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]
Thursday, October 28, 2010
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.
WP bolstered for 'tough' game
by Gavin Rich 03/08/2010, 07:41 [supersport]
Western Province have reached a phase of the season that can be described as considerably tougher than what has gone before, so it will be considered excellent timing for them that three stalwarts are expected to return this weekend.
WP travel to Kimberley to play Griquas at a venue where the hosts are hard to beat and have been unbeaten so far this season at the start of a five match sequence that also includes a home match against the Bulls the following week, a trip to Durban to play the dangerous Sharks before going straight into the second round with matches against the Cheetahs (home) and Lions (away).
It is a five-week sequence that will make or break WP’s impressive challenge, so coach Allister Coetzee was understandably pleased after Monday’s training session that Francois Louw has joined fellow Springboks Gio Aplon and Juan de Jongh in the selection mix. And first choice scrumhalf is also back, as is loosehead prop Wicus Blaauw.
Back-up hooker Deon Fourie also returns after taking a blow to the head against the Leopards, while lock De Kock Steenkamp is making his way back after an absence forced by a knee ligament injury. The only setback for Province was the confirmation that JC Kritzinger, the back-up utility prop, will be out for two to four weeks with a hamstring injury.
“It’s really good to have all those guys back, particularly as Griquas have been tough opponents for us in Kimberley over the past two seasons,” said Coetzee.
“We lost to a last-minute penalty in 2008 and we again lost by one point last year, so we are eager not to make the same mistake again. We have a lot of respect for Griquas, who are strong in most areas and have been playing well this season. They also have a couple of former WP players that will add to their motivation to beat us.”
Coetzee said that the standard of coaching in the smaller unions had improved considerably over the years, with the Pumas, beaten 54-13 by WP last week in Cape Town, being an example of a team that you have to work hard against to score tries.
“The teams are preparing well, they are all doing a lot of analysis of their opponents, and each week you get hit with something you might not have expected. You have to work harder to score tries against teams like the Pumas than you might have had to in the past, so I was pleased with our seven tries against them last week.
“But Griquas are a step up, and Dawie Theron has done a great job over the past few seasons. They have stated their intention of ending the season unbeaten at home, so there is no question we will be underestimating them. This is a big game for us, Griquas are in a strong position on the log, just like we are.”
Coetzee said that he was looking forward to seeing how Louw, who returns to training on Tuesday after missing Monday’s practice with flu, will combine with namesake Pieter Louw and impressive No 8 Duane Vermeulen in Kimberley.
This means young Rynhardt Elstadt will miss out on the Griquas game after playing in the previous four games, but like the other young players at WP, he remains a big part of the Province plans. Also a big part of the WP plans is Nick Koster. The former schoolboy sensation has been making his way back into rugby through the WP under-21 side, but is now fast regaining his confidence and conditioning.
“I think Nick is ready to play Currie Cup rugby again and he will soon be in the selection mix,” said Coetzee.
The coach did not say whether Koster would be on the bench in Kimberley, but he does present Coetzee with an interesting dilemma over where to play him when he does make his reappearance at senior level. He is specialising again at No 8, but Vermeulen is probably unlucky not to be the Springbok No 8, so if Koster plays in the foreseeable future, it might have to be at flank.
And then he would have to challenge the hard-working Louw duo (no relation to each other), not to mention Schalk Burger when he returns for a possible play-off game and next year’s Super 15.
Western Province have reached a phase of the season that can be described as considerably tougher than what has gone before, so it will be considered excellent timing for them that three stalwarts are expected to return this weekend.
WP travel to Kimberley to play Griquas at a venue where the hosts are hard to beat and have been unbeaten so far this season at the start of a five match sequence that also includes a home match against the Bulls the following week, a trip to Durban to play the dangerous Sharks before going straight into the second round with matches against the Cheetahs (home) and Lions (away).
It is a five-week sequence that will make or break WP’s impressive challenge, so coach Allister Coetzee was understandably pleased after Monday’s training session that Francois Louw has joined fellow Springboks Gio Aplon and Juan de Jongh in the selection mix. And first choice scrumhalf is also back, as is loosehead prop Wicus Blaauw.
Back-up hooker Deon Fourie also returns after taking a blow to the head against the Leopards, while lock De Kock Steenkamp is making his way back after an absence forced by a knee ligament injury. The only setback for Province was the confirmation that JC Kritzinger, the back-up utility prop, will be out for two to four weeks with a hamstring injury.
“It’s really good to have all those guys back, particularly as Griquas have been tough opponents for us in Kimberley over the past two seasons,” said Coetzee.
“We lost to a last-minute penalty in 2008 and we again lost by one point last year, so we are eager not to make the same mistake again. We have a lot of respect for Griquas, who are strong in most areas and have been playing well this season. They also have a couple of former WP players that will add to their motivation to beat us.”
Coetzee said that the standard of coaching in the smaller unions had improved considerably over the years, with the Pumas, beaten 54-13 by WP last week in Cape Town, being an example of a team that you have to work hard against to score tries.
“The teams are preparing well, they are all doing a lot of analysis of their opponents, and each week you get hit with something you might not have expected. You have to work harder to score tries against teams like the Pumas than you might have had to in the past, so I was pleased with our seven tries against them last week.
“But Griquas are a step up, and Dawie Theron has done a great job over the past few seasons. They have stated their intention of ending the season unbeaten at home, so there is no question we will be underestimating them. This is a big game for us, Griquas are in a strong position on the log, just like we are.”
Coetzee said that he was looking forward to seeing how Louw, who returns to training on Tuesday after missing Monday’s practice with flu, will combine with namesake Pieter Louw and impressive No 8 Duane Vermeulen in Kimberley.
This means young Rynhardt Elstadt will miss out on the Griquas game after playing in the previous four games, but like the other young players at WP, he remains a big part of the Province plans. Also a big part of the WP plans is Nick Koster. The former schoolboy sensation has been making his way back into rugby through the WP under-21 side, but is now fast regaining his confidence and conditioning.
“I think Nick is ready to play Currie Cup rugby again and he will soon be in the selection mix,” said Coetzee.
The coach did not say whether Koster would be on the bench in Kimberley, but he does present Coetzee with an interesting dilemma over where to play him when he does make his reappearance at senior level. He is specialising again at No 8, but Vermeulen is probably unlucky not to be the Springbok No 8, so if Koster plays in the foreseeable future, it might have to be at flank.
And then he would have to challenge the hard-working Louw duo (no relation to each other), not to mention Schalk Burger when he returns for a possible play-off game and next year’s Super 15.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
McCaw admits operating outside laws
by Hendrik Cronjé 28/07/2010, 23:40
Richie McCaw admitted on Wednesday that he had operated outside the laws of the game against the Springboks on several occasions, but said that it’s all part of rugby.
The All Black captain was penalised five times against the Springboks in Wellington according to website ruggastats.com. This infuriated coach Peter de Villiers and a number of his senior players.
Irishman Alain Rolland was the referee who failed to punish McCaw with a yellow card for his transgressions at the breakdown and will again be the referee when the Boks play the Wallabies at Loftus Versfeld on August 28.
“I made a few mistakes. I think the important thing is to know what you will get away with. But I undoubtedly made mistakes,” said McCaw.
He says he will continue playing his way as long as it does not place pressure on the team.
McCaw also admitted prior to Saturday’s Tri-Nations test against the Wallabies in Melbourne that he was fortunate not to concede more penalties in Wellington.
He said he would be wary of South African referee Craig Joubert in the weekend’s match against Australia.
McCaw and his counterpart from the Wallabies, David Pocock, nevertheless showed that there is still place for fetching flanks in the mould of Heinrich Brüssow in test rugby irrespective of law changes.
Brüssow looks set to be available to join the Boks on their end-of-season tour to Europe.
McCaw also noted that Pocock had frustrated the Boks a lot at the breakdowns.
“He had a big impact there. The Springboks were also not as accurate as they would have liked to be,” said McCaw.
Pocock was penalised three times according to ruggastats.com.
Richie McCaw admitted on Wednesday that he had operated outside the laws of the game against the Springboks on several occasions, but said that it’s all part of rugby.
The All Black captain was penalised five times against the Springboks in Wellington according to website ruggastats.com. This infuriated coach Peter de Villiers and a number of his senior players.
Irishman Alain Rolland was the referee who failed to punish McCaw with a yellow card for his transgressions at the breakdown and will again be the referee when the Boks play the Wallabies at Loftus Versfeld on August 28.
“I made a few mistakes. I think the important thing is to know what you will get away with. But I undoubtedly made mistakes,” said McCaw.
He says he will continue playing his way as long as it does not place pressure on the team.
McCaw also admitted prior to Saturday’s Tri-Nations test against the Wallabies in Melbourne that he was fortunate not to concede more penalties in Wellington.
He said he would be wary of South African referee Craig Joubert in the weekend’s match against Australia.
McCaw and his counterpart from the Wallabies, David Pocock, nevertheless showed that there is still place for fetching flanks in the mould of Heinrich Brüssow in test rugby irrespective of law changes.
Brüssow looks set to be available to join the Boks on their end-of-season tour to Europe.
McCaw also noted that Pocock had frustrated the Boks a lot at the breakdowns.
“He had a big impact there. The Springboks were also not as accurate as they would have liked to be,” said McCaw.
Pocock was penalised three times according to ruggastats.com.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Show your class, Jakey
MARK KEOHANE writes Jake White’s application for the Springbok job through the media on Sunday was ill-timed and unfortunate.
Come on, Jakey.
You have more class than putting the knife in when a guy is on one knee. I know you feel you were wronged in 2007 and that it hurts like hell that Peter de Villiers took your champion team and won the Lions series and 2009 Tri Nations. As I said back then you should have taken it as a compliment that he invested so much in those players who won you the 2007 World Cup.
Most, but those collared colourful characters at Saru, believed you should have been involved with the Boks post 2007. No one should ever doubt your coaching pedigree because you have the ultimate prize as a coach.
But you have been where De Villiers is now, and you would have been seriously annoyed had your predecessor told the media after the 2006 49-0 defeat in Brisbane, that he wants to apply for the Bok job again. I know you had the advantage that ‘Big Ears’ was your predecessor and his record was woeful in comparison to P Divvy’s, but you Jake have more class as a human being than what was displayed in the Sunday media.
It was equally disappointing to read the threat again that if they don’t appoint you then you will have to look overseas. Again this does you and your coaching CV no justice. You are better than that and at a time like this there is no one more qualified than you to sit with the Boks’ colourful coach.
You once said there is no coaching handbook when the wheels come off on an overseas Tri-Nations trip. You said only those who had experienced such a horror ride and survived were qualified to give insight to the next guy. You therefore are that guy and, in the interests of Springbok and SA rugby, the article should have been: ‘Peter … I am a phone call away if you want to chat’.
If De Villiers and South African rugby’s bosses then ignore your offer for help, even if that help is the offer of a telephone conversation with De Villiers, then you have done your bit and showed your class.
But to put your name in the hat for a job that may not even be available after 2011 was crass and an act of desperation when the last thing you should be, given your rugby success, is desperate.
De Villiers will go to the World Cup, whether we like it or not. He was appointed for two additional years following the success of last year’s Lions series and Tri Nations. It would cost Saru too much to get rid of him now, and De Villiers is not the only reason the Boks were shocking on tour. John Smit and his senior players are equally culpable and assistant coaches Gary Gold and Dick Muir can’t escape the firing line if the guns are to be used.
De Villiers, clearly exposed (as were Gold and Muir) on this tour, needs every bit of guidance, input and support he can get. If we are all committed to South Africa’s success, this year and at the World Cup, then all egos have to be locked away and all the help has to be offered, and accepted.
MARK KEOHANE writes Jake White’s application for the Springbok job through the media on Sunday was ill-timed and unfortunate.
Come on, Jakey.
You have more class than putting the knife in when a guy is on one knee. I know you feel you were wronged in 2007 and that it hurts like hell that Peter de Villiers took your champion team and won the Lions series and 2009 Tri Nations. As I said back then you should have taken it as a compliment that he invested so much in those players who won you the 2007 World Cup.
Most, but those collared colourful characters at Saru, believed you should have been involved with the Boks post 2007. No one should ever doubt your coaching pedigree because you have the ultimate prize as a coach.
But you have been where De Villiers is now, and you would have been seriously annoyed had your predecessor told the media after the 2006 49-0 defeat in Brisbane, that he wants to apply for the Bok job again. I know you had the advantage that ‘Big Ears’ was your predecessor and his record was woeful in comparison to P Divvy’s, but you Jake have more class as a human being than what was displayed in the Sunday media.
It was equally disappointing to read the threat again that if they don’t appoint you then you will have to look overseas. Again this does you and your coaching CV no justice. You are better than that and at a time like this there is no one more qualified than you to sit with the Boks’ colourful coach.
You once said there is no coaching handbook when the wheels come off on an overseas Tri-Nations trip. You said only those who had experienced such a horror ride and survived were qualified to give insight to the next guy. You therefore are that guy and, in the interests of Springbok and SA rugby, the article should have been: ‘Peter … I am a phone call away if you want to chat’.
If De Villiers and South African rugby’s bosses then ignore your offer for help, even if that help is the offer of a telephone conversation with De Villiers, then you have done your bit and showed your class.
But to put your name in the hat for a job that may not even be available after 2011 was crass and an act of desperation when the last thing you should be, given your rugby success, is desperate.
De Villiers will go to the World Cup, whether we like it or not. He was appointed for two additional years following the success of last year’s Lions series and Tri Nations. It would cost Saru too much to get rid of him now, and De Villiers is not the only reason the Boks were shocking on tour. John Smit and his senior players are equally culpable and assistant coaches Gary Gold and Dick Muir can’t escape the firing line if the guns are to be used.
De Villiers, clearly exposed (as were Gold and Muir) on this tour, needs every bit of guidance, input and support he can get. If we are all committed to South Africa’s success, this year and at the World Cup, then all egos have to be locked away and all the help has to be offered, and accepted.
Jake White could play a part in the World Cup preparations, even if it was advisory, but all he did on Sunday was further alienate himself.
De Villiers needs help and his employers have an obligation to give him this help, even if the coach doesn’t believe it necessary. He has to make difficult decisions and he needs an experienced soundboard before making those selection calls.
Those champion players who conquered the world in Paris in 2007 did not show their class in Australasia. And sadly on Sunday neither did their champion coach.
Show your class Jakey and give P Divvy a call. Extend a hand; don’t beg for a handout. You are better than that.
Come on, Jakey.
You have more class than putting the knife in when a guy is on one knee. I know you feel you were wronged in 2007 and that it hurts like hell that Peter de Villiers took your champion team and won the Lions series and 2009 Tri Nations. As I said back then you should have taken it as a compliment that he invested so much in those players who won you the 2007 World Cup.
Most, but those collared colourful characters at Saru, believed you should have been involved with the Boks post 2007. No one should ever doubt your coaching pedigree because you have the ultimate prize as a coach.
But you have been where De Villiers is now, and you would have been seriously annoyed had your predecessor told the media after the 2006 49-0 defeat in Brisbane, that he wants to apply for the Bok job again. I know you had the advantage that ‘Big Ears’ was your predecessor and his record was woeful in comparison to P Divvy’s, but you Jake have more class as a human being than what was displayed in the Sunday media.
It was equally disappointing to read the threat again that if they don’t appoint you then you will have to look overseas. Again this does you and your coaching CV no justice. You are better than that and at a time like this there is no one more qualified than you to sit with the Boks’ colourful coach.
You once said there is no coaching handbook when the wheels come off on an overseas Tri-Nations trip. You said only those who had experienced such a horror ride and survived were qualified to give insight to the next guy. You therefore are that guy and, in the interests of Springbok and SA rugby, the article should have been: ‘Peter … I am a phone call away if you want to chat’.
If De Villiers and South African rugby’s bosses then ignore your offer for help, even if that help is the offer of a telephone conversation with De Villiers, then you have done your bit and showed your class.
But to put your name in the hat for a job that may not even be available after 2011 was crass and an act of desperation when the last thing you should be, given your rugby success, is desperate.
De Villiers will go to the World Cup, whether we like it or not. He was appointed for two additional years following the success of last year’s Lions series and Tri Nations. It would cost Saru too much to get rid of him now, and De Villiers is not the only reason the Boks were shocking on tour. John Smit and his senior players are equally culpable and assistant coaches Gary Gold and Dick Muir can’t escape the firing line if the guns are to be used.
De Villiers, clearly exposed (as were Gold and Muir) on this tour, needs every bit of guidance, input and support he can get. If we are all committed to South Africa’s success, this year and at the World Cup, then all egos have to be locked away and all the help has to be offered, and accepted.
MARK KEOHANE writes Jake White’s application for the Springbok job through the media on Sunday was ill-timed and unfortunate.
Come on, Jakey.
You have more class than putting the knife in when a guy is on one knee. I know you feel you were wronged in 2007 and that it hurts like hell that Peter de Villiers took your champion team and won the Lions series and 2009 Tri Nations. As I said back then you should have taken it as a compliment that he invested so much in those players who won you the 2007 World Cup.
Most, but those collared colourful characters at Saru, believed you should have been involved with the Boks post 2007. No one should ever doubt your coaching pedigree because you have the ultimate prize as a coach.
But you have been where De Villiers is now, and you would have been seriously annoyed had your predecessor told the media after the 2006 49-0 defeat in Brisbane, that he wants to apply for the Bok job again. I know you had the advantage that ‘Big Ears’ was your predecessor and his record was woeful in comparison to P Divvy’s, but you Jake have more class as a human being than what was displayed in the Sunday media.
It was equally disappointing to read the threat again that if they don’t appoint you then you will have to look overseas. Again this does you and your coaching CV no justice. You are better than that and at a time like this there is no one more qualified than you to sit with the Boks’ colourful coach.
You once said there is no coaching handbook when the wheels come off on an overseas Tri-Nations trip. You said only those who had experienced such a horror ride and survived were qualified to give insight to the next guy. You therefore are that guy and, in the interests of Springbok and SA rugby, the article should have been: ‘Peter … I am a phone call away if you want to chat’.
If De Villiers and South African rugby’s bosses then ignore your offer for help, even if that help is the offer of a telephone conversation with De Villiers, then you have done your bit and showed your class.
But to put your name in the hat for a job that may not even be available after 2011 was crass and an act of desperation when the last thing you should be, given your rugby success, is desperate.
De Villiers will go to the World Cup, whether we like it or not. He was appointed for two additional years following the success of last year’s Lions series and Tri Nations. It would cost Saru too much to get rid of him now, and De Villiers is not the only reason the Boks were shocking on tour. John Smit and his senior players are equally culpable and assistant coaches Gary Gold and Dick Muir can’t escape the firing line if the guns are to be used.
De Villiers, clearly exposed (as were Gold and Muir) on this tour, needs every bit of guidance, input and support he can get. If we are all committed to South Africa’s success, this year and at the World Cup, then all egos have to be locked away and all the help has to be offered, and accepted.
Jake White could play a part in the World Cup preparations, even if it was advisory, but all he did on Sunday was further alienate himself.
De Villiers needs help and his employers have an obligation to give him this help, even if the coach doesn’t believe it necessary. He has to make difficult decisions and he needs an experienced soundboard before making those selection calls.
Those champion players who conquered the world in Paris in 2007 did not show their class in Australasia. And sadly on Sunday neither did their champion coach.
Show your class Jakey and give P Divvy a call. Extend a hand; don’t beg for a handout. You are better than that.
Monday, July 26, 2010
Daniel hat-trick helps Sharks to win (Wat sey Mr Roy...)
[www.supersport.co.za]
Keegan Daniel scored three tries to help the Sharks to a hard-fought 27-17 win (half-time 10-17) over the Pumas in their Absa Currie Cup match at Absa Stadium in Durban on Friday.
Eighthman Daniel was one of the few shining lights for the Sharks as it took the much-fancied hosts until the 55th minute before they took the lead for the first time in the match.
The home side’s cause was not helped by a plethora of handling errors and turnovers that stymied their attacking ambitions while the Pumas turned in a magnificent defensive effort.
Daniel received admirable support from his hooker Craig Burden who carried the ball well and at times looked like a human pinball as he bounced his way out of tackles.
The Pumas’ effort was led by lock Eduan van der Walt who turned in a huge performance as he carried the ball strongly while also grabbing his share of lineout ball.
However, it would be churlish to single out just one Pumas’ player as the visitors risked life and limb as they threw themselves into the collision points with something approaching reckless abandon.
Daniel is in a rich vein of form and his hat-trick came on the back of the two tries he scored against the Bulls in the Sharks’ previous match.
The match had been evenly poised at 17-17 before Pumas’ replacement loose forward Jaco Bouwer earned himself a yellow card for killing the ball five metres from his own tryline.
The Sharks were quick to take advantage and Daniel scored his second try of the evening when he went over from the resulting lineout.
Bouwer’s return to the field was short lived and, with less than 10 minutes left in the contest, he earned himself his second yellow card, and thus a red, when he prevented the Sharks from taking a quick tap penalty.
With three minutes left in the match Daniel clinched his hat-trick, and his team’s bonus point for four tries, when he took a scoring pass from replacement lock Ross Skeate to wrap up the evening’s scoring.
The Pumas had been the first team to strike, in the 18th minute, when a quick tap penalty saw eighthman Christo Le Roux set off from just inside his own half.
The powerfully built loose forward shrugged off two tackles before scoring a wonderful individual try.
Try as they might the hosts were unable to breach their opponents defence but the last 10 minutes of the first half saw the match burst into life.
The Sharks, who had already turned down three kickable penalty attempts, finally achieved some success when Daniel was mauled over the Pumas’ tryline after the home side had kicked to the corner and won the resulting lineout ball to draw the scores level.
Two minutes later Pumas’ flyhalf Ricardo Croy nailed a long-range drop goal before Sharks’ inside centre Pat Lambie succeeded with his only penalty of the evening.
But the visitors were growing in confidence and, in the dying seconds of the half, loosehead prop Ronnie Uys barrelled his way over for a converted try as the underdogs went to the break holding a 17-10 lead.
The Sharks began the second half with far more intent and it took them less than five minutes to level the scores thanks to a converted try from Charl McLeod with the scrumhalf going over after yet another break from Burden.
Scorers
The Sharks - Tries: Keegan Daniel (3), Charl McLeod; Conversions: Patrick Lambie (2); Penalty: Lambie.
Pumas - Tries: Christo Le Roux, Ronnie Uys; Conversions: Ricardo Croy (2); Drop goal: Croy.
Keegan Daniel scored three tries to help the Sharks to a hard-fought 27-17 win (half-time 10-17) over the Pumas in their Absa Currie Cup match at Absa Stadium in Durban on Friday.
Eighthman Daniel was one of the few shining lights for the Sharks as it took the much-fancied hosts until the 55th minute before they took the lead for the first time in the match.
The home side’s cause was not helped by a plethora of handling errors and turnovers that stymied their attacking ambitions while the Pumas turned in a magnificent defensive effort.
Daniel received admirable support from his hooker Craig Burden who carried the ball well and at times looked like a human pinball as he bounced his way out of tackles.
The Pumas’ effort was led by lock Eduan van der Walt who turned in a huge performance as he carried the ball strongly while also grabbing his share of lineout ball.
However, it would be churlish to single out just one Pumas’ player as the visitors risked life and limb as they threw themselves into the collision points with something approaching reckless abandon.
Daniel is in a rich vein of form and his hat-trick came on the back of the two tries he scored against the Bulls in the Sharks’ previous match.
The match had been evenly poised at 17-17 before Pumas’ replacement loose forward Jaco Bouwer earned himself a yellow card for killing the ball five metres from his own tryline.
The Sharks were quick to take advantage and Daniel scored his second try of the evening when he went over from the resulting lineout.
Bouwer’s return to the field was short lived and, with less than 10 minutes left in the contest, he earned himself his second yellow card, and thus a red, when he prevented the Sharks from taking a quick tap penalty.
With three minutes left in the match Daniel clinched his hat-trick, and his team’s bonus point for four tries, when he took a scoring pass from replacement lock Ross Skeate to wrap up the evening’s scoring.
The Pumas had been the first team to strike, in the 18th minute, when a quick tap penalty saw eighthman Christo Le Roux set off from just inside his own half.
The powerfully built loose forward shrugged off two tackles before scoring a wonderful individual try.
Try as they might the hosts were unable to breach their opponents defence but the last 10 minutes of the first half saw the match burst into life.
The Sharks, who had already turned down three kickable penalty attempts, finally achieved some success when Daniel was mauled over the Pumas’ tryline after the home side had kicked to the corner and won the resulting lineout ball to draw the scores level.
Two minutes later Pumas’ flyhalf Ricardo Croy nailed a long-range drop goal before Sharks’ inside centre Pat Lambie succeeded with his only penalty of the evening.
But the visitors were growing in confidence and, in the dying seconds of the half, loosehead prop Ronnie Uys barrelled his way over for a converted try as the underdogs went to the break holding a 17-10 lead.
The Sharks began the second half with far more intent and it took them less than five minutes to level the scores thanks to a converted try from Charl McLeod with the scrumhalf going over after yet another break from Burden.
Scorers
The Sharks - Tries: Keegan Daniel (3), Charl McLeod; Conversions: Patrick Lambie (2); Penalty: Lambie.
Pumas - Tries: Christo Le Roux, Ronnie Uys; Conversions: Ricardo Croy (2); Drop goal: Croy.
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Boks woes continue......
Jaque Fourie has been suspended for four weeks for a dangerous tackle on Richard Brown.
The Springbok centre will miss two Currie Cup matches and the third Tri-Nations Test against the All Blacks at the National Stadium (formerly Soccer City) on August 21.
Fourie is the third Springbok in as many weeks to be suspended for foul play, and it is his second suspension in succession for a dangerous tackle after copping the same ban in 2009 for spear tackling Ma’a Nonu.
Meanwhile, Australia flyhalf Quade Cooper has been forced to sit out for two weeks, also for a dangerous tackle on Morne Steyn. He misses Saturday’s Test against the All Blacks as well as the one in Christchurch in a fortnight.
[www.keo.co.za]
The Springbok centre will miss two Currie Cup matches and the third Tri-Nations Test against the All Blacks at the National Stadium (formerly Soccer City) on August 21.
Fourie is the third Springbok in as many weeks to be suspended for foul play, and it is his second suspension in succession for a dangerous tackle after copping the same ban in 2009 for spear tackling Ma’a Nonu.
Meanwhile, Australia flyhalf Quade Cooper has been forced to sit out for two weeks, also for a dangerous tackle on Morne Steyn. He misses Saturday’s Test against the All Blacks as well as the one in Christchurch in a fortnight.
[www.keo.co.za]
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Good friends reunited as halfback pairing
Ruan Pienaar and Morné Steyn will finally play together again as the Springboks’ halfback pairing in what probably feels like an eternity to two very good friends.
The two were last halfback partners in 2005 when they played together for the South Africa under-21 side that won the Junior World Championship in Argentina.
And who was the coach back then? None other than Peter de Villiers.
Just why the coach waited for five years to re-unite the pair is a mystery, but it probably has something to do with their contrasting fortunes as flyhalves.
But every fairytale has a happy ending and for these two friends, who already played together as boys in Bloemfontein, their backyard Tests growing up in Fichardt Park will become a reality in Saturday’s Tri-Nations clash against the Wallabies at the Suncorp Stadium.
Pienaar will be in the No 9 jersey and Steyn at No 10.
Pienaar’s inclusion was inevitable and belated.
The man who was labelled the Tiger Woods of rugby by De Villiers has been playing his best rugby in years because he has been allowed to play in his favoured scrumhalf position.
He was the substitute in this position in a number of Tests this year, but had to kick his heels behind Ricky Januarie.
“I just want to concentrate on doing the basic things right. That includes getting the line away quickly, taking some pressure off Morné when necessary, and now and again look for the gap,” a satisfied Pienaar said before his 43rd Test. Only 16 of those Tests were at scrumhalf.
Pienaar is looking forward to being re-united with Steyn. “We have not played together for a while, so I’m looking forward to it. It feels good to be able to play with him,” he said.
Pienaar is determined not to put too much pressure on himself.
“I just want to enjoy it. I have nothing to prove, so just want to run out and play. Hopefully all goes well,” he said.
Pienaar realises that his tactical kicking may be vital.
“With Morné and Fourie du Preez, the Boks were very accurate in putting other teams under pressure last year. Hopefully I can help with that. I want to put in additional work this week to make sure that my kicks are accurate,” said Pienaar.
He expects a fast game, but believes it’s important for the Springboks to determine the tempo.
“We will stick to what worked for us in the past, but will try to retain possession for longer. We had New Zealand under heavy pressure at times in the second half by keeping the ball.”
Pienaar is looking forward to the duel between the halfbacks.
“I thought (Will) Genia and (Quade) Copper were the best halfback pairing in the Super 14 and caused problems for many teams. Morné and I have a tough task ahead, but we’ll have to put pressure on them if we want to stand a chance.”
[article taken from www.supersport.com]
The two were last halfback partners in 2005 when they played together for the South Africa under-21 side that won the Junior World Championship in Argentina.
And who was the coach back then? None other than Peter de Villiers.
Just why the coach waited for five years to re-unite the pair is a mystery, but it probably has something to do with their contrasting fortunes as flyhalves.
But every fairytale has a happy ending and for these two friends, who already played together as boys in Bloemfontein, their backyard Tests growing up in Fichardt Park will become a reality in Saturday’s Tri-Nations clash against the Wallabies at the Suncorp Stadium.
Pienaar will be in the No 9 jersey and Steyn at No 10.
Pienaar’s inclusion was inevitable and belated.
The man who was labelled the Tiger Woods of rugby by De Villiers has been playing his best rugby in years because he has been allowed to play in his favoured scrumhalf position.
He was the substitute in this position in a number of Tests this year, but had to kick his heels behind Ricky Januarie.
“I just want to concentrate on doing the basic things right. That includes getting the line away quickly, taking some pressure off Morné when necessary, and now and again look for the gap,” a satisfied Pienaar said before his 43rd Test. Only 16 of those Tests were at scrumhalf.
Pienaar is looking forward to being re-united with Steyn. “We have not played together for a while, so I’m looking forward to it. It feels good to be able to play with him,” he said.
Pienaar is determined not to put too much pressure on himself.
“I just want to enjoy it. I have nothing to prove, so just want to run out and play. Hopefully all goes well,” he said.
Pienaar realises that his tactical kicking may be vital.
“With Morné and Fourie du Preez, the Boks were very accurate in putting other teams under pressure last year. Hopefully I can help with that. I want to put in additional work this week to make sure that my kicks are accurate,” said Pienaar.
He expects a fast game, but believes it’s important for the Springboks to determine the tempo.
“We will stick to what worked for us in the past, but will try to retain possession for longer. We had New Zealand under heavy pressure at times in the second half by keeping the ball.”
Pienaar is looking forward to the duel between the halfbacks.
“I thought (Will) Genia and (Quade) Copper were the best halfback pairing in the Super 14 and caused problems for many teams. Morné and I have a tough task ahead, but we’ll have to put pressure on them if we want to stand a chance.”
[article taken from www.supersport.com]
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
'Geech' backs England's WC chances
British and Irish Lions legend Ian McGeechan has praised England after their memorable win over Australia in June, and believes that Martin Johnson's side could be surprise contenders for the World Cup next year.
Bath's new performance director hailed England's 21-20 triumph over a southern hemisphere power as a "major step forward" and said he thought that they were best placed of all the Northern Hemisphere contingent to mount a serious challenge for the William Webb Ellis trophy in a year's time.
"England, of all the sides at the moment, have probably got the best mix of established, experienced players and enthusiastic, quality younger players," McGeechan told the Daily Telegraph.
"If that continues to evolve over the next 12 months then they will probably be in pretty good shape for the World Cup.
'Geech', who selected Johnson to captain the Lions' triumphant tour of South Africa in 1997, said that the England manager knows what it took to win on the big stage and hoped that England would kick on from the Wallaby triumph.
"Johnno knows what he wants and he knows what it takes to create a winning environment.
"The key is for him to see that what they achieved in that last Test against Australia is just a staging point rather than the finishing line.
"England need to say, 'Right, that is what we have to hold on to now. Where do we want to go next?' "
England's resurgence has come on the back of the introduction of young and exciting new players such as Ben Youngs, Courtney Lawes and Chris Ashton, and McGeechan believes the emergence of 20 year-old Youngs, in particular, has had a massive influence in the side's turnaround.
"Sometimes making just one change affects the way others play and I think Johnson's decision to play Ben Youngs was critical for England," McGeechan said.
"The way Youngs played had an impact on what happened around him and that drew slightly different games out of other players. He has really impressed me and if the Lions tour was this year I probably would have brought him.
"Youngs is one of a number of younger players that have come through and got the experience of winning in the southern hemisphere, while England Saxons also did well in the Churchill Cup.
"When a World Cup comes around, you just have to be there or thereabout as a team, with the right players fit, and then you get momentum in a tournament.
"England definitely suffered last November with injuries. But most of those players are fit again now and that gives Johnno a core group to develop, while I think Lewis Moody has also done well as captain. They look in good shape."
[Article taken from Rugby365]
Bath's new performance director hailed England's 21-20 triumph over a southern hemisphere power as a "major step forward" and said he thought that they were best placed of all the Northern Hemisphere contingent to mount a serious challenge for the William Webb Ellis trophy in a year's time.
"England, of all the sides at the moment, have probably got the best mix of established, experienced players and enthusiastic, quality younger players," McGeechan told the Daily Telegraph.
"If that continues to evolve over the next 12 months then they will probably be in pretty good shape for the World Cup.
'Geech', who selected Johnson to captain the Lions' triumphant tour of South Africa in 1997, said that the England manager knows what it took to win on the big stage and hoped that England would kick on from the Wallaby triumph.
"Johnno knows what he wants and he knows what it takes to create a winning environment.
"The key is for him to see that what they achieved in that last Test against Australia is just a staging point rather than the finishing line.
"England need to say, 'Right, that is what we have to hold on to now. Where do we want to go next?' "
England's resurgence has come on the back of the introduction of young and exciting new players such as Ben Youngs, Courtney Lawes and Chris Ashton, and McGeechan believes the emergence of 20 year-old Youngs, in particular, has had a massive influence in the side's turnaround.
"Sometimes making just one change affects the way others play and I think Johnson's decision to play Ben Youngs was critical for England," McGeechan said.
"The way Youngs played had an impact on what happened around him and that drew slightly different games out of other players. He has really impressed me and if the Lions tour was this year I probably would have brought him.
"Youngs is one of a number of younger players that have come through and got the experience of winning in the southern hemisphere, while England Saxons also did well in the Churchill Cup.
"When a World Cup comes around, you just have to be there or thereabout as a team, with the right players fit, and then you get momentum in a tournament.
"England definitely suffered last November with injuries. But most of those players are fit again now and that gives Johnno a core group to develop, while I think Lewis Moody has also done well as captain. They look in good shape."
[Article taken from Rugby365]
Aussies announce team to face Boks.......
Benn Robinson is back in the Wallabies front row and will look to extend his dominance over the Springboks this Saturday.
The Australian loosehead tormented John Smit when the Bok skipper played No 3, and there’s little doubt that Smit’s move back to hooker will help the Bok scrum. BJ Botha has been selected at tighthead for this clash and, along with Smit and Gurthro Steenkamp, will pack down against Robinson, Saia Faingaa and Salesi Ma’afu.
Wallabies coach Robbie Deans has included Stephen Moore on the bench in this his comeback match from a broken jaw. Veteran Nathan Sharpe also returns in the second row.
Quade Cooper and Rob Horne will start their first Tri-Nations Test in Brisbane, while scrumhalf Will Genia is back from a hand fracture. Adam Ashley-Cooper is picked at fullback with James O’Connor preferred on the wing.
Wallabies -15 Adam Ashley Cooper, 14 James O’Connor, 13 Rob Horne, 12 Matt Giteau, 11 Drew Mitchell, 10 Quade Cooper, 9 Will Genia, 8 Richard Brown, 7 David Pocock, 6 Rocky Elsom (c), 5 Nathan Sharpe, 4 Dean Mumm, 3 Salesi Ma’afu, 2 Saia Fainga, 1 Benn Robinson.
Sub: 16 Stephen Moore, 17 James Slipper, 18 Rob Simmons, 19 Matt Hodgson, 20 Luke Burgess, 21 Berrick Barnes, 22 Kurtley Beale.
The Australian loosehead tormented John Smit when the Bok skipper played No 3, and there’s little doubt that Smit’s move back to hooker will help the Bok scrum. BJ Botha has been selected at tighthead for this clash and, along with Smit and Gurthro Steenkamp, will pack down against Robinson, Saia Faingaa and Salesi Ma’afu.
Wallabies coach Robbie Deans has included Stephen Moore on the bench in this his comeback match from a broken jaw. Veteran Nathan Sharpe also returns in the second row.
Quade Cooper and Rob Horne will start their first Tri-Nations Test in Brisbane, while scrumhalf Will Genia is back from a hand fracture. Adam Ashley-Cooper is picked at fullback with James O’Connor preferred on the wing.
Wallabies -15 Adam Ashley Cooper, 14 James O’Connor, 13 Rob Horne, 12 Matt Giteau, 11 Drew Mitchell, 10 Quade Cooper, 9 Will Genia, 8 Richard Brown, 7 David Pocock, 6 Rocky Elsom (c), 5 Nathan Sharpe, 4 Dean Mumm, 3 Salesi Ma’afu, 2 Saia Fainga, 1 Benn Robinson.
Sub: 16 Stephen Moore, 17 James Slipper, 18 Rob Simmons, 19 Matt Hodgson, 20 Luke Burgess, 21 Berrick Barnes, 22 Kurtley Beale.
Monday, July 19, 2010
Kanko set to start (Bok Team Announced)
Ryan Kankowski will start in a Springbok team showing four changes to play Australia in Brisbane.
Francois Louw is axed from the 22, with Kankowski starting on the blindside in a loose trio filled with ball carriers, but the balance thereof will be questioned as they come up against renowned fetcher David Pocock. Another player who has started all the Boks’ Tests this year, Ricky Januarie, has finally been dropped and won’t feature in the squad.
Ruan Pienaar starts his first Test at scrumhalf since 2007, while Francois Hougaard will cover No 9 from the bench. Gio Aplon replaces the injured and suspended Jean de Villiers on the right wing in the only enforced change to the backs.
Along with the loose forward switch, CJ van der Linde has also been axed, with BJ Botha starting at tightead. Van der Linde limped off at half-time in Wellington, while Botha’s last start was against Wales in the opening international of the year.
Flip van der Merwe is introduced to the bench due to Andries Bekker’s serious back injury, while Dewald Potgieter is also elevated. Juan de Jongh will also get his first chance of the tour in the No 22 jersey.
Coach Peter de Villiers said the changes, nine in total, were made in light of the expected slick surface at Suncorp Stadium.
‘Statistics show that Suncorp has the fastest playing surface in the Vodacom Super 14 and we have to be prepared for a faster game,’ he said.
‘We have two tough games behind us, but if we stick to our structures and use our opportunities I believe this team is capable of getting a result.’
Springboks – 15 Zane Kirchner, 14 Gio Aplon, 13 Jaque Fourie, 12 Wynand Olivier, 11 Bryan Habana, 10 Morne Steyn, 9 Ruan Pienaar, 8 Pierre Spies, 7 Ryan Kankowski, 6 Schalk Burger, 5 Victor Matfield, 4 Danie Rossouw, 3 BJ Botha, 2 John Smit (c), 1 Gurthro Steenkamp.
Subs: 16 Chiliboy Ralepelle, 17 CJ van der Linde, 18 Flip van der Merwe, 19 Dewald Potgieter, 20 Francois Hougaard, 21 Butch James, 22 Juan de Jongh.
Francois Louw is axed from the 22, with Kankowski starting on the blindside in a loose trio filled with ball carriers, but the balance thereof will be questioned as they come up against renowned fetcher David Pocock. Another player who has started all the Boks’ Tests this year, Ricky Januarie, has finally been dropped and won’t feature in the squad.
Ruan Pienaar starts his first Test at scrumhalf since 2007, while Francois Hougaard will cover No 9 from the bench. Gio Aplon replaces the injured and suspended Jean de Villiers on the right wing in the only enforced change to the backs.
Along with the loose forward switch, CJ van der Linde has also been axed, with BJ Botha starting at tightead. Van der Linde limped off at half-time in Wellington, while Botha’s last start was against Wales in the opening international of the year.
Flip van der Merwe is introduced to the bench due to Andries Bekker’s serious back injury, while Dewald Potgieter is also elevated. Juan de Jongh will also get his first chance of the tour in the No 22 jersey.
Coach Peter de Villiers said the changes, nine in total, were made in light of the expected slick surface at Suncorp Stadium.
‘Statistics show that Suncorp has the fastest playing surface in the Vodacom Super 14 and we have to be prepared for a faster game,’ he said.
‘We have two tough games behind us, but if we stick to our structures and use our opportunities I believe this team is capable of getting a result.’
Springboks – 15 Zane Kirchner, 14 Gio Aplon, 13 Jaque Fourie, 12 Wynand Olivier, 11 Bryan Habana, 10 Morne Steyn, 9 Ruan Pienaar, 8 Pierre Spies, 7 Ryan Kankowski, 6 Schalk Burger, 5 Victor Matfield, 4 Danie Rossouw, 3 BJ Botha, 2 John Smit (c), 1 Gurthro Steenkamp.
Subs: 16 Chiliboy Ralepelle, 17 CJ van der Linde, 18 Flip van der Merwe, 19 Dewald Potgieter, 20 Francois Hougaard, 21 Butch James, 22 Juan de Jongh.
Friday, July 16, 2010
School boy rugby update: SA U18 beat France
Craig Barry scored a brace in the SA U18 side’s convincing 25-5 victory over France U18 in East London.
The South African schoolboys made good use of the wind in the first half with Johan Goosen slotting five penalties. But it was in the second half where they scored two free-flowing tries to add to the 15-0 half-time score.
Barry rounded off both moves and the poor French defence wasn’t helped by a series of changes in the second stanza.
The SA U18s will now face Namibia on 20 July before tackling England on 23 July.
The South African schoolboys made good use of the wind in the first half with Johan Goosen slotting five penalties. But it was in the second half where they scored two free-flowing tries to add to the 15-0 half-time score.
Barry rounded off both moves and the poor French defence wasn’t helped by a series of changes in the second stanza.
The SA U18s will now face Namibia on 20 July before tackling England on 23 July.
Mark Keohane’s weekly rugby chat – July 15
Good to know the Kiwis still have it in them to occasionally give us a physical beating. They just better not make a habit of it and the comfort of this year’s Tri Nations is the Boks only had to wait a week to redress the embarrassment of being bullied in Auckland. The All Blacks were outstanding and they gave the Boks a touch up they won’t forget for some time. The one difference between he Boks and All Blacks that can’t be disputed is that they do give us the odd klap and we simply beat them. Last year was the most emphatic Bok dominance over the All Blacks, but even then the Boks could not hammer home the point by more than 10 points. In Auckland the 20 points was kind to the Boks and more complete and confident All Black teams would have hurt the Boks even more after leading 20-3 late in the first half. Unlike the Kiwis our boys don’t have to wait another year to fix the Auckland result and I have full confidence the team selected is good enough to win in Wellington, despite the Boks never having won at the WestPac Stadium in three Tests since 2002.
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Given Danie Rossouw’s form I don’t think the Boks lose much with Bakkies Botha out, and they certainly will gain from the more disciplined Rossouw, who has combined well with Victor Matfield at regional and national level. CJ van der Linde is an improvement on Jannie du Plessis and I would have dropped Ricky Januarie and Wynand Olivier and moved Jean de Villiers to inside centre. Unfortunately Olivier just doesn’t seem capable of transferring his outstanding Super Rugby form to the next level. Outside of direct physicality he offered nothing in Auckland and this must be his last chance. If he fails to impress in Wellington it could be that his future lies in the lucrative French club rugby scene. I believe P Divvy has missed a chance to start with Gio Aplon and to involve the exciting Stormers midfielder Juan de Jongh. The latter has a step and steppers trouble any defence. The All Blacks are also more dangerous with Rene Ranger getting his first Test start ahead of the injured Joe Rokocoko, whose isn’t the player of a few years back. Rokocoko has lost pace and doesn’t have the game breaking edge that made him the best finisher in the game between 2003 and 2006. Also good that Israel Dagg is in the match 22. He reminds me so much of Christian Cullen in the way he attacks and for any lover of rugby you want to see a player with that kind of pedigree playing in the biggest Tests.
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I called the All Blacks to win, but win ugly in Auckland. They didn’t only win, they delivered a beating and did it with a brutality that was also beautiful because of the precision in execution. And I have been consistent in saying the Boks will win in Wellington. I still believe this to be the case, although for the first time I am starting to wonder if the class of 2007 has not come full circle. When the Boks won the World Cup in 2007 I felt that squad would peak against the Lions in 2009. They surprised me with their domination of the Tri Nations a month later in winning five from six, but they have never reached those heights subsequently. They were bashed about in Toulouse and poor in Dublin at the end of last year. Yet they were at their worst in Auckland and if they do take a beating in Wellington then Peter de Villiers’s worst nightmare is about to be realized. All teams have a shelf life, and it usually doesn’t accommodate more than four years. John Smit’s World Champions are nearing the end, and while most hoped that end would include next year’s World Cup I am not so sure anymore. Smit, in particular, has to raise his game in Wellington and lead from the front. His performance in Auckland was his worst in a Bok jersey. If Smit can lift his performance it will be contagious and the Bok pack will fire. To beat the All Blacks in Wellington, winning the collisions are non negotiable. The Boks also have to back their outside backs with ball in hand. The recipe is simple enough. Cooking it up is another story. The Boks certainly have the historical capacity to win in New Zealand and I don’t think it is overstating the importance of the match that for many of the Boks this is a game that individually could determine whether or not they are back in New Zealand in 2011 to defend the World Cup.
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My call … Boks by 7 to 10
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Retired Bok winger Ashwin Willemse is an astute analyst and student of back play. It made for a change to hear an analyst disagree with Darren Scott’s emotional outpouring and rants, especially when it came to Jean de Villiers’s performance in Auckland. De Villiers was hardly as bad as was made out to be. He missed a straight tackle on Ma’a Nonu from five metres out, but I’ve seen De Villiers miss those kinds of tackles his entire career. It is the one area of his game that has never been his strongest, but his understanding of the Bok defensive system, especially the tackling in from outside (the Bok defence doesn’t drift, the wings come in on a rush defence, hoping it will force the attack back inside to confront the tackles of Schalk Burger and company) is better than any back in the squad. When dear old Darren proclaimed that De Villiers had become a liability Willemse put him in his place quickly by saying De Villiers could never be a liability to any side. What a revelation to hear a rugby analyst actually speaking his mind and talking with authority, and Willemse knows a couple of things about wing play.
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WP were decent in the Currie Cup win against Free State and the Sharks were bloody terrible in losing to Griquas. John Plumtree has just had his contract extended but more of these kind of results would render any contract meaningless. There is spice in this weekend’s fixtures, with the Bulls visiting Durban, while too much is being made of Western Province’s match against the Lions. Province will win and Lions coach John Mitchell will realize just what he is working with in Johannesburg.
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Congrats to Graeme for their eight wins in nine matches on tour in Australia and New Zealand. Schools rugby is on again this weekend. If you have nothing to do after the Boks win, get down to your nearest school and watch some first XV rugger. It is a great way to spend a Saturday late morning.
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To confirm again, SA Rugby Magazine is available in digital format and for those overseas readers the fantastic news is the cost of a subscription will be the equal to buying one in South Africa. So if you are a subscriber from overseas, you will be saving between R400 and R500 annually by going digital. You can contact Cindy at CindyE@hsm.co.za to subscribe or change your magazine subscription to digital format.
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In the world of Twitter if you don’t follow Will Carling start doing so. He is hilarious, has fantastic insight and his chirps are sure to make you chuckle. And while you are following him, follow my daily tweets on Twitter.com/Mark_Keohane and if you like a punt on the rugby, there’s no better place to go than Marshalls Sport, where they offer you the chance to win in the Tri Nations, the Currie Cup Premier Division and the Rugby World Cup. You can call them on 0860077678/SPORT or log on to www.worldofsport.co.za/index.aspx
If all you want to do is rant or have a question answered, then do so at Keo@hsm.co.za Surprisingly, there weren’t that many of you in rant mood after the Boks’ Auckland defeat. But I know if they stumble in Wellington my inbox will be loaded and the best of the rants or rave reviews will make it into next week’s banter.
Stay good and keep the faith. Boks to win.
Keo
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Given Danie Rossouw’s form I don’t think the Boks lose much with Bakkies Botha out, and they certainly will gain from the more disciplined Rossouw, who has combined well with Victor Matfield at regional and national level. CJ van der Linde is an improvement on Jannie du Plessis and I would have dropped Ricky Januarie and Wynand Olivier and moved Jean de Villiers to inside centre. Unfortunately Olivier just doesn’t seem capable of transferring his outstanding Super Rugby form to the next level. Outside of direct physicality he offered nothing in Auckland and this must be his last chance. If he fails to impress in Wellington it could be that his future lies in the lucrative French club rugby scene. I believe P Divvy has missed a chance to start with Gio Aplon and to involve the exciting Stormers midfielder Juan de Jongh. The latter has a step and steppers trouble any defence. The All Blacks are also more dangerous with Rene Ranger getting his first Test start ahead of the injured Joe Rokocoko, whose isn’t the player of a few years back. Rokocoko has lost pace and doesn’t have the game breaking edge that made him the best finisher in the game between 2003 and 2006. Also good that Israel Dagg is in the match 22. He reminds me so much of Christian Cullen in the way he attacks and for any lover of rugby you want to see a player with that kind of pedigree playing in the biggest Tests.
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I called the All Blacks to win, but win ugly in Auckland. They didn’t only win, they delivered a beating and did it with a brutality that was also beautiful because of the precision in execution. And I have been consistent in saying the Boks will win in Wellington. I still believe this to be the case, although for the first time I am starting to wonder if the class of 2007 has not come full circle. When the Boks won the World Cup in 2007 I felt that squad would peak against the Lions in 2009. They surprised me with their domination of the Tri Nations a month later in winning five from six, but they have never reached those heights subsequently. They were bashed about in Toulouse and poor in Dublin at the end of last year. Yet they were at their worst in Auckland and if they do take a beating in Wellington then Peter de Villiers’s worst nightmare is about to be realized. All teams have a shelf life, and it usually doesn’t accommodate more than four years. John Smit’s World Champions are nearing the end, and while most hoped that end would include next year’s World Cup I am not so sure anymore. Smit, in particular, has to raise his game in Wellington and lead from the front. His performance in Auckland was his worst in a Bok jersey. If Smit can lift his performance it will be contagious and the Bok pack will fire. To beat the All Blacks in Wellington, winning the collisions are non negotiable. The Boks also have to back their outside backs with ball in hand. The recipe is simple enough. Cooking it up is another story. The Boks certainly have the historical capacity to win in New Zealand and I don’t think it is overstating the importance of the match that for many of the Boks this is a game that individually could determine whether or not they are back in New Zealand in 2011 to defend the World Cup.
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My call … Boks by 7 to 10
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Retired Bok winger Ashwin Willemse is an astute analyst and student of back play. It made for a change to hear an analyst disagree with Darren Scott’s emotional outpouring and rants, especially when it came to Jean de Villiers’s performance in Auckland. De Villiers was hardly as bad as was made out to be. He missed a straight tackle on Ma’a Nonu from five metres out, but I’ve seen De Villiers miss those kinds of tackles his entire career. It is the one area of his game that has never been his strongest, but his understanding of the Bok defensive system, especially the tackling in from outside (the Bok defence doesn’t drift, the wings come in on a rush defence, hoping it will force the attack back inside to confront the tackles of Schalk Burger and company) is better than any back in the squad. When dear old Darren proclaimed that De Villiers had become a liability Willemse put him in his place quickly by saying De Villiers could never be a liability to any side. What a revelation to hear a rugby analyst actually speaking his mind and talking with authority, and Willemse knows a couple of things about wing play.
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WP were decent in the Currie Cup win against Free State and the Sharks were bloody terrible in losing to Griquas. John Plumtree has just had his contract extended but more of these kind of results would render any contract meaningless. There is spice in this weekend’s fixtures, with the Bulls visiting Durban, while too much is being made of Western Province’s match against the Lions. Province will win and Lions coach John Mitchell will realize just what he is working with in Johannesburg.
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Congrats to Graeme for their eight wins in nine matches on tour in Australia and New Zealand. Schools rugby is on again this weekend. If you have nothing to do after the Boks win, get down to your nearest school and watch some first XV rugger. It is a great way to spend a Saturday late morning.
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To confirm again, SA Rugby Magazine is available in digital format and for those overseas readers the fantastic news is the cost of a subscription will be the equal to buying one in South Africa. So if you are a subscriber from overseas, you will be saving between R400 and R500 annually by going digital. You can contact Cindy at CindyE@hsm.co.za to subscribe or change your magazine subscription to digital format.
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In the world of Twitter if you don’t follow Will Carling start doing so. He is hilarious, has fantastic insight and his chirps are sure to make you chuckle. And while you are following him, follow my daily tweets on Twitter.com/Mark_Keohane and if you like a punt on the rugby, there’s no better place to go than Marshalls Sport, where they offer you the chance to win in the Tri Nations, the Currie Cup Premier Division and the Rugby World Cup. You can call them on 0860077678/SPORT or log on to www.worldofsport.co.za/index.aspx
If all you want to do is rant or have a question answered, then do so at Keo@hsm.co.za Surprisingly, there weren’t that many of you in rant mood after the Boks’ Auckland defeat. But I know if they stumble in Wellington my inbox will be loaded and the best of the rants or rave reviews will make it into next week’s banter.
Stay good and keep the faith. Boks to win.
Keo
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Boks won’t boot kick-chase to touch
John Smit says it’s the execution of their kick-chase approach and not the game plan itself that is fundamentally flawed.
It seems the All Blacks coaching staff and media feel they have a pattern that is foolproof under the new breakdown law interpretations. This after one victory over the Springboks. What’s more, it appears that they view the Springboks’ kick-chase approach, which was central to their success in 2009 (and accounted for the Blacks thrice), as grossly outdated and seemingly feel the need to suggest that to their opponents at every given opportunity.
Certainly there were flaws in the system, not least of all the absence scrumhalf Fourie du Preez, who punted teams into oblivion last year, and his successor, Ricky Januarie’s inability to replicate that excellence. But the manner in which the Springboks are being berated, albeit often in a veiled manner, for their preferred style of play is unfair.
Smith scoffed at the suggestion that the Springboks are playing stone age rugby in a modern world.
‘We’ve had a reasonable amount of success with the new laws in the Super 14 and the tests played this year,’ Smit said. ‘Everyone’s interested about the brand of rugby we try to play. We try to play the brand that’s necessary and the players that are selected.
‘It’s one that we change depending on who we play, but it’s one that we didn’t execute very well last Saturday and hopefully we can do that better tomorrow.’
The Springboks displayed their versatility last year by running Australia ragged in Perth, and while some concerns linger about the potency of their kick-chase pattern without Du Preez in the mix, they maintain that they undermined their own cause with their kicking inaccuracy and the lack of purposefulness from the chasing line.
Smit stressed that there is a belief within the squad that they would rebound in Wellington, and cited their dramatic 30-28 victory in Dunedin in 2008 (after losing in Wellington the previous week) as a source of their motivation.
‘It’s the experiences from that turnaround week that the guys will hold onto,’ Smit said. ‘I didn’t make that trip to Dunedin, but watching that game after the result here [in Wellington] it was pretty satisfying.
‘I can only imagine that the guys on that trip would have had those memories of what can be done and what should be done if you apply yourself, so it’s that which the guys will pull themselves towards tomorrow.
‘When you’re away from home and the expectation is on the home side to win and you want to change that, you have to do what you’re really good at well for 80 minutes,’ he added.
‘When you do that you give yourself the chance for the ball to bounce the right way. It was a dramatic win in Dunedin, but it came from a phenomenal chip and chase. Sometimes that bounce doesn’t go your way in away games, so you’ve got to force the situation yourself through your own tactics and own belief.’
This entry was posted on Friday, July 16th, 2010 at 4:33 am and is filed under Springboks, Tri-Nations. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.
[keo]
It seems the All Blacks coaching staff and media feel they have a pattern that is foolproof under the new breakdown law interpretations. This after one victory over the Springboks. What’s more, it appears that they view the Springboks’ kick-chase approach, which was central to their success in 2009 (and accounted for the Blacks thrice), as grossly outdated and seemingly feel the need to suggest that to their opponents at every given opportunity.
Certainly there were flaws in the system, not least of all the absence scrumhalf Fourie du Preez, who punted teams into oblivion last year, and his successor, Ricky Januarie’s inability to replicate that excellence. But the manner in which the Springboks are being berated, albeit often in a veiled manner, for their preferred style of play is unfair.
Smith scoffed at the suggestion that the Springboks are playing stone age rugby in a modern world.
‘We’ve had a reasonable amount of success with the new laws in the Super 14 and the tests played this year,’ Smit said. ‘Everyone’s interested about the brand of rugby we try to play. We try to play the brand that’s necessary and the players that are selected.
‘It’s one that we change depending on who we play, but it’s one that we didn’t execute very well last Saturday and hopefully we can do that better tomorrow.’
The Springboks displayed their versatility last year by running Australia ragged in Perth, and while some concerns linger about the potency of their kick-chase pattern without Du Preez in the mix, they maintain that they undermined their own cause with their kicking inaccuracy and the lack of purposefulness from the chasing line.
Smit stressed that there is a belief within the squad that they would rebound in Wellington, and cited their dramatic 30-28 victory in Dunedin in 2008 (after losing in Wellington the previous week) as a source of their motivation.
‘It’s the experiences from that turnaround week that the guys will hold onto,’ Smit said. ‘I didn’t make that trip to Dunedin, but watching that game after the result here [in Wellington] it was pretty satisfying.
‘I can only imagine that the guys on that trip would have had those memories of what can be done and what should be done if you apply yourself, so it’s that which the guys will pull themselves towards tomorrow.
‘When you’re away from home and the expectation is on the home side to win and you want to change that, you have to do what you’re really good at well for 80 minutes,’ he added.
‘When you do that you give yourself the chance for the ball to bounce the right way. It was a dramatic win in Dunedin, but it came from a phenomenal chip and chase. Sometimes that bounce doesn’t go your way in away games, so you’ve got to force the situation yourself through your own tactics and own belief.’
This entry was posted on Friday, July 16th, 2010 at 4:33 am and is filed under Springboks, Tri-Nations. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.
[keo]
JPP is back for the Sharks
JP Pietersen returns to the Sharks starting team for their match against the Bulls at Kings Park.
Pietersen injured his knee against the Blues and missed the final three weeks of the Super 14 and the Boks’ June internationals. With Jean de Villiers currently playing out of position on the wing for the national side, some strong showings could see Pietersen return for the home-leg of the Tri-Nations.
Elsewhere, John Plumtree has named Pat Lambie at centre, while Louis Ludik shifts to fullback. Rory Kockott is dropped for scrumhalf Charl McLeod for Saturday’s match against the defending champions.
Sharks – 15 Louis Ludik, 14 JP Pietersen, 13 Stefan Terblanche (c), 12 Patrick Lambie, 11 Lwazi Mvovo, 10 Steve Meyer, 9 Charl McLeod, 8 Keegan Daniel, 7 Michael Rhodes, 6 Jacques Botes, 5 Alistair Hargreaves, 4 Steven Sykes, 3 Wiehahn Herbst, 2 Craig Burden, 1 Patric Cilliers.
Subs: 16 Kyle Cooper, 17 Eugene van Staden, 18 Ross Skeate, 19 Skholiwe Ndlovu, 20 Rory Kockott, 21 Monty Dumond, 22 Andries Strauss.
[keo]
Pietersen injured his knee against the Blues and missed the final three weeks of the Super 14 and the Boks’ June internationals. With Jean de Villiers currently playing out of position on the wing for the national side, some strong showings could see Pietersen return for the home-leg of the Tri-Nations.
Elsewhere, John Plumtree has named Pat Lambie at centre, while Louis Ludik shifts to fullback. Rory Kockott is dropped for scrumhalf Charl McLeod for Saturday’s match against the defending champions.
Sharks – 15 Louis Ludik, 14 JP Pietersen, 13 Stefan Terblanche (c), 12 Patrick Lambie, 11 Lwazi Mvovo, 10 Steve Meyer, 9 Charl McLeod, 8 Keegan Daniel, 7 Michael Rhodes, 6 Jacques Botes, 5 Alistair Hargreaves, 4 Steven Sykes, 3 Wiehahn Herbst, 2 Craig Burden, 1 Patric Cilliers.
Subs: 16 Kyle Cooper, 17 Eugene van Staden, 18 Ross Skeate, 19 Skholiwe Ndlovu, 20 Rory Kockott, 21 Monty Dumond, 22 Andries Strauss.
[keo]
SA U18 squad to play France named....
SA Schools centre William Small-Smith will captain the SA U18 team when they play France on Friday.
Small-Smith will be joined by Free State and Grey Bloem halfback team-mates Kevin Luiters and Johan Goosen. Paul Roos pair Craig Barry and Tshotsho Mbovane will play fullback and wing for the match in East London.
After not making SA Schools, Grey Bloem No 8 Niell Jordaan also joins the High Performance side, while Paul Roos prop Steven Kitshoff ensures the team is dominated by players from the two schools.
The match will be televised on SuperSport 2 at 13:25.
SA Under-18 HP team – Craig Barry, Tshotsho Mbovane, William Small-Smith, Andile Jho, Luqmaan Ismail, Johan Goosen, Kevin Luiters, Neill Jordaan, Sikumbuzo Notshe, Wian Liebenberg, Ruan Botha, Ruan Venter, Allan Dell, Justin van Wyk, Steven Kitshoff.
Subs: Charles Thomas, Gideon Muller, Jason Thomas, Pieter du Toit, Fabian Booysen, Rudi van Rooyen, Paul Jordaan, Patrick Howard.
Small-Smith will be joined by Free State and Grey Bloem halfback team-mates Kevin Luiters and Johan Goosen. Paul Roos pair Craig Barry and Tshotsho Mbovane will play fullback and wing for the match in East London.
After not making SA Schools, Grey Bloem No 8 Niell Jordaan also joins the High Performance side, while Paul Roos prop Steven Kitshoff ensures the team is dominated by players from the two schools.
The match will be televised on SuperSport 2 at 13:25.
SA Under-18 HP team – Craig Barry, Tshotsho Mbovane, William Small-Smith, Andile Jho, Luqmaan Ismail, Johan Goosen, Kevin Luiters, Neill Jordaan, Sikumbuzo Notshe, Wian Liebenberg, Ruan Botha, Ruan Venter, Allan Dell, Justin van Wyk, Steven Kitshoff.
Subs: Charles Thomas, Gideon Muller, Jason Thomas, Pieter du Toit, Fabian Booysen, Rudi van Rooyen, Paul Jordaan, Patrick Howard.
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