The Sharks and Lions have already had to name late changes to their squads as a result of players failing fitness tests. The Stormers may well have to do the same.
It was reported yesterday that Lions centre Jaco Pretorius had been withdrawn from the must-win clash against the Force, having failed to recover from a knock he picked up against the Blues (not sure why… running backwards and clasping at thin air shouldn’t hurt). Pretorius’s position at 13 goes to jack-of-all-trades Jaco van Schalkwyk, with winger Jannie Boshoff coming onto the bench.
News this morning is that Sharks hooker Bismarck du Plessis will not be risked against the Bulls, giving credence to the story we ran on Monday. Seems that Bissie’s ribs may be more than just bruised and that the official “denial” of his injury on the Sharks site was nothing other than a smokescreen. You didn’t have us fooled, boys!
Rudolph Scheepers Badenhorst comes straight into the number 2 jersey in a straight swap for du Plessis, with retreaded wing/centre Craig Burden remaining on the bench. It’s a big ask for Skipper, who himself has only just come back from a knee injury, but the former Pumas man seems to revel in the atmosphere at Loftus, so here’s hoping he manages to keep the fiery Derick Kuün in check…
The Stormers, already reeling from the suspension of Schalk Burger this week, may also have to do without the services of inspirational loose forward-cum-flyhalf Luke Watson. It appears that SuperLuke is, in fact, susceptible to the common cold just like the rest of us mere mortals and has been feeling decidedly average all week. Should he fail to recover in time, expect to see ex-Natal schoolboy Robbie Diack take his place at the back of the scrum.
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Rob,
They surely have fooled the Bulls… 😈
Just wait till skipper starts using Affies slang during the game… they’ll probably pass the ball to him 😉
AG man Luke not playing is probably some scheme by a 3rd force so that they can say that Luke has never played in a Stormers team that lost by more than 40 points at home. 🙄
KSA I am going to enjoy it if the Stormers get them a good game. Still try to figure out if watson withdrawel is good or bad for my team?
It appears that SuperLuke is, in fact, susceptible to the common cold just like the rest of us mere mortals and has been feeling decidedly average all week.
Justin Melck would probably come into the squad to replace Fluke if he drops out…
Melck is just as good as Fluke & actually binds (imagine that – a flank binding 😯 ).
Jury still out on Diack at this level though.
the talk is that they’ll let Brits cover loose forward and bring in a proper hooker to sit on the bench.
Rassie loves his midgets.
Poor Melck…
I simply cannot see this Brits at loose forward business working against the Crusaders. Oh well, Just feeling very relieved I’m not a Stroppies fan today.
Just keep the scoreline respectable svp… 🙄
Seems like Robbie Die-Hak vas opSuper 14 level… 😯
mooi Charlie 😉
KSA
Luke has never played in a losing Springbok side.
Rassie has this one spot on and I will shortly write an article to explain why
Where’s the cricket thread gents???
put it up, you lazy bugger 😉
I’m too busy actually writing about RUGBY to do it 😉
wpw,
Go 2 Voldy… 🙄
Good morning all – glad it is Friday – and we can watch some rugby. The second game is very late tonight?
hi Ness
Hey RD – so tell me, did you have the Canes winning this morning? And by such a big margin?
nope – had them by 3.
That’ll teach me to be a wuss fence-sitter
Still haven’t seen the shaved head and beard yet – other than in the picture. If I remember correctly the Canes also played last Friday morning (while I was at work).
Popping out to get some lunch – back soon.
I’m bored 🙄
so do some typing wes!
shfkjfhihgohohfohkshos;
shoshskhksdhshsjlsdjsjglsg
sjhfshshgslhglshslhghghg
Aai, too much papsak geuip gisteraand, eisssshhhh! 🙄
SA 371/0
Smith 205*
McKenzie 153*
‘geuip’
😯
phwooooaaar!
Smurf’s fourth score of 200+
SA’s highest 1st wicket partnership.
And in udder news, Aus require the 19 runs off 18 balls, with 1 wicket in hand…
ja wes
“geuip”
I’ve just been called a racist on Voldy.
bwahahahahahahahaa
but you are… aren’t you?
All this Smurf bashing…
um guys… just to temper the rampant enthusiasm…this is Bangladesh we’re playing
Nope.
I have white friends (unfortunately)
😎 😎 😎
Smurf was on Top Billing last night. What a homo!
ahahaha
Tell me more about the Top Billing interview?!
We know Rob.
But Bangladesh beat us in the CWC and also beat India if i’m not mistaken.
OK, i get your point.
They’ve apparently lost 80% of their test matches to date.
😐
He played a game of golf with Jeanie D and went kayaking as well. 🙄
WTF?
He is clearly not a Capetonian by birth.
Jeannie enjoys a day of fun in the sun at Pezula golf estate along with Proteas cricket captain Graeme Smith, golfing, canoeing, running a cricket clinic and enjoying a ‘birdie’s’ eye view of the Pezula estate… before talking about Mrs Right!
ag how cute
Bangladesh also beat Aus in the World Cup…
and speaking of Aus they have just lost to Sri Lanka in the final over 😈
was Minki mentioned…or is that taboo now she’s married to someone else?
Minki wasn’t mentioned.
He was a real ‘box’ to mess that up.
I mean we talking about Minki here.
we’re 43 runs behind the record for best opening stand EVER.
lol, dare I say that Minki was probably the highest level he’ll achieve on that ground…a 275* for him.
Smurf is a schmuck, but nevertheless a very very good batsman
Good to see McKenzie getting a ton, considering he’s not even an opening bat. Tough ask, almost unfair, but who else is there except Gibbs 🙄 ?
maybe the bangles are a better one-day side…
Rob is really trying hard to ‘talk cricket’ even though he hates it.
Puttick ain’t that bad Quinny. I think AB should be moved to openn the order and Duminy can bat at 6 in stead of Mac.
Updated:
SA 405-0
Smurf – 223*
McKenzie – 169*
SA need another 9 runs to break the World Record for best opening stand ever. Irrespective of the opposition, it’s a very fine effort – lets consider that Aus have played the Banglas in test cricket & dailed to achieve that record. Mind you Jason Gillespie did score a double test century against them – his first & only test century… 🙄
lol, lemme guess Smurf will fall with the score on 412 or something.
No don’t rate Puttick that much wpw, I reckon he’s a very good domestic cricketer, no more. He failed miserably when he got his chance with the Proteas, granted he didn’t get too much of a run.
Watch out for Dean Elgar, I think he’s going to make the step up.
Don’t really know what Alviro Petersen did to deserve a call-up to the ODI squad, he’s hardly been in the greatest nick.
QUinny
Alviro scored a good 100 a week or so ago.
Besides that, he is there for window dressing.
You know mos!
Reason i mentioned Puttick is cos he is a genuine opening batsman and he has can score big tons.
I also rate Elgar. He will definitely play for the Proteas one day.
Oh did Alviro score a ton. Oh well, that sealed it then
Ja look, we are scraping the barrel ito openers:
Smurf – incumbent
De Villiers – I get the drift he don’t want to open…vulnerable against opening bowlers
Gibbs – getting on in age, still smoking in ODI’s, foie gras-ing it in tests though 😕
Duminy – great talent – KEEP HIM IN THE MIDDLE ORDER!
Bosman – not suited to test cricket, & in the garbage pile after anti-Mickey comments. Inetrantional career OVER
Petersen – jury out, agressive batsman
Bodi – ODI opener, but still needs to prove himself at international level
Boeta – N/A, as he’s thrown in the towel
Rudolph – N/A, trying to qualify for England…
Looking at the pretenders:
Elgar – this guy has class, they need to pick him for SA “A” tours, better suited to longer form at moment
Puttick – consistent domestically, failed in his international chances, but maybe worth another shot as he’s now pushing 28 & has matured?
van Wyk – he deserves another chance, but must must take it this time. Can be devestating domestically, but done nothing sepcial in ODI’s. Rate him more as a 1-day player than possible test player.
Davids – he must be knocking on the door. Still think he throws his wicket away at times…
Kuhn – batsman in the AB de Villiers mode, right down to wicket-keeping. Has been average this season, but was great in his first 2 seasons…I rate this guy
Khan – has been picket for SA Sevens & SA A, but hasn’t really scored big runs for the Dolphins this season…
Cook – has done well this year, but I reckon he will choke at international level, just don’t think he’s good enough yet – but his daddy’s name may work in his favour
Snijman – about as good as Cook… 🙄
Haven’t been following the cricket – can’t believe the score! Go Neil. Think he is a great batsman. About time Smithie got some serious score!