S14 Game day 22's 2010

[Ash]

In the games Sevens games that I saw Toua in last year, Toua was a disappointment. Didn't he have injury problems as well last year? Though Toua should've been nominated for the Sevens squad again this year.

 

[chief]

awesome to have another Reds supporter on the site RA. We need all we can get!

Dead set we do. QLD reds supporters are a dying breed.

I can't really see Toua starting I think we might see Morahan there. Heard the same rumour from numerous people that Quirk is definately going to get some bench spots. If Cooper goes we might see Hynes even move to flyhalf. He played that position for a few games under Jones' leadership if you could call it that. Hynes has improved since then as well, and I definitely think he's cut out for a Super 14 #10 jersey if needed.

 

[fatprop]

For the Force, I'd go with:
1. Dunning
2. Cowan
3. Fairbrother

16. Whittaker
17. Henderson

Honestly, Cowan is not in the same league as Dunning or Fairbrother, despite being picked in the Wallabies - unless Noriega worked some magic with him during Wallaby training. Whittaker also showed last year than he has potential, but is not quite ready for the step up. If Luke Holmes is still around there, he might also get some more game time, but showed that he also was not up to S14 starting standard.

Regarding the Tahs, I do not understand the man love for Turner at fullback. Turner has failed at fullback every game he's played there, yet is outstanding at winger in the S14. Why the insistence on changing him when there are other better fullback candidates? And I include Mitchell there - at the S14 level he has some failings at fullback, but has done a lot better than Turner and is probably a slightly more all round player. Beale or Hangers would probably more all round fullbacks then either Turner or Mitchell, but you lose the explosive speed.

Turner looked very neat at the end of the S14 at 15. With Mitchell and Anesi, we should have a back 3 all with the capability to play 15, so if the work together it will be a lot more effective at kick return than the dross we served up this season.

 

[farva]

Cummins is out for the first 8 weeks apparently, so Mark Bartholomeuz to step in at 11.

Shepherd
Sare
Cross
OConnor
Bartholomeuz
Pertorius
Sheehan
Brown
Pocock
Hodgson
Wykes
Sharpe
Fairbrother
Cowan
Dunning

Whittaker
Henderson
Hocking
McCalman
OYoung
Tatupu
Haylett-Petty

 

[Scotty]

I can't really see Toua starting I think we might see Morahan there. Heard the same rumour from numerous people that Quirk is definately going to get some bench spots. If Cooper goes we might see Hynes even move to flyhalf. He played that position for a few games under Jones' leadership if you could call it that. Hynes has improved since then as well, and I definitely think he's cut out for a Super 14 #10 jersey if needed.

He isn't a natural kicker and doesn't even know how the carry the ball in two hands. IMO he is an out and out winger and that is where he should stay. If they get desperate then maybe full back, but I'd prefer to have Lucas or one of the other young guys at 10.

 

[PaarlBok]

Stormers match 22 :
Jantjes
Habana
Jac Fourie
Peter Grant
Fabian Juries
Lionel Cronje
Dewaldt Duvenhage
Duanne Vermeulen
Francois Louw
Schalk Burger (capt)
Andries Bekker
Fondse
Wikus Blaauw
Liebenberg
Brock Harris

Reserves:
JD Moller, Energize Bunny Deon Fourie, Anton van Zyl, Pieter Louw, Ricky Januarie, Joe Pietersen, Willem de Waal

 

[spectator]

Some interesting names there PB. Backline will only be strengthened by Habana's inclusion and looks pretty handy but can't say I know much about the halfback.

Where are they going to finish do you think?

 

[Lee Grant]

Some comments on what others have mentioned:

Reds

- I'd like to see Lucas tried at flyhalf if Cooper can't play for the Reds this year. He did as well as could have been expected at scrumhalf but he is not a natural 9 as his little bother seems to be. You could see the difference when Genia came off the bench after Lucas got a shot at starting.

- Toua - I've only seen him play Sevens in seniors and in one QAS game, but he was was an exciting schools player. Maybe he was a bit too exciting early on but he looked like a mature school fullback in his last year of school in 2007 and appeared to be a sure S14 prospect. That year he was picked in the Oz Schools team, with players like Robbie Horne, Rabbit O'Connor and Matt To'omua, and they beat NZ Schools for the first time in yonks, at Hunters Hill.

I believe he was injured a lot in 2008 and have no clue about how well he did this year in club rugby. He had a few defensive lapses when I saw him in Sevens but that is neither here nor there: just about everybody does. If he can bring his schools form to Super14 he would be good to watch and would help to convert those half chances better than the two league players they have used recently.

- Davies - I would be surprised if he is just a one trick pony but my viewing of him has been as a schools player before he went to league - plus what he did in the S14 this year. Has he been a one trick pony in club rugby up there? What position does he play for his club - wing or fullback?

- Anthony Fainga'a - I wouldn't write him off either and he could be a smokey for the 10 spot if Cooper can't play, as he has the attributes of a flyhalf and has filled in there as a junior player.

- Chambers - I wouldn't play him at 12 as was mentioned. I know he has a rugby background, but I would start anybody who has played professional league for the last couple of seasons on the wing, as it is an easier spot to play defensively. 12 is a difficult position as it is usually he that is responsible for implementing the plan ordained by the 10 and defensively it is almost as hard to read the attack there as it is at 13.


Brumbies

- As I have said elsewhere: I wouldn't mind if Alexander gets some time at LHP as the benefits could flow through to Oz rugby. As I also mentioned: it is a technical position that needs practice. If he can keep his hand in at LHP Deans can select a specialist THP on the bench for Oz without being too concerned about a starting prop being injured.


Tahs

- Mitchell - I also think that his chances of playing fullback should not be dismissed. I wouldn't pick Beale there unless there are injuries, because a fullback needs a bit more speed to take advantage of what play opens up - and to chase down his own kick in the modern game. I have not been impressed with Anesi as a fullback, but then Mitchell and Turner have both shown tendencies to run too much with ball in hand.

The three of them are like that. One could say that they like to run with the ball because they are good at it, but there is always another side to the coin: such fullbacks are usually not great kickers of the ball; so they run. Of the three, I would prefer Mitchell, but would not mind at all if Turner got a chance to start there.

- Baxter I wouldn't write him off just yet. My criticism of Joubert in dudding him in the Bledisloe match is well known and doesn't bear repeating now.

The forwards should be just as tough for opponents as they were this year but if the backs are not working well together with decent ball, I hope that Hickey can make changes earlier than he did in 2009, when he replaced Carter with Beale only in the last rounds of the competition.


Force

With no experienced hooker, not many real 2nd rowers, Cummins out for most of the season, serial crocks at 10 and 15, Sheehan not as good in big club games as he has been in the past and journeymen like Harris and pensioner Bartholomeuz an injury away from starting the game - this team is full of problems. The only good unit is the backrow, though the two new props should make a difference.

Still, they play above their weight when they are away and you never know: if they start playing well at home for a change they could cause a bit of cheek.

 

[PaarlBok]

Some interesting names there PB. Backline will only be strengthened by Habana's inclusion and looks pretty handy but can't say I know much about the halfback.

Where are they going to finish do you think?

S14 is all about depth, so I'll try and give you the 2nd XV of the Stormers.
15 Joe Pietersen
14 Gio Aplon
13 Juan de Jongh (he surely is the find of this year and can play 12 & 13) / Dylan des Fountain (he was unlucky the last two years and just when he get his change got injured)
12 Newman
11 Sereli
10 Willem de Waal/Peter Grant
9 Ricky Januarie/ Conrad Hoffman (the coach want to use him as backup 10)
8 Koster
7 Pieter Louw
6 Pieter Myburgh
5 Anton van Zyl
4 Steenkamp/Muller. (both young players Steen kamp the broer of the Brute Steenkamp and did well in the CC, Muller a former SA U20 lock)
3 JC Kritzinger (pretty strong prop)
2 Andries Fourie
1 JD Moller

Jean de Villiers a big loss but cancelled out with the departure of Luke Watson. With Luke's departure , the Cape turn back to the Dutch and we surely will see a much better team effort. Rassie also withdrew the Bokke (Schalk, Bekker, Jean and Pie Eater) last year from the S14 and started with the young ones in the last 5 rounds. That get the wheel rolling and WP came within a last minute Morne penalty to beat the Bulls in the CC semi. Now add in the newbies and I am sure they'll aim for a semi spot next year. Two years back they came within a point when they had the same fixture list.

Lionel Cronje played for the SA U20s this year. If your surname is Cronje, schooled at Grey Bloem, the sport talent is running deep. He made the other Ebersohn Twin , Sias change to 15 to get the 10 jersey in the SA U20 team. Expecting him to be a great poach by Rassie.

I'll put up the other SA sides. Expecting the SA sides to up their ante because one will have to fall to give the Kings their change.

 

[PaarlBok]

right o the run on 22 from the other SA franchises.
BULLS
1. Gurthro Steenkamp
2. Gary Botha
3. Bees Roux
4. Bakkies Botha
5. Victor Matfield
6. Deon Stegmann
7. Dewald Potgieter
8. Pierre Spies
9. Fourie du Preez
10. Morne Steyn
11. Francois Hougaard
12. Wynand Olivier
13. Jaco Pretorius
14. Akona Ndungane
15. Zane Kirchner

Reserves:
16. Jaco Engels
17. Bandise Maku
18. Werner Kruger
19. Flip van der Merwe/Fudge Mabetha
20. Derick Kuun
21. Jaco van der Westhuyzen
22. Gerhard van den Heever

 

[PaarlBok]

SHARKS
1. Mtawarira
2. Bismarck
3. Smit
Locks Sykes, Muller
6. Botes
7. Deysel
8. Kankowski
9. Pienaar
10. Hernandez,
Wings Pieterson, Ndungane
12. Swanepoel
13. Jacobs
15. Terblanche

Reserves: Carstens, Burden, Jannie Doep, Alberts, Kockette, Luddick, Vulindlu

 

[PaarlBok]

CHEETAHS (Tin Ears)
15 Daniller
Wings: Mapoe, Nokwe
13 Robert Ebersohn
12 Bosman
10 Naas olivier
9 Sarel Pretorius
8 Ashley Johnson
7 Juan Smith
6 Brussouw
5 David de Villiers
4 Breedt
3 WP Nel
2 Strauss
1 Wiaan du Preez

Reserves
Oosthuizen, Barnes, Calldo, Frans Viljoen, Tewis de Bruyn, Riaan Viljoen, Corne Uys

 

[PaarlBok]

LIONS
15 Earl Rose
Wings: Mentz, Chavangha
13 Hollenbach
12 Walter Venter
10 Herkie Kruger
9 Vermaak
8 Mokwuena
7 Minnie
6 Baywatch
Locks: Lombaard, Franco van der Merwe
3 Janse van Rensburg
2 van Dyk
1 Heinke van der Merwe

Reserves: Sepaka, Buys, Jannes Labuschagne, van Deventer, Jonck, Bosshoff, Doppies

 

[spectator]

Latest odds show that the Brumbies are favoured as 5-1 to win (3rd favourite). Tahs around 10-1 (7th Favourite). I think the Tahs are underrated.

My Brumbies side (Kimlin gone for the season):

1. Sheperdson - hopefully has been practising loose head (Jerry Y and Maafu will be making him sweat)
2. Moore
3. Alexander
4. Harrison - he was playing very well for Bath IMO and will be motivated. Will make the Brumbies lineout a lot stronger.
5. Chisolm
6. Elsom
7. Smith
8. Hoiles - I would have played Rocky at 8, and Chapman at 6..but Hoiles is captain. :
9. Valentine
10. Giteau
11. Fanifo
12. To'omua
13. Mortlock
14. Mafi
15. AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper)

16. Edmonds
17. Maafu
18. Hand/Timani (or Vanderglas)
19. Chapman
20. Phibbs
21. Lealiifano
22. T Smith

Where is Afusipa Taumopeau, still at the Brumbies? He'd be a consideration for the 22 as an outside back wouldn't he?

 

[Spook]

Latest odds show that the Brumbies are favoured as 5-1 to win (3rd favourite). Tahs around 10-1 (7th Favourite). I think the Tahs are underrated.

My Brumbies side (Kimlin gone for the season):

1. Sheperdson - hopefully has been practising loose head (Jerry Y and Maafu will be making him sweat)
2. Moore
3. Alexander
4. Harrison - he was playing very well for Bath IMO and will be motivated. Will make the Brumbies lineout a lot stronger.
5. Chisolm
6. Elsom
7. Smith
8. Hoiles - I would have played Rocky at 8, and Chapman at 6..but Hoiles is captain. :
9. Valentine
10. Giteau
11. Fanifo
12. To'omua
13. Mortlock
14. Mafi
15. AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper)

16. Edmonds
17. Maafu
18. Hand/Timani (or Vanderglas)
19. Chapman
20. Phibbs
21. Lealiifano
22. T Smith

Where is Afusipa Taumopeau, still at the Brumbies? He'd be a consideration for the 22 as an outside back wouldn't he?

He's in the squad. Hard to fit him in at the moment though.

 

[Viking]

Does anyone else think this is going to be one cracker of a super 14 season in 2010. Most Oz teams seem significantly stronger and i cant wait too see how the match ups go and how the new combinations work. Berrick Vs Cooper Vs Giteau. hopefully they will all be playing 10. Wonder whos going to win that one. Plus the openside flanker match-ups are going to be awesome we got Smith Vs Pocock Vs Waugh, plus whos going to get the better of Brussow or McCaw. Cant wait to see how the aussies scrums go especially the props up against Robinson. Plus there's Digby V Mortlock, cant wait to see if Cameron Shepard will be up to speed after his injury. Plus I wonder how To'omua, JOC (James O'Connor), Beale Morahan, kingi, lealifano are gunna go this season. FUCK this is gunna be good!

 

[chief]

This would have been so good if the competition was like what its going to be in 2011. A lot of local derby games, oh and if Croft hadn't retired. It would have been a battle of Pocock, Smith, Waugh and Croft. Just imagine that. Each game would be a cracker. Mind you I'm excited for it. It should be a lot better then previous years.