Will he "pull' another one?

A good friend of mine once said to me that Chavanga, Big Joe and Andre Pretorious had become such close friends in recent times as they have been hanging around lots almost everyday..........But what's their favourite hangout place which could make them bond together this much and hook up everyday? Club? Nooooooooo! Pub?Nooooooooo!....so where? Strip Clubs? Noooooooo! Well i cant guess any further.

But wait......what do they have all in common? "they r'all injury prone"........Oh Yes, now i know. They have been spending so much time together in Rehab than on the field.

Tondie made his Bok Debut in 2006......scoring 6 tries on arrival. He has since played in only 2 Tests. The 'BIG' question is, Will he make it to the Tri Nations Series? Well we hope so coz the frequency at which that boy gets injured may not be more than the number of times abo Ollie Le Roux eat burgers in day, but it certainly is more than the frequency at which JP try scoring rate has been this season.

Coz eish, the probability of Tondie not 'pulling' it is as good as the probabilty of Mugabe not rigging the 'run-off' votes in Zim.

So lets keep our fingers, our legs and our balls crossed........We need that speedster.

Xenophobia: Will it encroach into the Bok camp in Stellenbosch?

Interesting scenario:

Imagine guys like Shimmie, Tyibilika, Eddie Andrews and Sephaka leading a rabblement of angry and incensed local rugby players carrying matchets and pangaz, demanding that the non- South Africa Springboks named in the June Test trials return to their countries as they are talking up their "jobs" as well as taking away the limited Bok jersey. On the other end of the field, you have the likes abo De Wet Barry, Marius Jobert, Ollie Le Roux etc breathing heavily, carrying their short guns and pistols, claiming that these foreigners have stolen the limelight and their beautiful women (mainly directly linked to Bobby and Percy)……hence they should leave the country.

The SA defence force sends a heavy battalion of soldiers to help save the poor guys like Chavanga (Zim), Beast (Zim) (the attackers would think twice before pestering him…that man is a real beast), Mujati (Zim), and of coz the once famous Men In Black, Percy (Namibia) and Bobby Skinstad (Zim) who featured in the “Menace to Society II” during the infamous Stormers side of 1999 by taking all the woman around owing to there appealing chiselled features (I’m very straight by the way…) which left most women snivelling for more….Very interesting is it?

Did Percy not kick the Boks to WC victory, was Bobby not the man who brought excitment to the Cape Rugby, Does Chavanga not hold the record for most tries scored by a Bok in a single game, Did Mujati not cause a bitch fight between the Lions and Stormer, and revitalise the scrummaging in the Cape Rugby circles, and well, as for the Beast.....i need not to say any further, just listen to Shark Tank roar everytime he touches the ball,"beaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaast"...........

Honestly, these guys have worked very hard to earn the Bok call ups and therefore need not be victimised.

This xenophobic violence is disgusting and despicable.

To all the perpetrators, please role your tails back, calm down and bring tranquillity back to South Africa …after all we are all AFRICAN brothers

Lets be “abafana be PEACE and LOVE”……. like the Kaizer Chiefs soccer fraternity is famously known for.


Peace magents...askies bafethu

Sho

Masaga fails to make the cut........

The All Blacks announced a squad of 25 (excluding Crusaders players) for the upcoming June tests. It seems Masaga still has a lot more to do (score at least 28 tries in the Super 14) for him to be rewarded the All Black jersey by Henry. Instead the unfancied Rudi Wulf seems to have taken his place.

Intereseingly, here is what Henry said about Jerry Collins, "......All Blacks coach Graham Henry has said the recently retired Jerry Collins wouldn’t have made his training group.I think it’s the correct decision [for Collins to retire],” said Henry.

“He wouldn’t have got in the All Blacks in this first selection anyway. His form had wavered and he’d be the first to agree with that.”........."

Come on Henry, those are pure and juicy sour grapes.............

Nway, here is the New Zealand training squad – John Afoa, Anthony Boric, Daniel Braid, Jimmy Cowan, Stephen Donald, Tom Donnelly, Andrew Hore, Richard Kahui, Jerome Kaino, Sione Lauaki, Brendon Leonard, Keven Mealamu, Mils Muliaina, Ma’a Nonu, Kevin O’Neill, John Schwalger, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Conrad Smith, Rodney So’oialo, Adam Thomson, Neemia Tialata, Anthony Tuitavake, Paul Williams, Tony Woodcock, Rudi Wulf.

The not so auspicious XV...............

If you consider the okes that played in the Super 14, here is a combo that 'just' didnt make the Bok cut......

1. Jannie Du Plessis
2. Tiaan Leibenberg
3. Wiaan Du Preez
4. Albert Van Der Berg/ Rory Duncan
5. Adrian Fondse
6. Jaque Botes
7. Keegan Daniel/Francois Louw
8. Cobus Grobelaar
9. Jano Vermark
10. Morne Steyn/ Lieflin
11. Eddie Fredricks
12. Braddley Barrit
13. JW Jonker
14. Ryno Benjamin
15. Bevin Fortuin/ hennie Dannila


Please post your opinions on the SA Super 14 team of the season on the comments section below............

Sharks lose the bite......

The battle at the breakdown and at the set phases seemed to have overwhelmingly won the the semi final game for the Waratahs. There was much anticipation to see who was going to win the breakdowns between between the two side, notably a contest between Botes and Waugh, with the latter winning convincingly.

The Sharks shot themselves on the foot from the word go, so by introducing the big Samoan Tiaone who hadnt palyed more than 80 minutes of Super Rugby before. The big flank looked out of sorts and contributed to eight of the Sharks' eleven handling errors, a feat that will earn him a world record for the highest number of knock ons by an individual player in a rugby match. I wonder if he threatened to head-butt Dick had he not not started the match...

The Sharks line out were poor, losing about five of them.....possibly another record set there. The lose trio of the 'piled' Palu, Rocky Elsom and 'warior-like' Waugh bullied the Sharks upfront, with Waugh being the outstanding man of the park. The only guys from the Sharks who probable played descently were Beast, Kockott and Bradley Barrit who came on at second half.

Well i guess most of the Sharks could not wait but join the Boks in Stellies so i suspect there was a conspiracy theory in the mix......"if i dont attend the training camp soon, i might lose my place to the other players already there for the Welsh game, so why bother about the Super 14 final........"

Goodbye Dick........wish you all the best with the Boks,


Guys like Keegan, Deon Carstens, Botes, Sykes and Barrit should be looking forward to the Currie Cup season.............tough luck guys

Adios

Spanner flies the Swazi flag high.........

The Spanners have been blessed with the abundance of talented individuals in their side of 2008. Of note is the former France U21 Internationl Jullian who has been plying his trade for the side during his off season. Juilian would be returning back to France to resume his game back at home in August and his final game for the Spanners is against Ubumbo.

Recently, one of the longest serving faithfulls of the Spanners side, Heskin "Heskino" Mzungu recently returned from a weekend on duty for the Swaziland national side in the Pre-World Cup qualifiers game against Botswana on the 17 of May. 'Heskino' had an outstanding debut for Swazi where he put up blisterling display at 8th man, which left the crowd remeniscing about the hard driving All Black and Chiefs player, Sione Lauaki. Unfortunately the Swazi team lost 17-7, but for his great work he was duly awarded the Forward's Man of the Match by his compatriots. For a record, Heskin is now a Test player and lets hope this was the beginning of his many caps for the Swazi side and the Spanners are delighted to have such talent in the side.

Well done Heskino and hope to see back in the Spanners colours.

Nadoes survive late Spanners' surge..........

Final Score: Tornadoes 10 - 5 EBE Spanners......

Spanners continued to send waves around the UCT Rugby Internal League circuit with a brilliant display of sheer character and determination. Following last weeks narrow loss to last season tournament runner up Cobras, where they led 17-5 till the 70th minute but eventually lost 26-17 (thanks to the ref), the boys in green put up s sterling performance to almost deny the perenial Champions, Nadoes a victory.

History has it that the Nadoes (Rondebosch old boys) have been dominating the Internal League for the past decade. A good game by any oppositon means that they did not allow the Nadoes to get a bonus point, which has not been common lately as the Nadoes have been getting a full house in all their game in the past two seasons.

Last night saw them heavily punished by the Spanners pack which was well marshalled by Howwie at the back of the scrum and the evergreen captain Rob. The Spanners were unlucky to concede an early try after a lapse in concetration in the backline which allowed the Nadoes to take advantage of the overlap and score an unconverted try by the corner flag in the 5th minute. The Spaneers regrouped and after some harsh words from Coach Taru on the sidelines, the boys started to show what they are made of. They dominated possession and spent almost the entire half in the Nadoes half, but were infortuanate not to get a point as the makeshift referee organised by the Nadoes after the delegated ref failed to turn up seemed to be partial in his decision making.

However this did not stop the Spanners from reinging terror in the Nadoes half, with our pack marauding their opposition. After half time, the Spanners still kept on the momentum but were unlucky to be penalised by the not so popular ref. The Nadoes were awarded a try that never was after their player was pushed out at the corner flag. He later on confirmed that he didnt think it was but the Nadoes line man running touch told him to award it. This however did not demoralise the Spanners who actually raised their game. Coach Taru made a couple of changes to the Spanners side and introduced the former France U20 International, Julian to bolster the back line and they were duly awarded a try in the 75nd minute after 12 phases of play, engineered by their superb forwards.

Strangely enough, the referee did not have a timer himself, he kept on refering to the Nadoes touch judge for time left and when he blue up the final whistle, there was still 3 minutes to go and the Spanners were amped up to post a first ever victory over the 'mighty' Nadoes. The scores ended at 10-5 to the Nadoes.

Well done to the Spanners for such a gusty performance. Looking forward to a big game against Ubumbo after the season break.

Spannnnnnnnnnnnnnnnneeeeeeeeeeeeeeerrrrrrssssssss!

Posted by : Coach Taru

Sharks to unleash the "Beast".......as the Tahs declare "Waugh"

The Super 14 semis this weekend look set to provide some incredibly entertaining rugby. With the Sharks away to the Tahs, they are armoured to unleash the "Beast" against the Tahs, who are set to declare "Waugh" against their counterparts.

"Beast" has a solid season in the forward department and together with the Kank, they are the best performing forwards in the Sharks' engine room. Cant wait to here the 50 000 Bok supporters shouting"Beeeeeeeeaaaaaaaaaaaaaaasssssssssssst" at the home of Rugby (Newlands stadium), if he makes the final cut for the Boks that is. As for the Kank, he surely deserves the Super Rugby Player of the Tournament nomination, if the Sharks make it to the final. I guess my rugby guru TJ and upcoming female analyst and staunch Sharks fan, Val would agree with me.

On the other hand, Phil Waugh has had a remarkable season as captian of the Tahs and together with the once useless thick chunk, Palu who destroyed the Sharks in the previous fixture, they add great value to the back row. Lets hope he doesnt run over Botes....again! I guess Nk aint pleased to see Keegan slowly losing the fan base to Deysel.....on the bench.

On the other fixture at Christchurch, I look forward to the canes outmuscling the Saders, especially in the forwards. My buddy, Jerry is back with a bang (am sure u noticed in the Blues game) and i expect him to decimate the wealthy MacCaw. In my opinion, the loose trio of Jerry, Rodney and Masoe is the most lethal in the competition, with Masoe having a great fetching season. With DC back for the Saders, he might catalyse the fatigued Saders to improve on their last two shaddy performances. Go Weepu and show the Saders how the guiter is played...



Weekend Predictions

Sharks 19 - 13 Tahs
Saders 18 - 23 Canes

Final at the Shark Tank

Sharks vs Canes



P/S - I wish to send my condolences to a friend, and one of the highly renowned analysts in the rugby circles of the Cape, in this grieving moment. Be strong buddie.

DiV unleashes the Bok!

A few surprises have been sprung by the new Springbok coach, Peter De Villiers when he announced a squad of 42 for the preparation of the June tests. As widely anticipated, DiV suck with the bulk of the World cup heroes, almost 18 of the members who represented the Springboks at the last WC, with more numbers expected to be named from the Sharks side. Hoever, Earl Rose, Dolie,Floors and Lobberts where the surprise call ups, considering they never took part in the 2008 Super14 tournament.

According to Coach Taru, a couple of players who produced much sublime and solid performances in the Super14 have been unfortunate not to "make the cut". These include, Hendric Brossouw (Cheeters flank) who had a solid season on the side of the scrum, Cobus Grobbelar (Baywatch) the inspirational captain in the lion's resurgent campain towards the end of the S14, Peiter Louw (The Grandson), Tiian Liebenburg and Doeon Stegmann, just to mention a few. I'm sure their talents would be recongnised as the currie cup season progresses.

From the sharks team, players expected to make the cut may include, Beast, Bismark, Jannie, BJ Botha, Muller, Albert, Kankowski, Botes, Kockott, Ruan, Frans, Odwa,JP, Waylon and maybe Adi Jacobs.

Here's my starting XX against Wales:

1. Henkie
2. Smit (c)
3. Beast
4. Andries
5. Matfield
6. Juanitto
7. Wickus
8. Kankoski
9. Ricky
10. Butchie
11. Chavanga (if he's fit, otherwise Odwa)
12. JD Villiers
13. J Fourie
14. Habana
15. Percy


Bench
16. Bismark
17. Watson
18. Mujati
19. Spies
20. Ruan
21. Muller
22. Frans

Cheers


Coach Taru

Spanners causing "waves" in the surburbs....

Total commitment and passion for rugby is the main reason behind the success of the EBE Spanners team of 2008. They have gone from being the whipping boys of the league to being the highly feared dynamite in the UCT Internal League. Much credit must go the whole Spanners team, notable the commitment of our Captains, Dylan and Rob for the outstanding organisation on and off the field. The narrow loss to the Cobras was a wake up call to the 'elite' sides in the league that the Spanners are at WORK..........maybe it rubs off from the performance of the Stormers' second half performance on the S14. Thanks to the support base that has grown in numbers over the last game, with much appreciation especially from our "Spanners Ladies" who have been there, week in, week out..............I bet you the Nadoes have been watching us pretty closely.....Cheers mate and good luck in the Nadoes game.....

Coach Taru