Super Rugby preview – Round 14
25 May 2012
JON CARDINELLI and RYAN VREDE analyse the key match-ups and pick the winners at the weekend.
Cardinelli edged ahead with a string of accurate calls last week and Vrede is banking on win-calls for the Cheetahs and Stormers to get him back on track this week. They agree there’ll be more misery for the Lions in Perth and are both backing the Reds to win the massive Aussie derby in Canberra.
KEO.CO.ZA SUCCESS RATE
VREDE: 58/86 (67%)
JC: 60/86 (70%)
CHIEFS vs BULLS, HAMILTON, FRI 09:35
JC’S CALL: The Bulls desperately need this victory to complete a good tour and stay in touch with the Stormers at the top of the SA conference. The Chiefs need a win and more importantly an improved performance following shoddy showings against the Lions and Reds. Who will prosper? The Chiefs are coming off a bye, and the Bulls are into their fourth game of a taxing tour Down Under. They’ve received a boost with news that their two ailing flankers have recovered, but I still reckon that back row lacks balance and overall the pack may struggle to live with the Chiefs at the collisions. Scrumhalf Tawera Kerr-Barlow will also cause problems for the Bulls around the fringes, and once the Chiefs gather momentum, that inconsistent Bulls defence could be further exposed by Sonny Bill and co. Chiefs by 5
VREDE’S CALL: I think Francois Hougaard’s inability to deliver consistently good tactical kicks is going to be central to a Bulls defeat. Hougaard is undoubtedly talented and a force when given space to operate around the fringes or in open field. But with tactical kicking being so critical to the success of the Bulls’ game plan I don’t think Hougaard is the man to deliver the quality they need from the back of the ruck or scrum. In a contest with two evenly matched sides like this one is, a single score from a broken field situation can be decisive to the outcome and I think this will be the case in Hamilton. Chiefs by 7
Chiefs – 15 Andrew Horrell, 14 Lelia Masaga, 13 Jackson Willison, 12 Sonny Bill Williams, 11 Asaeli Tikoirotuma, 10 Aaron Cruden, 9 Tawera Kerr-Barlow, 8 Kane Thompson, 7 Tanerau Latimer, 6 Liam Messam, 5 Brodie Retallick, 4 Craig Clarke (c), 3 Ben Afeaki, 2 Hika Elliot, 1 Toby Smith.
Subs: 16 Mahonri Schwalger, 17 Arizona Taumalolo, 18 Michael Fitzgerald, 19 Sam Cane, 20 Brendon Leonard, 21 Robbie Robinson, 22 Maritino Nemani.
Bulls – Zane Kirchner, 14 Akona Ndungane, 13 Johann Sadie, 12 Wynand Olivier, 11 Bjorn Basson, 10 Morné Steyn, 9 Francois Hougaard, 8 Pierre Spies (c), 7 CJ Stander, 6 Dewald Potgieter, 5 Wilhelm Steenkamp, 4 Flip van der Merwe, 3 Werner Kruger, 2 Chiliboy Ralepelle, 1 Dean Greyling.
Subs: 16 Willie Wepener, 17 Rayno Gerber, 18 Juandré Kruger, 19 Arno Botha, 20 Jano Vermaak, 21 Louis Fouché, 22 JJ Engelbrecht.
HURRICANES vs REBELS, WELLINGTON, SAT 07:35
JC’S CALL: The Hurricanes have thrown away handy leads in games against the Cheetahs and more recently against the Brumbies. It is therefore hard to back them with any certainty, even though they are playing against one of the weaker teams in the competition at home. The Rebels are yet to win overseas but will be buoyed by their recent showings. Their forwards are firing and the magic touches of Kurtley Beale and the prodigious boot of Mark Gerrard are potentially match-winning. I’m still expecting the Hurricanes to win, and I’m sure the reinstatement of Beauden Barrett will provide more stability. It should be one of those games where the lead changes hands many times, and this may please Canes coach Mark Hammett. If his side can’t shoot to a commanding lead, there is no danger of complacency. The Canes will want a more consistent effort, and I reckon they have enough across the board to deny the Rebels. Hurricanes by 7
VREDE’S CALL: The Rebels don’t have the personnel or tactical intelligence to force the Canes into the cavalier attacks that make them vulnerable to turnovers and counter-strikes against an unset defensive line. They’ve contested well at the gainline in recent weeks and built their success on this. But the best they can hope for is parity in this facet of play in Wellington, with playmaker Kurtley Beale’s ability to dictate affairs curtailed as a result. The Canes, with the impressive Beauden Barrett back, won’t have such trouble and provided they earn the right to play expansively, they should win comfortably. Hurricanes by 9
Hurricanes – 15 Andre Taylor, 14 Alapati Leiua, 13 Conrad Smith (c), 12 Tim Bateman, 11 Julian Savea, 10 Beauden Barrett, 9 TJ Perenara, 8 Victor Vito, 7 Jack Lam, 6 Faifili Levave, 5 Jason Eaton, 4 Jeremy Thrush, 3 Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, 2 Dane Coles, 1 Ben May.
Subs: 16 Motu Matu’u, 17 Reg Goodes, 18 James Broadhurst, 19 Brad Shields, 20 Chris Eaton, 21 Tusi Pisi, 22 Jayden Hayward.
Rebels – 15 Julian Huxley, 14 Mark Gerrard, 13 Mitch Inman, 12 Lachlan Mitchell, 11 Cooper Vuna, 10 Kurtley Beale, 9 Nick Phipps, 8 Gareth Delve (c), 7 Tim Davidson, 6 Luke Jones, 5 Hugh Pyle, 4 Cadeyrn Neville, 3 Jono Owen, 2 Ged Robinson, 1 Nic Henderson.
Subs: 16 Adam Freier, 17 Rodney Blake, 18 Al Campbell, 19 Tom Chamberlain, 20 Richard Kingi, 21 James Hilgendorf, 22 Stirling Mortlock.
BLUES vs HIGHLANDERS, AUCKLAND, SAT 09:35
JC’S CALL: The Highlanders have a fantastic opportunity. They recorded an important win against the Bulls last week, and a five-pointer against this Blues side would prove a massive boost to their play-off ambitions. Blues coach Pat Lam has benched his misfiring stars, but the new faces will still be under pressure to win at Eden Park. The pack will struggle against a hard-nosed Highlanders unit that excels at the counter-ruck and lives for the battle at close quarters. On the other hand, the Highlanders can be devastating when they shift ruck turnovers wide, with men like Ben Smith proving hard to put down. Highlanders by 12
VREDE’S CALL: The Blues’ season has reached a new low with a number of players struggling or ruled out through injury and their All Blacks trio of Ali Williams, Piri Weepu and Ma’a Nonu dropped to the bench (the official line is they are being rested). The Highlanders are superior in all facets of play and their abrasive forwards will create the platform for the backline to rip the Blues to shreds. Highlanders by 12
Blues – 15 Hadleigh Parkes, 14 David Raikuna, 13 Francis Saili, 12 Michael Hobbs, 11 Sherwin Stowers, 10 Gareth Anscombe, 9 Alby Mathewson, 8 Peter Saili/Luke Braid (c), 7 Luke Braid/Daniel Braid, 6 Steven Luatua, 5 Filo Paulo, 4 Liaki Moli, 3 Tevita Mailau, 2 James Parsons, 1 Tony Woodcock.
Subs: 16 Tom McCartney, 17 Angus Ta’avao, 18 Ali Williams, 19 Daniel Braid / Peter Saili / Danny Pryor, 20 Piri Weepu, 21 Ma’a Nonu, 22 Lachie Munro.
Highlanders – 15 Ben Smith, 14 Kurt Baker, 13 Tamati Ellison, 12 Phil Burleigh, 11 Hosea Gear, 10 Chris Noakes, 9 Jimmy Cowan, 8 Nick Crosswell, 7 Tim Boys, 6 Adam Thomson, 5 Hoani MacDonald, 4 Jarrad Hoeata, 3 Ma’afu Fia, 2 Andrew Hore, 1 Jamie Mackintosh (c).
Subs: 16 Jason Rutledge, 17 Bronson Murray, 18 Josh Bekhuis, 19 Scott Fuglistaller, 20 Aaron Smith, 21 Mike Delany, 22 Kenny Lynn.
BRUMBIES vs REDS, CANBERRA, SAT 11:40
JC’S CALL: The words ‘cracking’ and ‘derby’ will never be used ahead of an all-Aussie contest. Nevertheless, this game should be closely contested with two well-coached teams jousting for a result that will hand them pole position in the Australian conference. The Brumbies welcome back scrumhalf Nic White, the fulcrum of their attack and kicking game. Both teams will fight for field position, but it is the Reds who may have the edge at the collisions. This should allow Liam Gill and Beau Robinson to enjoy more success at the breakdown, be it in the form of turnovers or slowing the opponent’s ball at ruck time. And when Will Genia and Quade Cooper receive the necessary platform, the Reds will dominate the kicking contest and eventually put points past the Brumbies. Reds by 6
VREDE’S CALL: I underestimated just how well coached this Brumbies team is when I called the Hurricanes to beat them last week, but Jake White has forged them into a highly efficient and formidable unit. I fear, however, that the loss of key strike runner Fotu Auelua will seriously undermine their ability to generate momentum at the gainline, while the absence of an accomplished tactical kicker will be terminal to their cause. The Reds will match them physically on defence and pin them in their half through tactical kicking, forcing errors and building their lead through penalties before their superiority shines through when the game opens up in the final quarter. Reds by 8
Brumbies – 15 Jesse Mogg, 14 Henry Speight, 13 Andrew Smith, 12 Pat McCabe, 11 Joe Tomane, 10 Zack Holmes, 9 Nic White, 8 Ben Mowen, 7 Michael Hooper, 6 Peter Kimlin, 5 Scott Fardy, 4 Sam Carter, 3 Dan Palmer, 2 Stephen Moore, 1 Ben Alexander.
Subs: 16 Anthony Hegarty, 17 Ruaidhri Murphy, 18 Leon Power, 19 Ita Vaea, 20 Ian Prior, 21 Robbie Coleman, 22 Tevita Kuridrani.
Reds – TBC
FORCE vs LIONS, PERTH, SAT 13:40
JC’S CALL: Those who thought they had witnessed the worst of the worst when the Blues hosted the Lions are in for a nasty surprise. This will be the clanger of the competition. Will the Force’s hatred of their former mentor, John Mitchell, be enough to inspire a better performance? Will Mitchell’s inside information tell in how the Lions perform? The Mitchell factor may spice up what is a dour contest, but when that first whistle blows, the players will be left to their own devices, and let’s face it, accuracy and discipline hasn’t been their forte. The Lions have the better goal-kicker in Elton Jantjies, but the Force have the more settled set piece and their efforts at the collisions will nullify a player like Derick Minnie. Force by 9
VREDE’S CALL: Mitchell brings his travelling circus to familiar turf and they’ll suffer a familiar result. After a torturous tour the Lions players arrive in Perth in body alone, with their minds already cast to the trip home. I don’t believe they will rouse themselves to the level of performance needed to down the Force. Expect an error-laden match as both teams abandon structure in favour of an expansive brand. Whoever makes less handling errors and misses less tackles will set themselves up for the win. Cardinelli correctly highlights Jantjies’ goal-kicking as being superior to his counterpart’s, but it is the only area the Lions are ahead in. It will be painful to watch but thankfully we won’t be subjected to the garbage the Lions serve up on the road any longer. Wait, they’re useless no matter where they play. Anyway… Force by 7
Western Force – 15 Alfie Mafi, 14 Nick Cummins, 13 Will Tupou, 12 Rory Sidey, 11 Napolioni Nalaga, 10 Ben Seymour, 9 Brett Sheehan, 8 Ben McCalman, 7 David Pocock (c), 6 Matt Hodgson, 5 Nathan Sharpe, 4 Toby Lynn, 3 Salesi Ma’afu, 2 Nathan Charles, 1 Pek Cowan.
Subs: 16 Elvis Taione, 17 Salesi Manu, 18 Phoenix Battye, 19 Richard Brown, 20 Lachlan McCaffrey, 21 Josh Holmes, 22 David Harvey.
Lions – 15 Andries Coetzee, 14 Deon van Rensburg, 13 Lionel Mapoe, 12 Jaco Taute, 11 Michael Killian, 10 Elton Jantjies, 9 Tian Meyer, 8 Joshua Strauss (c), 7 Grant Hattingh, 6 Derick Minnie, 5 Ruan Botha, 4 Franco van der Merwe, 3 Pat Cilliers, 2 Callie Visagie, 1 CJ van der Linde.
Subs: 16 Martin Bezuidenhout, 17 JC Janse van Rensburg, 18 Cobus Grobbelaar, 19 Jaco Kriel, 20 Ross Cronje, 21 Ruan Combrinck, 22 James Kamana.
CHEETAHS vs WARATAHS, BLOEMFONTEIN, SAT 17:05
JC’S CALL: The Cheetahs have already begun that characteristic latter season descent into mediocrity, and they may come short against a limited Waratahs team as well. They haven’t been the same side since Johan Goosen was ruled out with injury with neither Sias Ebersohn or Riaan Smit capable of playing that crucial tactical kicking role. Piet van Zyl is another who prefers to run or pass rather than kick, and while the Waratahs defence will need to be on top form, they will hope the Cheetahs persist with expansive tactics. The Waratahs pack has the physicality to match that of the Cheetahs and in Berrick Barnes the visitors have a man capable of kicking them into good field positions. The Stormers escaped with a win against this Tahs side last week, the Cheetahs won’t be so lucky. Waratahs by 8
VREDE’S CALL: How sterile was the Tahs’ attack at Newlands last week? And while they won’t be confronted with a defence of the Stormers’ calibre I don’t believe they will make the attacking improvements they need to beat the Cheetahs. Expect Heinrich Brüssow to be more effective at the breakdown than he has been to date as the Tahs’ lack of attacking synergy sees runners isolate themselves. The Cheetahs will thrive in this loose environment and steal it with a couple of scores from broken field. Cheetahs by 5
Cheetahs – 15 Hennie Daniller, 14 Rocco Jansen, 13 Robert Ebersohn, 12 Andries Strauss, 11 Willie le Roux, 10 Riaan Smit, 9 Piet van Zyl, 8 Philip van der Walt, 7 Ashley Johnson, 6 Heinrich Brüssow, 5 Andries Ferreira, 4 Izak van der Westhuizen, 3 WP Nel, 2 Adriaan Strauss (c), 1 Coenie Oosthuizen.
Subs: 16 Hercu Liebenberg, 17 Trevor Nyakane, 18 Francois Uys, 19 Justin Downey, 20 Tewis de Bruyn, 21 Sias Ebersohn, 22 Philip Snyman.
Waratahs – 15 Bernard Foley, 14 Tom Kingston, 13 Rob Horne, 12 Adam Ashley-Cooper, 11 Drew Mitchell, 10 Berrick Barnes, 9 Brendan McKibbin, 8 Wycliff Palu, 7 Chris Alcock, 6 Dave Dennis, 5 Kane Douglas, 4 Sitaleki Timani, 3 Sekope Kepu, 2 Tatafu Polota-Nau, 1 Benn Robinson (c).
Subs: 16 John Ulugia, 17 Jeremy Tilse, 18 Richard Stanford, 19 Lopeti Timani, 20 Sarel Pretorius, 21 Daniel Halangahu, 22 Tom Carter.
SHARKS vs STORMERS, DURBAN, SAT 19:10
JC’S CALL: Both teams have enjoyed a good run of results, but the results aren’t a definitive indicator of form. The Sharks have improved with each match while the punch-drunk Stormers are operating with a makeshift pack. They will travel to Durban determined to win the collisions and provide their backs with good go-forward ball, but may fail against superior physical exponents like Bismarck du Plessis, The Beast and Willem Alberts. Apart from their depleted back row, overplayed forwards like Andries Bekker and Steven Kitshoff have started to look tired in recent matches, which is not a good sign ahead of such a brutal battle. John Plumtree has picked a five-two bench which should ensure the Sharks maintain their physical intensity, and has also selected a backline with plenty of kicking and attacking options. Freddie Michalak has turned in some controlled displays at No 10 while Pat Lambie will vary his play from fullback. The Stormers may be hoping to expose a Sharks defence that is still not up to standard, but the Cape side may struggle for forward ascendancy and the fact that their own attack is misfiring does not inspire confidence. Sharks by 5
VREDE’S CALL: It won’t be pretty but the Stormers won’t care. Defence will win this one for them against a Sharks side who don’t have the attacking arsenal to erode their granitic defence. Certainly in Beast Mtawarira, Bismarck du Plessis and Marcell Coetzee the hosts have potentially destructive ball-carriers, but the Stormers have shown their capacity to keep a check on runners of their quality and will do so once more to deny the Sharks the attacking momentum they need to unleash their back division effectively. Frederic Michalak will struggle behind a bunch of heavies losing the collisions, while his side won’t have much joy at lineouts either. This leaves the scrums as their best launch but the Stormers will quell that threat easily. Their superior kicking game will pin the Sharks in their territory and force them into errors with their powerful phase play. Peter Grant’s boot will keep their score ticking over, with the odd trip across the whitewash helping to give the Stormers the win they so desperately need. Stormers by 7
Sharks – 15. Pat Lambie, 14. JP Pietersen, 13. Paul Jordaan, 12. Meyer Bosman, 11. Lwazi Mvovo, 10. Freddie Michalak, 9. Charl McLeod, 8. Keegan Daniel (c), 7. Willem Alberts, 6. Marcell Coetzee, 5. Anton Bresler, 4. Steven Sykes, 3. Jannie du Plessis, 2. Bismarck du Plessis, 1. Tendai Mtawarira.
Subs: 16. Craig Burden, 17. Wiehahn Herbst, 18. Pieter-Steph du Toit, 19. Ryan Kankowski, 20. Jacques Botes, 21. Odwa Ndungane, 22. Louis Ludik.
Stormers – 15 Gio Aplon, 14 Gerhard van den Heever, 13 Juan de Jongh, 12 Jean de Villiers (c), 11 Bryan Habana, 10 Peter Grant, 9 Dewaldt Duvenage, 8 Jebb Sinclair, 7 Rynhardt Elstadt, 6 Siya Kolisi, 5 Andries Bekker, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Brok Harris, 2 Tiaan Liebenberg, 1 Steven Kitshoff.
Subs: 16 Deon Fourie, 17 Frans Malherbe, 18 De Kock Steenkamp, 19 Don Armand, 20 Nick Fenton-Wells, 21 Louis Schreuder, 22 Burton Francis.
184 Comments
24 May 2012, 12:52 pm
Big game dragons . . . .
24 May 2012, 13:04 pm
Whitehead is a big loss for the Sharks. A Freddie-Bosman combo does not inspire defensive confidence.
24 May 2012, 13:10 pm
Chiefs
Hurricanes
Highlanders
Reds
Force
Cheetahs
Stormers
Full house for Vrede!
24 May 2012, 13:12 pm
With the Stormers best kicker out, Vrede still thinks the Stormers have the superior kicking game …
24 May 2012, 13:16 pm
The Sharks vs Stormers game will be won by the collisions… And Vrede… Stormers superior kicking game?? Really? Grant? Aplon? Vs Fred, Lambie and Bosman??? No ways
24 May 2012, 13:26 pm
@Bokhoring(Bokhoring)-4:
Grant is far more consistant at place kicking than Pieterson,and the kokkerot has a great left boot on him from the back,would prefer to see him run it tho’,that’ll have sharkie fans gasping for breath.
24 May 2012, 13:29 pm
have funny feeling you guys be wrong about Rebels – team on rise
Blues to lose by 20+
24 May 2012, 13:30 pm
@Superbru(Superbru)-6: Read again – Vrede is referring to the Stormers superior tactical kicking game – pinning the Sharks in their half
24 May 2012, 13:31 pm
@Bokhoring(Bokhoring)-8: Nobody disputes Grant’s good goal kicking from 40m out
24 May 2012, 13:32 pm
Do the Blues players still bother showing up for training practice??
24 May 2012, 13:34 pm
@Superbru(Superbru)-6: yeah, but Grant only kicks it from 20m out.
@Bokhoring(Bokhoring)-9: that’s beyond his range
24 May 2012, 13:35 pm
@trupisero(trupisero)-11: I was in a generous mood
24 May 2012, 13:37 pm
@Bokhoring(Bokhoring)-8: Oh,I see,then he talks about how desperate the Stormers are to win but surely it’s the Sharkies that are the most desperate of the 2 teams
24 May 2012, 13:37 pm
Brumbies at home will be hard to beat this season – Jake the snake will have more savy than McKensie
24 May 2012, 13:37 pm
Grant takes a lot of good ball for himself.
also, slowest 10 in S15 – no footspeed at all.
24 May 2012, 13:37 pm
Brumbies vs Reds aint in Brisbane- but rather Canberra!
That swings my vote in the way of Jake’s boys.
Sharks vs Stormers will be the business!
24 May 2012, 13:39 pm
@Superbru(Superbru)-13: Yip, Stormers could afford to drop the match – provided they beat the Bulls next week. Sharks cannot
24 May 2012, 13:44 pm
@Bokhoring(Bokhoring)-17: At this stage dropping a match will be suicide – you need home advantage for the semis
24 May 2012, 13:45 pm
@CenturionShark (aka LondonShark)(londonshark)-2:
Agreed – the question for Saturday is simply this. Which is the biggest handicap? a) The Sharks midfield defence with Bosman and Frenchie, or b) The tiredness of the over played Stormers pack v fresher Sharks forwards
24 May 2012, 13:47 pm
@stew(stew)-18: In my opinion you need to be at the top of the log to win it, unless another SA team can knock #1 out in the semis
24 May 2012, 13:47 pm
@greatest13gerber(greatest13gerber)-15: Not so sure. He is quite quick over 10-15m (as seen with a few tries he scored close to line), but certainly has no real pace over 20m plus.
24 May 2012, 13:49 pm
Bulls
Canes
Landers
Brunbies
Lions
Tahs
Draw (low scoring no tries)
24 May 2012, 13:51 pm
@Mongril(Mongril)-19: It is no handicap for the sharks as they will be tackling tight forwards not other midfielders.
24 May 2012, 13:56 pm
@Airwell(Airwell)-23: Would you like to put a wager on Aplon or Habana scoring by cutting from blindside through Sharks 10, 12 channel? Or (like last year) JdV simply running past Bosman while he is looking at the stadium scoreboard?
24 May 2012, 13:59 pm
@Mongril(Mongril)-24: That is not there gameplan this year. It is to keep it among the forwards playing low risk rugby and milking penalties.
24 May 2012, 14:04 pm
@Mongril(Mongril)-24: You may find Brok and Bekker in the way
24 May 2012, 14:15 pm
If the Stormers do win on Saturday, expect an article from Cardinelli the likes of which you have never read before.
Citing the bravery of the ‘one foot in the grave Stormers’ and how they managed to pull through against all odds with a ‘severely depleted side’.
You have a full strength Stormers side JC, bar the back row. Deal with it.
I didnt see you making any excuses for the first game when the Sharks were without Deysel, Alberts, Beast, Kanko and Whitehead.
24 May 2012, 14:16 pm
Monday we’ll chat – meet you on game thread talking about tired Stormers forwards and poor Sharks midfiled defence
24 May 2012, 14:21 pm
@Airwell(Airwell)-25: That was our game-plan last year as well, EXCEPT when we played the Sharks. Bosman is the only person on the planet who can ‘force’ the Stormers to change their game-plan.
24 May 2012, 14:27 pm
Chiefs
Hurricanes
Highlanders
Brumbies
Force
Waratahs
Sharks
24 May 2012, 14:29 pm
Look here is some nick names me and friends use for players to spice the rivalry…some we got here! Sharks:
Beast
Pumpedipumppump
einamyfokkinarmekis’ndokter Jannie
Waar is daniels…wag wag….ek het op hom getrap!
Freddy misstackle
Turnstile Bosman
Coconut mvovo
Skilferkop lambie Stormers
Vlamme kitshof
Solid as a brock
popgun grant
banana aftree pakket habana of leprechaun altyd lucky
Pantoffel
donkey JDV
Gifappeltjie Gio
Other teams
DP oosthuizen (Coenie doodpoes)
Crusty the clown Kirchner
Spuitnaald SPies
Tappit tor Francois hougaard
Meisiekind wynand What nicknames do you have?
24 May 2012, 14:29 pm
@Superbru(Superbru)-13: The Stormers are aiming to top the conference, that alone makes them pretty desperate.
But I agree, they should not pile any pressure on themselves. It is an away game, after all…
24 May 2012, 14:33 pm
@Hoops(Hoops)-31:
Other nics I’ve heard for some players:
einamyfokkinarmekis’ndokter Jannie – Janniekannieskrummie
Coconut mvovo – Volvo
Vlamme kitshof – Gemmer
Solid as a brock – B-rock
Gifappeltjie Gio – Appeltone
Crusty the clown Kirchner – Stokkies, Simpson
Meisiekind wynand What nicknames do you have? – Timotei
24 May 2012, 14:41 pm
It is nice to spice it up sometimes!
Especially when you watch with friends who also realize it is just a game after all!
24 May 2012, 14:57 pm
@Hoops(Hoops)-34: Spyker Bekker
Niknak Kirchner
24 May 2012, 14:58 pm
@Hoops(Hoops)-34: Coenie doodpoes bly maar die beste een
24 May 2012, 15:11 pm
@willievz(willievz)-36:
Ja Dp sal jy nie gou beat nie!
Ander wat daar is :
Predator – Nonu
Fester – Pieter Dixon
Bieber – oconnor
Tony – Digby…he has no shints, just toe and knees – tony
24 May 2012, 15:15 pm
@Hoops(Hoops)-37: @Hoops(Hoops)-37: Doos Reid
24 May 2012, 15:55 pm
Bulls by 5
‘canes by 9
‘landers by 8
Brumbies by 8
Force by 10
Cheetahs by 4
Sharks by 3
Read it and weep
24 May 2012, 16:22 pm
Deon Fourie should come on as early as half time as an open side flank.
24 May 2012, 16:27 pm
“Sharks side who don’t have the attacking arsenal to erode their granitic defence”
LOL…
The same Sharks side who have scored more tries in their last 2 games than the Stormers have the entire season?
Hehehehe…
POP…
24 May 2012, 16:33 pm
Move Etsebeth to 8th Man on 60 , replace Bekker with De Kock on 60; and bring on Fourie on 45 to give Kolisi a rest. Stormers will thrive!
24 May 2012, 16:36 pm
And checkmate to Plumtree…
Negate the Stormers dumbfck kick and chase with a strong back three and invite a run at 10 / 12…
Stormers lose the ball by Bissy turnovers leaving the best counterattacking side in the comp to rip them to shreds.
Sharks aint gonna kick the ball either… Its wrecking ball bosh straight at Grant and Donkey all day…
Fark me this is going to be +10 Sharks way, possibly +15 and even +20 not totally out of the question…
Blowout time…
Stormers been on their knees last 2 games and been more than fortunate with home town reffing… The only thing that may keep the game close is Peyper, but I reckon even he cant be blatant enough to ensure the Stormers win.
24 May 2012, 16:40 pm
@Heavens Game(Heavens Game)-43:
Must be a lekker season for Durban Poison! LMAO.
24 May 2012, 16:43 pm
Seeing that the Stormers are going to be playing Kolisi with an injury, I just hope they pull the guy out before he really gets hurt… Sharks at the moment most physical team in the tourny at KP… Its going to be relentless… and if Kolisi is fcked up for the rest of the season then the blame rests solely on ACs shoulders.
I reckon that laaitie Kitshoff better be careful too because he has been played into the turf – last game he looked out of sorts against the Tahs – it aint gonna be pretty against the best front row in Super Rugby…
24 May 2012, 16:45 pm
Watch for the Donkey De Villiers customary injury when the going gets tough and Stormers are behind with no way back… Guaranteed.
24 May 2012, 16:50 pm
@Atlas(Atlas)-39:
Snap!
Cant really be bothered to comment here, but the looming annihilation of the briesies by the bulls in 2 weeks time is just tooo mouthwatering to resist. Really shove it down the throats of some of these innie chutney of gladnie stormer supporter f uck wits. Remember 74-10 it is on the cards again.
this weekend the briesie slide starts. They got lucky against the Bulls, cheatas and the Tahs in particular.
Bulls to top SA conference (and go on to take it), Sharks second.
24 May 2012, 16:52 pm
Elstadt will have Bissy for breakfast. It is going to be Bissy’s end of season. Chilliboy for Bokke
24 May 2012, 16:53 pm
The only thing that makes me so farken livid this season is the yellow bellies shown by many fairweather Sharks fans… Especially those punks at Sharksworld… With fans like those who needs enemies… Dumbtree this, Strooli that, its almost like they are pissedoff that the Sharks are winning well… This type of Sharks fan is a farken embarrassment… NO DOUBT…. They have been calling for Plums head most of the season, they have slated Daniel as Captain and they have hated Fred… All because of the “standards” they believe the Dynamite should be playing at… Well, if Sharks get a home playoff or bygod a home semi, then fcked if I will let them live down there treasonous bullshit…
Farken traitorous twats.
24 May 2012, 16:56 pm
@KeurboomPark(KeurboomPark)-48: You better hope your Grren Lantern superhero Elstadt can cut it come Saturday because Sharks bruisers got some Redemption and Old Testament waiting at Kings Park…
24 May 2012, 16:58 pm
@Heavens Game(Heavens Game)-43: Just please stick around for the humble pie.
And the only donkey around here is you.
24 May 2012, 17:00 pm
It will be a cracker. I wouldn’t count my chickens on this one. Sadly, It will get ugly, and that will be disappointing for those who watch rugby for the right reasons.
24 May 2012, 17:02 pm
@Heavens Game(Heavens Game)-45: That could backfire on AC playing Kolisi with a shoulder injury.
24 May 2012, 17:03 pm
@Puma(Puma)-53: Ja, let’s hope it’s ok. They need to spread misinformation to the Sharks about which shoulder it is
24 May 2012, 17:04 pm
But the Sharks were made strong
By the hand of the almighty
We forward in this generation
Triumphantly
Won’t you help to sing
These songs of dynamite?
‘Cause all I ever have
Redemption songs
Redemption songs
Emancipate yourselves from mental slavery
None but ourselves can free our minds…
Yup… Free your minds Breezers… Shark redemption Saturday and a whole lotta hurt, revenge and karma coming your way all at the same time…
You just better pray that injuries are not too cattstrophic after the game… Because this could be the game that fubars your team beyond all recognition.
And before you know it.
POOF!
Season over for the Breezers.
24 May 2012, 17:04 pm
Sharks are jus like their women: Loose and washed up. It takes a Capey to slap these gintus into line.
24 May 2012, 17:05 pm
@Heavens Game(Heavens Game)-55:
Chilompie Rasta
24 May 2012, 17:08 pm
@Puma(Puma)-53: Yup… It will not be pretty if this is the case… Feel sorry for the guy… He is a real talent…
Just hope he isnt a long term “was” after the weekend…
24 May 2012, 17:09 pm
@wpjoulekkading(wpjoulekkading)-54: hehe. Don’t worry Alberts won’t care which shoulder it is…………hehehe
Might only be a niggle, otherwise doubt he would have started. If it is worse than I think then AC is making a mistake starting him. Could cause a serious injury.
24 May 2012, 17:10 pm
@KeurboomPark(KeurboomPark)-56: Issit… Jouma se…
Daai toolbox dy.kes van Kaapstad af, are “hung like a doughnut”….
24 May 2012, 17:11 pm
@Heavens Game(Heavens Game)-58: For sure Kolisi is playing great rugby. Doubt he will see the 80min though even if it is a niggle.
What you think of leaving Deysel out? Feel a bit disappointed he is not on the bench to be honest. Just can’t understand why he was left out, unless they needed lock cover with PSDT.
24 May 2012, 17:12 pm
@KeurboomPark(KeurboomPark)-56:
Let’s stick to rugby, KP.
24 May 2012, 17:12 pm
@Heavens Game(Heavens Game)-49: Just a question. Are you happy about the fact that a team with what 14 bokke are just barely in the play offs right now?
That they throw away home games, have a captain who doesn`t take charge and select the worst center in SA on a regular basis? Okay I know Whitehead is injured so this weekend they haven`t really got a choice although Lambie at center and Ludik 15 would`ve been the safe option.
If you`re happy with all that then you`re probably satisfied with ” reaching the play-offs ” every year.
Not good enough for me I`m afraid.
I want results from what once was the most professional rugby union in the country.
24 May 2012, 17:14 pm
@Heavens Game(Heavens Game)-60:
Tsek! You’s got nothing on Clifton on Boxing Day. Paradise my man. Saw Snor there last time, hitting a hookah
24 May 2012, 17:16 pm
OK. We can all play the game now
Keep the Cape in Shape!
24 May 2012, 17:16 pm
@Jinx2(Jinx2)-64: hahahaha. That was funny…
24 May 2012, 17:18 pm
Got my tickets for the game. I’ll be wearing a black Sharks t-shirt with the words “If it moves tackle it” if any Stormers fans want to take a liberty.
Got a driver to take us down and bring us back..schweeeeet! Dronk stories of note.
24 May 2012, 17:21 pm
@Original-Pierre(Original-Pierre)-63: When have we selected the worst centre (this year) on a regular basis? Plum tried out JPP with Whitehead and it never worked for JPP at 13 he eventually shifted him back to 14. This weekend we have no choice but much like I said on Sharksworld, if we gonna mess Lambie about by starting him at fb then I would rather have taken the chance with Lambie at 12 and Ludik at fb. You know that could still happen during the game. If Bosman don’t perform Lambie can be shifted to 12 with Ludik on the bench we are covered at fb.
You think Deysel was left out because we needed PSDT to cover lock? I would have liked to have seen Deysel this week on the bench again.
24 May 2012, 17:22 pm
@Great White Shark(Predawn)-67: Great man enjoy it.
24 May 2012, 17:22 pm
@Jinx2(Jinx2)-64:
You are rasist!
24 May 2012, 17:23 pm
@Puma(Puma)-61: Lock cover definitely. Du Toit obviously looking good and Plum is giving chaps in form an opportunity no matter the player’s rep… Eg Botes over Alberts last few games, Daniel over Kanko and Coetzee King of the Castle at the moment. Also Fred played farken well last week and the backs were zinging as a result… Best of both worlds if Fred can do a repeat and Pat at the back to really solidify the back 3 to counter the Stormers aerial skop skiet en donner.
I like his selection. Pity about Whitehead because he and Jordaan were looking like an awesome combo but I reckon a Fred/Bosman combo is not half bad especially if Bosman has something to prove… Those sweet passes of his out wide might make some good space for Jordaan and the back 3 too…
24 May 2012, 17:27 pm
@KeurboomPark(KeurboomPark)-56: hows your woman sonny?
you think talking like that is reasonable you fukking cnut, take your loose women comment and shove it up your loose a s s brokeback.
you sound like a rapist pig.
ah, much better now. lets all just try and be reasonable about this shall we?
24 May 2012, 17:30 pm
@Original-Pierre(Original-Pierre)-63: Season is not over… Sharks win this game on Sat and like magic they could be effectively ahead of the Stormers bearing in mind a bye still to come after the Internationals.
Lions will be tough but they should win that one too…
And then what… What happens if the Sharks get a home semi… Pooh pooh but it is possible…
Then who will be the real Dumbtree, hey? Definitely not Plum, thats for sure… When that happens hopefully those treasonous little excuses for Sharks “fans” will go give themselves an excellent Poesklap for being the faithless dunces theyve shown themselves to be.
24 May 2012, 17:30 pm
@Puma(Puma)-69:
Where are you watching boet?
24 May 2012, 17:30 pm
@Jinx2(Jinx2)-64: LOL
24 May 2012, 17:31 pm
@KeurboomPark(KeurboomPark)-70:
Keurboom is lining himself up to be banned as well..keep on flaming and see where it gets you.
24 May 2012, 17:34 pm
@Puma(Puma)-68: Too right Pooms… And I actually wouldnt at all be surprised if Meyer tries the same thing at 13 with either of JJE, JPP or Taute…
6 wings, 4 FBs and only 4 centres named.
I reckon Bok 13 could be a real Heyneke Jack in the Box
24 May 2012, 17:35 pm
i founds jc’s little lament about injury in his prediction quite amusing given the fact that the stormers are allegedly playing kolisi with an injury?
as for ryans little fairytale, it was quite enlightening really.
sure, the stormers may well win this weekend and good luck to them (personally i think the sharks will edge a titanic battle) but it will not be for the following reasons listed by ryan:
1. Sharks side who don’t have the attacking arsenal to erode their granitic defence
2.Frederic Michalak will struggle behind a bunch of heavies losing the collisions, while his side won’t have much joy at lineouts either.
3.This leaves the scrums as their best launch but the Stormers will quell that threat easily.
4.Their superior kicking game will pin the Sharks in their territory and force them into errors with their powerful phase play
5.the odd trip across the whitewash helping to give the Stormers the win they so desperately need
cmon chaps, this is such a load of twaddle surely even dogboy will admit its like a 3 yr olds christmas wishlist?
but we can discuss these rugby points without insulting each other surely?
24 May 2012, 17:37 pm
@Heavens Game(Heavens Game)-71: Bosman is playing better this year have to admit. Though Fred can have a great few games and then have a real bad one. Not consistent like Lambie is. I would have prefered Lambie at fh, to be honest. Lambie is always consistent and his defence is better than Freds. BUT if Freddie plays like last week then that would be great.
Yip I thought that could be the only reason Deysel is left out for PSDT to cover lock as well as flank. I personally may have left out Kanko and left Deysel on the bench against the Stormers.
Anyhow no matter what I am behind our boys, but really enjoyed the consistent selection. Consistentsy always brings success. Need rotation of course to stop the injuries, but we have only been consistent in selection a few times this year. Mostly due to injuries though.
24 May 2012, 17:38 pm
@rangerman(rangerman)-72: Howzit Ranger,
I just ignore fools like that, they just want a response. But well said anyhow bud.
24 May 2012, 17:41 pm
@Puma(Puma)-79: daft meant – consistency
24 May 2012, 17:42 pm
@Puma(Puma)-79: But Plum has been consistent… Especially since the chaps returned from tour – consistently rewarding performance…
Nothing motivates a player more than knowing he has a chance to stake a claim when he gets his chance… That is how I see Plums selections.
You mess up – youre out, especially if a competitor is playing well. You play well, if given a chance, and you stay… nothing wrong with that….
24 May 2012, 17:43 pm
@Puma(Puma)-79:
Definitely a big risk playing Freddie at 10 for this game. If I read it correctly though the The Sharks boffins are anticipating that the Stormers will be bombarding our fullback with up and unders. I’m expecting a lot of kicks by Grant.
This game is going to be like pingpong chess.
24 May 2012, 17:44 pm
ok, let me start then…
1. attacking arsenal seems a little ironic coming from a stormers fan?
(you all know why, dont make us sharkies spell it out for you, it isnt our fault ok?)
2.a bunch of heavies losing the collisions? which heavies are these that will be losing the collisions? is this oke a bit slow? the stormers backrow is as fragile as the skin on day old custard at the moment and if ryan thinks the sharks front row is poor, the bok front row bear in mind, then he needs a holiday. and bekker is also carrying an injury. and tiaan is ok at lineouts, deon is a scattergun lol.
3. “will quell that threat easily” wow! incisive, intelligent, brilliant! what a journalist, what a loadakuk.
4.superior kicking game? sure, joe p at the back was a great counterfoil to lambie but grant cant kick his way out of a bag. seriously.
5. any trip across the whitewash will indeed be odd based on the stormers season so far, who knows, maybe it all comes together on sat? or not?
it will be acracker
24 May 2012, 17:46 pm
@Great White Shark(Predawn)-74: From the Club boet. Would have gone to the game, but not the best seats available. I could have got seats in the front row right on the try line. Can’t see much there. Now heard it is fullhouse.
24 May 2012, 17:46 pm
@rangerman(rangerman)-78: Lol… Vrede can be a funnyfck… especially when he is trying to be a seriaas “tactical intelligence” expert…
24 May 2012, 17:47 pm
@Puma(Puma)-80: howdy bud, i probably just gave the sad little man what he wanted.
he must be the apple of his mothers eye talking like that.
anyways, i must head off to a braai, fight the good fight on this wp site ok?
SHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARKKKKKKSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
24 May 2012, 17:49 pm
@Puma(Puma)-85:
Ja it is going to be full. I am in the eastern corner. Was lucky to get that.
24 May 2012, 17:50 pm
@Great White Shark(Predawn)-83: I think that too. Remember we played a similar starting XV last year against the Bulls. We won that one playing just like that and off we went into the play offs.
Now not sure if that is the way to go. I myself would have prefered Lambie at fh. Anyhow we could still see him shifted there if Freddie is having off day and for that matter if Bosman is having a off day. Lambie could slot into 12 or 10. We covered with Ludik on the bench for fb.
24 May 2012, 17:51 pm
@Great White Shark(Predawn)-88: Lucky you. Enjoy it. Vibe gonna be awesome.
24 May 2012, 17:53 pm
@rangerman(rangerman)-87: hahahaha. Ja good you did. Enjoy the braai Ranger.
24 May 2012, 17:54 pm
Okay I am out of here too.
Cheers everyone.
GO SHARKSSSSSSSSSSSSSS.
24 May 2012, 17:55 pm
@Puma(Puma)-90:
Was hoping for a 17:00 game to take the famdamily but now it’s just the boys. My daughters won’t make a late game..used to being in bed by 18:00 tops.
The mates I’m going with are all ex cops so I hope we don’t get into any fights. Aich!
24 May 2012, 17:57 pm
@Puma(Puma)-89: Puma, Lambie has been injured… Freddie played farken well last week… Lambie can play 15, and in fact is the probably the best FB in the country… I dont see what is wrong with Plum’s selection especially considering the kick/chase, territorial kicking game of the Stormers…
Actually this could be a very shrewd selection, and there is nothing to stop Lambie taking the ball to the advantage line in phase play either…
24 May 2012, 17:59 pm
@Heavens Game(Heavens Game)-94:
Exactly. He is needed at fullback for this game.
24 May 2012, 18:06 pm
@Great White Shark(Predawn)-93: Shock hom!!
24 May 2012, 18:11 pm
@ 76
What’s wrong with you? Are you going to run off to the principal’s office and ask for bannings everyday now? jys mos ‘n piemper van formaat. this is a blog,not kindergarten.grow a farken pair because your threats are irritating.
24 May 2012, 18:11 pm
Bob Marley is turning in his grave
24 May 2012, 18:14 pm
Oppas
He is going with two hundred ex cops to the game
24 May 2012, 19:16 pm
whats with this keo crowd have they become that yellow bellied and toothless that they employed some apartheid riot squad cop to be their in house moderator all of a sardientjie here on this family style forum of sharkshit decorum
24 May 2012, 19:19 pm
Yawn
24 May 2012, 19:44 pm
Bannings? Homophobia? Mugabe?
24 May 2012, 20:33 pm
@Great White Shark(Predawn)-93: Still great enjoy it boet.
24 May 2012, 20:33 pm
# 100…skopshyte you can kiss your next profile goodbye.
24 May 2012, 20:44 pm
@Heavens Game(Heavens Game)-94: Freddie did play very well last week. My worry with Freddie is he can be brilliant for one game then fall of the next week. This is where Pat is better, he is consistently good. So you know what to expect from him. Remember Lambie was mom in the Landers game scored all our points there too, and he could have been mom the next week if he never picked up concussion and and had to go off after 40min. However Pat is also our best fb imo at the Sharks and for the Boks. So have no problem with him starting there, just a bit worried if Freddie will play well again this week or not.
Anyhow that is our team that is the selection I am as always 100s behind our team.
Go Sharks.
24 May 2012, 20:50 pm
@Puma(Puma)-68: Puma don’t forget that Ludick is also coming back from injury so i am sure that is why he is starting from the bench!
24 May 2012, 20:54 pm
shew did Skoppie get banned again?
reading this site the last few days I am surprised one could actually get banned! Gees he must have really said something terrrrrible 
24 May 2012, 20:56 pm
@Sharksgirl(Sharksgirl)-106: I know. Also think Plum wants to have Lambie and Freddie on at the same time. Could be a bonus who knows. It worked against the Bulls last year and could again.
Out of here now. Catch up tomorrow.
Cheers SG.
24 May 2012, 20:57 pm
I’m hoping for the same! Cheers Puma I’m out as well
24 May 2012, 21:09 pm
# 97…spoken like a true troll ne troll boy. You are the company you keep…
24 May 2012, 21:30 pm
justice 4 Skop.
Shark fans taking over the asylum.
24 May 2012, 21:33 pm
what exactly is the story here Keo.co.za have you employed the goddamn gestapo in the form of your apartheid riot squad great white nazi arsed sharkshit as your moderator .. or what?
24 May 2012, 21:43 pm
Re-release Skopskiet.
The disco version…
Give credit where rugby is due.
24 May 2012, 22:02 pm
I must’ve missed the announcement where keo/hsm put great white in charge.Quit acting like you own this place or are you just looking for something to impress your ex-cop tjommas with? “jeez guys I had 5 okes banned the other day! You see I dont take **** hey”
You are being childish in the extreme here.By the way,Stormers by plenty.
24 May 2012, 22:08 pm
@Rage(Rage)-114:
This place has been as quiet as the Goodman Gallery. Where is the gees?
24 May 2012, 22:10 pm
@Jinx2(Jinx2)-115: Agreed. It’s a Sharks love in and they’ve all gone to bed.
24 May 2012, 22:13 pm
why oh why does a potentially great contest between two of the game’s great teams have to attract baseless competitive vitriol of the level we witness on this site. Shampies boys. May the best team win. Best that team be that which hails from the land of good cabernet.
24 May 2012, 22:16 pm
nite boys and girls. energy saving for saturday.
24 May 2012, 22:19 pm
peace in the valley
just one more cup of coffee before I go
24 May 2012, 22:20 pm
@ jinx2,spies
I expect the gees to reach fever pitch in exactly 24 hours’ time,just wait and see.Unless our resident bounty hunter starts this banning **** again.
24 May 2012, 22:20 pm
@TASSIES(TASSIES)-117:
I second that good sentiment. But, to be honest, the blog would be a bit boring without the wild cards, wouldn’t it? There is often a lot of crazy humor in the “mal pitte” vitriol. It is very South African to be outspoken. I worry that we are all taking this too seriously. Censorship is will dampen this place to no end. Think how Zille handled her naked portrait: with grace. Lag af and move on, kerels. Life is too short to employ the “church police” on this site.
24 May 2012, 22:22 pm
@121
Nail on the head.
24 May 2012, 22:25 pm
The guppies sound like they’re in a panic lol! Sound like they’re running scared. I think a group hug is in order for now and group therapy after we make it four in a row on Saturday!
Haven’t ever seen HG so focused on facts and the actual game. The poor oke is nervous as fark!
24 May 2012, 22:26 pm
Slaap lekker. More koop ek n TV….
24 May 2012, 22:28 pm
Warm fuzzy
24 May 2012, 22:32 pm
I thought they shut down John Vorster square decades ago
seems some gestapo goons didn’t get the memo… they still doing the goose step in quick tempo drummed up dumb down decorum.
24 May 2012, 22:40 pm
@Pee Wee(Pee Wee)-123: ja ja windgat, funny i havent had a single comment on my points in 4 hours?
its cool, you are just here for the vibe.
i understand peewee.
24 May 2012, 22:42 pm
@fitzella(fritz ellenbogen)-126: its because you are a potty mouthed old man.
freedom comes with responsibility snoeky, understand?
24 May 2012, 22:47 pm
next thing we will have dogboy, snoeky, peewee and that cnut keurboomdoos crying on here like advocate malindi as it is “their culture” to be ignorant windgats who think their manhood is tied to their rugby teams porformance.
sadsacks.
24 May 2012, 22:48 pm
@rangerman(rangerman)-128:
who’s free sharkshit.. you?
go get some more freedom from your gestapo scum arsed goons trying to enforce your moralist war, claiming your two faced moralizing garbage .. the two faced sawn off double barrel scum .. bar none
24 May 2012, 22:51 pm
I must say that dogfood dude seriously got these sharkshits scavenging for plankton .. poor fckers dunno where exactly to turn he got them so befuddled fck’d up in knots.
24 May 2012, 22:54 pm
@fitzella(fritz ellenbogen)-130: why are you so angry?
do you disagree with my statement?
with freedom comes responsibility.
just for you, a repeat.
@fitzella(fritz ellenbogen)-131: he is a poor troll, no humour, no finesse, just your type
24 May 2012, 22:55 pm
fact is. after not posting for about 6 months now. nothings changed. Lol.
Stormers campaign bottom might just fall out if they not careful and or lucky.
Sharks and Bulls. ouch. Earlier the year I would’ve have said Stormers. But this round is going to the Sharks. And it doesn’t matter to me….
Just think the Stormers should be more worried. The Sharks are more on form.
24 May 2012, 22:57 pm
I’m rather free. If not as free as a meerkat.
24 May 2012, 23:00 pm
@fitzella(fritz ellenbogen)-131: so what do you think of the fact that kolisi is being played with injury snoeky?
seriously, the june internationals cant come soon enough for this stormers side with the amount of injuries and the non-rotation of players.
hectic.
and i think bekker may be playing on meds too, i hope not, we need him to face the poms.
24 May 2012, 23:01 pm
I ask you again.. who’s free.. You?
you think I need some gestapo Nazi arsed scum to come enforce yours or his moralist ‘christian values’ down my throat… think again.
My freedom is most certainly not corrupted by your narrow minded sharkshit censored views.
and that Dogfood okie got you guppies in a flat tail spin.. you poor fckers dunno how to counter his wit.. he got you so befuddled in a spin its like watching a little sand shark doing cartwheels with a killer whale on its tail.
what I wanna know is how you actually gonna live it down if Stormers by some wonder or miracle actually fck you okes up in the guppie tank this weekend.
24 May 2012, 23:01 pm
@shooter(shooter)-134: what is that supposed to mean. I don’t know, but I felt free to say it. Are feelings an illusion.
Are the Georgians free, the Mexicans, the Cubans,the Tibetans, the Indians, Afghanis, Columbians, Australians, Syrians,,, you get my drift…even the Japanese are not free.
24 May 2012, 23:03 pm
@shooter(shooter)-133: it will never change gunman.
the stormers may still win but even if they do, their injury toll could simply end their campaign.
the sharks will be brutal, of that i have no doubt.
ryans hopeful “sharks losing the collisions against the stormers heavies” statement seems like wishful thinking when i look at the sharks team sheet.
24 May 2012, 23:05 pm
After surviving a season playing in pink, I can imagine you can be freer. (is freer with 3 e’s
24 May 2012, 23:06 pm
@fitzella(fritz ellenbogen)-136: shame man, you are behaving just like advocate malindi.
arms crossed whilst you kukpraat.
if the stormers win i will congratulate them, i havent claimed any inevitability about the match?
are you allergic to coffee?
@shooter(shooter)-137: well, you are free to your opinion….
dont buy city press dont buy… lmao!
24 May 2012, 23:07 pm
@shooter(shooter)-133:
Sharks got this game in the teeth by all accounts .. Stormers riding on hopes and prayers right now… so if they take Sharks in Durban it will be a massive fail for Sharks this time.
Stormers players are limping into this game.. if Stormers actually pull this one off it will be a minor miracle.
If Kolisi is injured he shouldn’t start.. simple.. and same with Bekker, if he’s carrying a hint of an injury he should sit it out.. no point killing ones body for some vain attempt at bravado.. it won’t work, rather play somebody who’s fit even if he don’t come with the pedigree.
24 May 2012, 23:08 pm
@shooter(shooter)-137: the people of those countries dont want to take responsibility, therefore they are not free.
shampies for them.
24 May 2012, 23:10 pm
no human is free.. they might think they are.. but they certainly are not.. and if humans aren’t free you can imagine how free all the animals are not..
24 May 2012, 23:11 pm
@rangerman(rangerman)-138: re post 129.. zaclee. I’m a huge supporter and will be truly down, for a couple of hours even, when we lose the odd big game.
but hectic.
even the players shake hands and say well done after the game. regardles. and when they don’t… everone on here will go on about unsporting behaviour etc. so why, why, do the people get so cranked up. when the team they BLOG for, loses.
(i admit it is an easy statement coming from an all-conquering bull supporter)
24 May 2012, 23:11 pm
@fitzella(fritz ellenbogen)-141: whose accounts?
silly snoeky.
i didnt say kolisi or bekker were injured, it was suggested by journos.
time will tell.
anyways, i cant spend any more time here, bedtime.
go easy snoeky, you are like a wart, unpleasant yet familar.
24 May 2012, 23:14 pm
138 @ Ranger
The Stormers have dominated the collisions against most teams – the Sharks haven’t – why so miffed? Wanna see Bissie hit auto reverse? Stick around
24 May 2012, 23:15 pm
@shooter(shooter)-144: ja, i am the same, i get quite bleak when my team loses but if i didnt, how could i get really happy when they win?
there are too many blaaaaaady agents around here imo.
anyways, byegones bud, go bulls for tom morning!
24 May 2012, 23:17 pm
@shooter(shooter)-144: – or win
@fitzella(fritz ellenbogen)-141: Yip. unfortunately something is not adding up. have they systematically worn themselves down in order to get to their standing where they’re now. A bit like the Griquas come semifinal time in the Curriecup
24 May 2012, 23:19 pm
@rangerman(rangerman)-147: thx for the Bulls yes.
Good to see you still in good spirits.
24 May 2012, 23:22 pm
@Pee Wee(Pee Wee)-146: that smiley might save you face later on.
Think mock charge agro man Liebenberg may see the 1st stars.
24 May 2012, 23:24 pm
in any game or sport there gotta be a winner and a loser.. even in war there are winners and losers.. not all winners can be winners forever.. and same with losers.. they sometimes also got to be winners occasionally..
so like empires that rise and crumble and fall what was once a loser will be later to win for the wheels still in spin, there ain’t knowing who that its naming., and the first one now will later be last, as the present now will later be past, and as the slow one now will later be fast
24 May 2012, 23:26 pm
Over and out >
24 May 2012, 23:32 pm
nice words, it is.
would we have been freeer if we had no choice? possibly unconciously.
anyway, philosophy on that is a very long story.
cheers vir eers.
24 May 2012, 23:39 pm
cheers
25 May 2012, 05:04 am
@fitzella(fritz ellenbogen)-151:
Sounds like hippie mumbo jumbo to me
Empires rise & fall on the strength of their armies, economies & the public opinion of the rulking elite. Sooner or later they reach apogee & young fullahs don’t want to bear the burden of expansion, armed forces are subcontracted to subjugated peoples & the weak core is swamped under the weight of their imperial edifice, while the hungry & dynamic periphery take larger & lerger chunks off the edges of the empiure.
Rugby & sport is nothing lie this. Teams get good, then they get old, then the players stay too long & their methods, fitness & hand eye coordination leave them.
Eventually they get sick of it & retire. New Players come in & the team rebuilds. Look at the 91 ABs, & 2011 Boks, classic examples.
Chiefs by 9
Highlanders by 7
Sharks by 2 (Biz!)
Brumbies by plenty
25 May 2012, 06:16 am
Since the “resurgence” of the Sharks could anyone please remind me if they’ve beaten any team of consequence (aside maybe the Highlanders where the Sharks didn’t actually dominate). Now we have to hear how they’re gonna dominate the collisions and run all over the Stormers. Tsk tsk tsk
25 May 2012, 06:22 am
150 @ shooter
That’s a grin. A smug grin, knowing full well how the Sharkie supporters are hyping this as the biggest game of their season, with good reason. Lose and its bye bye
25 May 2012, 06:24 am
@Manona(Manona)-155:
Seriously. Lay off the philosophy. It sounds really pedantic. About the real issues: The game will be decided in the loose forwards. After the yellow card count – the game will go to the fittest. Oorlewing. A true South African bloodfest.
25 May 2012, 06:32 am
I have a feeling that Fourie will come on early to sink the Bismarck.
25 May 2012, 06:44 am
Am I at the right place? I’m looking for the Sharks Tribute forum? I need to speak to the library monitor. I would like to report Tyrone the Hor-moan for calling me an inbred cn ut. I trust you will have all his blogging privileges removed accordingly. If not – well then you’re no better than those you are ‘out to kill’ old Steven Seagal……..PS: I hereby baptise you in the name of the gun, the whip and the cheesy ‘don’t mess with me’ lines: Popgun Stevie Seagal. You are as much a wannabe as what he is……ka-frikkin-pow wow wow.
25 May 2012, 07:08 am
@Manona(Manona)-155:
Umm…yeah….Peace…..Power to the People….Turn the muthas out…
Go the Mighty Blues.
Chiefs
Hurricanes
Brumbies
Force
Warratahs
Stormers
25 May 2012, 07:31 am
Oh my sack I am looking forward to the Sharks/Stormers game this weekend. To the Stormers – thanks for flying the SA flag so admirably while the Sharks went walkabout. It is however time for the natural order to be restored – so long, sayonara. By Sunday morning next week your season will lie in tatters…
25 May 2012, 07:33 am
@Te Rangatira(Te Rangatira)-161: Close, mate.
Chiefs
Hurricanes
Highlanders
Reds (sure hope I’m wrong!)
Lions (yes Lions!)
Waratahs
Sharks
25 May 2012, 07:53 am
162 @ James
Season in tatters? Even with the Stormers still laying above the Guppies even with a loss? Mathematics – you should apply it!
25 May 2012, 07:56 am
Lots of Guppy big talk here. Action speaks louder than words.
Good Luck Stormers. Do us proud… We will continue to do our talking on the field.
25 May 2012, 08:05 am
@Bill Reyts(Gumboots)-165: ‘Big’ talk is about the only thing of any measurable size these boys have got going for them…….If the Sharks implode with their own ‘dynamite’ doing the honours – well I’m not sure there will be a dry eye or a dry pair of manties in the house.
25 May 2012, 08:09 am
@Pee Wee(Pee Wee)-164: You quite right although I must be honest maths has always been one of my strengths. Let me see if I can still get it right. Sharks, 41 pts + 5 + 5 = 51 pts. Stormers 49 pts + 0 + 0 = 49 pts. Now 51>49 so unless the Stormers are playing in the Aussie conference you got some problems…
25 May 2012, 08:10 am
@JamesNkomo(JamesNkomo)-167: Very Good Work 100%
25 May 2012, 08:27 am
Cant wait for tomorrow’s Sharks vs Stormers clash. This is bound to be the SA clash of the season. Slightly worried about some of the changes the Sharks made, most notably Lambie at 15. If there is on player who can crack the brilliant Stormers defences its him, if he was playing at 10. He can still be a threat from the back as he can spark a quick counter, but to get full value out of Lambie he needs to play 10. The one injury forced change of Tim Whitehead is a concern as him and Jordaan has started combining well. Tim’s attacking ability and acute running lines could have trouble the Stormers defence, not so sure Bosman can do quite the same, he is solid on defence at least.
The Sharks also by far has the superior loose trio, but a battle between Kolisi and Coetzee will be a fascinating one. Kolisi definitely the one to watch. Stormers will be superior at line out time no question about it. With Etzebeth and Bekker the best lock pair in the country. The front row battle will be good too, but i think Beast and Bissi may just be one up on their opponents. Not convinced about Jannie’s form.
Going back to the back line. We have here the four fastest and best wingers in the country going head to head, even though Aplon is at 15 the weekend, better suited to the wing. A foot race between Mvovo and Habs, Aplon and JP, Mvovo and Aplon then JP and Habs will be great to see hopefully one or two intercepts will be on display.
All and all, this game will not be for the faint hearted. It will be like a final and i think most people see it that way. Cant wait. Going to be Epic.
25 May 2012, 08:30 am
@JamesNkomo(JamesNkomo)-168:
did you just pat yourself on the back?
oh my gawd…
25 May 2012, 08:49 am
@JamesNkomo(JamesNkomo)-168: it seems as though your psychic abilities exceed your mathematic abilities…can you tell us in advance when you will put your foot in your mouth again?
25 May 2012, 08:55 am
@houston, we have a problem…(i_love_u_bakkiesbotha)-170: No point in waiting for someone else to do it.
@BuckT(BuckTrendy)-171: Hindsight is a perfect science so until I am proved wrong that’s my theory and I’m sticking with it. If I’m wrong and the Stormers continue on this unexplicable path then…. Go BULLS
25 May 2012, 09:00 am
Its been a fantastic build up to the sharks/stormers game.many theories and insight are thrown into the mix.i think this one is very 50/50.its gonna be close.the bounce off the ball or a dodgy refs call will determine this one.hopefully Stormers way.
25 May 2012, 09:01 am
167 @ James
Not only are you a poor mathematician – your psychic abilities suck as well!
25 May 2012, 09:08 am
@Pee Wee(Pee Wee)-174: well my maths was fine unless there have been changes to the rules of late and my phychic abilities can only really be proved wrong after tomorrow night…
25 May 2012, 09:16 am
@Pee Wee(Pee Wee)-164:
Read again, he said nextweek after the briesie loss to the Bulls.
My vok, Fourie sink Bismarck. If I was a teen I would roflmao………Fourie would not make the team at any of the other franchises.
Amazing how every year the stormer supporters latch onto some mediocre player to save their season.
Ryland
Brits
Vermeulen
Bekker
Grant
Aplon
Turbo reverse specialists harris and kidglove
The list goes on and on
25 May 2012, 09:20 am
@Xkreni-WP(Xkreni-WP)-176: Fourie is a speedboat that will leave the heavy Bismarck chugging along way behind.
25 May 2012, 09:30 am
@Sasuke(Sasuke)-177: not while he is stuck between B-rock (less) and Rooie
25 May 2012, 09:36 am
@Xkreni-WP(Xkreni-WP)-176:
Then you must be really amazed at the fact that the Stormers are top of the over-all log, and not for the first time either.
“Amazing how every year the stormer supporters latch onto some mediocre player to save their season.”
Yes, Stormers season needs to be saved. Absolutely. Genius comment.
25 May 2012, 09:38 am
@Stawm(Stawm)-179: see 167 above – bring on the saviour
25 May 2012, 09:43 am
176 @ XKreni-WP
By the same token in my crystal ball the Stormers will beat the Sharks and Bulls – top the SA conference and overall conference – get a home final and win the tournament. Geez that was easy!
25 May 2012, 09:48 am
@Pee Wee(Pee Wee)-181: you see being a soothsayer is easy
25 May 2012, 12:34 pm
Bin Laden and bonus points
Nick Koster on SuperSport
I saw Dr Spike Erasmus last Wednesday. He injected a gel into my knee to help my recovery process. I was told to take three days off so did not train at the HPC.
In my absence, a new nickname was bestowed upon me. Gio and Juan now call me Bin Laden, apparently because of my scarcity. It’s good to know they miss me.
On Friday evening Robbie Fleck, Siya Kolisi and I attended a fundraising evening at Bishops aimed at raising funds for rugby scholarships for kids with potential.
Our attacking play was scrutinised and were asked if we have planned moves and lines to run for six or seven phases. Siya gingerly replied: “No, I’m not that clever. I can only think for the first phase.”
It certainly doesn’t look like that when he plays, as he has had a superb season. He is the most amiable, loyal friend off the field too, and his sense of humour is an asset to the team.
The Vodacom Cup victory was wonderful to watch. It was a fitting end to an amazing campaign.
What stands out in that group is the quality of people involved. They are captained by an absolute warrior, who commands respect through how he treats others. Nick Fenton-Wells has been a true inspiration.
Coach John Dobson’s speciality is getting everyone involved in the set-up to love one another. He focuses more on team spirit than any other coach I know and, inevitably, that is why these guys play for each other. He also believes in giving players something more than just tactics or recipes to win, by educating them in a variety of different ways.
He might not look it, but Dobbo – with an undergrad and three post-grad degrees – is highly intelligent and he’s even had a novel published recently. It’s titled ‘The Year of the Gherkin’ and is probably the funniest book I’ve ever read, with laugh-out-loud humour. See, Dobbo, I told you I’d publicise your book!
John Dobson and Dawie Snyman have been involved in over 50 games since joining Western Province and have lost only four, winning the under-21 competition and Vodacom Cup along the way. Significantly, they have also added an immense amount of value to the lives of so many players.
Sidney Tobias – who has had such an impressive season as WP hooker – has a lot to do with the ‘vibe’ in the team. I think when he retires from rugby he could walk straight into a career as a comedian. He is known to his teammates as the Brown Clown, as a tribute to his sense of humour.
On Sunday, Bryan Habana organised a surprise birthday party lunch for his wife Janine at Crystal Towers in Canal Walk. The dress code was all white with a touch of pink.
Non-stop entertainment was supplied by Robbie Fleck’s four-year-old son Jack. He’s a bundle of energy and the effort in trying to get him to sit still must be similar to trying to housetrain a dinosaur. He rushed up and down the stairs, climbed on the tables, stuck his face into very possible photo, and even ran on a treadmill in the gym next door.
There has been quite a lot of criticism from the public and media with regard to the Stormers’ pattern of play, most specifically an assertion that we do not put sufficient emphasis on creative attacking play. I am often asked why we don’t run the ball more and aim at scoring four tries in every match.
Allow me to give my perspective.
I’d love to play as I did at school, attacking and counter-attacking even from deep inside our own half. I’ve realised, though, that to attempt to play this sort of pass-and-support fluent running rugby at professional level does not constitute the most effective approach.
Winning rugby at higher levels unfortunately becomes more about the team making fewer errors as opposed to the team creating more. It has almost got to the point where it is safer and preferable to defend rather than to attack.
Out of the eight playoff games at the World Cup, seven were won by the team with less possession, the exception being New Zealand against Argentina.
Even I – someone who has grown up and loved playing running rugby with attacking flair – have to admit that defence produces winning rugby. Defences have become increasingly tight, and emphasis in training these days is as much on defence as on attack.
Rugby at lower levels lacks the defensive intensity and commitment that makes attacking at Super level such a risk. It’s easier to attack at schoolboy and club level.
The higher the level, the more rugby becomes a game of chess, with every move carefully thought out with a plan in mind. Excitement should be drawn from doing something extraordinary against extremely tight defence, since a try at this level usually comes as a result of breaking a team down tactically.
I believe that instead of criticising the Stormers attack, one should first bear in mind our ability to close out tight games, our defensive organisation and commitment, and our resolve in breaking teams down and strangling them tactically.
The standard of performance expected of ourselves within the Stormers camp is so high that even though we’ve been winning, we constantly strive to improve our performance whereas people are constantly striving to find something wrong. We’re aiming at producing a perfect performance.
The bottom line is that we have won 10 out of 11 games, some in very difficult circumstances, and therefore have a lot to be positive about approaching the June break.
That being said, the next two weeks will be crucial to the campaign. The Sharks and Bulls present massive challenges.
Bin Laden will be watching with great interest and support.
26 May 2012, 00:46 am
@ufo(ufo)-183: so the stormers are too afraid to attack?
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