Brumbies coach Andy Friend has told his team that anyone who feels unable to play against the Stormers this weekend will not be forced to do so. There’s a fantastic opportunity here for the global brotherhood of rugby to show some solidarity and I just hope that everyone rises to the occasion.
It would, to my mind, be absolutely tragic if the Brumbies, crippled through their grief for a team mate taken so tragically, were to suffer the additional ignominy of losing to the Stormers at home simply because they aren’t at full strength. I’m sure that whoever takes the field for the Brumbies on Saturday will be focused on the task at hand, but I agree that it’s the right thing to do to not force anyone to take the field if they don’t feel able to do so.
I’m struggling to work out what the appropriate response is from the Stormers, though. Should they come up against a severely depleted Brumbies outfit, should they take the points on offer and be thankful? Would that not be adding insult to injury? Hell, are the Stormers even able to beat a Brumbies B-team? If it weren’t for the fact that the Stormers only have a group of 24 players on tour anyway, I would suggest that they too should field a weakened team as a sign of solidarity – then again, they don’t have the option to weaken (or even strengthen) their team.
I know this is probably completely unreasonable, but I would advocate calling off the game and sharing the points, as a mark of respect to the memory of Shawn Mackay. What do you guys think?
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I think it is a noble gesture and would agree with you, but not sure the Stormers can afford to make gestures like that. What a tragedy!!
I suspect we would be incapable of beating the Brumbies anyway. Personally i think the game should go ahead and the Brumbies will get the 5 points they need. – They are in contention and i don’t think they would want to share two points with a team so undeserving as the Stormers.
Its a dam shame what happened but life goes on. And i suspect the Brumbies will be motivated by that.
i agree rob, this game should be called off and the points shared.
yes, the stormers cannot afford to give away points, but hell, imagine how dedicated those brumbies players that do play are going to be. like u say, who says that the stormers will actually beat them.
besides all the talk of points and log positions etc., even though it is a pro game there should still be room for humanity. after all, sport is a microcosm of life, that is why it appeals to us so much.
@Worcestershire Sauce (Comment 2) : yeah – I think you are probably right. Those guys will be willing to run over broken glass to honour their mate.
@robdylan (Comment 4) : Indeed. I know personally i would be. Besides when life gets you down, get back up.
No calling off the game… let them play for their mate…
@Worcestershire Sauce (Comment 2) :
Agreed, show respect before the game, play a bloody hard CLEAN game and take it from there after the game.
not getting any easier for stormers
I reckon the Stormers are going to get a moviese pakslae!!! 🙂 😕
@Worcestershire Sauce (Comment 2) : @blackshark (Comment 6) : @Salmonoid (Comment 7) :
Agree…
@wpw (Comment 9) :
Hide the smile smiley…just now you really give away your true allience.. 😈 (you still have people guessing..is he?? is’ny he?… 😉
@Salmonoid (Comment 7) :
Yep, a competitive but clean game would be the best tribute from both teams.
Unfortunately money will always be the deciding factor. I think they should both play to the best of their abilities to properly honor Shawns life and love for rugby
The minutes silence is enough to bring honour to Mackay. To cancel the game is just ludicrous. Life goes on, even games (serious or not 😐 )
@Prof. Ice (Comment 11) :
Why are you guessing??
I made it clear a brazillian times (thanks Dubya) the Sharks is my 2nd favourite team. 🙂
@JustPlainSHARK (Comment 14) : I agree. 😐
@wpw (Comment 15) : Ja boet, thats the difference between Sharks fans and others. My 2nd team is the Sharks XV, then the U21’s, U19’s, Craven Week team, Ulster, Saracens……oh and then the uhm Stormers (just kiding bru) 😀
@JustPlainSHARK (Comment 17) : Ulster ahead of Sarries?
@robdylan (Comment 18) : or is it bj ahead of bb 🙄
@rekinek (Comment 19) : yes – that’s what concerns me. I mean, I am a huge BJ fan, but BB is a LEGEND
@wpw (Comment 15) :
Im not guessing – other are..You are a Closet Shark…and I do NOT have a second team (that seem so “In Case” my vrot team does not make it, lets not look to shit amongts my friends, as my SECONF team won the Cup”.. 😈 😈 😉
@Prof. Ice (Comment 21) :
And here I thought I was the chief stirrer on SW?? 😕
Team 1-101 = Sharks…
Team 102 – used to be Stormers… 🙄
@wpw (Comment 22) : En sy het nie ‘n houtlepel nie, ma ‘n yster lepel
@wpw (Comment 22) :
OHHHH …and now you are a “CHIEF” too??? Which team do you NOT support?? 🙄 😯
Have the Stormers fans in here given up on them? 🙂
@Prof. Ice (Comment 25) :
Hierdie auntie is skerp vadag. 😆 😎
I personally don’t think any of the players would accept the offer, but rather come out and play a blinder in honour of Shawn.
Stormers in trouble I recon
@Prof. Ice (Comment 25) : the Stormers
@robdylan (Comment 29) :
BWAHAHAHAHAHAHA
@Prof. Ice (Comment 30) : I kill me 🙂
@Pokkel (Comment 28) : I reckon we still gonna come out and play [email protected]!
Sad thing is, ill be up at 6:30am to watch. 😥
All of us as members of the “rugby fraternity” mourn the loss of Shawn. The match should go forward as planned this weekend, in honour of Shawn. There is no reasons the Stormers players can not also reach deep and play a superb game of rugby in honour of their lost comrade. He may have not been a team mate, but he was a brother in the family of rugby players and lovers. I hope for the best, cleanest, hardest fought game of Super Rugby history…..in honour of Shawn.
@Dancing Bear (Comment 33) : damn right, DB… you have a way with words, old timer!
@robdylan (Comment 34) : Comes with ALL those years of experience. 😉
@Dancing Bear (Comment 35) : ah yes… figured it was something like that
We lost in a brother in rugby.
The only way to honour him is through rugby.
The show must go on.
Not one Brumbie will pass up the opportunity to play this game.
I would not.
@Morné (Comment 37) : hey dude
@robdylan (Comment 39) :
Hey man wazzup!!!
Sorry got to run, be back later.
Jean de Villiers is open to offers from overseas clubs. The Springbok centre and Stormers captain is free to move overseas when his contract comes to an end this at the end of this year.
De Villiers told the Australian newspaper that there was a certain appeal to playing for the Waratahs. He is also understood to be weighing up large offers from France.
@Claytie (Comment 42) : uh oh… beginning of the end.
Agree, this match and all tries must be in honour of Shawn, its time to pay tribute, not shy away. Im sure Shawn would’ve want them to put the Stormers out of contention.
@Claytie (Comment 42) : Maybe he will take Rassie with him.
@Worcestershire Sauce (Comment 45) : why? Surely he wants to get as far away from Rassie as possible?