Bok Thread And General Clowning Around

[PaarlBok]

Latest on Brussouws comeback trail
Rugby365

Brüssow comeback on the cards?
Mon, 02 Aug 2010 09:46

Injured Springbok flanker Heinrich Brüssow could be back in Cheetahs colours before the end of the season - if his side makes it to the semifinals of the 2010 Currie Cup.

The openside maestro made a stunning start to his Test career last year, but his 2010 season was prematurely - and cruelly - halted when he damaged the cruciate ligaments in his knee during the Super 14.

It was initially feared that he would be out for the remainder of the year, but the 24-year-old now has hopes of seeing some action in the Currie Cup.

"It's difficult to say [exactly when I will be back]... because I get assessed every week to see what new exercises I'm ready to do. Hopefully, I'll be ready in about another three months or so," Brüssow told rugby365.com in an exclusive interview.

"I could be able to play at the back-end of the Currie Cup - in the semifinals if we get there... But that's only if things keep going well with my knee.

Brüssow - a key man in South Africa's series triumph over the B&I Lions last year, as well as their Tri-Nations success - is about to start running on the field this week as he builds up his fitness levels.

"I've been jogging on the treadmill for two weeks now, so everything is going well and the doctor is happy with my knee at the moment," he revealed.

The injured star has made the most of his time away from the game, whilst also keeping active at the same time. He continued: "[In my free time] I've been enjoying some fishing in Durban and the Transkei, and I also had a chance to go hunting.

"But I've also been gymming, to keep my upperbody strong, and also doing some extra fitness whenever I can."

Brüssow's foraging skills made him an instant Springbok folk hero last year, after terrorising opposition at the breakdown - not to mention his huge work-rate off the ball, too.

He has been sorely missed during SA's current Tri-Nations campaign, with the Boks having no answer to the turnovers created by Richie McCaw and David Pocock on their winless tour of Australasia.

"David Pocock is a world-class player and I think everybody knows Richie McCaw - they will always be difficult to match," Brüssow told this website.

But the breakdown is a constant source of frustration in rugby union - not just for the Boks at the moment - with many seemingly unsure of what exactly goes on when the ball goes into contact and the likes of Messrs McCaw, Pocock and co. somehow get their mitts on the 'pill'.

Speaking ahead of Saturday's Tri-Nations and Bledisloe Cup in Melbourne, McCaw admitted to pushing the boundaries at the breakdown... stopping just short of admitting to cheating, but saying: "I think the big thing is to understand where you sit and what you're going to get away with and what you're not."

Brüssow revealed that his definition of a fetcher differed somewhat to that of McCaw's.

"I don't cheat," he said when asked about McCaw's comments - the All Blacks skipper having, of course, delivered yet another Man of the Match performance at the weekend.

"Sometimes I'm just unlucky," he added. "If I'm busy stealing a ball and [just] fall on the wrong side by accident, then I can't get away when the referee sees me," he explained.

Flippie docketed
Sport24

Currie Cup

Blue Bulls lock Flip cited
2010-08-02 11:47Email | Print

Johannesburg - Lions flank Trevor Hall, Blue Bulls lock Flip van der Merwe and SWD Eagles centre Sinethemba Zweni, will appear before SARU judicial committees on Tuesday after being cited for foul play during their Currie Cup games this weekend.

Van der Merwe was cited for punching or striking an opponent. The Blue Bulls lock punched the Lions hooker Martin Bezuidenhout in the face with his left fist during the third minute of the game.

The Blue Bulls defeated the Lions 32-18.

Hall was cited for acts contrary to good sportsmanship. The Lions flank was on top of Van der Merwe during the 81st minute of the match and with his open hands made contact in his face, near the eye area.

Zweni was cited for lifting an unidentified Griffons player from the ground and dropping or driving that player into the ground.

The incident occurred in the 19th minute of the game. The SWD Eagles defeated the Griffons 18-14 in this Currie Cup First Division match.

The judicial hearings of all three players will take place on Tuesday at the Johannesburg Stadium from 09:30.

 

[Blue]

Flip doesn't strike me as the most intelligent player. Got sent off 2 mins into his test debut for a professional foul in front of the ref.

 

[Baldric]

Paarl, what is your take on the new SARU CEO. I see he is an old Gym boy and has done some great things at Maties.

 

[Sydney Wallabies]

A losing Boks coach is a clown, says de Villiers

http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-union/u...-a-clown-says-de-villiers-20100803-114hr.html

A losing Boks coach is a clown, says de Villiers

MARC HINTON
August 3, 2010 - 3:51PM

Under-siege South African rugby coach Peter de Villiers continues to wheel out the gems, likening himself to a "clown" after a run of three defeats to open the Tri Nations.

Which is ironic considering the Springboks demanded former Wallaby hooker and Fox Sports rugby analyst Brendan Cannon publicly apologise for using the same term to reference the controversial coach prior to their Tri Nations Test in Brisbane last month.

Though you couldn't fault de Villiers' honesty, it was a strange choice of terminology for the Boks coach as he answered fans' questions in the latest South African Rugby Union electronic newsletter, Bokzine.

De Villiers has been criticised for some of his media comments during and after the back-to-back defeats to the All Blacks and one-off loss to the Wallabies in Brisbane, and faces a SANZAR disciplinary hearing on Friday over a televised assertion in Australia that his team had been caught up in a World Cup conspiracy in New Zealand.

De Villiers has been roundly bagged since returning from the unsuccessful Tri Nations tour and answered a fan question in the newsletter about how he handled the criticism.

"I was always saying the greeting 'even the bad days are good' and there have been some bad days just now, that we can't deny," De Villiers answered.

"But I keep myself motivated because I believe in this team and what we are doing and know that we have the answers within ourselves to the problems that we had overseas.

"It's not like other years where we were bad and had no solutions in sight - we definitely know we can beat anyone in the world when we fix the small things that add up to a bad defeat.

"As for the criticism, I have had it since before day one! But it goes with the territory - a winning Bok coach is a superman; a losing Bok coach is a 'clown', I've learnt to take both with a pinch of salt. But thanks for your support."

Meanwhile Sanzar confirmed judicial officer Jannie Lubbe SC will hear the case of alleged misconduct against de Villiers at the SARU offices in Cape Town on Friday at 7pm (NZ time).

The misconduct charge relates to comments made by the Springbok Coach on Australia's Fox Sports Rugby Club programme on July 21.

 

[PaarlBok]

Paarl, what is your take on the new SARU CEO. I see he is an old Gym boy and has done some great things at Maties.

Ja he will be excellent, hope he can get some Gimmie sense in Snor. Great appointment.

His goals and CV
Sport24

Springboks

CEO's success judged on field
2010-08-02 15:Cape Town - Jurie Roux, the newly appointed chief executive of SARU, feels that his performance as the business guru of South African rugby will be linked to the success of the national rugby team.

Roux held his first press conference in his capacity as national rugby's new chief executive officer at Newlands on Monday afternoon.

"This is a very public position and the success of this organisation gets judged on the field," said Roux.

"All the focus is on the Springboks and how they perform."

When Roux starts his tenure on September 1, one of his first tasks will be to oversee the amalgamation of SARU and SA Rugby (Pty) Ltd to ensure a smooth transition. He said he has yet to establish what his focus and goals will be but he will not be influenced by his observations of national rugby's administration in the past.

"I have perceptions (about how rugby was run) but perceptions can be dangerous," said Roux. "I will take my lead from the executive council and find out what their priorities are.

"I would like to improve whatever there is at SA Rugby at the moment. I also have to understand the structures of SA Rugby.

"I did not see much wrong with SA Rugby while I was at Western Province." Roux is presently the vice-president of Western Province RFU and chairman of Stellenbosch Rugby Club.

"I am passionate about rugby and the business of rugby," said Roux. "I am looking forward to the challenge and to experience the position.

"I have learnt many lessons from rugby, and I have been given lots of advice while I've been in the business of rugby.

"I don't even know what I am going to get paid and all I know about the job is what I've seen in the job description as it was advertised in the newspaper.

"But I will say that it is hard to fault an organization that is financially stable."

Factfile: Jurie Roux

Full name: Jurie Wynand Roux

Born: September 5, 1970, Strand

Educated: Paarl Gymnasium, University of Stellenbosch

Qualifications

B.Comm (Management Accounting); B.Comm (Financial Accounting); BBA (Business Management and Administration); LLB (Bachelor of Laws); MBA (Complete – awaiting approval of thesis)

Experience

Senior director: Finance and Asset Management, University of Stellenbosch; Chairman African Sun Media (Pty) Ltd; Director PURCO (Pty) Ltd; Director SUSPI (Pty) Ltd; Chairman USKOR Trust.

Rugby credentials

Player Stellenbosch Rugby Football Club (fullback) 1989-1998; Maties tour manager (eight overseas tours) 2000 to present; Assistant first team coach 2000-2001; Maties first team manager 2002-2004; Chairman Stellenbosch Rugby Football Club 2004 to present; Team manager SA Students since 2007; Director WP Rugby (Pty) Ltd since 2008; Vice-president Western Province Rugby Football Union since 2008; Chairman Varsity Cup Board since 2009.

 

[PaarlBok]

He did not waiste time to tackle the qouta system using the Matie example. Must say after a week of schoolboy Interschools sport I can see a huge differense within the colour mix percentage from U7 to U18level. Wish they can scrap this qouta ruling from the books, no need for them anymore.
Rugby365

Roux: 'Stop the coke-'n-hotdog shows'
Mon, 02 Aug 2010 20:25

Jurie Roux, the South African Rugby Union's new CEO, does not plan on wasting time when it comes to changing people's perceptions of what 'true' transformation is.

Roux, who will assume the operational leadership of the organisation on October 1, was officially introduced to the media in Cape Town on Monday; having, on Friday, been announced as the CEO designate.

The current Chairman of Stellenbosch made it clear that he would "take guidance" from the Executive Council on the immediate direction, but one of his first jobs would be to complete the amalgamation of SARU and SA Rugby (Pty) Ltd.

However, as always, transformation featured prominently at Monday's briefing; where the 39-year-old showed off the skill that has made him one of the most dynamic administrators in South Africa.

Roux - who turns 40 soon - wasted no time in tackling the perception that transformation was just about numbers on the field.

He also dismissed the notion that transformation was an issue that could be forced at the top-end of the game, saying it works only "from the bottom up".

"People always harp on about transformation," Roux said, adding: "When they come to transformation they get [stuck on] to one thing and that is the number of players other than the colour of white that is on the field.

"That is not the only thing. You need to transform people's minds.

"That is probably one of the best things we have done at Stellenbosch and that is to transform people's minds."

Roux, in his guise as a Stellenbosch rugby administrator and the Varsity Cup Board Chairman, used the Maties' victorious Varsity Cup team as an example of "true transformation".

"At Stellenbosch there is no such thing as a quota or anything like that. In the Varsity Cup competition we never fielded anything less that seven non-white players in the matchday 22.

"In fact, we played eight non-white players in the [2010] Final - each and every player was on the field on merit. Somewhere we are doing something right in terms of that [transformation]."

Roux believes the key to the success of Stellenbosch is that they started in the areas where development was needed.

"We have this great thing run by Russel Carelse, we call it the Maties Mitchell's Plain Academy. [We have] 127 schools throughout Mitchell's Plain, Khayelitsha, Langa playing in our Academy.

"And, typical of Stellenbosch, other than winning the Varsity Cup, we don't put that on the billboards everywhere... we just do that.

"[You may ask] what are we getting? We are reaping the fruits of the players coming through to Stellenbosch to study. But not only that, we are changing lives. That player, most probably, would never have studied at Stellenbosch and would never have been seen and that is how you do it.

"You've got to start from the bottom up... You've got to have people who believe in what they are doing and that really want to do it."

He also hit out at the 'traditional' hit-'n-run transformation clinics that are hung on billboards, but achieve no real success in the long term.

"If they have no passion and they run what I call the 'coke-'n-hotdog shows', then you might as well leave it," declared Roux.

"What that means is that you get a previously disadvantaged player out for an hour on Saturday, he gets a hotdog, a T-Shirt and a coke and now you think you've changed their lives.

"You have done nothing other than to expose him to an hour's rugby.

"You need to start from the roots up and that is how you transform."

He added that the system used to transform Stellenbosch could be used to the benefit of other clubs, universities and – eventually - filter itself through to provincial and national level.

"I would just be stupid if I did not use all the skills and abilities I have gained over the last 16 years," he said, when asked about transformation at provincial, Super 14 and Springbok level - where the numbers game is still very important in some quarters.

"If I've got something from Stellenbosch, yes, if I've got something from anybody else I would try to use that where it is to the benefit of the company [SARU] and where it adds value... I have no doubt about that.

"I think I do have additional skills [obtained] through the processes that we had to go through at Stellenbosch. I had awesome mentors - some people who are very committed to not only transforming Stellenbosch, but transforming whatever we do at Stellenbosch, be that rugby or anything else.

"There are a lot of competent people and I will use what I've learnt from them."

Crucially, however, Roux added: "It was never me that transformed Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch transformed itself.

"I will try and use some of that in everything I do at SARU."

Roux also spoke about the need to uplift club rugby, but said that it was important to go back to the "roots" of the game.

He dismissed the notion that SARU was just about professional rugby.

"There are a lot of things that I have seen that SARU are doing at different levels.

"Yes, club rugby is always a challenge.

"However, we must understand that we must introduce kids to sport in general and then try to convince them to play rugby.

"If you lose your kids, if you lose your roots - schoolboy level and your varsities and your clubs - then rugby will die.

"Irrespective of what is happening at the moment, I would expect that would be a focus and that would be a priority."

As a loyal club man, and given his Varsity Cup ties, Roux made no secret of his high regard for club rugby and he concluded: "I would be lying if I said I would not be trying to do something for clubs.

"However, I don't decide on competitions, I will take my lead from the executive on that, but I will do my utmost for the clubs.

"After all, we need the clubs to survive in this country."

Now how long will it take till Stofile and kie lay hands in Jurie?

 

[PaarlBok]

We also need a new backline coach or defensive coach. Get the Stormers / WP one. Its obvious WP took defense to a new level. The whole WP backline have been with the Bokke and WP defense havent change one bit. THat show their structure is excellent and every single player from fatty to full back know what he needs to do. Compare that to the Bokke and they look threatened every time the Wallabies took it through the phases.

If start with the All Blacks and its a huge mountain to climb.

Look like Dawie Theron, Griquas CC coach agree with me. Maybe wants to let WP slip some tackles over the weekend, dunno

Sport24

Tri-Nations

Boks can learn from WP
2010-08-03 22:30Email | Print

Jacques Nienaber (Gallo Images)
Hendrik Cronjé

Bloemfontein – The struggling Springboks can get their Tri-Nations campaign back on track by seeking defensive advice from Western Province.

Griquas coach and former Springbok prop Dawie Theron said that the Stormers had proved with the best defensive record in the Super 14 (only 17 tries conceded) that the WP Currie Cup team’s system is good enough for Test rugby.

“Something the Boks can definitely learn from WP is one-on-one tackling. Good discipline is required and the Boks have missed too many tackles this year,” said Theron.

“Province’s defence is about numbers. You can only beat the defensive line with strong runs or kicks. Your players have to be very fit to be successful with such a defensive system. It is expected of players to get up very quickly from tackles so as to ensure that you have more players on defence than there are on attack.”

WP have conceded only 6 tries to date in the Currie Cup followed by Free State (8), the Blue Bulls (10), Sharks (11), Griquas (15), Leopards (21) and Pumas (22).

Compared to the WP and Stormers defence that has been watertight under coach Jacques Nienaber, the Boks are leaking tries in the Tri-Nations.

South Africa conceded 10 tries in only 3 Tri-Nations Tests compared to 2009 (11 tries in 6 Tests), 2007 (9, 4 Tests), 2006 (18, 6 Tests) and 2005 (7, 4 Tests).

Nienaber’s record as a defence expert speaks for itself, with Free State having held the Currie Cup aloft when he was there in 2005, 2006 and 2007. The Stormers also advanced to the Super 14 final under him this year and WP top the Currie Cup log.

The Boks get together on August 15 again for the Test against the All Blacks on August 21 at Soccer City outside Soweto. It would be a wise move by coach Peter de Villiers to invite Nienaber.

Theron said that Griquas would only be able to beat WP on Saturday if they managed to get past their defensive system.

“WP give you the idea that they are calm on defence. The system is simple and requires a lot of discipline,” he said.

“It won’t help us to kick the ball away because of their good defence and because we know how dangerous fullback Conrad Jantjes and wing Gio Aplon are from counter-attacks.

“We will have to kick judiciously. We will have to ensure that we compete in the air when we kick, or turn the opponent when he catches the ball.”

 

[Scorz]

Any chance your mate will get the sack and Meyer will get near the set up PB? That would give me the shits as an AB fan, a guy who actually knows what to do with the Bulls mob might really crack it with the Bokke.

 

[PaarlBok]

Any chance your mate will get the sack and Meyer will get near the set up PB? That would give me the shits as an AB fan, a guy who actually knows what to do with the Bulls mob might really crack it with the Bokke.

Love to see Heyneke Meyer gets the job, also think Rassie and Alistair Coetzee is doing a great job here in WP. Coetzee have the right skin colour but Snor wont get fired Boet, think Henry and his Cartell's changes are better.

 

[Thomond78]

He did not waiste time to tackle the qouta system using the Matie example. Must say after a week of schoolboy Interschools sport I can see a huge differense within the colour mix percentage from U7 to U18level. Wish they can scrap this qouta ruling from the books, no need for them anymore.
Rugby365

Now how long will it take till Stofile and kie lay hands in Jurie?

The important thing is this, Oom; if there's one lesson from history, it's that where Maties leads, the rest follow about ten years after, for good or ill.

Also, it's interesting the emphasis being put in recruiting around the Kitchen Dutch speaking areas like Meeeeetc-ull's Pleyn [men ], as well as the places to get easy credit like Langa and Khayelitsha. Presume there's a fair whack of coaching and recruitment going on around places like Pniel? If so, Christ help us all, because the standard of the kids just messing around in the playground there was scary.

All in all - dit lyk soos dié Boere het 'n plan gemaak...

 

[PaarlBok]

The important thing is this, Oom; if there's one lesson from history, it's that where Maties leads, the rest follow about ten years after, for good or ill.

Also, it's interesting the emphasis being put in recruiting around the Kitchen Dutch speaking areas like Meeeeetc-ull's Pleyn [men ], as well as the places to get easy credit like Langa and Khayelitsha. Presume there's a fair whack of coaching and recruitment going on around places like Pniel? If so, Christ help us all, because the standard of the kids just messing around in the playground there was scary.

All in all - dit lyk soos dié Boere het 'n plan gemaak...

yep I can see this all ready in Paarl. Your best U13 players is coloured players from the disadvantage ares. Gim and Boishaai have there poachers all around these areas to get them on board from U12 or earlier age. These kids are the ones still playing in the street and dont have the PC or TV spoiled brat way of life. They grow up hard and tough and they dont have to be teach rugby heart, they have it from day 1. Pretty sure I'll meet Jurie when he hits his alma mater at some stage. Would like to have a word with him about the future and just hoping the politician leave the guy to do his job properly. 39 is a young age to get this position and am sure he'll give it his best shot.

 

[Ruggo]

yep I can see this all ready in Paarl. Your best U13 players is coloured players from the disadvantage ares. Gim and Boishaai have there poachers all around these areas to get them on board from U12 or earlier age. These kids are the ones still playing in the street and dont have the PC or TV spoiled brat way of life. They grow up hard and tough and they dont have to be teach rugby heart, they have it from day 1. Pretty sure I'll meet Jurie when he hits his alma mater at some stage. Would like to have a word with him about the future and just hoping the politician leave the guy to do his job properly. 39 is a young age to get this position and am sure he'll give it his best shot.

That is exactly like Australian Rules Football here Paarl. Rugby over here is either to snobbish or stupid to tap into it.

 

[Blue]

Ruaan Pienaar gone. ACL.

Welcome back Rick Januarie. No doubt another 10kgs heavier after binge eating from being dropped.

Just as Pienaar started to look good.

Will Snor have the kahunas to try Hougaard?

 

[PaarlBok]

Boet ja I only hope Hougaard get his turn. He'll get it only if the All Blacks totally bash us up and then its to late.

I see Schalkie started practise this week with WP lot. This break is way to long for him and just wish the other Bokke could have the same passion and appetype he shows.

 

[Blue]

That bloke behind him should be sitting on the Bok bench.