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A far more pleasant task for me this week; rating the Sharks 22 who did so well to beat the Blue Bulls on Saturday. Let me know if you agree with these assessments.
1) Pat Cilliers. Played like a man possessed in the first half and was particularly prominent on defence. Part of a Sharks tight five that made life difficult for their opponents all day, Pat did everything you could ask of a prop. Showed up the overrated Werner Kruger and also gave big Bees Roux a torrid time. 7/10
2) Craig Burden. A missed lineout throw first up and a few too many feet in touch (costing him three tries!) were the only slight blots in his copybook. Along with Daniel, the pick of the forwards. 9/10
3) Wiehahn Herbst. A rock in the scrums and far more visible in other aspects of play. Herbst made a few big carries and also put in a few monster hits on defence. 7/10
4) Steven Sykes. A quietish game from Sykes, who I believe very nearly had to cry off injured before the game. That said, he did have his best outing in Sharks colours in quite some time and while still off his best, did a lot to get involved, while still keeping the tight five engine ticking over. 7/10
5) Alistair Hargreaves. Ali really stood up, motivating those around him, all the while maintaining a high standard of play. Completely dominated Wilhelm Steenkamp in all aspects of play and was a tower of strength in the lineouts. Showed deft hands on a few occasions as well when he found himself needing to make crucial passes in the backline. 8/10
6) Jacques Botes. Still forced to play a far tighter role than is really his forte, but Botes was a million percent better than last week. 7/10
7) Mike Rhodes. Despite Andy Capastagno’s somewhat off-colour reference to Big Mike’s extra-mural activities, this kid really does look like he’s focused on his rugby at the moment. Mike goes from strength to strength and showed a huge appetite for work, both on attack and particularly on defence. He’s a very large piece of meat, is Rhodes and he uses that bulk to great effect. His best showing in a Sharks jersey to date. 8/10
8) Keegan Daniel. Keegs was pure class. There’s not really anything more to say. All I can ask is that he repeats this kind of showing every week. 9/10
9) Charl McLeod. Charl did all that you want a scrumhalf to do – ensured he was always in position and cleared the ball quickly and accurately. The Sharks backs, as a result, were on the front foot for most of the game and the benefits were clear. Superb display from McLeod and surely he must now be the starting 9. 9/10
10) Steve Meyer. Steve was huge on defence, putting in one particularly bone-jarring tackle to save a certain try. He varied play well, but one feels he really needs to work on his kicking from hand. Still an accomplished performance, though. 7/10
11) Lwazi Mvovo. I just love this guy. The man of the match by quite some margin, simply because of the way his tries turned the game. There isn’t a stronger winger in the South African game, nor, dare I say, a better finisher. 10/10
12) Pat Lambie. Was this really the first time he’s played inside centre? You wouldn’t say so, would you? A simply superb performance, marred only by some indifferent goal-kicking form. 9/10
13) Stefan Terblanche. His leadership was more apparent out there than it was against Griquas, but you can’t help feel that the veteran, on skill and form alone, isn’t quite good enough to be in this Sharks backline. 6/10
14) JP Pietersen. Japes looked his old self out there, full of guile and aggression. Needs to work on his body position in contact, but apart from that, was utterly, utterly superb. He’s only going to get better too. 8/10
15) Louis Ludik. Chalk and cheese performance compared to last week. Ludik was fearless and looked to get involved in everything. Safe under the high ball and showed a willingness to attack, although needs to improve some of his option taking. Heading back to his best form, though, which is a godsend for the Sharks. 7/10
16) Kyle Cooper. Man, this kid is awesome. Wasn’t really on long enough, but put in yet another of his bullocking runs that saw the Sharks make virtually 30 metres. It’s like they just don’t know how to tackle him! 7/10
17) Eugene van Staden. Stood his ground in the scrums, but was otherwise anonymous. 6/10
18) Ross Skeate. Looked rusty and lost the ball twice in contact. Needs to up the intensity, because he’s not on the Cote d’Azure anymore. 4/10
19) Skollie Ndlovu. Not on long enough to be rated.
20) Rory Kockott. Not on long enough to be rated.
21) Monty Dumond. Again, looked poised and in control at all times. Monty is a class act and deserves to play for a coach that has more faith in his abilities. 7/10
22) Andries Strauss. As before, did nothing particularly good or bad on the day. 6/10
excellent display by a hunget and inventive sharks team…..Burden…take a bow….and it was great to see JPP amd Mvovo in the game so much.
Fatastic Sharks…..all round a 9 out of 10 !!
I think Pat Lambie may have just spelled the end of Riaan Swanepoel’s Sharks career. In 80 minutes against the Bulls, he showed what Swannie couldn’t do all Super 14 long. I like Swannie, he gives it his all, but he’s just so limited at 12.
And judging from his performance, McLeod is good enough to start for the Boks – if the benchmark is Ricky Januarie. Lovely service.
Good ratings Rob. That back 3 will be fantastic next year.
I thought Mike Rhodes was fantastic yesterday, save for a few handling errors. He adds a bit of enforcer-type grunt to the pack, sorely missed with Bismarck injured. If he keeps his discipline, he’s a real asset.
If John Smit does head over to the Lions next year, I honestly don’t think we’ll miss him. He’s a favourite player of mine, but that number 2 jersey is in good hands with Bis, Burden and Cooper. Would be exciting to see him start against the Pumas.
So what do you do with mapoe then?
As tempting as it is to start with cooper, burden needs all the gametime he can get.
@robdylan (Comment 4) : 13… I thought that was the plan?
@robdylan (Comment 5) : Agreed, that’s why I think perhaps one start against the Leopards and one against the Pumas for Cooper would allow Burden to get the necessary game time as well as allow for him to be fresh and blood the youngster…
I agree with all those ratings, Rob. Though Oom Stef was particularly weak yesterday. Doesn’t quite have the decision-making skills suited for a centre. Player to watch this season is def Lwazi, simply dynamite on the wing! He has a few rough edges but the more game time he gets, the polished his performances will be. To be honest i don’t think Steve Meyer is ever going to be a Dan Carter, but as long as he gives Lambie the decision-making powers then I’m happy. Now all we need is Mapoe back at outside centre and my faith in the backline is restored!
@CapeShark (Comment 7) : I didn’t think the old man was all that bad. He was certainly dedicated on defence, but he does weaken the chain offensively at 13. I’m assuming we’ll lose JP to the Boks for the home leg of the Tri-Nations, so I guess Oom Stef will finish his Sharks career at 15.
I think Meyer’s solid, brave, he passes flat and is good on defence. If he had Dumond’s kicking game then I think he’d keep out JLP next year. Certainly a nice option to have. I’m loving the massive local contingent we have at the moment. Nice lot of Soutie names too
Burden, Sykes, Hargreaves, Rhodes, Daniel, McLeod, Lambie.
Charl mcLeod is definitely not a soutie! But there is definitely a very pleasantly homegrown look to the squad
Half of the pack went to school in kzn!
I actually must give Stef credit for a reasonable performance.
I think you rate the Tight 5 too generously: we got bossed in some scrums, and even conceded a heel. Also, we didn’t steal any of their ball, and these were the dregs of the Bulls locks.
Rhodes was very impressive – rucked and tackled well, and committed those subtle touches that an enforcer should (note to Bakkies: subtle).
Mecleod and Meyer were superb: they created the platform for the talented loosies and outside backs to excel by providing direction and quick ball: something the selfish Kockott and indecisive Pienaar haven’t for a while. Rory should take notes,but Mcleod and Meyer should get an extended run.
Lambie was superb: he will still have bad games against better opposition, but he will develop into an awesome 10 or 12.
The back 3 are quick, powerful and exciting. I don’t know if Mapoe can be a great 13, but I hope so: we don’t have a lack anywhere else.
The makings of a renaissance backline here.
@robdylan (Comment 9) : Haha, I know, but it sounds it
Names so easy that even Kiwi anthem singers could pronounce them. Unlike our “ear-wig gaybergtas”. At least she sang better than the one from the previous weekend :/
Hmmm…Oosthuizen just lost a shot to Casey on the 8th hole. 3 shot lead now.
Good performance by our Sharks and the ratings spot on.
Mvovo for sure is looking brilliant and should be with the Boks right now never mind with the Sharks. Lambie was once again superb a magnificent talent. Thought Burden was outstanding too.
Keep it up Sharks.
@klempie (Comment 13) : Not good. Casey could win this. Oosthuizen needs to get a birdie soon. Put the pressure on.
Oosthuizen pulls one back with an eagle. 4 shot lead after the first 9.
@Puma (Comment 15) : He just sunk an eagle.
Oosthuizen gets a eagle
Only 4 shots behind now. Casey got a birdie there.
@Puma (Comment 18) : I normally don’t watch golf but when a Saffer is about to win a biggie you’re obliged.
@klempie (Comment 17) : Just saw that klempie. Now he needs to just concentrate. Hope the pressure does not get to him. Damn feel proud of him. Hope he goes on to win this.
@klempie (Comment 19) : I only watch the Open and the Nedbank Challenge. Same as you especially if a SA is leading
Makes it even better to watch.
Jeepers us South Africans we are competitive in everything…hehe.
According to Sky News [w]anchors, his name is Louis Westhuizen. They’re going in the wrong direction!
@MerckZ (Comment 22) : heheheheheheheheeeeeeeee
@MerckZ (Comment 22) :
They were calling him Lewis yesterday……hahahaha. Today they finally got the name right (Louis)
Great putt there on the tenth by Louis to get next to the hole!!
4 shot lead after the 10th.
Louis almost puts one in the bunker. Phew!
@klempie (Comment 27) : I know very close but lying fine.
@Puma (Comment 28) : Followed up by a GREAT pressure putt to put it in the hole.
Casey just lost the championship. He’s driven it into some bushes. Lou is in the middle of the fairway.
Lou just birdied the twelfth while Casey triple bogeyed!!
8 shot lead after the 12th.
Game over.
The largest winning margin at the Open since 1900 is 8 strokes.
Lou vreet ‘n piesang oppie fairway.
@klempie (Comment 33) : After Casey’s triple bogey
Oosthuizen leads by 8 
@klempie (Comment 29) : Yip, saw that. From here all Oosthuizen needs is to par the rest and he is home and dry. Just hope what happened to Casey there does not happen to Oosthuizen. Very tough course there.
Saffer flags being donned by some spectators.
@klempie (Comment 36) :
See that klempie. Tell you what winning the Open is the biggest prize in golf but winning it at St. Andrews is the ultimate. Jeepers feel awesome for Oosthuizen so far. Hope no mess up from here. All going so well so far. 
Lou is a Stormers fan.
@klempie (Comment 38) : hahahahaha. They had never even heard of him on Thursday now probably done some research. Saying he is from Mossel Bay and a huge rugby fan supports the Stormers. They don’t pronounce Mossel Bay proper either…hehehe. Have to love it.
Did you guys get lost on your way to golfworld?
@robdylan (Comment 40) : Come join us. It’s a proud day to be a Saffer. Especially after yesterday’s dismal rugby.
@Puma (Comment 39) : Yeh. He’s from Muscle Bay.
Probs explains his booming drives. 
@klempie (Comment 42) :
@robdylan (Comment 40) :
Sort of..hehe. Hey!! our guy doing us proud there in the Open. The biggest golf tourney in the world and at St. Andrews is the ultimate place to win a major. This is awesome for us saffas.
9 shot lead now with three holes to go. If he keeps this up he’ll break the record for the biggest win.
Will there be vuvuzelas at the 18th?
Klempie, I don’t like to think about there being sports other than rugby. Kinda clouds my world view
@klempie (Comment 45) : Hang on, I think I made a mistake. He’s only 8 shots clear.
@robdylan (Comment 47) :
Hey Rob, the rugby yesterday was good huh?
That Lambie; shoulda stayed at 15?
@robdylan (Comment 47) : Well you are an Oracle fanboy so I understand the mentality.
I don’t need to gloat about Lambie, Fish
.
Lou setting up at the 18th tee.
Lou stepping up for his winning putt. about 10 feet
Missed. next on is 2 ft
AND IT’S THEREEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!
Well done Louise
Wins by 7 shots.
Louis
Well done L. Oosthuizen. Great to see another South African win the Open.
well done louis oostuizen hahaha don,t worry about tiger hating on u o.k back to the sharks why did it take the sharks so long to figure out that they needed a 12 who can distribute and has vision ,but all in all the sharks were good .C.Macleod and S.Meyer seem to have a good understanding and the burden was awesome .Mvovo,s situation really exposes the one of the problems with plumtree he doesn,t give players time to prove themselves ,the sharks now have
Mvovo ,Mapoe and JP pietersen who sits on the bench
Loving the local flavour to the sharks sqaud =) go burden!! smit can buga off to the lions we are in good hands.after that game im gonna go use my season tickets 4 a change.hey rob what happend to the cronje brothers?
@Poisy (Comment 61) : both injured… Ross should be back in 3 weeks or so and Guy can’t be far off either now.
Reckon they’ll make their way back through the under 21s, which in itself is tough with Reinach and du Plessis playing well there.
I made big words about coming from Mpumalanga down to the Tank to watch all three games and do post match analysis, but duty called on my trip down, helping stragglers and damsels in distress with their broken down cars on the side of the road – when asked if they could repay, I simply said, “lets hope the Sharks win”… After my deeds, said to myself “come on Karma, give me a victory today”… I unfortunately missed the U/19, but watched 75% of the U/21 game, the boys put in a good game, and I feel they were unlucky to walk away with the loss, The young Bulls were gifted with an intercept pass that lead to a runaway try that completely changed the momentum of the game, the young Sharks failed to score any points in the second half, which was disappointing, as they had a fair amount of possession to make this happen… A tough day at the office for the youngsters, but will go from strength to strength… There are some big lads and some talented footballers in the U/21 squad, which is great to see…
The main game was an awesome spectacle and great to be back in The Shark Tank after a travelling hiatus took me away… I had a Few Blue Bull supporters around me, and gradually got quieter as the game progressed… JPP and Mvovo’s bounces on Mametsa and JVDW were real crowd pleasers and gave the players a feeling of winning… You can get an understanding of how good we were by looking at the stats, at times we didn’t see the ball, but our defence was incredible, not allowing momentum to swing in the Bulls favour… Not a bad crowd turnout, but this game deserved more, for 50 bucks an outing at The Tank is as cheap as chips… There is plenty happening there, beer is cheap and the ladies beautiful, I might just turn this into a weekly pilgrimage… COME ON SHARKS!!!!!
Oh yes agreed about Lambie: The dynamic between 9,10,12 looks good… Monty did seem hungry for game time and I feel for the oke, there msut be something wrong between him and managment he is a great footballer… But back to the 9,10,12 of Saturday ol’ Macky at 9 really gave something more and the only person who is unhappy about his performance is Rocket, he is going to have to become part of this new dynamic as Charl has been knocking for sometime, at the game you could get an idea of how poor Meyer’s tactical kicking was, this as you said Rob needs urgent attention, but his general play and subliminal communication with Lambie at 12 was really great, this 9,10,12 has the makings of something special… a positional switch or two, a Springbok back in the mix and the backline was transformed… Also agreed with Big Fish, from my vantage point Stef played a good game, he is not flash, he is solid – and you know what you are going to get from him: Leadership, experience, consistency… He linked well with his backline and for the first time in a while, I feel he deserves to be there on performance alone…
Up the SHARKS… Well done boytjies.
Am i correct in saying Pat Lambie should stay right there in the no 12 with him there the backline were 60% sharper at last a no 12 that can straigten the line great job Pat
@shark15 (Comment 66) : Yep for now we should all agree that Pat Lambie is the first choice inside centre…
a little harsh on botes. his defence and work in the tight allowed keegan to play the attacking game. just cos you don’t see a guy cos he is stuck in the middle of a breakdown doesn’t mean he should get less points. Same can be said about sykes.
also a bit harsh on stefan. he isn’t a center but he played well on saturday. he held onto the ball and put mvovo into space. his captaincy was solid and the ref and team got on with him. i’d give him an 8/10.
A real improved performance by the Sharks and well done to Plum for selecting a 12 with some vision.
Rob it was a good performance by the Sharks but i think you’re being very generous with your ratings. There is still a lot of areas that need work.
@Pokkel (Comment 70) : and very well done to Plum for selecting a 9 that just does the basics very well. Well done Charl…never flashy but highly effective.
WHAT A GAME!!!!
Excellent all-round performance.
Not a single change needs to be made to this team! Lambie at 12 was incredible, and I really like the look of that young, hungry 9, 10, 12 axis. Mvovo – my man!! coming of age, and if the form continues could push for Bok inclusion in 2011…
Kyle Cooper reminds me of a Aled de Malmanche – what a bus!!
JP was immense on the wing, running over players – it seems he has a lot of hunger to win back his bok 14 jersey!!
My only issue was the supporters – the Tank wasnt even close to full – and whats the bet the next home game could see a full house after beating the Bulls. Durbanites are a fickle bunch!!
@Mole (Comment 72) : Unfortunately with us hosting the Pumas, The Tank will once again be half full… But lets see what a few victories do to the crowd and the team, The Sharks are a heart break team, so can understand that us supporters are fickle, we need to create a winning culture and yes, we can become a little less fickle and A LOT more supportive of our gladiators…
@Mole (Comment 72) : there was an airshow on. also the sharks fans are sick of being disappointed. but saturdays performance was a good turning point and a few more like that will definitely bring fans back to the ground. no-one wants to waste time and money watching shit rugby and that is all the sharks have given until now.
Its all agreed that The Pumas will not be too much of a threat, if we show them respect and not be slapgat, we must first do the basics really well, take absolute command of the set-piece and build, treat this as a test match and play structured rugby… But the game after this is the one that concerns me… Sharks VS Cheetahs in Bloemfontein, our “bogey” side – we need to quell this threat and begin to take command and swing the stats in our favour, I don’t care what you say, but losing to The Cheetahs is humiliating…
@DarkDestroyer (Comment 73) : I agree that no-one wants to pay to watch a game where the hosts loose, but to see a Bulls Sharks game at the Tank attended so poorly is a sad sight..
I really hope that Plum sticks with this team for the forseeable future!! And as well as the loosies played on Sat, I cant wait for the return of Deysel and Alberts!!
@Mole (Comment 76) : Yep…
if every single Sharks fan in Durban doesn’t go to the game on Friday night then I simply give up.
It’s not on TV either…
I feel another trip to Durban this weekend…
@DarkDestroyer (Comment 79) : good on you. Want tickets?
A great win for Sharks, but let Bulls back in with a BP that they should never have got. Enjoyed both wings running over players Lomu style.My MOM was Pat Celliers. Tackled like a demon.
I will be at KP friday.
@Ernie (Comment 81) : that’s what I like to hear.
Every poster who is in Durban, but won’t be at the match, needs to send me a detailed note explaining why not.
@Ernie (Comment 81) : WHAT!!! Pat Cilliers tackled well but failed in his primary duty! Scrumming. He gave away 4 penalties for scrum-time infringements, which usually happens when your getting a close up view of your own sphincter. His poor showing in the scrums helped set up the unlikely Bulls fightback that could have snatched them the game.
@robdylan (Comment 80) : Always up for some tickets… I’d appreciate that…
Drop oom Stef for Mapoe and you have a fantastic backline full of pace!!
Good ratings Rob, fully agree all around.
@DarkDestroyer (Comment 84) : I’ll run a slightly different ticket competition this week… wait and see
@robdylan (Comment 82) : Agreed, Regardless of if we win or loose, the Tank’s vibe should be enough reason to attend every home game!!
@Richard Ferguson (Comment 85) : Yip. Once we have every one of the back available its going to be a formidable backline!!
The Shark Tank with its facilities and history needs to remain the home of The Sharks and KZNRU… I do see international matches taking places at MM stadium next door, as SARU is government and so is MM stadium… But Sharks games MUST stay at Kings Park (or ABSA stadium for those sold to naming rights)… There is no other place in the world where you can watch a game then have a braai and jol with your kids, then meet the players like KP… Sure you can just trundle across to MM and still enjoy the facilities, but call me sentimental… It will be interesting to see what transpires as KZNRU must be thinking about it more than we perceive? They did say sponsoring and rent prevented this from taken place, but is there more to it?
@robdylan (Comment 86) : I’ll watch this space indeed… But regardless, I am there this weekend…
Where do you celebrate or mourn after the match?
@DarkDestroyer (Comment 89) : in my living room in the UK
@robdylan (Comment 90) :
@DarkDestroyer (Comment 88) : Had a long discussion about this on Sat – I agree with you completely, there is way to much history at the Tank, I for one will cry if they turn it into a car park… While MM is an absolutely beautiful stadium, having watched football matches there recently, I dont see it being an awesome venue to watch rugby – I felt quite removed from the action…
Surely we can give the stadium to Amazulu..
With Durban bidding for the Olympics in 2020 would it not be better to have two world-class stadiums?? Give her a facelift and keep the tradition alive!
@DarkDestroyer (Comment 91) : you mean you didn’t know?
Andries Strauss:
He is underrated… I think he played a vital role in the closing stanza – he is an incredible defensive organizer and was a good decision to bring him on then… Defensively our best back in the squad IMO…
@Mole (Comment 92) : Agreed with MM and nope, I wasn’t aware of your UK life… Took it for granted that you were based in Durbs with your close administration and influence… But is the day and age of satellite management is it not… We should lobby for Kings Park to remain the Tank forever…
Oops… Responded to Mole and Rob in one reply… I am a tad rushed in the office… I apologise to both…
@robdylan (Comment 9) : neither is Sykes
Unfortunatel was unaible to view the game, but watched the highlights – agree with your ratings on what I have seen. Mvovs is a YSTER!
@Señora Hielo (Comment 98) : ah yes… Steven Sykes is definitely not a rooinek, despite the name