Du Preez lifts Japanese league cup
28 Jan 2013
GARETH DUNCAN looks at the Saffas who impressed in the leagues around the world over the weekend.
Former Springbok and Bulls scrumhalf Fourie du Preez has been a revelation for Suntory Sungoliath since joining them after the 2011 World Cup. Under the veteran No 9′s watch, they claimed their third trophy in two seasons.
Du Preez spearheaded the club’s attack in their 19-3 Top League final win over the Brave Lupus. The 30-year-old played a hand in both tries scored in the first stanza, which saw Suntory lead 12-3 at the break. He was then substituted in the 72nd minute, before his team dotted down for a third time at the death.
Suntory have now clinched back-to-back league titles. They will have an opportunity to win another piece of silverware when they enter the All-Japan Championship knockout tournament at the semi-final stage.
In the Anglo-Welsh Cup, Saffa-laden Saracens jumped to the top of Pool 3 after their 19-11 comeback win over the Cardiff Blues. Sarries trailed 8-6 at the break before delivering an impressive second-half display.
Lock Mouritz Botha and flank Nick Fenton-Wells started for the victors, with hooker John Smit, prop Petrus du Plessis, lock Alistair Hargreaves and flank Justin Melck making an impact off the bench.
Bath remained in the running to advance to the play-off phase after 16-6 win over the Exeter Chiefs. Flank Nick Koster played a key role for director of rugby Gary Gold’s team.
South African-born lock Rob Andrew did a good job in the Leicester Tigers’ 34-8 thrashing of London Wasps.
In the French Top 14, loosehead prop Gurthro Steenkamp and replacement hooker Gary Botha helped their team to a 19-14 win over tighthead prop Eugene van Staden’s Biarritz to elevate to second place in the standings.
11 Comments
28 Jan 2013, 08:01 am
is there still talk about FDP playing for Boks again?
28 Jan 2013, 09:07 am
Surely its a bit late now. How long will he still be usefull for?
28 Jan 2013, 09:50 am
At 30 years of age he surely could still add value?
You don’t go from being the best in the world to useless in 2 years.
Would love to see him in action again in Super Rugby.
28 Jan 2013, 10:32 am
@nortierd-3: I agree. Personally I would select a fit Fourie for the Boks any day of the week (wasnt fit at the last WC). However I agree to control the nah sayers, would probably ned to play super rugby first.
28 Jan 2013, 11:19 am
Looks like FdP ended up being better value for money than SBW.
What are the rules in the Japanese league. I thought there was a restriction of two foreigners per game (or is it three?) but I’ve seen another article saying George Smith and Tusi Pisi were paying too.
Gareth, you forgot to mention FdP was yellow carded too
28 Jan 2013, 12:30 pm
cant take anything serious by someone dominating in the *** league. comparing grapes and coconuts
28 Jan 2013, 12:43 pm
Wow, Fourie was a revelation in a team that was already dominating the Japanese club scene? Now that’s hard-hitting journalism…
28 Jan 2013, 15:25 pm
@papaown-6: y is J A P blocked out as a word?
is that derogatory ?
28 Jan 2013, 18:30 pm
@papaown-8: No, it’s PC gone mad! Shortening Japan to J@p is no different to shortening Australia to Aus or Argentina to Arg. People really need to lighten the f00k up…
29 Jan 2013, 17:02 pm
Big in Japan?
Winter’s cityside
Crystal bits of snowflakes
All around my head and in the wind
I had no illusions
That I’d ever find a glimpse
Of summer’s heatwaves in your eyes
You did what you did to me
Now it’s history I see
Here’s my comeback on the road again
Things will happen while they can
I will wait here for my man tonight
It’s easy when you’re big in Japan
Aah when you’re big in Japan-tonight…
Big in Japan-be-tight…
Big in Japan… ooh the eastern sea’s so blue
Big in Japan-alright,
Pay! — Then I’ll sleep by your side
Things are easy when you’re big in Japan
Oh when you’re big in Japan
Neon on my naked skin, passing silhouettes
Of strange illuminated mannequins
Shall I stay here at the zoo
Or should I go and change my point of view
For other ugly scenes
You did what you did to me
Now it’s history I see
Things will happen while they can
I will wait here for my man tonight
It’s easy when you’re big in Japan
Aah when you’re big in Japan-tonight…
Big in Japan-be-tight…
Big in Japan… ooh the eastern sea’s so blue
Big in Japan-alright, pay!
Then I’ll sleep by your side
Things are easy when you’re big in Japan
30 Jan 2013, 16:28 pm
@nortierd-3:
He would not be able to cope with the new 5 second rule. Not enough time to wave his arms about and gesture frantically at the ref.
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