2007 Super 14 (Rugby)

[jontyB]

2007 Super 14 Fixtures.

Note: Indicated Times are SAST.

WEEK 1
1. Blues v Crusaders (Auckland) Fri 2 Feb 08:35
2. W Force v Highlanders (Perth) Fri 2 Feb 12:05
3. Lions v Waratahs (Johannesburg) Fri 2 Feb 19:10
4. Chiefs v Brumbies (Hamilton) Sat 3 Feb 08:35
5. Reds v Hurricanes (Brisbane) Sat 3 Feb 11:40
6. Sharks v Bulls (Durban) Sat 3 Feb 17:00
7. Cheetahs v Stormers (Bloemfontein) Sat 3 Feb 19:10

WEEK 2
8. Chiefs v Hurricanes (Hamilton) Fri 9 Feb 08:35
9. Stormers v W Force (Cape Town) Fri 9 Feb 18:00
10. Sharks v Waratahs (Durban) Fri 9 Feb 20:05
11. Crusaders v Reds (Christchurch) Sat 10 Feb 08:35
12. Brumbies v Blues (Canberra) Sat 10 Feb 10:40
13. Bulls v Cheetahs (Pretoria) Sat 10 Feb 17:00
14. Lions v Highlanders (Johannesburg) Sat 10 Feb 19:10

WEEK 3
15. Stormers v Chiefs (Cape Town) Fri 16 Feb 18:30
16. Bulls v W Force (Pretoria) Fri 16 Feb 20:35
17. Reds v Brumbies (Brisbane) Sat 17 Feb 11:05
18. Hurricanes v Blues (Wellington) Sat 17 Feb 08:35
19. Cheetahs v Waratahs (Kimberley) Sat 17 Feb 16:00
20. Lions v Crusaders (Johannesburg) Sat 17 Feb 18:30
21. Sharks v Highlanders (Durban) Sat 17 Feb 20:30

WEEK 4
22. Hurricanes v Brumbies (Wellington) Fri 23 Feb 08:35
23. Highlanders v Stormers (Dunedin) Sat 24 Feb 06:35
24. Blues v Reds (Auckland) Sat 24 Feb 08:35
25. W Force v Lions (Perth) Sat 24 Feb 12:05
26. Bulls v Chiefs (Pretoria) Sat 24 Feb 17:00
27. Cheetahs v Crusaders (Bloemfontein) Sat 24 Feb 19:10
** Waratahs/Sharks Bye

WEEK 5
28. Blues v Highlanders (Auckland) Fri 2 Mar 08:35
29. Waratahs v W Force (Sydney) Fri 2 Mar 10:40
30. Cheetahs v Chiefs (Bloemfontein) Fri 2 Mar 19:10
31. Hurricanes v Stormers (Palmerston North) Sat 3 Mar 08:05
32. Brumbies v Bulls (Canberra) Sat 3 Mar 10:10
33. Reds v Lions (Brisbane) Sat 3 Mar 12:15
34. Sharks v Crusaders (Durban) Sat 3 Mar 17:00

WEEK 6
35. Highlanders v Reds (Dunedin) Fri 9 Mar 08:35
36. Brumbies v Stormers (Canberra) Fri 9 Mar 10:40
37. W Force v Hurricanes (Perth) Fri 9 Mar 12:45
38. Blues v Lions (Auckland) Sat 10 Mar 08:35
39. Waratahs v Bulls (Sydney) Sat 10 Mar 10:40
40. Cheetahs v Sharks (Bloemfontein) Sat 10 Mar 17:00
** Chiefs/Crusaders Bye

WEEK 7
41. Chiefs v Lions (Hamilton) Fri 16 Mar 08:35
42. W Force v Reds (Perth) Fri 16 Mar 12:05
43. Crusaders v Bulls (Christchurch) Sat 17 Mar 08:35
44. Waratahs v Stormers (Sydney) Sat 17 Mar 10:40
45. Cheetahs v Brumbies (Bloemfontein) Sat 17 Mar 17:00
46. Sharks v Hurricanes (Durban) Sat 17 Mar 19:10
** Blues/Highlanders Bye

WEEK 8
47. Blues v Waratahs (Auckland) Fri 23 Mar 09:35
48. Highlanders v Bulls (Dunedin) Sat 24 Mar 07:30
49. Crusaders v Stormers (Christchurch) Sat 24 Mar 09:35
50. Reds v Chiefs (Brisbane) Sat 24 Mar 11:40
51. Sharks v Brumbies (Durban) Sat 24 Mar 17:00
52. Lions v Hurricanes (Johannesburg) Sat 24 Mar 19:10
** W Force/Cheetahs Bye

WEEK 9
53. Highlanders v Cheetahs (Invercargill) Fri 30 Mar 09:35
54. W Force v Sharks (Perth) Fri 30 Mar 12:05
55. Hurricanes v Bulls (Wellington) Sat 31 Mar 07:30
56. Chiefs v Blues (Hamilton) Sat 31 Mar 09:35
57. Waratahs v Crusaders (Sydney) Sat 31 Mar 11:40
58. Lions v Brumbies (Johannesburg) Sat 31 Mar 17:00
** Reds/Stormers Bye

WEEK 10 – Easter Weekend
59. Blues v Cheetahs (Auckland) Fri 6 Apr 09:35
60. Highlanders v Chiefs (Queenstown) Sat 7 Apr 04:35
61. Crusaders v W Force (Christchurch) Sat 7 Apr 09:35
62. Reds v Sharks (Brisbane) Sat 7 Apr 11:40
63. Stormers v Lions (Cape Town) Sat 7 Apr 17:00
64. Brumbies v Waratahs (Canberra) Sun 8 Apr 11:40
** Hurricanes/Bulls Bye

WEEK 11
65. Hurricanes v Cheetahs (Wellington) Fri 13 Apr 09:35
66. Chiefs v W Force (Hamilton) Sat 14 Apr 04:35
67. Highlanders v Crusaders (Dunedin) Sat 14 Apr 07:30
68. Blues v Sharks (Auckland) Sat 14 Apr 09:35
69. Waratahs v Reds (Sydney) Sat 14 Apr 11:40
70. Bulls v Stormers (Pretoria) Sat 14 Apr 16:00
** Brumbies/Lions Bye

WEEK 12
71. Crusaders v Hurricanes (Christchurch) Fri 20 Apr 09:35
72. Brumbies v W Force (Canberra) Fri 20 Apr 11:40
73. Reds v Cheetahs (Brisbane) Sat 21 Apr 07:30
74. Chiefs v Sharks (Hamilton) Sat 21 Apr 09:35
75. Waratahs v Highlanders (Sydney) Sat 21 Apr 11:40
76. Lions v Bulls (Johannesburg) Sat 21 Apr 15:00
77. Stormers v Blues (Cape Town) Sat 21 Apr 17:05

WEEK 13
78. Hurricanes v Highlanders (Wellington) Fri 27 Apr 09:35
79. Waratahs v Chiefs (Sydney) Fri 27 Apr 11:40
80. W Force v Cheetahs (Perth) Fri 27 Apr 13:45
81. Bulls v Blues (Pretoria) Fri 27 Apr 19:05
82. Brumbies v Crusaders (Canberra) Sat 28 Apr 11:40
83. Sharks v Lions (Durban) Sat 28 Apr 15:00
84. Stormers v Reds (Cape Town) Sat 28 Apr 17:05

WEEK 14
85. W Force v Blues (Perth) Fri 4 May 13:05
86. Crusaders v Chiefs (Christchurch) Fri 4 May 09:35
87. Highlanders v Brumbies (Dunedin) Sat 5 May 07:30
88. Hurricanes v Waratahs (Wellington) Sat 5 May 09:35
89. Lions v Cheetahs (Johannesburg) Sat 5 May 15:00
90. Stormers v Sharks (Cape Town) Sat 5 May 17:05
91. Bulls v Reds (Pretoria) Sat 5 May 19:10

Semi Finals: Friday 11 May and Saturday 12 May
Final: Saturday 19 May

[NaZKuL]

aiiii... the stormers have a terrible tour....

edit: they only gonna win 1 of there first 8 games....

[jontyB]

aiiii... the stormers have a terrible tour....
Yeah, starting in Bloem :(

Edit: and they'll be without Chavhanga (http://www.news24.com/News24/Sport/Rugby/0,9294,2-9-838_2050613,00.html) for the first three games

[lilDeath]

:cool: so stormers gonna pwn the first game :D

[(DmZ)Wrecky]

Give them anotha chance

[CyberStorm]

Sharks Ftw!!!

[jontyB]

Schalk back for Stormers warm up.
http://www.news24.com/News24/Sport/Rugby/0,9294,2-9-838_2052495,00.html

This is an interesting development. I seem to recall them saying Schalk will never play rugby again shortly after the injury happened...

[ubberfunk]

Schalk back for Stormers warm up.
http://www.news24.com/News24/Sport/Rugby/0,9294,2-9-838_2052495,00.html

This is an interesting development. I seem to recall them saying Schalk will never play rugby again shortly after the injury happened...

Well he has been out for sometime yes? i neck injury that pulled him out of a sport for a couple months isnt something to be messed with IMO.

i rekon he should play a different position.....what you guys think? Flank?:D

[jontyB]

I think he's gonna be targeted now.

[(DmZ)Wrecky]

He will be stronger, he will be ready.

[Boodles]

You guys better watch out his year.

There is a team that is really going to do well.

In fact, the Reds are going to take the wooden spoon, whoops, i meant that they are going to win this year. lol

GO REDs GO........

[kobie]

aiiii... the stormers have a terrible tour....

edit: they only gonna win 1 of there first 8 games....

They'll win the first three games easy, after that it gets a little tricky.

[kiepie]

I think he's gonna be targeted now.

He said in a TV interview he needs to get his confidence back. Pretty sure he could be edgy after a serious neck problem.

[Pitbull]

The Lion Will be in the semi's this year.

Flame me if you wa. That is my team. Gl to all the teams and their supporters
and may the best SA team win !!!!!!

[zoopedup.com]

I think the Stormers will do well

We have a solid pack to feed the backline which has depth now as well

Schalk, Joe, Watson..

[zoopedup.com]

ps-great post

[Gerhardt]

Sharks will make top 4 this year. Read this post again after the final.

[kiepie]

Sharks all the way! You are Sharks supporter?

[derekc]

Go Lions!!! That's what I say all the time pre-season and we end up last anyways...ok we came ahead of the Force but that doesnt count.

[Gerhardt]

Sharks all the way! You are Sharks supporter?

Yip Kiepie, have been since age 6.

[kiepie]

This weekend warm up match is going to be a thriller! :D

[Gerhardt]

This weekend warm up match is going to be a thriller! :D

If u ref to Cheetahs game, been scheduled for Wed 24th. Im going down 2 see it, and u?

[kiepie]

If u ref to Cheetahs game, been scheduled for Wed 24th. Im going down 2 see it, and u?

OMW! Thought its for the weekend! :eek:

Watch it? 600km a bit far.:D
R u close by?

[Gerhardt]

im in randburg kipie and u?

[lilDeath]

Anybody know who won the warm-up matches this past weekend?
Stormers played against the Bulls IIRC

[Pitbull]

Anybody know who won the warm-up matches this past weekend?
Stormers played against the Bulls IIRC


Bulls won... can't remember the score.

[BeVonk!]

I believe the Lions will be the surprise package of S14 2007. They are the dark horses (dark lions?) of the tournament. It's a young team that will require a few seasons to get up to speed, but they are going to cause upsets this year for sure. No easy pickings like before.

All SA teams will do better this year I believe. The Sharks and Bulls must be favourites. With their Ausie skills coach the Bulls will be a much improved and a better balanced team this year.

It all obviously depends on the effect the World Cup player exclusions may have on the 2007 tournament. Some teams may loose critical players at critical times that may skew the whole thing.

[lilDeath]

Here's to hoping Trafeye...

Don't wanna drink myself into a stupor like last year to dull the pain :D

[ASS_SAZiN`]

Go Bulls! hehe sorry just had to get it out of my system.

It certainly is going to be a very interesting s14 this year, all the national player exclusions, the teams improving all the time, and some real interesting signings *wink*bobby*wink*

So good luck to all and may we see a SA team win this year.

[Boodles]

Well done to the aussie teams on the first week of super14. 3 out of 4 wins. And a nice win for the reds (my team, lol), courtesy of another league convert.

Nice to get off to a good start.

[kiepie]

Well done to the Cheethas and the SHARKS!!:D On top of the log after week 1.

[Omac]

:eek: Hell the stormers are crp! :mad: They're worse than useless at the mo. :o WTF is going on?:confused:

If the folks in CT were to be believed, Schalk, Luke & Breyton and one or two other names were all they needed to win this thing.

I'm a Sharks supporter but I still want all the SA teams to do well!

[kiepie]

Can't wait for the Sharks game 2night. Stormers really dissapointing. :(

[Omac]

I think a win tonight will set up our season for success. Still no bobby. I think it's a good thing!

[kiepie]

We can play Bobby in the last game, think it is against the Stormers. :D

Stromers just scored, a penalty.

13-3

[Omac]

Man this touching before scrumming is irritating.:mad:

Stormers are playing like wooden spooners!:sick:

[kiepie]

Wonder how Brent Russel feels. :rolleyes:

Would rather be a bench player that wins, than a bench player that lose. :D

[kiepie]

Guess who...






THE stormers

[Omac]

Well that was fckng miserable to watch!!!!!!!!

Russell was the only stormers player on the field. Her MUST be regretting his decision!

[Omac]

:mad: Why oh why do SS insist on sending the pommie postman to commentate on the Sharks matches.

Second rate commentators should be commentating on second rate teams. ie. Stomers v Force.:D

[Omac]

I'll take that win ta very much. Not pretty but objective achieved.:D :D
:eek: (Steyn needs to find some form)

[Random717]

ooh great win by the Sharks :D
didn't bother coming home early to watch the Stormers game, but from what I've read it was pathetic...

[kiepie]

Great win by the Sharks, not a good game, but we got the 4 points. :D

Poor old Russel. :p

[Boodles]

Stormers lol. Well done force. Nice to get an away win.

[TheREV]

Newlands half-empty, sad scoreline, getting booed off the field.

What a disaster for the Stormers (now to be known [in my house, at least] as the wet drizzle).

Kobus vd Merwe obviously either can't coach, or the players can't play. Now we know that there is a huge amount of talent in the team, so why are they failing so miserably?

[Random717]

I blame the coaching, the Stormers don't appear to be as organised or motivated as the other sides. Maybe its the distractions of the cape.. Marius Joubert seems to be playing better at the Cheetahs, he say's there aren't as many beautiful women in Bloemfontein lol..

[kiepie]

Well atleast the Lions give us some hope. Congrats to them.

[Omac]

Loftus battle showcased SA's strength
There was a lot of criticism of the rugby played by the Bulls and the Cheetahs in their big Vodacom Super 14 derby at Loftus at the weekend -- but it may have been misguided.

Far from being a poor advertisement for South African rugby, the Pretoria battle was an excellent showcase for the strengths that could just make this country one of the favourites to go all the way by the time the World Cup kicks off in France in September.

For while line-breaks were a rare occurrence until much later in the match, this was by no means a freakish game in comparison to the others that we have seen in the Super 14 so far this season.

Indeed, both the Super 14 and some of the Six Nations matches have shown a change in the trend of previous seasons, with less counter-attacking and fewer scores off turn-overs, and high scoring try feasts may be a thing of the past in big matches between well matched opponents. Defences have become stronger and better organised (as France were against Ireland in the Six Nations), and the Super 14 games have become a war of attrition in which bulk, strength and playing structure have become crucial.

And given this shift in the way the game is being approached and played, what we saw at Loftus should have sent shivers of apprehension through South Africa’s opponents ahead of the World Cup -- provided of course that the current trend continues through until then.

We will probably know more once the matches against the overseas teams have arrived, and the real crunch may come later in the competition when the All Blacks have brought the New Zealand teams back to full strength, but Loftus provided evidence that South African forward play remains as physical and as intense as ever.

DEFENSIVE EFFORTS

And while some may criticise both teams for lacking adventure, the truth is that the defensive efforts were pretty awesome as well, none more so than the Bulls in the first half, when they absorbed a prolonged assault from a Cheetahs team that, until they lost their way in the lineouts, were extremely impressive with the way they carried out the technical basics of most aspects of their play.

Ollie le Roux said a couple of weeks ago that the Cheetahs are ready to take the game to a new level, and although they did not beat their big rivals, they did show in their periods of ascendancy glimpses of what the prop was talking about. The Cheetahs may at times overdo the structure, but then it is their structure that makes them the team they are.

Neither may it be coincidence that the Sharks, who lost their way in the Currie Cup last year playing an off-the-cuff style of rugby, have rediscovered their winning touch with a much tighter game which emphasises forward dominance and grinding down the opposition.

Don’t for a moment think that it will always be thus for the Sharks this season, for right now they do appear to be playing to the oppressive humid conditions which tend to envelope Durban during February. Once they are overseas or the conditions have cooled, the backs may come more into play.

But the John Plumtree influence on the Sharks team has become immediately apparent, although the point here is that their more conservative approach does not make the Durban team stand out. Most of the teams are playing that way, with a strong emphasis across the board on imposing physical presence, technical efficiency, playing structure and defence.

There are exceptions of course, and it is not surprising that the Stormers, who seem to think they can continue with the scatter-gun rugby that brought Western Province some success in the initial stages of the Currie Cup, foot the log at the moment with no points after two matches.

The Cape team have lagged in picking up the changes that have taken place, and lack the structure, the bulk and the physical strength required if they are to break down opposing defences in a war of attrition in which the opposition is worn down and pressured into making mistakes.

Where the Stormers have fallen down is in their failure to heed Springbok coach Jake White’s warning last year that the Currie Cup was not the real thing in that defences weren’t good enough. Faced with the top defensive efforts they have encountered so far, the Stormers have been found wanting, and as they cannot feed off turn-over ball, their inability to create opportunities for their runners has become problematic and has left them well short.

They have played 160 minutes of rugby so far this season, and have yet to score a try; a return which is just not good enough for a team with so much obvious talent.

Of course, as White likes to say, rugby is a fluid game, which means it all could change, and in a few months everyone could be running from all over the place again and defences will be a lot less frugal. But then when the game changes, who says the Cheetahs, Bulls and Sharks won’t change with it?

Weekend Super 14 results:

Chiefs 22 Hurricanes 29
Sharks 22 Waratahs 9
Crusaders 33 Reds 22
Brumbies 15 Blues 17
Stormers 3 Western Force 22
Bulls 24 Cheetahs 20
Lions 11 Highlanders 6

http://www.superrugby.co.za/default.asp?id=204629&des=article&scat=superrugby/super14

[kiepie]

So the Stormers won their 1st game of the season - think it's that new rugby jersey

The Bulls lost to the Force, haha. Force has won more games in this years Super 14 (only 3 games played) than the whole of last year.

Good luck to the 3 remaining SA teams playing later today!

[Pitbull]

And so the Bulls become the second SA team to lose to the Western Force.

a Team that couldn't win a match last year .... LMAO...

I can see all the bulls supporters now shouting... "Eina My Sny !"
hehehehe :D

[kiepie]

Never really liked them alot, no matter if they win or lose they make a huge seen! Bring them back to reality after winning the co-currie cup winners last week. :D

[Boodles]

Forces' 2nd year in the comp. well done to them for the 2 away wins so far.

[Highflyer_GP]

Lions 9 - 3 Crusaders. 8 minutes to go, holding thumbs!

[Random717]

w000t well done to the lions :D :D
i'm starting to become a believer :D

[Highflyer_GP]

On another note I think it's a little silly for supporters of SA teams to be bashing other SA teams in the Super 14, we should be getting behind all our teams unless off course they play each other. This isn't the Curry Cup ;)

I like the Lions, but the Sharks aren't looking too bad so far either. I'll be rooting for them against the Highlanders. 10-0 after 20 minutes.

[Highflyer_GP]

Sharks win 23-16. Good weekend for our teams :D

[Pitbull]

Lions 9 - 3 Crusaders. 8 minutes to go, holding thumbs!

The Young Lions Tight 5 Broke the Crusaders into pieces in the Scrums !!!!
Go Lions Go Lions GO !!!!!!!!

These young guys remind me of the time the lions won the super 10. Very young but comitted to the cause.

Brilliant Job Boys !!!!!

[Omac]

On another note I think it's a little silly for supporters of SA teams to be bashing other SA teams in the Super 14, we should be getting behind all our teams unless off course they play each other. This isn't the Curry Cup ;)

Yup!

It's important to remember that each time a South African side beats overseas opposition in this comp, they help the other SA teams in their attempts to get to the semis.

4 out of 5 for the weekend is not bad. Pity about the Bulls.

Sharks on top 3 out of 3. I don't think we've ever had such a good start, results wise that is.

[kiepie]

Ah, CONGRATS to the SHARKS! :D The first 20 min looked like they going to win with 4 tries or more. They only need to finish off the brilliant line breaks they have.

This year is a really CLOSE competition!

In the last 10 games the losing team lost with 7 or less points. :eek:
And in the last 10 games only one team to manage to score 4 tries or more. :eek:

The SA teams are looking good. :D

[stoke]

Was the non SA teams playing with their D teamz or something?
The games seem'd sooo slow and lethargic.

[Random717]

Its the time of year, its way to hot and humid, E.g. 37C in Kimberley is not rugby playing weather... in an interview Kurtley Beale said he didn't celebrate his try because he was just thinking about getting back to other side of the field, he was too tired to think of anything else. And that was in the first half, which makes the pace the Cheetahs played at all the more impressive.. I hope it stays tight, for some reason SA teams are winning the tight games lately (except the bulls :()

[Penquin]

*sad bulls supporter*

WTF Matfield.:mad: Two penalties infront the post. Last time I checked a draw is better than a loss. I noticed this trend these past weekends with the teams opting to go for a try instead of taking three easy points and not getting through the defences to score. The Crusaders tried it against the Lions aswell with no luck.

[Pitbull]

*sad bulls supporter*

WTF Matfield.:mad: Two penalties infront the post. Last time I checked a draw is better than a loss. I noticed this trend these past weekends with the teams opting to go for a try instead of taking three easy points and not getting through the defences to score. The Crusaders tried it against the Lions aswell with no luck.

I think it's the Bonus point System that forces that into the game. Loose by less than 7 and 4 tries. I might be wrong. Now this goes for the winning team aswell. That try can mean the difference between 1 or no point for the losing team.

[kiepie]

I think it's the Bonus point System that forces that into the game. Loose by less than 7 and 4 tries. I might be wrong. Now this goes for the winning team aswell. That try can mean the difference between 1 or no point for the losing team.

If they scored the try the would have won.

Think they wanted 5 points for a win instead of 2 points for an draw.

Well they only got 1.
Wonder how important that 1 point is going to be in 2 months time? :p

And that last try of the Force was in the corner with an excellent conversion.

If that kick wasn't over, I think they would have taken the penalty and be happy with 4 points :rolleyes:

[Omac]

Without Aplon, Watson & Burger, the Stormers might win!!! :mad: Replace them now I say!!

WTF is wrong with this team. Stop paying them. Big names not pulling their weight & a k*k coach to boot.

I'll have to stop watching soon. It's beginning my weekend on a shtty note!

-and they leak a bonus point.:mad:

[Omac]

Thank you Lions. Great result.

(fckng stomers. I'm still pissed off at them):mad:

[TheREV]

The Wet Drizzle disappointed yet again. Get rid of the damn coach. Anybody notice how poor the tackling was? My 3rd team at school (many years ago) could've run rings around them. For goodness' sake - are they all scared to tackle around the ankles?

Lions! Weel Done. What more can you say? What a thrilling game that was.

[DigitalSoldier]

Not even 1 comment on the Bulls vs Chiefs game ?

Was an awesome game and really good try by Brian Habbana at the end that saved me from crying :p :D

[froggytoo]

Not even 1 comment on the Bulls vs Chiefs game ?

Was an awesome game and really good try by Brian Habbana at the end that saved me from crying :p :D

Not BAd. Whats with the super 14 games (Apart from the Cheetahs fiasco) with this last minute win scoring! :D

[The_Techie]

Go Bulls!

[Omac]

Not even 1 comment on the Bulls vs Chiefs game ?

Was an awesome game and really good try by Brian Habbana at the end that saved me from crying :p :D

Yeah! I was turning blue from holding my breath. Shocking that they left it that late tho.

[Pitbull]

W00t !!!!!!

Lions U beauties !!!!!!! :p

[Omac]

I think with the Sharks sitting so pretty on the log, and the title of this thread being apropriate, that this thread becomes the official Sharks supporters thread. :D

This news article is a little old but it's another Aussie whinger so I had to post it. I had heard the accusations of foul play but couldn't find any article about it. Whiney wimp.

http://www.super14.com/news/viewarticle.asp?id=1851

[Penquin]

Nice one bulls, but they should win alot better considering the homeground advantage..

[kiepie]

I think with the Sharks sitting so pretty on the log, and the title of this thread being apropriate, that this thread becomes the official Sharks supporters thread. :D

This news article is a little old but it's another Aussie whinger so I had to post it. I had heard the accusations of foul play but couldn't find any article about it. Whiney wimp.

http://www.super14.com/news/viewarticle.asp?id=1851

Well I totally agree, still in third place with a game to spare...

Although the weekend is going to be a helluva game.

Sharks vs Crusaders

[Omac]

OMW - The Stormers hammered the Hurricanes and have done all the SA teams a bit of a favour. Particularly the SHARKS. Excellent.

Who would have thought!!!!!

[derekc]

yeah a win and a bonus point as well...looks like the SA teams are going to have their best season to date. should bode well for the WC as well.

[Highflyer_GP]

Bulls are creaming the Brumbies atm. 19-0 so far

[Omac]

Another great result. And no bonus point for the Brumbies. Well done Bulls! 19 - 7.

On a critical note. The Bulls seem to go off the boil in the 2nd half. This, if it continues, will have them continuing to lose close games!

[Random717]

I'm in shock!! just woke up a bit hung over and I see 2 wins from 2 this morning :D :D :D
Go Cats!!!

[Omac]

I'm in shock!! just woke up a bit hung over and I see 2 wins from 2 this morning :D :D :D
Go Cats!!!

Go back to sleep. You may break the streak. :D

[Boodles]

What a kuk weekend for oz teams.

[justinct]

One of the commentators mentioned that now for two weekends running the Australian sides have not won one match

[The_Techie]

Go Bulls! You're making us proud!

[RompelStompel]

Well done to the Sharks :) :)

[derekc]

omg what a nailbiter by the sharks!!! Well done!

[dabbler]

Outstanding game - well done the Sharks !

[infoseeker]

OMG what a good game. WD the Sharks !!!!!!!!!!!

[derekc]

4 wins and a draw...our teams are finally finding their feet in this tourney. Hope this domination continues!

[feo]

WOW what a bloody game! Sheesh those last 15 minutes were exciting...well done sharks. (and I'm not really even a rugby fanatic go figure). Super 14 rules!! :)

[Highflyer_GP]

Yip great ending - better than a typical Bulls game where they start off good and then become slack in the 2nd half.

[feo]

I watched it on TV and I have never heard a crowd go that ballistic ever before. Ndungani sure made up for his little 'slip up'..

[Brawler]

Certainly a exciting game, what a nail biting finish.
Still, far to many errors although it was difficult out there.

Go Sharks:D

[Omac]

It was certainly amazing to be there. When Pienaars conversion went over, chaos reigned. I'm a little hoarse so fortunately I don't have to speak on this forum.

At this point I think it may go down as one of the real classics played at Kings Park.

[Brawler]

lucky bugger :P

[Omac]

lucky bugger :P

Yeah! I feel privileged to have been there for the spectacle. :D

[Highflyer_GP]

We have three teams in the top four. Hope it continues throughout the tourney :D


Team P W D L PF PA PD TF TA BP PTS
Blues 5 4 0 1 139 85 54 15 6 2 18
Sharks 4 4 0 0 89 54 35 8 3 0 16
Lions 5 4 0 1 87 78 9 5 7 0 16
Bulls 5 3 0 2 103 101 2 10 11 1 13

[JK8]

Damn that was a good game!:D

[Omac]

“The way the boys played for that last try showed great fortitude and composure. And Ruan was spot-on with that kick. He volunteered to take it, and when someone volunteers for a kick like that, you give it to him for you know it is just going to be his day.”

Dick Muir quoted at http://www.superrugby.co.za/default.asp?id=207127&des=article&scat=superrugby/super14


Sharks coach Dick Muir paid tribute to Pienaar after the game. "When a young guy steps up and says he wants to take a kick of that importance, then you know something about his character and the spirit in the team. That, to me, epitomises what the Sharks are all about."

John Smit, the Sharks captain, agreed: "We needed a fairy tale and Ruan provided it. He won't be buying his own supper for the rest of the Super 14."

http://www.superrugby.co.za/default.asp?id=207094&des=article&scat=superrugby/super14

[Random717]

Yeah it was an awesome game... I was walking out the room swearing when the sharks lost possession at the end, took one last look at the tv from the door, next thing I'm jumping up and down shouting "run, run!!" :D :D

AD Jacobs has been in some awesome form this year!

lol I think several thousand people would buy Pienaar dinner if they had the opportunity :D

[JK8]

Yeah it was an awesome game... I was walking out the room swearing when the sharks lost possession at the end, took one last look at the tv from the door, next thing I'm jumping up and down shouting "run, run!!" :D :D

AD Jacobs has been in some awesome form this year!

lol I think several thousand people would buy Pienaar dinner if they had the opportunity :D

Was it not the other guys hard work? Ok Pienaar had tons of pressure replacing that other oke and came through but why does he get the credit? If it wasnt for the try scorer Pienaar had nothing to do.

[Random717]

Well Jacobs broke the line and put Ndungane into space... if Ndungane hadn't messed up the earlier try he'd be getting more credit. Still, it was the conversion that won the game, and a touchline conversion is always hard, nevermind the added pressure of needing it to win the game. So, Pienaar FTW :D



"We simply didn't hear the siren," said shell-shocked Crusaders captain Corey Flynn after the match. "The crowd was making an unbelievable din. If we'd known, we'd have certainly put the ball out, but we didn't know."
I thought perhaps they were trying to score more points to deny the Sharks a bonus point, but this makes a lot more sense...

[justinct]

I thought perhaps they were trying to score more points to deny the Sharks a bonus point, but this makes a lot more sense...

No, they wanted the bonus point because they are greedy. They cannot tell the world and their supporters that they lost the game because they wanted a bonus point try, so they came up with the excuse that they did not hear the siren. Funny how none of the sharks players said they never heard the siren :rolleyes:

[Omac]

No, they wanted the bonus point because they are greedy. They cannot tell the world and their supporters that they lost the game because they wanted a bonus point try, so they came up with the excuse that they did not hear the siren. Funny how none of the sharks players said they never heard the siren :rolleyes:

It would not have been a bonus point try. They had only scored 2.

So Sharks crowd FTW. :D

[kiepie]

Well what an awesome game. After they lost the ball after the hooter had gone, I thought : well thats it

What an amazing TEAM effort to keep the ball alive and AJ creating an opportunity for Jacobs to break through. Odwa needed that try for the msitake earlier in the second half.

And the Crusaders didn't kick out the ball, I thought well they want to win with more than 7, to deny us a bonus point. But the skipper of the Crusaders had the following to say ;

[Quote]“We simply didn’t hear the hooter,” said the Crusaders’ hooker and captain Corey Flynn. “It was as loud as out there in the middle with everything that was going on, and all the crowd noise. If we’d known, we’d have certainly put the ball out, but we didn’t know!” [Quote]

[kiepie]

Well what an awesome game. After they lost the ball after the hooter had gone, I thought : well thats it

What an amazing TEAM effort to keep the ball alive and AJ creating an opportunity for Jacobs to break through. Odwa needed that try for the msitake earlier in the second half.

And the Crusaders didn't kick out the ball, I thought well they want to win with more than 7, to deny us a bonus point. But they say they didn't hear the hooter.

Well I wasn't at the stadium, but it could be true. The noise of the Sharks supporters was over whelming. :D

[Brawler]

Any of you watch the Hurricanes - Force game?

Force scored in last minute, Shepard needed to convert try to win. Exactly the same as the Sharks - Crusaders game. GG

[timgaul]

Force win? Thank goodness... this years log is almost reversed, should make for an interesting season.

[kiepie]

Any of you watch the Hurricanes - Force game?

Force scored in last minute, Shepard needed to convert try to win. Exactly the same as the Sharks - Crusaders game. GG

De Ja Vu, wanted to post the same thing! :p

That last try of the Hurricanes was so NOT a try! But make no difference now.

[Boodles]

Nice one force. They doing well in their 2nd year and i hope it continues.

[kiepie]

Wonder what was the odds in the beginning of the year for them to come this far? (spread betting)

[Boodles]

Yeh, would of been a nice wager.

[kiepie]

They are not even considered for the final.

www.sportsacumen.com

[RompelStompel]

Go Cheetahs - nail the Sharks !

[kiepie]

never... Sharks is going to take it!

[kiepie]

Well to losses from two games the weekend.

Bulls leading 8-3.

[Brawler]

never... Sharks is going to take it!

agreed.


Bulls had good start, lets see whats going to happen...

[Brawler]

Good game bulls, sure they gave away 17 penalties against waratahs 4 but at least they managed to score tries(4 vs 1) & tackle well.

[Random717]

yeah well done bulls :D :D
it's a nice surprise to see them performing well away from home!

The Blues are an awesome side!

Good luck to the Sharks this afternoon! :D

[Pitbull]

never... Sharks is going to take it!

Not in this life... Face the facts bru :p

[RompelStompel]

Go Cheetahs !!!!!!

[kiepie]

SHARKS!! :D Second half is starting!

[kiepie]

What do you get when you have an Cheethas overlap???

A SHARKS TRY!!!! :D

[kiepie]

Not in this life... Face the facts bru :p

:rolleyes:

[RompelStompel]

Congrats to the Sharks..........

Haak Vrystaat !!!!!!!

[Pitbull]

Not in this life... Face the facts bru :p

C what u've done Kiepie.

Now I'm a little puppy with my tail between my legs ! :p

[justinct]

C what u've done Kiepie.

Now I'm a little puppy with my tail between my legs ! :p

Good live bait for shark fishing :D

[fivelza]

Good game bulls, sure they gave away 17 penalties against waratahs 4 but at least they managed to score tries(4 vs 1) & tackle well.

Now if only JP Nel could learn to control his swinging arm that would help....3 weeks off :mad:

[The Cosmos]

The Blues look like the team to beat this year. They were AWESOME against the lions. :(

[kiepie]

Dont right off the Crusaders. They are looking good even without their top players.

[lilDeath]

Stormers FTW!!

:D

[Pitbull]

I hope I'm reading your post correctly.

:sick: :D

[kiepie]

So the Bulls comes back to earth regarding the winnings abroad...

Wonder if the newspapers will have a winning SA team on the frontpage, or the Bulls again like every Sunday.

[Random717]

wow, the stormers won again! nice :D

[kiepie]

wow, the stormers won again! nice :D

Waraths is really bad this year. And they were in the semi's last year. :eek:

[Brawler]

WD stormers!

cant watch the sharks game :(

[RompelStompel]

Go Cheetahs !!!!

[Random717]

yeah cheetahs kicking ass! bit of luck with some of the refs calls, but who cares :D :D

[ToxicBunny]

Sharks will kick a-s-s......

Looking forward to the game, pity I can't go to the stadium tho :(

[kiepie]

Sharks have another one in their pocket. AND a BONUS POINT! :D
Nice game!

[ToxicBunny]

W00t....
:D
:D
:D
:D
:D

[Brawler]

:D
Sharks FTW

[kiepie]

:D
Sharks FTW

SHARKS deserve their own tread!

LOL - found it.

[Boodles]

Aussie teams doing kuk this season. jeez, like.

Hope there able to get things together a little better during WC

[Bravestar]

Aussie teams doing kuk this season. jeez, like.

Hope there able to get things together a little better during WC
Why on earth would you ant that....???????
I hope they suck all the way until 2059!!!!!:)

[kiepie]

Why on earth would you ant that....???????
I hope they suck all the way until 2059!!!!!:)

Boodles is an Aussie.

[Bravestar]

SAD!!!!!
Aussie are running out of form players...
their dept is of a big concern...:)

[Gerhardt]

The S14 is now in the crunch, do or die stages, with many teams having to secure victories this coming week-end if they still want to remain in contention for one of the semi final spots. The hopes that we had, whilst in the first half of the competition, of 2 SA sides qualifying will dwindle severely unless the Sharks & Bulls/Lions regain their momentum and start winning.

This is also the section of the competition where individualism in the remainder of the Stormers & Cheetahs teams could become an issue, seeing that the teams will not qualify. Players may start to concentrate on their individual performances with an eye on selection with Tri-Nations as well as the World Cup in mind. These performances could range from putting own individual skills on display to operating under the radar, safeguarding themselves against injury, specially if they stand a good chance of selection. Either way these teams may not benefit.

SA franchises should have positioned themselves much better in this 2007 competition, specially against the Kiwis, due to the 22 not participating in the first round, these players taking at least a game or two to get going and having a serious affect. Once again, it shows what immense depth exsist in NZ rugby. If ever we had a chance in the S14, it was going to be this year, but now, who knows.

The next two rounds will be decisive, keeping us all in suspense. What a lovely game this is.

[RompelStompel]

Stormers vs. Bulls tomorrow.

Go Bulls :)

[The_Techie]

Bulls all the way! :)

[kiepie]

It's going to be packed. Any one going to watch?

Got tickets on Wednesday but only on top.

[The_Techie]

Loftus should be filled to the brim!

I'm not going to attend it, unfortunately. But I'm gonna watch it on TV. :)

[RompelStompel]

It's going to be packed. Any one going to watch?

Got tickets on Wednesday but only on top.

Main pavilion ?

Bought tickets 2 weeks ago - and they only had tickets available for the Eastern pavilion :(

[kiepie]

Main pavilion ?

Bought tickets 2 weeks ago - and they only had tickets available for the Eastern pavilion :(


I'm not a Bull supporter so only decided to go this week.
Got 4 tickets on the eastern side, on top. Section GG. :(

Will watch the Sharks on TV and be of to the rugby.

Rather be early than hit traffic around 2:30

The game is at 4, right?

[RompelStompel]

I'm not a Bull supporter so only decided to go this week.
Got 4 tickets on the eastern side, on top. Section GG. :(

Will watch the Sharks on TV and be of to the rugby.

Rather be early than hit traffic around 2:30

The game is at 4, right?

Yes , game starts at 1600.

Choices (SA plays NZ on Saturday) and then the Bulls game

Enjoy the game :)

[The_Techie]

/me envies kiepie for having tickets

[RompelStompel]

Got 4 tickets on the eastern side, on top. Section GG.


The 3 tickets I bought are in DD , also topside :)

[kiepie]

Enjoy it, DD are a lot better than GG.

[The_Techie]

Bulls 49
Stormers 12

Well done Bulls! You're making us proud!

[Gerhardt]

We have reached the final stage of the round robin of the competition. It is win at all costs for the top 7 sides, as I see it. Two teams, the Crusaders and Blues have secured their positions in the top 4, with the remainder of the 5 sides still having to battle it out for the remainder of the 2 spots. Depending how hey succeed in last 3 games the home semis will fall into place.

SA's are hoping for 2 sides to go thru, however even they have their work cut out :

Sharks v : Chiefs (away) Lions (home) Stormers (away) min 8 points, max 12
Bulls v : Lions (away) Blues (home) Reds (home) min 12 points, max 14.

These are my predicted points for the above teams.
Although the Bulls have an easier finish, they are 7 points behind the Sharks

Lets hope the Sharks can secure a home semi final, the first one by an SA side in many years, if ever.

[Gerhardt]

Game of the week-end : Sharks whipping the Blues in Auckland.

[Gerhardt]

Posted elsewhere on the Sport Forum on 6 Apr:

Super 14 : 2007

------------------------------------------------------------------------

The S14 is now in the crunch, do or die stages, with many teams having to secure victories this coming week-end if they still want to remain in contention for one of the semi final spots. The hopes that we had, whilst in the first half of the competition, of 2 SA sides qualifying will dwindle severely unless the Sharks & Bulls/Lions regain their momentum and start winning.

This is also the section of the competition where individualism in the remainder of the Stormers & Cheetahs teams could become an issue, seeing that the teams will not qualify. Players may start to concentrate on their individual performances with an eye on selection with Tri-Nations as well as the World Cup in mind. These performances could range from putting own individual skills on display to operating under the radar, safeguarding themselves against injury, specially if they stand a good chance of selection. Either way these teams may not benefit.

SA franchises should have positioned themselves much better in this 2007 competition, specially against the Kiwis, due to the 22 not participating in the first round, these players taking at least a game or two to get going and having a serious affect. Once again, it shows what immense depth exsist in NZ rugby. If ever we had a chance in the S14, it was going to be this year, but now, who knows.

The next two rounds will be decisive, keeping us all in suspense. What a lovely game this is.
================================================== =======

Posted on 15 Apr:

We have reached the final stage of the round robin of the competition. It is win at all costs for the top 7 sides, as I see it. Two teams, the Crusaders and Blues have secured their positions in the top 4, with the remainder of the 5 sides still having to battle it out for the remainder of the 2 spots. Depending how hey succeed in last 3 games the home semis will fall into place.

SA's are hoping for 2 sides to go thru, however even they have their work cut out :

Sharks v : Chiefs (away) Lions (home) Stormers (away) min 8 points, max 12
Bulls v : Lions (away) Blues (home) Reds (home) min 12 points, max 14.

These are my predicted points for the above teams.
Although the Bulls have an easier finish, they are 7 points behind the Sharks

Lets hope the Sharks can secure a home semi final, the first one by an SA side in many years, if ever.

[kiepie]

Wow, so the Stormers won their game against the Blues.


That gives the Sharks and Bulls a good chance for the semi's. :D

[Gerhardt]

After a week-end of mixed sucesses, depending on what team u support, I am sitting here with mixed feelings. Rather annoid at the halftime score in Hamilton this morning, I get given another breath of fresh air into the latter stage of the game when the deficit is reduced to 8 points. Was very sad seeing lost opportunities going down due to bad handling and passing, specially in the dying minutes, preventing the sharks from making history by being the only team beating all the NZ sides in one season.

So, collecting 1 point is better than collecting no points at all and thanks to the Stormers keeping the Blues at bay and preventing them from collecting more bonus points, the day finished much better than it started.

We now enter the season of friendships and favours. If this team beats that team they will favour this team. Is it payback time for the sharks? Should the Bulls experience that feeling that we had to endure in 2006 when the Stormers clearly through a match that prevented the sharks from playing in the semi-finals? Well at least the Stormers paid us back today, so now it's up to that black&white squad to finish the Lions in dbn and Stormers in Cpt in order to ensure a semi-spot. Were still hoping for that home semi, so near, yet so far.

[kiepie]

Should the Bulls experience that feeling that we had to endure in 2006 when the Stormers clearly through a match that prevented the sharks from playing in the semi-finals? Well at least the Stormers paid us back today, so now it's up to that black&white squad to finish the Lions in dbn and Stormers in Cpt in order to ensure a semi-spot. Were still hoping for that home semi, so near, yet so far.


Do I remember that game, that was a very sad day in this Sharkies life... :( :(

So close (remember we dropped a defense at the end of the Force game, and they scored twice near the end)

But I thought 32 points difference was good enough.
The the Stomers gave them 33 points on a sliver platter.

Bulls went to the Semi's with 1 point difference against us.

[The_Techie]

In a professional game, no team ever throws a game EVER! This is their livelihood, so please don't tell me that rubbish. Think what you will, but that's like saying "Standard Bank today went bankrupt to ensure that ABSA obtains a better turnaround". Not going to happen. :D

And how come people keep telling me that the Sharks would've had a better chance than the Bulls in last year's semi's? They couldn't even reach the semi's, for crying out loud, let alone stand a better chance than a team which did (no offence to the Sharks and their supporters). I personally would have liked to see both of the teams in the semi's because I think the Sharks would have done very well but unfortunately things didn't work out that way last year.

Here's hoping that it works out that way this year! :)

[Gerhardt]

In a professional game, no team ever throws a game EVER! This is their livelihood, so please don't tell me that rubbish. Think what you will, but that's like saying "Standard Bank today went bankrupt to ensure that ABSA obtains a better turnaround". Not going to happen. :D

And how come people keep telling me that the Sharks would've had a better chance than the Bulls in last year's semi's? They couldn't even reach the semi's, for crying out loud, let alone stand a better chance than a team which did (no offence to the Sharks and their supporters). I personally would have liked to see both of the teams in the semi's because I think the Sharks would have done very well but unfortunately things didn't work out that way last year.

Here's hoping that it works out that way this year! :)

RE 2006: Any intelligent rugby follower knows that the sharks tour the best out of all SA sides. What happened at Newlands on that day was not normal, so yeah, they would have had a better chance than the bulls, based on historical facts

[Boodles]

...An Aussie team will steal one of those Semi spots.....

Go, Aussie go.!!!

[kiepie]

...An Aussie team will steal one of those Semi spots.....

Go, Aussie go.!!!

Never! :p :D

Or maybe they can, it would be so much easier for the team playing against them. :p :D

[The_Techie]

RE 2006: Any intelligent rugby follower knows that the sharks tour the best out of all SA sides. What happened at Newlands on that day was not normal, so yeah, they would have had a better chance than the bulls, based on historical facts

Tour the best? Didn't the Bulls just make history by recording the best touring stats of any South African team yet?

And history means nothing in my book, for example: During last year's Currie Cup, the Blue Bulls were not able to beat the Western Province during the playoffs. In fact, they lost two times, once on Newlands and once on Loftus Versveld. However, they did manage to beat Western Province in the semi-finals. Now, based on history, one would imagine they would have lost against Western Province. :confused:

Which is my ellaborate way of saying you can't argue on "should have"s and "could have"s. Which is why I say that I would have liked to see them in last year's semi's as well, seeing as they probably would have done well. However, they did not manage to qualify for the semi's so you cannot say that they would have done better because, based on the evidence, they did not have enough to even qualify for the semi's, let alone go further.

/me stops playing Devil's Advocate :D

[kiepie]

Maybe merge the 2 please!!

[The_Techie]

/me seconds that

[Abe]

Blues 9 - Bulls 11 (After 27 minutes)

http://live.planet-rugby.com/2007/04/27/1960.shtml

[kiepie]

Bulls 13 - Blues 9

39th min

[kiepie]

Half Time

Bulls 20 - 9 Blues

[kiepie]

LOL, die afrikaanse kommentator het 3 min voor half tyd gesê: "Dit was een van Gary Botha se swakste aangee's."

Nou sê hy 10 min later: "Gary Botha speel die beste rugby van sy loopbaan"

LOL :D

[Fiekus]

BONUS point for the Bulls. What a game!!! Bulls playing out of their skins tonight! Semi-final waving :D

[The_Techie]

Bulls 40
Blues 19

WELL DONE BULLS!

[kiepie]

Bye bye Blues :D

Point difference changed by 14 against the Blues and the Bulls with that try that slipped through.

Now the point difference is 17.

Could be costly...

[The_Techie]

Bye bye Blues :D

Point difference changed by 14 against the Blues and the Bulls with that try that slipped through.

Now the point difference is 17.

Could be costly...

It could prove costly for the Blues, since they now have to win their final game with a vengeance to keep their chances of a home semi-final alive.

Excellent game by the Bulls, hope to see the same quality of rugby tomorrow! :)

[kiepie]

Like the commentator said: A good day to be an SA supporter.

[Random717]

aaaarg, i completely forgot it was on. Missed everything :( :(
but well done bulls!!!! :D :D :D

[kiepie]

You missed a great game. :eek:

[The_Techie]

I concur, one of the best games I have seen this season!

Make sure you never miss another one, xcleric42 ;)

[kiepie]

Stormers 32 - 19 Reds :)

60th min.

[The_Techie]

Stormers ought to win this one

[kiepie]

A little bit of revenge on the aussies from the World Cup.

[The_Techie]

Anything that peeves the Aussies off is fine by me :D

[Gerhardt]

My prediction for semis :

crus
sharks
blues
bulls

1.Crusaders should collect at least 4 against Chiefs at Jade stadium, ending no1.
2.Sharks need to win both remains matches with min 8 points, this should secure them a 2nd. Due to points diff compared to Crus, unable to finish no1
3.Bulls will need to beat the Reds, scoring 5 tries and beat Reds by 18+ blues points diff against force in order to do best they can ie 3rd, otherwise a 4th for them.
4.Blues, beating force will end no3,(only if Bulls could’nt reach pd target) if Blues loose, they go no4, or even out of semis, if brumbies can beat highlanders and collect 39 log points, allowing bulls a no3 spot.

If Blues loose as in par 4, then:

crus
sharks
bulls
brumbies

Does sound confusing, but actually very easy, if you think about it.

[Alan]

Did anyone see what happend to that ACT player :eek: . He went down and his head disappeared under his body :sick: . For a second it looked like he had been decapitated.

I thought he was a gonna :o

How he didin't break his neck is beyond me. Somehow he was fine afterwards.

Great game though :cool:

[The_Techie]

I have no problem with having two South African sides in the semi-finals :)

[The Cosmos]

Crusaders lost, again. 30-24. Against the Chiefs.

[kiepie]

1 Crusaders 13 8 0 5 382 235 147 47 20 10 42
2 Blues 13 9 0 4 355 235 120 41 20 6 42
3 The Sharks 12 9 0 3 319 204 115 36 17 4 40
4 Brumbies 13 9 0 4 234 173 61 23 16 4 40
5 Chiefs 13 7 1 5 373 321 52 43 36 10 40
6 Vodacom Bulls 12 8 0 4 296 220 76 32 22 5 37


Has this been ever closer? :D

[kiepie]

Waratahs crushing the Hurricanes

38 - 14 :eek:

[The Cosmos]

Team P W L D Bp Ttl
1. Sharks 13 10 3 0 5 45
2. Bulls 13 9 4 0 6 42
3. Crusaders 13 8 5 0 10 42
4. Blues 13 9 4 0 6 42


Can you believe it ? For the first time EVER both semi-finals will be held in South Africa. I know my team (Lions) has folded dismally, but i am very excited for our teams in the semi's even though i hate the Bulls with a passion.

Looking forward to next weekend ! Well done to the Sharks and the Bulls !

[kiepie]

Can you believe it ? For the first time EVER both semi-finals will be held in South Africa. I know my team (Lions) has folded dismally, but i am very excited for our teams in the semi's even though i hate the Bulls with a passion.
Looking forward to next weekend ! Well done to the Sharks and the Bulls !


:o

[The_Techie]

i hate the Bulls with a passion.

*Sigh* :rolleyes:

[Pitbull]

I'm a true blood Lions supporter. I will however always love the bulls.

Once the Lions drop out I always root for the Bulls. There is a saying that says: "Love your enemies" :p

[The Cosmos]

Here's my feeling about the semi's.
Ok, i'm realistic by nature, and that will never change. I can't see our teams playing in the final.

Because, we don't have the experience of being in semi-finals. And I don't care where we ended up on the log, but the crusaders and blues are still better than us.

In saying that, I truly hope our teams win.

It will be one of the biggest disasters with regards to our rugby, if the final is in NZ, and both teams are NZ. If we don't win the cup this year, then we will never win it.

Just my thoughts. If i am proven wrong on saturday, i will come back and admit i was wrong. Promise. :D

[TheBossMan]

*Sigh* :rolleyes:


HeHeHe.. You be sucking!!!!

Check it out...
http://mybroadband.co.za/photos/showphoto.php?photo=487&ppuser=25019

[The Cosmos]

Here's my feeling about the semi's.
Ok, i'm realistic by nature, and that will never change. I can't see our teams playing in the final.

Because, we don't have the experience of being in semi-finals. And I don't care where we ended up on the log, but the crusaders and blues are still better than us.

In saying that, I truly hope our teams win.

It will be one of the biggest disasters with regards to our rugby, if the final is in NZ, and both teams are NZ. If we don't win the cup this year, then we will never win it.

Just my thoughts. If i am proven wrong on saturday, i will come back and admit i was wrong. Promise. :D

Ok. I was wrong. Well done to our teams. :)

[PostmanPot]

You get proven wrong a lot :D

[The Cosmos]

I was never good at predictions. Nor am i now. :o

[Gooku]

Run ~Run ~Run

Run like the most powerful horse.>.>.>.
Win-Win-Win

The game is on for the great contest of
strength,speed,skill,courage & depth

(not for the immature minds)

[Omac]

ARU may let foreigners play in Super 14

Posted on Thursday, May 17, 2007 - 10:54

The Australian Rugby Union (ARU) is considering changing its rules to allow foreign players to play in the Super 14.

Officials are concerned about an apparent lack of depth in Australia's ranks after all four of their Super 14 teams failed to make the playoffs this season.

Overseas players are banned from playing on Australia's four Super 14 teams because the ARU only wants players eligible to represent the Wallabies.

But the ARU is considering changing the rules next year to allow each team to bring in one foreign player as part of a strategy to improve playing strength.

"The issue came up with the Australian Rugby Championship," ARU high performance manager Pat Wilson told The Australian newspaper on Thursday.

"There was an opportunity to bring in a marquee player to work with those teams. Then we thought it might flow on to the Super 14.

Wilson said that even if the ARU did approve the idea, it would still want to have some say in the recruitment process to ensure promising Australian players were not at a disadvantage.

"You would have to look at what you've already got in your playing ranks," Wilson said.

"We wouldn't want the teams to go out and recruit four halfbacks."

Australia is the only participating country in the Super 14 that bans foreign players in their teams. The South African and New Zealand franchises do not have similar restrictions.

The issue coincides with the recent announcement that several high-profile Australian players, including George Gregan, Stephen Larkham and Jeremy Paul, are leaving the Super 14 next season to play in Europe.


http://www.superrugby.co.za/default.asp?id=215544&des=article&scat=superrugby/super14


@ Boodles - Has the panic set in? :D :D

If so - Heeheehee! Suffer you buggars.

[The_Techie]

HeHeHe.. You be sucking!!!!

Check it out...
http://mybroadband.co.za/photos/showphoto.php?photo=487&ppuser=25019

Nice pic. I hope the Bulls win tomorrow, however best of luck to the Sharks.