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, 10:36 am
@Mr Black-90: I think its the reds and blues
@ufo-88: hehehe time will tell boet, but I like your enthusiasm for JK..
our forward pack worries me this year..
4 Feb 2013, 10:36 am
@the curse-86:
Auckland have always scouted further afield…Carlos, StevMcDowel, Rupeni, Cashmore the list is quite long…We need the rural types and the pig hunters too to put together a top team.
4 Feb 2013, 10:37 am
@CharlesM-95: It should read: Ithink poppa will NOT agree with you
4 Feb 2013, 10:39 am
@CharlesM-93: more Charles, hoe gaan dit?
arm is good thanks, still trouble in the shoulder, cant roll my arm over like a cricket bowler yet, but am maintaining the stretches so just time I think..
4 Feb 2013, 10:39 am
@CharlesM-95:
hey charles… how you doing bud…?
yeah… i know i’m in a small minority about this… and that’s okay…!!
i think the blues lack of depth and/or ‘unrecognised’ players may actually play right into their hands… clearly the reds took them for granted.. and they won’t be the last team to do so…
was a master-stroke of jk to bring in gh…
how many coaches would want ted in their group…? because we know if the blues do badly jk will be blamed… but if they fdo well people will credit gh…
and says a lot about jk imo…
but time is the ultimate teacher… so we shall see…
ps… has your bud sorted out his tickets…? i’ve drawn a blank on my side…
4 Feb 2013, 10:42 am
@CharlesM-103: forwards will be the downfall, but GH may turn them around, Ali as a leader worries me the most
@Te Rangatira-102: yep, need that hard edge there and I just cant see it from the forwards in our squad… Boric was starting to really develop before he got injured, so hope he can regain some of that form..
4 Feb 2013, 10:45 am
@Robzim-98: Hi Rob, I’m a bit concerned about the fact that only 5 survivors of last year are still playing. The fact that they managed to beat the SA U/20 side is a good sign though. JP Lewis the left wing is no slouch and the 14, Khumalo has some gas too. The locks are Van der Sluys and Reniel Hugo: both good lineout jumpers but don’t have much bulk.
Alistair Vermaak is the loosehead prop but I don’t know anything about the other props and hookers. I think Os Hamman that huge prop is on the bench as player 23 and might be a factor later during the match. Craig Barry who trained with the Blitzbokke for a while is on the bench too.
All in all it’s very difficult to give an accurate prediction. Maties seldom have a weak team though – some new guys always seem to come through the system.
4 Feb 2013, 10:46 am
the curser: anything past the LEAGUE stages of Super rugby is the”PLAYOFFS”
the Saders have lost 4 consecutive playoff appearances —–> 09 Bulls, 10 Bulls. 11 Reds, 12 Chiefs…they won the comp in 08 after having lost to the Bulls in 07.
4 Feb 2013, 10:49 am
@the curse-106:
Yes the hard edge…like John Drake, Fitzy, Steve Mc Dowel and Peter Fats…thats where its at. Need to replicate a front row like that and we’re half way there.
As for Borric, his rugby was improving but his back is chronic…yet Blues need him
4 Feb 2013, 10:49 am
@the curse-104: I’m well thanks – just running around again. I’d like to chat but will be off in the next 10 minutes.
Glad to hear about the arm – BTW I never got around to tell the brother-in-law with the crooked arm about the Maori spin bowler (I told the rest of the family though and they all laughed). I didn’t want to hurt his feelings lol !!@ufo-105: I’m good thanks – he managed to sell the tickets yes, thanks.
The jury is still out on the Blues but time will tell I guess !
4 Feb 2013, 10:49 am
so how did they make the 2011 final if they’ve lost consecutive playoff matches since 2009 Trans? surely the semi in 2011 counts as a winning playoff game ?
4 Feb 2013, 10:50 am
@ufo-105: We will be patting ourselves on the back saying, “Told you so….” – watch
Now why did that cowardly HG fuckoff last night whilst I was ravaging him him prison style? Uselessfuckingpantyliner that he is…. Only returned when I was long gone….
4 Feb 2013, 10:51 am
@The Sharks rugby pedigree is packaged as dog food-112:
4 Feb 2013, 10:53 am
Charles
just don’t ask to see the maori muralidharans googly mate
it’s why I need such a wide waka
4 Feb 2013, 10:57 am
@the curse-114: Hehe the Maori Murali from Sydney !!
4 Feb 2013, 10:58 am
Anyone go to the RHCP’s in Jozi? What can we expect????
4 Feb 2013, 10:58 am
I’d love to chat guys but I have to go – until later !
4 Feb 2013, 11:00 am
@CharlesM-115: yep, bowls bouncers all night at his cushy kings cross doormans job..
steely resolve maintains order in that part of the world
@Te Rangatira-109: them was the glory days, ran into Peter “the pianoman” Fatialofa when working on the shore many moons ago, he was installing a piano at the time… strong strong man..
it seems league is actually taking a fair bit of our talent too, which worries me some..
4 Feb 2013, 11:01 am
@CharlesM-107:
Thanks for that… is van der Sluys the bloke who was on the bench for Province? Besides the players you mentioned I think the 2 loosies (Reuben Johannes and Lehmann) are also quite good.
4 Feb 2013, 11:01 am
@CharlesM-117: haere ra
4 Feb 2013, 11:06 am
@The Sharks rugby pedigree is packaged as dog food-116: there was a big sign at the gate saying “no dogs allowed” – good luck and enjoy if you get in.
4 Feb 2013, 11:08 am
Crazy Eyes strikes.
4 Feb 2013, 11:12 am
@The Sharks rugby pedigree is packaged as dog food-116:
saw on the news it was a bit of a shambles with people leaving even before the chili’s came on…
4 Feb 2013, 11:15 am
Set up for his tenfer here.
4 Feb 2013, 11:16 am
@ufo-123:
Yolandi Visser probably frightened them off.
4 Feb 2013, 11:17 am
@gunther-125: what is the score and how big is the lead “buddy” ?
4 Feb 2013, 11:20 am
@the curse-126:
The Stanis need another 265 with 4 wickets in hand.
You can follow on espncricinfo.com my pal.
4 Feb 2013, 11:23 am
@gunther-127: ka pai bru.. world cricket isnt really strong at the moment though is it?
4 Feb 2013, 11:23 am
@the curse-111: @the curse-111: ” so how did they make the 2011 final if
they’ve lost consecutive playoff matches
since 2009 Trans? surely the semi in 2011
counts as a winning playoff game ?”
the FINAL is a PLAYOFF game, is it not?
4 Feb 2013, 11:24 am
@gunther-125:
hahaha…
she is a scary lady…!!
4 Feb 2013, 11:24 am
Some friendly fire between Poppa n Gunther?
Interesting to see who’ll pull out the 1st r@pe/domestic violence/alcohol abuse stat.
Just as I was about to say Vern looks bored he goes and rattles the Pakistani stumps.
218/7
4 Feb 2013, 11:25 am
@the curse-128:
It’s stronger than world rugby my buddy.
4 Feb 2013, 11:25 am
scary… but talented…!!
4 Feb 2013, 11:27 am
@Transformation-129: is the semi final of 2011 a PLAYOFF game Trans?
yes or no?
did they win that semi final ? therefore they cant have lost 5 consecutive playoff games I would have thought
but I must be wrong.. :eyes:
4 Feb 2013, 11:27 am
Philanderer in on the act.
You beauty.
Proteas signalling to the dressing room to book tee off times at the River Club.
4 Feb 2013, 11:27 am
@RL-121: Woof…
@ufo-123: Oh dear…..
@gunther-122: Eye of the tiger Gunther.
4 Feb 2013, 11:28 am
@gunther-132: thats convenient
4 Feb 2013, 11:28 am
@ufo-130:
She looks like she might eat her young.
4 Feb 2013, 11:29 am
pedigree’s favourite Pakistani player UmarfcukinhGul is on…lol
4 Feb 2013, 11:31 am
@The Sharks rugby pedigree is packaged as dog food-136:
very badly organised according to the news… ‘plain clothes’ ushers so no one knew who was who and who to ask for help… people in wrong places etc plenty getting upset… so according to the report quite a few just gave it a miss…
hope they’ve learnt their lesson…
4 Feb 2013, 11:31 am
@the curse-134:
so they won the semi final PLAYOFF game in 2011
then they lost the final in 2011..
thats 1 PLAYOFF loss after winning a PLAYOFF game in 011
they would have lost 1 playoff game in 2012, therefore being knocked out..
1+1 = 5?
does the maths add up yet Trans?
4 Feb 2013, 11:33 am
@the curse-134: poppa, the Saders lost in the final vs the Reds meaning in 2011 they lost in the playoffs, clearly in your mind “playoffs only refers to quarter-final & semi-final”…the FINAL is part of the playoffs if you lose it youlost in the playoffs.
clear?
4 Feb 2013, 11:35 am
@gunther-138:
yip… with four sets of teeth on the ends of tentacles that appear from her stomach…
she’s really got the alien thing down… don’t know how she can wear those contacts though…
but hey that’s their thing and they’re about the most successful sa band around at the moment…
remember them talking about the fact that the americans can’t understand their lyrics and if only they knew how bad their language was maybe they wouldn’t get invited onto all the talk shows…?!
quite funny stuff…
4 Feb 2013, 11:35 am
@gunther-135:
Back in CT in time for the RHCP’s….
@gunther-138: Her daughter is alive and well….promise.
@Transformation-139:
My fave Pakistani players of all time: Inzamam ul Haq, Waqar Younis and Wasim Akram and Javed Miandad.
Umarfuckinggulhasalongwaytogo.
4 Feb 2013, 11:35 am
@Transformation-142: the statement was they have lost 5 CONSECUTIVE playoff matches..
please show and name the 5 CONSECUTIVE playoff matches theyve lost Trans?
4 Feb 2013, 11:36 am
@ufo-140: That’s shocking…. I hope we don’t have that here, would be chaotic.
4 Feb 2013, 11:37 am
My quote of the day: had to giggle.
“The problem with socialism is that eventually you run out of other people’s
money.” — Margaret Thatcher
4 Feb 2013, 11:38 am
@The Sharks rugby pedigree is packaged as dog food-144:
and imran khan… surely…?
4 Feb 2013, 11:39 am
I sense a few low intensity fracas going on here
4 Feb 2013, 11:39 am
108.Transformation said:
4 Feb 2013, 10:46 am
the curser: anything past the LEAGUE stages of Super rugby is the”PLAYOFFS”
the Saders have lost 4 consecutive playoff appearances —–> 09 Bulls, 10 Bulls. 11 Reds, 12 Chiefs…they won the comp in 08 after having lost to the Bulls in 07.
so youre not counting the semi final win in 11 as a PLAYOFF game?
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.