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

Pages: « 1 … 3 4 5 6 7 [8] 9 10 11 12 13 … 33 » Show All

  • 351.the curse: Reply to this comment
    4 Feb 2013, 15:44 pm

    @Transformation-347:

    my question
    when is their first super rugby “appearance”?

    your answer
    the Kings first match is on the 23rd vs the force

    I asked for their appearance, which you assert is a series rather than an individual match..

    best you go to recess now son, take an hour or so..

  • 352.Mr Black: Reply to this comment
    4 Feb 2013, 15:44 pm

    @grant10-349:

    I still have elstad in the mix, i’m not a big fan of bekker. He had some good games, but he doesnt put fear in anyones eyes imo.

  • 353.Transformation: Reply to this comment
    4 Feb 2013, 15:45 pm

    @RL-348: what tournament is that again? :mrgreen:

  • 354.Transformation: Reply to this comment
    4 Feb 2013, 15:47 pm

    @the curse-351: keo was right you jumped the canon & now your waka has been taking in water all day. :D

  • 355.The Sharks rugby pedigree is packaged as dog food: Reply to this comment
    4 Feb 2013, 15:49 pm

    @Mr Black-350: I agree with your combos. That’s the way I would roll them out against the Bulls.

    Keegie, sorry, can’t feel bad about what I said about him. IMHO: he is a 20 min supersub, and only in a specific type of game, against specific opposition. But that’s just me…. ;)

  • 356.the curse: Reply to this comment
    4 Feb 2013, 15:50 pm

    @Transformation-354: now trying to divert, ok Trans..

    thanks…

    your answer to my question said it all, as it clearly shows above..

    :mrgreen:

  • 357.The Sharks rugby pedigree is packaged as dog food: Reply to this comment
    4 Feb 2013, 15:51 pm

    @The Sharks rugby pedigree is packaged as dog food-355: Elstadt at 4, and Eben at 5.

    With a lock pairing like that, it opens up pretty well for a Carr type player at 8.

  • 358.ryecatcher: Reply to this comment
    4 Feb 2013, 15:52 pm

    @The Sharks rugby pedigree is packaged as dog food-259: Hi ped lady.Wie kak soek kry dit gewoonlik.
    Have a good day.Quite easy to say to you even with my teeth out.And Hello Dawn & UFO

  • 359.Mr Black: Reply to this comment
    4 Feb 2013, 15:53 pm

    @The Sharks rugby pedigree is packaged as dog food-355:

    He he, I’m just pulling your leg. I know you are a fair judge of players, just returning serve to rile up the Sharkies who you love to hate.

    Glad to see you agree with me regarding those combos, but luckely Coetzee wont choose that combos.

  • 360.grant10: Reply to this comment
    4 Feb 2013, 15:56 pm

    @Mr Black-352: Sorry…just saw that now….I am a fan of Bekker….when he is fit and strong….I thinkhe brings something extra special….but if not 100%…I would take that pack in a heart beat…

  • 361.the curse: Reply to this comment
    4 Feb 2013, 15:57 pm

    @grant10-360: Bekker does his best work on the bench :D

  • 362.Mr Black: Reply to this comment
    4 Feb 2013, 15:57 pm

    Huge storm outside, switching off the comp. Cheers

  • 363.The Sharks rugby pedigree is packaged as dog food: Reply to this comment
    4 Feb 2013, 15:58 pm

    @ryecatcher-358: :) Howdy Rye :) Hope you having a good Monday.

    @Mr Black-359: I don’t hate the guppies. Rugby would be poorer without them ;) Alistair Coetzee is going to surprise a few people this year re: selection. (Just hope it’s in the way I think it’s going to be…a good way)

  • 364.The Sharks rugby pedigree is packaged as dog food: Reply to this comment
    4 Feb 2013, 15:59 pm

    @the curse-361: Yup. Scores on the bench as well.

  • 365.the curse: Reply to this comment
    4 Feb 2013, 16:00 pm

    @The Sharks rugby pedigree is packaged as dog food-364: certainly converts his chances there

  • 366.Dawn: Reply to this comment
    4 Feb 2013, 16:03 pm

    Damn

  • 367.nortierd: Reply to this comment
    4 Feb 2013, 16:08 pm

    @grant10-314:

    “@The Sharks rugby pedigree is packaged as dog food-309: I am with you…..
    Will be there on 14 Feb”

    Sounds like a Valentine’s date being arranged :-)

  • 368.RL: Reply to this comment
    4 Feb 2013, 16:09 pm

    @Transformation-353: the Lions challenge! :grin:

  • 369.ryecatcher: Reply to this comment
    4 Feb 2013, 16:10 pm

    @Transformation-354: Dont mess with the Vatican

  • 370.Transformation: Reply to this comment
    4 Feb 2013, 16:19 pm

    @the curse-356: i don’t need diversions to school you poeps.. i have been patient with you the whole day, the penny dropped but you’re to obsessed with being right to admit.

    keo’s post about the saders “appearances” was right :-)

  • 371.The Sharks rugby pedigree is packaged as dog food: Reply to this comment
    4 Feb 2013, 16:19 pm

    @the curse-365: :) The only problem is…since that game of bench touch rugga, his back hasn’t been able to stand much real rugby……

    @nortierd-367: :) As long as he brings flowers, chocolates and a bottle of plonk worth more than R75-00…

  • 372.the curse: Reply to this comment
    4 Feb 2013, 16:24 pm

    Trans

    my question
    when is their first super rugby “appearance”?

    your answer
    the Kings first match is on the 23rd vs the force

    says it all trans, says it all..

  • 373.Transformation: Reply to this comment
    4 Feb 2013, 16:25 pm

    @RL-368: bwahahahahaha is that the same “tournament” that has Russia in it?! :cry:

  • 374.Dawn: Reply to this comment
    4 Feb 2013, 16:27 pm

    Appearance is this week v the Lions

    Match is 23 Feb v Force

  • 375.the curse: Reply to this comment
    4 Feb 2013, 16:29 pm

    @Transformation-370:

    seems you are the one who is

    ” to obsessed with being right to admit”

    as I highlighted with your answer to the question about the Kings first appearance, you mentioned a single match.. not the entire season, which is what your analogy hangs on when it comes to playoff appearances

    ok then

  • 376.Transformation: Reply to this comment
    4 Feb 2013, 16:29 pm

    @the curse-372: it says what? that you were not cluesless about what keo was talking about when you wrote this

    57. the curse said:
    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?

    :D

  • 377.willievz: Reply to this comment
    4 Feb 2013, 16:30 pm

    @grant10-293: It really is that simple.

  • 378.the curse: Reply to this comment
    4 Feb 2013, 16:32 pm

    @Transformation-376: thanks..

    as weve been trying to get through to you, a playoff appearance is one match..

    they won their semi final playof appearance in 2011, or do you dispute this?

    are you really this dumb trans, or cant you stand admitting you were wrong ,especially as it would be to me and the embarassment might be too hard to live down?

  • 379.Transformation: Reply to this comment
    4 Feb 2013, 16:35 pm

    at theprecurser: :lol:

    delusions

  • 380.willievz: Reply to this comment
    4 Feb 2013, 16:37 pm

    Hoekom mense nog steeds met hom gesels op hierdie forum gaan my verstand te bowe…

  • 381.Transformation: Reply to this comment
    4 Feb 2013, 16:37 pm

    @the curse-378: there you are poeps, claim the “moral high ground” you crave .

    ” a playoff appearance is one match..”

    *dead*

  • 382.grant10: Reply to this comment
    4 Feb 2013, 16:38 pm

    @The Sharks rugby pedigree is packaged as dog food-371: LOL

    And as long as you bring a notepad full of tips for this Rottie puppy!

    Got the pup trainer starting on Sunday….

    Gotta run

    cheers all

  • 383.the curse: Reply to this comment
    4 Feb 2013, 16:39 pm

    @Transformation-379:

    its really simple Trans, you contradicted yourself on this very thread with your answer and cant admit it.

    keeop shifting them goalposts mate…

  • 384.The Sharks rugby pedigree is packaged as dog food: Reply to this comment
    4 Feb 2013, 16:39 pm

    Thankfcuk. Real rugby. Go Maties. Who was asking about vd Sluys earlier? He’s playing now. Partnering Reniel Hugo.

  • 385.the curse: Reply to this comment
    4 Feb 2013, 16:40 pm

    @Transformation-381: youre the one whose been trying to take the moral highgrounnd with your claims of “schooling” me all afternoon…

    yet your very answer proved my point..

    thanks..

  • 386.The Sharks rugby pedigree is packaged as dog food: Reply to this comment
    4 Feb 2013, 16:40 pm

    @grant10-382: :) The joys of Rottie pups. But wait, it gets better…..as you know, Rotties are ‘late bloomers’, only mature at 3 years of age in some cases (male dogs usually….. ;)

    And in between puppyhood and this, you have the ‘teenage’ phases – ohboy.

    Enjoy.

  • 387.the curse: Reply to this comment
    4 Feb 2013, 16:42 pm

    @willievz-380:

    waarom mense verberg agter &’n taal ander dont weet is regtig die teken van &’n sonder ruggegraat man

  • 388.the curse: Reply to this comment
    4 Feb 2013, 16:44 pm

    @willievz-380:

    nog steeds ontsteld omdat Ek vir jou gesê het om te f0kof?

  • 389.Dawn: Reply to this comment
    4 Feb 2013, 16:46 pm

    @the curse-387:

    :lol:

    What gives!

  • 390.The Sharks rugby pedigree is packaged as dog food: Reply to this comment
    4 Feb 2013, 16:47 pm

    @the curse-388: Pops, do the Kiwi varsities play as independent clubs in your rugby leagues? Or do they pay in leagues AND have an additional competition?

  • 391.the curse: Reply to this comment
    4 Feb 2013, 16:47 pm

    @Dawn-389: for someone wondering why people dont just ignore me, I seem to be the subject of a fair few of his posts..

    he could have said it in english mind :D

  • 392.Dawn: Reply to this comment
    4 Feb 2013, 16:50 pm

    I must be fecking thick today but I don’t get the disagreement with playoffs and appearances and matches

    I been reading it all day but I must be on a different wavelength

  • 393.Dawn: Reply to this comment
    4 Feb 2013, 16:50 pm

    It is giving me a pain head

  • 394.grant10: Reply to this comment
    4 Feb 2013, 16:50 pm

    News
    Burger injury getting worse
    Mon, 04 Feb 2013 13:28

    PrevNextThe date for Stormers captain Schalk Burger to resume his playing career remains a mystery.

    This emerged after it was revealed by coach Allister Coetzee on Monday that Burger’s calf tweak has developed into a “strain”.

    Burger has not played since he underwent surgery for a knee injury he suffered in the opening round of the 2012 Super Rugby season.

    He was named captain for the 2013 season and worked hard in the pre-season, but his appearances on the training field have been curtailed since the calf problem arose in training just over a week ago.

    It has since “stiffened up” and he is now in doubt for the start of the season, although Coetzee remains confident that the lay-off would not be much longer than a two-week lay-off for the veteran Springbok.

    More to follow

  • 395.willievz: Reply to this comment
    4 Feb 2013, 16:51 pm

    @grant10-394: Blessing in disguise for the Stormers.

    There. I said it.

  • 396.The Sharks rugby pedigree is packaged as dog food: Reply to this comment
    4 Feb 2013, 16:52 pm

    @Dawn-392: I haven’t even tried to contribute to that one…. ;)

  • 397.willievz: Reply to this comment
    4 Feb 2013, 16:56 pm

    As jy gaan google translate gaan ek doodeenvoudig net Kaapse Afrikaans praat.

    Nai mei lanie, hie gaatie gepraawor met djou nie

  • 398.the curse: Reply to this comment
    4 Feb 2013, 16:57 pm

    @The Sharks rugby pedigree is packaged as dog food-390: I am not certain as I am out of touch with local rugby in NZ, but I think they play in local competitions (well did when I was living there) and that they have a national varsities side too..

  • 399.the curse: Reply to this comment
    4 Feb 2013, 16:59 pm

    @willievz-397: :lol: keep hiding behind the Taal mate..

  • 400.Taahirah: Reply to this comment
    4 Feb 2013, 17:02 pm

    @willievz-397: :lol:
    Awe, masekint.
    Daai was mettie salute!

Pages: « 1 … 3 4 5 6 7 [8] 9 10 11 12 13 … 33 » Show All

Keo.co.za has always promoted uncensored views, but has never tolerated racist or crass outbursts. Come on guys and girls. If you can't moderate yourselves or each other then I am going to be forced to regulate the posts and enforce a registration process for comments. The choice is yours.

Have your say

You must be logged in to post a comment.