Opportunity knocks for Kanko
4 Nov 2009
Pierre Spies’s tour-ending injury has gifted Ryan Kankowski the opportunity to prove himself on the heavier tracks of Europe.
Talented though he is, Kankowski is hardly celebrated for the pick-and-goes from the base of the scrum or the crash ball in midfield. The Sharks No 8 is devastating in a looser contest, his speed and agility marking him as the ultimate threat on the counter-attack.
He received precious few chances for the Boks this season, but his running ability has certainly been showcased for the Sharks in the back end of the Currie Cup. The KwaZulu-Natal side scored some cracking tries, most of them from turnover ball, and on several occasions Kankowski was on hand to round off.
Europe presents a different challenge for the man they call “The Hoff”. In scenes about as far from Baywatch as you can get, Kankowski is going to be measured. Now that Spies is on the injured list, Kankowski will need to show he can play a tighter role.
It’s a big ask, especially at scrum time. This Bok set piece has been in trouble for the past couple of years, although there have been instances where the Bok eight have dominated (think the first Test against the British & Irish Lions and the last Tri-Nations Test against the All Blacks). But when the Bok scrum has failed, Spies has struggled from the back. On the muddy surfaces of Europe where scrumming is hold dear to even lowly Italy, Kankowski will need to show the Bok coaching staff he has other strengths.
The Spies injury is an untimely one, as it has further disrupted the intended loose trio dynamic. With Juan Smith already ruled out, management were looking somebody to fill the void. Schalk Burger did an admirable job at the end of the Tri-Nations, but given he was initially included in the Test XV to stay at home and Heinrich Brüssow was down to start against Leicester, it suggested Burger would play 6, Spies would play 7 and Kankowski would pack at 8.
It’s an interesting selection that was made according to the opposition. In a recent interview with keo.co.za, Bok forwards coach Gary Gold spoke about the loose-forward dynamic and how it could change according to the opposition. Burger and Brüssow bring different things to the openside position, and in a hard game when ball-carrying is likely to be more important than fetching and counter-attacking, Burger would have been preferred. Spies would have also adjusted to the role of blindside and utilised to carry the ball up.
But with Spies’s injury, Brüssow has been recalled, a call that will see the Bok game plan change significantly. Burger will start at 7 and Kankowski at 8, meaning the Boks will only have one specialist ball-carrier in their back row.
Kankowski has this opportunity to prove he’s more than a gifted runner when afforded the space. On paper, this back row doesn’t have a balanced look about it, but the trio will have the France and Ireland games to prove the theory wrong.
In 2008, there was a big hype made about the debate on 8. At present, a fit Spies holds a monopoly on the position, because Kankowski is yet to make the step up in other departments. For the Boks’ sake, hopefully he can adjust to the conditions next Friday and help the Boks to their first win over France since 2005.
By Jon Cardinelli
200 Comments
4 Nov 2009, 08:07 am
Go Hoff Dragon!
4 Nov 2009, 08:11 am
Kanko will grow from this opportunity and should narrow the gap between him and Spies. Leaving out Brussow was idiocy. Pure and simple. There is nothing wrong with the balance of Brussow, Burger and Kanko. But Spies, Burger and Kanko is definitely unbalanced WTF. Another instance of Muir making room for his favourites?
4 Nov 2009, 08:18 am
#2 Ratel Brussow (MSIUR): Lets just hope this opportunity will be good news for the Sharks as well, Kanko has been rather disapointing this season, bar one or two games!
4 Nov 2009, 08:19 am
KANKO YOU BEAUTY!Show em who the best 8!
4 Nov 2009, 08:25 am
Its a little bit unfair unfair on Kankowski to expect him to perform straight away, especially since he has basically had no extended game time since the S14 way back in May.
Since then he has played in the ridiculous third Lions test and, if memory serves, 2 currie cup games, getting a man of the match in one of them.
The rest of the time he has been bench bound.
Thats a woeful amount of game time compared to the likes of Spies, who has really benefited from his consistent game time and selection.
Whilst i am the first to admit that Spies should have been the first choice no. 8 for the Trinations and Lions tour, it might be a bit much to expect Kanko to perform miracles straight away.
But, he is a class player and you know what they say about class being permanent.
4 Nov 2009, 08:30 am
Well, just put Roussow, Deysel and Potgieter on the bench in case things go wrong….
4 Nov 2009, 08:33 am
schalk at 6 i want to puke on my speedo…
4 Nov 2009, 08:35 am
Play Brussow at 6….Deysel at 7…Dewalt at 8….
The show ponies will not shape if the conditions slow….
Schalk also damn lucky to be a ‘favorite’
Hope he proves me wrong…but i dont rate him anymore.
Drop Brussow….someone needs there heads read!!
4 Nov 2009, 08:41 am
#8 grant10: I think, and I might be wrong, but I think Schalk will make his comeback this tour. We Safas are quick to forget that Schalk was once the one player we could not do with out, when he gets his grove back…watch out!
4 Nov 2009, 08:44 am
#9 Breakdown Boy: I agree… You can’t keep a good man down!
Brussouw has been brilliant this year, but lets not forget the almighty Schalk!
To have both of them in our team… is amazing!
GO BOKKE
4 Nov 2009, 08:45 am
#5 John Galt: you’re right, it’s going to be hard for Kanko, but i think he’s good enough to show his class. He has to , i think he will.
4 Nov 2009, 08:45 am
#8 grant10: that’s a back-row for the Italy test maybe
#7 grant10: haha
4 Nov 2009, 08:47 am
#6 pepinillo:
y wud u put 3 loosies on the bench?
4 Nov 2009, 08:48 am
#9 Breakdown Boy: I agree, being dropped and starting from the bench seems to have woken him up a bit. Time for him to pull finger because there are a lot of youngsters who are hungry for his jersey..
4 Nov 2009, 08:50 am
So is it fair to say that if Kanko performs he will become the first choice Bok 8 just like J. Fourie took his chance when Adi was injured and likewise for M. Steyn?
4 Nov 2009, 08:55 am
I have always said that Spies playing with someone that can put him in gaps would be the best.
Juan never passes the ball
The best was combo with Big Joke funny enough. P3 does that at bulls as well
Burger is just a disruptive player he does not create oppertunities , he disrupts oppesition.
Kanko is better suited for 7′s thats why the Sharkies wants Alberts.
Combo with Potgieter and Brussouw and Deysel will do better this tour
4 Nov 2009, 08:57 am
#15 Ruggaluvva: the Namibian, Sharks, Southern Kings & Wallaby supporter:
the way things are done in bok rugby is he stars he will get dropped
4 Nov 2009, 08:58 am
is=if
4 Nov 2009, 09:06 am
#17 sharks_lover:
Howdy SL, did you watch our U/21 against the FS before the CC final. Lambie looking pretty good.
4 Nov 2009, 09:08 am
#9 Breakdown Boy: at 7 maybe….at 6 …never!
4 Nov 2009, 09:08 am
Scrummie also looked damn good, Meyer i think his name was
4 Nov 2009, 09:10 am
WC 2011
Loosies for that competetion
6 popeys Brussow
7 Hard man Deysel
8 Ferrari Dewalt Potgieter
Bench Alberts ..Vermeulen
Bobs your aunt
4 Nov 2009, 09:12 am
#21 Ruggaluvva: the Namibian, Sharks, Southern Kings & Wallaby supporter: hiyas mate hope you are well
meyer is a goos scrummy but it went wrong for the sharks when he went to flyhalf , to many wrong options
as for young lambie?? i predicted long ago this is a new star born
and the more i see him the more i know i am right, this kid is brilliant
4 Nov 2009, 09:13 am
#22 grant10: hey now :angry: dont lie about my uncle bob
4 Nov 2009, 09:14 am
#22 grant10: damn…forgot about Spies!!
4 Nov 2009, 09:14 am
gm grant , eish boet all the okes you saying is going to sharks are in other squads
4 Nov 2009, 09:15 am
#24 sharks_lover: LOL…Lambie is the next big thing…
4 Nov 2009, 09:15 am
#25 grant10: and what you gonna say about kanko if he has a blinder against the french fries ??
4 Nov 2009, 09:15 am
#26 sharks_lover: Wait…all shall be revealed…
4 Nov 2009, 09:16 am
#28 sharks_lover: Him and Spies can play 11 and 14…
A Bekker 13…
Schalk Brits at 12….
Kates your uncle
4 Nov 2009, 09:17 am
#28 sharks_lover: Let him prove us wrong.
4 Nov 2009, 09:17 am
Brussow at scrumhalf….
J smit at 10 with those grubbers!!!
4 Nov 2009, 09:20 am
#32 grant10: a grubber that won a test
#31 capebull: oh he shall
#30 grant10:
4 Nov 2009, 09:22 am
#32 grant10: grant i know i brag a lot about young lambie , its just the kid is so talented , he seems to ooze confidence at the back , so much time always in position
**** and to think he only 19
4 Nov 2009, 09:23 am
#32 grant10: dare i say it? he has SPRINGBOK written all over him?? obviously not now,
4 Nov 2009, 09:25 am
I would have thought that a small fetcher like Brussow would be even more critical in the NH, where the ball is on the ground far more often than the harder fields of SA.
I have a feeling, though, that this may be Kankos last chance for the Boks as there has to be too much reshuffling of the loose trio to accomodate him. Having Kanko in the squad will be a bit of a luxury when players like Vermeulen, Alberts and Potgieter provide a better selection of options. When it comes to selecting a WC squad of 28 players, I think it’s limited to, you need as much versatility as possible in your backups, without sacrificing quality. As a specialist 8th man, Kanko doesn’t stand head and shoulders above the other contenders to give us the luxury of selecting him as a backup for the position.
4 Nov 2009, 09:26 am
#23 sharks_lover:
Good eye for talent then, think the altitude also played a part. Jeez but that FS just dont give up and I see its a philosophy employed through all their age groups
4 Nov 2009, 09:26 am
#34 sharks_lover: I have only seen him 3 times….the real deal…oozes class….hope he gets some super 14 exposure….his boot,positional sense and feel for the game is obvious….certainly one for the future…
I like the skilful players…intelligent okes…like Dewalt…Bob…Luke…Lambie…Adi Jacobs…..etc
Anyway…work to do…
Brussow and Alberts will be sharks…Not sure about Ludick.
Cheers
4 Nov 2009, 09:28 am
#36 David: Amen …Brussow is being given a raw deal…cannot fathom the prospect of starting without him if he is fully fit.
Cheers
4 Nov 2009, 09:32 am
#39 grant10: cheers grant tc boet catcha laters
#37 Ruggaluvva: the Namibian, Sharks, Southern Kings & Wallaby supporter: true mate altitude played its paert when we had to play xtra time
4 Nov 2009, 09:32 am
i see chilliboy being hunted by the lions…he is the moer in over Gary Botha, Bulls should let him go and play at Lions ….also Lions will give him captaincy.
Bulls not budging at this stage…talks ongoing.
4 Nov 2009, 09:32 am
I see that Charmaine Weaver (Gale) has also come out about an affair with Jooste, when he was still married to his first wife and also later to Amor. Seems the guy is a serial cheat, as well as a liar.
4 Nov 2009, 09:33 am
not sure the big deal….pretty sure danie roussouw will play at no 8
4 Nov 2009, 09:37 am
#42 David: Amor needs her head read to hang around….
4 Nov 2009, 09:40 am
#42 David: sad actually and remember the ones thats gonna suffer bad is the little ones
joost is proving to be a total chop baaaaaaaad sheeep :lol;
4 Nov 2009, 09:41 am
#44 grant10: In principle I do agree with you, but I have been trying to place myself in her shoes. She has children like I do and the thought of them being disrupted is yet another huge burden that she has to face! If he is a good father, it may be better for them if they try and mend things. I certainly wouldn’t ever again share his bed though, at least not until he had passed various aids tests. I have never liked Amor, but I cannot but feel sorry for her
4 Nov 2009, 09:45 am
#46 Sharksgirl: amen
but it seems more and more stories are comming out
4 Nov 2009, 09:47 am
#46 Sharksgirl: in afrikaans sharksgirl; we have a very wise saying
“As die bok eers die oor die heining gespring het sal hy altyd so maak”
he wont change , a leopard never changes its spots
4 Nov 2009, 09:48 am
#48 sharks_lover: I guess you are right! Those poor children!
4 Nov 2009, 09:50 am
#46 Sharksgirl: Blood in the water…tainted….very seldom able to fix a relationship after this happens….more and more dirt will come out now…..
Sad….feel for the family….and all those that put Joost on a pedestal….
The drugs is a very poor reflection as well…anyway…wont throw stones…but Amor best out of there i reckon….
4 Nov 2009, 09:53 am
the trust in that relationship is a -1000 never mind about just a not trust , and getting worse with every press release
4 Nov 2009, 09:55 am
#50 grant10: Logic sais you are right, but I feel for those children!
4 Nov 2009, 09:58 am
#52 Sharksgirl: I understand….but it will be a battle to reconcile ….
4 Nov 2009, 10:01 am
Joost has another problem
According to bouncer Mike Bolhuis he gave Joost R700 000 to help him out and he now wants it back.
Joost better hope his book sells well (amazingly there are people who buy such rubbish)because from what I heard Bolhuis is the last person in the world that one must owe money.
4 Nov 2009, 10:05 am
#54 Robzim: hope Joost still got the sidestep…
4 Nov 2009, 10:06 am
Q: Where will the England cricket team stay when they come to SA?
A: With their parents.
4 Nov 2009, 10:07 am
#56 Jozi: BWAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
4 Nov 2009, 10:08 am
Kanko has got to deliver this tour or be cut, I have never really rated him as he doesnt do the hard graft as well as the flash stuff .. a complaint I had about Spies but he is better these days. I guess Ashley Johnson is being considered but he has the best front row in SA to work off whereas Kanko has only the “vaunted Bok front row” ……
They need Stegman to back up Brussow, then either Alberts or Vermulen to back up Juan (who is still the premier no7) with Shalk milling around 7 or 8 destructing things …
Also Potts should be in the group.. easy !
4 Nov 2009, 10:12 am
Good luck Kanko. He can do it and hope he takes this chance with both hands. He played well at the end of 2007 in the Wales game. So he could again. Needs to play in all 3 tests to get game time with the Boks.
4 Nov 2009, 10:14 am
As Heyneke said last year, he would find a way to include both Kanko and Spies in the run on side… But shucks, who then do you leave out?
Brussouw, Burger, Smith, Spies, Kanko, Deysel, Vermeulen, Alberts, Potgieter… Why can’t we have this sort of depth in every position?
4 Nov 2009, 10:16 am
#56 Jozi:
Well Strauss is a Joburg boy and KP a Maritz boy. Who else in that side is a South African? They do like to make a South African their captain though? Their coach too always seems to be from the this side of the world.
4 Nov 2009, 10:18 am
#60 Kietzphat: Add Stegmann to that list.
We really do have huge depth there.
4 Nov 2009, 10:21 am
#61 Puma: Matt Prior was born in Joburg if I’m not mistaken and Jonathan Trott.
I reckon KP will be pysched for this tour. He’s just had a 3 month layoff and he’ll be well rested, can’t wait.
4 Nov 2009, 10:22 am
#62 Puma: gm brudda ^5 hope you are well
there are another 2 south africans in the england team
jonnathan trott as well as their keeper , not sure of the name
4 saffas , no wonder they still play reasonable cricket as a team
4 Nov 2009, 10:23 am
#61 Puma: Trott.
4 Nov 2009, 10:30 am
#63 Jozi: Jeepers, they have many Saffas in their side. KP will be up for this tour for sure. The last time they toured here he was superb.
Just hope our cricket team plays like they done last year in Oz. They were superb there. Also no early morning get ups. Damn was tired after all the 2am getting up last year to watch the tests. Was worth it though.
4 Nov 2009, 10:30 am
#54 Robzim: #64 sharks_lover: Lets leave Joost out of this thread , Joost screwed up , but it is not my or any of your roles to judge him.
Lets rather get you Sharkies to focus on why , the Sharkies want alberts as 8 while you have Kanko ?
4 Nov 2009, 10:32 am
#64 sharks_lover: Morning Sharky, Ja, seems like they have a few of us in their team. No wonder they won the Ashes, with all that SA genes what you expect
4 Nov 2009, 10:33 am
#67 capebull: RobZim is a WP supporter, get your facts straight!
4 Nov 2009, 10:37 am
#67 capebull: why would the bulls have jlp and morne??
just a thought lol
4 Nov 2009, 10:38 am
#68 Puma:
4 Nov 2009, 10:39 am
#22 grant10:
Deysel ahead of Schalk ……..why ??
Schalk got 50 caps and I doubt that Deysel is harder than Schalk, in fact nobody is harder than Schalk !!
4 Nov 2009, 10:40 am
puma btw i hope you also were not caught out by willa?? lol
he was trying to bullshit us sharkies about louis ludick abd alberts
both are still very intent on comming to the sharks
as is brussouw
we still need a top class center and bobs ur uncle
4 Nov 2009, 10:41 am
#66 Puma: Yeah and last year they had Allan Donald as a bowling coach. I’m sure AD will compare notes with Mickey & Graeme.
KP is the danger man for sure. I reckon our guys will be up for this as well especially after the criticism they copped following their early exit in the champions trophy.
4 Nov 2009, 10:41 am
#72 justrugby: they both 2 hard fuggers
4 Nov 2009, 10:41 am
#5 John Galt:
Pray tell me then, why is he there in the first place? To fill the bench? This is what pisses me off about the way we select Bok sides. You should not be selecting anybody based on potential to develop. It should be the best guy or two in every position.
But alas, our historic baggage forces us to accept that we have to allow for some leniency in this respect insofar as players from the PD sector is concerned, and I don’t have any problem with that, but that is all the more reason why the rest must be the top guys in their positions-
1. to limit the effect of the essential PD compromise we have to live with.
2. to have the PD guys play with and learn from the best, because if that is not the case then the entire rationale for doing it in the first place becomes a farce.
Having said that, let me qualify by saying immediately that guys like Habana, Gurthro, JPP and Beast are what I regard as front echelon players picked on merit as the best in their position at present, and that we have to grow the numbers in this group for the sake of representivity.
It is for this reason that I believe that we are barking up the wrong tree by continuing to pick guys like Chilli, OdwaEarl Rose and Adi who are just not making it at the very top level, whether through susceptibility to injury or lack of physical aptitude or whatever. These guys have had enough chances and especially a guy like Chilli breaks down either because he is physically just not up to it or because we keep on pushing him too soon after injury everytime- like now again. It is not fair to anyone in this permutation.
And again, having said that, I have no problem with the likes of Maku or Raubenheimer or Viljoen, etc. etc. being there, because the coach is looking to develop those players. And yes, I believe there is a lot of merit in his approach to give a guy who puts his hand up a chance. I am not saying the guys like Chilli /Adi/Odwa aren’t good first class players, because they are- they are just not test players.
Every player in the world has a ceiling- I personally played rugby from 8 to 35 years of age for the love of it, got some recognition up to a certain point, but never got selected for my country in spite of dreaming it and wanting it and trying my damnedest. That was it and I have had to accept it like every other guy not selected has had to. It had nothing to do with race or politics or anything else for that matter other than that I simply wasn’t good enough, end of story. And I accept that, as others in my situation have to accept.
Worst of all, those guys, by their mere presence are now keeping other guys who do have the true potential to make it- guys like Mapoe, out of the team and depriving them of opportunities. It might upset a lot of you but it is true. They can say it is because of his 7′s contract- I say BS. How is it that SA athletes can play rugby for SA and a 7′s rugbyplayer can’t? As for ability- it is there for all to see, and we have. It is because of misguided loyalty to below-par players. Truth is , a guy like Adi has served his country well, but that’s it, he is past his prime now, and should accept it gracefully, and probably would have, if it wasn’t that it is his livelihood- but then, go and earn it at CC or S14 level where you still can, and be honest with yourself. The way JL Potgieter ran past him in the semi, and his half-hearted attempt- for whatever reason, to stop him was there for all to see.
I know it sounds harsh, but life’s a ***** and then some, which is why there is not way we can beat around the bush when looking at these things.
And after all that, what applies to Chilli and Adi, applies to Kanko. He has his strong points, there’s no denying that, but he has glaring deficiencies and he has been lugged along from tour to tour warming the bench. Why was he never played more regularly, even if only for ten minutes at the end? Am I wrong in believing it is because there was a better guy ahead of him, or because he just isn’t the real deal in the eyes of the coach, or for whatever reason, why is he sitting there on the bench collecting splinters like Shimange?
I’ll tell you why, and this is just my honest opinion. Because he isn’t a test 8- a wing maybe, but not an 8.
And he is not the first guy, and won’t be the last, to be called on to accept reality. I say again, it is a cruel world!
4 Nov 2009, 10:42 am
#22 grant10:
4 Nov 2009, 10:43 am
#74 Jozi: Looking forward to the tests.
Have they solved the problem with wanderers? Pity if they don’t get a test. Our biggest cricket stadium.
4 Nov 2009, 10:46 am
#73 sharks_lover: No never read the those posts. Will go back and read. Was speaking to him on the otherside a bit this morning. Think Chili wants to go to the Lions or Lions want him. Think it would be a good move for Chile he could become the Lions S14 Captain I think.
4 Nov 2009, 10:49 am
#72 justrugby:
Absolutely !!!, the 50 test experience favours Schalk, that experience must not be undermined, vital !!….Deysel will get his chance in due course !!
4 Nov 2009, 10:49 am
#72 justrugby: Jonny is harder, but Schalk tough all right
4 Nov 2009, 10:52 am
#76 catleya: The fact is you dont like certain players just as i dont etc
Thats life we cen never all be the same or like the same players
And kankowski is reckoned to be brilliant by most rugby experts and then some ,
Now you dont like him and you point is?? the rugby experts do thus he is in the bok sqaud , and has been for some time
You say Adi is not good enough?? i am a sharks fan and yes i could have killed him in the semi’s for not attacking the ball or tackling JLP.
In saying that on form Adi Jacobs is one of the best backline players for breaking the line and running off the ball and running into gaps we have had in SA for a long time.
I agree he is not in the best of form, and WO should probably be playing ahead of him as it stands now , but to say he is not worthy is BS.
See its normal for humans to see what they want to see , and i doubt how great Adi plays , you will not see the good in him , and i know its not about colour,
He just is not one of the players you like nor is kanko or who ever else .
4 Nov 2009, 10:52 am
#78 Puma: As far as I know they have….very childish that whole saga.
I’ll be at the Wanderers for the test. I was there when the Aussies toured earlier in the year and the atmosphere is brilliant. The crowd is very involved and knowledgeable….poor old Peter Siddle was given a rough time.
4 Nov 2009, 10:53 am
Can anyone tell me why Hougaardt was selected? He is a fine young player with great potential, but he is selected as a utility player, apparently.
Enough scrumhalves have been selected and with a squad of this size what use is a utility player? He can only keep a specialist out and that defeats the whole point of taking so may players for each position. If the squad was small then versatility would be very valuable but we should have enough depth in positions with a squad this big for 5 games.
Mapoe would have been a better choice, I believe. He is the kind of player who should be given a chance because he has so much talent as well as that other quality which is missing from several of our other top wingers ie. a high work rate. He looks to get involved.
4 Nov 2009, 10:53 am
#79 Puma: chilli would atleast get game time and prove his worth , if he does then not make it or makes it? , its because he was good or not good enough
4 Nov 2009, 10:54 am
#5 John Galt: Good post. Agree with you John Galt.
4 Nov 2009, 10:57 am
#83 Jozi: Well that is very good news then. Really cant leave Wanderers out for any tests. Our biggest stadium.
#85 sharks_lover: Sharky, Yip Chili would get game time and I think if he keeps starting he will get better. He is a very good player and showed what he had in the U19′s and a pit he has been injured so much. He must push to go to the Lions where he will be their first hooker and will probably captain that side too. I think. Would be a great move for him. Then lets hope no injuries.
4 Nov 2009, 10:57 am
grant you damn cold water fish far down south
bte that loose trio would be damn brilliant too
deysl , pottie and brussow eish
4 Nov 2009, 10:58 am
#87 Puma: pit meant pity
4 Nov 2009, 11:00 am
#87 Puma: he was one of the finest players i have seen at under 19 level agreed , but it does not mean he will be great in the senior levels
what is true is 1 he has been ripped apart by injuries , thus never getting into form fully and warming a bench because of that
nowe i gree if he stays uninjured and gets more game time just maybe, what we saw in junior level will come back to him
4 Nov 2009, 11:00 am
i would have started danie russouw at 8 against the frogs, hourses for courses. Kanko never does well when the going gets tight, danie shines in the tight games, we going to regret this.
4 Nov 2009, 11:01 am
#84 stormer in a teacup: Mapoe should have been a cert for selection for this tour. Sad they left him out.
Now some are saying it is because of him having a 7′s contract. He could have been bought out of it if they wanted him.
4 Nov 2009, 11:05 am
#90 sharks_lover: Agree Sharky, He was superb in the U19′s and had high hopes for Chili. Then all the injuries came and that set him back big time.
I do think if he can be first choice hooker at the Lions he should really try and get to play for them. No injuries and I think we will see him back to playing great rugby once he gets all that game time.
4 Nov 2009, 11:07 am
#91 Mustard: Don’t think so. Not with Burger and Brussow playing with him.
Give the oke a chance. He is a great player but cant get better if never selected. I for one hope he has a great, great tourney. Now is the chance he has been waiting for.
Danie will cover for Bakkies I think.
4 Nov 2009, 11:14 am
i think there thinking behind mapoe was that they selected habana, jpp, nokwe and odwa it wudov been dum selecting 5 wings. They needed more depth at fullback thus the inclusion of viljoen and hougaard (utility, possibly a fb retread ala f.steyn). Agree with u guys though, mapoe instead of nokwe who offers nothing besides pace and cant tackle for ****.
4 Nov 2009, 11:21 am
@ 94 puma, yep hes been selected now hes got to show if hes got the mettle. I didnt say he wasnt a good player, i think hes awesome in the s14 type games, but against nh sides test match rugga? we’l see, this tour will provide the coaching staff many answers with regards to 8, 12 and 15, and possibly 3 aswel lets see how john goes up north.
4 Nov 2009, 11:21 am
#72 justrugby: stirring the pot!!LOL
4 Nov 2009, 11:21 am
#70 sharks_lover: Pottie will cover 10 and 12 , he wanted to stay at home , the driving to Bloem every week was getting to him.
4 Nov 2009, 11:23 am
#76 catleya: Who do you think reads long threads like that
4 Nov 2009, 11:25 am
Burger , Brussouw and Rossouw wil be great
4 Nov 2009, 11:28 am
#98 capebull: as kanko covers 8 and 7
but you must also remember the boks take players away from a team for some time
also teams are trying to rotate players more because of injuries etc
so with the players comming to the sharks they will beable to rotate more with not to much fear of the backup not being good enough
4 Nov 2009, 11:30 am
capebull, that would my pick aswel, esp against france. Bakkies gona have to huge against the frogs, thats gona be the most physical game on tour, and its first up.
4 Nov 2009, 11:31 am
depending on who the sharks are playing against they can now have many options
alberts
brussow and deysel
or deysel kanko and brussow
or brussow alberts and kanko
alberts , rhodes , botes
or alberts daniel and botes
or or or
4 Nov 2009, 11:36 am
@ 103 sharkie, OR some of them will get frustated with lack of game time and leave to another union
4 Nov 2009, 11:40 am
#104 Mustard: if any of them would leave it would prolly be a botes or a rhodes or daniel
but they also know kanko and brussow will be away a lot with boks and even deysel
so chances are they know they will get lots of game time
but yes the ones like botes could end up leaving , but then again botes isnt the player he used to be
4 Nov 2009, 11:43 am
#54 Robzim:
mate joost now has a third problem this sa athlete (apparently quite a belter) has come out of the woodwork saying she had a torrid affair wth him for years….and the hits just keep on coming….what would oupa say about this I wonder..
4 Nov 2009, 11:43 am
This will be career defining tours for J Smit, Kanko and Schalk…..
Time to shape up or ship out….
The young guns are breathing down there necks….
Reputations will be made or destroyed….
Lets hope we have a bok scrum holding its own …or schalk and Kanko may be unfairly judged…..
That scrum is under the microscope…we stand up and deliver come scrum time we in with a chance….we go back…trouble.
4 Nov 2009, 11:47 am
#107 grant10: Smit was nominated for player of the year and Schalk ain’t going anywhere. It is career-defining for Kanko however, this is his opportunity to show he’s the real deal. Don’t think the scrum will have much trouble.
4 Nov 2009, 11:49 am
Die Blou Bul eettie vannie vloer affie …
ehhhh sorry.
4 Nov 2009, 11:51 am
#109 Staal:
more oom staalwol 
4 Nov 2009, 11:53 am
#110 sharks_lover: yes yes, hoe lyk dinge?
hehehehehehe lanklaas van jou gehoor….
esih wat het gebeur daar teen die Cheaters?
4 Nov 2009, 11:54 am
#108 Big Hit:
lol smittie has been having career defining tours/series/games for quite some time now…. when he leads our boys to new zealand in 2011 that will also be career defining….
4 Nov 2009, 11:55 am
#108 Big Hit: How is the Irish and French front rows BH??
4 Nov 2009, 11:55 am
This combo is the best in my opinion. Time to show your worth Kanko! As for only one specialist ball carrier, did anyone notice how Ratel carried the ball up on saturday? Very impressive. Should do well with Burger
FYI (and not to advertise another site or anything), bit did you guys catch Rugby365′s team of the CC?
rugby365′s Currie Cup Team of the Tournament:
15 – Stefan Terblanche (Sharks):
He may not have many years left of his distinguished career, but 2009 was certainly one of his better years. There was strong competition from Joe Pietersen, while players like Riaan Viljoen, Fabian Juries and Hennie Daniller also had a look-in.
14 – Danwel Demas (Free State Cheetahs):
He will probably not be universally accepted, but he has come along in leaps and bounds this year. There was plenty of competition for the No.14 jersey – Gio Aplon, Francois Hougaard, Chris Jordaan, Gerhard van den Heever and Dewald Pretorius.
13 – Juan de Jongh (Western Province):
This was a ‘no contest’, with De Jongh well ahead of his rivals.
12 – Wynand Olivier (Blue Bulls):
He may not have played the whole season, as a result of national call-ups, but he still did enough to edge strong competition from among others Barry Geel and Doppies la Grange.
11 – Lionel Mapoe (Free State Cheetahs):
Not only was he the best and most consistent of all those who played on the left wing, but Mapoe also featured strongly on the right wing. We decided he should wear the No.11 jersey. Bryan Habana didn’t feature in enough Currie Cup games to beat off the youngster, while Gio Aplon was the best of the rest.
10 – Morné Steyn (Blue Bulls):
There is nothing we can say about his match-winning abilities that haven’t already been said. He edged several quality rivals, despite not playing a full season. Naas Olivier, Jacques-Louis Potgieter and Juan Hernandez are amongst those who lost out.
9 – Sarel Pretorius (Griquas):
Without doubt one of the unlucky ones to miss out on Bok selection for the year-end tour. A pillar throughout Griquas’ campaign. There’s a long list of quality scrumhalves, but Jano Vermaak, before his injury, was probably the best of the rest.
8 – Ashley Johnson (Free State Cheetahs):
His selection for the Boks’ year-end tour was justified. Willem Alberts, Ryan Kankowski and Luke Watson all performed admirably.
7 – Dewald Potgieter (Blue Bulls):
He also featured strongly at No.8, but we felt his best performances were at the side of the scrum. Pieter Louw, Jean Deysel, Duane Vermeulen and Frans Viljoen were amongst his strongest competitors.
6 – Francois Louw (Western Province):
He was at the heart of an impressive Province campaign. Heinrich Brüssow, Cobus Grobbelaar, Deon Stegmann and Johan Wessels are all in a very impressive group of openside flanks.
5 – Anton van Zyl (Western Province):
Victor Matfield is without peer in the world, but he simply could not make up the lost ground when he came back in the last few rounds of Currie Cup action. Van Zyl was of a consistent high standard throughout the season, with David de Villiers the best of the rest.
4 – Chris Jack (Western Province):
What a revelation his performances for Province were. Just a pity he could not stay to the end. Steven Sykes was his closest rival in terms of consistent performances throughout the season.
3 – WP Nel (Free State Cheetahs):
Also rather one-sided in this position, with Brok Harris a distant second.
2 – Tiaan Liebenberg (Western Province):
It was a close contest in a two-horse race, with Adriaan Strauss also having his best ever domestic season. Two players who were very unlucky not to have gotten a Bok call-up.
1 – Wian du Preez (Free State Cheetahs):
The competition was fierce, but he showed why he was a Bok tourists a few years ago. He deserves another shot at he Green and Gold. Wikus Blaauw and Coenie Oosthuizen pushed him all the way, while a few others also put their hands up.
Interresting
Comments anyone?
4 Nov 2009, 11:56 am
#111 Staal: ons het akkies gemaak
dinge goed die kant broer en daai kant van die bees kraal??
4 Nov 2009, 11:56 am
#108 Big Hit: Smit player of the year?????
Captain maybe…player…goodness gracious….not for his scrumming…thats for damn sure!
4 Nov 2009, 11:57 am
#113 grant10: Ireland average scrummagers, with France it depends on who they select.
4 Nov 2009, 11:58 am
#114 stormersboy: That front row will moer the Bok front row into next week!!
4 Nov 2009, 12:00 pm
#117 Big Hit: France normally tough come scrum time….the Italians no easy beats either…this could be a swine of a tour!!
Dewalt Potgieter to come back the crown prince…
4 Nov 2009, 12:02 pm
#115 sharks_lover: dinge is skitterend….soos dit maar met wenners is…
Ok – ek sal nou ophou!
Sallie weer nie.
4 Nov 2009, 12:02 pm
#119 grant10: France could well win in Toulouse, will be a passionate crowd, not like the Stade de France. Will be a great game. I just can’t see Ireland beating SA.
4 Nov 2009, 12:02 pm
#115 sharks_lover: wat dink jy – gaan Kankoffie die ding doen daar anderkant op die natvelde?
4 Nov 2009, 12:03 pm
#121 Big Hit: in fact I think Italy have more chance than Ireland because SA will be complacent for Italy and Mallet knows his onions.
4 Nov 2009, 12:07 pm
I’d rather have Potgieter or Deysel over Kanko, but Kanko is a talented player who can make things happen, the question is will he contribute up north if its that sort of match.
the french loose trio is very mobile and athletic but they ruck and hit the tacklepoint and breakdown very well as a pack and gave nz alot of trouble here – so kanko needs to not only show his twinkle toes in the loose but needs to get into the sweaty ball too.
4 Nov 2009, 12:11 pm
Sharks fans gonna be up in arms but against France i would have Dewalt at 8….Burger at 7….Brussel Sprout at 6….
Dewalt brings a hard edge to the game…with the soft skills….
I like Kanko…but horses for courses tells me this not his stamping ground…
4 Nov 2009, 12:11 pm
#114 stormersboy: Johnson ahead of Luke?, I dont think so
4 Nov 2009, 12:18 pm
naw – i say give Kanfoffie n chance…… let’s see.
He’s been rated but hasn’t given a long spell to show us what he can do on this level.
let’s hope for the best.
4 Nov 2009, 12:20 pm
#127 Staal:
dus ook waar.
4 Nov 2009, 12:23 pm
What happens if Morne Steyn gets injured and Ruan Pienaar gets 100% kicking ratio in all the test matches, does that mean Morne must wait for Ruan to get injured in order to regain his place?
4 Nov 2009, 12:29 pm
#114 stormerboy:
Joe Pietersen over Terblanche, Watson over Johnson, otherwise good team.
#126 Xhosakid:
Unqabile fondin’. I’ve been reading with interest at how people have been having a go at all the black players selected for the boks and yet no one has cared to comment on Alistair Hargreaves, selection ahead of the likes Wilhlem Steenkamp, Anton van Zyl, Jacques Lombaard, and the Sharks’ very own Steven Sykes, but I guess he deserves to be there since he’s got blond hair and blue eyes. Imagine if Jannie du Plessis had been Lawrence Sephaka
4 Nov 2009, 12:33 pm
#122 Staal: who knows staal he could be a hit
it also depends on conditions and how the whole pack fair
i have seen spies splay **** with the pack doing well , thats rugby
but atleast with some game time he mind find that sparkle again
4 Nov 2009, 12:40 pm
Kanacowski at eight………..Behind an Engine Room , of the likes of…….Beastie Boy, Eye Gouger Bismark, Lardarse, Victor and Beelzebub Bakkies.
Legendary moments in the passage of time:
-Arthur draws Excalibur from the stone.
-The Mayor of Hiroshima utters, “What the ***** was that”.
-King Harold pleads “Time Out….I have something in my eye”.
-Guy Fawkes tells the Protestants….Go ***** yourselves”.
-Ryan goes on Tour in 09.
4 Nov 2009, 12:49 pm
#118 grant10: I have to say, some people just don’t like John Smit, I swear if he was scrumming like a king then people would have critisized other parts of his game.
John Smit does his job well and his leadership outweighs any faults that are currently apparent to some people. When John Smit is on the field his player play better and they seem to win the toughest games. Could we say the same if we put WP Nel in his place? It was just the other day that the poor cheetahs front row was being demolished by a Lions team that John Smit was solid against, now we want WP to replace the most capped springbok in history, just because he scrummed well during a single curry cup season?
Get a grip!
4 Nov 2009, 12:55 pm
#132 cane: LOL!!!
4 Nov 2009, 12:59 pm
#82 sharks_lover:
There is only one way in which I look at a rugby player and that is how he measures up to what the position he plays requires of him, how he combines with the team around him and how he matches the gameplan.
I give Kanko 10/10 for carrying with ball in hand in space, and 10/10 for his ability to combine with players around him.
But, I probably rate his defence at around 5/10, hia skills on the ground when he has to 5/10, his play in contact when the going gets tough about 4/10, his play going backwards in a struggling pack, which is bound to happen at least two or three times every game, about 4/10, and looking at the Sharks gameplan an 8/10, but the Bok gameplan a 5/10, simply because the tight five tend to battle. His line-outs are a fair 7/10, but overall, as test player, because tests hardly ever are a loose affair except against the minnows maybe, I rate him no higher than a 4/10 player.
You might have guessed I am a Bulls supporter, but you should know that I rate Spies as a 5/10 test player because of his tendency to miss too many tackles, his lack of skills behind a retreating scrum, his tendency not to link when carrying, his non-existant distribution skills, his tendency to turn ball over in contact, and his tendency to go walk-about every now and then when the going really gets tough, in spite of his size.
#91 Mustard:
That was Danie in the previous WC- his swansong year. He isn’t a shadow now of what he was then, hence him being on the bench as mainly lock cover for Bakkies.
We have far greater prospects at 8.
Dewald Potgieter, Willem Alberts and Duanne Vermeulen, in that order, are my preferences, mainly because of their skillsets, and Dewald is no 1 because of his vision and ability to read the game better than any other player in SA.
#99 capebull:
Nobody is forcing you to. Here’s another one for you.
Going forward, the best Bok loosetrio to blood as a combo would be 6 Brussow, 7 Spies, 8 Potgieter, with Stegman, Vermeulen/Deysel/Raubenheimer and Alberts as cover. Of the 4, I would pick Stegmann(6) and Alberts(4,5,7,8) on the bench. I prefer speed and skill to bulk at loose forward.
4 Nov 2009, 13:00 pm
If its a wet field. Danie Roussouw over Kankowski any day for me. Can’t undestand how so many of you are backing Kankowski. He has been great at Super 14 , but never imo has he impressed enough at international level. We all know he has the running game. If it is a tight physical contest how usefull is the oke’s running ability really gonna be.
Very debateable. Brussouw , Deysel , Burger combo also a combination I would have looked at.
4 Nov 2009, 13:03 pm
#133 Breakdown Boy: Who said drop Smit for WP Nel?
I have nothing against the skipper…why would i …just dont like a 3 that cant scrum.
I would never have moved him in 1 st place…play him at 2…Bissy last 30…move J Smit to 1 then…not 3….
I would of rather played Buys,WP, at 3…..
But my dream would have beemn BJ or CJ….
Nothing personal against JS…just believe he is a superkak scrummer…not his fault….crazy to try and convert him to 3!
4 Nov 2009, 13:03 pm
#132 cane:
4 Nov 2009, 13:05 pm
#126 XhosaKid: #118 grant10: I guess there’s always going to be a difference of opinion on these things, I must say i thought Luke did a fantastic job this year, but Ashley too, and Joe Peterson vs Stephan, could go either way….
As for the front row, I think we are all agreed that the current bok front row is not THE strongest scrumming option, but there are other factors to consider i guess….
4 Nov 2009, 13:05 pm
#137 grant10:
you have nothing against the skipper? what this wiggling out malarchy, you been calling for the skipper to do the honorable thing and fall on his sword for the last 4 years?
4 Nov 2009, 13:07 pm
#137 grant10: You’re a superkak analyst, but don’t worry its not your fault!!
4 Nov 2009, 13:09 pm
#135 catleya:
That’s about my assessment of both players, as well.
4 Nov 2009, 13:10 pm
This will be the most likely Irish team:
15 Rob Kearney
14 Tommy Bowe
13 BOD
12 Luke Fitzgerald
11 Keith Earls
10 Jonathan Sexton
9 Tomas O’Leary
8 Jamie Heaslip
7 David Wallace
6 Stephen Ferris
5 Paul O’Connell
4 Donncha O’Callaghan
3 John Hayes
2 Jerry Flannery
1 Cian Healy
That’s probably the strongest Ireland team in their History and Ireland are probably the best team in the world when it comes to dealing with the Aerial game. Still won’t be enough though.
4 Nov 2009, 13:10 pm
The Best possible loose trio for the Boks possible is:
8. Schalk
7. Juan
6. Brussouw
With Kanko coming off the bench
4 Nov 2009, 13:12 pm
Who was our 8th man in the World Cup Final
4 Nov 2009, 13:13 pm
I wonder if the coaches have noticed how many penalties the subs are giving away at crucial moments in the last 10 mins.
My theory is that they have too much built up frustration from watching on the bench.
I think in crucial games like semi’s and finals the coaches should rethink the whole subbing business!!!
4 Nov 2009, 13:13 pm
#140 cab: Only been on keo for a year…so thats not true…the 4 year thingy….
But it is true…if J Smit a 3…then i believe he should not play for Boks…i dont believe he is a good enough 3.#141 Ratel Brussow (MSIUR): Ad seriously sharky your opinion of me is absolutely irrelevant….
4 Nov 2009, 13:14 pm
#143 jockstrap: I’d say O’Gara still has the inside lane at 10. Fitzgerald at 12? no D’Arcy/Wallace? Downey might even be considered. I don’t think the Irish provinces are playing particularly well at present, especially Munster.
4 Nov 2009, 13:14 pm
#145 wp_boytjie: D Rossouw
4 Nov 2009, 13:14 pm
#135 catleya:
For me, Alberts is the best bench replacement for Danie as 8, 7 and 4 cover. 5 is a bit of a stretch, besides there’s room for a dedicated jumper.
Until we give another 4 like Sykes or Steenkamp more experience at test level, Danie is now the designated cover for Bakkies.
4 Nov 2009, 13:17 pm
#144 Bok fan:
Potgieter or Vermeulen is a far better bench option than Kanko for that starting combo.
4 Nov 2009, 13:21 pm
#147 grant10: John Smit is the best 3 in the country right now. If you think a 23 year-old greenhorn is better than him, that’s sad. Jannie may be a slightly better scrummager but nowhere near him in the loose. Smit is nowhere near the best 2 in the country so, once again, your argument is flawed and irrational.
4 Nov 2009, 13:24 pm
6. Brussow
7. Schalk
8. Kanko
Deysel on bench
end of story
4 Nov 2009, 13:24 pm
The Sharks Cheetahs game was a prime example for me of a tight game where Kankowski was nowhere.HE DOES NOT have the physical game of Roussouw , Alberts , Vermeulen and others.
If our scrum is going backwards we are f*cked.
4 Nov 2009, 13:26 pm
#147 grant10:
lol, ok just checking, i think JW might agree with you, but i think smittie is doing very well at 3 and i dont see any obvious replacement, wp nel looks promising but so did werner kruger. lets see how these guys go in the real deal s14 first and if lions, cheetahs and wp dont get the wooden spoon again with all their supposed scrumming prowess.
4 Nov 2009, 13:28 pm
#154 wp_boytjie: It used to be the same for Spies, but now through international game time that part of his game is much stronger. We’ll have Danie and another on the bench so lets give Kanko a chance to develop as a player on this EOYT.
4 Nov 2009, 13:30 pm
#151 David: All very talented including Deysel. I think Kanko deserves a chance though before them as he has been producing the goods over a longer period and his extra speed and skills would be ideal for the last 20min
4 Nov 2009, 13:31 pm
#153 Ratel Brussow (MSIUR): For this tour that is def the best option
4 Nov 2009, 13:33 pm
#145 wp_boytjie: Dannie R
4 Nov 2009, 13:39 pm
#148 Big Hit:
If Kidney picks on form like he said he would then this must be the team. O’Gara has not been the same since the Lions and is playing nowhere near an International 10 while Sexton is looking like an excellent prospect. The Irish teams are not playing their best rugby to date but are improving with each game. Leinster is top of the Magners while Munster and Ulster are joint second and most are still expected to win their groups in the HC. Remember SA haven’t won in Dublin the last 2 times they’ve visited.
4 Nov 2009, 13:40 pm
#156 Ratel Brussow (MSIUR):
Kanko needs more time from the bench , at least 20min in each test. You have a valid point regarding the player’s development , but agree to disagree on it i guess. For me Danie Roussouw has been unlucky and deserves a chance….
2006 England EYOT – Danie Roussouw played a blinder at 8
2007 World Cup Campaign – Danie Roussouw 8.
2008 England EYOT – Danie Roussouw brilliant at 7.
4 Nov 2009, 13:50 pm
In the poll vote for starting trio against scotland, you’ve got every combination apart from the two i like
6. brussow 7. burger 8. potgieter
6. brussow 7. deysel 8. burger
mind you danie has always excelled on these EOY tours, but he’s going to be a very different looseforward to anything the french will play, then again matfield is a very different lock to anything the french will play.
4 Nov 2009, 13:50 pm
scotland=france, time for nap.
4 Nov 2009, 13:57 pm
#150 David: #142 David:
I assess every player like that and I try to be brutally honest. it is the only way. Otherwise you run the risk of falling prey to subjective issues like provincialism, personal preference, etc. it is good to know/see that you and Grant 10 ussually agree with me on most issues. I guess it is because we like the same style of play and would like to see the Boks playing that style.
4 Nov 2009, 14:09 pm
all this talk about the loose trio is getting silly, no matter who steps in at 8 kanko or danie they wont dissappoint, though id prefer statin with danie roussouw then shifting him to 4 after 60min and bring in kanko for last 20min to run them ragged. We should be much much more concerned about 12. Adi hasnt proven himself at 12, yes he had a blinder of a season in 2008 but that was at 13 and playing outside jdv who created almost all of his breaks.
4 Nov 2009, 14:13 pm
Out of France and Ireland i reckon Ireland will be the toughest test, remember there are a few sore Lions players there so revenge will be foremost.
It will be dirty and hard and possibly the Bok Mngmnt team thought bringing Shalk back in the French test would settle him before playing a part in the Ireland test …. sounds sensible ?
However there is no way he should displace Brussow at 6. Unless you play Shalk 6 Danie 8 and Kanko 7 to bash it up then bring on Brussow when they tire to chase down the game. Still feel you play the best xv every saturday.
4 Nov 2009, 14:19 pm
#165 Mustard: Mustard agree, Our biggest problem going to be if Adi plays inside centre. Not about our loose trio. If it is Kanko or Danie that starts we are looking good there. Think with no JdV at inside centre we may have a weak link there. Rather have WO start than Adi who has been out of form for quite some time now.
4 Nov 2009, 14:22 pm
#162 cab: Whos playing Scotland?
4 Nov 2009, 14:22 pm
#163 cab: Me too
4 Nov 2009, 14:23 pm
#166 bananas: Never count out the French they are very hard to beat at home but agree Ireland going to be our hardest game.
I think Brussow got under their skin far more than Burger. They had a problem with Brussow. Even when they played Cheetahs he was hand full for the Lions players.
Brussow has to start at 6, Burger at 7 and Kanko a 8. If Danie starts at 8 that would be fine too but then there is no back up for when Bakkies comes off which is after 60min.
Proabably have Deysel on the bench too. Especially when we play Ireland. Going to be a hard physical game.
Wish we were going to play England as well. Probably the first time we not playing England on our eoyt.
4 Nov 2009, 14:26 pm
#162 cab: Cab with that loose trio of. 6 Brussow 7 Deysel and 8 Burger. We could bash up a truck……hehehehe. Damn hard players those.
4 Nov 2009, 14:28 pm
Puma, yep id definately start WO aswel, hell id even start Bosman at 12 before adi. Im a huge Rob eberhson fan but hes still abit of a greenhorn, maybe in a few yrs time. Its not that i think adi is a bad player, its just i dont think hes a 12 hes done exceptionaly well at 13 though, so id have him soley as backup to fourie
4 Nov 2009, 14:29 pm
#165 Mustard: I regret to say that I view the Adi subject as over. I dont rate him and many dont but he is in PdV plans so we have to deal with it.
If I was playing Boks I would target the Adi-Morne channel all game long as Adi shoulder is buggered and Morne is not the hardest tackler … (and bonus if Morne gets injured).
I dont feel that Olivier has done much at Intl level either so we need some fresh glood in this position.
4 Nov 2009, 14:32 pm
glood = blood.
4 Nov 2009, 14:32 pm
I think the Brussow, Burger and Kanko loose combo is, on paper, as balanced as you can get.?
You have your ball carrier in Kanko, your grafter and tackler in Burger and your fetcher in Brussow. Where’s the problem?
Kanko just needs to up his physicality and impose himself a bit more on the opposition – that is where Spies is ahead of him at the moment.
4 Nov 2009, 14:32 pm
@171, if deysel comes in at 7 n schalk shifts to 8 i think we losing a lineout option though, could be wrong but i dont think deysel that great in the lineouts
4 Nov 2009, 14:47 pm
As long as Brussouw plays I’m not too concerned with the rest of the combination,the balance will be there
but to not play him would be a national disaster..!!
4 Nov 2009, 14:56 pm
#150 David: I don’t think Alberts will get a shot at bok level as long as Johnson is playing well as they both are similair players (large #8) and thus they will always opt for the player of colour.
4 Nov 2009, 15:00 pm
#177 Storm outta hell: amen!!
4 Nov 2009, 15:05 pm
#178 Breakdown Boy: Yep…that’s the way our cookie crumbles
4 Nov 2009, 15:41 pm
#178 Breakdown Boy:
Ashley’s 1.86m compared to Alberts 1.91. Alberts also has the advantage that he can play lock, which makes him the perfect replacement when Danie retires or’s injured.
4 Nov 2009, 15:42 pm
Possible Leicster Tigers starting 15 without respective internationals?:
1 Dan Cole
2 Mefin Davies
3 Boris Stankovich
4 Calum Green
5 Ben Kay
6 Geoff Parling
7 Ben Pienaar
8 Brett Deacon
9 James Grindal
10 Jeremy Staunton
11 Johne Murphy
12 Aaron Mauger
13 Anthony Allen
14 Tom Armes
15 Scott Hamilton
4 Nov 2009, 15:54 pm
#182 pietskeade: Mauger has supposedly been inked in at 10
4 Nov 2009, 16:00 pm
#183 Big Hit: Is there any official team sheet yet?
Ben Pienaar born in Virginia in the Free State, what a loss.
4 Nov 2009, 16:03 pm
#184 pietskeade:
With all the loosies at our disposal, not really.
4 Nov 2009, 16:10 pm
How much game time has Kanko really been given to warrant all this criticism against him? Just because he’s not some great big hulking player like Spies (who should really be more powerful than he his) everyone perceives him as a lightweight. I’ve seen him hand-off McCaw and shurgging off 3 other defenders to score a try in the S14 . Kanko has awesome pace, great sidestep and quality linking and ball skills, something Spies lacks. How many times have we seen Spies knock-on at the base of a scrum?
Kanko scored a great try against Wales on his debut test in 2007 and so nearly scored another against the Baa Baas if it wasn’t for Rocokoko’s valiant effort. After that Kanko was hardly selected and how can we be judging a player based on playing the last 20mins of a match every now and then?
So what I’m saying is cut the oke some slack and give him a chance. Now is he opportunity to grab the bull by the horns and prove his detractors wrong. But if he does play kak and goes missing against France or whoever, then I will be the first to admit that he has failed to make an impression.
4 Nov 2009, 16:11 pm
#177 Storm outta hell: Zuma would be on the phone to Div if that happened!
4 Nov 2009, 16:15 pm
#185 David: You can never have enough loosies in one country. The Boks are sorted but he’s the potential to be a Spies sort of player and one of the S14 franchises can do with him in the squad.
4 Nov 2009, 16:15 pm
#170 Puma: Ja man Deysel must be on the bench against Ireland. O’Gara will be kakking his broekies when he comes on. Let Brussouw and Schalk wear them down and then bring on Deysel to knock the kak out of them! We must have revenge for 2006 and BOD’s appalling behaviour in the 2nd Lions test.
4 Nov 2009, 16:32 pm
#181 David:
alberts will be a helluva lift in the lineouts… somebody is going to rip themselves a new one trying to get him up there…
4 Nov 2009, 16:36 pm
#190 gunther:
4 Nov 2009, 17:01 pm
Spies is ‘n nought. Rather play Earl Rose at 8.
4 Nov 2009, 17:43 pm
irrespective of who plays versus France, my team versus Italy will be:
1. Heinke vd Merwe (ease him in in a familiar position)
2. Bismarck du Plessis (to help Heinke ease in)
3. John Smit (to keep the youngsters settled)
4. Danie Rossouw (rest Bakkies for Ireland)
5. Andries Bekker (rest victor for Ieland)
6. Heinrich Brussow (to suss his combo with Pottie)
7. Dewald Potgieter (so coach can see what he wanted to versus Tigers)
8. Schalk Burger (if thats where he’ll play S14)
9. Heini Adams ( rest FdP for Ireland)
10.Ruan Pienaar (gametime for RP and rest Morne)
11.Jongi Nokwe (rest Habana)
12.Wynand Olivier(more gametime to gel with Mossie)
13.Jacques Fourie (more gametime with WO)
14.Odwa Ndungane (rest JPP for Ireland)
15.Zane Kirchner (more time to settle)
16.Chilliboy Rallepele (20 min off bench for Bissie)
17.Gurthro Steenkamp (20 min off bench for Smit- Heinke to TH)
18.Jannie du Plessis (cover for Heinke)
19.Alistair Hargreaves (4 and 5 cover)
20.Davon Raubenheimer(20 min off bench for Brussow at 7. Pottie to 6 or Scalla to 6/Pottie to
21.Earl Rose(if has to be Bok, might as well be Azzuri- cover 9(Ruan to 9), 10 and 15)
22.Juan de Jongh (20 minutes ipo Mossie- to rest for Irish)
We have to rest some of the senior players, and this side will acquit itself well vs Italy
4 Nov 2009, 18:10 pm
#192. Thank heavens your comment has no weight behind it
4 Nov 2009, 18:40 pm
Pottie @ 8 thanks!!!
4 Nov 2009, 19:16 pm
#67 capebull:
Why Alberts and Kanko?
Depth.
You can’t stick with one player throughout the S14 and the Currie Cup has fewer games when the Boks can play
4 Nov 2009, 20:48 pm
#165 Mustard: “though id prefer statin with danie roussouw”
I assume this means that the other combinations will give you heart failure? Or at least elevate your cholesterol.
You may not be alone.
Brussow, Burger, Potgieter would be outstanding Cab by the way.
5 Nov 2009, 05:27 am
Soda
hey
5 Nov 2009, 07:57 am
but if they get deyser in they’ll have a scavanger and a strong ball carrier
5 Nov 2009, 14:13 pm
As much as I admire Spies I wouldn’t exactly consider him to be that spectacular when it comes to the tight stuff, he has been fantastic at times but also been anonymous on the odd occassion.
We will see how Kanko goes during this tour.
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