Bok spotlight must be on Stegmann
8 Mar 2010
Heinrich Brüssow’s season-ending injury is lamentable but in Deon Stegmann there is a ready made replacement for the Springboks.
Brüssow tore knee ligaments in Saturday’s clash with the Hurricanes. The injury is severe enough to sideline him for at least six months, with scans on Monday expected to confirm that and possibly add weeks onto the recovery period.
Brüssow was a revelation in his rookie Test season in 2009, excelling in an unexpected opportunity in the first Test against the British & Irish Lions, then gradually improving to the point where convincing arguments where being made for him being the finest openside flank on the planet.
His consistent excellence reduced Schalk Burger, previously thought to be indispensable to the Springboks, to a bench role when he recovered from the injury that gave Brüssow the opportunity against the Lions, and he sustained that form into 2010 (prior to his injury), raising the question of whether Burger would spend another season watching Tests from an unfamiliar vantage point.
Brüssow’s loss is a massive one for the Cheetahs and Springboks. His technical skill has been discussed at length, while his deep resolve to ensure his side wins has driven him to feats bordering on the supernatural.
However, his loss does not present an insurmountable challenge. Stegmann is a natural successor who will offer the Springboks all the technical attributes Brüssow did, and shares his tactical intelligence and will to win.
In the last four seasons, two of which he has been a regular starter; Stegmann has proven his aptitude for Super Rugby. In fact, in the Bulls’ championship winning run in 2009, Stegmann routinely outplayed more vaunted opposition opensiders, and seemed to raise his performance further yet for the semi-final and final (before an injury ended his participation), suggesting a capacity to not only cope, but also excel in pressure situations.
He regularly leads the tackle count, turnover and work rate stats at the Bulls, registering numbers that are above average for players in his position.
The new breakdown law interpretations, which favour the attacking team (i.e. the team taking the ball into a ruck situation) have diluted the potency of some of the best fetchers in the business. Yet Stegmann has circumvented the challenge, with the aid of some astute tactics from the Bulls’ coaching staff, by only committing himself to the breakdown turnover after the third phase, where cleaners are in shorter supply.
Furthermore, he is also a capable ball carrier, and given that the aforementioned law interpretations demand that your openside flank be adept in this regard, where previously they were primarily deployed as defensive weapons who sought to slow the ruck recycle or turn over possession, makes him invaluable to Bulls, and this should be his appeal to the Springbok selectors.
Stegmann was at the heart of the Bulls’ success in 2009. Provided he stays fit and in form, he must be given an opportunity to add similar value to the Springboks.
By Ryan Vrede
124 Comments
8 Mar 2010, 09:09 am
6-Burger
7-Smith
8-Spies
Potgieter/Kanko on the bench!!
8 Mar 2010, 09:11 am
I, on the contrary, think these new law interpretations suit the Schalk Burger openside flankers more than the Brussouws of the world….gone are most of the opportunities for a tackle + regain feet + pilfer, and more opportunities are being created for the openside who can aid forward momentum at the ruck and be a powerful midfield runner (Burger).
8 Mar 2010, 09:16 am
@jaimie:
Law intepretations that favour tearing opponents’ heads off, late shoulder charges and berserk ref assaults would probably suit Schalk best…
8 Mar 2010, 09:18 am
@jaimie:
I think these interpertations suit him as well the only problem is that he is not as quick nor destrustive as he was 5-6 seasons ago. A more dynamic version of burger would be dewald potgieter, if you wanted to play a player that is a 6/8 hybrid sort.
8 Mar 2010, 09:20 am
@Tacitus: hehehehe….. add eye gouging to that as well…. oooh sorry not gouging… fingers in the eye area is what the called it yes?
8 Mar 2010, 09:21 am
IMo,
Schalla should compete vs Juan ( no contest…
)
Lets remember how Ratel changed the game vs the Lions…..
do not for one moment think that the fetcher can now go and play volleyball….. and has no ipack with these new interpretations
have a look at what Steggman did as a fetcher… have a look at F Louw at the Stormers, Ratel at the Cheaters…. (to name only Sa players)
but that is still miles away… now is the S14…..
8 Mar 2010, 09:30 am
Two words:
Francois Louw
Burger
Smith
Spies
Future:
Brussow
Louw
Potgieter
Possible cover for RWC 2011:
Van Heerden
Van Niekerk
8 Mar 2010, 09:33 am
Agree, the one of the first things I said was Stegmann can replace him as they are very similar players.
@wpw:
I don’t want Kankowski anywhere near the Springboks.
8 Mar 2010, 09:34 am
Stegmann Brussow … Brussow Stegmann
They are both similar players and I really do not know who is the better of the two. What I do know is that the WPian Francois Louw is not in the same league as these guys.
8 Mar 2010, 09:34 am
The new laws actually help Burger big time.
But he still is not a 6, and hasn’t been for a couple years now.
1st choice Bok 3
Spies/Stegmen/Smith
Kanko needs to get the f*** off the wing. Else he must play wing.
8 Mar 2010, 09:38 am
let’s not make the mistake again by not playing a compact nr.6.
Brussouw’s absence opens the door for Steggies.
8 Mar 2010, 09:39 am
@Tacitus:
As opposed to Stegman’s perfection of the Spear tackle??
8 Mar 2010, 09:40 am
@Kobus Kitty:
he has improved this year though!!!
8 Mar 2010, 09:42 am
@puff: not quite
1st choice
Brussouw
Smith
Spies
2nd choice
Stegmann
Potgieter
Vermeulen
8 Mar 2010, 09:42 am
@CenturionShark (aka LondonShark): # 10
You are right, Kankowski needs to float where most 8 men play; in the centres. An 8 man floating on the wing isn’t rugby. How are they supposed to plug the gaping holes 10s and 12s leave?
8 Mar 2010, 09:46 am
@wpw:
I must admit he doesn’t lose the ball in contact nearly as often. He always fails to impress on the international scene, though.
8 Mar 2010, 09:48 am
@jaimie: I agree, make tackle, get to your feet and drive over the ball. Brussouw has been effective with the new law interpetation !!! You need the bulk of Burger and Louw.
8 Mar 2010, 09:50 am
Brussouw has Not been that good since change of rules!!!
8 Mar 2010, 09:50 am
@RedLion:
I agree Vermeulen is in my books above Kanko. Vermeulen is my #2, 8th man after Spies.
He might not have the supposed Kanko flair but go watch a game at Newlands and see the amount of work he does in the tight. He is also another enforcer which the boks will need.
BTW – how do you think Cowan’s finger got snapped? Ask Schalla.
8 Mar 2010, 09:52 am
@RedLion: i think you are wrong f louw is good ,i think hes been better than burger at stormers, if we honest burger has been in poor form since 09/08 …alberts has also impressed me and again people have an obsession with dewald potgieter ,why? if you want that type of player rather stick with burger in any case as he has a good 10 kgs and 5 cm on the kid :/ ,but agreed aabout stegman he is on the scene ,he must just make this season his own
8 Mar 2010, 09:57 am
I just laugh at the sudden praises heaped on guys like Francois Louw, Pieter Louw (Stormers reserve?), Brok “Long Pass” Harris, Tiaan Lienbenberg etc.
Suddenly, every WP player and his mate is a Bok in waiting.
8 Mar 2010, 09:58 am
@baw: I agree – Pottie is so over rated. Granted he is a good honest hard grafter but hardly the second coming of ******.
for me Pottie is like Baywatch, workhorses but they’re not world beaters.
8 Mar 2010, 09:59 am
Personally, I don’t know the difference between Brok Harris, Pieter Dixon, Wikus Blaauw and Tiaan Liebenberg. They all look the same to me.
I can’t tell who Hanyani Shimange is though.
8 Mar 2010, 09:59 am
@Tacitus:
That should be, I CAN tell who Shimange is…
8 Mar 2010, 10:00 am
@Tacitus: mate – if you can’t see what a huge talent FLO is then you better not comment on rugby. [I agree that Pieter Louw is not there yet but Tiaan is top 3 hookers in SA]
8 Mar 2010, 10:00 am
Steggies has adapted better to new interpretations than the ratel…if I was a coach I would forbid fetchers to tackle..get the big guys to put in the big hits and the fetcher must concentrate on competing for the ball…that’s what the new interpretations mean to me.
8 Mar 2010, 10:00 am
@Tacitus:
That’s what happens when you sniff that white powdery stuff then go on keo.
8 Mar 2010, 10:01 am
@brains_trust: hey Keo – you allowing these posts????
What if i started posting about
********,
Zuma,
Caster?
why do you moderate those???
8 Mar 2010, 10:02 am
@brains_trust: Cowan’s finger snapped under Wicus Blaauw’s knee…
8 Mar 2010, 10:03 am
@Staal: AHA so for the first time they are not moderated….
so Keo you changed the moderation??????
so we can all say what we want now….. and selective moderation is history?
well lets see if it is so……
8 Mar 2010, 10:03 am
@Tacitus: not all of a sudden mate ,its always been like that haha ,if you make wp/stormers you make the bok squad lol
8 Mar 2010, 10:03 am
@baw: Louw was born at the wrong time, there are just too many players around who are better than him. At the Stormers he is 3rd choice openside flank after Burger and the other Louw and as blindside flank he is way down the list after Juan, Potgieter, Deysel, and a returning Wikus. If Ernst returns then it is tickets for him.
8 Mar 2010, 10:07 am
@RedLion: haha im talking bout big frans louw ,not the other guy hes average
8 Mar 2010, 10:08 am
I think people are being unfair on Kanko, just because he happens to be at the right place, at the right time to shine, doesnt mean that he is not doing his fair share at the breakdown or scrums, that is, here is not getting his hands muddy.
In fact, he is once again the inform 8thman for SA so far, his picking up from the base of a scrum in turbo reverse is quite amazing.
8 Mar 2010, 10:09 am
@Tacitus: Well Brok is better than that FS fatty WP Nel, yes folks I actually think that there is a TH more overrated than Brok. He has a pot belly and reminds me of those 80′s props.
We takes a gentle walk from scrum to scrum and spends most of his time with his arms on his hips … the future Bok prop???
I think not.
8 Mar 2010, 10:11 am
@RedLion:
What’s happened to Jacque Fourie since he’s moved down to Cape Town?
8 Mar 2010, 10:11 am
@RedLion: agreed
8 Mar 2010, 10:13 am
@Tacitus: His team in third on the log, thats what happened.
8 Mar 2010, 10:13 am
@XhosaKid:
Little thanks to him, I would say. How many dropped balls and missed tackles was that from the best 13 in the world this weekend?
8 Mar 2010, 10:21 am
@Tacitus: 36 the same thing that happended to him when AC was his backline coach in the Bok team. Notice how clueless the WP backline is, relying on the odd intercept or charge down, hell only their forwards seem to score tries
8 Mar 2010, 10:23 am
@Tacitus: hahahaha schalla is a dragon. One hand on Jimmy Cowan’s neck & the other klapping Mark Lawrence!!! That slo-mo replay killed me!
8 Mar 2010, 10:24 am
@RedLion:
I think back to the Reunion guys who after the first week proclaimed how much more suited the Stormers gameplan is to Habana than when he was at the Bulls.
Sure, whatever you say guys.
8 Mar 2010, 10:25 am
@Transformation:
SARU has launched an official inquiry into that incident, by the way.
Given how seriously the IRB takes referee abuse, don’t be surprised if there are some consequences to that action.
Heck, wasn’t Percy banned for 6 months for pushing a ref in the Northern Hemsisphere a while ago?
8 Mar 2010, 10:25 am
Pieter Louw has stepped up this year, what a great school’s player he was, and so far in the last two games he played for the Stomers, he showed that he is great player for the future. Should play him and Schalk together, Francois Louw not adapting to the new rules yet.
8 Mar 2010, 10:26 am
And Mujati, for just pushing a ref out of his way?
8 Mar 2010, 10:28 am
@Province15:
You’re going to get some of your fellow Stormer’s supporters all up in arms with that negative comment about “Flo”.
8 Mar 2010, 10:28 am
@Tacitus: @42, I watched Reunion on Thursday, the commentators seemed to be admiring the Bulls, in fact one of the even went as far as to say that, whom ever says the Bulls are playing boring rugby is clearly mad, I kind thought that was a good affirmation for the Bulls.
8 Mar 2010, 10:28 am
@RedLion: Well they a lot more clued up than those dumb@sses in the Lions backline…sounds like you choking on those sourgrape pips mate.
8 Mar 2010, 10:31 am
@Tacitus: slaptjips is doing a good job with the Bulls backline, yes I mocked him in the past. He is like Muir, unpredictable unlike step, step, step again and do not pass Flekkie and his ‘I am not here to entertain you’ master.
8 Mar 2010, 10:31 am
@Tacitus: Schalk was slapped on the back of his head and then punched in the throat…all this under Mark Lawrences nose…he was just trying to get the ref’s attention
8 Mar 2010, 10:33 am
@ Tacticus: Flo is defnitely up there with the best in SA, but just giving away too many penalties, but he is slowly adapting to the new rules. Would love to see Schalle, Pieter and Dwayne together
8 Mar 2010, 10:34 am
Tact …Lawrence said there was nothing in it … blown out of proportion ….if it was matfield, you would’ve said the same, be honest
8 Mar 2010, 10:35 am
@Storm outta hell: 50
Burger has a history of ‘trying to get the ref’s attention’. If he had good verbal skills and wanted someones attentions he would not have to slap the guy Neanderthal style.
8 Mar 2010, 10:36 am
@XhosaKid:
Ja, I think they read this blog after the first two weeks, and made an effort to give the Bulls their due. Very different tune to the one they were singing in the previous couple of shows.
8 Mar 2010, 10:39 am
@RedLion: He is a neanderthal…the only style he knows.
8 Mar 2010, 10:39 am
I wish old Schalk can moer some of those Aussie refs … cheaters
8 Mar 2010, 10:40 am
for the record….i thought turned in his best performance for ages.
8 Mar 2010, 10:44 am
@ Brigadier: I must agree with you, Schalla was brilliant this weekend, lost some pace through the years (chasing the kick) though, but played his heart out
Fourie was disappointed
8 Mar 2010, 10:46 am
Team P W D L BP Pts
Bulls 3 3 0 0 3 15
Chiefs 4 3 0 1 3 15
Stormers 4 3 0 1 2 14
Crusaders 4 3 0 1 2 14
RL’s prediction
Here are the 4 teams that will contest the playoffs, the convicts will just make up the numbers … again.
8 Mar 2010, 10:46 am
Tac…
go and count the number of times WP Nel and Heinke et al are pinged for scrum infringements and/or collapsing the scrum…
count how many times Brok gets pinged…?? you ‘ll be surprised at the answers…
but even that won’t open your eyes because you never let the facts get in the way of knocking the Stormers and their players…
last week people (can’t remember if it was you or not) were saying the huge Highlanders forwards would put it over the Stormers… well… that didn’t happen…
as for Brok’s long pass and intercept… with minutes to go the Stormers had to run it from everywhere… pity the ball came to Harris with only 2 and 7 on his outside… it should have gone the other way… but he could not go to ground as they had to attack… he couldn’t kick and give them possession… all he could do was pass… Tian was up for it and had it come off we WOULD have won the game…
so George intercepted and scored… that one pass doesn’t negate all the good stuff Brok Harris and the Stormers front row and tight five are doing…
and like he’s the first guy to through an intercept…? even the great FdP has thrown a few… you don’t crucify him for it… but you choose to hammer old Brok for his…
go figure…
I’ll be waiting for you go on for weeks next time one of the Bulls throws an intercept…!!
8 Mar 2010, 10:46 am
@Tacitus:
Jacques Fourie het mos gese dat gatvoldaarvoor is om elke week “to play out of his skin” by die Lions wat so sukkel.
2 dinge:
-Dalk bietjie lui of moet aanpas in die kaap saam met sy bruid.
-Moeilik in daai agterlyn met De Jongh EN Habana wat probeer impress en self werk soek…nie natuurlike omstandighede vir ou Jacques.
8 Mar 2010, 10:49 am
I think McCaws move to blind side should give a pretty good indication to where the game is going in this regard. If anything 2 fetchers are better than 1. I rate stegman highly and to be honest he gets over the gain line more often than burger so the theory of size and power is really moot.
Burger carried the ball up 11 times this year crossing the gainline roughly 44% of the time. Stegman has carried the ball up 6 times and crossed the advantage line 100% of those. No contest if you ask me.
8 Mar 2010, 10:50 am
@XhosaKid:i think TJ & JP read keo & took note od Tac’s lamentations & conclusions that kiwis hate afrikaners, hence the change in tone
@Tacitus: yes Mujati also got into trouble
8 Mar 2010, 10:56 am
@Tacitus: We all know that you go to sleep at night dreaming of an all Blue Bulls Springbok team, but we all know that won’t happen.
Unfortunately your complete one-sided view of all things Blue is good, whilst all things Stormers is bad, even to the point of complaining about how many Stormers threads there are vs how many Bulls threads, loses you all credibility when occasionally you actually have something of value to add.
8 Mar 2010, 10:59 am
considering the way the breakdown is heavily in favour of the attacking team this season if ever there was a time when we could afford to lose brussow it would be this year….methinks he’d give away more penalties than effect turnovers this season for the boks. what’s required is a more physical backrow adept at preventing opposition crossing the advantage line
8 Mar 2010, 11:02 am
@stormersboy: It’s all going to come down to the last game in the fixtures…and I have great faith the Stormers are gonna make the Bulls eat humble pie…they’ll probably choke on it but it will be interesting to see the comments
8 Mar 2010, 11:02 am
Stegmann is overrated. No way does he leapfrog Schalk in the pecking order.
8 Mar 2010, 11:03 am
Schalk is still the man for the big occasion, no doubt in my mind there. Stegman is quality though.
Lets see form wise at the end of the S15, no use looking for answers now at the end of week 4.
8 Mar 2010, 11:03 am
Incredible. South African rugby has finally woken up to the value of specialist openside and blindside flank positions. For the last 30 years most of the rest of the world have had openside and blindside flanks whereas SAFFA coaches were suspicious of this and just wanted three tall brutish loose forwards who all offered the same skills.
Brussouw has changed all of this.
8 Mar 2010, 11:06 am
@ufo:
Your crusade for Brok Harris as a possible Bok candidate is commendable.He has improved over the past 12-15 months.
But I honestly dont see him playing for Boks anytime soon.
The emergence of the like of Werner Kruger and WP Nel in the same time period of Harris improvement are sure to overshadow this.Plus the former are more destructive a ruck and tackle time.Plus mobility wise are decent but so is Brock-granted.Kevin Buys is also making massive strides at the Lions and his massive frame,ball carrying ability and physicality at ruck time is bound to be in the minds of selectors in yrs to come.
The return of BJ Botha is also imminent.
Brock Harris is a decent pro-as mentioned before deserves praise for massive improvements he has made but sadly I dont see him wearing Bok colours.He is also restricted by the fact that he is only competent at 3 only(lacks versatility).He is in the same mould/space as Cheetahs loosehead Du Preez(who has an unofficial cap vs Barbarians but no Test Bok and unlikely to be neither).
8 Mar 2010, 11:08 am
8. Vermeulen
7. Burger
6. Potgieter
Spies groomed now for 11 with Habana at 14
8 Mar 2010, 11:11 am
Sorry
Look at form and decide between Smith and Burger at nr 7
same for Potgieter/Stegmann
8 Mar 2010, 11:13 am
If we listen carefully to what the coaches are saying this year, the differences in strategies in the successful teams (of which the Stormers are certainly one) tells a story, both in personel and in approach:
Last year the first tackle turnover was king. FDP would put the ball up onto the back three and Brian would chase them down, with Brussow stealing the ball. The turnover would typically happen in the first few phases.
This year the change is this, and its alluded to above in that the defensive team will use a number of players as turnover specialists, and somtimes only affect the turnover after several phases of opposition ball. Yes, Stegmann does do this well. He’s not the only one though. In order to succeed with this strategy you need power at the tackle to put pressure on the ball carrier and the first suppoting players, but also someone who can attack the ball if the opportunity presents itself. Players like Francois Louw represent this type of player very well. He plays a blindside flank’s role, but also gets his turnovers. The new Schalk will fit in well here too as does Pieter Louw. That’s one of the reasons that the Stormers are such an effective defensive unit. They all hunt, tackle and attack the ball well. vermuelen does an amazing job as well, brining great physicality to the tight stuff.
Stegmann is a good player for sure and may well be rewarded with a springbok cap this year, but it’s teamwork that will lead to turnovers this year. The days of the lone ranger is over.
8 Mar 2010, 11:16 am
@mshiniwami:
Mshini…
I never meant it to be anytime soon… I’d be happy if he got a look in AFTER 2011…!!
but great that you’ve seen the improvement…
personally I don’t believe a No 3 should be a jack of all trades.. just being a good dependable tighthead is enough…
Harris’s versatility in on the field… he is really good at scrum time… and in the loose, tight loose and does have great handling skills… those are more valid IMO than covering for another position… if SA can’t produce props who can make one jersey their own then we’re in trouble…
I have to laugh at how often the commentators mention his name and how surprised they are…!! He gets about the park and does a lot of stuff…
8 Mar 2010, 11:19 am
Anyone notice Supersport’s stat on Duane Vermeulen’s weight? They list him as 90kg. I’m 90kg and I don’t look like that. Last year they kept on listing WP Nel as 92kg. Even when they calculated the Free State front row, they used this fictitious 92kg. Now maybe I’m being petty here, but surely this is the one thing you proofread (and counter-reference if you’re suspicious). I mean, why post these kinds of stats at all if you’re going to fck them up and not employ the kind of people who might pick this up?
8 Mar 2010, 11:19 am
@stormersboy: The most effective way to effect a turnover from what Ive seen is the counter ruck.
8 Mar 2010, 11:22 am
@katman:
I know.Last time Duanne Vermuelen weighed anywhere near 92 kg was at the Lions at u19 level.
Even in 2007 when was playing great rugby for Cheetahs he was around 103-105 kg
Looks around the 108/9kg mark now.Big fella.
8 Mar 2010, 11:23 am
@katman: Yeah. I’m over 100kg’s and I don’t look like that. I’d say he’s close to 110, given his height.
8 Mar 2010, 11:24 am
@katman:
Katman, the Supersport stats are a complete farce. I can prove it.
Pedrie Wannenburg was on live chat on the Bulls website a couple of weeks ago. In response to a question, he stated that he had lost a few kilos and was now weighing 111kgs.
The very next weekend, Supersport had him listed on 99kg’s or something ridiculous like that.
And then they had some scrawny guy listed as 109kgs.
I reckon the apprentice producer is tasked before each game to randomly enter some numbers into the player weight category. Either that, or they get a computer program to randomly generate the numbers for them.
It’s baloney.
8 Mar 2010, 11:25 am
@mshiniwami: One mistake there. Du Preez has one test behind his name against Italy last year.
8 Mar 2010, 11:26 am
@bok1906: Yes, and timing is everything. You don’t want to commit too many players to the wrong ruck phase. You need to spot the weak one in the series of carries, and drive them off that one. The opportunities always appear, you need to have enough players to take advantage when it happens.
8 Mar 2010, 11:30 am
Burger
F.Louw
Potgieiter
vs
Brussouw
Stegmann
Daniel
Floors
(Ok, Daniel and Floors is a bit of a stretch but lets just keep the fantasy alive so my hypothesis can stay together).
The 2 different camps of Opensiders (yes yes some play blindside at the moment).
From the limited Super 14 we have seen, I think that the top group are more suited to the current law interpretations – they bring bulk (momentum at the ruck) and a ball running game which isn’t impeded much by their reduced ability to pilfer (now far more uncommon). I think teams would do well to start with these opensiders and bring the smaller guys on later, when people are arriving at the 3rd/4th ruck (where Pilfers can still occur) a lot slower towards the end of the game.
8 Mar 2010, 11:30 am
@Bouts:
Really? Forgot about that one.
8 Mar 2010, 11:33 am
Hmmm… the new ‘interpretations’… will it still be used in the Tri-Nations? Or at least the strict use of it. The current interpretations are supposed to be only for the S14.
8 Mar 2010, 11:45 am
Stegmann is overated! Should go and fetch some Castle from the fridge for Schalla, Richie, Pocock, Waugh!
8 Mar 2010, 12:36 pm
@pierre: You mean Schalk who got banned in the RWC and raked a Lions player in the eyeballs? That Schalk?
But, to be honest, I would rather play Schalk above Stegman at the moment. Schalk is hardly playing rubbish rugby at the moment and he can hurt opponents good.
Steggies will get his chance. I would prefer him to earn a few more stripes in the S14, maybe add him after 2011 RWC.
8 Mar 2010, 12:45 pm
@BlueBlood:
Only after 5 seasons of super rugby? Nee wat,some players are identified after one season. Stegmann has earned his stripes. At least he doesn’t lose his temper on the field, he never complains and never blames and never hangs his head. Schalla het n reputasie vir luigatgeid in die gym etc. Ek sou hom nie naby my span toelaat met so n attitude (die afgelope 2 jaar). Bumped in Steggies at LC de Villiers last month, put on somegood muscle.
8 Mar 2010, 12:54 pm
@Agile ***-Tyrant: Actually, yes, but I didnt want to sound like I was a one-eyed Blue Bulls supporter. I obviously failed, so stuff it, Steggies must be a Bok this year!
8 Mar 2010, 12:55 pm
LOLOLOLOL
8 Mar 2010, 12:58 pm
LET ME TELL YOU PEOPLE SOMETHING !!
Ol Pieter Louw is underrated. We call him n diamant in die ruwe. He can be better than any of the other players if he does a bit of gym work. i can tell you now he has more passion to play then any other player in South Africa. Even more than Victor.
8 Mar 2010, 13:06 pm
@BlueBlood: For all Schalk physicality, he sure is hesitant to stick his head in the bee hive, focuses the clean and sticks. Brussow and Stegmann have a low center of gravity and they squat all day long. Both have mastered stealing on their tip toes, and prehaps more importantly hard AND intelligent tackling- masters in turning carriers on their way to ground.
Every player knows/is taught this, but they lack core strength/delt anterior strength/guts to do it properly.
8 Mar 2010, 13:07 pm
Do the new interpretations of the laws this season makes Heinrich Brussouw less effective than last year … and Schalk Burger more effective? Don’t get me wrong, he is still a very good player.
IMO, even without his injury the better combination would be Schalk Burger, Juan Smith and Pierre Spies.
8 Mar 2010, 13:13 pm
@spiaro:
No, elvs won’t instantly change a players mindset, they don’t have such a great effect asis made out. Yes you have to poach quicker now, so getting the balance right with gainline and tackle line is more sensitive. Besides, Brussow is ever-present in support, attendance will bring you opportunities, we need these mobile, agile loosies.
8 Mar 2010, 13:14 pm
Under what laws is the Tri Nations?
And under what laws is the World Cup?
8 Mar 2010, 13:18 pm
Steggman is overrated
I’d play D Potgieter, S Burger, F Louw, P Louw ahead of that midget.
8 Mar 2010, 13:19 pm
Selle as laas
8 Mar 2010, 13:20 pm
@WP_:
Stegmann is overrated as Pieter Louw is overrated.
8 Mar 2010, 14:34 pm
Groom Spies now to play # 11 @ RWC – Move Vermeulen in at 8
6&7 can be a fight between Burger – Brussouw – Smith and Stegmann
8 Mar 2010, 14:38 pm
@dr dre:
Spies is the prime ball carrier. How many forwards do you think he’ll draw at 11?
8 Mar 2010, 14:50 pm
100!
8 Mar 2010, 14:55 pm
@Staal:
Vark
8 Mar 2010, 14:56 pm
@Agile ***-Tyrant: Hey ***
How is Pieter Louw overrated, he’s hardly rated at all!
He’s started just one game!
8 Mar 2010, 14:58 pm
@WP_:
Firstlt, it’s ***-Tyrant.
Secondly, my point exaclty- who rates?
8 Mar 2010, 14:59 pm
@Agile ***-Tyrant:
It means I’m saying if Stegmann is overrated, then so is Plo
8 Mar 2010, 14:59 pm
@Agile ***-Tyrant: Thanks for clearing that up. ***.
It’s general public and media opinion.
8 Mar 2010, 15:00 pm
@Agile ***-Tyrant: 104
That does not make sense.
8 Mar 2010, 15:02 pm
@WP_:
How much of an influence do you thick that has on selection?
8 Mar 2010, 15:03 pm
@WP_: 104
which part?
8 Mar 2010, 15:05 pm
@Agile ***-Tyrant: None, but that is besides the point. My point is that the hype of Stegmann is overrated in my opinion.
8 Mar 2010, 15:05 pm
@Agile ***-Tyrant: all of it
8 Mar 2010, 15:06 pm
@WP_:
yes my point was there is no real hype.
And in accordance, he’s not overrated in our opinion.
8 Mar 2010, 15:15 pm
@Agile ***-Tyrant: Who is our?
Bulls supporters?
8 Mar 2010, 15:19 pm
@WP_:
The “our” is we who are of the opinion that he isn’t overrated. Just kidding.
8 Mar 2010, 15:25 pm
Ja look, you want the best for the country’s rugby, trying to stay objective etc. No team in the world is free from “politics”. Pound for pound, stats-wise, temperament, background etc, you can’t find any guy that fill in for Heinz as his old friend Stegmann.
8 Mar 2010, 15:47 pm
@Agile ***-Tyrant: ” trying to stay objective” You tried didnt you… But you failed
8 Mar 2010, 15:54 pm
@WP_:
I mean’t all us passionate supporters
8 Mar 2010, 15:55 pm
meant
8 Mar 2010, 22:42 pm
Stegman vs Schalk ? Schalk wins hands down. Please. Only yhe bulls will agree with ryan
8 Mar 2010, 22:57 pm
@sparticus:
There’s no need to advocate for or against Stegmann, the rubgy “kenners” can see for themselves. Schalk hits form at long last, but against an utterly poor Highlanders side- have to see more. But his workrate still? Consistancy?
Steggies regularly makes most cleans etc. as the article says, impressive considering that he plays in a team with Bakkies, Daniesaurus, W Kruger, Spies, Potgieter, Gary Botha and G Steenkamp on a good day.
9 Mar 2010, 04:39 am
@Mighty Horua: You ****** you. Go fetch me some peanuts!
9 Mar 2010, 04:42 am
@WP_: You sound just like my uncle! He will refuse to rate Matfield. Why? Because everyone else rates him, and because he is a Bull. And yes, you guessed it, he is a GROOT WP MAN!
9 Mar 2010, 19:23 pm
@Agile ***-Tyrant: Point is, each guy you mention there has a specific role or function in the team, which is not always measurable with stats. Bakkies might make less cleans but he pulls off those teeth clatterers. Werner Kruger as a tighthead is hugely active in the tight loose. Daniesaurus hangs out a lot as a carrier to take ball up strongly, etc.
Potties for instance, on attack takes it on himself to act as decoy and protect Morne Steyn and Wynand Olivier specifically by positioning himself in a very flat position in front of them, while on defence he positions himself in channel 1 or close by to take the okes charging down on Morne in that channel head on. Few people will know this if you don’t know to look for it and this buys Steyn a bit of extra time to weave his magic or get the backline away. How do you measure his effectiveness and true value other than to look at the final score.
Spies is immensely effective with his strength in close quarters behind and around the phase play directly following on first phase, and as ball carrier, but he can only do one of these at any given time. Steggies or Potties have to cover him if the other function becomes necessary. I’m not knocking anyone here, but you guys must remember that a lot of things happen simultaneously on a rugby field, and often just the way in which, or where you position yourself on defense has an influence on the option which the attacking team takes, ie whether they kick or run, where they attack, etc.
Steggies, Potties and Spies play in a loose trio with each having his own role to play. You will find Potties does a lot of the defensive work on the occasions Pierre Spies cleans and Steggies fetches, and likewise in other instances, BUT WITH ROLES SWITCHED, so it is very difficult to generalize like that.
9 Mar 2010, 23:09 pm
122 CATLEYA:
Cool Cats
I’m saying he racks up the cleans in a team with many mobile aggressive men that fly into rucks. For that you have to be fit and gutsy and constantly at your post, otherwise even the poor scrummy is forced to clean. That’s why it’s impressive. If you don’t bring your side, you can have always a low tackle count too, with your buddies constantly doing your work.
25 Mar 2010, 22:08 pm
You are all not paying any attention. PDV did not want to pick brussouw. He wants a Burger\J Smith\Spies backrow. He just played brussouw because he new he would be very unpopular if he had dropped such a great talent. With brussouw injured, PDv is very happy. He can now pick Schalk Burger. I am a bulls supporter, but Steggies does not stand a chance to be picked by the man PDV.
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