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
Pages: « 1 2 3 4 5 [6] 7 » Show All
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.
Pages: « 1 2 3 4 5 [6] 7 » Show All
Have your say
You must be logged in to post a comment.