Storm clouds gather in SA rugby

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Storm clouds gather in SA rugby

Cape Town - Storm clouds are again gathering behind the scenes in South African rugby while the Springboks hope to beat the All Blacks in New Zealand for the first time in ten years.

Springbok coach Peter de Villiers has appealed to the public to have faith in the team that will leave on Thursday for their Tri-Nations Tests in Australasia.

However, another political battle seems to be simmering. SA Rugby Union president Oregan Hoskins could be in hot water over remarks that were allegedly made during a meeting with the parliamentary sports portfolio committee.

De Villiers said at a news conference after Saturday's Newlands Test against Italy, "What we need now is a country that believes in these guys the way I believe in them."

The Springboks, who had beaten Wales in a two-Test series on the previous Saturdays, made it three-in-a-row under De Villiers's coaching when they defeated Italy 26-0 on a wet ground.

"It's tough playing New Zealand on their own grounds but we're going in a positive frame of mind in that we don't fear anyone," De Villiers said.

"We have the ammunition. It does not matter which players we choose because these guys all know what they are doing.

"I'm not saying we're going to win but we'll do very well.

"You know, South Africa said before our (recent) matches, "Hell, Jake White is gone; that black guy (De Villiers) will never make it; let's wait for the Welsh to come.

"Now they're saying it was just another team; let's wait for the Tri-Nations.

"So, let's wait and see. We are a team on a mission. We just ask South Africa to give us a chance; to give the players a chance

"These guys also have families and they try hard. Nobody said they'd be perfect but they will always give their best for this country," the coach said.

But other issues are looming in SA rugby.

In a summary of the sport portfolio committee meeting last week - published on the website www.pmg.org.za - Hoskins is quoted as having said the SA Broadcasting Corporation had told him during a meeting they would not televise Currie Cup rugby even if it were given to them.

The national broadcaster apparently prefers "to broadcast soap operas".

This was allegedly said during a discussion about broadcast rights.

In South Africa, rugby is televised live on SuperSport. The SA Rugby Union has also sold, in a controversial move early this year, future broadcast rights to SuperSport.

According to the report on the website Hoskins also said Heyneke Meyer had been the first choice to be appointed as Springbok coach last January.

De Villiers was second choice and was appointed "in the interest of transformation".

The chairperson of the committee that conducted the interviews with the candidates for the position of national coach, Mike Stofile, is said to be angry.

Stofile, whom Hoskins defeated when the Saru president was chosen earlier this year, has requested to appear before the committee.

Cedrick Frolick, vice-chair of the sport portfolio committee, says Stofile and the SABC's chief of content, Mvuso Mebebe, will appear before the committee on Tuesday.

"Butana Komphela (chair of the committee) has sent a message to Saru, saying there are people who feel Hoskins's remarks were incorrect," Frolick said on Sunday.

"Pandora's box will be open if lies were told in parliament," he added.


http://www.news24.com/News24/Sport/Rugby/0,,2-9-838_2345204,00.html
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When will the IRB take a stand against political interference in SA rugby?
 
killadoob said:
no man the tri nations hahah :)

need to see if the boma is going to be showing it :)
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JULY

5 New Zealand vs South Africa Westpac Stadium, Wellington 9.35am
12 New Zealand vs South Africa Carisbrook Stadium, Dunedin 9.35am
19 Australia vs South Africa Subiaco Oval, Perth
26 New Zealand vs Australia Telstra Stadium, Sydney 12.05pm

AUGUST

2 Australia vs New Zealand Eden Park Stadium, Auckland 9.35am
16 South Africa vs New Zealand Newlands Rugby Stadium 3pm
23 South Africa vs Australia The Absa Stadium, Durban 3pm
30 South Africa vs Australia Ellis Park, Johannesburg 3pm

SEPTEMBER

13 Australia vs New Zealand Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane 11.05am
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Hope this helps :D
 
I am sorry but I don't have a huge amount of confidence following the first 3 games we've had. There is still some awesome skill but that seems to be from Jake's players in the main. Conrad Jantjes has been great but the other new comers have been disappointing. Luke Watson is still clueless and was so desperately trying to score a try that he probably cost us at least one against Italy. Ricky January is way too slow. The new props - clearly they aren't Os but they seem to give away penalties. I suspect Bobo and Ndingane aren't up to scratch either but they didn't get the ball.

Comments on the old guard - Ruaan Pienaar - that fumble of the ball was inexcusable. Yes it was wet and yes, you had just come on but you're a bok. And Francois Steyn - yep, you have flair aplenty but try varying the game because kick, kick, kick is predictable.

I think the only thing we have going for us is that Richie McCaw is injured.
 
Devill said:
Yeah remember in SA sport, it is more important that we play with a rainbow team then with a winning team :mad::(
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I worry about the safety of players. Rugby, as we all know, is a physical game. Thing is, when you play NZ that just goes to a whole new level. I can see big injuries coming from the front rank, Luke Watson, the flyhalf, and the centres. I can also see Habana getting injured from all the work he'll have to do.

That scrum needs to be sorted out because that's were we're most vulnerable. Next place to look is at a quicker scrummie and i think Conradie edges out Januarie. Not sure if Pienaar has had enough game time.
 
Albereth said:
I worry about the safety of players. Rugby, as we all know, is a physical game. Thing is, when you play NZ that just goes to a whole new level. I can see big injuries coming from the front rank, Luke Watson, the flyhalf, and the centres. I can also see Habana getting injured from all the work he'll have to do.

That scrum needs to be sorted out because that's were we're most vulnerable. Next place to look is at a quicker scrummie and i think Conradie edges out Januarie. Not sure if Pienaar has had enough game time.
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He is KUK!! Maybe get the sharks scrummie or even the freestate one is beter then Bolla :mad:

Going to be interesting to see the Boks in 2 weeks time :)
 
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