No, I mean the REAL off season… having one of those “on this day, absolutely nothing happened” moments!
You know that here at Sharksworld our goal is always to bring you the news that matters, all the time – well, I’m afraid that today, at least, I’m going to have to admit failure in that regards because there simply isn’t anything even remarkably noteworthy going on. Here are a few snippets of things which might make for decent conversation, even though I’m not sure any of them deserves an article in its own right.
- Victor Matfield suffered an embarrassing hammering in his last game, as the Wallabies stuffed the Baabaas 60-11 in a one-sided display at Twickenham on Saturday. Despite the defeat, Matfield insists the Barbarians concept “still has value”.
- Paul Treu’s Blitzbokke won bronze at the Gold Coast Sevens, after a proper thrashing by Fiji in the semis saw them knocked out of title contention.Beatin Australia twice in one day to end third was the clear highlight.
- Jake White is apparently interested in the England coaching job, again. Or something. Whatever.
- Samoan loud mouth moron Eliota Fuimaono-Sapolu has lost his appeal for tweeting abuse against everyone who moves or dares to challenge him and now faces an unclear punishment – perhaps even a life ban.
- The Baby Bok squad of 45 has assembled in Stellenbosch for the start of a week-long camp that will see Dawie Theron work further with a trimmed-down group of players as he aims to settle on the right combinations to compete for the 2012 IRb Junior World Championship title.
- Long-serving Free State President Harold Verster (remember him? One of our favourites!) is apparently retiring and will be replaced on Tuesday. There’s talk that he may stay on in some capacity related to the Super Rugby franchise, but will no longer be at the helm of the provincial union.
Let’s hope tomorrow brings more news!
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and in ironical news, Durban received its heaviest rainfall since the tears of Sharks supporters flooded Kingspark in 2007 ( The event that should not be mentioned), just as the COP17 conference begins.
Its boring when there is no rugby
Will we get to see the respective winners announcements now?
December really is the ‘off season’ of the year
@JarsonX (Comment 3) : I’m still trying to sort out prizes, dude. Thanks for increasing the embarrassment, if that’s even possible.
@Mocho (Comment 1) :
To say something about the 7′s, Fiji is always there and about a very dangerous team, but they seriously are looking as unstoppable as the Lions did
On the Baabaa’s game: what a disappointment, they held it a bid in the first half but the 2nd half was terrible… Vicky had a good game(the best of the Baabaa’s IMO) but nothing said about his captainsy… But who wants to captain a side full of over payed and “lus vir niks” bunch of rugga dudes…
@robdylan (Comment 4) : No need to feel embarrased, you’re only human after all
I knew that if the Baabaas dont gel, they’ll be in for a hiding. A bunch of individuals doesnt make a great team.
@robdylan (Comment 4) : Rob any news on new signings…or hints of some Sharks returning?
Any news on Kockett? Heard roomers of swannie returning…also from the Stormers Camp…Piet Louw has hinted linking to joining the sharks or play pro bono for province…also heard Kanko had offers from abroad…maybe Plum can update us on his policies for youngsters(or lack there off. Also heard Bulls and Lions where looking to get the Marias brothers aswell. Also heard of Carel du Plessis plans of re introduction of our Total rugby system…same as NZ a couple years ago. And then to conclude I heard Campo left up because of bad vibes in ’07 or ’08 I still think he is the best attacking couch(backline) in the world…that’s that on all the roomers….wish we had some good news to look foreward to over the festive season…
@JarsonX (Comment 9) : Agreed. I thought they didn`t look too bad on paper, well except for Cipriani of course, but somehow they forgot to pitch up.
Having said that, O`Connor was in great form!
@Original Pierre (Comment 11) : agree, I actually thought O’Connor was to be MOTM, Capriani was…. Should I say it… Two bad…
please ignore me .. haha
Two things on the weekend rugby: 1. Its all well and good picking these little guys that can step and hav pace for the 7s team but its starting to become a real problem when they called on to defend and well they get run over! 2. The Baabaas game showed that you cant pick guys that are in off season holiday mode or in retirement and expect them to compete against a good international side!
Stormers news:
Fitness and conditioning – the boys sweat it out!
- Friday, November 25, 2011
After an extended period of rest, the DHL Stormers commenced an intensive phase of conditioning training this week.
“Down time for players is as important as training at this time of year and a balance has to be found between ensuring the guys are physically and mentally rested, but are in the best condition they can be in by competition phase. We decided on a compulsory 3-week lay-off this year with a 4th week of conditioning introduction at a venue of their choice thereafter. Therefore they had 4 weeks away from the HPC and have returned fresh and amped for this tough phase” said conditioning coach Stephan Du Toit. “We will train for 4 weeks now flat out and then allow them another 3 weeks of conditioning maintenance over Christmas and New Year, with a massive emphasis on maintaining what they gained during this initial 4-week phase.”
“Our conditioning aims are similar to last year, focussing on ensuring significant strength, power and fitness improvements, but will also look to focus on individual discrepancies in athlete physical profiles.
“We completed the most thorough test battery since I started with the Stormers and will focus on improving every physical component of those tests with individual athletes. We aim to ensure that the players and team as a whole are stronger and fitter than last year and have the ability to withstand the rigours of the toughest competition in the game, for the duration.
“To help attain our goals the players currently complete 2 x 90 minute sessions twice per day, 5 days per week for 4 weeks. Not all the sessions are at the HPC. We try to get out and utilize other venues like our local beaches for cross-training, but the main focus would be a mixture of gymnasium and field sessions.
“Despite the toughness of this phase, the athletes really enjoy this training. Players compete for physical benchmarks and really push themselves to achieve. They all know competition for places is tough and that the physical improvements made now are of enormous value on the pitch into the new season. Work ethic is not an issue! It’s a great group of guys with a number of the youngsters pushing hard for spots. A number of the senior guys have teamed up with youngsters guiding them and pushing each other, which is great. Schalk Burger teamed up with Steven Kitshoff and Brok Harris today and Jean de Villiers and JP du Plessis have been training together for the whole week and pushing each other hard. The common goal is to improve and although players might be fighting for the same spot they want to see the team triumph.
“Already we have seen some impressive benchmark stats with youngsters the Kitshoff’s (Steven and Rohan) both benching a very impressive 180kg and Jean de Villiers, Louis Schreuder and Gio Aplon all running sub 5 second 40m sprints, in a head-on South Easter. There’s a long way to go, but the players are certainly giving it their all already.” concluded the fitness coach.
@PaarlBok (Comment 15) : Is that the same JP du Plessis that played for the Rebels this year?
@JarsonX (Comment 16) : Yebo
Good to see Rohan Kitshoff rejoined the Stormers, we need him.
@PaarlBok (Comment 18) : He is the Namibian flanker hey? Will be interesting to see who fills the loose forward slots next year
@SheldonK (Comment 19) : Yep, Vermeulen, Burger and Kitshoff look like the right mix. Looking forward to see Kolisi and Carr step up to the S15 level. They have been great in the CC.
Yep, i felt a distinct feeling of panic when i saw the many weeks to go before the S15 2012 kicks off…luckily, there is the cricket to enjoy in the meantine…don’t fear, the bloggers will most certainly keep the writing going…happy blogging!
@PaarlBok (Comment 20) : Is Vermuelen over his injury I know it may not be a popular choice but id like to see Burger at 8 and Vermuelen at 7. I just think 8 is where Burger’s Bok future may lie, especially if he is captain.
@SheldonK (Comment 22) : Spies will most likely be Bok no8 though.
@SheldonK (Comment 22) : Agree, Scchalkie played 8 all his schoolboy rugby. I’ll be surprise if he isnt our next Bok captain. When Juan returned the right position for Schalkie is 8 altho we saw Brussouw, Juan and Ashley pack down in any position for the Tin Ears. Personally I prefer Duanne in 8 for the Stormers.
@PaarlBok: so jp dup is in the stormers sr training group?
@JarsonX (Comment 23) : @PaarlBok (Comment 24) : If Burger plays 8 for Super rugby it would put big pressure on the selectors if they selected Spies cos i think Schalk is a much better player. Vermuelen played 7 a lot at the Cheetahs i think,would give him more freedom too. And i like Schalk at 8, its where he made his Bok debut. Burger,Brussouw and Smith…if only everyone was fit
@bergshark (Comment 25) : Look like. Myself thought he would have gone to the Lions. Pretty sure he played for their U21 team in the final but then I also know his dad. His boetie is at Paul Roos and his dad is hiring fitness equipment and KleinGim Academy using it. Excellent person, his old toppie.
@Boerseun: interesting news/rumour re: pieter louw..
@robdylan: do you perhaps know if the sharks will be having another look at jacques engelbrecht?
@PaarlBok: oom Charl his a super person- have had the pleasure of meeting both him and his wife.really great people.I wouldve liked if jp dup was at the sharks,but hoope he makes it big in weepee( just not in games against the sharks
)
A woman finds Aladdin’s magic lamp.
She starts rubbing it and a Genie comes out as usual.
The woman looks at the Genie and she asks him to grant her a wish:
“I want my husband to have only eyes for me,
I want to be the only one in his life,
I want him to sleep always by my side,
I want that when he gets up in the morning i’m the first thing he grabs
and to take me everywhere he goes….”
And whoosh!!!
The Genie turned her into
A BlackBerry…
Goodbye to the beautiful province of Kwa-Zulu Natal.
I shall miss your rolling one-thousand hills, your cold Drakensberg mountains, the meandering rivers and golden coasts.
However I shall not miss you, Dr. Mike Suttcliffe. I shall hold my tounge lest I be banned.:lol:
May all my visits back co-incide, if not be the catalyst for, with the presence of the mighty Sharks in either a SupeRugby or Currie Cup final. (However with the way SupeRugby is going, the finals may overlap :rolleyes: )
@bergshark (Comment 28) : I would really not understand us signing Piet Louw…I believe Lambert Groenewalt and Kleinhans is more that enough for us, same with coetzee…I hope we don’t sign Louw. I wish we had a more attacking players at the back…we don’t need more forwards, good young tough locks on our books. We need a jacque fourie line breaker….and we have a awesome lambie distributor. Excellent young wings finishers…come on Plum!!! What more do you need…please trade Joubert+Bosman and chill on the michelak we have the Lambie factor…and let’s get Kockett Back…and Campo!!! Shit get Gary Kirsten if it blows your hair back…let’s. Just get back to sharks rugby…fiji sevens is a great example of getting back to basic fiji rugby…
Pieter Louws sister and grandad stays in Durban. I wont be surprise if he move to the Sharks. Cant believe the Stormers let him slip, he was one hell of a schoolboy talent. Captained the GalPille with a record Interschools score against Paarl Gym back in 2004.
@PaarlBok (Comment 33) : I cant see him adding too much value unless its a replacement for Botes. Wud be pointless having both of them though.
@SheldonK (Comment 34) : The Sharks need an out and out fetcher and, unless we bring in Kleinhans and Groenewaldt, he wouldn’t be a bad buy as he is an honest grafter who is not afraid to do the dirty work.
Earlier entry describing the KZN province…well said…”there is a lovely road that runs from Ixopo into the hills…”…okay, goodbye and do enjoy the rugby talk!
@SheldonK (Comment 34) : Pieter isnt a fetcher by any means. Played 8 as a schoolboy.
Brendan Venter and Nazeem Adams have been appointed as SA U20 assistant coaches.
Just seen on News 24 that Province are looking to blood Tim Swiel, SA schools flyhalf (I think due to injury to Jaco vd Walt), potentially in the Superrugby competition. What do people think? Havent seen much, but from the youtube clips looks a very good player.
@Pat (Comment 39) : Know he and Pollard shared the WP Craven Week jersey but never would have thought he’ll jump it this quick.
@Pat (Comment 39) : Tim Swiel of Bishops made the SA Schools 22-man squad on his own steam in 2011. He didn’t rely on injuries to get there.
Yes Jaco was injured ahead of the French game that paved the way for Tim’s promotion from the bench. The selectors actually first called in Faf Tredoux of Klofies who was injured in practice and finally Pieter Jordaan (Paul’s boet from Grey Bloem) as cover on the bench for SA Sch.
Tim is a fantastic prospect, he’s got a good rugby brain, reads play very well and backs it up with decent speed and one of the best passing games of any SA schoolboy. At Bishops he played 15, 13 and 10 equally well. I thought he shd have been in WP u18 in 2010 as a FB ahead of Craig Barry, who himself is an outstanding player that played went on to represent SA schools in 2010.
I don’t think he’ll be ready for the big times in 2012 but he is definitely worth keeping an eye – one for the future.
@Pat (Comment 39) : Do yourself a favour next year go watch the kearsney festival.
There is a flyhalf by the name of Joshua Stander he plays for queens college he is joining the bulls in 2013.
He is a contender for SA schools.
@PaarlBok (Comment 40) : I think Pollard will be better than swiel.
Who are the players to keep an eye for next year in terms of schools rugby? Maybe someone could make up a mock SA schools 2012 team?
@Pat (Comment 44) :
Watch out for some of these players next year who have a chance to make sa schools next year:
Hendro Pollard Flyhalf – Paarl Gym
Joshua Stander Flyhalf – Queens College
Jordaan Flyhal – Grey College
Juan Phillip Smith – Scrumhalf – Queens College
Milani Mqhayi – Dale College – Wing
Warrick Gellant – Outeniqua – Full Back
Rohan Janse Van Rensburg groot outside centre from waterkloof
Carl Swart – Glenwood number 8.
Christiaan Massyn – Monument openside flank classy.
Siyabonga Tom – Wing Glenwood he has already made the SA under 20 training group.
Thanks Muzi will keep an eye out for them, have heard big things about Malcolm Marx and the Maritzburg College 13, think it is Danie Kriel, who looks quite sizeable as well. Am i right in saying Jaco vd Walt is still at school this year? Selectors are going to struggle to pick a flyhalf at Craven week perhaps!
Ooops forgot Thabo Mabuza!!!!!!! Centurion openside flank made SA schools in grade 11.
Jaco vd Walt – Monnas Flyhalf.
Oh yes who can forget the massive Malcom Marx from KES that dude is a big boy.
he plays blindside flank.
@Pat (Comment 46)
aniel Kriel is 1 of the players I’m really looking forward to watching next year. College will be blessed for choices in their midfield with Kriel, Bamber, Matt Jv Rensburg, Marcel Coetzee all available + I’ve heard that N/Coast talent Pretorius will be returning to the school as well. It’s hard to determine how College will perform. Their pack is probably going to be on the small size again but the will bring back 11 players incl captain Regan Smith, maybe even more players with 1st team experience so things could be quite good for the Goldstones faithful in 2012
@StevieS (Comment 35) : @PaarlBok (Comment 37) : I hate the term “fetcher” as i think its a team job and not the responsibility of 1 person. If we relying on 1 person to secure ruck ball then we may as well just kick it to the opposition and defend all game! The reason i grouped Louw with Botes is that they are a similar type of player in terms of their linking play,speed and ball carrying abilities. Louw does have the age advantage though and i do feel Botes is coming towards the end of his career.
@SheldonK (Comment 50) : Oh another Jake White supporter. Dunno Boet these days at the top (McAwe, PoCock, Brussouw, Welsch capt)the fetchers rules rugby, the more the merrier. I have seen many Sharks matches when they play without Botes or Bismarck, they’ll struggle. The same goes for any team. Ask the Lions, they hold the CC thanks for dominating them breakdowns in the semi and final. If you rule there it seem you rule the rugby game.
@PaarlBok (Comment 51) : In other words, we are dead again next year cause our only fetcher is battling to get game time
@PaarlBok (Comment 51) : Yes i am a Jake White supporter, but not over the fetcher role. But some of his points regarding it do have merit. I think players like McCaw,Pocock and Brussouw add more value than just putting their hands in a ruck when they shouldnt be, if the rucking law was still around those guys wouldnt have that impact trust me, but they will still be good players because of the other value they add. I just believe that every player on the field should take the responsibility of securing the ball at the breakdown or contesting opposition ball, just because you dont have a 6 or 7 on ur back doesnt mean you should get to stand around at a ruck and hope the saviour of the team is there to help you! The reason the Lions dominated the breakdowns is because every person in that forward pack took on that responsibility but the Sharks were just waiting for Bismarck to do something heroic. Some may disagree but hey thats life
@Original Pierre (Comment 52) : Sorry you are Sharks supporter?
@SheldonK (Comment 53) : Most will tell you WP have a light 5 but the Lions dominate us at the breakdowns. Minnie, Strauss, Rhodes, Franco & Wikus are huge at the breakdowns. Minnier is your fetcher, the others will play around him , like I said the more the merrier.
@PaarlBok (Comment 55) : The reason WP gets dominated at breakdowns is that most of your forwards are standing in the 10 channel waiting to carry the ball, much like the Sharks with Alberts,Deysel and Kanko. The Lions forwards all play to the ball and use pick and drives instead of 1 off ball carriers like the Sharks and to an extent WP. I dotn think the stats are available but if u watch the CC final again watch how many times Janthjies takes the ball at 10 channel and how often Michalak does. U will find that more often than not its a forward taking it for the Sharks.
@SheldonK (Comment 56) : Brock Harris at centre and burger at flyhalf
@Muzi (Comment 57) : Ya but at the Sharks Alberts and Deysel could wear 10 and 12 as well! U hardly ever see NZ or OZ forwards standing at 10 channel..yes it happens sometimes but in the most part, especially NZ use their forwards to pick and drive- its what made the Bulls so good at one stage.
@SheldonK (Comment 58) : Its what Heyneke Meyer wants to implement again.
The bulls forwards have been running away from the dirty dtuff these days and its embarrasing.
@SheldonK (Comment 56) : Ja we dont had fetchers flankers in that semi. WP should at least had Fenton-Wells in that game. Same thing happen with the Bokke in the WC. Once Brussouw left we could not counter PoCock like WP could not counter Minnie en maatjies.
@Muzi (Comment 59) : @PaarlBok (Comment 60) : With the standard or defenses and the way the tackle was reffed in 2011 its easy to isolate and turnover 1 off runners but as NZ showed when you pick and drive from close quarters its a lot harder to turn over ball and it sucks in players which allows their dangerous backs a lot of room without forwards being in the way.
@SheldonK (Comment 61) : Trust me I have never been a supporter of forwards in the backs, agree totally on that point. I do however feel that in the modern game you need at least fetcher flanker, if you get two, its even better. I like the way Thomson and McAwe works together, pretty much the same as Brown and PoCock for the Wallabies or Schalkie and Brussouw. Bismarckt is a monster and if we can add his type you have an extra bonus. Just my c worth, two is better then nul.
@PaarlBok (Comment 62) : Yeh look if everyone thought,played and coached the same way how boring would rugby be? It would be rugby league!
Wilde Klawer Schools tournament:
The teams will each play against the following opponents:
Affies: Paarl Boys’ High, Paul Roos
Ben Vorster: Boland Landbou, Framesby
Boland Landbou: HTS Middelburg, Ben Vorster
Diamantveld: Outeniqua, Maritzburg College
EG Jansen: Grey, Wildeklawer
Framesby: HTS Middelburg, Ben Vorster
Glenwood: Paarl Gim, Outeniqua
Grey: Waterkloof, EG Jansen
HTS Middelburg: Boland Landbou, Framesby
Maritzburg College: Diamantveld, Oakdale
Monnas: Paarl Boys’ High, Paul Roos
Oakdale: Wildeklawer, Maritzburg College
Outeniqua: Glenwood, Diamantveld
Paarl Boys’ High: Affies, Monnas
Paarl Gim: Waterkloof, Glenwood
Paul Roos: Affies, Monnas
Waterkloof: Grey, Paarl Gim
Wildeklawer: EG Jansen, Oakdale
Good to see the Natal schools getting a run and the tournament growing by the year. Basjan will be over the moon with his brain child!
Great hockey on at the moment
http://www.fih.ch/en/competitions-146-fih-champions-challenge-1-2011-champions
Watche dIndia beating the Proteas and hope our boys qualify for the Olympics
Deysel must play in the loose forwards
http://www.keo.co.za/2011/11/30/keo-co-za-cleans-up-at-awards/
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
@SharksRTB (Comment 68) : If that’s is the so called highest standard of journalism, we can wish sport journalism good bye.
@Mocho (Comment 69) : We all know awards are a sham and the public knows who is the beste etc.
@SharksRTB (Comment 68) : If that’s is the so called highest standard of journalism, we can wish
good sport journalism good bye.
@SheldonK (Comment 70) : Jeez imagine what young Sports journalists must be thinking.
@Mocho (Comment 72) : yeh u do have a point. its a tough industry.
@bergshark (Comment 67) : agree with you