Let’s just take a brief moment to reflect on exactly how much of an achievement it is for Pat Lambie to have made the Bok squad for this year’s World Cup.
With the “SuperPat” moniker – hastily coined by this writer during a frenzied bout of Twitter commentary – having taken on a life of its own and propelling the precociously-talented Lambie even further into the spotlight, it’s easy to lose site of a few things about young Patrick. The first is that he’s still, if you can believe it, only 20 years old and set to celebrate his coming-of-age just six days before the World Cup Final. The second is that despite all that he’s achieved, he’s still playing only his second season of senior rugby (that’s if you don’t count the single senior appearance for the Sharks back in 2009′s Currie Cup).
That, of course, certainly doesn’t make him either the youngest, or the least experienced player to play for South Africa (or any other team) at the World Cup, but what does stick out is just how young Lambie is in relation to the rest of the South African squad. Let’s not forget that this is very much a “play it safe” selection, with only the tried-and-tested deemed good enough, reliable enough and dare I say safe enough, to help South Africa defend their crown.
It’s against this backdrop, I feel, that Lwazi Mvovo, with his wonderful attacking skills, yet penchant to get himself a little out of position on defence, was deemed just a bit too risky an option, with the ever-dependable Odwa Ndungane preferred. The same sort of thinking sees Gerhard Mostert miss out to the huge experience of Johann Muller and the exciting (yet often inconsistent) Ashley Johnson left out for Francois Louw.
Lambie, at 20, is the youngest player in the squad by some margin, with a pair of 23-year-olds in Francois Hougaard and Juan de Jongh the next youngest. Chilliboy Ralepelle and Frans Steyn (both 24) are the only other players under 25 in the entire group, emphasising the fact that for the Bok Class of 2011, the safety of experience trumps the exuberance of youth.
Take a bow then, Pat Lambie, for being the guy to buck the trend. It speaks volumes for the young man’s composure that he’s been deemed the only young player in the country deemed mature enough – read safe enough – to join South Africa’s finest at the greatest tournament of them all.
Congrats to Lambie, but I really feel for Deysel and Mvovo. At least there is no Stegmann
Lambie jou Yster.
I wonder if he calls Smit, Bakkies and Matfield ‘oom’. They are more than 10 years his senior.
@Pokkel(comment2) From what i heard he calls them ‘sir’ in public (Michaelhous schooling) and privately by their first names.But what a guy, that serious expression!! He really does bring composure to any situation. Definate captain skills there.
Well done and good luck to the entire team. Lambie (like Fransie Steyn in ’07) will not let SA down.
Lambie totally deserves it and from what I have heard he is such a nice down to earth guy.
Mvovo doesn’t look for work. He and Basson both have positives, but neither find the ball, they would rather sit and wait for the ball. And that is why they aren’t going.
Lambie you Beauty!!!! Show dem, show dem!!!!!
Hehehe sooooo proud,his family must be super stocked for him,good luck lambie
@Pokkel (Comment 2) :
Well done young Patrick, you deserve all the success that comes your way lad.
Has Lambie beaten Frans Steyn’s record from 4 years ago or was Steyn younger then than Pat is now?
@rekinek (Comment 11) : I think Steyn beat him by a couple of Months.
Steyn was 7 months younger in 2007 than Lambie is now.
Well done Pat. I’m currently having my tattoo artist work up a nice SuperPat logo.
Well done to Pat…..go show ‘em boytjie!!
@Culling Song (Comment 14) :
So that would make it 3 tatoos. K-Dogg, Marcell and Lambie!
@Pokkel (Comment 16) : There’s also the massive Henry Honiball tattoo covering my back. Lem will forever be my no. 1!
Congrats to Lambie.
Flasher Girl is very proud, she still reminds me about the first time she saw him in 09 for the under 21`s in Wellington!
@Culling Song (Comment 17) :
If I was ever to get a rugby related tatoo it will be of Andre Joubert…..my all time favorite player.
@Culling Song (Comment 17) : Did he not play 10?
@Pokkel (Comment 19) : I would look like a maori with all the tats I’ll have..
@Ice (Comment 20) :
@Ice (Comment 20) : Where will you put the Dan Carter one?
@JarsonX (Comment 22) :
Well done Lambie. Deserves to be there. A truely gifted player. With excellent leadership skills too.
Made me proud to see our young Shark player getting selected for his first wc.
@Pokkel (Comment 16) : at least we know that Lambie won’t land on CS’s forehead as this space is taken
@Ben (Comment 12) : thanx
@rekinek (Comment 25) :
@waje (Comment 6) : I think Odders is a safe choice. The guy will not disappoint but he is no longer as exciting as Lwazi or Basson are.
For a player who can’t even command his position in the Super15 side he gets to play utility back for the Boks??? Come on you have to be kidding me!! Another over rated over hyped player who is still yet to deliver anything AKA D Hougard/ Jorrie Muller 2 step pass Lambie will slowly fall by the wayside!!!
@Bluebulls (Comment 29) : You wanted Kirchner??
No YOU have got to be kidding US…
No not saying Kirchner?? But no point taking Lambie for the hell of it. Rather start F Steyn, or Hougard before Lambie. Even Pienaar would be a better choice
@Bluebulls (Comment 31) : they all going dumbass . For my money lambie is better than aplon . But I know you like players with mullets and a vd something in their surname who play for the bulle
@Bluebulls (Comment 29) :
MEMO 2
To: Bluebulls
From: Culling Song
RE: Lambie’s Alleged Lack Of Delivery
Dear Sir/Madam
Are you on drugs!?
Yours faithfully
CS
Well done Pat Lambie. It would have been criminal if possibly the brightest young talent in our system had been left behind.
With SA having more tough group games than the other favourites, hopefully there is time for Pat to show for once and for all that he’s a much better player than the likes of Frans Steyn and/or Butch James (I understand the goal-kicking benefit of having the other guy)
@Talent (Comment 32) : Now Now – no need to get nasty or snotty!
@Bluebulls (Comment 31) : At this point I doubt that Pienaar would be a better utility than Lambie and Hougaard would most pobably cover SH and wing – none of Lambie’s ‘positions”…I also do not believe that Aplon is better than him. Lambie has way more composure.
Frans Steyn is a match winner – problem is he looks a bit rusted and not very well conditioned – and he is very unpredictable – which could be a good thing, but only if your team mates also know what you’re gonna do next.
I doubt if Lambie will be a “starter”‘ in most of the games too…
@Culling Song (Comment 33) : Due to the lack of answer u can assume that he did not understand that memo…
@Franshark (Comment 36) :
@Ice (Comment 35) : My opinion is that the team that is chosen to do it for us should remain the same except in case of real bad form or injuries… This is the WC not going to give starts just to say I did play… And I surely hope that Lambi gets the nod to start @ 15
@Bluebulls (Comment 29) :
I suppose you missed the 2010 CC semi’s and finals last year didn’t you?
@Pokkel (Comment 39) : I would have too…
@Pokkel
Ok other than the hand off of Schalk Burger what has Lambie given us or you sharks. You turn to Michalack in the crucial games and move Lambie to FB why? For all Lambies “getting the back line moving” mitchelak makes lambie look like he has got lead in his boots.
Under attack lambie does not know how to relieve the pressure from the backs or the forwards by turning his opponents or getting his side on the front foot with positional play/kicks.
Come on you are holding on to the CC finals for all its worth, one flash of talent or lack of defence and he is the amazing Assassin that reporters were calling him… what and then the sharks cement there confidence in the bloke by bringing in Mitchelack…
If it was not for Lambie’s Grand dad he would not be getting the support or media attention this kid is getting.
Ex Natal Director of rugby and Ex Springbok Media liaison interesting positions should you want to promote the talent of a some what mediocre player… who still has not given us anything to scream about at any constructive level.
I mean do you think Carter /Wilkinson /O connor / had to answer to an outsider for their position like lambie has had to do?
@ Culling Song
What exactly has Lambie delivered??? has he even been able to hold on to a position…No why because no one is convinced he is the best for any position Div/ Or Plumtree I mean he can’t even 100% hands down command FH from Butch or M Steyn, nor can he 100% command his position at 15 from F Steyn or Aplon
nor can he 100% command his position from JDV or JDJ so where in you sane mind is he this god given talent. Probably the same talent div has
@Bluebulls (Comment 41) :
@Bluebulls (Comment 42) :
Sir..
Would you like me to introduce to the game of rugby? Its a sport played between two teams of 15 players, with an oval looking ball.
Whatever you have been watching is most certainly not rugby…
@Bluebulls (Comment 42) : The main reason I think Lambie is not set in stone in one position is because of national duties. We’d rather focus on the now and keep key positions like FH stable. So whe he is available he was slotted in other positions where he could make a difference, eg. FB and centre. With success may I add.
@Richard Ferguson (Comment 43) : Rich, while I don’t really advocate questioning posters’ rugby knowledge, I sort have have to agree with you here.
I think this guy is, just possibly, a moron.
@Richard Ferguson
Whatever, would love to just show you a rugby game with out your shark tinted glasses. Same sentiment can you please give me one bit of evidence which justifies comments that lambie has delivered or given Sharks Rugby or SA rugby what exactly has he proven or delivered…?
@Bluebulls (Comment 41) : @Bluebulls (Comment 42) :
I suppose you are right and 90% of the other people in SA that watch rugby are all wrong. My apologies.
@robdylan
Mr. Otto, I have these guys going ?
robdylan
maybe you would also like to share with me what exactly about Lambie’s game that delivers so much??
@robdylan (Comment 45) : Somewhere out there, there’s a village currently being deprived of an idiot…
@Bluebulls (Comment 49) : In the same breath, what exactly about Lambie’s game has he NOT delivered so much? You are allowed to use examples with dates, times etc….
@Bluebulls (Comment 49) : oh – it’s you
can’t call your credentials into question, mate… you played first team and I didn’t, after all
Those that know rugby and the value of good but experienced players in pressure situations have to agree that the BOK RWC squad is very good and you have to commend PDV and co. for the selections. I think Lambie is there as they are unsure of Frans Steyn’s conditioning…because if Steyn is fit then he has to start, say what you will about the guy but opposing teams are very wary of him.
@Culling Song (Comment 50) : nah… I just went and figured out who it is… OLD friend who despite not supporting the Sharks is actually a hell of a good bloke.
@robdylan (Comment 54) : I figured we were just having a bit a sparring session with a professional stirrer; no offence intended or taken.
@Bluebulls (Comment 49) : to attempt to answer that, I think the key thing about Lambie is composure. He just appears to have so much time on the ball and is assured in his decision-making. While more of a running/passing flyhalf than a kicking one (at this stage) you HAVE to concede that he’s a far more complete player than Steyn was at a similar age – and many would say than Steyn is now.
Let’s not detract from what Morne has delivered, though… he stepped in and won a series against the Lions in 2009 that Ruan’s dodgy goal-kicking had left in the balance.
@Culling Song (Comment 55) : no, don’t get me wrong… he’s definitely a stirrer… always has been!
I was also getting ready to have a full go until I went and checked the email address to figure out who it is
@SheldonK (Comment 53) :
Sheldon! You are famous dude!! Well done!!
I am all to aware of Sharks supporters resulting in name calling and slander. However I won’t be brought down to the same playing level, my opinion is just that my opinion. It is not personal towards anyone here or any specific player or team.
Just do not buy into the hype of a individual who has not been able to produce anything other than being on the field. It could be Grant or Sias and not much would have been different!
@Bluebulls (Comment 59) :
@Culling Song
I suppose you are right, A”Bulls” supporter reading a sharks website passing time between meetings and deciding to voice an opinion could be construed as stirring.
Seems like a bit sensitive that side, infuture will remember to follow the masses and not rock the boat or question performance.
@Bluebulls (Comment 61) : No No! We like the boat being rocked..but you cannot just say ‘he is average’or that there is a hype about him because of his grandpa, nor just that he rocks up on the field and do nothing – at least when you do rock the boat, have some substantial evidence, you know – examples…?
@Richard Ferguson (Comment 58) : Hahaha yeh they should have let me sing! haha
I think we all know who the starting lineup will be in the big games.
But who wud you play against Namibia?? Assuming a win in that game isnt crucial to us going through.
@Bluebulls (Comment 61) : I mean it’s like saying Morne Steyn is a k*k flyhalf without saying its because…oh wait, what am I saying…he IS one!
Ok kidding – but i am sure you get the point.
@Ice (Comment 35) : Ice a fh must only kick ,such is the way springbok rugby has to be played !L Fouche according to some bulls suporters the next big thing-although let me say what I have seen of the guy i have liked
@robdylan (Comment 56) : Hit the nail on the head! Lambie is a thinker and if i had the means/faster internet I would commit myself to downloading video clips of positive things he does/has done on rugby fields in past weeks.
@ice
Will come back to u, pressed for time.
My argument is the lack of brilliance, Which everyone is raving on about.
Will elaborate further.
“I am all to aware of Sharks supporters resulting in name calling and slander” pff rich
@Bluebulls (Comment 66) : Will be interesting….You say “brilliance” – when you do give your opinion and evidence – just take people of the same agegroup etc in concideration when you do your brilliance rating.
Thing is, Lambie’s brilliance at the moment is the fact that he is ahead of many of players in his age-group (even older ones) – the best news however is, this is only teh start of his career…so its one way up from here!
@Bluebulls (Comment 66) : They say Freddie Michalak lacks “brilliance” BUT he has great ability to think & act quickly to any situation on the rugby field, as a result has been instrumental in winning many games for his clubs & country….Patrick seems to have the same ability and if handled well will become “brilliant”.
Just on one thing…..hope you are not mixing up “brilliant” with “flashy play” ala Quade Cooper
@Bluebulls (Comment 59) : Please don’t stop giving your opinion, even if we call you names, I mean nothing we can call U can be worse than U calling yourself a bull supporter, so hang around we love to gee jou gas johana…..
@Me2 aka Mama Shark (Comment 69) : last sentence I agree completely….
@Franshark (Comment 70) :
@Ice (Comment 68) : He can bring it… There is not one FB in SA at the moment playing better in that position, and no FH in SA that is playing much better, the only reason that Div does not have him in as nr1 FH is experience and div is afraid, rather fail with experience than a youngster….
@Ice (Comment 72) :
@Ice (Comment 62) :
are you sure we need to be so constructive in our criticism . i am worried now about my own survival 
@Bluebulls (Comment 61) : the boat rules are very simple.
when you see Ice – you don’t say a bad word about Dan Carter;
when you see Sharon – no criticising SuperPat;
CS – has a thing for Keegan;
Salmo – for Meyer Bosman.
And as Rob is watching all the time – we do not even talk about Bradley Barrit
@rekinek (Comment 75) :
@rekinek (Comment 76) : Good one
@rekinek (Comment 76) :
You forgot Dudette & Bissie
@rekinek
Lol sure that is so true!
Who has the thing for Kanko and Deysel, just so i know to avoid any dummy spitting!!
@rekinek (Comment 75) : The rule only applies to BB supporters…if you wanna say francois Hougaard is *$#$# – do so, without providing evidence!
@Bluebulls (Comment 80) :
@rekinek
Now B Barrit There is a prime eg of Sharks stuffing up with potential and talent!
@Franshark (Comment 73) : This is not the time to go with Lambie at FH. If there was any thought of using him ahead of Morne and Butch, he should have been getting much more game time at the international level at 10. Lambie is superb, but the correct choice is to go with M. Steyn and Butch as the 10s. If Frans is hurt, or not in good enough shape, we will probably see Lambie at 15 a fair bit. I was calling for Lambie to start at 10 for the tri-nations, so if it went well, he would be ready for 10 in the RWC, but with the limited game time at 10 (internationally) it really is too much of a risk for the RWC. I have to agree with PdV at this point, but disappointed that he did not give Lambie a chance to play himself into contention at 10.
@ice with a picture like that you can swear at me all day
@Dancing Bear (Comment 84) : i thought he is going as more of a FB anyway…?
@Bluebulls (Comment 85) : hey – I am not swaering at you!! LOL (But thanks for the go-ahead! hehe )
@Ice (Comment 86) : He is, my response was to Franshark who felt he should be starting at 10, but isn’t because PdV is afraid to risk a youngster and would rather lose with experience than with a youngster.
@Bluebulls (Comment 83) : Just so I understand, The Sharks stuffed up because they gave a no talent guy like Barritt a shot, or they stuffed up because Barritt, knowing he had no chance with the Boks, chose instead to ply his trade in England with a shot at playing internationally for them.
@Dancing Bear (Comment 88) : Oh…okay!
@Bluebulls (Comment 61) : Voicing an opinion is not construed as stirring in general, but voicing a blatantly anti-Sharks opinion on a rabidly pro-Sharks blog, without properly substantiating the opinion could be seen as such.
Also, had you been a regular on the website, you’d know that I tend to say things in jest, knowing that the kind folks over here take it as such. Unless you espouse the opinion that Slegmann is a better player than Daniel, in which case you can expect me to unleash the hounds of hell on yer ass.
No what i am saying is that Barritt, could have been a good centre!! If he was managed correctly.
I have a huge problem with player potential and player management in SA.
2007 WC we were not the best coached side man for man. but as a unit/team few could compare.
Coaching and skill in coaching across the board leaves little to desire when comparing to Aus /Kiwis.
This i believe is a big failing in SA rugby.
@ Culling Song
Lol… STEGMANN
@Bluebulls (Comment 92) : My point was, how did the Sharks stuff up? They gave Barritt plenty of game time in his preferred position (12) they gave him the responsibility of calling the defensive lines. He left SA because he knew he would never get a shot with the Boks. Rather it was the Boks that stuffed up, not the Sharks. Maybe I am missing something, so please point out how the Sharks stuffed up with Barritt.
@Dancing Bear (Comment 89) :
Hello there! Did you going sailing in California lately?
@Bluebulls (Comment 93) : Is that a smile you gave me…?
@Culling Song (Comment 91) : “Unless you espouse the opinion that Slegmann is a better player than Daniel, in which case you can expect me to unleash the hounds of hell on yer ass.”
hehehehehehehehehehe
@ Culling Song
This is where you miss read my opinion as a blatant anti-shark rant/anti sharks…Which i am not.
You have not asked me who i think should be FH or anything like that. So before you take any opposing opinion as a personal attack on you or the sharks, find out a bit more info…
@Culling Song (Comment 96) :
Maar hy is ‘n “Sleg man” gives away too many penalties
@Me2 aka Mama Shark (Comment 95) : No, didn’t make San Francisco, but Collin Dibb is a 3 time World Champion now.
Kind of nice that the earth is not shaking underneath me today.
@Dancing Bear (Comment 101) : how bad was/is it, dude?
@Bluebulls (Comment 98) : Did not say you were necessarily anti-Shark, but your opinions regarding SuperPat did not have the glow of fawning adoration we expect around here. Remember, this is Sharksworld, and though we entertain debate, when it comes to Sharks players we are as balanced as an egg on a see-saw. Oh yes, and by “we” I mean “I”.
@Dancing Bear
Are you going to say the same for F Steyn and R Pienaar? and P lambie when the chosen one does not live up to the media hype. And the Sharks keep second guessing him with players from the NH ie freddie what do you think that did to the poor guys confidence? As much pressure has been placed on him and for his coach not to believe in him 100% don’t come with age, experience because then he should have been left with the U21s until he is ready to command the position or at least the full support of the coach. This is why i say Plumtree has made a mistake with lambie like the others in the past being pushed from Pillar to post by Sharks coaching staff. It is well know it has been an issue internally…
@Culling
are you going to reveal yourself to me?
@robdylan (Comment 102) : 3.6 magnitude at 5 a.m. yesterday (at that time the largest in the area in recorded history) and then a 5.9 magnitude at around 2 p.m. This is supposed to be a very “geologically stable” area, so very unexpected. Building at work shook significantly and I am only on 2nd floor, knocked over cabinets, etc. Nobody hurt, but all elevators failed, and one crashed. Apparently the Washington Monument may be slightly leaning now, and the National Cathedral suffered some fairly significant damage. Other than that, things are OK, but now we prepare for Hurricane Irene which is scheduled to hit the mouth of the Chesapeake on Saturday.
One thing after another.
@Bluebulls (Comment 105) : ??? Sorry, last time I did that up it ended with a restraining order against me and some mumbo-jumbo about public indecency…
@Dancing Bear (Comment 100) : Yeah..I saw that. Martin payne was in England during the summer..Mary was staying with Harry Ellens but was not able to meet up because the tide turned too quickly
Do you remember Gavin Smith..he sailed Little Donna Mia and was commodore of PYC…maybe your Dad may remember him?
@Dancing Bear (Comment 106) : Hectic!
@Bluebulls (Comment 104) : I thought we were talking about Barritt? No mention of him in your post. All the other players you mention, all had a shot with the Boks and some chose to ply their trade in Europe, but for different reasons to Barritt, they were after the money, Barritt left for a chance at an international career after being overlooked by the Boks. You said the Sharks stuffed up with Barritt, but you still have not answered how they stuffed up with Barritt. As for the other players, once we get past your Barritt argument, we can talk about them, but comparing them is apples and oranges.
CS
we wouldn’t want that now would we!!
@Bluebulls (Comment 111) : Yeah, and I’m much too pretty for jail.
@Me2 aka Mama Shark (Comment 108) : My dad passed away in March. Not sure I remember Gavin.
Collin really exhibited some BMT in his victory. He was between 1 and 3 points behind Peter Vessella who is a local from San Francisco and been sailing Lasers since 1972. Collin was 3 behind going into the last day with Peter ahead on all the tie breakers. Collin had to put two boats between him and Peter in the two races, and finished 4th in both with Peter 6th in both races. Huge BMT by Collin, very proud of him. I thought this was his second World Championship win, but he pointed out it was his third to me.
@Culling Song (Comment 109) : To say the least. Little bit of good news is that as we get closer to the weekend, the track of the hurricane seems to be moving further offshore, we may get lucky if a nice high pressure settles in over us in the next two days.
@Culling Song (Comment 112) : Well that depends on your point of view now doesn’t it. I venture to say there may be an inmate or two that may think you are just pretty enough.
@Bluebulls (Comment 104) : Freddie was not brought in to undermine Pat…but to mentor him and to cover for Pat while he was with the Boks and possible (now positive) WC selection. Either way Freddie said he wanted to come back to Natal if he did not regain selection for France. I just wish people out there would just get this in to their heads and stop saying Freddie is/was/will undermine Pat.
@Dancing Bear (Comment 106) : Friends of mine down in the islands were alaso quite shook up, as was Milissa (old Sharks blog blogger) near NY…she was on the 7th floor! Glad no damage done down your way..good luck with Irene.
@Dancing Bear (Comment 115) : Read again, that is *exactly* my concern!
@Dancing Bear (Comment 113) : Sorry to hear about your Dad.
Wow, so Colin had to do some hard work there….those Dibb boys were always pretty stubborn!
@Culling Song (Comment 117) :
@Dancing Bear (Comment 84) : yes I’ve said that the last few days, Lambi not to play FH this WC cause of lack of proper chace in full blood bok team, I agree…. And at this stage I’d rather play Mstein than butch…
@Me2 aka Mama Shark (Comment 118) : Yeah, and to beat a world class local as well. One year ago, Collin could not make the Worlds in England (when I was there) because he had just had surgery on both his shoulders. Someone told me he was sailing Laser 4.7s trying to get back into it. Then in one year he is back in a full rig, at a heavy air venue winning the whole thing. He must have worked very hard to get into shape for this.
@Me2 aka Mama Shark (Comment 116) : Exactly what I said in comment 44!
@Franshark (Comment 120) : On one hand I am glad M. Steyn had the chance to play against the ABs. He had been so poor with the Boks for the past 12 months, it is really great he was able to be successful against the best in the world. It should help his confidence going into RWC. However, on the other hand, I really hoped Butch would get another chance, he is a much better all around 10 than Steyn, he plays much flatter, and his kicking out of hand is better and not overdone like with Steyn. However, now that we are where we are, I am pleased Steyn excelled against the ABs, so he can enter RWC with confidence for us. I am very worried about FdP though.
@Me2 aka Mama Shark
Rubbish, Lambie never had any Bokk commitments during the Super 15 when he was moved for the last Crucial games!!! Everyone trying to cover it up saying Mitchelak was to be brought in as Scrumhalf …i think not as after 40 minutes he had the FH position all wrapped up!!
@Bluebulls (Comment 124) : Issie! That was just to ruffle the bulls balls….and it worked well! Element of suprize – worked like a charm! Best game I watched ALL YEAR!! LIVE!!!
@Ice (Comment 122) : It does not seem to have penatrated in Blue bulls (dare I say it) thick head, judging by his comment 104.
@Dancing Bear (Comment 121) : Wow, that makes it even more admirable.
@Dancing Bear
I agree with you would also like to see Butch starting at 10. I believe he releives pressure from his Scrum half as well as his centres with the knowledge that they have someone who is capable of absorbing the pressure when under attack.
It is a crucial thing in any side knowing that pressure situations can be dealt with effectively. I just prey that Butch leaves the coat-hangers in the changing room cant afford silly mistakes!!
The other concern is crucial kicking points, in those close games!!!
@Bluebulls (Comment 124) : Something for you to ponder. Perhaps Michalak was brought in to help to develop Lambie, after all, he is a world class 10. Also, have you ever considered that the Sharks were week at 15, and since Michalak is not a 15, and Lambie is excellent at 15 as well as 10, he was played there. In other words, perhaps Lambie was played at 15 because he is a very good 15, and the Sharks and Boks need him there, and not because Michalak displaced him. Just a thought, and you seem like a thoughtful bloke to me.
@Bluebulls (Comment 127) : Even international observers admit that M. Steyn is the best goalkicker in international rugby. It is hard for any other 10 to compete with that in a RWC. Goalkicking is so critical in a RWC format, tries are secondary, no team can afford to miss any kicks.
@Dancing Bear (Comment 129) : Which is why it is a tough call between Butch and Morne, I can understand the selection of either as first choice and will support either one fully.
@DB
Ok so what you saying is that he is needing coaching and mentoring from a Scrumhalf/Flyhaf who could not lets say secure a flyhalf position at the Lions as Butch is there
at Province as Grant is there if not injured
At the cheetahs as Sias is there
or the Bulls as Steyn is there.
Yes i know he wanted to play for the sharks and enjoys playing there but non of the other would be chasing his signature.
So this amazing talent is learning from Mitchelack how by playing FB no a under study is someone who plays the same position second to that person ie the second team ie Berquest and Carter non of this moving around utility backs Bull to force him in the team. it unsettles the individual the team and does absolutely nothing for mentoring. As we saw how the Sharks cam apart towards the end of the Super 15
When Morne Steyn first started out in first class rugby, his goalkicking was average at best, but he was an excellent attacking player. The Bulls could not justify playing him ahead of Hougaard, who was a superb goalkicker, so instead they played him at fullback and centre to take advantage of his attacking prowess. He worked very hard on his kicking to become one of the best in the world, however he seems to have lost his ability to attack now, and plays far too deep. I wish he could find a little better balance in his game.
@DB i agree a combination of both Butch and M steyn is the only answer for 2011 WC
@Bluebulls (Comment 131) : i think my take in comment 125 is your answer!
@Bluebulls (Comment 131) : hehehe, just pointing out an alternative explanation. Clearly you don’t think much of Lambie, and you have every right to that opinion. Unfortunately you have not really given anything to back up what you say, but that’s OK too. The fact that 95% of the rugby supporters worldwide disagree with you is also unimportant.
@Bluebulls (Comment 124) : A little bitter about that are you? As Ice said..caught you all (and a lot of Sharks supporters) but surprise, a pleasant one for us but ntt for you…shame!
@Dancing Bear (Comment 123) : sorry but Morne is useless without FduP, and even worse behind a loosing scrum, that was very clear during the first half of trinations. But he is a great goal kicker…..so what do you do…give away tries or get the penalties over? We will NOT win the WC if we cannot score tries & lots of them…need an attacking FH
@Me2 aka Mama Shark (Comment 136) : Sorry Mama, can’t agree, FdP was rubbish against the ABs, but Morne Steyn was excellent. Agree he is poor behind a losing scrum, but so are most other 10s. The Boks chances of winning the RWC start with the forwards, if they play on the front foot, then Steyn will be fine at 10.
How many tries were scored in our two RWC final victories? (1995 and 2007)
@Dancing Bear (Comment 137) : Not sure BUT we have to get to the final first. I do not think Morne’s field kicking is up to scratch. He gave away a lot of good possesion on Saturday.
@Me2 aka Mama Shark (Comment 138) : I did say in an earlier comment that Butch’s kicking out of hand was better than Morne, it goes along with playing flatter. By playing so deep, the defense can prepare for the kick, because they know it is coming so often from Steyn. With Butch being shallow, the defense has to defend the run, pass and kick. To be honest, at this point in his career, Lambies kicking from hand is weak, it is an experience thing, he will come right. But with all that said, we can not afford to miss a single goal kick at the RWC.
Me2 aka Mama Shar
Are you able to have a though of your own, because you obviously did not watch the game on Saturday Steyn Put the Bokks in good field positions with kicks from hand.
Do not be suckered into repeating comments and line people are using to discredit his performance.
Our field stats for being in the Black half was dismal and if it had not have been for a few well placed kicks we would have had even less. This is one of the important abilities a FH needs being able to turn attacking team and defuse their momentum something which is easier said than done.
Naas was a pro at doing this…wait for it i can just feel the comments coming on
Everyone keeps harping on about kicking possession away, but why play in your 22 or 22-10m when you can get the ball in the opponents 22 and play from there. Assuming ones deffence is upto the task of shutting down runners as we did on Saturday.
@Dancing Bear (Comment 139) : I don’t really want to see Pat at FH in the Wc..prefer him @ FB, to cover for FS, better than Aplon, anyway. Would rather have Butch at FH ; Morne come on as sub.FS is also pretty handy at goal kicking as well
. BUT I’ll be happy with anyone who helps us win the WC!! Got to go now..cashing up time, then home to relax over a glass of good SA white wine 
Catch you again soon.
@Me2 aka Mama Shark (Comment 142) : Cheers. Just one comment as you go, yes Frans Steyn can kick at goal, and he kicks the ball a country mile, but he is still very inconsistent which is why he is rarely the first choice goalkicker for his team. Have a great evening.
@Bluebulls (Comment 140) : Hey, YOU, I am never “suckered” into anything…I express MY OWN OPINIONS..and that is how I saw the game.. for your information…I hardly ever read press articles about the games, nor do I listen to what our commentators have to say. Most of them talk xyz anyway.
Don’t mess with me, you have chosen the wrong person…if you can’t get the better of Ice..don’t try it on me grrrrrrr
@Bluebulls (Comment 141) : Do you call that shutting down runners? I call it lucky that the NZ’s kept passing to the wrong team when they had clean breaks.
@Dancing Bear (Comment 143) : Agree with you there
@Ben (Comment 145) :
Dear Mr Bluebulls,
Please stop Lambie-bashing before I have to break out the wet celery and whip your bare behind with it.
Love and kisses,
Shaz
PS: I shall say this only once….
@Ben (Comment 145) : One might argue that good defense may force the opposition into making mistakes and silly passes.
@SharonvanWyk (Comment 148) : Wet celery????
@ Mama Sharks GRRR i am not messing with you chill… you could find out from those on here who i am and see if i am the kind of chap who cares about who he is messing with
@Dancing Bear a little stat not sure if it has much weight or relavance as it was a different side playing this past Saturday. But all the 3N games we lose we (FH’s) consistently kicked out of hand less than our opponents did and we lost.
The game agains the AB’s which we won we Kicked (the FH’s) 100% more than the Blacks.
Yes i know we played a more dominant game upfront but it has to be said if you are going forward /attacking your forwards have the upper hand. and it has proven it;s self time and time again. to be successful.
@Dancing Bear (Comment 149) : And a even better Defence would not allow line breaks at all.
@Bluebulls (Comment 151) : Agreed, I have commented on this thread that a dominant forward pack is what will lead the Boks to RWC victory, not a flash backline. I also commented earlier on the importance of kicking out of hand, and how effective Butch is because he plays flatter which allows more space behind the defensive line to place kicks. Unfortunately with Morne playing deep, he has less space to kick into and as a result his kicks tend to end up in the oppositions hands, whereas Butch’s kicks tend to find the ground first.
@ SharonvanWyk
Lol, please keep you celery holstered. Obviously i have come across a cult here and would not want to mess with the psyche of your beliefs. I just hope i never read the about a number of Sharks supporters in some zambian village all poisoned by some bad brew!!
@Ben (Comment 152) : That would be ideal, but given the imperfection of humanity, a superb cover defense is really nice to have.
@Bluebulls (Comment 141) : if kicking in your own half is a must the why is Israel Dagg then running with the ball when MS kicks it right into his basket, you should send him a memo for kicking and running then….
@Bluebulls (Comment 151) : I did not appreciate your comments…in fact I was insulted at you implying that I have no opinion of my own. I don’t care who you are.
I just expect an apology, that’s all.
@Bluebulls (Comment 151) : So long as Carter is not there
@Bluebulls (Comment 154) :
Are you implying that we all partake of the proverbial kool-aid?
MS was good on saturday, but overdid the kicking and when you overdo it you tend to loose accuracy and tendency…
@Franshark (Comment 159) : It all stems from him taking the ball too deep. What else is he going to do with the ball if he is 10 metres behind the gain line when he gets the ball? If he tries to run, he will get caught behind the gain line, if he passes his backline will be getting the ball on the back foot and probably get dropped behind the gain line, so the only option is to kick. The oppo know this and position themselves to take the kicks and counter attack. I assure you that if Dagg had to field the ball after it hit the ground, he would not be running every time, but would be kicking for touch far more often.
@Dancing Bear (Comment 155) : Would also be easier to make some line breaks of our own if our “brilliant” No10 didn’t keep kicking the ball away.
Mama shark you got to be kidding? never take anything personal, especially on a blog from a Bluebull.
@Bluebulls (Comment 154) : OK. Wet celery removed from harm’s way. The only “bad brew” I know of in Zambia is Mozi, and it happens to be quite a good bad brew! Have gotten stukkend in several villages along the Zambezi, courtesy of it’s amber lure… (Admittedly followed by Jaeger-bombs…)
@Bluebulls (Comment 162) :
@Ben (Comment 161) : See post 160.
@Dancing Bear (Comment 165) : I saw. And agree.
@Bluebulls (Comment 162) : Just go and read the rules Bru. Although not against the rules its seriously not cool to blog while you are drunk!
@SharonvanWyk (Comment 163) :
I have had many similar experiences all around Lake Malawi and down the Zambizie thanks to Nami Nami!
@Bluebulls :MR must say you were a fresh breeze of entertainment today, thank you
@Ben
I thought that it was standard Shark etiquette to blogg while jugging a Zamalek quart!!
@Franshark
Shot, I will have to go find some other entertainment for tomorrow going to serch the web now for a Football blog on Wane rooney?? Should be a blast!
Good luck to all our Bokk at the WC
we arrive in NZ for the Quaters/ Semi’s and Finals to see the trophy is brought back home!
P.s what do you think if we are sticking on keeping JS at hooker it cant be that bad to Have Bismark on at Flak alongside /Brussow or Alberts ??? Just a thought
@Bluebulls (Comment 170) : No boet. You’re confusing Natal with Tshwane.
@Ben (Comment 172) :
@Ben
What ??? This is not the liefling fan site of the Bluebulls, man and here i am thinking i was on a Bulls Blog
@Bluebulls (Comment 173) :