Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer has selected his team to take on the English in the third test in Port Elizabeth this Saturday, handing Jacques Potgieter his debut in a team that sees a few changes from the team that beat England in Johannesburg last weekend.
Potgieter replaces Willem Alberts while Gio Aplon comes into the fullback jersey for Pat Lambie, the Sharks players both ruled out of the match through injury. The final change to the starting line-up sees Wynand Olivier taking the 12 jersey from Frans Steyn, who is getting married this weekend.
On the bench, Elton Jantjies has the chance to get his first Springbok cap should he come onto the park, while Ryan Kankowski replaces Keegan Daniel as backup to the loose trio.
The tight five remains unchanged, with Juandré Kruger recovering from his injury in time to join his second row partner Eben Etzebeth.
In further news, Jean de Villiers has been announced as Springbok captain for the remainder of the 2012 internationals, and will lead the Springboks against Argentina, Australia and New Zealand later in the year in the Rugby Championship, the extended Tri Nations.
South Africa: 15 Gio Aplon, 14 JP Pietersen, 13 Jean de Villiers (captain), 12 Wynand Olivier, 11 Bryan Habana, 10 Morne Steyn, 9 Francois Hougaard, 8 Pierre Spies, 7 Jacques Potgieter, 6 Marcell Coetzee, 5 Juandre Kruger, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Jannie du Plessis, 2 Bismarck du Plessis, 1 Tendai Mtwarira
Substitutes: 16 Adriaan Strauss, 17 Werner Kruger, 18 Flip van der Merwe, 19 Ryan Kankowski, 20 Ruan Pienaar, 21 Elton Jantjies, 22 Bjorn Basson
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Interesting choices….a couple of injuries and a wedding and suddenly we look thin in some positions.
Keegan fall out of the 22 altogether. Maybe size does matter at test level although Keegan has never looked great at flank and only really blossoms at 8
@Pokkel (Comment 1) :
De Jongh’s ommission just stumps me..
Surely a combination playing together all year so far gets preference to a guy out of position and an off-form (never been in form at Bok level) Olivier?
@Pokkel (Comment 1) : That sounds like a British movie title – a couple of injuries and a wedding
Good team.
Well done to the new boys Jaques Potgieter and Elton Jantjies!!
Its interesting that Olivier is playing, i heard he`s the “maid of honour” at Frans Steyn`s wedding…
Aaaaarrrrrggggg!!!! Highly highly irritated with this team!! Frik HM
@VanWilder (Comment 6) :
It sounds so much better in Afrikaans….strooimeisie!!!
@jessi (Comment 7) :
???
What seems to be the problem??
@Richard Ferguson (Comment 3) :
Heyneke is obviously sticking to his ‘rankings’ so not to piss anybody off!
@Pokkel (Comment 2) : huh?!? Keeg made his career at flank… Besides, Spies is a huge example of how size doesn’t matter- he does stuff-all with his size, besides going backwards #justsaying
@Pokkel (Comment 8) : hey, kry ek nie punte oor ek probeer nie?
Instead of complaining wait to c hw they go and then complain after!!!! Amazing how people complain but we win and they find sumthing new to bitch about
GO BOKKE !!!!!!
@VanWilder (Comment 12) : Goed gedoen ….ek sê maar net!!
@wpw (Comment 9) : potgieter is rubblish and he just waltz’s into starting 15, and keeg is left out completely…then elton on the bench?! And wynand at center…all wrong- quality players who should be there are being stuffed around. And gio isn’t a fullback, I’m sorry.. That’s just my point of view
That bench doesn’t exactly inspire confidence, unless for some reason the later part of the second half becomes an open, helter-skelter affair.
And we’re in front.
I would have preferred to see Mvovo instead of Basson!!!
Not happy at all with the inclusion of Jacques Potgieter & Elton Jantjies.
Jacques Potgieter has single-digit caps in Super Rugby, where he’s done little.
Elton Jantjies form doesn’t warrant selection, so why the hell would you cap him as a debutant when he’s not even performing? Sends the wrong message.
Frans & Ruan would’ve made more then capable 10 replacements if needed… while any of CJ Stander, Siya Kolisi, or I’d argue Arno Botha would’ve been a better choice then Jacques Potgieter on the blindside.
Coach picked who he picked so shut up and just support your team!!! U nt coaches so y nt jus back the team!!! People beg 4 hm to be coach bt like true idiots critisise every move he makes typical
@lloyd (Comment 20) :
That is part of being a SA rugby supporter….thats what we do! We can’t let Heynecke have a free ride while all the other got it hammered.
Relax by Saturday we’ll all be fully behind the Boks!
@hendrikp (Comment 19) : Frans who – Steyn?
@lloyd (Comment 20) :
Okay, I see you are new here..
Relax and voice your opinion, but do not go on about what other people say, they have a right to an opinion, just like you..
@Bokhoring (Comment 23) :
Whoops. Forgot he wasn’t playing
@Richard Ferguson (Comment 24) : well said.
@lloyd (Comment 20) : Go read the rules and get to know the people here before launching into attacks.
@Richard Ferguson (Comment 24) :
Well said, but don’t you just feel this slight urge to rip him a new one?
Yes I’m new here but I support the boks just as much as any 1 here and there will always be debates its the fun in rugby but I jus feel we shud get behind our team I meen yes I feel other players like brussoow nd kolisi shud b there and grsand ahead of janjies bt this coach is 1 of the best there is and I gt all the confidence in him and his team
@lloyd (Comment 27) :
Then say that without calling people idiots..
We all support the Boks, as much and if not more than you, come Saturday we all unite. But this a forum for open discussion where most views areaccepted..
If you don’t like it, either ignore it or move on to another article..
@lloyd (Comment 28) :
English not first language I’m guessing?
That or you’ve just hit your teenage years?!
I fully respect your views and apologise if I cane across wrong I just read how peole bash the coach and sumtyms we need to just let him make his pick like the whole story of hm being bulls biased as a sharks fan I’d rather see more bulls players if its going to help us win
Congrats to Jean de Villiers on his Bok captaincy extension – he’s kept a cool head and deserves it. With the series in the bag HM was always going to see what his other options are – we’ve won the series so the pressure is off – we need to know who else we can call on. Looking forward to Sat game!!
Ontop of having a blackberry which doesn’t always work
@hendrikp (Comment 29) :
says the person who have picked a fight with almost everybody on the forum …
@lloyd (Comment 31) : Whoa there tiger. Take it easy. No need to get heated up.
@Zibbie (Comment 35) :
Ag relax I was just asking.
@lloyd (Comment 32) :
Yes, I could tell.
Anyway don’t want any heated debates since I’m new here
Very excited for Elton ! i think he played well against the Sharks the last week before the test . Lets see
Hope beast finds his feet this week just wonder why werner was picked ahead of greyling ?? Versitility? Greyling always seems to impress
@lloyd (Comment 40) :
Can’t really go into a test match without a tighthead on the bench is all.
Came down to who’s the worst, Kruger or Greyling…
So back to the team
Jacque Potgieter, he’s big, he’s got long black wavy hair – him and Timotei have surely been picked as a combination
Anyway, my game of the weekend is either of Barney’s Army or the JR WC Finals. (are both these games played on Friday?)
The coach nearley had a lock crisis with no bekker and nearly lost kruger I’m just curious why have franco in the team who peole have little trust in at the top level ?? Why not pick some 1 like johann muller who’s a great number 5 leader and can give the youngsters some help?? Can anybody help me understanding jus neeed input it makes no sense
Hi all. Another newbie here, but having seen the lashing Lloyd’s getting, I’ll try to keep myself in line
. I also disagree with a number of the selections, especially Olivier at 12. This was HM’s opportunity to give de Jongh a chance to prove his worth and also see if JdV could bring something different at 12. Potgieter would have got in ahead of Keegs because of the physical (psychotic) edge he has over him. You can’t replace Alberts with Keegan – he’s a different type of player. I don’t really rate Potgieter, but I get the thinking. Jantjies has a lot of potential but doesn’t deserve this selection, esp with Pienaar able to cover 10.
@CDRhino (Comment 43) :
I agree. If Brossouw was in the squad I would have moved Coetzee to 7 and had Brossouw to 6.
Hi fellow newbie agree whith your whole post I feel we in sa are blessed with young talent as well as a lot of experiance. At 7 I feel jaque is 1 of the few options we got I just feel kolisi and stander were better this season and de jong atleast could of been ahead of young jj? Or not elton is very talented but you just feel he wnt suit the bok game plan so y nt pik grant??
@CDRhino (Comment 44) :
Welcome.
Good observations. Think we all knew that Wynand would be there though as soon as Heyneke was announced coach. Many claimed he wouldn’t be because Heyneke wouldn’t select Bully-boys who weren’t necessarily up to it…. but up till now he has
@lloyd (Comment 42) : “Coach picked who he picked”
@vanmartin (Comment 47) :
now now….be nice!
I got no prob with who he picked I jus like input
I love the springboks I also just question selection
I predict
a narrow Boks win
or
a big Boks win
or
a narrow English win!
I see I forgot to mention that I don’t think that Potgieter should ever even be allowed to touch a Bok jersey, let alone wear one. He’s going to prove to be a liability, giving away penalties and possibly time in the bin. I’m a big Brussow fan and would have loved to see him get a chance in this game. A Bulls fan asked me this morning if I thought HM would be the greatest Bok coach ever – my feeling is that he has the potential and the talent at hand, but after this series he’s going to need to prove that his selection of Bulls players was purely because they know his structures and he had limited time to prepare. There are much better players in other teams.
@Pokkel (Comment 51) :
I predict a win
for either team
or a draw.
@CDRhino (Comment 52) :
Stick around hey!
@hendrikp (Comment 52) :
Sorry guys. This is the 1st blog I’ve ever posted on. I think I need to learn the art of being succinct.
A few things:
1) Congratulations to Jean. He’s done a superb job captaining both the Stormers and Boks, and even if Heyneke has all his injured players to choose from, I still think Jean is the best candidate for the captaincy job
2) Wynand Olivier is a useless prat in my opinion, but I can sort of understand the selection. Neither Juan de Jongh nor Timotei are of Bok standard, so in this case the coach has opted for the player he knows. I have no problem with that, but I will have a problem if Timotei continues to be given caps once the 4-Nations or whatever it is called rolls around
3) Jacques Potgieter, WTF??? Why not Keegan at 6, Marcell at 7 (where he has excelled at Super Rugby level), Spies at 8?
4) Glad to see Gio getting a chance; if nothing else, he deserves a chance for the heart he always, always shows. And he sure offers a LOT more than Kirchner ever did
@FireTheLooser (Comment 41) : He also has the Victor Matfield look going on
Its certainly a weird selection if you consider the stats. He is nowhere near the other loosies in terms of linebreaks, tacklebusts and tackles either. That from a coaching team that bases much on statistics…
He certainly is direct and aggressive, but that means nothing if he isn’t busting tackles!
But again, he hasn’t selected himself so lets hope he has a blinder.
@jessi (Comment 16) :
So you want Keegan to play flank??
In place of Alberts??
Guys, please… new or not, personal attacks are not tolerated here… so that includes calling other people stupid, idiots, etc.
I will moderate every such comment, without exception, and ban everyone who does not heed this clear warning.
@Culling Song (Comment 55) :
To be fair……Keegan can’t be a staight swop for Alberts. Keegan is just not a flank.
Maybe this would have worked.
8 Keegan
7 Spies
6 Coetzee
@FireTheLooser (Comment 40) : both on Friday, both at exactly the same time
@Pokkel (Comment 59) :
I dont get it.
Why should we move Spies to accomodate Keegan?
Spies had his best game for the Boks in quite some time so he doesn’t deserve to be dropped.
And on the evidence of last week’s performance, Keegan was rightfully dropped from the 22.
Just like Luke Watson is too light and small for test rugby, I think the same can be said of Keegan!
@wpw (Comment 61) : I’m with you – sort of.
I didn’t see Keegan do anything in either test to warrant being retained in the 22… maybe I missed it though?
@wpw (Comment 61) :
I agree Keegan should not be starting but I also don’t wants caps handed out unnessesarily
I would do that so that Springboks caps don’t get handed out to a guy that I don’t think deserves it yet.
If we could look outside the squad then I would have had Brussow at 6 and Coetzee at 7
I’d have brought brossouw in personally, nothing to lose and everything to gain in a dead rubber.
@Richard Ferguson (Comment 3) : Tell me about it. It makes me sick.
@robdylan (Comment 62) : Keegs has never impressed on the flank has he, he has always excelled at 8.
If I’m not mistaken he didn’t get an opportunity at 8 in either test?
But yes, he was anonymous last week, albeit behind a tight five in reverse gear.
@Pokkel (Comment 64) :
We’ll just have to put up with a few more average players being known as “Springboks”.
The more exclusive it is, the better IMO… but Heyneke unfortunately hasn’t quite bought into that.
@Pokkel (Comment 63) : I don’t know why we say Pottie doesn’t deserve to play for the Boks. What exactly has the guy done wrong, to make him less deserving than Marecll, Eben, Juandre or (everyone’s poster child) Kolisi?
@hendrikp (Comment 67) : but Heyneke unfortunately hasn’t quite bought into that.
That’s a hell of an unfair sweeping statement, IMO… please can you justify it?
@robdylan (Comment 68) :
I agree.
He was one of the form flankers before he got injured.
And he is a big unit!
@robdylan (Comment 70) :
Just an opinion… I can’t see a guy like Elton Jantjies being a regular Springbok, so why cap him?
For the rest of his life he’ll be tagged as a Springbok, even though he might only have played 4 or 5 games and then been cast off.
It’s cheapening the jersey.
“Gio is our third fullback of the series, but he’s experienced and has been part of our planning. Wynand came on as a replacement in both of the first two Tests and knows our game plan, while Jacques has impressed this year as a very strong ball carrier – hopefully he can continue with the good work Willem has done in the last fortnight.”
@robdylan (Comment 70) :
Same with Jacques Potgieter…
When everyone is fit, do you really think he ranks among the top loosies in SA? I’d say not even close.
I’d rather go for a previously capped player, then for a guy who probably won’t even be starting for the Bulls in a years time.
@hendrikp (Comment 71) :
The more I read your comments the more i realize that you actually don’t know much about rugby!!
@hendrikp (Comment 71) : I think a guy like Elton has every chance to become a regular Springbok… the coach clearly backs him anyway, so the opinion of a “fan” who’s written him off is of less importance.
I’d far rather have a guy like Heyneke there who has shown a proven ability to work with players over a longer period and get the best out of them than a reactionary like Dolf Straeuli who liked to hand out caps willy-nilly.
Lets sort it out the stats way!
Potgieter
G 9 T 1 TB 8 LB 1 RM 48 Tack 82.
Kolisi
G 12 T 1 TB 24 LB 3 RM 48 Tack 167.
Daniels
G 14 T 4 TB 31 LB 9 RM 103 Tack 119.
Marcell
G 14 T 0 TB 36 LB 3 RM 143 Tack 192.
G=games t=tries TB=tacklebust LB=linebreaks.
RM=runningmeters Tack=tackles made.
@robdylan (Comment 77) :
Fair call
Long as we don’t see a complete overhaul next time around then!
Him calling up just about everyone to his Springbok training camps was a bit of a worry at the time.
If he chooses these guys, and they perform, and he sticks to them, then I’ll be happy. But I don’t want to see 5 new caps everytime he selects a squad, just to “try them out”, which is the feeling I’m getting.
@hendrikp (Comment 73) : no – that’s wrong.
You pick the best guy available to do the job you need doing. Heyneke is clearly happy with Marcell at 6 and sees him as a long-term option there. What message does it send to him if he now gets moved to 7 as a stop-gap because Willem is injured? Likewise, what message does it send to the other guys HM has in his squad as cover at 7?
I mean, FFS, Lwazi Mvovo is a capped Bok… why not rather play him at flank if the only objective is to not “cheapen the jersey”?
@robdylan (Comment 68) :
For one he hasn’t played in a long time and I’m not sure he is match fit.
Look it’s probably a good ‘like for like’ replacement. I just hope he stays disciplined because he can also be regarded as a walking yellow card.
@neilster (Comment 77) : So the Keegan & Marcell should be in and not Potgiter.
@neilster (Comment 78) :
Ask yourself this…
Would Jacques Potgieter have made the squad if he’d played the same way for the Cheetahs?
Not a hope in hell.
@wpw (Comment 75) : that’s not helpful and is borderline…
@hendrikp (Comment 78) : how many new test caps has he handed out?
@wpw (Comment 76) :
Cheers.
@robdylan (Comment 85) :
Well, 4 so far, none that I could complain about YET!
@Pokkel (Comment 80) : and Heyneke realises that he may run out of puff and has picked Kankowksi on the bench as mitigation.
Say what you like, the guy is thinking about his selections and providing clear justification for each one. Not like Div where you felt like everything was happening completely by accident.
Who should be there in preference to Potgiete? A fit player, please…
@hendrikp (Comment 86) : so then stop complaining…
much better, stop accusing Meyer of stuff that he’s not doing.
I better get some sleep before work, but…
The selection of Jacques Potgieter, for me, is a complete joke.
He’s been average at the VERY BEST of times. Why the heck you’d make him a Springbok only Heyneke could explain, and even then he’ll come up with something which doesn’t really justify the selection.
And for people who love stats, yes, Potgieter ranks as one of the most anonymous loose-forwards in Super Rugby.
@hendrikp (Comment 82) : I totally agree.
@robdylan (Comment 87) :
As I said before
Brussouw at 6 and Coetzee at 7…..it’s not like Coetzee can’t play that role and I still think Brussow had a big part to play for the Boks.
@robdylan (Comment 88) :
I’d have gone with any of Ashley Johnson, CJ Stander, Siya Kolisi, Rynhardt Elstadt or even Arno Botha.
@hendrikp (Comment 89) : Actually he stood out for the Kings last year and was massive for the Bulls in the early games of SR, he will most likely have a future with the Boks and is a very like-for-like replacement for Alberts.
@neilster (Comment 91) :
Bad move.
Wpw will now target you with unwarranted attacks questioning your intelligence. You’re not entitled to an opinion that differs to his!!!
@molly (Comment 94) :
Really just can’t see it… but I could be wrong. He could surprise me.
Wouldn’t be much fun without an opinion on his selection though right!
@markm (Comment 81) : Its not my call, all I’m saying is they are basing their selections on stats, but in Potgieter’s case this not relevant. So I’m also in the dark as to how it is justified. All he has done is perform a role in Bulls pack that has mostly gone fwd all season. Its a Bulls selection and they are perfect entitled to make it. Do I think Coetzee deserves to be there, without a doubt. Keegan I’m not as sure, but would be good to give him a chance at no 8. I’d have picked Brussouw and moved Coetzee to 7 and left Spies at 8. I’d then have given Keegan a decent run at 8 in the last 30 mins.
Another way of putting it.
If Jacques Potgieter played well for the Bulls on the blindside…
Then CJ Stander must be up for Player of the Year.
Good luck Bokke. Let us make it 3 zip.
Really surprised not to see Joe’s name on the bench and Elton’s name there instead. Joe can cover more positions. Actually thought Joe might have started at fb. His kicking game is solid and he can also take the goal kicks if needed. Jeez Morne’s goal kicking last week was terrible. Now there is no player starting that could take over the goal kicking if Morne’s goal kicking is way off again.
For me a like for like exchange for Alberts would have been Deysel, just my feeling.
Still a good team this.
Go Bokke.
@Puma (Comment 98) :
Pienaar can also kick.
@Pokkel (Comment 91) : Meyer has explained why he hasn’t picked Brussow. Why should an injury on the other side of the scrum change that thinking?
Who gets married on game day?
@Pokkel (Comment 91) : Amen
@hendrikp (Comment 92) : so you also want to hand out Bok caps willy-nilly? Your issue is not that Meyer is handing out the jersey… it’s that he’s not handing out the jersey to a player you like.
Hypocrite
@molly (Comment 93) : thank goodness… somebody who talks sense!
@robdylan (Comment 100) :
I reckon Brussow will be back sooner rather than later why not make it sooner?
You’re just in a fighting mood. Let’s agree to disagree.
@markm (Comment 74) : With you on Deysel. For me he would have been a like for like replacement for Alberts.
Joe too would have been a better bet at fb. Aplon on the bench to cover fb and wing. Elton only covers fh???
I think Rob makes a good point – to date there have been very few selections that we can really complain about and the Boks have actually won both tests, clearly being the better overall side both times. This against a side that was ranked 1 place below us by the IRB and who had come through a 6N where they’d had time to gel and settle. As for the selections this week, I, like most am not happy with some of them, but we have to give HM the benefit of acknowledging that he has explained his selections and stands by them. We’ll only really know on Saturday whether or not he’s right. When it comes to Potgieter, he definitely has a physical edge to his play that most of the other names mentioned don’t, however, my concerns with him relate to the reckless way that he plays – it might just be my perception (I don’t have the stats), but his discipline seems questionable and I’m concerned that he might give away vital points. This is important because Brussow was left out due to HM feeling that fetchers are being penalised too heavily this year. There I go again, not being succinct!
Where is lwazi mvovo 1 of the in form wings in world rugby
@Puma (Comment 98) :
I think HM has proved that he wants to remain loyal to the guys who he initially selected.
That is why Basson was on the bench last week ahead of Aplon.
His reasoning for Elton:
“Elton comes in to provide cover at flyhalf and is a very good goal kicking option, something we will miss with Frans not available.”
Anyway as long as Meyer delivers the wins, he can select who he wants. However …
@Pokkel (Comment 105) : deal
@CDRhino (Comment 107) : thanks for that.
There’s a very unfortunate tendency here (and elsewhere) to bash Heyneke Meyer simply based on the fact that he once coached the Bulls.
@Muzi Cartman (Comment 108) : ummm…. behind Bryan Habana?
@robdylan (Comment 104) : haha, its all rather logical, he can even cover lock like Alberts can. I’m now personally hoping he has a storming match to prove the critics very wrong.
@robdylan (Comment 104) : Rob have you heard how bad Pat’s injury is also Alberts? Do you think they will be ready for Sharks in two weeks time?
@Puma (Comment 106) : Accusing Meyer of Bulls bias by picking Potgiter, while at the same time suggesting he should pick Deysel is just a little like the pot calling the kettle black
Deysel’s been playing club rugby…
@robdylan (Comment 111) :
BTW are you Jacques Potgieter’s uncle or something?
This is the same Jacques Potgieter that trailed with the Sharks earlier in the year?
@Pokkel (Comment 117) : you’re thinking about Jacques Engelbrecht.
Jacques Potgieter came through our Academy, though and I do know him a bit. I used to chat to him a fair bit when he was one of a plethora of young loose forwards in Durban who couldn’t get a game because we were stuffing around with Nik Strauss and the like
@Pokkel (Comment 117) : I see a Bromance developing here. Hands off people he’s Rob’s new toy!
@wpw (Comment 109) : I know Elton is very good at kicking goals bud, just that he may still be on the bench when Morne has missed a few. If we had a player on the field and Morne is off with his kicking we could give it to that player to take. I would have Joe for that reason alone to start at fb.
Think Jean just may have given Lambie the kicks to take when he was on last week had he not got injured so quick. Think he hurt himself after 20min. So there was only really one kicker to kick for goals. That could have cost us. We missed 16 points by the missed kicks. 5 from Morne and 1 from Frans.
@robdylan (Comment 112)
Agreed. The man is only approaching his 3rd test match, with a pretty good record to boot. While I’m hesitant to write off the issue of Bulls bias just yet, it’s fair to say that most Bok fans were pleased when he was appointed and even felt that it was 4 years late.
The knives will come out big time if he continues to rely on Bulls players to plug gaps when he’s had more time though.
@robdylan (Comment 60) : WHAT!
So which one do I PVR, and which one do I watch live? Both are like finals, Barneys final game at the tank involving the Sharks, Baby Boks reaching their first u/20 final and playing against the old enemy.
I still think Kolisi is getting a raw deal here…
@robdylan (Comment 116) : Deysel was in the training camp though..
I am really not even looking at which Franchise the players have played this season. Just looking WHICH player I think is like for like replacement…
I honestly don’t care which franchise they play for just want the best replacements when we need them.
I am not accusing Meyer of anything, infact I am totally behind Meyer. Think this could be a awesome Bok era for us with him as our coach.
@robdylan (Comment 62) : Well, how many chances did/is Timotei getting.
Shouldn’t Keegan be afforded some time to adjust to international rugby and not be played outside his current position?
Can’t say Spies impressed me, running 50m sideways is not exactly gaining territory.
Why replace Keegan with an 8th-man(Kanko) when Keegan was obviously selected to cover flank
@FireTheLooser (Comment 122) :
Easy..
Go to the John Smit match, and record the JWC game for another day..
@Richard Ferguson (Comment 126) : Depends on whether Paul Jordaan is playing at outside centre for the Baby Boks.
If he’s not there, then Johny bOY gets my eyes.
@FireTheLooser (Comment 122) : It sucks but I’m watching the Baby Boks game and recording the Sharks one.
Nick Strauss was a great player. Performed consistently for the Wildebeest and had one poor game on debut. Wasn’t given enough senior game time. Really solid 7 who ended up covering too much at lock.
stop whining. I’m not watching either cos I’ll be travelling home from work
Not that there’s any way to watch the Smit game here
@robdylan (Comment 118) :
Thanks I was obviously confused. Now I know where the love comes from.
@FireTheLooser (Comment 125) : Kind of like the rough deal Kanko got with PDV. He is a specialist no 8 and was asked to play blindside, failed, and was then discarded.
@robdylan (Comment 130) : Rob pick a number between 1 and 10.
@robdylan (Comment 118) : Serious age gap between Nick and Jaques
So I missed the food fight… See some has left already… Who’s cleaning
@Ben (Comment 128) : I’m going that route too..@robdylan (Comment 130) : that sucks….
@Ben (Comment 133) : ok… now what?
@soutie (Comment 134) : may I ask what you’re using as a basis for rating Nick Strauss?
If he’s your brother, then that’s a good enough reason
@robdylan (Comment 137) : Square that number.
@Ben (Comment 139) : k…?
lambie, albert & jordaan, all ravaged by injury…plum must be furious
@robdylan (Comment 140) : Divide that number with your original number.
@Megatron (Comment 141) : And you are ecstatic, no doubt.
@Salmonoid (Comment 143) : where did i say that?
@Ben (Comment 142) : yes… please don’t tell me I’m going to get my original number back as though it’s somehow magical…
@Megatron (Comment 144) : I think the smiley did it for you…
No real suprises. It was debated like that this week and was selected as many here have thought.
I just think that Kolisi has showed MUCH more this S15 thus far than what Timotei-2 did. I think the reason why Keegan was dropped is to get other loosies up to scratch for the championship series, but that said, why just him?
@robdylan (Comment 145) : No, subtract your original number from that number. Do you get 0?
@Ben (Comment 148) : of course I get 0… what was the point of this little exercise in futility?
Is it exciting or magical to someone who hasn’t passed grade 6 maths?
(x2/x )- x = 0. WOW!
@robdylan (Comment 146) : smileys can be misleading, u know that
ELTON JANTJIES inDAhouse !
Congratulations ! prove the naysayers wrong.
Chuffed that Jean has been entrusted with the Captaincy for the rest of the season after the bad luck he has had over the years it couldn’t have happenned to a nicer guy.
Is Marcel Coetzee the new Juan Smith …I reckon so, have been masssively impressed with this kids heart.
I’ll lay off Timotei and give him a break ..lets hope he has his best test in a Bok jersey.
I would have had Mvovo instead of Basson but hey Eltons in the team so no complaints
Florida Hoer has reason to celebrate after beating Monnas and now Elton in the team.
@robdylan (Comment 149) : No I just want you to sit back and think what you could have done with your time instead of wasting it on this useless exercise.
@Ben (Comment 153) : LOL…
Damn you!
@Megatron (Comment 151) : you’re right, though. Sharks are a bit f*cked if Pat and Willem are badly injured.
@robdylan (Comment 154) : Hehe
@JustPlainSHARK (Comment 147) : “The Boks will miss Steyn in midfield, but losing Alberts is a big blow to their gainline ambitions. Coach Heyneke Meyer, however, believes Potgieter will get the Boks on to the front foot.
‘I like a big, ball-carrying blindside flank and Willem has been awesome in the past two matches,’ said Meyer. ‘He is not available this week but I think Jacques can do that job. He’s already proved himself in that role for the Bulls during Super Rugby and I believe he will add a lot of value.
‘If Willem was fit, then I would have started Jacques from the bench. So in a way it’s worked out well as I will see what Jacques can offer. We need him to get us some momentum.’
daniel offered meyer ZILCH in terms of what meyer LIKES!
@robdylan (Comment 155) : We are pretty much f#cked either way I think..
@Megatron (Comment 157) : well yes. Replacing Alberts with Keegan was a little futile, though.
@Ben (Comment 158) : true
@Megatron (Comment 157) : “So in a way it’s worked out well as I will see what Jacques can offer.”
Yes it has worked out very well for Heyneke. He now has another excuse to draft a Bulls player into the team.
@Ben (Comment 158) : tl tl tl pessimistic much?
just a few weeks ago nobody on this site could bring themselves to objectively critique the team, it was all honky dory…now one loss to the lions and u’re reckon u’re pretty much f#cked…nee man
@Megatron (Comment 162) : Well yes we have to rely on other teams now to qualify for the play-offs. Pretty much f#cked. And don’t generalize.
@robdylan (Comment 146) : Yep, thats it.
@Megatron (Comment 141) : I very much doubt that Alberts or Lambie have a serious injury. If they had the scans on Monday would have showed it, if scans showed anything serious they would have been ruled out on Monday already.
Whatever it is the Medics thought it would have healed by Wednesday. So with the Sharks having to play the Bulls only two and a half weeks from now they could be ready to go then. Jordaan is still with the Baby Boks so too think he could be over the injury by Friday. Just have to wait and see there.
@Megatron (Comment 162) : Transie you had better be ready for some serious backlash next year when your Kings play…hehe. You like giving it out, just wait until your team plays bud… We will be waiting….
@Ben (Comment 161) : hahaha remember this is a guy who up until september 1 last year was playing for the kings, now 8 or so super rugby games later – not all of them as a starter – he is a bok…
would it have been acceptable if pdv had picked jacque from the kings and played him on the away leg of the tri-nations where he was trying new players?
@Puma (Comment 166) : bring it on!
@Megatron (Comment 168) : You betcha! .. hehe.
@Megatron (Comment 168) : You going to the test on Saturday?
@Puma (Comment 170) : yep! grant10 & justrugby also coming through, we’ll booze & braai afterwards
looks like it will be raining & cold though, could be a slog!
So, how many tries will the Poms score from the breakdown while Potgieter tends his hair-and-make-up?
@Megatron (Comment 171) : Tell Grant and JR I said howzit.
Well if it is going to be raining, then think you will be just boozing, not braaing and boozing.. hehe.
Never mind the weather though, just enjoy it, all of you.
Hope we klap the Poms again this week. Want Boks to whitewash the Poms this series. That will be us 10 from 10.
Who else thinks that the All Blacks would beat this Springbok side 50 to zip?
@Ben (Comment 174) : ABs almost got beaten by Ireland for the first time ever, so who thinks that they will beat the Boks by 50 to zip is dreaming. NO way will they ever beat this Bok side 50 zip. Not ever. Especially the Bok side that started the first half last week.
Have a good feeling we will beat them home and way this year. Just hope no more injuries to any of the players.
@Megatron (Comment 167) : Would it have been acceptable if Pdivvy had called up something like 100 guys to “Bok training sessions”?
@Puma (Comment 175) : Let me tell you this. The AB’s are going to murder us at the breakdown points.
@Ben (Comment 177) : Ben so you think we will be beaten by the ABs by 50 zip then????
Look if we start the same Bok team we had on Saturday in the first half before the injuries and we play a similar game like we done for the first 30min or so. We could put 20 past them if they played like they done against Ireland.
We only going to get better and better. The reason it is a pity we picked up injuries and that Fransie was not available for this test. The more the same team plays together the better they will become. We were superb in the first half.
Okay catch up later.
@Puma (Comment 178) : Yes I said THIS Springbok team. If this team were to play the All Blacks I think they could beat us 50 to zip.
@Pokkel (Comment 59) : hahahahahahaha!! Spies at 7?! Funniest thing I’ve heard all day…
This might already have been dealt with on here, but it has been announced that Kanko has signed with a Japanese club at the end of Super rugby.
It is apparently only a 6 month contract.
News24 say: “Kankowski’s stint in Japan is likely to be for six months only. His soured relationship with Sharks coach John Plumtree is believed to have played a part in his desire to leave.”
Firstly, I had no idea he had fallen out with Plumtree.
Secondly, if Kanko’s contract is only for 6 months, does he perhaps know something about Plumtree not sticking around anymore after this year? Please can this be true, the Sharks need a new broom at the top. Personally, I’d like to see a new head coach installed for the Currie Cup later this year, as a warm up for Super Rugby next year. This will allow a new coach time to see what the players are all about and to stamp his mark, whereas throwing in a new coach straight into Super rugby next year would be a bit of a baptism of fire… not impossible but we want to give ourselves the best chance next year given these past 4 years of Plumtree mediocrity….
I know this is strictly a “no personal attacks” site but ive officially had it now with Dumtree and the entire Sharks management system. 2008 was our last top 4 finish. Considering that our Boks have still been an integral part of the international stage, then this is shameful…HOW CAN OUR COACHING TEAM NOT MAKE THEM FUNCTION AT THE SHARKS????
We have thrown away exceptional talents:
Pienaar
Kockott
Barritt
Steyn
Russell (before that)
And now you are telling me Kankowski is off (6 months or not)!! This is absolute bullshit. As much as I love Keegan (and I REALLY DO) Kankowski at form is untouchable by our other loosies…
Pat Lambie will be next to go MARK MY WORDS. Fullback then flyhalf. THen back again. THen back again…
Seriously McLeod better than Pienaar?? or even Kockott?? AND WHAT IS HIS OBSESSION WITH MICHALAK????
our 4 loosies to choose from should be Keegan, Coetzee, Kankowski and Alberts…must be the most potent group of loosies in the entire comp????????????????????????????