SA’s big three primed for play-offs
26 Jun 2012
JON CARDINELLI writes the Stormers are favourites to win the South African conference but there is a strong chance the Bulls and Sharks will also qualify for the knockout rounds.
At present, the Bulls and Stormers are the only SA teams in the top six. That could change in the next three weeks, as the Sharks should use the four points received for a bye as well as home advantage to push for play-off inclusion.
It is likely that South Africa will have not two, but three franchises in the Super Rugby play-offs.
The Stormers are on course to retain their conference title. They have suffered a slew of injuries, and their loose-forward situation is not likely to improve before the play-offs. But given what that depleted side accomplished four weeks ago at Loftus Versfeld, you’d have to believe they are favourites to win their remaining matches against comparatively weak opposition.
They play the embattled Lions at Newlands this week, who are dealing with injury problems of their own. A potentially tricky trip to Bloemfontein will follow, although the Cheetahs are less competitive at the end of a season as injuries inevitably expose the franchise’s lack of depth. The Stormers will finish the league with a game against the Rebels, and even if they don’t bank a four-try bonus point, a win should be enough to book a place in the semi-finals.
The Bulls will play two of their three league games at home, and you’d expect them to collect five log points on each of those occasions. They’re well equipped to physically dominate the Cheetahs and Lions, and when they lay that sort of platform, they are capable of destroying defences and racking up big scores.
It will be vitally important that they collect the bonus points for four tries or more. Winning big against the Cheetahs and Lions, and possibly earning a losing bonus point against the Sharks, should be sufficient to ensure play-off qualification. But losing to the Sharks and failing to accumulate the necessary extras against the Cheetahs and Lions could lead to an early exit.
Like the Bulls, the Sharks were disappointing in their game before the break. However, they are still in a position to qualify for the next round, and their ability to do so will hinge on the result of that clash against the Bulls at Kings Park.
They will receive four points for a bye this week, and should be favourites to bury the Cheetahs in the final league game. But failure to beat the Bulls will deny them a play-off spot.
With Willem Alberts due back for that clash and a host of other Boks at their disposal, they have to be favourites to win at home. They will of course be hoping that a few overseas results go their way, as will the other South African play-off contenders.
There are nine teams vying for six play-off places, and looking at the match-ups and likely results over the next three weeks, it could be the Reds, Hurricanes and Highlanders that don’t make the cut.
The Chiefs should be good enough to top the league and win the New Zealand conference, even though they could come unstuck against the Crusaders. The Cantabrians are famous for their late-season surges, and wins against the Hurricanes, Chiefs and Force should earn them home advantage in a qualifying play-off.
The Chiefs will do the Sharks a favour in the coming weeks when they dispose of the Hurricanes and Highlanders, and the resurgent Reds should also be too strong for Jamie Joseph’s side.
The Reds will be hoping that the Sharks stumble in their remaining two matches, although three wins for the Queenslanders may also not be enough to qualify. They need to record bonus-point wins to give themselves the best chance of advancing.
If all pans out as expected, the Chiefs and Stormers will secure home field advantage for the semi-finals, and also earn a week’s break at the end of the league. The Brumbies, thanks to the absurd conference system, will finish in third place and host the Sharks in the first qualifying play-off, while the Crusaders will host the Bulls in the second.
It’s crazy to think that the Bulls may finish higher on the log than the Sharks but will still need to face a superior opponent in the first knockout match. It is likely that their play-off will take place in Christchurch against the seven-time champions rather than in Canberra against a well-drilled but inexperienced Brumbies team.
But that aside, it would mark a special feat if three South African teams qualified for the play-offs.
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162 Comments
26 Jun 2012, 05:33 am
Primed dragons
26 Jun 2012, 05:33 am
Ifs and buts are but a DRAGON’s breath, lots still to happen in 3 weeks…
26 Jun 2012, 05:39 am
@big will(big will)-1:
It does not count unless you use capital letters…so I win!
26 Jun 2012, 05:39 am
The Sharks have put themselves in an unfortunate position, basically relying on 20 games to go their way to qualify. As a sharks supporter I think saying it’s likely that all three SA teams qualify is still a push, possible yes, but not hugely likely sadly. On the other hand I feel like someone should have a word with the Lions and Cheetahs and make sure they don’t cause any more upsets..
26 Jun 2012, 05:42 am
it can still go any way… any combination of the three could make it… or not…
stormers not there yet…
26 Jun 2012, 05:44 am
@Slartibartfast(Slartibartfast)-3:
all that counts is who tops the ‘log’…
26 Jun 2012, 05:45 am
one of those three will choke…every year always the same
26 Jun 2012, 06:28 am
@ufo(ufo)-6:
Well to be more specific, it is the one holding the trophy up at the end that counts…
26 Jun 2012, 06:28 am
It would be nice if some of the Boks could be give a break, quiet a few of them have played alot of rugby already
26 Jun 2012, 06:37 am
@Slartibartfast(Slartibartfast)-8:
is there a trophy for claiming the most dragons…?
news to me…
i’ve never taken the dragons thing seriously… so must be away down the list…
but i’ll hold thumbs for you to end up holding the trophy…
26 Jun 2012, 07:01 am
After losing agaist the Lions the Sharks don’t deserve to qualify for the play offs.
26 Jun 2012, 07:02 am
@ufo(ufo)-10:
Hey it is serious stuff, comes with a massive cheque as well, something like Keo$10,000…I think that may be the reason he took all out $$ away, to pay for the 1st prize…
Well either that or he took our money to pay his supplier
26 Jun 2012, 07:16 am
would be great to have three but lets be honest, sharks have made it hard for themselves.
26 Jun 2012, 08:45 am
@Slartibartfast(Slartibartfast)-12:
26 Jun 2012, 09:11 am
All this rugby must be a wrroy for HM. How can these players sustain this intensity year in year out. By EOYT players will be exhausted!!
26 Jun 2012, 09:16 am
It is ridiculous that there wasn’t a week off before the first English test.
And it is ridiculous that there isn’t another week off now, before the resumption of S15 rugby.
26 Jun 2012, 09:25 am
So Pieter Louw tells AC to stick his job.
Lifeboats?
26 Jun 2012, 09:27 am
@Tacitus(Deucalion)-16: Agree totally. They should look into that. How players are expected just to keep going is ridiculous. Shark Boks had not even had their 2nd bye before the first England test. Just damn pleased Sharks are having a bye this week.
How many after this S15 will be left standing? There could be many injuries. Not good for the RC coming up. This S15 tourney is just way to long. Also it should have been completed before the tests. Just hope after 2015 they schedule this tourney different. I would always want to see one tourney finish before we head into the next.
Also will players give their all now? Know if they pick up injuries they will not get selected for the Boks? Just a thought, as I think that must cross their minds.
26 Jun 2012, 09:28 am
@Tacitus(Deucalion)-16: Yes it is, but the Aussies and Kiwis are in the same boat as us.
@race of tan(race of tan)-15: Again, the All Blacks and the Wallabies have similarly hectic schedules. Yet the ABs complete Grand Slams every time they go to Europe.
26 Jun 2012, 09:29 am
@brains_trust(brains_trust)-11: Agreed.
Zero commitment.
Plus it`ll make the case for a new coach a lot stronger if we don`t make the play-offs at all . . .
26 Jun 2012, 09:32 am
@willievz(willievz)-19:
Very true! I just think they manage their players better!!!
26 Jun 2012, 09:32 am
@brains_trust(brains_trust)-11: That’s unfair on the Lions. They played well that game, didn’t they?
In any case, the Sharks seem to have found a new bogey team. Lost the CC final and drew in last year’s S15 match at the Coke Tin. The same players, in fact.
26 Jun 2012, 09:32 am
SAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAADERS !!!!!!! Time for the trophy to come back to Christchurch
26 Jun 2012, 09:32 am
@Gumboots(Gumboots)-21: Or they are just better fullstop.
26 Jun 2012, 09:34 am
@brains_trust(brains_trust)-11: “After losing agaist the Lions the Sharks don’t deserve to qualify for the play offs.”
And your Stormers lost to the Sharks…so do they too not deserve to make the play offs?…
Epic fail.
26 Jun 2012, 09:35 am
Any two sides but a CT side in the final – I be satisfied with.
but I think the Saders are the favourites again….Brumbies ..dark horse finalists??…NTvl vs Crusaders Repeat
26 Jun 2012, 09:36 am
@Original-Pierre(Original-Pierre)-20: You have to remember we had so many players in our team starting for the Boks the following week. I think they all knew they were selected then already, as we have now read that Alberts knew a few weeks before that test. How many held back not wanting to pick up a injury? Can never rule that out. Who wants to miss out on selection to represent their country?
This tourney is way to long and it is a joke we have to have a derby a week before a test. Just crazy. Like Tac said there should have been a rest week before the test and probably a rest week straight after as well. Actually this tourney should be completed before the tests start. Saru were fools to accept this schedule and daft format for the S15.
If our Sharks don’t make it then at least our Boks will have rested players. Seeing we have more starting in the XV than any other franchise.
26 Jun 2012, 09:37 am
@willievz(willievz)-24:
…or better coached…
26 Jun 2012, 09:37 am
@Gumboots(Gumboots)-21: I also think the fact that they don’t target brick walls to run into, but rather look for space and let the ball do most of the work instead of the player helps their cause quite a bit as well.
Until our coaches realise that a set of skills is more valuable than a set of pecs – our lot are going to keep burning out a little quicker than our friends in NZ and Oz.
General wear and tear aside, our boys burn themselves out.
26 Jun 2012, 09:38 am
For losing to the Lions (a bit predictably), Plumtree must gaan. In his tenure the Sharks have lacked a bit in the top two inches, and never was this so clear than when the Sharks lost to the lousy Lions. A win would have virtually secured their place in the play offs, and probably secured a home quarterfinal too.
PLUMTREE MUST GO! BAASHFORD MUST GO! REECE-EDWARDS MUST GO! STREAULI MUST GO!
26 Jun 2012, 09:38 am
@greatest13gerber(greatest13gerber)-26: Think it will be just to tough for Bulls to head over to play Saders in NZ and win there. In this format you have to get a home semi to have any chance really.
26 Jun 2012, 09:39 am
@Puma(Puma)-27: Hehehehehehe, is that the silver lining all Sharks fans will be clinging onto now? “We have more players in the Bok team so the S15 is of no importance”.
26 Jun 2012, 09:40 am
@The Sharks rugby pedigree is packaged by Mad Eye Productions.(The Sharks rugby pedigree is packaged as dog food)-29:
…hmmm didn’t think of that one…
We tend to tell our players what to do!
26 Jun 2012, 09:42 am
@willievz(willievz)-19: They sure are in the same boat as us Wilie. The same stands for them. We all should have a weeks rest before the June tests start and again before we resume playing the S15. Tac is right there.
Actually this tourney should have been completed before the tests. So much better that way.
26 Jun 2012, 09:43 am
@The Sharks rugby pedigree is packaged by Mad Eye Productions.(The Sharks rugby pedigree is packaged as dog food)-32:
How embraboer.
26 Jun 2012, 09:43 am
There is simply far too much rugby, and it is too condensed.
Crazy to have S15 and test match rugby happening on consecutive weekends.
The season needs to be changed into one global season. Currie Cup first, then Super rugby, then international fixtures. Reduce the size and length of Super rugby too. If only, it seems so simple *sigh*
26 Jun 2012, 09:56 am
@The Sharks rugby pedigree is packaged by Mad Eye Productions.(The Sharks rugby pedigree is packaged as dog food)-32: NO think a little. You may just get it.
Of course the S15 is important but the Springbok cause is even more so. Whether you like it or not we do have more Boks in the starting XV. Do we want any injuries to them? Heck no. It could happen. Let us hope that Alberts is still ready to go come RC time. You saw how much we struggled with out him on Saturday. Unless Burger is over his knee injury just don’t see a like for like replacement. I am basicly talking about all Bok players from all teams, just that Sharks have more starting in the Bok XV than any other team. Who will be left standing? Injury wise?
26 Jun 2012, 09:58 am
@wooden spoon(wooden spoon)-36: Agree spooner.
26 Jun 2012, 09:58 am
don’t count on the bulls they are playing kak.
if they are to finish strong morne and hougaard need to get their acts together, alas….I think they may well be knackered and played to death this season already.
26 Jun 2012, 09:59 am
@Brigadier Van Zyl(Brigadier Van Zyl)-39: Especially Morne, don’t think he has had a rest since last year. It is showing for sure.
26 Jun 2012, 10:08 am
@Puma(Puma)-40:
he’s played every bulls game for 4 seasons.can’t remember him even being lucky enough to get an injury break. Likewise for the Boks albeit I think Butch started a couple games somewhere but he was on the bench.
I’m hoping vermaak gets a run and fourie jnr gets 50 minutes at flyhalf with morne on the bench. Juandre also needs to play off the bench for a couple of games. Other than that, I think the bulls squad with the exception of steggmann should be availible for selection. I can only hope that Ludeke did some tactical with the bullies these past few weeks, the stormers game should have been a comfortable win with the amount of territory and possession they had. I suppose that in itself is a good sign but I don’t know anymore….
26 Jun 2012, 10:09 am
@Puma(Puma)-37: I think you may have a winner here. Now if you can get HG to buy into your philosophy, and you Sharkies can put up a united front on this – another dismal Super rugby showing can be justified.
Just one question: Do you think the Kiwi franchises and AB coaching staff will be thinking in this manner?
26 Jun 2012, 10:15 am
@wooden spoon(wooden spoon)-30:
plumtree, bashford, reece-edwards, streauli.
hehehe
how many brain cells could they possibly have between them…
26 Jun 2012, 10:19 am
That’s a brains trust for sure. Fact is, judging by the amount of Boks that the Sharks contribute each year anything less than multiple titles is a dismal failure.
They all know that unfortunately.
26 Jun 2012, 10:31 am
And the stormers have had 15 stellar years of superrugby?
26 Jun 2012, 10:33 am
@rangerman(rangerman)-45: Well I know for a fact we ain’t ever been the bookend on the wrong side of the log
26 Jun 2012, 10:34 am
@Stormersboy recons it is totally going to be our year(stormersboy)-44: You did not get the memo. It is BECAUSE the Sharks provide so many Boks, that Super rugby is less important to them.
26 Jun 2012, 10:35 am
@Stormersboy recons it is totally going to be our year(stormersboy)-44: We all know it absolutely. Have no idea why we don’t go better bud. Frustrating really.
Anyhow for now I am only talking Bok rugby and hoping that none of the Boks in the Sharks pick up a serious injury. If we do make the play offs and have have to travel to Oz and beat the Brumbies then head off to Nz to face the Chiefs if the log stays the same. Not sure if we will go any further than that. That would mean 4 more S15 games and plenty travel. With so many Boks in our team it is a worry. Then back home. Eish! bud that is some serous travel before the Boks head off to Cape Town and Argentina then back home and off to Perth then NZ. HECTIC!! I was PURELY think of our Bok players in our team. What I was trying to to point out to some that is with so many of the Boks starting XV in our team it is a huge worry. I am worried for our chances in the RC. Really want us to win it. We have to enter that tourney without injuries and be fresh to have a good start. Just too much rugby before the RC.
26 Jun 2012, 10:38 am
streauli = straeuli
@Stormersboy recons it is totally going to be our year(stormersboy)-44:
talk like sharks and play like seals…
or
talk like sharks and play like surfers…
26 Jun 2012, 10:38 am
Well thats probably because your lot had to wash cars for a whole season whilst the sharks kept up the saffa end. Eh? Nudge nudge wink wink.
26 Jun 2012, 10:41 am
Relegation.
At least the lions wont be the 1st saffa team it happens to.
What team did stormers fans support that year their team worked on their gardens?
26 Jun 2012, 10:41 am
@rangerman(rangerman)-50:
you mean the stormers relegation season?
i remember that…
oh good times…good times…
26 Jun 2012, 10:42 am
@The Sharks rugby pedigree is packaged by Mad Eye Productions.(The Sharks rugby pedigree is packaged as dog food)-42: Kiwi coaches will be thinking the same. Have no doubt about it. Though their top team sits on top of the log. So the travel wont be a problem for them. Saders will have to travel if they beat the Bulls though.
Doubt my Sharks we will make it though, but if we do the travel will be a monster. The injuries may come and then that is what I was talking about. It might ruin our chances in the RC with us having so many Boks in our team. I am not even thinking about S15 right now, I am talking about our Boks. Get with it…
26 Jun 2012, 10:43 am
lions can take heart from the stormers experience
and with a little luck and a lot of hard work
can maybe make it back one day soon.
26 Jun 2012, 10:44 am
@the artist formerly known as gunther(gunther)-17: I don’t understand that ? Louw was “committed” to the Stormers, having made a come back but has now decided to go back to (his) business. Maybe he was asking for the same package as Sinclair and Rob Wagner said no ??
26 Jun 2012, 10:44 am
@rangerman(rangerman)-51: 1997 I think it was?
I just sat back and enjoyed the rugby – must be honest, it is damn relaxing just sitting back and enjoying the game, without any stress.
26 Jun 2012, 10:45 am
@Puma(Puma)-48: I think that most of us on here will agree wholeheartedly that there is way too much rugby in a season these days.
I’ve posted diatribes on this very subject countless times. The fact is, the broadcasting revenue is dictating that more not less gets played as we all know.
It does help to contribute to the large salaries that the players earn so if the Unions got stuck in and demanded less then they would get paid less, and so there is a Catch 22.
26 Jun 2012, 10:45 am
Ja toulon surely not even qualifying to play means you end as the bookend for the bookends?
Ag i dont know
26 Jun 2012, 10:47 am
@rangerman(rangerman)-51:
Why bring up the history.
I can always start telling you about the WP team that won 5 currie cups in succession during the eighties.
Now that was a great team… Lets start with the fullback….
26 Jun 2012, 10:49 am
@rangerman(rangerman)-51:
we STILL supported our team…
but our gardens looked great…!!
would take more than relegation and a losing decade to make us supporters abandon ship… this IS the cape of storm… so we’re no fair-weather fans…
you bladdy agent foreign agents will never understand the dynamic…
26 Jun 2012, 10:50 am
Haha woofles ok.
(G)Rant10 supported the sharks.
But the love is gone now.
Where is blackpanty/pwickboks since he was rumbled?
He is so cute when he is bitter.
26 Jun 2012, 10:51 am
@CharlesM(CharlesM)-55:
Maybe he knew he would be let go again when the others were fit and felt that it wasn’t worth leaving his business.
Maybe he was upset that he was getting less than half of what Sinclair was getting?
26 Jun 2012, 10:53 am
@rangerman(rangerman)-58:
hehe
stormers didn’t scrape the barrel that season… they were the barrel
to think there was a time when the lions and cheetahs said to the stormers ‘fokk0ff! you not invited”
26 Jun 2012, 10:55 am
Hohoho robbo and ufo you guys are some of my favourite stormers.
I have decided to let all my anger go and admit that wp used to be a great team.
26 Jun 2012, 10:57 am
@rangerman(rangerman)-61:
Now that Gwantie is a namibia supporter everybody is happy.
26 Jun 2012, 10:57 am
@the artist formerly known as gunther(gunther)-62:
According to Nic Koster, Brok Harris lapped him by round three going round a rugby field – it probably broke his spirit for good. Not that Brok is slow but he is also no Haile Gebralassie.
26 Jun 2012, 10:58 am
@the artist formerly known as gunther(gunther)-62: Yeah. Don’t blame him actually. The using and abusing of players is sadly a ‘look’ perfected by the WPRFU.
Took a lot for him to get back into shape etc, only to be offered peanuts per game I suppose.
Not worth the risk, nor the effort.
26 Jun 2012, 10:59 am
@Stormersboy recons it is totally going to be our year(stormersboy)-57: Yip for sure.
26 Jun 2012, 11:00 am
@rangerman(rangerman)-51:
Now then.
Natal didn’t play in the 1995 Super 10. What did you guys do then?
26 Jun 2012, 11:00 am
LOL a bit rich when the Sharks were not even competing in the top flight of domestic rugby for the first `100 years or so,
But lets not bring up the past shall we?
Let’s live in the here and now.
Where the Sharks’ last league game was a loss to probably the worst Super Rugby team since inception.
26 Jun 2012, 11:00 am
@the artist formerly known as gunther(gunther)-62: I suppose so yes. The WP / Stormers didn’t offer him a contract extension at the end of last year. They obviously didn’t think there would be so many injuries, but they should have thought about the Currie Cup / Vodacom Cup. Louw was a solid (if not spectacular) player and is still relatively young. He was in Matric in 2003 or 4 – so he is not older than 27 (maybe still 26) and could offer some valuable service. Having said, he had a lot of injuries during the last season and couldn’t play much. I guess Wagner thought that the youngsters and Schalk, Vermeulen, Koster etc would be sufficient cover.
26 Jun 2012, 11:01 am
@ufo(ufo)-60: @Robzim(Robzim)-59: :lol
26 Jun 2012, 11:02 am
@Stormersboy recons it is totally going to be our year(stormersboy)-70:
true,
i watched inception and the sharks def didn’t make it.
26 Jun 2012, 11:04 am
hehehe…
and yet the stormers are still the best supported rugby franchise…
their supporters have been tested and proven their support is unwavering…
unlike the fans of ‘other franchises’ that disappear when their teams lose…
26 Jun 2012, 11:06 am
die grappe is snaaks
26 Jun 2012, 11:06 am
@Robzim(Robzim)-66:
hehehe
gotta love the brokster…!!!
26 Jun 2012, 11:07 am
@ufo(ufo)-74: Ed zachery wise one!
We took our relegation year like the men we are and just picked up where we left off.
The true test of mettle will be the Lions next year.
Unfortunate considering the highs of the start of the Super Rugby comp.
26 Jun 2012, 11:08 am
what do they say…?
you’re only as good as your last game…?
so guys… how did your last game go…??
26 Jun 2012, 11:08 am
@Stormersboy recons it is totally going to be our year(stormersboy)-70: I have told you before: you did not get the memo.
The Sharks lost to the Lions because their Bok players (who had been informed of their selection in the middle of the S15 already – as per Alberts) were already saving their bodies and minds for the English.
Superugby is a necessary evil for the Sharks, nothing more, nothing less.
(Although reading P Divvy’s book, it is clear Plumtree never bought into the Boks 1st, Sharks 2nd cause – but that’s ok, as long as the fans but into it)
26 Jun 2012, 11:08 am
@ufo(ufo)-76: Taking the prop-half role seriously i see.
Actually he has to be one of the fittest front rowers in Super Rugby, with the amount of work he gets through in a game.
26 Jun 2012, 11:08 am
Hahaha.
Ag every team has tough times.
Some tougher than others…
26 Jun 2012, 11:09 am
@ufo(ufo)-76:
I have exaggerated a bit, maybe it was not Brok, lol.
The real story from Nic’s blog is (you have probably seen it) :
“It’s great to see our stalwart loose-forward Pieter Louw back at the HPC. During Pieter’s first 1,6km, which is five laps around the field, he was running impressively well and he even started sprinting on the final straight to end in the top three. The problem was that Pieter miscounted his laps and actually had another lap to go. His feeling of elation at ‘finishing’ immediately filled with one of excruciating disappointment at having to run another lap”.
26 Jun 2012, 11:10 am
@The Sharks rugby pedigree is packaged by Mad Eye Productions.(The Sharks rugby pedigree is packaged as dog food)-79: I remember all that rationalization after the game.
Didn’t buy it then.
Don’t buy it now.
26 Jun 2012, 11:11 am
@Robzim(Robzim)-82:
I can understand how you wanted it to be brok that lapped him.
26 Jun 2012, 11:12 am
@Stormersboy recons it is totally going to be our year(stormersboy)-77:
yeah the Lions will be left with at least two supporters… katman and hhs who’ve never wavered either…
your new nic really got Toulon in a spin… of who it must be said is not the only Toulon keo…
just kidding bakkies…
26 Jun 2012, 11:12 am
Aha so its cc we are talking now eh?
2008
2010
Finalists 2011
Not too shabby hehe.
26 Jun 2012, 11:13 am
I have never understood the whole Pieter Louw story. He was a great player who always impressed when he played, just don’t get whey they didn’t extend his contract.
There is definitely more than meets the eye,
26 Jun 2012, 11:14 am
@ufo(ufo)-85: Yes the Oracle has spoken.
I feel it in my water,
26 Jun 2012, 11:16 am
@rangerman(rangerman)-86: Well done on those.
It;s so nice to see one of the traditional minnows of SA Rugby come good, even if it’s just for a while…..
26 Jun 2012, 11:16 am
@Stormersboy recons it is totally going to be our year(stormersboy)-87:
very underrated.
not stupid either.
which probably made him a bad fit with the stormers management.
26 Jun 2012, 11:16 am
@wooden spoon(wooden spoon)-36: I agree, Currie cup 1st! The Aussies must start their own domestic comp and shorten the S15!
26 Jun 2012, 11:18 am
@rangerman(rangerman)-81: in the natal/sharks case just 100 years of total kukness
26 Jun 2012, 11:19 am
@rangerman(rangerman)-86:
seriously guy…seriously..?
@ufo(ufo)-85:
only tool i’ll be needing is a calculator to work out the stormers trophy sums come pay day
26 Jun 2012, 11:19 am
@the artist formerly known as gunther(gunther)-90: With a forehead like his I’m sure he’s a downright genius.
I think when someone from the Blue Bulls called and told Thelo that they had a mole inside the WP team Thelo took it too literally….
26 Jun 2012, 11:20 am
@Robzim(Robzim)-82:
@Stormersboy recons it is totally going to be our year(stormersboy)-80:
yeah.. i read nick’s column every week… a good writer and story teller… he certainly has a career in sports writing when his body packs up…
did you see the clip with brok and tiaan talking about playing fullback…? quite funny… brok and tiaan reckon brok would make a good full back… gets good distance with his kicks… (which we’ve all seen before…)
and yeah brok gets around the park better than all our props… would still have him and coenie for MY team… the two playing together would really add huge value and work rate to the boks… would make a massive impact… though i know i won’t convince anyone here…
brok should go play for the bulls… then the clammer for his selection would be too deafening for heyneke to ignore…
26 Jun 2012, 11:22 am
@Stormersboy recons it is totally going to be our year(stormersboy)-94:
thelo reckons he doesn’t have enough meat on him.
26 Jun 2012, 11:23 am
@ufo(ufo)-95: Too true. Its that Bishops education.
Yes you and I agree on Brok. A Class player and changing many peoples minds this year.
And there still a lot of rugby to be played yet,
26 Jun 2012, 11:24 am
@The Sharks rugby pedigree is packaged by Mad Eye Productions.(The Sharks rugby pedigree is packaged as dog food)-47: Might be less important to the players but spare a thought for their poor supporters!
26 Jun 2012, 11:25 am
@Stormersboy recons it is totally going to be our year(stormersboy)-87:
yeah me neither… he always maintained the intensity when subbed on… or starting…
but i did see an article “quoting” AC where he said pieter and the medical guys did not think he would recover well enough from his last injury to be competitive again and thought he should start building his own business and securing his future because it didn’t look like he would be around in rugby… or something like that…
26 Jun 2012, 11:25 am
@Stormersboy recons it is totally going to be our year(stormersboy)-97: I also rate Brok, a workhorse of note.
26 Jun 2012, 11:26 am
@the artist formerly known as gunther(gunther)-90:
really?
i heard it was the middel bles hair issue… didnt fit in with an image they were looking for… that and the fact he turned down a cipla hair product marketing offer.
toks vd linde was not impresssed… the cabal was spoken.
26 Jun 2012, 11:27 am
@Stormersboy recons it is totally going to be our year(stormersboy)-88:
You should change the first Stormersboy to “Soothsayer”…
let these guys know exactly who they’re dealing with…
26 Jun 2012, 11:27 am
@Stormersboy recons it is totally going to be our year(stormersboy)-94:
Isn’t it “reckons”
26 Jun 2012, 11:27 am
Haha i caught a whole shoal
26 Jun 2012, 11:29 am
@ufo(ufo)-95:
hehe
where’s the vid?
26 Jun 2012, 11:29 am
Brok at fullback?
I like it.
26 Jun 2012, 11:30 am
@rangerman(rangerman)-104:
It doesn’t take much to start a Brok circle jerk.
26 Jun 2012, 11:31 am
@toulon says(i_love_u_bakkiesbotha)-105:
don’t know exactly… someone posted a link a week or so ago…
must say they come across as good guys… quite humorous…
26 Jun 2012, 11:32 am
@rangerman(rangerman)-104:
careful you dont hit a rock
26 Jun 2012, 11:33 am
@Dawn(Dawn)-103: clearly you’re in need of electrocution classes
26 Jun 2012, 11:36 am
Wat gaan aan?
In a nutshell!!!
26 Jun 2012, 11:38 am
@Gumboots(Gumboots)-111: Fokkolie.
Mense moan oor Spies en Morne maar dis dit.
Selle stories.
26 Jun 2012, 11:38 am
@Dawn(Dawn)-103: Quite possibly. I almost never proof read anything I post here.
I’m surprised the Auto Correct didn’t catch it.
@Transformation(Transformation)-110: You know that’s a deliberate misuse of the term right? It’s a play on elocution and electrocution? Got it?
Good
26 Jun 2012, 11:40 am
@willievz(willievz)-112:
Aha! Throw a bit of bragging into the mix and then it is just a normal day on Keo…
26 Jun 2012, 11:42 am
@Gumboots(Gumboots)-111: I’m in need of spelling lessons.
Transie’s in need of “Double Entendre” lessons.
Pieter Louw’s in need of more fitness lessons. And an extreme make-over.
Rangerman’s in need of a proper history lesson.
The only one not in need of anything in fact is BROK.
He’s perfect just the way he is.
26 Jun 2012, 11:45 am
@Stormersboy recons it is totally going to be our year(stormersboy)-115:
Oh! Call me for Life Skills…
26 Jun 2012, 11:48 am
26 Jun 2012, 11:51 am
@Gumboots(Gumboots)-116:
Will do!
26 Jun 2012, 11:51 am
Haha brok the rock the never never bok bested by beast from the coastal east in the tank where tge sgarks gave the stormers a spank he went to tge bench so his head out of his a s s they could wrench
26 Jun 2012, 11:55 am
@Stormersboy recons it is totally going to be our year(stormersboy)-113: bwahahahaha whatever you say
26 Jun 2012, 12:17 pm
Chiefs Crusaders final
26 Jun 2012, 12:47 pm
@NZINCHINA(NZINCHINA)-121: Huh? The Natal Province are called the Sharks and not the chiefs and the Western Province team is called the Stormers and not the Crusaders….duh
26 Jun 2012, 12:47 pm
I know this is a Super15 topic. But i’m concerned about our players and the Currie Cup (oldest and by far the most physical domestic rugby comp on the planet) The Super15 ends 4 August one week before the CC begins, 4Nations starts after the 1st round of CC and ends 6 October, then it’s the CC semi finals and final. 1 week after the CC final the boks go on the EOYT for 3-4 weeks. And this because the Aussies don’t have their own “Currie Cup” is toilet!!! The boks should be focusing on the 4nations now, not f-ing each other up in the S15!
26 Jun 2012, 12:50 pm
@Stormersboy recons it is totally going to be our year(stormersboy)-115:
26 Jun 2012, 12:51 pm
@Unplugged(Unplugged)-123: The Poms have it far worse, one could argue that thier league’s are at least as physical as ours if not as skilled and they play a lot more games than we do….The Aussies get it light but the AB’s and Boks are still behind the NH in terms of games played in a year
26 Jun 2012, 12:56 pm
One should not argue one should discuss
26 Jun 2012, 13:10 pm
In a perfect world the Super Rugby tournament would only have 10 teams and the Stormers would already be crowned champs and Saturday would have been the start of the Rugby Championship.
26 Jun 2012, 13:24 pm
@Skeppie(Skeppie)-125: Maybe so. But the Boks will never be able to start with their best 15 because of injured and mentally fatigued players. IMO this is why the boks can’t win dead rubbers(3rd test in PE) and why we have not won a grand slam since the 1960’s. Also the Currie Cup will become another Vodacom cup.
26 Jun 2012, 13:25 pm
As I recall, the Bulls lost their last 3 Super Rugby matches?
26 Jun 2012, 13:25 pm
@NZINCHINA(NZINCHINA)-121: Good call.
26 Jun 2012, 13:27 pm
This has to be the Bok Backline for the Championship
9. Ruan
10. Lambie
11. Habana
12. Steyn
13. Whitehead
14. Aplon
15. JP
26 Jun 2012, 13:27 pm
@willievz(willievz)-130:
So you reckon the Crusaders will beat the Stormers at home…. again.
26 Jun 2012, 13:28 pm
@NZINCHINA(NZINCHINA)-121:
You must be living in a denial, probably never heard of Jonker, Craig Joubert and Pro Legota!
SA secret weapons
26 Jun 2012, 13:28 pm
@FFF(FFF)-131: Are you a Sharks supporter by any chance?
26 Jun 2012, 13:28 pm
The Steyn / Whitehead could easily rival that of Nonu / Smith
same dynamics i reckon
26 Jun 2012, 13:28 pm
@Jeraldjay(Jeraldjay)-132: Yes.
26 Jun 2012, 13:29 pm
@Skeppie(Skeppie)-125:
Do you have the stats to demonstrate your point…?
Not jerking your chain… would just be very interesting to see the the discrepancy between the two hemispheres…
How many games would a saffa play is he played all SR and CC games (including playoffs and finals) and all internationals… and the equivalent figures for the European season…
26 Jun 2012, 13:30 pm
@willievz(willievz)-134:
So……..they have the best attacking backline in SA, add likes of Gio and Ruan into the mix and you have a unit that could stun the Aussie and Kiwis
26 Jun 2012, 13:31 pm
@FFF(FFF)-138: Sure but what about your defense?
26 Jun 2012, 13:33 pm
@willievz(willievz)-136:
That would be annus horribilis.
But yes, they appear to be the only team standing in our way.
26 Jun 2012, 13:35 pm
@willievz(willievz)-136:
IF ( and i realise it’s a mighty big IF)… If we and they are at full strength I believe we would take it…
you can’t quantify it and everybody would rather forget about it… but the stormers sheer bloodymindedness puts teams off their stride and gets into their minds… at home I think we have learnt the lessons of the past few seasons…
all conjecture of course… but also why I hope we do in fact get the crusaders in the playoffs… SHOULD we in fact make it that far… will be interesting to see how the rest of the season develops…. not looking good for the stormers right now injury-wise…
26 Jun 2012, 13:37 pm
@willievz(willievz)-139: OK well we know what Frans Steyn can do on defense and Tim Whitehead is solid, out wide we know that the back 3 will come through as Aplon punches above his weight, and come on Lambie can only do better then Morne Steyn
If we have a dynamic loose trio and some good defense structure in place….well defence is ticked off with that backline
26 Jun 2012, 13:38 pm
@ufo(ufo)-141: Let’s not get ahead of ourselves, yet (message to self).
A lot of water needs to run into the ocean.
Let’s take it game by game, and focus on maintaining the winning formula.
26 Jun 2012, 13:44 pm
@willievz(willievz)-143:
quite right bud…
which is why i emphasised the IFs and qualified it with SHOULD we get there… certainly not taking it for granted as our injury list is a concern and the expected returns not happening…
AND we have a tough game against the Lions with lots to prove…
so very definitely one gas at a time for me…
26 Jun 2012, 13:44 pm
@FFF(FFF)-142: I am willing to go with your backline, but JDV replacing Whitehead and switching Aplon and JP.
26 Jun 2012, 13:49 pm
@ufo(ufo)-141:
The Christchurch Earthquake was used a motivating factor throughout last season and worked to perfection, until the last hurdle.
I think the Stormers are “chomping at the bit” for success and that was evident in the game against the Bulls.
26 Jun 2012, 13:50 pm
@ufo(ufo)-144:
You right one **** at a time.
26 Jun 2012, 13:51 pm
@Jeraldjay(Jeraldjay)-147:
f a r t.
26 Jun 2012, 13:54 pm
Agree with Lambie at flyhalf, Whitehead above JdV, not yet. FUllback worrying. Taute should be there not sure how is injury is going. Can’t move JP off wing. Hougaard service too slow against England but perhaps not fully protected by no 8. Given an 8th man that can create space off the back Hougaard would be lethal. My biggest concern is that Bulls, Bok’s can’t create space for backline to score and don’t have flyhalf (like Michelak against Province) that can exploit gap created by rush defence through tactical kicks. Province backline just can’t score. Need a backline captain that can read game and change tactics. Last year’s quarter final against Aus showed we cannot penetrate with current pattern in backline. Maybe time for Pollard or Goosen to come in and be first game changers for SA since Honeyball.
26 Jun 2012, 13:54 pm
@Jeraldjay(Jeraldjay)-147:
hehehe…
damn predictive text… catches me waaay too often…
one GAME at a time…
26 Jun 2012, 14:05 pm
the gas man
26 Jun 2012, 15:02 pm
@FFF(FFF)-138:
Yeah, you’re right. It is easy to stun the opposition with F Steyn in your backline. S hit, all he has to do is pass the ball and I will be stunned! Why do you want to select the best attacking outside backs if they are never going to see the ball from set phases? Steyn donners into the opposition at first phase and the forwards line up at flyhalf during the ensuing phases. That is why the majority of people first want to know about the defensive strength of your backline because that is all that backline players are asked to do in SA. Centres defend and clear the rucks while Spies parades around like a little girl on a playground and Jannie checks is mop on the big screen while lining up in the first channel.
26 Jun 2012, 15:09 pm
@willievz(willievz)-145:
OK fair point…….JDV stays, but i always rated Aplon as a wing with raw pace and JP as a 15 that looks for work as a 3rd center or 3rd wing……but thats just me
26 Jun 2012, 15:11 pm
@FFF(FFF)-153:
Same here. I just switched Aplon and JP as the latter has not played fullback for 6 years now.
Aplon, IMO, is no fullback. He does not have the kicking game.
26 Jun 2012, 15:17 pm
@Couchcoach(GI POT)-152:
well you will notice you get 2 different midfield combos
small creative no 12′s with big crashers out at 13 (Guitau and Mortlock, Ryan Crotty and Robbie Fruean) or the other way round (Mau Nonu and Conrad Smith)
like you say i just dont like 2 big centers that double up as an xrtra backrow
26 Jun 2012, 15:29 pm
@willievz(willievz)-154:
Then again I would have I different backline if I played 6N teams same as my loose trio
loosies vs AU/NZ/ Wales
Kanko
Brussouw
Daniel
Kolosi
Coetzee
Stander
Alberts
Loosies vs N6 teams (excluding Wales) and Argentina
Vermuelen
Burger
Alberts
Strausse
Coetzee
Juan Smith
26 Jun 2012, 15:30 pm
@willievz(willievz)-154: I agree with you. Aplon is a wing for me.
26 Jun 2012, 15:33 pm
I think we shoud redefine the meaning of a “creative” 12 midfielder.
It is misinterpreted as a player that necessarily has to pass the ball.
Sometimes a creative player can create opportunities by going into contact smartly, such as attacking his immediate oppononent on his outside (weakest shoulder). Someone like JDJ can step off both feet and can attack the weakest shoulder effectively most of the time, which forms the basis for a quick ruck ball on his team’s second phase.
Midfielders should focus on making the right decision given the situation – not only to run, pass, kick, etc, but WHERE and HOW to run, pass, kick. This sounds obvious, but I think we often overlook this.
And, as I’ve said before, there is a difference between passing and distribution. Nonu is a prime example of a 12 not reknowned for his passing, but his distribution (especially to close channels) is top-nodge, simply because of his awareness, good running lines and the fact that he looks for support play.
Maybe we should find a definition for distribution too – I am on record for saying this probably involves passing most of the time, but that would mean distributing the ball. You can, however, also distribute PLAY by making smart decisions.
26 Jun 2012, 15:34 pm
@FFF(FFF)-156:
Interesting that you go for speed against Aus/NZ and for brawn against the Europeans.
26 Jun 2012, 15:49 pm
@willievz(willievz)-159:
Yeah cause Aus/NZ have over the years implemented tactics to nullify our robust approach, i suppose i should rather refer to conditions
hard dry pitch v cold wet muddy pitches
26 Jun 2012, 15:54 pm
@willievz(willievz)-158:
I remember JDJ try vs waratahs (semi final @ Newlands) i think he stepped through, passed, between and around 4 x defenders on route to the tryline
26 Jun 2012, 20:54 pm
Wynand playing solid rugby again, so our fullback problem solved!!!!!!!!
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