Wian on loan to Munster
Cheetahs loosehead Wian du Preez has signed a two-month deal with Irish club Munster.
Du Preez was the form loosehead in the Currie Cup this season and was part of the Cheetahs’ front row that was considered the best scrumming force in the competition.
However, he was a shock exclusion from the Springbok squad for the end-of-year tour.
Munster, who are struggling with a prop injury crisis, have now approached Du Preez to help bolster their front row.
‘The deal has been sealed and I will be leaving next weekend for two months,’ Du Preez told keo.co.za. ‘It will be a great experience. In the last three years, Munster have won the European Cup twice. So it’s good to know I’ll be playing for one of Europe’s powerhouses.’
Du Preez added that he is looking forward to featuring alongside players like Springbok centre Jean de Villiers.
‘It will be great to meet up with an excellent player like Jean. There are also many British and Irish Lions and other internationals in the squad, so I will learn a lot during my time there.’
Forwards coach Barend Pieterse said he is happy Du Preez has received this opportunity.
‘Wian is already a good player and he will only get better,’ said Pieterse. ‘It’s a shame he didn’t get a Springbok call-up, but this will be a great experience for him.’
Du Preez is expected to feature in five European Cup matches and three Irish League games. The prop will return on the 25 January, in time for the Cheetahs’ Super 14 preparations.
By Gareth Duncan
November 6th, 2009 at 8:16 am
and this is what happens to players who are form players and get excluded because of quota’s
November 6th, 2009 at 8:23 am
The 2 quotas in the 37 man bok front row are Jannie Du Plessis and J.Smit!
2 weakest tightheads in the international game!…
Beast , Guthro…Wiaan and Heinke….should be there….
November 6th, 2009 at 8:33 am
#2 grant10: J. Smit is no quota. Maybe playing out of position and should be put back at hooker. BEST CAPTAIN IN THE WORLD. Not a quota Grant.
He should be put back to playing hooker.
November 6th, 2009 at 8:36 am
#3 Puma: ja….but Dunx making out Guthro and Beast quotas…..they are both fine looseheads….our problems at tighthead…not loosehead!!
November 6th, 2009 at 8:36 am
#3 Puma: is he the BEST hooker in the country?
November 6th, 2009 at 8:38 am
#5 Transformation: NOT better than Bismarck! But by far the best captain in the country!
November 6th, 2009 at 8:40 am
#4 grant10: Ignore that Grant. Gutrho and Beast are no quotas we all know that. But JOHN a quota? No way boet. He is playing out of position and SHOULD be put back to hooker. Bissie can come off the bench. We have to have the best captain in world rugby playing and playing in his right position. I agree with you there that John must play hooker and WP Nel should be playing TH. He proved himself in the CC should have been rewarded for brillinat play.
November 6th, 2009 at 8:40 am
#6 Sharksgirl: Can he captain from the bench….please????????
November 6th, 2009 at 8:40 am
#7 Puma: Sorry menat Guthro. Blogging to early…..hehehe.
November 6th, 2009 at 8:41 am
#9 Puma: hahaha. Brain gone. menat up there is meant…..
November 6th, 2009 at 8:42 am
#7 Puma: i would have Wiaan du preez at 3…let Heinke come on gradually…same as WP Nel…let him first have a season or 2 at 3 in super 14….
But we so easily blame quotas…thats rubbish…a lot of questionable selections in that 37 man squad have pale skins!
November 6th, 2009 at 8:43 am
#5 Transformation:
He was never the best hooker in the country.
He has however become the bloke that holds it all together.
Kakkest player to play tighthead for SA in the past 6 years was Eddie Andrews.
November 6th, 2009 at 8:43 am
What is this sweepstake thing??
November 6th, 2009 at 8:43 am
#8 grant10: NO. Does Richie McCaw captain from the bench. The world will laugh at us especially our greatest rivals if we let John sit on the bench.
Play him back at hooker. I personally prefer him at hooker to Bissie. John’s throw ins are always spot on and he does not drop the ball on. Bissie let us down huge in the S14 doing that over and over. Captain must go back to hooker.
November 6th, 2009 at 8:43 am
Du Prez is going to make such a big impression that soon he will be covered with euros…….thank you dear PDF to spot great potential in Rose and Maku but not in Du Prez
November 6th, 2009 at 8:44 am
#12 Brigadier Van Zyl: second kakkest is J Smit.
November 6th, 2009 at 8:45 am
#11 grant10:
But most of the questionable selections are of the darker variety.
Earl Rose is not even questionable.
November 6th, 2009 at 8:46 am
Lets put it this way. Our first captain to win us the world cup was F. Pienaar and he was not the best 6 ever. Rubin Kruger was. They had to make space for the best captain then and I am damn glad they did.
Also when Teich was dropped for the world cup 99 I knew straight away we were doomed. Dropped for a injured Skinstadt too. Will never forgive Mallett for being so stupid for doing that. Cost us I think the 99 world cup.
Always have your best captain playing ALWAYS. Makes good sense.
November 6th, 2009 at 8:47 am
#16 grant10:
Blame Meneer DeVilliers,Coach of the Year, he selects Smit at tighthead.
November 6th, 2009 at 8:48 am
J Smit should have stayed home and be on a proper conditioning programme to get him right for the rigours of the 3 position.
We far too conservative in our way of thinking….so many of these guys are being played into the ground it is stupid….
Anyway…crazy stuff all this playing okes out of position.
I just really hope Heinke converts okay…he is a very powerful scrummager and will be a great acquisition if he is able to scrum equally well on both sides.
November 6th, 2009 at 8:49 am
#17 Brigadier Van Zyl: Riaan Viljoen…Hargreaves….all debatabke…stop seeing color.
November 6th, 2009 at 8:50 am
To be honest the only quota in the team is Rose and I feel sorry for him being used like that. He knows it too and must feel horrible. All players want to be selected on merit. John is never a quota and should be playing back at hooker.
There should never ever be quota players at all right now EVER. WHY IS MAPOE NOT THERE? He is a man of colour but damn hell he is brilliant and should have been selected on MERIT.
November 6th, 2009 at 8:51 am
#19 Brigadier Van Zyl: I do blame him…and the co selectors….
Bloody embaressing to see a Bok team scrummed so badly so often.
November 6th, 2009 at 8:52 am
#22 Puma: Agree that Mapoe should be there…
November 6th, 2009 at 8:53 am
The problem is that all these props who go to spend a year or two or three abroad just vanish off the radar completely. Out of sight, out of mind. So Wian might put this down to gaining experience before coming back to have another bash, but history has shown that even the best props fall out of Bok reckoning the minute they leave OR Tambo. BJ Botha, CJ v/d Linde, Faan Rautenbach, Pat Barnard, Cobus Visagie and a bunch more.
November 6th, 2009 at 8:54 am
Anyhows we are all South African I don’t care what colour we are we are South African all of us. Just please select the best and there are many that were left out of the Dirt Trackers team that should have been there.
November 6th, 2009 at 8:55 am
#26 Puma: well said…Puma
November 6th, 2009 at 8:55 am
#25 katman: daan human…
November 6th, 2009 at 8:56 am
#25 katman: at least 3 tightheads there that are stronger and more capable than the current bok 3..
November 6th, 2009 at 8:57 am
#24 grant10: Should have been Grant. I don’t think the 7’s contract had anything to do with it either. If PdV wanted him he would have been released to play in the 15 man squad. Feel for him. Played brilliant. Going to be a great I think. Watch out for Mvovo from the Sharks next year. Played brilliant in the CC and should have kept his place when Odwa came back. Rate Mvovo more than Odwa. Also going to be a great, great player.
November 6th, 2009 at 8:58 am
#4 grant10: Guthro was outscrummed against the Cheetahs, and against the WP!!
He has lost is mojo!!!
Heinke is a strong scrummager, but there have been questions asked of his technique!! He is also back from a serious knee injury.
On current form!!
Looseheads: Wian, Beast,Guthro
Tightheads: WP Nel, Kevin Buys
November 6th, 2009 at 8:59 am
Basically, of the 22 selected to start, I would be surprised if 50% ever feature in a full international.
If their was 1 player that should have featured in this tour it would have been Mapoe.
Has everything you need to be an international winger.
November 6th, 2009 at 9:00 am
I like the sound of this…go overseas,gain some experience and pounds,come back in time for the s14.Mind you,he’s not just gonna play for any team,its Munster.On the other hand,he might get injured while over there or be 1 heck of a tired ou when the s14 kicks off…
November 6th, 2009 at 9:00 am
#28 grant10: Yes, forgot about Daan. Great prop.
November 6th, 2009 at 9:01 am
#29 grant10: Add Brian Mujati to that list too.
November 6th, 2009 at 9:03 am
#31 Cheetah 4 Eva:
I disagree, Bulls scrumming 1st half in both those games was very good.
2nd half however is proving a problem. I suspect the Bulls will need to play 2 props off the bench unless something changes. The way Guthro attacks the rucks in the opening 40 minutes, by the 60 minute mark he is a spent force.
November 6th, 2009 at 9:06 am
#31 Cheetah 4 Eva: WP Nel probably our best TH at the moment. Should have been rewarded for a great CC. Played some awesome rugby.
John should be playing back at Hooker.
November 6th, 2009 at 9:06 am
#30 Puma: I will watch Mvovo closely in the super 14 next year…Mapoe is certainly special…the next Habana i reckon.#31 Cheetah 4 Eva: Yes….Wiaan is a stronger scrummer than Beast…..Beast does get about the park a bit though!
November 6th, 2009 at 9:08 am
Cheers Grant and all. Back later.
Good luck to our Dirt Trackers tonight. I think they in for a huge battle. Some good players in the Tigers side.
November 6th, 2009 at 9:08 am
#36 Brigadier Van Zyl: if bulls ger a CJ or BJ back they will win the super 14 again next year….only weakness is a suspect scrum.
Sharks got a poor scrum…best 3 there is pat cilliers…and debatable depth in backs…
November 6th, 2009 at 9:09 am
#39 Puma: cheers puma….
November 6th, 2009 at 9:11 am
#38 grant10: Mvovo going to be a great player. Mapoe is already right up there and yes he will be our next Habs. WP Nel for now I think our best TH should have been rewarded and been selected for this trip for such good play in the CC.
Out of here Grant need to do some work.
Back later.
November 6th, 2009 at 9:15 am
#12 Brigadier Van Zyl:where does EA fit into what we’re talking about? Is john smit the best hooker in the country, yes or no! aren’t we always screaming that the best players in any position must be played?
Pdv loves ruan, he thinks the boys oozes class. Morne is currently better than ruan, so he drops ruan & plays morne despite his own preference!
#6 Sharksgirl: hello sharkie…bissie is being under-rated here!
November 6th, 2009 at 9:28 am
#43 Transformation: Hi there Transformation! There is a love affair with JS in this country, which considering his value as captain is understandable. But yes there is no way that he is a better hooker than Bismarck! Bismarck does all the basics well and equal to John but he is a mean scrummager and steals as much ball as a loosie, and his defence is rock solid! and no one can question his work rate. They can underrate him as much as they whant, at least PDV has his head on straight! You are right as they keep on crying you play the best Player always. Problem is JS is a great captain so what do you do now?
November 6th, 2009 at 9:29 am
#4 grant10: I’ve never seen guthro, nice man as he is, do anything good in a scrum.
November 6th, 2009 at 9:53 am
#38 grant10:
Im afraid he will not be in Habana’s class, he lacks a bit of speed. And on the wing that little extra bit of pace is what makes the difference!
But still our 2/3 best wing in SA
November 6th, 2009 at 9:57 am
I reckon this a great idea for Wian. The kid gets some invaluable experience and returns for the S14. This a valuable experience for the youngster, which is the one area he’s lacking.
As for the screams that he’s been overlooked, forget it. The current props, on tour, have all been involved with Boks or, like Heinke, on the fringes and in line for a callup. I reckon that PdeV wants to get a final look at these guys before making any decision about replacing them. Wian has the whole of the S14 to mature a bit more and show he’s ready for the WC squad.
Most of the other new players on tour aren’t in the frame for 2011, but I think PdeV wants to see what’ll be available after the WC before getting down to the serious business of building a final squad.
November 6th, 2009 at 10:01 am
#45 ad_oz: Yes….our 2 looseheads,,,,Guthro and Beast …are not the best scrummagers…that is Heinke and wiaan….
That is why i am so passionate about needing a tightheadd that can first and foremost scrum….
At international level we cant have the luxury of Bissy, who also has question marks over his scrumming, Beast / Guthro and Smit.
Tighthead MUST ANCHOR SCRUM!….especially with beast and bissy there!
November 6th, 2009 at 10:02 am
#46 Cereal Killa 77: ja…may lack the blinding pace.
November 6th, 2009 at 10:05 am
#46 Cereal Killa 77: You have measured this, or is it an assumption?
Speed is not everything, he has enough pace, and loads of power, which sees him run through tackles, not something Habana is so able to do!!
His pace is not that much off the mark!! Think you are grabbing at straws here matey!!
November 6th, 2009 at 10:06 am
#48 grant10: Who would you start then? And what about smittie? I think if we can just have parity at scrum time we’ll be fine everywhere. the wobblies managed it for years. teams don’t lose BECAUSE their scrum is going backwards.
November 6th, 2009 at 10:08 am
I dont agree Grant, Guthro got smashed in the final by WP Nel, in all but 1 scrums! And that was when the Bulls shoved early! Nah, Guthro is weak, we’ll see it tonight…
Pity about Wian, they always say “short term deal” but it always turns into a long term one. Next thing we see Wian being picked for Ireland. Hopefully not
November 6th, 2009 at 10:10 am
If Du Prez start impressng then he will get multimillions euros offers….and then bye bye SA.
November 6th, 2009 at 10:12 am
#47 David: Wian has been selected for tours but never played!! No lack of experience, despite his age, Wian has been around the block, and has scrummed against some of the best props internationally in the S14, as well as against the BIL’s
No, this was Pdiv trying to pull an unneccessary rabbit out of the hat!!
He wants to convert a very good loosehead in Heinke, into a tight head, when he already has very good yound tightheads coming through. WP Nel,Jannie du P, Kevin Buys, and Brok Harris all showed the the strength to be able to compete at the highest level
In looseheads he has equally promising players in Wian, Heinke, Coenie Oosthuizen, Blauuw, and Guthro,
The experience story is hogwash!!!
November 6th, 2009 at 10:12 am
Let’s forget Bok selections just for a moment and consider the most promising YOUNGSTERS in SA at the moment.
1. Wian du Preez/Beast Mtawarira/Coenie Oosthuizen/Wikus Blaauw
2. Bismarck duP/Adriaan Strauss/Tiaan Liebenberg/Bandise Maku
3. Wp Nel/Heinke vdM/Pat Celliers/Werner Kruger
4. Stephen Sykes/Flip vdM/P Lombaard/
5. Andries Bekker/A. Hargreaves/Wilhelm Steenkamp/Fudge Mabetha
6. H Brussow/D Stegmann/F Louw/J Wessels(only fetcher types considered)
7. D. Potgieter/D Raubenheimer/J Deysel/ D Vermeulen
8. P Spies/W. Alberts/R. Kankowski/A. Johnson
9. F. Hougard/J. Vermaak/S. Pretorius/D. Duwenhage
10. M. Steyn/JL Potgieter/N. Rossouw/L. Cronje/B. Francis
11. L. Mapoe/L.Mvovo/N Koster/ A Kettledas
12. W.Olivier/M. Bosman/R. Ebersohn/R. Swanepoel/M. Newman
13. J. de Jongh/B. Geel/C. Uys/l van Rensburg/J. Bowles
14. JP Peterson/B Basson/ G vd Heever/L. Vulindlu
15. Z Kirchner/Ruan Pienaar/R. Viljoen/L. Ludick/J. Pietersen/H. Daniller
While drafting this, when I got to beyond 10 I suddenly found myself having to start to think hard, and after every first choice I mostly had to scratch a bit. That is a bit disconcerting, and is an indication that our backline play is a bit down on world quality.
November 6th, 2009 at 10:12 am
#51 ad_oz: Sharks lost semi because of front row woes….it affected there whole game…kanko was nowhere as a result of retreating scrum…and Brussow got on the front foot and goodnite nurse…all over rover for sharks….
Spies too is not getting a fair opportunity because of poor scrum. Of course Boks are awesome….so get away with it…but that dont make it ideal.
Personally i would play J Smit from bench…he covers 1 …2 and 3 and in itself this makes him valuable.
But he is certainly no tighthead…and not the best hooker.
But thats just me….i like a specialist 3…as did Kitch Christie.
Doc Craven once said your 2 most valuable players in your team are the tighthead and the reserve tighthead…!
Best 2 are in Ireland…but good to see Buys amnd WP Nel coming through…
BJ and CJ will be back as well before 2011…so it will be sorted.
November 6th, 2009 at 10:15 am
#52 WP_: i agree Guthro not a strong scrummager…niether is Beast….both Wiaan and Heinke are stronger scrummaging looseheads imo.
November 6th, 2009 at 10:17 am
#55
Very good youngsters, good point. Doesnt really help when the Boks dont actually pick the best players however.
You mentioned Kettledas, I watched that guy in a few first division games and he looks a very good player with a lot of promise. He’s quick and strong and has a great step on him. All a good winger needs! I wouldnt be surprised if if he gets picked up by a bigger Union
November 6th, 2009 at 10:18 am
#56 grant10: But in truth the game has changed a lot since the great doctor’s time.
I don’t rate either CJ or BJ that highly either…we really don’t have a standout tighthead. Spies makes life difficult for himself though…look how many times he breaks against the wheel.
Smit has to be on the paddock, the team’s a different animal without him there. He boosts the scrum from hooker and he’s the best thrower in the game. Gives away a bit on the ground, but perhaps so be it.
November 6th, 2009 at 10:22 am
#56 grant10: To a degree that is true. Grant, but one needs to remember that for the Semis our whole front row started under the injury cloud and were exhausted! Started every match since Feb 14, for Sharks and SBs. Then our other players did not really come to the party! Some wrong selections there too! Monty to replace a winger come on! And then what really did it is the Sharks normal pattern when they think they have the game in the bag they close up shop and let the other team back in. Now we all know you cannot do that with the Cheetahs because they are come back kings!
During S14 our scrums were solid at worst! Ask the Highlanders’ props!
November 6th, 2009 at 10:23 am
Cant keep a good man down.
November 6th, 2009 at 10:23 am
#57 Grant10 :
Yeah I agree with that Beast a little stronger that Gurthro but Wian and Heinke are much stronger as well as Wickus Blaauw too!
I do not agree with turning Heinke into a 3, that’s for sure.
November 6th, 2009 at 10:26 am
#59 ad_oz: I agree he is a great skipper….but boet we need at least parity come scrum time….Hayman will be back for kiwis come 2011….ENG, France can scrum….and the wallabies embarressed us….
Really boet we cannot rely on captaincy alone to win us a WC in 2011….and are we not perhaos overhyping this whole Smit presence thing?
V Matdfield has 2 x super 14 titles…CC medals, etc.
All i am saying the Bok scrum is a glaring weakness and doesent have to be….but it seems one gets attacked for treason for bringing it up….yet it is so plain to see through Boks and Sharks that the current front row just scrums…for the most part…poorly.
November 6th, 2009 at 10:26 am
#56 grant10:
Grant,
Buys is a retreaded loosie ex Blue Bulls and overseas(France) who, granted, has the ideal build for tight head, and has shown up well for the Lions, but two things worry me.
1. They must bring him on slowly so he has longevity, and
2. How will Heinke’s switch impact on the development of Buys.
November 6th, 2009 at 10:29 am
#54 Cheetah 4 Eva:
What I think they’re doing with Heinke is ensuring that they have a touring prop who can prop at both 1 and 3, like CJ.
These guys are invaluable when you’re committed to a limited squad away from home.
One of the problems I find with a lot of the thinking here, is that it’s still rooted in the days of the amateur game, when the home side could only assemble 48hrs before a game and long tours were the only opportunity to experiment with backups.
I doubt whether PdeV and his coaches are total idiots and have ignored players like Wian, WP, Mapoe etc. in favour of lessor known and inexperienced guys.
From what I see, they’re just as interested in what they’ll have after the WC and don’t want to risk what happened to England, and what would probably have happened to the Boks if it wasn’t for the Lions tour keeping players in SA.
As an experiment, it’s worth making a list of the probable WC contenders and then mark the ones that’ll either retire or be offered overseas contracts, and I’m including the alternative choices that may just miss out in 2011.
The one thing you can put money on, is that our props will be the first targeted.
November 6th, 2009 at 10:32 am
#60 Sharksgirl: Hi….dont get defensive…that sharks front row was absolutely humiliated…now i am a sharks fan [ after stormers] …and i will guarantee you…they will be lucky to make the top 6 next super 14….they are structurally flawed …J Smit and Jannie Duplessis are not the answer….especially smit….Cilliers probably the best of a weak bunch of tightheads….
I am not ‘ nasty’ about this….its is there for all to see,
Problem is sentimentality….which leads to ‘accomodation’ type selections…which leads to structural flaws….
Seriously think Boks are going to come short horribly at next WC if some tough calls arent made….soon.
November 6th, 2009 at 10:37 am
#64 catleya: Exactly right! Even talk of Buys now at 2 !!!!
Again…thee knock on of having to accomodate Smit out of position is adversely affecting careers of others likee Buys….
I agree…Buys and WP Nel need to be nursed…no good throwing them in the deep end yet…Wiaan Du Preez though should of been an option.
#65 David: I agree with Heinke….but Dave…if one were prepared to make a tough call…bench Smit…he covers 1 2 and 3…already!!
November 6th, 2009 at 10:39 am
#66 grant10: grant she is not being defense boet
one thing that gal knows is how to be straight , awesome lady she is
but i have never even mentioned it on here but there was injury clouds
and you know as well as i do smitty wasnt blown once in the semi’s it was on beasts side , he and bismark both came in with injuries
and they had no other options
in the semi;s carstens did make the medical test on the thursady morning , cilliers was out injured muller we all know even now is strugllinh with that arm
, lets hope the rest now can help heal those ,
as for bismark and beast , i hope they are not still suffering from those injuries
bismark ribs , beast shoulder
both those injuries will hamper scrumming
the other weakness in the sharks scrum is the light loose forwards
why you think that after alberts??
deysel alberts kanko for example will bulk up the scrum big time , as well as stregnthen it
nor botes nor daniel are big players
its all a combo of issues not just one
November 6th, 2009 at 10:40 am
#66 grant10: No no, Grant, sorry we are misunderstanding each other, what I meant with my post was that our weak scrum was not the only reason we last the semi. During the S14 our scrum was one of the better ones, but I agree that our scrum was sadly exposed during the CC.
I do not believe that there is much wrong with Jannie, he has scrummed very well, I just think he has not been managed as well as he should be! And I used to rate Cilliers but this Cc exposed him too. But hopefully by S14 Deon will be back properly (remember he carried an injury throughout CC), and with bulkier guys like Mostert and Alberts our scrum will be better. As to JS, who knows, I don’t believe he is better than Bismarck, and I agree he is getting shoved at TH so have no solution.
November 6th, 2009 at 10:43 am
#68 sharks_lover: THanks you SHarks_L you have put it out better than me. But I still don’t understand, during S14 the Sharks scrum was solid, what happened after that?
November 6th, 2009 at 10:43 am
oh and grant ?
cilliers is now a loosehead and is not a strong scrummager
he is a player i rate very highly and used to be quite a good TH till he got injured
since then his scrummaging has not be the same and he has had to move to LH
that he is a good player no doubt , gives his all and defends damn well
but he is not stronger then smitty or jannie
hell i wish he was ,
November 6th, 2009 at 10:47 am
#68 sharks_lover: #69 Sharksgirl: Okay…Sharks are very close to my heart…i was a Reg Manager of a Bank and looked after the Cape Town to Durban Region…spent 5 years watching the Super rugby from the bank box in Durbs….and also saw WP beat the sharks in a CC final there!!!
So when i am critical it comes from the heart…i only wanrt what i believe is best for the bok team…and SA rugby!!
November 6th, 2009 at 10:50 am
Good on ya Wian. He has been the best loosehead in the country this year and has received jack sh..t in return. And he never will. Mark my words – he will never run out in a bok jersey. he is behind Beast, Guthro, Heinke (whatever) on the pecking order and a better loosehead than all of them.
Go to Europe, and have a longer fruitful career there. Too many players stay behind – hopeful of a Bok jersey – while they could have gone young and made millions.
Daan Human, Andre Vos, Gerard Vosloo all players who left relatively early in their career and made sure they made enough cash whilst over there.
Why make a million rand for one year when you can make it for 5??
November 6th, 2009 at 10:51 am
#70 Sharksgirl: hi M sweety , like i explained its a combo of issues
if you have half the scrum really scrumming of couorse you will struggle
also remember os know the whole sharks front row , they were able to used tactics planned by him ,and it worked for them , it was not always legal but thats not their problem , thats for the ref to pick up
between beast and wp nel the scrum either kept dropping or going up , thata happens when there is no binding , or pushing scew and up
it also depends on the tactics of a prop and his hooker , where they will target a prop and both scrum at him
now if our loosehead has injuries already thats bad
then you hoooker has nad rib injury his scrumming dont mean much
your one lock has a buggered arm?? all those little things will break you down little by little
this is why i am so happy about alberts and the 120 kg lock mostert ,
that this pack of forwards for example
smitty bismark beast
sykes mostert
kanko alberts deysel
now those 8 players are not only much more bulk , but much much stronger
of course they should all be fit though and not injured or possibly injured
this is way hooker strauss and LH du preez should have been in the squad incase beast and bismark is not 100%
those 2 would not have weakened the bok pack at all
November 6th, 2009 at 10:53 am
#71 sharks_lover: My grandmother a better scrummer than Smitty!
November 6th, 2009 at 10:53 am
#55 catleya: Yes, so much promise in SA, but how many will be left come 2011??
And quite few ommissions that are also putting their hands up.
1. Carstens/Buckle/Dean Greyling
2. Burden
3. Kevin Buys/ Brok Harris
4. Anton van Zyl/ Franco vd Merwe
5. David de Villiers
7. Frans Viljoen/Thabo Mamojela
8. Francois Uys
10.Sias Ebersohn
11.Demas/ Johan Jackson/Aplon
12.Doppies le Grange/Basil de Doncker
13.Alwyn Hollenbach/JW Jonker/Waylon Murray
14.Chris jordaan/JJ Engelbrecht/Dewald Pretorius
15. Wilton Pieterson (hopefully)
Add that too quite a host of hot u21 players yet to hit the scene players like Pat Lambie, George Whitehead, Wayne Stevens, Tiger Bax, Kyle Cooper, A host of big, strong props…
Yes our rugby is flourishing!!
November 6th, 2009 at 10:55 am
#72 grant10: grant boet i question not that you like or dislike the sharks , infact i dont think that at all
but 2morrow wp nel for example plays and gets whipped because a ref allows elegal tactics against him in a game
you dont think that would make him look bad
i am not saying smitty is the best , just know he is more then upto it and will only gat better
i dont believe heinke is the answer as his backup ,
he has not even played a game there or had match training for 90% of the year
in the place of heinke , wp nel should have been there
i am not saying heinke wont beable to change , but he has been thrown into a very deep end ,and lets say it doesnt work for him?
you think all us know it all supporters on here and elsewhere will give him grace? no he will be slated
he is a strong man , but tactics of loosehead and tighthead and tecniques are not the same , he does not even have one game of experience there
November 6th, 2009 at 10:56 am
#74 sharks_lover: That loose trio will be bullied and done at the breakdown all day long….need a deck specialist…either Kanko or alberts at 8….and a Johan Wessels or Botes as fetcher.
November 6th, 2009 at 10:56 am
#75 grant10: grant thats BS and you know it ,
November 6th, 2009 at 10:58 am
#78 grant10: botes is not a fetcher
he is an opensider yes , but i tell ya he hardly wins a turnover in a game
now brussow with alberts and deysel would have been awesome but its not to be
wessels is very good of what i saw of him in the under21 semi
good player but quite light still
needs some meat on the bones
November 6th, 2009 at 10:59 am
#77 sharks_lover: Ja….tough ask on Heinke…and he is a prop….
But we expected a hooker to go play at international level at 3???
That is even more insane….as David says…rightfully…other teams will be targetting that front row….
The 3 x consecutive grillings we took in scrums from Wallabies was too much for me….make the tough call….Smit the ideal bench man.
November 6th, 2009 at 11:01 am
#75 grant10: Yho….your gran is 120Kg and stands 1.87M tall…..respect!
November 6th, 2009 at 11:01 am
#80 sharks_lover: i would never go into a 1 st class game without a fetcher…all the bulk in the world dont help if the opposing teams fetcher gets there 1 st and turns you over….see how you having to accomodate by playing bulky loosies to make up for Smits scrum weakness??
There lays the dilemma.
November 6th, 2009 at 11:02 am
#82 Jozi: LOL…poor gran be dead for years!!
November 6th, 2009 at 11:06 am
#84 grant10: Sorry Grant, we shouldn’t joke about such things.
November 6th, 2009 at 11:06 am
#83 grant10: lol grant firstly smitty was a TH at school , was at the sharks where they made him hooker as he was a tad light
so he had good basics to make the change , and also in his sharks career he played a lot og games at prop , and he covered both sides of the scrum
again your memory is short boet , we have just had the best year of bok rugb y about ever and thats with the self same smit at TH
also you forget who keeps that team together , give that a thought ,
November 6th, 2009 at 11:07 am
#85 Jozi: No….dont be silly…all cool…
November 6th, 2009 at 11:07 am
lol jozi , i ignored the granny as i didnt wanna go there
November 6th, 2009 at 11:08 am
#86 sharks_lover: and his little grubber in the Oz test that resulted in a try, which other prop can boast of that
November 6th, 2009 at 11:08 am
grant boet we may argue all day all year time will tell us though
and i hope im right and ur wrong
not for my sake but for the sake of the boks
November 6th, 2009 at 11:09 am
#89 Sharksgirl: lol sharksgirl heheheeh yup that was a good one
i wonder btw when straulli will lets us know about the sharks signings???
November 6th, 2009 at 11:10 am
#86 sharks_lover: I know smittys career very well…a favorite of mine….but a international test tighthead he is not….
Really believe an ideal bench player….he does give cover from 1 to 3….and not many players can lay claim to that…
Realistically …as a 3….i reckon CJ…BJ…WP NEL….BROCK….BUYS…FAAN RAUTENBACH….ALL ahead of the skipper.
November 6th, 2009 at 11:11 am
#91 sharks_lover: All cloack and dagger! Oom Strauli reportedly does not like the media, so I expect to know the Sharks squad pretty much like last year when they run on the field
Most other teams have announced their squad its just the SHarks and WP who haven’t – Maybe they haven’t finished their shopping spree yet
November 6th, 2009 at 11:11 am
#91 sharks_lover: Sharks will sign some top players….they have to….that squad looking thin….especially at the backs….
If Waylon going…oops!!
November 6th, 2009 at 11:12 am
sorry grant , the first player in my team is my capt , to say he is not a great prop no problem , to tell me you would drop the glue and best capt we have ever had ?? thats where i question your motive
if smitty is not a th then his place at hooker should be first and formost
he is a massive reason we have won what we have this year
far more then you realise
November 6th, 2009 at 11:14 am
#94 grant10: waylon is not going grant , that has basically been confirmed
we have lost 7 players though , but only 2 from the main squad
the other 5 are under 21 or vodacom cup members
November 6th, 2009 at 11:16 am
look with a certain amount of certainy grant i can say we got alberts , ludick, wessels and mostert
in brussow it seems only end of the super 14 will he join the sharks , as i heard thats how it was negotiated , and also thus the loan agreenents etc , also early release of skipper to help out the cheetahs
buti fear our center problem is not good
November 6th, 2009 at 11:25 am
#96 sharks_lover: Glad Waylon is staying….if he can get over the injuries he will be back big time…such a pity Barritt and F Steyn not around.
November 6th, 2009 at 11:27 am
#98 grant10: Really relieved that Waylon is staying too!!! The thought of having Strauss for S14 frankly terrified me
November 6th, 2009 at 11:31 am
#97 sharks_lover:
Hi Sharkslover
What happens if Smittie suffers a carreer ending injury ? who’s then the glue that hold everything together ? does Shark rugby and Bok rugby then go in to a state of collapse ?
i am not being cynical in any way here, just pointing out that the deopendency the Sharks ad Boks put on Smitties leadership is perhaps not in everyone’s best interest.
That he is the greatest leader of modern rugby is without doubt, but that reign will come to end and an injury could be a game away !! And then ??
November 6th, 2009 at 11:31 am
When the Heinke experiment fails, Wian will still not make the Bok side, Bok Looseheads
1. Beast
2. Heinke
3. Wian
4. Gurthro
5. Blaauw
November 6th, 2009 at 11:31 am
#97 sharks_lover: I have my sharks mate arriving at 6 pm with his wife for weekend…will see what he has to say….The Brussow deal was virtually concluded…so i am surprised…but if sharks get Wessels….a damn fine fetcher prospect in the brussow mould….without having to pay R2M…then a good deal….
They need …imo….a class 3….and agee….a top class center.
Ludick a very good buy….Alberts a class act but Kanko being judged unfairly as scrum is poor…But depth important….
Lions must be very the moer in with Sharks for those 2 !!!And Mostert…makes the WP poach of J Fourie like a kindergarten !!
Feel for Lions…DM got his work cut out…..
Anyway…things to do…cool chatting SL and S G…
Cheers…
PS will let you know if mate lets any juicy details slip!
November 6th, 2009 at 11:32 am
#100 justrugby: Hi boet…see game on m net tonight so i got it covered…may call on your goodwill tomorrow for tests though?
November 6th, 2009 at 11:35 am
#102 grant10: Thanks Grant please do, would love to hear about this Brussow deal, would’ve really been good for S14! But anyway, we have even bigger problems at centre. Cheers Grant have a great day further.
November 6th, 2009 at 11:37 am
#100 justrugby: Far too much made of this issue…it is a slap in the face of other top class captains…like VM and J smith….
The best though is in Bath.
November 6th, 2009 at 11:37 am
#103 grant10:
Cool !!
November 6th, 2009 at 11:37 am
#77 sharks_lover: #86 sharks_lover:
There is another option for the Sharks that to you might at first seem ridiculous, but the more you think about it it will grow on you, especially now that Alberts will vie for a loosie spot as well.
Seeing as Beast was converted from 8 to 1, why not convert Deysel from 7 to 3.
He is as strong as an ox, he is good on the ground (tight loose), he is a nice length, tall but not too tall, so he can scrum in underneath his opponent like Kobus says on “…dis die vaste vyf” add. Put another 20 kgs on him and he’ll be a monster TH in the Carl Hayman mold.
As Jean matures, he will find himself increasingly having to fight his weight, which if not controlled will make him even slower than he is already, which is probably his only downside as a 7 flanker. Yes, he carries well at times, but too often the opposition stick three okes on him or tackle him from behind because he just lacks that bit of acceleration. So, to try and compensate for that he tries to force his way forward, often going that one yard too far and turning over the ball in the process.
As a TH he doesn’t need to carry long. He can go to ground where he is tackled, protect and recycl;e the ball and bobs your uncle.
Now that is a switch that can work for the young man.
Imagine this pack in a year or two’s time (after Smittie):
Beast/Bissie/Deysel
Mostert/Sykes (Hargreaves)
Alberts Brussow (Rhodes/Daniel/Botes)
Kankowski
As a Bulls supporter I start crapping myself just thinking of it already!
November 6th, 2009 at 11:38 am
#104 Sharksgirl: Cheers…
November 6th, 2009 at 11:40 am
#107 catleya: You think out the box….either a genius or a very dangerous oke….LOL
A bit like me….
Watch the crown price Dewalt tonight….i cant wait to see him in the green and gold….
Now late…cheers
November 6th, 2009 at 11:44 am
#107 catleya: You sir are a genius ! Brilliant idea !
November 6th, 2009 at 11:50 am
smit has been taking strain for sometime now at tighthead.
Smit props up Clermont
Clermont set a club record with a 10th successive win in the French Top 14.
Springbok captain John Smit played tighthead prop for 65 minutes as Clermont hammered Auch 36-15 away from home to retain top spot ahead of Toulouse.
Smit, who has played mostly at hooker this season, told Keo.co.za he was pretty buggered after the tighthead effort, but that playing there could only improve his all-round game.
Springbok centre Marius Joubert, according to reports, again excelled and has easily been the form centre in the competition.
Smit, who was named Bok captain a couple of months ago, may miss the French Top 14 play-offs because of international commitments against Wales in June.
Perpignan consolidated their top four place with an away win against Brive. Percy Montgomery kicked a conversion and two penalties and former Stormers centre Gavin Hume added a drop goal in the 16-7 victory.
This entry was posted on Saturday, April 26th, 2008 at 8:05 pm
November 6th, 2009 at 11:52 am
catleya some great ideas and yes it could work , deysel is as strong as an ox
November 6th, 2009 at 12:00 pm
#63 grant10:
The reason you annoy me and many other bloggers on here is yes, you’ve made your point and obviously have more time on your hands to keep repeating yourself on here. You say it so often you might even start to believe the **** you’re talking.
For starters, how many scrums are their in the modern came compared to breakdowns? A lot less, which is why we need Bismarck there to contest.
Can we hold our own at scrumtime during tests? I believe we can and we’ve scored some great tries from set-pieces with Smith at TH. I watched the Curie Cup final and some of the blokes you praise so highly had a tough time during some of those scrums. And nowadays so much is left to the ref’s interpretation, even Du Preez can look troubled depending on the ref on the day.
What annoyes me most is that you’re willing to take a “wait and see” approach on someone like Heinke but not willing to afford Smit the same. Yes, Smittie has struggled, I’m 1st to admit it, but give him time.
And anyone questioning his captaincy should have his head read (catch my drift Grant?) Just look at the 1st & 2nd BIL when we fell apart without John.
If the Kiwis could play Fitzpatrick and we played Francois Pienaar, both not the best in their positions at the time, should be we not take notice?
I’ve had my rant, bottom line is give Smit time, he’ll lift the world cup once again for us, and what a moment that would be!
Over and out
November 6th, 2009 at 12:00 pm
#109 grant10: grant believe it or not i think keegan daniel could be an answer to the no 13 spot for the sharks , has speed etc all the attributes
would need a new mid set though
the other option i have looked at is burden, now to me he could have made a great 6 and learnt how to be a fetcher
speed strength defence a complete footballer
one weakness is ont the strongest scrummager around
but this kids got talent
November 6th, 2009 at 12:04 pm
#113 UKBokSupporter: ukbok amen
john smit i repeat is the glue that keeps the boks together
i know we all have our viewpoint , thats how it should be
but to me the first man to pick is john smit
November 6th, 2009 at 12:06 pm
#114 sharks_lover: Keegan at Centre that IS a good idea, at least he would offer more than Strauss!
November 6th, 2009 at 12:09 pm
#114 sharks_lover:
Trying to steal my thunder now? Have a heart!
November 6th, 2009 at 12:10 pm
#113 UKBokSupporter: you sond just like thamesidebokfan…that old doos…
November 6th, 2009 at 12:11 pm
sond = sound
November 6th, 2009 at 12:11 pm
#115 sharks_lover:
Thanks girl. I think most supporters would rather have Smit in the team than not.
I respect Grant10’s opinion, but hearing it over and over everyday gets a bit annoying, especially if its bollocks!
November 6th, 2009 at 12:13 pm
#118 Pearl Rose:
I’ll take that with a pinch of salt coming from someone with “Rose” in his name…
Do you have anything useful to contribute?
November 6th, 2009 at 12:14 pm
#114 sharks_lover:
Come to think of it, both those just might work.
Keegan’s got quite a step and accelleration. Might lack top end, but then he will have JPP and Mvovo outside him to finish!
and
as for Craig, sure as hell not may guys that’ll beat him to the ball, and once there, even less that’ll rip it from him.
So- who knows!
November 6th, 2009 at 12:19 pm
Tonight is the night .
Our nation stands as one and casts their eyes on one man .
Our fullback.
EARL ROSE .
Today is the day. The moment is here. You can feel it in your blood. It is the moment for Earl to shine. He is the man who will lead us to victory tonight and in 2011 . He is the future of SA rugby – not Brussow.
Critics have always insulted the very best – Cantona, Federer, Woods all have been insulted but emerged victorious. Earl is no different. His time has come .
Rise with me brothers and sisters ! Rise up, and let us chant . Let our chant thunder throughout our fair land . From Limpopo to the Cape, let our chant thunder …. EARL EARL EARL EARL !
November 6th, 2009 at 12:21 pm
#123 rugbygenius:
Are you having a laugh?
November 6th, 2009 at 12:23 pm
#122 catleya:
Keegan played 13 at u19 level and a bit at school.
But no need for such drastic moves
15.Hernandez
14.Ndungane
13.Murray
12.Jacobs
11.JP
10.Pienaar
9.Kockott
or
15.Ludik
14.Ndungane
13.Murray
12.Jacobs
11.JP
10.Hernandez
9.Pienaar
0r
15.JPP
14.Ndungane
13.Murray
12.Jacobs
11.Mvovo
10.Hernandez
9.McCleod
etc etc
Just please no Riaan “diluted version of Dries Scholts/Tiaan Joubert 10 man rugby” Swanepoek or Andries “got fended TWICE by Doppies of all people” Strauss at S14 level.Give them to Cheetahs plus 2 mil for Brussow
November 6th, 2009 at 12:24 pm
#124 UKBokSupporter: No. I am being perfectly serious.
November 6th, 2009 at 12:34 pm
#121 UKBokSupporter: infact i think you are the old “box” thamesidebokfan, just with a new nic, a leopard can’t change it’s spots, same old “box” as before
November 6th, 2009 at 12:34 pm
#125 mshiniwami: But what if Adi is injured. My point is that as a starting 15 goes the Sharks are good, but if any of the centres gets injured we are left with Strauss
November 6th, 2009 at 12:45 pm
#125 mshiniwami: you and sharkgirl are my most admired sharks fans ever…objective, concise, witty & lucid… Keep it up
November 6th, 2009 at 12:53 pm
#128 Sharksgirl:
true.
If I were Sharks if they want a bargain buy with some pedigree-look no further than Boland’s Dewey Swartbooi or De Wet Barry at EP or Walter Venter at the Lions
All better than Strauss
November 6th, 2009 at 1:01 pm
#130 mshiniwami: you can have de wet for the s14 but please bring him back to us for the currie cup, he is the glue that we’re using to bond our team.
November 6th, 2009 at 1:03 pm
#130 mshiniwami: Agreed, I realy like Swartbooi, and with Boland just relegated would probably be keen to move to Durbs, and also Venter. There are rumours that the Sharks have approached Venter, but don’t know how true or with what success. If only Oom Streuli would just be a bit more open with who the new signings are. Apparently there a number of them quite a few rumoured to be real excellent signings, but who really knows anything more than a rumour?
November 6th, 2009 at 1:04 pm
#131 Transformation:
November 6th, 2009 at 1:10 pm
#131 Transformation:
LOL
No problem,you’d be doing us a huge favour.
We’ll give u Strauss AND SWANEPOEL for Vodacom Cup.fair??
November 6th, 2009 at 1:13 pm
#134 mshiniwami:
While we are trading, just make sure Strauss goes first!!
November 6th, 2009 at 1:23 pm
#120 UKBokSupporter: Dont be so miserable my ma….lifrs too short…I respect your opinion too…but Smit at 3 is bollocks…
November 6th, 2009 at 1:23 pm
#136 grant10: sorry spelling…
November 6th, 2009 at 1:29 pm
#2 grant10:
Hey Grant10, I assume you think Peter Grant should be the starting Bok flyhalf instead of Morne?
Look out everyone its Grant10…Western Province supporter, go support the All Blacks.
November 6th, 2009 at 1:37 pm
great interview with Habana on News24… check it out!
November 6th, 2009 at 1:39 pm
#138 Kobus Kitty: No…M Steyn the main man…by a country mile….me a All Black fan…you gotta be insane…luv the boks…wp….sharks…bulls…lions….cheetahs…in that favour….
Cant stand the kiwis!
Rather have you at 3 than J Smit though.
November 6th, 2009 at 1:39 pm
#139 ufo: cool…will do
November 6th, 2009 at 1:43 pm
#136 grant10:yoh mr man, i see you gathering more groupies by the day…lol…
#134 mshiniwami: eish…swannie & strauss? Don’t you have any u21 centres that need game time, i reckon they’d do better than these okes…
November 6th, 2009 at 2:07 pm
Hey grant did u catch Smit in bed with your blonde?
November 6th, 2009 at 2:11 pm
I wonder if Pat Lambie can play or be developed into a centre…the boy has got lots of talent and only 19.
November 6th, 2009 at 2:13 pm
#142 Transformation: LOL…Seems divergent views a threat against humanity….
#143 johnnyblue: LOL…had a few….you will need to be specific…
November 6th, 2009 at 2:15 pm
#144 pokkel: That boy looks so at home at 15….can see him at 10….but why??
November 6th, 2009 at 2:16 pm
#143 johnnyblue: no, that was luke thaat got caught with john smit’s wife….
November 6th, 2009 at 2:16 pm
I think the conversion of Deysel to TH is a great idea. You can tell he would easily gain 15kg. The last 5kg would be tough. He has the attitude for the front row, in these modern times. If he matured into the role–imagine the mobility of our Bok heavies: Beast, Bismarck, Deysel. Like having 3 extra loosies.
November 6th, 2009 at 2:16 pm
#143 johnnyblue: Rumour was Luks and Smits girlfriend….not sure where my current blonde comes into the equation???
November 6th, 2009 at 2:17 pm
SA XV will beat Tigers by 4 tries to 1.
November 6th, 2009 at 2:18 pm
#147 Transformation: snap…
November 6th, 2009 at 2:19 pm
#150 haribaldi: yip….Dewalt and Juan de Jongh to shine brightly!
November 6th, 2009 at 2:20 pm
#147 Transformation: Was it Luke I thought it was Walsh that was gefoefeling with John’s wife that is why he had put an official complaint with IRB? Am I getting all confused again?
November 6th, 2009 at 2:21 pm
Alright Saffies Munster and Irish fan here. Just wondering how good is this Kid? By the way well done on this years success.
November 6th, 2009 at 2:24 pm
#154 jockstrap: Excellent. He and WP Nel smashed every other front row in CC very good signing!
November 6th, 2009 at 2:27 pm
#151 grant10: #145 grant10: conform or die!…
November 6th, 2009 at 2:27 pm
Grant just seems that your every second statement, has got a anti Smit sentiment. Yeah we know you think he can’t srum. calling the guy bollocks is a bit much, you think u could offer him sum respect. After a great season the shark front row was one of the strongest in the competion. The boks out scrummed the lions held their own against the NZ. He has a technical problem to sort out against Ben Robison. Great season for the Boks. I would expect as much from Tackler.
November 6th, 2009 at 2:29 pm
#146 grant10: The Sharks have a serious lack of depth on centre especially if Waylon leaves.
November 6th, 2009 at 2:29 pm
#153 Sharksgirl: see…never trust a Kiwi…
November 6th, 2009 at 2:31 pm
#120 UKBokSupporter: uhm uk bok mate i am a big strong 100% male
November 6th, 2009 at 2:32 pm
#157 johnnyblue: LOL….he had 1 decent outing at 3 against B Lions…a fair outing against kiwis…was brutually exposed often…but lets leave it…as youy say my feelings of Smit at 3 are crystal clear….
Respect the man…but i am not sentimental and am simply pointing out his obvious scrumming deficiencies….
You dont agree…thats cool.
November 6th, 2009 at 2:32 pm
#113 UKBokSupporter: I hope you are not the ThamesideBokfan…
November 6th, 2009 at 2:32 pm
#153 Sharksgirl: sharkie i was just joking i have no idea who was cuckolding john smit…no idea @ all…
November 6th, 2009 at 2:33 pm
#158 pokkel: I reckon they will buy Pockel….Sharks are a clever bunch….they will plug the gaps.
November 6th, 2009 at 2:34 pm
Brilliant news, although If I were a Springbok fan I’d be dissapointed because SH players have a history of coming to Munster for a “short” time and staying for years. Good news for Munster though as we have something like 5 props injured and are down to our teenage props.
November 6th, 2009 at 2:35 pm
#163 Transformation: maybe Sharks Lover!!
November 6th, 2009 at 2:36 pm
#165 jockstrap: You guys have the 2 nd strongest loosehead in the country coming over…please send him back before the super 14
Thanks
November 6th, 2009 at 2:37 pm
#163 Transformation: Oh okai, you know I often get the wrong end of the story
November 6th, 2009 at 2:37 pm
#153 Sharksgirl:
Why is this news to me…eloborate girl..:wink:
November 6th, 2009 at 2:38 pm
#166 grant10: hey leave me out of it
i is not guilty
November 6th, 2009 at 2:38 pm
#165 jockstrap: You have just sumarised this entire thread and many others! We were all disapointed that DuPreez wasn’t selected and are now worried that indeed we may lose him. We cannot compete with the Euro!
November 6th, 2009 at 2:39 pm
#164 grant10: I sincerely hope you are right! As avid a Sharks supporter I am sometimes, I have my doubts!
November 6th, 2009 at 2:40 pm
#164 grant10:
Without the right administration and coaches, they can buy 20 Dan Carters for backup and it will fail!
November 6th, 2009 at 2:42 pm
#169 ICE: Ice in 2006 it was reported that Steve Walsh was making moves on Smit’s then fiancee, John apparently laid a complaint with IRB.
November 6th, 2009 at 2:42 pm
sharksgirl hun?? dontcha wanna get the daily news there by you lol, cant buy it here
there is an article on the back page regarding players etc for the sharks
not sure how up to date it is
they talk something about management reshuffling
November 6th, 2009 at 2:43 pm
#174 Sharksgirl: and the irony of it all was we get Walsh as ref for 2007 final, the rest is History
November 6th, 2009 at 2:43 pm
#170 sharks_lover:you’re right it couldn’t be you….cos you’re a GIRL!!!!! HA HA HA HA HA…embrace your femininity dude! Ha ha
#162 XhosaKid: what did this thameside guy do kakade?
November 6th, 2009 at 2:44 pm
#170 sharks_lover: LOL
November 6th, 2009 at 2:45 pm
#173 ICE: Right on sister!
#175 sharks_lover: Sharks_L I normally do not buy that paper I get Witness and Mercury, but will definitely buy it this afternoon, and send a copy to you if you would like. Today’s copy? Otherwise I’ll have to see if my sister has a copy of theirs as they get it delivered to them.
November 6th, 2009 at 2:46 pm
#174 Sharksgirl: He should of just moered the kiwi!!
November 6th, 2009 at 2:47 pm
#174 Sharksgirl:
i missed that piece of skinner!!
November 6th, 2009 at 2:47 pm
#179 Sharksgirl: yes maam kits todays paper
and would be great to tell or snd us info if its anything new
maybe they late in bringing us what we dont know
maybe its good news lol
November 6th, 2009 at 2:48 pm
#180 grant10: Then he would have been labelled a thugish SAn, he tried the right route for all it did him. Maybe that is why he supported Justice 4 all he had seen how just IRB are?
November 6th, 2009 at 2:49 pm
#180 grant10:
Amen, Brother!
November 6th, 2009 at 2:51 pm
grant??
November 6th, 2009 at 2:51 pm
What is the fascination with BJ Botha? He still gives away loads of penalties, and is far from the top tighthead in the Magners League.
As for Wian du Preez, played for Boks against Namibia before the Lions. Not a test, but counts as Bok match therefor he can’t stay abroad and qualify for someone else.
November 6th, 2009 at 2:51 pm
you mentioned jahns name in vain , ur grounded mister
November 6th, 2009 at 2:51 pm
#182 sharks_lover:
You know Seargeant Major Strootjie…he does not DO media conferences and disclose plans…
November 6th, 2009 at 2:51 pm
johns*
November 6th, 2009 at 2:52 pm
#181 ICE:Fortunately/Unfortunately that is part of the skinner I pick up on
#182 sharks_lover: Will do Sharks_L will report all later on tonight or 2morrow
November 6th, 2009 at 2:53 pm
#188 ICE: lol ice
November 6th, 2009 at 2:53 pm
#183 Sharksgirl: You right….Kathy should of kicked the kiwi in the nuts!
November 6th, 2009 at 2:54 pm
sharks are deadly quiet…somethings brewing!!
November 6th, 2009 at 2:56 pm
#193 grant10:
I sure as hell that brew comes in the form of 1stly – Brussouw and 2ndly Daniel Carter!
November 6th, 2009 at 2:58 pm
#194 ICE: well i can assure you it wont be Dan the man….Johan Wessels is a Brussow type….he will come in handy….
But sharks dilemma iat 3 …and have you okes got any backs left???
November 6th, 2009 at 3:01 pm
#167 grant10:
No Deal
November 6th, 2009 at 3:05 pm
Wian’s deal has been sealed…
November 6th, 2009 at 3:06 pm
#197 jockstrap: well in that case can you kindly ask Leinster and Ulster to return Bj and CJ…
Thanks
PS….Dont forget Jean de villiers too!
November 6th, 2009 at 3:10 pm
#197 GarethD: Have you ANY news on any possible signings by the Sharks?
#198 grant10:
No one can blame you for not trying 
November 6th, 2009 at 3:18 pm
#199 Sharksgirl: LOL…i do this to foster debate…i am actually a decent enough chap…
November 6th, 2009 at 3:21 pm
#200 grant10: I know that Grant, you are very decent, never seen you slate a person for their opinion or a team!
November 6th, 2009 at 3:23 pm
#201 Sharksgirl: here is something i found in my email archives…the bold part is the interesting bit!
Sharks will fly SA flag
In his first weekly newsletter, Keo explains why the Stormers won’t live up to the hype this season.
To receive Keo’s newsletter, subscribe for FREE at the Keo’s Corner section on the home page. The newsletter will only be e-mailed to subscribers from next week.
I’m picking the Stormers to do the usual in 2009, which is to give a hint of why so many believe they will go all the way this season, but then to implode before the semi-finals. Anything less than a top four represents a failure but once again we find ourselves in Slaapstad expecting so much of a franchise that realistically has never done anything but boast the best support base in the competition’s history.
I’m told by my many informants that things are going so well with the Stormers that they have instituted a draconian-style media policy which limits access to the squad once a week and does not even allow for the local rugby writers to attend training sessions. Apparently the team sponsors agree with this archaic strategy, which asks the question why they would want to be involved with a team that only wants exposure once a week?
Now take that attitude and ask how it fits in with a marketing strategy that calls the team that of the people. Clearly it doesn’t but then when you have that kind of paranoia from team leadership before a ball has been passed, you know the degree of implosion when it all goes wrong.
Already there’s been too much cleverness from within the Stormers ranks. Selecting Nick Koster as a winger is doing his development as a loose forward no good. It is not in the interest of the player and if I was Koster I’d be on the first plane to Durban where his skills as one of the country’s most promising loose forwards would be improved.
Koster, given his pedigree as a person, has said all the right things about putting the team first, but if the Stormers believe he will be content to wait his turn, then they’ve underestimated the ambition of the young guy.
The Sharks, on balance, are an outstanding side and John Plumtree commands respect as a coach because his actions say much more than his words. Some coaches talk a great game, while Plumtree is from the school that prefers others to do the talking based on achievement of the team.
I’ve never liked the Sharks because I’ve never liked Durban and Durban has never liked me. There is no mountain and there is no loyalty from their rugby supporters when times are tough. You only have to do a check on crowd attendance in a poor season and compare it to when the Sharks are competing for a home semi-final. At least down in Mountain Goat country 35 000 still come out whether the Stormers are playing for the wooden spoon or missing out on a semi-final by points differential.
But because I don’t like the Sharks doesn’t mean I’m not picking them to be the best of the South African sides. Of course they are but to win the competition they have to be hosting a semi-final. Can they do it? To quote someone familiar with the Durbanites, there’s the lovely line of Bob the Builder … ‘Yes we can!’
In assessing the prospects of the Lions and Cheetahs I just did a copy and paste from every year’s preview. ‘NO CHANCE’.
The Bulls will be more competitive with Victor Matfield back running the show, but they are top six – more than top two – material.
South Africa’s chances are helped by the fact that this must be the weakest squads picked by New Zealand in the history of the tournament. Some of their players are just KAK and in the glory days of Super 12 wouldn’t even have made the Supporters’ XV of the Blues and Crusaders.
And as much as it hurts to say it the European Cup has definitely replaced Super rugby as the premier international club/province/region (whichever is your fancy) competition. The quality of players in the European Cup and the variety is something you won’t see in this year’s Super 14.
The Hurricanes look the best on paper among the Kiwi sides, but there’s two teams of northern hemisphere-based Kiwi sides I’d enter in the Super 14 ahead of the Highlanders and Blues. The Crusaders will benefit from what Robbie Deans built, but they won’t be as good. The Chiefs will, like the Stormers, be wonderful or woeful and the Canes will have to be playing at home in the play-offs to have a chance of winning the competition.
Oh yes, I nearly forgot the Australian teams, who with the exception of the Waratahs will make up the numbers, and if the Sharks do come unstuck then maybe this is the year that the Sydneysiders finally come good.
My biggest wish for the Super 14 is to hear more Australian commentary, less South African commentary and a few new names making an impact. I also wish for even better-looking bar ladies at SA Rugby magazine/keo.co.za’s plush suite at Newlands, and that will take some doing after the visuals we were treated to last season.
What the Super 14 does provide is balance in viewing because as much as I like the 6-3 battles when Toulouse visit Bath, nothing beats a bit of basketball in February and March, so hopefully our teams can embrace the spirit of scoring tries a bit better than their northern hemisphere counterparts.
Other thoughts:
This is the first in a weekly newsletter, the contents of which will be determined by your questions and observations as the season progresses. I know I am speaking to the most intelligent of rugby supporters out there, and when in doubt, I only have to reflect on the insightful ‘dragons’ comment the Einsteins of the game feel compelled to start every thread with.
For those new to the site (yes it has been going since 2004 and was only started because no newspaper would employ me) the history to the dragons comment is: ‘At the start of a new season, copy had been archived and a new page had been built, but wordpress (the blogging system used) needed to reflect a previous story in the menu, which was about the Welsh Dragons slaying the sad Scots (again). However, when you clicked on the story it obviously was not there. And so was born ‘DRAGONS’.
The other question asked is the origin of Muppit. In the early days one regular was trying to make a basic point (it must have been a Bulls supporter). The Bulls supporter, typically, got it wrong and thought the oke was having a go at him. In having to explain himself, he told the two horned genius from Loftus not to be a Muppit. And so was born ‘MUPPITS’.
As we move forward in the year, my loyal support base will be rewarded with pearls of wisdom, insights you’ve never read before, cheerleading and execution-style honesty about the implosions of individuals and a little anecdote that gives you insight into some of the glory boys who have done our country so proud in the past. I’ll start with a gem from my good friend (I know I am his favourite rugby writer) Joost van der Westhuizen. In taking offence to something he believed I had written way back in 1996, he asked me to explain my insult as he was not a (think of the Afrikaans word here) PATRIOT and that he stood for the new South Africa. When he presented the evidence it was in fact a picture caption calling him patriotic because he was wearing a shirt proudly displaying the South African flag. Hopefully Joost is still as patriotic about a South Africa that is no longer that new.
Congratulations to World Cup winning Bok forwards coach Gert Smal on his immediate impact with the Irish. Their lineout functioned like the Bok lineout did for the last few years. To my very good friend Nick Mallett … what are they putting in those espressos in Rome? A flanker at scrumhalf? It is that kind of thinking out of the box that will have the Italians putting you back into the box. To quote Hugh Bladen, it was a SHOCKER. As for the Six Nations … to quote Blades again … SHOCKER!
Now fire your questions in to me by lunchtime every Monday and not only will you be a better person for the interaction you will be rewarded with prizes as impressive as the Sharks and a few as limp as the Lions.
Send your questions to
This entry was posted on Thursday, February 12th, 2009 at 10:33 am
November 6th, 2009 at 3:30 pm
#201 Sharksgirl: You two want to get a room?
I have a question. To all the regular posters here.
I visit keo almost every day. Read most of the articles and most of the threads. Every now and again I even leave a post. I work as a project manager on a construction job so I’m in and out of the office all the time.
Question:
What the hell kinds of jobs do you guys do that allow you to be on keo almost every working minute of every day AND lets you conduct conversations lasting hours on an ongoing basis days on end?
I have to get a new career…
November 6th, 2009 at 3:31 pm
#202 Pearl Rose:
Some of that Highlighted paragraph is the biggest load of ****! At least down in Mountain Goat country 35 000 still come out whether the Stormers are playing for the wooden spoon or missing out on a semi-final by points differential.
Since when?? Since about last year when they started getting back into the game..Same with Cheetahs. For about half a year every second oke in the FS will be wearing his Orange jersey, and if they do not perform….empty stadium again, orange jersey used to check the tractors oil levels…Bullocks man.
November 6th, 2009 at 3:34 pm
#202 Pearl Rose: Keo is an idiot, and I NEVER read the articles I just jump right onto the blogs! You cannot doubt the Sharks support base, the Sharks have had a terrible season this year where they have promised so much yet failed to deliver at the last hurdle, yet come into Durban or PMB at any given Saturday and we are all still wearing our Sharks jerseys. Even during the CC final I was looking for a B/day present for my friend and went to Liberty Mall in PMB and Pavillion in DBN and the Black and white jerseys outnumbered the Blue and the white and orange. Every team has its fair weather supporters, look in the early 2000s when the Bulls were doing badly and Loftus was empty, now suddenly we are overrun by bull fans, some are the true fan and others will be with the Bulls till they start losing again c’est la vie!
ABSA Stadium is sometimes empty admintedly, but that is not so much a lack of support other than apathy on the part of us KZNs, we are laid back and sometimes too much so. To some its just easier to watch it with a friend over a braai and a beer at home than to shlep all the way to the Stadium and risk getting caught by cops after a few drinks. Semis and finals get lost of people due to the carnival atmosphere that precede the events, rarely are all the tickets at the tank sold on the day after the Sharks have qualified, but rather midway during the week of the semi/final when people have organised their groups etc.
As to WP never gave them much of a thought till recently when I joined this blog, how they manage to get Newlands full week after week if that is so, as I do not remember Newlands being that full last year when I watched the matches, then they obviously have got something right.
November 6th, 2009 at 3:36 pm
Pietskeade,
theyre all a bunch of jobseekers. Also you should check your bricklayers too, they also blogging here. btw I know Grant is a lifeguard at Clifton.
November 6th, 2009 at 3:37 pm
#201 Sharksgirl: LOL…just have strong opinions…and the Irish blood means i am never afraid to air them…..
You too are very special…you handle the heat with dignity and grace….
I am now leaving this arena for my beloved Clifton beach….a long evening so a walk and swim will prepare the body for the rigours of pizza, beers and good friends….
Outta here
Go Boks!
AND WALES AND POMS!
November 6th, 2009 at 3:37 pm
#203 pietskeade: Unemployed New Zealander is the main occupation of our Kiwi bloggers Piet.
Others are probably IT techies, web designers and such, so they “work” on the net
November 6th, 2009 at 3:37 pm
#203 pietskeade: Why, are you jealous Pietskeade? Okai here goes you too, I am sure are a pretty decent chap yourself, but I don’t really know you yet, I’ll give you a better compliment when I read your posts more often
November 6th, 2009 at 3:39 pm
#206 Slappes: LOL…Yes…and have a girlfriend who takes good care of me…rubs sun tan oil on me every day…its the ‘little’ things that count!!
November 6th, 2009 at 3:40 pm
#206 Slappes: you should talk you are on here as often as the rest of us! Oh! wait you are one of Pietskeade’s bricklayers, that is how you know your fellow workers are on as well
November 6th, 2009 at 3:41 pm
#206 Slappes: Have a cool weekend Slappes…leave Sharks Lover alone now….no making problems now!!
LOL
Cheers
Someone drowning…gotta go do m,y job…hope its a Brazilian ladies volleyball player stuck in the surf…damn i love my job…
November 6th, 2009 at 3:41 pm
As I said, Grant is a lifeguard at Clifton.
November 6th, 2009 at 3:42 pm
#207 grant10: Cheers Grant, have a good weekend, I too am shouting for the Boks and Wales!!!
November 6th, 2009 at 3:43 pm
#204 ICE: As a cheetah supporter myself I must point out that there is a massive difference between Bloem and the other major franchise cities in terms of numbers. The 35 000 guys you may find at Loftus/Durbs/Newlands will mostly come from within the metropoles. Bloem not half the size and alot of fans have to travel alot further for the matches.
November 6th, 2009 at 3:44 pm
Cool Grant! enjoy mate.
November 6th, 2009 at 3:45 pm
#209 Sharksgirl: ..a little..
November 6th, 2009 at 3:45 pm
#217 pietskeade: Of your job I mean…
November 6th, 2009 at 3:46 pm
#215 pietskeade: I have only missed 4 home matches for the Sharks in the last 3 seasons and I live 92 Kms from the Shark Tank! And then you wonder why I get Peaed off when they throw matches
November 6th, 2009 at 3:48 pm
#206 Slappes: I wouldn’t be surprised to find half them wasters on their laptops blogging right now. Slappes? You’re name isn’t Mick? Mick is that you???!!! get Back to WORK you lazy shite…
November 6th, 2009 at 3:49 pm
#218 pietskeade:
you specified quickly enough! I don’t often blog for so long everyday, my co. has run out of money, so business has slowed down considerably, so have some time to spare. This will soon change as soon as our allocations get freed again 
Normally its only Dec. and January that are so slow, but seems our project managers haven’t been controlling their cash flow too well so its come up a little earlier this year.
November 6th, 2009 at 3:52 pm
#215 pietskeade:
I did not stay too far from Bloem – so I know what the size is. I have lived there long enough to say I stand by my theory!! (Obviously there are execption!)
November 6th, 2009 at 3:56 pm
#219 Sharksgirl: Fair play. Don’t expect all other fans to have the same dedication though. I’m from a little place called Viljoenskroon and Bloem is 3.5 hours drive away. We got up for matches when we could but not as often as you might if you lived closer.
Lived in CT for two years, lived in Sea Point and went to Newlands almost every match day and I’m not even fond of WeePee. Just closer and more convenient.
November 6th, 2009 at 4:00 pm
#223 pietskeade: Yeah to drive 3 and half hours for every home match would be pushing it a bit for any supporter!
November 6th, 2009 at 4:00 pm
#222 ICE: With a nick like ICE you’d forgive me if I thought you might have lived closer to the Bronx instead of Bloem.
November 6th, 2009 at 4:00 pm
#224 Sharksgirl: now I live in Ireland so SkySports have become my best friend…
November 6th, 2009 at 4:01 pm
#225 pietskeade:
HAHAHAHAHAHA!! I am nin L’l ICE…:lol:
November 6th, 2009 at 4:06 pm
#226 pietskeade: Do they show all the games though?
November 6th, 2009 at 4:07 pm
#154 jockstrap:
He is decent nothing spectacular.
A bit on the lardy side.He is the SA equivalent of John Hayes(Irish 3)
November 6th, 2009 at 4:18 pm
#227 ICE: I bet your favourite ice cream flavour is Vanilla, eh baby?
November 6th, 2009 at 4:19 pm
#228 Sharksgirl: No, but between the intermaweb and Sky and get to see most..
November 6th, 2009 at 4:20 pm
#230 pietskeade: Word to yr mutha
November 6th, 2009 at 4:22 pm
#232 bokfan1: Don hog my mo dog!
November 6th, 2009 at 4:28 pm
Marcus Horan the Munster and Ireland loosehead is said to be having some trouble which could be long term, Du Preez might make it a long term deal.
I see Grant lit a fire under this thread with his Smit comments
but take Smit away and the Boks will crumble.
November 6th, 2009 at 4:29 pm
That’s so unfair. These guys can recruit the best players at will from the southern hemisphere whenever they in a bind , excuse the pun.Shouldn’t they announce their squad before the season starts and select those players who were initially in the squad. Thats the difference between sh and nh rugby, they got absolutely no faith in their own players. Its all about signing the best players and win at all costs. While wian is there they’ll probably steal some cheetah front row ideas. Poor brits ran out of ideas to topple our sh teams.
November 6th, 2009 at 4:30 pm
#232 bokfan1: Don wanna havta bust a cap in yo a**. Respect bro.
November 6th, 2009 at 4:34 pm
#235 Wezwp: FS front row success is due in lage part to Os’s mentoring. At least they can never steal Os. He’ll miss the farm too much.
November 6th, 2009 at 4:36 pm
#234 Big Hit: For that to happen the Cheetahs would have to release him from his contract and I can’t see that happening. In any case, SA props in Irish teams don’t really live up to expectations normally so Munster might not want to hang on to him regardless.
November 6th, 2009 at 4:42 pm
#238 pietskeade: BJ and CJ are doing good, Ollie Le Roux went well too. It’ll be interesting to see how he gets on.
November 6th, 2009 at 4:54 pm
#239 Big Hit: BJ only really holding his own, CJ haven’t played enough to really rate him. Ollie was really only mentoring, didn’t play enough. They’re doing OK BH but when those guys left to go to Ulster/Leinster, they were at the top of their game and more was expected.
November 6th, 2009 at 5:00 pm
#240 pietskeade: I thought Ollie played more than that. Fair point on CJ. Kempson was another one who did well and Brett Wilkinson has made the Ireland squad. They must be doing something right if the Irish provinces keep returning to SA for props but then maybe there’s just a lack of quality props worldwide.
November 6th, 2009 at 5:07 pm
#241 Big Hit: SA is great for producing a bag full of “OK ish” props every couple of seasons. Half of which get contracted up North to “hold their own”. BJ, CJ and Ollie were contracted because they were expected to have a massive influence. Didn’t really happen though imo.
November 6th, 2009 at 5:11 pm
#234 Big Hit: #242 pietskeade: Send CJ and BJ back….Smit and Jannie Du Plessis a fair exchange?
November 6th, 2009 at 5:13 pm
#241 Big Hit: BH…or…007?
Master of disinformation….Smitty or you die!!
Dont worry about retreating scrum…they not that important….lol
Come on …bet you wishing Julian White and Sheridan were fronting up tomorrow!!
November 6th, 2009 at 5:15 pm
My last take on the Smit at 3 debate….
If you dont learn from history….you repeat the mistakes…
CHEETAHS!!!
November 6th, 2009 at 5:19 pm
#244 grant10: I wish Vickery and Sheridan were playing with Shaw in the second row, the Aussies wouldn’t have a prayer. Julian White as bench back-up. As it is, they’ll probably win.
SA scrum doesn’t really retreat, it’s more technical offences they sometimes get pinged for.
November 6th, 2009 at 5:20 pm
#245 grant10: Who’s your captain?
November 6th, 2009 at 5:22 pm
#245 grant10: but SA won and had their most successful season ever?
November 6th, 2009 at 5:37 pm
#246 Big Hit: Boks dont retreat?
Goodness me they got turbo reversed…for sharks and Boks…Soda remarked once he felt that it was dangerous to there healths at time…i agree….
Imagine Spies and Brussow with a really good platform….?
BH…Eng gonna win….the gifted one back at 10…Aussies will kak themselves!!!
#247 pietskeade: VM…
Cheers okes…beer time…
outta here
BH best of luck tomorrow…go poms, Wales and Boks
November 6th, 2009 at 5:40 pm
#248 Big Hit: The search for perfection must never end…dont let victory cover the cracks….
Better…better…search…define….
Thats the Boks way.
November 6th, 2009 at 5:51 pm
#249 grant10: Bulls got reversed too, they’re the best in the world. Boks scrum never retreated that I saw, collapses, technical offences but never put back. I think you focus too much on it but you know that. Let’s see how they get on the EOYT.
November 6th, 2009 at 7:52 pm
#246 Big Hit: I think it’s a technical offense to be pushed backwards continually.
Wian. You go boet. You’re currently the best Loosehead in the country and will more than “hold your own”. Persuade them to take your buddy WP Nel – currently the best tighthead in SA.
November 6th, 2009 at 8:09 pm
#252 SodaJoe: not sure that’s a great idea, you might end up seeing them capped for Ireland
November 6th, 2009 at 8:15 pm
#253 Big Hit:
No way, the Irish have got some national pride, unlike England. If the Gurkhas were any good at rugby or cricket, they’d have been given citizenship years ago.
November 6th, 2009 at 8:17 pm
#254 David: stay dreaming, I can give you a long list of naturalised ‘Irishmen’ who have played for the Irish rugby team if you want? Your very own Brett Wilkinson set to become the latest.
November 6th, 2009 at 8:18 pm
Whats up with the Beast and his passport? From what I can tell,he’s in the UK without a SA passport and it’s been suggested that he should be withdrawn from the Bok squad.
November 6th, 2009 at 8:20 pm
#256 Rage:
forgot it at home?
seeking asylum?
could be a number of reasons
November 6th, 2009 at 8:26 pm
@charo…lol,no I think its much more complicated than that bru…I just caught a glimpse of the story in the 7h headlines.Surprised theres no thread on it yet,so ja maybe it’s no big deal…
November 6th, 2009 at 8:29 pm
#256 Rage: He is still here Rage. Test Boks only leave on Tuesday night.
November 6th, 2009 at 8:41 pm
@ Puma.Ja you’re right! My bad…but I didnt get the full story ..so Im really not sure what the deal is.think I should google it:)
November 6th, 2009 at 8:49 pm
I’m not sure if we’re allowed to post links on here but just google ‘tendai beast passport’ and you’ll find the full story on the sabc news site.
November 6th, 2009 at 8:53 pm
#261 Rage: Phil Vickery will not be pleased
November 6th, 2009 at 9:12 pm
#261 Rage: I’ll do it for you:
SA Rugby under pressure to withdraw ‘The Beast’ November 06 2009 , 6:57:00
One of the icons of South African rugby is becoming a political pawn. Pressure has been applied on SA Rugby to withdraw Tendai “The Beast” Mtawarira from the Springbok squad because he’s not in possession of a South African passport.
The Zimbabwean-born loose-head prop who made his international debut in June last year, has already played 19 tests for the Springboks. His nickname echoes in stadia across the world whenever he’s in possession on the front foot. The Beast became eligible to play for the Springboks last year, having stayed and played in Durban for the period required by the International Rugby Board. He travelled the world representing South Africa – but with a Zimbabwean passport.
According to members of the Springbok management, the Beast’s place in the squad for the end-of-year tour to Europe is now in jeopardy because of his Zimbabwean connections. And there has been a request from SA Rugby to the Minister of Sport to assist with the passport application process. “If they correct to say the beast is a citizen of Zimbabwe then they are at fault with their own regulation to have a citizen of another country playing for another country – they know that,” says Sports Minister Makhenkesi Stofile. However, Stofile has denied that he wants Mtawarira withdrawn from the squad. “We cannot tell them who to put on the squad and who to take off, but we can advise them on the laws of the country and the laws of rugby,” says Stofile.
SA Rugby president Oregan Hoskins said “no comment” when he was questioned. Mtawarira and the test squad will assemble in Johannesburg on Monday before leaving for France the next day.
November 6th, 2009 at 9:13 pm
I believe Sephaka is available too? John Hayes is banned for 2 months.
Surprised there are no takes for Sephaka, he certainly a better TH than Mujati, by few miles
November 6th, 2009 at 9:19 pm
#263 kaksioek:
Pure fabrication
The Beast should not be there in the first place but not for that kind of problem
nevertheless, those guys get away with anything, fellow Zim Mujati just got away from a two years ban