108 Comments

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• 1.WP Till I Die:
  9 May 2012, 11:31 am

  It takes one to know one.

  And AJ is about as tough as they come.

• 2.Brigadier Van Zyl:
  9 May 2012, 11:43 am

  agg no man.

  everyone was calling aj a legend yesterday for calling “Stormers”

  now they’ll call him a puss because he backs vic.

• 3.ufo:
  9 May 2012, 11:44 am

  Eben X…

  The find of the season for me… the only one of the young guns virtually guaranteed to start for the Boks (barring injury)…

• 4.cane:
  9 May 2012, 11:47 am

  AJ is fine,

  But where is the real deal.
  (or the real ruse).

  Nikita?

  8)

• 5.stormersboy:
  9 May 2012, 11:55 am

  @Brigadier Van Zyl(Brigadier Van Zyl)-2: Vic is a legend and my issue is not that he could have added experience and value, but that he hasn’t played rugby since October and has apparently lost 10kg’s of bulk since he retired,

  Oh and I also have an issue with the fact that he officially retired.

  But more with point 1.

• 6.Taahirah:
  9 May 2012, 11:59 am

  @cane(cane)-4: Was gonna make a joke about blond bimbos.
  But realised the e-mail addy I used to register with keo contains my real name.
  AJ might find me.

• 7.Sasuke:
  9 May 2012, 12:01 pm

  No man leave vic at home with his wife and kids

  Starting locks Bekker and Eben

  Bench Juandre Kruger

  In bigger squad

  Flip and Franco

• 8.WP Till I Die:
  9 May 2012, 12:03 pm

  @Taahirah(Taahirah)-6:

  I remember when AJ was still playing for the Sharks, they had player profiles on their website which, amongst other things, had listings for “Favourite Food”.

  AJ Venter’s favourite food?

  “Vleis.”

• 9.Taahirah:
  9 May 2012, 12:08 pm

  @WP Till I Die(WP-Forever)-8:
  Very Bakkies!

• 10.Stiff-arm:
  9 May 2012, 12:08 pm

  “Victor will never loose any of his skill” I bet you he will!

• 11.cane:
  9 May 2012, 12:09 pm

  @Taahirah(Taahirah)-6:

  8)

  I’m sure AJ has a fine sense of humour Taa.

  But you could have something there:
  Percy,
  AJ,
  Nikita.

  There is a trend.

• 12.Sasuke:
  9 May 2012, 12:10 pm

  @WP Till I Die(WP-Forever)-8: lol He has that in common with JZ!

  I remember in the old SA rugby mags he had his own spread where he would give men advice on stuff. Fabio knows his stuff about fashion.

• 13.>^..^< katman:
  9 May 2012, 12:14 pm

  @cane(cane)-11: And you never see those three together. Hmmm…

• 14.>^..^< katman:
  9 May 2012, 12:15 pm

  @Sasuke(Sasuke)-7: That would be my call too. Maybe Elstad in for Franco. Although they both cover lock and blindside very well.

• 15.WP Till I Die:
  9 May 2012, 12:17 pm

  @Sasuke(Sasuke)-12:

  Jacob Zuma?

• 16.Taahirah:
  9 May 2012, 12:18 pm

  Who is this dude?

  Canadian & London Irish no 8/flanker, Jebb Sinclair, joins DHL Stormers

  Canadian loose forward, Jebb Sinclair has been loaned by his Aviva Premiership side London Irish to the DHL Stormers as loose forward cover. With Burger, Vermeulen and Koster only due back after the June break, the Canadian International and London Irish player will bring experience and physical presence to the young DHL Stormers loose forward contingent. Sinclair will be available for the next 4 games for the DHL Stormers, will then play for Canada in the June international window, returning to Cape Town for the Stormers remaining 3 league fixtures. In terms of the Sanzar regulations he will not be eligible to play any knock-out games should the DHL Stormers qualify.

  Sinclair has 25 Canadian international caps (2008-2011), the last being the Rugby World Cup game against New Zealand in Wellington, on Oct 2, 2011. Sinclair took up a contract with London Irish after the World Cup.

• 17.Sasuke:
  9 May 2012, 12:21 pm

  @WP Till I Die(WP-Forever)-15: Yes in an interview with the Sunday Times a few weeks back. His favourite chocolate is One-Bar. (sic)

  @>^..^< katman(katman)-14: Yes maybe Elstadt for Franco but i am envisioning Elstadt to start at 7 for the Boks vs England.

• 18.Sasuke:
  9 May 2012, 12:23 pm

  @Taahirah(Taahirah)-16: Atleast he has International experience.

  Whats his physical stats? 6, 7 or 8?

• 19.fantasticbarnsmell:
  9 May 2012, 12:25 pm

  everyone in SA rugby is so kak scared of change that they are willing to entertain the thought of bringing back someone who hasn’t played a second of rugby since October on the sole rationale that they know what he’s like, justifying this bizarre selection with some vague intangible quality like he will “bring the guys together”. just play the new guys already, we all know how it’s goes; they will be okay at first and make some mistakes but then get better, lets just get on with it ffs

• 20.Sasuke:
  9 May 2012, 12:25 pm

  @Taahirah(Taahirah)-16: Quite young too 25 years of age. He is the bloke with the Geo Cronje beard in the World Cup! This oke is decent. His beard will scare the Aus and Nz pansies!

• 21.Superbru:
  9 May 2012, 12:26 pm

  @Stiff-arm(Stiff-arm)-10: AJ lost plenty of skill when he left the Sharks,was never the same player after that imo.

• 22.Sasuke:
  9 May 2012, 12:26 pm

  Wikipedia has him at 191 cm and 103 kg

  He can play lock/flank/no.8

• 23.Sasuke:
  9 May 2012, 12:28 pm

  @fantasticbarnsmell(fantasticbarnsmell)-19: Agree buddy we have the talent at our disposal, lets use it.

• 24.>^..^< katman:
  9 May 2012, 12:29 pm

  @Taahirah(Taahirah)-16: He’s not the Canuck flanker with the epic beard? That guy was pretty damn good.

• 25.>^..^< katman:
  9 May 2012, 12:36 pm

  Ah, the flanker I’m thinking of is Adam Kleeberger.

• 26.viewer:
  9 May 2012, 12:37 pm

  @19
  Its something uniquely SAfrican. The new young players will find themselves over time. But I wouldn’t like to see a ± 10 year bok starter with 100+ Tests who announced his exit (of his own accord), stand in the way of the next young 2 or 3 prospects who can gain experience now

• 27.Sasuke:
  9 May 2012, 12:40 pm

  @>^..^< katman(katman)-24: @>^..^< katman(katman)-25: Are you sure? because the pics of him on Google he does have quite a beard. Might be a different guy though.

• 28.viewer:
  9 May 2012, 12:45 pm

  Robbie Deans has overhauled the Wallaby squad (decisively) and sacked two captains in the process (mortlock + elsom). Along the way they’ve won a 3N and WC bronze medal. Food for thought

  We (SA) have a different culture

• 29.Taahirah:
  9 May 2012, 12:48 pm

  @viewer(viewer)-28: What has his overall win/loss record been with the Wallabies?

• 30.Sasuke:
  9 May 2012, 12:48 pm

  Here we go again with Aura based selections! Where is Grant 10 now.

• 31.Sasuke:
  9 May 2012, 12:49 pm

  @Taahirah(Taahirah)-29: Worse than PDV?

• 32.cane:
  9 May 2012, 12:50 pm

  @>^..^< katman(katman)-13:

  8)

• 33.Taahirah:
  9 May 2012, 12:51 pm

  @Sasuke(Sasuke)-31: Yes.

• 34.>^..^< katman:
  9 May 2012, 12:54 pm

  @Sasuke(Sasuke)-27: Different guy. Check out Kleeberger’s beard. It’s has its own seat on the team bus.

• 35.willievz:
  9 May 2012, 12:58 pm

  @viewer(viewer)-28: Amen.

• 36.viewer:
  9 May 2012, 13:08 pm

  @29
  I remember seeing the exact figure. Its surprisingly low, 50 something percent.
  But no one can deny Aus are on an upward trajectory. The clear out featured the likes of matt dunning, mortlock, tuqiri, giteau, baxter, gerrard, waugh, smith, timana tahu (a disastrous attempt at a code switch), brendan cannon and a few others

• 37.Sharkie10:
  9 May 2012, 14:01 pm

  What I think the Springbok side should look like for the first test.
  (Mixing experience with youth and new comers)

  15. Francious Steyn: would rather have like to see him in the centre, but with JdV in the mix and Steyn not renowned for playing 13 it is crucial to have him in the side, he is a solid Fullback with a good boot. If he joins the back line on attack and utilise his attacking ability from the back, he could be a threat.

  14. Lwazi Mvovo: Arguably the fastest man in SA rugby, he has not had many chances this season, but thats because the Sharks play a flawed game and limit the outside backs opportunities, but has proved what he is capable of when he is given half a chance. Hopefully Heineke will bring a game where he can utilise him.

  13. Juan de Jongh: Actually hard to single out a 13 this season so far, but de Jongh is the most consistent player and combines well with JdV on attack. He is also solid on defence.

  12. Jean De Villiers: May not be the same player he was a few seasons ago, but he has regained some of that form this season, before getting injured. He led the Stormers brilliantly at the start of this season. With his leadership and experience, and playing some of his best rugby again, he is the best bet at 12 for the Boks.

  11. Bryan Habana: Same time last year, i would not even consider adding him to my dream squad, but with the Stormers playing as well as they are, it seems Bryan has found some confidence, and is playing some good rugby. He may not have the speed of seasons past, but he proved on a few occasions this season that he is no slouch. Defensively he is good as well.

  10. Patrick Lambie: Now this is where i will probably get ripped apart, for not going with Morne Steyn on this one.And the No.10 spot is probably the biggest debate among Bok supporters. While the Sharks has been seriously inconsistent, he is one of few guys that has performed no matter what. Had his best game of the season last week scoring all 28 points, and with a swirling wind in the Shark tank, proved that he can slot the goals from anywhere. (that is most peoples reason for wanting Morne).Lambie has a solid defensive game and never backs down from the big guys and rarely misses a tackle. But his biggest weapon is his attack, with the ability to rip through some of the best defences. Morne lacks in both these departments. Poor defensively and no real threat on attack. There is no doubt that Morne is probably still the best goal kicker in the country with a solid tactical kicking game. Lambie’s tactical kicking has also been brilliant and to me the far more all round flyhalf.

  9. Francious Hougaardt: I know du Preez has made himself available for selection. But Hougaardt has got what it takes to step up to the No. 9 spot. He is just a brilliant player with huge talent, will be unfair to keep him of the field, due to du Preez presence. du Preez had his chance and was rated one of the best at one stage. Its time for hougaardt to shine, and he gave us a glimpse at the world cup last year of what he can do, on the wing or at 9. Personally i feel he is our best bet at Scrumhalf.

  8. Piere Spies. Yet another player who i was sceptical about last year. But he has led the Bulls quite brilliantly and is in some good form. Always threatening with ball in hand, and has improved allot on defence. His leadership will be crucial.

  7. Schalck Burger: Need i say more, Schalck has been around for a while, but always reliable and still playing some of his best rugby. For the England test and in the short term, he is my pick to captain the side, maybe even till RWC2015.

  6. Heinrich Brussow: The best open side Flanker since Schalck was still a youngster. He is probably the only guy who can compete with the likes of Mcaw and Pocock. He may be a smallish guy, but will never take a step back.

  5. Victor Matfield. Let the man have another go at this, his presence in the squad will inspire the youngsters, he still has allot to offer in the line outs and with his leadership. Definitely in the short term only though, while some of the youngsters learn some valuable lessons from him.

  4. Andries bekker: Definitely the man to take over the charge of the Line outs when Victor finally retires for real. He has proven himself time and again at the highest level. With him and Etzebeth, combining in the near future, we have our new Victor, bakkies combo. Andries and Eben will rule the line outs in world rugby.

  3. Coenie Oosthuizen: he can play both side of the scrum, but this guy has been brilliant for the Cheetahs so far, not only at scrum time but in the loose as well, making tackles and creating turn overs like a flanker. I feel he needs a chance.

  2. Bismark Du Plessis: Chiliboy hot on his heals, i feel Bismark still edges him. He does give away allot of penalties, but at the same time creates turn over ball at crucial times, he gets over the advantage line more often than not. Still one of the best hookers in world rugby.

  1. Tandai Beast Mtwarira. There are many that would disagree, even though he has not played allot of rugby this season, he is still solid in the scrums and gets around the park. If the game against the Highlanders were anything to go by, he scrummed excellently. I think the beast still has it in him to be a great prop.

  16. Chiliboy Ralapela: He is really hot on Bismark’s heals, what a great guy to have coming off the bench. He is brilliant for the Bulls. SA is blessed to have two hookers of this calibre in the country.

  17. Steven Kitshoff. Why not start blooding a youngster at Prop. He is quite brilliant for the Stormers. For a young chap, he really made a statement. Big future for this guy. Give him a chance.

  18. Eben Etzebeth. Same reason as for kitshoff, start blooding this chap and believe me, this guy will become a legend of the game, following in Victors steps.

  19. Keagan Daniel. Shoot me for picking him. But Keagan is one of the most underrated players in South Africa. If you have been following the Sharks season, you would know what i am talking about. As captain for the sharks, he leads from the front and by example, even if the rest of the team has given up, he will never stop trying. He is dangerous in open play, and a menace at the break down. He is a small guy but hard as nails and has a big heart. There are many other brilliant loose forwards in the country, but if there is one man that deserves to have a chance in the green and gold, its Keagan.

  20. Fourie du Preez : He has come out of retirement, so lets see if he still has something to offer. Definitely not the player he use to be though, but may have something to offer with his experience.

  21. Morne Steyn: Still valuable to have in the squad. But by no means better than Lambie. With Goosen making his way up, Morne’s time is counted.

  22. JP Pieterson: Good guy to have on the bench, as he can slot in at centre, wing and fullback.

  There are many other good players that i never mentioned here, guys like Alberts, Vermeulen, Juan smith, kanko, Deysel Grant, Viljoen, ludik, Ndungane brothers. Kirchner, basson, Goosen, Elton Janjies, Olivier, and many more guys that are putting their hands up. Its just impossible to name everyone in the suad.

• 38.seabiscuit:
  9 May 2012, 14:03 pm

  I still believe AJ should have gone to the WC and white was a idiot to leave him behind, anyways Eben and kruger should be our locks, bekker has been off, in the bigger squad you can include sykes, bekker and even someone like bresler who i think will be a real talent one day, keep flip away from the bok jersey he is way over rated and does nothin but concede yellow cards, such a plank, i feel for franco vd merve, in a bok set up he might shine but im not too sure

• 39.nama1:
  9 May 2012, 14:06 pm

  This thing about FdP and VM being a must for the Boks for the series against England just does not fly with me. We don’t need their experience since Meyer can put together a team with more than enough experience without them.

  1. Beast (32)
  2. Bismarck (42)
  3. Jannie (30)
  4. Etzebeth (0)
  5. Bekker (21)
  6. Brussow (20)
  7. Alberts (9)
  8. Spies (47)
  9. Hougaard (15)
  10. M. Steyn (34)
  11. Habana (74)
  12. F. Steyn (47)
  13. Wynand Olivier (32)
  14. JPP (42)
  15. Aplon (16) or Lambie (11)

  This gives you a total of 461 (456) international caps depending whether he selects Aplon or Lambie. Before or during the RWC last year, JW made a comment that you need an experience team with around 480 test caps to win the tournament, if I’m not mistaken.

  Now this is a series of three tests against England… AT home nogal. Are the experience that FdP and VM will bring to the team really going to be the difference between winning the series or losing it?

  Sorry AJ. I know you played the game at the highest level and that you know more than most what you are talking about but I really can’t see WHY Matfield is so vital for the Boks to win the series against England.

  I also hope that you didn’t just say that to preserve the Bok Brotherhood, where one Bok does not speak badly about another Bok in public.

  PS: Please, this does not resemble the team of my choice. Just an exercise to prove that there is enough experience overall without FdP and VM.

• 40.seabiscuit:
  9 May 2012, 14:13 pm

  @Sharkie10(Sharkie10)-37:

  brilliant backline, but plz, britney spies has been useless the whole season, no vic either plz as well as no FDP, but otherwise a seriously good squad, but you do lack a genuine tight head, coenie night be ok in CC at 3 but against the english he will be torn to pieces

• 41.seabiscuit:
  9 May 2012, 14:15 pm

  @Sharkie10(Sharkie10)-37:

  BTW, i am so stocked u didnt pick jannie 2+3 ( du plessis ) hahaha

• 42.Dawn:
  9 May 2012, 14:16 pm

  Etzebeth does indeed rock

• 43.Sharkie10:
  9 May 2012, 14:23 pm

  @Sharkie10(Sharkie10)-37:
  Sorry i see Burger will miss the England Tests. Will then give Marcel Coetzee a chance in the 7 jumper. Still with Keagan on the bench. reason why i don’t pull him up from the bench, we still need a big physical guy at 7. It might just be a problem having two small flankers on the field in Brussow and Daniel. Marcel is a good young player and should be givin a chance.

• 44.Sharkie10:
  9 May 2012, 14:26 pm

  @seabiscuit(seabiscuit)-41: Jannie is done….he has been awful for the Sharks. I think he needs to go back to his docters practice.

• 45.Sharkie10:
  9 May 2012, 14:33 pm

  @seabiscuit(seabiscuit)-40: Thanks. I agree to a certain extent. FdP and VM can easily be replaced. But if these guys still believe they have what it takes, than let them prove it. if they fail in the first test, Heineke should be man enough to admit his mistake and bring in the young guns. Will keep victor as part of the squad in someway, either as consultant or line out coach. His knowledge is valuable. FdP, on the other hand, no real use for him, but i am unsure of who to give a shot at SH of the bench. Spies, has improved a quite a bit since last year, but in someway you are right, i dont really rate him. But can easily be replaced by the likes of vermeulen, Alberts, Coetzee

• 46.Sharkie10:
  9 May 2012, 14:35 pm

  With Burger out…I will give the skipper duties to JdV

• 47.brian WP:
  9 May 2012, 14:45 pm

  I just wish everyone can get this Victor Matfield fantacy out of their head.
  The man is retired. We have loads of talent in the country. George Gregan was also a legend, did they continue to spend valuable article space on a guy that has retired.
  He is not GOD, he WAS an international player. That’s it!! Talk about living in the past. Move on!!!

• 48.nama1:
  9 May 2012, 14:49 pm

  @brian WP(brian WP)-47:
  Hip, hip, hooray

  From your mouth to Meyer’s ears.

• 49.greatest13gerber:
  9 May 2012, 15:01 pm

  bresler ??

• 50.Taahirah:
  9 May 2012, 15:05 pm

  @brian WP(brian WP)-47: The third exclamation mark convinced me.
  Id never have changed my mind had your last sentence ended with only one or two exclamation marks.
  Compelling stuff.

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