Old and new a sign of good times

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

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  • 301.Mr Black: Reply to this comment
    4 Feb 2013, 15:06 pm

    @the curse-296: To many wonabees in the ODI side.

  • 302.stormer in a teacup: Reply to this comment
    4 Feb 2013, 15:06 pm

    @Mr Black-294: If they can’t wear the armbands for these guys they should never wear them for anyone.

  • 303.the curse: Reply to this comment
    4 Feb 2013, 15:07 pm

    @hendrikp-300: that just devastated me, such rapier wit..

  • 304.gunther: Reply to this comment
    4 Feb 2013, 15:09 pm

    Poops has put a lot of work in on his return of serve today.

  • 305.the curse: Reply to this comment
    4 Feb 2013, 15:09 pm

    @Mr Black-301: more complacency imo… didnt rate the kiwis in the one day series and paid the price..

    same thing happens with the boks when they meet teams like Scotland..

  • 306.Transformation: Reply to this comment
    4 Feb 2013, 15:09 pm

    schalk at openside for Boks with spies & smith at blindside is what meyer was complaining he has LOST TO INJURY to the point that he was forced to start the likes of keegan cullen @ newlands

  • 307.the curse: Reply to this comment
    4 Feb 2013, 15:10 pm

    @gunther-304: thanks buddy, nice of you to say so…

    I also get to make you feel better by appearing to be all knowing..

    win win huh?

  • 308.stormer in a teacup: Reply to this comment
    4 Feb 2013, 15:11 pm

    @the curse-296: Not a lot of wondering required. Three different countries bowled out for under 50 in15 months.
    First time in over 120 years.

  • 309.The Sharks rugby pedigree is packaged as dog food: Reply to this comment
    4 Feb 2013, 15:13 pm

    @grant10-299: Fortunately, I care very little indeed for limited overs cricket. Test cricket is where it’s happening for me. A true test of patience, skill etc. A mini war…..planning, strategy, getting the timing ‘just right’, mind games, the works.

    Walking out to the middle and tonking around for 50 overs doesn’t do it for me. Boring as hell.

    T20 however, has a place.

  • 310.Angostura: Reply to this comment
    4 Feb 2013, 15:14 pm

    Test cricket is real cricket – but the shorter the format, the more absurd & divorced from reality the “cricket”

    The Black Caps will be world beaters in one-over-a-side cricket … (especially if restricted to 2 deliveries per over) :-)

  • 311.the curse: Reply to this comment
    4 Feb 2013, 15:14 pm

    @stormer in a teacup-308: that just further proves that the state of world cricket isnt strong.

  • 312.grant10: Reply to this comment
    4 Feb 2013, 15:14 pm

    @Transformation-306: HM plays that loose trio I can virtually guarantee you losses against Aussies and Kiwis…..

    And maybe even the Argies too…..

    Fark that is dark ages philosophy that….

    But to be fair I dont believe HM will go that route….

    Flo showed him the error of his ways…

  • 313.gunther: Reply to this comment
    4 Feb 2013, 15:15 pm

    @the curse-307:

    good luck for the afternoon session poep.

  • 314.grant10: Reply to this comment
    4 Feb 2013, 15:16 pm

    @The Sharks rugby pedigree is packaged as dog food-309: I am with you…..

    Will be there on 14 Feb

    Never miss the opening day of a 5 day test in CT if I can help it…

    Hope the Pakistani giant plays….

  • 315.Mr Black: Reply to this comment
    4 Feb 2013, 15:16 pm

    Shark catcher verdict welcomed
    2013-02-04 14:00

    Cape Town – A verdict by the Mossel Bay Magistrate’s Court that found a man guilty of catching and landing a great white shark, was welcomed by the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries on Monday.

    Skopskiet was sentenced to either a fine of R120 000 or twelve months imprisonment, suspended for five years, said agriculture, forestry and fisheries spokesperson Lionel Adendorf.

    Skoppie allegedly caught and landed the great white shark – a protected species – in March last year.

    “This is the first great white shark case and conviction in any South African court, as South Africa is also the first country to impose legislation in protecting great white sharks,” said Adendorf.

    The department hoped the sentence would deter others from catching protected species.

  • 316.BrumbiesBoy: Reply to this comment
    4 Feb 2013, 15:17 pm

    @The Sharks rugby pedigree is packaged as dog food-309: Have yet to watch a full game of T.tty20.

    Mickey Mouse deluxe and the poor bowlers on a hiding to nothing imo.

    Trash it.

  • 317.the curse: Reply to this comment
    4 Feb 2013, 15:17 pm

    @Angostura-310:man, seems that when the ABs were on their 20 match unbeaten streak world rugby wasnt very strong, yet world cricket is when SA are doing similar things as to what the ABs did..

    strange, or is it because its SA that there is no correlation?

    thanks in advance..

  • 318.gunther: Reply to this comment
    4 Feb 2013, 15:17 pm

    @Angostura-310:

    this is true.

    the shorter the format the more competitive the minnows are.

  • 319.hendrikp: Reply to this comment
    4 Feb 2013, 15:18 pm

    @grant10-312:

    Just like you guaranteed that it was ‘over rover’ for the Stormers if they didn’t play a specialized openside.

    You talk a lot of ****.

  • 320.Transformation: Reply to this comment
    4 Feb 2013, 15:21 pm

    @polaris-295: “appearance” means that situation often referred to as “qualifying” for the playoffs. when a team earns enough points to make an “appearance” in the playoff STAGES – quarter-finals, semi-finals & finals are ONLY stages.

    :-)

  • 321.stormer in a teacup: Reply to this comment
    4 Feb 2013, 15:21 pm

    @the curse-311: In which case world cricket has never been strong. The Proteas side are packed full of record breakers.

  • 322.the curse: Reply to this comment
    4 Feb 2013, 15:21 pm

    lets not forget it was Pakistan, just last year they had 3 players jailed for corruption and cheating..

    whose to say it hasnt happened again?

  • 323.The Sharks rugby pedigree is packaged as dog food: Reply to this comment
    4 Feb 2013, 15:22 pm

    @Transformation-306: 137.Heavens Game said:
    23 Sep 2012, 11:20 am
    Every game Keegan Daniel plays like last night and the week before is a goddamn embarrassment to the selection credential buck stopping right at Meyer’s door…

    There is NO REASON why Daniel should NOT be a starting Bok whether at 6 or 8.

    I can think of one. The game against the Argies at Newlands.

  • 324.stormer in a teacup: Reply to this comment
    4 Feb 2013, 15:23 pm

    @the curse-317: Who said world rugby wasn’t very strong? Name names fella.

  • 325.the curse: Reply to this comment
    4 Feb 2013, 15:23 pm

    @Transformation-320:

    still no answer on the kings question? I’ll ask it again

    when is their first super rugby “appearance”?

  • 326.Mr Black: Reply to this comment
    4 Feb 2013, 15:25 pm

    @The Sharks rugby pedigree is packaged as dog food-323:

    Do you really define one moment on the field of a rugby player as the reason he should not be a bok?

    Because even you cant be that daft……. Or are you?

  • 327.The Sharks rugby pedigree is packaged as dog food: Reply to this comment
    4 Feb 2013, 15:25 pm

    @grant10-314: I think he will…. Was very surprised when they didn’t start him at Wanderers. Felt he could have been super destructive – I wonder if they aren’t regretting it as well….

    Will def be getting to the ground for one day at least.

  • 328.grant10: Reply to this comment
    4 Feb 2013, 15:27 pm

    DHL Stormers injury update after Cheetahs match (and ahead of Boland Cavaliers friendly on February 9):
    - Juan de Jongh (hamstring strain – just slightly worse than a Grade One injury) out for at least two weeks.
    - Schalk Burger (calf strain) out for two weeks.
    - Deon Fourie, Andries Bekker, Siya Kolisi, Rynhardt Elstadt and Jean de Villiers will be back to face Boland this weekend.
    - Michael Rhodes (slight hamstring strain) withdrew from the Cheetahs game after re-injuring himself in the warm-up in Bloemfontein.
    … – Joe Pietersen (back) was also a late withdrawal from the Cheetahs game but he will be good to go this week.
    - Jaco Taute and Gio Aplon (cold/bug) both missed training on Monday.
    - Deon Carstens (neck) started with semi-contact training today.

    Other news:
    - Elton Jantjies should be back on February 10 after the death of his father.
    - Peter Grant is NOT back in the country (from Japan) as yet, as his Japanese team won at the weekend.
    - Jean de Villiers is likely to start at centre against Boland, with Damian de Allende.
    - All three scrumhalves, Duvenage, Groom and Schreuder, will be in the selection mix against Boland

  • 329.The Sharks rugby pedigree is packaged as dog food: Reply to this comment
    4 Feb 2013, 15:28 pm

    @Mr Black-326: I’m leaving a Hansel and Gretel trail of breadcrumbs for HG………
    Surely you get this?

    That said, I am not a fan of Keegan starting for the Boks…..not whilst we play the way we do. Scope for him as an impact player at most.

  • 330.grant10: Reply to this comment
    4 Feb 2013, 15:29 pm

    So Schalk will not play against Bulls….AC has said to play against Bulls game time in the pre games was a selection essential..

  • 331.Angostura: Reply to this comment
    4 Feb 2013, 15:29 pm

    @the curse-317: I never opined whether rugby was strong or weak then, and whether cricket is strong or weak now. One needs to have a (preferably statistical) framework of reference to make such a judgment call – what is your framework of reference for claiming that world cricket is weak at present?

    BTW, I find it largely irrelevant whether world rugby or cricket is weak or strong at a given point in time. Despite such a (subjective?) assessment, all that counts is which nation is #1 – in rugby it is NZ, in cricket it is SA – but granted, being top of the pile is temporary (so permit us the pleasure of being #1 while it lasts).

  • 332.The Sharks rugby pedigree is packaged as dog food: Reply to this comment
    4 Feb 2013, 15:30 pm

    @BrumbiesBoy-316: It’s commercial and a money spinner. The global game needs it.
    Great crowds, huge sponsorships and short enough to satisfy all those with ADHD…….

    Drop the 50 over bore fest I say.

  • 333.grant10: Reply to this comment
    4 Feb 2013, 15:30 pm

    With Schalk out my loose trio against Bulls would be

    8 Vermeulen
    7 elstaght
    6 Kolisi

  • 334.grant10: Reply to this comment
    4 Feb 2013, 15:31 pm

    Bekker
    etsebeth

  • 335.grant10: Reply to this comment
    4 Feb 2013, 15:32 pm

    Kitshoff
    D Fourie
    Malherbe

  • 336.Transformation: Reply to this comment
    4 Feb 2013, 15:32 pm

    @the curse-325: the Kings first match is on the 23rd vs the force.

    last year was the Chiefs first playoff appearance since 2009 where they lost in the final at Loftus with a record score.

    i’m patient poeps… :-)

  • 337.grant10: Reply to this comment
    4 Feb 2013, 15:33 pm

    Groom
    Jantjes

  • 338.the curse: Reply to this comment
    4 Feb 2013, 15:33 pm

    @Angostura-331: no problems, you guys deserve your number one status.. but believe me, we hear all sorts of strange things about why our rugby team is number one, such as the example I provided about world rugby not being very strong..

    I guess no one realises that some of my comments may be tongue in cheek?

  • 339.grant10: Reply to this comment
    4 Feb 2013, 15:33 pm

    De Allende
    JDV

  • 340.grant10: Reply to this comment
    4 Feb 2013, 15:34 pm

    HABANA
    APLON
    TAUTE

  • 341.Mr Black: Reply to this comment
    4 Feb 2013, 15:34 pm

    @grant10-333:

    8 Carr
    7 Fatty Vermeulen
    6 Kolisi
    5 Etzebeth
    4 Elstad

  • 342.grant10: Reply to this comment
    4 Feb 2013, 15:35 pm

    16 cILLIERS
    17 dE kOCK sTEENKAMP
    18 m bEZUIDENHOUT
    19 N CARR
    20 d dUVENHAFE
    21 p grant
    22 j pietersen

  • 343.the curse: Reply to this comment
    4 Feb 2013, 15:36 pm

    @Transformation-336: oh, so you tell me their first match is on the 23rd, so we agree that is their first super rugby appearance?

    surely, using your logic that youve been “schooling” me on all night, wouldnt the whole season be the kings first super rugby “appearance”

    which is it Trans?

    seems youre contradicting yourself now.. but thanks for finally admitting it.. :D

  • 344.The Sharks rugby pedigree is packaged as dog food: Reply to this comment
    4 Feb 2013, 15:37 pm

    @Mr Black-341: Snap!!!! Flyingfuckingmeatballs, this is a Kodak moment :)

  • 345.Angostura: Reply to this comment
    4 Feb 2013, 15:40 pm

    @the curse-325: I think it is 2013 … :-)

  • 346.the curse: Reply to this comment
    4 Feb 2013, 15:40 pm

    @Angostura-345: I was actually expecting Trans to be that obtuse.. :D

  • 347.Transformation: Reply to this comment
    4 Feb 2013, 15:40 pm

    @the curse-343: @the curse-343: no contradiction poeps 2013 Super Rugby srasom is our first appearance in the tourney stages of thee comp, our first MATCH is vs the Force.

    focus Poeps :-)

  • 348.RL: Reply to this comment
    4 Feb 2013, 15:41 pm

    @the curse-325: the first public raping of the Kings is scheduled for the 9th of February – at the paws of those beautifuil Lions.

  • 349.grant10: Reply to this comment
    4 Feb 2013, 15:42 pm

    @Mr Black-341: I am a huge Carr fan…..

    Would not sadden me at all….

    Just think we will want to try and fight fire with fire…and Elstaht is liquid nitrogen…

  • 350.Mr Black: Reply to this comment
    4 Feb 2013, 15:42 pm

    @The Sharks rugby pedigree is packaged as dog food-344:

    Dont agree with me now that you feel bad about badmouthing Keegan. You can still be your own person, i dont mind :lol:

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