SA Rugby matters

[Biffo]

Jean against Ierland, he have a account to settle with BoD, ect.

errr, Munster v Leinster?

 

[BillyWebb]

Jean against Ierland, he have a account to settle with BoD, ect.

errr, Munster v Leinster?

Yup... JdV would like play in a team that gives him a chance to show that he isn't a turnstile.

 

[PaarlBok]

Will be a interest read John Smith's new book, will target the kids to buy one for a Xmast precent.

http://www.rugby365.com/all_news/sa/news/2051160.htm

The Luke Watson 'puking on the Bok jersey saga' is about to be re-opened by the revelation that all-conquering Bok captain John Smit regards him as having had a "cancerous" effect on members of the national team.

The current Bok and World Cup-winning rugby captain, Smit, pulls no punches in a new book to be published this weekend.

Written with The Mercury's Mike Greenaway, Captain In The Cauldron also reveals that former Sharks Ollie le Roux and Chris Rossouw were involved in "a poisonous collaboration" against a number of younger Sharks players.

According to a preview of the book, to hit the bookshelves this weekend, Smit says that Watson had a "cancerous" effect on members of the national team, while he also gives the inside story behind the notorious Kamp Staaldraad, and what he terms the rugby "treachery" of former Sharks front ranker Ollie le Roux.

Watson caused a major stir last year when he told a public gathering in a speech that he felt so "sick" about wearing the Bok jersey that he wanted to vomit on it.

The notorious Watson speech, first revealed by rugby365.com, caused a worldwide outcry and Smit's revelation that the Bok team was being destroyed by the Watson cancer will surely cause another tsunami-like outburst.

Watson, who was widely booed at stadiums around the country, even his home ground of Newlands, after his speech became public, has since left the country to join English Premiership club Bath.

The book also outlines Smit's assessments of Bok and Sharks coaches.

On the one hand there is Kevin Putt's double-speak and Rudolf Straeuli's overly militaristic 2003 World Cup campaign; on the other he is full of praise for Dick Muir, John Plumtree, Jake White and Peter de Villiers.

"Those guys taught me a lot about what not to do in a team environment."

During practice, Smit wrote, Le Roux would deliberately hold back against the scrummaging machine - his way "of telling me that I needed to know my place".

As senior front rankers they had wanted to control the team and, night after night, he says, they had accused Smit and Craig Davidson of causing a rift in the team. He was appalled at the treatment meted out to former Sharks captain Wayne Fyvie - a true son of KwaZulu-Natal, who had put his body on the line in every match.

Smit is, however, very passionate about the Sharks and full of praise for the their set-up.

While much has already been written on Kamp Staaldraad, Smit relates how this over-the-top militarism did not stop with Smit himself having to rip the head off a live chicken. The campaign was carried into the 2003 World Cup in Australia. In a stupid attempt to bring back memories of Staaldraad they were served chicken legs and eggs. They had guards posted at their doors and were trailed by the coach's spies (their chief Adriaan Heijns, a former undercover agent in the SA Police Force, being dubbed 000 by the players) wherever they went.

"All that suffering in the pit achieved nothing, in fact it had set us back," Smit says.

Other than that, Smit writes warmly of Straeuli (now involved in the Sharks). He credits Straeuli with having done a lot of good - restoring discipline after the Sharks' horrible 2000 tour. He was tough and worked hard.

"While a happy-go-lucky bloke on a personal level, Straeuli was afraid the players would behave as he had. As a result he had become very conservative." This over-the-top discipline had the opposite effect: it annoyed the players.

While he supports the goals of transformation, Smit also has some strong things to say about the role of some of the sport's administrators. Sadly, he thinks they are there for personal benefit, rather than for the good of rugby.

He relates how former Rugby Union deputy president Mike Stofile had never supported Smit in any way and had made his views known through the media.

It had hardly filled him with confidence to know that his employer felt that way about him.

However, Smit said, it did not take him long to get over things because Stofile lost his credibility through his actions.

Smit deals with his own leadership style, personal life and love for his family in some detail - relating how his romantic plan to propose to his then girlfriend (now wife), Roxy, on top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris, went comically wrong.

He relates how some referees made critical mistakes and describes a number of funny on-field incidents, one involving Bakkies Botha grabbing the loud-mouthed Lions scrumhalf Mike Phillips by the collar, winding up his right arm for a punch and then cooing: "How about dinner on Tuesday?"

Smit lists his funniest "team" (in terms of fun-makers and spirit builders) as being (in sequence from player number 15 to number 1) Percy Montgomery, Jaque Fourie, Robbie Fleck, Trevor Halstead, Jean de Villiers, Butch James, Craig Davidson, Braam Immelman, Schalk Burger, Shane Chorley, Pieter Myburgh, Bakkies Botha, Adrian Garvey, Pieter Dixon and Deon Carstens.

His best "team" (from people he played with) he lists as Percy Montgomery, Napolioni Nalaga, Jaque Fourie, Jean de Villiers, Bryan Habana, Henry Honiball, Fourie du Preez, Gary Teichmann, Andre Venter, Schalk Burger, Victor Matfield, Bakkies Botha, CJ van der Linde, Bismarck du Plessis and Os du Randt.

 

[BillyWebb]

Yes, I think it is going to be a great insight this book.
I do worry that Smit may have stepped on a couple too many toes in it though given that he's still playing.

 

[PaarlBok]

Well I agree with his take on Stofile. :lmao:

Like the look of his two teams and surprise to see Pieter Myburgh's name there, but his best XV , hell thats one mean team.

 

[Biffo]

Thanks for telling us about that, PB. I shall surely buy the book and read with great interest. The man is, in my view, a top citizen.

 

[BillyWebb]

Thanks for telling us about that, PB. I shall surely buy the book and read with great interest. The man is, in my view, a top citizen.

Yes, he's a class act who I put right up there with Morne' du Plessis and John Eales as the best international rugby captains I've seen.

 

[PaarlBok]

Thanks for telling us about that, PB. I shall surely buy the book and read with great interest. The man is, in my view, a top citizen.

Yes, he's a class act who I put right up there with Morne' du Plessis and John Eales as the best international rugby captains I've seen.

The best Soutie SA have ever produced! :yay

 

[PaarlBok]

Springbokke EYT Grand Slam tour 2010?

This one just finished and already planning for next year. SA & Ireland have already organised a extra test for 6 November for the official opening clash of the new Lansdown Road Stadium. They have also defnite appointments with Wales & England but a possibility they may play Wales twice iso Scotland.

Pieter de Villiers dont want to comment at this stage on this because it isnt official appointments yet. He is worried however about the current player burn out issue but also a good oppertunity to make history for a possible Grand Slam before WC year. We last achieved a grand slam in 1960/61.

Saru will also decide over the weekend regarding the home test in June during the SWC. Look like the Italy test will be played in Witbank & Potchefstroom while the French test will be played on either Newlands or Wembley.

 

[PaarlBok]

Just got the english version atr Sport24

Cape Town – Is it a potential opportunity to make history or rugby suicide 10 months before the kick-off of the 2011 World Cup in New Zealand?

That is the question being raised about a possible Grand Slam tour for the Springboks in November next year.

South Africa and Ireland, who are currently considered to be the best team in Europe, have already arranged a fixture on November 6 outside the International Rugby Board’s (IRB) international window.

Apart from that fixture, there are possible Tests against Scotland, Wales and England.

However, the schedule has not yet been confirmed and there is talk that a second match against Wales may replace the match against Scotland.

SA Rugby’s head of communications, Andy Colquhoun, confirmed on Tuesday that a game is being planned against Ireland to open the new Lansdowne Road Stadium.

It will also apparently be a financially rewarding exercise for both rugby unions.

But what price will the Boks pay for a difficult programme and the pressure they will be exposed to 10 months before they defend their world crown?

Springbok coach Peter de Villiers did not want to comment.

“He prefers not to comment now because the Test schedule for 2010 still has to be confirmed and he is not sure whether it will be a Grand Slam tour as there may be two Welsh Tests and no Scottish Test,” said Springbok spokesperson Anthony Mackaiser.

De Villiers did emphasise in a recent press release how important it will be to manage players with an eye to the 2011 World Cup.

“It is very important that we monitor players in training with the long term in mind,” said De Villiers.

“This (2009) was a very long season and it’s clear that the players are mentally and physically fatigued.

“The biggest worry is the cumulative effect of the amount of rugby the Springboks have played over the last three years. As we know, they now run the risk of injuries the following year.

“If we want to get the best out of our players in 2011, we will have to manage their training and playing time carefully in 2010.”

Should the Boks get a Grand Slam tour, it will nevertheless be an opportunity to make history.

South Africa embarked on Grand Slam tours in 1998 and 2004, but have not been able to beat all four mentioned countries on a single tour since returning from isolation.

South Africa last won a Grand Slam in 1960-1961.

Meanwhile, the South African Rugby Union’s interim executive council meets in George tomorrow to decide which stadiums will host the two June Tests against Italy next year.

The Tests cannot be played in major centres because of the Soccer World Cup.

It is believed that Witbank and Potchefstroom are possible venues.

South Africa want to play their other Test in June against France at Newlands, but reports have suggested it may be shifted to Wembley in London.

 

[PaarlBok]

SA preparation for next years WC tournament starts all guns blazing already. At the moment I think we have some outstanding players and a lot of young talent will have their change to try and get in the Bok squad during the S14. We have a core of players with lots of experiense and I think our secret will be they way these players will be manage by the provinces that will play a huge role in our success for the tournament. All important those that need matches plays and those playing way to much need rest during 2010. I dont like test rugby getting devalued by rotation , so in my view it have to happen on provincial level. SA rugby off course is much more provincial driven compare to Aus or NZ. The provinces pays the biggest chunk of the players salaries so it will be interest to see the way the National coaches and admin will handle this delegate matter.

This is the view from the provincial coaches at this stage

No Boks in Currie Cup - Drotské

South Africa should consider standing down the core of the Springbok team from this year’s Currie Cup and end-of-year tour in a bid to have them perform at their best in next year’s World Cup, Cheetahs coach Naka Drotské believes.

“If I were Peter de Villiers (Springbok coach), I would request that Springboks be withdrawn from the Currie Cup and possibly also the end-of-year tour. They are not tired during the Super14,” Drotské told Sport24.

He pointed out that a similar strategy had been followed in 2006 and it may be wise to withdraw 10-12 key players from this year’s Currie Cup.

Drotské was asked, together with South Africa’s other Super14 coaches, about the issue of rest for top Boks.

There has not been contact between them and De Villiers yet this year, and the coaches are also waiting to hear what will be expected of them in that regard in the Super14.

The vast majority of the players that may be affected are contracted at the Blue Bulls, Sharks and Western Province.

“The only Cheetahs player that may be affected is Heinrich Brüssow. He only started training last Monday and has had a month off. If he feels he needs rest, I will be sensitive to that,” said Drotské.

While the Lions will not be affected, coach Dick Muir said that they would co-operate fully if any requests came their way.

“We’re all working towards a national solution. I think one has to consider individual cases and not make any blanket decisions,” said Muir.

Stormers coach Allister Coetzee would like to be consistent in his selections. This policy was rewarded in the Currie Cup.

“We will consider the request depending on our situation. I’m aware of the bigger picture and don’t know which players Peter has earmarked,” he said.

“The longer a squad of players are together, the better they will perform. I will not be looking at simply rotating players. The combinations need to find one another. A player only improves when he plays.

“We’re striving towards achieving our goals … we did ensure that the Boks got the required four weeks’ rest.”

Sharks coach John Plumtree also confirmed that he would consider requests.

“It makes it much easier if you have depth. My experience is also that players prefer to play and do not like to rest. New Zealand learned some hard lessons by removing players from the Super14,” said Plumtree.

New Zealand’s rest strategy in 2007 by taking key All Blacks out of several rounds of the Super14 boomeranged on them. Former Crusaders coach Robbie Deans viewed this as one of the reasons for South Africa’s success that year.

Deans maintained that South Africa gained a lot of success from the Bulls and Sharks’ success in the Super14 in 2007.

The champion Bulls have a positive attitude towards the national interest, though the pressure is on for them to keep achieving.

“We support Peter de Villiers and I have a good relationship with him. I’m sure we’ll have a good discussion about how players should be managed … we see the bigger picture,” said Bulls coach Frans Ludeke.

Tim Noakes our expert on player burn out had a session this weekend with the top players and coaches about the issues. Interesting to see Bismarck played the most rugby in 2009 , while Bakkies the opposite. According to his report 20 matches the limit for a player per season before getting burn out and getting injured the next year.

 

[PaarlBok]

Feedback from the weekends players session with Noakes
Sport24

Rugby

Div to ensure top Boks rested

Cape Town – Provincial rugby unions and other stakeholders will be asked for input on a comprehensive rest plan that Springbok coach Peter de Villiers is planning for South Africa’s top players.

De Villiers told Sport24 on Tuesday that he will consult widely to ensure that top Boks are well rested and at peak physical condition for next year’s Rugby World Cup in New Zealand.

He believes all South Africa’s leading players have been refreshed by an off-season break, but nevertheless views it as important to manage them with an eye to next year.

“It’s the right time now to be considering 2011. I want recommendations by rugby unions because we have to work together in the best interests of the players,” said De Villiers.

“My job is to consult with all the stakeholders – there is many more than just SA Rugby. There are unions, sponsors, suite holders … there are also agreements with SANZAR that need to be honoured.

“I want to see what the unions have to say. What is easy for the Lions and Cheetahs may be difficult for the Blue Bulls and Sharks. I sincerely believe that the unions will make decisions in the interests of the players and SA Rugby.

“As soon as I have finished consulting with the unions, I will go to the sponsors. The findings of the report will be made public as the public are also stakeholders.”

De Villiers also thanked the country’s top unions for co-operation that has already been given.

“Every player that was on tour got four weeks rest. Here I have to give the unions full marks for the co-operation with SA Rugby,” he said.

“Show me any person whose body is not refreshed after four weeks’ rest.”

He added that the Super14 teams’ week plans are also aimed at keeping players fresh.

“Rest is the component that will be very important in the discussions (with unions). I know some of them have already cancelled Monday training sessions. It’s a step in the right direction as it is 14 weeks of Mondays, which amounts to two weeks’ rest,” said De Villiers.

The Bok coach believes that the players’ success in the first part of last year played a role in their disappointing end-of-season tour.

“Your exhaustion is linked to a number of components – psychological, physical and even social – that impact on your performance,” said De Villiers.

“If you go and see how many highlights the Boks experienced in 2009 and you consider everything, including the players’ performances in the Super14 and Currie Cup, there would have been fatigue based on the players achieving their goals.

“The end-of-season tour was a direct result of there being so many highlights.”

South Africa’s contracted Springboks were on Sunday lectured by sports scientist Professor Tim Noakes in Cape Town about managing themselves ahead of next year.

“The general theme was that they need to cut back this year and do everything next year,” said Noakes.

“South Africa’s players cannot expect to be competitive in the World Cup unless they play less.

“The captain (John Smit) also made the point that it is not in the players’ hands as they cannot fight with their employers. The directive has to come from above.”

Also saw on the news a interview with Snor and he dont sound eager for the players to rest in the CC.

 

[PaarlBok]

Snor busy with his provincial journey on the burn out issue
Superrugby

Another man who wants to ensure that the players are sharp when they report for duty is Springbok coach Peter de Villiers.

He and the convenor of the national selection panel, Peter Jooste, dropped in for a meeting at Western Province’s High Performance Centre in Bellville on Monday.

“It was a good open discussion for us to gain an understanding of his plans at national level and talk about our plans going forward,” said Coetzee.

Coetzee said it was about ensuring that top Springboks are not overplayed.

“We want them to get enough game time and be successful in the Super 14, but also need them to be sharp at national level,” he said.

“It’s a critical year. In 2006, for example, we took a weakened team overseas to ensure we are ready for the World Cup the following year.”

Coetzee was the Boks’ backline coach then and therefore has a decent understanding of De Villiers’s situation.

“We had a good discussion. I recall that the (contracted) Springboks did not play in the Currie Cup in 2006. I’m not saying it will necessarily be the case again, but there was a special agreement supported by the unions then.”

De Villiers will also visit the Lions and Bulls this week. His spokesperson, Anthony Mackaiser, said that he would only comment after that.

 

[Biffo]

De Villiers .... His spokesperson, Anthony Mackaiser, said that he would only comment after that.

Now that's what I call humour. The great yakker has a spokesperson :lmao: :lmao:

 

[PaarlBok]

Varsity Cup kicks off our rugby season official today. A lot of running rugby and a change for these players to showcase their game to the supporters on live TV.

www.varsitycupsa.co.za

Varsity Cup

All systems go for Varsity Cup

Cape Town - The third installment of the very popular Varsity Cup kicks-off at two venues this coming Monday (February 1); with double headers in Port Elizabeth and Pretoria set to get the South African rugby season off to a cracking start.

The defending champion Maties are the obvious side to keep an eye on - once again! - and they will take on NMMU in PE on Monday, with UCT and Shimlas providing the other entertainment at the Xerox NMMU Stadium.

The back-to-back champs have announced a side jam-packed with provincial players and that despite losing a host of players - including last year's captain Wesley Wilkins - to other unions across the country.

Loose forward Cameron Peverett has been announced as the new Maties skipper, but he will not playing on Monday because of a rib injury; with tighthead prop Lourens Adriaanse leading the Men in Maroon into battle.

"The past two seasons have shown that in order to win the Varsity Cup you need to beat the Maties - we know it and it spurs us on," Adriaanse told varsitycup.co.za this week.

"There is no doubt that NMMU will be up for this game... it's a match they've been training for since the 2010 Varsity Cup schedule was first announced."

UCT, meanwhile, will be relying upon a core of senior players against Shimlas as they look to win their first-ever opening match - having been on the losing side in Week One in 2008 and 2009.

"We have always done quite well, despite losing both of our opening matches. So we are pretty relaxed about it," Ikeys coach John Dobson told varsitycup.co.za.

"That said, we know that Shimlas have their best team in their Varsity Cup history - we know we are in for a tough Monday."

Elsewhere in the country, the two matches originally scheduled to take place at Tukkies' LC de Villiers Stadium have been moved to the adjacent Tukkies Athletics Stadium because of problems with the playing surface.

According to TuksSport director Kobus van der Walt, Argentina will be based at the University of Pretoria's High Performance Centre during the FIFA World Cup in June/July and in order to comply with Argentina's requirements, the rugby stadium's playing surface had to be stripped entirely.

The matches, however, will go on and hosts Tukkies will host Pukke - last year's losing finalists - in the undoubted 'Game of the Week', whilst TUT will take on UJ in the other encounter in Pretoria.

Tuks head coach Freddie Grobler has chosen 12 new 'caps' for his team's Varsity Cup opener and he said: "We have prepared well. However, the proof of the pudding remains in the eating."

TUT, who of course are now known as the 'TUT Vikings', went winless last season and will be looking to start their campaign on a high against UJ - a team that has promised so much, yet failed to deliver in the previous two seasons.

UJ head coach Hugo van As remains optimistic, however, and on Friday he included Lions Currie Cup star Earl Lewis on his bench - a huge boost for a team that is yet to qualify for the semifinals.

Lewis, an attacking player who could find himself playing Super 14 rugby later this year, has been one of the success stories of the Varsity Cup thus far and his explosiveness from the bench could be a huge bonus for UJ against a fired-up TUT team.

But wining and losing aside, the major part of the Varsity Cup is the exciting rugby that is played and in the process the discovery of new and exciting stars almost on a weekly basis.

New faces to watch out for this year are Wayne Stevens (Shimlas), Paul Cohen (UCT), Jurgen Visser (Maties) and Danie Dames (Pukke) - but why don't you decide for yourself and Back your Boytjies in the 2010 FNB Varsity Cup presented by Steinhoff International.

The fixtures and team line-ups for Monday, February 1, 2010:

FNB Shimlas v FNB UCT, Xerox NMMU Stadium
Kick-off: 2.30pm
Referee: Ben Crouse (Blue Bulls)

The teams:

Shimlas: 15 George Whitehead, 14 Divandré Strydom, 13 Earl Snyman, 12 Wayne Stevens (kaptein), 11 Rashied Isaacs, 10 Reinhardt Erwee, 9 Jaco Colyn, 8 Boom Prinsloo, 7 Willie Britz, 6 Hanno Pieterse, 5 Henjo van Niekerk, 4 Joubert Horn, 3 Vaatjie Koorsen, 2 PW van Vuuren, 1 Charles Marais.
Replacements: 16 Gert Erasmus, 17 Ian Potgieter, 18 Lebo Zietsman, 19 Pieter Labuschagné, 20 Marlin Ruiters, 21 Beast Ndwandwa, 22 Johan van Schalkwyk, 23 James Hellawell.

UCT: 15 Therlow Pietersen, 14 Marcello Sampson, 13 Marcel Brache, 12 Tim Whitehead, 11 Paul Cohen, 10 Matt Rosslee, 9 Stu Commins (vice-captain), 8 JJ Gagiano, 7 Michael Morris, 6 Nick Fenton-Wells (captain), 5 Martin Muller, 4 Don Armand, 3 Grant Kemp, 2 Dayne Jans, 1 Ash Wells.
Replacements: 16 Mark Goosen, 17 Chris Heidberg, 18 Yaya Hartzenberg, 19 Levi Odendaal, 20 Nic Groom, 21 Sean van Tonder, 22 Doug Mallett, 23 Wes Chetty.

FNB NMMU v FNB Maties, Xerox NMMU Stadium
Kick-off: 4.30pm
Referee: Mlungiseli Mdashe (Valke)

The teams:

NMMU: 15 Aluzant Munnik, 14 Oscar Mazaka, 13 Williams Heydenrych, 12 Wade Roos, 11 Darryl Turner, 10 Willem Laubscher, 9 Lusu Booi (captain), 8 Sameul Borsaah, 7 Ferdie Gerber, 6 Thomaso Farbes, 5 Jannie Fourie, 4 Mathew Lutge, 3 Pierre Hammond, 2 Hugo Lampbrechts, 1 Tyron Williams.
Replacements: 16 Werner Kapp, 17 Chariel van Jaarsveld, 18 De Wet De Lange, 19 Kemsley Wesso, 20 JP Kellerman, 21 Hugo van Heerden, 22 Phiwe Lallendle, 23 Ivon Cowley.

Maties: 15 Jurgen Visser, 14 Danie Poolman, 13 Stokkies Hanekom, 12 Dabeon Draghoender, 11 Thythan Adams, 10 Hayden Groepes, 9 Conrad Hoffman, 8 Tertius Daniller, 7 JP Mostert, 6 Boetie Britz, 5 Hugo Kloppers, 4 Rynardt Elsteadt, 3 Lourens Adriaanse (captain), 2 Matthew Dobson, 1 Mike De Neuilly-Rice.
Replacements: 16 Callie Visagie, 17 Johan Roets, 18 Andrew Prior, 19 Josh Strauss, 20 Johan Laker, 21 Stephan van der Merwe, 22 Jonathan Francke, 23 Buhle Mxunuywa.

FNB TUT v FNB UJ, Tuks Athletics Stadium
Kick-off: 4.30pm
Referee: Tiaan Jonker (Lions)

The teams:

TUT: 15 Hansie Graaff, 14 Johan Swartz, 13 Henk de Ridder, 12 Lutho Nyeka, 11 Thabo Motau, 10 Jacques Venter, 9 Manny Raposo, 8 Wikus Botes, 7 Emile Verster (captain), 6 Athi Mtya, 5 Werner Lourens, 4 Johan Steenkamp, 3 Braam van der Merwe, 2 Johan Pieterse, 1 Juan Pike.
Replacements: 16 Alfred Khoza, 17 Jacques van Rooyen, 18 Dewald van Deventer, 19 Ryno Lopes, 20 Nico van Zyl, 21 Felix Godlo, 22 Johan Oosthuizen, 23 Johann Visser.

UJ: 15 Aubrey MacDonald, 14 Edrich van Tonder, 13 Clinton de Klerk (captain), 12 Luhan Steenkamp, 11 Lola Waqa, 10 André Smith, 9 Danny Botha, 8 Quinten Minnaar, 7 Wendell Wehr, 6 Justin Wheeler, 5 Marnus van Huyssteen, 4 Martyn Lombard, 3 Wayne Swart, 2 Edgar Marutlulle, 1 KP du Plessis.
Replacements: 16 Brett Claassens, 17 JP Olivier, 18 David Bulbring, 19 JP Janse van Rensburg, 20 Jacques Pretorius, 21 Ryno Luus, 22 Earl Lewis, 23 Jaco Claassen.

FNB Tukkies v FNB Pukke, Tuks Athletics Stadium
Kick-off: 6.30pm
Referee: Archie Sehlako (Natal)

The teams:

Tukkies: 15 Gert Smith, 14 Dirk Dippenaar, 13 Ernie Kruger, 12 Franco Booysen, 11 Aaron Denenga, 10 Shaun Davids (captain), 9 Ignick Windvogel, 8 Marius Weber,
7 Marius Oosthuizen, 6 Warwick Tecklenburg, 5 Francois van Wyk, 4 Tiaan Nel, 3 Hein Viljoen , 2 Chris Crous, 1 Ettienne Breytenbach.
Replacements: 16 Robbie Coetzee/AJ le Roux, 17 Musa Tukela, 18 Joe Walters, 19 Oswin Mentoor, 20 Wesley Marais, 21 Donovan Marais, 22 Fanie Booysen, 23 Danie Oosthuizen.

Pukke: 15 Theuns Kotzé, 14 Dane Johnson, 13 Ruan Jacobs, 12 Wouter Watermeyer, 11 Danie Dames, 10 Niell Jacobs, 9 Andries Mahoney, 8 Thabo Molete, 7 Siya Mdaka, 6 Savvas Nel, 5 Markus Fourie, 4 Dirco Rautenbach (captain), 3 Stephanus Bezuidenhout, 2 Stoffel Duvenhage, 1 Dewald Coetzee.
Replacements: 16 BW van Dyk, 17 BG Uys, 18 Francois Robbertse, 19 Jaco Lötter, 20 Cecil Dumond, 22 Wensley Scott, 22 Andrew van Wyk, 23 Johan Coetzee.

 

[PaarlBok]

:yay Newlands get the Hane test

SARugby.com

Newlands Test against France to go ahead
South African Rugby Union president Mr Oregan Hoskins on Tuesday confirmed that the Springboks’ Test against France on June 12 would take place at Newlands as initially planned.

The decision was announced after a positive meeting between SARU officials and Mr Danny Jordaan, CEO of the FIFA Local Organising Committee.

“It was a very good and helpful meeting and we made significant progress,” said Mr Hoskins. “I’m pleased to announce that we have agreed that the Test against France in Cape Town on June 12 will go ahead at Newlands as originally scheduled.”

The match takes place during the FIFA 2010 World Cup (June 11 to July 11) at a time when other major competing sports events are not permitted to be held in hosting cities.

The meeting also addressed issues around the potential hosting of Vodacom Super 14 semi-finals and finals.

“We have both been aware of the situation for some time and we in rugby have made contingency plans,” said Mr Hoskins. “However, our first preference has always been to play any such matches at our normal venues and Mr Jordaan has listened to our request and is prepared to continue those discussions.

“The next step is to get the role players from the affected unions into the same room with the LOC to see if we can’t map out a compromise.”

 

[PaarlBok]

SA Top contracted lot
Sport24

Boks 'book' tickets to RWC

Cape Town – Ten plane tickets to next year’s Rugby World Cup appear to have been booked with SA Rugby having awarded a number of contracts to a select group of Springboks.

Sport24 has learned that John Smit, Bakkies Botha, Victor Matfield, Schalk Burger, Juan Smith, Pierre Spies, Fourie du Preez, Bryan Habana, Jaque Fourie and JP Pietersen have all signed two-year contracts with SA Rugby.

It means they will possibly form the core of the team that will defend South Africa’s title in New Zealand.

Nine other players have been offered one-year contracts. They are Tendai Mtawarira, Bismarck du Plessis, Andries Bekker, Heinrich Brüssow, Danie Rossouw, Ruan Pienaar, Morné Steyn, Wynand Olivier and Adrian Jacobs.

Hooker Chiliboy Ralepelle is also in SA Rugby’s plans, but his contract will be subject to passing a fitness test.

It is also rumoured that Munster centre Jean de Villiers wants to return to South Africa.

SA Rugby managing director Andy Marinos said that the possible return of the Springbok centre is a matter “between De Villiers and Western Province”.

SA Rugby are not offering contracts to players plying their trade overseas, but appear to have softened their stance on picking them.

The sensible management of players by overseas teams is contributing to their welfare and may assist in keeping them fresh for the World Cup.

If the names of overseas-based Boks such as De Villiers, BJ Botha, CJ van der Linde and Frans Steyn are factored into the contracted squad of 20, it is clear that coach Peter de Villiers already has a good idea of what the majority of his squad will look like for the World Cup.

Form will obviously be a factor over the next 18 months, but South Africa clearly have the core of the squad that will defend the title.

Interesting is that players such as prop Gurthrö Steenkamp, scrumhalf Ricky Januarie, No 8 Ryan Kankowski, fullback Zane Kirchner, and wings Odwa Ndungane and Jongi Nokwe, are not among the contracted players.

With only 10 senior players contracted for two years, there is still chance for healthy competition and players to put up their hands before the World Cup.

That process starts in earnest this week when the Super14 kicks off.

Meanwhile, De Villiers said at the launch of SA Rugby’s Champion Tour that the Boks will not be resting on their laurels after the achievements of last year.

“We should not be out to keep what we have, but improve on what was achieved last year. This team has not yet reached its peak,” said De Villiers.

“I’m excited about the Super14. From that we’ll be able to determine the way ahead for the team over the next two years. I believe our teams will perform well in the Super14.”

Contracted Springboks:

Two years: John Smit, Bakkies Botha, Victor Matfield, Schalk Burger, Juan Smith, Pierre Spies, Fourie du Preez, Bryan Habana, Jaque Fourie, JP Pietersen.

One year: Tendai Mtawarira, Bismarck du Plessis, Andries Bekker, Heinrich Brüssow, Danie Rossouw, Ruan Pienaar, Morné Steyn, Wynand Olivier, Adrian Jacobs, Chiliboy Ralepelle (subject to a fitness test).

Overseas Boks not under contract, but apparently in the Boks’ plans: Jean de Villiers, CJ van der Linde, BJ Botha, Frans Steyn.

 

[Blue]

Fark me. Senbsibility from SA. Now there's something.

 

[PaarlBok]

Jean heading home
Rugby365

De Villiers heading home

Irish province Munster confirmed on Monday that Springbok Jean de Villiers will return to South Africa at the end of the current season.

The decision to return home was determined by his desire to make himself available for selection for the South African 2011 World Cup squad, a situation Munster were aware of when they initially contracted De Villiers.

De Villiers, who is currently abroad with the Munster squad on a warm-weather camp said: "My decision to return to South Africa is solely determined by a desire to put myself in contention for the Springboks [who will defend their title at the 2011 World Cup in New Zealand].

"I feel this is perhaps my last opportunity to represents my country at the World Cup and after consultation with SARU it has become clear that to qualify for selection players must be playing their rugby in South Africa in the season leading up to the competition.

"I'm thoroughly enjoying my time here in Munster and I think it would be fair to say that had the World Cup not been a factor, then I would be remaining for at least the next 2 seasons. I would not rule out returning here after World Cup 2011 either, if the opportunity arose.

"For now though," he continued, "my entire focus is on the Magners League and Heineken Cup campaigns. There's a lot of rugby to be played yet in the red shirt and I'm looking forward immensely to continuing my involvement with a great squad."

Munster Chief Executive Garrett Fitzgerald in announcing the news said: "Jean missed the 2003 World Cup through injury and played just 40 minutes in 2007. So his desire to represent his country in the most prestigious rugby competition is totally understandable.

"Jean made us aware of this scenario before he joined us last September. He has been a hugely positive addition to the squad this season. His influence has grown and continues to grow as he becomes more and more comfortable within the squad.

"While he will be a major loss, we fully respect his ambition and he will leave us at the end of the season with our very best wishes."

There was no confirmation that he will return to the Stormers, which he captained in 2009 before his departure, or whether he will join another franchise in South Africa.

 

[PaarlBok]

From this weekend we'll get our tripple dose of rugby. The Varsity Cup going strong on mondays (the two Stormers teams still unbeaten but Maties playing some awesome rugby at the moment) and this weekend our Vodacom Competition starts. This competition being called the Aspoestertjie one in SA but surely a very important one to bring provincial players through to S14 or to get injured players back in war shape or just to draw when there are injuries. This year however we have the Argies (Pampas XV) and Suidwesters (Namibia) joining this one and will be interesting to see the way they go in our compo.

The Fixture list and some interesting venues (taking rugby to the people)
February 2010Vodacom Cup26 Sharks XV vs Border 18:00 The Absa Stadium, Durban
26 Eastern Province vs Pampas XV 19:00 Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, PE
26 Griquas vs Blue Bulls 17:00 AR Abass Stadium, Kimberley
27 SWD vs Free State 00:00 Outeniqua Park, George
27 Boland Kavaliers vs Western Province 16:00 Bredasdorp
27 Young Lions vs Leopards 15:00 Coca-Cola Park, Johannesburg
27 Pumas vs Valke 00:00 Puma Stadium, Witbank
27 Namibia vs Griffons 00:00 Windhoek
March 2010Vodacom Cup5 SWD vs Pampas XV 00:00 Outeniqua Park, George
5 Border vs Eastern Province 00:00 The Absa Stadium, Durban
5 Blue Bulls vs Pumas 17:00 Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria
5 Valke vs Young Lions 00:00 Barnard Stadium, Kempton Park
5 Leopards vs Namibia 00:00 Profert Olen Park, Potch
5 Griffons vs Griquas 19:00 North West Stadium, Welkom
6 Western Province vs Sharks XV 15:00 Newlands, Cape Town
6 Free State vs Boland Kavaliers 17:05 Vodacom Park, Bloemfontein
12 Boland Kavaliers vs SWD 00:00 Boland Stadium, Wellington
12 Eastern Province vs Western Province 19:00 EPRU Stadium, Port Elizabeth
12 Pampas XV vs Border 00:00
12 Leopards vs Valke 00:00 Profert Olen Park, Potch
12 Pumas vs Griffons 00:00 Puma Stadium, Witbank
12 Namibia vs Griquas 00:00 Windhoek
13 Sharks XV vs Free State 08:30 Empangeni RC
13 Young Lions vs Blue Bulls 15:00 Raiders Rugby Club, Johannesburg
19 Free State vs Eastern Province 15:45 Vodacom Park, Bloemfontein
19 SWD vs Sharks XV 00:00 Outeniqua Park, George
19 Boland Kavaliers vs Pampas XV 00:00 Boland Stadium, Wellington
19 Blue Bulls vs Leopards 17:05 Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria
19 Griquas vs Pumas 00:00 GWK Park, Kimberley
19 Griffons vs Young Lions 19:00 North West Stadium, Welkom
19 Namibia vs Valke 00:00 Windhoek
20 Western Province vs Border 15:05 Newlands, Cape Town
26 Sharks XV vs Boland Kavaliers 18:00 The Absa Stadium, Durban
26 Eastern Province vs SWD 19:00 EPRU Stadium, Port Elizabeth
26 Border vs Free State 00:00 The Absa Stadium, Durban
26 Valke vs Blue Bulls 00:00 Barnard Stadium, Kempton Park
26 Leopards vs Griffons 00:00 Profert Olen Park, Potch
27 Pampas XV vs Western Province 17:05 Newlands, Cape Town
27 Young Lions vs Griquas 15:00
27 Pumas vs Namibia 15:05 Puma Stadium, Witbank
April 2010Vodacom Cup9 Eastern Province vs Sharks XV 19:00 EPRU Stadium, Port Elizabeth
9 Border vs Boland Kavaliers 00:00 The Absa Stadium, Durban
9 Pumas vs Young Lions 00:00 Puma Stadium, Witbank
9 Griquas vs Leopards 00:00 GWK Park, Kimberley
9 Griffons vs Valke 19:00 North West Stadium, Welkom
9 Namibia vs Blue Bulls 00:00 Windhoek
10 Western Province vs SWD 17:05 Newlands, Cape Town
10 Pampas XV vs Free State 15:00 Newlands, Cape Town
16 SWD vs Border 00:00 Outeniqua Park, George
16 Boland Kavaliers vs Eastern Province 00:00 Boland Stadium, Wellington
16 Sharks XV vs Pampas XV 19:10 The Absa Stadium, Durban
16 Valke vs Griquas 00:00 Barnard Stadium, Kempton Park
16 Leopards vs Pumas 00:00 Profert Olen Park, Potch
17 Free State vs Western Province 15:45 Petrusburg
17 Blue Bulls vs Griffons 15:00 Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria
17 Young Lions vs Namibia 15:00 Coca-Cola Park, Johannesburg

The competition is split in a north (Namibia) and south section (Pampas XV), two top teams advandge to play offs.