EP in talks with Marshall

Eastern Province are negotiating deals with Justin Marshall and Gordon Tietjens.

The Kiwi pair are set to join before this year’s Currie Cup as the union hopes to qualify for the premier division of the tournament and then gain entry into Super Rugby as the Kings.

The former All Blacks scrumhalf joined Saracens for the latter stages of the 2008/09 season, but his performances meant Sarries extended his stay at Watford. At 36, the former Crusader may be past his best, but EPRU president Cheeky Watson said they are looking for certain types of individuals to re-build the union.

Tietjen is renowned as New Zealand’s sevens coach, who currently lead the IRB World Series title race. Watson couldn’t say in what role Tietjens will be used.

‘I can’t confirm whether they’re coming, as we are still in talks with them,’ Watson told keo.co.za.

The Kings haven’t been able to contract many top players or a director of rugby as they still haven’t been approved by Saru’s board to officially create the franchise in order to gain entry into Super Rugby.

The signing of Marshall especially would be a major coup for the union.

‘That’s why we also went for a guy like De Wet Barry,’ said Watson. ‘He’s been invaluable to us and to the players around him. We want other experienced players and coaches who can add value and equip people around them with the relevant knowledge.’

‘Having someone like Justin would beneficial to the union as a player and also in a mentoring capacity,’ Barry told this website. ‘Experience is always good.’

Meanwhile, Watson was hoping for a March deadline on the Kings decision, but with the Saru presidential elections set for 26 March the matter has again been delayed.

‘We are still in strong discussions with Saru on the matter,’ said Watson. ‘I’m very positive as we seem to be getting somewhere in terms of a time-frame.’

Watson couldn’t confirm whether the Kings would gain entry into the Super 15 in 2011 or 2012.

‘It’s still debatable at this stage,’ said Watson. ‘The discussions are at an advanced stage, but it’s still a sensitive matter as all the Sanzar partners have to be consulted.’

By Grant Ball


96 Comments

  • 1.dWeePer: Reply to this comment

    At 36 the time of Justin Marshall is over.
    With sevens now an Olympic sport Gordon Tietjens is in high demand. Cannot see where they will get the money for him.

  • 2.Cyborg: Reply to this comment

    EP Mighty Dragons! A temporary solution to this Kings fiasco (and to make the staidum sustainable) may be to at least have the Mighty Elephants in the Currie Cup.

  • 3.PissAnt: Reply to this comment

    Best of luck witht he players, but Cheeky if you have not realised SARU is taking you for a ride buddy you should get yourself another pot of vaseline and prepare to get screwed over solidly in the near future – new presidency or not.

  • 4.stormloop: Reply to this comment

    the teams that finish in the top 5 of the curry cup gets to play in the super15. Finish en klaar. That would make our cc more interresting and would also be more fair to teams like griquas who put in the hard yards come cc time.

  • 5.PissAnt: Reply to this comment

    I just realised something…

    While SA is becoming the home of retired, past their best overseas imports (Carlos, Marshall, etc) our young stars are targeted by the Rebels and French clubs…

    We got this all wrong…

  • 6.WOLFMAN21: Reply to this comment

    Why would they get Tietjens? He is a sevens coach. That is such a specialised area, what would he have to offer EP?

  • 7.Dantalian: Reply to this comment

    And pigs started to fly….

    Marshall does plenty of tv pundit work for the beeb lately, is old and Tietjens is a sevens coach.

    Just can’t see it happening.

    What next? Danie Gerber to make a comeback?

  • 8.wernergreeff fanclub membership 3: Reply to this comment

    If you considered Justin Marshall, they might as well have made Garth Wright an offer. He is after all just as old, homegrown talent and at least they would save on accomodation, flight cost etc.

  • 9.wernergreeff fanclub membership 3: Reply to this comment

    In fact, after this article, I saw the heading “Coetzee confident of Tiaan’s return” and I was getting excited about a possible comeback by the one and only Tiaan (Strauss).

  • 10.WP_: Reply to this comment

    DESPERATE!

  • 11.WP_: Reply to this comment

    They are desperate. They contracted Gareth Wright last season too.

    Who’s next? Kobus Wiese to lead the forwards?

  • 12.poppa69: Reply to this comment

    and here I was thinking it was only the English who paid good money for our rejects and has beens…

    seems SA is following suit.. no wonder you guys have been slowing improving these last 4 or 5 years… poaching all them kiwis huh?

  • 13.WP_: Reply to this comment

    poppa69

    This is a total waste of time, mate.

  • 14.RedLion: Reply to this comment

    This is sad news, sad news.

  • 15.poppa69: Reply to this comment

    @WP_: I agree mate, Marshall has such an ego trip on himself, he would be caustic for the EP..

    they would be better spending the money on encouraging local talent, or on implementing the proper structures for the long term benefit of the EP… too many administrators and officials are only ever interested in short term or plug gap solutions, rather then being visionaries and actually doing some good for their province/area..

  • 16.PissAnt: Reply to this comment

    @poppa69:

    Well they could have had Gert Smal who had a whole vision and plan for this region…

    They shot him down.

    He is now coaching Ireland.

  • 17.gunther: Reply to this comment

    What message does this send to young players?

    and transformation?

  • 18.WP_: Reply to this comment

    Exactly, it laughs in the face of transformation and youth development.

    Rather pick a youngster and get an up and coming coach involved.

    What a joke, and 36 is too old, he’s well past it.

  • 19.poppa69: Reply to this comment

    @PissAnt: and by all accounts Smal is doing great things with the Irish…

    and why a proven 7s coach? Teitjens… from what I know of he hasnt done much in the 15 a side game…

  • 20.RedLion: Reply to this comment

    If the EP and Border do become part of the Sharks franchise again then the Sharkies can approach Tiejens to partner HRE in their coaching setup.

  • 21.WP_: Reply to this comment

    But surely as the NZ 7′s coach he cant sign another contract?

  • 22.Kerneels: Reply to this comment

    How is getting a 36-year-old Kiwi and a Kiwi sevens coach aiding transformation in the Eastern Cape – I thought that was the whole point of the Kings.

    I can’t help but agree with PA above – get ready to be shafted Cheeky.

  • 23.PissAnt: Reply to this comment

    @Kerneels:

    The sooner this region stop trying to sell themselves as a transformation vehicle rather than a rugby hub the better for them.

    But then, that would mean there would be no space for politicians and that you actually need rugby people to drive this….

  • 24.Staal: Reply to this comment

    What about Lorrie… he still playing? And Jorrie….

    Why not buy McNeill Hendriks (spelling) of Wessel Roux….

    while you are doing stupid thing … please do it properly!

  • 25.Staal: Reply to this comment

    i was told that this region has the biggest player base in SA…

    Did i miss something…

    why do they wanna buy all & sundry?? Give the younger guys a chance man….

    support them!

  • 26.Rage: Reply to this comment

    Say it isnt so! The most laughable piece of news Ive heard all year.In fact,compared to this,the Andy Goode signing looks like a masterstroke.Ridiculous

  • 27.RedLion: Reply to this comment

    @Staal: last night the NMMU received a 97 point thrashing at the hands if UJ. I also wonder where all this talent is.

  • 28.Beast: Reply to this comment

    I feel for the EP, lived there for a while. I dearly would like to see them be successful. What they need is a rugby-strategist to set them up for success. If anyone, they need John Hart or Hayneke Meyer or Sir Clive. This is falling into the same trap as the Sharks. Learn from the Bulls! A strong team is nutured over years and developed, not bought. EP has no structure or base to start from. Hell, look at how the “Madiba’s” got bliksemed in the Varsity Cup.

  • 29.Aus_Rebel: Reply to this comment

    Kings get over the hill Marshall and Rebels get Kockott.

    Laugh a minute.

  • 30.Transformation: Reply to this comment

    @gunther: i’m getting the message loud and clear gun man, don’t worry :D

  • 31.logie_Jumpbuck: Reply to this comment

    Ok, “STOP THE LORRY!!” Who saw the Steve Walsh wink to the Brumbies front ranker on Superrugby last night!!??? What was that all about?

    Tell me there is an investigation into this obvious suspicious behaviour. Pleaseeeee……

    This is k@k, we are being screwed over by the Ausie refs and Keo isn’t even running the story.

  • 32.XhosaKid: Reply to this comment

    Okes, I have found the solution for this Spears/Kings issue, everyone wins, or at least most win.

  • 33.XhosaKid: Reply to this comment

    @RedLion: @27 I gave the answer to your question to JC and Ryan, yesterday, maybe they havent checked their emails at HSM

  • 34.gunther: Reply to this comment

    Transie

    I’d like an investigation into the player signings down there who is in charge of that aspect?

    What next?

    Grant Fox ?

  • 35.Kerneels: Reply to this comment

    @PissAnt: Ja, I have also been saying that for a while – they have enough talent and history, they do not need to bang the transformation drum to get noticed. In fact, it probably serves the exact opposite purpose at this stage.

    As you say however, there needs to be space for the money grabbers in-between.

  • 36.gunther: Reply to this comment

    Colonels

    Transformation will get upset with anyone that bangs his drum..

  • 37.logie_Jumpbuck: Reply to this comment

    Mr. Vrede

    How about a story on Stevie’s wink? any comments from keo on this incident? was he wearing his beer goggles and thought that maybe the Brumbie prop was a blonde bombshell??…..i can certainly see how the man boobs could have thrown him ;-)

  • 38.gunther: Reply to this comment

    Relax bogie

    Steve was just confirming an invitation to post match drinks with the brumbies to discuss his interpretation of the tackle ball..

    You are being oversensitve..

    I’m sure that if beast made a similar offer he would wonk back …

  • 39.gunther: Reply to this comment

    Or even wink..

  • 40.WP Till I Die: Reply to this comment

    @logie_Jumpbuck:

    Kevin McCallum made the following tweet during the Lions/Brumbies game:

    “Steve Walsh has shown remarkable restraint. He took all of 25 mins before he binned a Lion. Just gave a sly wink to the Brumbies front row.”

  • 41.logie_Jumpbuck: Reply to this comment

    @gunther: Gunt, i don’t buy it. there was more to it i think.

    but alas, there is no enquiry, no investigation, not even a single article by any rugby journalist in the S14, so i guess that proves that i’m making something out of nothing.

    Still, it makes me wonder….

  • 42.logie_Jumpbuck: Reply to this comment

    @WP Till I Die: i saw it on superrugby last night and boy oh boy if it was up to me (which it’s not) i would have looked into it.

  • 43.gunther: Reply to this comment

    Wptid

    Kevin is one of the funniest sport journos we have..

    To have him write for the cape crimes would be very nice..

  • 44.WP Till I Die: Reply to this comment

    @gunther:

    Yes, he is…how have things been here on Keo? I see people were getting quite emotional. I’ve been away for a bit, popping in every now and again.

    People need to learn to see the bright side of things.

    Your Bulls side is looking impressive on attack, I’m just worried about their defence ahead of their overseas tour…

  • 45.gunther: Reply to this comment

    I have also been in and out work has ratcheted up a notch ..

    Yep emotions have been running high and some parties are in self-imposed purdah…in itself not a bad thing for awhile..

    Bulls defence is a worry but I reckon it is easier to fix than ones attack, hopefully as the comp progresses the players will get used to each other and improve…

    Your boys seem to have the opposite problem..

    Very happy to see schalk back to form, I see my ikey tigers snatched defeat from the jaws of victory last night against the old enemy..

  • 46.WP Till I Die: Reply to this comment

    @gunther:

    I for one was a very proud Matie alumnus last night – but to be honest Ikeys probably deserved to win the match.

    Still – MATIES!

    It’s always a brilliant intervarsity.

  • 47.PissAnt: Reply to this comment

    @gunther:

    #&*@&%*(#$%( ********.

    I was pissed off last night.

  • 48.WP Till I Die: Reply to this comment

    @PissAnt:

    Go Maties! ;-)

  • 49.logie_Jumpbuck: Reply to this comment

    @PissAnt: are you an ikey fan? i took you for a puk? ;-)

  • 50.KZN King Shark: Reply to this comment

    Cheeky et al (Komphela, Borat) got Sharks in their sights. I’m beginning to really fear we will be no more next year. With the slump the Sharks are going through it’s the perfect time to nail our coffin shut. I’m starting to think Straueli and tik smoking Plum is on Cheeky’s payroll. It seems too coincidental. What happens when you get a complete fckwit and a Kiwi to run a rugby franchise? Anwer: the Sharks 2010.

  • 51.katman: Reply to this comment

    They should have gone for Gregan, not Marshall. Isn’t this the BEE franchise?

  • 52.gunther: Reply to this comment

    Pissant

    We bottled it …

  • 53.PissAnt: Reply to this comment

    @WP Till I Die:

    I can say one thing though – based on last night this competition is far from won… ;)

    @logie_Jumpbuck:

    Pukke actually my second favourite team. Everyone in my family and most people I know are Maties supporters, been a Tigers supporter for almost 20 years now.

  • 54.PissAnt: Reply to this comment

    @gunther:

    Bliksem guy and how.

    What 7 kicks flogged, 3 tries missed through piss-poor handling – one TMO going against us and allowing a Maties intercept try!!!

    We gave it to them on a platter!

  • 55.Wolf: Reply to this comment

    All EP has done over the past 2 decades is develop talent only for other regions to poach it.

    The plan, it would seem, is to get some senior players in which the younger guys would be willing to stick around for and learn from. Not a bad idea. Ex-internationals would also interest the fans…meaning more money at the gate.

    All other options of keeping talent has failed. At least we can be thankful they are trying to get back into the CC. PE is one of the better/larger cities in the country and should have a team in each of the major sporting tournaments in the country. So lets hope they can get their act together.

  • 56.logie_Jumpbuck: Reply to this comment

    @PissAnt: any affiliations to Ikeys?

    I’m supposed to be a NMMU supporter, but after last night i’m definitely looking to throw my weight behind another team.

  • 57.John Galt: Reply to this comment

    @katman:

    Ha exactly.
    Whats the point of bringing a 38 year old ex Kiwi player into a side that is supposed to be developing the local grassroot talent.

  • 58.PissAnt: Reply to this comment

    @logie_Jumpbuck:

    Other than living in CPT for most of my teen and adult life and doing the odd course there no…

  • 59.PissAnt: Reply to this comment

    @John Galt:

    I am fascinated how a guy aged two years in the space of 60 posts! :)

  • 60.Wolf: Reply to this comment

    @John Galt:

    I suppose we should ask the same question of the Sharks (Andy Goode) and Lions (Spencer). What happened to developing local talent?
    Can we throw the Stormers in that mix as well for poaching Habana and Fourie?

  • 61.John Galt: Reply to this comment

    @PissAnt:

    Ah my apologies, he’s 36 and in the prime of his rugby playing life. :)

  • 62.katman: Reply to this comment

    @PissAnt: At this rate he’ll be at least 97 by the time the Super15 kicks off.

  • 63.WP Till I Die: Reply to this comment

    @Wolf:

    All the WP young talent gets bought by other unions, same as the Free State.

    You can’t blame them, though. Free State can’t provide the same opportunities other unions can.

    And WP? They’re just plain useless when it comes to age level teams. If I had R100 for every promising WP youngster who’s left the union because they felt frustrated due to lack of opportunities because of rampant nepotism at the WPRFU, I’d be rivalling Malema in nett worth…

  • 64.WP Till I Die: Reply to this comment

    @katman:

    His ego writing cheques his body can’t cash? ;-)

  • 65.John Galt: Reply to this comment

    @Wolf:

    I think, when talking about the more established, wealthy unions, its a completely seperate debate.

  • 66.XhosaKid: Reply to this comment

    @logie_Jumpbuck: @56, back in 2000, I told Dr Strech that Kolie Brandt was outdated and that he sould be fired as a coach for UPE( NMMU), to my suprise I learnt at the launch of the Varsity Cup that Kolie is still the Head Coach, this guy was obsolete ten years ago, its now 20years later, FFS!!

    NMMU deserve the unlubricated pounding they are getting and non of the top schools boys in the region want to go to NMMU, instead all the guys that couldn’t make first 15′s at school level, all flock to NMMU for a crack at Varsity rugga.

    If there was ever model example of what being verkrampte means, look no further than Kolie Brandt is his boederbond buddies at UPE

  • 67.gunther: Reply to this comment

    That’s quote enough from you iceman..

  • 68.Transformation: Reply to this comment

    i say look at the Warriors franchise…kallis, boucher, ntini, boje, prince all playing out of good old PE. Bring on Justin Marshall, he will attract the blogger Peter Mkata and his friends to the stadium…this wagon is moving, all those that want to climb aboard can, now or get left behind.

    If okes want to be cajoled & patted on the back or want a “stereotypically south african” organisation before joining, then they can sit on the sidelines and throw stones.

  • 69.mxhosa: Reply to this comment

    @Transformation:

    Rugby on the move

  • 70.chch – welcome back Carter: Reply to this comment

    When I read the headline I thought “odd choice for coach” … Now that I have read the article I have to say “very odd choice for player”

    I am a Crusaders, Canterbury and Marshall fan but I have to say that he is an odd choice for a mentor. I even felt a bit uncomfortable reading parts of his book.

  • 71.XhosaKid: Reply to this comment

    @Transformation: Ndithumele i email to kwezintwana zika Keo about the solution to the Kings/Spears, azikaphenduli. Its the perfect plan wonke umntu will be happy with

  • 72.vasteses: Reply to this comment

    @Wolf:

    I think there is good structures in SA rugby to develop and bring the youngsters through the ranks. We have cravenweek, academies,u 19 privincial and national, and the Vodacom cup where youngsters can play , the reason behind the recruitment of overseas players must be to provide a more solid basis and obviuosly experiance, the S14 is all about big bucks. so it is understandable that the Lions for instance would rather get a spencer whos been there than just rely on Francis whome i am sure will be ready by next year.

  • 73.chch – welcome back Carter: Reply to this comment

    Also… South Africa now want 6 sides competing in the S14/S15/S16 ?

    Should really work on getting 4 sides competing first

  • 74.Bill Reyts: Reply to this comment

    What an odd article! It just doesn’t make sense.

  • 75.Bill Reyts: Reply to this comment

    Watson couldn’t say in what role Tietjens will be used!!! Ok and then?

  • 76.chch – welcome back Carter: Reply to this comment

    @vasteses:

    Yeah but Carlos is a show pony …. I don’t think Marshall would work the same way

  • 77.Bill Reyts: Reply to this comment

    @chch – welcome back Carter: Hasn’t Marshall been pensioned?

  • 78.Mongril: Reply to this comment

    @XhosaKid:

    I hear you. Played a bit under Kolie at UPE in the 93-94 era (same time Andre Vos did, before going to JHB).

    Kolie was a useless laughing stock of a coach then – how the hell did he retain his job for so long? Since his arrival UPE (now NMMU) rugby has gone seriously downhill.

    Unless Cheeky’s plans come to fruition Andre will be the last Springbok coming through their ranks.

  • 79.Oubaas2009: Reply to this comment

    Say bye bye to Superrugby Lions & Cheetah fan’s. Hier kom die ‘Rooi Kats’.

  • 80.catleya: Reply to this comment

    How’s this team from current players ex EP/Border/SWD. All I’m saying is that if these okes come out of those systems then one has to believe that there will be more to follow, which all augurs well for the future provided they can hold onto them. Add in the massive PD pool to draw from, and I don’t know why some guys are negative about the Kings- provided they get the backing and support they deserve. (I might be missing many since I’ve been away for 5 years)

    15. Zane Kirchner (PW Botha, George/BullsS14/Boks)

    14. Wayne Juries (Ep/BullsS10/CheetahsS14/StormersS14)Odwa(Umtata/SharksS14/Boks)and Akona Umtata/(BullsS14)Ndungane/Boks)

    13. Tiger Bax (St Andrews/WP VCup)Earl Snyman (Outeniqua, George/SA Schools/CheetahsVCup)Dabeon Draghoender (Pe, Griffons/WP VCup)

    12. Meyer Bosman (Oakdale Agric, Swellendam/CheetahsS14/Boks)

    11. Luzuko Vulindlu (Greame College, Grahamstown)/SharksS14)Lwazi Mvovo (Transkei/SharksS14)

    10. Lionel Cronje (Queens College/Stormers S14)Michael Killian (Muir College Uitenhage/EP/Lions S14)

    9. Rory Kockott (Selbourne College/SharksS14) JP Joubert (Framesby, PE/BullsS14/CheetahsS14/LionsS14)Chris Jonck (Otto du Plessis, PE/LionsS14)

    8. Ryan Kankowski (St Andrews/SharksS14/Boks)Luke Watson (Grey PE/StormersS14/Boks)

    7. Dewald Potgieter (Daniel Pienaar, Uitenhage/BullsS14/Boks)Pedrie Wannenburg (Oakdale Agric/BullsS14/Boks)

    6. Keegan Daniel (Dale College, KWT/SharksS14)/Chase Minnaar (St Andrews/Boland/SA7′s

    5. Johann Muller (Oakdale Agric/ SharksS14/Boks) Nicolai Blignaut (Sterling High,EL?/Sharks VCup)Ligtoring Landman (Despatch High Sckool/Leopards CC)Marco Wentzel(Outeniqua,George/Bulls/Boks)

    4. Steven Sykes (Marlow Agric/SharksS14/Boks) Dewald Senekal (Daniel Pienaar, Uitenhage/Pumas/Valke/LionsS14/ Overseas) Rudi Matthee (Otto du Plessis,PE/Lions/LuiperdsCC/Cheetahs VCup)

    3. JC Janse v. Rensburg (Oakdale Agric/LionsS14)Michael de Nieuly-Rice (Grey High, PE/WP VCup)

    2. Bandise Maku (Dale College, KWT/BullsS14/Boks) Simon Westraadt (Grey High PE/Griquas CC)

    1. Musa Tukela (Qumbu,Transkei/SASchools/Blue Bulls/Tukkies)

    And the above guys are all playing outside the region, so this list does not include any current EP, Border or Eagles players. Granted this team is very thin at prop and maybe flyhalf, but I count twelve Boks in there and 20 guys with S14 experience.

    Imaginewhat they could do immediately for the Kings, together with what they already have available in the provinces.

    I would hazard a guess they would probably klap the Rebels.

  • 81.Rum And Maple: Reply to this comment

    @Oubaas2009: Go drink your Salusa-45…

  • 82.XhosaKid: Reply to this comment

    @Rum And Maple: and @Oubaas2009: tthere is a solution that will not results in the Lions and the Cheetahs missing out

  • 83.Transformation: Reply to this comment

    @catleya: well the trend is still continuing…

    Lions sign top schoolboy stars

    SA Schools players JP du Plessis and Siya Kolisi will play their rugby in Johannesburg from next year.

    Du Plessis, who played centre for Paul Roos, was in danger of being lost to South African rugby after he was approached by Australian rugby league side Sydney Roosters in April. He will still go on a trial with the club in December, but it is likely he will return.

    ‘JP has signed with us as he has an escape clause with the Roosters,’ Lions coach Hans Coetzee told keo.co.za. ‘He’ll go over and make a decision after a month in Sydney.’

    Du Plessis’ father Charl played fullback for Transvaal and is a current skills coach at the union – a factor that should see him return to South Africa in 2010.

    Kolisi has represented SA Schools for two years and was the standout loose-forward at Craven Week, despite representing an under-performing EP side. Kolisi had originally signed with the Cheetahs, but the Bloemfontein-outfit’s contract was invalid.

    ‘We had showed an interest in Siya last year already and had approached him before anyone else,’ said Coetzee, the former manager of talent identification at the union before he took up the post of Currie Cup coach. ‘He was always interested in coming to us, but an agent from the Cheetahs asked me if we had contacted Siya, and I told him we had.

    ‘Then they tried to sign him, but at that stage he was only 17, so it was not valid.’

    The Lions have gone beyond their borders to secure some exciting talent, which will be invaluable in future years.

    ‘In the past, I’m not sure how things were done, but now we are slowly but surely bringing better guys here,’ said Coetzee.

    Along with the pair, the Lions have also kept Monument star Jaco Taute – who made his debut for the Lions’ senior side in the Currie Cup while still at school.

    Lions’ junior contracts for 2010:

    Enzo Venter (Affies)
    Van Zyl Botha(Grey Bloem)
    Robbie Rawlins (Rustenburg High School)
    Jaco Taute( Monument High)
    Louis Nel (Grens High)
    Johan van der Hooght (Ben Vorster High)
    PJ Uys (Monument)
    Louis le Roux (Pretoria Boys High)
    Lulama Mdozi (Pearson High)
    Phumulani Kamanga (Marais Viljoen High)
    Jacques van den Berg (Affies)
    Vincent Scott (Monument)
    Tusi Motoka (St Albans)
    Andries Oosthuizen (Monument)
    Vincent Jobo (KES)
    Bernard Buchner (Marlow Agriultural)
    Ulrich van Schalkwyk (EG Jansen)
    Janus Jonker (Rustenburg High)
    Gareth Topkin (Rondebosch High)
    Siya Kolisi (Grey High School)
    Jimmy Hughes (Monument)
    JP du Plessis (Paul Roos)
    Dale Sabbagh (Selborne College)
    Nico Kruger (Monument)
    Garth April (Florida)
    Jacques Genade (Klerksdorp High)
    Jason Hofmeyer (Monument)
    Siya Mteto (Pearson High)
    JR Esterhyse (Paarl Gym)
    Morne Erasmus (EG Jansen)
    Reynard Heyndenrych (Affies)
    Francois de Klerk (Waterkloof)
    Pierre Lombard (Waterkloof).

    By Grant Ball

    This entry was posted on Friday, October 9th, 2009 at 12:22 pm

  • 84.catleya: Reply to this comment

    How’s this team for a starting lineup?
    15. Kirchner
    14. Akona Ndungane
    13. Meyer Bosman
    12. De Wet Barry
    11. Lwazi Mvovo
    10. Lionel Cronje
    9. Rory Kockott
    8. Ryan Kankowski
    7. Dewald Potgieter
    6. Keegan Daniel
    5. Johan Muller
    4. Steven Sykes
    3. JC Janse van Rensburg
    2. Bandise Maku
    1. CJ vd Linde- buy him just for the hell of it!

  • 85.catleya: Reply to this comment

    You can highlight Louis Nel (Grens) and Bernard Buchner (Marlow) as well.

  • 86.Transformation: Reply to this comment

    @catleya: not forgetting lubabalo mjekevu & siyabonga ntubeni who were offered bursaries to finish their high school at KES, from Selborne & Dale respectively…both were SA Schools reps.

  • 87.Wp_FanS14: Reply to this comment

    Argentina playing Tri Nations in 2012. Will it become Quad Nations?

  • 88.catleya: Reply to this comment

    @Transformation: Sounds like you’re closer to home than me. What is your take on all this?

  • 89.Transformation: Reply to this comment

    @catleya: it’s all building blocks towards getting to the Premier division of Currie Cup, last month they signed Rory Duncan former captain of the Cheetahs and another player from SWD (forgot his name now), but as they say in isiXhosa ungabokhwaza ungekaphumi ehlathini (don’t shout until you’ve cleared the woods)

  • 90.catleya: Reply to this comment

    yes, good move- another hometown bot ex Grey returning home.

  • 91.Ashleigh_Langenhoven: Reply to this comment

    the problem with UPE is they want to tranform to quick…the black players in the team is hond k@k ..trying to fill the quotas …the white guys play for Despatch etc … … No afrikaans guy is “allowed” to play for UPE…. reverse apartheid.

  • 92.Ashleigh_Langenhoven: Reply to this comment

    and its a fact…. nothing to do with Kollie … he sits with k@k players …. Despatch, Police, Progress etc all klap UPE by 50+ in club games … all young oukies 25 and under.

  • 93.dWeePer: Reply to this comment

    Somewhere else it has been reported that Pote Human will coach EP.

  • 94.catleya: Reply to this comment

    @dWeePer: Now that makes a whole lot more sense, doesn’t it? But if he is wise he will retain Corne Korff as backline coach.

  • 95.Oubaas2009: Reply to this comment

    Justin Marshall at 36! I’m pretty sure Cheeky could find someone else with a bit more gas left in the legs than Marshall.

  • 96.Bouts: Reply to this comment

    You know. There are more than just the ‘money’ attracting EP players away from EP. In fact, the biggest factor would be University/University of Technology and the rugby ladder they can climb there. Yeah, teams exist at NMMU etc, but the ladder comes up way too short.

    That’s why everybody is telling EP: get your structures right!

    Good idea to get influential experience in, but Marshall? *sigh*

Keo.co.za has always promoted uncensored views, but has never tolerated racist or crass outbursts. Come on guys and girls. If you can't moderate yourselves or each other then I am going to be forced to regulate the posts and enforce a registration process for comments. The choice is yours.

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