World Cup-winning coach Jake White would pick Earl Rose in the Springbok squad for the British and Irish Lions series.
White told Keo.co.za Rose had the skills of Australian utility back Matt Giteau and that an emphasis should be placed on adding a few kilograms to his sleight frame. White said Bok coach Peter de Villiers was right to take Rose on tour last year and that the next step would be continued exposure against the Lions.
‘Earl has his detractors, but I think he is a very good player, who is blessed with natural skill, speed and a very good line and goal kicking game. But I would play him exclusively as a flyhalf. I believe it is his best position, and if you had a player like Fourie du Preez on his inside and Jean de Villiers on his outside, he would get even better.’
White said Butch James would have been his option to start against the Lions, but with James injured, the obvious choice was Sharks utility back Ruan Pienaar. Next is line, in White’s world, would be Rose.
‘I don’t know if Peter sees him as a fullback or flyhalf, but I think his future is at No 10 and that he was done no favours with the Lions selections in the Super 14 this season. He is the 10 they should have invested in as he is the best in the province,’ said White. ‘Andre Pretorius has been there but never kicked on and I believe Rose offers more in terms of his attack. I also think he is a very courageous player, but to realise his potential in international rugby he will have to add three to five kilograms, which would give him a physicality similar to Giteau, who is one of the finest players in the game.
‘If there was the right investment in Rose and he was put through an effective conditioning programme then he could be a big star for the Springboks.’
White said he had seen a lot in Rose’s individual play in the last two seasons that would justify his inclusion in the Bok squad.
‘I want to emphasise that what I have seen is when he plays flyhalf. What has to improve is his decision-making, but he is young and like Frans Steyn he tries things instinctively. If he had the experience of Du Preez and De Villiers guiding him, it would add a maturity to that natural talent.’
White, in response to whispers De Villiers would start with Jaque Fourie at fullback, said Fourie’s best position was outside centre and that playing him at fullback would nullify the Boks’ attacking potential because of his limited line-kicking game.
‘I have been vocal about why I would play Steyn at fullback. He has the biggest line kicking and drop kicking game in the world and any kick on him is an advantage to the Springboks. With players not allowed to kick the ball directly into touch, any kick on Steyn gives him the option of having a drop goal, and I’d encourage him to have a crack most times. It is an all-win situation because if he gets it over, it is three points and if he misses, the Boks get the ball back from the restart. If you play a fullback without a kicking game against the likes of Ronan O’Gara and Stephen Jones, you are giving them a decided advantage before kick-off because those two know how to play percentage rugby and they will turn Jaque all day, knowing they will outkick him and knowing that his strength is running it back, which adds a risk element that shouldn’t be a part of the Boks’ strategy.’
White said he would also definitely include the experience of CJ van der Linde to give the front row solidity and he would start with John Smit as a hooker and Bismarck du Plessis as his back-up.
‘You want continuity and familiarity against these guys. They only visit once every 12 years and it is a series to be viewed in isolation. I’d pick players in positions I know they are strong and not in ones where they have the potential to be strong.’
De Villiers is expected to name his squad once South Africa’s participation in the Super 14 is complete, and while he has hinted at a few shocks, White said the inclusion of Jano Vermaak (at scrumhalf) and Rose (at flyhalf) would be justified and not a shock.
‘I’d also include Vermaak ahead of (Rory) Kockott, and Rose edges Morne Steyn, although Steyn wouldn’t be out of place in a national set-up. By all accounts Peter will be in a position to pick a very balanced and settled team. The key, like with any match, is never to underestimate the opposition and to be well prepared, and based on the experience of the players I can’t see them falling into this trap.’
White, who has started his own company ‘Jake White’s Winning Way’, will launch the first of his his satellite academies for schools, club and professional coaches in June, with the three day courses in Bloemfontein, Stellenbosch, Durban and Johannesburg.
White will identify the 10 leading coaches, who will receive R125 000 prize money, and develop their coaching skills over the remainder of the year.
‘We focus on the players, but never the coaches. That hopefully will change once the courses gain momentum and we have a data base to work from. First prize is going to be that a future Bok coach comes from the coaches, whose skills we will improve.’
Eddie Jones, a partner in Jake White’s Winning Way, will join White in South Africa for the June courses.
[taken from Keo]
Thursday, April 30, 2009
RUGBY FOCUS... ( VARSITY Paper article)
Coach Taru gives an update on the latest rugby affairs
Firstly I would like to apologize to the regular rugby enthusiasts for not posting an article in the previous edition. I have been bedridden lately suffering from the notorious so called Stormers syndrome alias “lack of commitment”. Hopefully the medication that I have been taking in recent times will help me get over this pathetic bug.
Speaking of the Stormers, they seem to be having some serious issues proceeding in their camp and one wonders what may have happened to the good old winning rugby that was once a tradition in the Cape in the 90’s. From being the pre-tournament favourites, especially with their quality squad filled with over twelve Springboks, the Rassie’s Stormers side looked like they were going to rule the S14. The team really looked good on paper during the start of the season, but it has now become a pale shadow of itself on grass.
They have really looked out-of-sorts in their games lately and one wonders if they are really sticking to their game plan. This reminds me of eminent statement by Geoff Cook in 1995 after England had been beaten by New Zealand in the Semi-finals of the world cup, "I don't know about us not having a Plan B when things went wrong, we looked like we didn't even have a Plan A."
Who should take the blame? Are the players not performing or is the coach not guiding his charges, or is it the Western Province management and leadership not doing things right, or maybe the Luke Watson “ effect” in the side is contributing to all this mess? As much as I may have my own opinions, I’ll leave them to the rest of your imagination. However one still wonders why the game’s antiques in the light of guys like AJ Venter, Wylie Human, Willem de Waal to mention are still being considered for selection ahead of the exciting young players in the Cape. I think we should learn to admit when players have reached their sell-by-date and let the fresh legs take over. Even the legendary Pieter De Villiers knew when it was right to call it quits, “When you’re down on the ground and you start thinking about your wife and children it means it’s time to stop.” — said De Villiers (South African-born French prop Pieter) announcing his retirement.
The Super 14 season is now getting to an attention-grabbing closing stage with all teams in the top 8 after week 12 having a mathematical chance of making it into the play-offs with two more game to go. Currently the Bulls and the Sharks are leading the SA legion, with the former being sure contenders for the home semi final. The lowly fancied Cheetahs have lived up to their famous tag of being “predictably unpredictable” after beating two giants in the S14 this season, the Sharks and the Crusaders. We expect them to do top SA teams aiming to reach the semis a favour by beating the top Australasian teams.
Looking at the bigger picture, the British Lions head coach Ian McGeechan has announced his 37 men squad to tour SA during the three test series in June. The Paul O’Connell led team boasts itself of a physically powerful forward pack that will surely to give the Springboks a good run on the park. However, the notable omission of Welsh captain Ryan Jones, English captain Steve Borthwick and exciting Scottish scrum-half and captain, Mike Blair (2008 IRB World Player of the Year finalist) seems to have raised questions with some rugby analysts, but as we all know, team selections will always not satisfy everyone.
The onus is now on Springbok coach Peter De Villiers to strategically select his generals for the Lions clashes. A couple of players have done so well in this years S14 season who may deserve a bok call, notably the Sharks duo of scrum-half, Rory Kockott and the bulldozing blind-side flank, Jean Deysel (2008 Currie Cup Player of the Year), the mercurial cheetahs open side flank, Heinrich Brussow as well as Bulls duo of Wynard Olivier and Deon Stegmann who also deserve a call up by DiV. With that in mind, a couple of seasoned Boks, mostly from the Cape franchise have not performed well this season and therefore the people await to see if coach De Villiers selection will be based on current form or experience.
Back to the local rugby scenes, the UCT Ikeys seem to have started their Western Province Super A League season on a high following their 29- 8 away victory over Durbell. So far the Ikeys have played three games, winning two and losing one to the Victorians. They have started on a much improved show this season as compared to last year and they are amongst the favourites to top the log. After their disappointing semi-finals exist in the 2009 FNB Varsity cup, they have been bolstered by the return of seasoned stalwarts like Vakai “Fish” Hove, Herbie Mayosi, Bodo ‘The Door” Sieber, Tim Whitehead, Dave Clayton, Craig Klue, amongst others who were not eligible to play due to injury or age restrictions.
On a more celebratory note, it is good to see the fruits of Dobbo blossoming as two exciting Ikeys, the superlative back Tiger Bax and the hard-driving lock Martin Muller have been included in the Stormers squad for the game against the Chiefs on the 2nd of May at Newlands stadium. Hopefully the boys will get some game time and produce an awesome welcome to Super Rugby. Viva Ikeys Viva…All the Way!!!!
Taking a closer look at school boy rugby, Bishops and Paarl Gym have shown their mettle amongst the elite of SA schools rugby. At the recently held Wyneburg Festival, Bishops closely beat the highly fancied Grey PE 24-19 in tightly contested game. Paarl Gym beat another top rugby schools in the country, Pretoria’s Affies by 22 points to 16 at the home of Paarl during the Paarl Gym Wildeklawer Festival.
[Coach-Taru is the external contributer for the famous UCT's Varsity Paper's sports section]
Firstly I would like to apologize to the regular rugby enthusiasts for not posting an article in the previous edition. I have been bedridden lately suffering from the notorious so called Stormers syndrome alias “lack of commitment”. Hopefully the medication that I have been taking in recent times will help me get over this pathetic bug.
Speaking of the Stormers, they seem to be having some serious issues proceeding in their camp and one wonders what may have happened to the good old winning rugby that was once a tradition in the Cape in the 90’s. From being the pre-tournament favourites, especially with their quality squad filled with over twelve Springboks, the Rassie’s Stormers side looked like they were going to rule the S14. The team really looked good on paper during the start of the season, but it has now become a pale shadow of itself on grass.
They have really looked out-of-sorts in their games lately and one wonders if they are really sticking to their game plan. This reminds me of eminent statement by Geoff Cook in 1995 after England had been beaten by New Zealand in the Semi-finals of the world cup, "I don't know about us not having a Plan B when things went wrong, we looked like we didn't even have a Plan A."
Who should take the blame? Are the players not performing or is the coach not guiding his charges, or is it the Western Province management and leadership not doing things right, or maybe the Luke Watson “ effect” in the side is contributing to all this mess? As much as I may have my own opinions, I’ll leave them to the rest of your imagination. However one still wonders why the game’s antiques in the light of guys like AJ Venter, Wylie Human, Willem de Waal to mention are still being considered for selection ahead of the exciting young players in the Cape. I think we should learn to admit when players have reached their sell-by-date and let the fresh legs take over. Even the legendary Pieter De Villiers knew when it was right to call it quits, “When you’re down on the ground and you start thinking about your wife and children it means it’s time to stop.” — said De Villiers (South African-born French prop Pieter) announcing his retirement.
The Super 14 season is now getting to an attention-grabbing closing stage with all teams in the top 8 after week 12 having a mathematical chance of making it into the play-offs with two more game to go. Currently the Bulls and the Sharks are leading the SA legion, with the former being sure contenders for the home semi final. The lowly fancied Cheetahs have lived up to their famous tag of being “predictably unpredictable” after beating two giants in the S14 this season, the Sharks and the Crusaders. We expect them to do top SA teams aiming to reach the semis a favour by beating the top Australasian teams.
Looking at the bigger picture, the British Lions head coach Ian McGeechan has announced his 37 men squad to tour SA during the three test series in June. The Paul O’Connell led team boasts itself of a physically powerful forward pack that will surely to give the Springboks a good run on the park. However, the notable omission of Welsh captain Ryan Jones, English captain Steve Borthwick and exciting Scottish scrum-half and captain, Mike Blair (2008 IRB World Player of the Year finalist) seems to have raised questions with some rugby analysts, but as we all know, team selections will always not satisfy everyone.
The onus is now on Springbok coach Peter De Villiers to strategically select his generals for the Lions clashes. A couple of players have done so well in this years S14 season who may deserve a bok call, notably the Sharks duo of scrum-half, Rory Kockott and the bulldozing blind-side flank, Jean Deysel (2008 Currie Cup Player of the Year), the mercurial cheetahs open side flank, Heinrich Brussow as well as Bulls duo of Wynard Olivier and Deon Stegmann who also deserve a call up by DiV. With that in mind, a couple of seasoned Boks, mostly from the Cape franchise have not performed well this season and therefore the people await to see if coach De Villiers selection will be based on current form or experience.
Back to the local rugby scenes, the UCT Ikeys seem to have started their Western Province Super A League season on a high following their 29- 8 away victory over Durbell. So far the Ikeys have played three games, winning two and losing one to the Victorians. They have started on a much improved show this season as compared to last year and they are amongst the favourites to top the log. After their disappointing semi-finals exist in the 2009 FNB Varsity cup, they have been bolstered by the return of seasoned stalwarts like Vakai “Fish” Hove, Herbie Mayosi, Bodo ‘The Door” Sieber, Tim Whitehead, Dave Clayton, Craig Klue, amongst others who were not eligible to play due to injury or age restrictions.
On a more celebratory note, it is good to see the fruits of Dobbo blossoming as two exciting Ikeys, the superlative back Tiger Bax and the hard-driving lock Martin Muller have been included in the Stormers squad for the game against the Chiefs on the 2nd of May at Newlands stadium. Hopefully the boys will get some game time and produce an awesome welcome to Super Rugby. Viva Ikeys Viva…All the Way!!!!
Taking a closer look at school boy rugby, Bishops and Paarl Gym have shown their mettle amongst the elite of SA schools rugby. At the recently held Wyneburg Festival, Bishops closely beat the highly fancied Grey PE 24-19 in tightly contested game. Paarl Gym beat another top rugby schools in the country, Pretoria’s Affies by 22 points to 16 at the home of Paarl during the Paarl Gym Wildeklawer Festival.
[Coach-Taru is the external contributer for the famous UCT's Varsity Paper's sports section]
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Tondie Returns for Stormers
Tonderai Chavhanga will start in place of the injured Gcobani Bobo while Andries Bekker will also miss the Chiefs clash.
Bobo went into last week’s game against the Highlanders with an ankle injury and the Stormers’ management have opted to give him a break this Saturday.
Chavhanga was always expected to be back on the wing, but Bobo’s injury means Peter Grant and Dylan des Fountain will remain in midfield, while Willem de Waal will keep his place at flyhalf. Ricky Januarie is confined to the bench with Dewaldt Duvenhage playing some great rugby at No 9.
Captain Jean de Villiers will be out with a groin injury until the Cheetahs match in round 14. Schalk Burger will continue to lead the Stormers in De Villiers’s absence.
Bekker, who picked up a rib injury against the Highlanders, won’t play against the Chiefs but should be back to face the Force next week. Hilton Lobberts will start alongside AJ Venter in the second row with young UCT lock Martin Muller playing from the bench. Prop Brian Mujati will miss out because of concussion.
‘AJ’s had a lot of rugby and is just battling a knee injury at the moment, so he didn’t train [on Wednesday],’ Rassie Erasmus told keo.co.za. ‘It’s a bit of a problem that we have so many locks out injured. Adriaan Fondse won’t be back this season and George Earle is also injured. That’s why we’ve called up Martin Muller.
‘We’re hoping AJ recovers fully before the weekend. It was never my intention to play AJ and Hilton together, but because of injuries we’ve had to.
‘I think Hilton has improved a great deal since he’s switched from flank to lock. It’s always been our plan to phase him in slowly.’
Both Erasmus and Burger agreed that helping the Sharks and Bulls qualify for the play-offs is one of their goals, but not a priority. They’d do the two teams a favour by beating the Chiefs this Saturday and by beating the Force next week.
‘If we help them it’s really just a spin off,’ said Erasmus. ‘Our primary aim is to win and keep progressing. If we can help the Sharks and Bulls, that’s great, but we really want to win well in the remaining matches.’
Stormers – 15 Conrad Jantjes, 14 Tonderai Chavhanga, 13 Dylan des Fountain, 12 Peter Grant, 11 Sireli Naqelevuki, 10 Willem de Waal, 9 Dewaldt Duvenhage, 8 Luke Watson, 7 Duane Vermeulen, 6 Schalk Burger (c), 5 AJ Venter, 4 Hilton Lobberts, 3 Brok Harris, 2 Tiaan Liebenberg, 1 JD Moller.
Subs: 16 Schalk Brits, 17 Wicus Blaauw, 18 Martin Muller, 19 Pieter Louw, 20 Ricky Januarie, 21 Morgan Newman, 22 Tiger Bax.
Bobo went into last week’s game against the Highlanders with an ankle injury and the Stormers’ management have opted to give him a break this Saturday.
Chavhanga was always expected to be back on the wing, but Bobo’s injury means Peter Grant and Dylan des Fountain will remain in midfield, while Willem de Waal will keep his place at flyhalf. Ricky Januarie is confined to the bench with Dewaldt Duvenhage playing some great rugby at No 9.
Captain Jean de Villiers will be out with a groin injury until the Cheetahs match in round 14. Schalk Burger will continue to lead the Stormers in De Villiers’s absence.
Bekker, who picked up a rib injury against the Highlanders, won’t play against the Chiefs but should be back to face the Force next week. Hilton Lobberts will start alongside AJ Venter in the second row with young UCT lock Martin Muller playing from the bench. Prop Brian Mujati will miss out because of concussion.
‘AJ’s had a lot of rugby and is just battling a knee injury at the moment, so he didn’t train [on Wednesday],’ Rassie Erasmus told keo.co.za. ‘It’s a bit of a problem that we have so many locks out injured. Adriaan Fondse won’t be back this season and George Earle is also injured. That’s why we’ve called up Martin Muller.
‘We’re hoping AJ recovers fully before the weekend. It was never my intention to play AJ and Hilton together, but because of injuries we’ve had to.
‘I think Hilton has improved a great deal since he’s switched from flank to lock. It’s always been our plan to phase him in slowly.’
Both Erasmus and Burger agreed that helping the Sharks and Bulls qualify for the play-offs is one of their goals, but not a priority. They’d do the two teams a favour by beating the Chiefs this Saturday and by beating the Force next week.
‘If we help them it’s really just a spin off,’ said Erasmus. ‘Our primary aim is to win and keep progressing. If we can help the Sharks and Bulls, that’s great, but we really want to win well in the remaining matches.’
Stormers – 15 Conrad Jantjes, 14 Tonderai Chavhanga, 13 Dylan des Fountain, 12 Peter Grant, 11 Sireli Naqelevuki, 10 Willem de Waal, 9 Dewaldt Duvenhage, 8 Luke Watson, 7 Duane Vermeulen, 6 Schalk Burger (c), 5 AJ Venter, 4 Hilton Lobberts, 3 Brok Harris, 2 Tiaan Liebenberg, 1 JD Moller.
Subs: 16 Schalk Brits, 17 Wicus Blaauw, 18 Martin Muller, 19 Pieter Louw, 20 Ricky Januarie, 21 Morgan Newman, 22 Tiger Bax.
Friday, April 24, 2009
Schoolboy Rugby Update
Paarl Gym host the inaugural Super 14 festival, sponsored by Wildeklawer, which involves some of the country’s top schools.
Paarl Boys’ take on Waterkloof in the main curtain-raiser on Saturday. Waterkloof are unbeaten this season and recently defeated Paarl Gym 17-12 at the Waterkloof Easter festival. Likewise, Paarl Boys’ have had a strong start to the season losing only once, to Affies (30-15) at the St John’s Easter festival.
Paarl flyhalf Gavin Haupfleisch has been in sublime form this season and could play a major role in igniting the Boishaai side.
Paarl Boys’ coaches Richard Visagie and Elmo Wolfaard will have instructed the team to move the ball into space, opting for a tactical rather than physical approach, seeing as they are up against a physically dominant pack.
The main game of the afternoon sees hosts Paarl Gym playing against Monument. Monument have already lost to two Cape schools this season (23-15 to Paarl Boys’ and 8-6 to Paul Roos), before beating Rondebosch (13-6). Gym have also suffered a plethora of injuries in recent weeks.
Monnas will be determined to improve on their performances at the St John’s festival, with coach Oupa van der Merwe expecting more patience from his team. (That Monnas side is very good. Bradley Moolman their blonde centre is a future Bok. He reminds me of Olivier when he burst into the scene. Hard running and good line cutting)
Wynberg Boys’ are also hosting a festival this weekend, with the main attraction involving Bishops and Grey PE. Im going to watch this game, and if anyone is keen, let me know so we can hook up.
Bishops have been affected by numerous injuries to key players, like flyhalf Sam Lane and dynamic No 8 Nizaam Carr.(NK, this Nizaam youngster is guite a gem, he's good a bright future) Both have been outstanding for Bishops this season and coach Dave Mallett will struggle to fill the void.
Grey will look to unsettle Bishops at the breakdown especially with their openside flankers Siya Kolisa and Renier Erasmus who have been outstanding this season. This is going to be a cracker of a game.
Since losing to Marlow Agricultural (16-15), Grey have beaten Michaelhouse (33-5), Hilton (39-25) and Graeme College (67-5).
Bishops have also made a good start to the year winning all three of their fixtures at the St Stithians Easter festival.
Like i said, if any of the local guys are keen to go join me for some exciting schoolboy rugby, give me a holla. Its worthy more than watching any Stomers hgame anyway.
Paarl Boys’ take on Waterkloof in the main curtain-raiser on Saturday. Waterkloof are unbeaten this season and recently defeated Paarl Gym 17-12 at the Waterkloof Easter festival. Likewise, Paarl Boys’ have had a strong start to the season losing only once, to Affies (30-15) at the St John’s Easter festival.
Paarl flyhalf Gavin Haupfleisch has been in sublime form this season and could play a major role in igniting the Boishaai side.
Paarl Boys’ coaches Richard Visagie and Elmo Wolfaard will have instructed the team to move the ball into space, opting for a tactical rather than physical approach, seeing as they are up against a physically dominant pack.
The main game of the afternoon sees hosts Paarl Gym playing against Monument. Monument have already lost to two Cape schools this season (23-15 to Paarl Boys’ and 8-6 to Paul Roos), before beating Rondebosch (13-6). Gym have also suffered a plethora of injuries in recent weeks.
Monnas will be determined to improve on their performances at the St John’s festival, with coach Oupa van der Merwe expecting more patience from his team. (That Monnas side is very good. Bradley Moolman their blonde centre is a future Bok. He reminds me of Olivier when he burst into the scene. Hard running and good line cutting)
Wynberg Boys’ are also hosting a festival this weekend, with the main attraction involving Bishops and Grey PE. Im going to watch this game, and if anyone is keen, let me know so we can hook up.
Bishops have been affected by numerous injuries to key players, like flyhalf Sam Lane and dynamic No 8 Nizaam Carr.(NK, this Nizaam youngster is guite a gem, he's good a bright future) Both have been outstanding for Bishops this season and coach Dave Mallett will struggle to fill the void.
Grey will look to unsettle Bishops at the breakdown especially with their openside flankers Siya Kolisa and Renier Erasmus who have been outstanding this season. This is going to be a cracker of a game.
Since losing to Marlow Agricultural (16-15), Grey have beaten Michaelhouse (33-5), Hilton (39-25) and Graeme College (67-5).
Bishops have also made a good start to the year winning all three of their fixtures at the St Stithians Easter festival.
Like i said, if any of the local guys are keen to go join me for some exciting schoolboy rugby, give me a holla. Its worthy more than watching any Stomers hgame anyway.
Boks lose Butch, Frans
Butch James will miss the British & Irish Lions tour while Frans Steyn will get his wish to play flyhalf - but not in South Africa.
French media confirm that Steyn has signed for Paris-based second division side Racing Metro, who have virtually secured their place in the Top 14. The year-long deal is reported to be the most lucrative ever for a South African player. Steyn will make the move to Paris after the Springboks’ end of year tour.
His negotiations with Racing was the worst kept secret in South African rugby and in recent months it became increasingly likely that Steyn would agree a deal.
A month ago Sharks coach John Plumtree told keo.co.za they were desperate to hold onto Steyn, but he was resigned to the fact that they would never be able to match what Racing was offering.
Steyn will play primarily in his preferred position of flyhalf for Racing. With Ruan Pienaar injured, Steyn has had an extended run at pivot for the Sharks, but has failed to shatter the widely held perception that he is better suited to inside centre - where the Sharks and Springboks see his future. He appears to be hellbent on proving that he has the aptitude to play in the position, but this seems like an extreme way to make his point.
James limped off in Bath’s Premiership match at the weekend and scans has subsequently confirmed that he has torn ligaments in his knee. He will be sidelined for an extended period.
This has created an unforeseen problem for Springbok coach Peter de Villiers, who keo.co.za understands would have included James in his squad for the British & Irish Lions series as back-up to Pienaar. James’s experience, gained over 36 Tests, as well as his goalkicking ability would have given De Villiers a solid insurance policy should Pienaar have lost form or sustained an injury.
De Villiers is known to be reluctant to invest in Steyn at flyhalf, and is likely to look to Peter Grant to fill the void left by James, while his admiration for Earl Rose, who has had limited game time for the Lions, will see him in the squad as the third flyhalf.
It now remains to be seen whether De Villiers continues to select Steyn given his strong stance on overseas based players, which has seen the likes of BJ Botha, CJ van der Linde and Joe van Niekerk (amongst a host of others) overlooked for Springbok selection.
French media confirm that Steyn has signed for Paris-based second division side Racing Metro, who have virtually secured their place in the Top 14. The year-long deal is reported to be the most lucrative ever for a South African player. Steyn will make the move to Paris after the Springboks’ end of year tour.
His negotiations with Racing was the worst kept secret in South African rugby and in recent months it became increasingly likely that Steyn would agree a deal.
A month ago Sharks coach John Plumtree told keo.co.za they were desperate to hold onto Steyn, but he was resigned to the fact that they would never be able to match what Racing was offering.
Steyn will play primarily in his preferred position of flyhalf for Racing. With Ruan Pienaar injured, Steyn has had an extended run at pivot for the Sharks, but has failed to shatter the widely held perception that he is better suited to inside centre - where the Sharks and Springboks see his future. He appears to be hellbent on proving that he has the aptitude to play in the position, but this seems like an extreme way to make his point.
James limped off in Bath’s Premiership match at the weekend and scans has subsequently confirmed that he has torn ligaments in his knee. He will be sidelined for an extended period.
This has created an unforeseen problem for Springbok coach Peter de Villiers, who keo.co.za understands would have included James in his squad for the British & Irish Lions series as back-up to Pienaar. James’s experience, gained over 36 Tests, as well as his goalkicking ability would have given De Villiers a solid insurance policy should Pienaar have lost form or sustained an injury.
De Villiers is known to be reluctant to invest in Steyn at flyhalf, and is likely to look to Peter Grant to fill the void left by James, while his admiration for Earl Rose, who has had limited game time for the Lions, will see him in the squad as the third flyhalf.
It now remains to be seen whether De Villiers continues to select Steyn given his strong stance on overseas based players, which has seen the likes of BJ Botha, CJ van der Linde and Joe van Niekerk (amongst a host of others) overlooked for Springbok selection.
Monday, April 20, 2009
Cheetahs secure the services of Kolisi
One of the brightest stars in South African rugby, Siyamthanda Kolisi, is on his way to the Vodacom Cheetahs.
The coach of the Vodacom Free State, Pine Pienaar, confirmed Monday the grade 11 pupil of Grey PE, has accepted a contract from the Cheetahs. Kolisi is one of Grey PE's star performers and also excelled for Eastern Province at number eight during last year's Coca-Cola Cravenweek.
Due to his good performance during the Cravenweek, Kolisi was included as a reserve for the SA Schools side.
Pienaar also confirmed to the school website, Play On, that local school stars such as Stephan Kotze, Marcel van der Merwe, Baksteen van Heerden, Jean Cook, Pieter Rademan and Riaan Britz will further their careers at the Cheetahs.
Grey College stars, Francois Venter and Piet Lindeque are, however, high on the shopping lists of the Blue Bulls and Sharks.
p/s - I have been following the Festival and this Kolisi youngster looks promising. He is in the mould of a Kanko+Schalla if you have to consider his work rate. I'm glad they have done so before the Bulls could snatch him.
The coach of the Vodacom Free State, Pine Pienaar, confirmed Monday the grade 11 pupil of Grey PE, has accepted a contract from the Cheetahs. Kolisi is one of Grey PE's star performers and also excelled for Eastern Province at number eight during last year's Coca-Cola Cravenweek.
Due to his good performance during the Cravenweek, Kolisi was included as a reserve for the SA Schools side.
Pienaar also confirmed to the school website, Play On, that local school stars such as Stephan Kotze, Marcel van der Merwe, Baksteen van Heerden, Jean Cook, Pieter Rademan and Riaan Britz will further their careers at the Cheetahs.
Grey College stars, Francois Venter and Piet Lindeque are, however, high on the shopping lists of the Blue Bulls and Sharks.
p/s - I have been following the Festival and this Kolisi youngster looks promising. He is in the mould of a Kanko+Schalla if you have to consider his work rate. I'm glad they have done so before the Bulls could snatch him.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Sanzar alliance weakens further
Australia and New Zealand are making plans to ditch South Africa in the Super Rugby expansion.
The squabbles between Sanzar have been widely publicised as the three nations can’t find common ground. The Sydney Morning Herald says although officials won’t comment on the matter, it is ‘known high-level work on the proposal has begun’.
If the Australasians had to break away, the competition would have five teams from each country as well as several based in Japan.
The proposed Super 15 expansion is set for 2011, but details regarding the re-modeling of the competition have not been agreed on as the 30 June deadline with the broadcasters looms.
Andy Marinos and Oregan Hoskins have both said Saru will not bow to the demands of the Australasians as they refuse to devalue the Currie Cup and are not keen to start the competition in March.
Australian Rugby Union chief executive John O’Neill yesterday admitted Sanzar was ‘confronting some major issues, because all three of us aren’t on the same page’.
O’Neill wants a 15-team competition with three conferences as all the sides play each other once. Then conferences would play local derbies ending in six team finals in a competition lasting 22 weeks.
However, Saru put forward the ‘Sandton option’, that would see a 16-week tournament as all the teams don’t meet as they play cross-conference.
This would also include a break in June for Tests, but O’Neill says this isn’t an option as they hope to have Tests held midweek.
‘The clock is ticking, said O’Neill. ‘Australia and New Zealand were willing to accept the Sandton option as a form of middle ground, even though it is far from ideal.
‘We didn’t want to start early February, don’t want to break in June, and the Currie Cup provinces just have to accept there has to be an overlap,’ he said.
‘Everyone has been willing to compromise, but there comes a point where any further compromise just undermines the integrity of the competition. We have shifted ground to agree on the Sandton option, but the options attached to it are not acceptable.
‘A competition where everyone doesn’t play each other is in itself a bit of a worry.
‘But if that’s a way of getting us across the line, we could do it for a couple of years, as South Africa have been saying that by 2013 they could move to our option.’
Hoskins told SA Rugby Magazine last month Saru are not willing to be bullied and that they couldn’t count out a move to northern hemisphere competitions.
‘We have never truly explored heading north, because we’re faithful to the Sanzar alliance,’ said Hoskins. ‘But we mustn’t be naive and think we can’t go to Europe and we must explore the options that would suit our best interests.’
[Keo]
The squabbles between Sanzar have been widely publicised as the three nations can’t find common ground. The Sydney Morning Herald says although officials won’t comment on the matter, it is ‘known high-level work on the proposal has begun’.
If the Australasians had to break away, the competition would have five teams from each country as well as several based in Japan.
The proposed Super 15 expansion is set for 2011, but details regarding the re-modeling of the competition have not been agreed on as the 30 June deadline with the broadcasters looms.
Andy Marinos and Oregan Hoskins have both said Saru will not bow to the demands of the Australasians as they refuse to devalue the Currie Cup and are not keen to start the competition in March.
Australian Rugby Union chief executive John O’Neill yesterday admitted Sanzar was ‘confronting some major issues, because all three of us aren’t on the same page’.
O’Neill wants a 15-team competition with three conferences as all the sides play each other once. Then conferences would play local derbies ending in six team finals in a competition lasting 22 weeks.
However, Saru put forward the ‘Sandton option’, that would see a 16-week tournament as all the teams don’t meet as they play cross-conference.
This would also include a break in June for Tests, but O’Neill says this isn’t an option as they hope to have Tests held midweek.
‘The clock is ticking, said O’Neill. ‘Australia and New Zealand were willing to accept the Sandton option as a form of middle ground, even though it is far from ideal.
‘We didn’t want to start early February, don’t want to break in June, and the Currie Cup provinces just have to accept there has to be an overlap,’ he said.
‘Everyone has been willing to compromise, but there comes a point where any further compromise just undermines the integrity of the competition. We have shifted ground to agree on the Sandton option, but the options attached to it are not acceptable.
‘A competition where everyone doesn’t play each other is in itself a bit of a worry.
‘But if that’s a way of getting us across the line, we could do it for a couple of years, as South Africa have been saying that by 2013 they could move to our option.’
Hoskins told SA Rugby Magazine last month Saru are not willing to be bullied and that they couldn’t count out a move to northern hemisphere competitions.
‘We have never truly explored heading north, because we’re faithful to the Sanzar alliance,’ said Hoskins. ‘But we mustn’t be naive and think we can’t go to Europe and we must explore the options that would suit our best interests.’
[Keo]
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