Saturday, September 19, 2015
Will the AB defend their crown?
So many theories and opinions have been shared in the past few weeks leading to the Rugby World Cup showpiece, which commenced yesterday in the land of the Queen. However, the most talked about topic is with regards to the chances of the AB blacks retaining the trophy they won 4 years ago on their backyard.
Will the BIG FOUR legends of the game have their swangsong in style (Dan Carter, Ritchie McCaw, Conrad Smith and Tony Woodcock).
OR will their party be spoiled by their rivals' fantastic four (Matfield, Four du Preez, Jean De Villiers and Schalla).
What are your views?
Friday, March 9, 2012
Siya Kolisi: Will he be the next black Springbok no7 (in the footsteps of the late Solly Tyibilika)?
Branded as the famous, and most fearless young guns in the current South Africa rugby circles, the Stormers quartet of Siya Kolisi, Steven Kirchoff, Marlhebe and Eben Etzebeth have been a marvel to watch in opening rounds of the 2012 Super Rugby Season.
Even Stormers coach, Allister Cortzee believes these youngsters are destined for that celebrated Springbok jersey soon. Is that too early to say?
Well, I had the pleasure of following through the careers of all these youngsters, having noticed them playing at the famous Coca Cola Craven Week Festival. Of cause, the much talked about laaitie during that time (2009), was Siyamthanda Kolisi, a rampant, bulldozing and powerhouse loose-forward who seems to have easily fitted into the Cape rugby culture, following his move there in 2011, having played most of his junior rugby at Grey College (Bloemfontein).
What stood out the most back then were his powerful runs, with ball-in-hand, that destroyed the WP junior side, during the Craven Week match that I watched, where he ran in four well executed tries (a not so common feat for someone playing in that position). He carried that form right through to Bok junior rugby, where he has twice represented them at the junior Rugby World Cups (2010 and 2011).
Siya made his Super Rugby debut for the Stormers this season, and he has been in terrific form, ever since replacing the injured Schalk Burger on the side of the scrum. At only 20 years, a lot is still expected from him, and seeing as he’s currently the only ethnic black player in the Stormers run-on side, I’m told he is a role model to most black kids coming through in the Cape townships. Those who have played with him have also echoed his leadership capabilities, and hopefully we’ll be seeing him in the Stormers leadership team in a few years to come.
The big question though is, will he go astray and follow in the footsteps of the late Tybilika (once a famous Bok flank whose career was wrecked by ill-discipline) OR he’ll leave up to the hype that has already been created?
Wat sey?
Coach...
Even Stormers coach, Allister Cortzee believes these youngsters are destined for that celebrated Springbok jersey soon. Is that too early to say?
Well, I had the pleasure of following through the careers of all these youngsters, having noticed them playing at the famous Coca Cola Craven Week Festival. Of cause, the much talked about laaitie during that time (2009), was Siyamthanda Kolisi, a rampant, bulldozing and powerhouse loose-forward who seems to have easily fitted into the Cape rugby culture, following his move there in 2011, having played most of his junior rugby at Grey College (Bloemfontein).
What stood out the most back then were his powerful runs, with ball-in-hand, that destroyed the WP junior side, during the Craven Week match that I watched, where he ran in four well executed tries (a not so common feat for someone playing in that position). He carried that form right through to Bok junior rugby, where he has twice represented them at the junior Rugby World Cups (2010 and 2011).
Siya made his Super Rugby debut for the Stormers this season, and he has been in terrific form, ever since replacing the injured Schalk Burger on the side of the scrum. At only 20 years, a lot is still expected from him, and seeing as he’s currently the only ethnic black player in the Stormers run-on side, I’m told he is a role model to most black kids coming through in the Cape townships. Those who have played with him have also echoed his leadership capabilities, and hopefully we’ll be seeing him in the Stormers leadership team in a few years to come.
The big question though is, will he go astray and follow in the footsteps of the late Tybilika (once a famous Bok flank whose career was wrecked by ill-discipline) OR he’ll leave up to the hype that has already been created?
Wat sey?
Coach...
Friday, July 29, 2011
Black Saturday....(keo)
JON CARDINELLI says the All Blacks will rack up 50 points this Saturday if they maintain a high level of hunger and focus.
The Wallabies would have surpassed 50 points last week had Robbie Deans not compromised their rhythm by making a series of substitutions on the hour.
Deans was wise to pull his star players from the field given that the result and bonus point were already in the bag, but this allowed the Boks to add a respectability to the scoreline that was patently undeserved.
Some see the Boks’ late flourish in Sydney as the beginning of a turnaround. Some of these deluded fools are within the Bok set-up. They’re set for a harsh reality check come Saturday when they face an All Blacks side with a point to prove.
The All Blacks cruised to a 60-14 win over Fiji without playing particularly well, and all the talk during the week has been about lifting their standards and building some momentum. A match against a weakened Bok side presents a great opportunity, but that’s not to say the All Blacks will be taking this fixture lightly.
Four top forwards have been rested for this clash, and Graham Henry has given the likes of Adam Thomson, Sam Whitelock, Andrew Hore and Ben Franks an opportunity to prove themselves in a starting capacity. The All Blacks should pick up the win and the bonus point in Wellington, but several players are also playing for World Cup positions.
The Boks’ first-choice pack was hammered in New Zealand last year. The dirt-tracker team was smashed in Sydney last weekend, and have since made some injury-enforced changes. These Bok impostors will have no price against the All Blacks’ heavies.
The hosts will target the Bok scrum, and while the introduction of Jean Deysel will give the Boks more options at the lineout, it won’t be enough to unsettle the All Blacks’ defence. The biggest disappointment last week was at the collisions, and while Deysel will provide more grunt, that pack still lacks the cohesion and accuracy to trouble a well-drilled All Blacks’ defensive line.
The option-taking at 9 and 10 will be crucial. The All Blacks won’t field their best backline this weekend, but the momentum provided by the forwards will allow Jimmy Cowan and Dan Carter multiple attacking options. Ma’a Nonu will lend further impetus as a ball carrier in midfield, while Conrad Smith will be the biggest linebreaking threat.
That Hurricanes’ centre combination will fancy themselves against that Bok 10-12-13 defensive formation. Juan de Jongh is not a weak defender, but Morne Steyn and Adi Jacobs have shown themselves to be susceptible at the highest level.
The Boks will struggle to impose themselves with ball in hand and if their halfbacks kick poorly, the All Blacks have the counter-attack to convert poor punts into points. There will be limited attacking opportunities for the Bok back three, and the gifted Pat Lambie may also be forced to kick for territory.
The severity of the beating will depend on the management of the substitutes. Sonny Bill Williams will inject some power and creativity in the second stanza, but there is a question mark over the reserve forwards and their ability to do the same. We saw how the Wallabies’ effort flagged when Deans removed several key forwards, and Henry will want to avoid a similar problem.
It’s madness to expect a depleted dirt-tracker side to succeed where so many first-choice South African teams have failed. This Saturday’s Test will be about damage control for the Boks. They would do well to keep the world’s best attacking side under 50, and if they could deny them the four-try bonus it would be nothing short of a miracle.
Start praying.
Prediction: All Blacks by 30
All Blacks -15 Mils Muliaina, 14 Cory Jane, 13 Conrad Smith, 12 Ma’a Nonu, 11 Zac Guildford, 10 Dan Carter, 9 Jimmy Cowan, 8 Adam Thomson, 7 Richie McCaw (c), 6 Jerome Kaino, 5 Sam Whitelock, 4 Ali Williams, 3 Ben Franks, 2 Andrew Hore, 1 Wyatt Crockett.
Subs: 16 Corey Flynn, 17 John Afoa, 18 Jarrad Hoeata, 19 Liam Messam, 20 Piri Weepu, 21 Colin Slade, 22 Sonny Bill Williams.
Springboks – 15 Morne Steyn, 14 Bjorn Basson, 13 Adi Jacobs, 12 Juan de Jongh, 11 Lwazi Mvovo, 10 Pat Lambie, 9 Ruan Pienaar, 8 Danie Rossouw, 7 Jean Deysel, 6 Deon Stegmann, 5 Alistair Hargreaves, 4 Gerhard Mostert, 3 Werner Kruger, 2 John Smit (c), 1 Dean Greyling.
Subs: 16 Chiliboy Ralepelle, 17 CJ van der Linde, 18 Ryan Kankowski, 19 Ashley Johnson, 20 Charl McLeod, 21 Wynand Olivier, 22 Odwa Ndungane.
The Wallabies would have surpassed 50 points last week had Robbie Deans not compromised their rhythm by making a series of substitutions on the hour.
Deans was wise to pull his star players from the field given that the result and bonus point were already in the bag, but this allowed the Boks to add a respectability to the scoreline that was patently undeserved.
Some see the Boks’ late flourish in Sydney as the beginning of a turnaround. Some of these deluded fools are within the Bok set-up. They’re set for a harsh reality check come Saturday when they face an All Blacks side with a point to prove.
The All Blacks cruised to a 60-14 win over Fiji without playing particularly well, and all the talk during the week has been about lifting their standards and building some momentum. A match against a weakened Bok side presents a great opportunity, but that’s not to say the All Blacks will be taking this fixture lightly.
Four top forwards have been rested for this clash, and Graham Henry has given the likes of Adam Thomson, Sam Whitelock, Andrew Hore and Ben Franks an opportunity to prove themselves in a starting capacity. The All Blacks should pick up the win and the bonus point in Wellington, but several players are also playing for World Cup positions.
The Boks’ first-choice pack was hammered in New Zealand last year. The dirt-tracker team was smashed in Sydney last weekend, and have since made some injury-enforced changes. These Bok impostors will have no price against the All Blacks’ heavies.
The hosts will target the Bok scrum, and while the introduction of Jean Deysel will give the Boks more options at the lineout, it won’t be enough to unsettle the All Blacks’ defence. The biggest disappointment last week was at the collisions, and while Deysel will provide more grunt, that pack still lacks the cohesion and accuracy to trouble a well-drilled All Blacks’ defensive line.
The option-taking at 9 and 10 will be crucial. The All Blacks won’t field their best backline this weekend, but the momentum provided by the forwards will allow Jimmy Cowan and Dan Carter multiple attacking options. Ma’a Nonu will lend further impetus as a ball carrier in midfield, while Conrad Smith will be the biggest linebreaking threat.
That Hurricanes’ centre combination will fancy themselves against that Bok 10-12-13 defensive formation. Juan de Jongh is not a weak defender, but Morne Steyn and Adi Jacobs have shown themselves to be susceptible at the highest level.
The Boks will struggle to impose themselves with ball in hand and if their halfbacks kick poorly, the All Blacks have the counter-attack to convert poor punts into points. There will be limited attacking opportunities for the Bok back three, and the gifted Pat Lambie may also be forced to kick for territory.
The severity of the beating will depend on the management of the substitutes. Sonny Bill Williams will inject some power and creativity in the second stanza, but there is a question mark over the reserve forwards and their ability to do the same. We saw how the Wallabies’ effort flagged when Deans removed several key forwards, and Henry will want to avoid a similar problem.
It’s madness to expect a depleted dirt-tracker side to succeed where so many first-choice South African teams have failed. This Saturday’s Test will be about damage control for the Boks. They would do well to keep the world’s best attacking side under 50, and if they could deny them the four-try bonus it would be nothing short of a miracle.
Start praying.
Prediction: All Blacks by 30
All Blacks -15 Mils Muliaina, 14 Cory Jane, 13 Conrad Smith, 12 Ma’a Nonu, 11 Zac Guildford, 10 Dan Carter, 9 Jimmy Cowan, 8 Adam Thomson, 7 Richie McCaw (c), 6 Jerome Kaino, 5 Sam Whitelock, 4 Ali Williams, 3 Ben Franks, 2 Andrew Hore, 1 Wyatt Crockett.
Subs: 16 Corey Flynn, 17 John Afoa, 18 Jarrad Hoeata, 19 Liam Messam, 20 Piri Weepu, 21 Colin Slade, 22 Sonny Bill Williams.
Springboks – 15 Morne Steyn, 14 Bjorn Basson, 13 Adi Jacobs, 12 Juan de Jongh, 11 Lwazi Mvovo, 10 Pat Lambie, 9 Ruan Pienaar, 8 Danie Rossouw, 7 Jean Deysel, 6 Deon Stegmann, 5 Alistair Hargreaves, 4 Gerhard Mostert, 3 Werner Kruger, 2 John Smit (c), 1 Dean Greyling.
Subs: 16 Chiliboy Ralepelle, 17 CJ van der Linde, 18 Ryan Kankowski, 19 Ashley Johnson, 20 Charl McLeod, 21 Wynand Olivier, 22 Odwa Ndungane.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Jantjes back in blue
13 Apr 2011
Keo.co.za brings you news from South Africa’s Super Rugby franchises.
Jantjes back in blue – Bryan Habana’s shoulder injury has warranted a recall for fullback Conrad Jantjes.
Jantjes will start at No 15 against the Lions with Gio Aplon replacing Habana on the wing. Juan de Jongh will continue at centre in place of Jean de Villiers, who is unavailable due to a groin injury.
Coach Allister Coetzee has also been forced to make a change at lock, with De Kock Steenkamp replacing the injured Rynhardt Elstadt. CJ van der Linde rotates with Brok Harris at prop.
Anton van Zyl will take Steenkamp’s place on the bench.
Stormers – 15 Conrad Jantjes, 14 Danie Poolman, 13 Jaque Fourie, 12 Juan de Jongh, 11 Gio Aplon, 10 Peter Grant, 9 Dewaldt Duvenage, 8 Duane Vermeulen, 7 Francois Louw, 6 Schalk Burger (c), 5 Andries Bekker, 4 De Kock Steenkamp, 3 CJ van der Linde, 2 Deon Fourie, 1 Wicus Blaauw.
Subs: 16 Ethienne Reynecke, 17 Brok Harris, 18 Anton van Zyl, 19 Nick Koster, 20 Ricky Januarie, 21 Gary van Aswegen, 22 Johann Sadie.
Lions’ injury woes worsen – Derrick Minnie and André Pretorius have been added to the Lions’ injury list ahead of their game against the Stormers on Saturday.
Flanker Minnie will be sidelined with a knee injury while Pretorius is likely to miss the Johanessburg clash on Saturday with a leg injury. The Lions are already without the injured fullback James Kamana (broken leg), flanker Josh Strauss and lock George Earle (both concussed).
Utility back Michael Killian is still an injury concern after picking up a hamstring injury against the Reds a fortnight ago.
Geel to front Canes – Barry Geel will start at centre for the Cheetahs against the Hurricanes this Saturday.
The Cheetahs will also be boosted by the return of wing Rayno Benjamin and hooker Adriaan Strauss. Benjamin will start while Strauss will make his comeback from the bench.
Cheetahs – 15 Riaan Viljoen, 14 Philip Burger, 13 Robert Ebersohn, 12 Barry Geel, 11 Rayno Benjamin, 10 Sias Ebersohn, 9 Sarel Pretorius, 8 Davon Raubenheimer, 7 Ashley Johnson, 6 Kabamba Floors, 5 Wilhelm Steenkamp (c), 4 Francois Uys, 3 WP Nel, 2 Ryno Barnes, 1 Coenie Oosthuizen.
Subs: 16 Adriaan Strauss, 17 Lourens Adriaanse, 18 Martin Muller, 19 Leon Karemaker, 20 Tewis de Bruyn, 21 Naas Olivier, 22 Corné Uys.
Keo.co.za brings you news from South Africa’s Super Rugby franchises.
Jantjes back in blue – Bryan Habana’s shoulder injury has warranted a recall for fullback Conrad Jantjes.
Jantjes will start at No 15 against the Lions with Gio Aplon replacing Habana on the wing. Juan de Jongh will continue at centre in place of Jean de Villiers, who is unavailable due to a groin injury.
Coach Allister Coetzee has also been forced to make a change at lock, with De Kock Steenkamp replacing the injured Rynhardt Elstadt. CJ van der Linde rotates with Brok Harris at prop.
Anton van Zyl will take Steenkamp’s place on the bench.
Stormers – 15 Conrad Jantjes, 14 Danie Poolman, 13 Jaque Fourie, 12 Juan de Jongh, 11 Gio Aplon, 10 Peter Grant, 9 Dewaldt Duvenage, 8 Duane Vermeulen, 7 Francois Louw, 6 Schalk Burger (c), 5 Andries Bekker, 4 De Kock Steenkamp, 3 CJ van der Linde, 2 Deon Fourie, 1 Wicus Blaauw.
Subs: 16 Ethienne Reynecke, 17 Brok Harris, 18 Anton van Zyl, 19 Nick Koster, 20 Ricky Januarie, 21 Gary van Aswegen, 22 Johann Sadie.
Lions’ injury woes worsen – Derrick Minnie and André Pretorius have been added to the Lions’ injury list ahead of their game against the Stormers on Saturday.
Flanker Minnie will be sidelined with a knee injury while Pretorius is likely to miss the Johanessburg clash on Saturday with a leg injury. The Lions are already without the injured fullback James Kamana (broken leg), flanker Josh Strauss and lock George Earle (both concussed).
Utility back Michael Killian is still an injury concern after picking up a hamstring injury against the Reds a fortnight ago.
Geel to front Canes – Barry Geel will start at centre for the Cheetahs against the Hurricanes this Saturday.
The Cheetahs will also be boosted by the return of wing Rayno Benjamin and hooker Adriaan Strauss. Benjamin will start while Strauss will make his comeback from the bench.
Cheetahs – 15 Riaan Viljoen, 14 Philip Burger, 13 Robert Ebersohn, 12 Barry Geel, 11 Rayno Benjamin, 10 Sias Ebersohn, 9 Sarel Pretorius, 8 Davon Raubenheimer, 7 Ashley Johnson, 6 Kabamba Floors, 5 Wilhelm Steenkamp (c), 4 Francois Uys, 3 WP Nel, 2 Ryno Barnes, 1 Coenie Oosthuizen.
Subs: 16 Adriaan Strauss, 17 Lourens Adriaanse, 18 Martin Muller, 19 Leon Karemaker, 20 Tewis de Bruyn, 21 Naas Olivier, 22 Corné Uys.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Bench boys crucial in Cup Final...
RYAN VREDE writes that the substitutes will be decisive to the outcome to Saturday’s final and the Sharks have a slight edge in that department.
Coaches are renowned for peddling the rhetoric that the smallest differences are often the most telling in finals. And with the Sharks and Western Province so closely matched across most facets of play, the board riders will have a crucial role to play in determining the outcome. The Sharks’ superior quality in this regard could be an ace up their sleeve.
The Sharks’ replacements offered their side a fresh injection of physicality and intensity, particularly on defence, when it was so desperately required against the Bulls a fortnight ago. That ensured a sustained effort through 80 minutes, which was essential in repelling a team that has built a reputation for late rallies.
In Craig Burden, they have arguably the most improved hooker in South Africa. His set phase skills are sound while his appreciable pace, physicality and ability to compete at the breakdown is a massive boon. His counterpart, Hanyani Shimange, hasn’t played consistently at a high level since 2006 and can’t match the dynamism Burden, a converted winger, can offer in the final quarter.
JC Kritzinger, De Kock Steenkamp, Paul Bosch and Pieter Louw are as capable a quartet of subs as the Sharks’ Eugene van Staden, Anton Bresler, Riaan Swanepoel and Jacques Botes; although, in a final, Botes’ vast experience probably gives him the edge over the younger Louw.
WP scrumhalf Dewaldt Duvenage has established himself as a very competent and multi-skilled scrumhalf. Ordinarily I’d pick him to trump Rory Kockott, whose form has waned so badly that the Sharks have opted not to renew his contract. However, a back strain has curtailed Duvenage’s participation in training, and if he plays (a decision will be taken on Friday or Saturday morning according to the WP medical staff) he will do so off the back of minimal preparation and a fractured confidence. His ability to vary his play according to the match situation is crucial, and 80 minutes of the ponderous Ricky Januarie is a scenario most WP supporters would not want to envision.
WP will have serious problems if flyhalf Willem de Waal is injured. His prolific goal kicking will be heavily relied on, while his tactical punting offers WP a pragmatic variation if they should opt to explore that avenue of attack. Young Lionel Cronjé was much-hyped when he first arrived from the Cheetahs, but has yet to show his aptitude.
He is undoubtedly an instinctive player, which can be advantageous in a league-phase environment, but is a liability in play-off matches where one error can be the difference between ticker tape and tears. In the experienced Andre Pretorius the Sharks have a capable goal and tactical kicker who is also adept at running the ball if the match situation so dictates, as an insurance policy.
If the result is in the balance with a quarter to go (it seldom isn’t in finals) the smart money would be on the Sharks’ bench boys to make the telling contribution.
[www.keo.co.za]
Coaches are renowned for peddling the rhetoric that the smallest differences are often the most telling in finals. And with the Sharks and Western Province so closely matched across most facets of play, the board riders will have a crucial role to play in determining the outcome. The Sharks’ superior quality in this regard could be an ace up their sleeve.
The Sharks’ replacements offered their side a fresh injection of physicality and intensity, particularly on defence, when it was so desperately required against the Bulls a fortnight ago. That ensured a sustained effort through 80 minutes, which was essential in repelling a team that has built a reputation for late rallies.
In Craig Burden, they have arguably the most improved hooker in South Africa. His set phase skills are sound while his appreciable pace, physicality and ability to compete at the breakdown is a massive boon. His counterpart, Hanyani Shimange, hasn’t played consistently at a high level since 2006 and can’t match the dynamism Burden, a converted winger, can offer in the final quarter.
JC Kritzinger, De Kock Steenkamp, Paul Bosch and Pieter Louw are as capable a quartet of subs as the Sharks’ Eugene van Staden, Anton Bresler, Riaan Swanepoel and Jacques Botes; although, in a final, Botes’ vast experience probably gives him the edge over the younger Louw.
WP scrumhalf Dewaldt Duvenage has established himself as a very competent and multi-skilled scrumhalf. Ordinarily I’d pick him to trump Rory Kockott, whose form has waned so badly that the Sharks have opted not to renew his contract. However, a back strain has curtailed Duvenage’s participation in training, and if he plays (a decision will be taken on Friday or Saturday morning according to the WP medical staff) he will do so off the back of minimal preparation and a fractured confidence. His ability to vary his play according to the match situation is crucial, and 80 minutes of the ponderous Ricky Januarie is a scenario most WP supporters would not want to envision.
WP will have serious problems if flyhalf Willem de Waal is injured. His prolific goal kicking will be heavily relied on, while his tactical punting offers WP a pragmatic variation if they should opt to explore that avenue of attack. Young Lionel Cronjé was much-hyped when he first arrived from the Cheetahs, but has yet to show his aptitude.
He is undoubtedly an instinctive player, which can be advantageous in a league-phase environment, but is a liability in play-off matches where one error can be the difference between ticker tape and tears. In the experienced Andre Pretorius the Sharks have a capable goal and tactical kicker who is also adept at running the ball if the match situation so dictates, as an insurance policy.
If the result is in the balance with a quarter to go (it seldom isn’t in finals) the smart money would be on the Sharks’ bench boys to make the telling contribution.
[www.keo.co.za]
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Luke Watson earns respect (Captain my Captain)
[news24]
Johannesburg – Former Springbok loose forward Luke Watson has been named as the new captain of Bath rugby club.
The former captain of the Stormers and Western Province takes over the reins from another ex-Bok, scrumhalf Michael Claassens.
Watson has made a big impact on and off the field since joining the English Premiership club.
In fact, he scored a try in his very first game when he was used as a substitute.
Before accepting the captaincy, Watson sought assurances that it carried the approval of Bath’s senior players and also Claassens.
“Michael led the team through some tough times and established a really good foundation,” Watson told rugby365.com.
“It’s a big honour and privilege, but at the same time a major responsibility to take over the captaincy. I spoke to Steve (Meehan, head coach) and Michael for a long time before we announced the decision because I wanted to make sure that everyone was happy. The interests of the team comes before that of individuals.”
Meehan confirmed this and said that Bath’s players appreciated their opinions being taken on board first.
“When you pick a captain, you have to consider a number of factors. As far as I’m concerned, Luke got a tick behind his name in every area. When you are new at a club you have to train hard and play even harder to earn the respect of your team-mates. I believe Luke succeeded in that,” he said.
Watson will have the luxury of being surrounded by senior players such as Claassens, Danny Grewcock and David Flatman.
Luke Watson earns respect (Captain my Captain)
[news24]
Johannesburg – Former Springbok loose forward Luke Watson has been named as the new captain of Bath rugby club.
The former captain of the Stormers and Western Province takes over the reins from another ex-Bok, scrumhalf Michael Claassens.
Watson has made a big impact on and off the field since joining the English Premiership club.
In fact, he scored a try in his very first game when he was used as a substitute.
Before accepting the captaincy, Watson sought assurances that it carried the approval of Bath’s senior players and also Claassens.
“Michael led the team through some tough times and established a really good foundation,” Watson told rugby365.com.
“It’s a big honour and privilege, but at the same time a major responsibility to take over the captaincy. I spoke to Steve (Meehan, head coach) and Michael for a long time before we announced the decision because I wanted to make sure that everyone was happy. The interests of the team comes before that of individuals.”
Meehan confirmed this and said that Bath’s players appreciated their opinions being taken on board first.
“When you pick a captain, you have to consider a number of factors. As far as I’m concerned, Luke got a tick behind his name in every area. When you are new at a club you have to train hard and play even harder to earn the respect of your team-mates. I believe Luke succeeded in that,” he said.
Watson will have the luxury of being surrounded by senior players such as Claassens, Danny Grewcock and David Flatman.
Johannesburg – Former Springbok loose forward Luke Watson has been named as the new captain of Bath rugby club.
The former captain of the Stormers and Western Province takes over the reins from another ex-Bok, scrumhalf Michael Claassens.
Watson has made a big impact on and off the field since joining the English Premiership club.
In fact, he scored a try in his very first game when he was used as a substitute.
Before accepting the captaincy, Watson sought assurances that it carried the approval of Bath’s senior players and also Claassens.
“Michael led the team through some tough times and established a really good foundation,” Watson told rugby365.com.
“It’s a big honour and privilege, but at the same time a major responsibility to take over the captaincy. I spoke to Steve (Meehan, head coach) and Michael for a long time before we announced the decision because I wanted to make sure that everyone was happy. The interests of the team comes before that of individuals.”
Meehan confirmed this and said that Bath’s players appreciated their opinions being taken on board first.
“When you pick a captain, you have to consider a number of factors. As far as I’m concerned, Luke got a tick behind his name in every area. When you are new at a club you have to train hard and play even harder to earn the respect of your team-mates. I believe Luke succeeded in that,” he said.
Watson will have the luxury of being surrounded by senior players such as Claassens, Danny Grewcock and David Flatman.
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