Old and new a sign of good times
4 Feb 2013
MARK KEOHANE, in his Business Day column, writes that veteran Juan Smith’s performance was a reminder of a good Bok past and Jan Serfontein’s qualities are about a good future. Both are an asset to our rugby.
There is no such thing as a pre-season friendly in South African rugby. What was a supposed first hit out for the Stormers could easily have been a Super Rugby match played at the most critical juncture of the season. It was full on.
It was unrelenting and both teams were playing to win. Both teams kicked for goal at vital times and neither bought into the 10-try feasts usually associated with warm-up matches. Tries were at a minimum and both sides tackled.
The quality of the math was remarkable given it was the first week of February. The Cheetahs won with an injury-time penalty but the biggest winner was surely the sight of Juan Smith back on a rugby field and as imposing as ever.
Smith is one of the great loose forwards of the last decade. He is also one of the least spoken and written about, but every South African supporter would have kept an eye on his comeback in Bloemfontein.
Schalk Burger’s return is a week or two away and if Smith and Burger can make it to July with knees, hands, feet and head intact the Bok pack will again be the envy of the rugby world.
Smith was darn good given he has been out for 18 months with an Achilles injury that threatened closure on his career. What a wonderful view to see him rampant and playing as fearlessly as is his norm.
In Smith South Africa has a legend but watch centre Jan Serfontein of the Bulls. He will play for the Boks before the year is over. He was the world U20 player in the Baby Boks tournament-winning effort in Cape Town last year and he has been nurtured into senior rugby without haste and with plenty conviction.
Some players simply make the transition from juniors to seniors and Serfontein is one of those. He is a also a beast, physically the most imposing centre in South Africa and one of the biggest in the game. He’s just 20 years old but it’s his skill and natural feel for the game that is even more impressive than his physical presence.
Not since Danie Gerber weaved destruction has a player looked as capable of doing as he pleases from broken player. If Bok coach Heyneke Meyer battled with some positions in 2012 it won’t be the case this season.
There is so much new talent in the South African game and there is also massive changes to what paraded as Super Rugby in New Zealand and Australia.
It is heartening to see how the Lions have embraced their year out of Super Rugby. Johann Ackermann is bringing through another generation of player and the Lions have been committed in everything they have done on the field this year.
The year regrouping could be the best thing that has ever happened.. The core of the Super Rugby team is on loan to other South African franchises and there’s a very promising group being played in the season’s first month of matches.
Rugby in South Africa is strong and globally it is healthy.
The sevens in New Zealand was the best tournament I’ve watched and Kenya were 10 seconds away from a miracle win. The Africans had beaten the Boks, beaten hosts New Zealand and were leading England 19-12 with 10 seconds to go. They turned over the ball, England scored and in the sudden death scored again to win the tournament.
But what a display from the Keyans who have benefited from the structure and intelligence of English coach Mike Friday. Kenya now play the game like they understand it and not just on natural feel. They understand defence, thrive on it and they were the most physical of teams at the tournament. A coach does make a difference.
The Boks have opted for more agility and players blessed with a step but not with size. There is no substitute for physicality in rugby. When the Bok Sevens have had more bulk than balanced runners they have been effective.
Paul Treu is currently trading on goodwill as coach as the Sevens has been in free fall for some time now. It can’t be a fait accompli that he is the best there is. Result don’t make a convincing argument.
Finally the Six Nations delivered on the promise with Wales diabolical against Ireland and England ruthless against Scotland.
The global game needs seven to 10 teams to be a factor in between World Cups and England and France most definitely are the equal of South Africa and Australia with New Zealand still out in front, but not by a lot.
The rugby season will run until December but the break over the last two months has been too long. Just like Juan Smith’s performance on Saturday it is full on from hereon in and be confident that South Africa’s Super Rugby challenge can deliver a winner this year.
1,605 Comments
Pages: « 1 [2] 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 … 33 » Show All
4 Feb 2013, 09:57 am
I have never understood the mentality of so many supporters who adopt an ‘out of sight out of mind approach’. When Smith got injured in 2007 Spies had just come on the scene. We put up a poll Smith or Spies and it favoured Spies by a considerable margin. A few months later Smith was one of the stars of the World Cup.
Smith and Burger, if injury free, will be at the mental peak of their Test careers in 2015. NZ finally learned the lesson of experience and building a team on experience and youth. It is an integration not a disintegration.
Duane is the flavour of the month but what if he gets crocked? Then Smith at 8 and Burger as a closed side option or vice versa becomes a consideration. A team can never have enough cover for every position.
In short it was a bloody good day\’s rugger given it was week 1 of pre-season warm-ups etc. Kenya’s effort also brilliant. They are a coached team with a specialist in Sevens who has given them structure and understanding of their strengths and it would have been wonderful had they managed to hold on for those last 10 seconds.
If Kenya are coached effectively, the same currently cannot be said of Paul T in terms of his strategy, selections and regressiveness in results and manner in which Boks are losing and who they are losing to.
4 Feb 2013, 09:57 am
@keo-41:
“There is so much new talent in the South African game and there is also massive changes to what paraded as Super Rugby in New Zealand and Australia.”
Utter rubbish
Spin it any way you like, you were trumpeting SA and denigrating Aus and NZ.
There is no evidence of any “massive” change in Aus or NZ .
4 Feb 2013, 09:59 am
@Doughnut-46: and what happened to Brussouw? Out of sight out of mind? Would it not be more appropriate to say thank goodness we have such quality of player in that position and hope they are all fit for selection come July.
4 Feb 2013, 10:02 am
@Brads-52: So 18 uncapped players the Blues match 23 does not constitute change? Significant changes at the landers ito the role Thorn and Nonu will play and the Canes and Chiefs kids are all a season older and wiser. The Crusaders also no longer have the aura of a team that won 7 titles, but a team that has lost their last 5 play-off appearances, which is not knocking their quality but giving perspective to the fact that they are into a new cycle of player. They will miss McCaw as well.
4 Feb 2013, 10:03 am
@keo-53:
The only person it would seem that does not rate Brussouw is HM, and unfortunately for us, he is the one who counts.
Most people here would love to see him in the mix.
4 Feb 2013, 10:03 am
@Brads-52: It was a compliment to what NZ are producing as players and how they integrate the best of their under 20 side into Super Rugby with a definitive plan … some fasttracked slightly quicker than others.
4 Feb 2013, 10:05 am
@keo-54: lost their last five playoffs appearances?
didnt they make the final in 2011? not sure where you got 5 from keo?
4 Feb 2013, 10:06 am
@nortierd-55:
He is to small
4 Feb 2013, 10:07 am
@the curse-57:
Kia Ora Pops
Don’t nitpick now, you know what he means.
I’m still gutted by that Reds win, so please don’t remind me again.
4 Feb 2013, 10:08 am
@the curse-57:
He probably meant playoffs in the last 5 years.
4 Feb 2013, 10:08 am
@Mr Black-58:
Didn’t know he wanted to ride the Cobra or roller coaster at the fun fair.
Was under the impression he wanted to play rugby and dominate the rucks.
4 Feb 2013, 10:09 am
@nortierd-59:
Are you also a cape crusader nortie?
I see you like to defend NZ’s honour………
4 Feb 2013, 10:10 am
@nortierd-59: kia ora bro, Kei te pehea koe?
actually Im not sure what he means though.. have they had four other play off appearances since losing the 2011 final
4 Feb 2013, 10:11 am
@Mr Black-62:
Stormer and then my second team is the Crusaders.
Love the way they play, and will always enjoy the AB’s style, irrespective of what Bakkies believes.
We have decided to agree to disagree on that point.
4 Feb 2013, 10:12 am
@nortierd-64:
Cool, nobody is perfect
4 Feb 2013, 10:13 am
@Mr Black-60: perhaps
“but a team that has lost their last 5 play-off appearances, which is not knocking their quality but giving perspective to the fact that they are into a new cycle of player.”
this new cycle of player has still seen them make the playoffs practically every year though? just seemed like a rather silly comment to me.. they are still one of the teams to beat this year, dont be fooled just because they wont have McCaw…
4 Feb 2013, 10:13 am
@keo-56:
You only had to look at last years Super Rugby Champions and the new talent they brought through from the u/20 ranks, Cane ,Tameifuna and Retallick, even better they were forwards. Also bringing players out of ITM cup who made an impact in Horrell and the Fijian flyer on the left wing. There is a ton of talent here and you will see some new names pop up that will do well at Super rugby level.
4 Feb 2013, 10:14 am
@Mr Black-62:
He’s Caped Crusader sidekick.
We just call him Robin.
4 Feb 2013, 10:14 am
@the curse-63:
Well, even a bad, or unsuccessful year for them is better than a great year for the majority of the others.
Still a testament to them, but yes, they must be hurting.
You don’t hear Blackadder whinging about McCaw being allowed a sabbatical, or losing Zack. He just gets on with it, similar to the way he played.
Love that about him
4 Feb 2013, 10:15 am
@the curse-66:
I understand what you say Poppa, i dont think keo meant disrespect by the comment though.
Where you happy with your teams pre season game? i did not watch it so not sure how it went.
4 Feb 2013, 10:15 am
@gunther-68:
Robzim won’t be pleased.
4 Feb 2013, 10:16 am
@gunther-68: Robin he will be from now on then.
4 Feb 2013, 10:17 am
@keo-51:
good comment…
4 Feb 2013, 10:17 am
@Mr Black-70: I dont think he meant any either, just thought a journalist would actually be able to articulate his point properly?
4 Feb 2013, 10:17 am
@the curse-66:
Yep…always the team to beat. Wont take too long for Auckland to assume their rightful place of Nz Rugby Powerhouse.
4 Feb 2013, 10:18 am
@nortierd-71: Robin, I always thought that robzim was a fan of Mugabe, hence the nic.
And his posts has always had the flavor of a Zim appologist 
4 Feb 2013, 10:19 am
@the curse-74: forgot the smiley
Mr Black, I didnt see the game versus the reds either, so cant really comment , the result was somewhat of a surprise, but then Auckland does have a lot of rugby talent that for the past few years has been snubbed in preference for players from other provinces or the coaches mates/family..
I would guess that we are already seeing GH’s influence on the team
4 Feb 2013, 10:22 am
@Te Rangatira-75: we can only hope bro, bout time our province got back where it belongs
4 Feb 2013, 10:22 am
@keo-56:
Okay, I will take what you offered earlier, that your initial delivery was not entirely first take coherent by the average reader.
4 Feb 2013, 10:22 am
@the curse-77:
You reckon a top 6 is possible? New players might surprise other teams.
I will make my top 6 predictions after the second round.
4 Feb 2013, 10:23 am
Any news on when Jantjies is likely to make an appearance for the Stormers?
4 Feb 2013, 10:23 am
@keo-53: Sure but I rate Flo over HB as at end 2012 … You have to admit Flo was the player for Boks .. Good luck to HB though … happy if he hits his straps ..
4 Feb 2013, 10:25 am
@the curse-78:
Yep….flick North Harbour back to the Chiefs and give us back South Auckland.
4 Feb 2013, 10:25 am
@Mr Black-80: thats going to be awfully difficult considering the aussie conference starts a week earlier this year due to the Lions tour..
perhaps after the 3rd or 4th round?
Nah, Im not expecting much from Auckland this year, I think we will struggle to win many matches in our own conference, but should hold our own against the Aussies and half of the Saffa teams..
4 Feb 2013, 10:26 am
@the curse-81:
According to local press he will report back for duty on 10 February and will therefore be available for the first super rugby game against the Bulls.
4 Feb 2013, 10:29 am
@Te Rangatira-83: the Tainui part of my heritage doesnt mind the Chiefs at all..
think kirwan should have looked internally in our catchment area before seeking players from outside… there were a couple of Northland players who I think could have made the Blues squad
4 Feb 2013, 10:29 am
@Brads-79:
Big of you.
4 Feb 2013, 10:29 am
@the curse-77:
the blues will make the play-offs…
jk to inject buckets of enthusiasm and ted to add the strategic nous…
18 provincial newbies against 11 wallabies has got to make people rethink the blues… even if it was only one game…
blues will be in the mix this year popps…
believe it…!
4 Feb 2013, 10:29 am
@Mr Black-76: He explained it the other day: his first name is Robin. He is a huge Bob Dylan fan – Dylan’s real name is Robert Zimmerman, hence the name “Robzim”
4 Feb 2013, 10:30 am
@the curse-84:
Who in the Kiwi and Aussie conference miss out on playing the Kings?
Now that is bad luck
4 Feb 2013, 10:30 am
Keo you have to admit the Gerber comparison was stretching it a kleine bietjie.
Dunno why the kissing cousins still on your case after you’ve already explained that you got your wording wrong.
Sommiges wil maar net reg wees, self wanneer hulle klaar reg is.
4 Feb 2013, 10:30 am
@Robzim-85: thanks Rob… interested to see how he goes this year..
4 Feb 2013, 10:30 am
@the curse-86: Kia ora pops !! Hope you are well – arm getting better ?
4 Feb 2013, 10:31 am
@wpstormerbok-91: Yes I think it’s a bit early to draw comparisons with Danie !
4 Feb 2013, 10:32 am
@ufo-88: I’m not too sure about that Ufo – I think poppa will agree with you.
IMO Graham Henry will add a lot of value to the Blues but the lack of quality depth in the squad might be their biggest problem
4 Feb 2013, 10:33 am
@CharlesM-89:
I saw that post Charles.
Really thought in the beginning he was a pro mugabe poster with that nic.
4 Feb 2013, 10:33 am
And no disrespect to the talented Serfontein.
But not until I see Serftontein in Groen & Goud tiptoeing past a helpless Nonu then dummying Dagg to go dot underneath the posts and then run back without celebrating, only then will he be comparable to the great Gerber.
4 Feb 2013, 10:34 am
@Mr Black-76:
Farkoff
@CharlesM-89:
Hi charles, thanks..
Will be interesting to see how the maties go tonight with a relative new team and coach. Whats your opinion on their chances and anyone in particular to look out for?
4 Feb 2013, 10:35 am
Harking back to the Loosies thread .. please no Spies !!
4 Feb 2013, 10:36 am
@Mr Black-90: The Reds and Blues as far as I can recall
Pages: « 1 [2] 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 … 33 » Show All
Have your say
You must be logged in to post a comment.