towel already
Brumbie by 10+
Lions at the Sharks: It Lawrence show, just like it was last week
Sharks by 8 to11
The Blues at the Bulls: Bulls should not expect any favours from Steve Walsh, they will have to earn their win, their back three leak like a sieve
The Blues by 4 to7
8 Mar 2012, 18:39 pm
A likely scenario.
8 Mar 2012, 18:39 pm
@victoriabok(victoriabok)-89: very long. Will read later.
8 Mar 2012, 18:44 pm
@Atlas(Atlas)-92:
No worries
Where’s your losie?
One of my suppliers always invited us to theirs behind the Oospawiljoen
Man, how I miss Loftus now
The last game I saw there was the CC semi in 2008
8 Mar 2012, 18:52 pm
Looks like the Broederbond meeting is klaar. I’ll see if I can corner one of them and get some info. Total cloag and dagger stuff.
8 Mar 2012, 18:53 pm
@PissAnt(PissAnt)-88:
> In that respect, Ricardo might not be a bad option (also considering those available).
He will be better then Di-ck Muir
8 Mar 2012, 19:37 pm
The only upset will be the Sharks just sneaking a win.
I think the Stormers will get 4 points without a bonus point though.
8 Mar 2012, 19:39 pm
Met deep throat in the parkinglot. The Bond voted and the Kings won’t play Super rugby. Fourie du Preez will be the next bok kaptein. And Katters will be the next messiah. Cheers
8 Mar 2012, 19:48 pm
Rugby has evolved into a 80 min penalty shootout as opposed to soccer’s 10 – 15 mins. No amount of fluffing by KEO will make rugby exciting or even watchable, until the wanabee rugby gods IRB wake up.
8 Mar 2012, 19:58 pm
And Keo will be known as a journalist.
8 Mar 2012, 19:59 pm
@ 97 Atlas
Een te veel gehad daar in di losie ne?
8 Mar 2012, 20:00 pm
@Sasuke(Sasuke)-60: Grant 10
8 Mar 2012, 20:12 pm
@victoriabok(victoriabok)-93: noord paviljoen. The stadium is so much better after the world cup. Everything is worldclass.
8 Mar 2012, 20:24 pm
@Atlas(Atlas)-101:
He’s going to pop a vein in his a-ss
8 Mar 2012, 20:24 pm
@Rage(Rage)-100: een te veel? You must be joking! (You got me, cheers again)
8 Mar 2012, 20:25 pm
@Atlas(Atlas)-102:
Lekker, I’m really missing it, hockey just don’t cut it
8 Mar 2012, 20:27 pm
@victoriabok(victoriabok)-103: hahaha
8 Mar 2012, 20:45 pm
@victoriabok(victoriabok)-105: as in field hokkie? Taking juniar teams to Nederlands, Belgiam and Germany.
8 Mar 2012, 20:56 pm
I f…ing hate politics in sport. Nough said.
My choice for coaching staff would be
Todd Louden – Backs
Jacques Nienaber – Defence
Braam van Straaten – Kicking
Jimmy Stonehouse – Forwards
BJ Botha – Scrum
Victor Matfield- Line-outs
Rassie Erasmus – Technical advisor
8 Mar 2012, 21:00 pm
This weekend.
Crusaders
Force
Brumbies
Highlanders
Reds
Sharks
Bulls
8 Mar 2012, 21:01 pm
@Atlas(Atlas)-107:
Nope, NHL Hockey
8 Mar 2012, 21:32 pm
Well here goes:
Crudaers – can’t see them losing 2 in a row
Hurricanes
Brumbies – Cheetahs already played 2, lost 2. First win won’t happen on the road.
Waratahs
Reds – easiest game to predict
Sharks – gotta go with the home team
Bulls – only because their fans tell us how awesome they are
8 Mar 2012, 21:32 pm
@victoriabok(victoriabok)-110: ah. Ice hockey. Kinda like it. Very brutal. Cheers Vic. Goodnight nurse.
8 Mar 2012, 21:39 pm
@Atlas(Atlas)-112:
They can be brutal and lots of fights too, but a lot of it’s cheap shots when the guys not watching
Bakkies should learn how to skate, he would make a fortune as an enforcer
8 Mar 2012, 21:45 pm
@victoriabok(victoriabok)-113: saw one amateur game in France. It was brutal. You are right, bakkies will be perfect. Cheers
8 Mar 2012, 21:50 pm
@Atlas(Atlas)-114:
Cheers, I’m still at work this side of the world
8 Mar 2012, 21:55 pm
Where?
8 Mar 2012, 21:57 pm
@victoriabok(victoriabok)-115:
Victoria, British Columbia
8 Mar 2012, 22:00 pm
@Atlas(Atlas)-116: no. Sorry I must go, but still interested where in the US
8 Mar 2012, 22:02 pm
@Atlas(Atlas)-118:
Nope Canada
8 Mar 2012, 22:04 pm
@victoriabok(victoriabok)-117: cool. Read its beautiful.
8 Mar 2012, 22:08 pm
@Atlas(Atlas)-120:
It is mountains with snow on top and forests, Boet you should see the trees here, they are massive and some are like 800 years old
The downside is the wet winters, like the Cape, guess thats why the trees are so big eh?
Here’s a link if you’re interested
http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/parkpgs/macmillan/
8 Mar 2012, 22:10 pm
Cheers my Victorian, Canadian, Ice hockey and Bok fan. Chat later.
8 Mar 2012, 22:12 pm
@Atlas(Atlas)-122:
Dankie vir die gesels
Mooi loop
8 Mar 2012, 22:18 pm
@victoriabok(victoriabok)-121: thanks
8 Mar 2012, 22:23 pm
@victoriabok(victoriabok)-121: thanks dude
9 Mar 2012, 01:46 am
Victoria – ons het nie veel bome hier in Calgary. Was laas somer na Kelowna maar daar is net wingerde. Pragtig. Laat my baie dink aan Worcester in die Weskaap waar ek skool geloop het. Hoeveel jare bly jy na al in BC?
9 Mar 2012, 02:36 am
@kwas(kwas)-126:
Drie jaar, van Pretoria na Victoria
My pêlle hier kom meestal van die Kaap af (en skree almal vir die Stormers), hulle sê dit laat hulle aan Knysna dink
9 Mar 2012, 03:21 am
Ek het kollegas wat in Vancouver gebly het en hul se jy kan Afrikaans **** in enige straat in die stad. 5 jaar in Calgary en my dokter is die enigste boertjie wat ek raakgeloop het. Die koue in Alberta skrik meeste af.
9 Mar 2012, 07:13 am
@kwas(kwas)-128:
> 5 jaar in Calgary en my dokter is die enigste boertjie wat ek
Daar is baie in dokters, hulle sê 60% van die dr’s in Alberta en Saskatchewan is Suid Afrikaners en in BC is dit 30%
Daar is baie Saffas in Calgary, jy moet na die SA winkels toe gaan jy sal gou inskakel by die gemeenskap
Ken jy SACanada?
http://www.sacanada.org/
Hulle ouens in Cowtown is ook baie aktief
9 Mar 2012, 07:35 am
@blueboy(blueboy)-73: This has brought Loubscher into the frame, and the former Bok winger, who was coached by Meyer at the Bulls as a player, was then lured into coaching in Pretoria and has been learning the trade under the new Bok coach and Bulls coach Frans Ludeke for seven years now.
Loubscher has been a highly successful backline coach to the Bulls junior teams, raking in titles in his tenure there, and was also the Bulls backline coach for the Vodacom Cup team that won the title in 2010. He has since assisted Meyer in helping the Tuks Varsity Cup team become a force in the competition and is currently splitting his role between Tuks and the Blue Bulls Vodacom Cup side.
9 Mar 2012, 07:35 am
@Sasuke(Sasuke)-130: So Meyer knows him well.
9 Mar 2012, 07:47 am
Vrede being a hopeless TOOL as usual – already languishing a game behind JC, who won last year too. Last year Vrede could only manage 64% – that means 45 games incorrect. Just goes to show what he knows about rugby and the drivel he pens out. Always starts a story on a negative note to create sensation…
.
9 Mar 2012, 15:15 pm
Keo should replace JC with JM. Young Julius can only fare better than
these self-appointed experts.
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