Boer battles !

[Ash]

Round 2 next and a lot of friday matches. We have one local derby and one Kiwi, Blues and one Aus, Reds opponent. Think round 2 will give a better indication where our teams are at the moment.
Stormers vs Reds. The Reds surprise me lin round 1 and will be better in round 2. The problem they will have to deal against the Stormers is that they will face the opposite of round 1 , Bulls. Think the Stormers will tighten their play up for this one and will try and cut lose when the oppertunity is right.Myself thought they palyed themself to a standstill in the first half against the Sharks and should paste their play this time. Jean look a cetrain for this match and Sereli still maybe out and it look like Watson will start this time. Make sense not to start him against SA oppo with all the politics.

Reds with key players missing from injuries. The positives for the Reds are that the Stormers won't be as tough in the set peices and rucks as the Bulls. The negative for the Reds is that if the Stormers get the same dominance that the Bulls had in the forwards, then the Stormers backs could rip them apart.

Not sure that playing tight is exactly the Stormer's forte, though. And perhaps not the best way they could go to bet the Reds.

I'm hoping the Reds stay within 15. Hoping. Definitely a Stormers win.

Bulls vs Blues With Matfield out and the Bulls threathen with the Reds backline they sure will have to get their defense in tact for this one. Dont know if the Blues coaching staff have it right but against the Brutes only one way to play. The have the personel to put one over the Brutes with a running style. I'd say the Blues are the favourates here.

Blues have too many injury problems / players on paternity leave to me. Beson Stanley is out, Kaino is out, Ali Williams is out, Wulf is out, Moa is out. Mealamu might be out. And some more I've forgotten, I'm sure. Lots of firepower missing, and Woodcock is only making his return on the bench. Don't forget that the Blues were not at all impressive last week, either.

Bulls should dominate the set peices and the rucks again. The Bulls might have some brain dead backline play, but with forward dominance, being at home, and playing against a jet lagged side at high altitude who should not have had enough time to fix their problems, the Bulls should win a close one.

Sharks vs Lions On paper the Lions have no change against the Sharks. But know our local teams so well , for some reason the Guppies always struggle against the Lions. This time wont differ and myseld rate the Lions scrum as the best in SA. That should be their platform to launch a Shark attack. Lineouts, backs, everything, even the homeground favours the Tjarks.

Sharks by plenty, despite their injury hit scrum. Surely.

 

[PaarlBok]

The Sharks and Stormers for some reason struggle at home these days. The Sharks will have Beast back maybe.

 

[PaarlBok]

OK round 2 done and dusted and a good one for our teams. Round 3 next up and some answers to some questions in this one.

Sharks vs Chiefs: Dunno this one usually a tough one for the Sharks. If you look at history they usually struggle against the Chiefs. Think this time it will be even harder for them. Plumtree already qouted the difficulty is more about having time for preparing for the match. The Chiefs have lost narrowly against the Saders & Tahs and will be up big time to get their first one. The Sharks sure is a different team compare to 2008. They have the winning culture now and the secret for them will be in the forwards. Havent watch the Chiefs vs Tahs one but the Sharks have a Bok look in them. To close to call.

Reds vs Cheetahs: I thought this one would have been the match the Cheetahs will target and maybe get a win under their belt. After watch the first two rounds I must agree the Reds impressed me. They sure look good and the only thing that just may count against them is the travelling and the same problem the Sharks have to cope with.

Stormers vs Blues: The Reds gave them a timely reminder that they have a lot of work to do this weekend. Their defense have to be 100% better and they have to aim to play full out rugby for at least 40 minutes and not 10 like in the previous rounds. They sure show some 2008 in last week's 10 minutes and the Blues will be much stronger then what we saw against the Bulls.

Lions vs Brutes: Think the Lions are gatvol playing local derbies. They played with a lot of spirit and guts against the Sharks and need to be more polished. Think that was the differense between the Sharks & Lions in round 2. Hopefull the will start with Petoors in 10 for this one and a derby between the Jukskei neighbours always a brutal kind of a affair. The Brutes will be in the sky after round 2 performance and that just maybe their downfall.

 

[Lee Grant]

gatvol?

 

[Scarfman]

gutful!

 

[PaarlBok]

Meaning sick & tired. Sorry Lee, my mistake. :nta:

 

[PaarlBok]

Jessie havent post here for some time. ???

Myself was very pestimistic about our teams changes for round 4 and what a nice surprise.

Sharks wining against the Blues the big one. OK I tipped them to win but wasnt sure if they would do it. They will now aim for wins in the remaining of their tour and it will be up to the Reds & Force to stop them. Myself cant see them beating the high riding Sharks and a record to be set for any SA team in S14 rugby. In fact its difficult to see them not ending at the top of the log in the end because the others have to play them at home. In my books and no matter what the Blues supporters say or think, they deseve their wins. They have some extra confidense winning the CC last year and look like a top side at the moment.

Cheetahs lost against the Canes but myself thought it would have been by 50. So the score not that bad. This weekend its the Blues for them and not expecting much from them. The Cheetahs once they get home they will be strengthen by some players and will be in much better shape then on tour.

Brutes still unbeaten. The Stormers gave them a run for their money on the weekend and if that game was five minutes longer they would have fall. They have a break now and will be sharp once hitting the road.

The Stormers always took a bit of time to get their rythm but they impressed me on the weekend. Their scrumming was good, lineouts competitive but the most pleasing for me was the way Percy and AJ Venter played. I always knew Dewaldt Duvenhage is a good scrummy and he showed it in his debut. The minute he entered he made the game much quicker for the Stormers because he have a crisp pass and a well educated boot on him. Also Andries Fourie was outstanding. Now how was that try for a energade bunny hooker. Hope Rassie will start with him and use Schalk Brits as impact player. And off course Luke Watson had a blinder. After all that was write , he answer his critics (like myself) in the best possible way by being the best loosie on the park on saturday. Anyway Rassie should have split that squad some time ago and use his impact players like he did on saturday.

Then the Lions, they will clash with the Stormers and a totally outfit to last year. If injuriues stay away they'll knock some big teams over this year.

Myself pretty please to see two unbeaten SA teams with the Tahs at the top, the Stormers will climb that ladder 9hope they and the Bulls help each other on tour by knocking teams over) , the Lions and Cheetahs to give a surprise or two and we will be in good nick once the Lions arrives.

 

[PaarlBok]

A Dark round 5 for the Saffers team except the Stormers. They ran the Lions ragged from all corners and look like they want to get that bonuspoint against them they needed last year by scoring 8 tries. The Lions did look good at the first stanza but Schalk Burger sort of change the game on its head after he scored the first try.

Havent watch the Sharks, Cheetahs clashes but dont tend either after their losses.

The Cheetahs & Sharks will play their last matches on tour on the weekend and will go home and rebuild their season. Lions will be leaking wounds all week and will try and trectify their wrongs for the Brumbies clash. They sure need to buy some tackle bags and get their defense sorted out eitherwise they will pay a heftic prize against the Brumbies this weekend.

Bulls play their first tour game against the Canes on the weekend and sure is a crictical one for them. They are the only unbeaten side in the competition and one hec of a difficult game in line for them. Matfield will be out for two weeks but they have debt. Pakslae & Bakkies just your right type of pairing for the Canes. Canes game will be huge. You sure dont know what to expect from them but if the Brutes do what they do best, they can grind out a win. Their defense was great when the Stormers played them last and try and run them off their feet in the second half. If they can keep up that form they'll easily frustrate the Canes.

The Stormers paid a hectic prize for the Lions hammering. Pretty sad to see Fourietjie injured. Thought this tour would have been his change to make big name but luckily Rassie draw in Tiaan Liebenberg back from Toulon. Was quite surprise that he was more then eager to get back to SA and cant wait to get back into S14 rugby. Just show our lot wont swop the smell of money for biltong. Maybe a year but then they get homesick. Also look like Bekker maybe out for a game or two with a toe injury. He sure is our lineout specialist but surely the way AJ played in the last two games he will not only bring experiense to our pack but much needed grunt. The talented Koster youngster Koster season also look over but in these valleys you'll find lots of backline players. The midfield youngsters Dylan des Fountain and Newman will be added to the squad but myself would use Joe Pietersen on the wing. He sure can play anywhere in the backs and do like the sniff of the tryline. Jantjes also will be back from injury and some big picking problems for Rassie ahead. Is it Percy (who played a biggie on the weekend) or Jantjes, Grant or gen. Willem de Waal, Luke or Francois Louw, JD or Blaauw, Liebenberg or Brits?

From a SA point of view pretty important part now in the S14 season. The Brutes and Stormers MUST help each other and getting wins as their tour goes along. They plays the same opposition after another and if they can get wins here, it leave the same lot to go face the Sharks in SA. Any win against the Tahs, Canes & Brumbies sure will count double points.

 

[Scarfman]

The Cheetahs & Sharks will play their last matches on tour on the weekend and will go home and rebuild their season. Lions will be leaking wounds all week and will try and trectify their wrongs for the Brumbies clash. They sure need to buy some tackle bags and get their defense sorted out eitherwise they will pay a heftic prize against the Brumbies this weekend.

Brilliant. Sounds like Lewis Carroll. I'm not making fun, PB, but that's a couple of beauties. I intend to start using "heftic" in ordinary conversation.

 

[PaarlBok]

Now Bekker is gorne for the S14 season and maybe the Lion tour, now thats what we call a "gatslag". Bliksem he was just starting to hit form. The Stormers tried to get hold of Skeate but the soutie struggle with a injury anyway. Look like any of AJ, Vermeulen, Lobberts or Louw will fill the gap. Altho not a lineout specialist like Bekker but surely they'll add much needed grunt to the pack.

 

[PaarlBok]

Better news for the Stormers & Bokke are that Bekker's injury not that bad and will be back for at least the Highlanders game. Rassie will take only 2 scrummies and will depart with 24 men today.
Adriaan Fondse, AJ Venter, Brian Mujati, Conrad Jantjes, Dewaldt Duvenage, Duane Vermeulen, Dylan des Fountain, Francois Louw, Gcobani Bobo, Hilton Lobberts, JD Moller, Jean de Villiers (k), Luke Watson, Morgan Newman, Percy Montgomery, Peter Grant, Ricky Januarie, Schalk Brits, Schalk Burger, Schalk Ferreira, Sireli Naqelevuki, Tiaan Liebenberg, Wicus Blaauw, Willem de Waal.

This is a make or break tour for them and the most encouranging aspect of their play is the tight 5. Wicus Blaauw has now outplayed JD Moller at LH, Tiaan Liebenberg a experienced addition, AJ Venter look good against the Brutes good lineout. This time they have really debt and with Willem de Waal now hitting form they can really break their game in two halves. Think Rassie gameplan that he started against the Brutes are working well. Pick a brute kind of pack with de Waal and sent Grant up in the second stanza and throw in the game breakers.

Cant wait to see them on tour!

 

[PaarlBok]

Must say I expect a darkish SA weekend but the Brutes sure put in a good win over the Canes. That will put their tour in great stead. They have the Highlanders next weekend and sure will target this one for a win. Hoping the Lions get their kak sorted out and give them a game next weekend and the Sharks will wait for them in Durban.

 

[PaarlBok]

With one game left sure a healthy weekend for our teams. Not often we get two wins over there but nice to see two Saffer teams at the top. The Sharks grind out a win this morning expectaly and sure they should atrt thinking about a home semi with 4 away wins thus far. The Brutes win just as important and they'll just keep on going, game by game. Now we need the Stormers to do just the same thing , the Cheetahs to regain their strength at home and the Lions to do the same. Will be nice if they start this with a win over a few minutes.

 

[PaarlBok]

and the Lions did just that. :thumb

 

[PaarlBok]

This weekend we will see some heavy games. Luckily the Cheetahs will have a rest but some tough games for our lot.

Brutes vs HighLanders: The Brutes and Landers always play the same sort of game over the years. The Landers move this match away from House of Pain and to Invercargill for some reason and may pay a prize here. The Brutes will be full of confidense for this one and will try and stay the only unbeaten team in the competition.

Stormers vs Crusaders: Will be good to see my team back this weekend and against the Saders a tough tough assignment. We lost both Koster & Chavangha and I expect the Tongan Fatafehi to just maybe making his Stormers debut. Interesting a SA team playing with a Fijian and Tongan on the wings. Bobo did great against the Lions and with the return of Jantjes also a option. Cant wait to see the two veteran locks (AJ & BBB Thorne) getting into each other bubbles. Also expect to see Grant in 12 and Jean switch to 13. Thats the position i rate is his best and the one place he played all his schoolboy rugby. Rain wont matter that much to us and Willem de Waal sure have a educated boot. If the Stormers can take this one they'll be right back in semi contention.

Sharks vs Brumbies: The Sharks will be delighted to be back in the Tenk. The Brumbies will have to play out of their skin this weekend. Nothing other then a passionate display like the Reds did will give them a win. Expect a pack Tenk to cheer their heroes. Steyn the keyman for the Tjarks, if he can up his Force display , there will be a Tjark victory.

Lions vs Hurricanes: The big question here is Can the Lions repeat their form from last week. The Hurricanes a very dangerous team and nothing less then a Brumby display will be needed from the Lion den. If they can snick this one , it will do their confidense the world of good. Expect a much better performance from Andre Petoors this time.

 

[PaarlBok]

Brutes team to play the Highlanders
Zane Kirchner; Akona Ndungane, Jaco Pretorius, Wynand Olivier, Gerhard van den Heever; Morn? Steyn, Fourie du Preez (captain); Pierre Spies, Pedrie Wannenburg, Dewald Potgieter, Danie Rossouw, Bakkies Botha, Rayno Gerber, Derick Ku?n, Gurthr? Steenkamp.

Substitutes: Chiliboy Ralepelle, Werner Kruger, Wilhelm Steenkamp, Jacques Burger, Heini Adams, Burton Francis, JP Nel.

Still no Matfield. Jaco petoors back mean more wide play from them.

 

[PaarlBok]

Stormers team: Percy Montgomery, Gcobani Bobo, Jean de Villiers, Peter Grant, Sireli Naqelevuki, Willem de Waal, Ricky Januarie, Luke Watson, Duane Vermeulen, Schalk Burger, Adriaan Fondse, AJ Venter, Brian Mujati, Schalk Brits, Wicus Blaauw.

Bench: Tiaan Liebenberg, JD Moller, Hilton Lobberts, Francois Louw, Dewaldt Duvenhage, Dylan des Fountain, Conrad Jantjes.

No real surprise and Rassie stick with what works against the Lions. A Lot of Paarl Gimmies now entering the Stormers, Jean, Schalk, Duvenhage & Dylan des Fountain. :thumb

 

[PaarlBok]

Right we heading for the semi straights and all Boer battles important this weekend. Two Boer Aussie games , the others tough SA vs NZ ones.

Canes vs Stormers: I am worried this one dont turn in a Canes blow out. Lot of injuries in the Stormers camp. Mujatsi, Fondse, Pieter Louw struggling and Percy , Francois Louw already back home. Look like Rassie finally look to make a few changes and hopefull we will see Tiaan Liebenberg and Dewaldt Duvenhage starting in this one. Schalk Burger have to join the form party , thats the important one. If he hit his straps sure the Stormers will produce.

Cheetahs vs Chiefs: When they Cheetahs have their team up on a teusday you can ezpect them to be hunger for more success. Myself hoping the Chiefs will make the semis and this one will be their big test in Kimberley. A tail in the air Cheetah team in Kimberley aint going to be easy. This game will set their tour up nicely.

Sharks vs Crusaders:
Sharks lost just at the right time and they look like worrying because of that man McCaw. The exact place where the Cheetahs hit team last week. They have their three stars back so they will just have to play like they can.

Pressure time for the middle block of the log and one loss and your out. So there will be some desperate teams in round 10.