Dick Muir on Tuesday confirmed that he and Stormers’ forward coach Gary Gold had been identified by SA Rugby as possible assistants to Springbok coach Peter de Villiers.
John Bishop of The Witness reports that Muir said that he and Gold were “in the process of sorting out contracts.”
But, Muir emphasised, the switch to coaching at international level “would not affect the Sharks’ Super 14 campaign in the least.”
Muir is meanwhile waiting on the fitness of utility players AJ Venter and Adrian Jacobs before settling on his line-up for Saturday evening’s Super 14 outing against the Reds at King’s Park.
Muir said Venter had a “minor issue” with his elbow after a small operation while Jacobs is nursing a slight hamstring strain.
“Both injuries are light but the team’s composition will depend on whether they play or not,” he said.
Muir said that he could start with Venter at lock (if he is fit) to add to the mobility of the Sharks pack with Albert van den Berg used off the bench in the second half.
Very mobile side
He said that he had been impressed with the Reds, a well-organised outfit who had improved from last year.”
“The Reds have a very mobile side, they are accurate at the breakdown and they keep the ball for long periods. They have worried us in the past and we are wary of them. They showed in thumping the Bulls that they can mix it with anyone.”
Muir is also considering selecting Francois Steyn at flyhalf again. Steyn took time to settle against the Lions in the Sharks’ last game but Muir is determined to rotate his players.
“Fred (Michalak) has plenty of experience and he will be needed for our overseas tour. He also makes a massive impact when he comes off the bench so we may use him there again on Saturday.”
Muir said that Tongan Epi Taione would also be used in a rotational role while Ruan Pienaar would probably start at scrumhalf.
“It is a real bonus to have such depth at scrumhalf and it certainly does not mean that Rory Kockott has been dropped. Ruan can play in so many positions and his versatility enables us to have five forwards and two backs on the bench.”
Tweet
yay ruan is back. now that percy is gone ruan is my new hero.
Why oh WHY is he persisting with Steyn at 10? 👿
KSA,
Muir has a point to prove… 🙄
And what would that point be?
That “Love Child” can play at 12 all season and not do anything spectacular. 😉
From a SASI poll.
Which position should Francois Steyn play?
Flyhalf 45 (15.8%)
Inside Centre 137 (48.2%)
Fullback 98 (34.5%)
Wing 4 (1.4%
Not sure how long it has been up but would be keen to see the final outcome.
😳 😳 Who’s “lovechild”??
Brad Barrit is Robd’s Lovechild. 😉
Muir is already putting the Springboks first by playing Steyn at Flyhalf. 🙄
Sucking up to Peter
BFan
I don’t think so. I think Peter Grant will be the Bok 10 BUT that is only if Butch is not considered.
If they (PdV and Muir) play Steyn as the Bok 10 then we will lose our first home series against Wales.
ksa that lovechild is what has given the sharks the best defensive record. so playing average? mmm, i don’t think so.
with frans at 10 against wales we won’t lose. remember we are playing old rules where dull defence is the order of the day.
i am willing to give frans one more start at 10 this weekend. maybe ruan inside him might bring out the player we have yet to see this year.
springbok backline
9 du preez
10 frans
11 habana
12 brad
13 waylon
14 nokwe
15 jantjes
Woohoo! More Steyn debate! 😀
I like the prospect of him in the Springbok #10 jersey. Maybe not tomorrow, exactly, but I think that he could really develop into a world-class flyhalf.
I WAS RIGHT.
I saw the TryTime comments in the side bar and KNEW it they would be Barrit for 12 comments. 😆
I don’t see the point in making changes just for the sake of it, so I’d keep the WC backline largely intact (if they’re all eligible, of course).
09. FDP
10. Butch/Grant
11. Habana
12. Frans
13. Fourie/JDV/Waylon
14. Pietersen/Chavanga/Nokwe
15. Monty/Jantjes
I’ve also got this funny feeling that Dick Muir doesn’t want to play all his cards just yet in this tournament, and that he knows that Steyn’s best position is 12, so he’s gonna switch him there with a few games to go in the round robin…
Ghost – don’t know about that. Think Brad is Dick’s blue eyed boy at 12.
Nessa – Brad and Waylon have built up a good understanding over time, so I think that Dick will use them more often than not. But to beat teams like the Crusaders or Hurricanes away, the Sharks are gonna need some spark in the midfield. Brad reminds me too much of Halstead… reliable, but nothing special.
G10
I HOPE you are right, but hope it doesn’t backfire. You don’t want Steyn at 12 against the Saders suddenly when he hasn’t played there all season.
could backfire.
don’t know about that. Think Brad is Dick’s blue eyed boy at 12.
26.03.08 10:37:21 – Nessa Edit
Either that or he has a video of Dick Getting up to mischief on tour………….. 😉
Brad reminds me too much of Halstead… reliable, but nothing special.
26.03.08 10:42:01 – Ghost10 Edit
except Halstead had the Bulk to do a decent crashball.
if only we had a center who could do that…….
😯
OH WAIT WE DO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
and more than one.
Steyn
Taione
Jacobs.
Don’t know about Taione’s defence
Jacobs’s defence slightly less better than Barrit.
Steyn as good as barrit.
A Superbru Question : how come some people get bonus points for the lions / Reds game for correct margin (when it was a draw) if they said reds by 3??????
As well as other in other games???? They are out with the M ( I pressume margin) yet gettin a bonus point??
Ice
The M is Margin point you are correct.
The margin you have to be within is 5 to get the point. so if it is a draw and you said a win by 5 for either of the teams then you will get the 0.5 Margin Point.
No worries – i read the scoring rules now… 😳
Remember, KSA, Jake White had enough faith to play Steyn at 12 in the WC when JDV got injured, and he didn’t do too bad a job there in difficult circumstances, did he? 😉
Although I’m a WP supporter, I don’t rate JDV as an inside center at all, because he never seems to know what to do, and always comes up short against quality 12’s and 13’s.
The best 12 we’ve had for a while was actually Dick Muir himself… not the fastest, but he knew exactly when to let the ball go and when to hold onto it. The closest thing we’ve had to him since then has been Wayne Julies, but just like Muir, he never gets the credit for what he does. He gets any backline going… just get a copy of last year’s Bulls-Reds game at Loftus.
GHOST – how about some tips for me for the Superbru??? pretty pretty PLEEEEZZZEEE – I seems to have lost the plot a bit! And Debs have passed me!!!!
“Jacobs’s defence slightly less better than Barrit.”
KSA??? Stay off the tik man!
Dick is leaving – not good news, though Plumstead is a great coach too.
ghost jake had no choice. it was wynand, no-one or frans. playing with 14 men is better than wynand so he went frans. frans did well, but he is wasted at centre.
Ice 😀
I’ll have my weekly previews and predictions posted on the site tomorrow morning sometime… my picks come straight from there, so ur welcome to copy them… although I don’t take any responsibility if we both get them wrong!
yeah agree jacobs defence is way below brads. not in the same category. frans has slipped a few more tackles than brad so far this season and brad hass made more.
I think this squad has seen enough time together to make Muir’s absence a minor thing. I only see problems arising if the acting coach decides to try and re-arrange everything for some reason. I think we might also miss Muir in the final stages of the tourney, when it becomes increasingly important to keep the chaps mentally grounded.
TT, you have to give Wynand some credit. At least he isn’t JP Nel.
I think his team-mates need to adjust to his particular brand of genius. Hence Demas standing in touch ala the linesmen against the Sharks. Might well pay off next time.
Gotta disagree with you there, TT. He was the best inside center in the World Cup tournament.
Sometimes you have to take calculated risks in order to progress, and I feel Jake did that with Steyn. South African sports coaches, by nature, seem to be too conservative in their thinking, so it’s refreshing to see coaches like Muir, Heyneke, and Rassie (and even PDV at age-group level) thinking outside the box.
Thanks Ghost – and here I normally dont even read yur “column” 😳 😳
Howzit , Slimjan! 😛
TT – Wynand actually scored a try last week! Can you believe it?
Hi BF!
BF
Are you saying Jacobs’ defence is better than Barritt’s 😯
Is jy mal? Adi is good on defence but does tend to do the odd tap on the shoulder attempted tackle at critical moments which i haven’t seen LoveChild do yet.
Ok – off to get some food!!! This talking about veg and muffins, brownies and eggs is really gettng to my stomach!!
In a while – dont miss me TOO much!!! 😆 😆
only see problems arising if the acting coach decides to try and re-arrange everything for some reason.
26.03.08 11:15:21 – Waz Edit
sort of like playing Steyn at 12 maybe. 🙂
Waz – losing a coach is a big thing, and if Muir leaves in the middle of the Super 14, then I doubt the Sharks will make the final. It’s not just about the structures that they’ve put in place, but also about the bond that the coach has with his players. To be able to (figuratively!) get a player to run thru a brick wall for you is not easy.
The only coach I can recall in recent memory who’s taken over in the middle of a season and maintained the high standards, is Avram Grant at Chelsea, when he took over from Mourinho. Much easier to take over in the off-season.
Aaah, the Ladies have joined us! Hi there Ice and Nessa! All geared up for tomorrow?
I am serious about the pics by the way – we wanna see all of you in all your glory!
Especially the bit where Ice starts windsurfing with Rob. 😆
Hehehe… it’s cool, Ice. Most people prefer to make their own predictions anyway (I know I do!), so I doubt many people really take note of my tips!
Agree on the bond between coach and players Ghost. I’m just hoping the Sharks have the minerals to play at their best even without Muir around. Hell, they basically have no choice, since if Muir gets his contract he’ll be going for sure.
😎 😎 😎
“slightly less better”???
Come now oubaas, you are normally so eloquent! 😛
We will try to be strong Eish – but dont stay away too long!
The thing about losing Dick is also his ability to spot talent – if we don’t count young prodigies like Ruan and Frans, Dick fast-tracked guys like JPP, Brad, Waylon, Beast, Daniel, Kockott, Deysel and Pat Cilliers.
Plumtree is a great coach in the normal sense, but does he have that ability to spot a diamond in the rough?
😆 😆 😆
I hope they do too, Waz… they’re SA’s best bet to win this tournament.
I’m a bit surprised that Dick has almost certainly chosen to leave without seeing the season out… but I suppose the lure of eventually coaching the Boks was just too great.
Ghost – Dick did say that he would be on his way next year anyway. He said in an interview that a coach should never stay with a side longer than 4 years. He believes he has done what he can and needs to move on.
Pity it is halfway through a season though!
Do we know that he will move on before the S14 is finished though or is that purely conjecture at the moment?
I was under the impression that he would see the S14 season out but others seem to think differently. Maybe they have heard it somewhere?
Recall reading an article that stated that their Springbok obligations would require they cut their S14 season short as coach. Anyone have that link?
ghost, the boks played ten man rugby in the rwc. frans never had much ball to show his true skill with. you also cannot compare him as we never played france, nz or aus on our way to the final. so to say he was the best centre in the tournament is a bit bold. he defended well and made a few good breaks.
nessa, wynand also missed vital tackles giving away tries.
waz, dick won’t leave until after s14.
TT – I know – just pulling your chain. 😉
Big Fish –
kan Rob Windsurf???
i know you were ness. i saw the try and went, shoo that is the first decent play in over a year. and then i watched his defence again and then thought some things don’t change.
TT, I don’t understand how you can say that the Boks played 10 man rugby in the WC, when they scored, on average, 5 tries a game?
They never had to play any of those teams, no… but they did play England (who beat both Aus and France) and Argentina (who beat France as well).
On evidence of the rugby played throughout that tournament, you have to say that the Boks would’ve beaten both NZ and Aus, because they were the only team who seemed able to adapt to the game situation, ie. run when u have to, and kick (well) when u need to.
As for Frans, if you look at all the positions he’s played in so far, in which one has he been the most impressive? If you’re honest, you’ll say 12 for sure. He’ll probably eventually move into the flyhalf role once he gets more game experience, but in big games he doesn’t seem to have the head for that position yet.
Your 10 and 12 have got to be very clever, as well as instinctive players, and must be able to play both positions. When you’re as talented as the guy is, you can probably play anywhere in the backline, but 10/12 is where he should settle, because at 15 he won’t have any influence on the game if he doesn’t get the ball.
26.03.08 12:12:02 – Ice
Grew up in Tshwane, chances are good. 😉
Then I will take a pic – ‘specially for you!! 😉
26.03.08 12:48:46 – Ghost10
You are wasting your typing fingers….TT is entrenched, nailed, glued and rivetted to his view on this one Ghost
ghost all those tries were intercepts. 😆
or from balls kicked by butch to the wings. nothing much went through centers hands.
i am the first to say frans is good at 12. but he doesn’t bring enough to kick barritt out his spot. what he does have to offer though would be better used at 10 or full back where sa has a huge player shortage. he is young enough to make both those positions his own. then leave inside centre to barritt who we know is able. what is the point having 5 centres and no flyhalves. then it doesn’t matter who you put at centre as they aren’t going to get any ball.
Grew up in Tshwane, chances are good.
26.03.08 12:56:06 – Big Fish Edit
Dude I grew up in KROONSTAD and I can’t (or should that be WON’T) windsurf.
Way back when: We had a sokkie in the “stad skouburg” in kroonstad and they were playing “Slice me Nice” and other “High energy stuff and these guys were windsurfing to this 😯
Instant aversion to windsurfing that.
The faster the music the more they looked like spinning tops. 🙄
i am the first to say frans is good at 12. but he doesn’t bring enough to kick barritt out his spot
How you can say that when the one is the Bok 12 and the other isn’t even a bok is completely beyond me.
Are you then by implication saying J White stuffed his selection at 12?
For fear of interrupting the 100 years debate….
South Africa vs India 304/4 (90.0 ov) Amla 85 and de Villiers 10
The indians are not doing nearly as well as i thought they would.
I saw MacKenzie scored 90-odd this morning.
Caught on 94 KSA
Had a ripper of an innings and unlucky to get out at that score.
Just as a matter of interest.
two GREAT 80’s songs
Hazell Dean (have to listen for at least 2min to enjoy the vocals)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xTK4u1Rwfp0
Fancy – Slice me nice
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gv3LQB8j1uM
Hey PJLD. Been quiet lately?
Let’s hope we give them a klap.
Any chance of us being able to draft Symonds into the team 😉
The pitch might do some funny things after day 2…so if we can put up a big total by close of play tomorrow and then they will really have problems….
Gary Kirsten must be a worried man….1st real day on the job and already he will be looking out his hotel window for any like size effagies of himself…
Sny my lekker 😯 , im sure the Kroonstad folk just dug that one
Been away KSA, back in full effect.
PJLD
The LUVED it. 🙄
DP
😆
KSA – What about Ice Ice Baby??? Or are you too young for that one?? 😆 😆
Hazel Dean – They say its gonna rain – isnt that her song??
Luister ou mater – ek kom van Christiana – so ek kan lekker windsurf!! And then went to study in Tswane and surfed a little bit lekkerder!!
Ice
Yip that is they say it’s gonna rain.
I also loved it when the girls got all twisted out of shape over Miquel Brown – So Many Men So Little Time
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n_MiRWo4Myw
The dudes in Tswane must have rocked to this if only they knew who sang it. 😆
Ice ice baby – was MC Hammer wasn’t it.
i think the video featured that rediculous Yellow superbike?
No it was Vanilla Ice.
You are right! I thought it was someone who sang flashdance or I will survive or something! LOL 😳 😳
Yeah Vanilla Ice – I am just sommer stoutgat Ice… 😆 😆
Ice – you should have known it was Vanilla Ice!
Never mind – they never really “sang” it anyway, just mimed!
Flashdance was Irene Cara
I will survive was Gloria Gaynor.
On a road trip from Jhb to Dbn for the S14 Final Big Fish was horrified to see i was playing i will survive on my Ipod 😆
Nessa 😆
Suppose he was the 80’s Eminem! 😆
Ness – I was talking about “so many men so Little time” !! 😉
Millie Vanillie or something was the “mimers”
Ice – of course, you are right! Forgotten about that. It must be the glass of champaign I had lunch time for my friend’s birthday.
😆 😆 KSA – you had to grow up in the 80’s to fully understand the music!! My husband is a “bit” younger than me and wants to get the heeby geebies if I pluk out my eighties songs!
KSA – did you go to the S14 final? We were at the semi-final. Much nicer game – we won that one! 😉
Ness – Champers???? 😯 😯 I would give about anything right now for a glass!! 😛
That was some bad ju-ju that day KSA!
Ice ice baby vanilla
Ice ice baby (oh-oh) vanilla
Ice ice baby vanilla
Ice ice baby vanilla ice
Yo man let’s get out of here
Word to your mother
Ice ice baby too cold
Ice ice baby too cold too cold (x2)
Ice ice baby
😳 😆 😉
Geez – they were real deep blokes to write beautiful lyrics like that!! 🙄
BF – how come you were on a trip from Jhb to Dbn?
Hoi ja mase kinnes…
Charlie – have you come to gooi a tune with us? 😉
Salud Charlie! 😛
Nessa, I was voted the hottest blogger on a previous rugby blog, and was given a ticket to the Super 14 Final, so that I might accompany KSA and some other miscreants so they might look cool for once.
The prize included a stipulation that I drive down with ’em from Jozi as they wanted to spend extra time with me.
I could tell you stories, but I dont have any kids yet and I aint gonna risk that hope just yet. 😉
😆 😆 Ness!! Gooi a tune! 😆
Fish just tell them the truth!
You were the BEE partner for the trip, ill never forget my text messagers to you that day:
Msg 1: CONGRATS GUY!
2 seconds later
Msg 2: Oh shit, unlucky!
BF – that is so cool! Lucky them!
I have been on some of those bus trips – the last one I went on I couldn’t see straight by 9 o’clock in the morning. Every time I closed my eyes for a little nap – they shoved a syringe down my throat with heaven knows what in it – think I will rather drive down in my own car next time! I am getting too old for that.
Ice – notice he is one of the only bloggers who hasn’t sent a picture in to the “Photos” page! He also doesn’t have a proper picture on the blog. He obviously can’t choose between all the nice photographs of himself!
You seriously don’t want to hear me gooi a tune!
Did you get “geklits” Ness?? 😯 😯 (Not that I think it would take much! Nowadays I have a beer and half my blood is replaced by alcohol!) 😆
Ice – with what we weigh – it only takes one glass of champers and I am walking a bit skew! A cheap date, that’s me. 😳
Thats what I said to someone the other day – we are “dream dates” 😆
20 bucks is all it takes!
Saw Vanilla Ice play at a New Years day music fest here this year… he ain’t the same old Ice we new as kids…
k-new
Looks like we are all 80’s kids / teens / younger adults on this blog!
❓ ❓ 🙂
26.03.08 15:28:55 – bryce_in_oz
Yeah old Rob “Vanilla Ice” Van Winkle is a bit more hardcore than he used to be.
Although with that surname he will never ever completely by “hardcore”
really is a potent squad, the reds will be a tough fixture, but with all the sharks possibly back i.e. pienaar, carstens and AK and EPi, so much depth…this side could surely give the Saders a go:
1. Carstens 2. Bismarck 3. BJ
4. AJ 5. Muller
6. Botes 7. Epi 8. Kanko
9. Kockott 10. Fred
12. Steyn 13. Murray
11. Pienaar 14. JP 15. Terreblanche
16. Beast 17. Burden 18. Jannie 19. Albert 20. Daniels 21. Adi 22. Odwa
I like your thinking on positions Cab….I could live with that team
Cab – Deon will not be playing for the Sharks on Saturday – he is starting for the Beeste.
And so is Scott Mathie. Glad to see he is still with us.
Ladies, ladies, ladies!
Calm down now – I cant just be chucking my pics around the web – I have my fan base and merchandising to think about.
Nessa, I will send you one.
And yes I can tell you now, I am sure I am 100% homo sapiens! 😳
And what about me??? 👿
BF – I take it I am part of your fan base then. Glad to hear that!
Sorry Ice! This one is mine. 😎
DP, yeah can see why they play Barrit at 12 and Steyn at 15, but just think Steyn is so effective at 12. nice to have those choices.
Nessa, you really have the lowdown hey. Beast also playing v well, just think Carstens will revel in these ELVs.
And who suggested you were not 100% homo sapiens?? I mos know you are a very wise man! 😆
😥 😥 Not fair Ness…I thought I was part of the fan base too… 🙁
N-Ice one Ice!
Took me a while to catch up with you!
Nessa, you cant be a fan of humble old me – the bee yearns for the flower, not the other way around!
What BF – took you a while to cath up with my superior intelligence or what I said?? 😉
Cab – can’t wait to see Deon play with the new rules. He loves playing loosehead. He is going to do really well, I am sure of that.
BF – Ice is very quick. You have to get up an hour earlier to catch up with her.
Well – cheers all. Time to fight the traffic home. Chat tomorrow!
Ness – I am on your heels!!
Cheers everyone – C ya 2morro!!! 😀
Homo Sapiens = Wise Man (literally)
Took me a lil while to catch your play on words.
Drive safe ladies!
Ice, Nessa can forward my little pic to you if you still hold a passing interest.
Some interesting stories came out of that Super 14 final roadtrip – I remember reading the posts and being so jealous especially about the Pinetown (I think it was) hot spot.
The Pinetown hot spot 😳
Club Kenya. 😳 I warned them, but NO let’s listen to the young barmaid at stokers rather. 🙄
54 wasn’t to bad Music was better and a LOT less Mullets around than at Kenya.
KSA – Last time I was at 54 I had 2 weeks to go before my baby arrived and I asked my hubby to take me dancing for the last time before our lifes would change 4ever – Had hipsters on and a short top – and one big naked preggies belly which I showed to the whole club! I only made it to about 11h15 – was so tired. I was a hit though! 😆 😆
Never heard of Kenya though…maybe a blessing in disguise! ❓
BF – I am your BF!! I will surely ask Ness to pass it on!