The Blue Bulls and Sharks comprise the bulk of the SA U20 training squad as Eric Sauls prepares for the 2009 Junior World Championship in Japan.
The Baby Boks will meet for a training camp in Pretoria from 18-25 January. The greater squad includes 12 Bulls players and 10 players from the Sharks. Sauls will be joined by Deon Davids (Boland) and Nico Serfontein (Bulls) on his coaching staff.
The tournament kicks off on 5 June and will be played across four Japanese cities in Tokyo, Nagoya, Osaka and Fukuoka.
SA U20 training squad:
Blue Bulls: Gideon Helberg, Gerhard van den Heever, Yondela Stampu, Omphile Seabela, Francois Brummer, Tendayi Chikukwa, Wilhelmus Nel, Marnus Schoeman, Cornell Hess, Andries Ferreira, Mlungise Bali, Pieter Rossouw de Klerk
Boland: Sampie Mastriet
Free State: Josias Ebersohn, Lionel Cronje, Christoffel Phillip van der Walt, Trevor Nyankane
Golden Lions: Jakob Taute, Riaan Arends, Elton Jantjies, Rudy Paige, Jacobus Albertus Kriel, David Bulbring, Caylib Oosthuizen
Griffons: Eugene Cunha
Leopards: Andre Esterhuizen, Evan Richter
KwaZulu-Natal: Faizel de Bruin, Wynand Pienaar, Xolane Mnisi, Ross Cronje, Meyer Swanepoel, Lambert Groenwald, Kenechukwu Okafor, Julian Redelinghuys, Kyle Cooper, Dale Chadwick
Western Province: Nicolaas Hanekom, Johann Sadie, Johannes Engelbrecht, Yaasir Hartzenberg, Sidney Tobias, Ruan-Henry Smith
"i have highlighted the players that you should watch out for"
Sent in by JC[www.supersport.co.za]
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Sharks, Bulls dominate Baby Boks
The Blue Bulls and Sharks comprise the bulk of the SA U20 training squad as Eric Sauls prepares for the 2009 Junior World Championship in Japan.
The Baby Boks will meet for a training camp in Pretoria from 18-25 January. The greater squad includes 12 Bulls players and 10 players from the Sharks. Sauls will be joined by Deon Davids (Boland) and Nico Serfontein (Bulls) on his coaching staff.
The tournament kicks off on 5 June and will be played across four Japanese cities in Tokyo, Nagoya, Osaka and Fukuoka.
SA U20 training squad:
Blue Bulls: Gideon Helberg, Gerhard van den Heever, Yondela Stampu, Omphile Seabela, Francois Brummer, Tendayi Chikukwa, Wilhelmus Nel, Marnus Schoeman, Cornell Hess, Andries Ferreira, Mlungise Bali, Pieter Rossouw de Klerk
Boland: Sampie Mastriet
Free State: Josias Ebersohn, Lionel Cronje, Christoffel Phillip van der Walt, Trevor Nyankane
Golden Lions: Jakob Taute, Riaan Arends, Elton Jantjies, Rudy Paige, Jacobus Albertus Kriel, David Bulbring, Caylib Oosthuizen
Griffons: Eugene Cunha
Leopards: Andre Esterhuizen, Evan Richter
KwaZulu-Natal: Faizel de Bruin, Wynand Pienaar, Xolane Mnisi, Ross Cronje, Meyer Swanepoel, Lambert Groenwald, Kenechukwu Okafor, Julian Redelinghuys, Kyle Cooper, Dale Chadwick
Western Province: Nicolaas Hanekom, Johann Sadie, Johannes Engelbrecht, Yaasir Hartzenberg, Sidney Tobias, Ruan-Henry Smith
Posted in News by JC[www.supersport.co.za]
The Baby Boks will meet for a training camp in Pretoria from 18-25 January. The greater squad includes 12 Bulls players and 10 players from the Sharks. Sauls will be joined by Deon Davids (Boland) and Nico Serfontein (Bulls) on his coaching staff.
The tournament kicks off on 5 June and will be played across four Japanese cities in Tokyo, Nagoya, Osaka and Fukuoka.
SA U20 training squad:
Blue Bulls: Gideon Helberg, Gerhard van den Heever, Yondela Stampu, Omphile Seabela, Francois Brummer, Tendayi Chikukwa, Wilhelmus Nel, Marnus Schoeman, Cornell Hess, Andries Ferreira, Mlungise Bali, Pieter Rossouw de Klerk
Boland: Sampie Mastriet
Free State: Josias Ebersohn, Lionel Cronje, Christoffel Phillip van der Walt, Trevor Nyankane
Golden Lions: Jakob Taute, Riaan Arends, Elton Jantjies, Rudy Paige, Jacobus Albertus Kriel, David Bulbring, Caylib Oosthuizen
Griffons: Eugene Cunha
Leopards: Andre Esterhuizen, Evan Richter
KwaZulu-Natal: Faizel de Bruin, Wynand Pienaar, Xolane Mnisi, Ross Cronje, Meyer Swanepoel, Lambert Groenwald, Kenechukwu Okafor, Julian Redelinghuys, Kyle Cooper, Dale Chadwick
Western Province: Nicolaas Hanekom, Johann Sadie, Johannes Engelbrecht, Yaasir Hartzenberg, Sidney Tobias, Ruan-Henry Smith
Posted in News by JC[www.supersport.co.za]
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Reflections....
Has the year 2008 been a success in terms of South Africa rugby? As i type this article, already I’m being envisioned about the dark and bright clouds that have fallen on our rugby playing nation. Any mixed feelings with regards to the diagnosis and upshot of this much admirable game?
Barely a year after South Africa won the IRB world cup tournament in France, there has been an out of the blue hullabaloo state of the affairs in our rugby fratenity, both on and off the field. I’m sure the first thought that comes into your mind is non other that the 'so called' controversy surrounding the Puke (sorry i meant to write Luke) Watson saga. 'So called' because in my own opinion, Fluke (damn this keyboard...) Watson has just been a victim of the not so called middling media. I'm of the belief that leaders are not made, but BORN. And such is the headship that Luke Watson exuberates on and off the field. I for one feel that he was caught out of context and the 'rugby superiority’ decided to divert the focus to dim-witted issues instead of concentrating on burning issues surround SA rugby currently, TRANSFORMATION...CHANGE. Yes....like OBAMA would like IT done...CHANGE. To cut a long story short, after a brief chat with Luke with regards to the saga, he summed it all up by saying, "I don’t regret saying what i said at the UBUMBO function at UCT, at least now people know the concealed secrets within the Bok set and white mentality with regards to Rugby".
Moving on to another contentious matter. Our very own coach, Snor was allegedly CITED and implicated in a sexual delinquency. I shall not comment on this allegation seeing I don’t have any inside information with regards tot his subject. However, if I had to be asked to share my judgment on this, I’d quickly jump into DiV’s defense and say, “Those are the perks of being a bok coach”. When asked for comment, DiV quickly jumped to his defense, “I did not have any sexual relations with that woman”. After all, he’s human.
Moving onto the next saga….I need to take a breather on this one. The springbok emblem. Should it go, or should it not? I was initially one of those against the banishing of the emblem, but having read the reactions from the media and some arrogant supremacists. I have since realized that there’s more to SA rugby than just the badge. Then comes the Loftus saga. A black woman who was manhandled by racist white bok fans because, “how can a black woman support the boks”……Honestly, what rubbish is this. F%$^& the EMBLEM. Let it go.
Now on on-field issues, I think the overall Bok performance of 2008 was satisfactory. Big up to DiV for silencing his critics at the EOYT. Viva positive Jealous Viva!!!
Barely a year after South Africa won the IRB world cup tournament in France, there has been an out of the blue hullabaloo state of the affairs in our rugby fratenity, both on and off the field. I’m sure the first thought that comes into your mind is non other that the 'so called' controversy surrounding the Puke (sorry i meant to write Luke) Watson saga. 'So called' because in my own opinion, Fluke (damn this keyboard...) Watson has just been a victim of the not so called middling media. I'm of the belief that leaders are not made, but BORN. And such is the headship that Luke Watson exuberates on and off the field. I for one feel that he was caught out of context and the 'rugby superiority’ decided to divert the focus to dim-witted issues instead of concentrating on burning issues surround SA rugby currently, TRANSFORMATION...CHANGE. Yes....like OBAMA would like IT done...CHANGE. To cut a long story short, after a brief chat with Luke with regards to the saga, he summed it all up by saying, "I don’t regret saying what i said at the UBUMBO function at UCT, at least now people know the concealed secrets within the Bok set and white mentality with regards to Rugby".
Moving on to another contentious matter. Our very own coach, Snor was allegedly CITED and implicated in a sexual delinquency. I shall not comment on this allegation seeing I don’t have any inside information with regards tot his subject. However, if I had to be asked to share my judgment on this, I’d quickly jump into DiV’s defense and say, “Those are the perks of being a bok coach”. When asked for comment, DiV quickly jumped to his defense, “I did not have any sexual relations with that woman”. After all, he’s human.
Moving onto the next saga….I need to take a breather on this one. The springbok emblem. Should it go, or should it not? I was initially one of those against the banishing of the emblem, but having read the reactions from the media and some arrogant supremacists. I have since realized that there’s more to SA rugby than just the badge. Then comes the Loftus saga. A black woman who was manhandled by racist white bok fans because, “how can a black woman support the boks”……Honestly, what rubbish is this. F%$^& the EMBLEM. Let it go.
Now on on-field issues, I think the overall Bok performance of 2008 was satisfactory. Big up to DiV for silencing his critics at the EOYT. Viva positive Jealous Viva!!!
Friday, November 7, 2008
So near, yet so fat......
Tribute to out fallen heroes! Heroes??? A hero - a man distinguished by exceptional courage and nobility and strength. For instance, "RAF pilots were the heroes of the Battle of Britain".With this definition in mind, i'm forced to change my sentiments and statements to try and highlight some of the most distinguished and seasoned South AFrican Rugby legends who have failed to lure the eyes of the Bok selectors. Looking at their performances and characters in the past season, one is forced to think that they have been unlucky not to have donned the Bok jersey. One thing for sure is that they MAY not don the springbok jersey at all, throughout all their rugby playing careers.
It is every schoolboy's dream to wear the GREEN and GOLD at some point in time. This jersey has inspired many youngster to abandon their studies, leave their families and girlfriends, in search of the gateway to the BOK jersey. As a soccer mad growing youngster, my sudden profound interest and twist to rugby transpired in 1995, during the RWC in South Africa. Suddenly I HAD A DREAM. My dream to become a great rugby player , having been inspired by guys like Pienaar, Chester and the great Os to thrive and strive to wear that green and gold. But so many obstacles and challenges in life have intefaced and thus resulted in my dreams not living to reality. But at least i have not regrets in following and being acquainted to the SPORT that i love so much.
Needless to say, there have many deserving and much more talented guys that have unfortunate to wear the bok jersey. Guys that have perenially graced the rugby scene in the country and abroad, by they are still being overlooked by the selectors. The following names come into mind: Cobus 'baywatch' Grobler, Keegan Daniels, Jaque Botes, John Mametsa, Ryno Gerber, Ross Skeate,Rito Hlungwani, Braddley Barrit, Tiger Mangweni, Jaco Engels, the list is endless. These guys should forget about playing for the boks. Its late for them. They are now too old (their avg age is 24). Considering that nowadayds in rugby, if you dont make it as a 20 year old, then you better start looking for overseas contracts.
Then comes a bunch of the famous, "one cap wonder".These guys have played less than 4 tests for the BOKS and it doesnt look like they are gonna make it in FUTURE AT ALL: Waylon Murray, Morne Steyn, Hilton Lobberts, Meyer Bosmann, Heinkie Van de Merwe, Adriaan Strauss, Wynard Ollivier and so forth. I see no more caps coming out of this bunch.
Also another tag of "former Springboks' seems to be falling on the following players: Chavanga, Muller, Castens, Pedre Wannenberg,Bolla Conradie, Derrick Houggard (only at 25), Wickus Wan Heerden, Albert Van der Berg , the list is also endless. Hardy okes, you better join the BOK CROCKS team.
WARNING!!!!!The following youngsters should watch out otherwise they will end up just attaining the "Currie Cup legend" tag, famously personalised by guys like Anton Leonard and AJ Venter. These are Deon Stagmmann,Stephan Dippenaar, Marius Delport, RORY KOCKOTT, STEVEN SYKES, ALISTAIR HARGREAVES,JEAN DEYSEL, PATRIC CILLIERS and NIKOLAI BLIGNAUT.In my opinion, none of these guys are ever gonna make the springboks again, unless something terrible happens to the incumbent crop.
The moral of the story is, some get the opprtunity, and some dont. And for those that do get one, they beeter make sure that take it with BOTH hands, otherwise its the end of it. We have too many talented players in South African rugby, but we can only have 22 man squad at every test game. As they say, a fringe player from any of the 5 unions in South Africa would start in any team abroad.
It is every schoolboy's dream to wear the GREEN and GOLD at some point in time. This jersey has inspired many youngster to abandon their studies, leave their families and girlfriends, in search of the gateway to the BOK jersey. As a soccer mad growing youngster, my sudden profound interest and twist to rugby transpired in 1995, during the RWC in South Africa. Suddenly I HAD A DREAM. My dream to become a great rugby player , having been inspired by guys like Pienaar, Chester and the great Os to thrive and strive to wear that green and gold. But so many obstacles and challenges in life have intefaced and thus resulted in my dreams not living to reality. But at least i have not regrets in following and being acquainted to the SPORT that i love so much.
Needless to say, there have many deserving and much more talented guys that have unfortunate to wear the bok jersey. Guys that have perenially graced the rugby scene in the country and abroad, by they are still being overlooked by the selectors. The following names come into mind: Cobus 'baywatch' Grobler, Keegan Daniels, Jaque Botes, John Mametsa, Ryno Gerber, Ross Skeate,Rito Hlungwani, Braddley Barrit, Tiger Mangweni, Jaco Engels, the list is endless. These guys should forget about playing for the boks. Its late for them. They are now too old (their avg age is 24). Considering that nowadayds in rugby, if you dont make it as a 20 year old, then you better start looking for overseas contracts.
Then comes a bunch of the famous, "one cap wonder".These guys have played less than 4 tests for the BOKS and it doesnt look like they are gonna make it in FUTURE AT ALL: Waylon Murray, Morne Steyn, Hilton Lobberts, Meyer Bosmann, Heinkie Van de Merwe, Adriaan Strauss, Wynard Ollivier and so forth. I see no more caps coming out of this bunch.
Also another tag of "former Springboks' seems to be falling on the following players: Chavanga, Muller, Castens, Pedre Wannenberg,Bolla Conradie, Derrick Houggard (only at 25), Wickus Wan Heerden, Albert Van der Berg , the list is also endless. Hardy okes, you better join the BOK CROCKS team.
WARNING!!!!!The following youngsters should watch out otherwise they will end up just attaining the "Currie Cup legend" tag, famously personalised by guys like Anton Leonard and AJ Venter. These are Deon Stagmmann,Stephan Dippenaar, Marius Delport, RORY KOCKOTT, STEVEN SYKES, ALISTAIR HARGREAVES,JEAN DEYSEL, PATRIC CILLIERS and NIKOLAI BLIGNAUT.In my opinion, none of these guys are ever gonna make the springboks again, unless something terrible happens to the incumbent crop.
The moral of the story is, some get the opprtunity, and some dont. And for those that do get one, they beeter make sure that take it with BOTH hands, otherwise its the end of it. We have too many talented players in South African rugby, but we can only have 22 man squad at every test game. As they say, a fringe player from any of the 5 unions in South Africa would start in any team abroad.
Monday, October 27, 2008
Looks like it could be the end of the unlucky Luke....
This man is the MAN of the Moment. It seems the media cannot sell any better stories other than the Puke and the Fluke Saga. This man has made non-rugby followers to start talking rugby, and caught the attention throughout all walks of life, from politicians to ordinary lay-men on the streets. He deserves a recongition for his contribution to SA rugby (having more people interested in the sport).
With his immediate withdrawal from the Bok end of year tour, questions are still being asked to know if this could be the end of not only his short TEST carrier, but also the end of RUGBY for him.
Back at WP, Rassie has long been a fan of Duanne Vermeulen and he has put down a R1 million on his tag. This is one of the no8s that have had a fine season, unlucky to have missed the EOYT. More so, there's also the OBSESSION about the much-loved and highly-rated WP prodigy, NIC Koster, who recently has been included in Jake White's Babarians squad to play Australia. With this in mind, considering that Watson had a fairly quiet season, coupled with the media controversy clouding him, one may be at will to assume that the chances of Luke donning the no8 jersey alongside the "Dutchmen" Schalla in the Stormers loose-trio are very SLIM.
However, this could be a premature judgement though since Luke is a very important figure in the Stormers' set up and still has a lot to offer. So will Rassie, "the Dutchmen" fall victim to media and political debate and decide to limit Luke's role in the Stormer's set up? Will Schalla "the Dutchmen" want to protect Luke from being rackec when he's at the bottom of the ruck? Only time will tell.
As a big fan of Luke (both as a player and as a person), i think Luke should focus on his Rugby with the Stormers and forget about all this controversy....lets leave all the talking to the field, and lets see who will have the last laugh!
With his immediate withdrawal from the Bok end of year tour, questions are still being asked to know if this could be the end of not only his short TEST carrier, but also the end of RUGBY for him.
Back at WP, Rassie has long been a fan of Duanne Vermeulen and he has put down a R1 million on his tag. This is one of the no8s that have had a fine season, unlucky to have missed the EOYT. More so, there's also the OBSESSION about the much-loved and highly-rated WP prodigy, NIC Koster, who recently has been included in Jake White's Babarians squad to play Australia. With this in mind, considering that Watson had a fairly quiet season, coupled with the media controversy clouding him, one may be at will to assume that the chances of Luke donning the no8 jersey alongside the "Dutchmen" Schalla in the Stormers loose-trio are very SLIM.
However, this could be a premature judgement though since Luke is a very important figure in the Stormers' set up and still has a lot to offer. So will Rassie, "the Dutchmen" fall victim to media and political debate and decide to limit Luke's role in the Stormer's set up? Will Schalla "the Dutchmen" want to protect Luke from being rackec when he's at the bottom of the ruck? Only time will tell.
As a big fan of Luke (both as a player and as a person), i think Luke should focus on his Rugby with the Stormers and forget about all this controversy....lets leave all the talking to the field, and lets see who will have the last laugh!
The People have spoken.....
According to a poll that was held on this Rugga-bloggaz' forum, the following results shows us the final results of the nomination.
SA Rugby Player of the Year : Jean De Villiers
S14 Player of the Year : Ryan Kankowski
Currie Cup Player of the Year : Jean Deysel
Vodacom Cup Player of the Year: Ashely Johnson (F no8...now Griffons no8)
Most Promising Player: Burton Francis
Most Improved Springbok Player: BEast Mutawarira
SA U20 Player of the Year : Robert Ebersohn
Try of the Year : Ricky's (vs All blacks in Dunedin)
The Moemish of the Season : Zane Kirshner's Spear tackles
SA Referee of the Year : Jonathan Kaplan
Best TV Rugby Analyst : Bob Skinstad
Thank you to all the guys that took part...............Happy EOYT
SA Rugby Player of the Year : Jean De Villiers
S14 Player of the Year : Ryan Kankowski
Currie Cup Player of the Year : Jean Deysel
Vodacom Cup Player of the Year: Ashely Johnson (F no8...now Griffons no8)
Most Promising Player: Burton Francis
Most Improved Springbok Player: BEast Mutawarira
SA U20 Player of the Year : Robert Ebersohn
Try of the Year : Ricky's (vs All blacks in Dunedin)
The Moemish of the Season : Zane Kirshner's Spear tackles
SA Referee of the Year : Jonathan Kaplan
Best TV Rugby Analyst : Bob Skinstad
Thank you to all the guys that took part...............Happy EOYT
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Who is your SA Rugby Player of the Year?
Choose umayi-khethela!
Now that the CC season is almost over (with the final on the 11th of October), it is time that we give honours to the guys that excelled in rugby throughout the whole year. I have a couple of categories that i would like you guys to nominate and therefore please feel free to be biased. You are only allowed to nominate two players per category.
SA Rugby Player of the Year :
S14 Player of the Year :
Currie Cup Player of the Year :
Vodacom Cup Player of the Year:
Most Improved Springbok Player:
SA U21 Player of the Year :
SA U19 Player of the Year :
Try of the Year :
The Moemish of the Season :
SA Referee of the Year :
Best TV Rugby Analyst :
Please provide your nominations ASAP so that we can vote and post the final result on the blog. Your contribution is greatly appreciated. Thanks
Now that the CC season is almost over (with the final on the 11th of October), it is time that we give honours to the guys that excelled in rugby throughout the whole year. I have a couple of categories that i would like you guys to nominate and therefore please feel free to be biased. You are only allowed to nominate two players per category.
SA Rugby Player of the Year :
S14 Player of the Year :
Currie Cup Player of the Year :
Vodacom Cup Player of the Year:
Most Improved Springbok Player:
SA U21 Player of the Year :
SA U19 Player of the Year :
Try of the Year :
The Moemish of the Season :
SA Referee of the Year :
Best TV Rugby Analyst :
Please provide your nominations ASAP so that we can vote and post the final result on the blog. Your contribution is greatly appreciated. Thanks
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