In this clip we travel back to a simpler time. Naas Botha still ran with the ball, advanced lazer therapy did not exist yet and Ray Mordt scored three tries against the old foe. Enjoy!
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Brett Sheehan takes out Quade Cooper
Brett Sheehan shows little respect for Reds playmaker Quade Cooper over the weekend.
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
The Hospital Pass Experts have their say
Hospital Pass has assembled its own team of experts to pick the Springbok starting line-up for the upcoming international season. Do you agree with their selections?
Bob Grewar
1 Jannie du Plessis
2 Bismarck du Plessis
3 Tendai Mtawarira
4 Andries Bekker
5 Victor Matfield
6 Schalk Burger
7 Heinrich Brussouw
8 Willem Alberts
9 Ruan Pienaar
10 Morne Steyn
11 Lwazi Mvovo
12 Jean de Villiers
13 Jacque Fourie
14 JP Pietersen
15 Frans Steyn
16 John Smit
17 CJ van der Linde
18 Danie Rossouw
19 Francois Louw
20 Francois Hougaard
21 Gio Aplon
22 Patrick Lambie
Duncan Matfield-Alfers
15 Zane Kirchner
14 Gerhard van den Heever
13 Jaco Pretorius
12 Wynand Olivier
11 Bjorn Basson
10 Morné Steyn
9 Francois Hougaard
8 Pierre Spies
7 Dewald Potgieter
6 Deon Stegmann
5 Victor Matfield
4 Danie Rossouw
3 Werner Kruger
2 Gary Botha
1 Dean Greyling
16 Chiliboy Ralepelle
17 Rossouw de Klerk
18 Flip van der Merwe
19 Derick Kuün
20 Dustin Jinka
21 Francois Brummer
22 Stephan Dippenaar
Deon Malan
1 Coenie Oosthuizen
2 B Du Plessis
3 Beast Mtwarira
4 Andries Bekker
5 Victor Matfield
6 Schalk Burger
7 Francois Louw
8 Ashley Johnson
9 Sarel Pretorius
10 Morne Steyn
11 JP Petersen
12 Jean De Villiers
13 Jaque Fourie
14 Gio Aplon
15 Frans Steyn
16 Jannie Du Plessis
17 Deon Fourie
18 Willem Alberts
19 Danie Rossouw
20 Ruan Pienaar
21 Patrick Lambie
22 Francois Hougaard
David Terry 1 Dean Greyling |
2 Du Plessis |
3 Werner Kruger |
4 Danie Rossouw |
5 Andries Bekker |
6 Schalk Burger |
7 Francois Louw |
8 Pierre Spies |
9 Sarel Pretorius |
10 Morne Steyn |
11 Bjorn Basson |
12 Jean de Villiers |
13 Jaque Fourie |
14 Gio Aplon |
15 Conrad Jantjes |
16 Tendai Mtawarira |
17 Bakkies Botha |
18 Deon Stegmann |
19 Patrick Lambie |
20 Bryan Habana |
21 Dewald Potgieter |
22 Francois Hougaard |
Mark Bates
1 Coenie Oosthuizen
2 John Smit
3 Beast
4 Andries Bekker
5 Victor Matfield
6 Heinrich Brussow
7 Schalk Burger
8 Duanne Vermeulen
9 F Du Preez
10 Morne Steyn
11 JP Pietersen
12 Jean De Villiers
13 Jaque Fourie
14 Gio Aplon
15 Frans Steyn
16 B Du Plessis
17 Guthro Steenkamp
18 Danie Russouw
19 Willem Alberts
20 Juan De Jong
21 Pat Lambie
22 Francois Hougaard
Bob Grewar
1 Jannie du Plessis
2 Bismarck du Plessis
3 Tendai Mtawarira
4 Andries Bekker
5 Victor Matfield
6 Schalk Burger
7 Heinrich Brussouw
8 Willem Alberts
9 Ruan Pienaar
10 Morne Steyn
11 Lwazi Mvovo
12 Jean de Villiers
13 Jacque Fourie
14 JP Pietersen
15 Frans Steyn
16 John Smit
17 CJ van der Linde
18 Danie Rossouw
19 Francois Louw
20 Francois Hougaard
21 Gio Aplon
22 Patrick Lambie
Duncan Matfield-Alfers
15 Zane Kirchner
14 Gerhard van den Heever
13 Jaco Pretorius
12 Wynand Olivier
11 Bjorn Basson
10 Morné Steyn
9 Francois Hougaard
8 Pierre Spies
7 Dewald Potgieter
6 Deon Stegmann
5 Victor Matfield
4 Danie Rossouw
3 Werner Kruger
2 Gary Botha
1 Dean Greyling
16 Chiliboy Ralepelle
17 Rossouw de Klerk
18 Flip van der Merwe
19 Derick Kuün
20 Dustin Jinka
21 Francois Brummer
22 Stephan Dippenaar
More to follow...
Have your say: Who will be in the final Springbok RWC squad.
The second Springbok training Squad has been named. The total has been whittled down to just 37 players. Seven of those players will be told they will not be traveling to the land of the long white cloud. Who do you think these players will be?
Do you think other players that have not been named should make it into the final squad? Feel free to share your thoughts.
Bok planning squad: John Smit (c), Victor Matfield (v/c), Willem Alberts, Gio Aplon, Andries Bekker, Bakkies Botha, Heinrich Brüssow, Schalk Burger, Juan de Jongh, Jean de Villiers, Bismarck du Plessis, Jannie du Plessis, Fourie du Preez, Jaque Fourie, Bryan Habana, Francois Hougaard, Butch James, Ashley Johnson, Werner Kruger, Pat Lambie, Tendai Mtawarira, Lwazi Mvovo, Odwa Ndungane, Wynand Olivier, Coenie Oosthuizen, Ruan Pienaar, JP Pietersen, Chiliboy Ralepelle, Danie Rossouw, Juan Smith, Pierre Spies, Gurthrö Steenkamp, Francois Steyn, Morné Steyn, Adriaan Strauss, Flip van der Merwe, Duane Vermeulen
Do you think other players that have not been named should make it into the final squad? Feel free to share your thoughts.
Bok planning squad: John Smit (c), Victor Matfield (v/c), Willem Alberts, Gio Aplon, Andries Bekker, Bakkies Botha, Heinrich Brüssow, Schalk Burger, Juan de Jongh, Jean de Villiers, Bismarck du Plessis, Jannie du Plessis, Fourie du Preez, Jaque Fourie, Bryan Habana, Francois Hougaard, Butch James, Ashley Johnson, Werner Kruger, Pat Lambie, Tendai Mtawarira, Lwazi Mvovo, Odwa Ndungane, Wynand Olivier, Coenie Oosthuizen, Ruan Pienaar, JP Pietersen, Chiliboy Ralepelle, Danie Rossouw, Juan Smith, Pierre Spies, Gurthrö Steenkamp, Francois Steyn, Morné Steyn, Adriaan Strauss, Flip van der Merwe, Duane Vermeulen
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Super Rugby Preview: Week 7
Highlanders v Brumbies
Invercargill
01/04
08:35
Coming back from a bye has proven difficult in the tournament thus far. But the Highlanders will take confidence in their return game being at home against a slightly off form and injury hit Brumbies outfit. A big game for the Highlanders to prove that their strong start was not just a once off . Although the Brumbies look better on paper, backing the Highlanders for this one, just!
Highlanders by 3 – 7
by Mark Bates
Waratahs v Chiefs
Sydney
01/04
10:40
It's a bit of a mystery as to what has happened to the 'Tahs form over the last weeks. After starting off so strong they have seriously wilted . An interesting backline selection with Beale starting at 10, Ignoring Daniel Halangahu, showing clear intent to give the ball some air. This could be exactly what the Chiefs are hoping for, but inconstancy and inability to close out games sways me towards the Tahs
Warahtahs by 5 – 10
by Mark Bates
Blues v Cheetahs
Auckland
02/04
06:30
Eish...A long 80 minutes lie ahead for the Cheetahs in this fixture. Injuries have hit the Cheetahs hard and in a squad that was always going to have its depth tested the outcome does not look good for the beleaguered outfit. Looking at the teams sheets, and if the Blues forward pack give their lethal backs good go forward ball this could be a massacre in Auckland, that is however if the Blues turn up for this one, unfortunately for the Cheetahs though the Blues seem a much more polished side this season.
Blues by 20 plus
by Mark Bates
More to follow...
More questions than answers: PDV announces Springbok contracts
The manner in which the South African Union has gone about awarding Springbok contracts opens them up to more questions than answers. Coach Peter de Villiers announced all the players currently on contract and those awarded new contracts.
Most of the usual faces are there but surprisingly there are very few new players that have been contracted. If these players are going to make up the majority of the RWC squad, which seems likely, it does not make a very balanced squad.
The contracted group contains two props, two hookers, four locks, three flankers (four if Danie Rossouw is included in that number), one eighth man, one scrum-half, one, fly-half, five centers, centres wingers and zero fullbacks.
Overall it is a strong core group but the questions has to be asked whether certain players are there on their reputation or being the coaches favourite. I would like to specifically mention Adrian Jacobs who has enjoyed success in the Springbok jersey but due to injury has not been able to play much domestic rugby. He is slowly being eased back into Super Rugby but it does not mean that he will regain any form and the less said about his defensive capabilities the better.
Also of concern is that there is no specialist fullback as of yet. That can not instill much confidence in any of the local incumbents with the coach publicly stating once again his desire to retain the services of Frans Steyn at the Lions. That of course would not be a bad thing for South African rugby. How Steyn performs in a losing team is another question.
As mentioned before one has to assume that most of these players will be traveling to the world cup despite De Villiers' assertion to the contrary. If these players are not certain the go to the RWC , what is the point of awarding them contracts?
Who will fill up the final seven spots when there are already a few questionable inclusions five months out from the RWC? (Assuming they take 30 players) The rugby loving public will now have to trust the Springbok management team to select the form players and break away from those players who have not performed particularly well, and there is sure to be much more disagreement this time around compared to 2007.
Peter de Villiers has shown himself, at least in public, to be a short sighted and stubborn coach who refuses to accept the obvious.
One good thing to come out of this is that there is no Ricky Januarie, but that could all change come the big RWC announcement.
Contracted Springbok players:
1.Tendai Mtawarira, Gurthro Steenkamp (both new contracts)
2.Bismarck du Plessis (new contract), John Smit
3.Jannie du Plessis, CJ van der Linde (both new contracts)
4.Bakkies Botha, Danie Rossouw (new contract)
5.Victor Matfield, Andries Bekker (new contract)
6.Heinrich Brussow new contract), Schalk Burger
7.Juan Smith
8.Pierre Spies
9.Fourie Du Preez
10.Morne Steyn (new contract)
11.Bryan Habana
12.Jean de Villiers, Juan De Jongh, Wynand Olivier ( all three awarded new contracts)
13.Jaque Fourie, Adrian Jacobs (new contract)
14.JP Pietersen
15. None selected so far.
Most of the usual faces are there but surprisingly there are very few new players that have been contracted. If these players are going to make up the majority of the RWC squad, which seems likely, it does not make a very balanced squad.
The contracted group contains two props, two hookers, four locks, three flankers (four if Danie Rossouw is included in that number), one eighth man, one scrum-half, one, fly-half, five centers, centres wingers and zero fullbacks.
Overall it is a strong core group but the questions has to be asked whether certain players are there on their reputation or being the coaches favourite. I would like to specifically mention Adrian Jacobs who has enjoyed success in the Springbok jersey but due to injury has not been able to play much domestic rugby. He is slowly being eased back into Super Rugby but it does not mean that he will regain any form and the less said about his defensive capabilities the better.
Also of concern is that there is no specialist fullback as of yet. That can not instill much confidence in any of the local incumbents with the coach publicly stating once again his desire to retain the services of Frans Steyn at the Lions. That of course would not be a bad thing for South African rugby. How Steyn performs in a losing team is another question.
As mentioned before one has to assume that most of these players will be traveling to the world cup despite De Villiers' assertion to the contrary. If these players are not certain the go to the RWC , what is the point of awarding them contracts?
Who will fill up the final seven spots when there are already a few questionable inclusions five months out from the RWC? (Assuming they take 30 players) The rugby loving public will now have to trust the Springbok management team to select the form players and break away from those players who have not performed particularly well, and there is sure to be much more disagreement this time around compared to 2007.
Peter de Villiers has shown himself, at least in public, to be a short sighted and stubborn coach who refuses to accept the obvious.
One good thing to come out of this is that there is no Ricky Januarie, but that could all change come the big RWC announcement.
Contracted Springbok players:
1.Tendai Mtawarira, Gurthro Steenkamp (both new contracts)
2.Bismarck du Plessis (new contract), John Smit
3.Jannie du Plessis, CJ van der Linde (both new contracts)
4.Bakkies Botha, Danie Rossouw (new contract)
5.Victor Matfield, Andries Bekker (new contract)
6.Heinrich Brussow new contract), Schalk Burger
7.Juan Smith
8.Pierre Spies
9.Fourie Du Preez
10.Morne Steyn (new contract)
11.Bryan Habana
12.Jean de Villiers, Juan De Jongh, Wynand Olivier ( all three awarded new contracts)
13.Jaque Fourie, Adrian Jacobs (new contract)
14.JP Pietersen
15. None selected so far.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
The Bok-o-meter: The Form Bok Team - 29 March 2011
This weeks Hospital Pass Bok-o-meter sees a few changes from last weeks team. It was not a pretty sight seeing last week's "bok" front row being dominated in a few scrums against the Crusaders. Let us know what you think of the selection.
Jannie Du Plessis struggled in particular. He is replaced by CJ Van Der Linde.
Patrick Lambie is shifted in favour of Peter Grant who has enjoyed an excellent season so far.
Jean De Villiers regains the no.12 jersey at the expense of Wynand Olivier after the Stormers rampaging victory over the Force.
Lionel Mapoe comes in for Gerhard Van Der Heever after a strong showing against the Bulls.
Hospital Pass XV.
1. Beast Mtawarira
2. Bismarck Du Plessis
3. CJ Van Der Linde
4. Steven Sykes
5. Andries Bekker
6. Heindrich Brussow
7. Willem Alberts
8. Duane Vermeulen
9. Fourie Du Preez
10. Peter Grant
11. Lwazi Mvovo
12. Jean De Villiers
13. Doppies La Grange
14. Lionel Mapoe
15. Gio Aplon
Jannie Du Plessis struggled in particular. He is replaced by CJ Van Der Linde.
Patrick Lambie is shifted in favour of Peter Grant who has enjoyed an excellent season so far.
Jean De Villiers regains the no.12 jersey at the expense of Wynand Olivier after the Stormers rampaging victory over the Force.
Lionel Mapoe comes in for Gerhard Van Der Heever after a strong showing against the Bulls.
Hospital Pass XV.
1. Beast Mtawarira
2. Bismarck Du Plessis
3. CJ Van Der Linde
4. Steven Sykes
5. Andries Bekker
6. Heindrich Brussow
7. Willem Alberts
8. Duane Vermeulen
9. Fourie Du Preez
10. Peter Grant
11. Lwazi Mvovo
12. Jean De Villiers
13. Doppies La Grange
14. Lionel Mapoe
15. Gio Aplon
Springbok emblem moved for RWC
In a somewhat surprise move the Springbok emblem was shifted to the sleeve of the Springbok Rugby World Cup jersey. It was initially speculated that team kit sponsor Canterbury would move their logo to accomodate the Bok emblem on the front of the jersey.
Instead the jersey will now have to Rugby World Cup logo on the right and the national Protea sports emblem on the left. The Canterbury logo will sit in the middle underneath the collar.
The move is bound to cause some unhappiness amongst South African rugby supporters who are fiercely proud of the recognizable Springbok logo.
Due to IRB regulations the main team sponsor, ABSA, will not have their logo anywhere on the jersey.
Instead the jersey will now have to Rugby World Cup logo on the right and the national Protea sports emblem on the left. The Canterbury logo will sit in the middle underneath the collar.
The move is bound to cause some unhappiness amongst South African rugby supporters who are fiercely proud of the recognizable Springbok logo.
Due to IRB regulations the main team sponsor, ABSA, will not have their logo anywhere on the jersey.
Monday, March 28, 2011
Opinion: Deon Malan - Déjá vu, or are the All Blacks about the repeat history?
The statistics don't lie and they make for very happy reading if you are a All Blacks supporter. Post 2007 Rugby World Cup New Zealand have played 43 matches, winning 36 and losing 7. That gives them a winning percentage of 83.72%. Scary stuff for sure, and when one looks back to the pre-2007 RWC stats they seem very similar. Played 43, won 38 and lost 5 equaling a 88.37% winning percentage.
Having said that we all know what happened in both those Rugby World Cups and we also know that the All Blacks went into those competitions as overwhelming favourites. The NZ public expected them to win and so did the rest of the rugby world.
The reasons I mention this should be fairly obvious. In light of what happened this weekend with the Crusaders against the Sharks at Twickenham some familiar memories came to the fore for me. I recall that before the last two RWC's New Zealand Rugby had never seemed stronger. They had most of the best players and still managed to fall short of the ultimate prize. The Crusaders made everything look so easy and the All Blacks did the same whenever they took to the field, and things seem pretty similar at the moment. The Crusaders play with such confidence, bordering on arrogance and a look I have seen before the previous two RWC's.
There is no denying that the All Backs have been the best team in the world for a very long time, but history has a funny way of repeating itself.
Don't be to surprised if we get to witness what would be the worlds biggest choke ever later this year.
Having said that we all know what happened in both those Rugby World Cups and we also know that the All Blacks went into those competitions as overwhelming favourites. The NZ public expected them to win and so did the rest of the rugby world.
The reasons I mention this should be fairly obvious. In light of what happened this weekend with the Crusaders against the Sharks at Twickenham some familiar memories came to the fore for me. I recall that before the last two RWC's New Zealand Rugby had never seemed stronger. They had most of the best players and still managed to fall short of the ultimate prize. The Crusaders made everything look so easy and the All Blacks did the same whenever they took to the field, and things seem pretty similar at the moment. The Crusaders play with such confidence, bordering on arrogance and a look I have seen before the previous two RWC's.
There is no denying that the All Backs have been the best team in the world for a very long time, but history has a funny way of repeating itself.
Don't be to surprised if we get to witness what would be the worlds biggest choke ever later this year.
Friday, March 25, 2011
Bakkies Botha plays RUGBY
R21 Million does not lie, and that is what Bakkies Botha is going to be paid when he relocates to France after the rugby world cup. He is obviously seen as a very good player. Termi-bakkies or the Bakkies-nator is a hard player and does not conform to the IRB's persistent push to sanitize rugby.
Rugby is famously a game for all shapes and sizes and since when is cleaning out smaller players from the ruck seen as bullying? Shane Williams does not run slower when he sees Andries Bekker or any other large forward in front of him, no, he uses his speed to his own advantage. And rightly so.
Rugby is war and if the officials in charge of this great game wan't to do some good for a change they should start by cleaning up the scrums, cutting out the pause nonsense before the engage and bring back old-school ruckking.
Botha may watch romantic comedies with his wife these days but that does not mean he should stop being the feared and respected player he is on the field. Yes, he has been prone to brain farts but he is only human.
If the officials continue to kill the game we are going to end up with touch-rugby and the possibility of never getting to see a hit like the Chiropractor did on Derrick Hougaard at the 2003 Rugby World Cup.
So here is some advice for all those out there complaining about how rough and dangerous rugby is. If you don't like it you do not have to watch or play it.
Rugby is famously a game for all shapes and sizes and since when is cleaning out smaller players from the ruck seen as bullying? Shane Williams does not run slower when he sees Andries Bekker or any other large forward in front of him, no, he uses his speed to his own advantage. And rightly so.
Rugby is war and if the officials in charge of this great game wan't to do some good for a change they should start by cleaning up the scrums, cutting out the pause nonsense before the engage and bring back old-school ruckking.
Botha may watch romantic comedies with his wife these days but that does not mean he should stop being the feared and respected player he is on the field. Yes, he has been prone to brain farts but he is only human.
If the officials continue to kill the game we are going to end up with touch-rugby and the possibility of never getting to see a hit like the Chiropractor did on Derrick Hougaard at the 2003 Rugby World Cup.
So here is some advice for all those out there complaining about how rough and dangerous rugby is. If you don't like it you do not have to watch or play it.
The Bok-o-meter: The Sprinbok team thus far.
We are heading in to week 6 of the Super Rugby tournament and so far it has delivered some very entertaining games. With the Rugby World Cup only a few months away the Springbok coaching team has probably started looking at the old and the new. Based on current for who should make the Springbok team today? The Hospital Pass takes a closer look.
The Front Row:
Few will argue that the Sharks front-row has been impressive and based on their current form it would be hard to think of a more settled combination than Beast Mtawarira, Bismarck Du Plessis and Jannie Du Plessis. It is still early days and anything could happen.
Locks:
Currently South Africa are in a bit of a purple patch as far as lock is concerned. We have the old combination of Botha and Matfield. There is also Steven Sykes, Andries Bekker, Franco van der Merwe, and Alistair Hargreaves. Based on current form however it would be hard not to choose Bekker and Sykes who have similar attributes to Botha and Matfield, except that they are younger, possibly hungrier, faster and stronger.
The Back-row.
Everyone has their own opinion on this area, but based on current form our flankers would have to be Brussow and Alberts. For Brussow to make a come back like he did against the Waratahs bodes very well for the Springboks. At No 8 we have the great debate between Pierre Spies and the rest. Spies enjoyed his best form for a long time in the November internationals but has been playing in a seemingly struggling team, and has not replicated that great form. He can not make it on current form. There are those who would argue for Duane Vermeulen but he is limited to tackling, and crash ball tactics. Purely based on form he cracks the nod for now.
No. 9
Scrum-half is much simpler. We have a pecking order. Fourie Du Preez, Francois Hougaard and Charl McLeod.
10.
Based on current form it seems to be a two way race between Peter Grant and Patrick Lambie. Morne Steyn is solid but the Springbok game-plan has stifled his natural style of play. Butch James could be in contention but we'll have to see how he responds to Super Rugby first. On current form Lambie gets the nod.
The Midfield.
The usual chorus from Western Province will tell you that it should be Jaque Fourie and Jean De Villiers in the number 12 and 13 jerseys but if one looks at the lack of tries scored by the Stormers this season one has to question that logic. Defensively the Stormers have been fantastic but a team needs to score points to win a game and can't rely only on the kickers to make it happen. Granted the Bulls have lost two games this season but Wynand Olivier has been enjoying great form. He does not possess the creativity of Jean De Villiers but he makes up for it with his strength and straight running. On his outside based on current form slot in Lion's boy Doppies La Grange!
Wing.
Lwazi Mvovo and Gerhard Van Der Heever. Two big, strong, fast, hard running wings that know how to sniff out the try-line.
Fullback.
Fullback is the only area of real concern for the Springboks. Zane Kirchner and Gio Aplon have their strengths but both will struggle to dislodge Francois Steyn from the back. However, because he is playing in France he can not be considered for this particular line-up. For the moment we'll have to go with Aplon as his counter attacking ability can not be underestimated.
Hospital Pass XV.
1. Beast Mtawarira
2. Bismarck Du Plessis
3. Jannie Du Plessis
4. Steven Sykes
5. Andries Bekker
6. Heindrich Brussow
7. Willem Alberts
8. Duane Vermeulen
9. Fourie Du Preez
10. Pat Lambie
11. Lwazi Mvovo
12. Wynand Olivier
13. Doppies La Grange
14. Gerhard Van Der Heever
15. Gio Aplon
Feel free to disagree!
The Front Row:
Few will argue that the Sharks front-row has been impressive and based on their current form it would be hard to think of a more settled combination than Beast Mtawarira, Bismarck Du Plessis and Jannie Du Plessis. It is still early days and anything could happen.
Locks:
Currently South Africa are in a bit of a purple patch as far as lock is concerned. We have the old combination of Botha and Matfield. There is also Steven Sykes, Andries Bekker, Franco van der Merwe, and Alistair Hargreaves. Based on current form however it would be hard not to choose Bekker and Sykes who have similar attributes to Botha and Matfield, except that they are younger, possibly hungrier, faster and stronger.
The Back-row.
Everyone has their own opinion on this area, but based on current form our flankers would have to be Brussow and Alberts. For Brussow to make a come back like he did against the Waratahs bodes very well for the Springboks. At No 8 we have the great debate between Pierre Spies and the rest. Spies enjoyed his best form for a long time in the November internationals but has been playing in a seemingly struggling team, and has not replicated that great form. He can not make it on current form. There are those who would argue for Duane Vermeulen but he is limited to tackling, and crash ball tactics. Purely based on form he cracks the nod for now.
No. 9
Scrum-half is much simpler. We have a pecking order. Fourie Du Preez, Francois Hougaard and Charl McLeod.
10.
Based on current form it seems to be a two way race between Peter Grant and Patrick Lambie. Morne Steyn is solid but the Springbok game-plan has stifled his natural style of play. Butch James could be in contention but we'll have to see how he responds to Super Rugby first. On current form Lambie gets the nod.
The Midfield.
The usual chorus from Western Province will tell you that it should be Jaque Fourie and Jean De Villiers in the number 12 and 13 jerseys but if one looks at the lack of tries scored by the Stormers this season one has to question that logic. Defensively the Stormers have been fantastic but a team needs to score points to win a game and can't rely only on the kickers to make it happen. Granted the Bulls have lost two games this season but Wynand Olivier has been enjoying great form. He does not possess the creativity of Jean De Villiers but he makes up for it with his strength and straight running. On his outside based on current form slot in Lion's boy Doppies La Grange!
Wing.
Lwazi Mvovo and Gerhard Van Der Heever. Two big, strong, fast, hard running wings that know how to sniff out the try-line.
Fullback.
Fullback is the only area of real concern for the Springboks. Zane Kirchner and Gio Aplon have their strengths but both will struggle to dislodge Francois Steyn from the back. However, because he is playing in France he can not be considered for this particular line-up. For the moment we'll have to go with Aplon as his counter attacking ability can not be underestimated.
Hospital Pass XV.
1. Beast Mtawarira
2. Bismarck Du Plessis
3. Jannie Du Plessis
4. Steven Sykes
5. Andries Bekker
6. Heindrich Brussow
7. Willem Alberts
8. Duane Vermeulen
9. Fourie Du Preez
10. Pat Lambie
11. Lwazi Mvovo
12. Wynand Olivier
13. Doppies La Grange
14. Gerhard Van Der Heever
15. Gio Aplon
Feel free to disagree!
'Tahs 'Still Pretty Solid'
Phil Waugh and Chris Hickey have assured Waratahs fans that reports of bickering between players, disharmony in the squad and unhappiness with the coaching team is nonsense.
Waugh who makes his return after recovering from a bicep injury described the team as 'still pretty solid' to AAP.
The Waratahs who sensationally lost to the Cheetahs last week have been struggling for from in the last few weeks and things won't get any easier when they face the Brumbies in Camberra.
"They had a hard look at their own performance and it wasn't a matter of pointing the finger at other people, it was more a matter of self analysis," Hickey told reporters.
Asked whether he thought he had lost the players' support, Hickey said: "No, not at all.
"Sometimes out of adversity comes strength and I think that, while it wasn't a pleasant experience, the Cheetahs game, I think that as a team we'll actually come closer and be stronger together."
Thursday, March 24, 2011
OPINION: Mark Bates - The Winds of Change, A Welcome Breeze.
With doom and gloom abound in SA rugby I've decided to view things in a slightly different light.
Something I have been waiting for for a long time is happening right now. South African rugby is filled with a promising group of young players that are slowly starting to nudge out the old guard.
For far to long we have been watching the same old faces turning up in our beloved green and gold.
Don't get me wrong, I am by no means begrudging the service they have given us over the years, the many times iv tipped my beer glass in there honour will not be forgotten. But the time has come for new heroes, new fitter and faster gladiators if you will, for us to cheer on.
It amazed me to see how wary the Bulls where Of Andries Bekker's presence. Throwing their first line out of the match to the back. Bekker, who it must be said has come on in leaps and bounds since a few seasons ago. He has a work rate that a flanker would be proud of and is a line out jumper par excellence who it would seem has eclipsed the great Victor Matfield.
As for Bakkies, I have had enough of him to be honest. He is old and a liability. My lock pairing would be made up of Flip Van Der Merwe and Andries Bekker.
As for the front row, the debate is what do we do with John Smit. My debate is why haven't we been blooding a captain to take over from Smit?
The problem we face is that you just can leave out Bismark du Plessis. Although his line-out form has been atrocious so far this season , his tight loose play is phenomenal and he is a vicious ball carrier.
So what do we do?
I'm sure P Divvy will come up with some outrageous plan, maybe play Bismark at inside back!
In the loose-forwards we are stronger than ever and almost every South African franchise is flooded with talented loosies. A double edged sword in some aspects.
Being spoilt for choice makes for difficult team selection and when it comes to selecting the final three and who to come off the bench it must be a nightmare. I feel that the selectors are to set in their selections for the back- rowers.
Yes, Juan Smit is an incredible flanker but so is Francois Louw who got a chance in the green and gold for a whopping five games then got the boot for one poor performance.
As for Duane Vermeulen, his work rate far out weighs that of his counter part Pierre Spies who seems to disappear when the game gets tough and is bog average when the pack doesn’t have the upper hand. Duane never disappears, if anything he would probably have to be asked by his captain to get less involved. Again I offer you a combination. Brussow, Alberts and Vermeulen.
That is a mouth watering prospect.
As for the backs, I guess it all depends what kind of plan our brains trust ( if we can call it that ) has in mind. Fourie will always be first choice 9, but the romance is surely over for Ricky Januarie, his distribution is laboured at best and takes what seems an age to get the ball away from the base of the ruck.
It is no coincidence that the Stormers running game has improved since Dewald Duvenhage has been given the starting 9 jersey. Francois Hougaard is a good choice as he offers wing cover if needed and definitely brings a certain amount of flare with him.
Which brings us to the great number 10 issue, again this heavily dependant on game tactics, and yes Morné Steyn is tactically sound, handles pressure, and has a great kicking average, but at the same time is predictable, one dimensional and if I’m honest...just plain boring.
Enter Pat Lambie, such a talent who has proven that he can handle the pressures of big matches and definitely has a winning temperament. He has yet to prove himself on the international stage, but it's time to play him in the Tri-Nations.
What I would give to see Peter Grant in a Bok number 10 jersey. He has over looked for far too long. A kicking average that matches Morné Steyn's, Fears no line, great distribution and massive on defence! But a dream I guess it will stay.
In my mind opinion the centres are a easy one including the 3 J's of destruction. J de Villiers, J Fourie, and J de Jong. Enough said.
The back three, for so many years a rock in the side, now it's wide open. With Habana looking like all those soap ads have done some permanent damage to his hands, and JP Peterson having a horrible run of injuries the young guns have a great opportunity for the young guns to get in there.
Lwazi Mvovu is a player that has definitely impressed. He is strong, quick and possesses a high work rate. He is definitely making an impression.
A lot has been made of his size, but Gio Aplon has to be in the mix, he is so good from the back and a potent option when counter attacking. Teams will think twice about kicking the ball away with Aplon at the back. He has proven many times that he can take the hits even from the enforcer himself Bakkies Botha. Whether wing or fullback he has to play.
I guess for lack of any other options Kirchner at the back. Quality fullbacks seemed to have dried up in the Republic and that is of deep concern.
So this would be the my experimental team for the Tri-Nations. Considering the Rugby World Cup is looming we need to starting having a look at these players, while loading the bench with experience.
In a Tri-Nations that will be heavily overshadowed by the World Cup its the perfect time to do this.
1 Coenie Oostehuizen
2 Bismark Du Plessis
3 John Smit
4 Flip Vd Merwe
5 Andries Bekker
6 Heinrich Brussow
7 Willem Alberts
8 Duane Vermeulen
9 Fourie Du Preez
10 Pat Lambie / Peter Grant
11 Lwazi Mvovu
12 Juan De Villiers
13 Jaque Fourie
14 JP Peterson
15 Gio Aplon
 |
| The Oracle - Mark Bates |
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Butch arrives home in style
Butch James has joined the Lions but will only be available in May. He arrived at Lanseria Airport in Johannesburg to a rather disappointing group of about 9 supporters, two of which were the owners of the Lions. Never the less it is good to have him back home.
Click on link below
http://www.rugby365.com/tournaments/super14/news/2688841.htm
Click on link below
http://www.rugby365.com/tournaments/super14/news/2688841.htm
Mortlock - A Rebel with a cause
Sterling Mortlock want's to do Melbourne proud with his new team, the Melbourne Rebels.
Click link below.
http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-union/union-news/mortlock-promises-rebels-will-do-melbourne-proud-20110202-1addu.html
Click link below.
http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-union/union-news/mortlock-promises-rebels-will-do-melbourne-proud-20110202-1addu.html
Ballroom Dancer Gavin Henson heading for Toulon
Fulltime dancer and part time rugby player Gavin Henson has requested an early release from his contract with Saracens. Sound familiar?
Click on link below .
Making Super Rugby Super again.
Keiran Smith discusses the upcoming Super Rugby Competition on www.scrum.com
Click on link for article
http://www.espnscrum.com/super-rugby-2011/rugby/story/133431.html
New Zealand Super Rugby Preview
Hurricanes (Backline show)
The Hurricanes posses one of the most dangerous backlines in 2011. Starting at 9 with Piri Weepu, followed by Aaron Cruden, Ma'a Nonu, Conrad Smith, Cory Jane, and Hosea Gear. Full of skill and pace this backline has the potential to shred most defences. Add to that Andrew Hore, Neemia Tialata, Jason Eaton and Rodney So'oialo and the Hurricanes' potential for this season becomes self evident. Mark Hammett will take over the coaching reigns and is hoping to bring a harder edge to their game.
Highlanders (They don't have Christopher Lambert)
The Highlanders will be hoping for an improvement on last years campaign. That's actually an understatement. They will be looking to make an improvement on their 8 previous seasons. Not quite as atrocious as the pre-John Mitchell Lions, the Hurricanes will have their work cut out for them if they want an improved showing in 2011. Jimmy Cowan will still be having nightmares of Bakkies Botha, and has some stiff competition from the other no 9's a few months out from the World Cup. If he can gel with Colin Slade the Highlanders may score a few tries.
Crusaders (7 Times Champions … 7 TIMES)
The Crusaders are always going to be a threat. Boasting talent across the whole park, and with new additions including Sonny Bill (Muhammed Ali) Williams and Israel Dagg there is little doubt that they will be around for the play-offs. Richie McCaw leads from the front and Dan Carter controls from the back and with them in the side opposition teams will know what awaits. There will certainly be more pressure on players this year with the World Cup a few months out, and who can forget Dan Carter's “deer in the headlights” look after being kicked out of the last World Cup by France. I am hoping we get to see that look again.
Chiefs (includes a Time Fighter)
The Chiefs announced one of the biggest surprises for 2011, by including Time Fighter, Tana Umaga at the age of 37. I can't see him playing every game, but his experience will certainly count in the expanded Super Rugby competition. He is surrounded by a wealth of talent which includes Aled de Malmanche, Brendon Leonard, Stephen Donald, Mills Muliaina, Richard Kahui, Liam Messam, and Sitiveni Sivivatu. A decent squad that looks very good on paper, but they will have to back that up with results.
Blues (is it that time again?)
The Blues have not performed very well over the last few seasons and are hoping that Ali Williams (returning from injury), Daniel Braid, and Brad Mika will bolster their chances after joining the Blues. A few of their players are ageing a wee bit and it will be interesting to see how they get along. The squad looks strong with Kevin Mealamu, Tony Woodcock, John Afoa, Anthony Boric, Jerome Kaino, Rene Ranger, Joe Rokocoko, and Isaia Toeava.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Australia Super Rugby Preview
Waratahs (Lacking BMT)
The Waratahs need to perform well this season after being knocked out in the semi's in 2010. They have depth and possess game breakers in Kurtly Beale, Berrick Barnes, and David Pocock. Now they need to overcome their own psychological hurdle if they hope to win the inaugural expanded Super Rugby tournament. With World Cup places on the line this year expect Beale to take the step up and become a rugby super star. How he performs is going to to be crucial to their campaign in 2011. They will deem their campaign a failure if they do not reach the play-offs.
Reds (The Quade Cooper Show)
Since 2004 the Reds have not finished higher than 10th position on the log. Enter Quade Cooper, Will Genia, Digby Ione, and a few others and suddenly they finish 5th on the log in 2010. Their expansive attacking play was a pleasure to watch all season and there is no denying the attacking potency of Cooper. His defensive frailties are well known, but after few sterns words from Robbie Deans seems to have motivated him to tackle more. The Reds will be hoping for a stronger finish in 2011. The Reds first choice team can beat any team on their day but their depth will be tested in this years tournament.
Rebels (New team on the block)
Take the most successful Australian coach ever and let him select a team of discards, young faces,old faces, familiar faces and see what you get is the Rebels. The team boasts some older legends of the game such as Sterling Mortlock and Greg Somerville. Much of the attention will be cast on their English flyhalf, Danny Cipriani. After being hailed by the English media as the best thing since sliced bread and Johnny Wilkinson, he was dropped from the English team and dissapeared for a while before resurfacing in Melbourne. It is hard to predict how the Rebels will fair as their warm up games were against understrength teams such as Fiji and Tonga who they beat comfortably.
Western Force ( New coach, New Season)
Despite having a relatively strong squad for the past few seasons the Force have never been able to make their mark in the competition. Matt Giteau never really got going for the Force and has since left for greener pastures. John Mitchell has left for the South African based Lions, and has been replaced by Richard Graham. He was head coach of Saracens and assistant coach for the Wallabies. His new squad lacks depth this season but he still has James O'Connor and strong loose trio. Whether that will be enough only time will tell. Things are not looking good for the Force this season.
Brumbies (Not Milk men)
Stephen Larkham joins the Brumbies this season as backline coach. It will be up to the former Wallabies legend to get the best of out of a backline containing Matt Giteau, Adam Ashley-Cooper. Captain Rocky Elsom will be in good company in the forwards that include, Stephen Moore and Ben Alexander. The Brumbies have lost some big names coming in to this season and their younger players will have much to prove. They seem to be a certainty for the middle of the table.
Monday, January 31, 2011
Super Rugby South Africa Preview
Super Rugby Preview 2011
Sharks (Still just the Sharks)
The Sharks have been close to the grand prize in the past few seasons but a slow start in the 2010 Super 14 cost them towards the end of that tournament. After losing their first 5 games on the trot they launched a comeback but in the end it was to little to late. The team possesses a number of up and coming stars such as Pat Lambie, Lwazi Mvovo and Willem Alberts. The usual customers are back including Bismark 'The greatest name in world rugby' Du Plessis, The Beast, John Smit, Jean Deysel, JP Peterson, Jannie Du Plessis etc. The Sharks have also gained the services of Andre Pretorius, Jacques Louis Potgieter, Meyer Bosman, and Ross Skeate.
The Sharks have the depth to sustain their effort in the expanded Super 15 format and will be strong contenders for the play off's.
Lions (No longer the 'Xerox Auto and General Coca-cola Lions)
The Lions have made improvements on a quite a few fronts. Firstly they recruited player/coach Carlos Spencer. Next they got former All Blacks and Western Force coach John Mitchell to join the ranks as head coach, and lastly the team was bought by IT billionaire Robert Gumede. Gumede has publicly stated that he wants to return the Lions to their early 90's glory days and he does not mind opening his cheque for that purpose. After losing much talent to other teams the lions have gone fishing for talent and came home with Lionel Mapoe, Bandise Maku, Pat Cilliers, and Michael Rhodes to name a few. The new coach has brought a new playing style and a new energy to Lions. Watch out for a fit Elton Jantjies. Earl “Tiger Woods 2” Rose has joined Griquas and might feature in the mix. Shame
Only time will tell how the Lions will fare in 2011 and it is expected of them to improve on their last few seasons. They can only go up from here.
Stormers (From show ponies to real contenders)
Alistair Coetzee has helped transform the Stormers from being perennial underachievers to a team worthy of the S15 crown. Some intelligent purchases have bolstered the Stormers' depth and they possess a good blend of youth and experience. Coetzee will be desperate for 2007 player of the year, Bryan Habana to regain his form this season after a shocking (by his own standards) 2010 campaign. Peter Grant is back from his Japanese adventure and adds a more attack centred approach compared the Willem “wtf” de Waal. Schalk Burger, Duane Vermeulen, Jean De Villiers, Jacque Fourie, Andries Bekker and Flouw will remain the backbone of the team. Juan De Jong gets the chance to prove his is no one season wonder. Ronald McDonald Januarie is there to.
Cheetahs (or Heindrich Brussow and Juan Smith)
The Cheetahs have done well against local opposition in derby games but they have an over reliance on Juan Smith and Heindrich Brussow. Without these two players, especially Smith they have struggled against Australian and Kiwi teams. They have lost players, but have gained Andries Straus, Ryno Benjamin, Phillip Burger, and Wilhelm Steenkamp. The Cheetahs lack depth and will struggle to make a lasting impact in the extended format of the S15.
Bulls (The Champions)
The Bulls have dominated the S14 for a few years and it does not look likely to end in the S15. Many of their big name players will retire after this year's Rugby World Cup and will want to make their final Super Rugby experience one to remember. The only area of concern for the Bulls is their depth at 10. With Jacques Louis Potgieter moving to the Sharks Morne Steyn has been left slighly exposed with no real cover in that position if he were to get injured. Fourie Du Preez will make a welcome return after a long injury lay off. The Bulls are sure to be there come the play offs and other teams will have to learn how to beat them at home if they want to change that.
Sharks (Still just the Sharks)
The Sharks have been close to the grand prize in the past few seasons but a slow start in the 2010 Super 14 cost them towards the end of that tournament. After losing their first 5 games on the trot they launched a comeback but in the end it was to little to late. The team possesses a number of up and coming stars such as Pat Lambie, Lwazi Mvovo and Willem Alberts. The usual customers are back including Bismark 'The greatest name in world rugby' Du Plessis, The Beast, John Smit, Jean Deysel, JP Peterson, Jannie Du Plessis etc. The Sharks have also gained the services of Andre Pretorius, Jacques Louis Potgieter, Meyer Bosman, and Ross Skeate.
The Sharks have the depth to sustain their effort in the expanded Super 15 format and will be strong contenders for the play off's.
Lions (No longer the 'Xerox Auto and General Coca-cola Lions)
The Lions have made improvements on a quite a few fronts. Firstly they recruited player/coach Carlos Spencer. Next they got former All Blacks and Western Force coach John Mitchell to join the ranks as head coach, and lastly the team was bought by IT billionaire Robert Gumede. Gumede has publicly stated that he wants to return the Lions to their early 90's glory days and he does not mind opening his cheque for that purpose. After losing much talent to other teams the lions have gone fishing for talent and came home with Lionel Mapoe, Bandise Maku, Pat Cilliers, and Michael Rhodes to name a few. The new coach has brought a new playing style and a new energy to Lions. Watch out for a fit Elton Jantjies. Earl “Tiger Woods 2” Rose has joined Griquas and might feature in the mix. Shame
Only time will tell how the Lions will fare in 2011 and it is expected of them to improve on their last few seasons. They can only go up from here.
Stormers (From show ponies to real contenders)
Alistair Coetzee has helped transform the Stormers from being perennial underachievers to a team worthy of the S15 crown. Some intelligent purchases have bolstered the Stormers' depth and they possess a good blend of youth and experience. Coetzee will be desperate for 2007 player of the year, Bryan Habana to regain his form this season after a shocking (by his own standards) 2010 campaign. Peter Grant is back from his Japanese adventure and adds a more attack centred approach compared the Willem “wtf” de Waal. Schalk Burger, Duane Vermeulen, Jean De Villiers, Jacque Fourie, Andries Bekker and Flouw will remain the backbone of the team. Juan De Jong gets the chance to prove his is no one season wonder. Ronald McDonald Januarie is there to.
Cheetahs (or Heindrich Brussow and Juan Smith)
The Cheetahs have done well against local opposition in derby games but they have an over reliance on Juan Smith and Heindrich Brussow. Without these two players, especially Smith they have struggled against Australian and Kiwi teams. They have lost players, but have gained Andries Straus, Ryno Benjamin, Phillip Burger, and Wilhelm Steenkamp. The Cheetahs lack depth and will struggle to make a lasting impact in the extended format of the S15.
Bulls (The Champions)
The Bulls have dominated the S14 for a few years and it does not look likely to end in the S15. Many of their big name players will retire after this year's Rugby World Cup and will want to make their final Super Rugby experience one to remember. The only area of concern for the Bulls is their depth at 10. With Jacques Louis Potgieter moving to the Sharks Morne Steyn has been left slighly exposed with no real cover in that position if he were to get injured. Fourie Du Preez will make a welcome return after a long injury lay off. The Bulls are sure to be there come the play offs and other teams will have to learn how to beat them at home if they want to change that.
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