The year of the Sharks
16 Jan 2013
MARK KEOHANE is picking the Sharks, Reds and Canes as the 2013 Super Rugby conference winners.
It may appear madness to pick a winner of the tournament in January because this expanded version means so much can change post the June internationals, but my money is on the Sharks to finally win the competition that has taunted and teased their supporters but never pleased them.
My pick is the Sharks to take the South African conference and have the crucial advantage of hosting teams in the play-offs. Home ground advantage is usually the recipe for title success, although the Sharks have proven to be the exception. In 2007 they hosted the Bulls and lost in the last minute. In last year’s Currie Cup final a youthful Western Province thumped the hosts.
That’s history.
John Plumtree’s picked the most balanced squad among South African teams and the Sharks, in squad depth, are the strongest in the competition.
Player management and rotation is the key to success in this tournament, as is starting and finishing well.
The Sharks have a good home draw and they will make it count.
The Stormers will also be in the top six, but the Bulls are going to have to improve dramatically in terms of consistency to make the play-offs. Realistically, and don’t forget they are my favourite team, I think the quality of squad depth and starting player is more a top-eight than a top-four squad. The Cheetahs will always be a favourite to entertain and will always have the capability to knock over a top-four team, especially in Bloemfontein, on a one-off but the player depth has never been there to seriously challenge for the play-offs. The Cheetahs select from Griquas and the Free State Currie Cup Cheetahs, and while Griquas always show promise in the Currie Cup many of those players limitations are exposed over the course of a competition that now is the most demanding in terms of longevity, intensity and travel in the world. The Kings, in their debut season, will do well to win three matches.
The post-World Cup blues suffered by many teams is not a factor this year and 2013 and 2014 are the years in-between World Cups when Super Rugby is a priority. In 2015 it is a preparation to the game’s biggest prize, the World Cup.
Jake White’s Brumbies were an unknown in 2012 and they surprised many. White did a fantastic job in restoring rugby union pride in Canberra, but the second-season syndrome is something he will be all too aware of, especially with the Reds in a healthier position in terms of player availability.
The Tahs can’t be as awful as they were a year ago although they too look a year away from a play-off. I see them more mid-table.
In New Zealand the heat will be on the Chiefs to show last year was not a one-hit wonder. They’re good enough to make the play-offs as defending champions but they don’t command the same presence among the backs with no Sonny Bill Williams to occupy the minds of the opposition. The New Zealand conference is the toughest of the three, but there won’t be a miracle in year one from Blues coach John Kirwan. There will be hope and improved performances but the Blues are a three-year project more than a first season sensation. They will be the worst performing of the New Zealand sides in terms of league points even if they will show enough to be applauded more than condemned.
The Crusaders will be contenders, more so on history than on current strength but Dan Carter alone among the backs and Kieran Read, leader of the pack in Richie McCaw’s absence through a sabbatical, lack the support in numbers to speak of the Crusaders in awe.
The Highlanders will be good, potentially the second best among the Kiwi teams, and the team to beat in New Zealand will be Conrad Smith’s Hurricanes.
345 Comments
15 Jan 2013, 23:07 pm
@keocoza ******* kiss of death. Thanks for nothing!
15 Jan 2013, 23:07 pm
Goodness gracious Keohane dragon……you are going to cause a riot here amongst your fellow Stormers fans !
15 Jan 2013, 23:15 pm
Cue epic tail spinning and wailing from the Stormers residents on this overly-Stormers-hyped website….
15 Jan 2013, 23:22 pm
Why wailing?? …. we jumping with joy…..Mark is notorious for picking the wrong sides … he proved it so many times …. tough luck Reds and Canes …Sharks were never going to be in it, everybody with half a braincell knows that, so Marks’ jinx does not even matter as far as they are concerned.
15 Jan 2013, 23:25 pm
@Dusky-1: Hey Dopey, read the article. He tells us he is a Bulls fan, and I can tell you from past experience having the Keo seal of approval is not a curse you want associated with your team.
15 Jan 2013, 23:27 pm
Mark is a Bull supporter.
Note to SA Rugby editor, please make the cover of the next edition a full on Shark team photo.
That way a double jinx will be on them
15 Jan 2013, 23:36 pm
Keohane is correct re: the Sa and Oz Conferences. On paper the Sharks have an awesome team and if they get home ground advantage this year, should take it out. The Stormers will be there play off time, I have no doubts about that.
The Nz Conference is a lot harder to guage, after a half doz games we will see where the teams are at. The Crusaders possess the aura which plays on other teams minds and are one of the few teams who usually win when not playing well.
The Canes young forwards will be up for it this year after a rude awakening last year in the first 10 or so games where their backs kept them in the game.
Highlanders have bought well and added steel and experience to their pack, but if some of their key backs go down, there will be question marks.
Chiefs will work hard, but Sbw and Taumalolo were the difference last year in some games so can’t see them repeating.
The Blues will beat the Bulls…..
15 Jan 2013, 23:42 pm
The kiss of death has just been placed on the Sharks!Great stuff ,Mark.
15 Jan 2013, 23:43 pm
oh joy; the keo jinx is on the shocks
15 Jan 2013, 23:44 pm
what a way to start the season …!!!
15 Jan 2013, 23:44 pm
Based on the Stormers win percentage and the influx of new players I would disagree.
15 Jan 2013, 23:45 pm
Canes lack depth, but have some great individuals. The Chiefs and Saders to dominate NZ conference. Sharks and Stormers are the top two SA sides. Reds and Brumbies to dominate in Oz. Bulls appear to have neither an improved gameplan nor improved playing roster to really threaten.
16 Jan 2013, 00:30 am
@Robzim-3: “Sharks were never going to be in it, everybody with half a braincell knows that, so Marks’ jinx does not even matter as far as they are concerned.”
Hehe. I have a feeling this may come back to haunt you… and then we can all have a good laugh at you.
16 Jan 2013, 02:22 am
same thing every year with Natal and WP full of Boks but always end up short.
I am picking the final will be in Pretoria
16 Jan 2013, 02:23 am
The Waratahs will be the surprise package this year. They’ve finally got themselves a very good coach. I suspect they and the Brumbies will be fighting for top spot in the Aus conference.
16 Jan 2013, 02:56 am
@greatest13gerber-13: maybe on a big screen
16 Jan 2013, 04:20 am
@Ian-14:
Hi Ian…don’t know much of Mike Cheika, but he has the look of a hard man and with Darryl Gibson as assistant it looks like a good combo. I think the Rugby community, especially Sa are going to get a big shock on how good Israel Folau is…..a massive coup for Nsw and Australia. Oh nearly forgot Hooper….awesome player…..I agree the Warratahs will definitely be a surprise packet.
16 Jan 2013, 04:34 am
Happy New Year to all the keolings, hope you all doing well with the NY resolutions…
@Ian-14:
Howzit Ian, you the Aussie Ian from long time ago or a newbie to the blog?
I heard the Worrytahs coach talk on The Rugby Club last year and he did come across as a knowledgable and level headed coach but my understanding of NSW rugby is that there are a lot more needed than a good coach. They will do better than last year but the jury will have to wait a while on them.
As for keo and his early season trolling for hits, should have put a fullstop after January in your second sentence and left the rest of the article for say end of February.
16 Jan 2013, 04:36 am
@Dilligafrican-15:
They have big screen in Tswane now?
When did they get electricity?
16 Jan 2013, 04:40 am
@Te Rangatira-16:
Howzit TR, IF is a big unit and obviously have the skill set to make a success of rugby. Unfortunately the track record of converts are pretty poor so I will wait and see if he can make the transition.
16 Jan 2013, 05:28 am
@Slartibartfast-19:
Hi Slarti.. all the best for the new year. I think Folau will do well in his first year but alot will depend on the coaching he receives.The Warratahs are crying out for a superstar and heres hoping they ease Folau in and don’t pin any hopes of turning him into someone like Sbw straight away……I think that will come with the talent he possesses.
16 Jan 2013, 05:46 am
@Te Rangatira-20:
Half the problem with the Tahs, they all think they superstars but got little to back it up. But I do think Oz will put out 3 good teams this year.
16 Jan 2013, 06:21 am
@Slartibartfast-21:
Howzit Slarti. Will you be doing the usual honours of putting a pool togerther for superbru? After all you’re the main man.
Cheers.
16 Jan 2013, 06:25 am
We didn’t require keo to tell us that the Sharks are going to take the S15 this year.
Sharks supporters having been telling us the whole festive season that it’s a done deal.
16 Jan 2013, 06:34 am
@I am a stormer-22:
Just give me a little time, should be done soon…
16 Jan 2013, 07:02 am
@greatest13gerber-13:
i think the bulls could definitely go alll the way to a final too but am not 100% certain. the quarters and semi’s placements and home/away will of course be crucial.
16 Jan 2013, 07:12 am
it’s OFFICIAL….the Sharks are OVERWHELMING favourites to win the Super rugby competition.
16 Jan 2013, 07:21 am
@Ian-14: the Waratahs had Ewen Mckenzie & achieved zilch with his brilliant mind at their disposal& they subsequently fired him.
with players like Halangahu running the 10 the Tahs are going nowhere…9. Mckibbin 10. Halangahu. pffft
16 Jan 2013, 07:26 am
@i_love_u_bakkiesbotha-25: Indeed. 16/1 odds for the Bulls to win it.
Very good odds, if you’re a Bulls supporter looking to place a bet on your team.
16 Jan 2013, 07:29 am
@Slartibartfast-21:
Howzit Slarti, will you be setting up the keo Superbru pool again this year?
16 Jan 2013, 07:31 am
i have already said the sharks are the team to beat this year, so this is not a surprising prediction from keo…
sharks certainly do have the best overall squad…
but the stormers and bulls are not that far behind in terms of quality and depth… (the cheetahs and kings have less depth)… so one or two slips by any team is going to cost them dearly…
say what anyone likes… winning the south african conference is going to be absolutely critical this season…
sharks and (a good number of) their fans need to stop the pretense that the conference trophy doesn’t matter… they’re going to have to unequivocally and proudly make it their first major goal of the year… they’re gonna have to wrest it from the stormers grasp and hold it aloft at the end of the regular season… they won’t win the super trophy if they insist winning the conference trophy is of no importance…
ed moses didn’t become the best 400-hurdler in history by focusing on or dreaming about crossing the finishing line… he only ever focused on each individual one of his famous 13 steps between hurdles… knowing that if he executed each individual stride to perfection the result should take care of itself…
this is what the eventual top south african super team is going to have to do…
focus on one game at a time…
16 Jan 2013, 07:34 am
My opinion is that the Lions stand more chance of winning the Super Rugby title than the Sharts do, every year there is a hype around their squad, playing style and talent but the coaches get it horribly wrong in selections and tactics first up which ruins their season, same coaches, same players i dont foresee a change in the future.
16 Jan 2013, 07:35 am
@Taahirah-28:
There’s a reason they are 16 to 1, they have no show of winning it.
16 Jan 2013, 07:36 am
Spies/Hougaard/Steyn will not win you anything this year.
16 Jan 2013, 07:41 am
@MacToogie-29:
The runner just left with your invite, sealed in an envelope on his cleft stick…should be there soon.
16 Jan 2013, 07:42 am
@Taahirah-28:
yes.
they are more competitive than otherwise made out to be and will certainly make the playoffs.
from there its anybodies game, definiteyl worth a bet.
reds also have good odds for a win.
sharks and stormers offer much less and guaranteed to slip at the end, so a pointless bet.
16 Jan 2013, 07:42 am
@NZINCHINA-33: Greyling will though!
16 Jan 2013, 07:43 am
@Slartibartfast-34:
already joined =) thanks mate, i have a very strict selection of pools which i join.
16 Jan 2013, 07:43 am
And the pajama donkie was first in…ook die enigste tyd wat hy ooit eerste sal wees…!
16 Jan 2013, 07:46 am
Sharks and Stormers have the best squads of the S.A teams and the two of them will battle it out for top spot. Sharks are slow starters while the Stormers have dominated the S.A conference since its inception. Will be an interesting battle.
16 Jan 2013, 07:46 am
@MacToogie-37:
Pleasure!
For any newcomers and previous players who had to change their email addresses under the witness protection plan, the details are as follows:
Come join my Super Rugby prediction game on SuperBru! It’s free and loads of fun. Just click here:
http://www.superbru.com/superrugby/pool.asp?p=11047241
Pool name: Hore set for hefty ban…
Pool code: busycoon
16 Jan 2013, 07:47 am
@Slartibartfast-34:
hey slarty…
please post the details here…
quite a few people have been asking about your superb pool over the holidays…
16 Jan 2013, 07:47 am
@NZINCHINA-32: I know. Im still gonna through some money at it though.
Silly really.
16 Jan 2013, 07:47 am
hehehe…
thanks
16 Jan 2013, 07:49 am
@Slartibartfast-38: Did you send out the invite on bru?
16 Jan 2013, 07:49 am
@NZINCHINA-33: My most pressing concern is not the 8/9/10 combo.
Its the number of scrum penalties given away by Dean and Werner. If we can short that out we will be competitive.
16 Jan 2013, 07:50 am
@Taahirah-42: through = throw
16 Jan 2013, 07:54 am
@Slartibartfast-40: Thanks man
16 Jan 2013, 07:55 am
@Taahirah-45: short=sort
16 Jan 2013, 07:59 am
Have people started leaving the Hore nest?
16 Jan 2013, 07:59 am
@Sasuke-48: Indeed.
:blush:
16 Jan 2013, 08:00 am
@Sasuke-49: its on 24750 or thereabout. I really do feel we need to get her to 25,000.
16 Jan 2013, 08:02 am
@Taahirah-46:
short = sort…I hope!
16 Jan 2013, 08:09 am
i dont blame the couple, i blame the idiot gamekeeper:
‘Staan net ’n bietjie nader’
http://www.beeld.com/Suid-Afrika/Nuus/Staan-net-n-bietjie-nader-20130114
16 Jan 2013, 08:11 am
@Taahirah-42:
Good luck keeps the season a little more interesting
@Taahirah-45:
Yip old Greyling gives a few away, he also gets caught offside way too often
16 Jan 2013, 08:12 am
@i_love_u_bakkiesbotha-53:
Were you happy with Lances confession?
16 Jan 2013, 08:15 am
@NZINCHINA-55:
i havn’t seen it yet but i dont buy his PR trickery.
16 Jan 2013, 08:20 am
@i_love_u_bakkiesbotha-56:
Yip because that’s all it is, your old mate KEO is picking the Sharks and Canes I can’t see the Canes winning the NZ conference.
16 Jan 2013, 08:22 am
I dont mind Keo predicting this sort of thing. In fact, toward the end of last season he actually started to pick them right.
What is far worse than the Keo prediction is the kiss of death from HG. Fark me, that oke pics them wrong.
16 Jan 2013, 08:26 am
Screw the Sharks…. STORMERS FTW!
16 Jan 2013, 08:26 am
The Canes? They don’t have the mental resolve. If you want to pick an outsider in NZ conference go Highlanders, but Chiefs will remain favourites.
16 Jan 2013, 08:29 am
@Taahirah-51: and then kill it before it breeds
16 Jan 2013, 08:36 am
@NZINCHINA-57:
i dont think they will win the NZ conference either.
neither will the sharks win ours, nothing suggests they’ve acquired the few extra percent needed.
they are very much like the chiefs of 2009 good enough to MAYBE make a final but not good enough to win one like the chiefs of 2012 were, so whats needed is to make a few personnel changes in the playing and coaching depts (sama as the chiefs did).
16 Jan 2013, 08:36 am
@PissAnt-60: Id rather back the Blues as an outsider for the NZ conference.
Zeros to Heros.
Would be kinda cool.
16 Jan 2013, 08:38 am
Sharks having the kiss of death blown at them again.
16 Jan 2013, 08:39 am
@i_love_u_bakkiesbotha-62:
The Hammer has instilled some good discipline into the Canes franchise and they will have a superb backline full of stars but maybe a season or two too early, if not the Sharkies then who??
16 Jan 2013, 08:39 am
Sharks unfortunately outside of JDP and BDP have a huge problem in lack of quality depth in the front-row, have average locks outside of the youngster PSD… they’ll continue to play oldies like Ndungane, have average 9′s and serious trouble in the mid-field should Steyn continue to be injury prone…
Nup I cannot see them being anywhere near the top teams in the comp… let alone the weak South African conference with the Kings having arrived, the Cheetah’s well being the Cheetahs and the Bulls leaking quality players left right and centre…
16 Jan 2013, 08:44 am
For the first time in a very long time I am actually hopeful for the season. We really havent had as balanced a squad as this for quite some time. The Sharks are relatively injury free and the all important squad depth is looking good.
This was the team that played the first game against the Stormers last year:
15 Riaan Viljoen, 14 Louis Ludik, 13 JP Pietersen, 12 Meyer Bosman, 11 Lwazi Mvovo, 10 Patrick Lambie, 9 Frederic Michalak, 8 Keegan Daniel (capt), 7 Marcell Coetzee, 6 Jacques Botes, 5 Ross Skeate, 4 Steven Sykes, 3 Wiehahn Herbst, 2 Bismarck du Plessis, 1 Dale Chadwick.
Replacements: 16 Craig Burden, 17 Jannie du Plessis, 18 Anton Bresler, 19 Lubabalo Mtembu, 20 Charl McLeod, 21 Marius Joubert, 22 Paul Jordaan
Pretty average.
This could be the side to run out this year.
15 Ludik, 14 JP, 13 Jordaan, 12 Steyn, 11 Mvovo, 10 Lambie, 9 Reinach/Mcleod, 8 Daniel c, 7 Alberts, 6 Coetzee, 5 Anton Bresler, 4 PSDT/Juandre Marias, 3 Jannie, 2 Burden, 1 Beast.
With Bissie and Kanko to return shortly. Good balanced side.
16 Jan 2013, 08:46 am
@Taahirah-63:
No there I agree with him, Blues are busy rebuilding. However Kirwin could pull a Jake White and surprise first season in charge but I just don’t think he is that good a coach.
@bryce_in_oz-66:
Tight 5 is a worry for the Sharks. Will also be interested to see who will partner Lambie in the 9/10 combo. As a combo, I think McLeod who is more of a continuity player better compliments Lambie’s game although I reckon that Reinach lad is much sharper at the base.
16 Jan 2013, 08:47 am
@bryce_in_oz-66:
Oh and of course its already confirmed Bismarck will miss the opening matches which includes a couple of crucial local derbies.
16 Jan 2013, 08:49 am
@NZINCHINA-65:
its between the sharks, bulls and stormers (not by choice).
i call bulls.
16 Jan 2013, 08:49 am
@PissAnt-68: I reckon Reinach could be a Bok this year. He is def going 2 be the preferred halfback option in Sup Rug
16 Jan 2013, 08:50 am
The amount of disrespect dished out to the Stormers and WP is alarming.
Granted the Sharks played the most all round rugby however we are talking here about a team that has been conference leaders 2 years in a row and finally managed to break the cup final hodoo last year and all Keo can say is “The Stormers will also be in the top six,”
Really?
16 Jan 2013, 08:51 am
@i_love_u_bakkiesbotha-70: based on what do you call the bulls?
on what rational argument?
16 Jan 2013, 08:54 am
@John Galt-67: well i guess its a good thing the game is not played on paper
16 Jan 2013, 08:58 am
@keo-71:
Looking how alarmingly short we are on quality scrummies at the moment or players out of form I won’t be surprised Keo. The lad is very sharp with one of the better cleans from the base I have seen in a while. You might be right.
16 Jan 2013, 09:02 am
@i_love_u_bakkiesbotha-70:
In hindsight it was a silly question..
16 Jan 2013, 09:02 am
@papaown-72: I would rather be disrespected and mentioned as an ‘after thought’, than be installed as the uberfuckingguaranteedabsolutefaves to win the whole damn thing
Guppies don’t do well as faves….
Stormers don’t do well as faves….
I know where the Stormers would rather be in terms of ‘expert opinion and prediction’, and it’s NOT where the Guppieloos have been cemented
16 Jan 2013, 09:05 am
@papaown-73:
with a new team the bull were competitive last season despite morne being off form for large periods, even making the playoffs so i think they will gel better this season.
they were never written up to win amy of the titles they’ve won so far.
16 Jan 2013, 09:07 am
@NZINCHINA-76:
yes, you’re right
bulls should win it
16 Jan 2013, 09:09 am
@The Sharks rugby pedigree is packaged as dog food-77: yeah i guess, better to avoid the Keo curse
16 Jan 2013, 09:16 am
@i_love_u_bakkiesbotha-79:
The Blues will crush the Bulls…then march on to Super Rugby glory 2013…the true powerhouse of Nz Rugby will take back what is rightfully ours…
16 Jan 2013, 09:18 am
@Slartibartfast-40:
Thank goodness, a Keo superbru group.
Was wondering whether there was one.
Great stuff
16 Jan 2013, 09:23 am
Going by the history of Super Rugby it’s way too early to predict anything with conviction, so more of a ‘stir’ article to get supporters fired up for the new season.
Honestly I’m more excited to see what style of rugby the Stormers will dish up this year.
Less tackling and more running asseblief!
Stormers by 10.
16 Jan 2013, 09:23 am
Stormers lack a quality opensider.
Sharks also have the same problem.
Bulls need a fully fit Steggmann…..and their challenge is accomodating the avarage Spies and 1 dimensional M Steyn.
Stormers have hooker issues that need to be properly resolved, cant mess around with that position.
The integration of the 5 Lions into the complex Stormers defensive systems will be crucial, if AC can get that right, and players like A Bekker can stay fit , Stormers will be a good bet, despite a hell of a first 5 game schedule!
Sharks my biggest fear……not convinced Bulls are a real threat for title .
16 Jan 2013, 09:25 am
After Michael Jackson went on Oprah she asked us to believe that he never slept with little boys, bleeched his skin or had any nose jobs.
After Lance Armstrong went on Oprah she asked us to believe he never cheated, took performance enhancing drugs to help beat cancer and was innocent.
Coming up: Oprah tells us The Sharks will win a trophy!.
16 Jan 2013, 09:28 am
@grant10-84: I concur
{spoken in solemn judicial voice}
16 Jan 2013, 09:28 am
The Sharks are overwhelming favourites to win the conference!!!
16 Jan 2013, 09:28 am
@Te Rangatira-81:
hahaha
thats not going to happen.
16 Jan 2013, 09:29 am
Sharks, stormers and bulls all stand a chance to to top the SA conference.
As usual injuries could and probably will play a role in determining the final outcome.
Good luck to all.
And I hope the Kings can surprise some of the teams and get a few wins. (doubt it though)
16 Jan 2013, 09:31 am
@grant10-84: They don’t have a specialized open-sider either.
They use the hybrids of Bismark and Keegan, just as we use Fourie and Duane/Kolisi.
But all in all the Sharks look menacing but it’s a long year.
16 Jan 2013, 09:34 am
@grant10-84:
Maybe they should set target games for Andries this year, only play him vs top half teams and resist playing him back to back games, or pull him off earlier when the game’s relatively safe?
Either way they’ll have to manage Dries Bekker much better this year.
Sharks lack bite when Bismarck’s out, hope Stormers play them at least once before he returns. (haven’t seen the match schedules yet)
16 Jan 2013, 09:36 am
Dont know what all the emotion is about…
Keo is right with most of his picks…
Reds and Brumbies for Aus…
For the sheepshaggers, I reckon the Canes are a dangerous dark horse more than a surprise winner… Highlanders will be the team to beat and Saders, Chiefs there, thereabouts…
For the SA conference, without doubt the Dynamite are in the strongest position to win… Keo is 110% right…
Funnily enough I dont reckon they will win the “conference”, not that they have to… As the Brokebacks have shown the last few years, being conference “title holders” means farkall in context of winning the damn thing or even getting to the final in the first place…
A home game in the knockout phase will see the Sharks through to finally winning Super Rugby and ultimately relinquishing their Buffalo Bills title as “Best Side Never to Have Won”…
BOOM!
16 Jan 2013, 09:38 am
Must say, I also feel it could be the sharks year albeit I think they are thin at lock.
Frans Steyn could be the missing piece to their puzzle.
Stormers also have a very strong squad but I just can’t see them winning superrugby with grant at 10, they need to play elton.
History suggests that a team with a good 8/9/10 axis always does well with a pack that wins them ball.
In this regard the bulls aren’t far off. So long as players like Flip find another level as well as our flankers and outside backs recapture their best form. I’m quite keen to see what looks to have been a decent break for most of the bulls…for the first time in eons, albeit has done for them, albeit, this will only manifest itself later on in the season.
16 Jan 2013, 09:41 am
Ye the Sharks are a safe bet this year.
Im putting a lazy 20 (NZinChina?) on them for sure.
16 Jan 2013, 09:42 am
@stormersboy-87:
This is the Sharks’ year.
Defo.
16 Jan 2013, 09:44 am
@wpstormerbok-91: Stormers do play them without Bissie, in Durbs.
Guppies might have some serious lineout and ‘deck playing’ issues in the first few rounds.
Hopefully Stormers will box clever for the Guppie game…..
Play Deon Fourie at 6 in Durban…….. expose their weakness (as it WILL still be a weakness when the tournie kicks off).
Unless Plumtree pulls a rabbit out of the hat, I would attack the guppies in the lineouts (their own lineouts) and on the deck all day….
16 Jan 2013, 09:46 am
@stormersboy-90: correct….that is why Bismarck and D Fourie are crucial players for Sharks and Stormers….
what I would give for Flo or Brussow!
16 Jan 2013, 09:46 am
@papaown-73:
Based on the fact that they were second in the SA conference last year plus the top try scorers in the entire competition… This team is as good as any in the competition:
15 Kichner
14 Engelbrecht
13 Mapoe
12 Olivier
11 Basson
10 Morne
09 Hougaard
8 Spies
7 J Potgieter
6 Stegmann
5 J Kruger
4 F vd Merwe
3 W Kruger
2 Chilliboy
1 Greyling
16 Wepenaar
17 M vd Merwe
18 Willemse
19 A Botha
20 Vermaak
21 Fouche
22 Venter
They also happen to be the only team with an all Springbok (capped players) starting line-up.
16 Jan 2013, 09:46 am
the year of the shark!
16 Jan 2013, 09:47 am
Top 6 in no particular order:
Chiefs
Highlanders
Crusaders
Reds
Sharks
Stormers
16 Jan 2013, 09:52 am
@WP-Forever-95: Of course. However, if by some freakish twist of fate it isn’t, the following are on standby to be paraded in the post mortem:
1. Travel factor….. (It is ridiculous to expect the guppies to travel so far for a game)
2. Food poisoning
3. Injury….. I feel that poor Bissie might should most of the blame should the guppies not win this thing. “But iffffffffffffffffffffff we had Bissie…….” (and if sharks could fly)
4. A north/south conspiracy……
5. Bad weather in Durban
6. Good weather in Durban
7. Match officials
8. Jealousy
9. Inferior hotels whilst in NZ and OZ coupled with faulty travel socks
10. The Illuminati
11. Obama
12. Climate change
13. Cheating opposition
14. Not getting tickets for the Bieber concert
Anything I’ve forgotten?
16 Jan 2013, 09:55 am
@PissAnt-100:
highlanders?
And I am not sure the reds are a sure bet either?
And Crusaders? Isn’t richie away this year or something? Not exactly sure on the particulars but the crusaders could well be an “aging” side in some important positions? I have a feeling people are putting their name up there based on reputation and not neccessarily strengh?
16 Jan 2013, 09:55 am
@The Sharks rugby pedigree is packaged as dog food-96:
D Fourie unlikely to play 6 considering Scarra was recently injured in training and Liebenberg is still sidelined with neck injury.
16 Jan 2013, 09:57 am
@John Galt-103: I was not aware of Scarra’s injury. Serious?
Although….against the guppies, ET could play for the Stormers at 2 without much stress
Only kiddddddddddddddddddddddddddding.
Deon at 2 is fine as well….but on the field he must be….for 80 minutes.
16 Jan 2013, 10:00 am
@Brigadier Van Zyl-102:
Highlanders made the best off-season buys from any NZ team and did not miss the play-offs by much last year.
Reds are the best of a poor bunch, they will win their conference and be assured of a play-off.
Saders did not see much of Richie and Dan last year either if memory serves, they will be there.
16 Jan 2013, 10:01 am
@PissAnt-100: yip
16 Jan 2013, 10:03 am
@The Sharks rugby pedigree is packaged as dog food-96:
If Eben continues where he left off last season in terms of dominating line-outs as he did on the EOYT the Stormers could have an extra dimension to their tactical play much like the Bulls had in Matfield.
What do you think will happen with Kolisi with Schalk back?
Im hoping AC will employ some sort of rotation between them, or wont they be competing for the same position?
16 Jan 2013, 10:04 am
@The Sharks rugby pedigree is packaged as dog food-101:
HAHAHAHAHAHA, i wish i could star this post, Keo, give us like buttons bru!!!!
16 Jan 2013, 10:06 am
@PissAnt-105:
The Highlanders have the best running first five in Nz rugby in Lima Sopoaga imo…if he can stay injuryfree….then they will make the playoffs
16 Jan 2013, 10:11 am
@Te Rangatira-109:
I am hoping for big things from my favourite NZ franchise! But picks at this stage is a bit of a nothingness. Things in SR hardly ever go according to plan.
16 Jan 2013, 10:11 am
Still not enjoying this Super Rugby format , Sharks , Bulls , Stormers or any NZ side could win Aus conference easily.
16 Jan 2013, 10:12 am
Keo, what’s changed so dramatically at the Canes that you’re punting them to win the conference? I think you discount the Chiefs too easily. They’ll feel Sonny Bill’s absence but they’ve always produced in the back end of the comp and they always offer a solid pack.
16 Jan 2013, 10:13 am
Rotation will be key this year…
‘stormers first 5 games are massive….Away Bulls
away Sharks
home hiefs, Crusaders and Brumbies…..
Fark….not an easy start…
16 Jan 2013, 10:17 am
Nothing wrong with the Sharks lineout or second row this year…
Franco
Kanko
Bresler
Marais
Du Toit
And I suspect a few games with Alberts at lock too… Only the Bulls can match this depth…
16 Jan 2013, 10:18 am
@grant10-113:
big games but early games are generally a little bit of a lottery.
16 Jan 2013, 10:19 am
I reckon Kyle Cooper will be the Sharks surprise package this year… A real mongrel hooker and lineout throwing not too shabby either.
16 Jan 2013, 10:23 am
keo has it all wrong – again.
we all know stormers were the greatest last season – conference winners with all their stars injured.
i mean, how many wankfests did we witness on this site last season over these two amazing facts – never mind the incredible defence.
now they have imported more players for this season – and some good ones too.
how can they possibly not dominate again?
16 Jan 2013, 10:25 am
I see Coenie, Goosen and most other Cheetahs should be fit for the opener against Sharks…..
Banana skin game…..Goosen vs Lambie….whoa!!
16 Jan 2013, 10:25 am
@charo-117: Stormers to be Conference “Title Holders” again…
Because of course, it is SO important…
16 Jan 2013, 10:29 am
@PissAnt-110:
Yep…all hypothetical…but someone out there picked the Chiefs last year based on Sbw,Cruden and Wayne Smith…so there is a chance of nailing it…..
16 Jan 2013, 10:30 am
@wpstormerbok-107: Amongst the loosies in general I reckon we will see some serious rotation….
Elstadt, Rhodes, Carr (depending on when he regains full fitness, don’t think he has just yet?), Kolisi, Burger, Vermeulen, D Fourie at a push will all need game time.
Elstadt and Rhodes can wear the 4 jersey too (and hopefully Eben is rested at times….), but just as well the 7. Burger captaining throws a spanner in the works………but: no ways Burger will play 80 minutes this season, and let’s see how the knee holds up – This Schalk is not the young Schalk who miraculously rested off a broken neck….
Honestly though: I would hope to see some out of the box thinking at times, good rotation and a massive focus on EACH individuals strengths and where those can best be utilised.
@Heavens Game-114: Super stuff that HG. Who will be throwing in to all of these Bok quality jumpers?
16 Jan 2013, 10:31 am
16 Jan 2013, 10:33 am
Actually I don’t see the Stormers making the top 6 this year.
16 Jan 2013, 10:34 am
@grant10-118:
Goosen the more naturally gifted/instinctive player but Lambie’s got more experience and maybe this is the year he starts putting it together on a more regular basis.
I hope the Goose is busy bulking a bit, I’d like to see him add 3kgs of muscle over the next year and a half (taking into account the amount of rugby he’s going to play) to protect his body better against the knocks, ala Dan Carter, not too muscular but just enough to stand his ground, most of the time.
16 Jan 2013, 10:38 am
@The Sharks rugby pedigree is packaged as dog food-121:
nizaam is fully fit… seems schalk may not be…
Players back from injury:
Rynhardt Elstadt (flank – chest)
Siya Kolisi (flank – thumb)
Nizaam Carr (No.8 – knee)
Bryan Habana (wing – knee)
Set to return to full training next week:
Andries Bekker (lock – toe)
Schalk Burger (flank – knee)
Dewaldt Duvenage (scrumhalf – broken leg)
Nic Groom (scrumhalf – knee)
Other injury news:
- Prop Deon Carstens (neck) – should be ready for action in Round One of the Super Rugby competition.
- Hooker Tiaan Liebenberg (back) – he will attend the camp in Hermanus and do fitness and line-out throwing but he cannot take contact.
- Hooker Scarra Ntubeni (shoulder) – somebody fell on him and he landed awkwardly at training this week. He will be re-assessed after four weeks but will hopefully not require surgery.
- Flyhalf Gary van Aswegen (ankle) – will be conservative with his return which should be around mid-February.
- Centre JP du Plessis (back) – his injury flared up and he will take it easy over the next four weeks but could be out for a while longer. He will be re-assessed after four weeks.
- Centre Marcel Brache (neck) – still out for some time after undergoing a neck operation late last year.
16 Jan 2013, 10:38 am
@grant10-118: 8,9,10 for Sharks key to winning that game and the tournament this year…
If Kanko starts like he ended Super rugby last year, one of the scrummies come to the party, and Lambie plays like 2010 then…
BOOM!
16 Jan 2013, 10:38 am
@Heavens Game-119:
Yep Hg…the eventual Super title holder will come from whoever tops either of the three Conferences….
16 Jan 2013, 10:39 am
scarra sounds way more serious than they’re saying…
pity…
really like him and the jack russel way he plays…
16 Jan 2013, 10:43 am
@The Sharks rugby pedigree is packaged as dog food-121:
Agree, we have a relatively settled squad with a good mix of youth and experience and a couple special footballers in the forwards and backs.
It’s safe the say the coaches have the basics figured out so yes it’s time they become more inventive as they understand their squad strengths and weaknesses much better now and with all those heartbreaking knockouts we suffered will eventually count for something.
16 Jan 2013, 10:44 am
@The Sharks rugby pedigree is packaged as dog food-104:
This is from another site.
‘Ntubeni has been sidelined for a month after suffering a training accident where one of his team mates fell on his shoulder’
In all seriousness, the Sharks battle at lineout time wont be because of a lack of quality locks.
They finally have some talent and depth at lock. The inconsistency will come from Bissie not being there.
Burden and Cooper were both shown up to be not entirely competent in this department last year.
Ditto for the breakdown. No Bissie and no natural 6 in the side will mean they may battle a bit. The Stormers might battle at the breakdown as well, for the same reason.
16 Jan 2013, 10:45 am
i’d start with siya and let schalk come on in the second half…
but don’t know if ac would start without his captain…
16 Jan 2013, 10:49 am
@Heavens Game-119:
not to mention the incredible pedigree…..
packaged as smoersnoek?
16 Jan 2013, 11:01 am
@Te Rangatira-127: Huzzit Rango…Not this year…
Highlanders vs Sharks… final.
Dunedin or Kings Park, Black and White will overcome…
16 Jan 2013, 11:03 am
@charo-132: Whats that smell, again…? Ah, the Fish Dorpie’s “Champion” Team…
16 Jan 2013, 11:05 am
Stormers favorites to win the conference trophy.
16 Jan 2013, 11:07 am
My Province brothers are deluded -forget Bissie -they have Hadebe (more potential than Ntubeni) Cooper and Burden . The thing is that between Bismarck and the rest of the hookers in the world ,let alone SA, is miles of daylight.
16 Jan 2013, 11:08 am
@gunther-135: Of course they are… Didnt know it was a trophy yet… Thought it was a “Title”…
16 Jan 2013, 11:12 am
@Heavens Game-134: No. That would be the rotting rainbow ‘special occasion’ sandwiches, you fellas hauled out for the S15 final last year, and then again for the Currie Cup final…..
Fish paste does not freeze well, and after 9 months, the bread won’t be that delish either……
The only smell wafting up your way from the Cape….is the schweeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeet smell of success.
16 Jan 2013, 11:14 am
@Heavens Game-133:
Good thanks Hg….don’t know if the Highlanders can make it to the final but with the import of some hardnosed professionals who may rid the side of that inferiority complex, yeah they’re a chance, especially if their backs fire at end of year.
I can see your Side doing well if they can play that continuity game backed up by the hard stuff that got them to the final last year, still think winning the Conference will be the key for them if they’re to lift the trophy.
16 Jan 2013, 11:14 am
@The Sharks rugby pedigree is packaged as dog food-101: Chrissakes thats childish…
Farken little witch of salem…
16 Jan 2013, 11:16 am
like sprinkling flakes in the goldfish bowl…
16 Jan 2013, 11:17 am
@Te Rangatira-139: Last year was one step too far on the road… This year if they can get one knockout game at home it should be just enough…
Sharks perform better with some backs against the wall stuff… A home final will spoil them… Naah, just enough is all they need… Then the preccciouussss is ours…
16 Jan 2013, 11:17 am
@John Galt-130: Ta
You should worry less about the lineout and more about HG’s ‘predictions’…… He’s like the ‘Black Widow’ of Sharks aspirations. Remember, this is the man who believes Romney is sitting in the withuis.
@ufo-125: Ta
@wpstormerbok-129: Hope you are right…….but we must accept that the Sharks are going to win this whole damn thing. HG and Keo said so.
Anyone in Hermanus who can gatecrash a Stormers training session and see who’s running and who ain’t?
16 Jan 2013, 11:19 am
@The Sharks rugby pedigree is packaged as dog food-104:Is that because ET lists hooker on his résumé?
16 Jan 2013, 11:20 am
@Heavens Game-140: But you lurvvvvvvvvvvvvvvv me anyways
(PS: I wouldn’t want you to call Puma or S_L ‘childish now….Most of those were gifts from their distinguished stable of ‘why the guppies lost’ excuses…tsktsk.)
16 Jan 2013, 11:24 am
@Heavens Game-114: lots of depth, but average at best.
16 Jan 2013, 11:25 am
Carr is still testing that knee…lots of strapping required …Koster may be missed…
16 Jan 2013, 11:26 am
1. Stormers
2. Crusaders
3. Chiefs
4, Sharks
5. Reds
6. Brumbies
16 Jan 2013, 11:27 am
Don Armand also a very talented player….can also add value at 4 and 7 for Stormers…
Plent of decent 8 s and 7 s….
Not a bloody 6 in sight…..
Convince Deon Fourie to continue there AC …then we got a class opensider as well…
16 Jan 2013, 11:27 am
@Liewe Luiperd-123: goodbye. You are the weakest link .
16 Jan 2013, 11:28 am
@stormer in a teacup-144: Nope, it’s because even a ping pong ‘champ’ (with Herschelle Gibb like agility, grace and flair – by ET’s ‘own’ admission of course…no-one else is buying….) could take a pot luck throw in and count on Eben or Andries to take it, and in the same breath; count on Breslerthebiscuitblikbreker to NOT take it.
16 Jan 2013, 11:31 am
@grant10-147: I think we’re ok in the loosies……even at 8 (if Nizaam is still going to be out a while. I hope he hasn’t lost his speed with that horrific injury) Would like to see Schalk get a run at 8 if required, against opposition with ‘weaker’ loose trios, i.e. Bulls, Sharks.
Forgot about Don Armand…..
16 Jan 2013, 11:31 am
@Heavens Game-142:
I see…yes a slightly easier end of year schedule from last year could do the trick. If they were to win the Conference and top the log they may well get farked in the head.
16 Jan 2013, 11:34 am
@The Sharks rugby pedigree is packaged as dog food-145: He farken he… hubble bubble toil and trouble…. cackling bladdy sangoma mhlope
16 Jan 2013, 11:35 am
@Heavens Game-137: there are plenty of trophies you haven’t seen yet.
16 Jan 2013, 11:37 am
@stormer in a teacup-146: Average at best? You farked in the head from the smells of that fish dorpie and all the mountain cabbage…
Not to mention the general predilection for amyl nitrate wafts from places like Newlands and the Stormers change room…
16 Jan 2013, 11:39 am
@stormer in a teacup-155: Here… Tssshhhhh… Ive opened a bottle specially for you…. Have a sip…
BOOM!!!
Now STFU
16 Jan 2013, 11:41 am
@Te Rangatira-153: Yes… am hoping for that exactly…
Let the Brokebacks win the Conference, because it is important to them… and then farken dynamite the knockouts…
A winning formula…
16 Jan 2013, 11:46 am
@wpstormerbok-94:
Good luck with that, it’s only a lazy 20
16 Jan 2013, 11:47 am
@The Sharks rugby pedigree is packaged as dog food-143:
Hehe, read my post 58.
16 Jan 2013, 11:50 am
@Heavens Game-158:
The Sharks won’t win a final in NZ so your boys need to top the conference, otherwise it’ll be the same as last year from you, lots of hot air blowing up your own arse.
16 Jan 2013, 11:53 am
@Heavens Game-158: sharks aiming for their much coveted runners up position. Best team to never have won anything etc.
16 Jan 2013, 11:57 am
@The Sharks rugby pedigree is packaged as dog food-152: that is an interesting option…schalk at 8…
Not really an advocate of players out of position, but rotation will be key….an absolute neccessity….got to trust the squad….
Sadly schalk has always coveted that 6 jersey….and weakens the balsnce of the loose trio when he trys and competes with the worlds premier pitbulls on the deck.
If D Fourie cannot be convinced to continue his exploits at 6, then I would be inclined to continue with Kolisi there…not schalk
16 Jan 2013, 11:57 am
@stormer in a teacup-162:
Always the bridesmaids in frilly peach frocks and lace socks having to suck on the winners ****’s, Never the bride in white, gold or silver
16 Jan 2013, 11:58 am
@grant10-147: No,he won’t be missed.Koster showed promise but ended up as an extremely average player.Nizaam Carr will be ok after the injury.Looks in good physical condition.
16 Jan 2013, 12:01 pm
@NZINCHINA-161: Yes,and they will play that final without their best player because Keegan Daniel will refuse to go to NZ if they can’t win it.
16 Jan 2013, 12:02 pm
@wnbb-166:
What’s that all about?
16 Jan 2013, 12:03 pm
@grant10-163: Would just like to see him have a go at his current age. (It was tried many many years back if my rapidly fading memory serves me…..). If Nizaam struggles (and of that kid, I am a huge fan…….he has all the flair in the world, and HAD the speed to match, which I hope he manages to regain), it would be good to rotate Duane with Schalk at 8, leaving the 6 berth wide open for Siya.
Schalk is no 6, but he is trickily enough, the captain….. and honestly, I do feel we might be putting ourselves in a Bulls type Spies/Botha position here, which would be KAK KAK KAK.
Siya should always start when fit. But Schalk is the captain…… Don’t even want to think about this now already giving me heart palpitations
Schalk can add value….from the bench, or somewhere else, but not 6.
16 Jan 2013, 12:03 pm
@wnbb-166:
16 Jan 2013, 12:05 pm
@wnbb-165: i know Nizaam….
16 Jan 2013, 12:07 pm
@stormer in a teacup-162:
Yeah agree the best team not to have won the competition.
The irony of you admitting that the Sharks is a better team than the stormers also didn’t pass me by.
@The Sharks rugby pedigree is packaged as dog food-164:
Same for the stormers
16 Jan 2013, 12:07 pm
If Elstadt is fit he should start at 7. if not then Rhodes.
Duanne should start at 8, with Carr to back him up.
Schalk and Siya to rotate at 6.
Not necessarily my choice but that is how I see it playing out.
Deon will compete on the deck from 2, a-la Bismark.
I’d be inclined to play Deon at 6 often, but he is obviously needed at 2 for the start of the season. He’s likely to stay there too.
16 Jan 2013, 12:08 pm
@NZINCHINA-161: Hot air… Your post has enough of it…
I understand my slinkychinky that your arse is wide open and you are shouting from the Shanghai rooftops…
16 Jan 2013, 12:08 pm
@The Sharks rugby pedigree is packaged as dog food-168: Nizaam is a brilliant prospect…he still has concerns about the knee hoding up….probably more mental than physical at this stage….
If he comes back strong I have massive expectations of that player, he certainly brings something different to the team….although Duanne will be the main 8 I do hope Nizaam gets a few games to show case his talent.
16 Jan 2013, 12:10 pm
@stormersboy-172: yes….Elstaht at 7 is a very good option, he adds mongrel.
D Fourie wants to play 2 ….only wants to play as a loosie in a crisis….
16 Jan 2013, 12:11 pm
@Mr Black-171: Nah…….. we won the CC.
16 Jan 2013, 12:12 pm
@Mr Black-171: clearly irony is something new to you and you are still learning how it works.
16 Jan 2013, 12:12 pm
@Mr Black-171:
The Sharks often also win the 2nd half.
@Heavens Game-173:
I’m a Blues fan, 3 time champs hot air backed by some silverware, Shanghai you should get there sometime you’d go we’ll there.
16 Jan 2013, 12:12 pm
i reckon for the bulls game stormers will go with schalk at 6…elstabt 7 and vermeulen at 8
With etsebeth…Bekker
and Kisthoff…D Fourie and P Cilliers
They will want to try and bully the bullies…
16 Jan 2013, 12:13 pm
@grant10-175: sad though, I think last year he was the best “proper” 6 in SA for a time there.
As an aside, I was at gym a week or 2 ago and Gerhard V/d Heever was there.
Saw him “clean” bench 170 kg’s. No assistance.
That is proper strong. especially for a backline player.
16 Jan 2013, 12:14 pm
@NZINCHINA-167: He apparently said that he won’t go down to Cape Town to attend SARU’s end of year function if there was no trophy for him.He was nominated for one.Typical guppy mentality.
16 Jan 2013, 12:15 pm
@grant10-179:
that’s a strong pack.
the bulls better hope that fouries lineout throwing is up to its usual standard.
16 Jan 2013, 12:15 pm
@wnbb-181:
Good attitude
16 Jan 2013, 12:17 pm
@stormersboy-180:
hola!
Sadly for him he’ll be cleaning the bench for the rest of the year.
16 Jan 2013, 12:19 pm
@grant10-174: I always adopt a ‘wait and see’ attitude when it comes to cruciate ligament injuries…..
Often affected are: speed, rotation, speed off the mark, gait etc etc. As a package deal, very few players return from this injury 100% as they were before. In Nizaam’s case, his age certainly counts in his favour. Schalks age…..not so much…..
If Nizaam is fit, he needs more than just a few games, as there is opposition out there where we would benefit more from his set of skills than from Duane’s set of skills (his physicality and turnover winning ways).
If Nizaam’s knee gives any trouble, Schalk should back up at 8 in my ‘dream world’ of course (that’s if his knee doesn’t give any trouble….)
Kolisi and Fourie 6.
Elstadt, Rhodes, even Duane at a push at 7 (like him there)……
Scarra, Liebenberg at 2 (Fourie IF needed)
Armand floater.
I’m missing someone…..
16 Jan 2013, 12:19 pm
Elstadt needs to go to four and play off the bench this year.It’s important for Eben to be managed properly this year by AC .Elstadt needs to tone down his excitement as well.We don’t want another Bakkies running loose on a rugby field.
16 Jan 2013, 12:20 pm
@gunther-184: hey fella.
True on the Van der Heever front.
Nice bench player to have though.
16 Jan 2013, 12:21 pm
@The Sharks rugby pedigree is packaged as dog food-185: “Armand floater”??
Sounds like an accident in the change rooms……..
16 Jan 2013, 12:21 pm
@stormersboy-180: He is a big fella as well (as in bulk). Not sure if you noticed, but he has lost his ‘magie’; the additional weight he was carrying in the middle and in the face….
Definitely been doing his thing in the off season.
16 Jan 2013, 12:22 pm
@gunther-182: Steggmann will have a field day at the breakdown though
16 Jan 2013, 12:24 pm
@wnbb-186: agree on Elstaht at 4….
16 Jan 2013, 12:24 pm
@The Sharks rugby pedigree is packaged as dog food-189: To be honest, he looks bigger on the field than I experienced him in the gym. Maybe it’s because he often trains with Rynard.
But he’s no pygmy that’s for sure.
16 Jan 2013, 12:24 pm
@The Sharks rugby pedigree is packaged as dog food-185: And in this post I mean Duane’s skills: physicality and turnover winning ways. Before someone questions me…
Nizaam’s possesses a different skill set: a set we need desperately at times.
16 Jan 2013, 12:24 pm
The Stormers will recover from the loss of their best player Marius Jonker
SARU found them a worthy replacement in Jason Jafta, things look bright!
16 Jan 2013, 12:25 pm
Groom….Jantjes….JDV….JDJ….habana….Aplon….Taute…
Seen worst backlines in my time…
16 Jan 2013, 12:26 pm
@stormersboy-192: It’s because he is next to Elstadt, who if I must be honest has ‘grown’ in leaps and bounds and SIZE since 2011 Jan/Feb.
Gerhard has definitely lost his padding though, that I could see clear as day.
16 Jan 2013, 12:27 pm
@The Sharks rugby pedigree is packaged as dog food-193: between Duanne, Siya and Deon they turn over more balls than Errol Arendse at a men’s fashion show fitting.
16 Jan 2013, 12:27 pm
@stormersboy-172:
yeah… agree… see it that way myself…
16 Jan 2013, 12:28 pm
@The Sharks rugby pedigree is packaged as dog food-196: Yes he’s losing his baby fat. How old is he, like 22 or something??
He’s played a lot of top flight rugby for his age.
16 Jan 2013, 12:29 pm
@ufo-198: How you mate??
16 Jan 2013, 12:29 pm
@stormersboy-180:
impressive…
16 Jan 2013, 12:30 pm
@grant10-190:
that’s if he gets picked.
i have a feeling they’ll go with 2 x potgeiter and spies.
16 Jan 2013, 12:31 pm
@stormersboy-197:
Ohdear. Giggling very loud.
16 Jan 2013, 12:32 pm
@The Sharks rugby pedigree is packaged as dog food-203:
16 Jan 2013, 12:33 pm
@stormersboy-200:
good thanks bud… and you…?
over the holidays and hard back at work on keo…?
16 Jan 2013, 12:35 pm
Every year the Sharks are the favourites, best team, best supporters, best stadium, best dancing girls, best yardie, yardie fking yar. Every year they CHOKE.
16 Jan 2013, 12:35 pm
@NZINCHINA-178: Yes… 3 times champs like the Bulls… but thats in the past…
And the Blues past littered with manshaming by the Black and White Dynamite…
16 Jan 2013, 12:36 pm
@gunther-202:
One of the Potgeiter boys needs to lower his body position otherwise he’s going to get turned over all day long again, surely the Bulls brains trust have identified this glaring weakness?
16 Jan 2013, 12:36 pm
@ufo-205: Yes, kids back at school, my oldest turns 11 today so tomorrow is the real “back to work day” for me.
You have a good one??
16 Jan 2013, 12:37 pm
@Heavens Game-207:
.
Blues / Natal garden of Eden semi (96′ from memory) what a game both teams full of superstars..
16 Jan 2013, 12:38 pm
@NZINCHINA-208: No they haven’t. They made Pierre Spies captain….which means he will start at 8, leaving the super talented Arno Botha carrying Oom Wynie’s ‘laptop/secret stash’ bag….
16 Jan 2013, 12:38 pm
@NZINCHINA-208:
yep.
you’d think so.
actually both of them.
I’d rather see some of the youngsters coming through.
CJ Stander was a big loss.
16 Jan 2013, 12:39 pm
@stormersboy-209:
that’s cool bud…
great thanks… worked through so was pretty quiet… and found myself on keo more than is healthy…
16 Jan 2013, 12:41 pm
@gunther-212:
he really was a loss…
one of the best loosies to come along in a while…
16 Jan 2013, 12:41 pm
@The Sharks rugby pedigree is packaged as dog food-211:
The Crusaders pack took him to the cleaners last year in the playoffs, a certain turnover. I wonder if Pierre has bulked up some more ( if that’s possible) in the off season?
16 Jan 2013, 12:44 pm
@NZINCHINA-210: No, that was the final… Sharks played and farked up the Reds (Pretty Ninja side at the time themselves)… And yes the Blues won… One of the few (only?) won against the Dynamite… But fark me, what a pair of sides…
Auckland Blues
FB 15 Adrian Cashmore
RW 14 Joeli Vidiri
OC 13 Eroni Clarke
IC 12 Johnny Ngauamo
LW 11 Jonah Lomu
FH 10 Carlos Spencer
SH 9 Ofisa Tonu`u
N8 8 Zinzan Brooke (c)
OF 7 Andrew Blowers
BF 6 Michael Jones
RL 5 Charles Riechelmann
LL 4 Robin Brooke
TP 3 Olo Brown
HK 2 Sean Fitzpatrick
LP 1 Craig Dowd
Natal Sharks
FB 15 André Joubert
RW 14 James Small
OC 13 Jeremy Thomson
IC 12 **** Muir
LW 11 Cabous van der Westhuisen
FH 10 Henry Honiball
SH 9 Kevin Putt
N8 8 Gary Teichmann (c)
OF 7 Wickus van Heerden
BF 6 Wayne Fyvie
RL 5 Mark Andrews
LL 4 Steve Atherton
TP 3 Adrian Garvey
HK 2 John Allan
LP 1 Ollie le Roux
16 Jan 2013, 12:45 pm
@gunther-202: And that is by no means your strongest loose trio. We will have the same problem with Schalla quite possibly….. (the strongest loose trio won’t be on the field at any given time – bar injuries)
@stormersboy-204: The exciting aspect for me, is that whatever my feelings about ‘Heyneke’ and his tendencies…..I honestly believe that both Eben and Duane have flourished at the Boks… Both have improved tremendously in key areas and (Eben thieving lineout ball and Duane thieving all other balls for starters).
This has to benefit the Stormers…….
16 Jan 2013, 12:48 pm
@Heavens Game-216:
Yip two superb teams playing beautiful running rugby,was at that game the atmosphere was unbelievable, was one of the first times I’d seen South African rugby players live, to be honest the games don’t have anywhere near that kind of hype now.
16 Jan 2013, 12:48 pm
@Heavens Game-216: That Blues team is the holy grail of teams – the end. That forward pack was assembled to dish out the pain, and dearestrugbygods it was a privilege to watch them roll.
Not a bad guppie team, but that Blues bunch ruled the world.
16 Jan 2013, 12:50 pm
@gunther-202: that will be a mistake ….
16 Jan 2013, 12:53 pm
@The Sharks rugby pedigree is packaged as dog food-219: One word that cuts your cackling gobbledygook to shreds… Just one…
Lem… He was there…
16 Jan 2013, 12:54 pm
@NZINCHINA-218: Must have been an awesome game… True greats in both teams…
Zinzan vs Teich, just one matchup… Hellsteeth
16 Jan 2013, 12:55 pm
Even the little yapper Kevy Putt was there.
16 Jan 2013, 12:59 pm
@NZINCHINA-223: The original scourge of refs… behind fitzy of course
16 Jan 2013, 13:00 pm
@Heavens Game-222:
Yip the garden of Eden often lacks a bit of atmosphere at times but it was superb that day, Fitzy up to his usual tricks, my two favorite players from that side Mark Andrews who was always at it against R Brooke and the Rolls Royce of FB’s at that time A Joubert.
16 Jan 2013, 13:02 pm
@Heavens Game-221: No HG. Even you…..HAVE to admit, that it will take some time to replicate that truly special bunch of Kiwis.
Even Bakkies would surelytothegodsabove concede the ‘uberawesomeness and all round greatness’ of that Blues graduating class.
Lem was a great…the best SA has had…..but even he was not able to tame that Blues bunch.
Dowd, Fitzy, Brown, Brooke, Brooke, Jones, Lomu etc etc etc etc etc…….
Zinzan ruled the battle of the 8′s HG…. Teichman ruled the hearts of the fans…
16 Jan 2013, 13:07 pm
@grant10-220:
Agreed.
16 Jan 2013, 13:08 pm
@Liewe Luiperd-123:
biggest likely causes of failure for the stormers and sharks is not having brought anything new to their coaching panels imo.
16 Jan 2013, 13:09 pm
@The Sharks rugby pedigree is packaged as dog food-226: No… I disagree.
Teich,
Andrews,
Lem,
Jouba
James,
etc
etc
Legends…
Only they, and noone else, could step into Eden park and play that Blues team remember…
They had to go through a pretty awesome Queensland to get there too…
Now STFU before I shove an Eden Park sized cracker straight where it belongs… Up Rotties dutpipe… Aaaaaawwwwwwwwoooooooooooooooooo
16 Jan 2013, 13:11 pm
@NZINCHINA-223:
He had a mouth on him that made Georgie Gregan look like a Buddhist monk.
16 Jan 2013, 13:12 pm
@The Sharks rugby pedigree is packaged as dog food-226:
What a pack Riechelmann the only real weakness, the scrum anchored by Olo the best tighthead of the 90′s by a long way.
16 Jan 2013, 13:15 pm
@Heavens Game-229: Did they beat that Blues team? No. And no amount of shoving anything up anyone or anything is going to change that.
(And any team with Cabousie in it can NEVER be called the best team ever in any event…..)
The records show: Blues – Champs.
Honourable mention: Guppies. (with arguably THEIR best team ever)
16 Jan 2013, 13:27 pm
@The Sharks rugby pedigree is packaged as dog food-232: BOOM!
Rottie Awwwwwwwwwooooooooooooooooo
16 Jan 2013, 13:29 pm
@The Sharks rugby pedigree is packaged as dog food-232: Sharks best team ever… No. One of the best… Yes.
Cackle cackle…
16 Jan 2013, 13:29 pm
@NZINCHINA-231: Privileged enough to have met more than a few of those fellas. A dream team….that, no-one can deny.
Even Riechelmann (the so called weakest link) played AB’s didn’t he? Must google.
16 Jan 2013, 13:31 pm
@Heavens Game-233: Did your best team beat my best team in that final? No BOOMS, just a simples YES or NO.
C’mon HG, the computersays NO….
16 Jan 2013, 13:32 pm
@NZINCHINA-218:
Super 12 days China. They were beautiful.
Too many mediocre match ups these days.
16 Jan 2013, 13:32 pm
schalk confirmed as stormers cappie
16 Jan 2013, 13:37 pm
jdv captain
16 Jan 2013, 13:38 pm
@gunther-230:
Doesn’t surprise me he had a big chip
@The Sharks rugby pedigree is packaged as dog food-235:
Yer I think he did win a few caps, wasn’t much of a scrummager though
@John Galt-237:
Weren’t they just, despite your boys being out of the silverware you couldn’t fault the rugby and the players from that era
16 Jan 2013, 13:38 pm
@grant10-238: Skoppie is gonna be pisssed!
I’m glad for Schalk. Good leader
16 Jan 2013, 13:40 pm
@The Sharks rugby pedigree is packaged as dog food-236: I hear the Rottie yelping… Auckland did beat the Sharks in 1996… It was the final… and the semis that year involved three great sides…
Sharks
Auckland
Queensland
With N Tvl bringing up the rear…
Note that your side – the side most suited to you – was not there… They came 11th… Pisspoor WP was that year…
You may “like” Auckland, but they are not your side… No they aint… No matter how much you pretend…
BOOM
16 Jan 2013, 13:42 pm
@Mr Black-241: Me too… I am happy for the Stormers… Conference “Title Holders”…
Happy like a piginshit…
or
Happy like a Shark in Newlands…
Indeed.
16 Jan 2013, 13:53 pm
@Heavens Game-242: wow. Second place,17 years ago. You have definitely climbed your Everest.
16 Jan 2013, 13:59 pm
@Heavens Game-242: Please take the time to read what I said once again.
I am saying: THAT specific Blues team, was the best Super rugby team ever.
You are saying that SHARKS team was the best Supe rugby team ever.
I’m saying: how could that guppie team be the best ever, when they didn’t win the final? Not only that, the same Blues team won it again in 2007.
So the team I say was the best, was in fact the best.
Nothing to do with ‘Western Stormers’ or the fact that the Blues have always been the only other team apart from the mighty Stormers I have ever given more than a damn about. Irrelevante.
The only thing in question has been answered.
That Blues dream team were better than your guppie dream team…..
Diversionary tactics won’t change that. I would like to help you
16 Jan 2013, 14:01 pm
@Heavens Game-243:
Did Keo write this only to get reaction from the 95% Stormer fans on this site, thus pushing up replies and hits
16 Jan 2013, 14:01 pm
@grant10-238: @grant10-239: They are both going to captain at various times. The ‘appointment’ of one is a ceremonialwankoff, nothing more I reckon.
16 Jan 2013, 14:02 pm
@The Sharks rugby pedigree is packaged as dog food-245: No.
16 Jan 2013, 14:03 pm
@Rockn Rolla-246: Must have… A blog version of Poppers for the Brokeback masses…
A Cape BayofPigs has been stirred up it seems
16 Jan 2013, 14:05 pm
@stormer in a teacup-244: Yes… many times actually… More than most sides…
Just the flag to plant…
This year, Our will be done…
16 Jan 2013, 14:07 pm
@Heavens Game-250:
But you know that Duan Vermeulen is the best (ankleweight running) # 8 in SA
16 Jan 2013, 14:08 pm
@NZINCHINA-231: Olo was world class! Along with Dowd that was a great front row…seems the blues always had a good front row…Meeuws, Hoeft, Woodcock, Fauimina etc….seems to breed good props.
16 Jan 2013, 14:09 pm
@Heavens Game-248: Finally you admit that even the best guppie team in history, couldn’t quite make it to the finish line.
You see, it isn’t hard…
One word: No.
@Heavens Game-250: Ohdear. That’s not something one should ‘brag’ about?
16 Jan 2013, 14:14 pm
@Rockn Rolla-251: Farkenhell… Of course… Who doesn’t after the creamin’ willy beamin performances of the spermwhale last year… according to this site at least… of course
16 Jan 2013, 14:15 pm
@The Sharks rugby pedigree is packaged as dog food-253: No. Wrong.
The dogs on the street howl cos they understand…
16 Jan 2013, 14:25 pm
@Heavens Game-254: No. Best performance by an 8th man in a supporting role did NOT belong to Duane. There I agree with you.
It belonged to K-Dog Daniel, although technicaly it was the Argie maul doing the supporting of Keegan. (He just went along for the ride…….)
Spermwhales fortunately never suffer the embarassment little ‘lemurs’ do in terms of strength and being physically ‘shamed’.
@Heavens Game-255: Look. You believe ET, Neilanate and Jokers are three different people, you believe in Romney and you are proud of the guppies playing in so many finals yet never winning anything…..
I’m not sure why I care enough to educate you, yet I do….sigh.
16 Jan 2013, 14:38 pm
@The Sharks rugby pedigree is packaged as dog food-256: No.
Well the dogs on the street howl cos they understand…
If the Sharks could take one moment into their hands…
They believe…
In the Promised Land…
Super Rugby Champs 2013
Believe…
And it is done…
BOOM!
(sigh)
16 Jan 2013, 14:46 pm
Skeppie speaking of front rows I reckon the Highlanders could surprise big time this season, one last shot for Woody, Thorne and the ***** it’s going to be fascinating to see how the old crew go.
16 Jan 2013, 14:49 pm
@NZINCHINA-258: A big reason why I reckon the Highlanders are going to do well…
That and Jamie Joseph… A good no nonsense coach… Much like Plum
16 Jan 2013, 14:59 pm
since 2009 it has been Guppy Season….
16 Jan 2013, 15:01 pm
@Heavens Game-259:
And out the back, A Smith, Slade, Gear, Nonu, B Smith, Ellison all Ab’s they are going to turnover plenty of teams this year.
16 Jan 2013, 15:02 pm
After my convincing win earlier, I thought I should provide a Hore winners list:
25000. Finfan
24000. Sheriff
23000. Transformation
22000. Transformation
21000. The Sharks rugby pedigree is packaged as dog food
20000. CharlesM
19000. nortierd
18000. CharlesM
17000. ufo
16000. victoriabok
15000. Te Rangatira
14000. CharlesM
13000. shooter
12000. CharlesM
11000. nortierd
10000. stormersboy
9000. shooter
8000. The Sharks rugby pedigree is packaged as dog food
7000. The Rangerman
6000. Treehugger
5000. WP-Forever
4000. Nils
3000. nortierd
2000. shooter
1000. willievz
16 Jan 2013, 15:03 pm
@Transformation-260: Incorrect. Since 1996…….. Thatsalongfuckingtimetobethebestteamnevertowinthetournament
I’m not sure the man upstairs is going to give them many more opportunities.
G-O-D only helps those who help themselves, and I think the guppies have been one huge disappointment……..
16 Jan 2013, 15:19 pm
@The Sharks rugby pedigree is packaged as dog food-263: I have a teeny-weeny suspicion that you are not entirely objective …
lol
16 Jan 2013, 15:19 pm
Does anyone know whether Carlos Spencer has been recruited by the Sharks permanently or if he’s just with them for the preseason.
Would be a great signing if it was permanent.
16 Jan 2013, 15:21 pm
@Finfan-262: You forget the most unique number of all…
The Power of One…
11111
Numero Uno…
Yours truly.
HG
16 Jan 2013, 15:23 pm
@Heavens Game-266:
11111
Five Aces…
Yes.
16 Jan 2013, 15:24 pm
@Heavens Game-266: A good achievement and worth a mention, but it doesn’t get you on the list. Sorry. Booooom…
16 Jan 2013, 15:31 pm
@Finfan-268: One list for Numero Uno… Granted…
The Special One
BOOM!
16 Jan 2013, 15:35 pm
@John Galt-265:
he would be a value buy imo, even if its a short term consultancy contract or something.
good move sharks.
16 Jan 2013, 15:35 pm
@John Galt-265: Carlos is a good ‘un… If he works well with Bash and Hugh Reece then he will be there to stay…
16 Jan 2013, 15:43 pm
Well done sharkies , you’ve won already….Again! Lol
16 Jan 2013, 16:04 pm
@Heavens Game-271: Imagine working with Bashford, HRE and Spencer……then called up to the boks and working with Ricardo and Heineke
16 Jan 2013, 16:09 pm
@John Galt-265:
@Heavens Game-271:
Wait now what is this ?????? 1st time im hearing this……or is it rumor
16 Jan 2013, 16:10 pm
@Slappes-272: Thanks man
16 Jan 2013, 16:11 pm
@Rockn Rolla-273: Fark me… Its what you call regression… especially in the backs
16 Jan 2013, 16:12 pm
@Heavens Game-276:
I saw Pieter De Villers (Scrum coach) was consulting in the tank
16 Jan 2013, 16:13 pm
@Rockn Rolla-274:
He’s definitely here for these few preseason weeks.
Not sure if he’s staying on for the whole season.
16 Jan 2013, 16:15 pm
@John Galt-278:
where do see that…..ive Googled (and checked the sites) cant findshit tho
16 Jan 2013, 16:27 pm
1. Sharks will end in 6th position or worse overall. That’s just how they roll.
2. Sharks will not win the SA conference.
16 Jan 2013, 16:36 pm
@Rockn Rolla-277: Didnt know that… Very good though if true… Fark me, starting to get excited.
16 Jan 2013, 16:38 pm
Is the Hore dead?
16 Jan 2013, 17:00 pm
@nama1-280:
OK crystal ball, where will your team end then ????
16 Jan 2013, 17:01 pm
@Heavens Game-281:
Ya check out the official website…….but i think is just temp tho
16 Jan 2013, 17:34 pm
@Rockn Rolla-283:
Where they ended up in the last three years. In the top 2 overall.
16 Jan 2013, 17:40 pm
2010:
1. Bulls
2. Stormers
.
.
.
.
.
8. Sharks
2011:
1. Reds
2. Stormers
.
.
.
6. Sharks
2012:
1. Stormers
.
.
.
.
6. Sharks
Now in 2013 all of sudden the Sharks are favorites to win the SA conference? A freakin joke, if you ask me.
Keep saying that and, like a broken clock that is also right twice a day, you’ll eventually be right.
This year however, ain’t it.
16 Jan 2013, 17:46 pm
@Transformation-260: Oh dont talk absolute hogwash. Since 2008 the Stormers/WP were sweeping all and sundry aside to become the ‘new superpower’ in SA rugby.
In 2010 when the Sharks annihilated WP in the Currie Cup final, they were complete underdogs in the semi-final and nobody gave them a snowballs hope against the almighty WP in the final. Hell I know someone that works for the Stormers/WP component of the Vodacom team and they told me how WP had a bunch of t-shirts and other regalia printed with ‘Champions – 2010′ emblazoned.
Nobody gave the Sharks a hope in beating the Stormers in Cape Town in the 2012 Super 15 semi-final.
Try not to talk kak. Perhaps in your mind – every season is the Sharks season. You should just get yourself a black and white jersey and concede your fantasy to become a Sharks fan.
16 Jan 2013, 17:54 pm
@nama1-286: Jissus you can make thick comments. The Sharks had the worst possible start to the 2012 season and ended up in the final after thrashing the SA conference winners on their home ground in the semi-final.
The point here is that if they get a good start – and they have a good schedule this year, the Sharks may well win the SA conference. Also there was a 7 log point difference – hardly a chasm. The Sharks lost more than 1 or 2 games by very close margins. Be careful that doesn’t happen in Gape Town this year.
Not that we would go off on a chop plucking tangent like you guys if we did. Stupid trophy. You guys can keep it – even if we do win the conference this year. You are all so up in arms about this article – obviously the conference trophy is an important piece of silverware for you moffies.
16 Jan 2013, 17:55 pm
@nama1-280:
1. You are dumb
2. You are brain dead
16 Jan 2013, 17:56 pm
You fagwads can keep your conference trophy – even if the Sharks take the SA conference in 2013. We don’t need that stupid trophy. Keep it for yourselves please.
Does that make you tailgunners feel any better ?
16 Jan 2013, 17:57 pm
@Dusky-288:
“The Sharks had the worst possible start to the 2012 season…”
What was their excuse in 2010 and 2011?
16 Jan 2013, 17:59 pm
@Dusky-289:
Deep breaths…slow…in…out…in…out…
16 Jan 2013, 18:02 pm
@Dusky-287:
“Nobody gave the Sharks a hope in beating the Stormers in Cape Town in the 2012 Super 15 semi-final.”
Are you saying that HG is a “nobody?”
From memory, he was convinced that the Sharks would win.
16 Jan 2013, 18:07 pm
@Dusky-288:
The only reason you were in the final was because Michalak was in the form of his life. He, and he alone, was the reason why you reached the final.
He is not there this year. You will end up where you usually do: 6-8 overall.
16 Jan 2013, 18:08 pm
@nama1-293: You need to stop being obsessed with HG. I know you allow him to **** in your breakfast on a daily basis – but HG is not some kind of global spokesperson for the Sharks and their fans.
You know very well – WP got a hiding in the 2010 Currie Cup final, when nobody thought that would happen and the Stormers got a hiding in last years Super 15 semi-final when nobody thought that would happen. So – brush your teeth after breakfast so you dont speak ****.
16 Jan 2013, 18:09 pm
@nama1-294: So what’s your point ? A Sharks player was on form so we f$$ked the Stormers up in Cape Town ? The conference trophy winners ?
16 Jan 2013, 18:12 pm
@nama1-291: I think the Sharks themselves and any fan with half a brain would admit that the Sharks have suffered predominantly from inconsistency in the last 3 years. In all three years they showed promise as a possibly championship team at different times – but did not perform consistently.
Losses against the Lions, and close losses to the Stormers and Bulls in the opening rounds of last year was the problem. Despite all that though, the Sharks only ended 7 points behind the Stormers on the log. Partly because the Stormers can’t score tries to save their lives.
16 Jan 2013, 18:13 pm
@nama1-292: You’re a dumb @ss. I dont know why I am engaging you in a discussion. It would be like arguing the merits of nuclear energy with a goldfish. Bone from the neck up. No wonder you support the mountain moffies.
16 Jan 2013, 18:38 pm
@Dusky-295:
Lambie just had a great day in that final. He was too good for us on the day.
On HG. Njaaa, you Sharkies can have him.
@Dusky-296:
The point is, he is not there THIS YEAR and therefor you will not do as well as last year. You know you cannot do it on your own. You always have to have some mercenary in your team to win trophies: Michalak, Roumat, Lacroix, Lawton, etc, etc. Who’s going to do it for you this year? The local talent? Don’t make me laugh.
@Dusky-297:
So, they’ve been inconsistent the last few years? You believe it is going to change this year?
Whether it is a loss or a “close loss,” it amounts to the same thing. You were beaten on the day.
Whether “the Sharks only ended 7 points behind the Stormers on the log” or 1 point or 15 points, it amounts to the same thing: Stormers were better than the Sharks throughout the season.
You did beat us in the semi though, thanks to Michalak.
@Dusky-298:
Hahahaha… typical Sharkie response if he cannot defend his team anymore.
No skin of my back, little one.
16 Jan 2013, 18:48 pm
@nama1-299: What an accolade for the Sharks. You are so patently dumb that you dont even realize what you are saying. Thanks for the compliment idiot.
16 Jan 2013, 19:15 pm
“thick”
“dumb”
“brain dead”
“dumb @ss”
“Bone from the neck up”
“goldfish” (obvious reference to its short attention span)
“patently dumb”
“idiot”
That’s the kind of person that you engage with for more than an hour? Now I wonder, what does it say about you?
16 Jan 2013, 19:27 pm
Wasn’t so long ago – a couple of years maybe – that the Stormers were written off as no-hopers because of a lack of player depth. And lack of player rotation.
Oh well, the more things change, the more they stay the same.
16 Jan 2013, 19:33 pm
@Dusky-300:
Enjoy your “banter” for the rest of the night. Just remember, the Sharks will have to fight to end up in 6th position on the log.
Don’t say I didn’t warn you.
Now good night, dom kont.
16 Jan 2013, 19:54 pm
@nama1-303:
The more people write off the Stormers, the more I sit back with my hands on my head and wait for the drama to unfold.
16 Jan 2013, 20:25 pm
Wouldn’t take these predictions too serious. Luckily, Allister Coetzee insisted on WP turning up for the CC final.
17 Jan 2013, 00:41 am
@@whistle@blower@-305: Luckily because after the fickle WP supporters were ready to lynch him after the Super 15 semi-final, the poor SOB must have been pretty desperate to win something.
His poephol must have pulled together so tightly – it inverted on itself when the Sharks made that last break for the tryline after the hooter.
17 Jan 2013, 00:44 am
@I am a stormer-304: Your hands on your head. Why ? The only drama that has happened is the conference winning Stormers getting dumped out of the tournament twice in a row in Cape Town. To be fair, both times it was by superior teams – but still.
So – if the Sharks inconsistency is to continue as suggested by the local rocket scientist, Nama – why should we expect the Stormers season to end any differently ? hmmmmm ?
Keep your hands on your head buddy – its where they will be when the chest beating over inflated mountain moffies get dumped from the tournament again by a team that can play rugby.
17 Jan 2013, 00:45 am
@I am a stormer-302: They have depth now ?
17 Jan 2013, 00:47 am
@nama1-303: That’s ok – we only need 6th to make the final apparently. Perhaps the Stormers should try end 6th.
17 Jan 2013, 01:58 am
Jeez Dusky, talk about chest beating and insecurities…………what is it with you Sharks boys that you keep on going on about g ays and brokeback? Your favourite movie perhaps?
Get off riding the sharkfin, its clouding your judgement!
heeeehaaaa!
17 Jan 2013, 06:27 am
@Dusky-308:
Dusky, in 2011 we went through about 8 flyhalves and in 2012 we utilised about 15 loose forwards ane were still competitive.
How would you define depth?
17 Jan 2013, 07:43 am
@I am a stormer-311: dusky is a bit of an expert on depth. He sinks to new ones regularly.
17 Jan 2013, 08:16 am
Ja,ja,ja…heard it all before.It’s always the year of the sharks,most balanced team blah,blah,blah.Sharks are perennial chokers.in fact no team has choked in more super rugby semi-finals and finals.Sharks are sure to retain chokers trophy,you can bet on it!
17 Jan 2013, 08:32 am
Go Dusky… You tell em.
Too right.
17 Jan 2013, 08:48 am
The fact is that some of these “average” Sharks were some of the best performers in their respective positions last year, yet missed out on Bok selection for no reason other than not coming from the “traditional powers” of SA Rugby… Or they were dropped post haste because they did not tick the “traditional” boxes in a certain position… Other “traditional” players from “traditional” powers were then favoured…
Ludik
Jordaan
McLeod
Reinach
Kanko
Daniel
Bresler
Mvovo
Coetzee
They continue where they ended before the S15 final, especially when they rogered the amazing Conference “Title Holders”, “unbeaten at home” six love at “Fortress” Newlands, then they should be happy at being average…
Not that anything more than average is needed to win under brokeback mountain skies… Obviously
17 Jan 2013, 08:53 am
But then again the Sharks side to face Cheetahs will not be average…
Probable:
15 Ludik/Viljoen
14 JPP
13 Jordaan/Whitehead
12 Steyn
11 Mvovo
10 Lambie
9 McLeod/Reinach
8 Kanko
7. Coetzee/Alberts
6. Daniel
5. Franco
4. Bresler/Du Toit
3. Doc/Redlinghuys
2. Cooper/Zulu
1. Beast
Schweet…
Bloem Boom…
17 Jan 2013, 09:50 am
Before the S15 rules were changed recently, the 5th and 6th placed teams would have been out, simply not good enough.
Am I right?
17 Jan 2013, 10:17 am
LOL , thanks Keo , you just killed off the Sharks chances !!!
17 Jan 2013, 10:33 am
As I said earlier, check out the epic tail spinning and wailing by the arme Storrrrmer fans who can’t take people saying another team is better than theirs…
Actually, I think the Storrrrmers are going to struggle this year. I can’t see them making the top 6 this year. The bubble has to burst some time. Their results over the last 2 years has been something of an anomaly, a fluke if you will. Their mediocre history confirms this.
The Sharks? They are always up there. The top performing SA side of all time. If they top the shittttty conference “title” and get home play offs they will go all the way this year. They deserve it, too.
17 Jan 2013, 10:35 am
@Stawm-317: hehehe and the rules have always said if you lose a semi, you’re out, no? Only have your own team to blame for losing a HOME semi hehehehe!
17 Jan 2013, 10:43 am
@Liewe Luiperd-319:
“The Sharks? They are always up there. The top performing SA side of all time. If they top the shittttty conference “title” and get home play offs they will go all the way this year. They deserve it, too.”
Beyootiful!
Music to ze ears…
Magnifique…
SHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRKS FOREVER!
17 Jan 2013, 10:48 am
I can see it coming a few weeks before its even done…
Ruck…
Scrummy to Lambie, flat ball…
Lambie on advantage line, step to the inside of Goosen…
Goosen takes Lambie, spinning in the process…
But the ball is not there…
Flash…
JPP off the outside shoulder and under the uprights… Ball placed nonchalantly bisecting the posts…
Sparks…
Goosen still spinning…
Brussouw hands on hips with a WTF? look…
JPP turns arms raised…
BOOM!
17 Jan 2013, 10:54 am
I can see it coming a few weeks before its even done…
Lineout Cheetahs…
5 ball, catch and release to Free State scrummy…
Brussouw on the flat ball… Looking determined, move looking promising and he bears down on Pat…
The Wrecking Ball emerges from nowhere… Ratel blindsided… He does not even see the Coetzee Exocet… Scrumcap flies vertically and returns to the ground, next to a prostrate…
BOOM!
And Bone Collector on the bench smiles… Its his turn soon…
17 Jan 2013, 11:02 am
I can see it coming a few weeks before its even done…
Scrum, Sharks ball… Is it a bird is it a plain, no its Coenie… Free State tighthead learns to fly, taught by THE Beast…
Ball to Pat…
From Pat, flat and fast to Le Rocquet Boot taking the perfect line…
Right at the Goose…
A last moment step… and then daylight…
He’s through, looking for support… Whos there…
None but the little Lion… Daniel…
A shimmy here, a dummy there… And then a reverse 360 degree backflip pass in midair while 2 poor Cheetahs try and smash the Lionking of the Sharks to smithereens…
But the ball is with Lwazi… Sonic…
BOOM!
17 Jan 2013, 11:14 am
@Heavens Game-322: @Heavens Game-323: @Heavens Game-324: Sounds about right.The sharks have two teams that can win this SA conference mug!
17 Jan 2013, 11:46 am
@coma-325: Yes indeed… But the Breezers can keep the Mug… After all its SO important… to them.
Sharks want the Trophy…
The Super Rugby Winners Trophy 2013…
Nothing less.
17 Jan 2013, 13:26 pm
@The Sharks rugby pedigree is packaged as dog food-143: Hello Lady Pedigree.Trust you are well.
I am trying to communicate with Dawn but it seems that she
is staying below the radar at present
I mentioned.that I never call her “my girl” for rea sons
that involved black and white and language issues.
There was nothing sinister in the post
At one stage i had +- 30 people across the language and
racial divide reporting to me
I greeted the women each morning with an “hello my girl’
This greeting was made with the utmost affection,,
yet the phrase caused disharmony amongst the groups
I mentioned so much so that I was disclipined
Soon after a certain poster referred to you as “my girly”
I apologise for this
My regret is abject Regards
17 Jan 2013, 13:30 pm
@ryecatcher-327:
hi rye…
good to see you back… are you well…?
you’ve been missed on keo…
17 Jan 2013, 13:36 pm
@ryecatcher-327: Howdy Rye
Missed you! As UFO says above. Many have been wondering where you have been. Helluvahappy you are back 
I have an uncle that calls every female he meets ‘my girl’ (young, old, fat, thin, black, white, pink…..they are all ‘his girl’.)
Now stick around please? The rugby banter is about to get ‘real’
(Just see a few of HG’s predictions)
@ufo-328: Hear Hear.
17 Jan 2013, 13:42 pm
@ufo-328: Hi ufo.I am well thanks.
Hope you are too
Seems that planned obsolescence setting in. Hospital monday to today.
Suspected spinal compression after fall.Totally sober.
Anyway all well.Delighted to be home and comunicating with you guys..
17 Jan 2013, 13:49 pm
@The Sharks rugby pedigree is packaged as dog food-329: Thank you my lady.Can you find some way of
getting this message to DaWn.Tks
17 Jan 2013, 13:50 pm
@ryecatcher-330:
i just got a little ‘well-er’ to hear from you rye…!
i and we were seriously worried about you…
so sorry to hear about your spine rye…
yeah… the planned obsolescence catches us all in time… if nothing else does before that…
but very happy to hear you’re back at home…
take is easy and keep in touch… i’m sure i speak for a lot of us to say that we’re delighted to have you communicating with us again…
i know i am… and pedigree and dawn certainly will be…
17 Jan 2013, 16:30 pm
@Heavens Game-92: Enjoying your
predictions.Go Sharks
Please comment on
Bissy
Bekker
Juan
Schalk
and in all probability Eben
Why are all of our world class players being virtually injured out of the
game? Does not seem a s bad in Oz & NZ
Should we not be pla ying an A & B side?.Am saying too much rugby.
In a world cup year we should obviously.field best of A & B
What happens in interim does not matter.
17 Jan 2013, 19:50 pm
@Heavens Game-322: @Heavens Game-323: @Heavens Game-324:
SELL!!
18 Jan 2013, 08:47 am
The Sharks have one major weak spot – the line out. With Bismarck out till probably end of April Burden and Cooper will have to really step up in the first games.
18 Jan 2013, 08:49 am
@Bokhoring-335:
Two, they don’t know how to win finals rugby.
18 Jan 2013, 08:58 am
@NZINCHINA-336: Can’t really class last year’s final in that category as they were dead men walking by the time they got to the final.
But yes, brain farts by players and coaches as in 2007 final did do them in.
18 Jan 2013, 09:55 am
Thought I’d have a peep in for the first time in a few weeks and what’dyaknow….. Sharks fans moaning and whining about the Stormers….
Lol. In an ever changing world, it’s good to see that their inferiority complex will never change.
Sit booboo sit!!!
18 Jan 2013, 10:26 am
Lol. Only tail spinning and wailing from Storrrrmers fans going on here. They were the 2nd best SA team in Super rugby last year. And so are their fans on this thread.
18 Jan 2013, 10:36 am
I’m not much of a Cranberries fan, but I’m pretty sure they wrote this song for the Sharkies constant and continual inability to concentrate on anything outside of Cape Town….
In your head, in your head,
Zombie, zombie, zombie,
Hey, hey, hey. What’s in your head,
In your head,
Zombie, zombie, zombie?
Hey, hey, hey, hey, oh, dou, dou, dou, dou, dou…
18 Jan 2013, 11:09 am
Storrrrmer fans can’t stop singing this one…
YOU KNOW ITS ALL ABOUT ME [X4]
D0NT HATE ME CAUSE I GOT IT GOIN ON
ITS JUST ME IM HOT AFTER COLD
I CAN ROCK IT ANY WAY THAT I CHOOSE
IM SO GOOD(0H YEAH)I MAKE UP ALL OF THE RULES
I CANT HELP IT IF I SET ALL THE TRENDS
EVERYBODY WANTS TO BE MY BESTFRIEND
ITS INFECTIOUS SO DONT BE JEALOUS JUST JOIN IN THIS LOVEFEST YOU KNOW THAT
ITS ALL ABOUT ME
ITS ALL ABOUT ME [0H YEAH]
ME MYSELF AND I
ITS ALL ABOUT ME
ITS ALL ABOUT ME (ITS ALL BOUT ME)
ITS ALL ABOUT ME ME ME ME ME
EVERYBODY KNOWS ITS ALL ABOUT ME
It’s all about them….. can’t take it when it’s all about the SHARKS….
19 Jan 2013, 02:19 am
Happy New year aan al julle uitlanders,swendelaars hulle handlangers en gesante en,al die pajamadramas,die downtowndames die bad luck reisigers straight uit die hel,al die delwers en volstruisveer tannies en laastens die rondloperhingste wat kopspeel onder die geel kandelare met julle langhare en vinnige karre en die semels waarmee julle uithang.Moenie julle groot growwe goue ringe op die verkeerde perde verwed nie en mag die wat dit verdien bakbeen in mekaar se arms beland.
20 Jan 2013, 01:47 am
@Liewe Luiperd-339:
So you are saying that the SA team that ended in 3rd place in the SA conferens and 6th overall in the S15, was the best SA team in the S15 last year? Just because they won their last few matches during the league phase and two matches in the knock out phase of the competition.
That’s like saying that the team that win the FA Cup is the best team in England no matter where it ends up in he English premier league.
That’s just plain stupid, don’t you think?
20 Jan 2013, 01:54 am
@Liewe Luiperd-341: Thanks for the rendition ,wooden spoon .
Have your say
You must be logged in to post a comment.