Currie Cup preview (Round 10)
12 Oct 2012
GARETH DUNCAN previews this weekend’s action and predicts who will face off in the semi-finals.
SHARKS vs GRIQUAS, DURBAN, FRI 19:10
While Griquas earned a 22-15 win over the Sharks in Kimberley, the Northern Cape minnows will come up against a stronger outfit on Friday night.
John Plumtree has gained significant reinforcements in recents weeks, with players returning from injury and Springbok duty.
Wing JP Pietersen still has his hot Super Rugby form despite spending several weeks on the sidelines because of a broken thumb. The speedster played a key role in the 37-30 win over the Cheetahs in Free State last weekend.
Tim Whitehead’s return from injury sees him partner Paul Jordaan in the midfield. The duo create an exciting centre pairing, and will expose any weaknesses in the opposition defence. To think this is their second-choice centre combination as Frans Steyn will be back next season.
Pat Lambie might still be aching from all the splinters he picked up on the bench during the Rugby Championship, but he’ll be raring to start at flyhalf and prove his worth in the run-on XV.
Skipper Keagan Daniel has been in good form in the Currie Cup since being dropped from the Springbok squad, and he’ll lead a pack that has impressed over the last fortnight.
The Sharks will also have four Boks to call on from the bench in the second half.
Griquas shocked the Lions with a second-half comeback in Kimberley, but they’ll struggle to stay afloat at the Shark Tank against a side that boasts plenty of quality.
The Sharks will cruise to victory and the top spot on the log.
FORM
Sharks WWLWLWLWW
Griquas LLLWWWLW
Sharks – 15 Louis Ludik, 14 Odwa Ndungane, 13 Paul Jordaan, 12 Tim Whitehead, 11 JP Pietersen, 10 Pat Lambie, 9 Cobus Reinach, 8 Keegan Daniel (c), 7 Jean Deysel, 6 Jacques Botes, 5 Anton Bresler, 4 Jandré Marais, 3 Wiehahn Herbst, 2 Kyle Cooper, 1 Dale Chadwick.
Subs: 16 Craig Burden, 17 Jannie du Plessis, 18 Peet Marais, 19 Marcell Coetzee, 20 Charl McLeod, 21 Meyer Bosman, 22 Lwazi Mvovo.
Griquas – 15 Willie le Roux, 14 Jannie Boshoff, 13 Jean Stemmet, 12 Walter Venter, 11 Rocco Jansen, 10 Francois Brummer, 9 Marnus Hugo, 8 Leon Karemaker, 7 Justin Downey, 6 Marnus Schoeman, 5 Martin Muller, 4 Rynard Landman, 3 Lourens Adriaanse, 2 Ryno Barnes (c), 1 Steph Roberts.
Subs: 16 Matthew Dobson, 17 Ivann Espag, 18 Edwin Hewitt, 19 Wesley Wilkins, 20 Jacques Coetzee, 21 Marnitz Boshoff, 22 Richard Lawson.
Gareth’s prediction: Sharks by 15
WP vs FREE STATE CHEETAHS, CAPE TOWN, SAT 17:05
A young WP outfit were outplayed by the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld last weekend, but their returning Springboks have boosted the Cape side tremendously.
Where there was once a lack of experience, Province now have the likes of inside centre Jean de Villiers, wing Bryan Habana, No 8 Duane Vermeulen, lock Andries Bekker and hooker Tiaan Liebenberg playing leadership roles. Outside centre Juan de Jongh and lock Eben Etzebeth will also make telling contributions.
Free State have benefited from Bok hooker Adriaan Strauss and prop Coenie Oosthuizen’s availability, but injuries will still see the Cheetahs struggle at Newlands.
They’ll miss flyhalf Johan Goosen (knee) as Sias Ebersohn has been inconsistent in the No 10 jersey. Free State will also have a weakened second row and loose trio, which should see them struggle in the forwards battle.
Without regular front foot momentum, the Cheetahs’ backline will be restricted. They’ll depend on outside centre Robert Ebersohn and wing Raymond Rhule to create some magic, but that won’t be enough.
WP will be too strong for the visitors, and a win will see them avoid the unlikely threat of relegation and seal their semi-final place.
This will see Free State finish last on the log. Without a win, the Cheetahs will need two bonus points to secure safety. However, this will be highly unlikely against South Africa’s best defensive unit. First Division league winners the EP Kings will be waiting for the Bloemfontein team in the promotion-relegation play-offs.
FORM
WP LWLWWLWLL
Cheetahs LWWLLLLWW
WP – 15 Joe Pietersen, 14 Gerhard van den Heever, 13 Juan de Jongh, 12 Jean de Villiers (c), 11 Bryan Habana, 10 Demetri Catrakilis, 9 Nic Groom, 8 Duane Vermeulen, 7 Don Armand, 6 Deon Fourie, 5 Andries Bekker, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Frans Malherbe, 2 Tiaan Liebenberg, 1 Steven Kitshoff.
Subs: 16 Scarra Ntubeni, 17 Brok Harris, 18 De Kock Steenkamp, 19 Jebb Sinclair, 20 Louis Schreuder, 21 Marcel Brache, 22 Gio Aplon.
Free State Cheetahs – 15 Hennie Daniller, 14 Nico Scheepers, 13 Robert Ebersohn, 12 Andries Strauss, 11 Raymond Rhule, 10 Sias Ebersohn, 9 Sarel Pretorius, 8 Philip van der Walt, 7 Francois Uys, 6 Hendro Scholtz, 5 Izak van der Westhuizen, 4 Carl Wegner, 3 Coenie Oosthuizen, 2 Adriaan Strauss (c), 1 Marcel van der Merwe.
Subs: 16 Hercu Liebenberg, 17 Ross Geldenhuys, 18 Waltie Vermeulen, 19 Davon Raubenheimer, 20 Tewis de Bruyn, 21 Philip Snyman, 22 Ryno Benjamin.
Gareth’s prediction: WP by 12
GOLDEN LIONS vs BLUE BULLS, JOHANNESBURG, SAT 19:10
The Golden Lions have made this an easier challenge for the visiting Blue Bulls.
While Johan Ackermann hasn’t picked an out-and-out second string side, it’s still a weakened team. With the Lions already guaranteed a home semi-final, they can afford to rest utility back Jaco Taute and prop JC Janse van Rensburg, and bench the likes of lock Franco van der Merwe, flyhalf Elton Jantjies and speedster Lionel Mapoe.
Springbok props Pat Cilliers and CJ van der Linde will give the Lions a quality front row, but the Bulls have a strong team to match and outclass the hosts in most positional match-ups.
The Pretoria union will start six of its returning Springboks (to the rejoices of under-fire head coach Pine Pienaar). The Bulls have reportedly struggled without 22 first-choice players for most of their campaign, but will field a near Super Rugby-strength line-up at Ellis Park on Saturday.
The major returns are flyhalf Morne Steyn and the Bok lock combination of Juandre Kruger and Flip van der Merwe. They’ll play key roles during the Bulls’ pursuit for victory.
The forwards battle will be a close one. The Lions’ success in the Currie Cup this season has come through their ability to poach ball regularly and dominate the set-pieces. The Bulls need to secure the ascendancy up front if they want to win this one. The respective loose trios will be huge in this regard.
The Lions are weakened, but will still be competitive. However, the Bulls have more than enough firepower to earn the win that will save them from relegation and sneak them into the play-offs.
FORM
Bulls WLWLLLWLW
Lions WLWLWWWWL
Golden Lions – 15 Ruan Combrinck, 14 Deon Helberg, 13 Deon van Rensburg, 12 Alwyn Hollenbach, 11 Anthony Volmink, 10 Butch James (c), 9 Ross Cronje, 8 Willie Britz, 7 Derick Minnie, 6 Jaco Kriel, 5 Paul Willemse, 4 Michael Rhodes, 3 Pat Cilliers, 2 Callie Visagie, 1 CJ van der Linde.
Subs: 16 Bandise Maku, 17 Jacobie Adriaanse, 18 Franco van der Merwe, 19 Warren Whiteley, 20 Whestley Moolman, 21 Elton Jantjies, 22 Lionel Mapoe.
Blue Bulls – 15 Zane Kirchner, 14 Akona Ndungane, 13 JJ Engelbrecht, 12 Francois Venter, 11 Bjorn Basson, 10 Morne Steyn, 9 Jano Vermaak, 8 Arno Botha, 7 Jacques Potgieter, 6 Dewald Potgieter (c), 5 Flip van der Merwe, 4 Juandré Kruger, 3 Werner Kruger, 2 Willie Wepener, 1 Morne Mellett.
Subs: 16 Chiliboy Ralepelle, 17 Frik Kirsten, 18 Wilhelm Steenkamp, 19 CJ Stander, 20 Francois Hougaard, 21 Louis Fouche, 22 Dean Greyling.
Gareth’s prediction: Blue Bulls by 8
SEMI-FINALS (NEXT WEEKEND):
Sharks vs Blue Bulls
Golden Lions vs WP
PROMOTION-RELEGATION PLAY-OFFS:
Free State Cheetahs vs EP Kings
146 Comments
12 Oct 2012, 07:52 am
Not sure Province Proteas can do the business.
12 Oct 2012, 07:53 am
do it free state
do it
12 Oct 2012, 08:00 am
Cheetahs will get 2 bonus points … Bulls will win, WP will win, Sharks will beat Griquas by 30+ …. EP vs Griquas in play offs ….. EP KINGS will play Currie Cup Rugby next year ….. oh & Super Rugby …. ohhhhh RL its trueeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!! EP KINGS on the RISE!!!!!!!!!
12 Oct 2012, 08:08 am
Go Lions!!!!!!!!!!!!
Oh, how I would love for Jacques Potgieter to score the winning try in the playoffs…
12 Oct 2012, 09:52 am
Taute to Stormers woooooooo
12 Oct 2012, 10:09 am
Coetzee pretty much admitted that he doesn’t completely trust either Aplon or Pietersen with the fullback position, so it makes sense. He’ll be back with the Lions for after the 2013 SR season.
12 Oct 2012, 10:11 am
@Rhys7-5: Ja saw that. Apparently he was “guaranteed” the starting 15 spot. Not sure i agree with that personally.
Nice to have him here though.
12 Oct 2012, 10:13 am
It’s bad news if you are Gerhard Van der Heever or any other up and coming winger/fullback.
Also doesn’t make sense if you think that it’s a temporary loan and not a long term signing, although I would bet good money on him staying there.
12 Oct 2012, 10:17 am
And Ackerman has admitted (on News24) that he’s resting a bunch of players because he can’t see the Griquas beating the Sharks, so the Lions have almost no realistic chance of overtaking the Sharks to end number one. So he’s happy to end second, with a home semi, and then possibly an away final in Durban. A victory for the Bulls would also see them make the semis and avoid relegation. Having said that, I still see this one going down to the wire.
12 Oct 2012, 10:19 am
@stormersboy-8: Two things: First, you don’t have good money. And second, he has a contract with the Lions that resumes after the 2013 Super Rugby competition. Other than that, your post makes a lot of sense.
12 Oct 2012, 10:19 am
@stormersboy-8:
Once he experiences CT he will not go back.
It happened to many people
Like Duane Vermeulen, Bryan Habana, Peter Grant, Katman…etc
12 Oct 2012, 10:20 am
sharks pedigree showing through again.
could be two finals in the year again.
i luv dem sharks, i do.
12 Oct 2012, 10:21 am
@katman-10: LOL sonofabitch.
When does his contract expire? Do you know?
And just because I make my money off the yoke of the oppressed man doesn’t make it good money!
12 Oct 2012, 10:24 am
Another shambles in South African Rugby, with the effective undermining of the Lions Rugby Union in terms of the Super 15 !
THE KEO CONNECTION
Highbury Safika Media (HSM) is a publishing house boasting a portfolio of over 30 magazine titles and numerous online publications. Amongst these are SA Rugby Magazine and Keo.co.za – the website of Mark Keohane and other SA Rugby writers such as Ryan Vrede and Jon Cardinelli.
Keohane has been a public figure since his days as Springbok Communications Manager under the ill-fated reigns of both Harry Viljoen and Rudolph Streauli, until he resigned in protest over SARFU’s handling of the Geo Cronjé racism debacle involving Quinton Davids. Keohane went on to publish a book about the episode and the state of the Springboks in general, and was widely criticized by Springbok players (most notably Corné Krige) as deliberately attempting to sow division within their ranks and to undermine SA Rugby in general.
In recent times Keohane has been busying himself in the extensive business interests of HSM, as well as media relations of other entities, such as Jake White’s Winning Ways – a business partnership which ended in a heated law suit, kept hushed away out of the public sphere. Even more recently, however, HSM -and Mark Keohane in particular – were awarded the contract to manage the media, marketing and public relations of the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC). The awarding of this contract was never put up for tender, as is standard government procedure, but was rather awarded directly to HSM (although Keohane states that normal application took place, the fact remains it should have gone to tender).
And this is where the Keo connection begins to reveal itself.
During his time at SA Rugby, Mark Keohane worked alongside the likes of Rian Oberholzer (President of SARFU), Songezo Nayo (Managing Director), Gary Grant (Marketing Director) and the current president of SASCOC – Gideon Sam (Springbok Team Manager).
All four names mentioned above are currently directors of sports marketing company Accelerate Sports, with Gideon Sam being appointed as Chairman. Gideon Sam also serves on the Lotto Distribution Board, but excused himself when dealing with the funding grant to SA Cycling, a grant from which Accelerate Sport received commission to the tune of R 26 million – a blatant conflict of interest.
Accelerate Sport, through their subsidiary Access Facilities and Leisure Management (AFLM), were also awarded the contract as operations manager of the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium. It is reported that this contract brings in a whopping R 600 000 a month to the coffers of Accelerate. It is the duty of AFLM to source events to be staged at the stadium to generate revenue and keep the stadium sustainable.
And here the connection between rugby and Accelerate begins to become clear.
The contract between AFLM and the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro states that, above the R 600 000 a month, AFLM are to be awarded performance bonuses based on the revenue they generate, providing this amount exceeds R 12,5 million a year. The structure of this bonus is as follows:
The Operator will be paid 10% of any amount above R12.5 million but less than R15 million, and then:
• 12.5% of any amount in excess of R15 million but less than R20 million;
• 15% of any amount in excess of R20 million but less than R25 million; and
• 20% of any amount in excess of R25 million.
It is thus blatantly clear that it is in the best interests of Accelerate to find events which will draw spectators, such as concerts etc.
But what better way to ensure constant revenue, week after week, than playing host to a top tier sports team. If only the Eastern Cape had one.
But wait, Accelerate have strong ties to SARU, they do after all boast an ex-president in their ranks. Would it at this point seem ludicrous to suggest that Oberholzer, Sam, Grant and Nayo used their previous connections to SARU to, excuse the pun, accelerate the Kings’ inclusion in Super Rugby so as to ensure that their business interest was being looked after, leading to SARU’s shock announcement at the Heyneke Meyer press conference about the Kings’ guaranteed inclusion in Super Rugby for 2013? Surely not.
So where does Mark Keohane fit into all this?
Keohane has recently stepped up his anti – Lions rhetoric in his articles, and while not directly naming the Kings in his most recent one, it is clear where his views emanate from. The vested interest he has in servicing his ex-colleagues at SARU (SASCOC contracts etc.) has clearly skewed the views of an already overly opinionated man.
But wait, there’s more.
After the establishment of the Kings, the son of Cheeky Watson – president of the Eastern Province Rugby Union (under which the Kings operate) – Luke, was brought back from Bath to play for the Kings. In May 2011 HSM (with Mark Keohane again at the forefront) announced that it had decided to enter into the field of player management, a first for the publishing company. Furthermore it was announced that their first client would be none other than Luke Watson. Queue the Mark Keohane propaganda machine.
The cover of the very next SA Rugby magazine was adorned by – yes, you guessed it – Luke Watson, with the rather flattering caption “Return of the King”. This was to be only the start of the Keohane marketing hype surrounding Watson and the Kings.
At the same press conference where SARU dropped the Kings bombshell on an unsuspecting audience, Ryan Vrede, a HSM journalist, asked Heyneke Meyer if Luke Watson – a player languishing in the second tier of SA Rugby and who hasn’t been in Bok contention since mid-2008 – was a contender for the position of Springbok captain. These blatant attempts by Keohane to force the name of Luke Watson into mainstream media while he has done nothing to get it there serves to illustrate the hidden agenda and inherent corrupt nature of a man who has lived off the rise and fall of others for far too long.
Not only has the media machine being rolling for Luke Watson, but others being managed under yet another Accelerate Sport company – In-Site Athlete Management – have been enjoying a rise in publicity in SA Rugby magazine as well. Willem Alberts received some ego stroking in May 2011, as did another In-Site managed player -Joe van Niekerk – in March 2012, with the article stating that he is playing the best rugby of his career at Toulon. Buttering him up for a big money move back to SA perhaps?
It is clear that Keo’s connection into Accelerate stretches deep, with an “I’ll scratch your back you scratch mine” policy which benefits both sides. Gideon Sam made sure he looked after Mark with the awarding of the SASCOC account, Mark in turn ensures that the business interests of Accelerate Sport and its stakeholders remains in the mainstream media, and they all walk away happy.
The reason why Keo has gone on a Lions bashing campaign of late should come as no surprise when taking the above into account. Mark Keohane is no longer a journalist; he hasn’t been for quite a while. He is a businessman with a platform to promote his interests and those of others close to him, a platform which he uses selflessly and without shame.
He is a wolf in sheep’s clothing. He is the worm in the apple, and the rot starts with him.
12 Oct 2012, 10:24 am
@Robzim-11: Thats what I was thinking.
But at least katters will have some players to support next year.
12 Oct 2012, 10:26 am
@foxpox-14: Ummm…….where have you been for the past year???
You sound suspiciously like another “one time blogger” that was on here a week or so ago.
Keo bashing is reserved for long standing posters only. mmmmkaaay???
12 Oct 2012, 10:26 am
@Robzim-11: seems like lance is a cheatie cheat worse than cheatie mccheat could ever be.
give them all drugs and lets see who makes it down the mountain quickest.
sure there will be injuries but the ratings will go through the roof.
12 Oct 2012, 10:29 am
@rangerman-12:
It could be. Lets hope it’s not another 6-37 against dem Sharks should they make the finals. There is something about winning finals that dem sharks must still master. They are a bit like the Protea cricket team. If I was a supporter of dem sharks I would have been worried of another BOOM during finals time
12 Oct 2012, 10:29 am
@Robzim-11: You missed a trick there. Your sentence “It happened to many people” was the ideal opportunity to use the phrase “…many good men” in its correct context.
12 Oct 2012, 10:30 am
@stormersboy-16: ja exactly.
we have had to put up with the dwarfs k u k articles and kazakhi hosted web server for years so we have earned it the hard way.
(i was going to say “props” to us but i was afraid rugbystudent would call me out for speaking blackinese)
12 Oct 2012, 10:32 am
@Robzim-18: We are not out of it yet, although a couple of key injuries, like Elstadt will make a bog difference IMO.
12 Oct 2012, 10:33 am
@Robzim-18: haha, how many finals have wp lost in the last decade?
oh ja, not so many. they simply dont usually get that far
dem sharks dem sharks dem black sharks dem sharks demsharks dem white sharks dem sharks dem sharks dem winning sharks join the sharie sharks.
12 Oct 2012, 10:33 am
@rangerman-20:
12 Oct 2012, 10:34 am
just 2 questions :
1. Did Keo turn a Multi Million Strong Lions union into one who now can’t even afford vaseline for Elton’s hair?
2. Did Keo make the Lions play kak in the last 3/4 years of Super Rugby? being the whipping boys and the joke of Super Rugby??
Just answer my questions ….
12 Oct 2012, 10:35 am
@stormersboy-13: “And just because I make my money off the yoke of the oppressed man doesn’t make it good money!”
Precisely. The State rests.
12 Oct 2012, 10:35 am
@stormersboy-16: Just reminding everyone in case they forgot
12 Oct 2012, 10:37 am
@rangerman-22: This year is totally going to be our year boet
12 Oct 2012, 10:38 am
Hendrik Cronjé, Volksblad
Pienaar, ’n voormalige Bok-heelagter, sê hy weet nie of hy al ooit meer belowende rou talent as die 19-jarige Rhule gesien het nie.
“Hy is een van die beste spelers wat ek al gesien het. Wat my veral opgewonde maak, is dat hy ruimte, en nie die teenstanders nie, op die veld aanval. Dít is ’n teken van ’n speler met visie,” sê Pienaar.
Rhule het vanjaar danksy beserings aan ander spelers drie kanse as ’n plaasvervanger gekry en sodanig beïndruk in wedstryde vir die Shimlas, Jong Bokkies en Cheetahs dat hy nou volgens Pienaar in berekening vir die Bok-span móét wees.
“As ek die Bok-keurders was, sou ek hom oorweeg het (vir die einde van die jaar se toer na Europa). Hy is sterk en baie fisiek. As hy só aanhou speel, gaan hy nog diep spore in Bok-rugby trap.”
12 Oct 2012, 10:40 am
@katman-25: Isn’t that how all great fortunes are made??
Just saying.
12 Oct 2012, 10:40 am
@rangerman-17:
Ja, fark, I have been such a fan of Lance… its not nice to read the latest… I guess I “knew” it all the time but was somehow hoping its not true.
I still reckon he is the greatest TdF rider in history- he certainly did not win the 7 yellows because of cheating only- the other top riders probably all cheated as well- the man has many other elusive qualities that only the greatest of champions posess.
But it does not take away from the fact that he most likely doped as much as the others.
12 Oct 2012, 10:41 am
Rhule to small for international rugby ….. finish & klaar
12 Oct 2012, 10:41 am
@BrumbiesBoy-4: does he play for the Brumbies?
12 Oct 2012, 10:43 am
@suffer_guy-24: No he didnt , but he didnt didnt win them last years Currie Cup either. Superrugby must be careful it doesnt go the IPL route , too many teams , too many games and if this year was anything to go by , a marked drop in standards and quality of the games.
12 Oct 2012, 10:43 am
@Transformation-28: Im a big fan of Rhule. I’d play him in the end of year tour, alongside one or tow other newcomers.
Not too many, but he would be one for sure.
12 Oct 2012, 10:44 am
@stormersboy-29: I was trying to point out that you missed a negative in that sentence.
Reminds me of the English professor who was discussing how two negatives can infer a positive, but two positives can never make a negative. Upon which a student piped up from the back, “Yeah right.”
12 Oct 2012, 10:44 am
Frikkin raining in Durban. Again.
Havent seen the sun in 2 farking months.
Hopefully itll clear up for the rugby later.
12 Oct 2012, 10:44 am
@Robzim-30: Ja exactly., I bet you cannot find a TDF winner after Indurain who hasn’t had a positive at some stage of career, which throws all his rides into doubt.
12 Oct 2012, 10:47 am
@suffer_guy-24:
Agreed.
I am 100% behind the Kings.
The Lions don’t deserve their spot in Super Rugby. It’s time to give someone else a chance. And don’t say ‘they must earn it’, because currently none of the 5 teams earn the right to play. It’s given to them as well. Technically speaking. In fact the last time it had to be ‘earned’, WP got the boot.
The Lions do well in Currie Cup, so that’s where they must stay,
12 Oct 2012, 10:47 am
@suffer_guy-31: Yawn.
12 Oct 2012, 10:48 am
@katman-35:Ah yes, I see what you did there. It may have been a Freudian slip on my part.
Actually, oppressed man aside, I’m starting to make some money off that other segment of the population that is always getting shafted: pensioners. (or pre-pensioners).
Although in this my conscience is clear, I’m saving them a great deal more than i make off them,
12 Oct 2012, 10:52 am
@suffer_guy-31:
Oh kak man.
12 Oct 2012, 10:54 am
@John Galt-36:
Lol, I was moaning about the same thing.
So tired of watching a free running team playing in a swimming pool.
12 Oct 2012, 10:57 am
@londonshark-42:
Yeah, not quite as torrential as the previous 2 games but its just enough to make the ball slipery.
Might not be as free flowing a game as we hoped this evening.
12 Oct 2012, 10:58 am
@londonshark-38: I personally think that the top 5 teams in the CC each year should play Super Rugby the next year.
12 Oct 2012, 10:58 am
@stormersboy-37:
Ja, there are very few tour winners who were never either convicted or paid money in terms of some legal arrangement to stop investigations against them.
The situation is improving a bit lately- there are indications that the watts per kilogram and the climbing times of the top riders have been dropping over the last few years. The current Tour champ (Bradley Wiggins ) for example is apparently as clean as a whistle.
There will be more scandals though- it’s human nature and the stakes and financial incentives are just incredibly high.
12 Oct 2012, 10:59 am
@Robzim-11: Good one!
12 Oct 2012, 10:59 am
@stormersboy-37:
Cycling is a farce. You cant call it a sport anymore.
And what really makes me angry is the way Lance is trying to dismiss the reality as fairytales.
He is not only a cheat but a coward as well.
12 Oct 2012, 11:00 am
@stormersboy-44: have an 8 team CC, with the top 5 (or less preferably) playing in a (shortened) super comp the next year.
If the kings want it let them earn it. They would have a fair shot then with no problems politically.
12 Oct 2012, 11:02 am
@Robzim-45: Correct, this year was hopefully one of the cleanest in recent times.
12 Oct 2012, 11:03 am
@Transformation-28:
he’s certainly got the goods.
just needs to keep plugging away at all the aspects of his game which needs work.
also perhaps weight but thats a tricky issue, too much and player loses his pace too little and he gets targeted/turned.
12 Oct 2012, 11:08 am
@suffer_guy-31:
Ho hum.
Raymond Rhule 1.88cm, 88Kgs
Corey Jane 1.83cm, 88kgs
12 Oct 2012, 11:08 am
@suffer_guy-31: Ja sure. Bet my bottom dollar had he been playing for kings he would be the next great thing.
This guy has what it takes and I believe he will wear the bok badge sooner rather than later.
12 Oct 2012, 11:10 am
@Transformation-32: And your point is?
Don’t forget: “everything you say on the net stays there forever.”
12 Oct 2012, 11:10 am
@John Galt-51: How about Geo. Everybody kaks themselves because he is not there. Christian Cullen. Small is relative when it comes to wings. Bryan Habana played arguably his best rugby when he was way smalles than most wings around.
Do not read to much into what suffer guy blogs anyways.
12 Oct 2012, 11:10 am
@stormersboy-40: Ah, a Freudian Slip. That’s when you say one thing but you mean your mother…
12 Oct 2012, 11:12 am
@Mr Black-47: i have to agree.
they are all doped to the hilt (perception created by the drug cheats) so why bother?
lance fought cancer and is hailed as some kind of amazing guy for this but really, what option does a cancer sufferer have?
his decision not to contest just proved he is a dopehead, a liar and a cheat.
12 Oct 2012, 11:13 am
@John Galt-51: Ja they forgot to tell Gio Aplon that he was too small. And Juan De Jong. And and and ………
12 Oct 2012, 11:14 am
ag anyone trying to argue rhule is too small or not gifted enough has clearly never seen the kid play.
he is simply awesome.
great defense, awesome pace and absolutely fearless. he is what mapoo poo should have been but with twice the pace.
12 Oct 2012, 11:15 am
@katman-55: Ja exactly lol.
12 Oct 2012, 11:18 am
@stormersboy-57: Not the best example to use, as AC’s admission that neither Aplon nor Pietersen cut it for him at FB is barely cold.
12 Oct 2012, 11:18 am
anyone in durbs seen the sea?
want to go spearfishing later this arvie but i dont know if there is any viz?
12 Oct 2012, 11:20 am
@katman-60: I don’t get that by the way. I mean I like Taute, but not that much. I do think that Gio is a wing though, always have.
12 Oct 2012, 11:20 am
@katman-60: gio is getting to the point of no return imo.
he is what, 29 now?
with the players we have coming available in our backline i find it hard to believe he will play any long term role in the boks going forward.
i would love to see mapoo get a shot at some stage too (frikken merc). he has the goods i believe.
12 Oct 2012, 11:21 am
@BrumbiesBoy-53: are you quoting my own words to me
truce?
12 Oct 2012, 11:22 am
@stormersboy-62: and as a wing he has very little chance of uplifting hougie, mvovo, JPP and Habs.
so……
12 Oct 2012, 11:24 am
@stormersboy-44:
Agree.
But then all the Boks need to back for the entire Currie Cup.
So it won’t work.
12 Oct 2012, 11:25 am
@rangerman-61:
Looking at the sea as we speak. Looks clean from here. Like glass too.
Was up the North Coast last weekend.
Water was surprisingly clean. Saw some guys diving off Sheffield.
12 Oct 2012, 11:27 am
@rangerman-58: lionel is a better 13 though atm…he was ripping the currie cup to shreds before meyer called him up to carry tackle bags…
12 Oct 2012, 11:27 am
@rangerman-65:
Aplon is a better wing than Mvovo and Hougie.
He would be my first choice fullback, that’s for sure (providing we had JPP and Habs on the wings).
12 Oct 2012, 11:27 am
@rangerman-61:
looking over the bay now – specifically the yacht club.
viz seems fine.
you could always go after some grunter.
12 Oct 2012, 11:28 am
@rangerman-58: before his knee injury mapoe was consistently ripping hougaard a new one on the wing, elke dag!
12 Oct 2012, 11:28 am
@Transformation-68:
Yep, he’s a very good 13.
His pace is not what it used to be (injury does that to some players). So 13 fits him well.
Any news on his transfer movements?
12 Oct 2012, 11:29 am
@John Galt-67: where are you looking from John?
i dived sheffield last sat morning, only a few bronzies about. straight out in front of the stairs.
12 Oct 2012, 11:31 am
@rangerman-73:
Haha, that was probably you I checked then.
From my office on the Berea.
Basically looking directly over Pirates.
12 Oct 2012, 11:31 am
@rangerman-63: you blame mapoe meanwhile it was the sharks that induced him by suggesting there were loopholes in his contract hoping they can poach him like they did the mercenaries alberts and ludik…
12 Oct 2012, 11:31 am
@John Galt-51:
Brian O’Driscoll 1.78m, 93 kg.
12 Oct 2012, 11:32 am
Looks like Sharks will be playing another game in the rain…
Jeez have not seen so much rain as we have had in the last 4 weeks.
12 Oct 2012, 11:32 am
@londonshark-69: Ja after JPP he’s wing no 3 for me.
I would have given him game time this year for sure. he has the pace and defence that could have helped shut down some of the All Back back 3 moves.
12 Oct 2012, 11:32 am
@Transformation-68: he is playing great rugby at 13 agreed.
@londonshark-69: debatable bud. i rate himm as a player but i dont see him getting a long term run.
@charo-70: haha shot charo but i want to get a snoek or some return garrick bud. got a 19 kg whopper last month at sheffield.
@Transformation-71: and thats the problem, his pace is seemingly not ever going to be the same so he must be given a run at 13 but i rate rhule at 13 too.
12 Oct 2012, 11:33 am
@londonshark-72: with sadie going to the cheetahs, i think he is bulle bound…he can force his way past engelbrecht if he keeps his current vein of form…
12 Oct 2012, 11:34 am
@Transformation-75:
WP tried to poach him first, then signed Vermeulen after the Lions Alberts wouldn’t move.
12 Oct 2012, 11:34 am
every one will look good in a Currie Cup where top 30 boks aren’t playing … it all starts tonight & tomorrow ….. JDJ & JDV will kill mapoe next weekend … same way Shadow & Partners will kill Rhule 2morrow
12 Oct 2012, 11:35 am
@londonshark-66: yes certainly for most of it, which would mean a shortened Super Comp.
That’s why i would shorten the Super comp, or make it a 2 group comp, say 14 teams with 7 in a pool, the top 2 playing off, a total of 8 games if you win.
Pools to be decided through rankings in the previous year’s comp or something like that .
Bobs your uncle.
12 Oct 2012, 11:38 am
@rangerman-63: Mapoe is the real deal at outside centre. And I really like the look of Rhule, Jordaan and that Serfontein bloke at the Bulls.
12 Oct 2012, 11:38 am
@rangerman-79:
Yeah look, doesn’t help he’s 29 either. The pace is still there, but maybe not quite what it was (Jordaan smoked him in the Currie Cup).
12 Oct 2012, 11:40 am
@John Galt-74: ja it probably was haha, thats one of my spots.
anyways, i am out guys have a goodie.
12 Oct 2012, 11:41 am
@stormersboy-83:
Lol, boet, wishful thinking.
Rugby in SA reminds me of fat people and diets.
We all know how to sort SA rugby out (like fat people know not to eat so much), but we keep on doing it through longer and longer comps (and fat people through pies).
12 Oct 2012, 11:42 am
@katman-84: Mapoe has been playing some terrific rugby at 13 then so has Jordaan. Both should be on the eoyt. I would like Rhule to stay on the wing. Imagine Rhule and JPP as wings for the Boks? At some stage think we will see them both on the field. Though Habs has been great this year.
12 Oct 2012, 11:43 am
@Transformation-75: @David-81: haha transie david just handed you your gat you chancer.
now pul;l on your big boy pants and pick up your lip ok?
12 Oct 2012, 11:44 am
tjorts guys.
12 Oct 2012, 11:44 am
@Transformation-64: Yeah, OK, but only cos it’s Friday!
But who knows what next week will bring…
12 Oct 2012, 11:54 am
@rangerman-61:
Get a job man!
Chrissakes.
12 Oct 2012, 12:13 pm
@rangerman-65: Aplon much better all-round game than Mvovo and Hougie and a better openfield runner than all of them. Probably the best kicker of the lot as well.
12 Oct 2012, 12:15 pm
@londonshark-72: One of the more consistent ito of breaking the first tackle. Has the skills to capitalise on those half breaks as well.
12 Oct 2012, 12:17 pm
@Puma-88: I think Jordaan needs another year. His game’s not rounded enough for international rugby yet. Same applies for Serfontein.
12 Oct 2012, 12:22 pm
@rangerman-89: do you know who david is talking about or you’re just piggy backing on his comment cos you’re clueless?
12 Oct 2012, 12:25 pm
@BrumbiesBoy-91: ja, just don’t lie to us hey
12 Oct 2012, 12:31 pm
@Transformation-97: I won’t, don’t worry…luckily I didn’t go to that school!
12 Oct 2012, 12:41 pm
@foxpox-14: It should make all Honest Rugby Supporters livid…
The Kings are nothing more than SA Rugby’s version of a Bantustan… An artificial construct, farken stench of corruption everywhere and a creation of convenience that enables the powers that be to say that they are “doing” something for “transformation” or development…
The Kings – A Bantustan of a S15 franchise under their own Paramount Chief, Kaizer MaCheeky…
12 Oct 2012, 13:39 pm
@Heavens Game-99:
He he he…you don’t mince your words.
I am pleased to have big rugby back in the area for one thing. The cost is however a concern. And I don’t mean financial only. SARU have bent the knee before the political pressure before, but this time they did it not at the expense of one or two individuals. This time a local union and its supporters have been screwed. I am concerned about the message this sends out to prospective sponsors. We are in a professional era in rugby, but everything that makes business sense is shoved to one side to gain political browny points. This is going to come back and bite SARU in the sensitive flesh
12 Oct 2012, 13:58 pm
@rangerman-65: Hougie must move back to scrumhalf. Impact player on the bench. I will include Rhule and Mapoe in the Bok squad for the EOYT. Just to expose them to the Bok culture and so forth.
12 Oct 2012, 14:02 pm
Any news about bolters for the EOYT squad.
I hope Morne is not in the squad though.
Lambie and Elton can handle ish on there own.
12 Oct 2012, 14:24 pm
@Sasuke-102: If Morne kicks 27 from 27 in the next 3 rounds of CC, he can go.
As backup.
But alas, I think he might start against Ireland. No matter what.
12 Oct 2012, 14:26 pm
@Sasuke-101:
Hougie and Lambie (if HM still thinks he’s a fullback, which he isn’t, but anyway) must be our 2 backs on the bench. Can cover 9-15 between them.
Having Lambie and Jantjies on the bench is bloody daft. Rather have an extra foward.
PS I’m saying this believing that Meyer will play Morne at 10
12 Oct 2012, 14:39 pm
I’d love to see the reaction if this story was posted on a US site like Huffington Post about AIG sponsoring the national team of a couple of tiny Pacific islands for some game called rugby.
12 Oct 2012, 14:40 pm
@David-105:
Oops, wrong thread.
12 Oct 2012, 15:26 pm
Hougaard should never be considered for a starting wing berth. Its starting scrummie or bench scrummie and bench wing. We have too much wings in the country for a scrummie to start there.
Here is a whack idea
Is it too late to considered Odwa and Akona for the bok spots?
I wonder what the mental effect and how big a part it would play on the opposition if both of them started on the wings. Just imagine tackling a dreaded flyer, few seconds later you tackling another dreaded flyer. The opposition would think that the Boks are all over them and that they are just on the defensive against wave and wave of attack. Would be very interesting.
They can even switch wings during the game and at half time switch jerseys just in case the opposition decides to target one of them.
I wonder why no Bok coach tried this?
Probably to whack of an idea.
12 Oct 2012, 15:31 pm
@Sasuke-107:
They not Bok quality now hey.
Akona was always better than Odwa in my mind (seemed quicker).
12 Oct 2012, 16:06 pm
@David-76: O’ Driscoll is a “midget” who would never have played a single test for SA. Let alone he is a legend of the game.
12 Oct 2012, 16:26 pm
@londonshark-108: Both Ndungane’s were never good enough to play for Springboks, they were always Provincial material at best.
12 Oct 2012, 16:30 pm
@londonshark-108: Interesting.
I always thought Odwa was the better one of the two (better allround game and skills, good fullback too).
12 Oct 2012, 16:38 pm
@XhosaKid-110: dude i’m convinced one of those cats boned your cherrie in high school, you’ve always had it in for them
12 Oct 2012, 16:53 pm
It is a huge mistake letting Springbok players play in the Currie Cup. As far as I know, All Black players will not compete in their domestic competition, thereby allowing their players crucial rest for the year-end tour. It’s no wonder our players burn out so quickly. I don’t understand why SARU doesn’t make a law that will let Springbok players rest more. Stupid, stupid, stupid!
12 Oct 2012, 17:00 pm
@Riaan26-113:
They can’t, as the Unions own the players contracts.
12 Oct 2012, 17:01 pm
@Riaan26-113: “law”? as long as the unions hold the players contract & not SARU they can’t decree on who to rest & who to play…currently the unions foot the salary bills & SARU tops up for 30 players…
12 Oct 2012, 17:08 pm
@Riaan26-113:
I think the Boks should play. Get their self esteem up. Rid themselves of the HM cancer.
12 Oct 2012, 17:18 pm
It’s a tough one but I would lean towards playing them.
Look at the Aussies, as far as I know they have no domestic championship of any great significance so they sleep now & then get thrown slap back into test match rugby.
Also not good.
12 Oct 2012, 17:34 pm
I bet the Stormers/WP players would want to play even if it meant playing with injuries.
They are desperate for trophy success.
12 Oct 2012, 17:36 pm
So far overcast in Durbs but atleast not raining
Sharks players seem relaxed on the main stand
12 Oct 2012, 17:37 pm
PSDT having a very good game at 7 for the Shaarks under21′s
12 Oct 2012, 17:40 pm
SARU and SARPU needs to instigate a maximum number of games before a mandated rest period for players.
12 Oct 2012, 17:53 pm
@David-121:
That should be “institute”, not instigate
12 Oct 2012, 17:53 pm
S H A R K S S S S S S S s s sss
12 Oct 2012, 18:00 pm
@David-122: Come David, concentrate now, that’s the second bloop I’ve seen today!
12 Oct 2012, 18:02 pm
@Treehugger-123: Ah Treehugger, hi, I was thinking with that story about the giraffe in the Chinese zoo the other day; with their doping record/reputation with regards to swimmers etc can you imagine how fast that giraffe can run now?
12 Oct 2012, 18:03 pm
@BrumbiesBoy-124:
I know, and I’m totally ashamed. In fact there were three.
12 Oct 2012, 18:04 pm
@Treehugger-123:
Are you Gollum?
12 Oct 2012, 18:07 pm
@BrumbiesBoy-125: hahahaha twit !
12 Oct 2012, 18:10 pm
@David-127: Gollum ? Only Gollum I know of is from Lord of The Rings, if you mean do I look like it, Yebo Baby, that’s me to a T.
12 Oct 2012, 18:15 pm
@Treehugger-129:
Yeah, that’s the one, but it was more your sibilant pronouncement.
12 Oct 2012, 18:22 pm
@David-121: Typo aside, that is an excellent idea.
12 Oct 2012, 18:26 pm
Hahahahahaha I just did the Sharks thing ”my precious style” hub reckons it was creepy as hell.
12 Oct 2012, 18:33 pm
@willievz-131:
I thought so as well until I wondered how you factor in the Boks. The EOYTs could see a number of players eliminated because their unions have taken up their allocated game time.
12 Oct 2012, 18:37 pm
@Treehugger-132:
Hub will probably wonder whether he an afford to close his eyes tonight.
12 Oct 2012, 18:38 pm
@David-133:
I’d suggest the contracted Boks must be available to play all tests.
So if a Bok has 5 games left for the year on his quota, of which 3 are reserved for EOYT tests, then he should only be allowed a maximum of 2 games for his union.
12 Oct 2012, 18:44 pm
@willievz-135:
Good idea, but what about the non contract Boks that are usually selected.
12 Oct 2012, 18:47 pm
@willievz-118:
Living in Cape Town is the best trophy of all
12 Oct 2012, 18:53 pm
@BrumbiesBoy-125: did you know a giraffe can last/ live longer than a camel when going without water?
12 Oct 2012, 18:55 pm
off course you didn’t
12 Oct 2012, 18:56 pm
@Jinx2-137: the DA handing out trophys now?
12 Oct 2012, 18:58 pm
the bars here in the verre noord all have like trophys on the walls
12 Oct 2012, 18:59 pm
@shooter-140:
12 Oct 2012, 19:11 pm
@shooter-141:
Aren’t they called bullet holes?
12 Oct 2012, 20:18 pm
@David-136:
Let the same number of games apply to the top 120 (or whatever) players in this country, and that problem will solve itself.
The non-contracted Boks will in all probability play much less games than the contracted Boks, so they will have more games left on their quota once the Rugby Championship finishes (eg Craig Burden).
13 Oct 2012, 09:49 am
@shooter-138: @shooter-139: No, I didn’t…but it makes sense I suppose…longer necks so it takes longer for the critical symptoms to reach the brain…
13 Oct 2012, 10:05 am
@Riaan26-113:
Disagree. Don’t punish the best local comp in the world because of a stupid test and super rugby schedule.
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