The Waratahs host the Sharks in Sydney.
This is it the Sharks have been practicing for this all season, winning without a bonus point that is……
Will the Sharks squeak another win as was the norm at the early stages of the competition or will they show the form they showed in the last two matches of the season?
Or will the Waratahs have ideas of repeating the result of the league match?
Kick-off in Sydney at 12:00 SA time.
Ref: Bryce Lawrence (New Zealand)
TJs: Lyndon Bray (New Zealand), Kelvin Deaker (New Zealand)
TMO: Glenn Newman (New Zealand)
Waratahs:
Starting XV:15 Sam Norton-Knight, 14 Lachie Turner, 13 Rob Horne, 12 Tom Carter, 11 Lote Tuqiri, 10 Kurtley Beale, 9 Luke Burgess, 8 Wycliff Palu, 7 Phil Waugh (captain), 6 Rocky Elsom, 5 Dan Vickerman, 4 Dean Mumm, 3 Al Baxter, 2 Adam Freier,
1 Benn Robinson.
Replacements: 16 Al Manning, 17 Matt Dunning, 18 Will Caldwell, 19 David Lyons, 20 Brett Sheehan, 21 Matt Carraro, 22 Timana Tahu.
Sharks:
Starting XV: 15 Stefan Terblanche, 14 Odwa Ndungane, 13 Adrian Jacobs, 12 Francois Steyn, 11 JP Pietersen, 10 Ruan Pienaar, 9 Rory Kockott, 8 Ryan Kankowski, 7 AJ Venter, 6 Jacques Botes, 5 Johann Muller (captain), 4 Steven Sykes, 3 Jannie du Plessis, 2 Bismarck du Plessis, 1 Tendai Mtawarira.
Replacements: 16 Craig Burden, 17 Deon Carstens, 18 Albert van den Berg, 19 Jean Deysel, 20 Epi Taione, 21 Bradley Barritt, 22 Waylon Murray.
Tweet
GO SHARKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
SuperBru picking statistics
Picks for Waratahs 6112 (31.21%)
Picks for Sharks 13461 (68.73%)
Picks for draw 11 (0.06%)
Quite the opposite of what I expected actually.
Go boys go!
Morning all!!
IT’S CRUNCH TIME!!!
good morning me2
just wish this game would hurry up and start now, the waiting is painful 😐
Goodmorning everybody…
GO SHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARKSSSS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
GO SHARKS!!! Ons soek daai koppie in die Shark Tank.
Lost my connection…good to be back just in time for the game.
Now Sharkies just doit 😎
Its a good thing the Canes gave the Saders a tough match and tired them 4 the final..not 👿
yeeehaaa
Has the game started..??
here we go. I’m going to be quiet during the game
Epi starting??????
@CoffeeShopBok;-) (Comment 10) : not yet. About 15 minutes
@CoffeeShopBok;-) (Comment 10) : busy with interviews
@Dancing Bear (Comment 12) : no. On the bench
Go Sharks!
@robdylan (Go Sharks!) (Comment 15) :
Not according to the starting lineup given on television. They listed Epi as starting with AJ on the bench.
King-kowski & his men to rip the Waratahs apart.
Showsports are screwing around with frickin football..they better show the 2nd semi or I’ll comondere one of these tanks outside and cause chaos at the studios 👿
Sky sports breaking news – Epi to start.
intimidating stadium that
@racheltjiedebeer (Comment 20) : whoops. Guess I was wrong
I am saying this before hand…………
i am getting visitors to watch the game at half time so will probably be scarce in the 2nd half.
@Dancing Bear (Comment 17) : Dick pulling a Mac
boys are on the field
Epi ran out. ayayayay, not good in my opinion.
Taione in for AJ
@robdylan (Go Sharks!) (Comment 22) : Seems it was a very late change. Straight from the Rassie/Dick coaching manual. 😉
@robdylan (Go Sharks!) (Comment 24) :
Pulling a Natal. 😉
We have Afrikaans commentary on DSTV Africa.
yeah there are many Afrikaans guys in North Africa 🙄
time on …
1min
and i am happy so far 😀
Aussie commentators reckon Epi & Beast look identical. 🙄
Someone needs to go to specsavers.
sharks LO, and we have the ball 🙂
Drop baby!!!
ruan puts the first score on the board for us
3-0 Sharks
3 minutes
Tahs look as confused by that penalty as we did a few weeks ago.
Sharks seem focused. 🙂
If the previous semi is anything to go by, then the team who scores 1st…will not win the game 🙁
delayed!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
another sharks LO, can we produce score from this one too 😉 😎
@Cru-El (Comment 39) : hey whose side are you on 👿 😉
Still getting player interviews 🙄
How hard can it be to have it live ??
Shit is says LIVE 👿 👿 👿
@KSA Sharkette (Comment 42) :
Both?
Cru-El wants the Sharks to win, but Bru-El doesn’t 😎
Epi to keen to run at beale. Forgets to catch the ball. 👿
@CoffeeShopBok;-) (Comment 40) :
7min 20 sec delay to be exact 😡
Botes LOvely tackle on Palu
@Cru-El (Comment 44) : you know you can get medication to help with that condition 😆
Is AJ on the bench or out injured?
@CoffeeShopBok;-) (Comment 49) :
Not sure yet.
start scoring tries now sharks 😕
Penalty Tahs. 👿
Beast penalised for scrumming in.
Beale going at goal
Miss. 😀
woohoo and the kick is a miss
3-0 Sharks
13 minutes
Kockott lus for a fight.
Sharks scrum on top. 😎
Kockott you fool!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Lucky to get away with that
There was something about this being the strongest Aus scrum during the week……….
Kockott on thin ice.
panalty for the tahs, sharks offside, epi with a try-saving tackle, gives away a penalty
👿
and the kick is …..good
3-3
18 minutes
Epi trying too hard it seems.
Line outs not good. 👿
commentator “epi is there to make an impact but so far he’s making an impact for the waratahs” 😆
would be funny if he wasn’t on our team 👿
Would be nice if Steyn passes just once or twice.
HUGE dangerous tackle on steyn…..ref blows
How could the ref tell us to leave that ball?
it was in the middle of the ruck on the side
heavy tense match this, boys on both teams are ready for a punch-up, words and jersey grabbing waaaayyy too much
Go Sharks!!
Sharks need to sort out their line out. 👿
Three LO’s lost so far. 👿
At the amount of LO’s we are losing maybe we should opt for John over Bismarck 😉
Try Tahs! 👿 👿 👿 👿
Tuqiri try
Line out f#k-op lead to that.
crap 👿
Adi lost it in the tackle.
Hindsight is always 20/20 but Adi shouldn’t have tried to pass that.
and the kick is good 👿
10-3 Waratahs
27 minutes
Vickerman seems to have Bismarck rattled at line out time.
Tahs running riot.
JPP Saves US 😯
Epi will lose this game for us. 😈 😈 😈
try tahs 👿
this isn’t looking so good
Breakdowns not good.
Sharks seem to be forcing passes.
and the kick ….is a miss
15-3 Tahs
31 minutes
Hey its still 3 all over here 😉
@CoffeeShopBok;-) (Comment 90) :
brace yourself 😀
Sharks struggling to get over the advantage line.
The Sharks really look like they are operating at 30%…
LO is undoing the Sharks big time..
Feck but I cannot stand the Aussie commentators!
@CoffeeShopBok;-) (Comment 90) : i like your score better 😉 😛
CSB
just showed AJ he is not dressed for playing
AJ sitting in jeans and a jacket, doesn’t look like he’s gonna be going on to the field anytime soon 😥
whats with the 50/50 passes 🙄
Aus commentators suddenly have to eat their words as the replay Shows beale DID pass forward.
C’mon Steyn.
What a kick!! Steyn you beauty!
beautiful kick by steyn
15-6 Tahs
37 minutes
Who is the Capt here today…?
He needs to shit on the players and tell them to wake up !
This is where Smitty is missed
@CoffeeShopBok;-) (Comment 102) :
Johan Muller
hooter just gone but play continues
Epi needs some jam on his hands. 👿
HALF TIME
15-6 Waratahs
Stress is giving me a headache.
ok – need some changes. Deysel on for Epi is a must. I’d also bring Brad and Waylon on at centre.
@robdylan (Go Sharks!) (Comment 108) :
i’d give barritt and jacobs a go first
we haven’t lost this yet, but we need to come out and score immediately after half time. Remember, our bench is still stronger than theirs. But we need to play to our strengths.
The Sharks are not looking good….
@KSA Shark © (Comment 109) : fair enough.
we have missed 11 tackles so far 🙁 We need Barritt there.
Robd agreed Deysel needs to be on as in 25min ago..
Steyn / Jacob combo clueless , no communication at all.
Deysel or as the Aus commentator call him – Day-Zell with the emphasis on Zell. 😆
@robdylan (Go Sharks!) (Comment 110) : agree with that, boys need to gather themselves during half time and come out super strong
@Hmmm (Comment 111) : Gee, thanks, Sherlock 👿
@KSA Shark © (Comment 109) : I think that Adi is really struggling there today….
As brilliant as he was last week…
@CoffeeShopBok;-) (Comment 114) : sounds like AJ paid the price for signing with WP. A little silly, all round
so what do we blame? Their conservative aproach, steyn or bryce?
@robdylan (Go Sharks!) (Comment 117) : You didn’t even need a sherlock….but still a pleasure…..
@racheltjiedebeer (Comment 115) : love the way they say pienaar too, as in pee-en-narr 😆
@jarsonx (Comment 120) :
not the ref. He is not impeding us in anyway.
@jarsonx (Comment 120) : can’t blame Bryce. He’s been good.
@robdylan (Go Sharks!) (Comment 110) :
But 11 points in a semi is a lot to catch up….
12 turnovers conceded already
huh ..AJ signed with Province..?
@Hmmm (Comment 125) : lucky they’re only 9 ahead, then
Zinzan thinks Epi won’t be playing 2nd half.
@CoffeeShopBok;-) (Comment 127) : where have you been? Hiding out in the desert? 😉
@racheltjiedebeer (Comment 129) : somebody buy that man a drink
@jarsonx (Comment 120) :
The Sharks backline is not getting the quality ball they are used to and Kockett is not handling that well…nor Ruan really either….
lol oh well, alot can happen in 40mins. Im just gona hope for the best, and the boyz just has to their best.
9 points… 3 drop goals 😉
@racheltjiedebeer (Comment 129) : did he play in the first half? I reckon we’d have done better if he’d got sent off in the 5th minute 😳
@CoffeeShopBok;-) (Comment 127) :
yip 🙁
Let’s see the geriatric jokes from the WP guys now. I suspect their won’t be so many anymore 😆
http://www.sharksworld.co.za/2008/05/23/wp-on-springbok-hunting-trip/
@Hmmm (Comment 132) : So I guess in-experienced half pair…an center pairing…
@Hmmm (Comment 132) : Maybe cos the forwards are getting pwned at the breakdown?
@CoffeeShopBok;-) (Comment 127) : i know, blew me away too, idiot 🙄 👿 😥
@CoffeeShopBok;-) (Comment 134) : we’ll need 4 drop goals, in that case
GO SHAAARKIEEES!! Whooohooo!!
@robdylan (Go Sharks!) (Comment 128) : 😆 😆 😆 😆
@CoffeeShopBok;-) (Comment 127) : I think that is the reason why he is not playing today….
Sharks management an be really childish sometimes…..
@jarsonx (Comment 141) : that’s what I like. A positive attitude 😉
time on 2nd half ….
lol
Hey Robd, connection problemo’s
Epi still there.
@robdylan (Go Sharks!) (Comment 128) :
That makes a much bigger dif…
LoL
c’mon boys, you CAN do this !
K#k!! 👿
TRY TAHS
Beale
oops… ok, it’s gone
Let the comeback begin.
crap 👿 👿
that was meant to us 👿
Try Tahs…
Tahs ju breaking over the gain line on a few occasions and eventually a 3 man overlap….
Easy fall over for Beal…
Kick missed…
Sharks are lucky that Beal is missing so….
and the kick ….is a miss
20-6 Tahs
42 minutes
barritt on jacobs off
Barrit on for Adi…
Good move…improves the def a lot…..
Terblanche & Epi doing their best Laurel & Hardy routine.
epi needs to leave the field he is %&^*ing up our game 👿
Good night nurse! 👿
Burgess intercept try 👿
Tahs bonus point
shame, bit of a nightmare
This is soooooooooooo typical of SA Rugby/Teams…always some sort of games and soapie type bullshit!
And why feck around with signing players before a semi…
well – let’s be frank. Playing like this, we don’t deserve to win 🙂
Burges intercepts a pass from Kanko to Kockett from back of a scrum n their own 22….
Try Tahs….
and the kick ….is a miss
25 – 6 Tahs
46 minutes
Kick missed….
Tahs 25 – 6 Sharks
@robdylan (Go Sharks!) (Comment 166) : yup lets hope we can turn it around, still time ….
You can see something is not right..its very obvious on the players faces..nice send off 4 old Dickie boy and co
@robdylan (Go Sharks!) (Comment 163) :
LoL
Ok Joost…..
i think they must play for BP. It seems that works
Epi playing like a drunk with concussion. 👿
taione is trying to surpass benjamin for handling errors. 🙄
epi’s having a nightmare, confidence is shot, agree must take him off.
someone shoot epi
Epi knock again!?!??
Replaced by Deysel…..very good move….
carstens on du plessis off
taione off deysel on
Wolla on
Kockett passing too flat!?!!
Not even giving his backs time to catch the ball….
oh foock, id better stop watching(reading) and posting
time??
51min
Were the Tahs present when the Sharks were practicing their calls in the line out!??!
52 minutes
who’s on in 20?
WHERE IS THE SUPPORT!
Poor Kanko miles ahead with noone in sight for the pass back..
I seriously think the players r on the way home already
@Hmmm (Comment 185) :
Vickerman again ❓
Ai the nothing is working for the Sharks….
@CoffeeShopBok;-) (Comment 188) : agree
@Cru-El (Comment 189) : yes.
tahs kicking …..but again its a miss
55 minutes
Desperate stuff from the Sharks, predictably leading to mistakes.
we’re hammering down on the self-destruct button now
Pen kick missed…
Odwa takes the ball and pases to Botes…..but forward!??!
we’re really lucky their kicking is off today otherwise we’d be chasing a whole lot more 🙄
Sharks under pressure.
Sharks are tackling a lot more aggressively….which is very good…..
Barrit def beefed up the Sharks backline….
There must be a really good inflight movie on the flight back.
Just hope the Crusaders crush these inbred missing link toss pots !
@robdylan (Go Sharks!) (Comment 195) :
My feeling that the Sharks will self-destruct was a week to soon then.
BUT, the fat bitch hasn’t sung yet. 19 behind with 21 mins to go.
GO SHARKS!!!
Great tackle by Lote on Kockett that was over the line and just had to put the ball to grass…
f’ck me, phil waugh, a mile offside, ref in totally wrong posi.
So close!
dunning on baxter off
was that waugh turnover legal???
Pen to Sharks on half way and Ruan kicks the ball into the dead ball area…
oh dear
Nope there is no energy amongst the players ..Rattlled and some behind the scene fallout has screwed this up..could have been worse cause the Stormers would have been hammered too.
@Cru-El (Comment 207) :
Don’t think so but Ruan crying like a baby id not get it back for the Sharks…
3 tries might be one too many.
Ruan on a walkabout
Not over yet.
Another pen on halfway to Sharks…and yet again a 5 meter lineout…too close for comfort for me…
@Hmmm (Comment 211) :
Ref consistent though. Allowed a similar turnover by Bismarck.
Sharks being push around at ruck & maul time.
Pienaar does a Epi.
@robdylan (Go Sharks!) (Comment 209) : not quite the words coming to mind at this point 🙄 😥 👿 😕
Another knock by Ruan….he is not doing well at 10 today….
@KSA Shark © (Comment 214) :
Keep the mic away from the fat bitch. (sorry for the language ladies)
need to move Brad to 10 and bring Waylon on
carter off tahu on
man , dissapointing, nothings gone right.
Keegan on for Botes…
why oh why??
Sharks taking scrum from penalty awarded from scrum….
Bring on Wales and Italy..a Super14 season to forget for all teams I reckon 😕
sharks scrum on the tahs 22 …..lets turn this into a try please
Dunning struggling in the scrum…
Another pass going astray….
they might have the same names but this is seriously not the team that played last week 😯
12 min left….
Sharks trailing by 19……
Tahs defence is just superb. Thank Les Kiss
Kearn on about a set of drum bought for he’s son 🙄 🙄
Yet another almost try for the Sharks….
Fantastic defence from Tahs.
i hope theres no sharks in the bok squad, down we go on irb rankings
awesome tackl Turner
TMO.
TMO decision for possible Burden try…
TMO for possible try
I keep hitting refresh in the hope I’ll see Sharks Try posted…
Close.
Given.
I think it is a try…but that is a strange one and can go either way…
I think they can give that
TMO pending …
TMO says “you can award the try”
25-13
Rachel – you’re ahead of me
Try awarded…
25-13 Tahs
71 minutes
@CoffeeShopBok;-) (Comment 243) :
Good timing with that post.
come on boys
8min 2 tries. Possible, not very probable.
9 min left Sharks trailing 12……
😯 how many times have we heard – you’ve got to play for the FULL 82 minutes 😉 game’s not over yet 😀
dare we hope?
If the Sharks could score in the next 3 or 4 min then the Tahs will be under huge pressure…..
@jarsonx (Comment 238) :
Thats a bit harsh bro , its just 1 game..a long season and also alot of travelling…Players don’t become kak just like that..Besides the Sharks plyers will be a diff proposition in a Bok jersey..that u can be sure of.
Almost another almighty cock-up from the Sharks.
@racheltjiedebeer (Comment 255) : not the way we’re playing
But knocked the ball again…..
T/O ball Tahs…
TMO pending for a Tahs try!??!
possession
57% sharks
43% waratahs
yup but we need to turn that into score
Luckily a knock from Elsom…..5 meter scrum from Sharks tryline…Sharks put in….
tahs just show important how important defense is
@robdylan (Go Sharks!) (Comment 262) : Unfortunately not.
@coffeeshop lol i know i get a bit worked up sumtimes
I fear that is that folks. Not enough time & Tahs defence simply too good.
Pen Sharks at scrum against Dunning again…
Kockett takes quick tap and the Sharks after 2 min don’t get further than abaout 15 meters from halfway and then the ball is turned over again….
A kick could have done soooo much better….
barritt and deysel both done well since coming on
@CoffeeShopBok;-) (Comment 260) : jarson loses faith very easily.
Scrum turned over to Tahs…..against Carstens…
3 min left….Sharks trailing 12…
Been in own half for about 6….
Drop Beale. 👿
Crusaders v Waratahs next week.
Beale DG…
welcome back boys, cheers Dick
Kette’s fallen asleep on the couch.
Says it all that. 😉
Drop goal Beal….
Tahs 28 – 13 Sharks
No way the Sharks can score 3 times….
Sharks have like seconds where they look good…..just to screw it up….
@Hmmm (Comment 280) :
3times in the match or the remaining time 😛
Congrats to the Tahs. Tough luck Sharks.
crap 👿 👿 👿
another 15pnt victory, history has a way of repeating itself
Poor performance by Sharks. If Beale had been on target, there would have been 20 points in it! I think I may play the final in testrugby with Carter only as Beale could in fact score negative points next week.
Palu crasjing Deysel to add insult to injury.
Poor okes, its a very good Tahs team, sharks looked tired, too many errors, but a good season.
Final whistle….
Waratahs 28 – 13 Sharks…
well boys – that’s the season. Still, I’ve never enjoyed a Super 14 campaign more than the inaugural one here at Sharksworld.
Fair enough…its difficult to have faith when your team has not once really looked like scoring.
Robd on a positive note Barrit seems to be the only one playing with some heart.
So the Sharks Bokke will be announced tonight?
Well done Waratahs.
Tuff luck Sharks. 😥
@KSA Shark © (Comment 279) : bullshit, I was listening just couldn’t assault more than one sense at a time 😥
So it is a Crusaders/Waratahs final in Christchurch….
thanx robdylan for ur amazing site, i do enjoy it alot.
Maybe they should have a week break between last round & semi.
I think the Saders will win it again…
The Tahs were not all that impressive…
@CoffeeShopBok;-) (Comment 290) : yeah. Dick lost this game when he dropped Barritt and Venter.
When will they learn the continuity lesson?
That was truly diabolical…the Sharks’ Doctor Jekyll turned up tonight – though take nothing away from the Tahs, their defense was superb & their loosies dominated.
Something was wrong – their was no communication amongst the Sharks tonight, poor body language. You guys scoffed at this earlier this week, but all this AJ & John Smit nonsense has obviously been a lot more unsettling than one would think.
FFS, AJ was sitting isolated from the Sharks reserves… I just think the signings should have been done AFTER the conclusion of the S14. I’ll say it again – TACTLESS.
Epi the brainfart was abysmal – I hope he NEVER wears the Sharks jersey again, he ended up “playing for the Tahs”. 😯
Got a feeling that the Sharks will make a plan to get that R1.5 million for John after this performance tonight…. 🙄
tough luck guys!
Hey atleast you made it to the semis!
Well…there is only one comment I have to make, “Dick Muir, you cost us with your STUPID selection of Epi!”
Are we going to have to put up with another…”I’m sorry.”
Just hope you don’t stuff up the Boks with stupid selections.
One word of advice.. “never change a WINNING TEAM”
Time for a shower & onto the Heineken Cup Final.
@KSA Sharkette (Comment 293) : 😛
Okay if you say so. 😉
Must say Steyn stood up well to a Lote at full speed…
@jarsonx (Comment 295) : It’s the contributions of everyone here that makes it so much fun.
KSA is the MVP, though… he’s just a machine!
@KSA Shark © (Comment 303) :
So is it that bad that you cannot tell when Kette is awake or asleep…LoL
5l Keg waiting in the fridge.
@robdylan (Go Sharks!) (Comment 289) :
Well it’s our season, but there is still a S14 final to watch next week. 😉
On Steyn/Barritt…
Steyn was heavily marked & fairly predictable in the first half – no impact, he couldn’t break the line. Plus it alarms me when Fransie just tosses the ball back, headless chicken style…
Barritt definitely made an impact when he came on – who said he couldn’t break the line. Also tightened our defense. Hope the coaching staff took notes.
@robdylan (Go Sharks!) (Comment 305) :
But I did only join late!??!
On match day I don’t think anyone can match me if we need to be honest….
@Hmmm (Comment 306) :
@Hmmm (Comment 304) : about all he did.
Let’s sell him and buy John and Butch back…
@KSA Shark © (Comment 303) : I do 😈
@Le Requinny (Comment 309) : Hope that Plum has a decent backline coach lined up
@Le Requinny (Comment 309) :
Steyn did defend well though…I think it was Adi that jus fell short tonight….
ok – I’m off to go enjoy nature, while I reflect on this.
Jarson… stay away from pills and high ledges now…
Steyn tries too much on his own imho.
Think Steyn needs a feck!ng haircut – clearly they DON’T have a Samson-esque effect… 🙄
@robdylan (Go Sharks!) (Comment 312) : Yeah!
@Le Requinny (Comment 318) :
@Barag (Comment 286) : What’s the news on Flynn? I have picked my team for the final, except for the second FR
If the Sharks had a guy like Andre Pretorius/Derek Hougaardt they would have won….tactically the Sharks were poor….
I think that is why teams like the Bulls/Saders do well in finals as they have great tactical flyhalves…
ok – cheers peeps. Keep it real
Guys in Studio: Quite ironic. Muir becomes Bok coach for losing in the semi and Mckenzie get’s fired for making the final 😆
@KSA Sharkette (Comment 313) :
Then so be it 😉
@robdylan, funny bro lol, when does the curriecup start, i wana focus on the future?
@Hmmm (Comment 322) : First sentence…..are you being sarcastic????? 😯
one of the aussie commentators, wears glasses, looks like a computer geek, is a poephol of note, question to Mackenzie ‘suprised at how they wilted?’. perhaps bismarck should dunk his head in the toilet after he’s had a big chilli dump…
@robdylan (Go Sharks!) (Comment 312) :
I am sure all the other unions will love that….
@Hmmm (Comment 329) : They’re welcome to him. He’s a fucking liability
@Me2 (Comment 327) :
No not really….they needed someone to control the game….
Between FdP and Butch they did it well in the WC….neither Kockett or Pienaar could…
well i’m dumbstruck 😯 , what happened to the team that played last week, I think they’ve been locked in a changeroom somewhere in Sydney
The boys did not gel together this week and then add to the mix stupid mistakes by Taione, we did not deserve to win this 😥
@robdylan (Go Sharks!) (Comment 330) :
I think you guys are coaching him wrong….he looked much better in a Jake backline….and everyone (even the Ausies in wrap from down under) said that Jean’s injury was a blessing in disguise as Steyn was standout….
hey – at least we have a benign draw next year 😉
I wonder which big name foreign signing they’ll announce to come and fuck it up for us?
@Hmmm (Comment 331) : Yet they were brilliant last week!! What happened?
Epi disaster….suddenly both youngsters lose their confidence, everything they try ends up with Epi killing it….what is wrong with Deysel….far better than Epi AND willing to put his body on the line!!
@Hmmm (Comment 333) : yeah – we should be coaching him to bring oranges onto the field for the guys that actually know what they’re doing
@Me2 (Comment 335) : I think Quinny is right. I think Dick and AJ had a massive bust-up this week and it derailed the whole team.
@Hmmm (Comment 333) :
I mean if a player looks better against international competition (talking about the best in one team) and not just any….the World Cup at that…then the provincial team surely needs to look at what they are doing wrong….maybe playing “Fit the shape” game the whole season!??!
So the team in Reds won twice this weekend.
Qualifying at Monaco about to start.
let’s hope it is 3 from 3. 😉
@robdylan (Go Sharks!) (Comment 337) :
Like who….Adi/Murray/JPP!??!
Yeh I can see that…. 🙄
BTW – did you see that ‘Tahs guy go & shake Epi’s hand?
I bet he said, “Well played, mate!”
Good bye Dick….welcome Plummers…..
@KSA Shark © (Comment 339) : Yeah..at least my soccer team made me happy!!!
@Me2 (Comment 335) :
I agree…but Ruan knocked a few as well and Kockett had a few very hard high passes or wobbling pases….
I think too much of the Sharks penetration game was based on Epi….and the Kockett/Ruan half pairing were out of their league on the day…
And Adi was just smashed around…out muscled
And the Sharks were not competitive at the breakdowns…not cleaning out very well….
MY opinion on he dif to last week to this…
Hmmm, Sharks didn’t look united as a team. The isolation of AJ highlighted that all is not lekker in that squad. When the Sharks players walked off – some towards the bench, AJ just looked on from the background as if he was no longer part of the team – he looked pretty forlorn, maybe he himself realised that his timing was wrong in signing for WP.
It’s not an excuse, the Tahs probably would have won regardless, but the Sharks didn’t look like they were all that motivated – in fact they looked quite the opposite, barring Barritt & Odwa.
@Hmmm (Comment 343) : BUT why? Muir & AJ?? What’s the story there?
If true could have has an ENORMOUS effect on the youngsters 😯
So when is the Sharks Bokke being announced!??!
“HAS” should read ‘had’ 😳
Muir & AJ has shades of Watsongate in it… I have a good feeling that the Sharks were under the impression that AJ would be signing for them, only for all the WP spin to break loose this week & find out that he was indeed going to WP.
@Le Requinny (Comment 344) :
I agree….and could be the reason for the inexperienced pairings to fail….
The Tahs just pounced on it….especially Adi…and he looked soooo good last week!??!
Kockett was also passing too flat and did not make it easier for Adi or any of his backline players taking the ball up…
i dont know what the reason for AJ not playing was.
also, i know its unpopular right now, but think epi might yet prove a useful signing if they keep, 1 game back with a howler is hard to judge him on, hindisght is a perfect science, but dick knew they had to try get momentum to combat the likes of palu-waugh-elsom, the only player that can really do that is epi – but hands were terrible.
he was not the only one, the lineout was a disaster area (dunno if bis or locks but vickerman-mumm won that). Tahs also made more linebreaks.
@Le Requinny (Comment 348) :
Was about to say it..during the game I said that the Sharks management are really childish….
I mean even the Bulls can manage to keep it together with the whole bakkies thing which was a greater mess…they just struggled with the new laws in the first half…
@Hmmm (Comment 346) :
Are there going to be any after today!??!
Was at the Sharks exit gate last week…AJ & wife were first to leave…then came back about 20/30minutes later???? The Sharks only started leaving about 30minutes later????
@cab (Comment 350) : I’m not saying Epi is useless, just think Muir was stupid to play him…as u say, he has not played for long time…young Deysel could have done the job…and WP or not….AJ should have played!!!
@Me2 (Comment 353) :
Then why did he even go with!??! Sharks management need to sort themselves out….they last the semi!??!
Anyway off to water the garden & commune with nature 😀
@Hmmm (Comment 355) :
Hmmm, because they were unaware of the WP contract when they left! I think that is why the AJ incident occurred! Else I reckon they would have left him behind!
That’s why I kept banging on this week about the tactless reports of signing rumours coming through this week – it’s starting to appear the Sharks were not aware of AJ signing for WP!
@Me2 (Comment 354) : i think you’re quite entitled to your opinion that he’s useless, and on todays performance, you might be right…it also might be that his selection was incorrect and AJ should have played, am a big fan of aj.
However, i can understand why they wanted Epi for this particular game, since the sharks had been driven back behind the adv line a few weeks back in sydney and wanted someone to hit it up and put in some palu-esque tackles…unfortunately epi did not hold onto the ball long enough to be able to see if that coulld have been turned around.
@Le Requinny (Comment 357) :
Oh ok…..but they still could have dealt with it better don’t yu think….
@Hmmm (Comment 359) :
Fair enough, but we don’t know the full circumstances yet…
Will be interesting to hear what Dick says – I’m sure the question will be asked why AJ didn’t play…
But I wonder if he’ll give an honest answer or go for an “injury” to bury the matter … 🙄
Well it is my opinion that the Sharks management lost the semi…
@Le Requinny (Comment 360) :
I doubt an honest answer will be given….
Could be proven wrong but will be really surprised…
So doesn’t anyone know when the Sharks Bokke (if any) will be announced….
@Hmmm (Comment 363) :
LOL, probably bit earlier than Wednesday now… a few from the original 12 may be cut after today…
@cab (Comment 358) : Read my post again….I did NOT say he was USELESS 😡
@Hmmm (Comment 363) :
Or is it a safe bet to say there aint any!??!
@Hmmm (Comment 362) : Agree with u there!!
@Le Requinny (Comment 364) :
Did they say there was 12 Shakrs!???!
Crap I cannot see 12 Sharks worthy at any time of the tourno!??!
Forwards:
Tendai/Bismark/BJ/Jannie/Muller/Kanko/Botes
Backs:
Kockett/Ruan/Steyn/Barrit/Odwa
Ok I got 12….LoL
@Hmmm (Comment 369) :
But the fact that Vermaak did not make it tells me that Kockett will not either…
@Hmmm (Comment 368) :
I think it was a decision made on the back of last week’s performance… 😉
Kockett probably was in the original 12 – cannot see how Bolla can be selected ahead of him. Must say, Vermaak & esp Baywatch’s non-selection is harsh, very harsh…
@Me2 (Comment 365) : sorry thought that was being implied, but think your overall criticism of selecting a player who has been out for 6 weeks in a semifinal is quite correct.
it is probably valid, but i can see why they might have been tempted to do it, also we dont know what AJ’s problem was.
Tough luck ladies and gents. The better team won on the day – it is how it goes in sport.
@Le Requinny (Comment 371) :
Agreed…but Bolla was selected ahead of Vermaak!??!
I will just mention one thing – don’t try and over-analyze this performance. Dick made certain picks and the thinking behind it was sound – it just did not pay off.
The BIGGEST reason for the Sharks loss today in my view, was the quality of possession, specifically 1st phase possession they got or gave to the backs. It was way below par.
For once, their forwards failed.
As an aside…
I read some posts on John Smit and how the Sharks are reluctant to bring him back (forget the money they got it) because they fear losing Bismarck…
Look I rate Bissy, but he has a damn long way to go, and given today’s performance, if Bismarck threatens to leave, pull a Jake and buy him a ticket.
It is for exactly the same reason Schalk Brits is nowhere near Bok quality – look how he imploded (against the Lions) when the pressure was on.
Suck it up, move on – and if you are a Shark – hope an pray they sign John Smit.
@MorneN (Comment 375) :
LOL Morne, I reckon the Sharks are miraculously going to “discover” that R1.5 million after today’s performance…
@Le Requinny (Comment 376) : I sure hope so
@Le Requinny (Comment 376) : I will not be surprised hey! And so they should – I have been laughed at so many times when I said you pick your captain first, and then the rest of the team – and never has it been more evident than today.
A great captain can make an ordinary team play like champions – an average captain can make the most talented individuals lose belief in themselves…
@cab (Comment 350) :
i agree.
other than his headbutt, he was pretty useful in his first two games when he played for us.
lol ksa, headbutt was very stupid, trying too hard today, was awful.
quite amazed sitting here watching montpellier v biarritz and i see warren britz coming on for montpellier, did not know still playing.
@MorneN (Comment 375) :
i tend to agree.
@cab (Comment 380) :
i am watching IRB 7’s
Arg are giving Moldova a KLAP. 36-0 early in the 2nd half
Just as i say that they score their 1st try against Argentina
@KSA Shark © (Comment 382) : did u see SA v spain and score?
@cab (Comment 384) :
No. 🙁 Only just started watching.
Result was 42 – 5 🙂
http://www.irb.com/irbsevens/edition=8/fixturesresults.html
How are you watching 7’s I see it’s not on ShowSport
On AJ.
If AJ was underhanded and was negotiating with WP behind the KZNRU’s backs then by all means be highly pissed at him and nail him where you can but don’t take the guy out of his vital position in the team. 👿
He has actually played damn well in the last two weeks and would have been much better than Epi who hasn’t played since being red carded.
And the Sharks loss now just give AJ the oppertunity of saying “well you guys were pretty stupid in dropping me”
Talk about cutting your nose off to spite your face
thanks, cant see the 7s, on AJ surely it cant be vindictive i mean he’s had 7 seasons there, will be interesting to hear reason.
@cab (Comment 389) :
We might have to wait for a reveal all book before we hear the reason for that I believe.
ksa are you guessing on why aj was dropped or you hear something?
reason i ask is on wednesday it was reported that aj had injured his hand. this story never surfaced again, but grant bashford did slip during the week that epi would probably start. so it could simply be that aj had actually injured himself in last weeks game. it does make sense as epi wouldn’t have been needed and wouldn’t have gone over if aj was fine. epi’s inclusion in the touring squad was a great mystery, but an injury to aj would explain it. if he was dropped for his talks with wp, he wouldn’t have been given a plane ticket. also what does dick care about where the players go, he isn’t the sharks coach anymore.
@try time (Comment 391) :
i am surmising
@try time (Comment 392) :
i stand corrected but I think AJ’s signing for WP only became public after they had left for Aus.
Sorry my Shark friends!
now the other question who was barritt signing with 😉 ?
ksa, if it only became public after they left, epi wouldn’t have been on the plane. i think if it was due to the contract, then aj would not have made the trip. injury sounds the most plausible as epi was drafted in last minute.
i think if it was due to the contract, then aj would not have made the trip
That only became public AFTER they left. Unless anyone can show me something in the media before their departure.
@robdylan (Go Sharks!) (Comment 289) : Thanks for the memories!
@KSA Shark © (Comment 398) : you aren’t getting it. if it was due to the contract, epi wouldn’t have been on the flight. he was called in at the last minute for a reason. an injury to aj is the only plausible reason. he was relieved from his contract with the sharks, so there had to be a big reason he was called back. if it was the contract, aj would have been left behind. so the most plausible reason he was on the same flight as aj, was because aj was injured. if it was the contract that aj was benched then keegan or deysel would have started as epi wouldn’t have been over there.
whatever the reason, the game has been played, the final whistle blown and we lost 😥
bottom line, we missed AJ today, big time ! whether he was injured, or had contract issues, he wasn’t in the game and we can’t go back and change anything so…..
its time to look forward….we didn’t get the silverware for the S14, lets see what we can do in the CC