2012 S15 SA Conference

[PaarlBok]

Big game in Osfontein. Cheetahs vs Sharks
Cheetahs:15 Hennie Daniller, 14 Cameron Jacobs, 13 Robert Ebersohn, 12 Andries Strauss, 11 Willie le Roux, 10 Riaan Smit, 9 Piet van Zyl, 8 Philip van der Walt, 7 Justin Downey, 6 Heinrich Brussouw, 5 George Earle, 4 Izak van der Westhuizen, 3 WP Nel, 2 Adriaan Strauss (captain), 1 Coenie Oosthuizen
Substitutes: 16 Hercu Liebenberg, 17 Trevor Nyakane, 18 Andries Ferreira, 19 Ashley Johnson, 20 Tewis de Bruyn, 21 Sias Ebersohn, 22 Philip Snyman

 

[SuperGrover]

Just as the Cheetahs look like they are developing they lose two young locks. I feel bad enough for the Lions and Cheetahs when they lose players to the other 3 "big" unions, but to lose them to Europe not only hurts and weakens the Cheetahs and South African rugby, but also Super Rugby as a whole.

I know South Africa is a production line of large, mobile and hard men who play lock, but it seems as if South Africa loses more players before their time than either Australia or New Zealand.

Edinburgh sign Cheetahs lock

Edinburgh have announced the arrival of Cheetahs second row Izak van der Westhuizen on a two-year contract.

The 26-year-old former South Africa U18 player has started all 12 of the Cheetahs' Super Rugby this season.

Van der Westhuizen will arrive in October (subject to visa) because of Currie Cup commitments.

"I want to test myself against the top players in Europe so when I found out Edinburgh Rugby were looking for a player with my skill-set, I was desperate to sign," said van der Westhuizen.

"I like the pace the boys play with, it's very similar to a Super Rugby style which gives me a lot of confidence that I'll fit in well.

"I run the set-piece for the Cheetahs but, when the ball's in play, I like to be in the centre of the park getting stuck into the physical side of the game and hitting rucks.

"I'm really looking forward to joining the club. They've some real talent joining the squad and some quality Scottish players re-signed too so I think it's the ideal time to be part of a really exciting squad."

The South African joins fellow Cheetah WP Nel (prop) and former Junior World Player of the Year and All Black, Ben Atiga, on the long-haul flight to Edinburgh, where they will be met by seven other high-profile signings, including Welsh internationalists John Yapp (prop) and Richie Rees (scrum-half), Georgian World Cup number eight Dimitri Basilaia.

Alongside the new arrivals, the club have retained 19 top-performing players that have committed their futures to the club.

"Over the course of this season we have been putting the right building blocks in place to tackle what is arguably the most eagerly anticipated season in the club's history," said Head coach Michael Bradley.

"Reaching the Heineken Cup semi-final set the benchmark for our players' performance so we have recruited and retained a number of key players to bring consistency to our season and set a new standard for Edinburgh Rugby.

"The increased investment in our squad from Scottish Rugby will not only intensify the competition for places but means we will be on a much stronger footing to compete on all fronts, all season."

http://www.planetrugby.com/story/0,25883,3551_7770844,00.html

Another Cheetahs lock heads north

Cheetahs lock George Earle will leave the Bloemfontein-based franchise at the end of the Super Rugby season after signing a three-year deal with the Scarlets.

Earle has played in nine Super Rugby matches this season and has impressed with his work in the line-outs and in open play.

Scarlets coach Nigel Davies is delighted that Earle is joining the Welsh region and is excited to work with the 25-year-old, who has also represented Western Province, the Lions and Griquas.

"This is a significant signing for the Scarlets, George is in his prime as a player and is ambitious to make a mark over here," he told the Scarlets' official website.

"He will bring a tough edge and different set of experiences from his career in Super 15.

"He gives a new dimension to our second row options and we know we need to enhance and strengthen our set piece play going into the big competitions next season, particularly in Europe.

"This is an important and exciting new addition to the Scarlets squad for next season.

"He's really looking forward to joining the group of players here at Parc y Scarlets, and keen to get his first taste of northern hemisphere rugby and make an impact in the league and European competitions.

"It's key to have secured a quality second row, who at 25, has enough experience but also plenty to give and hunger to achieve over the next three seasons at Parc y Scarlets.

"He's an aggressive and focused player with a high work rate and has the ability to add a real edge to our game," added Davies.

Earle is hoping that by joining the Scarlets he will have a chance to be considered for the Welsh national team - once qualified to play for his adopted country on completion of the three-year residency period.

http://www.planetrugby.com/story/0,25883,3824_7770897,00.html

 

[PaarlBok]

Just as the Cheetahs look like they are developing they lose two young locks. I feel bad enough for the Lions and Cheetahs when they lose players to the other 3 "big" unions, but to lose them to Europe not only hurts and weakens the Cheetahs and South African rugby, but also Super Rugby as a whole.

I know South Africa is a production line of large, mobile and hard men who play lock, but it seems as if South Africa loses more players before their time than either Australia or New Zealand.

We need another team. Cheetahs/Griquas are blessed with young locks.

 

[Blue]

Jeez that's a big loss. Both at the same time. They have been very good.

"We need another team". Paarl you are off your rocks at times

 

[PaarlBok]

Jeez that's a bog loos. Both t the same time. They have been very good.

"We need another team". Paarl you are off your rocks at times

Look like Jurie & kie had to get the Government approvement, the big word transformation.

Keo

‘Kings vital to transformation’

23 May 2012
Saru president Regan Hoskins says the Southern Kings’ inclusion in Super Rugby will prove a massive boost to transformation in South African rugby.
According to The Times, Hoskins told the parliamentary portfolio committee on sport and recreation that the reason Saru decided to include the Kings was for the greater good of rugby in South Africa. Saru hopes that the new franchise will develop the latent black talent in the Eastern Cape region.
‘We mustn’t forget that as Saru we are aware of the dynamics of rugby and what is expected of our sport in terms of transformation. We can talk about transforming the administration and grassroots rugby and that’s all important, but we took the decision on the Kings because we know the country wants us to transform rugby,’ Hoskins said.
‘Black rugby players traditionally come from the Eastern Cape. It’s been a huge step because we believe a franchise in the Eastern Cape will be a massive boost to black players in the region, who can come through the ranks and play for the Springboks.
‘We can’t wave a magic wand to transform rugby, but we can boost transformation in rugby by having a franchise in the Eastern Cape. We ask all South Africans to bear with us, because it will be in the best interests of rugby.
‘It will be a painful process over the next year, but it’s been done with sincerity. All 14 provinces agreed to this decision without exception.’
While it’s already been confirmed that the Kings will participate in next year’s Super Rugby competition, Saru is yet to determine which of the existing five South African franchises will fall away.
This decision is expected to be finalised on 13 July.

Give and take.

 

[Bardon]

Earle's signing is a knock on effect of the talent drain from Wales to France and England this year.

I wouldn't be surprised if van der Westhuizen is being signed as a possible option for Scotland in the future. Either way he's definitely a good signing for Edinburgh.

 

[PaarlBok]

Stormers:15 Gio Aplon, 14 Gerhard van den Heever, 13 Juan de Jongh, 12 Jean de Villiers (captain), 11 Bryan Habana, 10 Peter Grant, 9 Dewaldt Duvenage, 8 Jebb Sinclair, 7 Rynhardt Elstadt, 6 Siya Kolisi, 5 Andries Bekker, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Brok Harris, 2 Tiaan Liebenberg, 1 Steven Kitshoff

Susbsitutes: 16 Deon Fourie, 17 Frans Malherbe, 18 De Kock Steenkamp, 19 Don Armand, 20 Nick Fenton-Wells, 21 Louis Schreuder, 22 Burton Francis

 

[cardiffcider]

Earle's signing is a knock on effect of the talent drain from Wales to France and England this year.

I wouldn't be surprised if van der Westhuizen is being signed as a possible option for Scotland in the future. Either way he's definitely a good signing for Edinburgh.

as a welshman i dont see players leaving for france as to much of a problem if anything it will benefit the welsh regions as it will force them to play young players who would be sitting on the bench instead. wales have a lot of very good young talent coming through this way we will start to see some. the future is looking good for welsh rugby

 

[PaarlBok]

Sharks team for Stormers clash

1. Tendai Mtawarira 2. Bismarck du Plessis 3. Jannie du Plessis 4. Steven Sykes 5. Anton Bresler 6. Marcell Coetzee 7. Willem Alberts 8. Keegan Daniel (Captain) 9. Charl McLeod 10. Frederic Michalak 11. Lwazi Mvovo 12. Meyer Bosman 13. Paul Jordaan 14. JP Pietersen 15. Patrick Lambie

Replacement
16. Craig Burden 17. Wiehahn Herbst 18. Pieter-Steph du Toit 19. Ryan Kankowski 20. Jacques Botes 21. Odwa Ndungane 22. Louis Ludik

Stormers have to spread it wide this time. Going to be a tough toffee. We'll have to match them physicaly and keep ball in hand.

 

[The Red Baron]

Looks like Frans Steyn is headed back to Durban. He could even feature in the last couple of Shorks games this season.

http://www.rugby365.com/tournaments/super14/news/2889605.htm

 

[PaarlBok]

North vs South big clash coming up.

Here is the complete history of Super Rugby clashes between the pair:
Conference format:
2012: Stormers 20 Bulls 17 (Newlands)
2011: Bulls 13 Stormers 23 (Loftus), Stormers 16 Bulls 19 (Newlands)
Old format (home team listed first):
2010: Stormers 38 Bulls 10
2010 (final, Soweto): Bulls 25 Stormers 17
2009: Bulls 14 Stormers 10
2008: Stormers 9 Bulls 16
2007: Bulls 49 Stormers 12
2006: Stormers 10 Bulls 43
2005: Bulls 75 Stormers 14
2004: Stormers 25 Bulls 11
2003: Bulls 24 Stormers 27
2002: Stormers 31 Bulls 27
2001: Bulls 23 Stormers 34
2000: Stormers 19 Bulls 19
1999: Bulls 19 Stormers 42
1998: Stormers 35 Bulls 18

The two teams are chasing each other for top spot. Stormers cant pick "Die Rooi gevaar" for this one, Deon carstens will play from the bench and Malherbe will start. Kolisi will be back and still a bit of doubt over Joe Pietersen.

Its a must win clash for the Brutes and they will be favourates playing in front of a sold out a week before Bull Ring crowd.

Any logpoint for the Stormers will be a bonus but I'd hate to see them play like they did against the Sharks in the first half. Never can lose that many lineout ball to those pienk Brutes aand let them do all the play. Stormers should play the wide game in this one and defend for dead. Something we saw close to the end of the Sharks match.

 

[PaarlBok]

Bulls: 15 Zane Kirchner, 14 Akona Ndungane, 13 JJ Engelbrecht, 12 Wynand Olivier, 11 Bjorn Basson, 10 Morne Steyn, 9 Francois Hougaard, 8 Pierre Spies (captain), 7 CJ Stander, 6 Dewald Potgieter, 5 Juandre Kruger, 4 Flip van der Merwe, 3 Werner Kruger, 2 Chiliboy Ralepelle, 1 Dean Greyling
Substitutes: 16 Willie Wepener, 17 Rayno Gerber, 18 Wilhelm Steenkamp, 19 Arno Botha, 20 Jano Vermaak, 21 Louis Fouche, 22 Francois Venter

 

[PaarlBok]

Stormers – 15 Gio Aplon, 14 Gerhard van den Heever, 13 Juan de Jongh, 12 Jean de Villiers (c), 11 Bryan Habana, 10 Peter Grant, 9 Dewaldt Duvenage, 8 Jebb Sinclair, 7 Rynhardt Elstadt, 6 Siya Kolisi, 5 De Kock Steenkamp, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Frans Malherbe, 2 Tiaan Liebenberg, 1 Deon Carstens.
Subs: 16 Deon Fourie, 17 Brok Harris, 18 Quinn Roux, 19 Don Armand, 20 Nick Fenton-Wells, 21 Louis Schreuder, 22 Burton Francis.

 

[Brisbok]

Bulls snare Baby Boks pivot

2012-06-20 09:56​

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Handre Pollard (Gallo Images)​

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Cape Town - The Bulls have signed Paarl Gimnasium and Baby Boks flyhalf Handre Pollard until 2015, according to Die Burgernewspaper.

According to reports, the contract was signed as far back as last year already.

Pollard, 18, will captain the WP Craven Week side at next month's tournament.

http://www.sport24.co.za/Rugby/Bulls-snare-Baby-Boks-pivot-20120620


Geez if this is true, the okes at Bulls HQ will have to be under tight security cos I think Paarl will be out with the rifle from his avatar ready to murder anyone and everyone at Loftus!

 

[PaarlBok]

Posted it on the IRB thread. sorry to disappoint, its old news to me.

 

[PaarlBok]

BB you have to understand that Carel Doeps laaitie is playing some good rugby for Boishaai. Boland Landbou (6) paarl Gim (7) Pual roos & paarl boishaai (9) have in total 31 u18 rugby teams = 465 players just in this area. WP can only pick 22. We simply cant keep the talent, WP is spoiled with it while the other provinces simply cant compare with them, not even close.

 

[Brisbok]

Posted it on the IRB thread. sorry to disappoint, its old news to me.

What's your gut feeling Paarl? Is he staying or going?

 

[Blue]

Bullshit Paarl. That is one player you did NOT want to lose. The boy has class written all over him.

 

[PaarlBok]

What's your gut feeling Paarl? Is he staying or going?

Louis Koen , Paarl Gym head of Sport and Bok kicking coach+Slaptjips Brutes backline coach+Small smith+Serfontein= Brutes. Brutes contract paid him R200,000 from st9 already. The only way WP can keep him is if they give him a senior cc contract, which is possible the way he had improved.

 

[PaarlBok]

Bullshit Paarl. That is one player you did NOT want to lose. The boy has class written all over him.

Well I have been saying this all long. No way I can bitch if WP rather invest in their Bishops flyhalf and dont see a talented player since many moons ago. I know his dad Andre, who also captain Paarl Gym and WP Craven Week on his day. You wont get a bigger Stormers and Gim supporter then him, sadly it dont pay bills.

Just hope he develope wherever he plays and dont get waisted like Daniller or Sadie at the Brutes.