Saru to blame for Super stuff up
21 May 2012
MARK KEOHANE, in his weekly Business Day column, says Saru should be held to account for the Kings fiasco.
Where is the accountability in the South African Rugby Union for the fiasco that is the 2013 Super Rugby situation? Where is the leadership?
There never has been accountability and there never will be, whether the subject matter is transformation, the retention of coaching intellectual capital or Super Rugby participation.
Saru CEO Jurie Roux told the media that no stone would be left unturned as the national organisation, along with the regional franchises, sought a solution in which no franchise would be prejudiced.
The statement was as embarrassing as the situation the clever blokes within South African rugby have fashioned. If no stone had been left unturned then the situation would not be as it is — with none of the five existing regions in agreement on the apparent agreement that one team would be relegated to accommodate the Southern Kings next year.
The Kings were guaranteed Super Rugby because of promises made to the government, which in turn would financially stand guarantee in the 2011, 2015 and 2019 Rugby World Cup hosting tenders. The clever guys were bullish about telling the Kings they were in because they were convinced it wouldn’t be an issue to get a tournament expansion that accommodates six South African regions.
When the 14 provincial presidents so unanimously endorsed the Kings’ inclusion they did it believing five would become six and not that six would have to fit into five.
It sums up SA’s rugby administration.
Now the fight has been turned into the Kings versus the Lions because the latter are the worst performing of the South African sides — and have been for the past five years. Provincial bias has come to the fore, especially on social media networks. Racism and pure hatred have reared their head, and the Kings and Lions are the target when those who govern and administer the game in SA should be first in the queue.
In an ideal world this situation would never have been allowed to unfold. In an ideal world professionalism would come with accountability.
Those who put South African rugby in such an embarrassing situation should resign, but that will never happen. They will simply be at the next meeting making more unanimous decisions, like the one that reduced the Currie Cup to six teams before another decision a few months later changed it back to eight teams.
And so they stumble on, from one embarrassing moment to another; the very same guys who convinced themselves that SA’s 2011 World Cup campaign was a success.
It should disgust every supporter of South African rugby, but it won’t because the hapless supporter is powerless to influence change. If only Saru was listed and stakeholders actually could make a difference. If only.
Click here to read Keo’s latest SA Rugby magazine column
The chaos in the administration, fortunately, has not been translated to the general competition performance and SA will be guaranteed at least two teams (and possibly even three) in the top-six play-offs in July.
The more immediate focus is the pending three-Test series against England and the selection of Bok coach Heyneke Meyer’s first squad. The world-class players (read Bismarck du Plessis) know there is a Test series around the corner and the rise in standards has been substantial.
The selection area that looks most vulnerable is among the loose forwards — and that is the one area where no one would have figured that there would be any doubt. A month ago Meyer’s headache was who to leave out. Now it is where to find the right balance of experience, youth, power, strength and height.
Schalk Burger, Juan Smith, Duane Vermeulen and Jacques Potgieter are injured. Danie Rossouw is unavailable. Willem Alberts can’t make the Sharks Super Rugby squad and there is more mediocrity than magic among the loose-forward options.
Young Sharks loosie Marcel Coetzee is the exception and he will play many Tests, but his initial role will be from the bench. Heinrich Brüssow should start as the fetcher although his penalty transgressions this season match his turnovers, and Pierre Spies and Ryan Kankowski provide options at No 7 and No 8.
I’d still not discount the claims of France-based pair Joe van Niekerk and Jacques Cronje because of the experience they bring in the enforced absence of Burger and Smith. If the aim is to pick the best team to beat England then look all over the world to fill this team.
SA has so many world-class players here, in Europe and in Japan that if there were no prejudice about where a player was based, there would also be plenty more victories.
I’m confident who ever Meyer picks will be good enough to beat England. We have the players and in Meyer we certainly have a coach with the necessary rugby acumen.
If only it was as easy to say that about the game’s administration. If only.
229 Comments
21 May 2012, 11:25 am
Finally. Nail. Hit. Head.
21 May 2012, 11:26 am
Alberts has 3 weeks to hit his straps, I am sure he will.
Brussow, Alberts, Spies.
Johnson/Kanko from bench.
2 of Kolisi, Stander, Coetzee in wider training group and capped depending on how the series develops.
21 May 2012, 11:28 am
And what a treat it was to see Adriaan Strauss and Bismarck bliksem into each other like there is no tomorrow!
21 May 2012, 11:33 am
@PissAnt(PissAnt)-3: Kudos to Strauss to get up and climb right back in after Bismarck flattened him. I would love to see these two flattening Poms in June
21 May 2012, 11:34 am
Is there any realistic chance that Strauss and Bismark could be the two hookers in the 22 man squad?
21 May 2012, 11:36 am
Who whispers to Heyneke how many “reserved” positions there should be in the 22 man squad?
Is it Oregan? Or is an anonymous letter just slipped under the coach’s office door at SARU HQ?
Something like:
“HEYNEKE. THE MAGIC NUMBER IS 4…”
21 May 2012, 11:39 am
@PissAnt(PissAnt)-2: Johnson/Kanko? I hope not. Give the youngsters a bench spot.
@PissAnt(PissAnt)-3: @Bokhoring(Bokhoring)-4: @Tacitus(Deucalion)-5: Yes they were both very good. Breaking tackles like nothing.
Chilli has also been very good season. We have 3 very good hookers at our disposal. Chilli brings something different to the side.
21 May 2012, 11:39 am
@Tacitus(Deucalion)-5: Probably not going to happen
21 May 2012, 11:42 am
Realistically, Chilli will be on the bench. Beast will be in the starting line up.
And if Lambie runs out at fullback, I guess de Jongh will have to be at 13.
Oh, and Hougaard then has to play at 9, not 14, else the numbers don’t add up either.
21 May 2012, 11:42 am
@Tacitus(Deucalion)-6: Sad but true. Chilli will get the bench spot if SARU and the Government interfere. It will be sad for Strauss but we wont lose anything in having Chilli on the bench. We can also happily rotate our hookers because they are all very good.
21 May 2012, 11:44 am
Pierre as captain wth Alberts and Ratel will be my choice vs the Poms. The Bench I will decide after the Stormers Sharks game.
I think Keo should stop commenting on the Kings saga as he clearly has a financial interest.
21 May 2012, 11:44 am
@PissAnt(PissAnt)-2:
I’d start with Brussow, Juandre and Spies., with Alberts covering 7,8 and 4: Juandre can move to 5 when Bekker breaks down leaving a choice between Kolisi and Stander to cover 6 and 7.
21 May 2012, 11:45 am
I still think most people are over looking the form, talent and consistency of Keagen Daniel. Forget about his size for a moment. He has been formidable for the Sharks and leads the side so well. I think if there is one Loosie that deserves a chance its him. Just my Opinion!
21 May 2012, 11:45 am
@Tacitus(Deucalion)-9: For the sake of preserving our players (sharks, Bulls, Stormers) I will start Adriaan Strauss with Bismarck or Chilli on the bench for all three games.
21 May 2012, 11:46 am
@Sasuke(Sasuke)-10: Whats Chilli done wrong so far this season?
21 May 2012, 11:47 am
@Airwell(Airwell)-15:
Nothing. Strauss is just a better player.
Chilli has played the best rugby of his career this season. Strauss is just better.
21 May 2012, 11:49 am
@David(David)-12: What about Elstadt at 7? He has been very good there for the Stormers. Leave Juandre Kruger to cover lock from the bench. You can have Alberts on the bench to cover 7 and 8.
@Sharkie10(Sharkie10)-13: You not just saying that because you are a Sharks fan? lol I agree he has been good in the Sharks team but where to play him in the Bok setup?
21 May 2012, 11:49 am
I can’t see support for the Kings from a non-Kings fan perspective; we all know they are a political inclusion. They will be utterly disliked and Luke Watson is sure to receive plenty of boos, just as he had prior to quitting SA rugby a while ago.
21 May 2012, 11:50 am
@Airwell(Airwell)-15: Nothing. I am just saying Adriaan Struass and Bismarck have been better than him.
21 May 2012, 11:50 am
@Tacitus(Deucalion)-16: snap dragon!
21 May 2012, 11:51 am
@Tacitus(Deucalion)-16:
Strauss at 2.
Bismark at 7.
Chilli on bench.
21 May 2012, 11:52 am
I would have a problem with a backline that is filled by majority Stormers players. The backline is exactly where the Stormers problems are to be found. They are unable to score tries.
I would have Aplon and De Villiers in the mix. And maybe Pietersen at fullback. No one else.
Amongst the forwards, I would go with Etsebeth and Bekker. Of those currently not injured.
So 4 Stormers players for the current Bok team in my view.
21 May 2012, 11:52 am
@Tacitus(Deucalion)-16: But will he be a better team man for HM than Chilli is. I dont know but I think HM will stay loyal to him. I think we are blessed with quality hookers and Chilli is the best of the lot throwing into a linout and that is our strength which might be the logic HM uses to choose him.
21 May 2012, 11:54 am
@puff(puff)-21: lol Why not!
21 May 2012, 11:55 am
@Tacitus(Deucalion)-22: My backline
Hougie
Morne
Frans
JDJ
Pieterson
Basson
Lambie
21 May 2012, 11:56 am
@Airwell(Airwell)-25:
I would have Hougaard at wing in place of Basson, and Du Preez at 9.
And De Jongh. Sheez. Isn’t there someone else?
21 May 2012, 11:56 am
@Tacitus(Deucalion)-22: Agreed but i would rather have Habana in than Aplon. Aplon has not been that good this season and Habana has outscored him. Habana also brings better defence and experience. I would have Aplon and JdJ in the greater squad or on the bench somewhere.
21 May 2012, 11:57 am
@Tacitus(Deucalion)-22: I’m not suggesting that I think Habana deserves to be in the team on current form, but its pretty inevitable that he will be selected as well.
21 May 2012, 11:58 am
@Tacitus(Deucalion)-26: The new guy from the Sharks he has pace and one hell of a step
21 May 2012, 11:58 am
@Tacitus(Deucalion)-26: Basson is just better in the air that is why he is my choice.
21 May 2012, 11:59 am
@Sasuke(Sasuke)-27:
Aplon is a great player in my view. I would always have him in the 22 man squad, unless his advancing age starts costing him some of his electric pace.
I would honestly not have Habana in the squad at all.
JP Pietersen as one wing. And either Aplon or Hougaard as the other.
21 May 2012, 11:59 am
@Tacitus(Deucalion)-22:
Ironically, the franchise who will have the least players in the group to play England might just do the best in the Super 15 as they will probably have more fresh and uninjured players available during the business end of the tournament.
21 May 2012, 12:01 pm
@Tacitus(Deucalion)-22:
Who would be your back-up flyhalf in the squad with Goosen injured – Grant or Jantjies?
And do you see Lambie at 15?
21 May 2012, 12:01 pm
@Tacitus(Deucalion)-31: I would have Aplon on my bench.
21 May 2012, 12:01 pm
Meyer strikes me as being a combinations man.
He’ll more than likely pick:
The Sharks front row
Stormers/Bulls Locks
Loosies are a slight unknown bc of injuries.
8,9,10 Bulls
Stormers centres.
Back 3?
Just as a guess.
21 May 2012, 12:01 pm
@Robzim(Robzim)-32:
Interesting, never thought of that.
The Sharks should have Lambie, JP Pietersen, Alberts, Beast, Bismark and Jannie in the matchday 22. That’s just 5 players out of their squad, so no big deal.
The Stormers should have around the same number involved.
And the Bulls probably similar as well.
So no major advantage should acrue either way.
21 May 2012, 12:02 pm
@puff(puff)-33:
Lambie at 15, and if Morne Steyn gets injured, then move Frans Steyn to fullback and bring on either Jean de Villiers or whoever the backup centre is.
Lambie way better than Grant.
21 May 2012, 12:05 pm
@John Galt(John Galt)-35: I think Stormers locks with Juandre on the Bench. WRT the back three I would include Basson because of the combo with Hougie and Steyn chasing box kicks and up and unders.
21 May 2012, 12:06 pm
@Tacitus(Deucalion)-36:
Sorry, 6 Sharks players. Probably similar from each of the other big teams.
With Strauss and Brussouw coming in from the Cheetahs. And maybe Coenie or someone if there’s an injury crisis.
21 May 2012, 12:06 pm
@Tacitus(Deucalion)-37: I would move on from De Villiers and have Whitehead as my backup.
21 May 2012, 12:07 pm
I think Meyer will make sure that the number of Bulls are less than the Stormers in his first squad.
But don’t count out some more Bulls coming in later once injuries start to strike.
21 May 2012, 12:08 pm
@John Galt(John Galt)-35: Definitely Stormers locks.
21 May 2012, 12:08 pm
@Airwell(Airwell)-40:
Whitehead??
21 May 2012, 12:11 pm
No I have to say SA has produced a bumper crop of talented Test-quality players. Its almost just an academic exercise to select the team, but in reality the best players (talent wise) don’t make the best team
and add provincial (in)sensitivities into the mix
21 May 2012, 12:12 pm
Whoever here said Brussow, Alberts, Spies (was it PissAnt?) is probably right. Alberts will step up over the next few weeks. And I wouldn’t mind a guy like Johnson on the bench, given our current injury list. I just wish he could lose about 5kg of arse. And then I’d include both Kolisi and Coetzee in the greater squad.
In the backs, I think Habana will do the same as Alberts and step it up a gear. He already has, to an extent, but he’ll get even better. I’d also be very tempted to play Mvovo – he’s playing fantastic rugby at the moment.
And I’m happy with either Chili or Strauss in the 16 jumper.
21 May 2012, 12:15 pm
Backs to start:
Hougaardt
Steyn
F Steyn (12)
De Villiers (c)
Pieterson
Habana
Lambie.
Bench:
Aplon
Pienaar (?)
de Jongh
Habana is a certainty, no need to even debate it imo. De Villiers probably too.
Meyer WILL go for experience.
21 May 2012, 12:19 pm
@Robzim(Robzim)-46: Not bad
I will have Basson or Mvovo in place of JPP.
I will also have Fourie Du Preez has my bench scrumhalf.
21 May 2012, 12:20 pm
We need to pick a team to beat England end of story, pick a mix of youth, experience and combinations. I think SA battles with picking the the right combinations, sometimes the best player at the time may not be the right choice in terms of the game plan and combo’s! As of now this who I would pick starting for what its worth.
15: Frans Steyn
14: Jp Petersen
13: Du jong
12: JDV ( Capt )
11: Aplon
10: Grant
9: Pienaar
8: Spies
7:Coetzee
6:Broussouw
5: Bekker
4: Etsebeth
3: Jannie
2: Bismarck
1: Beast
Backline replacements: Lambie,Hougaard
Forward: Strauss, Juandre, Alberts, Kitshoff, CJ Stander
I deally would like Goosen at 10 but with him injured need to be comfortable with 10/12 combo and its working for Stormers.
Hougaard is best attacking 9 but his box kicking as been poor, Piennar has matured and can dominate field position with his boot.
Lambie ideally at 15 in future and Frans at 12 with JDV at 13, but with lack of game time lets keep 10,12, 13 who work well together and best defence by far
Vermulen at 8 once back from injury with Schalk at 7
Thoughts?
21 May 2012, 12:20 pm
Sorry Habana at 11 not Aplon
21 May 2012, 12:21 pm
1. Beast
2. Bismarck
3. Jannie
4. Eben
5. Bekker
6. Brussow
7. Alberts
8. Spies
9. Hougaard
10. M Steyn
11. Habana
12. F Steyn
13. Jean
14. Mvovo
15. Aplon
16. Chili
17. Coenie
18. Juandre
19. Johnson
20. Ruan
21. Lambie
22. De Jongh
21 May 2012, 12:23 pm
1. beast
2. bismarck
3. jannie
4. etzebeth
5. bekker
6. brussouw
7. elstadt
8. spies
9. hougaard
10. m.steyn
11. habana
12. f. steyn
13. jdv
14. mvovo
15. lambie
16. chilli/strauss
17. coenie
18. j kruger
19. alberts
20. du preez
21. de jongh
22. aplon
21 May 2012, 12:23 pm
Fck it, comment number 50 doesn’t get the attention it deserves. Here goes again.
1. Beast
2. Bismarck
3. Jannie
4. Eben
5. Bekker
6. Brussow
7. Alberts
8. Spies
9. Hougaard
10. M Steyn
11. Habana
12. F Steyn
13. Jean
14. Mvovo
15. Aplon
16. Chili
17. Kitshoff/Coenie
18. Juandre
19. Johnson
20. Ruan
21. Lambie
22. De Jongh
21 May 2012, 12:24 pm
@>^..^< katman(katman)-52: lol
more or less the same
21 May 2012, 12:25 pm
@David(David)-12:
I also like the idea of converting Kruger to a blindside flank. He has the mobility to adapt well and would offer an extra lineout option (in the mould of Juan Smith). Can also cover lock if needed due to injury.
Maybe now is not the time to test this theory but certainly one for the future!
21 May 2012, 12:25 pm
Yeah well,if only…
21 May 2012, 12:28 pm
@Sasuke(Sasuke)-53: Indeed, I saw that. The only differences:
1. I don’t think Elstadt has done enough yet.
2. Du Preez has left the building
3. I’d pick Alpon over Lambie every time
21 May 2012, 12:28 pm
@David(David)-12:
Nah, if you are going to pick a guy with zero test caps in any position, at least pick a guy that specialises in that position.
21 May 2012, 12:29 pm
@stand-off(Braders)-54: Yes will be a viable option in future. Same can be said for Elstadt.
21 May 2012, 12:31 pm
“Now the fight has been turned into the Kings versus the Lions because the latter are the worst performing of the South African sides —and have been for the past five years. Provincial bias has come to the fore, especially on social media networks. Racism and pure hatred have reared their head, and the Kings and Lions are the target when those who govern and administer the game in SA should be first in the queue.”
Isn’t it ironic that one of the main instigators responsible for spinning this whole Kings fiasco, for his own personal gain is now jumping onto his little pony in an attempt to claim the high ground.
LOL Keo, throwing in the towel on Luke already.
21 May 2012, 12:38 pm
@stand-off(Braders)-54: If I’m not mistaken, he did play there (at 7) on occasion for the Northampton Saints.
21 May 2012, 12:40 pm
@>^..^< katman(katman)-52:
Very close to what Heyneke will end up picking, I reckon.
Just the bench that has me bamboozled. It could have any combination of a wide range of “almost first choice” players.
I think Heyneke will be conservative with his starting 15, and adventurous with his bench.
21 May 2012, 12:42 pm
Dont know the reason why we would pick Steyn at 10, used to be for his goal kicking but Grant has showed his goal kicking is on a par with Steyn, his defense and attacking game is far better? No?
21 May 2012, 12:43 pm
@fogdog10(fogdog10)-62:
It’s not goal kicking. It’s tactical kicking that differentiates the two. And to Heyneke tactical kicking is pretty much the most important aspect of the game, after physical domination by the forwards.
21 May 2012, 12:44 pm
Self Absorbed Ruinous Underachievers…if it wasn’t for parochial provincialism in SA, the game would be fukkd.
21 May 2012, 12:44 pm
@fogdog10(fogdog10)-62: Grant can only pop them over from less than 40m out. He has a great success rate because he doesn’t attempt anything close to the halfway line.
21 May 2012, 12:46 pm
@>^..^< katman(katman)-50:
No Ruan Pienaar, please.
No BMT.
21 May 2012, 12:46 pm
@fogdog10(fogdog10)-62: Maybe so,but I reckon HM will go for combinations,and that means Hougaard and Steyn.The rest of the backline should not have too many Stormers players either imo,always makes me nervous.Can’t score for Stormers,can’t score for boks!
21 May 2012, 12:46 pm
@fogdog10(fogdog10)-62: Grant made the top 10 list for the season on missed tackles about 2-3 weeks ago. He has managed to get him out of it again though
21 May 2012, 12:47 pm
@Te Rangatira(Te Rangatira)-64:
Uit die mond van die suigeling…
You’ve touched on something very important there, albeit by accident.
It is the top provincial unions – with their fanatical supporters – that keep SA rugby strong. Despite SARU’s best attempts to torpedo us year after year.
So to all those who moan about provincialism so much, think again. An unintended consequence is that the provinces continue to chase excellence, SARU be damned.
Provincialism is all that is saving our rugby from centrally controlled. dictatorial ineptitude.
21 May 2012, 12:47 pm
65: but we’ll have Frans Steyn on field for the longer kicks
21 May 2012, 12:50 pm
Cheeky for president hey Keo?
He has his entire fist up your fundament and is working you like a punch and judy doll.
Very embarboer.
21 May 2012, 12:50 pm
The real questions are:
Will Meyer pick a Bok and a specialist loose forward at blindside flank?
Or will he pick a new cap there or a Bok who doesn’t generally play there but could conceivably fill the role?
Will Meyer opt for the conservative choice of CJ Van Der Linde on the bench to cover both prop positions?
Or will he bold enough to acknowledge that Van Der Linde hasn’t given anything really substantial to the Bok cause in years and thus opt for a younger, untried option like Coennie Oosthuyzen?
Will Meyer opt for the experience of Habana over Basson or Mvovo?
Will Meyer opt for the experience of JP Pieterson over Aplon?
Will Du Preez start ahead of Hougaard?
Which of the 3 hookers will be left out of the initial match-day 22 (unless of course Meyer opts for Battleship at 7 to accomodate all three hookers in the 22)?
Will Lambie start at fullback and cover 10, or will Meyer have a third option for flyhalf on the bench?
Will Olivier make it into the 22 ahead of De Jongh, or will Meyer opt for a bolter like Sadie who he rates but who has yet to prove his worth?
21 May 2012, 12:51 pm
68: Bokhoring, I hear you but he still attempts and makes far nore tackles than Morne, Morne hasnt missed any because he never attempts any
21 May 2012, 12:51 pm
@>^..^< katman(katman)-65:
That’s what Frans Steyn is there for.
21 May 2012, 12:53 pm
72: Puff: If Meyer picks Sadie and or Olivier in 22 then we have a problem and he is picking players that he likes not that will do the best job
21 May 2012, 12:53 pm
My non-negotiable starters vs England:
Brussow; The Bis (Bismarck); both Steyns; & Hougaard
21 May 2012, 12:53 pm
@Tacitus(Deucalion)-69:
Not by accident…always respected provincial die hard supporters who keep the fires burning against inept national adnministrators
21 May 2012, 12:54 pm
@fogdog10(fogdog10)-73:
I think you should check the stats before talking based on your “general impression”.
In any case, to compare some stats for Steyn and Grant:
Most tries scored by his outside backs: Morne Steyn
Most points – Morne Steyn
Most metres gained with tactical kicks – Morne Steyn
I think that settles the matter between the two of them.
I think Lambie this year is far more of a challenger for the no.10 spot than Grant.
But even then, Steyn comes out on top.
21 May 2012, 12:58 pm
And one more question:
Beyond Fourie Du Preez and Frans Steyn, will Meyer draft in more overseas-based players?
21 May 2012, 12:58 pm
78: Tacitus: Stomers and Bulls playing different games at the moment, Stomers playing like boks at 2007 RWC. Also Grant hasnt played every game has he
The debate over their defensive abilities is none existent
21 May 2012, 12:58 pm
@Te Rangatira(Te Rangatira)-77: you’re endorsing cronyism, protectionism?
21 May 2012, 13:01 pm
@fogdog10(fogdog10)-80:
Skinstad had their comparative tackle stats up on Boots and all the other night, and Morne Steyn was well ahead, if I recall correctly.
So you right. The debate is non-existent.
21 May 2012, 13:02 pm
My prediction for Meyer’s extended 35-man squad:
1. Mtawarira, Greyling, Oosthuyzen
2. Du Plessis, Strauss, Ralepelle
3. Du Plessis, Kruger, Van Der Linde
4. Etzebeth, Van Der Merwe
5. Bekker, Kruger
6. Brussow, Stander
7. Alberts, Deysel, Kolisi
8. Spies, Coetzee
9. Hougaard, Du Preez
10. Steyn, Grant
11. Habana, Basson, Mvovo
12. Steyn, Olivier
13. De Villiers, De Jongh
14. Aplon, Pieterson
15. Lambie, Kirchner
21 May 2012, 13:02 pm
F Steyn only takes the monster kicks – the ones where 50-50 is seen to be good odds. M Steyn would take everything up to the halfway line, which would be about 80% of the kicks. And at least a third of these would be in that 40 to 50m range, which is Grant’s Achilles Heel. Plus Grant’s kicking from hand is very average, and M Steyn’s is virtually faultless. For me it’s not even a close call.
21 May 2012, 13:03 pm
@fogdog10(fogdog10)-80: ja nee msteyn is a defensive liability but at least when his pack is going forward he ‘impose’ himself on a game unlike grant (even though he’s improved somewhat this year) who just floats around doing only the minimum required.
21 May 2012, 13:05 pm
@puff(puff)-83:
Spot on, I reckon. Except for Kirchner. I think Joe Pietersen and maybe even one or two others will be ahead of him in the queue.
21 May 2012, 13:06 pm
@puff(puff)-83: That’s probably the squad, except for Ashley Johnson instead of Jean Deysel. And Ruan Pienaar as an outside chance at back-up scrummie.
21 May 2012, 13:07 pm
@fogdog10(fogdog10)-73: A bit like Grant’s kicking stats then?
21 May 2012, 13:07 pm
@Tacitus(Deucalion)-86:
I prefer Pieterson to Kirchner.
But Kirchner has test experience, not just at 15 but at 13 too.
And with Frans Steyn able to shift to 15 in a crisis, I don’t know if Joe P will get a look in right now.
But he is playing some great rugby at the mo.
I’d like to be pleasantly surprised and see Meyer select Joe P.
21 May 2012, 13:10 pm
@>^..^< katman(katman)-87:
Please, please, please – not fragile Ruan Pienaar.
Depth at 9 is Bok’s greatest complication long-term.
Lets hope some young looseheads willingly make the shift to 3, so depth at tighthead won’t be a head-ache too.
Coenie, Kitsoff and Heinke Van Der Merwe at 3?
I’d buy that for a dollar!
21 May 2012, 13:10 pm
@puff(puff)-89:
If the Bulls had to play the Stormers tomorrow, the names I’d be most happy to see missing from that Stormers teamsheet would be Etsebeth and Pietersen.
Pietersen gives them that solidity at the back that makes all the difference.
21 May 2012, 13:10 pm
@Tacitus(Deucalion)-86:
Would also prefer to see Elstadt there rather than Flip, but that probably won’t happen right now either.
21 May 2012, 13:14 pm
8 Tacitit: Teams are picked on individual stats otherwise some geek would just run a report and pick on the players who have the best stats in their relevant positions and the team would pick itself.
21 May 2012, 13:18 pm
@Tacitus(Deucalion)-91: Bulls players I’d least like to see against Stormers are Hougaard and Jaques Potgieter,Spies is just fine
21 May 2012, 13:18 pm
I think Heyneke will make use of a lot of overseas based players and the team will differ a lot from week one to three of the incoming tests. Meyer will be thinking about the derbies leading up to and after the England tests. I suspect a lot of public outcry at the first team that is selected, but if you look at the bigger picture the same team should not play all three tests. The squad for the Rugby Champs should look a lot more like the Boks of the future.
21 May 2012, 13:18 pm
@puff(puff)-72: Confused? You will be. Tune in next week for another episode…..
21 May 2012, 13:18 pm
82: i didnt see that so educate me with what they were plse?
21 May 2012, 13:19 pm
@fogdog10(fogdog10)-93:
I have no problem with your statement if seen in isolation.
But the question I ask you is what do you base your preference for Peter Grant on then? Personal favour? The way he combs his hair?
Something else?
21 May 2012, 13:20 pm
@Transformation(Transformation)-81:
I hope not, not my intention, every organization needs to be accountable and transparent, otherwise you get debilitating intrusions,like those you mentioned.
21 May 2012, 13:23 pm
I think Sasuke’s 22 is what HM will go for as well.
21 May 2012, 13:27 pm
Alberts is the PitivWeepu of SA rugby. He’s is great when fit and in form but prone to bouts of poor conditioning.( to be kind)
21 May 2012, 13:28 pm
98.Tacitus: No personal preference at all, I am not even a stormers fan! infact I think he was lucky in the past to even have a bok cap and thought he was average at best. But this season he has made some clucth kicks and looked pretty solid all round and kicks with both feet
PS: Dont think guys from Cape Town even comb their hair
21 May 2012, 13:29 pm
What is actually going on with Alberts? Burnt out?
21 May 2012, 13:34 pm
Alberts getting distracted by the durban lifestyle i think
21 May 2012, 13:40 pm
re puff 35 man squad looks about right, still not convinced with spies at no8 -seldom wins anything at breakdown- cleans out / makes a strong tackle / seldom covers at back ie he is not a classic no8 – not sure if keegan daniel / josh strauss / ashley j for specialist no8 are in the picture – pity vermeulen injured, would have liked to have seen him with alberts and brussow …. , bar injuries…
15.Lambie
14.JP Pietersen
13.JDV (c)
12.F.Steyn
11.Habana
10.M.Steyn
09.Hougaard
8.Spies
7.Alberts
6.Brussow
5.A.Bekker
4.F.VAN MERWE
3.Jannie Dup
2.Bismark
1.Beast
16.Chilli/A.Strauss – either
17.Coenie/Greyling/Kitshoff – either
18.J.Kuger/Etzebeth – either
19.M.Coetzee/Siya K – either
20.McLeod – incase Lambie to f/h and aplon to f/b
21.JDJ
22.Aplon
21 May 2012, 13:41 pm
Laying into ma se koeksisters I reckon.
21 May 2012, 13:45 pm
@Sniffer(Sniffer)-105: Can’t see Flip in ahead of Eben. The youngster is the Frans Steyn of forwards.
21 May 2012, 13:46 pm
@fogdog10(fogdog10)-104:
What lifestyle is that? Can’t be any different to Joburg or Slaapstad.
21 May 2012, 13:50 pm
laid back type where bare minimum will do and is largely acceptable! I know its not the case with all but thats my call
21 May 2012, 14:00 pm
“If the aim is to pick the best team to beat England then look all over the world to fill this team.”
ok..get these guys on a plane
Heinkie vd Merwe
Schalk Brits
BJ Botha
Joe van Niekirk
Jaques Cronje
Francios Louw
Ruan Pienaar
21 May 2012, 14:03 pm
bolters???
Paul Jordaan
Johan Sadie
Grant Hattingh
21 May 2012, 14:05 pm
Keo,
SA Rugby continues to be a political football. Very sad.
NTvl forever!!
21 May 2012, 14:05 pm
15. Francious Steyn
14. Lwazi Mvovo
13. Juan de Jongh
12. Jean de Villiers
11. Bryan Habana
10. Patrick Lambie
9. Francious Hougaardt
8. Keagen Daniel
7. Marchell Coetzee
6. Heinrich Brussow
5. Andries Bekker
4. Eben Etzebeth
3. Jannie Du Plessis
2. Bismark Du Plessis
1. Tandai Beast Mtwarira
16. Chilliboy
17. Coenie Oosthuizen
18. Juandre Kruger
19. Piere Spies
20. Ruan Pienaar
21. Morne Steyn
22. JP Peterson.
21 May 2012, 14:17 pm
@puff(puff)-90: you been watching robocop??
21 May 2012, 14:20 pm
@greatest13gerber(greatest13gerber)-112: That team doesn’t exist anymore boet.
21 May 2012, 14:23 pm
@Sharkie10(Sharkie10)-113:
very lightweight but mobile loose trio – Daniel is very much an extra back/centre. I think against the aggression of the poms, he would be exposed against their tight forward game.
Agree about Lambie – deserves more opportunity at 10
21 May 2012, 14:23 pm
Come to think of it,why did all rugby teams changed their names except WP?
21 May 2012, 14:24 pm
@greatest13gerber(greatest13gerber)-111: sadie? wtf has he done?
21 May 2012, 14:24 pm
Big Joe should be brought back – his leadership and ability are what are needed
21 May 2012, 14:25 pm
@Yetirat(Yetirat)-103:
Always a bit overated. Good supersub though.
Play him in the last 20-30 minutes of a match and he’s another player all together.
21 May 2012, 14:25 pm
@stormerforlife1(stormerforlife1)-117:
because the politicians are WP friendly
and for record – in my family its always being and will be NTvl
21 May 2012, 14:29 pm
@Transformation(Transformation)-118:
Johan Sadie has vast protential. will be a speicla project for Meyer. I will not be suprised if Meyer selects him. Sadie defensively is very sound. I want see him at 12
21 May 2012, 14:30 pm
@nama1(nama1)-120:
Alberts is a wrecking ball in that last 20 mins.
21 May 2012, 14:32 pm
@Sniffer(Sniffer)-105: I approve. I think that is a first on this site:
15.Lambie
14.JP Pietersen
13.JDV (c)
12.F.Steyn
11.Habana
10.M.Steyn
09.Hougaard
8.Spies
7.Alberts
6.Brussow
5.A.Bekker
4.F.VAN MERWE
3.Jannie Dup
2.Bismark
1.Beast
21 May 2012, 14:33 pm
The current match-up between Sadie and JdJ is currently a no contest.Sadie is poor on defence as well as proven by his diabolical display against the Highlanders yet again.
21 May 2012, 14:34 pm
Likely Meyer backline
15.Lambie
14.Pietersen
13.Jean(c)
12.Steyn
11.Habana
10.Steyn
09.Hougaard
21 May 2012, 14:34 pm
@greatest13gerber(greatest13gerber)-112: ofcourse SARU will always be “political”, the union presidents themselves are not in their respective positions on some merit, they’re only there because they canvased more votes from the clubs in their areas.
21 May 2012, 14:36 pm
@Sniffer(Sniffer)-105: However your bench is missing mvovo who should eventually be starting.
16.Chilli/A.Strauss – either
17.Coenie/Greyling/Kitshoff – either
18.J.Kuger/Etzebeth – either
19.M.Coetzee/Siya K – either
20.McLeod – incase Lambie to f/h and F Steyn to F/B
21.Anyone but JDJ…
22.Mvovo
21 May 2012, 14:36 pm
@Oxy moron(cjgrove)-124:
We think alike!
yep. A very predictable Meyer squad it be
room for bolters??????
21 May 2012, 14:36 pm
@greatest13gerber(greatest13gerber)-126: Thats a fӣӣing good backline
21 May 2012, 14:37 pm
The world has lost accountability.. It is not just SARU.
21 May 2012, 14:37 pm
@stormerforlife1(stormerforlife1)-117: Because WP is too powerful a brand.
21 May 2012, 14:38 pm
@Transformation(Transformation)-127:
agree with that. Also the long standing provincialism that is entrenched in SA society IMO
21 May 2012, 14:38 pm
@greatest13gerber(greatest13gerber)-122: You conveniently trying to erase the image where the Highlander ran through him with absolute disdain?JdJ exposed his frailties at Newlands as well.
21 May 2012, 14:39 pm
@greatest13gerber(greatest13gerber)-122: “defensively very sound” hahaha yeah right, hosea gear made his b(itch last weekend, falling off tackles willy nilly.
sadie has been all heyneke meyer hype! he doesn’t deserve even the starting spot at the bulls let alone being picked for boks!
21 May 2012, 14:39 pm
@stormer in a teacup(stormer in a teacup)-132:
choker brand …see you in the finals.
21 May 2012, 14:42 pm
@stormerforlife1(stormerforlife1)-134:
@Transformation(Transformation)-135:
yes yes – but I am still picking him to be “groomed” by Meyer to be Jeans and Jaques Fouries replacement.
class and x factor is permanent.
21 May 2012, 14:46 pm
@greatest13gerber(greatest13gerber)-110:
Can’t have Brits and Spies in the same pack. Will leave the Boks weak in the tight exchanges and we know that Meyer will select his love child. (Hint: It’s not Brits.)
21 May 2012, 14:46 pm
@Transformation(Transformation)-135: Hear hear.
It’s unfortunate that JdJ will have to chow bench for Donkey at 13, but Steyn at 12 is worth it.
Would love to see your 22 for these tests?
21 May 2012, 14:48 pm
Also it’s time Elton packed his bags and headed down to us in the Cape. If they merge Goosen will certainly start.
A quality attacking and kicking flyhalf is exactly what we need to sort our try scoring woes, anyone who thinks Grant is up for it is delusional… Falls flat in all categories barring goal kicks from 40m out.
21 May 2012, 14:49 pm
@nama1(nama1)-138:
true. But Schalk Brits is a player ahead of his time. As laws change to make the game faster. Scrums, mauls, rucks will become less a factor. More ball in hand.
Schalk Brits is prototype of future tight forward.
21 May 2012, 14:51 pm
x-factor?He has done nothing in a Bulls jersey yet and for your info Meyer is the Bok coach and not the Bulls.Yes he might be Ludeke’s project or are you implying that Meyer will be favouring Bulls players no matter how hondkak they are?
21 May 2012, 14:51 pm
@Bagel(Bagel)-139: unfortunately i don’t pick fantasy teams, that is skop’s favourite pastime
21 May 2012, 14:52 pm
@RL(RL)-59:
OK I am about tio do something for the 1st time…. Defend Keo.
He is in no way responsible for the Kings fiasco.
It was SARU, SARU and um oh SARU.
Criticise Keo by all means for not being objective about Watson in light of HSMs running of his image etc. I don’t like the cionflict myself.
But the Kings are not going to be in the Super 15 because of Keo. Not even 0.1%
Lets look what happened
a) SARU wanted the WC. The government wanted PE in the mix
b) The government agreed to financially underwrite the WC bids (3 of them) if the Kings got included. Now before one blames the government, SARU did not have to ask for the underwrite. The UK govt did not underwrite England.
c) SARU were confident that they were going to get a 6th side into Super Rugby
d) SARU should have gotten the 6th team as well. SA contributes the buld of the revenue and the viewers.
e) But this is when it goes south again. SARU had a temporary CEO in place for years. We sent an inexperienced manager to negotiate with ONeil who had him for breakfast.
Now I am not going to blame this manager because he did not appoint himself. SARU did. I am suire he did his best. O’Neill was just a better business,am/
How did we get nothing that we wanted while Australia got everything they wnated and NZ did not even seem to know what they wanted themselves?
f) If Jurie Roux was appointed years ago I reckon we would have a 6th side AND we would be welcoming the Kings.
So kick Keo in the nuts for not imposing sufficient chinese walls. Criticise his objectivity by all means
He does not have a huge interest in Watson’s success btw.
But don’t blame him for the Kings debacle. Write to SARU. THey now have at least one person that can read.
21 May 2012, 14:53 pm
@nama1(nama1)-138:
21 May 2012, 14:55 pm
@Bagel(Bagel)-140:
gut feeling that combined CATs will still be weak
maybe Elton at 9??
21 May 2012, 14:56 pm
@Tacitus(Deucalion)-78:
Tac if you are going to compare Lambie and M Steyn at least divide by no of games to get an average
21 May 2012, 15:01 pm
@stormerforlife1(stormerforlife1)-142:
Sadie has being earmarked for Bok honors since his protential was spotted. Look at the All bLack squad being selected???. It is not just on S15 form.
Meyer has blue blood but he is picking on surrounding himself with people and players he has stutided. ..he has consulted Du Preez, Matfield and stays in touch with Pretoria.
21 May 2012, 15:04 pm
@Biscuit(Biscuit)-144:
who is the puppetmaster pulling the strings???
thats what we want know.
Keo – jurnplist, lobbyist
21 May 2012, 15:12 pm
@greatest13gerber(greatest13gerber)-148: all the kids that have been picked for all black training group have PERFORMED – retallick, barrett, smith, cane, savea etc – all have stepped up, they’re not there because boofhead hansen earmarked them from high school!
when savea had a kak season last year after being name Junior IRB Player of the Year he never smelled all blacks set up. f(uck sadie – for now – pick robert ebersohn, he is young too and playing WAAAYYY better!
21 May 2012, 15:12 pm
“Saru to blame for Super stuff up”
Markus Keo Maximus.
So speaks the ratings/populist/hits motivated/gutter Journo, who calls himself Keo.
Last week it was The Lions fault.
Next week it will be Cheeky’s fault.
But hey ……………………………………..this week he got it right..
Let’s face it,
sooner or later he had to.
21 May 2012, 15:13 pm
@greatest13gerber(greatest13gerber)-148: all the kids that have been picked for all black training group have PERFORMED – retallick, barrett, smith, cane, savea etc – all have stepped up, they’re not there because boofhead hansen earmarked them from high school!
when savea had a kak season last year after being name Junior IRB Player of the Year he never smelled all blacks set up. f(uck sadie – for now – pick robert ebersohn, he is young too and playing WAAAYYY better!
21 May 2012, 15:13 pm
@greatest13gerber(greatest13gerber)-149:
Cmon you are now flaterring Keo’s degree of influence.
Do you really reckon he has many pull at SARU level? He may have pull with on eof the Union Prez (guess who). That’s 1 vote. A vote that would vote for EPs benefit with or without Keo.
Do you think he managed to get all the Union Prez’s agree unanimously to the Kings inclusion?
Did he botch the Super negotiations?
Question his objectivity (I do) but he does not influence SARU in any significant way. You really need to produce evidence that he can influence SARU.
21 May 2012, 15:22 pm
@Biscuit(Biscuit)-144:
“He does not have a huge interest in Watson’s success btw.”
Watson was the 1st player that he signed for his agency. You bet he has some interest in Watson’s success.
But you’re right…..SARU is to blame overall.
21 May 2012, 15:23 pm
@cane(cane)-151: Like a stopped clock, eh?
21 May 2012, 15:28 pm
@Transformation(Transformation)-152:
True. This thing about having to play for a specific province, depending on who the coach is, is kak.
Why should Sadie be a special project of the NATIONAL coach.
@Biscuit(Biscuit)-153:
Didn’t he get Straueli fired by SARU?
21 May 2012, 15:30 pm
OK, WAT VAN DIE VOLGENDE OPLOSSING VIR DIE LEEUS. VIR DIE VOLGENDE TWEE JAAR GAAN SPEEL HULLE IN DIE “HEINEKEN CUP” TOT WANEER DAAR WEER N NUWE SUPER RUGBY DEAL GEMAAK WORD OM MEER SPANNE IN TE SLUIT. HULLE KAN N BIETJIE GELD MAAK, DAAR IN N KLOMP VAN ONS SPELERS WAT KLAAR VIR ANDER KLUBS DAAR SPEEL. EK DINK NET HOME GAMES KAN N PROBLEEM WEES HE HE. DIS MAAR NET N VOORSTEL
21 May 2012, 15:30 pm
sal ophou skee sorry
21 May 2012, 15:33 pm
Agree 100% on Saru being blamed. They should have informed everyone that a promo/relegation match be played home and away. This is the right way to do it. As for loosies, you forgetting about Josh who can also play there. Coetzee also a good one. If it was up to me, Strauss it would be for sure. He’s similar to Schalk and will smash the Poms.
21 May 2012, 15:35 pm
@nama1(nama1)-156: remember when white introduced MEYER BOSMAN as the new “great white hype” at 10? he even said he’d been monitoring the Turnstile since he was 16
21 May 2012, 15:40 pm
@Biscuit(Biscuit)-153:
all I am saying is that keo has lobbyed for certain causes such as Kings
21 May 2012, 15:40 pm
I think Gerber needs his Bulls buddies to help him out here because he is losing Sadie debate hands down.We crucified Pdv but now it’s ok for Meyer to select players that are not even the fourth best in their positions.
21 May 2012, 15:42 pm
@greegs(greegs)-159:
Strauss will first have to learn to look around when he has the ball before he can play for the Boks. It seems as if the only thing he knows is to run into the nearest opposing player no matter how many players are on his outside. It may make him look like a “hard man” but he scoffed up some tries not passing the ball when there were overlaps in some games.
21 May 2012, 15:46 pm
@stormerforlife1(stormerforlife1)-162:
Sadie will wear Bok colors…and am picking Meyer this year will select..
Sadie
Olivier
Steyn
Hougaard
Spies
Stander
Kruger
vd Merwe
Chillyboy
Arno Botha
21 May 2012, 15:47 pm
Sadie is like an automatic door…..when a player approaches him he just gives way.At the moment the Bulls can get away with playing Sadie and that other kamikaze tackler M.Steyn in the same team as their pack normally dominates most teams.
21 May 2012, 15:48 pm
@nama1(nama1)-163:
nonetheless – Strauss is the form hooker in the whole S15 by most experts.
To shine in a weak side shows he deserves to be wearing test jumper.
21 May 2012, 16:00 pm
@greatest13gerber(greatest13gerber)-166:
I was refering to Josh Strauss in answer to Greegs p.159.
That answer actually accounts for the Cheetah hooker as well.
He is playing great rugby but Bissie outplayed him over the weekend imo. Always difficult of cause to compare players when one team outplayed the other so much like the Sharks did against the Cheetahs.
21 May 2012, 16:00 pm
SARU, the South African Rugby Union, that is the guys in charge of running and regulatiing South African Rugby are to be blamed for the Kings saga? I am so thankful, greatful beyond too mnay words that Keo wrote this insightful piece!
HEre I was blaming the FBI, CIA, the American populace, the Chinese cabal and evensuspected that there was some sort of co-operation between the French and Osama bin Ladne’s ghost!
SARU, who would have known…
21 May 2012, 16:03 pm
@nama1(nama1)-167:
21 May 2012, 16:22 pm
@Blou Zebu(Jandre)-168:
Bwahahahaha……
21 May 2012, 16:33 pm
Sadie showed a lot of promise last year.
He has had a poor season in 2012.
He clearly has some talent. Whether in the long run he proves to be too small to make a consistent impact in a position ruled internationally by the likes of Jacques Fourie, Conrad Smith, Stirling Mortlock etc. remains to be seen.
21 May 2012, 16:50 pm
Highbury Safika Media (HSM) is a publishing house boasting a portfolio of over 30 magazine titles and numerous online publications. Amongst these are SA Rugby Magazine and Keo.co.za – the website of Mark Keohane and other SA Rugby writers such as Ryan Vrede and Jon Cardinelli.
Keohane has been a public figure since his days as Springbok Communications Manager under the ill-fated reigns of both Harry Viljoen and Rudolph Streauli, until he resigned in protest over SARFU’s handling of the Geo Cronjé racism debacle involving Quinton Davids. Keohane went on to publish a book about the episode and the state of the Springboks in general, and was widely criticized by Springbok players (most notably Corné Krige) as deliberately attempting to sow division within their ranks and to undermine SA Rugby in general.
In recent times Keohane has been busying himself in the extensive business interests of HSM, as well as media relations of other entities, such as Jake White’s Winning Ways – a business partnership which ended in a heated law suit, kept hushed away out of the public sphere. Even more recently, however, HSM -and Mark Keohane in particular – were awarded the contract to manage the media, marketing and public relations of the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC). The awarding of this contract was never put up for tender, as is standard government procedure, but was rather awarded directly to HSM (although Keohane states that normal application took place, the fact remains it should have gone to tender).
And this is where the Keo connection begins to reveal itself.
During his time at SA Rugby, Mark Keohane worked alongside the likes of Rian Oberholzer (President of SARFU), Songezo Nayo (Managing Director), Gary Grant (Marketing Director) and the current president of SASCOC – Gideon Sam (Springbok Team Manager).
All four names mentioned above are currently directors of sports marketing company Accelerate Sports, with Gideon Sam being appointed as Chairman. Gideon Sam also serves on the Lotto Distribution Board, but excused himself when dealing with the funding grant to SA Cycling, a grant from which Accelerate Sport received commission to the tune of R 26 million – a blatant conflict of interest.
Accelerate Sport, through their subsidiary Access Facilities and Leisure Management (AFLM), were also awarded the contract as operations manager of the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium. It is reported that this contract brings in a whopping R 600 000 a month to the coffers of Accelerate. It is the duty of AFLM to source events to be staged at the stadium to generate revenue and keep the stadium sustainable.
21 May 2012, 17:07 pm
@Divz(Divz)-172: Keohane is a real prick and that is the main reason why he has been fueling the fire of hate, provincialism and racism around this whole Kings debacle. He has the absolute gall to blame SARU now that blood has been spilt. Wee little man must learn that if you play with fire you will get burnt.
Highbury Safika Media (HSM) condones Keo spinning ways.
21 May 2012, 17:11 pm
@Divz(Divz)-172:
“Accelerate Sport, through their subsidiary Access Facilities and Leisure Management (AFLM), were also awarded the contract as operations manager of the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium. It is reported that this contract brings in a whopping R 600 000 a month to the coffers of Accelerate. It is the duty of AFLM to source events to be staged at the stadium to generate revenue and keep the stadium sustainable.”
…and of course it is the same stadium that will host all the Super rugby matches of the Kings next year if they play.
This piece now sounding like a person trying to protect his interest, doesn’t it? Could it be that the Kings guaranteed participation next year is not so guarateed after all?
Let the circus continue.
21 May 2012, 17:18 pm
I saw many fantasy Bok teams today. This is the real deal: (I think Meyer will be thinking along similar lines.)
15-Hennie Daniller
14-Geo Aplon
13-Zane Kirchner
12-Jean de Villiers
11-Bjorn Basson
10-Morne Steyn
9-Francois Hougaard
8-Pierre Spies (c)
7-Justin Downey
6-Keagan Daniel
5-Andries Bekker
4-Eben Etzebeth
3-Jannie du Plessis
2-Chiliboy Ralepelle
1-Dean Greyling
16-Bismarck du Plessis
17-Tendai Mtawarira
18-Anton Bressler
19-Marcell Coetzee
20-Ruan Pienaar
21-Frans Steyn
22-Joe Pietersen
21 May 2012, 17:22 pm
@Finfan(Finfan)-175: Are you drunk?
21 May 2012, 17:24 pm
@>^..^< katman(katman)-176: Not always. Why?
21 May 2012, 17:27 pm
@Finfan(Finfan)-175: Youre a moron plain and simple.
21 May 2012, 17:28 pm
@Finfan(Finfan)-177:
It’s a shocking team mate.
21 May 2012, 17:29 pm
@Finfan(Finfan)-177: That’s a poor team, even for a drunk man.
21 May 2012, 17:33 pm
These are the players that have perfromed in Super rugby this season thus far.
1 Beast
1 Greyling
1 Kitshoff
2 Bismarck
2 Strauss
3 Coenie Oosthuisen (place here cos we have no decent 3´s)
3 WP Nel
4 Etzebeth
4 De Kock Steenkamp
5 Becker
5 Juandre Kruger
6 Cj Stander
6 Kolisi
7 Marcell Coetzee
(7 J Potgieter) – injured
8 Spies (sad but true – only other 8 to perform is Daniel and not sure if he can make it in a test situation)
8 Ashley Johnson
9 Houghaard
10 M Steyn
(10 Goosen)
10 Lambie (will be chosen for ability to cover 10/ 13/ 15)
11 Habana
11 Mvovo (not choosing Basson for his lack of defense)
12 F Steyn (not playing Super rugby but our best 12)
12 Jena de Villiers
13 Juan de Jongh
13 Robert ebersohn
14 Aplon
15 Joe Pietersen
21 May 2012, 17:34 pm
oh and I guess it Pienaar or Fourie du Preez for a possible 9 spot cos the rest of the scummies have been dismal
21 May 2012, 17:34 pm
@>^..^< katman(katman)-180: I normally select Bismarck and Habana when I’m sober.
21 May 2012, 17:35 pm
@Slumtown(Slumtown)-182: You can only select 22 players, moron.
21 May 2012, 17:36 pm
@Finfan(Finfan)-175:
Griquas will bliksem that team.
21 May 2012, 17:39 pm
@nama1(nama1)-185: I know, but not the Poms.
21 May 2012, 17:49 pm
@Finfan(Finfan)-184: 30 for the total squad pipsqueak
21 May 2012, 17:49 pm
Lol.Great stuff Finfan!
21 May 2012, 18:15 pm
@nama1(nama1)-163:
I’ll trade 15 Chiliboi for a one Strauss
Adriaan or Richardt that is
You would have done the same if your money was on line
21 May 2012, 18:40 pm
@Slumtown(Slumtown)-181:
Quite interesting?
So, Daniel isn’t a Test level material but Johnson is?
21 May 2012, 18:51 pm
@Slumtown(Slumtown)-181: Spies should really not be mentioned when talking about our national team. The sooner he is drop from all senior teams the better for all involved. I see that he is included in the majority of teams posted above, I will even prefer Daniel as a stop gap while Alberts is finding form and Vermeulen and Schalk recovering from injuries. He is simply overated and on form the worse loose forward I have seen paying S15 this year. All the young up and coming players have already surpassed him
21 May 2012, 18:52 pm
Should be “worst” instead of worse
21 May 2012, 18:56 pm
@stormerforlife1(stormerforlife1)-165: You can put Spies in the same class. He is as effective as a revolving door when it comes to tackling.
21 May 2012, 19:32 pm
@Finfan(Finfan)-175:
Hi Fin.
Who is Justin Downey? And has Crusty ever played centre?
21 May 2012, 20:07 pm
Why do u guys always get your panties in a knot? We can debate until the cows come home- yet at the end of the day HM’s team can never make us all happy. Let’s wait and see what he pulls out of his sleeve.
21 May 2012, 21:19 pm
@Jeraldjay(Jeraldjay)-194: Hi Gerald. My name is Justin Downey and I am the no 7 flanker for the Cheetahs. I’m probably the best 7 in international rugby but it is not generally recognised as such. As you can gather from my nic, I’m actually a Sharks fan but Strauli informed me that the Sharks don’t need any loosies at this stage. Yes, they have a few but they lack quality. Anyway, their loss, not mine.
21 May 2012, 22:42 pm
1.Beast
2.Bismark
3.Oosthuizen
4.Etsebeth
5.Bekker
6.Brussouw
7.Potgieter
8.Johnson
9.Hougaard
10.Steyn
11.A.Coetzee
12.Steyn
13.De Villiers (c)
14.Aplon
15.Lambie
21 May 2012, 22:49 pm
@SpiesIsWorthless(SpiesIsWorthless)-197: Fark me… You fcked in the head putting Coenie the Pundah at TH when there is a perfectly good tighthead in WP Nel just the other side of Strauss in a Vrystaat jersey… No to mention JdP who farke up Doodpoes silly just this last Sat.
As for bigbum Johnson over Keegan… Definitely fcked in the head…
No to mention AC at 11… WTF!!!
And then Donkey as Captain. WHAT, you trying to lose against the POMS on purpose??????
21 May 2012, 23:04 pm
Hi KEO.
It seems you have been reading my posts.
[Check and date all my previous posts regarding this topic]
This was not your message earlier when you and your spannetjie delighted in winding up the Kings vs Lions tussle that is ripping our rugby apart.
When did you stumble onto your new found angle thatn SA should and must have 6 based on overwhelming numbers that make pro sport possible, and that SARFU are either stupid or were lied too.
Glad I could help.
21 May 2012, 23:17 pm
@Heavens Game(Heavens Game)-198: I think it’s a pretty exciting team, might not be the best defensively and we can put out a more conservative team more likely to grind the English down but I want to see a new exciting era of Bok rugby. I’d take Johnson over the lightweight Keegan Daniel anyday! The guy is ferocious, big and has great skills, Keegan would get chopped up at test level. I rate Coetzee too, we arent blessed with the most exciting wing talent at the moment but I think he’ll be as good as it gets on attack.
Donkey still has what it takes- his last outing he was the most incisive Bok on the park in a RWC quarter-final coming back from injury.
21 May 2012, 23:25 pm
@SpiesIsWorthless(SpiesIsWorthless)-200: Lets be clear here… Donkey makes one break the whole wordl cup and with that one break he manages to pass FORWARD to Lambighini in the clear??? And you say he was incisive??? Come now…
Coetzee…? I though he was the coach of STormers… But if you reckon he squeezes into a Habana or Mvovo suit to play the game then be my guest…. Fark me…
And then as for “lightweight Daniel”, Keegan has got more heart than farken 4 Johnson gluteus maximi…. That means the boy is a farken Lion… A King and Heineke would be farken stupid not to consider him…
21 May 2012, 23:27 pm
Ok maybe you read em before maybe you haven’t here a few chuckles to get your belly to wobble
Rugby is great.The players don’t wear helmets or padding; they just beat the living daylights out of each other and then go for a beer.I love that.
Joe Theismann
Rugby may have many problems, but the gravest is undoubtedly that of the persistence of summer.
Chris Laidlaw
The advantage law is the best law in rugby,because it lets you ignore all the others for the good of the game.
Derek Robinson
“Rugby is a good occasion for keeping thirty bullies far from the center of the city.”
Oscar Wilde
After an All-Blacks surprise loss to the French in the 1999 Rugby World Cup: “The French are predictably unpredictable.”
Andrew Mehrtens.
After biting Sean Fitzpatrick’s ear: “For an 18-month suspension, I feel I probably should have torn it off. Then at least I could say, ‘Look, I’ve returned to South Africa with the guy’s ear.’”
Johan le Roux
“If the game is run properly as a professional game, you do not need 57 old farts running rugby.”
Will Carling (1995)
“I’m still an amateur, of course, but I became rugby’s first millionaire five years ago.”
David Campese (1991)
“Every time I went to tackle him, Horrocks went one way, Taylor went the other, and all I got was the bloody hyphen.”
Nick England, On trying to stop Phil Horrocks-Taylor
“The only trophy we won this day, was the blood and sweat we left on the pitch…. and it was enough”
Anon
“Don’t ask me about emotions in the Welsh dressing room. I’m someone who cries when he watches Little House on the Prairie.”
Robert Norster (1994)
“England’s coach Jack Powell, an immensely successful businessman, has the acerbic wit of Dorothy Parker and, according to most New Zealanders, a similar knowledge of rugby.”
Mark Reason Total Sport (1996)
Following Scotland’s accusations of French foul play: “If you can’t take a punch, you should play table tennis.”
Pierre Berbizier (1995)
On Wales losing 28-9 against Australia: “No leadership, no ideas. Not even enough imagination to thump someone in the line-up when the ref wasn’t looking.”
J.P.R. Williams (1984)
“The job of Welsh coach is like a minor part in a Quentin Tarantino film: you stagger on, you hallucinate, nobody seems to understand a word you say, you throw up, you get shot. Poor old Kevin Bowring has come up through the coaching structure so he knows what it takes … 15 more players than Wales have at present.”
Mark Reason Total Sport (1996)
“The relationship between the Welsh and the English is based on trust and understanding. They don’t trust us and we don’t understand them.”
Dudley Wood (1986)
“We’ve lost seven of our last eight matches. Only team that we’ve beaten was Western Samoa. Good job we didn’t play the whole of Samoa.”
Gareth Davies (1989)
Before the New Zealand v England World Cup semi-final: “Remember that rugby is a team game; all 14 of you make sure you pass the ball to Jonah.”
Anon fax to N.Z. team (1995)
On Jonah Lomu: “I’ve seen a lot people like him, but they weren’t playing on the wing.”
Colin Meads (1995)
On Jonah Lomu: “There’s no doubt about it, he’s a big *******.”
Gavin Hastings (1995)
“Colin Meads is the kind of player you expect to see emerging from a ruck with the remains of a jockstrap between his teeth.”
Tom O’Reilly
“In 1823, William Webb Ellis first picked up the ball in his arms and ran with it. And for the next 156 years forwards have been trying to work out why.”
Sir Tasker Watkins (1979)
“Rugby backs can be identified because they generally have clean jerseys and identifiable partings in their hair… come the revolution the backs will be the first to be lined up against the wall and shot for living parasitically off the work of others.”
Peter Fizsimmons
“I think you enjoy the game more if you don’t know the rules. Anyway, you’re on the same wavelength as the referees.”
Jonathan Davies, A Question of Sport BBC TV (1995)
“Rugby is played by men with odd shaped balls.”
Car bumper sticker
“You’ve got to get your first tackle in early, even if it’s late.”
Ray Graved
“You blindfold yourself and spin around for 10 times and then open your eyes and try to chase it down.”
Canada coach Ric Suggitt on preparing to play against Fiji’s expansive attacking style.
“If we have to play against New Zealand, I’ll explain it like this. To win, their 15 players have to have a diarrhoea and we will have to put snipers around the field shooting at them and then we have to play the best match of our lives.”
Argentina second row Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe on a potential match-up against the All Blacks (in hindsight, beating them wasn’t so hard).
“I’d like to thank the press from the heart of my bottom.”
Nick Easter after England silenced the doubters with their quarter-final win over Australia.
“He’s the sort of player whose brain doesn’t always know where his legs are carrying him.”
Nick Farr-Jones on Campese.
“Grandmother or tails, sir?”
To Princess Anne’s son Peter Phillips, Gordonstoun School’s rugby captain, for his pre-match coin-toss preference from an anonymous rugby referee in 1995.
And now for a few quips from our friends in New Zealand:
“Nobody in Rugby should be called a genius. A genius is a guy like Norman Einstein.” Jono Gibbs – Chiefs
“I’m going to graduate on time, no matter how long it takes.” Rodney So’ialo – Hurricanes on University
“You guys line up alphabetically by height.” and “You guys pair up in groups of three, then line up in a circle.” Colin Cooper – Hurricanes head coach
“I can’t really remember the names of the clubs that we went to.”
Chris Masoe (Hurricanes) on whether he had visited the Pyramids during his visit to Egypt
“He’s a guy who gets up at six o’clock in the morning regardless of what time it is.” Colin Cooper on Paul Tito
It’s basically the same, just darker.” Kevin Senio ( Auckland ), on Night Rugby vs Day Games
“I told him, ‘Son, what is it with you. Is it ignorance or apathy?’ He said, ‘David, I don’t know and I don’t care.’
David Nucifora ( Auckland ) talking about Troy Flavell
“I want to reach for 150 or 200 points this season, whichever comes first.”
David Holwell (Hurricanes) when asked about the upcoming season
“Andy Ellis – the 21 year old, who turned 22 a few weeks ago” Murray Mexted
“Colin has done a bit of mental arithmetic with a calculator.”Ma’a Nonu
“He scored that try after only 22 seconds – totally against the run of play.”Murray Mexted
“We actually got the winning try three minutes from the end but then they scored.”Phil Waugh – Waratahs
“I’ve never had major knee surgery on any other part of my body.” Jerry Collins
“That kick was absolutely unique, except for the one before it which was identical.” Tony Brown
“I owe a lot to my parents, especially my mother and father.” Tana Umaga
“Sure there have been injuries and deaths in rugby – but none of them serious.” Doc Mayhew
“If history repeats itself, I should think we can expect the same thing again.” Anton Oliver
“I would not say he (Rico Gear) is the best left winger in the Super 14, but there are none better.” Murray Mexted
“I never comment on referees and I’m not going to break the habit of a lifetime for that prat.” Ewan McKenzie
Murray Deaker: “Have you ever thought of writing your autobiography?” Tana Umaga: “On what?”
“Well, either side could win it, or it could be a draw.” Murray Mexted
“Strangely, in slow motion replay, the ball seemed to hang in the air for even longer.”Murray Mexted
21 May 2012, 23:29 pm
again with the Daniel in the Lions den analogies..
Little Daniel same player as little Luke.. so wtf is the difference.. one got a daddy that turned the other cheeky and the other one didn’t…
21 May 2012, 23:35 pm
@skopskiet(skopskiet)-202: AND the winner is Ewan McKenzie:
““I never comment on referees and I’m not going to break the habit of a lifetime for that prat.”
Farken aye!
21 May 2012, 23:35 pm
Daniel is a unique player that a talented Bok coach would harness.
He is unorthodox and special Let’s see.
NOTHING LIKE WATSON
21 May 2012, 23:35 pm
@skopskiet(skopskiet)-203: Puke is the difference… Simple.
And heart…
21 May 2012, 23:40 pm
@Heavens Game(Heavens Game)-201: De Villiers had a great game in the quarter-final. Wasn’t just the one break he was a constant threat if I remember right. Besides which I think we genuinely lack other contenders at outside centre for the Boks with De Jongh being the only other obvious choice. I’d also prefer De Villiers as captain over anyone else. Andries Coetzee is a fine talent that plays for the Lions, a natural footballer in my book but again there arent many other options that jump out at me besides the inevitable Habana, Pietersen that Meyer will choose.
21 May 2012, 23:42 pm
Why do I suspect a certain Mvovo will be mentioned next…
I’m traumatised by some of his defensive lapses when he last played for the Boks.
21 May 2012, 23:43 pm
@SpiesIsWorthless(SpiesIsWorthless)-207: Boks + Donkey = No Tries
Understand?
Coetzee is not in the same class of even his team mate, Taute… And Taute probably wont be a Bok sadly…
21 May 2012, 23:44 pm
Daniel – Watson – Hooper – Pocock
same player by a couple ball hairs either to the left or to the right
strange how suddenly Jake the g’dam Fake is all but crying his beloved love affair with Michael Hooper when in 2006 he was so blind to playing a fetcher he rather lose 49-0.. and waddaya know Michael Hooper is suddenly all the rage.. what happened to his bigger is better no fetcher required philosophy unless its beer fetching time?
Watson is almost identical player to Daniel.. same attributes.. similar leadership credentials.. in fact Watson might have had more .. and similar heart and similar head.. Watson was stronger especially at the ball steal and in the trenches, Daniel faster and more of an open game threat.. but Watson of 2005 +/- = Daniel of 2012.. only difference is the perception of the coaches and supporters that have changed.. and the ideological stand off ain’t standing in the way..
21 May 2012, 23:47 pm
@skopskiet(skopskiet)-210: Not even near the same…
Daniel is “new” in that he is classical “tearaway” plus back bettering ball skills that none of those loosies you mention even come close to…
Puke seems decidedly average in the company of that list…. SERIOUSLY
21 May 2012, 23:47 pm
Andries Coetsee would be a better full back or fly half than a wing.. but if wing is the only option to play him.. then like JdV and Frans Steyn started out there, A. C. I guess could do the same.
21 May 2012, 23:53 pm
@Heavens Game(Heavens Game)-211:
Daniel is the poor man’s Rob Louw….. SERIOUSLY- just think about it a bit.
21 May 2012, 23:57 pm
@Robzim(Robzim)-213: Daniels has got more BALLAS… Definitely.
And more intelligence… Which is not that hard when compared to Louw
SERIOUSLY
21 May 2012, 23:57 pm
we not comparing Watson of 2012.. Watson of 2012 is klaar and kaput.. pretty much like Burger and Juan Smith is.. and like Spies never was.. or Kankowski for that matter..
Today the game breakers are the youngsters..
Daniel – Hooper – Coetsee – Kolisi – Stander
But if you are denying that in 2005 Watson basically carried Sharks in pretty much all their games till John Smit had enough of having to realize that Watson was about to undermine his leadership or steal his cherry .. and JW’s stand off policies did the rest of the in depth character assassination among the boetie boetie shenanigans that went on in those change rooms.. then you just as brainwashed befuddled as the rest ..
Watson of 2005 in a personality perspective is almost a carbon copy of Daniel 2012 (apart from Daniel possessing more athletic speed to his game while Watson had much better ground ball breakdown infiltrating terrier like attributes and could hold and deliver and offload close to the advantage line better than Daniel does).
22 May 2012, 00:05 am
@skopskiet(skopskiet)-215: Watson 2005 was a cnt… Not a team man… Sharks were happy to see the back of him… Even better – he landed up at WP…Not much different to Watson of 2012… Still a twat by all accounts…
Oh how he and the Kings deserve one another… The “Martyr” and “his” team lol
22 May 2012, 00:05 am
@Heavens Game(Heavens Game)-214:
Rob was also a clasical tearaway flanker
He was certainly much faster than Daniel, without any doubt more skillfull.
Balls? Evens I would say, both have huge hearts.
Intelligence: On the field probably evens- off the field I cannot say.
The best tearaway flanker i have ever seen (nobody comes even close) was the Irishman called Fergus Slattery
Best rugby player i ever saw was Gareth Edwards.
22 May 2012, 00:10 am
@Robzim(Robzim)-217: You are positively dreaming or just farken mad…
Fark why dont we compare them all to Kruger or Kronfeld or Rives… Sheezus talk about having a randomized a.nal farken comparison…
22 May 2012, 00:16 am
@Heavens Game(Heavens Game)-218:
Farkit, i compared Daniel to Louw ( no need to compare him to the greats of the game) and then i mentioned two other great players just for interest sake.. What the fark are u on about?
Are you drunk or stoned or both?
22 May 2012, 00:17 am
Outtahere. Big day tomorrow… Action stations of note…
22 May 2012, 00:19 am
@Robzim(Robzim)-219: Lol, relax man… Louw was alright… But farken hell, we were comparing players circa 2012…and then you come and get all nostalgic… Twat
Outtahere
22 May 2012, 00:21 am
@Heavens Game(Heavens Game)-221:
I was just about to say something good aout Tommy Bedford,but then you pissed me off, lol
Cheers.
22 May 2012, 00:33 am
@Robzim(Robzim)-217: howdy robbo.
the sharks were glad to see the back of watson.
he left to join a team “with a chance of winning trophies”
look how that turned out?
22 May 2012, 05:46 am
@RL(RL)-173:
I absolutely understand why you are angry about the situation right now.
I absolutely understand why you dislike keo.
Where I agree with you is that the conflict of interest around Watson wise makes one question his objectivity wrt the Kings debate.
I am not happy about the conflict and I do perceive that it may have influenced his journalism.
But he is a journalist and should be commenting on the Kings debate. All journalists should be commenting on it.
But to accuse keo of being the puppet master or implying that it would not be a problem without him? No.
This is not a new problem. It goes back 5 years. SARU made a commercial deal with the government. Then they failed to negotiate well in SANZAR.
Now their chickens have come home to roost.
It’s not a new thing that this is SARUs fault. I have been on about this subject since the Spears. SARU dodged the bullet with the Spears but then made the same mistake on the next WCbid.
When the S15 format came out l2 years ago or more I was furious because of the blunder. Wind the clock forward 2 or more years and now we have the situation where 6 does not go into 5.
Direct your anger at the right target. For that see the Union Prez ( start with yours) and SARU who are appointed by the Union Prezs
I can’t even blame the government here. SARU did not even have to ask for government support on the WC. But a deal is a deal and all the Union Prezs are culpable to varying extents.
22 May 2012, 07:49 am
Funny how keow cannot resist a punt for his money men like Joe van Niekerk. The true Poison Dwarf for the Boks.
22 May 2012, 08:09 am
@Heavens Game(Heavens Game)-201:
Spot on!
22 May 2012, 08:32 am
HG @ 221
ROBZIM@222
Lets talk nostalgia.Mannetjies Roux best centre ever.Played against him vs PBHS
in 1954 Under 15 A. In days when try worth 3 points he scored more than
30 points against us.
Spent the rest of the season playing Under 15B.
22 May 2012, 08:33 am
@Biscuit(Biscuit)-224: Highbury Safika Media (HSM) is a publishing house boasting a portfolio of over 30 magazine titles and numerous online publications. Amongst these are SA Rugby Magazine and Keo.co.za – the website of Mark Keohane and other SA Rugby writers such as Ryan Vrede and Jon Cardinelli.
Keohane has been a public figure since his days as Springbok Communications Manager under the ill-fated reigns of both Harry Viljoen and Rudolph Streauli, until he resigned in protest over SARFU’s handling of the Geo Cronjé racism debacle involving Quinton Davids. Keohane went on to publish a book about the episode and the state of the Springboks in general, and was widely criticized by Springbok players (most notably Corné Krige) as deliberately attempting to sow division within their ranks and to undermine SA Rugby in general.
In recent times Keohane has been busying himself in the extensive business interests of HSM, as well as media relations of other entities, such as Jake White’s Winning Ways – a business partnership which ended in a heated law suit, kept hushed away out of the public sphere. Even more recently, however, HSM -and Mark Keohane in particular – were awarded the contract to manage the media, marketing and public relations of the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC). The awarding of this contract was never put up for tender, as is standard government procedure, but was rather awarded directly to HSM (although Keohane states that normal application took place, the fact remains it should have gone to tender).
And this is where the Keo connection begins to reveal itself.
During his time at SA Rugby, Mark Keohane worked alongside the likes of Rian Oberholzer (President of SARFU), Songezo Nayo (Managing Director), Gary Grant (Marketing Director) and the current president of SASCOC – Gideon Sam (Springbok Team Manager).
All four names mentioned above are currently directors of sports marketing company Accelerate Sports, with Gideon Sam being appointed as Chairman. Gideon Sam also serves on the Lotto Distribution Board, but excused himself when dealing with the funding grant to SA Cycling, a grant from which Accelerate Sport received commission to the tune of R 26 million – a blatant conflict of interest.
Accelerate Sport, through their subsidiary Access Facilities and Leisure Management (AFLM), were also awarded the contract as operations manager of the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium. It is reported that this contract brings in a whopping R 600 000 a month to the coffers of Accelerate. It is the duty of AFLM to source events to be staged at the stadium to generate revenue and keep the stadium sustainable.
And here the connection between rugby and Accelerate begins to become clear.
The contract between AFLM and the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro states that, above the R 600 000 a month, AFLM are to be awarded performance bonuses based on the revenue they generate, providing this amount exceeds R 12,5 million a year. The structure of this bonus is as follows:
The Operator will be paid 10% of any amount above R12.5 million but less than R15 million, and then:
· 12.5% of any amount in excess of R15 million but less than R20 million;
· 15% of any amount in excess of R20 million but less than R25 million; and
· 20% of any amount in excess of R25 million.
It is thus blatantly clear that it is in the best interests of Accelerate to find events which will draw spectators, such as concerts etc.
But what better way to ensure constant revenue, week after week, than playing host to a top tier sports team. If only the Eastern Cape had one.
But wait, Accelerate have strong ties to SARU, they do after all boast an ex-president in their ranks. Would it at this point seem ludicrous to suggest that Oberholzer, Sam, Grant and Nayo used their previous connections to SARU to, excuse the pun, accelerate the Kings’ inclusion in Super Rugby so as to ensure that their business interest was being looked after, leading to SARU’s shock announcement at the Heyneke Meyer press conference about the Kings’ guaranteed inclusion in Super Rugby for 2013? Surely not.
So where does Mark Keohane fit into all this?
Keohane has recently stepped up his anti – Lions rhetoric in his articles, and while not directly naming the Kings in his most recent one, it is clear where his views emanate from. The vested interest he has in servicing his ex-colleagues at SARU (SASCOC contracts etc.) has clearly skewed the views of an already overly opinionated man.
But wait, there’s more.
After the establishment of the Kings, the son of Cheeky Watson – president of the Eastern Province Rugby Union (under which the Kings operate) – Luke, was brought back from Bath to play for the Kings. In May 2011 HSM (with Mark Keohane again at the forefront) announced that it had decided to enter into the field of player management, a first for the publishing company. Furthermore it was announced that their first client would be none other than Luke Watson. Queue the Mark Keohane propaganda machine.
The cover of the very next SA Rugby magazine was adorned by – yes, you guessed it – Luke Watson, with the rather flattering caption “Return of the King”. This was to be only the start of the Keohane marketing hype surrounding Watson and the Kings.
At the same press conference where SARU dropped the Kings bombshell on an unsuspecting audience, Ryan Vrede, a HSM journalist, asked Heyneke Meyer if Luke Watson – a player languishing in the second tier of SA Rugby and who hasn’t been in Bok contention since mid-2008 – was a contender for the position of Springbok captain. These blatant attempts by Keohane to force the name of Luke Watson into mainstream media while he has done nothing to get it there serves to illustrate the hidden agenda and inherent corrupt nature of a man who has lived off the rise and fall of others for far too long.
Not only has the media machine being rolling for Luke Watson, but others being managed under yet another Accelerate Sport company – In-Site Athlete Management – have been enjoying a rise in publicity in SA Rugby magazine as well. Willem Alberts received some ego stroking in May 2011, as did another In-Site managed player -Joe van Niekerk – in March 2012, with the article stating that he is playing the best rugby of his career at Toulon. Buttering him up for a big money move back to SA perhaps?
It is clear that Keo’s connection into Accelerate stretches deep, with an “I’ll scratch your back you scratch mine” policy which benefits both sides. Gideon Sam made sure he looked after Mark with the awarding of the SASCOC account, Mark in turn ensures that the business interests of Accelerate Sport and its stakeholders remains in the mainstream media, and they all walk away happy.
The reason why Keo has gone on a Lions bashing campaign of late should come as no surprise when taking the above into account. Mark Keohane is no longer a journalist; he hasn’t been for quite a while. He is a businessman with a platform to promote his interests and those of others close to him, a platform which he uses selflessly and without shame.
He is a wolf in sheep’s clothing. He is the worm in the apple, and the rot starts with him.
Disclaimer
22 May 2012, 08:45 am
PBHS = Paarl Boys high.
Skop.Thanks for the humour.Regards.
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