The Sharks emerged 16-8 victors at Ellis Park on Saturday, against a home side who pushed them all the way, yet ultimately conspired to lose through woeful finishing and indiscipline.
Eugene Eloff’s side certainly seemed hungrier in the pack and the final tally of 14 turnovers won by his men over the course of the match was testament to their superior urgency and technique at the breakdown. Cobus Grobbelaar was again immense and took advantage of a certain laissez-faire on the part of the Sharks forwards when it came to contesting on the ground. The set phases seemed more or less even, although the early loss of Bismarck du Plessis (under controversial circumstances – he was deemed to have exceeded the maximum 15 minutes time for a blood substitution) conspired to reduce the Sharks’ effectiveness at lineout time.
The opening fifteen minutes saw Rory Kockott and Jaco van Schalkwyk trading penalties. Tighthead prop Ross Geldenhuys was shown a yellow card on the quarter of an hour mark for an illegal clean, while the Lions were camped on the Sharks’ goal line. The resulting penatly helped the Sharks escape and they made good use of their one-man advantage over the next ten minutes, scoring a converted try through tighthead prop BJ Botha, as well as another penalty to take the lead out to 13-3. A further Kockott penalty saw the Sharks go into the break with a handy 13-point cushion.
The Lions will feel they had the better of play in the half, everywhere, that is, except on the scoreboard. They topped the possession stakes by 60% and looked far more creative in the backs than the Sharks did, with flyhalf Francois Steyn determined to to destroy whatever attacking impetus the visitors might gain through inappropriate kicking or poor option-taking. What was decisive, as always, was the Sharks’ defence. Relentless, uncompromising and infallible, the team scrambled to ensure that there was always a man on hand to bring down the final recipient. The Lions wingers knocked on a lot of ball, as is their wont, but you can blame a lot of that on the pressure defence applied by the Sharks,
The second half saw a lot of action, but absolutely no scoring, until Lions replacement Franco van der Merwe managed to scamper over in the corner after 78 minutes had elapsed, taking the Lions’ chances of winning the game with them, especially after replacement flyhalf Rudi Vogt missed the conversion. A torrential downpour which began 30 minutes into the match and never quite ceased did much to blunt the attack of both sides, although again it was the Lions who made more of what possession they had and seemed to manufacture more scoring opportunities. Every single one broke down, though, thanks to a final , desperate tackle, or a final pass that didn’t go to hand. Every one bar the final movement to set up van der Merwe, of course, but by then it didn’t matter.
The Sharks had a few promising break-outs themselves, the best of which broke down when replacement hooker Craig Burden (prominent on the run ever since he came on) managed to fluff a pass to a sprinting Albert van den Berg who had the tryline at his mercy, with eventual man of the match Ryan Kankowski in support. A number of other promising moves never really happened at all, mostly due to Steyn’s penchant for trying to do everything on is own, whether taking on the defenders instead of passing, or missing a sitter of a drop attempt from right in front, with a huge overlap to his left. Not a great night for the youngster, although he did do some lovely running in the build-up to Botha’s try.
The final score was 16-8, which flattered the visitors somewhat, although it was again a case of the Sharks winning a match through superior defence when they probably should have lost on the night.
No bonus point, though, which means that, although the Sharks, too, are still unbeaten, the Crusaders are now 3 points ahead having won the same number of games. Time for some deep reflection back in Durban, with a bye this weekend and a match against the fast-improving Reds before departing on the tour from hell.
As for the Lions, well, they’re punching above their weight and doing everything but winning the game at the moment. They have some beautiful runners in their side and in Baywatch Grobbelaar one of the best opensiders in the competition. Surely their luck must change in the near future? Perhaps this weekend’s match against the Reds will be a perfect opportunity to pick up some momentum ahead of their tour.
Scores:
Sharks (16) – Try by BJ Botha. Conversion and three penalties by Rory Kockott.
Lions (8) – Try by Franco van der Merwe and a penatly by Jaco van Schalkwyk
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How is our injury situation looking?
Haven’t heard of anyone new that’s hurt themselves. We should have Carstens and Taione available for the next match, in addition to everyone who played against the Lions.
Cool. That is good news. We have a BYE this weekend, right?
Wonder where Dick will look to use Taione? I would imagine as a loosie rather than at centre. He will probably initially start on bench as he is a great sub to have coz he can cover both at forward or in the backs. (allows us to mix up our bench a bit)
In essence we made the same mistake as the Bulls thinking we could just rock up and win.
dick is managing things quite well. resting key okes when needed, now we have a break, then the reds before the tour from hell starts.
the lions forwards did well, the only team that has effectively neutralised the sharks maul so far. a pity they save these performances for other sa sides.
Yip us and the Hurricanes have bye’s this weekend.
http://www.sharksworld.co.za/super-14-2008-fixtures/
Goodmorning everybody… 🙁
Francois Steyn… 🙄
Charlie
ANYTHING to get Adi in the starting Lineup hey. 😉
KSA,
Nope, ANYTHING to make you realise poor Fransie is no flyhalf nor inside centre 😯 he should stick to 15… 😈 Adi Jacobs surely does not need a starting birth to prove his worth… 😉
I watched the game and i was hugely disappointed in Steyn’s performance.
He did a few good things on attack in the 1st half but he made some stupid decisions quite a few times.
Like the drop kick with his left foot while in front of the posts.
And kicking the ball away (on attack) when there was a chance for them to run at the woeful Lions backs.
Hi Charlie.
Steyn has done NOTHING so far this season. He needs to step up to the plate and Dick shouldn’t play him based on last season’s form.
wpw,
On both occassions the Sharks had a overlap… 😉
Craig Burden also stuffed up a try with a skip pass… 😯
So another bonus point down the drain… 🙄
Anyway, no stress this weekend because of a bye, but we’re facing the Sharks official Super Rugby bogey team, the Reds… 😈
wpw,
Dick Muir should have taken him off the field to release him from his misery, he rather opt to replace Odwa Ndungane who had a very good afternoon on the park… 👿
Steyn WAS shocking on Saturday. NO discussion needed.
But we are back in the same loop and I will only say this once and then give up 😉
Steyn is a WC winning 12.
Playing him out of position at 10 or 15 and then rating his performance and saying he has lost form is not on.
Let him play 12 and if he has a shocker then I will agree that he has lost form.
Trying to rate Earl Rose’s ability as a lock because he played there for the Lions a month or so ago is not really acceptable is it?
Same with Steyn. We all know he is very suspect at 10 so why be surprised when he has a shocker at 10. he had shockers there for us last year in the S14 as well and will have more shockers there if they continue to try and play him at 10.
You guys will beat the Reds…
I think you stand a great chance of making the final once Paddy arrives…
Fair-enough KSA…
didn’t watch the game 😥 but I wasn’t too chuffed with the result…especially that bit about a dry second half. We’ve seen how the NZ and AUS teams come back stronger in the 2nd half and if we can only be creative for 40 minutes we’ll suffer. Come on Sharks…
When Stayen get’s the ball this goes through his mind…
1. Kick the ball or
2. Drop Kick or
3. I am not going to pass the ball or
4. Bash it up… 🙄
KSA
If a player is off form he is OFF FORM.
It would be unfair to drop a guy like Barritt just to accommodate Steyn at 12.
Imho Barritt has done nothing wrong and should be dropped only if he is not playing well.
Steyn aint playing well at all and i doubt it if he will do better at 12.
i think you guys are wrong 😈
i love this hard in your face, pressure game that the Sharks are playing
…we may not be the Crusaders, but when this team gels on attack they’ll thump anybody..so far we’ve just seen glimpses.
if Frans’ mistakes and bad choices were his only contibution to the game, i’d also think about benching him, but he’s always in the thick of things, making tackles, covering the back 3,trying to start attacks…he and the whole team get 100% for effort. nothing like the dismal, submissive bulls or up and down lions and cheetahs
Since Barritt can’t do any wrong…how about we try HIM at 10?
KSA,
Ouch, we’re talking about backline play, Earl Rose can slot in easily from 9 to 15… but surely not @ lock 😉
Charlie
Dont be so hard on Francois. He is very talented and its just a matter of time before he’s back to his best.
The Sharks should have annihilated the Lions. They’ve probably got the best ‘bench’ players out there of all the S14 teams.
I am not hard on him, just plain honest, refrain from making your name “gat” infront of a international audience… 🙁
spyker
I just think Steyn’s decision making has been a bit poor since the S14 began.
Its very frustrating seeing him do this year in and year out. By now he should have learned a lot by playing alongside experienced guys like Butch, Percy and Ruan.
wpw,
To be honest, Schalk Burger are the only standout player from the WC winning team… 🙄
Since Barritt can’t do any wrong…how about we try HIM at 10?
17.03.08 09:00:04 – blackshark Edit
There you go!!!!!!!!!!
And then we’ll chat again.
Rose can maybe slot in anywhere in the backline but he played at lock for the Lions through necessity and did poorly.
Steyn played at 10 (although not through necessity) and did poorly.
Rose wasn’t dropped because he sucked at lock, Why should Steyn be dropped coz he sucked at 10?
(JUST incase there is some confusion I know Rose played at 5 because of an extraordinary situation and should not be rated on that performance in ANY WAY)
gm everyone
TT mate although i agree with what ur saying lets not lose focus and start dissing the guys
we do need the extra points desperately i agee
now here is the team i would like to see start next game
and i believe they could make it happen for the bonus point
15 ruan
14 stefan
13 barritt
12 steyn
11 murray
10 fred
09 cockott
08 ryan
07 botes
06 daniel
05 muller
04 aj
03 bj
02 bismark
01 carstens
16 burden
17 jannie
18 beast
19 albert
20 epi
21 jacobs
22 another back or deysel the flank but epi covers flank and center
jp needs to find his head it aint on the game thats for sure
6. Posted by sharks_lover on Monday, March 17, 2008 – 09:07
“…Why should Steyn be dropped coz he sucked at 10? ”
‘Coz no matter where he play, he just want to drop the ball… 🙄
wpw
there’s no doubt Steyn’s been making poor decisions and its frustrating, my point is different, he’s making huge contributions in other areas… he’s fearless (and not afraid of making his name gat)… for me he’ll be our Butch James plus
I didn’t see anyone moaning when Steyns two drop goals won the Boks a test match.
And I am sure if the coach had an issue with the drop goal he would have spoken to Steyn about it.
Charlie…
i think Adi’s great too, he he
KSA, you are only as good as your last game… 😉
spyker dropping steyn would be huge mistake
i am for given a position and left there
center is where he plays best so leave him there
only problem is we keep changing the side or where players play
i know in the side i just posted its changing again
i just believe that would be a great side if left to continue together game after game
players confidence will grow and believe in each other will grow
15 ruan
14 stefan
13 barritt
12 steyn
11 murray
17.03.08 09:16:35 – sharks_lover
You’re not the first person who wants waylon on the wing…did JP play that badly?
Do you think DM will be willing to have so many changes at this stage of the tournament without being forced by injuries…and before we even lose a game?
Ok…
Spyker,
So are Murray, Ndungane, Kockott, etc…
Frans Steyn can be too, but he need to play @ 15 and realise that he is part of a team and not a one man show… 😛
I thought JP was pretty bloody good on Sat! Shows how opinions differ, hey? 🙂
the more the same team plays together the beter they will get
when it rains it seems there is not enough trust to keep the game open
the lions ran at us in the rain big time, surely if they can we can
we afterall have a far better team
sharks_lover,
Barritt’s to slow for a 13… 😉
Frans Steyn can be too, but he need to play @ 15 and realise that he is part of a team and not a one man show…
17.03.08 09:26:06 – Charlie Edit
Anything to keep a window open for Adi at 12? 😉
sharks_lover,
Mmm, the rain are no excuse at all, I have mentioned earlier how 3 try scoring oppertunities was messed up… 👿
But Terblanche is a far better fullback than Steyn. Problem is, there are other players in better form in all of the places that Steyn can play
Adi are used as a super sub boet, and doing brilliant… 😉
hiyas black shark mate
jp is not playing that well mate he is very indesisive when running , he is not defending well
maybe a short stint on the bench would bring back the fire and talent we all know he has
also i feel steyn must play his best position being inside center and ruan is just such a good player you want him in a position of space where he can cause havock
dont get me wrong i aint anti jp , im really hoping he finids his form like last year then the other teams will shit , because he can make things happen
i think these awful long range drops Frans has been making will become a tactic to get the opposition back into their 22… moer the ball over the deadball line and you dont have to go back to where you kicked it from 😈
KSA,
IMO, no matter where Jacobs play, 10-15 he makes a difference…
i dont think so again charlie
i reckon that backline i posted could be huge as is
just wish jp and odwa find full form again because that would be huge too
LOL spyker…why didn’t we think of that? Use his long boot to OUR advantage…
guys we are to quick to want to drop guys like steyn
problem is they keep getting shifted and players are not used to who is running into what space
dick has to settle on a combo amd leave it at that
players will then gel and know each others game
if it means steyn is fullback then so be it but leave him there
our forwards play well because they not out of position all the time
🙄
jacobs is a super sub be it for boks or sharks , he is one p[layer that makes a difference everytime he comes onto the field
#
I didn’t see anyone moaning when Steyns two drop goals won the Boks a test match.
And I am sure if the coach had an issue with the drop goal he would have spoken to Steyn about it.
17.03.08 09:20:10 – KSA Shark ©
Clutching…. Straws…..
#
just wish jp and odwa find full form again because that would be huge too
17.03.08 09:33:21 – sharks_lover
Maybe if Steyn decided to pass they would have more opportunities… 🙄
sharks lover…
like you i hate all the swapping positions thats going on, but it does seem inevitable with so many talented players in a big squad and the need to rest players etc etc
wpw,
he dont always pass mate because of the uncertanties
thus as i said dick must choose the side and leave it like that no mater what combo he comes up with
the problem is uncertanty and it shows
Like i said I didn’t watch the game but if JP didn’t have a good game we might wanna try something different with Waylon who looks a bit frustrated at OC…I personally would love to see him run on the wing.
He’s strong offensively and defensively and after watching that run by TONDERAI I thought Waylon would be capable of that.
spyker i still say name ur 1st 15 and stick with it
the subs here and there one can change
we need continuity , specially from now onwards
i agree black shark
if we can get continuity and our running rugby form from last year ???????????????????? man watch out teams ur gonna chit
i actuallt like ruan at fullback because he is fater then steyn also kicks well and he reads a game great
but i reckon he runs into positions better then steyn from full back
and thats why i prefer steyn at inside center
hey ya lazy sods why am i talking to myself lol
😆
i actuallt like ruan at fullback because he is fater then steyn
Don’t think Ruan would like that…
17.03.08 09:47:32 – sharks_lover
Continuity is very important…but when does it cross the THIN LINE from pursuing continuity to being in denial? When do we say enough is enough and start making changes with the squad and DROP some players?
sharks lover… i’d like to see Muir sticking to his choices too, whatever they are
a message to daniel?? here is an 💡 DO NOT HEADBUTT BISMARK 😆 we need his fire upfront
another thing is the much abated battle between bj and heinke
i thought bj won that little battle
oops ruan is faster then steyn lol 😳
sharks_lover,
Seems like Daniel are harder then Bissie… 😆
SL…. maybe you’ve overwhelmed everyone with your argument 😉
black shark i aint for dropping to many players specially now
if i aint wrong we unbeaten right????
we 2nd on the log right ???
i am only for getting our backline working better
as a team they awesome
even if it means he sticks with jp
no problem , just keep them together and let them gel together
lol charlie
lol
i wasnt saying daniel is a houtkop
Heinke is so useless in open play it’s just not funny
😯 wheres rob he aint talking ❓ little bugger lol
talk about the 👿
carstens is way better
so too beast
atleast they tackle and get involved in the game
😆 spyker
And SL wins by a knockout
and then the silence 😯
just keep them together and let them gel together
17.03.08 09:55:31 – sharks_lover
until? WE LOSE, fight with Bulls for positions…
Ok I’m just kiddin mate…I know what you mean…we haven’t played that badly…and the most important thing is we are unbeaten still. The Lions gave us some good practice…now it’s back to the drawing board while we prepare for the Reds.
As long as the players rise to the occasion like they did against the Blues I won’t be too crushed.
Steyn needs a long session with a ” brain coach”. He’s very talented and he has too many ideas…he needs to relax.
nes ek se blackshark lol 😀
lets hope the lions keep the reds honest this week… we dont want them too confident
The Reds better not mistake us for the Bulls…
WTF???
Steyn was awful! And it has nothing to do with being played out of position – if you play at 10 or 12 you are a PLAYMAKER – you have to CREATE opportunities for your outside backs – not go for glory by kicking dropgoals when having a massive overlap 10 metres from the tryline!
You dont run straight at the guy in front of you and ignore the guys outside you, and you certainly dont kick for touch when counter-attacking with another huge overlap – now wonder JPP was BEGGING Steyn to use the hands instead!
A very poor game from him, and if he wants to displace Barritt or Freddie, he must show more.
Nobody can say that JPP had a bad game – he was awesome on defence – positionally and in terms of offensive tackles, and his reliability under the high ball has increased no end. In addition, he is really looking for work. Start looking at the inside backs instead.
By the way, Barritt is way too slow for outside centre – our only other option there is Adi, but you cant drop Odwa after a great all-round game.
Rob, I thought that despite us coughing up possession and not taking our chances, the result was not even remotely in doubt – the Sharks were never in danger of losing.
But that means little – Hurricanes, Crusaders etc will be a much sterner challenge.
reds vs Sharks were lowscoring affairs till we let loose last year and put 50+ on them, wasnt that our first bonus point game? they’re a different team now tho
g’mornin BF…how do you see the lions reds game panning out
I thought we could have lost if the Lions hadn’t made so many mistakes…
Fish is spot on, as usual, though.
JP’s handling of the high ball is far better than it had been at any stage of his career. He is also a ferocious defender. We just need those inside him to give him half a chance…
Hey Big Fish,
Good points…
Morning Spyker.
I think the Lions should take it. They are traveling this week, the Lions will not be as arrogant in their approach as the Bulls, and the Lions have the forwards to prevent the flow of ball that the Reds can thrive on. Other than that, not too much between them.
But then again, I called an easy Bulls win! 😳
Or we could have won by more if we didnt make so many mistakes.
Reckon we just dropped into neutral and free-wheeled that second half.
Big Fish,
What about this backline… your view… 😉
15. Ndungane
14. Murray
13. Jacobs
12. Barritt
11. JPP
10. Michalak
9. Kockott
Charlie – no-one in that back 3 has a good enough boot, IMO
😯 this what happens when you have so many talented backs…so many combinations…not enough games…
well the bulls didnt pitch up did they, so everyone got that game wrong.
i think the lions were more determined to make the plays and the Sharks were happy to defend and take the breakouts if they came
Rob,
It’s not that they can’t, Ndungane can boet, but why kick the ball away… 😉
It’s seems like the Bulls have already surrender to their current Super 14 Champs status… 😈
don’t think it would be necessary to put Ndungane under such pressure…he’s still trying to regain his form in his “natural” position.
We have better 15’s…
Charlie… the only guy in the team who is actually doing something intelligent with the boot at this stage is Terblanche. You actually do need to kick sometimes… running from the 22 isn’t always a good idea
blackshark,
Would just love to Ndungane getting more involved… 😉
Rob,
Agree, but in IMO it’s all that he is currently bringing to the party… 🙄
no way… Stefan should stay. I am very impressed with him so far.
I thought we were trying to drop Steyn… do we really need to get rid of ST as well?
BTW, looks like we chased oubaas off 😉
Charlie…
Me too…and it really sucks when we decide to pass the ball to the opposite fullback instead of our outside backs…
Good thing the Blues lost though…the Canes should start losing soon too…
Have to agree with Rob Charlie – Stefan is so far a shining example of intelligent kicking, while in my opinion he is one of the best fullbacks in the tournie so far.
Odwa had an excellent game, but I could definitely go for Murray on wing for a while. I would actually be very tempted to start with Ruan and Frans on the bench, as they are both very versatile.
It does need to be said however, that Frans is just a kid, and that he probably was, until the last 2 seasons, able to take on an entire team and score each time. Unfortunately this wont work in the S14 – and maybe more playing time will bang this home.
Spyker, like I was telling Rob, I believe the Sharks have a very specific tactic at the breakdown which makes their counter-attacking a real threat.
We shouldn’t read too much into the turnover stats alone – compare that with the gain-line stat for the full picture. It is also wrong to say that the Sharks are playing dual fetchers – they aren’t even playing one.
Ok…let’s try and look at the ADVANTAGES of having STEYN at 22 for at least the next 2 games…
BF…what is that specific tactic
Big Fish,
🙄 You have a point, but that was exclusively IMO… 😆
Good morning everyone.
Wondered why Bis wasn’t allowed back on the field. Don’t think he actually exceeded his 15 minutes – he stood on the sideline for a long time waiting for a break in play to go back on.
Ness… I looked at the times in detail.
Seems he missed the cut-off by 15 seconds or so 🙂
Fish… Sharks didn’t use the rush defence against the Lions on Sat… not to the same extent that they did against the Blues. As a result, I felt the Lions had a lot more opportunities to try and get something going. I felt that was a mistake. Your thoughts?
Hey Nessa…
I couldn’t watch the game…was out of town for family stuff…
Damn- I need that PVR thing…
Sounds ominous doesn’t it Spyker? 😆
Simply that we don’t really compete at the breakdown or allocate players to attempt to fetch or spoil the ball. We commit a bare minimum of players to the rucks.
The Sharks, like last year, depend more on a tight, very aggresive offensive-defence and counter-rucking to slow down and spoil the quality of opposition ball, while speeding up our own ball and sometimes forcing turnovers by the same tactics.
Very seldom will you see our guys commit a large number to a breakdown, while the defence lines up very flat, in a very well-disciplined line, awaiting the ball-carrier.
Guys like Muller, BJ, Bismark and Beast are very central to this tactic (and John Smit was a master of this – just hover around the ruck, waiting for the opportune moment, until BOOM – he hits the pillar off his feet with a big drive, resulting in a turnover), and in fact, I am pretty certain you will find that out tight 5 turn over more ball then out loosies.
Botes and Daniel use their speed to tackle, link, and spoil the ball, but they arent expected to wrestle for it exclusively, as with your conventional fetcher.
RD – thanks, a bit mean of them then to not let him back on but “rules is rules” I suppose.
I thought Craig did a good job anyway.
Hi BS.
Good morning Nessa!
Rob, it was definitely there, but I think you are right – we didnt attempt to harry them as much.
I wonder if perhaps it was lack of intensity more than anything else? We knew we had to do it to the Blues to win, but with the Lions they just never had real bite on attack.
In addition to my above post Rob; do you remember saying that you were uncertain how the Blues performed so well despite not having the seemingly ideal loose trio for the ELVs (“Pace is the New Black)?
I think they use a similar tactic to the Sharks – big counter-ruckers and very aggressive defence.
Hi BF!
Speaking of flat defence… I felt we were offside far more often than not
Fish – then why aren’t the Bulls managing? 😉
BF… well what you’ve clearly described is definitely what we’ve been seeing (and has been pretty ominous for our opponents)… i was calling it ‘in your face pressure defence’ without understanding exactly how they pull it off… thanks
I don’t think turning defence to quick attacks is a bad tactic to use then…especially since we’ve got the pace to do it. We should just make sure we have the hands to do it too.
Watching the Canes against Brumbies last Friday…it was amazing how the Canes would deal with a Brumbies threat…get the turnover…find the spaces…keep the ball in their hands and score at the other end. Counter-attacking at its best.
Rob,
The Bulls usually takes some long time to adept…
Blackshark,
Now you’re talking, keep ball in hands… 😉
We are still struggling to get that scoring pass made and caught.
Even the try that we did score could have been so much easier if Waylon hadn’t broken inside… or if either Kanko or Daniel had passed the ball earlier.
g’morning Nessa, thanks for stayin away from EP,maybe that made the difference 🙂
Spyker – I am now more convinced that ever that my presence at Ellis Park is not wanted! 😥 However, it is worth it for the win! 😉
I am glad I am lucky for them at Loftus though – otherwise I wouldn’t be able to watch any games.
shame Nessa…you have to put up with those horns just for us…thanks a lot…
What horns? All the fair-weather fans have put their horns up on e-Bay by now 😉
RD is right – by the time I left my seat at Loftus – all the horns had vacated the stadium. Didn’t even get a chance to gloat!
Rob, Bulls have 2 great ruckers in Bakkies and PK, but they lack other good ruckers, while their defence and discipline is awful.
In my review 2 weeks ago I said the Stormers would improve, and I said this because they were very disciplined on defence. Defence, more so than attack probably, is a concerted team effort, and if you want to build a team, while simultaneously building discipline, morale and faith between players, you do it by starting with your defence (Dick did this last year – remember those early, very low-scoring games in the S14?).
The Bulls have a confused approach – they have Wickus playing as a fetcher, but the rest of their forwards are geared for the big bruising defence, which is missing since they miss numerous tackles, and seldom tackle the attacker backward.
But this is just part of a bigger coaching and playing problem that you address in your current article.
Ness, we have to thank you for that too, big credits accruing here 🙂
Msay Bakkies still managed to get away with a swinging arm after he had just been warned by the ref. Fascinates me how he continuously manages to get away with these things!
Spyker, the only way to consistently keep up a flat line of defence while not getting taken out wide is 3-fold:
1. Good communication.
2. Discipline.
3. Numbers
Number 3 is where making sure not to over-commit to the ruck is so important.
What horns? All the fair-weather fans have put their horns up on e-Bay by now
17.03.08 11:46:30 – robdylan
Just trying to think what those horns can be useful for?
Xtal has a alice band set of lite up horns, shes replaced the blue tint for red and uhm, its useful when she plays dress up 😈
BF…sounds about right to me, i’ll be looking out for the ‘ominous’ tactic and the points youve made here
Does she whip your sorry ass while wearing horns?
Shame, now everybody knows your secret. 😯
Purgatory is a beets. 😈
and Fish kills this one stone dead 😉
😯 😳 😥
No I dont wanne be alone no more
Do you believe in love like I do
No I dont wanne be alone no more
Do you believe in love like I do
Big Fish…
Pop Idol…
👿
Flippen Network 👿
Great article robd…
My thoughts exactly )actually made posts almost word for word earlier…
Or a few days ago….
Still a great article…
And some of the mistakes made by the LIONS was due to the fact that they have Jaco Pretoors in the side….LoL
And although the Sharks did defend very well….
The LIONS def stats were better….
The LIONS crossed the advantage line more and missed a lower % in tackles…..
But must say both back lines need serious look at…
Baring Venter….all the centers look real bad…especially JacoPretoors….
Hmmm – I was pretty amazed that I aw the game very similarly to the way you did! I must be going soft 🙂
I’m a huge fan of Walter Venter
Good morning everybody…
Congrats to the Sharks even though I’m late…*grin* working like an ant…work…work work…
I watched Super rugby last night and let me tell you Wiese, van der Westhuizen and Paulse are the most bias ppl in the world. Will never watch Super rugby again. Nothing positive to say about the Sharks apart from answering a caller’s call by saying the Sharks are a very experienced team. Nothing about youngsters coming through. If you listen to them the Lions won the game against the scoreboard!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Grrrrrrrrrrrrrr
17.03.08 23:42:27 – robdylan
Or you no longer biased 😀
17.03.08 23:43:30 – robdylan
And you know what Robd…
Walter only got a few chances last year (playing off the bench behind Thabang) and his performance cemented his place in the side…and he was the first choice starting 12…
He played as 1st choice (his performance in the CC semi against the Sharks helped the Lions secure the win)…
He was dropped to the VC side (behind Doppies and Thabang)…
He never sulked….stopped practicing….gave up…or hate his job cozz he is not the first name on everyone’s lips…
He got another chance only through injury (Thabang was pulled in when Doppies got injured)…
And yet again he is performing…
That is why I have not sympathy for Thabang….at all…
I said in any case last year he was pedestrian on defense…wpw argued and yet a few weeks ago the coach said people get around him too easy…
HELLO…when the WP loosies stepped passed him twice in one game that was soooooo evident….
18.03.08 08:14:51 – Reds
One thing does not make sense in that comment…
Why would Pulse and Joost side with the LIONS!?!??
And Wiese does not have a biased bone in his body…he is always up front about LIONS or Bokke performance when other commentators/presenters say uhm ahh but….
And I agree…
LIONS crossed the advantage line more..
Won the battle on the ground (by more than double)…
Had to tackle less than the Sharks…
Missed less tackles than the Sharks (and at a low miss % rate)…
Stole more line outs…
Turned a scrum over…
Had 4 dead set tries that was messed up by handling…vs the Sharks one…
So in actual fact…the LIONS won every facet barring the score…
BUT the fact is…that is the only aspect winning matters…no where else…so the LIONS have absolutely nothing to say for themselves…
And if they wanna argue that they do…I will say show me the log points?!?!?
Just don’t agree with the heading though Rob….
Hmmmm… just remember who won the match, boet… 😉 You okes still need to actually not drop the ball when you’re over the try-line.
That’s what I said Rob in my 17:24:38 post…
Read the last few sentances again….
Oh ok…see now it does not read to well..
Meant to say the only aspect in winnging that matters is the score board…
And then the rest on there is good for me…