Super Rugby 2017

http://www.sport24.co.za/Rugby/SuperRugby/handre-pollard-to-captain-bulls-20170128

Handre Pollard to captain Bulls

Cape Town - The Bulls announced that flyhalf Handre Pollard will be captaining the Super Rugby franchise going into the season, while regular captain Adriaan Strauss is still recovering from surgery and expected to miss the first few games of the competition

...

Pollard will be deputised by Hanro Liebenberg, another youngster who had the honour of captaining the junior Boks as well as the Blue Bulls at both junior and Currie Cup levels.
Click to expand...
 
Rumour has it that the Sunwolves will sign this year's Top League MVP, Takaaki Nakazuru, which is news as these players are hardly released to the JRFU.
 
Sunwolves made big signings available on their roster today,

2 Superb wingers,

Shota Emi
Takaaki Nakazuru (this year's Top League MVP)

Welcoming back Shokei Kin which is a talented flanker. Added to their flyhalf stable, Jumpei Ogura.

Then a player I have doubt to be signed at his age in a Japanese Super Rugby pro rugby setup, their U/20 player of the year, Ataata Moeakiola.
 
http://www.sport24.co.za/Rugby/SuperRugby/blues-to-play-super-rugby-match-in-samoa-20170130

Blues to play Super Rugby match in Samoa

Auckland - The Blues announced they will stage the first ever game of Super Rugby to be played in Samoa later this year.

The Blues said the match would be a 'home' fixture against the Reds in Apia on Friday, June 2.

Blues chief executive Michael Redman said the move was a way for the Auckland-based franchise to reward their strong Samoan following.

"Our Blues region is home to around 150 000 proud Samoans and we have 15 players in our team with Samoan heritage, along with our head coach Tana Umaga," he said.
Click to expand...
 
http://english.kyodonews.jp/news/2017/01/456215.html

Rugby: Top League MVP Nakazuru among 5 added to Sunwolves squad

The Sunwolves squad for the 2017 Super Rugby season got even bigger Monday with the announcement that the franchise had added a further five players.

Top League MVP Takaaki Nakazuru was joined by fellow wings Shota Emi and Ataata Moeakiola, with flanker Shokei Kin and flyhalf Jumpei Ogura also getting called up, meaning the squad now numbers 50.

Nakazuru and Emi both played a big role in Suntory Sungoliath winning the 2016-2017 league and cup double, with the former touching down 17 times in the regular season.

Tokai University student Moeakiola scored three tries for Japan against South Africa in last year's under-20 world championship having won three caps for the Brave Blossoms during the Asia Rugby Championship.

Kin also made his debut in last year's ARC and has won six caps for Japan. He was a late call-up to the Sunwolves last season and has two Super Rugby cap to his name.

His NTT Communications Shining Arcs teammate Ogura was included in the Japan squad for last November's internationals but has yet to play a test match.

Japan coach Jamie Joseph, who oversees the Sunwolves, said the larger than normal squad would enable him to "develop and blood some younger players with experienced players who have played at a higher level."

With the Sunwolves set to travel close on 120,000 kilometers, and a number of players having played continuously for the past two or three years, player welfare was paramount, Joseph said.

As such a number of players will miss the long tours to South Africa and New Zealand and will remain in Japan, where they will train under Joseph with members of the Junior Japan squad.
Click to expand...

Japan, getting it right this time around. Their squad is suddenly looking much stronger than it did earlier on. To think that this squad is tasked with preparing Cherry Blossoms. Add more Top League stars like Kosei Ono, Kenki Fukuoka, etc. and give reason to Michael Leitch and Hendrik Tui to return to the Cherry Blossoms and the team will be a worthy top contender, adding Amanaki and Kodama to the list which is signed by the Rebels.
 
From Supersport.com

Tweeks in semifinal process


SANZAAR has tweaked the process by which the semifinal match-ups for this year's Super Rugby tournament will be determined.

However, as was the case in 2016 the teams winning spots in the quarterfinals will be: the four Conference winners - who will host the quarterfinal matches; and four wildcard teams - determined by the final conference positions.

The teams will be ranked 1-8 based on the final number of competition points attained and the following order:

Rank 1-4: Conference winners determined by final number of competition points

Rank 5-8: Wildcards determined by final number of competition points

The quarterfinal draw will be:

Quarterfinal 1: 1 v 8
Quarterfinal 2: 2 v 7
Quarterfinal 3: 3 v 6
Quarterfinal 4: 4 v 5

In a change from 2016, the semifinal draw will be pre-determined. The two semifinal hosts will be the highest ranked winners from the respective quarterfinals.

Semifinal 1: Winner QF 1 v Winner QF 4
Semifinal 2: Winner QF 2 v Winner QF 3

In last year's tournament, although the quarterfinal draw was the same, when it came to the semifinals, the lowest seed hosted the highest seeded team to qualify, while the second-lowest seed played host to the second-highest seed.

By way of a reminder, this is how 2016's quarterfinals played out (winners in bold):

Hurricanes (1) v Sharks (8)
Lions (2) v Crusaders (7)
Stormers (3) v Chiefs (6)
Brumbies (4) v Highlanders (5)

As was the structure in 2016, the Hurricanes hosted the Chiefs in the first semifinal, while the Lions welcomed the Highlanders to Ellis Park.

However, by 2017 changes, the Hurricanes would host the Highlanders, while the Lions would play the Chiefs.

A subtle, yet potentially tournament defining change.
Click to expand...

Still so freaking complicated. Wish they could just back to a round robin stage with the top 4 playing the semis like they used to. But that will never happen, otherwise there will be no SA representation (on 2016 form, Lions excluded)...
 
Agent_Smith said:
From Supersport.com



Still so freaking complicated. Wish they could just back to a round robin stage with the top 4 playing the semis like they used to. But that will never happen, otherwise there will be no SA representation (on 2016 form, Lions excluded)...
Click to expand...

The issue is that they are locked in and committed to the broadcast agreements, something which is not easily changed or undone. Though these TV rights holders also oppose the current setup as experienced in 2016, the structure (and its broadcasting) is already in place where compromises will F-up the system. The current structure is under review starting March where new setups will be tabled to restructure the competition between 2018-2019, and reviewed expansion is up targeting 2020+ where it does not necessarily mean more teams.

Argentina is looking at bringing in the Pampas. Canada and the USA, pro-Rugby, is considering bringing in one or two teams. New Zealand wants the Warriors to compete, still debatable, and they are already in the Australian competition this year. Japan is happy with their one team, but there may be an expansion team based in Singapore which will cater to both Asia and the islands. Nothing is concrete, but should some have the go-ahead, expect SA and Australia to drop two teams and NZ to drop one team.

Interesting though, although the local attendance numbers are down, the television ratings succeeded the expectations. They, SANZAAR and the rights holders, are making more money. It is the teams which are being beaten down by the current structure.
 
https://thewest.com.au/sport/rugby-...rship-in-australian-super-rugby-ng-b88371918z

Western Force land most lucrative sponsorship in Australian Super Rugby

Western Force have received a $1.5 million lifeline in a sponsorship deal with the State Government that sees the Road Safety Commission their naming rights partner for the 2017 Super Rugby season.

The front-of-jumper sponsorship is the biggest 12-month deal signed by an Australian Super Rugby franchise and has a three-year roll over renewal option.

Speculation has surrounded the Force’s future since an independent review made recommendations including reducing the number of teams.

However, it has emerged that the current 18-team format is likely to remain in place until the end of the 2020 broadcast deal.

The club was effectively taken over by the Australian Rugby Union last year in a move that lifted a multi-million dollar debt from the franchise’s shoulders and saved them from falling into a bigger financial hole. Players and staff became employees of the ARU.

Soon after they launched the “Save The Force” campaign selling shares that are expected to raise $5 million and turn the franchise into Australia’s biggest fan-owned club.
Click to expand...
 
http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/2017/01/31/rebels-sign-former-reds-flanker-schatz

Rebels sign former Reds flanker Schatz

The Melbourne Rebels have drafted in Reds discard Jake Schatz as cover for Test flanker Sean McMahon, who is expected to miss the first month of the Super Rugby season following ankle surgery.

Cut by Queensland, back-rower Schatz has been signed by the Rebels as immediate cover for McMahon, who initially damaged the joint during last year's Rugby Championship.

Melbourne have also signed centre Dennis Pili-Gatuia to cover for former Australian Sevens player Pama Fou, who has suffered a season-ending knee injury.

Fou ruptured his ACL at training for the second time in less than a year, ahead of what would have been his first season with the Rebels.

Rebels general manager Baden Stephenson said the experienced pair would add strength to the squad, which was decimated by injury in 2016.

"The inclusion of Jake and Dennis will provide the squad with additional cover and depth as we ramp up our preparations for 2017 with trial matches against the Force and Reds over the next two weeks," Stephenson said.
Click to expand...
 
http://www.canberratimes.com.au/rug...ake-super-rugby-comeback-20170131-gu28pk.html

ACT Brumbies open door for Matt Giteau to make Super Rugby comeback

Matt Giteau and Drew Mitchell have emerged as shock recruitment targets for the ACT Brumbies as the club considers a bold double bid to lure the French stars to Canberra.

Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham revealed he hoped to speak with Giteau in the coming days to see if his departure from French giant Toulon will open the door for a Super Rugby comeback.

Mitchell is also on the radar for a potential late addition to the Brumbies squad after flyer Lausii Taliauli suffered a suspected season-ending knee injury in a trial match last weekend.

Brumbies championship winner and Wallabies veteran Giteau announced on Monday night he was leaving Toulon at the end of the European season to move his career to Japan.

The Brumbies are hoping schedules will align and allow Giteau to add playmaker experience to the club's roster this year in the absence of Christian Lealiifano and Matt Toomua.

Larkham will unveil his new captain on Wednesday morning, with several senior players including Scott Fardy, Sam Carter and Scott Sio in contention to fill in for Lealiifano, who is continuing his treatment for leukaemia.

Giteau would add valuable leadership to the Brumbies but his involvement would be dependant on an early release for Toulon or a late-season arrival in May.
Click to expand...
 
http://www.sport24.co.za/Rugby/SuperRugby/jaguares-make-key-re-signings-20170131

Jaguares make key re-signings

Cape Town - The Jaguares announced that they have retained five key players until the 2019 World Cup.

Matías Alemanno, Emiliano Boffelli, Santiago García Botta, Mark Kremer, Pablo Matera and Guido Petti have all extended their contracts with the Argentinean franchise.

Jaguares board member Fernando Rizzi said he was ecstatic that the side could keep hold of the players.

"It is a great joy for us to have these talented young players for the next three seasons, which will be demanding and very important to further develop our rugby in Super Rugby as we strive for excellence and professionalism," Rizzi told the Jaguares website.

Jaguares flanker Pablo Matera says that he wants to use this opportunity to turn their fortunes around after a disappointing 2016.
Click to expand...
 
http://english.kyodonews.jp/news/2017/02/456581.html

Rugby: Sunwolves get together 24 days before Super Rugby opener

The Sunwolves held their first training session Wednesday, just 24 days before they open their 2017 Super Rugby season against defending champions the Hurricanes.

Only three days after the domestic season finished with a bruising All-Japan Championship final, the squad was put through their paces at Tatsumi Rugby Ground.

"We have three weeks until we take on the Hurricanes," said head coach Filo Tiatia. "There is nothing better than taking on the best, but we are starting at the top of the mountain."

The Sunwolves will also be starting with a number of walking wounded.

"We've got players just out of the Top League, promotion/relegation games and the Japan Cup," Tiatia explained.

While the Suntory Sungoliath and Panasonic Wild Knights players who contested Sunday's AJC final were allowed to continue their recovery by simply watching the training session, a number of other players were on the sidelines.

Two -- Michael Bond and Ataata Moeakiola -- have also yet to join up with their teammates, who gathered in the morning for a squad meeting.

"I watched the final and it was a very physical game, which is why the guys from Suntory and Panasonic are resting today," said co-captain Ed Quirk.

"But comparing that game last year and the one this year, there is a different mentality to the way Japanese rugby is being played. The rugby now is on another level."

Quirk will lead the Sunwolves with Harumichi Tatekawa, and the Japan center stressed the need for cohesion.

"We have got a big squad but it is important we come together as one team," he said.
Click to expand...
 
Seriously looking forward to the competition. After the Springbok nightmare and will be interesting to see how the franchises perform in this competition.
 
http://www.sport24.co.za/Rugby/SuperRugby/cronje-to-lead-lions-against-supabaabaas-20170202

Cronje to lead Lions against SupaBaabaas

Teams:

Lions

15 Gerrie Labuschagne, 14 Madosh Tambwe, 13 Jacques Nel, 12 Harold Vorster, 11 Selom Gavor, 10 Shaun Reynolds, 9 Ross Cronje (captain), 8 Fabian Booysen, 7 Robert Kruger, 6 Cyle Brink, 5 Lourens Erasmus, 4 Andries Ferreira, 3 Johannes Jonker, 2 Robbie Coetzee, 1 Corne Fourie

Substitutes: 16 Akker van der Merwe, 17 Sti Sitole, 18 Hencus van Wyk, 19 JP Du Preez, 20 Bobby de Wee, 21 Hacjiva Dayimani, 22 Victor Sekekete, 23 Dillon Smit, 24 Eddie Fouche, 25 Gerdus vd Walt, 26 Jarryd Sage, 27 Dean Gordon, 28 Jean Luc Cilliers

SupaBaabaas squad

Aubrey McDonald, Sheldon Williamson, Marco Alberts, Khyle Verwey, Jacques Erasmus, Pieter Botha, Bradley Moolman, Jaco Haywards, Johan Grobler, Robbie Petzer, Ashlon Davids, Siya Masuku, Stokkies du Plessis, Hendrik van der Nest, Samuel Niemand, Francois Robertse, Pieter Mathews, Ian van Deventer, Wikus van der Berg, Ethienne Oosthuizen, Theo Becker, Rudi Mathee, Zander de Kock, Jan-Francois Bester, Armand Jordaan, Johan Pieterse, Bruce Mullen, Rudi Britz
Click to expand...
 
http://www.sport24.co.za/Rugby/SuperRugby/pumas-flank-loaned-to-stormers-20170203

Pumas flank loaned to Stormers

Cape Town - Pumas flank Marnus Schoeman will join the Stormers on loan for this year’s Super Rugby competition, the Mpumalanga union announced.

Schoeman, 28, has been an integral part of the Pumas squad since his debut at the start of the 2015 season, having scored 16 tries in 29 appearances.

Schoeman was unlucky to have missed selection in 2016 due to injury concerns. He is still contracted with the Pumas and is scheduled to make his return on June 1 after his loan spell with the Stormers.

“We will obviously miss Marnus as he is an exceptional player who has been of great value to our side. The union invested heavily in his rugby development and he continues to play an integral part of our plans for the future: we look forward to welcoming him back into the squad,” said Mpumalanga Rugby CEO Pieter Burger.

“For now, however, we want to wish him every success for this opportunity to play for the Stormers. We are excited to see the contribution he can make on the Super Rugby stage,” Burger continued.

The move again illustrates that the Pumas are a franchise producing a steady stream of world-class players with the potential to perform on the biggest stage.
Click to expand...

Interesting as the Pumas are in an alliance with the Bulls.
 
The Sharks scored five converted tries to beat the Cheetahs 35-7 in a pre-season friendly in Umlazi on Friday night.

Both sides used the match to give their extended squad a run, and not too much can be read into the result going into the new Super Rugby season. Still, the Sharks will be pleased to have come away with the win, even if it won't be remembered for long.

The Cheetahs would have fancied their chances of victory when the Sharks were reduced to 13 men midway through the first half following yellow cards to Philip van der Walt (professional foul) and Keegan Daniel (dangerous play).

A minute later, the visitors took full advantage when Nico Lee dived over to score a converted try.

The hosts did well not to concede any more points while two men down, and levelled the scores a minute before half-time when a good break by Etienne Oosthuizen resulted in a try for Coenie Oosthuizen.

The Sharks struck again early in the second half, with new signing Kobus van Wyk diving over after relentless pressure to make it 14-0.

Discipline once again let the hosts down when Ryan Botha was yellow-carded for a high tackle in the 54th minute, but this time it didn't cost them on the scoreboard.

Shortly after, coach Robert du Preez made seven changes to his side and it had the desired effect as former Junior Boks captain Jeremy Ward scored their third try.

Cobus Reinach extended the lead to 28-7 in the 69th minute when he collected a kick to score his side's fourth try, and Pat Lambie again slotted the conversion.

The Sharks then completed the rout with a fifth converted try on the full-time hooter to Jean Droste.

In the first warm-up match between the franchises, played over 60 minutes, the Sharks claimed a 14-0 win.
Click to expand...


http://www.sarugbymag.co.za/blog/details/sharks-hammer-cheetahs
Keegan Daniel fractured his arm
 
http://www.canberratimes.com.au/rug...-super-rugby-preparation-20170203-gu5go4.html

Tomas Cubelli injures knee in major blow to ACT Brumbies' Super Rugby preparation

The ACT Brumbies are hopeful scrumhalf Tomas Cubelli will be cleared of serious damage to his knee and be available for the Super Rugby season after a trip to Mudgee ended in disaster on Saturday night.

Cubelli had to be helped from the field after an ugly tackle resulted in his body crumpling underneath him and it was salt in the wounds as arch rivals the NSW Waratahs charged to a 53-17 win.
Click to expand...

Brumbies may be in trouble.
 
The good old Province days.

[video=youtube;S6qg9jBvj_s]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S6qg9jBvj_s[/video]
 
http://www.sport24.co.za/Rugby/SuperRugby/ex-stormer-joins-super-rugby-refs-panel-20170206

Ex-Stormer joins Super Rugby refs panel

Cape Town - SANZAAR has announced the 19-man referee team that will officiate the 2017 Super Rugby season.

It contains a mix of seasoned professionals, several referees who now have one to two years of Super Rugby behind them and one rookie in former Stormers wing Egon Seconds.

The team comprises seven New Zealanders, six South Africans, four Australians and one from Japan and one from Argentina.

2017 Super Rugby referee team:

Federico Anselmi (Argentina)
Nic Berry (Australia)
Nick Briant (New Zealand)
Mike Fraser (New Zealand)
Angus Gardner (Australia)
Rohan Hoffmann (Australia)
Will Houston (Australia)
Quinton Immelman (South Africa)
Glen Jackson (New Zealand)
Shuhei Kubo (Japan)
Jamie Nutbrown (New Zealand)
Ben O’Keeffe (New Zealand)
Jaco Peyper (South Africa)
Brendon Pickerill (New Zealand)
Rasta Rasivhenge (South Africa)
Egon Seconds (South Africa)
Marius van der Westhuizen (South Africa)
Jaco van Heerden (South Africa)
Paul Williams (New Zealand)
Click to expand...
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top
Sign up to the MyBroadband newsletter
X