Currie Cup preview (Play-offs)
19 Oct 2012
GARETH DUNCAN analyses this weekend’s play-offs.
SEMI-FINALS
SHARKS vs BLUE BULLS, DURBAN, SAT 16:30
These two teams have enjoyed the returns of several Springboks, which contributed to their wins last weekend. However, I think John Plumtree’s management of his Test players will be key in what happens at Kings Park.
Plumtree learnt a hard lesson in last year’s final at Ellis Park as his fatigued Boks, who had returned from the World Cup a fortnight before, were rushed into the starting XV and failed to make an impact. The Lions won that title decider 42-16.
However, this year, the Kiwi coach has eased his Test players back into the team and has rewarded the others who made telling contributions to the Sharks’ run to the top of log with starting spots.
The Sharks have the best backline in the competition, and they have an in-form, young halfback pair in Cobus Reinach and Pat Lambie to spearhead them. The hosts also have a strong pack, and the returns of tighthead prop Jannie du Plessis and flank Marcell Coetzee are valuable promotions to the forwards this weekend.
The Bulls have a near-Super Rugby strength side available, but they can’t afford the start they experienced against the Lions. They’re facing the Sharks, who are the best attacking team of the competition and boast the best defensive record.
The Bulls will need to get early momentum, and this will depend heavily on their forwards and the performance of flyhalf Morné Steyn. Considering their poor domestic run this year, it would be a massive achievement.
However, the Sharks should be good enough to restrict the visitors and end their hopes of a fairytale turnaround in this year’s Currie Cup.
FORM
Sharks WWLWLWLWWW
Bulls WLWLLLWLWW
Sharks – 15 Louis Ludik, 14 JP Pietersen, 13 Paul Jordaan, 12 Tim Whitehead, 11 Lwazi Mvovo, 10 Pat Lambie, 9 Cobus Reinach, 8 Keegan Daniel (c), 7 Jean Deysel, 6 Marcell Coetzee, 5 Anton Bresler, 4 Jandré Marais, 3 Jannie du Plessis, 2 Kyle Cooper, 1 Dale Chadwick.
Subs: 16 Craig Burden, 17 Tendai Mtawarira, 18 Wiehahn Herbst, 19 Steven Sykes/Peet Marais, 20 Willem Alberts, 21 Charl McLeod, 22 Meyer Bosman.
Blue Bulls – 15 Zane Kirchner, 14 Akona Ndungane, 13 JJ Engelbrecht, 12 Francois Venter, 11 Bjorn Basson, 10 Morné Steyn, 9 Jano Vermaak, 8 Arno Botha, 7 Jacques Potgieter, 6 Dewald Potgieter (c), 5 Juandré Kruger, 4 Flip van der Merwe, 3 Werner Kruger, 2 Willie Wepener, 1 Morné Mellett.
Subs: 16 Chiliboy Ralepelle, 17 Frik Kirsten, 18 Wilhelm Steenkamp, 19 CJ Stander, 20 Francois Hougaard, 21 Louis Fouché, 22 Dean Greyling.
Gareth’s prediction: Sharks by 12
GOLDEN LIONS vs WP, JOHANNESBURG, SAT 19:00
Both teams will have fresh memories of the Lions’ 22-9 victory at Newlands a fortnight ago. But this will be a stronger Province team the Johannesburg union will be facing this weekend.
WP cruised to victory against the Cheetahs at home during the last league round, thanks to the return of their seven Springboks. The likes of Tiaan Liebenberg, Andries Bekker, Duane Vermeulen, Bryan Habana, Jean de Villiers and Juan de Jongh added much-needed grunt and bolstered the side.
However, the loss of De Villiers, Liebenberg and Bekker to injury will be telling. I don’t think Marcel Brache and De Kock Steenkamp are good enough to fill the gaps left by the players they’ve replaced. Siyabonga Ntubeni isn’t as imposing as Liebenberg, but he has impressed me during the Currie Cup this season and Allister Coetzee will hope the youngster does a good job on match day.
Province will need their heavies to front their battle as they come up against the strongest pack of the Currie Cup. The Lions rested the likes of JC Janse van Rensburg, Jacobie Adriaanse and Franco van der Merwe last weekend, and will come out firing at Ellis Park.
The strengths of the Lions have been their set-piece execution and their ability to slow down and poach ball at the breakdowns. If they can replicate that form this weekend, they’ll have the platform to beat WP.
Expect both flyhalves to play a vital role with the boot.
FORM
Lions WLWLWWWWLL
WP LWLWWLWLLW
Golden Lions – 15 Andries Coetzee, 14 Ruan Combrinck, 13 Jaco Taute, 12 Alwyn Hollenbach, 11 Anthony Volmink, 10 Elton Jantjies, 9 Michael Bondesio, 8 Warren Whiteley, 7 Jaco Kriel, 6 Cobus Grobbelaar, 5 Franco van der Merwe, 4 Michael Rhodes, 3 Jacobie Adriaanse, 2 Callie Visagie, 1 JC Janse van Rensburg (c).
Subs:: 16 Bandise Maku, 17 CJ van der Linde, 18 Hendrik Roodt, 19 Derick Minnie, 20 Ross Cronje, 21 Butch James, 22 Deon Helberg.
Western Province – 15 Gio Aplon, 14 Gerhard van den Heever, 13 Juan de Jongh, 12 Marcel Brache, 11 Bryan Habana, 10 Demetri Catrakilis, 9 Nic Groom, 8 Duane Vermeulen, 7 Don Armand, 6 Deon Fourie (c), 5 De Kock Steenkamp, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Frans Malherbe, 2 Siyabonga Ntubeni, 1 Steven Kitshoff.
Subs: 16 Deon Carstens, 17 Brok Harris, 18 Wilhelm van der Sluys, 19 Jebb Sinclair, 20 Louis Schreuder, 21 Damian de Allende, 22 Joe Pietersen.
Gareth’s prediction: Lions by 5
PROMOTION-RELEGATION PLAY-OFF, 1ST LEG
FREE STATE CHEETAHS vs EP KINGS, BLOEMFONTEIN, FRI 19:10
Usually, Free State would’ve been the easy pick to win this contest.
But losing 13 first-choice players is an injury crisis most teams would struggle with. Their inconsistent form on the domestic stage this season is also a concern. However, they still have a team strong enough to beat the First Division champions at home.
Free State will target the forward battle. The return of flanker Lappies Labuschagne is a major boost for the loose trio, while Adriaan Strauss will be a key feature in the front row. If the hosts gain the ascendancy up front, their dangerous backline will cause some problems for EP.
The Kings have lost five players to injury over the last fortnight, with the big blows being in-form skipper Luke Watson and lock Darron Nell. The men from PE also struggled under pressure against a physical Pumas outfit last weekend, and they’ll face a stronger unit in the Cheetahs, who have some hard men up front.
Free State should win the first leg, but the interesting fixture will be the second play-off in PE next weekend.
FORM
Cheetahs LWWLLLLWWL
EP Kings (First Division) WWWWWDWWWWWWDWWWWW
Cheetahs – 15 Hennie Daniller, 14 Nico Scheepers, 13 Robert Ebersohn, 12 Andries Strauss, 11 Raymond Rhule, 10 Sias Ebersohn, 9 Sarel Pretorius, 8 Phillip van der Walt, 7 Lappies Labuschagne, 6 Hendro Scholtz, 5 Izak van der Merwe, 4 Francois Uys, 3 Ross Geldenhuys, 2 Adriaan Strauss (c), 1 Marcel van der Merwe
Subs: 16 Hercu Liebenberg, 17 Schalk van der Merwe, 18 Carl Wegner, 19 Davon Ruabenheimer, 20 Tewis du Bruyn, 21 Phillip Snyman, 22 Rayno Benjamin.
EP Kings – 15 SP Marais, 14 Paul Perez, 13 Wayne Stevens (c), 12 Shane Gates, 11 Michael Killian 10 Wesley Dunlop, 9 Falie Oelschig, 8 Cornell Du Preez, 7 Wimpie van der Walt, 6 Devin Oosthuizen, 5 David Bullbring, 4 Reynier Bernardo, 3 Clint Newland, 2 Hannes Franklin, 1 Jaco Engels.
Subs: 16 Frank Herne, 17 Andre Schlechter, 18 Wayne van Heerden, 19 Mpho Mbiyozo, 20 Scott Mathie, 21 George Whitehead, 22 Norman Nelson.
Gareth’s prediction: Free State by 10
485 Comments
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19 Oct 2012, 12:33 pm
@Robzim-68: Well at least he didn’t waste it.
19 Oct 2012, 12:48 pm
@wing_14-197: Joubert is a Sharks fan first and foremost and Hate Wp.. that is more accurate..
19 Oct 2012, 12:53 pm
thinhs are bad neh…Mpundulu get those tender ntanga!
Banker jumps to death
AMUKELANI CHAUKE | 19 October, 2012 00:38
South African-born investment manager, Nico Lambrechts, has died after reportedly leaping from a building in London.
Lambrechts, 46, was pronounced dead on the scene after he fell from the top of an expensive open-air restaurant, the Daily Mail reported.
Yesterday, Investec Asset Management confirmed the incident but refused to say whether his death was suicide or if foul play was suspected.
19 Oct 2012, 13:00 pm
Forever Doodpoes
Shrek still has growing to do
Simnikiwe Xabanisa | 18 October, 2012
THERE’S a story that does the rounds about when Cheetahs and Springbok prop Coenie Oosthuizen was a new boy at a Grey College hostel.
Apparently a group of senior boys ganged up on the already sturdy youngster and performed some form of initiation. What the initiators, who allegedly included one Francois Steyn, had not counted on was the fodder fighting back.
An enraged Oosthuizen apparently stomped through the hostel looking for the older boys, one at a time, to dish out all kinds of rough justice to them.
One thing was clear from that incident: the man nicknamed Shrek has an appetite for a fight. So if said penchant for retribution is anything to go by, his latest injury will get what’s coming to it.
The back ailment, which will keep him out of rugby for eight to 12 weeks, follows two neck injuries in the last year.
But because of Oosthuizen’s gung-ho attitude to getting back from injury, both the Cheetahs and the Springboks have taken their cue from him and shunted him back into service with almost indecent haste – which should be a real concern.
The fact that the 23-year-old keeps breaking down suggests he is coming back too soon. He certainly did when he was picked for the Test against the Aussies after playing less than a half following his recovery from a neck injury.
It’s perfectly understandable why Heyneke Meyer wants him in his team as soon as possible; Oosthuizen is gifted.
But people need to realise that even at 1.83m and 127kg, he is essentially an overgrown child.
To be the destructive tighthead prop we want him to be, Oosthuizen still has to do two things: grow stronger physically and learn his trade at a lower level.
One Super rugby season in the position should mean he is ready to do his dirty work come the Four Nations next season.
The same could be said of flyhalf Johan Goosen, whose constant breaking down could be betraying that he is not physically ready for the rigours of grown-up rugby.
It didn’t help that he was also rushed back into the Bok team after one half of Currie Cup rugby, having spent four months off the field with a shoulder injury.
The good thing about these youngsters being called on so urgently by Meyer is that it shows his faith in them, but he must also be wary of destroying them before the bright careers he envisages for them have even started.
A great example of a player who is still picking up the pieces from a similar scenario is hooker Chiliboy Ralepelle.
When Jake White was under the political cosh to play more black players in his Bok team in 2006, he chose a 19-year-old Ralepelle. Now everyone knows that throwing a tight forward that age into international rugby is the stuff that kills careers. White did it anyway, and Ralepelle has been a habitual occupant in the Bulls’ sickbay.
Similarly, the Siya Kolisis, Eben Etzebeths and Steven Kitsoffs are being played week in and week out despite obviously being too young. The fact that they just want to play is taken to mean they should play, when, in fact, they should be reined in at times.
They might all be strong kids, but they’re still just kids.
With these youngsters, South Africa is on the verge of producing genuine Springbok greats who should be a handful at the next World Cup. Why would we want to c.ock that up by refusing to manage them correctly in favour of a few ultimately insignificant smash-and-grab victories?
19 Oct 2012, 13:09 pm
@Transformation-204: The biggest culprit are the coaches who rush them back too quick.
HM is directly to blame for Coenie & Goosen’s injuries imo.
19 Oct 2012, 13:11 pm
@trupisero-205: duane was lucky…
19 Oct 2012, 13:12 pm
@Transformation-204: forget about doodpoes!
Tell me who do you think is going to win the match tonight, between the All White Kings (not refering to their playing strip) and those duplictious farm fuc kers from the states.
I really don’t give a damn who loses that match – it is a win win win for me.
19 Oct 2012, 13:18 pm
@Transformation-206: indeed.
19 Oct 2012, 13:20 pm
@RL-207: the States are taking it, it’s a no-brainer
19 Oct 2012, 13:22 pm
@RL-207: “duplictious farm fuc kers from the states” – you sommer paint everyone with the same harold verster brush
19 Oct 2012, 13:25 pm
@suffer_guy-182: all that you mentioned and more was happening under Apartheid, its just the reporting that has changed since then.
19 Oct 2012, 13:25 pm
Something you’ll never hear a rugby fan say – “I really like referee X – he always favours my team!”.
Refereeing excuses coming in thick and fast.
19 Oct 2012, 13:30 pm
@zub-212: Man Utd fans have no shame in accepting Howard Webb as theirs or Jonker and Joubert for the Bulls.
19 Oct 2012, 13:31 pm
@XhosaKid-213: Are you a Man Utd fan?
19 Oct 2012, 13:34 pm
@XhosaKid-213:
with a 37 year old and a 38 year old running our midfield who needs howard webb lol
19 Oct 2012, 14:21 pm
@XhosaKid-213: jeez mntam did you see that plonker fergie mourning that the 4 min the ref added as optional time was “a disgrace” as he thought they deserved more
i laughed so hard…the fool must have no skaam. recall the 7 min his team got UNTIL owed scored vs Citeh when Sparky was still their manager?
19 Oct 2012, 14:28 pm
anyone else covered this?
Johannesburg – Gerald Majola has been fired as CEO of Cricket South Africa (CSA) following an internal disciplinary hearing.
19 Oct 2012, 14:33 pm
what a load of tripe:
Rob Houwing’s ‘Tops on the Telly’ column
Whatever you think of his broader merits as a commentator, the one key thing I believe Joel Stransky routinely gets spot-on is to detach himself firmly from any obvious partisanship.
I’ve been reminded of that again in the past few weeks, where his contribution behind the SuperSport rugby mike – usually as the comments- and perspectives-geared “No 2” to a lead commentator – has shone brightly in that regard.
http://www.sport24.co.za/Columnists/RobHouwing/Stransky-truly-sidesteps-bias-20121019
he’s anyithng but impartial in the way he criticises the bulls game plan when they’re playing, to the point of seeing what he wants to see in what they’re doing or lamely explaining away how it is they’ve somehow managed to go ahead on the scoreboard and eventually win even though they did all the things he was lamenting about in play.
19 Oct 2012, 14:37 pm
@i_love_u_bakkiesbotha-217: About time too!
But does that mean he gets to keep the money?
19 Oct 2012, 14:39 pm
I have to go with the home teams, thus:
Sharks – Lions final in guppy bowl…
19 Oct 2012, 14:40 pm
@BrumbiesBoy-219: Ali Bacher kept it, i guess “twinkle toes” will keep his…
19 Oct 2012, 14:43 pm
@BrumbiesBoy-219:
my money’s on a sweetheart ‘just walk away’ deal worth millions which they’ll try hide for as long as they can.
19 Oct 2012, 14:43 pm
Just realised that this weekend’s games are almost an exact repeat of last year’s CC semis: Lions at home against Province, and Sharks at home – only difference is they face the Bulls instead of the Cheetahs.
Last year the Sharks took the Cheetahs 20-13. And the Lions took WP 29-20 (which is strangely close to my prediction of 28-18 for tomorrow). Will we see history repeating?
19 Oct 2012, 15:01 pm
@BrumbiesBoy-219:
yes but he’ll be mowing his lawn for the rest of his career.
19 Oct 2012, 15:07 pm
Another interesting snippet from a News24 article:
“The Lions will go into their match with a psychological edge, having won their previous four Currie Cup encounters against Province…”
19 Oct 2012, 15:09 pm
@i_love_u_bakkiesbotha-218:
stranksy is a knobber.
I’m so over him and his 1995 drop goal.
what’s he done since?
19 Oct 2012, 15:11 pm
@gunther-224: he’ll go back to his pharmacy and estate agent businesses…
19 Oct 2012, 15:13 pm
@Transformation-227:
I wouldn’t by a Grandpa Powder from that Gerrie.
Let alone property.
19 Oct 2012, 15:13 pm
@katman-225: That’s why i think the lions might edge the wp. wet weather could play a part and then it might favour province. i reckon the bulls might do it against the sharks.
19 Oct 2012, 15:14 pm
@Transformation-221: For once I agree with you.
Have absolutely zero respect for that former Springbok captain who was the main protagonist behind the removal of the Springbok emblem from cricket & other sports.
Will never forget him proudly posing with the “new South African sporting emblem” on or the day after his birthday in 1994.
Have supported all SA cricket’s opposition ever since (except Zimbabwe of course).
19 Oct 2012, 15:15 pm
@i_love_u_bakkiesbotha-222: BOOOOOOOM!
19 Oct 2012, 15:16 pm
@pompies2-229: Bok rugby needs Lambie to out perform MS and for the sharks game plan to become something the boks start using
19 Oct 2012, 15:18 pm
@gunther-226:
19 Oct 2012, 15:20 pm
@Skeppie-232: i understand where you’re coming from, but that statement is far too simplistic. They are 2 players vying for the bok jersey and they should be judged on performances.
19 Oct 2012, 15:23 pm
Connolly calls for Cooper ban
Published: Friday, 19. October, 2012
Former Australia coach John Connolly says Quade Cooper should be banned for a year for his “unforgivable” lambasting of the Wallabies.
Cooper’s Wallaby career is hanging in the balance following his criticism of the team’s conservative gameplan and ‘toxic’ environment and his reluctancy to don the national jersey until things change.
Connolly, who briefly coached the Wallabies from 2006 until their quarterfinal exit at the 2007 World Cup, said the Australian Rugby Union (ARU) should take stern action against the outspoken flyhalf.
“It’s unforgivable what Cooper did,” Connolly told Radio Sport New Zealand. “You can’t imagine one of the All Blacks criticising [coach Steve] Hansen and the game.
“It’s just ridiculous what’s happened and I hope [the ARU] do make a strong statement. He’s said he doesn’t want to play for his country – well then that’s fine.
“I don’t think you treat the Wallabies coach or the country or the jersey or speak about the game the way he did without some severe ramifications – maybe a 12-month suspension from the game.”
Cooper, however, could escape punishment with incumbent Wallaby coach Robbie Deans on Friday revealing he’d spoken to him earlier this week.
Deans said he would talk to him again following Saturday’s Bledisloe Cup clash at Suncorp Stadium and nodded when asked if he was confident there would be a resolution to the ongoing saga.
19 Oct 2012, 15:23 pm
@BrumbiesBoy-231:
ja, something like that.
and then a whole new round of ‘ministerial enquiry musical chairs’ will kick off.
meanwhile the band’s stopped playing (wildcat strike, 1000% wage increase demand).
19 Oct 2012, 15:32 pm
Winds of change than might blow towards SA??
Lewis reveals contract snubs
Published: Friday, 19. October, 2012
Roger Lewis claims the country’s four professional regions rejected a chance for Wales’ entire international squad to be centrally contracted.
Welsh rugby chief Lewis says the Welsh Rugby Union offer to Cardiff Blues, Newport Gwent Dragons, Ospreys and Scarlets was turned down in mid-August this year.
The Welsh game has seen several of its star names – players like Mike Phillips, James Hook, Gethin Jenkins and Luke Charteris – quit regional rugby to ply their trade in France, while Blues centre Jamie Roberts and Dragons flanker Dan Lydiate are the latest to be linked with moves abroad.
Lewis, the WRU’s group chief executive, said in an open letter to Welsh rugby and published by the Western Mail today that £6.2million already given to the regions for international player release would have funded central contracts.
That sum is part of £15million the regions currently collectively receive from the governing body.
The regions’ financial struggles have been well documented and there are some in the Welsh game who believe the WRU should be doing more to assist them.
In his letter, Lewis said: “An important fact related to the salary issue is that the WRU, on August 14 this year, formally offered to the four regions to centrally contract the entire international squad of players within Wales.
“It would have meant that the WRU would have managed players’ salaries and careers, and directly we would negotiate with any player seeking to leave Wales.
“The £6.2m player release money would be retained by the WRU to fund this, and the surplus – and yes, there is a surplus – would be spent on nurturing new talent.
“That offer was not accepted by the regions. This may come as a surprise to many.
“But that is the contractual right of the four regions and I respect it. I have moved on.
“Subsequently, though, there have been half-baked comments in the press about dual contracts and top-up payments from people who I would think should know better.
“At this point, raise your eyes and say, ‘that’s Welsh rugby for you!”‘
Lewis continued: “But that said, the good news I can share with you today is that we are close to creating a new partnership with the four regions which is based upon all of us working together, to sort out all of the four regions’ problems, with a proper regional management board contractually underpinned and with real teeth.
“We are focused on the future and getting it right for the long term for regional rugby.”
19 Oct 2012, 15:35 pm
This is worth a watch, some of the WP players going “gangnam style”!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mZIkRApQ_sU&feature=share
19 Oct 2012, 15:36 pm
@stormersboy-238: Gingers don’t have much rhythm, that’s for sure!
19 Oct 2012, 15:40 pm
@stormersboy-238:
Fleckie.
what a beauty.
The silver fox.
19 Oct 2012, 15:42 pm
@gunther-240: Ja, JDJ was about to bust a move. It was a close call.
19 Oct 2012, 15:42 pm
@Transformation-237:
well my immediate problem with that is how the hell would ‘incompetents r us’ saru hq manage to actually oversee the boks squad centrally contracted to them and how would actually achieve anything coaching wise if ANY MORE RESPONSIBILITY THAN ALREADY HAVE was given to them.
19 Oct 2012, 15:43 pm
@stormersboy-241: De Jongh dances better than some of the DHL strippers.
19 Oct 2012, 15:48 pm
@Skeppie-232: NO NO NO dont be saying that… Sharks are not whats needed for SA rugby.
19 Oct 2012, 15:49 pm
@katman-243: And they all just as ugly???
19 Oct 2012, 16:03 pm
@katman-243:
indeed.
and brok has bigger breasts.
19 Oct 2012, 16:07 pm
@stormersboy-241:
He might not be a Swayze, Jackson or a Tavolta but de Jongh has serious potential.
And Steven Kitshoff is living proof that Ginger men can’t dance.
19 Oct 2012, 16:10 pm
@gunther-246: They’re not breasts, they’re natural, free-form pecs.
19 Oct 2012, 16:59 pm
@katman-243: @Robzim-247: JDJ has some rhythm that’s for sure!!
Must be a hit at Galaxy.
19 Oct 2012, 17:12 pm
Bath win late in France
Published: Thursday, 18. October, 2012
Francois Louw’s late try clinched a dramatic late 27-22 win for Bath in Pool 4 of the Amlin Challenge Cup against Agen at the Stade Armandie.
Raphael Lagarde’s late penalty looked to have won it for the home side, but Louw crossed the line in the 79th minute to put Bath back in front and Stephen Donald’s conversion added the gloss to the scoreline.
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