Argentina

[Cave Dweller]

Pampas pummel Free State

Bloemfontein - Santiago Gonzalez Iglesias scored 25 points as the Pampas XV thumped the Free State XV 40-20 (half-time 23-13) in their Vodacom Cup South Section match at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein on Friday.

Flyhalf Gonzalez Iglesias scored a try and kicked four conversions, three penalties and a drop goal as the Pampas XV secured their fourth win of the season.

They move to second on the log while the Free State XV are third from bottom after just two wins in six matches.

The first quarter of the match belonged to the Pampas XV as they dominated possession and territory against the Free State outfit which looked bereft of ideas against a powerful Pampas pack.

The visitors scored their first points in the third minutes, courtesy of a penalty from the accurate boot of Gonzalez Iglesias, who missed just one kick at goal during the match.

The Pampas XV added to their points' tally three minutes later when they were awarded a penalty try after a scrum five-metres from the Free State XV's tryline saw the host's scrum disintegrate.

Gonzalez Iglesias kicked the conversion before nailing his second penalty as the visitors roared into a 13-0 lead after 12 minutes.

The home team finally got some points on the board, in the 19th minute, courtesy of a long-range penalty from right wing Nico Scheepers but the visitors provided the perfect riposte two minutes later when they grabbed their second try from a well-worked set-piece move.

Manuel Montero came off the left wing to punch the ball through the Free State's midfield defence after a Pampas XV scrum before tighthead prop Juan Gomez was on hand to score in the tackle.

The Free State XV finally grabbed a try with just four minutes left in the half after impressive loosehead prop Marcel van der Merwe, who was prominent in the loose exchanges, barged his way over for a converted score.

Gonzalez Iglesias and Scheepers then traded penalties as the Pampas XV went to the break leading 23-13.

The Pampas XV extended their lead seven minutes after the restart after a wonderful try from a move that started on their own 10-metre line.

Fullback Roman Miralles sparked the move before some slick passing saw Gonzalez Iglesias cross for a try that he converted himself.

Free State were handed a lifeline when Pampas XV inside centre Gabriel Ascarate was yellow-carded for a professional foul as the match centred the final quarter and the hosts scored almost immediately through a converted try from centre Stephan van der Merwe.

But the Pampas XV hit back two minutes later thanks to a drop goal from Gonzalez Iglesias before the clinched the bonus point try with five minutes left when the returning Ascarate dived over in the left-hand corner.

Scorers:

Free State XV (20) - Tries: Marcel van der Merwe, Stephan van der Merwe; Conversions: Nico Scheepers (2); Penalties: Scheepers (2).

Pampas XV (40) - Tries: Penalty try, Juan Gomez, Santiago Gonzalez Iglesias, Gabriel Ascarate; Conversions: Gonzalez Iglesias (4); Penalties: Gonzalez Iglesias (3); Drop goal: Gonzalez Iglesias.

http://www.sport24.co.za/Rugby/VodacomCup/Pampas-pummel-Free-State-20120421

 

[Cave Dweller]

For those who want to know more about Buenos Aires and how to know the city

On the coast of Rio de la Plata, so wide that many travelers confused with the sea-, Buenos Aires has a temperate climate and many days of sunshine per year. The region's natural landscape, green and wet, can be enjoyed in parks, outside or in the giant Ecological Reserve is located just five minutes from Downtown.

But many tourists come to Buenos Aires for another landscape. The city, with three million inhabitants, has 48 neighborhoods to go. In each there are bars, squares, football and other sports, temples, theaters and milongas, but the areas most visited by tourists and foreigners are the Abasto, Puerto Madero, San Telmo, Recoleta, Palermo, La Boca, Center avenues, such as Corrientes.

Buenos Aires is one of the cultural centers of the continent. The city is considered the fourth largest in the world theater and has more rooms than New York. Museums locals, traditional or modern, are famous. Tango music and dance can be seen at the more sophisticated tango venue or the most popular milonga neighborhood.

With over 3000 restaurants, eating in Buenos Aires is a matter of choosing where and why. Since the typical, roast or pizza, even food in some of the many communities that settled in the city for centuries of immigration.

Football is passion, and fans plan their trips to coincide with the national classic between Boca and River. Another feature that attracts locals and visitors alike are shopping, with fairs, open-air shopping tours and shopping. The scene regardless of the alternative theater and film, the musicians and designers - is the source of meetings and festivals. In Buenos Aires there are fairs and cultural activities throughout the year.

For travel within the city, a system of transportation options: six subway lines (the abbreviated name of the underground), over a hundred bus lines (so called in Buenos Aires to the bus or buses) and railways (or trains) intercity. Taxis and remises are a common means of transport, because they are safer and more economical than other cities.

Travelers can ride alone and on foot or with expert guides on stories and details, can devote months to Buenos Aires or learn the essentials in a few days, even an experience Buenos Aires in just 24 hours, can leave with the desire to return or may directly stay.

Palermo is the biggest district in Buenos Aires. Also the one with more green places, parcs, woods and squares. In the XVIth century used to be a huge filed dedicated to fruit and vineyards, belonging to Juan Domingues Palermo, where its name comes from.
You can find culture, amusement, sports and a wide variety of restaurants.

"Palermo Chico", famous for its chic residences and manor houses (between Figueroa Alcorta Ave. and Del Libertador Ave.) . In the north side you can find the Lagos de Palermo (Palermo Lakes), one of the most favourites walks of the 'porteños' (citizens of Buenos Aires). You can visit also the Zoo, the exotic Jardín Japonés (Japanese Garden), the famous Planetario (Planetarium Galileo Galilei), the Hippodrome, the Polo Stadium and the ancient and magnificent Jardín Botánico (Botanical Garden), amongst others.
Palermo is divided in "Palermo Chico", "Palermo Viejo" (or Palermo) and other new names as the young "Las Cañitas", "Palermo Hollywood" and "Palermo Soho", where you can find an important choice of restaurants, from international cuisine, thematic pubs, lounges, literary cafe's and all the avant-garde regarding desing and fashion (specially in Palermo Soho). In other words, the "place" of the young and alternative design of Buenos Aires.

 

[Nusadan]

Now I have another reason to go to Argentina, had a fine Malbec from there for the first time ever last night!

 

[Penguin]

no to smaller stadiums and lovey dovey sharing. Play where the crowds, both large and passionate are. You want a fortress for your national games.

Erm, Skilled Park is probably as big as the Rebels home ground. Are you suggesting the MCG? It'd be quarter full at best.

 

[jason]

Thanks Cave Dweller! I'm planning on moving to Buenos Aires for 6 months in June so I'll definitely be looking for tickets to the Rosario Test.

 

[Cave Dweller]

Now I have another reason to go to Argentina, had a fine Malbec from there for the first time ever last night!

Was it one of those I mentioned?

Thanks Cave Dweller! I'm planning on moving to Buenos Aires for 6 months in June so I'll definitely be looking for tickets to the Rosario Test.

Anytime my friend you will love it. You will find a bit of every nation there and the woman.....

 

[SuperGrover]

The Argentina Under 20 coaches, Bernardo Urdaneta and Facundo Soler, unveiled the squad to tour South Africa as part of their preparations for the IRB Junior World Championship 2012.

Forwards:
Federico Aguiar (Hindú Club URBA)
Tomás Bruno (Urú Curé Cordobesa)
Matías Diaz (Teqüé RC Cuyo)
Santiago García Botta (Belgrano Athletic URBA)
Juan Cruz Guillemaín (Jockey Club Cuyo)
Santiago Iglesias (Universitario Tucumán)
Facundo Isa (Santiago Lawn Tennis Club Santiagueña)
Pablo Matera (Asociación Alumni URBA)
Julián Montoya (Club Newman URBA)
Gaspar Oberti (Urú Curé Cordobesa)
Rodrigo Parad Heit (Córdoba Athletic Cordobesa)
Leandro Ramela (Atlético del Rosario URBA)
Matías Sambrán (Córdoba Athletic Cordobesa)
Mariano Sánchez (Tucumán RC Tucumán)
Ladislao Uriburu (Jockey Club Salta)

Backs:
Rodolfo Ambrosio(Tala RC Cordobesa)
Juan Ignacio Brex (San Cirano URBA)
Juan Capiello (Pucará URBA)
Lautaro Casado (Urú Curé Cordobesa)
Santiago Cordero (Regatas de Bella Vista URBA)
Franco Cuaranta (Tala RC Cordobesa)
Felipe Escurra (Hindú Club URBA)
Matías Frías Silva (Tucumán RC Tucumán)
Germán Klubus (Pucará URBA)
Felipe Nogués (La Tablada Cordobesa)
Joaquín Paz (Córdoba Athletic Cordobesa)
Sebastián Poet (Atlético del Rosario URBA)
Gonzalo Ruiz (Tala RC Cordobesa)

Do you have any knowledge of these young Argentinian players Cave Dweller? Which ones to watch for the future?

 

[Cave Dweller]

The Argentina Under 20 coaches, Bernardo Urdaneta and Facundo Soler, unveiled the squad to tour South Africa as part of their preparations for the IRB Junior World Championship 2012.

Forwards:
Federico Aguiar (Hindú Club URBA)
Tomás Bruno (Urú Curé Cordobesa)
Matías Diaz (Teqüé RC Cuyo)
Santiago García Botta (Belgrano Athletic URBA)
Juan Cruz Guillemaín (Jockey Club Cuyo)
Santiago Iglesias (Universitario Tucumán)
Facundo Isa (Santiago Lawn Tennis Club Santiagueña)
Pablo Matera (Asociación Alumni URBA)
Julián Montoya (Club Newman URBA)
Gaspar Oberti (Urú Curé Cordobesa)
Rodrigo Parad Heit (Córdoba Athletic Cordobesa)
Leandro Ramela (Atlético del Rosario URBA)
Matías Sambrán (Córdoba Athletic Cordobesa)
Mariano Sánchez (Tucumán RC Tucumán)
Ladislao Uriburu (Jockey Club Salta)

Backs:
Rodolfo Ambrosio(Tala RC Cordobesa)
Juan Ignacio Brex (San Cirano URBA)
Juan Capiello (Pucará URBA)
Lautaro Casado (Urú Curé Cordobesa)
Santiago Cordero (Regatas de Bella Vista URBA)
Franco Cuaranta (Tala RC Cordobesa)
Felipe Escurra (Hindú Club URBA)
Matías Frías Silva (Tucumán RC Tucumán)
Germán Klubus (Pucará URBA)
Felipe Nogués (La Tablada Cordobesa)
Joaquín Paz (Córdoba Athletic Cordobesa)
Sebastián Poet (Atlético del Rosario URBA)
Gonzalo Ruiz (Tala RC Cordobesa)

Do you have any knowledge of these young Argentinian players Cave Dweller? Which ones to watch for the future?

Sebastián Poet
Santiago García Botta
Juan Ignacio Brex
Joaquin Paz
John Cappiello
Facundo Isa

Those are some of the players to look at. Of course Paz and Poet both excellent no 10's and will be fighting it out for that spot. They both have played very well in the 3 matches and just shows what strong competition for positions do in overall performances

 

[PaarlBok]

Saw our Bokkies won the third match in Stellenbosch.
R365

Baby Boks win again

Sat, 21 Apr 2012 22:36
The South Africa Under-20 team wrapped a three-match series against the touring Argentina side with a 13-5 win in the third and final encounter at the Danie Craven Stadium, Stellenbosch, on Saturday evening.

Last week, the home team ran out 51-19 winners, while the midweek clash ended in a 23-all draw.
Dawie Theron, the SA Under-20 coach, was pleased with the clean sweep and also the progress his team made during their two-week training camp in Cape Town.
Theron said: "I am pleased with the performance today, especially our ability to keep to our structure.
"We focused on a lot of things in this match and although the score suggest a close affair, I must say that I am satisfied with progress we made between the opening match and this final clash."
The South Africa managed to pin the visitors in their own half in the opening 17 minutes without advance on the scoreboard and had a mere penalty to show for their territorial advantage. Flyhalf Tony Jantjies slotted a penalty from 30 metres out after an earlier attempt failed. 3-0
Argentina showed a big improvement on their earlier two performances in Stellenbosch and there was a marked improvement in their discipline at the breakdowns.
They managed to transfer play for 12-minute passage of play but they did not threaten the SA try-line. They did, however, surrender a turnover on the SA 22-metre line six minutes before the break, and it proved a costly lapse. SA worked the ball wide and eventually wing Paul Jordaan made the most of an overlap as he raced in from almost 50 metres to score the first try of the match. Jantjies added the conversion to for a 10-0 lead, which SA kept intact until half-time.
The Los Pumitas started second-half play with a far greater sense of urgency and a strong surge by the forwards down the middle set the platform for their side to launch raids into the SA 22-metre area.
Lock Juan Cruz Guillemaín looked set to round off one of Argentina's sorties but the SA cover defence forced him out at the corner flag. There was more pressure in the ensuing minutes by the visitors but in their eagerness to crack the SA defence their tighthead prop Matias Diaz was sin binned for foul play in the 47th minute.
However, SA could not take advantage of playing with an extra man mainly because they were still struggling to strike up a measure of cohesion in their movements. The pressure took its toll on the SA side when Guillemain crashed over for an unconverted try after a drive from a line-out in the 68th minute (10-5).
The five-point setback seemed to induce some spark in the South Africans’ game and they started running the ball whenever the opportunity presented itself. In the end, the SA side had to settle for a Jantjies penalty three minutes from the end (13-5) to secure a deserved victory.
Theron and the SA selectors will now reduce the enlarged training squad to a final squad of 28 players for the IRB Junior World Championship to be hosted at two venues in Cape Town during June. SARU will announce the squad on Wednesday.
The scorers:
For South Africa:
Try: Jordaan
Con: Jantjies
Pens: Jantjies 2
For Argentina:
Try: Guillemain
The teams:
South Africa: 15 Marius Schmidt, 14 Paul Jordaan, 13 Patrick Howard, 12 Jan Serfontein, 11 Dean Hammond, 10 Tony Jantjies, 9 Kevin Luiters, 8 Fabian Booysen, 7 Wiaan Liebenberg (captain), 6 Khaya Majola, 5 Marvin Orie, 4 Ettiene Oosthuizen, 3 Nicolas van Dyk, 2 Mark Pretorius, 1 Allan Dell.
Replacements: 16 Neethling Fouche, 17 Jason Thomas, 18 Henkus van Dyk, 19 Ruan Venter, 20 Braam Steyn, 21 Abrie Griesel, 22 JJ de Klerk, 23 Dillyn Leyds.
Argentina: 15 Santiago Cordero, 14 Felipe Nogués, 13 Juan Ignacio Brex, 12 Juan Cappiello (captain), 11 Germán Klubus, 10 Joaquín Paz, 9 Felipe Ezcurra, 8 Facundo Isa, 7 Lautaro Casado, 6 Pablo Matera, 5 Juan Cruz Guillemaín, 4 Leandro Ramela, 3 Matías Díaz, 2 Santiago Iglesias, 1 Santiago García Botta.
Replacements: 16 Germán Le Fort, 17 Mariano Sánchez, 18 Rodrigo Parad Heit, 19 Gaspar Oberti, 20 Rodolfo Ambrosio, 21 TBC, 22 Sebastián Poet, 23 Gonzalo Ruiz.
Referee: François Groenewald (South Africa)
Assistant referees: Marius van der Westhuizen (South Africa), Cwengile Jadezweni (South Africa)

 

[Cave Dweller]

For the previous two seasons, the Pampas XV has been a great launchpad for many Argentine based players to get a professional contract with teams in Europe. Over the past two years 21 squad members have gone onto get professional contracts.

This season there are not expected to be so many players leaving the Pampas XV as teams in Europe are now more wary of signing Argentine players. Last year the stars were Juan Imhoff, Maximiliano Bustos, Nicolás Sánchez, Agustín Creevy, Leonardo Senatore, Agustín Gosio and Joaquín Tuculet all of whom got professional contracts in Europe and Bustos, Imhoff, Gosio and Sánchez were all long shots to get in the Pumas World Cup squad at the beginning of last year but they all were named in the final squad on the back of their Pampas XV form.

Bruno Postiglioni

A player moved about massively across the front row, in the recent URBA Top 14 competition he started in all three front row positions and even once at lock. Although versatility is an asset too much of it will hinder his career and he will become Guiñazu take two. He played loosehead prop in last year’s Vodacom Cup, but this year, the selectors seem to be pushing him as a hooker. This Vodacom Cup will be a big opportunity for him.

Tomás de la Vega

Like Postiglioni, de la Vega also has a good chance of reaching the Pumas side this season. Seen as a genuine openside, something that Argentina haven’t had in recent years, it’s because the Pumas have lacked a genuine openside which is why if he does well in the Vodacom Cup he could be seen as the Pumas answer to the supreme Tri Nations opensides, although maybe not this year. de la Vega will have plenty of competition to start in the Pampas XV side with several members from the Pumas World Cup squad in the side this year.

Martín Landajo

Landajo was very impressive throughout last year’s tournament described as “the quiet spark at the back of the scrum” by South African TV channel Supersport, he scored three tries as well as providing for others. With another good tournament he shouldn’t be ignored for the Pumas, he at least better than Alfredo Lalanne who was very lucky to be selected for the World Cup.

Santiago González Iglesias

Was rotated with Nicolás Sanchez during last season’s campaign before Sánchez was preferred for the finals. But González Iglesias is like Sánchez a good goal kicker, and the Pampas XV should be able to rely on him throughout the tournament. He should get good competition from Benjamín Madero who has been a part of the Jaguars set up a while. Whilst the Manny Edmonds lookalike González Iglesias is unlikely to win Pumas selection due to the Pumas having depth in the 10 position, this may make European teams more interested in signing him next season.

Manuel Montero

The star of the Pumitas Junior World Cup campaign last year, Montero is full of potential and could be a wildcard selection for the Pumas this year. A tall, strong runner Montero has the same dimensions as France’s Julien Malzieu and looks very much like a young version of him. Montero still has a lot to learn, but definitely could be a star of this year’s tournament and in the future bring some strong running into the Pumas side.

 

[Cave Dweller]

Saw our Bokkies won the third match in Stellenbosch.
R365

lol I was just busy with that PB. You beat me to it and saved me a bit of translation from spanish to english thanks

 

[Cave Dweller]

ARGENTINA CHAMPIONSHIP 2012
The numbers Higher

After dispute at the second stage, awaiting the end of Zone Senior Championships 2012 Argentina , Copa Staff reviewed the statistics that put the contest that brings together the best Selected Provincial teams in our country.

Rosario and Cordoba will meet on Sunday 29 April in the city of Santa Fe, with the goal of the tournament title the most important of our country. The history between the two is very recent, last Saturday, the Rheas
achieved qualification for the final by defeating The Bulldogs 22- 3.

The team from Cordoba who is the defending champion, will seek its seventh title in the tournament's history
while Rosario will try to win their first title since 1965

The 2012 edition of the Zone Championship accumulates 137 tries (96 in the first phase and 41 in the second)

There is great expectation in the country with the encounter to be played on Sunday and devoted to the best of Argentina. Rosario and Cordoba, the two best teams throughout the tournament, regained their best players and will certainly give a great show in the final. The 2012 Senior Argentine Championship reaches its end and the Argentine rugby expected to know the best team in the country.

Click here to access the statistics of the Argentine Championship 2012.

 

[Cave Dweller]

Coaching and Development
Tackle Clinic in the city of Rio Cuarto

On Friday April 20 a Tackle clinic carried out by coaches, on the premises of the club's headquarters in Rio Cuarto Uru Cure.

The day was led by the Development Officer of the Central Region of the Union Argentina de Rugby, Victor Luna, who gave a clinic specifically aimed at trainers of child and adolescent segment of the city of Rio Cuarto.

Moon said that "the activity was very productive because after the 'theoretical classroom with 15 coaches participated in the practical part of the campus top 10 players of the host club and Uru Cur." Players planned exercises conducted in the classroom by participating coaches.

At day's end, we developed a final thought in the classroom on the content covered in the clinic.

Of note is the logistical support of the Club Sports Director Uru Cure, Jose Fauez, who took care of the details of the organization.

The clinic is part of the program called "From the High Performance Development" carried out jointly by the area of High Performance and Development of the Union Argentina de Rugby.

 

[Cave Dweller]

Coaching and Development
Rugby in Argentina's Patagonia

On 20, 21 and April 22 clinical tasks were scheduled in the towns of Ushuaia and Rio Grande, Tierra del Fuego.

In Ushuaia Rugby Club, developed the first term a Clinic Physical Fitness and Individual Skills for Physical Education teachers and coaches. Then, with youth players selected from below 18 Union Tierra del Fuego, field exercise were conducted,

Then, at the same venue, there was a working session with leaders of the Union of Tierra del Fuego, which addressed issues relating to planning for the period of 2012 to 2015. In closing what were the activities in the capital of the province, became a field with coaches, coordinated by Jorge Tacco, Patagonia Region Development Officer West.

On the following day, activities moved to the city of Rio Grande, where there was a meeting between leaders of clubs Rio Grande University, where the President of the Union, Adrian Dario Ortiz was present, in which plans were coordinated development and resource allocation.

Finally observations were conducted in the following youth matches: vs. University. Ushuaia Rugby (M-18), vs. Rio Grande. Ushuaia Rugby (M-16) and vs. Rio Grande. Ushuaia Rugby (Senior Campus).

 

[Cave Dweller]

The Argentine Women's Rugby has grown in recent years. Miguel Seró currently has as a coach and a complete schedule, due to the great support deposited by the Union Argentina de Rugby.

Here is the members of our ladies team
Plantel de Jugadores

Acuña Gisela
http://www.uar.com.ar/jugadores/ficha_jugador.asp?idjugador=728&idcategoria=15&estilo=equ

Alcaraz Gladys Lettizia
http://www.uar.com.ar/jugadores/ficha_jugador.asp?idjugador=730&idcategoria=15&estilo=equ

Biellerbeck Noelia
http://www.uar.com.ar/jugadores/ficha_jugador.asp?idjugador=890&idcategoria=15&estilo=equ

Botelli María Eugenia
http://www.uar.com.ar/jugadores/ficha_jugador.asp?idjugador=733&idcategoria=15&estilo=equ

Castro Silvana
http://www.uar.com.ar/jugadores/ficha_jugador.asp?idjugador=891&idcategoria=15&estilo=equ

Fontanarrosa Isabel
http://www.uar.com.ar/jugadores/ficha_jugador.asp?idjugador=892&idcategoria=15&estilo=equ

Fusco Patricia
http://www.uar.com.ar/jugadores/ficha_jugador.asp?idjugador=893&idcategoria=15&estilo=equ

Garat Viviana
http://www.uar.com.ar/jugadores/ficha_jugador.asp?idjugador=736&idcategoria=15&estilo=equ

Garnelo Vanesa
http://www.uar.com.ar/jugadores/ficha_jugador.asp?idjugador=894&idcategoria=15&estilo=equ

Gómez Juárez Silvana
http://www.uar.com.ar/jugadores/ficha_jugador.asp?idjugador=895&idcategoria=15&estilo=equ

Mano Micaela
http://www.uar.com.ar/jugadores/ficha_jugador.asp?idjugador=896&idcategoria=15&estilo=equ

Otero Yamila
http://www.uar.com.ar/jugadores/ficha_jugador.asp?idjugador=897&idcategoria=15&estilo=equ

Ptak Gabriela Anna
http://www.uar.com.ar/jugadores/ficha_jugador.asp?idjugador=740&idcategoria=15&estilo=equ

Salas Vanesa
http://www.uar.com.ar/jugadores/ficha_jugador.asp?idjugador=899&idcategoria=15&estilo=equ

Salerno Julieta
http://www.uar.com.ar/jugadores/ficha_jugador.asp?idjugador=900&idcategoria=15&estilo=equ

Sosa Xoana Fabiola
http://www.uar.com.ar/jugadores/ficha_jugador.asp?idjugador=743&idcategoria=15&estilo=equ

Travesi Luciana

 

[Cave Dweller]

Youth Championship Argentina

Argentine Junior Championship is the tournament that brings together the provincial Selected categories of Under 19 and 18. The same is divided into three zones: Championship, Promotion and Encouragement.
The event takes place during the month of October and serves as a meeting place to see the development of Argentine rugby further.

Tucumán won the U/18 section where Buenos Aires won the U/19 section in 2011

 

[Nusadan]

Keep up the good work, CD...!!!

 

[Cave Dweller]

Crunch Time for Sharks XV

The Sharks XV travel to AF Markotter Stadium, Paul Roos Gymnasium for Saturday’s final pool match of the Vodacom Cup against the Pampas XV, intent on securing second place and home ground advantage for the play-offs.

The Sharks XV go into this match knowing that a start like last week is imperative, but certainly will look to improve on how they finished against the EP Kings, despite winning 28-18.

“We started really well, made very few errors and played well until the 35th minute, before the unforced errors crept in and we lost a bit of shape on attack,” explains coach Sean Everitt. “We only pulled away in the last 10 minutes, and with a four point lead, things weren’t all that comfortable, but credit to the EP Kings, they came back well when not many would have at 19-nil down.”

The Pampas XV are in third position, just one place below The Sharks XV, a solitary bonus point separating the two teams (both have won four of their six matches to date), but last year’s Vodacom Cup champions aren’t having quite the same impact in 2012.

“They don’t have the names they had last year, but comparing them from their first game of the season to last week, they’ve improved a lot. They bring the same thing they did last year – a lot of physicality upfront and speed amongst the backs - and for us to be in the game, to compete and try and win, our defence needs to be better than it has been. We’ll also have to look after the ball a bit more because they counter-ruck well on the floor.”

Last week saw Beast Mtawarira playing his first match back from injury while the team for Saturday shows extra firepower with Odwa Ndungane, Paul Jordaan, Marius Joubert, Jean Deysel, Pieter-Steph du Toit and Ryan Kankowski all included in the match 22.

“From a physicality point of view, it’s good to have Beast back again, he helped us a lot in the scrums – we dominated EP at scrum time which was pleasing for us – and then guys like Jean Deysel and Pieter-Steph du Toit who come back to the fray will add some physicality and power upfront. And if we can dominate Pampas upfront, we shouldn’t have any problems on the scoreboard.”

With final log positions certain to be determined by the outcomes of final week’s action, there is still everything to play for. “Home ground advantage for the quarter-finals is vital, so we need to win to finish second,” the coach adds. “There are three teams a point below us, so it’s a win at all costs basis for us, otherwise it could be an away game for us in the quarters.”

The history between Sharks XV and XV Pampas Standard Bank is matched with a game-by-side. The two past encounters, like the next, were of the greatest importance. In 2010 , they defeated the South African cast led by Daniel Hourcade, by a narrow 24 to 19, and left out of the quarterfinals, while in 2011 , the Pampas XV won the semifinals by 41 to 26

The South African team currently ranks second in the Southern Section , with 21 points, behind Western Province (27). In turn, below the Standard Bank Pampas XV are Eastern Province and Boland Kavaliers, with 20 points. In this way, DHL Western Province have all ready secured a spot to the quarterfinals, and the other four teams compete for three places (Eastern Province and Boland Kavaliers will face).

The Sharks XV

15. Gouws Prinsloo
14. Odwa Ndungane
13. Paul Jordaan
12. Marius Joubert
11. S’bura Sithole
10. Fred Zeilinga
9. Cobus Reinach
8. Lubabalo Mtembu
7. Jean Deysel
6. Francois Kleinhans
5. Pieter-Steph du Toit
4. Jandre Marais (Captain)
3. Nick Schonert
2. Kyle Cooper
1. Tendai Mtawarira

Replacements
16. Monde Hadebe
17. Danie Mienie
18. Peet Marais
19. Brynard Stander
20. Ryan Kankowski
21. Hanco Venter
22. Heimar Williams

 

[Cave Dweller]

Keep up the good work, CD...!!!

Thanks Nush. Hope everyone enjoy it

 

[SuperGrover]

Loving the posts Cave Dweller.

For those mono-lingual people among us, your translations and insights are priceless.