Springbok XV of all time

The springbok has been the instantly recognisable symbol of South Africa since 1906. If you had to list the greatest Springbok XV of all time, who would it be? Well, its not an easy one considering that you start talking about guys like Paul Roos, the springbok team's first ever ever captain, Danie Craven, Frik Du Preez, Joost, Os all the way to the current crop of players like the Ha-burner, if he does feature at all.

Well i have tried to compile my Bok XV of all time and here it goes,

1. Os Du randt ( 2 World cup medal, legend)
2. James Dalton (bullet)
3. Balie Swart (the scrum doctor)
4. Frik Du Preez (named South Africa's player of the 20th Century)
5. Big Vic (the line out genieous)
6. Andre Venter (the enforcer)
7. Schalk Burger (Animal)
8. Gary Tiechmann (Captain fantastic)
9. Danie Craven (most famous for popularising the dive pass)
10. Naas Botha (just becoz he's Naas)
11. Habana (current IRB player of the year)
12. Japie Mulder (1995 World cup star)
13. Danie Gerber (made the world's team of the century)
14. Carel Du Plessis (dynamite comes in small packages, excellent runner for a 'ngamla')
15. Percy (most capped Bok, most points by a Bok, World cup medal, What more can say)


Post your team of the century and see if we have commom rugby insight.....next week we shall look at the World greatest XV of all time....

Cheers

Bok Post-mortem....

The Boks completed their three test series with a not so convincing 26-0 victory over a 3rd string Italian side. The match started of with a bang when Frans Steyn scored a telling trying after a brilliant run by the Ha-burner. The match looked promising from the start but slowly faded as we started playing to the Azzurri rhythm. The Boks handling skills were pathetic, no need to blame it on the wet conditions. Our line outs were not so great and the scrummaging was again suspect. Kicking for touch was very bad, an area that will get us punished especially if you are playing against the AB with their brilliant backs that will counter attack us to death.

Other areas of play that i noticed was that with Schalla on in the 2nd half, there was immediate action on the side of the scrum. Not to take anything away from Fluke Watson, sorry, Luke Watson, he's been playing more of an 8th man game, which leaves the breakdowns not so taken care of, an aspect that Schalla is dominant. With the breakdown general, Lt Richard Hugh Mccaw sidelined for the coming 6 weeks, lets hope the Boks would be able to capitalise on that area.

Also Frans Sten is not a no10, at least not as yet. He did better at 15 (especially in wet condtions). I guess he needs to get used to the position, but do we really have the time to allow him to adjust....with the journey down under in 2 weeks time? Our scrum is suspect. We dont have a quality tighthead and CJ is really on the wrong side of the scrum. We also need to work on our handling skills in the wet conditions otherwise we are gonna get punished down under.

However there were some positives in the Newlands game. Our mauling and driving was good, resulting in two tries by the Bismark Du Plessis. Ricky was outstanding at scrum half, especially with his defensive play, although his kicking game found hin wanting at time. We didnt see much of Kanko before he got injured. Big Joe had a fine performance off the bench. Habana is still lethal and Matfield is not only a line out thief, but a hard-working horse on defence. Man mountain Bakkies is still an abrasive and dirty player. Juan Smith has shown to be a classic blind side flank, perhaps the best blind-side flank in the world at the moment. The Beast had a good game, especially on the lose and his scrummaging has vastly improved.

Overall, after 3 test matches, the boks at least have shown what Champions should be evidence for, winning a game even though they played badly. What matters is the back to back victories. We need to start instilling that winning culture. Also one could argue that the match against the Boks were a bit complacent against the Azzuri and hence their showing. Tri Nation is a different ball game and there's no room for it.

Well at least thats my 2 cents (maybe 4 cents with inflation. What are your thoughts?Please post them through on the comments section.

Well for some of us with season tickets, we are looking forward to August 18 at Newlands for the Boks's clash with the highly fancied AB, the world's best Chokers.

After all, we are the World Champions!!!!!!!!Go Bokke!!!

Crash Test Bunnies

Personally I think I am a die hard bokka supporter. I would go to some length to see the mighty bokka play test rugby anywhere in the world but this Saturday’s game begs to differ. Can we really call Saturday’s game a TEST? Test rugby is an opportunity to see two nations battle it out on the battle field. Saturday will be just another training session for the boks..I would go even further to call it 'shadow rugby’!! What makes me more so upset is that ticket prices are still at ‘Test’ levels. Wouldn’t this be an opportunity to take the game to the people, I mean didn’t Mr. Hoskins use this exact line to get himself reelected?

So I'm I having a bad day and just taking it out at the passionate Azzuri?? I mean they went one better this year by not conceding the wooden spoon at the six nations by beating Scotland (who are a story for another day). The history tells us one thing..Lost, Lost, Lost, Lost, Lost to the Bokka….Now we have a THIRD rate Italian team, any guesses? I say 100 points..if not then the PDV needs to fire someone!!

Now that I have vented lets talk rugby…I am excited to see what Franscois “special one” Steyn can do at flyhalf. I like PDV explanation into why he went for the young utility back instead of Peter Grant:

“But I also have to do what’s best for the country, and I’m glad to say this is a rugby decision.”

Bobo is back after four years out of the green colors. We see him partner with his stomers inside center, Jean De Villiers. I am beginning to enjoy the big come backs this year and hopefully these guys can give back with to PDV with some huge games. Weather has been poor lately so let’s hope rain will not spoil the party this weekend. Good luck bokka..i don’t think they’ll need it.

Assistant Coach

Looking into the future......

Wetpups Golden Cubs trounce SACS.........

As previously stated, this blogspot is trying as much to cover all spheres of rugby, ranging from school's rugby, varsity rugby, club rugby and of course professional rugby. One of the contributors to the site, TJ 'the Rugby Guru' Tapela took some time of, as he usually does, to experience the much entertaining junior schools rugby between the Wetpups Golden Cubs and SACS.

The courageous Wetpups Golden Cubs put up a sterling performance to beat the highly rated SACS by three tries yesterday in a very thrilling game,according to a report by the 'Guru'. Pictured above is the team photo of the Wetpups young generals. Of cause one of the two players of colour is Tchedu, the son of our very own 'Guru'. Blessed with an excellent boot and running skills, the future looks bright for him if he continues progressing well and aiming higher. More so with the current dearth of complete flyhalves in the country, an issue that has been of concern for the past decade, his father has vowed to mould him into being one of the future flyhalves in the country.

However, looking at the team, I think someone like Mike Stofile will definitely not be impressed with the mixture of the team. Nonetheless, we wish the youngsters a more victorious season.

Cheers

What a headache to be envious of....

What a long and extremely hectic working week. Its been frantic in the office, supervisor is back in town from Canada after a 6months absence so there's a lot of updates and progress reports that need to be adhered to. I guess that's how it is when you have to report to someone............. I'd rather report to DiV on the rugby field by just being present only like the Bok players....at least there's not much to lose or be scared of....except if you are a Ricky........it could cost you a place in the squad.

The weekend seems to look very exciting, and the anxiety itself would be not necessarily be on the match between the Boks and the Welsh itself, but on who is actually gonna start for the Boks this weekend. Spies or Kanko, what a headache any coach would love to have. Its been rumoured that DiV did not have Sharks in his first test plans owing to his assumption that the Sharks were not gonna be available in time for the Bok camp had they proceeded with the play-offs. It explains why guys like Kanko, Beast, Steyn and even Muller where not in the match 22. Now that he might get a chance to be in seems very interesting considering that Spies had a very good run on Saturday.

On the other hand, Ricky is back in the selection mix after serving a match suspension and will vie for the scrum-half berth against Bolla who had a fantastic game in the first test. Percy and Big Vic also showed the importance of experience when they came on in the second half to drive the Boks to a comfortable victory over the Dragons. Bare in mind that Janjies and Andries also had good runs.

I guess the situation is still to become even more complicated when guys like Schalla, Jaque Fourie and FdP return from injury.

I'd rather be like DiV who has to spend sleepless nights, caught in a dilemma on who to choose in my starting line up, than be like 'a' Federer who has to try hard to decipher the secret code on how he can eventually get hold of Nadal on the clay court.

Finally just as an update, the Bok U20 team has trounced Scotland 73-3. First game was won 108-18 against USA, a game which their coach Eric Sauls said afterwards, " it was a good game but i was a bit disappointed at some stage in the late first half when the boys weren't scoring tries as swift as during the first quarter". Goodness sake, does this guys expect to win 200 nil. Even DiV said he wasn't happy with the score but he'll just pocket it. Are our coaches becoming to ambitious now just coz the boys are delivering? Well i doubt even that DiV would be satisfied with a 77-12 win against Wales this weekend.

Again, at least its a good feeling, coz I'd rather be a DiV who's not happy with the 47-18 win against Wales, than be a Jomo Sono who was scrounging for at least a draw this past season in the PSL.

Warm weekend guys and keep the beers flowing........

Its ON!!

ITS ON:

Springboks - Conrad Jantjes, Tonderai Chavhanga, Adrian Jacobs, Jean de Villiers, Bryan Habana, Butch James, Bolla Conradie, Pierre Spies, Juan Smith, Luke Watson, Andries Bekker, Bakkies Botha, Brian Mujati, John Smit (c), Gurthro Steenkamp.Subs: Bismarck du Plessis, CJ van der Linde, Victor Matfield, Danie Rossouw , Ruan Pienaar, Peter Grant, Percy Montgomery.

Versus

Wales - 15 Jamie Roberts, 14 Mark Jones, 13 Tom Shanklin, 12 Sonny Parker, 11 Shane Williams, 10 Stephen Jones, 9 Gareth Cooper, 8 Ryan Jones (captain), 7 Dafydd Jones, 6 Jonathan Thomas, 5 Alun-Wyn Jones, 4 Ian Gough, 3 Gethin Jenkins, 2 Matthew Rees, 1 Adam Jones. Subs: 16 Richard Hibbard, 17 Duncan Jones, 18 Ian Evans, 19 Gareth Delve, 20 Warren Fury, 21 James Hook, 22 Morgan Stoddard

14:00 - 17:15MNET/SS1

Please could we get some predictions...

Could this be a bad start for DiV......................

Springboks for Welsh clash
Conrad Jantjes, Tonderai Chavhanga, Adrian Jacobs, Jean de Villiers, Bryan Habana, Butch James, Bolla Conradie, Pierre Spies, Juan Smith, Luke Watson, Andries Bekker, Bakkies Botha, Brian Mujati, John Smit (c), Gurthro Steenkamp.
Subs: Bismarck du Plessis, CJ van der Linde, Victor Matfield, Danie Rossouw , Ruan Pienaar, Peter Grant, Percy Montgomery.


No Kanko, Frans or Beast in the match 22........

Danie "the Dinosaur" Rossouw has been strugggling to make the Bulls bench in the Super 14. Yet Big Joe and Kanko fail to make the bench. Bolla Conradie's story is even more interesting. From being the reserve scrumhalf for Stormers, to being called up as a late replacement for the injured FdP in the Bok camp,to starting in the first Bok test of the season...What a leap?

Matfield and Percy, the stallwards behind SA's world cup campaign are on the bench. I would understand the latter's situation, having played for a 2nd division French team, mostly at flank, and was injured for some of that time. This is understandale considering that Andries had a stormer of season. Percy's case is also comprehensible..

I would also back the inclusion of James in the starting team. He played in first division European rugby from much of the season (some time injured but was looking good in his few games back)…and judging from reports he was one of the form players during that season in the competition.......

But hey, i'm sure if Dan Carter played for Toulon the Allblacks would also bench him when he returns, right!

However, starting Bolla ahead of Ruan is ridiculous (Ricky has been axed for disciplinery reasons). Of all the healthy,talented scrummies in the country, i cant believe Bolla is the next best after Ricky. Having SA's best player in the Super 14 (Kanko) out the match 22 is absolutely ludicrous.

On the lighter side, beside Daniesoraus, the bench is looking quite lethal. The only bench to rival this bench is Gunners’ bench of 2003/4 season....

Lets hope for the better....Go Bokke!!!!! ....Go PdV!!!

Saturday 7th 2008

"Champions aren't made in the gyms. Champions are made from something they have deep inside them -- a desire, a dream, a vision."
-- Muhammad Ali

Muhammad Ali is remembered as one of the greatest sportsman in the world. A true champion that defied all odds to win back the world heavy weight championship after many years away from the ring. You might be asking yourself "What the HELL has this to do with Saturday??".

Remember Rudolf Straeuli ? The camp? Derrick Hougard cut into two by hard hitting Brian Lima at the 2003 World Cup? YES, I still remember and so should the springboks and the nation. Four years later we were crowned world champions. It was the the desire, dream, and vision of 15 men and a nation behind them.

So we cannot forget where we have come from as we step onto the field on Saturday. Lets hope PDV continues the DREAM, the VISION and the DESIRE!!!!!Good luck to the boys this year.....

Assistant Coach

Assistant Coach

"Statistics tell us that about half of all assistant coaches aspire to be head coaches. The road to becoming a head coach, however, is slippery. Coaching as an assistant lays foundation for stepping up to the position where the buck stop, the head job. Assistant coaches have many responsibilities. When they master those responsibilities, the door may open to becoming the HEAD COACH."

My name is Heskin "Heskino" Mzungu aka Assistant Coach. My first entry to the coach's words must begin with a definition of the assistant role. The assistant coach plays a big role in the success of a team. I am sure you remember the influence of Eddie Jones and Allister Coetzee in the success of the springboks last year. Mr Jake White is now in the company of Rod Macqueen, Brian Lochore (assistant coaches Alex Wyllie and John Hart), Kitch Christie and Sir Clive Woodward.

We now begin a new era in South African Rugby on Saturday 7th June 2008 with a Peiter De Viliers on the driving seat. Will Dick Muir and Gary Gold play their roles and give the South African Public another year of Saturdays braai's and beer happy Monday Rugby Analysis...

Boks to win 28-14

According to Coach Taru's pre-match review,the Boks look set to beat the Dragons this weekend and my Man of the match is going to be Luke Stofile. The only concerning question should be,By how much? Well i have made my prediction of 32-14 and you are welcome to make yours. . The Allblacks play Ireland this weekend and my gut-feeling tells me that the Irish will upset the Kiwis by 18-15, with BOD man of the match.

The person who makes the closest predictions of both scorelines and the Man of the Match stands a chance to be awarded with a brand new Spanners Rugby Club jersey or jacket, courtesy of Coach Taru.

Please send your predictions on the comments section below this post.

Thanks okes and to my 'Guru' and female rugby analyst, lets rendezvous at the Sultry Southern Sun....

Go Bokke!!!!!