The Super Kings will play Super Rugby next year. This was the decision made by SARU about which South African franchises to include in next year’s Super Rugby competition. I won’t go into the details but as I understand it the Lions (who finished last in the South African conference) drop out in 2013 and have a chance to reclaim a spot in 2014 in a promotion/relegation series of matches.
The vast majority of South African rugby fans will not be happy at this decision, but as I come from the Eastern Cape I understand the reasoning behind it. I had an interesting conversation speaking to Peter Wilkinson (ex-Transvaal fullback) who played in the amateur days of rugby and who played against the British & Irish Lions. He told me that back then Eastern Province were the team to beat. He also told me how when rugby started to turn professional talented players from the Eastern Cape were lured away to more lucrative pay benefits in the bigger cities thus diminishing the standard of rugby in the Eastern Cape.
For decades now we have seen many fantastic players playing Currie Cup, Super Rugby and International rugby who hail from the Eastern Cape region but play for other regions. Eastern Cape schools consistently find themselves in the top 10 in South Africa every year! Grey High in PE has produced their fair share of South African sportsmen.
I don’t expect the Kings to make a huge impact in their first season as Super Rugby is a massive step up from First Division rugby. However, with some wise player recruitment and a bit of ingenuity the Super Kings could well surprise their critics with one or two big upsets. For the Kings, the focus will be more about competing and being competitive than winning the competition.
When they first started out, the Western Force did not have the fire power or players that they now have. Although they aren’t setting the world alight, it gave the Australian selectors a wider base to choose from and they have produced some really talented players for the Wallabies. None more so than current skipper David Pocock.
In my humble opinion, this is a positive move for South African rugby. I would urge you to be patient and give the Kings a chance to develop. The Lions have had a decent chance to excel in the international competition and have come up short. It’s time for another region to try stake their claim.
Thursday, August 16, 2012
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Time to shine!
With every team announcement comes some form of criticism. Everyone has their opinion about who should and shouldn’t be in the team. The South African team to face Argentina are no different with some selections very pleasing and others leaving you to ponder.
There won’t be many who will argue with the all Sharks front row of Beast Mtawarira, Bismark du Plessis and Jannie du Plessis. They are aggressive, mobile and know each other well. The lock pairing of Andries Bekker and Eben Etzebeth will also not be a massive talking point as both players have what it takes to get the job done both as individuals and as a unit.
The loose forwards selected for this match will bring in some debate, but in my opinion it is the form combination in South Africa and all three players deserve their chance. With so many top class South African loose forwards out injured or unavailable it is actually unbelievable that the Boks can manage to field such a strong combination. I echo the sentiment that Marcell Coetzee is the find of the season and Willem Alberts is a massive weapon on any team. Keegan Daniel has a great opportunity to prove his doubters wrong and prove that he has a place in international rugby.
One of my major concerns lies at scrumhalf and fly half. While I have no doubt about the talent and skill that Francois Hougaard and Morne Steyn possess, their form of late has been under par. While I understand that players have dips in form, a Test match is not a place to regain it. Let’s hope they have rectified the aspects that have been hampering them and regained the form that is needed to help the Springboks progress.
The centre combination of Frans Steyn and Jean de Villiers is a solid pairing and I don’t think we’ve seen the full potential of this duo just yet.
On the wings, Habana and Mvovo, provide electrifying pace and are deadly finishers. They both have a knack for finding the try line and will be expected to close down the Argentinean speedsters.
Zane Kirchner is extremely fortunate to find himself as the starting fullback for the Springboks. Hopefully I get to eat my words, but there are many better fullbacks in South Africa playing Currie Cup rugby. Even though Pat Lambie has only recently recovered from injury he is still a better player than Kirchner at 15. In fact, on form, Louis Ludik and Gio Aplon are extremely unlucky not to make the squad.
The bench selected for Saturday is an exciting one. Expect Pienaar and Lambie to make an impact when utilised, they are rare talents and have natural rugby instinct.
My conclusion is that the Springboks have a highly talented side with lots of potential. There are some fantastic youngsters and some proven match winners in a side that is full of passion. Let’s hope they can pull it together!
SPRINGBOK TEAM: Zane Kirchner, Bryan Habana, Jean de Villiers (captain), Frans Steyn, Lwazi Mvovo, Morne Steyn, Francois Hougaard, Keegan Daniel, Willem Alberts, Marcell Coetzee, Andries Bekker, Eben Etzebeth, Jannie du Plessis, Bismarck du Plessis, Tendai Mtawarira.
Replacements: Adriaan Strauss, Pat Cilliers, Flip van der Merwe, Jacques Potgieter, Ruan Pienaar, Pat Lambie, JJ Engelbrecht
There won’t be many who will argue with the all Sharks front row of Beast Mtawarira, Bismark du Plessis and Jannie du Plessis. They are aggressive, mobile and know each other well. The lock pairing of Andries Bekker and Eben Etzebeth will also not be a massive talking point as both players have what it takes to get the job done both as individuals and as a unit.
The loose forwards selected for this match will bring in some debate, but in my opinion it is the form combination in South Africa and all three players deserve their chance. With so many top class South African loose forwards out injured or unavailable it is actually unbelievable that the Boks can manage to field such a strong combination. I echo the sentiment that Marcell Coetzee is the find of the season and Willem Alberts is a massive weapon on any team. Keegan Daniel has a great opportunity to prove his doubters wrong and prove that he has a place in international rugby.
One of my major concerns lies at scrumhalf and fly half. While I have no doubt about the talent and skill that Francois Hougaard and Morne Steyn possess, their form of late has been under par. While I understand that players have dips in form, a Test match is not a place to regain it. Let’s hope they have rectified the aspects that have been hampering them and regained the form that is needed to help the Springboks progress.
The centre combination of Frans Steyn and Jean de Villiers is a solid pairing and I don’t think we’ve seen the full potential of this duo just yet.
On the wings, Habana and Mvovo, provide electrifying pace and are deadly finishers. They both have a knack for finding the try line and will be expected to close down the Argentinean speedsters.
Zane Kirchner is extremely fortunate to find himself as the starting fullback for the Springboks. Hopefully I get to eat my words, but there are many better fullbacks in South Africa playing Currie Cup rugby. Even though Pat Lambie has only recently recovered from injury he is still a better player than Kirchner at 15. In fact, on form, Louis Ludik and Gio Aplon are extremely unlucky not to make the squad.
The bench selected for Saturday is an exciting one. Expect Pienaar and Lambie to make an impact when utilised, they are rare talents and have natural rugby instinct.
My conclusion is that the Springboks have a highly talented side with lots of potential. There are some fantastic youngsters and some proven match winners in a side that is full of passion. Let’s hope they can pull it together!
SPRINGBOK TEAM: Zane Kirchner, Bryan Habana, Jean de Villiers (captain), Frans Steyn, Lwazi Mvovo, Morne Steyn, Francois Hougaard, Keegan Daniel, Willem Alberts, Marcell Coetzee, Andries Bekker, Eben Etzebeth, Jannie du Plessis, Bismarck du Plessis, Tendai Mtawarira.
Replacements: Adriaan Strauss, Pat Cilliers, Flip van der Merwe, Jacques Potgieter, Ruan Pienaar, Pat Lambie, JJ Engelbrecht
A Fresh Start
The Rugby Championship kicks off this weekend with plenty of anticipation. Argentina finally finds themselves in a regular international competition and this can only bode well for them. The top three nations who have dominated world rugby for the past two decades close a chapter and say goodbye to the Tri Nations. New Zealand, Australia and South Africa have all enjoyed great rivalries throughout the history of the Tri Nations, but even they will admit that it is a breath of fresh air with the inclusion of Argentina into The Rugby Championship.
Argentina brings in a new challenge. They are very physical with strong emphasis on their scrummaging and mauling. The Puma's also have a backline who can rival the French with flair and imagination. Unfortunately for them, they find themselves up against opposition with a lot more experience in tough competitions, but I expect them to cause upsets along the way. As time goes by, there is no reason why they cannot find themselves consistently in the top 5 nations of world rugby.
Australia has a fairly settled side with some promising youngsters. The lack of depth in Australian rugby hasn't been too much of an Achilles heel for them in the past and I don't expect it to be one going forward. The Wallabies are a proud rugby team and they are very good at playing to their strengths. Come the end of the season they'll be there or thereabouts.
Current world champions, New Zealand, are an incredibly well moulded team. They possess star players in almost every position and have match winners littered all over the field. With Richie McCaw and Dan Carter still playing some fantastic rugby they will be hard to beat. It will however be interesting to see just how they (and Australia for that matter) cope with the additional travel to Argentina. The All Blacks are the team to beat.
South Africa finds themselves in a new competition with a new coach, new management and new players. While they haven't had the best track record in the Tri Nations, they have an opportunity to set the record straight in this new competition. I expect the Springboks to put in a strong challenge, but if they are to win this competition then they will have be consistent and astute.
All in all, I am looking forward to a great new competition. There is nothing better than international rugby and with the top 3 teams competing in The Rugby Championship it makes for a mouth-watering affair!
As always...Go Bokke!
Argentina brings in a new challenge. They are very physical with strong emphasis on their scrummaging and mauling. The Puma's also have a backline who can rival the French with flair and imagination. Unfortunately for them, they find themselves up against opposition with a lot more experience in tough competitions, but I expect them to cause upsets along the way. As time goes by, there is no reason why they cannot find themselves consistently in the top 5 nations of world rugby.
Australia has a fairly settled side with some promising youngsters. The lack of depth in Australian rugby hasn't been too much of an Achilles heel for them in the past and I don't expect it to be one going forward. The Wallabies are a proud rugby team and they are very good at playing to their strengths. Come the end of the season they'll be there or thereabouts.
Current world champions, New Zealand, are an incredibly well moulded team. They possess star players in almost every position and have match winners littered all over the field. With Richie McCaw and Dan Carter still playing some fantastic rugby they will be hard to beat. It will however be interesting to see just how they (and Australia for that matter) cope with the additional travel to Argentina. The All Blacks are the team to beat.
South Africa finds themselves in a new competition with a new coach, new management and new players. While they haven't had the best track record in the Tri Nations, they have an opportunity to set the record straight in this new competition. I expect the Springboks to put in a strong challenge, but if they are to win this competition then they will have be consistent and astute.
All in all, I am looking forward to a great new competition. There is nothing better than international rugby and with the top 3 teams competing in The Rugby Championship it makes for a mouth-watering affair!
As always...Go Bokke!
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