Rugby in general.

[APoc184]

Not going to create a new thread for every specific thing, and sometimes you can't post in existing threads because it is not relative to any of those threads.

Lets discuss rugby in general.
News, Results, Fixtures, etc....

[APoc184]

I'll start it off.

Baby Boks(u/20) lost 36-7 to New Zealand in the second Semi-Final of the Junior World Champs.
Australia won the other semi against England. 28-16

[D3x]

I was watching last night as well.

What do you think of that centre of Aus? Sitauti plays just like Ranger. Its so awesome to watch him play.

[APoc184]

Very good player.

Also the #8 from New Zealand. Reminds me of Pierre Spies. Quick, powerful and massive.
And I'm not so sure if that #14 of New Zealand is as good as everybody claim or if it was just our piss poor tackling. But he did score the most tries in the tournament thus far.

[D3x]

Very good player.

Also the #8 from New Zealand. Reminds me of Pierre Spies. Quick, powerful and massive.
And I'm not so sure if that #14 of New Zealand is as good as everybody claim or if it was just our piss poor tackling. But he did score the most tries in the tournament thus far.

Yeah, that number 8 is very strong on his feet to. Its great to know that there are some great players coming through the ranks. Its going to make some entertaining ruby watching in future years to come.

[EtienneK]

Baby Boks(u/20) lost 36-7 to New Zealand in the second Semi-Final of the Junior World Champs.

Damnit.

Why have our Baby Boks been doing so poorly the last couple of years? The other rugby forums blame quotas. Is this true? Are they pushing in young promising black players ahead of good white players just so they would stay in the system?

Or is it just the rantings of bitter old men?

[APoc184]

Damnit.

Why have our Baby Boks been doing so poorly the last couple of years? The other rugby forums blame quotas. Is this true? Are they pushing in young promising black players ahead of good white players just so they would stay in the system?

Or is it just the rantings of bitter old men?

I am not going to go into politics and quotas, etc....

My honest opinion! We were crap last night.
All the players.

Lambie was extremely flat, missed a few kicks and didn't kick out when needed to.
Okafor(?) the huge lock is just too slow. He has the size but is extremely slow and even with his size he got smashed back in the tackles.

And then, our defence. Oh dear. I don't even want to talk about it. Horrible from all players. Just the captain, Stander did all right.

I like the centre Branco du Preez. He is quick and has an eye for the gap. But loses the ball too easily in contact situations, just like our #10.

Take no credit away from the Baby Blacks. They played well and their defence was good.

[D3x]

Yeah, we played terrible last night.

[paddy_za]

Damnit.

Why have our Baby Boks been doing so poorly the last couple of years? The other rugby forums blame quotas. Is this true? Are they pushing in young promising black players ahead of good white players just so they would stay in the system?

Or is it just the rantings of bitter old men?

I think it comes down to coaching. New Zealand and Australia have extremely professional academies with open lines of communication between the unions and the 7's squads. What South Africa do (which worked in the past because other teams did the same) was to throw together a group of guys who were the biggest, strongest, fastest and most skilled they could find, and hope for the best. Now that all the sides have caught up to us in those respective departments, we seem to be falling short. We need to start building effective structures at our lower age group levels to ensure that our national side can benefit by having a constant stream of well coached, skilled, conditioned players. I feel that our coach is completely out of his league and it is time for an overhaul. My brother played in the 2006 and 2007 junior world cups and maintains that Eric Sauls is still the most uninspiring individual who he has had to work under. If we can get this right our national side, given the talent we produce at junior levels, will be a dominant force for a long time...

[APoc184]

Brad Barrit may soon play for England. He was called up to the England squad earlier this week to replace injured Dominic Walduock.

He has not been named in the match 22 for Saturday's clash against Australia, but may very well feature in the mid-week game against the New Zealand Maoris.

[paddy_za]

They can have him... :)

[EtienneK]

Reading up a bit more on the subject, it seems that our youth teams have a 50-50 racial quota put on them. But it seems they want to remove this, because of the bad results lately. So I guess this loss is a blessing in disguise.

From Rugbyvaria:


Saru wants this year’s SA Schools team to be selected on merit and not according to a 50-50 racial quota, as has been the case in the past.

http://rugbyvaria.co.za/tournaments/schools/2728-sa-schools-team-selection-only-on-merit-saru

Quotas must fck off out of sport!

[Devill]

Reading up a bit more on the subject, it seems that our youth teams have a 50-50 racial quota put on them. But it seems they want to remove this, because of the bad results lately. So I guess this loss is a blessing in disguise.

From Rugbyvaria:



http://rugbyvaria.co.za/tournaments/schools/2728-sa-schools-team-selection-only-on-merit-saru

Quotas must fck off out of sport!

They should be implemented at u9 and u10 level where winning doesn't matter at all.

And there should be more development drives in the black communities.

[EtienneK]

They should be implemented at u9 and u10 level where winning doesn't matter at all.

And there should be more development drives in the black communities.

Lol! I was an under 9 rugby player once and believe me, winning matters! Which is a good thing. It gets players into a winning culture from an early age.

What should happen is just to remove quotas and select players by merit.

[sand_man]

I'll start it off.

Baby Boks(u/20) lost 36-7 to New Zealand in the second Semi-Final of the Junior World Champs.
Australia won the other semi against England. 28-16Damn that's a disappointing result. Forgot all about this fixture and I'm glad I did. Watched SA vs OZ and that was a very entertaining game too. We went down 42-35 but I liked the look of this u20 outfit but to get crunched 36-7 by NZ?!!!! Duck me!!! I cannot get over the size and skill of these u20 players!!! The OZ pack combined weight is in the region of 885kg's!!! MASSIVE!!!

[paddy_za]

Yeah the Australian side is very good. New Zealand beat them by 2 points or so. We played so well against Australia but really didnt turn up last night.. Their forwards destroyed us:(

[APoc184]

Damn that's a disappointing result. Forgot all about this fixture and I'm glad I did. Watched SA vs OZ and that was a very entertaining game too. We went down 42-35 but I liked the look of this u20 outfit but to get crunched 36-7 by NZ?!!!! Duck me!!! I cannot get over the size and skill of these u20 players!!! The OZ pack combined weight is in the region of 885kg's!!! MASSIVE!!!

It is pretty scary. But they are not much smaller at schoolboy level.
Grey College has a wing, Jan Serfontein. He stands 1.87m tall and weighs almost 100kg. A monster of player.
I have seen him play a few times this year and against Affies he was destructive. Literally ran over defenders and at times it took 3 to 4 players to bring him down. Really reminds me of Jonah Lomu in his prime. But even better.
He has a great step on him, tackles very well and is a good play maker. He doesn't try to do everything on his own. But that is a coaching issue.

Hope to see a lot of him in the future.

[Sting]

When does the Currie Cup start?

[APoc184]

9 July

[APoc184]

Round 1
9 July 12h00 Leopards v Lions Potchefstroom
9 July 19h10 Blue Bulls v Pumas Pretoria
10 July 15h00 Griquas v Sharks Kimberley
10 July 17h05 Cheetahs v Western Province Bloemfontein

[GreGorGy]

It is pretty scary. But they are not much smaller at schoolboy level.
Grey College has a wing, Jan Serfontein. He stands 1.87m tall and weighs almost 100kg. A monster of player.

Mmmm - so, who's gonna buy him? I see a treasure like this playing:
(1) FS - cos like Juan he's a loyal, dedicated Vrystater...
(2) WP - cos they currently seem to have an open cheque book...
(3) Sharks - cos they need quality at any price and often hunt at Grey
(4) BULLS - cos he's good enough

Shame - he's still at school. Can the other unions at least give him a chance to play in orange?

[Pitbull]

What do you guys think of Louw as a replacement for Burger?

[APoc184]

FloLouw had a great Super14 and he continued that form against France.

Great replacement.

[Pitbull]

FloLouw had a great Super14 and he continued that form against France.

Great replacement.

Between him and Brussow? Which would you play?

I agree Louw had a brilliant super 14, but why not keep Brussow. He is a brilliant fetcher :confused:

[APoc184]

Brussow is injured and will only return next year.

But if I had to choose. No contest. Brussow.

[Pitbull]

Brussow is injured and will only return next year.

But if I had to choose. No contest. Brussow.

aha,

Now that explains it :) Thanx I was actually wondering why he's not in the squad, now I know.

[waynegohl]

i think the aussie rugby team are crooks.

[Pitbull]

Anyone know what time the game is on today? Boks vs Italy?

[APoc184]

Kick-off is 15h00

EDIT: A little shameless advertising, but if you can't watch the game. Follow Live updates on http://twitter.com/RugbyFifteen

[Sting]

Anyone know what time the game is on today? Boks vs Italy?

Eish, another shameless punt for my thread!!
http://mybroadband.co.za/vb/showthread.php?242258-This-weekend-s-live-sport-on-DSTV-18-19-20June-2010

[APoc184]

New Zealand vs Wales up in less than an hour.

Surely the Dragons will not be a push-over like the Irish last week.

[Sting]

I think the All Blacks are going to slay the Dragons - big time. 50 pointer.

[APoc184]

By that much?

I think about 25 points.

[Sting]

No, AB will score over 50. Spread will be 25-30.

[APoc184]

Makes sense.

Still can't believe how useless the Irish have been of late.
At one stage I thought NZ were going to put a 100 past them last week.

And that punk Jamie Heaslip with his knees on Richie McCaw. Only a 5 match suspension though.

[Pitbull]

Thanks guys for the time and links.

NZ beat Wales by that much :eek:

No ways, Wales have a good team. I'll give it a score of about 17 - 20 NZ. Wales might even win it.

[EtienneK]

If our 3rd stringers gave the Welsh such a hard time, I can only imagine what the first choice ABs are going to do!

[APoc184]

I think use better watch the haka tonight! It's gonna make ya spine tingle!

A tweet from Piri Weepu.

Wonder if they've got something special up their sleeves again. A dragon slayer move?

[Pitbull]

A tweet from Piri Weepu.

Wonder if they've got something special up their sleeves again. A dragon slayer move?

That kicik off time? 10:00?

[APoc184]

09h35 - They are already Live on SS1 now.

[Pitbull]

09h35 - They are already Live on SS1 now.

Got it thanx mate.

[Sting]

Awesome HAKA !!!!!!!

Kapo o Pango

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haka_(sports)#.22Kapa_o_Pango.22_2005

[APoc184]

**** I missed it.

[sand_man]

Taping it... Let me go have a look...

ooooh.... extended 12" version....

[APoc184]

Wow, Wales are really starting well here.

[Pitbull]

Ouch, the All Blacks have allot of work to do :D

Told you Wales have a good squad :p

[Sting]

Sag maak proses...

[Pitbull]

Sag maak proses...

lol, doesn't work like that :D

Sure, I doubt Wales can cope with having to defend for 80 minutes. But currently NZ is doing ALL the defending ;)

[APoc184]

All Blacks haven't really had ball yet.

I can't believe they are playing Cory Jane on the wing. He was the stand out 15 for me in the NZ Super14 squads.
Israel Dagg is actually more of a utility player and would have been a better pick on the wing.

Are the All Blacks making the same mistake as SA with Brent Russel, Ruan Pienaar and a few other players?

[Pitbull]

All Blacks haven't really had ball yet.

I can't believe they are playing Cory Jane on the wing. He was the stand out 15 for me in the NZ Super14 squads.
Israel Dagg is actually more of a utility player and would have been a better pick on the wing.

Are the All Blacks making the same mistake as SA with Brent Russel, Ruan Pienaar and a few other players?

If you want to win the All Blacks, keep possession and don't let them get turn overs. Simple and effective. No team in the world can defend for 80 minutes, just keep the ball in hand and push forward. Wales have a very good chance at winning this game if they stick to this game plan. Just need to minimise those 50/50 up and unders. And they can win.

[APoc184]

15-9 at half-time.

Impressed with Wales.
But this just proves how pathetic Ireland was last weekend.

[Sting]

Nog 'n bietjie sag maak ....

[waynegohl]

what time is the game starting today because the papers give different times and we might go watch at my daughters place?

[APoc184]

Oh well. Wales did well for 60min.

All Blacks just too strong and persistent.

42-9 with 5minutes to go.

[APoc184]

what time is the game starting today because the papers give different times and we might go watch at my daughters place?

Kick-off is at 15h00

[Pitbull]

Oh well. Wales did well for 60min.

All Blacks just too strong and persistent.

42-9 with 5minutes to go.

Yea, Moggie was right.

Problem is Wales had the right idea in the first 1/2 no idea what they did the second 1/2. They are just throwing away possession so the All Blacks can run back at them. I expected more from this game tbh.

[waynegohl]

thanks bud and boy was that a quick response.

[Sting]

Yea, Moggie was right.

Problem is Wales had the right idea in the first 1/2 no idea what they did the second 1/2. They are just throwing away possession so the All Blacks can run back at them. I expected more from this game tbh.

Australia vs England

This is a whole different matter. This will be tight. The English scrum is awesome and they "scored" 2 penalty tries last week.

Cannot under why Martin Johnson does not start with Jonny Wilkinson. If he's fit he MUST play! Much as I do not like him, he is brilliant!

[Pitbull]

Very good win by England over Australia.

Dit you see how the game changed when Jonny Wilkinson came on :eek: Jonny is back ....

[Sting]

And now for our game!!!

Bokke by at least 30. Again there will be about 30 minutes of resistance and then the floodgates will open.

Also see a quick try...

[cr@zydude]

One good thing for SA rugby, no more going to the house of pain. NZ's game against Wales today was the last at Carisbrook.

[Pitbull]

And now for our game!!!

Bokke by at least 30. Again there will be about 30 minutes of resistance and then the floodgates will open.

Also see a quick try...

Mallett said if his team loses by 20 points or less, he'll shave his head. Maybe Mallett will get a Mallet?

[Pitbull]

I'm soooooo glad Dewald Potgieter is kept in the team. I love the way that guy plays Rugby.

[APoc184]

Very disappointed that the stadium is not full.

Did somebody tell Witbank the Boks are there?

Castrogiovani. Castro who? Guthro destroying him today.

[BLIXEMPIE]

Is it just me or is the ref totally ignorant? It seems as if he might be having a migraine.

[BLIXEMPIE]

At one point there was the clearest obstruction ever by the Italian side, 3 men standing in the way of Morne Steyn trying to get at an Italian player with the ball. Just when Habana scored the 1st try you can see the ref clutching his forehead as if in agony.

[Sting]

OK... 30 minutes are up and ..... TRYYYYYYYY !!!!

[Sting]

When are SS going to get better commentators?

[BLIXEMPIE]

Let's predict the score. SA to win 30 - 3.

[Sting]

Let's predict the score. SA to win 30 - 3.

Add another 20 to the Bokke... second half they are going to slaughter the Itais!!

[APoc184]

When are SS going to get better commentators?

I'm still waiting for them to make me an offer. :p

[BLIXEMPIE]

Mallett said if his team loses by 20 points or less, he'll shave his head. Maybe Mallett will get a Mallet?

You mean a mullet?

[Sting]

Time to sub Ricky Januarie.....

[Sting]

Joel Stransky whining is working on my tits.

[APoc184]

Can't say that we didn't expect Butch to get a yellow for a dangerous tackle.

At least he is consistent in a Bok Jersey

[Sting]

Interesting move!!!

RP and Butch (9-10)

[APoc184]

We are really sloppy at the moment.

[BLIXEMPIE]

Springboks performance much worse in the 2nd half.

And Butch James is an arrogant idiot. Got what he deserved.

[BLIXEMPIE]

The Italians totally screwed up my Superbru prediction. Thanks a lot.

[Sting]

Poor second half. One of the primary reasons was that we were not protecting the ball and the scrumhalf and allowed the game to loosen up.

[Mephisto_Helix]

shocking game ... i fully blame pdv for playing chop players and for mucking up our combinations.

[BLIXEMPIE]

Bit of a shocking result, England beats Australia 21 - 20.

[Pitbull]

Add another 20 to the Bokke... second half they are going to slaughter the Itais!!

Eish, that must hurt :p


You mean a mullet?

Yes that :D


Can't say that we didn't expect Butch to get a yellow for a dangerous tackle.

At least he is consistent in a Bok Jersey

That is the reason he aint playing for the Boks and he wonders why .....

[Pitbull]

shocking game ... i fully blame pdv for playing chop players and for mucking up our combinations.

Would you try new combinations against Italy before the Tri-nations or try them during the Tri-nations?

PdV needs to know who works where and with who incase there is injuries during the Tri-nations. The aim of this game was to test new combinations which he will continue to do next week and win. He accomplished both which is good imho.

[Sting]

:o

[BLIXEMPIE]

It seems Mallett ain't gettin' a mullet after all. :P

[Pitbull]

It seems Mallett ain't gettin' a mullet after all. :P

He is, they lost by less than 20 points :D Can't wait for next week's pre-game interview :D

[GreGorGy]

Mmmmm - agree with player experimentation when it no longer matters BUT...

play like this in PE when there is no altitude advantage and the outcome can be very different.

[waynegohl]

i mentioned that he was a bit of a thug but was told he was a good player, oh well.

[Sting]

Second Test in East London next week.

Hope that PDV tries to pick his #1 squad ahead of the Tri-Nations!

[APoc184]

Bye bye Butch.

Only one player that stood out for me today. Guthro.
He destroyed the "Soul Destoyer" Castrogiovani.

[BLIXEMPIE]

Ooooh! I see. Misread. You said if they lose by LESS than 20 points he'll shave. Nice!

[BLIXEMPIE]

Btw. For those who don't know, the score was 29 - 13 to SA.

[APoc184]

Thanks to rpm for making the thread a Sticky.

Looks like New Zealand are peaking ahead of the world cup, AGAIN. ;)

[EtienneK]

Man. That match was a let-down. First time I've ever fell asleep in the middle of a rugga game!!

We better play better next week!!

[GreGorGy]

Looks like New Zealand are peaking ahead of the world cup, AGAIN. ;)

A similar thought crossed my mind....

So, when should one peak? And how long does a peak last?

[D3x]

Butch you arrogant & you have an attitude problem.

I too hope P Diddy puts in our FULL Tr-Nations team against Italy for the last game.

[phoneJunky]

I really think that Matfield needs a rest, so we can play the full team accept for Matfield.

Who was man of the match?

[Sting]

I really think that Matfield needs a rest, so we can play the full team accept for Matfield.

Who was man of the match?

Italian 8th man?

[phoneJunky]

It should be him (Parisse) or Steenkamp in my opinion, I never saw who it was and they didn't interview the man of the match.

[cr@zydude]

I think that this could be interesting:


Johannesburg – The involvement of former Springbok flank Rassie Erasmus in the new International Super Rugby (ISR) competition will not affect his job as director of coaching at the Western Province Rugby Union.

Capetonians can therefore rest assured that Erasmus will still put the interests of the Stormers and WP first and foremost and will still strive to make these two teams the most successful in the country.

Erasmus, his namesake Frikkie Erasmus, a Cape Town lawyer businessman, and two very well-known names in South African rugby are in the process of founding a new international competition in South Africa – something that will change the look of SA rugby dramatically.

The new competition will begin in January 2012 and is based on the Indian Premier League cricket series with shorter matches lasting only half as long as a normal game, and adjustments to rules to make the game faster.

More than 200 of the world's finest rugby players will fight it out at the city's brand new World Cup Soccer stadiums in Cape Town and Durban, playing in a series in which eight teams with a lot of international flavour will compete for about three weeks for handsome prize money.

Springboks like John Smit, Victor Matfield, Bryan Habana, Schalk Burger, Jean de Villiers, Juan Smith, Jaque Fourie, Heinrich Brüssow and Bismarck du Plessis, All Blacks stars like Richie McCaw and Daniel Carter and the Aussies Phil Waugh and James O’Connor, as well as several other top players from England, France and Argentina will be part of the new competition.

Erasmus has already discussed his future, and ISR plans, with the WP rugby bosses and they are satisfied that he will stay on as the Cape Town director of rugby.

The planned ISR competition will however force the country's provincial unions to review their current players' contracts. South Africa, New Zealand and Australia's Super Rugby franchises may also have to think about their preparations for this annual competition between teams of the Southern Hemisphere.

Super rugby teams usually start training early in January but in 2010, coaches may have to wait until February before they can begin preparing as players may be involved with the new competition.

All the international players who have been earmarked to play in the first ISR competition, have contracts with their national bodies and relevant provincial unions and teams that expire at the end of 2011.

According to Sport24's information, they will only sign new contracts with their countries and any provincial unions or teams if they are allowed to take part annually in the ISR competition from 2012.

But the new competition Could also be of great benefit for the South African Rugby Union as local players will be able to earn extra money in the series and therefore not have to leave the country for better pay overseas.

The expectation is that top players will earn millions – more than their current annual salaries – in the ISR series and will have no reason to seek greener pastures outside of South Africa.

News24 (http://www.sport24.co.za/Rugby/Rassie-brings-IPL-to-rugby-20100621)

So, any thoughts? Will the Currie Cup still have a place in SA rugby? With Super Rugby until August, and talk of the CC being cut to 6 teams, plus this new series in January, what will happen to it?

[GreGorGy]

Just read that myself and thought "what a pile!"

For almost all of the rugby fans I know, their passion is from and for supporting their team. This kind of arrangement would take away that passion and just have a lottery to see which team gets which players. And then they go and play in the Toilet Bowls of Cape Town and Durban. Sorry, no interest and no support.

And the we can face the very real prospect of critical players being injured before the real season begins. Rassie, this is stupid...

[APoc184]

So, yet another player leaving Jo'burg.

http://www.sport24.co.za/Rugby/Clever-quits-Lions-for-Japan-20100621


American No 8 Todd Clever will leave the Lions and join up with Japanese club Suntory after three seasons in Johannesburg.

[APoc184]

RE: IPL type tournament

I'm currently running a "poll/opinion" post on our Rugby15 Facebook and Twitter accounts.

After a few early votes it looks like the majority support the idea.

Will let you know what the final score was.

[cr@zydude]

I know that this will never happen, but a conversation with some friends about the fate of the Currie Cup and news of this new 'IPL style' rugby tournement, make me feel like posting this. If I could set up how pro rugby worked in SA, and SANZAR to and extenet, this is what I would want. Take all 14 unions, and put them in the Currie Cup, Divide them into 2 pools, based on strength, so pool A has 1,4,5,8,9,12,13 Pool b has 2,3,6,7,10,11,14. Pools to be redrawn each year. Each team then plays every team in their pool twice, and ever team in the other pool once, which gives 19 games, This would be followed by semis and a final and 3rd place game. This can be done in about 23 weeks.

The top 3 teams would then qualify for the Super tournement, which should run during the season like the Heineken Cup. The top 3 teams from SA and NZ, and the top 2 from Aus and Argentina. The teams are drawn into 2 pools of 5, play each team in your pool once for 4 games, and then semis and a final.

The teams involved in Super Rugby would extend the Currie Cup, but in total I think that this could be done in about 30 weeks.

I like it, but I know it's never going to happen, just my ideas.

[APoc184]

Nou is die Cheetahs in die kuk!

Earl Rose to join Cheetahs (http://www.sport24.co.za/Rugby/Rose-could-become-a-Cheetah-20100621)


Johannesburg - Springbok fullback Earl Rose could be heading for Bloemfontein to join the Cheetahs if an ambitious player swop between last year’s Currie Cup finalists and the Lions comes to fruition.

Rose, who fell out of favour and was dropped from the Lions squad by coach Dick Muir earlier this year in the Vodacom Super 14, is in the Cheetahs sights as they start moving to replace Lionel Mapoe, who looks almost certain to win his fight to join the Sharks.

With Danwell Demas heading to Italy, Rose will be hoping to get a new lease of life in the Absa Currie Cup if the negotiations are successful and could be a straight swop for another Springbok – No8 Ashley Johnson who may head to Johannesburg.

Lions CEO Manie Reyneke confirmed to Supersport.com that he had received a request to start negotiations for Rose to move to the Cheetahs.

“We have been approached and we are busy negotiating with the Cheetahs about Earl. We have also expressed interest in Ashley Johnson coming to us. Nothing is finalised yet but we are hopeful,” Reyneke told Supersport.com.

Rose fell out of favour at Vodacom Cup level but is known to be a talented player favoured by Springbok coach Peter de Villiers. If he manages to find some form in Bloemfontein and sort out his tackling woes, he could well play his way back into contention for the end of year tour.

It is a similar saga with Johnson, who despite a promising Currie Cup last year, failed to produce the same form either at international level or in the Super 14. The Lions already have a number of talented loose forwards, including Wikus van Heerden and Jonathan Mokuena, but Johnson is likely to offset the departure of American Todd Clever.

While initial reports are that Clever is heading to Japan to further his career, Reyneke said the main reason they had released the American was that he was heading back to the United States for a shoulder operation which would keep him out of action for a lengthy period.

Clever needed the operation to ensure he was fully fit for next year’s World Cup but his move will be a loss to the Lions. The No8 told Eaglesxv.com that he was heading to Suntory in Japan to further his career.

“I will always be a Lion, but it is now time to take the next step in my career and explore new challenges,” Clever told the EaglesXV.com website.

“I have decided to continue my playing career in Japan and also focus on helping USA Rugby reach higher plateaus of achievement.”

Clever paid tribute to the Lions after a successful stint with the Johannesburg-based club.

“I am thankful for the opportunities that the Lions have given me.

“I have had three seasons here - two Super 14s and a Currie Cup. I have had three coaches and have won over each of them by showing my dedication and heart. I have been proud to put on the Lions jersey week in and week out.”

“I have had the best team-mates a player can ask for, and I am excited for their future progress. The team is about to turn the corner. Though I am sad I can’t take the ride with them, I will always be a Lions supporter. Thanks to the Lions as I leave with the door open for future opportunities with Super 14!”

[D3x]

Hahahahahahah Cheetahs are going to be in *** if they let ER join them.

Please say NO to ER. Let him to back to his flat in Yeoville with his tik.

[APoc184]

Hey!!

Don't laugh, it is my team.

[Sting]

AJ to Lions is OK as Cheetahs are the breeding ground for great loose forwards....

But Earl the Pearl????? Eish, no wonder all the youngsters want to leave the Free State!!!

[D3x]

Hey!!

Don't laugh, it is my team.

LOL

Thats why I DON'T want Earl there. I really like the Cheetahs & their style of play & I shout for them when they play against any other team, except the Bulls but if Earl becomes part of that line up, it will spoil it for me.

[Devill]

ER might surprise if he joins the cheetahs seeing as the cheetahs play style will fit him like a glove. But I am afraid there are better players than ER out there ....

[APoc184]

I am a big Cheetah supporter and this shocked me a bit, but I have to agree with Devill.

Earl Rose might just fit in with the Cheetahs and their game plan.
The Cheetahs have in recent times turned around numerous players' careers after they couldn't regain form with their old union or weren't given enough game time to prove themselves.
2 easy ones that comes to mind is, Marius Joubert, who have now won the French Top 14 final with Clermont a while back and of course Jacques Louis Potgieter, who played so well that the Bulls asked him to come back.

Rose or no Rose, I will always remain a Cheetah supporter. I am willing to give him a chance and see what he can achieve at the Cheetahs.

[Devill]

I am a big Cheetah supporter and this shocked me a bit, but I have to agree with Devill.

Earl Rose might just fit in with the Cheetahs and their game plan.
The Cheetahs have in recent times turned around numerous players' careers after they couldn't regain form with their old union or weren't given enough game time to prove themselves.
2 easy ones that comes to mind is, Marius Joubert, who have now won the French Top 14 final with Clermont a while back and of course Jacques Louis Potgieter, who played so well that the Bulls asked him to come back.

Rose or no Rose, I will always remain a Cheetah supporter. I am willing to give him a chance and see what he can achieve at the Cheetahs.

ER has been poor in the last year or two but he is realy talented (not saying Fourie du Preez talented) as was seen in him showcasing his talents with the u19 boks.

All the best of luck to him where ever he goes an hopefully he finds a place to fit in.

[APoc184]

Bok team for Saturday's game.


15. Gio Aplon, 14. Jean de Villiers, 13. Jaque Fourie, 12. Juan de Jongh, 11. Bryan Habana, 10. Morné Steyn, 9. Ricky Januarie, 8. Pierre Spies, 7. Francois Louw, 6. Schalk Burger, 5. Andries Bekker, 4. Bakkies Botha, 3. Jannie du Plessis, 2. John Smit (captain), 1. Gurthrö Steenkamp

Substitutes: 16. Chiliboy Ralepelle, 17. BJ Botha, 18. Danie Rossouw, 19. Dewald Potgieter, 20. Ruan Pienaar, 21. Butch James, 22. Wynand Oliver

[phoneJunky]

Very strong Stormers flavour there

[Devill]

Bok team for Saturday's game.

14. Jean de Villiers.... Mmm this will be interesting but I think I would have rather put Fourie on the wing... although fourie and de jong's S14 "combo" is prob the reason why pdivvy has paired De Jong and Fourie :)

[APoc184]

I feel they could have played Bjorn Basson on the wing and bring Jean de Villiers of the bench. Dropping Butch completely.

[D3x]

I feel they could have played Bjorn Basson on the wing and bring Jean de Villiers of the bench. Dropping Butch completely.

Thats actually a better idea. +1

[Devill]

I feel they could have played Bjorn Basson on the wing and bring Jean de Villiers of the bench. Dropping Butch completely.

Mmm I am scared to drop butch as he is one of those cometh the moment cometh the man type of players. He showed he can in the WC2007. But I guess judging on past form we should also still be playing Os and Kobus Wiesse :p

[APoc184]

My personal opinion is that Butch is not on form. Had a long injury lay-off he had at Bath, he wasn't the same when he came back. And if Peter de Villiers insists on playing him at centre, then he would also not be a option for me. SA actually has too much player depth in certain positions at the moment.

[APoc184]

http://www.rugby15.co.za/2010/06/springbok-squad-for-second-italy-test

Here is the link to the squad.

[APoc184]

This was just posted about the Earl Rose/Cheetahs subject:

A fan mailed Cheetahs boss Harold Verster and he then replied.


Harold,
Ek hoop julle is besig om n April fool te trek, want ek SAL geen span ondersteun wat vir Earl Rose in die span het nie! Ek sal nie die enigste lojale ondersteuner wees wat nie meer die Vrystaat ondersteun nie. .

...Harold se reply: Dis bog ons sal hom nie vat als betaal hulle ons. Sent via my BlackBerry from Vodacom!

Darem weet ons nou Harold het n BB....

[Devill]

This was just posted about the Earl Rose/Cheetahs subject:

A fan mailed Cheetahs boss Harold Verster and he then replied.

HAHAHAHAHA! :D

I would ahve liked to see RP start the game.

[cr@zydude]

I always thought that there was more to this story:


Johannesburg – Flyhalf Steve Meyer has decided on a return to rugby following his sudden and curious “retirement” earlier this year.

Meyer, 26, dropped a bomb at the Sharks just ahead of the Super 14 when he announced his retirement scarcely a week after being contracted. It was said then that the pressure was too much for him.

But now he’s part of the Sharks set-up again, though he has not been offered a contract.

Meyer is training with the team and may be part of the squad that plays a friendly against the Falcons in Nigel on Friday evening.

News24 (http://www.sport24.co.za/Rugby/Meyer-out-of-retirement-20100623)

When he first 'retired' I thought that he was just trying to get out of the contract to take up a more lucrative one later. Now, it seems like it could have been drug or steriod related.

[APoc184]

http://www.rugby15.co.za/2010/06/francois-hougaard-available-for-bok-selection/


The hand injury that kept Bulls flyer Francois Hougaard on the sideline for the Tests against Wales, France and Italy looks like a thing of the past.

He is fit and training with the Blue Bulls in preparation for their Currie Cup campaign. This means that he is also available for Springbok selection.

22-year old Hougaard was one of the Bulls’ star performers during the Super 14 tournament, scoring tries from everywhere.

He played on the wing the whole Super 14, but with Fourie du Preez out of action he will move back to his preferred position of scrumhalf. If he gets picked for the Boks, it would be interesting to see where Springbok coach Peter de Villiers plays him.

De Villiers will be naming his squad for the upcoming Tri-Nations within the next 10 days, and based on Super 14 form, Hougaard should see his name included on the list of 26 players.

Hougaard is another product of Paul Roos Gymnasium. He also represented SA u/19 in 2007 and SA u/20 in 2008. He made his first Super14 appearance for the Bulls in 2008.

I would love to see him on the wing. He made that position his own this year.
And then he is just as good at scrummie.

[Sting]

And then he is just as good at scrummie.

That's where I want him to play, especially now that Fourie du Preez is out...

[Devill]

http://www.rugby15.co.za/2010/06/francois-hougaard-available-for-bok-selection/



I would love to see him on the wing. He made that position his own this year.
And then he is just as good at scrummie.

I would put him and RP on the bench. Then you are covering every position in the backline with these two (I am sure hougaard played inside centre at one stage earlier in his career). Then you can fill the rest of the bench with fowards.

[APoc184]

Danie Rossouw has been ruled out of the Italy test. Hip injury.
Flip "Chop" van der Merwe takes his place on the bench.

[Devill]

Danie Rossouw has been ruled out of the Italy test. Hip injury.
Flip "Chop" van der Merwe takes his place on the bench.

Maybe a blessing in disguise... Russouw has played a lot this year and maybe a week or two off before coming back against the all blacks or ausies will do him some good for this years extended season.

[APoc184]

Indeed.

Victor and Rossouw resting. That can only be good news for Tri-Nations.

The Springbok squad for the Tr-Nations will be announced on Saturday after the Italy test. Will post and discuss here as soon as it is up.

[Sting]

Hougaard with Bok squad

http://www.sport24.co.za/Rugby/Hougaard-with-Bok-squad-20100624


East London - Bulls winger and scrumhalf Francois Hougaard is in East London and spent the day in the Springboks' hotel - and the indications are that he will be included in the Springbok side for the Australasian leg of the Tri-Nations tour which is to be announced on Saturday night.

No official announcement was made by SARU as to why Hougaard has joined the squad but it has been learnt that he is in East London to be kitted out after missing out on the four Tests before the Tri-Nations tour.

Hougaard has a broken bone in his hand, but this week said that he was fit should he be called up by Springbok coach Peter de Villiers. Perhaps he then already knew something not divulged to the media yet. He has been training with the Blue Bulls Currie Cup side although he has not made contact since the Super 14 final four weeks ago.

Springbok communications manager Anthony Mackaiser on Thursday confirmed that the Bulls wing who played his only Test against Italy on the 2009 year-end tour as a replacement in his preferred position of scrumhalf, did not train with the Springboks but was there officially.

That conforms with unofficial comment that he is there to be kitted out - and if so his selection will be bad news for one of a number of players who might be affected by the options Hougaard's versatility brings to the side.

Good news!!

[APoc184]

Great news about Hougaard.

I don't know if any of you guys have heard about wheelchair rugby before?

Anyway. A very good friend of mine who lost both his legs and his left arm in a freak accident has been playing wheelchair rugby for the past few years. He even made the Springbok team that traveled to New Zealand a year or two ago. Only player at the World Cup that only has one arm. All other players have two arms.

They are playing a tournament tomorrow at the Pretoria Showgrounds - At the disabled centre.
If you want to come and watch, feel free. Everybody is welcome.

Most of the guys played rugby before they got injured/lost limbs, or they just had a passion for rugby and decided to try it. Now they are hooked.

I am going to the tournament tomorrow and decided to do an article for Rugby15 about the sport.
Just explain the rules, get a bit of history about the sport, interview some players and also take some photos.
If you've got any questions you would like me to ask them. PM me and I will get it answered for you. :)

Will post the story/link here once done.

[APoc184]

NEWS JUST IN:

Beast has been granted SA citizenship and available for Springbok selection.

[APoc184]

http://www.rugby15.co.za/2010/06/the-beast-is-back/


It comes only a day before the announcement of the Springbok squad for the Tri-Nations, but Tendai Mtawarira a.k.a The Beast has been granted SA citizenship and is now available for the Boks.

This comes after Beast was excluded from the tests against Wales, France and Italy due to issues with his SA citizenship. Beast did not have a valid SA passport and after the Ministry of Sport made it clear that no foreign player can be selected to represent a national team,he had to be left out of the squad.

Minister for Home Affairs, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma granted Beast’s citizenship, for which Oregan Hoskins, president of the South African Rugby Union was very gratefull.

“I’d like to personally thank Minister Dlamini-Zuma for her intervention to assist in this matter. It had long been the Beast’s desire to become naturalised and he has had to endure some difficult times in recent months. He is now eligible for selection should he fit into the plans of the coach and national selectors.” said Hoskins.

[james@rugby15]

[Sting]

All Blacks vs Wales - 2nd Test

Tougher than last week?

Maybe, but it will be a win for the AB in the end. Tough and physical upfront.

Will Wales target Dan Carter? If they want to win they will have to neutralise him - one way or another!

[APoc184]

Results for the weekend

New Zealand 29-10 Wales
Australia 22-15 Ireland
South Africa 55-11 Italy
Argentina 41-13 France

[cr@zydude]

Results for the weekend

New Zealand 29-10 Wales
Australia 22-15 Ireland
South Africa 55-11 Italy
Argentina 41-13 France

Nice to see the Southern Hemisphere get a clean sweep. :)

[GreGorGy]

It's awash out there with the same thing: great squad but:
Ralepele, Kirchner, January = quota
James = washed out

Aaaaargh!

January can make 3 acceptable appearances in a row and "he got lucky".
Zane can can be average and he is a quota player.
Chili can spend 8 months honing his craft and he is not good enough to make his own franchise's S14 team.

But RP can have a **** season day in day out and he is "having a bad day at the office"
FS gets excluded and it is because of quotas and coaches that don't like him.

FFS - I wish some people would take their heads out of their arses and go watch Vodacom Cup games and explore the thorough depth in SA rugby before making their dumb-ass comments. I watched C-BR play a few VC games and he has been improving in leaps and bounds. Where previously Jake White exploited his youth, he is now coming into his own. And as for Zane, he has all the makings of legend if only he gets a fair shot at it without the regular quota boos. Which brings us to January. Not my first choice to replace FdP but on current form, and seeing as how they completely missed Kockott, it is as good as it is gonna get and I for one will not shout QUOTA while sleepers also enjoy position in the team.

Nice one P-divvy

[APoc184]

Craven week results for Day1

http://www.rugby15.co.za/2010/06/day1-craven-week-2010/

[Sting]

Craven week results for Day1

http://www.rugby15.co.za/2010/06/day1-craven-week-2010/

Hehehehe!!!

Eastern Province 19 Blue Bulls 17

Within a year all the EP players will be gone - off to greener pastures!

[GreGorGy]

Hehehehe!!!

Eastern Province 19 Blue Bulls 17

Within a year all the EP players will be gone - off to greener pastures!

fixed

[APoc184]

What is your take on Sonny Bill Williams?

* Rugby league convert. Walked out of his contract to join French club Toulon. Went AWOL.
* Some people go on about him as if he is the best thing since sliced bread.
* Lots of hype about him coming back from France to play for the All Blacks. Maybe.
* Will be playing for Crusaders in next year's Super 15
* Toulon offered him the biggest contract(money) in the history of the sport. They obviously think he is the real deal.
* He declined that offer to play in next year's RWC. Patriotic or just stupid? :confused:

[cr@zydude]

Hehehehe!!!

Eastern Province 19 Blue Bulls 17

Within a year all the EP players will be gone - off to greener pastures!

If only EP could hold onto the junior players. :(


What is your take on Sonny Bill Williams?

* Rugby league convert. Walked out of his contract to join French club Toulon. Went AWOL.
* Some people go on about him as if he is the best thing since sliced bread.
* Lots of hype about him coming back from France to play for the All Blacks. Maybe.
* Will be playing for Crusaders in next year's Super 15
* Toulon offered him the biggest contract(money) in the history of the sport. They obviously think he is the real deal.
* He declined that offer to play in next year's RWC. Patriotic or just stupid? :confused:

He's just plain stupid. He also walked out on some rugby league team in Aus before he went to Toulon. Went AWOL, and Toulon ended up paying some huge transfer fee.

[Devill]

Great news about Hougaard.

I don't know if any of you guys have heard about wheelchair rugby before?

Anyway. A very good friend of mine who lost both his legs and his left arm in a freak accident has been playing wheelchair rugby for the past few years. He even made the Springbok team that traveled to New Zealand a year or two ago. Only player at the World Cup that only has one arm. All other players have two arms.

They are playing a tournament tomorrow at the Pretoria Showgrounds - At the disabled centre.
If you want to come and watch, feel free. Everybody is welcome.

Most of the guys played rugby before they got injured/lost limbs, or they just had a passion for rugby and decided to try it. Now they are hooked.

I am going to the tournament tomorrow and decided to do an article for Rugby15 about the sport.
Just explain the rules, get a bit of history about the sport, interview some players and also take some photos.
If you've got any questions you would like me to ask them. PM me and I will get it answered for you. :)

Will post the story/link here once done.

There was a movie about it iirc. Murderball it is called.

[APoc184]

There was a movie about it iirc. Murderball it is called.

That's right yes. Murderball.

I went to the tournament on Saturday.
Was awesome. Really had so much fun with the guys.
There is even woman playing now.

I met the national coach. Had a chat with the referees.
And tried playing with the guys. Hehe. Respect! Only lasted 5minutes and my arms are still sore.

[Devill]

That's right yes. Murderball.

I went to the tournament on Saturday.
Was awesome. Really had so much fun with the guys.
There is even woman playing now.

I met the national coach. Had a chat with the referees.
And tried playing with the guys. Hehe. Respect! Only lasted 5minutes and my arms are still sore.

Yeah those guys must be tough as coffin nails imo.

[APoc184]

What is going on with the Bulls' Craven week side?

Losing to EP and then to the Lions.
Looks like another WP vs Free State final.

[Devill]

What is going on with the Bulls' Craven week side?

Losing to EP and then to the Lions.
Looks like another WP vs Free State final.

The bulls are only human :p I know i know they might not look it at times :D

[APoc184]

Sydney- An angry fan who knocked out a linesman at a junior rugby league match has been banned for 50 years from having involvement with the sport.

Pita Tupou, a 20-year-old factory worker, punched the linesman whom he had mistaken for the referee after an under-16 match between the Leichhardt Wanderers and Strathfield Raiders in Sydney on May 9.

Tupou appeared at the Burwood Local Court on Thursday where he pleaded guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm. He will be sentenced on August 12.

The New South Wales Rugby League, meanwhile, banned Tupou from having any involvement with the sport until 2060. The ban prevents Tupou from playing league or performing any role such as coaching, training or managing a team. (http://www.sport24.co.za/Rugby/Fan-slapped-with-50-year-ban-20100701)

Disgrace.

[cr@zydude]

Disgrace.

I assume that he is also banned from going to games right? The article doesn't say so, but surely he is.

[Devill]

I assume that he is also banned from going to games right? The article doesn't say so, but surely he is.

I was also wondering about that :p

Good on the board for heavy ban.

[APoc184]

I would also like to see a ban from all matches, even as supporter but the problem is enforcing the ban.
Who is going to make sure he doesn't go to matches?

Same with Piet van Zyl. Has anyone bothered to check if he stayed away from rugby since his ban?

[GreGorGy]

I would also like to see a ban from all matches, even as supporter but the problem is enforcing the ban.
Who is going to make sure he doesn't go to matches?

Same with Piet van Zyl. Has anyone bothered to check if he stayed away from rugby since his ban?

So unfair that - he's a hero. Player 23.....
:)

[APoc184]

Massive speculation that the Tri-Nations test between Boks and All Blacks will be moved from Ellis Park to Soccer City.
SARU set to announce it soon.

Mmmm....

[APoc184]

Wow. What a class performance from the Free State Craven Week(Grey College) side.

Smashing WP 42-21 in the main match of the tournament.

Johan Goosen is a name to remember. Sure all the unions are sitting ready with their cheque books to sign him.

[sand_man]

Yip, Grey Bloem continue to produce the countries best rugby players!!! What an amazing school that is!!! Arguably one of the greatest sporting schools in the world..

[LancelotSA]

Rugby is indeed the true beautiful game :D

[sand_man]

Rugby is indeed the true beautiful game :DAgreed. There few sports that can replicate the physicality, intensity and energy around a pack of forwards battling for the oval ball. Quite unique....

[APoc184]

http://www.rugby15.co.za/2010/07/day5-craven-week-2010/

All the results for Craven Week Day 5.
Day 1-4 is on the site somewhere.

[sand_man]

Massive speculation that the Tri-Nations test between Boks and All Blacks will be moved from Ellis Park to Soccer City.
SARU set to announce it soon.

Mmmm....Damn that would be sweeeet!!!!!

[APoc184]

Damn that would be sweeeet!!!!!

Well, Graham Henry sort of confirmed it when he said at a press conference that they are going to play a test in a stadium that seat 94'000 people.

[Mephisto_Helix]

What is it with the hardon for this place? Some people are getting giddy with the whole idea. Tickets will cost an absolute fortune so it won't do anything for broadening the sport in the area and there will be bucketloads of tards blowing vuvuzela's ... that to me = fail.

[Sting]

What is it with the hardon for this place? Some people are getting giddy with the whole idea. Tickets will cost an absolute fortune so it won't do anything for broadening the sport in the area and there will be bucketloads of tards blowing vuvuzela's ... that to me = fail.

SA Rugby should ban the vuvuzela !!!

[APoc184]

I don't really have an opinion about where and why the test is played.
Only thing I can think about is that Ellis Park is in a really dodgy place but it is still the Bok Fortress.

[APoc184]

SA Rugby should ban the vuvuzela !!!

It is well on its way.
First Newlands banned it. Then the Free State union. I'm sure the other unions will follow soon.

[GreGorGy]

Rugby is indeed the true beautiful game :D

Dammit! Lance found our thread!

[sand_man]

What is it with the hardon for this place? Some people are getting giddy with the whole idea. Tickets will cost an absolute fortune so it won't do anything for broadening the sport in the area and there will be bucketloads of tards blowing vuvuzela's ... that to me = fail.90 000 Bok supporters shouting at 15 little men dressed in black... that's what!!!! If Loftus and Ellis Park are considered hostile environments for touring teams what can one expect from Soccer City!!!!! Tell you what!!! I will definitely be making a plan to attend this test at that venue...!! :-)

[APoc184]

Currie Cup Warm-up matches

Western Province 29-5 Griffons
Free State Cheetahs 43-7 Border Bulldogs
Lions 45-29 Boland

Still waiting for Bulls vs EP result.

[McT]

No rugger on the box today. Felt a wee bit weird :D

[McT]

Currie Cup Warm-up matches

Western Province 29-5 Griffons
Free State Cheetahs 43-7 Border Bulldogs
Lions 45-29 Boland

Still waiting for Bulls vs EP result.

My mate will be devasted by the loss suffered by the Bulldogs :D

No Sharks results, or did they not have anything lined up? :confused:

[APoc184]

My mate will be devasted by the loss suffered by the Bulldogs :D

No Sharks results, or did they not have anything lined up? :confused:

They played last week against the Valke. Won 80-3.

Other result.
Griquas 50-12 SWD

[APoc184]

No rugger on the box today. Felt a wee bit weird :D

You missed a good Craven Week final. Was on SS1 @ 13h00

[APoc184]

Blue Bulls 24-11 Eastern Province

[sand_man]

http://www.supersport.com/rugby/springboks/news/100702/Soccer_City_showdown_for_Boks_NZ

[APoc184]

http://www.rugby15.co.za/2010/07/blue-bulls-name-currie-cup-squad-to-challenge-pumas/


On Tuesday defending champions the Blue Bulls named their team to face the Pumas in their Currie Cup opener on Friday night in Pretoria.

Gerhard van den Heever makes his return from a hamstring injury that saw him leave the field during the Super14 final.

Bees Roux and former Boland wing Hayden Groepes will make their Currie Cup debuts for the Blue Bulls along with youngsters CJ Stander and Danie Faasen.

The Blue Bulls will also play with a very young centre pairing of Stephan Dippenaar and Stefan Watermeyer. Jaco Pretorius is still on the sideline with an injury.

Gary Botha will captain the side from the scrum.

The team is:

15. Jaco van der Westhuyzen
14. Gerhard van den Heever
13. Stephan Dippenaar
12. Stefan Watermeyer
11. John Mametsa
10. Jacques-Louis Potgieter
9. Ruan Snyman
8. Gerrit-Jan van Velze
7. Derick Kuun
6. Deon Stegmann
5. Fudge Mabeta
4. Flip van der Merwe
3. Werner Kruger
2. Gary Botha (capt)
1. Dean Greyling

Substitutes: Bandise Maku, Bees Roux, Juandre Kruger, CJ Stander, Danie Faasen, Francois Brummer, Hayden Groepes.

[Devill]

http://www.rugby15.co.za/2010/07/blue-bulls-name-currie-cup-squad-to-challenge-pumas/

Damn that is not a bad team for a CC team ...

Heard Ruan snyman isn't too bad and I am looking forward to see if JLP keeps growing as a flyhalf or if he fades away :D

[APoc184]

Damn that is not a bad team for a CC team ...

Heard Ruan snyman isn't too bad and I am looking forward to see if JLP keeps growing as a flyhalf or if he fades away :D

They've got a serious forward pack there. And the backline is not to shabby either.

I think the only forward pack that will stand up to that pack is the Cheetahs.

[Devill]

They've got a serious forward pack there. And the backline is not to shabby either.

I think the only forward pack that will stand up to that pack is the Cheetahs.

I just hope that the bulls continue on in this way. I love how the team is young yet you know the names of 90% of the players.

[APoc184]

http://www.rugby15.co.za/2010/07/rugby-on-wheels-these-guys-make-it-possible/


Rugby on Wheels

No, it is not the Springbok tour bus. It is Wheelchair Rugby, also known as Murderball.

At the mention of Wheelchair Rugby the reactions are usually along the line of: “What?!” “How?” “Really?” and “That is so cool”.

A very dear friend of mine introduced me to this great sport. I would now like to introduce you to Wheelchair Rugby and answer all these questions of What, How, Who and Really?

continues in article......

[Sting]

Griquas vs Sharks

Half time score is 22-8 to the Sharks. The game has some niggle and looks like it will get worse in the second half.

[APoc184]

Going to be a tough final 10minutes.

Sarel Pretorius is a great player.

[APoc184]

Game Over Sharks.

40-27 with 8minutes left

[Sting]

A little twist...

[APoc184]

Hehe.
Very entertaining second half.

[APoc184]

The South African u/18 high performance squad performed well by beating their French counterparts 25-5 at the ABSA Stadium in East London.

The French had no answer to a very physical SA forward pack and were forced into giving away penalties.

Grey flyhalf Johan Goosen was their ultimate downfall, kicking five penalties in the first 28minutes and putting Craig Barry away in the corner for the first try of the match.

The French managed to score a consolation try in the 57minute but their dismal kicking performance continued and Mele missed the conversion.

Craig Barry struck soon after with his second try. This time in the opposite corner of the field. Goosen failing to convert both tries from the touch-line.

The French will be very unhappy with their poor handling and discipline. They made far too many basic errors and were subsequently punished through Goosen’s boot.

http://www.rugby15.co.za/2010/07/south-africa-u18-side-crushes-the-french/

[Pitbull]

Just me or does it look like even the Lions are having a waaaaaaay better game than the Boks did this morning?

[Sting]

Just me or does it look like even the Lions are having a waaaaaaay better game than the Boks did this morning?

Softening up process by WP - floodgates will open soon!

[Rosaudio]

yeeeah WP

[Sting]

WP 27-0 with 10 minutes to go.

[APoc184]

http://www.rugby15.co.za/2010/07/jean-de-villiers-given-a-two-week-suspension/


Bok winger Jean de Villiers has been handed a two-week ban for a dangerous tackle on All Black winger Rene Ranger in Saturday’s Tri-Nations test in Wellington.

Jean de Villiers was cited after he lifted Ranger in a tackle. Referee Alain Rolland deemed the tackled not dangerous and let play continue, but De Villiers was informed of his citing a few hours after the match.

Judicial officer Dennis Wheelahan took into consideration De Villiers’ clean record over his previous 60 tests and decided that a two-week ban is fitting.

De Villiers will now miss next week’s test against the Wallabies at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium.

This will open the door for Gio Aplon or Francois Hougaard to stake a claim on the No14 jersey.

[APoc184]

http://www.rugby15.co.za/2010/07/sasol-to-end-sponsorship-of-springbok-rugby-when-current-agreement-with-sa-rugby-expires/

SASOL TO END BOK SPONSORSHIP



Sasol will end its lead sponsorship of Springbok rugby at the end of 2010 when the current agreement between the company and SA Rugby expires.

The six-year, R150 million lead sponsor deal with SA Rugby, was signed in November 2004 and includes the national team as well as the Springbok Sevens team, “A” team and the U-20 Springboks.

While protracted negotiations have been undertaken in a constructive manner, the two parties have been unable to confirm mutually agreeable terms, on which to renew the contract.

“We’re very proud of our association with the Springboks and had certainly hoped our significantly increased offer would have found traction with the union”, said Sasol senior group executive, Lean Strauss.

“As a business, we must take current market conditions into account, while at the same time recognising the enormous value this iconic team has brought to our brand. We believe our offer reflected this approach but respect SA Rugby’s decision to consider alternate sponsorship options”, Strauss said.

In the past six years the Springboks have delivered outstanding performances and a number of significant successes. The 2007 IRB Rugby World Cup victory in France, along with the 2009 British and Irish Lions tour success and their Tri-Nations triumph, were wonderful highlights. Sasol’s passion for the Sevens game saw the profile of the Springbok Sevens team greatly elevated and we hope this momentum will be maintained in the future.

“In the course of our association with the Springboks, we have seen the game extend across racial and cultural barriers. It has promoted nation building, united our staff around the world and has strengthened our brand both locally and abroad”, Strauss said.

“This has been a wonderful partnership and, while it’s been a tough few weeks for the Boks, we at Sasol remain their greatest fans and wish them well for the rest of the season and for the successes that lie ahead” he said.

Sasol’s contract with SA Rugby will run for another five months. Sasol will ensure the team receives the company’s full sponsorship support until the agreement concludes at the end of December 2010.

[Sting]

http://www.timeslive.co.za/multimedia/dynamic/00833/Ditwits2007_833302b.jpg

[cr@zydude]

Has anyone else gotten the August SA Sports Illustrated yet? They have an article on how KES is paying players to play for the school and the GLRU is helping to bankroll it. I've always known that the 'big' schools give away busaries to get players in, but the article talks about paying players R 12 000 per year for 'boots'.

[cr@zydude]

Looks like the Southern Kings will join Super Rugby in 2013:


Brisbane – The Southern Kings are set to play Super rugby in 2013.

However, the Eastern Cape franchise will not have to replace one of the five existing South African franchises as the Super 15 is set to become a Super 16 in three years’ time.

The Kings will then be the sixth South African franchise participating in the tournament.

Sport24 has reliably learned that the proposal by South Africa at a SANZAR meeting had been accepted in principle by New Zealand and Australia.

A working committee will iron out the finer details of the issue.

The inclusion of the Kings, who will play in the South African conference, may mean that South African teams start their Super rugby campaigns two weeks earlier than usual.

The news will be welcomed by the Kings. They have been fighting for recognition as a Super rugby team for a number of years, but have had their participation postponed every time. The Kings can now continue to enlarge their player base and negotiate with sponsors.

The latest development is also good news for the South African Rugby Union (SARU), who gave the government an undertaking that the Eastern Cape would be incorporated in the mainstream of rugby.

The Super 15 of 2011 starts with teams from the respective countries first participating in derbies against one another before taking on overseas opponents.

The Bulls, Stormers, Lions, Cheetahs and Sharks will play each other home and away, while the same will happen in New Zealand.

With the Kings’ expected involvement in 2013, it may mean that three Super rugby derbies are played per weekend.

Meanwhile, Michael Green reports that Kings chief executive Stephan Pretorius still insisted a few months ago that the franchise should play Super rugby next year.

There was talk at SARU that the Kings may participate in a European competition later this year. Nothing has come of that, nor have any of the mooted friendly matches against international opponents materialised.

News24 (http://www.sport24.co.za/Rugby/Kings-to-be-part-of-Super-16-20100721)

From the article it looks like the Kings would be added to the SA conference, making it have 6 teams, while keeping the other 2 conferences with 5 teams each.

[GreGorGy]

Looks like the Southern Kings will join Super Rugby in 2013:


From the article it looks like the Kings would be added to the SA conference, making it have 6 teams, while keeping the other 2 conferences with 5 teams each.

Thinning an already-hungry herd! The bottom performers should be canned (relegated or whatever) in favour of an Arg team joining the S16

[Sting]

Injury time try rescues EP Kings after a shocking first half!!!!

EPK 26-25 Griffons

[APoc184]

Some pictures from Rugby15 of the Cheetahs win at Loftus.

Photographer Hilton Kotze for Rugby15.

http://www.rugby15.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/GD0L21141.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs072.snc4/34942_10150228343820542_430696690541_13684647_3157 722_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs177.snc4/38205_10150228355750542_430696690541_13685233_4276 65_n.jpg

[cr@zydude]

Injury time try rescues EP Kings after a shocking first half!!!!

EPK 26-25 Griffons

But at least EP won. The last few minutes were nail biting though. I was dissapointed by the turnout though, hopefully the next game, on a Saturday will have more people.

[Sting]

But at least EP won. The last few minutes were nail biting though. I was dissapointed by the turnout though, hopefully the next game, on a Saturday will have more people.

Could you buy tickets at the ground?

[cr@zydude]

Could you buy tickets at the ground?

I don't think so, I bought mine from computicket earlier in the week.

[Sting]

I don't think so, I bought mine from computicket earlier in the week.

And THAT is exactly the problem! Many folks cannot get to the ticket sales outlets and would want to buy their ticket at the gates. I know I would as I work and live very close by...

[cr@zydude]

And THAT is exactly the problem! Many folks cannot get to the ticket sales outlets and would want to buy their ticket at the gates. I know I would as I work and live very close by...

Well while it would be nice to have a ticket offie at the stadium, it is far from being the only problem. South Africans are appathtic in general ,just look at Currie Cup and Super 14 attendance. EP also have to turn the mentality that they suck, something that has been built up over years.

[GreGorGy]

Well while it would be nice to have a ticket offie at the stadium, it is far from being the only problem. South Africans are appathtic in general ,just look at Currie Cup and Super 14 attendance. EP also have to turn the mentality that they suck, something that has been built up over years.

Listen, if you can get to Checkers, you can get a ticket.

I love going to the stadium but have not been this entire year. Loftus is a good 1hour drive which is fine there but coming back drunk is not cool. My wife used to drive but now she works Saturdays.

If I stayed as close to the stadium as perhaps you do Moggie, I'd get a season ticket. At the very least, I'd get one from checkers during the week.

My closest stadium is Barnard (Bull Dogs) in Kempton and I have been there this year, although they sell tickets as you walk in for some games, others are free.

[cr@zydude]

Listen, if you can get to Checkers, you can get a ticket.

I love going to the stadium but have not been this entire year. Loftus is a good 1hour drive which is fine there but coming back drunk is not cool. My wife used to drive but now she works Saturdays.

If I stayed as close to the stadium as perhaps you do Moggie, I'd get a season ticket. At the very least, I'd get one from checkers during the week.

My closest stadium is Barnard (Bull Dogs) in Kempton and I have been there this year, although they sell tickets as you walk in for some games, others are free.

I agree that the fact that checkers and shoprite sell computicket tickets makes getting tickets easy. I was just trying to point out that not selling tickets at the gates is far from the only reason for low attendance. If anything, I would say that is one of the least important factors.

[GreGorGy]

I agree that the fact that checkers and shoprite sell computicket tickets makes getting tickets easy. I was just trying to point out that not selling tickets at the gates is far from the only reason for low attendance. If anything, I would say that is one of the least important factors.

Yes - I was kinda hoping that my post agreed with you. Perhaps I expressed myself poorly. My point being: getting tickets is as easy as falling off a horse - you don't have to be superman to do it.

So why the apathy? Some fans are fickle. Like the S14 log trailers. Lions matches are empty. Strangely, FS games get acceptable attendance in comparison. Minnow games everywhere are terrible. Wanna have a jol at Loftus? Go watch a minnow game. The positive I can draw out of that is minnow games are great for the kids. They have space and you don't need to tie them to your apron strings.

So the question begs: EP, once a stalwart, are now a minnow. They need support to build themselves up again but fans need a contender to support in the first place.

[Sting]

Yes - I was kinda hoping that my post agreed with you. Perhaps I expressed myself poorly. My point being: getting tickets is as easy as falling off a horse - you don't have to be superman to do it.

So why the apathy? Some fans are fickle. Like the S14 log trailers. Lions matches are empty. Strangely, FS games get acceptable attendance in comparison. Minnow games everywhere are terrible. Wanna have a jol at Loftus? Go watch a minnow game. The positive I can draw out of that is minnow games are great for the kids. They have space and you don't need to tie them to your apron strings.

So the question begs: EP, once a stalwart, are now a minnow. They need support to build themselves up again but fans need a contender to support in the first place.

True. IMO they could make the entrance free and still not fill the stadiums.

Note that I was NOT referring to myself regarding tickets, etc. I sit in one of the little boxes...

The demographics of EP supporters is very different to the other teams.

Transport IS a problem and now it is exasperated as the fan must first get to point B before he can go to point A.

[cr@zydude]

Yes - I was kinda hoping that my post agreed with you. Perhaps I expressed myself poorly. My point being: getting tickets is as easy as falling off a horse - you don't have to be superman to do it.

So why the apathy? Some fans are fickle. Like the S14 log trailers. Lions matches are empty. Strangely, FS games get acceptable attendance in comparison. Minnow games everywhere are terrible. Wanna have a jol at Loftus? Go watch a minnow game. The positive I can draw out of that is minnow games are great for the kids. They have space and you don't need to tie them to your apron strings.

So the question begs: EP, once a stalwart, are now a minnow. They need support to build themselves up again but fans need a contender to support in the first place.

First of all, the apathy. Even the Central Cheetahs in the Super 14 only manage about 22 000 people per game. Last weeks Blue Bulls vs FS Cheetahs Currie Cup was plyed in front of less than a half full Loftus. SA crowds just don't seem to be coming to the stadiums. Sure, some games sell out, and semis and finals do, but most games are about half full only.

As for EP, they need a huge marketing campaign. I would say that less than a third of PE knew about Friday's game. I'd also say that they need to get public transport to the stadium working. As part of the stadium agreement, they should have had Algoa Bus set up bus services to every game. I also think that they should look at tapping into school block bookings, and also the under utilised university market.

[APoc184]

I see Mickey Rourke is going to make a film about Gareth Thomas' life.

He will also be playing the lead role of the gay rugby player.

[GreGorGy]

I see Mickey Rourke is going to make a film about Gareth Thomas' life.

He will also be playing the lead role of the gay rugby player.

Ja, they calling it "In Victor's"

[dal2000]

Cape Town - SARU president Oregan Hoskins says Springbok coach Peter de Villiers is "no worse" than Rugby World Cup winning coach Jake White, adding the two were on par as far as coaching goes.

http://www.sport24.co.za/Rugby/TriNations/Hoskins-Div-on-par-with-Jake-20100728

My personal feeling is that our Rugby is only going to get worse.

[APoc184]

Haha. Looks like Jody Rose does not like being grabbed by the arse by another man.

Check this clip. Only the first few seconds. The rest of it is just pushing and shoving.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ODEVtH6OaK0

[CHURCHILL]

Cape Town - SARU president Oregan Hoskins says Springbok coach Peter de Villiers is "no worse" than Rugby World Cup winning coach Jake White, adding the two were on par as far as coaching goes.

http://www.sport24.co.za/Rugby/TriNations/Hoskins-Div-on-par-with-Jake-20100728

My personal feeling is that our Rugby is only going to get worse.

This could very well be true, considering Jake did have Wallaby Eddie Jones helping him out.

[Sting]

WP vs Pumas tonight ... should be some early resistance and then the province juggernaut will crush them!

[APoc184]

:D


http://www.emailjokes.co.za/images/461541-image003_63157_46154_1.jpg

[Sting]

Juan leaves the field and the Cheetahs fall to pieces... from leading 13-6 they are now 13-25 behind.


GO SHARKS!!!!!!

[Mephisto_Helix]

Lambie you beauty! Two tries within like a minute and a half, ftw!


Just wish we'd woken up and played this way the whole frikkin game.

[Sting]

Come on Lions!!!

15-16 down at half-time...

[Sting]

Currie Cup 1st Division results:

Griffons 14 - 18 SWD - North West Stadium, Welkom
Boland 22 - 33 Eastern Province Kings - Boland Stadium, Wellington

Both away wins...

EP Kings 3 out of 3 so far this season!

[cr@zydude]

Currie Cup 1st Division results:

Griffons 14 - 18 SWD - North West Stadium, Welkom
Boland 22 - 33 Eastern Province Kings - Boland Stadium, Wellington

Both away wins...

EP Kings 3 out of 3 so far this season!

Hell yes for EP win, hopefully now more people come out for the next game. I just think that the fact that the game is on a Saturday should help too.

Edit: I just checked the log and while it's early in the comp, the EP Kings and SWD Eagles (both part of the SOuthern Kings franchise) are the top 2 teams on the log. :D

[phoneJunky]

Province!













We are probably going to loose it again. Hope we can hang on this time around

[APoc184]

You don't have Kacelavuki to throw it away in the dying minutes.

My money is on Province this year.

[subxero]

Cape Town - SARU president Oregan Hoskins says Springbok coach Peter de Villiers is "no worse" than Rugby World Cup winning coach Jake White, adding the two were on par as far as coaching goes.

http://www.sport24.co.za/Rugby/TriNations/Hoskins-Div-on-par-with-Jake-20100728



My personal feeling is that our Rugby is only going to get worse.

And the ''clown'' issue has bobbed up once again. Former Wallaby Brendan Cannon was forced to publicly apologise for calling de Villiers a clown on air. And now de Villiers is using the term himself. On the South African Rugby Union's official website, de Villiers responded to one fan query: ''As for the criticism, I have had it since before day one! But it goes with the territory - a winning Bok coach is a superman; a losing Bok coach is a 'clown', I've learnt to take both with a inch of salt.''

[phoneJunky]

I really don't think there is anything wrong with what div said this time.

[APoc184]

Ouch!

I see Cobus Wessels has been "axed" because of the error he made with Drew Mitchell and his first yellow card.

Wonder when Alain Roland will be axed for all the errors he made?

[APoc184]

Meyer Bosman on his way to the Sharks but at least Sias and Robert Ebersohn re-signed along with Coenie Oosthuizen.

Tomorrow will also be the final outcome in the Lionel Mapoe case. Both the Sharks and Cheetahs are confident of winning the case.

[Sharks fan]

Meyer Bosman on his way to the Sharks but at least Sias and Robert Ebersohn re-signed along with Coenie Oosthuizen.

Tomorrow will also be the final outcome in the Lionel Mapoe case. Both the Sharks and Cheetahs are confident of winning the case.
I really hope the Sharks win the case, Mapoe will fit in with the brand of rugby we like to play

[APoc184]

http://www.rugby15.co.za/2010/08/sharks-make-several-changes-for-clash-with-lions/


The Sharks have made a number of changes for their team to play the Lions this Saturday.

Let’s start in the backline. As expected, Pat Lambie starts at flyhalf in the absence of the injured Steve Meyer with Andries Strauss filling the inside centre berth vacated by Lambie.

But it is in the forwards where most of the changes occur. Willem Alberts starts at blindside flank in place of Keegan Daniel who moves across to openside flank with Jacques Botes dropping to the bench. Al Hargreaves retakes his number 5 jersey from Ross Skeate, who moves to the bench. Beast Mtawarira takes the place of Pat Cilliers at loosehead prop while Jannie du Plessis starts at tighthead prop with Wiehan Herbst dropping out of the match 22. Bismarck will make a welcome return to rugby from the bench while Eugene van Staden will cover both prop positions from the bench, the bench is again a 5-2 split with Jean Deysel completing the forward replacements while the back replacements are Rory Kockott and Riaan Swanepoel

Sharks team to face the Lions:
15. Louis Ludik
14. JP Pietersen
13. Stefan Terblanche (captain)
12. Andries Strauss
11. Lwazi Mvovo
10. Pat Lambie
9. Charl McLeod
8. Ryan Kankowski
7. Willem Alberts
6. Keegan Daniel
5. Alistair Hargreaves
4. Stephen Sykes
3. Jannie du Plessis
2. Craig Burden
1. Tendai Mtawarira

Bench:

16. Bismarck du Plessis
17. Eugene van Staden
18. Ross Skeate
19. Jean Deysel
20. Jacques Botes
21. Rory Kockott
22. Riaan Swanepoel

[cr@zydude]

Some big news for those in Mpumalanga:


It’s here! The first rugby match for the Mbombela Stadium and it’s going to be a big one. The Currie Cup fixture between the Barloworld Toyota Pumas and the raging Blue Bulls will play right here in the capital on August 27.
According to Roelf Kotzé of Platinum Sports, the Puma Rugby Union and Mbombela Stadium management, on behalf
of the Mbombela Local Municipality have successfully negotiated the staging of this first provincial rugby match.
The main game will start at 19:00, and two curtain-raisers involving the Puma u/19 and u/21 teams facing their SWD Eagles counterparts will also be played.
Tickets for the game will be on sale at Computicket from August 11 to be confirmed in Lowvelder and the prices will vary from R60 to R100, with special rates for children. Seats will be set aside at a reduced price on one of the stands for fans that cannot afford the ticket prices.
Hospitality suites are available for rental and various options are available and include catering.
There will be tables available for sale in the cafeteria where it is not necessary to rent the entire suite, but supporters who rent a table will have access to catering and bar services.
Seats in the business-class lounge will be on sale at Computicket where one or any number of seats can be purchased with access to a shared entertainment area with food and beverage sales available.
There will be event transportation, and Lowvelder will publish and announce information regarding parking and transport arrangements for the match day ahead of time.
Enquiries: Roelf Kotze on 013-757-4600 or Colette Victor on 012-460-4810.

Source (http://www.lowvelder.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1953:big-guns-clash-at-mbombela-stadium&catid=1:latest-news)

Glad to see the Pumas moving a game to the stadium, hopefully Black Aces move some games to this stadium too.

[Sting]

Another good win for the EP Kings over the Valke last night.

EPK won 38-3 to stay on top of the 1st Div with 4 out of 4 wins.

Biggest rivals looks to be neighbours, SWD.

[cr@zydude]

Another good win for the EP Kings over the Valke last night.

EPK won 38-3 to stay on top of the 1st Div with 4 out of 4 wins.

Biggest rivals looks to be neighbours, SWD.

I was great to see EP keep on winning. I just worry that EP may win or come second in the Currie Cup First Division, but then lose the promotion/relegation match. I really don't know why the Currie Cup doesn't have one automatic promotion spot.

[APoc184]

Francois Steyn and Juan Smith back in Springbok squad.

Bismarck du Plessis and Heinrich Brussow invited to join the squad.

[phoneJunky]

How bad is Steun's injury? Hope he can play

[phoneJunky]

Looks like PDivvy got cleared.

I just have one question. If we have a rugby in general thread why are there so many rugby threads?

[APoc184]

I just have one question. If we have a rugby in general thread why are there so many rugby threads?

Because we are not a lot of active members that discuss rugby.

eg. Nobody is stopping you from making a thread about PDivvy being cleared on the charge. But you will get a few replies and the thread will disappear down the list. Never to be seen again.

This thread is just to keep all rugby related stuff together to a degree.

[phoneJunky]

Nah, I don't want to make a thread. I would much rather chat about everything rugby related here. It is troublesome opening a thread anyway as I am typing from my phone and would have to paste links and stuff.

[GreGorGy]

Looks like PDivvy got cleared.

I just have one question. If we have a rugby in general thread why are there so many rugby threads?

Citizen Kane Rides Again! Goooooooo DIVVY!

[Pitbull]

Francois Steyn and Juan Smith back in Springbok squad.

Bismarck du Plessis and Heinrich Brussow invited to join the squad.

Greatest news in SA rugby in a long time.

[Sharks fan]

It worries me that Pieter de Villiers is not experimenting with young players who have not played at internatiuonal level.
When Jake White was apointed as coach 4 0 5years ago, he gave 60 players a fair chance to prove themselfs to be in the 2007 World Cup squad. This is clearly the way to go (seeing that we are the 2007 champions).

I feel that the following players have played quality the past 2 seasons, and should be considered as future Springbok : Jean Deysel
Lionel Mapoe
Sarel Pretorius
Patrick Lambie
Gerhard vd Heever

Do you agree?

[APoc184]

Lionel Mapoe has to make himself available to the Cheetahs after he lost his case to be released from his contract.

[GreGorGy]

It worries me that Pieter de Villiers is not experimenting with young players who have not played at internatiuonal level.
When Jake White was apointed as coach 4 0 5years ago, he gave 60 players a fair chance to prove themselfs to be in the 2007 World Cup squad. This is clearly the way to go (seeing that we are the 2007 champions).

I feel that the following players have played quality the past 2 seasons, and should be considered as future Springbok : Jean Deysel
Lionel Mapoe
Sarel Pretorius
Patrick Lambie
Gerhard vd Heever

Do you agree?


A few of those names stick out and perhaps should be played earlier rather than later. Take Shadow, Lambie....

Both could be excellent investments for the future. Too young? maybe, but starting them in the end of year tours could well be a wise move. I do not for one minute think that PDivvy is overlooking them. I do feel though that waiting a year to field them is a bad idea. Since the TN is basically done and dusted (ABs have realistically taken it) I think he should start exploring depth sooner rather than later.

Remember the elation at the end of the S14 when the commentators were going on about our depth and our strength? It sure as hell has not been visible in the TN.

We should really be experimenting now, to find that magical touring 36 for next year. And the names you mention? Yes, I agree...

[cr@zydude]

2011 Tri Nations venues have been anounced, an and PE is in!


Johannesburg - Next year’s Springbok Test against New Zealand will be held in Port Elizabeth, following a decision of the Executive Council of the South African Rugby Union.

The decision was taken as part of SARU’s commitment to bring top-flight rugby to the region. The award is conditional on agreement that all three unions in the Southern Kings region (Eastern Province, Border and South Western Districts) should benefit from the award and on agreement on an appropriate Test match hosting model.

It means Tri-Nations rugby will be played in the Eastern Cape region for the first time, while it would be the first visit of the All Blacks to the region for 41 years (since 1970).

“There is a hunger in the region for top flight rugby,” said Oregan Hoskins, the president of SARU.

“Port Elizabeth now has a top flight venue in the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium and SARU has a long-standing commitment to assist in bringing top flight-rugby back to the region. This is a tangible proof of our commitment.”

The 2011 Tri-Nations Test against Australia was allocated to the KwaZulu-Natal Rugby Union, subject to discussions with the union.

The meeting also appointed East London businessman Monde Tabata to the Executive Council, joining Mike Stofile as the second independent member and filling a vacancy that had been open since the elections in March.

Other decisions taken by the council were:

• The Exco will call for tenders from all 14 provincial unions to host the South African leg of the IRB World Sevens Series, according to the IRB’s criteria for host venues.
• Applications will be sought for the position of SA Under-20 coach and assistant coaches to cover the 2011, 2012 and 2013 IRB Junior World Championship competitions.
• The CEOs of all 14 unions are to be called to a meeting for their inputs on: Vodacom Super Rugby franchise fees and the division of unions within franchises; the Test match hosting model.
• The competitions committee was instructed to formulate a proposal to assist the Southern Kings in their preparations for potential Vodacom Super Rugby inclusion in 2013.
• Approval was granted for an international sevens tournament, under the auspices of the Leopards Rugby Union, to be held in Rustenburg from September 24-26, 2010.

News24 (http://www.sport24.co.za/Rugby/TriNations/PE-to-host-Boks-v-All-Blacks-20100811)

I'm quite honestly speachless. I thought 2012 was PE's earliest chance.

Also, notice how it says that the Australia " was allocated to the KwaZulu-Natal Rugby Union, subject to discussions with the union". It doesn't say Kings Park, is it likely that the KZNRU want to stage the game at Moses Mabhida Stadium?

[Sting]

It worries me that Pieter de Villiers is not experimenting with young players who have not played at internatiuonal level.
When Jake White was apointed as coach 4 0 5years ago, he gave 60 players a fair chance to prove themselfs to be in the 2007 World Cup squad. This is clearly the way to go (seeing that we are the 2007 champions).

I feel that the following players have played quality the past 2 seasons, and should be considered as future Springbok : Jean Deysel
Lionel Mapoe
Sarel Pretorius
Patrick Lambie
Gerhard vd Heever

Do you agree?

Deysel out for the rest of the season - knee injury.

[APoc184]

Future star.
This kid is amazing. I've seen him play 4 or 5 times before and he is the real deal. Lets hope the Cheetahs give him enough opportunity.




Grey College, Free State u18 and SA u18 flyhalf Johan Goosen is fast becoming the next big talking point in South African rugby circles. Rugby15.co.za speaks exclusively to Johan as we follow his path to becoming the complete flyhalf.

Read more...... (http://www.rugby15.co.za/2010/08/questions-and-answers-with-a-rising-star-johan-goosen/)

[Rosaudio]

Well there we have it. Province rules

[phoneJunky]

Ros, we shouldn't get too carried away about our beloved Province. I really hope we win it this year, but there is still allot of bulls brawn that has to return.

[APoc184]

It looks like Lionel Mapoe is refusing to return to the Cheetahs. He has not reported back since he lost his contractual dispute.

And Blue Bulls lock Wilhelm Steenkamp has signed with the Cheetahs. Might be released as early as 9 September when Bakkies Botha returns.

[sand_man]

Future star.
This kid is amazing. I've seen him play 4 or 5 times before and he is the real deal. Lets hope the Cheetahs give him enough opportunity.Watched him against England, very impressive. Goal kicking was superb and he got lots of pace too. His only blemish on the day was his yellow card for a high tackle.

[APoc184]

Watched him against England, very impressive. Goal kicking was superb and he got lots of pace too. His only blemish on the day was his yellow card for a high tackle.

I'll be honest. It is a bad habit of his. And he even acknowledged it when I did the interview.

I've watched him play about 9 games now and this was probably his 3 yellow for the same offence.
Thing is, he tries to grab the arm that is trying to hand him off (also trying to stop the player from offloading in the tackle) and then when the ball carrier spots this and ducks into the tackle he gets grabbed around the neck. Still illegal and he is working on it.

[sand_man]

Was a tough game that. England might consider themselves a little unlucky not to win it. That said who was the substitute center that came on and scored SA's only try late in the 2nd half?? Other than the pass that put him away being forward, it was quite a superb try... Paul Jordaan is his name!!!

[APoc184]

Was a tough game that. England might consider themselves a little unlucky not to win it. That said who was the substitute center that came on and scored SA's only try late in the 2nd half?? Other than the pass that put him away being forward, it was quite a superb try... Paul Jordaan is his name!!!

Yip. Paul Jordaan from Grey College.

Incredible player as well. He has already signed for the Sharks.