Greetings sports fans
The year end tours are almost over and my life is about to head into a lull but fortunately for people like me the S14 starts early next year so maybe a 2 month break maximum which is perfect cos it will give me some time to go and work on my tan!
before I go on for any comments please please please do go to http://sumrugga.blogspot.com
So what a dismal performance thus far by the Southern Hemisphere teams no?
Let start with Oz, by far the best scrummagers of the tri nations teams at the moment. Who would have thought ey given where they have been in the last few years regarding that department. They started off with much aplomb against England. They looked dangerous and even though it wasnt a routing, they made England look rather ordinary, oh wait they do a good job of that all by themselves. Anyway, Oz looks like they are starting to get there, they really are. They have a very competitive tight 5. The loosies are all more than capable. I think they need to settle on their first choice no 7 and then they will be a very formidable pack of forwards. In the backs in Genia i think they have found a very complete replacement for Gregan. His service is generally accurate, he is strong through the tackle, he can box kick with effortless efficiency and best of all he is decisive, a huge and critical difference between him and Burgess. Quade Cooper and Gits at 10 and 12 is about as good as Gits and Barnes. Typical Robbie Deans, playing a 10/12 combo that can be interchanged at any time. Both are ball players and can create time and space for the players around them. Their biggest worry at the moment is no 13, finding a deputy to the stalwart Mortlock. Adam Ashley Cooper can definately do it, hell if you put him at no 3 he might do as good a job as John Smit :) but i think he should go to 15 and stay at 15. That bra to Australia is like what Gerrard is to Liverpool, he is a match winner, well i think he is. I like Ioane at 13 or even o'connor or cross. The wings are both very competent too.
When you go through that team like that and see how they are progressing and the coach that they have, I think its only a matter of time before the results start to show. It is a very young side and they have to learn to win or grind out a win. A lesson that would have been invaluable 2 weekends ago where they managed to steal a draw from the jaws of victory against Ireland, but then again it was BOD so what could you do, i remember telling the people i was watching with that Brian will score...Lucky guess i guess ;)
Last weekend against Scotland was also another example. So many scoring opportunities squandered. Good Scottish defence yes, but they shot themselves in the foot. Thats why if I was Robbie Deans i wouldnt be too concerned, because its not like they are not creating the opportunities, they are, they are just not capitalising and finishing them off. BUT when they do??? Woe betide...
Some of you people might think i am on Tik but they are one of my picks for the 2011 RWC
SA, so the midweek team lost 2 games. the first game they were ill prepared and come guys you guys know all too well that its a tough task to put together a mixed masala of people in a week or less and expect them to get a result. The guys really gave a good account of themselves i think and some players in the midweek team have really put up their hands. In the second game for instance, if Heinie Adams had stayed on the field the guys would have won. Its funny, I was on Rugby365 and reading some comments left by those damn supporters that make it difficult for me to support the Boks and they were on about how the midweek team was a political selection. 9 players Adams, De Jongh, Maku, Chiliboy, Rose, Raubenheimer, Nokwe, Ndungane, Johnson. Out of those other than Chilliboy (based on Currie Cup form) all deserved their spots on the tour. I was dissapointed with Johnson though because in my mind he was in the top 2 no 8's in the competition. The rest of them handled themselves admirably, none more so than the player everyone loves to hate, Earl Rose, he shut up his critics too nicely, well i think, because he was hot i thought. I was pretty dissapointed with Ruan so far he just isnt living up to his billing in my mind.
I do believe there is plenty depth in this country and ability. This years currie cup semi finals and finals were by far the best quality i have witnessed in a long time if not ever. I was fixed, and even the finals...wow, well impressed i was. Loved the Cheetahs pipping the Sharks, hope Province have learnt to leave the Fijian Sireli off the field!! I was soo looking for a Cheetahs v Province final and Luke leaving SA with the Currie Cup but alas that wasnt the script.
Anyway back to the senior team. Selections is a problem boss. Front row, i said it before i'll say it again John Smit is no prop. Beast isnt as good a scrumager as everyone thinks. BJ and CJ definately, Wiam and Heinke, if they play in their correct positions. The test against France, I had a feeling that France were going to show up big time. After what they did to the All Blacks in NZ i knew that this isnt a French side to be taken lightly. They came out posessed. They bullied the Boks from the get go and they made Morne Steyn look like the average flhyhalf i think he really is. The French were excited about the kick and chase and they neutralised that Bok game too easily, it made the Golden Retriever Habana look like a crazy man just running up and down the field to no effect. The sad thing for me is a team which throughout the year seemed so well drilled just looked so unprepared. They didnt have a plan b when plan a was found wanting. Credit to the french though they read the Boks too well. they kept their pases short mostly which once again neutralised the intercept abilities of Bryan. They also always seemed to get go forward ball both in the backs and the forwards. Every one wants to blame Adi Jacobs for some defensive lapses, i clearly recall Fourie and Schalk being swatted onto their bottoms like annoying flies on a peaceful summers afternoon. That being said, I think the game against the Irish this weekend will be tough but I think the Boks will come through it ok.
If i had to be honest about the Bok team, I am not too sure. I think the front line players do need some rest. I for some reason just cant see Victor and John Smit making it to the 2011 world cup. John has released a book recently which is quite odd to me, cos players normally do this when they retire or are about to, but be that as it may. he is also not the best no 3 in SA nor the best no 2, but by head and shoulders the best leader of men SA has available so a place has to be found for him or an able replacement. The obvious choice was Jean de Villiers who has since left for the UK, but then again 2 foreign based props were used during this year end campaign so a precedent has been set.
Sort out the front row, get some good back up locks, get Ruan back at 10 and Morne at 15 if you need a kicker, and then SA is as fit as a fiddle.
NZ, cant really say much here my boys are looking pretty average, scoring 1 try a game i mean really. I have no problem with the pack at all but after that ish starts going wrong. we dont have a 9 who is decisive enough, I like Leonard, but he hasnt shown the form of a year or so ago. Ellis is random at best and Cowan is semi-Marshall-Like but about 2 notches lower. then the next problem is no 12. Ma'a to me is like De Wet Barry, ok maybe not that horrible, but the bra isnt walter little or aaron mauger or pita alatini. he is a great player but i dont know about at 12. i really wish he would be at 13 and conrad at 12 or better still get Kahui fit again and play him with Conrad in the centres. those 2 positions are so vital man 9 and 12. I like Delaney at 10 he just seems more composed than Donald does.
you know what i am liking about this build up as opposed to everyone since 95 is that the blacks have been kaaaak for the last 2 years. but what has changed is that they are learning to grind out a win. the game against england being case in point. As i keep on saying, for me the world cup isnt the be all and end all of my rugby viewing, but i cant lie to you i really do want them to do well in 2011 so i dont have to hear people asking me how many world cups have the All Blacks won for at least another 24 years...
on a general note though, as a spectator I am really concerned about the state of rugby as a spectacle. The last 10 min of the AB - Italy match...just scrums and resets i mean what the fork?? really!! Now everyone is kicking the ball and running after it, there is a game called soccer already isnt it?
Anway this mail is getting too long so let me sign off here
comments very welcome on the blog site
Adios and happy viewing, looking forward to the French - AB game
Y
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
What a weekend that was.
I start off by saying the best team in the competition won the Tri-Nations, finish and klaar. The ref even tried to help us at the beginning of that match. I mean since time in memorial jumpers have been supported by lifters and zero penalties and now this bloody northern hemisphere ref wants to blow his whistle, the man was on crack!
It was one of the most nail biting finishes to a game I have ever seen. The difference between the 2 teams was that gollywogs 60m penalties, I mean have u ever? And what a time to get them right?!!
The outcome of the game was how it should have been, but inspite of all I said about the team needing to lose so we can make the big changes, I started hoping and believing that it was possible in the last 20 minutes, they showed the world and myself the true grit of the Abs of yester-year, something that has been lacking in the last 2 seasons.
I tried hard to figure out who the man of the match from a Boks perspective would be and i couldn’t think of any one person. Such is the nature of the way they played. Victor stole line outs, Bismarck was hard and uncompromising Heinrich took 2 loosies to get him off the ball, Fourie did his part, Morne kicked the ball...and passed, i was shocked. Jean intercepted and defended with Jacque Bryan ran hard, tackled hard played hard, odwa ran chasing his dreadlocks and kicked some very useful clearances and Gollywog ran by himself and kicked 60m penalties. John lead from the front as usual. And Pierre was kaka at 8 . But that to me is the mark of a settled team. I really had no hope most of the game till the Abs started to turn it on, but even then it wasnt the confidence of old that I had because there was a steely resolve to this Bok team and the ‘tatteredness’ of this current AB side...not to take away anything from this Bok side.
U know i look at this current Bok team and I quite like the outfit, they have in John Smit a very respectable person and player its littered with talent aplenty, yes Bakkies and Bismarck are hotheads sometimes and Gollywog too, but then again I dislike Tialata and am not Nonus biggest fan either. Love the coaching staff inspite of themselves. Then i thought about it, what is it that makes me dislike the Boks so, and the penny dropped....them damn fans!! A springbok supporter is the most annoying species on this planet, maybe an English/Australian supporter may be worse but i don’t live there so i am not exposed to their ranting and moaning...if its not the refs cheating, its the coach who inherited a team and thats why they are playing so well. But I am making peace with it, one day i will be able to support the Boks for a full game but congrats to you guys your team deserved their win. Back to the coach inheriting a team, Rudolf Streauli had a pretty decent team and look what he did with them...just food for thought. An article sent to me by Saul giving some credit to Pdivvy... http://www.rugbyrugby.com/news/story_1909155700.php
The main villain of the last 2 test matches though was Supersport, how dare they substitute the quirkiness and quick wittedness of the Oz and to a lesser extent the NZ commentators with one eyed Bob and Matt? I honestly listened to the commentary in Afrikaans, it was too painful, and to be honest the Afrikaans commentary was not half bad. Very relaxed and balanced.
Now onto my problem that is this sliver fern that is looking wilted and gloomy. The prospects for this team excites me in spite of its current state of affairs. I watch Reunion and I have also been catching quite a bit of the ANZ cup and man the rugby is class, even games between Tasman and Counties...I however, really am concerned about the fact that the success of this team rests with DC and Richie. I was really keen on the idea of canning this season and next to build a back up. Yes I am taking this world cup seriously because i don’t think i can take another 4 years of hearing we have 2 world cups and u have just one....when we weren’t allowed to play. The more i think about it too the more i think, even though i didn’t think the 3 wise men (Hansen, Henry and Smith) deserved the axe, the thought of what Robbie Deans could do with what New Zealand has to offer in terms of talent is quite exciting. I can see it in Australian rugby at the moment. Yes they haven’t had the results to date but the way they are playing I am most concerned about them come 2011. But anyway maybe we will get him post 2011. Back to the team. I think Hore is tired, what has De Melmanche done wrong to be treated like Hanyani? Read at 8 is poifect, bring on Newland or Meews or that big Otago prop. Give Stephen Brett or even Daniel Bowden a shot at no 10 for a consistent period, let him work on his defence. Bring on Gear and Masaga, The Ice man Toeava in the centres...anyway enough of that
Looking forward to Saturdays game. Even though its a nothing game its not really a nothing game, id hope that the Abs ring the changes and see what the new bloods can bring, cos some of the old guard are duds at the moment.
Well done again to the Bok team, and the supporters and more importantly for me i guess the coaching staff ;)
Comments http://sumrugga.blogspot.com/
Respect
Y
I start off by saying the best team in the competition won the Tri-Nations, finish and klaar. The ref even tried to help us at the beginning of that match. I mean since time in memorial jumpers have been supported by lifters and zero penalties and now this bloody northern hemisphere ref wants to blow his whistle, the man was on crack!
It was one of the most nail biting finishes to a game I have ever seen. The difference between the 2 teams was that gollywogs 60m penalties, I mean have u ever? And what a time to get them right?!!
The outcome of the game was how it should have been, but inspite of all I said about the team needing to lose so we can make the big changes, I started hoping and believing that it was possible in the last 20 minutes, they showed the world and myself the true grit of the Abs of yester-year, something that has been lacking in the last 2 seasons.
I tried hard to figure out who the man of the match from a Boks perspective would be and i couldn’t think of any one person. Such is the nature of the way they played. Victor stole line outs, Bismarck was hard and uncompromising Heinrich took 2 loosies to get him off the ball, Fourie did his part, Morne kicked the ball...and passed, i was shocked. Jean intercepted and defended with Jacque Bryan ran hard, tackled hard played hard, odwa ran chasing his dreadlocks and kicked some very useful clearances and Gollywog ran by himself and kicked 60m penalties. John lead from the front as usual. And Pierre was kaka at 8 . But that to me is the mark of a settled team. I really had no hope most of the game till the Abs started to turn it on, but even then it wasnt the confidence of old that I had because there was a steely resolve to this Bok team and the ‘tatteredness’ of this current AB side...not to take away anything from this Bok side.
U know i look at this current Bok team and I quite like the outfit, they have in John Smit a very respectable person and player its littered with talent aplenty, yes Bakkies and Bismarck are hotheads sometimes and Gollywog too, but then again I dislike Tialata and am not Nonus biggest fan either. Love the coaching staff inspite of themselves. Then i thought about it, what is it that makes me dislike the Boks so, and the penny dropped....them damn fans!! A springbok supporter is the most annoying species on this planet, maybe an English/Australian supporter may be worse but i don’t live there so i am not exposed to their ranting and moaning...if its not the refs cheating, its the coach who inherited a team and thats why they are playing so well. But I am making peace with it, one day i will be able to support the Boks for a full game but congrats to you guys your team deserved their win. Back to the coach inheriting a team, Rudolf Streauli had a pretty decent team and look what he did with them...just food for thought. An article sent to me by Saul giving some credit to Pdivvy... http://www.rugbyrugby.com/news/story_1909155700.php
The main villain of the last 2 test matches though was Supersport, how dare they substitute the quirkiness and quick wittedness of the Oz and to a lesser extent the NZ commentators with one eyed Bob and Matt? I honestly listened to the commentary in Afrikaans, it was too painful, and to be honest the Afrikaans commentary was not half bad. Very relaxed and balanced.
Now onto my problem that is this sliver fern that is looking wilted and gloomy. The prospects for this team excites me in spite of its current state of affairs. I watch Reunion and I have also been catching quite a bit of the ANZ cup and man the rugby is class, even games between Tasman and Counties...I however, really am concerned about the fact that the success of this team rests with DC and Richie. I was really keen on the idea of canning this season and next to build a back up. Yes I am taking this world cup seriously because i don’t think i can take another 4 years of hearing we have 2 world cups and u have just one....when we weren’t allowed to play. The more i think about it too the more i think, even though i didn’t think the 3 wise men (Hansen, Henry and Smith) deserved the axe, the thought of what Robbie Deans could do with what New Zealand has to offer in terms of talent is quite exciting. I can see it in Australian rugby at the moment. Yes they haven’t had the results to date but the way they are playing I am most concerned about them come 2011. But anyway maybe we will get him post 2011. Back to the team. I think Hore is tired, what has De Melmanche done wrong to be treated like Hanyani? Read at 8 is poifect, bring on Newland or Meews or that big Otago prop. Give Stephen Brett or even Daniel Bowden a shot at no 10 for a consistent period, let him work on his defence. Bring on Gear and Masaga, The Ice man Toeava in the centres...anyway enough of that
Looking forward to Saturdays game. Even though its a nothing game its not really a nothing game, id hope that the Abs ring the changes and see what the new bloods can bring, cos some of the old guard are duds at the moment.
Well done again to the Bok team, and the supporters and more importantly for me i guess the coaching staff ;)
Comments http://sumrugga.blogspot.com/
Respect
Y
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Dear fellow rugby fans, let me start off by eating humble pie and declaring out right that the Springboks are currently the best team in the world! And coached by a damn great coach too I might add, inherited team or no inherited team...just an example to illustrate this...Big Phil Scolari went to Chelsea inherited a great team but something didn’t click and they didn’t perform. It takes a great/good coach/man to inspire his chargers to perform. Guss Hiddink came, same team, different results...
You know i missed this weekends game because I knew the Boks would win and i expected more of the same, but i should have known better though. Media reports slamming them as a boring side, a weakened and inexperienced Wallaby team with new combinations at crucial positions...they were bound to exploit this. Evidence being 2 out of the 4 tries came from set piece ball both attacking the flyhalf/inside centre channels as well as the inside and outside centre channels...both well constructed tries, the last one had a hint of obstruction (if you were a south African commentator and Australia had pulled that move ;)) but both very classy.
De Villiers and Fourie, if they played together more often would be undoubtedly the best centre combination in the world. I like Adi Jacobs and I was rooting for him to keep his position because over the last 2 seasons he has done nothing wrong and his combination with Jean was pretty sublime too!! But alas injury took its toll and what Jacques brings size, mobility, skill and defence, Adi has the other 3 but not size.
The backline selected baffled me a lot though. Why Morne at no 10 when you could play Ruan there and Morne at a position he has played before, no 15??
I feel for Oz, but to be honest I’d prefer to be in their position than where we are currently (we being the Abs) we are sooo at sea at the moment. Our whole game hinges on 2 players, Richie and DC, but mind you, i’d think SA’s game hinges on John Smit and Bakkies, when those 2 are not available you can see a marked difference in the team. Oz on the other hand have had about 2 yrs to rebuild and are getting it right. Even though Stirlo is integral to the team, they were quite competitive with a new centre combo a talented yet young fullback. Their scrum was solid and even got the better of the Boks from what i read.
The game before was impressive in that both teams tried to move the ball and for me that was a spectacle. Out of all the Tri-Nations games o the year i really enjoyed that one and not because of the result. For me the saddest part of it all was that it implied that a 70% Dan Carter is better than a 100% Steve Donald, and really i thought his game was coming together a lot more, how is that going to affect his confidence? I am still of the opinion that Conrad Smith should be at 12 and Ma’a at 13 if they are to insist with him. I enjoyed Read at no 8. All i say is more damn game time for de Melmanche!!
Anyway i think this weekend its all done, it would be interesting if not though because then there would be fire and brimstone in NZ the weekend after
Well done to the Boks, they did what they had to do, i guess it is a sign of a great side.
Happy viewing
Y
You know i missed this weekends game because I knew the Boks would win and i expected more of the same, but i should have known better though. Media reports slamming them as a boring side, a weakened and inexperienced Wallaby team with new combinations at crucial positions...they were bound to exploit this. Evidence being 2 out of the 4 tries came from set piece ball both attacking the flyhalf/inside centre channels as well as the inside and outside centre channels...both well constructed tries, the last one had a hint of obstruction (if you were a south African commentator and Australia had pulled that move ;)) but both very classy.
De Villiers and Fourie, if they played together more often would be undoubtedly the best centre combination in the world. I like Adi Jacobs and I was rooting for him to keep his position because over the last 2 seasons he has done nothing wrong and his combination with Jean was pretty sublime too!! But alas injury took its toll and what Jacques brings size, mobility, skill and defence, Adi has the other 3 but not size.
The backline selected baffled me a lot though. Why Morne at no 10 when you could play Ruan there and Morne at a position he has played before, no 15??
I feel for Oz, but to be honest I’d prefer to be in their position than where we are currently (we being the Abs) we are sooo at sea at the moment. Our whole game hinges on 2 players, Richie and DC, but mind you, i’d think SA’s game hinges on John Smit and Bakkies, when those 2 are not available you can see a marked difference in the team. Oz on the other hand have had about 2 yrs to rebuild and are getting it right. Even though Stirlo is integral to the team, they were quite competitive with a new centre combo a talented yet young fullback. Their scrum was solid and even got the better of the Boks from what i read.
The game before was impressive in that both teams tried to move the ball and for me that was a spectacle. Out of all the Tri-Nations games o the year i really enjoyed that one and not because of the result. For me the saddest part of it all was that it implied that a 70% Dan Carter is better than a 100% Steve Donald, and really i thought his game was coming together a lot more, how is that going to affect his confidence? I am still of the opinion that Conrad Smith should be at 12 and Ma’a at 13 if they are to insist with him. I enjoyed Read at no 8. All i say is more damn game time for de Melmanche!!
Anyway i think this weekend its all done, it would be interesting if not though because then there would be fire and brimstone in NZ the weekend after
Well done to the Boks, they did what they had to do, i guess it is a sign of a great side.
Happy viewing
Y
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Yup yup yup
Bok supporters must be smiling from ear to ear at the moment, and good on you man, your team deserves where they are on the log. They have done what they have needed to do and done it effectively.
I haven’t been quiet because my team is most kak, quite frankly I am kinda pleased they are looking as dismal as they have been because we have had problems for a long time and it needs a period like this for them to be rectified, we had no reason to win the tri nations last year none at all
Oz on the other hand, shit they are like the Arsenal of rugby, they should be doing much better than they are on the field, but i guess they are doing as well as they should given the results.
But more on all of this later. Lets have a quick recap shall we
Abs had noooo right to win the first test against Oz, absolutely no right. Oz made all the play, unfortunately for them they didn’t capitalise on their opportunities, which is unfortunate because I like Robbie Deans and that team. The way they play. The way in a space of a month they have managed to turn things around regarding what people used to consider their weakness...their scrum, fair enough their lineouts suffered as a result...but not against the Abs in this test though, if i am not mistaken they stole plenty of ball from us, which i guess isn’t all that difficult with the way our lineouts have been going the last few years. The game really hinged on that pass that didn’t go to hand from Barnes, i think, he hit Smith on his head with the ball, cos at that stage the Blacks were on the ropes and it was just that sucker punch that would have done them in, but it never came and they pulled themselves towards themselves, in a very ugly way, but still did it nonetheless.
Then off to Bloem the Blacks flew. In my mind i knew the test they targeted was the Durbs one, it made sense, sea level, a week to acclimatise etc. This showed by the way they played (not that much changed in Durbs, well maybe for the worse). The had no way of dealing with the Boks pretty predictable game plan which was the saddest part. It wasnt like there were any curveballs been thrown at the Blacks, it was straight forward, skop, chase penalty, some dodgy but we will get to those northern hemisphere refs later...The boks were pretty woeful themselves because in as horrendously as the Blacks played some pretty off target kicking by my main man Ruan and some silly football kept us there or there abouts, but i must be honest I didn’t have that quiet confidence i used to have with the Abs play a test.
Then off to Durbs, i wasnt too hopefull but i though they would put in a good performance, and a good performance it was...at suicide. The Boks executed their game plan to perfection. The kicks were accurate the runners tireless. The defence well marshalled. I cant fault the execution of the tactic, but man if i wasnt at the stadium i would have changed channels to watch the PSL soccer or the travel channel like i did 2 weeks ago against Oz. Yes yes, most of you will say but ey its winning rugby blah blah, but in all honesty if this is what all teams adopt as a way of playing the game then i guess my days of watching this sport i so love are numbered.
The next game was SA v OZ, i was pretty convinced that they would do something but they had a brain implosion of mammoth proportions and it was so disappointing to see. They started off the game so well, but then they lost their way. Gits should have in the least have been cited for his reckless action. Richard Brown i think was unlucky because he was the tackler and George smith..tsho thso, he deserved what he got, from the get go he was getting frustrated with the ref, and rightly so cos that dude was all over the show., blowing for random things and missing real things. Anyway same old story, kick chase, saw the highlights on Blitz the next day.
I know i sound off but man to me watching that rugby is akin to me watching bowls but with people bashing each other. Its really not because my team is losing because at the beginning of the year and last I am sure you will recall me saying for a change I want the blacks to lose, they must go through a dark patch, so they can re-invent themselves.
In summary let me look at the teams as they stand. A friend of mine made a comment to me a few weeks ago and he said man for man there are maybe 2 All Blacks i would pick over the Boks at the moment. And those were Richie and Mills, and thats fair game to him, i on the other hand would really only have Victor and Jean in my team. Not for any other reason as I don’t see it as an exceptional team. They execute the skop and hardloop very well, and as a unit they are pretty settled, but I am not too convinced about them being the greatest team that Joel alluded to in his one interview. Their are some players who are looking pretty darn hot, such as Bismarck, but i cant stand that fool, Beast, Victor, Bakkies does his job and he gets around for a big guy, and my mainest of main men in rugby at the moment Brussouw, I cant say much about anyone else because thats where the ball game really ends, kwa kwaaaaaaa. I don’t think there are any players out there that deserve a chance in this team that aren’t there other than golly wog, i think he should be out heading to france on a one way ticket. Watch him play please. He never ever ever looks to pass, he and Juan Smith. He adds no value to the team not even drop goals.
I look at the Oz team and the only weakness i guess is at 9, but its not much of a weakness as it is non-exceptional. Berrick Barnes is superb, So too Stirlo,but mind you he is out for the rest of the tri nations, Adam Ashley Cooper insanely gifted, so too Drew Mitchel. In the forwards, loving their front row, very underrated but competent performers and their locks are a bit of the bulky mould but they handle themselves pretty well regarding tight and open play and the loose trio was good with Palu, but i think is even better with Elsom who returns this week. I like them because of the way they manipulate defences. I don’t have much wrong to say against this team other than them lacking it mentally, but when it all clicks they will be hot, they will be contesting hard for the Webb Ellis trophy in 2011.
Oh my Blacks. We haven’t been right since the 2007 world cup quarters. We lost an army of players and its really the time of management to show what they are really made of, time to build some depth and a group of quality players which they were trying to do. For this test I would have stuck with Stephen Donald or tried Weepu or another flyhalf there is this new u21 flyhalf, shoowee the bra has skills, slightly built but talent aplenty. Drop Rodney cos he is tired man. I’d find a place for Messam, start with De Melmanche or give him some more game time a whole lot more. Lock pairing is ok liking Ross, liking Kaino, but i’d give Richie less work, develop another Richie, get Latimer some more game time. In the backs i’d persist with Leonard and Donald, he may not yet be a test flyhalf, but he was showing the signs, i think he is good enough, get that Nonu out of my team out out out i tell u. Bring in Luke at 12 or if not, put Conrad at 12 and Nonu at 13, lets try that and see. Joe needs to go right, Leilia Masaga, now there is a wing....as u can see we got problems and now is the time to experiment, lets win this damn world cup so the world can leave us be for another 20 odd years, but sadly though i see another failed campaign...yeah i said it!! The beauty about this one though is there will be no favourites tag over our heads this time around...
Anyway thats me. Actually looking forward to this game this weekend because both teams are willing and able to throw the ball around which is pleasant. Not too happy about bringing back DC so soon though, because thats really more patchwork than it is a lasting solution, should he get hurt again, whats the solution?
Anyway let me have your thoughts
Bok supporters must be smiling from ear to ear at the moment, and good on you man, your team deserves where they are on the log. They have done what they have needed to do and done it effectively.
I haven’t been quiet because my team is most kak, quite frankly I am kinda pleased they are looking as dismal as they have been because we have had problems for a long time and it needs a period like this for them to be rectified, we had no reason to win the tri nations last year none at all
Oz on the other hand, shit they are like the Arsenal of rugby, they should be doing much better than they are on the field, but i guess they are doing as well as they should given the results.
But more on all of this later. Lets have a quick recap shall we
Abs had noooo right to win the first test against Oz, absolutely no right. Oz made all the play, unfortunately for them they didn’t capitalise on their opportunities, which is unfortunate because I like Robbie Deans and that team. The way they play. The way in a space of a month they have managed to turn things around regarding what people used to consider their weakness...their scrum, fair enough their lineouts suffered as a result...but not against the Abs in this test though, if i am not mistaken they stole plenty of ball from us, which i guess isn’t all that difficult with the way our lineouts have been going the last few years. The game really hinged on that pass that didn’t go to hand from Barnes, i think, he hit Smith on his head with the ball, cos at that stage the Blacks were on the ropes and it was just that sucker punch that would have done them in, but it never came and they pulled themselves towards themselves, in a very ugly way, but still did it nonetheless.
Then off to Bloem the Blacks flew. In my mind i knew the test they targeted was the Durbs one, it made sense, sea level, a week to acclimatise etc. This showed by the way they played (not that much changed in Durbs, well maybe for the worse). The had no way of dealing with the Boks pretty predictable game plan which was the saddest part. It wasnt like there were any curveballs been thrown at the Blacks, it was straight forward, skop, chase penalty, some dodgy but we will get to those northern hemisphere refs later...The boks were pretty woeful themselves because in as horrendously as the Blacks played some pretty off target kicking by my main man Ruan and some silly football kept us there or there abouts, but i must be honest I didn’t have that quiet confidence i used to have with the Abs play a test.
Then off to Durbs, i wasnt too hopefull but i though they would put in a good performance, and a good performance it was...at suicide. The Boks executed their game plan to perfection. The kicks were accurate the runners tireless. The defence well marshalled. I cant fault the execution of the tactic, but man if i wasnt at the stadium i would have changed channels to watch the PSL soccer or the travel channel like i did 2 weeks ago against Oz. Yes yes, most of you will say but ey its winning rugby blah blah, but in all honesty if this is what all teams adopt as a way of playing the game then i guess my days of watching this sport i so love are numbered.
The next game was SA v OZ, i was pretty convinced that they would do something but they had a brain implosion of mammoth proportions and it was so disappointing to see. They started off the game so well, but then they lost their way. Gits should have in the least have been cited for his reckless action. Richard Brown i think was unlucky because he was the tackler and George smith..tsho thso, he deserved what he got, from the get go he was getting frustrated with the ref, and rightly so cos that dude was all over the show., blowing for random things and missing real things. Anyway same old story, kick chase, saw the highlights on Blitz the next day.
I know i sound off but man to me watching that rugby is akin to me watching bowls but with people bashing each other. Its really not because my team is losing because at the beginning of the year and last I am sure you will recall me saying for a change I want the blacks to lose, they must go through a dark patch, so they can re-invent themselves.
In summary let me look at the teams as they stand. A friend of mine made a comment to me a few weeks ago and he said man for man there are maybe 2 All Blacks i would pick over the Boks at the moment. And those were Richie and Mills, and thats fair game to him, i on the other hand would really only have Victor and Jean in my team. Not for any other reason as I don’t see it as an exceptional team. They execute the skop and hardloop very well, and as a unit they are pretty settled, but I am not too convinced about them being the greatest team that Joel alluded to in his one interview. Their are some players who are looking pretty darn hot, such as Bismarck, but i cant stand that fool, Beast, Victor, Bakkies does his job and he gets around for a big guy, and my mainest of main men in rugby at the moment Brussouw, I cant say much about anyone else because thats where the ball game really ends, kwa kwaaaaaaa. I don’t think there are any players out there that deserve a chance in this team that aren’t there other than golly wog, i think he should be out heading to france on a one way ticket. Watch him play please. He never ever ever looks to pass, he and Juan Smith. He adds no value to the team not even drop goals.
I look at the Oz team and the only weakness i guess is at 9, but its not much of a weakness as it is non-exceptional. Berrick Barnes is superb, So too Stirlo,but mind you he is out for the rest of the tri nations, Adam Ashley Cooper insanely gifted, so too Drew Mitchel. In the forwards, loving their front row, very underrated but competent performers and their locks are a bit of the bulky mould but they handle themselves pretty well regarding tight and open play and the loose trio was good with Palu, but i think is even better with Elsom who returns this week. I like them because of the way they manipulate defences. I don’t have much wrong to say against this team other than them lacking it mentally, but when it all clicks they will be hot, they will be contesting hard for the Webb Ellis trophy in 2011.
Oh my Blacks. We haven’t been right since the 2007 world cup quarters. We lost an army of players and its really the time of management to show what they are really made of, time to build some depth and a group of quality players which they were trying to do. For this test I would have stuck with Stephen Donald or tried Weepu or another flyhalf there is this new u21 flyhalf, shoowee the bra has skills, slightly built but talent aplenty. Drop Rodney cos he is tired man. I’d find a place for Messam, start with De Melmanche or give him some more game time a whole lot more. Lock pairing is ok liking Ross, liking Kaino, but i’d give Richie less work, develop another Richie, get Latimer some more game time. In the backs i’d persist with Leonard and Donald, he may not yet be a test flyhalf, but he was showing the signs, i think he is good enough, get that Nonu out of my team out out out i tell u. Bring in Luke at 12 or if not, put Conrad at 12 and Nonu at 13, lets try that and see. Joe needs to go right, Leilia Masaga, now there is a wing....as u can see we got problems and now is the time to experiment, lets win this damn world cup so the world can leave us be for another 20 odd years, but sadly though i see another failed campaign...yeah i said it!! The beauty about this one though is there will be no favourites tag over our heads this time around...
Anyway thats me. Actually looking forward to this game this weekend because both teams are willing and able to throw the ball around which is pleasant. Not too happy about bringing back DC so soon though, because thats really more patchwork than it is a lasting solution, should he get hurt again, whats the solution?
Anyway let me have your thoughts
Thursday, July 9, 2009
End of the arb internationals :)
www.sumrugga.blogspot.com
You were an armband that reads “Justice” in protest of one of your brethren who was ‘unjustly’ sanctioned for a mere 2 weeks and you play one of the dirtiest off the ball games I have seen you play in recent history, isn’t it ironic? And you want to tell me that the Boks are unjustly labelled as a dirty team.
Dont get me wrong, on this account I think Bakkies may have been dealt a bit of a raw deal, what he did was reckless yes, its really tantamount to a shoulder charge, but many others do the same thing, but that doesn’t make it right no? Unfortunately someone got hurt because of his dumbass action. And then there was Schalk. I think he is a bit of a clown, but i have never thought he was a dirty player just a little bit of a hot head at times and that results in him getting sin binned. But his actions of a few weeks ago well i have no words!! Just read this article... http://www.sport24.co.za/Content/Rugby/TriNations/355/953f4bdb5a804921975acbdcab86782e//Arrogant_Boks_set_for_TN3_fall I definitely think Sheridan deserved a citing for his attack on the groin area of bakkies i think it was.
Imagine that a series win and what are we talking about? PdV’s comments. You know what I will say this out loud, even I can’t defend him anymore. There are somethings that just cant be defended. To say on live TV that you saw Schalks actions and don’t think it deserved a yellow card and that it was part of the game is just plain stoopid
Anyway someone asked me the other day if i think PdV is a good coach or he is riding on the back of a good team? Is Rassie a good coach, may would say yes, but Province is failing time after time, and thats a quality outfit of world class players. Is Frans Ludeke a good coach? Because he pretty much inherited Heyneke’s team, why don’t i hear shaite like that?? All it is is the Bulls won the S14, let the Boks win and the conversation is PdV is a clown he doesn’t know what he is doing!! Fact, under his rule the Boks have won 11 from 16 starts. Close on 70%, as a nation so obsessed with winning, I would be happy with that. I mean the Boks play 10 man rugby and win or boring kop and stap and guys are happy with it because ey a win is a win, but let there be a win and little coach of colour (yeah i said it) who is starting to stick his foot in it, well lets forget about the win cos he has nothing to do with it. This all makes me want to vomit. Give him a break for crying out loud...Lions tour 2-1, All Blacks in Dunedin, 42-6 victory against England at Twickenham, 53-8 victory against Australia at Ellis park. If Dick Muir was the coach of this team what do you think the stories in the paper would read? Somewhere along the lines of the amazing Muir does it again with the Boks...
Anyway lets speak about rugby. First test, they played a good game. I don’t think they were as good as everyone thinks they were. In my mind there was a lot of illegal scrumming. I think i mentioned it in my last blog. If you notice the Beast engages under the chest of his opposition and scrums him upwards. It was a team effort from the pack, yes but not entirely legal in my view. Second and third test, I think the Lions had the ascendency in the scrums, you cant tell me that in a week things can change so dramatically in terms of power. To say that the third test was a B-team has some merit but not in its entirety. Front row change...Chiliboy very capable, had a few starts and off the bench appearances for the Bulls. Muller, bloody good player and lock. Brussow, well u tell me if he is good enough. Kankowsky, last years front runner for the no 8 jersey. Steyn, SA’s best no 10 in the S14, Olivier, best centre in SA for the S14, Fourie, everyone loves Fourie at 13, Jongi and Odwa, tried but they didn’t get much ball to work with, and Zayne was the best no 15 in the country, so thats no real B-team to be fair.
I really wasnt impressed with everyones darling Spies at all. He is an athlete of a man, but man when he is under pressure at the back of the scrum he becomes invisible the whole game. Out of the forwards I was most impressed with Brussouw, but I have always liked his style of play, the way he attacks the ball and i hope the Boks never get a coach with the mindset of Jake White again, i.e. someone fixated with bulk and size. I am not the biggest Fourie du Preez fan, but i quite liked the timing of 2 passes in one of the tests that lead to tries. But on the whole, call it prejudice, even though i have no reason to be prejudicial against him, he didn’t have an amazing test series in my view. Ruan failed to impress, but also didn’t ‘unimpress’ either, I would like to see them persevering with him Jean and Adi were once again solid, but their defence was often tested by Roberts and O’driscol, but many a centre pairing would have been. Bryan played well, but JP was pretty solid but wasnt like wow...Steyn???!!! thats all i will say
Well at least the little leagues are done, next weekend is time for the big time. Did I hear you say Tri-Nations??!! Ya man, next weekend 18th July, Abs get their bums handed to them by the somewhat impressive Oz. Granted their wins against Italy weren’t spectacular, but their unit seems to be there or thereabouts. They have a pack that can scrum, something that Robbie has built in the last year and a bit, good interchangeable loosies, stable scrummy, legendary Gits, rising star Barnes and Mr dependable Morts and an able loose trio. They are definitely looking the part i’d say.
I may have been stretching the truth a wee bit when i indicated that the Abs would have their bums handed to them. This is the big time, they will step up. But in all honesty i don’t want them to. There is definitely something amis. Front row is capable, I would give DeMelmanche more game time though, I don’t like Tialata much tho, too hot headed. The lock pairing is decent, i like the skills of Ross, he isn’t menacing like Ali with the personality to stand up to bully boy Bakkies but man does he have skills. Loosies will have the familiar look of Kaino, McCaw and So’ialo, even though i quite like Messam. Cowan hasn’t impressed me much at 9, i would def start with Leonard. At 10 even though Donald had a good S14, i would prefer Luke at 10, Ma’a and Conrad doing their thing, Siti and Cory on the wings and Mils at the back
Just like last year, I think the Boks are the front runners for this year’s tournament. They have come out of a pretty tough series with a win. They are confident. Not to disrupted by injuries in key positions. The combinations have been tested, maybe found wanting in areas but still managed to pull off a series win and that counts for plenty. The only thing that will count against them if they start thinking they are bigger than they really are and signs of this were shown by the over robustness of players such as Juan Smith, Brussouw, Steyn and Bismarck in their last test. If they get that label of bully boys of rugby back, a label they have been trying hard to get rid of, i am afraid it will cost them dearly.
Just read this article... http://www.sport24.co.za/Content/Rugby/TriNations/355/953f4bdb5a804921975acbdcab86782e//Arrogant_Boks_set_for_TN3_fall
Chat again next week
You were an armband that reads “Justice” in protest of one of your brethren who was ‘unjustly’ sanctioned for a mere 2 weeks and you play one of the dirtiest off the ball games I have seen you play in recent history, isn’t it ironic? And you want to tell me that the Boks are unjustly labelled as a dirty team.
Dont get me wrong, on this account I think Bakkies may have been dealt a bit of a raw deal, what he did was reckless yes, its really tantamount to a shoulder charge, but many others do the same thing, but that doesn’t make it right no? Unfortunately someone got hurt because of his dumbass action. And then there was Schalk. I think he is a bit of a clown, but i have never thought he was a dirty player just a little bit of a hot head at times and that results in him getting sin binned. But his actions of a few weeks ago well i have no words!! Just read this article... http://www.sport24.co.za/Content/Rugby/TriNations/355/953f4bdb5a804921975acbdcab86782e//Arrogant_Boks_set_for_TN3_fall I definitely think Sheridan deserved a citing for his attack on the groin area of bakkies i think it was.
Imagine that a series win and what are we talking about? PdV’s comments. You know what I will say this out loud, even I can’t defend him anymore. There are somethings that just cant be defended. To say on live TV that you saw Schalks actions and don’t think it deserved a yellow card and that it was part of the game is just plain stoopid
Anyway someone asked me the other day if i think PdV is a good coach or he is riding on the back of a good team? Is Rassie a good coach, may would say yes, but Province is failing time after time, and thats a quality outfit of world class players. Is Frans Ludeke a good coach? Because he pretty much inherited Heyneke’s team, why don’t i hear shaite like that?? All it is is the Bulls won the S14, let the Boks win and the conversation is PdV is a clown he doesn’t know what he is doing!! Fact, under his rule the Boks have won 11 from 16 starts. Close on 70%, as a nation so obsessed with winning, I would be happy with that. I mean the Boks play 10 man rugby and win or boring kop and stap and guys are happy with it because ey a win is a win, but let there be a win and little coach of colour (yeah i said it) who is starting to stick his foot in it, well lets forget about the win cos he has nothing to do with it. This all makes me want to vomit. Give him a break for crying out loud...Lions tour 2-1, All Blacks in Dunedin, 42-6 victory against England at Twickenham, 53-8 victory against Australia at Ellis park. If Dick Muir was the coach of this team what do you think the stories in the paper would read? Somewhere along the lines of the amazing Muir does it again with the Boks...
Anyway lets speak about rugby. First test, they played a good game. I don’t think they were as good as everyone thinks they were. In my mind there was a lot of illegal scrumming. I think i mentioned it in my last blog. If you notice the Beast engages under the chest of his opposition and scrums him upwards. It was a team effort from the pack, yes but not entirely legal in my view. Second and third test, I think the Lions had the ascendency in the scrums, you cant tell me that in a week things can change so dramatically in terms of power. To say that the third test was a B-team has some merit but not in its entirety. Front row change...Chiliboy very capable, had a few starts and off the bench appearances for the Bulls. Muller, bloody good player and lock. Brussow, well u tell me if he is good enough. Kankowsky, last years front runner for the no 8 jersey. Steyn, SA’s best no 10 in the S14, Olivier, best centre in SA for the S14, Fourie, everyone loves Fourie at 13, Jongi and Odwa, tried but they didn’t get much ball to work with, and Zayne was the best no 15 in the country, so thats no real B-team to be fair.
I really wasnt impressed with everyones darling Spies at all. He is an athlete of a man, but man when he is under pressure at the back of the scrum he becomes invisible the whole game. Out of the forwards I was most impressed with Brussouw, but I have always liked his style of play, the way he attacks the ball and i hope the Boks never get a coach with the mindset of Jake White again, i.e. someone fixated with bulk and size. I am not the biggest Fourie du Preez fan, but i quite liked the timing of 2 passes in one of the tests that lead to tries. But on the whole, call it prejudice, even though i have no reason to be prejudicial against him, he didn’t have an amazing test series in my view. Ruan failed to impress, but also didn’t ‘unimpress’ either, I would like to see them persevering with him Jean and Adi were once again solid, but their defence was often tested by Roberts and O’driscol, but many a centre pairing would have been. Bryan played well, but JP was pretty solid but wasnt like wow...Steyn???!!! thats all i will say
Well at least the little leagues are done, next weekend is time for the big time. Did I hear you say Tri-Nations??!! Ya man, next weekend 18th July, Abs get their bums handed to them by the somewhat impressive Oz. Granted their wins against Italy weren’t spectacular, but their unit seems to be there or thereabouts. They have a pack that can scrum, something that Robbie has built in the last year and a bit, good interchangeable loosies, stable scrummy, legendary Gits, rising star Barnes and Mr dependable Morts and an able loose trio. They are definitely looking the part i’d say.
I may have been stretching the truth a wee bit when i indicated that the Abs would have their bums handed to them. This is the big time, they will step up. But in all honesty i don’t want them to. There is definitely something amis. Front row is capable, I would give DeMelmanche more game time though, I don’t like Tialata much tho, too hot headed. The lock pairing is decent, i like the skills of Ross, he isn’t menacing like Ali with the personality to stand up to bully boy Bakkies but man does he have skills. Loosies will have the familiar look of Kaino, McCaw and So’ialo, even though i quite like Messam. Cowan hasn’t impressed me much at 9, i would def start with Leonard. At 10 even though Donald had a good S14, i would prefer Luke at 10, Ma’a and Conrad doing their thing, Siti and Cory on the wings and Mils at the back
Just like last year, I think the Boks are the front runners for this year’s tournament. They have come out of a pretty tough series with a win. They are confident. Not to disrupted by injuries in key positions. The combinations have been tested, maybe found wanting in areas but still managed to pull off a series win and that counts for plenty. The only thing that will count against them if they start thinking they are bigger than they really are and signs of this were shown by the over robustness of players such as Juan Smith, Brussouw, Steyn and Bismarck in their last test. If they get that label of bully boys of rugby back, a label they have been trying hard to get rid of, i am afraid it will cost them dearly.
Just read this article... http://www.sport24.co.za/Content/Rugby/TriNations/355/953f4bdb5a804921975acbdcab86782e//Arrogant_Boks_set_for_TN3_fall
Chat again next week
Friday, June 26, 2009
So begins the international season...
Greetings rugby followers...
Yip the international season is well underway and so far pretty interesting regarding the form books i say! Oz are looking the most expansive, the Boks back to their physically bullying selves and my Blacks are looking but ka ak yo!!
Lets start with the Ausies, they are a team that is building some depth and with a coach like Robbie Deans you can see the change in their forward play too. Their scrums don’t seem to be struggling that much fair enough they have only played Italy but Italy generally have a strong pack...at least. What i like about the Ausies is the balance they seem to have now and the depth they are building. I mean who plays a 19 year old as a starting international fullback? Australia, thats who. I don’t think they are the finished product just yet, but thats what you want though right? All the signs are demonstrating a team progressing on the right path. Their front row is more than competent, my pick being the brumbies prop who plays like an extra loose forward, the one who scores all the time, I get confused between Ben Alexander/Benn Robinson, but u know which one. The bra has skills, and is quite pacey for a presumed porker. There are the 2 locks they have, nothing flash but both big and hard working. The loose trio is hectic. George Smith at i think 28/29 years old closing in on 100 test caps looks like he has another 100 left in him. He is at his menacing and linking best, I would put him as the best out and out open side flanker in the business at the moment, followed by Luke and Brussow. Anyone they have at 6 and 8 (Brown, Mumm, Pockock, Waugh, Palu) looks hardly out of place. Burgess looks to be growing into his no 9 role. Gits, well what can be said about the best no 10 in the business at the moment? Yes alot but i have 2 other teams to get through so you can use your imagination as well as these superlatives, wow, amazing, mercurial, magical...in the centres there are Barnes and Mortlock, the Master (Morts) and the over achieving student. Then they have loose trios to burn, Ashley cooper, Turner, Mitchell, Ioane, Tiquiri, Heynes juslike nah they are building something special here.
Then there were the Boks. To be honest i was one of those who thought they were a bit underdone and would feel the heat a wee bit in the first test. Not that i think the Lions are anything to be fearful of. This Lions team is much better than the one that was taken to the cleaners in NZ a few years ago, but in terms of striking fear into opponents, I am not too convinced and I have always said that. They have quality individual players but as a collective man i don’t know. Their formidable pack got a formidable pasting for roughly 40 minutes last week. Everyone is giving the high fives to Beast but i am not too convinced about his scrumming just yet, he had a lot of help from Bismark and Bakkies. Dont get me wrong he did what he had to do, held his own, back straight and i think the plan to attack Vicery paid dividends! So what turned the game? Second half replacements or the Lions lifting their intensity? I would go with the Lions, but South African supporters will go with the substitutions. Now you tell me what was lost by bringing on Guthro and Deon for Beast and John, fair enough they had the ascendancy in a few scrums, but the Welsh made changes which seemed to neutralise that before the Beast went off, or am i mistaken. Brussow was having a stormer and i don’t think he should have been taken off so early, but ey it was his debut, he worked tirelessly and he was replaced by the Bulls and Bok supersub Danie Russouw, just the way south African supporters like it...more meat in the pack, afterall Brussow, like Luke, is too small to play flank!! Anyway, i am pleased for Div that they won because all the heat he is taking even from a win, imagine if they had lost. The team is looking pretty solid at the moment particularly upfront. The loose forward come scrummy Fourie is also looking on top of his game. The rest of the backline is a wee bit rusty but nothing a little game time wont sort out.
The Abs looked pretty ordinary in the first test, but the French brought a quality side and played a damn impressive game so lets move on from that. The second test, even more ordinary Abs but luckily the French were slightly more ordinary. I am not convinced about Cowan at 9 this year thus far and Donald at 10. He just looks like he is not relaxed at all. Donald at the Chiefs is not the same Donald with an AB 10 jersey. Enter Lukie...I hope. I am not too concerned to be honest. We might take the wooden spoon in this years Tri Nations, but its ok we are hopefully building some depth cos its lacking. The first test what was the sum of the loose trios test caps about 12?
Anyway moving right along to this anima called the South African rugby supporter. The animal along with idiotic players like Bakkies and Bismark that make me dislike the Bok team so much. Never have i seen an animal that suffers from so much one-itis ever. Let me highlight some inconsistencies...Ricky Januarie, yes a bit of a porker but he looked the same during last years tri nations when he won you the game at Carrisbrook, Ricky Januarie, what a boytjie...the saviour...blah blah blah. Next, but how can he be picked, he didn’t play much super 14 this year, but wait neither did Ruan Pienaar, or Jacque Fourie, and there are other players who played consistently well during this years super 14 that weren’t picked, but lets not worry about those players lets just pick on Earl Rose and Ricky. Earl Rose, shame poor guy, if you watch rugby like i think i do, and see a lot of the Lions tries, they were ignited by who? Yes Earl Rose. A couple of stuff ups were of his making yes, but you cant tell me he was any worse than a few others whose names i will save for later as I have some more comparsisons i want to draw(or biatching). Earl Rose didn’t ask to be picked, he has never said he is the best in his position, yes but why pick him some might ask, well what were people saying when Bob Skinstad, who by his own admission was nowhere near worthy of being picked ahead of AJ Venter or Teich by a long mile?mmm let me see not too much. A few rumblings here and there but nothing to the extent that we have on the comments on Rugby365 and Sport 24 about Rose and some other players, who all coincidentally appear to be players of colour. I mean lets take Frans Steyn for one, randomness personified, but u stay right where you are even though a player like Kirchner was by a country mile the best fullback in the country and then some. But how can you pick Ricky when Kockott and Vermaak were better than he was. Then the most annoying one for me. Drop Adi Jacobs and put in Jacque Fourie, but wait aren’t we the same people that are saying that you cant just pick players who haven’t played much S14 this year, but its fine to substitute Jacque for a player who has not put a foot wrong thus far this year? Hmmmm...sheesh what else...oh yes Brussouw, yip it was impossible to pick Luke because he is too small, foolish!! He is bigger than Brussouw is. He is not good enough, well i did some research and as far as loosies in SA go, those 2 were in the top 3 or so in SA. Yes so Luke stood for what he believed in, he believed that the Bok emblem, just like that old flag, represents the old school. And well done to him for saying what he believed. Its funny though that a player like Toks is guilty of racially abusing a young lady but no don’t worry Toksie, you are one of the boytjies...
Anyway onto this weekends games. Boks will win at Loftus, the Lions best shot was in Durbs. That being said I’d like to see the series go down to the wire, i.e. the 3rd test being the decider. France v Oz, should be a ripper, but Oz to take it and NZ to have a good hit out against Italy, just hope for no more injuries and something starts clicking other than my knees
Outta here people have a good rugby viewing weekend
Yip the international season is well underway and so far pretty interesting regarding the form books i say! Oz are looking the most expansive, the Boks back to their physically bullying selves and my Blacks are looking but ka ak yo!!
Lets start with the Ausies, they are a team that is building some depth and with a coach like Robbie Deans you can see the change in their forward play too. Their scrums don’t seem to be struggling that much fair enough they have only played Italy but Italy generally have a strong pack...at least. What i like about the Ausies is the balance they seem to have now and the depth they are building. I mean who plays a 19 year old as a starting international fullback? Australia, thats who. I don’t think they are the finished product just yet, but thats what you want though right? All the signs are demonstrating a team progressing on the right path. Their front row is more than competent, my pick being the brumbies prop who plays like an extra loose forward, the one who scores all the time, I get confused between Ben Alexander/Benn Robinson, but u know which one. The bra has skills, and is quite pacey for a presumed porker. There are the 2 locks they have, nothing flash but both big and hard working. The loose trio is hectic. George Smith at i think 28/29 years old closing in on 100 test caps looks like he has another 100 left in him. He is at his menacing and linking best, I would put him as the best out and out open side flanker in the business at the moment, followed by Luke and Brussow. Anyone they have at 6 and 8 (Brown, Mumm, Pockock, Waugh, Palu) looks hardly out of place. Burgess looks to be growing into his no 9 role. Gits, well what can be said about the best no 10 in the business at the moment? Yes alot but i have 2 other teams to get through so you can use your imagination as well as these superlatives, wow, amazing, mercurial, magical...in the centres there are Barnes and Mortlock, the Master (Morts) and the over achieving student. Then they have loose trios to burn, Ashley cooper, Turner, Mitchell, Ioane, Tiquiri, Heynes juslike nah they are building something special here.
Then there were the Boks. To be honest i was one of those who thought they were a bit underdone and would feel the heat a wee bit in the first test. Not that i think the Lions are anything to be fearful of. This Lions team is much better than the one that was taken to the cleaners in NZ a few years ago, but in terms of striking fear into opponents, I am not too convinced and I have always said that. They have quality individual players but as a collective man i don’t know. Their formidable pack got a formidable pasting for roughly 40 minutes last week. Everyone is giving the high fives to Beast but i am not too convinced about his scrumming just yet, he had a lot of help from Bismark and Bakkies. Dont get me wrong he did what he had to do, held his own, back straight and i think the plan to attack Vicery paid dividends! So what turned the game? Second half replacements or the Lions lifting their intensity? I would go with the Lions, but South African supporters will go with the substitutions. Now you tell me what was lost by bringing on Guthro and Deon for Beast and John, fair enough they had the ascendancy in a few scrums, but the Welsh made changes which seemed to neutralise that before the Beast went off, or am i mistaken. Brussow was having a stormer and i don’t think he should have been taken off so early, but ey it was his debut, he worked tirelessly and he was replaced by the Bulls and Bok supersub Danie Russouw, just the way south African supporters like it...more meat in the pack, afterall Brussow, like Luke, is too small to play flank!! Anyway, i am pleased for Div that they won because all the heat he is taking even from a win, imagine if they had lost. The team is looking pretty solid at the moment particularly upfront. The loose forward come scrummy Fourie is also looking on top of his game. The rest of the backline is a wee bit rusty but nothing a little game time wont sort out.
The Abs looked pretty ordinary in the first test, but the French brought a quality side and played a damn impressive game so lets move on from that. The second test, even more ordinary Abs but luckily the French were slightly more ordinary. I am not convinced about Cowan at 9 this year thus far and Donald at 10. He just looks like he is not relaxed at all. Donald at the Chiefs is not the same Donald with an AB 10 jersey. Enter Lukie...I hope. I am not too concerned to be honest. We might take the wooden spoon in this years Tri Nations, but its ok we are hopefully building some depth cos its lacking. The first test what was the sum of the loose trios test caps about 12?
Anyway moving right along to this anima called the South African rugby supporter. The animal along with idiotic players like Bakkies and Bismark that make me dislike the Bok team so much. Never have i seen an animal that suffers from so much one-itis ever. Let me highlight some inconsistencies...Ricky Januarie, yes a bit of a porker but he looked the same during last years tri nations when he won you the game at Carrisbrook, Ricky Januarie, what a boytjie...the saviour...blah blah blah. Next, but how can he be picked, he didn’t play much super 14 this year, but wait neither did Ruan Pienaar, or Jacque Fourie, and there are other players who played consistently well during this years super 14 that weren’t picked, but lets not worry about those players lets just pick on Earl Rose and Ricky. Earl Rose, shame poor guy, if you watch rugby like i think i do, and see a lot of the Lions tries, they were ignited by who? Yes Earl Rose. A couple of stuff ups were of his making yes, but you cant tell me he was any worse than a few others whose names i will save for later as I have some more comparsisons i want to draw(or biatching). Earl Rose didn’t ask to be picked, he has never said he is the best in his position, yes but why pick him some might ask, well what were people saying when Bob Skinstad, who by his own admission was nowhere near worthy of being picked ahead of AJ Venter or Teich by a long mile?mmm let me see not too much. A few rumblings here and there but nothing to the extent that we have on the comments on Rugby365 and Sport 24 about Rose and some other players, who all coincidentally appear to be players of colour. I mean lets take Frans Steyn for one, randomness personified, but u stay right where you are even though a player like Kirchner was by a country mile the best fullback in the country and then some. But how can you pick Ricky when Kockott and Vermaak were better than he was. Then the most annoying one for me. Drop Adi Jacobs and put in Jacque Fourie, but wait aren’t we the same people that are saying that you cant just pick players who haven’t played much S14 this year, but its fine to substitute Jacque for a player who has not put a foot wrong thus far this year? Hmmmm...sheesh what else...oh yes Brussouw, yip it was impossible to pick Luke because he is too small, foolish!! He is bigger than Brussouw is. He is not good enough, well i did some research and as far as loosies in SA go, those 2 were in the top 3 or so in SA. Yes so Luke stood for what he believed in, he believed that the Bok emblem, just like that old flag, represents the old school. And well done to him for saying what he believed. Its funny though that a player like Toks is guilty of racially abusing a young lady but no don’t worry Toksie, you are one of the boytjies...
Anyway onto this weekends games. Boks will win at Loftus, the Lions best shot was in Durbs. That being said I’d like to see the series go down to the wire, i.e. the 3rd test being the decider. France v Oz, should be a ripper, but Oz to take it and NZ to have a good hit out against Italy, just hope for no more injuries and something starts clicking other than my knees
Outta here people have a good rugby viewing weekend
Thursday, June 4, 2009
S14 final and beyond
Ooh i cant wait for this weekends S14 final, it should be a cracker of a game. You guys might think i am a bit loopy but i actually thought the game was last weekend at 5.30 so rushed home got ready to watch it and to my disappointment it wasn’t the S14 final i was waiting to watch. There was a team in blue that looked like the Bulls but didn’t really play like the Bulls and then there was a team in white kinda looked like the Chiefs but played absolutely nothing like the Chiefs, wait they actually did, they played like the Chiefs of about 3 years ago.
Man what a shocker. The game was over after about 20 minutes. The Bulls played such a complete game and were worth their win. All of their players really played their part this year. Special mention to Guthro, Kunn, Victor, Spies, Fourie(not a huge fan, but he does his bit), Steyn, Olivier and Kirchner. Fourie is a great player, but to me he is just like Joost another flank who can kick. But thats my opinion. I feel sorry for Kirchner, cos he was by far the best no 15 in this country this year.
Shoo i am struggling to find anything to write about the game, but i cant, the bulls won, deserved their win Chiefs should have just stayed at home and congratulated the Bulls for their win, it would have saved me 80 min of my life, saved them plane and hotel fare and also reduced their carbon footprint. One big gripe i have though is this thing of letting refs from one of the countries playing ref a game even if its JK. I don’t bitch about refs, well try not to (i bitched a whole lot on Saturday though).
But man what a stud Mills was in his speech after the game. Absoulte stud.
Anyway onwards we march. Bok selections, not bad i say. A lot is being said of Earl Rose. I still believe that he has something to offer. The coach has seen something in him. Adi Jacobs last year, Bob Skinstad in Nick Mallets era, Percy Montgomery in every coaches team for the last 100 years. In the words of Bobby Skinstad on Captains choice, i didn’t pick myself, i just have to make the most of it. Other than that a very predictable side. It will be interesting to see who he plays at 8,10, 12, 13, 15.
The Lions, hmm i don’t know so much about Northeren Hemisphere teams to be honest. Their first game was not impressive at all but yesterday’s game against the Lions was a different story, my next question would be would the Vodacom Cup Royals team beat the Golden Lions, cos they were kaaaak yesterday. I think the Boks should win this series and pretty comfortably, but i will continue watching the B&I Lions teams growth.
Roll on the internjavascript:void(0)ational season
Man what a shocker. The game was over after about 20 minutes. The Bulls played such a complete game and were worth their win. All of their players really played their part this year. Special mention to Guthro, Kunn, Victor, Spies, Fourie(not a huge fan, but he does his bit), Steyn, Olivier and Kirchner. Fourie is a great player, but to me he is just like Joost another flank who can kick. But thats my opinion. I feel sorry for Kirchner, cos he was by far the best no 15 in this country this year.
Shoo i am struggling to find anything to write about the game, but i cant, the bulls won, deserved their win Chiefs should have just stayed at home and congratulated the Bulls for their win, it would have saved me 80 min of my life, saved them plane and hotel fare and also reduced their carbon footprint. One big gripe i have though is this thing of letting refs from one of the countries playing ref a game even if its JK. I don’t bitch about refs, well try not to (i bitched a whole lot on Saturday though).
But man what a stud Mills was in his speech after the game. Absoulte stud.
Anyway onwards we march. Bok selections, not bad i say. A lot is being said of Earl Rose. I still believe that he has something to offer. The coach has seen something in him. Adi Jacobs last year, Bob Skinstad in Nick Mallets era, Percy Montgomery in every coaches team for the last 100 years. In the words of Bobby Skinstad on Captains choice, i didn’t pick myself, i just have to make the most of it. Other than that a very predictable side. It will be interesting to see who he plays at 8,10, 12, 13, 15.
The Lions, hmm i don’t know so much about Northeren Hemisphere teams to be honest. Their first game was not impressive at all but yesterday’s game against the Lions was a different story, my next question would be would the Vodacom Cup Royals team beat the Golden Lions, cos they were kaaaak yesterday. I think the Boks should win this series and pretty comfortably, but i will continue watching the B&I Lions teams growth.
Roll on the internjavascript:void(0)ational season
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
S14 round up
It looks like its down to the battle of the ‘random’ no 10’s this weekend at Loftus. Firstly let me apologise for my lack of commentary this S14, i started off not watching too much of the games due to other commitments but in the last few weeks i caught more games than i missed.
But here is a summary from the games that i did see...
The super 14 had a bit of a slow start to the season the games were alright but lacked the intensity of a few years gone by and as a result my interest waned a wee bit
I watched the S14 semi between the Bulls and the Saders, not live cos i was at a wedding, but at like 2 am or so when i got home and managed to watch the whole thing from start to end and even listen to the interviews etc. then i tried watching bits of the Heineken cup, man what a bore, unless i am being a biased so and so
Anyway back to the reason i write, what a great competition dished out this year. It went down to the last game of the regular season to find out who would be in the top 4 and in what order, thats what a tournament should be all about...happy days for us spectators, unhappy times for those players who put everything into this S14 and were so close yet have to wait till 2010. I really expected NZ to be very average this year with all the top players leaving and to be honest the depth was tested plenty with all the injuries in some of the teams but none of the teams were push overs. And by that i mean none of the 14 teams. Which is good for the game in the southern hemisphere. Here is my round up of the tournament
Start with Oz
The team that impressed me most was the Force. They started at the same time as our Cheetahs and they have shown a whole lot more progress than the Cheetahs have. Yes they bought some key players, but what’s to stop the Cheetahs from doing the same, they should have amassed enough after selling all their players to the Sharks etc . On a whole they are not a side of superstars the Force, bar, say Gits, but that has to be a sign of good coaching too. I look at their forwards and the big name there is Nathan Sharpe everyone else maybe known but not a superstar. I was very impressed with the loosies, Pocock and Brown as well as the prop Whalley. In the backs, that youngster O’Connor was insane very impressive. So too was Drew Mitchell. Gits, well what can anyone say, even though Super Rugby put Stephen Donald in as their no 10, a selection I totally understand, my S14 no 10 was Gits the Ninja. The Force may well struggle next year without Gits and Mitchell.
The Reds had their moments but their depth was truly tested and they were found wanting unfortunately for them but i think they will be a better side for it next year. Some of their youngsters really played their part. My pick of their pops was Berrick Barnes, I realised what a quality player he was last year during the trinations where he tackled like a randy dude in a whore house...nothing got away from him, and his kicking game and distribution game was par excellence. Digby Ioane and Quade Cooper really came to their own with him directing traffic. The forwards were also pretty able.
The Brumbies, sheesh what a team. All i have to say is Stirling Mortlock and George Smith, man what war horses, game winners!! But thats not taking away anything form the Likes of Adam Ashley-Cooper. From that team, my player to watch is Christian Lealiifano, man what a talent, i guess he flourished having Tyrone Smith, Mortlock , Adam Ash and Mark Gerard “inside” him. He is such a skilfull and confident player, i hope he finds his way to the Force because with Gits returning to the Brumbies, he may start developing splinters in his backside, unless Gits plays 12. The forwards were very strong and my pick was Ben Alexander, i think he should be one of the Wallaby props this year. He scrummed well, showed so much skill in the loose and scored tries what more could u ask? 2 brumbies players i think are hugely underrated are Adam Ash, that bra, is fast, strong and reads the game so well and Mitchell Chapman, i liked him at the Reds, but in Brumbies colours he seems to be coming into his own even more!
The Warratahs zzzzz, not just because everyone else is saying it, but their games are the ones i missed the most, my best game of theirs was their last one against the Lions, such a good game, both teams going out there to play some good running footy. They are potentially such a good side but played such random rugga. Over them...moving on..
SA rugby...the teams i enjoyed watching the most were the Cheetahs and the Lions, but they really let themselves down when they travelled, but thats the difference between experience and youth. These 2 teams were by no means star studded. I believe they will do well in the Currie Cup. For the Lions i really enjoyed the hooker cant remember his name now, also thought Clever was a pretty clever addition to the team, that young no 6 they blooded when they played against the Crusaders has plenty promise. Louis Ludik deserved to be at least a part of the training camp for his effort this season and Jarno Vermaak got what was rightly his a call up to the training squad. Jacques Fourie, man what a player, i know a lot of people want him at 13, but man Adi Jacobs had a stellar season too and deserves to keep his no 13 jersey. I’d play Fourie at 15 seeing as there is a shortage there.
The Cheetahs are a team that i really enjoy watching. Very few super stars, but the way they put it together on their day. The front row was so on point, Brussow just carried on from last year, enjoyed Hendro but wasn’t too impressed with Juan, it was like he was carrying an injury, he played well but I think he could have given a better , account of himself. My player of that side before he got injured was Jacques Louis Potgieter, very underrated but a quality fly half. Jongi and Daniler were also on point, I wouldn’t ever think of giving Demas another contract tho
The Stormers, what a disappointment, such a star studded team but misfiring hard!! Clearly there wasn’t much happiness in that team. Many of you wont agree with what I am about to write but Luke Watson was by far their best player. Rassie definitely knows how to use him correctly.His pack went back more often than not but he always managed to make some yards. His work rate on the ground and his linking ability made him such an asset to that team. In my mind his best game was against the Bulls where he was up against it, from both player and crowd but he showed restraint and ability I would even go as far as saying he outshone Pierre Spies.. Another player who really impressed me was Peter Grant, he isn’t mr flashy by any means, but he is mr dependable and mr i do will not err and i will do all i need to do well. Either at 10 or 12, he gave a great account of himself in all facets of his play. Even though it may be unfair, i’d play him ahead of Morne Steyn. Duane Vermulen was another player worth mentioning. The man is a great player, and he showed it when he turned out for the men from the Cape. South Africa is blessed in that they have an abundance of quality loose forwards. Oh wait, then there was the Hooker who kept Schalk Brits on the bench, i cant remember his name now which sucks but, man did he throw his weight around. He tried hard every game he played, so much so that he got into a boxing match to try and get a numerical advantage against the Force i think it was, but it only earned him a yellow card...doh. And then there was Joe Pietersen, a player who may well deserve a shot in Bok colours in a year or so if he keeps up with his performance, but if the South African selectors remain true to their obsession with size, he may also fall through the cracks.
The sad thing about the Stormers though is that they could definitely say they had a lack of depth because injury did play a part in where they ended up...
The Sharks, oh what a shame!! What a shame indeed, another start studded team but a team that shot themselves in the backside. The was absolutely noooo reason for them to not end up in the top 4
They looked the team to beat for most of the tournament. Laced with Springboks and potential Springboks. Coached by an accomplished coaching team. They travelled overseas and won more games than they lost, but they did lose to the Reds, not that the Reds were a push over team but the Sharks went there expecting to just having to pitch up to win that game. I must add that someone was watching over them during the Chiefs game because they definitely got out of jail there. Then they returned to SA, with points in the bag and all they had to do was win their home games, but alas they came unstuck against a Cheetah team that was playing superb rugby and for some reason had a new lease on life. It was lovely to see Jongi sprinting down the touch line with Kankowski being dragged along. And that my dear friends was when the wheels came off. They came up against a struggling Crusaders side who also took the points if i am not mistaken and then came the Tahs who rubbed salt into the wounds of the Shark faithful. I think the Sharks game plan during the last game against the Bulls was wrong. They had 3 or so penalty awards plum in front of the posts and i would have taken the shots, build a buffer and the tries would have come. If the Bulls felt they were chasing the game, which they also needed to chase because they wanted to finish on top of the log, which would guarantee them at least a 75% chance of winning the tournament, because to be honest if they had to travel i don’t think they would have a chance of winning. But alas the brains trust of the Sharks turned down the points to chase tries which they got, but in the end they didn’t have enough points and 1 point short they sat there gaping mouths lamenting on a season that could have been....I still see Ruan as the Boks flyhalf, he is a Larkham sort of player. Kockott deserves a shot, i prefer him to Fourie, but who am i? Stefan Terblanche was pretty solid at the back. JP, never been much of a fan of his but what a season he had this year. Adi Jacobs once again showed that he deserved all the faith placed in him last year by PdV. I said it before and i’ll say it again, Francois Steyn is the most overrated player in South Africa!! People bitch and moan about Earl Rose being selected, but someone tell me bar the ability to drop goals from almost anywhere, what is the difference between the 2 of them, they can both be brilliant at times, but generally woeful, yet when Earl is selected the whole SA rugby community is like oh my whaaaaatttt, but select Steyn and its like whatever...anyway...Kankowski started off well but faded towards the end of the competition. Jean Deysel is a human wrecking ball and a player for the future. Johan Muller worked so hard and i feel for him, but i think he earned a Bok call up. John Smit had another alright season in my mind, i think moving him to prop is a good move because thats where he belongs. My player for the Sharks though was Beast. He is a centre stuck in a props body. Man what a season! His scrumming still needs a bit of work i think but he would make my Bok 22 anytime
And then there were the Bulls. Let me be the first to correct a statement i made which said that I would definitely have Wynand Olivier in my worst Boks ever team, i think i would have even made him captain because i thought he was that random. But humbly i ingest my words!! What a season he has had. The Bulls were my second worst team to watch (after the Tahs). They are still in my mind a skop skiet and donder team, but i guess its effective rugby. They struggled getting their heads around the ELVs last year but they found their way this year...get Morne Steyn to kick them into the opposition half and take advantage of whatever comes their way...I mock it cos it bores me, but man is it effective, you don’t win 10 games out of 13 and a semi final by not having a plan so well done to them i guess. Did i tell you all how much i despise drop goals . The Bulls players that impressed me most were Guthro, Derrick Kunn, Stegman and Spies in the forwards, in the backs fat head (as Victor Matfield called him) Steyn was pretty good at his role. Wynand Olivier and Kirchner were also very impressive for the Bulls. The Bulls though i think generally come unstuck against a team with a pack that can match them. As good as Spies is, he doesn’t feature much when his pack is under pressure not that his pack was under pressure much. I said it to a mate of mine teams like the Highlanders and the Tahs will give the Bulls a tough time. I do think they deserve their spot at the top of the log and I am happy for Frans Ludeke that he managed to turn his team’s standing in the S14 around after his first season in charge...a season where many branded him a dismal failure...who’s laughing now eh?
I am not going to spend too much time on New Zealand because this email is 3 days in writing on and off and its long!!! But much respect to that country. By far the smallest pool to choose from but stars aplenty were borne of this year’s S14. None of their 5 sides were pushovers you know. Even though some might argue that the Highlanders could have been, but they lacked depth in key positions and it showed when the likes of Cowan, Bowden and Mackintosh were injured. Its a team of no names as was the Crusaders of this year but man did they put up a good showing, which is pleasing to see. My big disappointment was my team the Blues, they have so much in terms of strike power but injuries and i think lack of heart did us in big time. But i still have faith in the men from Auckland, one day they will get it right again. They are the Stormers of NZ. Hurricanes, what a season they had, they deserved their spot in the top 4, they didn’t always fire on all cylinders this year but when they did they looked superb. From 1 to 22, the players really fronted up ey. Rodney played tirelessly every single game. The Crusaders, wow the Crusaders, lose about half their team and their coach and still end up at no 4, not bad going at all chale!! I think the only 2 seasoned campaigners were Brad Thorn and Richie, the others had their first/second season in the red and black but they were impressive. Another thing i like about that team is that they are skilful before large sizewise, look at players such as Colin Slade, Time Bateman, Kade Poki....tiny boys, but they can tackle and run and kick and read the game what more could you ask for. They were part of the most boring game this year (6-0 loss to the Highlanders), but they started to turn it on near the end and to be honest even though it was a tough mountain to climb i had some belief that they could get an upset this weekend, not entirely convinced but hope none-the-less.
Players that impressed me, start off from the bottom placed team the Highlanders, Adam Thomsom, how hard does he work? How correct is his technique at the breakdown, and how did he embarrass Earl Rose?? Cowan as always, MacDonald the Hooker, the 8th man and no 7 Naoupu and Soakai respectively, big fast and skilfull. Daniel Bowden’s absence was evident in the game against the Lions. He really was a cog in their backline. Isreal Dagg and Ben Smith also talents for the future. For the Blues, my dear Blues, it was a season that promised much but delivered not so much, but i must say that i was well impressed with the following players: Chris Lowrey, Michael Hobbs, Tuitavake, Rene Ranger and the Iceman Toeava. The other tireless workers like Mealamu and Woodcock definitely played their roles well but those players really did it for me! The Canes, i quite liked the look of Victor Vito, Thrush and Eaton, The front row particularly Hore and Tialata were solid once again, Rodney I have already mentioned, actually u know what that whole team was impressive, when they got it together. Matthewson and Weepu were both very good at the base of the scrum, but to be honest i liked Alby’s speed more. I was impressed with Ripia and i think he has a great future if he gets regular game time. The midfield was once again solid and Ma’a has now become the allround player. He passes. But i still do believe that he and Conrad should switch. Conrad has the makings of a good 12 and then he creates and then Ma’a knocks em over... Cory Jane, sheesh man what a cool customer? Definitely a shoe in as the back-up to Mills. And then there were the Chiefs, who are finally the team that many thought they could be. They have learnt patience and/in execution. They have a mad strike force out wide. Very able and competent forwards. I was very impressed with the whole pack. The locks compliment each other so well. Magougan, de Melmanche/Elliot, Taumololo and May were all such class acts. Then the loosies of Messam, Lauaki and Latimer/Lilo, very impressive....note the whole team is a team of not so well knowns. Lauaki and Messam perhaps but no superstars. Backline, Leonard, if only he could remain fit, what a talent. Donald very underated, but i also have that perception of him, but he is a great player, he just looks so arb, but man has he been on song both this year and the last, a quality dependable player, distributer, tackler, kicker...hmm what else do you need (maybe a better running style ;-)) and a good guy too... Callum Bruce, also underrated but what the chiefs got right was the 10/12 kicking combination that the Crusaders had right for so many seasons. I remember mentioning Richard Kahui maybe 2 years or so ago how good has he come, then Siti and Flash, give me better finishers or game breakers please, and then Mills, a guy that many of you said was Graham Henry’s love child last year when he was picked...say what again!!!
Last weekends semis, 2 superb games, thoroughly enjoyed them both, would have preferred the Bulls one to have had a different end score but alas u cant always have things your way and to be honest, i think the teams that deserve to be there are there...well cos they won. Oh and did i say how much i hate drop goals???!!! You can see the difference between experience and non experience, because you don’t squander a 13 point lead in 8 minutes even if its 14 on 15, you just don’t do it...but i don’t think the Crusaders were trashed by any means, they were beaten by a more clinical team on the day and Spies had his best game of the year there, its also a game where i saw the match winning abilities of MOrne Steyn, but left to me Ruan then Grant then Steyn...
This weekend, its going to be a hurdle and a half for the Chiefs, the Bulls musnt be too complacent though because they will get a fire cracker up their wherevers. I think the Chiefs are good enough. The forward battle will be a tough one. I am hoping the Chiefs loosies get stuck in instead of hanging around and not putting their weight behind the pack come scrum time, because that will but the Bulls under some pressure and Spies wont be as effective. The battle of the forwards is where the game will be won or lost really and the boot of the no 10s. I am hoping that the Chiefs have started noticing that Habana likes to shoot the line looking for an interception which generally leaves room behind him that can be exploited. This game will be tough and very technical with both teams trying to position themselves better than the other territorially at least in the first 30 or so minutes then it might open up. I would looooove to call a Chiefs win but the odds are stacked up against them. Even though Wynand might not play, his influence is not as great as that of a Sivivaty or a Leonard. If say Victor/Fourie wasn’t playing well that would be a different story altogether...
Looking forward to the game though....sheesh what a marathon, hope i made up for the last few months of not writing
Happy viewing
But here is a summary from the games that i did see...
The super 14 had a bit of a slow start to the season the games were alright but lacked the intensity of a few years gone by and as a result my interest waned a wee bit
I watched the S14 semi between the Bulls and the Saders, not live cos i was at a wedding, but at like 2 am or so when i got home and managed to watch the whole thing from start to end and even listen to the interviews etc. then i tried watching bits of the Heineken cup, man what a bore, unless i am being a biased so and so
Anyway back to the reason i write, what a great competition dished out this year. It went down to the last game of the regular season to find out who would be in the top 4 and in what order, thats what a tournament should be all about...happy days for us spectators, unhappy times for those players who put everything into this S14 and were so close yet have to wait till 2010. I really expected NZ to be very average this year with all the top players leaving and to be honest the depth was tested plenty with all the injuries in some of the teams but none of the teams were push overs. And by that i mean none of the 14 teams. Which is good for the game in the southern hemisphere. Here is my round up of the tournament
Start with Oz
The team that impressed me most was the Force. They started at the same time as our Cheetahs and they have shown a whole lot more progress than the Cheetahs have. Yes they bought some key players, but what’s to stop the Cheetahs from doing the same, they should have amassed enough after selling all their players to the Sharks etc . On a whole they are not a side of superstars the Force, bar, say Gits, but that has to be a sign of good coaching too. I look at their forwards and the big name there is Nathan Sharpe everyone else maybe known but not a superstar. I was very impressed with the loosies, Pocock and Brown as well as the prop Whalley. In the backs, that youngster O’Connor was insane very impressive. So too was Drew Mitchell. Gits, well what can anyone say, even though Super Rugby put Stephen Donald in as their no 10, a selection I totally understand, my S14 no 10 was Gits the Ninja. The Force may well struggle next year without Gits and Mitchell.
The Reds had their moments but their depth was truly tested and they were found wanting unfortunately for them but i think they will be a better side for it next year. Some of their youngsters really played their part. My pick of their pops was Berrick Barnes, I realised what a quality player he was last year during the trinations where he tackled like a randy dude in a whore house...nothing got away from him, and his kicking game and distribution game was par excellence. Digby Ioane and Quade Cooper really came to their own with him directing traffic. The forwards were also pretty able.
The Brumbies, sheesh what a team. All i have to say is Stirling Mortlock and George Smith, man what war horses, game winners!! But thats not taking away anything form the Likes of Adam Ashley-Cooper. From that team, my player to watch is Christian Lealiifano, man what a talent, i guess he flourished having Tyrone Smith, Mortlock , Adam Ash and Mark Gerard “inside” him. He is such a skilfull and confident player, i hope he finds his way to the Force because with Gits returning to the Brumbies, he may start developing splinters in his backside, unless Gits plays 12. The forwards were very strong and my pick was Ben Alexander, i think he should be one of the Wallaby props this year. He scrummed well, showed so much skill in the loose and scored tries what more could u ask? 2 brumbies players i think are hugely underrated are Adam Ash, that bra, is fast, strong and reads the game so well and Mitchell Chapman, i liked him at the Reds, but in Brumbies colours he seems to be coming into his own even more!
The Warratahs zzzzz, not just because everyone else is saying it, but their games are the ones i missed the most, my best game of theirs was their last one against the Lions, such a good game, both teams going out there to play some good running footy. They are potentially such a good side but played such random rugga. Over them...moving on..
SA rugby...the teams i enjoyed watching the most were the Cheetahs and the Lions, but they really let themselves down when they travelled, but thats the difference between experience and youth. These 2 teams were by no means star studded. I believe they will do well in the Currie Cup. For the Lions i really enjoyed the hooker cant remember his name now, also thought Clever was a pretty clever addition to the team, that young no 6 they blooded when they played against the Crusaders has plenty promise. Louis Ludik deserved to be at least a part of the training camp for his effort this season and Jarno Vermaak got what was rightly his a call up to the training squad. Jacques Fourie, man what a player, i know a lot of people want him at 13, but man Adi Jacobs had a stellar season too and deserves to keep his no 13 jersey. I’d play Fourie at 15 seeing as there is a shortage there.
The Cheetahs are a team that i really enjoy watching. Very few super stars, but the way they put it together on their day. The front row was so on point, Brussow just carried on from last year, enjoyed Hendro but wasn’t too impressed with Juan, it was like he was carrying an injury, he played well but I think he could have given a better , account of himself. My player of that side before he got injured was Jacques Louis Potgieter, very underrated but a quality fly half. Jongi and Daniler were also on point, I wouldn’t ever think of giving Demas another contract tho
The Stormers, what a disappointment, such a star studded team but misfiring hard!! Clearly there wasn’t much happiness in that team. Many of you wont agree with what I am about to write but Luke Watson was by far their best player. Rassie definitely knows how to use him correctly.His pack went back more often than not but he always managed to make some yards. His work rate on the ground and his linking ability made him such an asset to that team. In my mind his best game was against the Bulls where he was up against it, from both player and crowd but he showed restraint and ability I would even go as far as saying he outshone Pierre Spies.. Another player who really impressed me was Peter Grant, he isn’t mr flashy by any means, but he is mr dependable and mr i do will not err and i will do all i need to do well. Either at 10 or 12, he gave a great account of himself in all facets of his play. Even though it may be unfair, i’d play him ahead of Morne Steyn. Duane Vermulen was another player worth mentioning. The man is a great player, and he showed it when he turned out for the men from the Cape. South Africa is blessed in that they have an abundance of quality loose forwards. Oh wait, then there was the Hooker who kept Schalk Brits on the bench, i cant remember his name now which sucks but, man did he throw his weight around. He tried hard every game he played, so much so that he got into a boxing match to try and get a numerical advantage against the Force i think it was, but it only earned him a yellow card...doh. And then there was Joe Pietersen, a player who may well deserve a shot in Bok colours in a year or so if he keeps up with his performance, but if the South African selectors remain true to their obsession with size, he may also fall through the cracks.
The sad thing about the Stormers though is that they could definitely say they had a lack of depth because injury did play a part in where they ended up...
The Sharks, oh what a shame!! What a shame indeed, another start studded team but a team that shot themselves in the backside. The was absolutely noooo reason for them to not end up in the top 4
They looked the team to beat for most of the tournament. Laced with Springboks and potential Springboks. Coached by an accomplished coaching team. They travelled overseas and won more games than they lost, but they did lose to the Reds, not that the Reds were a push over team but the Sharks went there expecting to just having to pitch up to win that game. I must add that someone was watching over them during the Chiefs game because they definitely got out of jail there. Then they returned to SA, with points in the bag and all they had to do was win their home games, but alas they came unstuck against a Cheetah team that was playing superb rugby and for some reason had a new lease on life. It was lovely to see Jongi sprinting down the touch line with Kankowski being dragged along. And that my dear friends was when the wheels came off. They came up against a struggling Crusaders side who also took the points if i am not mistaken and then came the Tahs who rubbed salt into the wounds of the Shark faithful. I think the Sharks game plan during the last game against the Bulls was wrong. They had 3 or so penalty awards plum in front of the posts and i would have taken the shots, build a buffer and the tries would have come. If the Bulls felt they were chasing the game, which they also needed to chase because they wanted to finish on top of the log, which would guarantee them at least a 75% chance of winning the tournament, because to be honest if they had to travel i don’t think they would have a chance of winning. But alas the brains trust of the Sharks turned down the points to chase tries which they got, but in the end they didn’t have enough points and 1 point short they sat there gaping mouths lamenting on a season that could have been....I still see Ruan as the Boks flyhalf, he is a Larkham sort of player. Kockott deserves a shot, i prefer him to Fourie, but who am i? Stefan Terblanche was pretty solid at the back. JP, never been much of a fan of his but what a season he had this year. Adi Jacobs once again showed that he deserved all the faith placed in him last year by PdV. I said it before and i’ll say it again, Francois Steyn is the most overrated player in South Africa!! People bitch and moan about Earl Rose being selected, but someone tell me bar the ability to drop goals from almost anywhere, what is the difference between the 2 of them, they can both be brilliant at times, but generally woeful, yet when Earl is selected the whole SA rugby community is like oh my whaaaaatttt, but select Steyn and its like whatever...anyway...Kankowski started off well but faded towards the end of the competition. Jean Deysel is a human wrecking ball and a player for the future. Johan Muller worked so hard and i feel for him, but i think he earned a Bok call up. John Smit had another alright season in my mind, i think moving him to prop is a good move because thats where he belongs. My player for the Sharks though was Beast. He is a centre stuck in a props body. Man what a season! His scrumming still needs a bit of work i think but he would make my Bok 22 anytime
And then there were the Bulls. Let me be the first to correct a statement i made which said that I would definitely have Wynand Olivier in my worst Boks ever team, i think i would have even made him captain because i thought he was that random. But humbly i ingest my words!! What a season he has had. The Bulls were my second worst team to watch (after the Tahs). They are still in my mind a skop skiet and donder team, but i guess its effective rugby. They struggled getting their heads around the ELVs last year but they found their way this year...get Morne Steyn to kick them into the opposition half and take advantage of whatever comes their way...I mock it cos it bores me, but man is it effective, you don’t win 10 games out of 13 and a semi final by not having a plan so well done to them i guess. Did i tell you all how much i despise drop goals . The Bulls players that impressed me most were Guthro, Derrick Kunn, Stegman and Spies in the forwards, in the backs fat head (as Victor Matfield called him) Steyn was pretty good at his role. Wynand Olivier and Kirchner were also very impressive for the Bulls. The Bulls though i think generally come unstuck against a team with a pack that can match them. As good as Spies is, he doesn’t feature much when his pack is under pressure not that his pack was under pressure much. I said it to a mate of mine teams like the Highlanders and the Tahs will give the Bulls a tough time. I do think they deserve their spot at the top of the log and I am happy for Frans Ludeke that he managed to turn his team’s standing in the S14 around after his first season in charge...a season where many branded him a dismal failure...who’s laughing now eh?
I am not going to spend too much time on New Zealand because this email is 3 days in writing on and off and its long!!! But much respect to that country. By far the smallest pool to choose from but stars aplenty were borne of this year’s S14. None of their 5 sides were pushovers you know. Even though some might argue that the Highlanders could have been, but they lacked depth in key positions and it showed when the likes of Cowan, Bowden and Mackintosh were injured. Its a team of no names as was the Crusaders of this year but man did they put up a good showing, which is pleasing to see. My big disappointment was my team the Blues, they have so much in terms of strike power but injuries and i think lack of heart did us in big time. But i still have faith in the men from Auckland, one day they will get it right again. They are the Stormers of NZ. Hurricanes, what a season they had, they deserved their spot in the top 4, they didn’t always fire on all cylinders this year but when they did they looked superb. From 1 to 22, the players really fronted up ey. Rodney played tirelessly every single game. The Crusaders, wow the Crusaders, lose about half their team and their coach and still end up at no 4, not bad going at all chale!! I think the only 2 seasoned campaigners were Brad Thorn and Richie, the others had their first/second season in the red and black but they were impressive. Another thing i like about that team is that they are skilful before large sizewise, look at players such as Colin Slade, Time Bateman, Kade Poki....tiny boys, but they can tackle and run and kick and read the game what more could you ask for. They were part of the most boring game this year (6-0 loss to the Highlanders), but they started to turn it on near the end and to be honest even though it was a tough mountain to climb i had some belief that they could get an upset this weekend, not entirely convinced but hope none-the-less.
Players that impressed me, start off from the bottom placed team the Highlanders, Adam Thomsom, how hard does he work? How correct is his technique at the breakdown, and how did he embarrass Earl Rose?? Cowan as always, MacDonald the Hooker, the 8th man and no 7 Naoupu and Soakai respectively, big fast and skilfull. Daniel Bowden’s absence was evident in the game against the Lions. He really was a cog in their backline. Isreal Dagg and Ben Smith also talents for the future. For the Blues, my dear Blues, it was a season that promised much but delivered not so much, but i must say that i was well impressed with the following players: Chris Lowrey, Michael Hobbs, Tuitavake, Rene Ranger and the Iceman Toeava. The other tireless workers like Mealamu and Woodcock definitely played their roles well but those players really did it for me! The Canes, i quite liked the look of Victor Vito, Thrush and Eaton, The front row particularly Hore and Tialata were solid once again, Rodney I have already mentioned, actually u know what that whole team was impressive, when they got it together. Matthewson and Weepu were both very good at the base of the scrum, but to be honest i liked Alby’s speed more. I was impressed with Ripia and i think he has a great future if he gets regular game time. The midfield was once again solid and Ma’a has now become the allround player. He passes. But i still do believe that he and Conrad should switch. Conrad has the makings of a good 12 and then he creates and then Ma’a knocks em over... Cory Jane, sheesh man what a cool customer? Definitely a shoe in as the back-up to Mills. And then there were the Chiefs, who are finally the team that many thought they could be. They have learnt patience and/in execution. They have a mad strike force out wide. Very able and competent forwards. I was very impressed with the whole pack. The locks compliment each other so well. Magougan, de Melmanche/Elliot, Taumololo and May were all such class acts. Then the loosies of Messam, Lauaki and Latimer/Lilo, very impressive....note the whole team is a team of not so well knowns. Lauaki and Messam perhaps but no superstars. Backline, Leonard, if only he could remain fit, what a talent. Donald very underated, but i also have that perception of him, but he is a great player, he just looks so arb, but man has he been on song both this year and the last, a quality dependable player, distributer, tackler, kicker...hmm what else do you need (maybe a better running style ;-)) and a good guy too... Callum Bruce, also underrated but what the chiefs got right was the 10/12 kicking combination that the Crusaders had right for so many seasons. I remember mentioning Richard Kahui maybe 2 years or so ago how good has he come, then Siti and Flash, give me better finishers or game breakers please, and then Mills, a guy that many of you said was Graham Henry’s love child last year when he was picked...say what again!!!
Last weekends semis, 2 superb games, thoroughly enjoyed them both, would have preferred the Bulls one to have had a different end score but alas u cant always have things your way and to be honest, i think the teams that deserve to be there are there...well cos they won. Oh and did i say how much i hate drop goals???!!! You can see the difference between experience and non experience, because you don’t squander a 13 point lead in 8 minutes even if its 14 on 15, you just don’t do it...but i don’t think the Crusaders were trashed by any means, they were beaten by a more clinical team on the day and Spies had his best game of the year there, its also a game where i saw the match winning abilities of MOrne Steyn, but left to me Ruan then Grant then Steyn...
This weekend, its going to be a hurdle and a half for the Chiefs, the Bulls musnt be too complacent though because they will get a fire cracker up their wherevers. I think the Chiefs are good enough. The forward battle will be a tough one. I am hoping the Chiefs loosies get stuck in instead of hanging around and not putting their weight behind the pack come scrum time, because that will but the Bulls under some pressure and Spies wont be as effective. The battle of the forwards is where the game will be won or lost really and the boot of the no 10s. I am hoping that the Chiefs have started noticing that Habana likes to shoot the line looking for an interception which generally leaves room behind him that can be exploited. This game will be tough and very technical with both teams trying to position themselves better than the other territorially at least in the first 30 or so minutes then it might open up. I would looooove to call a Chiefs win but the odds are stacked up against them. Even though Wynand might not play, his influence is not as great as that of a Sivivaty or a Leonard. If say Victor/Fourie wasn’t playing well that would be a different story altogether...
Looking forward to the game though....sheesh what a marathon, hope i made up for the last few months of not writing
Happy viewing
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