Many rugby players will go down in history as legends, very few will be classed as a genius.
If the IRB website is to be believed, we have well over 1-million players playing the beautiful game of rugby at any one time around the world. A select few of these receive the honour to represent their country at the highest level, even fewer are seen as ‘world class’ with only a handful being recognised as legends of the game.
So when it comes to the level beyond legendary, being rugby genius, you are blessed if you come across one person in your lifetime.
In the last 6 years South Africa has been fortunate to produce a few individuals who has arguably been the best ever to wear the Green and Gold.
In such a golden era, many of these players will go down as legends, but only one of them will go down as a rugby genius, and the best player in history to wear that number on his back.
A recent paper produced by a Doctor at the University of Auckland suggested that if New Zealand were to lose the services of Richie McCaw and Dan Carter, they will fail to lift the World Cup.
Although many New Zealand rugby supporters will disagree with that, I tend to agree.
In South Africa, there are arguments for quite a number of players who are also seen as absolutely crucial if the Springboks are to make history and become the first team to retain the World title. Some argue the value of John Smit as captain is non-negotiable, or that the genius of Victor Matfield at the set pieces crucial to the cause.
Both of them, with a couple of other individuals, are already legends of South African rugby, but also, both of them and most other players can be replaced.
Only one player in the current Springbok team is as crucial as Carter and McCaw is to New Zealand’s cause, and that is Fourie du Preez.
When one thinks back at some of the best scrumhalf’s the world has ever produced, there are one or two specific aspects of their game that stands out or which made them unique and the best in the business in their prime. When you look at Fourie du Preez, you see a player that has been blessed with the specific skills and talents of all those players, being as good as they were in all those aspects of play, morphed into one single human being.
But skill is not the only thing that makes Fourie du Preez the rugby genius that he is. There are many players we can all name off-hand that were, and still are, stupidly talented, but all of them lack the precision in application that Fourie du Preez brings.
And what further elevates Du Preez to the status of rugby genius, is the level he does this in – consistently.
The bigger the stage, the bigger the influence Fourie du Preez has on the game. Many players are believed to be the difference in a team winning or losing games, very few actually are.
The success of the Bulls in Super rugby and in the domestic scene is all largely due to this man, and as 2010 proved, the success, or lack of it in Springbok rugby also.
If South Africa are to make history in 2011 and retain the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand, we need not worry about John Smit, or Victor Matfield so much, we need to hope, and ensure, that Fourie du Preez gets on that plane fit and ready.
Many of you will remind me that rugby is a team sport, and of course it is, but as with every aspect in life and throughout the history of humankind, the few geniuses within every environment or aspect of life, allowed their peers to reach previously unimaginable heights.
Noted
Fourie’s a jolly good fellow
Insightful article, as usual – thanks Morne 
I think the most important word in that article is consistency but I would also add temperament for Fourie du Preez.
The only time Fourie didn’t succeed was when he was asked to captain the Bulls. His leadership is in his play and example but he didn’t make a great captain.
So Morne, who would you say is the best scrummie ever in world rugby?
Fourie a legend… absolutly, a genius…. maybe if he did an act of genius and joint the sharks a few years ago! Being a springbok suporter… so glad is still around, but coming superugby and currycup his just a pain in the ass…..
Genius
@Hertford Highlander (Comment 6) : Rudi Wulf is a legend
@Jarson (AddicteD) (Comment 7) :
…genuis….. that comment not him….
Best ever (or, more correctly, best “yet”) is always a tall order. Fourie has it in my books but doubtless the rest of the world would argue George Gregan or Gareth Edwards as all-time No 1 scrummie.
@Hertford Highlander (Comment 8) :
If it makes you feel any better, there are only 3 players I rate as absolute genius, all three are mentioned here, I am just writing to a specific audience which unfortunately are not to those in the land of the long white!
@SharonvanWyk (Comment 9) :
@Morné (Comment 10) :
…. lucky it is not a podcast topic ! lol
@Hertford Highlander (Comment 12) :
That conversation will never end!
@Morné (Comment 13) : hahahaha !
When does FdP`s contract commence in Japan or Abu Dhabi ?
I can hear the fat lady clearing her throat and she`s about to sing a Steve Hofmeyer song
I sort of agree, but not entirely, yes Fourie , Victor and JS are legends, but we are really lucky to be in a era where the National and Provincial setups are brilliant. We also going to have a hell of a rebuilding phase after the world cup, but when the players that will step up to the plate get a fair amount of internation experience they too will get better and better. The 95, 98 and 2007 teams were exceptional ones, but lets be honest the rest of the Bok side were diabolic…just watch ESPN classics
@Original Champion (Comment 15) :
Next year, Japan, 3 years.
@Tintin (Comment 16) :
I not happy with the name of your FL side !
@Hertford Highlander (Comment 18) : hahaha…thought I would ruffle a few feathers
This article is a complete and utter travesty. The words “rugby” and “genius” can only sensibly be combined with “Jorrie Muller”
@Tintin (Comment 19) :
Only mine !
@Hertford Highlander (Comment 11) : Yup. my research on the topic had me bug-eyed too! Does anyone remember Gareth Edwards? Or JPR Williams (boyo)? Back when Wales could play rugby?
@SharonvanWyk (Comment 22) :
@SharonvanWyk (Comment 22) :
Met Edwards once, what a gentleman.
@Culling Song (Comment 20) :
Agree Morne. FdP’s fitness is crucial to the success of SA in the WC. And in my opinion, he is the best I have seen – the complete scrumhalf.
@Morné (Comment 24) : Not a bad player in his day either! But yes, a gent and a legend.
@SharonvanWyk (Comment 27) :
No doubt, the footage I saw of him and his status even now suggests he was more than just ordinary, even beyond extra ordinary.
But the days he ruled the world through his play, and obviously some would suggest genius, was before I was even born – hence not my ‘lifetime’
I mean geysers on here like KSA will reckon Danie Craven was the best ever!!!
@Morné (Comment 28) : Yup. The 70s. Flared trousers, mullets and the Bay City Rollers. What a decade that was! Showstopping!
The only legend in rugby is Gary Owen… I have never seen him play, dont know what position he played, but his the only person who`s name is connected to a certain play… Have you ever heard someone say… “And there goes Wynand Olivier, doing a Bryan Habana…”?
In all seriousness, i was a scrummy myself, and as a std 8 boy, i saw Fourie play here in Potch for Affies in the Super12 (for schools) final against Ermelo that year, and i knew that he would become a great!! he`s just awesome! He IS a legend and a genius!
@VanWilder (Comment 30) : “I’d rather be a pebble than a rock at Affies high…” But in spite of his slightly iffy schooling, FDP is a genius, there’s no doubt. As for Gary Owen, I’ll give you that one, but Campo is more of a legend in my book…
Can anybody stomach me joining their Fantasy Rugby league ? I will definitely behave.
@Speed7 (Comment 32) : It would be fun if you joined….as long as you pick only Lions players
Call me crazy, but I disagree. Fourie is an awesome player, but I won’t go as far as saying that we have no hope of winning the WC without him. Don’t think he’s a genius either. But is he the best scrummie we currently have (if he is in form after his injury…)? Absolutely!
@Crock (Comment 34) : have to disagree… he`s a genius in his dicision making. and THAT is why we will not win when he`s not playing.
I just get this feeling that Morne jinxed the man
i thought this article was about the toyota hilux.
Morne, while I may not completely be sold on the “Fourie Du Preez is an untouchable genius” idea, the article is, as always, well written and sure to stimulate thought and debate. Which brings me to a kinda-sorta-almost related topic, which I have been thinking of for the last few days.
I have a soft spot for sportsmen (or women, in deference to our ever expanding xx-chromosome readership)who are not blessed with the complete set of skills required to be classified as sporting geniuses, but who nonetheless rise to the top of their fields of endeavour by virtue of mental application, and by playing to their strenghts in such a way that their weaknesses are never really exposed.
Examples would be people like Gary Kirsten (cricket) André Agassi (tennis) or Armin Hary (1960 Olympic 100 sprint champion, who was later found to actually have devised an extremely cunning method of cheating, so maybe that’s a bad example, but I anyway just included him to show off my knowledge of obscure trivia).
My question would be, which rugby players would you consider to have achieved legend, or near-legend status, despite their obvious shortcomings? Other than Henry Honiball of course, whose god-among-mere-mortals status may never be challenged.
Furry Doep is good, genius even, but Joost was better.
@Culling Song (Comment 38) :
In my experience of coaching (which is limited), I quickly became aware of the difference between a player being naturally talented, and a player with an unbelievable drive (mentally or mental strength) to be successful.
It is extremely rare that you find both qualities in one person, because as society and life in general will have it, the stupidly talented players believes their own press too easily, and the headspace reserved for mental application and drive is normally occupied by this bullshit.
I think given that we can easily list players that fall into either category, but very few who managed to have both.
Guys I regard as legenday or close to that never had the natural talent perhaps as other individuals, would include the likes of Andre Venter, Mark Andrews, James Smal, Ruben Kruger, Honnibal (sorry) just from the top of my head.
Then of course there are those stupidly talented players that are unfortunately, mentally fragile – and just in the recent past, we can name quite a few, Derrick Hougaard, Pienaar, Steyn, etc.
I have always rated Jouba as a genius.
@Culling Song (Comment 38) : would be nice to get YOUR take on this..
@Culling Song (Comment 38) :
I like your views on Honiball, another special one is also a Northern Natal / Midlands boy in Andre Joubert.
@Bump (Comment 41) : agree.
@Morné (Comment 40) : as in Frans? I presume? And Morne, for interessake?
@Culling Song (Comment 38) : How in the world do you cheat at running the 100m??
@Bump (Comment 41) : I’m with you there! Jouba was a legend in my eyes!
How about and all time legendary XV and an all time stupidly talented XV?
@McLovin (Comment 39) : Better at WHAT exactly??
@Ice (KCM) (Comment 45) :
Indeed Frans.
Morne (Steyn) would fall under the hardworking carthorse type of player, but naturally talented, not so much.
@Ice (KCM) (Comment 48) :
You going to piss a few people off with that I would imagine
Oh my word!!!!!!!
I saw the heading, saw who had posted it and had visions of having to go and find THAT video again.
@KSA Shark © (Comment 52) :
Jou gat man!
Fleckie is the ultimate legend!
@Morné (Comment 40) : How do you define genius? Can you define genius if you are not a genius? Einstein was considered a dunce by his teachers, after all.
Raw, natural talent can carry you a long way or it can destroy you, depending on your ability to handle it. George Best and Paul Gascoigne are cases in point. Being driven to succeed can indeed overcome shortcomings in the talent department – Bjorn Borg was not a natural tennis player, certainly not in the way that John McEnroe was. But his mind overcame the matter, thanks to a Svengali coach (Lennart Bergelin).
On the rugby field it’s SO much harder to pin the badge of genius on any one particular soul. I would consider that Francois Pienaar was a genius. But was he the best flanker? Ditto Gary Teichmann – was he a truly legendary 8th man?
Then there’s the Almighty Percy, King of Kings Park… a genius in my book, talented and driven. But history may record something different.
History shows us that every so often a true sporting god is born and comes among us. Sobers… Pele… Ali… Ronaldo… Schumacher… Federer… Guys who stand head and shoulders above their opposition.
Rugby has had its share of truly outstanding proponents… Campese, Gerber, Lomu, the aforementioned Edwards and Williams… None were born perfect, they had to hone their skills and be guided to their goals, but they possessed enough natural talent to ensure that with the right support, tutoring and mindsets they would become world-beaters.
I have been privileged to see the likes of most of these men in my lifetime thus far. All, without exception, have had an aura of greatness from the word go. A shining halo of unbridled talent which set them apart. Genius in the genes, if you will.
Do we have that now on our rugby fields? That indescribable something which points to genius in the making?
As far as I am concerned we do. And he wears the No 10 jersey for the Sharks…
@Morné (Comment 53) :
Hehehehehe
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l5MJoEuhHZw
oh and coincidently I am wearing that same Sharks Jersey as I sit here.
@Morné (Comment 40) : Actually, we are in agreement about Henry Honiball. While he is my all-time favourite player, I would be the first to concede that he was far from the complete package, which, to my mind, makes his achievements all the more noteworthy.
@Morné (Comment 53) : Just ask. Kayser!!
@KSA Shark © (Comment 55) : That is still a brilliant clip…..I can watch that all day!
@Pokkel (Comment 46) : Armin Hary had a trick whereby, when the starter said “on your marks”, he would get in his blocks with his fellow sprinters, but when instructed to “get set”, he would wait for all the other sprinters to rise. Only once they were in the take-off position would he himself rise, get in a stationary position, and then take off (regardless of whether he had heard the starting gun going off). What he reasoned (correctly, it would appear) is that if he delayed proceeding enough, the starter would get impatient and fire the gun as soon as everyone was stationary. He was eventually caught out when someone analysed his take-offs, and realised that his reaction times, if he was indeed reacting to the sound of the starting gun, exceeded human capabilities. As a result of this, a rule has since been implemented making it compulsory to rise when instructed to “get set”.
@Morné (Comment 51) : it might create a couple of hits though!
@SharonvanWyk (Comment 54) :
Well you ask the question and then you basically continue to answer it yourself too
Talent alone will not get you to the level I have conveniently coined in this column as ‘genius’, some might call it something else, but let’s stick with that for the sake of debate.
If we are to measure individuals against one another we will have to set paramaters.
To keep this as simple as possible I will stick to rugby alone.
There are certain things that strikes me about a player that makes me believe he is something special.
Strangely, and against popular opinion (what you will read in the media) is that a player’s worth for me is measured more often in what he does off the ball, or without the ball than what he does with it.
It gives you an indication of that player’s ability to read the game, to anticipate, and his mental application to the game of rugby (hunger, passion, drive) – all mental aspects of that player’s make up.
Another important aspect I look for in a player is not so much what he achieves successfully with the ball (scoring tries, line breaks, etc) but how through his skills and actions, influences his team, and individuals around him to contribute positively to the game. This is very much the decision-making ability of a player combined with his skills (passing, kicking, handling, etc).
Thus the guys that scores the most line-breaks, or tries, or turn-overs are not necessarily the guys that I will identify as the most influential or important.
Thus, the term genius and the ‘aura’ certain individuals seem to have is arguably a combination of talent, skill, decision making and mental and physical application in rugby. And importantly, the ability to do this consistently.
As a coach, you can teach any player skills or help him improve that which is an extension of his talent (which all players at this level has).
The cross-over to genius however, is a skill or mindset shift only the player himself can achieve.
As for Lambie, he has all the ingredients to become one, I remember last year when myself and Rob had the discussion about Lambie moving to 12 and eventually 10. I was over the moon because that move single-handedly challenged what is no-doubt an stupidly talented individual to deal with immense mental pressure and challenges that he suddenly faced.
Will he become of those very select few?
It is up to him alone.
@Culling Song (Comment 59) : Interesting, thanks.
@Ice (KCM) (Comment 42) : Henry Honiball. Pieter Muller. André Venter. Christian Cullen. Jonah Lomu. That’s my list so far. Legends all, all of them talented, without being the complete package.
@Culling Song (Comment 56) :
There are certain people I will go to war with as coach or player (in a rugby sense) and they are almost never the super talented ones, but the ones like Henry who had immeasurable mental strength and drive.
@SharonvanWyk (Comment 54) :
Oh I wanted to add since you mentioned Pienaar and Teich’s.
I don’t even rate those guys in either of the two categories raised so far (Genius and talented) as their ability is as rare as the genius ability I refered to in my column.
A great leader comes around once in a generation.
@Culling Song (Comment 59) : now THAT’s great initaitive and great thinking! Or did he use plain common sense?
For Hetford’s sake, Richie McCaw is arguably the only exception to the rule in modern rugby. Super talented, unbelievably strong mentally, and a great leader.
Fourie du Preez for instance sucks as a captain in my view.
@Morné (Comment 61) : I agree with you, but do feel that there is an element of fate, of divine intervention almost, involved as well. Without wishing to sound like Darth Vader lecturing Luke about his “destiny”, there are undoubtedly some things which affect an individual’s rise to genius which are completely beyond the realm of human control. I call this the “meant to be” factor… I am indubitably damned for saying this, and resign myself to the potential flack I will receive, but Pat has a touch of the “meant to be” about him. This means that it’s not just up to him alone. But up to God. The Universe. The midi-chlorians. Whatever you want to call that which surrounds us, connects us and binds us.
@Morné (Comment 67) : @SharonvanWyk (Comment 68) : I have to say I actually enjoy reading your comments here. Interesting, thought provoking, insightfull and allround entertaining.
@KSA Shark © (Comment 55) : Legendary
@Jarson (AddicteD) (Comment 69) :
Thanks!
@SharonvanWyk (Comment 68) : why would you geyt flack for that?
@SharonvanWyk (Comment 68) :
I know where you are coming from and I believe in the human psyche it plays a big part. From a scientific and analytical point of view however I tend to want to identify measurable paramaters and I believe its possible with loads of research.
But there are so many factors that influence a human being’s belief system in himself and those around him, society, family, cultural, religion, etc.
Rob reviewed a book of a friend we all know on this site a while back, where he interviewed these types of sporting genuisses if you will, maybe Rob or someone can recall the thread?
@Jarson (AddicteD) (Comment 69) : Thanks! Appreciate your support!
@Morné (Comment 73) : Is that Michael’s book? The Quest for Glory – I have to read it – promised him I would!
@Ice (KCM) (Comment 72) : Because so many people focus on what can be measured, quantified and proven scientifically and disavow the spiritual nature of humankind. I’m a deeply spiritual gal with an innate “sixth sense” about certain things and an unshakeable faith in God, mainly because we are on first-name terms and chat regularly! That tends to put me “out there” on the loony fringe in some people’s books!
here it is… http://www.sharksworld.co.za/2010/12/17/quest-for-glory-reviewed/
@SharonvanWyk (Comment 54) : I really like you – especially that last statement about SuperPat
@robdylan (Comment 78) : Thanks, Rob. That means a lot to me. Especially from a man who knows the worth of a cracking guitar riff and puts Satriani in his list of top five axe heroes! (Let’s face it – it could have been Yngwie J Malmsteen and then I would have lost ALL respect for you!) By the way – what house were you in a PBHS? My boy’s in Abernethy.
@SharonvanWyk (Comment 79) : I was in Arcadia. Abernethy only came into existence the year after I left.
I don’t like Malmsteen. He’s fast, but boring
Dude, let Fourie play a few games before you hype him up.
Yes he’s a great player but there have been many great players that have never fully recovered after a long injury lay-off, Bob skinstad being first and foremost in the mind.
Pro rugby moves incredibly quickly and the game changes loads from season to season.
I live in hope that Fourie has a blinder in the S15 because we really need him for the WC.
@VinChainSaw (Comment 81) :
Sorry, just to clarify – I’m a huge FdP fan.
@Culling Song (Comment 59) : In addition, they also implemented pressure sensitive pads on the blocks, a tenth of a second reaction time rule (can not leave the blocks until 1/10 of a second after the gun – 1990), in addition they also required automatic timing of record attempts after his 1960 10.0 second run was actually timed (automatically) at 10.16. The hand timed record of 10.0 seconds stood for 24 days.
I don’t consider what he did cheating since there were no rules saying he could not stay in the set position longer and there were no rules saying he had to wait 1/10 of a second before leaving the blocks.
@SharonvanWyk (Comment 76) :
Again not arguing the point, but that discussion is best serve for another medium or forum.
But I think a great example would be that I have previously stated that technically, the next best 9 after Fourie, is Rory Kockett.
Now Rory is not near the class (complete package) as Fourie is, but that I believe just illustrates the importance of mental application and strength to the game of rugby (and anything in life really).
@Morné (Comment 84) : Morne, how can you say that when it is generally accepted that Kockett’s pass from the base is slow. Surely a scrumhalf can not be anywhere near the best if they are unable to clear quickly from the base? That is a glaring hole in Kockett’s inventory and will always prevent him from becoming a complete 9.
@Dancing Bear (Comment 85) :
Remind me quickly…
You played 9 too haven’t you?
@Dancing Bear (Comment 85) :
I actually agree with Morne: I think that Kockott could also be a very good 10.
Its not his pass itself that is slow (looping or weak), but rather the step and the decision-making that is slow.
This is a mental, not technical issue, IMO.
@Morné (Comment 86) : Hell no, I was a Hooker and played some prop. Yes, I have played games at 9, but I suck.
If I was a scrumhalf expert, I would have announced that Kockett was not anywhere near Fourie, but since I am not, I asked the question, hoping you, the scrumhalf expert, would answer me. 
@Big Fish (Comment 87) : BF, I also think that Kockett would make a very good 10, but I think he is a weak 9 since his pass from the base is weak. This is not an issue for a 10. I still think his pass is slow and looping, but maybe I am wrong? Plum seems to think so, last year he said that Kockett’s pass from the base was very weak and that is why he preferred Pienaar.
For quite some time I have been saying that Kockett would make a better 10 than 9. Just my opinion of course.
well i was reading this and still one great one from you Morne
i was starting to think you were a closest Blue Bull really
no but really he is a great player but i think and still think we still have alot of legend players around even in ST, but only time will tell i just hope i’m around to see you talk about LAMBIE and MVOVO etc like this
PS: I think Queen Ice is in her high boots when you say DC but really they are all good players
FDP = the bulls!
I have never worried playing the bulls if fdp did not play.
@Honey Badger (Comment 93) : Not trying to burst your bubble, but they did win the Super 14 last year without him did they not? They also beat the Sharks without him last year.
Legends = Jason Robinson and J.Wilkinson
Anyone remember this.
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x3efj1_jason-robinson-vs-galles_sport
The memories
@Dancing Bear (Comment 94) : Thanks for pointing that out
@Dancing Bear (Comment 94) : Most of the time…….
But Last years super 14 we kind of expected it with the 10 trouble,did we not?
But I just felt alot better if he did not play against us.
@Dancing Bear (Comment 88) :
Just finished a massive Pasta meal, promise you will check back tomorrow cause I want to highlight what Big Fish eluded to!!!
Hookers… A 9′s best friends and best enemies…
@chaz (Comment 91) :
I am a closet supporter of most teams don’t you know?
@Dancing Bear (Comment 94) :
Fourie bowed out after the S14 last year I am sure.
Anycase, catch up tomorrow guys…
@Honey Badger (Comment 97) : hehehe, just teasing a bit HB, I completely agree that the Bulls are a much better team with FdP at 9, as are the Boks. The thing is the Bulls were a very good and balanced team even without FdP last season. As for last year’s Super 14, you’re probably right, we Sharkies should not have expected much with JMH out and nobody to fill his shoes (Steve Meyer/Andy Goode).
@Morné (Comment 98) : Eish you’re right, he even started the 2010 Super 14 final. Any other errors of mine you wish to point out?
@Dancing Bear (Comment 99) : The Shark in me says that we would have won the bulls with a few more points if he played in the semis cc.
Does anyone remember pichot? Don’t rate him as a legend but do think he would have achieved great things playing in a better team.
@Honey Badger (Comment 101) : Now why would anyone call Sharks supporters one eyed?
@Ben (Comment 102) : A bit overrated for me,think he was a typical case of I don’t remember exactly how you say it but a big fish in a small pond looks much better or something.
@Honey Badger (Comment 101) : Now don’t be greedy – a win is a win! Even by one point
@Dancing Bear (Comment 103) : Stupid ref!
@diablo (Comment 105) : I really thouht that I was going to get it from you,if you know what I mean
Starting to go into double figures liking bull supporters.
@Honey Badger (Comment 104) : I disagree to an extend. I think he was a brilliant all round scrummie. But like you say might just have been a big fish in a small pond. But we will never know.
To know us is to looove us
@Morné (Comment 84) : Noted. However, in comment 76 I was answering Ice (KCM) in her comment 72 when she asked why I would receive flack for my views on predestined esoteric rugby godhood and our incumbent No 10′s other-worldly qualities in that respect. But I have no argument with your views on Rory K. A fine player who will serve the Lions well. G’nite!
@Ben (Comment 108) : Maybe I am a bit harsh on the guy but my brain is on legends. Definitely a Argentinian Legend though.
@diablo (Comment 109) : Come now,my best friend is a bull.But when you start winning he is my best person to hate
@Honey Badger (Comment 111) : Who do you rate as the best scrummie ever?
@Honey Badger (Comment 112) : Sounds pretty much “par for the course” as far as SA rugby is concerned. Such fun, huh
Did anyone watch Boots N All tonight? And the Road to NZ? Some real blasts from the past on show… Tim Horan, Will Carling, Jerry Guscott, Rob Andrew, Michael Lynagh, Serge Blanco, Campo, Eales… Zinzan… Legends in their own lunchtimes, one and all.
@diablo (Comment 114) : Remeber to ask Honey Badger about his nick
As for fourie du preez being a legend. I don’t agree. A scrummie’s main job is to clean the ball from the ruck as soon as possible at get the ball to his flyhalf. And imo charl mcleod and jano vermaak does that very thing better. But in all the other aspects off all round game. I would say fourie is better than them
@Ben (Comment 113) : I had to think about it,but I have to say George Gregan.The best UFC scrummie I would say Robert Du Preez
Who do you rate?
And seeing that everyone is raving on about the blerry bulls, and the topic of this original post was to do with being legendary, how come no one has mentioned Naas?
@diablo (Comment 114) : Very mcuh so,It’s not the loss that makes me so mad it is when we start to rub it in and when we (almost kill each other in a fun way) win I feel sorry for him to rub it in his face…..most of the time.
@diablo (Comment 116) : ?
@Honey Badger (Comment 118) : I’d say gregan is the best I’ve ever seen but I only started watching rugby in 1995 so wouldn’t know about anyone from before that time.
@Honey Badger (Comment 121) : Merely wondering about you nick – do you have a soft spot for badgers?
@SharonvanWyk (Comment 119) : You need to make a tackle to become a legend
but as you said it is the troof.
@Ben (Comment 122) : Probably my first rugby memory.rwc 1995
@diablo (Comment 123) : Yes,I have seen an episode on animal planet a few years ago and saw a old badger that was blind and did not have I think any k9′s left,fight against a leopard in it’s prime and they fought for 3 hours I think.
Ever since then I was hooked.
Would love to have one in the back yard
@Honey Badger (Comment 125) : yeah and I was 9 at the time so only got a interest in rugby then. Started my rugby life as a lion supporter my dad tried to get me to be one but about in 1997 I dicided no I’m gonna support the sharks and oh thank gosh for that!!!
@diablo (Comment 123) : This is relevant to you. I support 2 provincial rugby teams.
@Ben (Comment 127) : My dad is a shark so naturally the wife and children followed.
But his brother is a real bull so the same goes for them.
@Honey Badger (Comment 129) : Shame will they be okay? That’s terrible!
@Ben (Comment 130) : It is really weird when we watch the rugby together,they act like we also support them
@Honey Badger (Comment 131) : Almost my whole family supports the bulls so I know what you mean!
@Honey Badger (Comment 131) : Plus when it comes to the bulls and rugby I always have something to say to them. And believe me it aint good things so I’m always the odd one out!
@Ben (Comment 133) : yes,if you lose you lose bad and if you win you also lose
@Honey Badger (Comment 134) : Cheers,have to get up before noon tomorrow
@Honey Badger (Comment 134) : Haha yip never could understand how anyone supports the bulls out of their own free will. I bet somewhere down the line someone told the public that if they support the bulls they will go to heaven and the idiots believed him!
@Honey Badger (Comment 135) : Did you just say cheers to yourself?
have a good one
@Honey Badger (Comment 126) : Sweet – saw a program on otters a few years back, had me in tears – lovely creatures, but I think I’ll stick to the Bull in the backyard – he’s a handfull as it is
@SharonvanWyk (Comment 79) : Joe Satriani… Yngwie Malmsteen… *shudder*
@Ben (Comment 136) : Eina – bit of a low blow, even for a “finned one”
@Dancing Bear (Comment 83) : I think you’re right, cheating is probably not the appropriate word. After all, he was never banned, nor stripped of his Olympic medal. I seem to remember reading something along the lines that he was found to have manipulated circumstances to gain an unfair advantages, while remaining within the letter of the law. Sort of like the “Martin Johnson was a dirty player/Martin Johnson was a hard player” debate.
@diablo (Comment 140) : From the top of my heart!
@Ben (Comment 136) : ja dude – that’s a bit borderline, hey. Tone it down, please?
@robdylan (Comment 143) : Okay my bad
No stress Benno. We all get carried away sometime
@robdylan (Comment 145) : everyone provokes me!
@Culling Song (Comment 38) :
Didnt he also go to jail for fraud or something?
@VinChainSaw (Comment 147) : I’m not sure; I know he was embroiled in some controversy over refusing to run unless paid for it (this was in the amateur era), and I do recall some fraud allegations around somewhere around the late 70′s/early 80′s, but whether there was actually any jail time involved I do not know.
For what I thought was a relatively obscure sport star, there sure is a lot of knowledge floating around on this site!
My international legend is Hugo Porta.
@Culling Song (Comment 148) :
Lol. Quite arbitrary, I promise!
I read a book about sprinters of the 80s, mostly late eighties like Ben Johnson and co ending with Lewis, and he was a footnote.
It only rings a bell because of the controversy that arose from his false starts. I thought it quite ingenious at the time.
BTW – dont agree with your inclusion of Lomu as a legend at all.
He could’ve been but, sadly, was not.
@VinChainSaw (Comment 150) :
Me too…being ingenious I mean..
I dont rate Lomu either – I mean a legend like James Small took him for a piece of cake!
My list of legends, off the top of my head:
Zinzan Brooke,
.
David Campese,
Christian Cullen,
Francois Pienaar,
Tiaan Strauss,
Joel Stransky,
Martin Johnson,
Andre Venter,
Christian Cullen,
Morne du Plessis,
Phillipe Sella,
Sean FitzPatrick,
John Eales,
Jason Leonard,
George Gregan,
Michale Lynagh,
Uli Schmidt,
Robbie Fleck
There are a few more. Joost is up there, however much I detest him as a man. Mark Andrews could also come into it I suppose as could Dayglo.
Few Frenchmen missing.
Neil Back and Richard Hill could scrape it if I had to put a number on it.
My definition of legends doesnt permit me to include any current players.
@Ice (KCM) (Comment 151) :
Absolutely agreed.
Just think he was extraordinarily genetically gifted but didnt quite have the grit and determination that other players have shown.
He was also rather unfortunate health-wise.
When it came down to it what did he really achieve?
My complete package of all time (so far anyway) is Daniel Carter….surprize suprize…
Anyone read the new book on Great moments in Currie Cup?
@VinChainSaw (Comment 152) : As far as I know only one christian cullen played rugby.
@Ice (KCM) (Comment 155) : Hey ice. Just thaught I should let you know that I haven’t read it yet!
@Ben (Comment 156) : @Ben (Comment 157) :
@VinChainSaw (Comment 150) : Although I didn’t think Lomu was the greatest ever, there was definitely a change to the rugby landscape in general pre- and post-Lomu, hence my inclusion. Also, take note my list of legends is limited to guys who achieved legendary status despite lacking the complete skills-set (e.g Christian Cullen’s lack of a notable kicking game). So by my definition, guys like John Eales, Zinzan Brooke etc. would not be included.
@Culling Song (Comment 141) : Not to be argumentative, but those that consider Martin Johnson to be dirty would argue that his dirty play was against the laws of the game and he was very good at getting away with going against the laws of the game. What Armin Hary did was against no rules or laws, it was quite simply legal at the time, he did not cheat, he did not get away with anything. There are many that would argue that Johnson got away with a lot. Just my opinion, there is a difference between breaking the rules and getting away with it, and devising an ingenious method of doing better within the rules.
@Culling Song (Comment 139) : Rock n
, dude! The perfect bedfellow for rugby… Although I must fess up that I prefer Satriani’s protege Steve Vai’s @ “Eat em and Smile” era (his and DLR’s version of Tobacco Road is awesome) Had a guitar lesson from him once… His Ibanez had an incredibly thin neck which allowed my stubby fingers to bridge. All of which makes up for the fact that I will never be a rugby player and can only admire from afar!
@SharonvanWyk (Comment 161) : Ibanez Wizard neck
I have the cheaper version of his guitar… lovely!
@VinChainSaw (Comment 152) : I would add andre joubert to that list.
@VinChainSaw (Comment 152) : Robbie Fleck
@robdylan (Comment 164) : Tommy Bedford is a legend of Natal Rugby, and if he wasn’t a soutie, he would be a legend of Bok rugby as well.
@Ben (Comment 156) :
Lol. I thought he was that good that I included him twice!
@robdylan (Comment 164) :
Hehehehe. I did give fleeting consideration to TGHMQD!
@VinChainSaw (Comment 167) : TGHMEA!!!
@Dancing Bear (Comment 168) : Where is Wes?????
hahaha, all you youngsters on this site probably have no idea who Tommy Bedford is.
Showing my age again, I saw him play and was even coached by him once. 
@Culling Song (Comment 159) :
Yeah fair enough, I see where you’re coming from. Lomu was pretty much the face of a new generation of rugby player and did change the landscape in a dramatic fashion.
I feel sorry for the misfortune that befell him but I still dont think he had the commitment and dedication that a player like Andre Venter had.
@Dancing Bear (Comment 170) : No clue who he is!
@Ben (Comment 172) : I was at the 1974 British Lions tour match in Durban against Natal. JPR (ever heard of him?)landed one hell of a right hook on Tommmy Bedford right in front of me (I was sitting in the schoolboy seats in front of the stands next to the field).
Tommy Bedford had 25 caps for the Boks, captained Natal for more than a decade (1970s) and would have won more caps at 8 for the Boks if it were not for one Morne DuPlessis.
@Dancing Bear (Comment 173) : At the time Jan “Boland” Coetzee and Jan Ellis were the flankers, combined with either Bedford or DuPlessis at 8 was one of the finest loose forward trios the Boks have ever put on the field.
@Dancing Bear (Comment 173) : Haha nope still have no clue! I was born in 87
@Dancing Bear (Comment 173) :
I remember listening to the game at a friends place in PMB. The fight was massive.
Didnt JPR and JJ play for Natal later in their careers.
Bedford was not exactly “establishment friendly”.
@Ben (Comment 175) : Dude, ever heard of google?
@Dancing Bear (Comment 177) : Haha I prefer to live in the present. Don’t like dwelling on the past!
@Salmonoid (Comment 176) :
I was just going to ask where Samnonoid was since I knew you were old enough to remember. You know I think they did play in one or two Currie Cups.
The fight was massive, and I am afraid that Bedford came off the worse. Tommy was awesome though, my mom admits she knows nothing about rugby, but loved to watch Bedford play. She said although she knew nothing of the game, all she had to do was look for Bedford’s long blond hair, and she was sure to find the ball somewhere around him. He was amazing at playing to the ball, may have made a better opensider in the modern game than an 8.
@Ben (Comment 178) : Listen here youngster
(always wanted to say that), you can learn from the past, might even make your future better. 
@Dancing Bear (Comment 180) : haha okay oom! Will go and do some research!
@Ben (Comment 181) : Dankie boet, I think you will find it enlightening!
In all honesty though, I would have to say that Tommy Bedford would have to be considered “THE” legend of Natal Rugby from the amateur era. I can’t think of a single Natal player in the amateur era that was anywhere near Tommy Bedford. I would have to check, but I am sure he captained Natal for longer than anyone else.
Gus The GasMan Theron
@Salmonoid (Comment 176) : Remember the banana boy that ran down the field with a bunch of bananas before each Natal match in the 70s?
@Clayton(PJLD) (Comment 183) :
Rob, now that we are talking about age who is the youngest regular blogger here that you know about?
@Dancing Bear (Comment 185) : Jorrie Muller wishes he was half as awesome as Gus.
@Ben (Comment 186) : I’d say you are damned close to having that honour
@Dancing Bear (Comment 179) :
I remember we used to get highlights packages of what is now the six nations (no live games for us in those days) and one thing stood out above all else was how ferocious the Welsh were, game after game they were the hardest most uncompromising team around. They would PROBABLY all be serving lifetime bans nowadays.
@robdylan (Comment 162) : Awesome. Only guitar I’ve ever been able to bridge. My ex’s Charvel Jackson was just a tad too wide, but had a wicked whammy bar. Any anyway, I was more a natural drummer than guitarist. Hated cutting my nails short!
@Dancing Bear (Comment 182) : The best player I’ve ever seen with my eyes that played for natal was andre joubert. I rate him very highly!
@Ben (Comment 191) : Jouba was the mutt’s nuts.
@Salmonoid (Comment 189) : 14 of the 15 starters for the 1974 BIL were Welsh, if I am not mistaken, the entire BIL pack played for Pontypridd (sp?). The Welsh were amazing in the middle 70s. Also remember the Welsh made up a majority of the Barbarians team in the epic match against NZ in the early 70s.
@Clayton(PJLD) (Comment 188) : Didn’t realise this was an old man’s game when I joined up!
@Salmonoid (Comment 189) :
Tommy Bedford was in a league of his own.
Another guy I have immense respect for in Natal rugby is Andre Botha – also captained Natal for years and years, a real servant of Natal rugby.
@Ben (Comment 191) : Without a doubt Ben, Jouba was amazing, superb a true legend, however, he played in the professional era at the end of his career, in addition, from the 1990s on sham amateurism was the name of the game, so he was always paid to play. Bedford was a true amateur, in a truly amateur era.
@Salmonoid (Comment 195) : I think anyone old enough would agree with that, no doubt.
@Ben (Comment 191) : But then HRE was not too shabby either.
@SharonvanWyk (Comment 198) : Who?
@Ben (Comment 199) : Hugh Reece Edwards.
@Ben (Comment 199) : Hugh Reece Edwards, dude.
@Dancing Bear (Comment 193) :
Yes that match also had a massive brawl, I think it was Grant Batty that ran about half the field to join in.
Why the hell dont they rebroadcast these games. Real classics.
We used to hire them on the old movie reels.
@Dancing Bear (Comment 196) : From what I’ve heard (not just here on SW), I will always respect the guys who played rugby in the amatuer era.
@Dancing Bear (Comment 200) : @SharonvanWyk (Comment 201) : Oh yeah offcourse sorry. So many names flash through my head when you just say HRE that I can’t point who it is.
@Salmonoid (Comment 202) : I remember my dad renting the old movie reels with highlights. I saw Batty and Williams play in the 1976 tour match at Kings Park against the Boks. They were both amazing wings, so quick and always willing to throw the ball around, even if it meant throwing from one wing to the other (saw that in 1976). I also saw Boland Coetzee put an amazing hit on Batty in that match from a Gary Owen from DeWet Ras. I was amazed Batty was able to even get up after that.
And old is as old does….
@Salmonoid (Comment 202) : Piston Van Wyk was the only Natal player to play for the Boks against the All Blacks in 1976. He had his nose shattered in the second test, so didn’t play the test in Durban. My dad was an anaesthetist and he had to knock Piston out for the surgery. Dad asked him what happened and his response was “bloody all blacks!”.
@SharonvanWyk (Comment 206) : Who are you? Forrest Gump???
@Dancing Bear (Comment 207) :
In all of these skirmishes we have just spoken about, how many players were – carded (red or yellow), sent off, or cited.
@Dancing Bear (Comment 208) :
Wouldn’t you like to know! I am N Cognito’s aunty.
@Ben (Comment 194) : Hehehe I’ve only got a handful of years on you youngster
@Salmonoid (Comment 209) : There were no cards at that time Salmonoid! We never even heard of citings, and I think that one BIL was sent off in the entire tour of 1974, and remember that was with South African referees.
@SharonvanWyk (Comment 210) : Pleased to meet you Tantie Cognito!
@Salmonoid (Comment 209) : That’s a good question. JPR recounts that the call of “99″ (apparently Willie John McBride’s idea) meant that you turned round immediately and “chinned” the nearest opposition. The ref was not in a position to send anyone off, because if he did, he would have to send everyone off in order to be consistent with his ruling.
@Dancing Bear (Comment 213) : Ditto, DB my boy.
@SharonvanWyk (Comment 214) : Spot on, but if the referee wanted to make a stance he could have sent off the captain, since they were the one that made the 99 call.
@SharonvanWyk (Comment 215) : I haven’t been called my boy in about 30 years, thanks!!!
@Dancing Bear (Comment 212) : @SharonvanWyk (Comment 214) :
Yep thats it, the qusetion was asked as a way of showing young Ben how the game has changed. Now we can move on to the question of substitutes.
@Dancing Bear (Comment 217) :
Just don’t call me tantie again! I bite! 
@Salmonoid (Comment 218) : Did I have to tell everyone how old I am!?
@Salmonoid (Comment 218) : In the 1976 test against the All Blacks at Kings Park, Gerald Bosch was the starting 10. He apparently had flu and wanted to come off. He came off and the Boks had to play with 14 while the doctor determined that Bosch was indeed to ill to play before the Boks were able to put De Wet Ras on the pitch. That is how substitutes worked back then, only for injury. That was the only substitute in that test for both sides. Going went off for blood to repair a gash to his head, but there were no replacements allowed while he was getting patched up.
@Salmonoid (Comment 218) : OK. Are we talking about JLP now?
@SharonvanWyk (Comment 219) : You started it, you called yourself N Cognito’s aunty!
@Ben (Comment 220) : How young you are not how old you are!
@Dancing Bear (Comment 221) : The only Sin Bin in those days was the bottom of a bottle of apres match whisky.
@Dancing Bear (Comment 223) : Aunty. Not tantie. There’s just something SOOOOO wrong about being called tantie! Not so Oom?
@SharonvanWyk (Comment 225) : No sin bin, no blood bin, no tactical substitutions, and you had to prove to the match doctor you were unable to continue playing before a replacement could come on.
@Dancing Bear (Comment 224) : got a poin there!
@Dancing Bear (Comment 224) : got a point there!
@SharonvanWyk (Comment 226) : lol, it is a sign of respect no? Sort of like Sir and Ma’am in the USA.
@Ben (Comment 229) : We are making all these posts because we are jealous of your youthfulness!
@Dancing Bear (Comment 231) : I feel so humbled!
@Ben (Comment 232) : Enjoy your youthfulness while you can!
JLP as in Jacques Louis?
@Dancing Bear (Comment 182) :
Wahl Bartman.
@Salmonoid (Comment 234) : Or Pat Lambie’s substitute.
@VinChainSaw (Comment 235) : Are you comparing Wahl to Tommy Bedford or Andre Botha?
@Dancing Bear (Comment 231) : Speak for yourself! Age is not worthy of relevance in my book (see my post on Sharks at Training – More Exclusive Pics). I would rather be judged by my shoe size than my age! I lurve the skin I’m in. It’s been to some amazing places, some of which have left their mark!
@Dancing Bear (Comment 233) : Would enjoy it more if I could still play rugby!
@SharonvanWyk (Comment 238) : Good for you, everyone should strive for that. I have no problem with my age, as my dad once said to me “we’re both getting older, one of us is bound to grow up sooner or later.” He is 87 now and still not grown up.
@Ben (Comment 239) : Why can’t you?
@Ben (Comment 232) :
, the trick is to realise it and to make the most of it, then when you get to our age you still thgink you are young and the age matters squat.
Being young is
@VinChainSaw (Comment 235) : I don’t think Wahl captained Natal for longer than either Bedford or Botha. Could be wrong though, he certainly was a great.
@Dancing Bear (Comment 236) : There is no substitute there, I can assure you.
@Salmonoid (Comment 242) :
spot on Salmo!
@Dancing Bear (Comment 241) : Messed up my knees so don’t feel so youthfull anymore!
@SharonvanWyk (Comment 244) :
I meant to say Pat Lambie’s amateur era substitute! 
@Ben (Comment 246) : ouch sorry to hear that, how did you mess them up? I continued playing for about 12 years with a torn rotator cuff, and in the front row nogal!
@Salmonoid (Comment 242) : I hear you man! I have 2 goals in life and they are never to get married and to never grow up!
@Dancing Bear (Comment 221) :
I knew someone that benched for Craig Jameson in many games and never once got on the field as a substitute for him in a game.
@Salmonoid (Comment 250) : That was how it worked back then. It was a 15 man team (not 22) with a few extras just in case someone could not continue.
@Dancing Bear (Comment 248) : Messed them up with 3 years of action cricket. What a waist!
@Salmonoid (Comment 242) : Is it? I don’t think so. You spend too much time thinking about the future that you forget to live in the moment and enjoy every day for what it is – a blessing. The older I get the more in tune with life and the universe I become. I wouldn’t swop that for all the tea in China.
@Dancing Bear (Comment 251) : funny looking at team sheets from that era. For one thing, there were only 6 subs and they numbered them backwards as well… 16-18 were backs and 19-21 forwards.
I remember Mac pulling a fast one in the 93 Super 10 and actually starting with Gerhard Harding in 21… only to replace him with Kebble (wearing 1) later in the game.
It was also a 25 yard drop out, not a 22. When I first started playing tries were worth 3 points, then 4 and then 5. I can honestly say I scored a 3 point try, 4 point try and 5 point try in my career.
Oh and if you fumbled the ball forward and caught it before it hit the ground, you could still be called for a knock on.
@Ben (Comment 249) : Men never do grow up. Fact of life 101!
@Ben (Comment 252) : Did you have to have surgery?
@robdylan (Comment 254) : Guy Kebble. Now there’s a blast from the past.
@robdylan (Comment 254) : That’s right, I remember that DeWet Ras wore either 16 or 18 in that 1976 test. Kanoenvoet!
@Ben (Comment 252) : I buggered my back up showjumping, so I know where you are coming from.
@Dancing Bear (Comment 257) : nope but the doc said I must prevent running too much or I won’t be able to walk 5 years time.
@Ben (Comment 261) : That sucks, I thought they could pretty much fix anything with knees nowadays. Will you need a knee replacement in the future? My mom has one and while in her 70s was out playing golf within a week of the replacement.
@SharonvanWyk (Comment 260) : And the thing is I didn’t mess them up by running to much, I was like a spring chicken inside those nets I dove after every ball that I thouhgt I could reach and every single time I used my knees as a landing pad!
@SharonvanWyk (Comment 253) : I know what you mean…. well, to an extent, cos I think you and salmo may have a few years on me.
The older I get, the nicer I become as a person. Well, I like to think so, anyway
@SharonvanWyk (Comment 253) : But do you feel old, with age comes wisdom, yes but that doesnt mean you cant feel young. Its the best n0of all worlds and also doesnt mean that the youngsters cant feel as in touch with universe as you do. The thing is to make the most of it regardless of your age.
@robdylan (Comment 264) : As I get older, things bother me less and less, that is the thing I notice most. When younger, the slightest setback would really affect me negatively, it really bothered me, now I just don’t seem to care, Shyte happens….
@robdylan (Comment 264) : When I was younger, I was nice to people because I was really worried about what people thought of me. Now I am nice to people just because it feels much better to be nice than to be mean.
Damn it Im late for my bowls lesson.
Outta here.
A good weekend to all.
Cheers.
@Salmonoid (Comment 265) : Precisely. The trick is to not even think about age at all. Just to live each day you are given to the max and not waste time on all the kak that society thinks is SO terribly important. To be true to yourself, the wonderful original being within you, and not a slave to the false ego society forces on you. The human soul is ageless and timeless. So there. I’ll get off my soapbox now.
@Dancing Bear (Comment 267) : And you get much nicer results too! Life hums along wonderfully when you have a positive attitude!
@SharonvanWyk (Comment 269) :
Agree, I like you on your soapbox.
Now Im really off.Ciao.
@robdylan (Comment 264) : You seem like a perfectly nice person to me! But parenthood mellows you too. And teaches you the real values of life! It’s the best gig ever.
@Salmonoid (Comment 271) : Toodles.
@SharonvanWyk (Comment 272) : Unfortunately never had the chance to be a parent. Will always be a hole in my life. Still you’re absolutely right, kindness and niceness from a total stranger is an amazing thing, and it is just as amazing coming from someone you know.
@Salmonoid (Comment 268) : Cheers Salmo, enjoy the Bowls.
@SharonvanWyk (Comment 269) : You know…not thinking about age is all well and good until someone who claims to be your friend throws a surprise 4 dozenth birthday party for you!
@Dancing Bear (Comment 276) : Yup. There’s always something to bring you back down to Earth with a bump! My son towers over me and it seems like only yesterday he was knee-high! But all in all I am loving this stage of my existence. It’s a blast. I know so much STUFF, all of which has been accumulated over the years, and I’ve had an awesome life thus far. Truly outstanding. A journey of note!
@SharonvanWyk (Comment 277) : Right there with you aunty!
The accumulated knowledge thing does allow us to enjoy things more doesn’t it?
Luckily while pushing 50, I can still sail very competitively on the international level. Still have to rely on my experience some of the time as these incredibly fit juniors literally throw their boats around the course.
@Dancing Bear (Comment 279) : It’s good to have something like that in your life. And watch the young guns rely on their brawn when they should be using their brains. My passion is still my writing, thank God. And every passing year makes me better at it. Got a couple of awards under my belt now too, which helps on the days when I feel less motivated, because they inspire me to just let rip and go for it. I am blessed in that because of what I do, I get to spend a lot of time in some of Africa’s last truly wild places, and that for me is what keeps me “young”. I am truly at peace when I am in the bush. And time has no meaning for me there. I just “am”.
@SharonvanWyk (Comment 280) : Just like I am when on the water sailing. Time has no meaning (except when racing) and you can just be you. My senses are heightened, each sound is special, even the ripple of the water over the hull.
Really great to have a writer with your talent and attitude on this site, your posts are enjoyable to read and insightful. Hope you continue to grace us with your posts.
A lot of my international travels have to do with sailing, it has taken me to some pretty spectacular places in the world.
@Dancing Bear (Comment 281) : Thank you. That’s very kind. As long as I am a Sharks gal I will, indeed, chip in my fourpence-worth! (And I plan on being a Shark till I croak!) Unless Uncle Rob grounds me! And now, for a while at least, I have to go and do the humdrum things like supper. My son is at his father’s for the weekend, and I have peace and quiet to read Michael’s book – The Quest for Glory! So will catch up later??!!
@SharonvanWyk (Comment 283) : Absolutely, be well, enjoy the weekend! Enjoyed the chat very much. Cheers.
DB, I think its safe to say – you’re a legend!
@Dancing Bear (Comment 267) : that is one of the coolest things I’ve ever read on this site! Well said, dude, well said!
@SharonvanWyk (Comment 161) : I think you misunderstood me… I should probably have used *gag* instead of *shudder*