Well, it never rains without pouring, to paraphrase an old saying. Don’t be surprised to see John Plumtree enquiring at his local arc dealership as his already meagre backline resources look set to be thinned even further.
As satisfying as the win against Boland was, it has not come without its own hefty price tag, as both starting halfbacks, Rory Kockott and Guy Cronjé, have been cited and face the possibility of missing the upcoming game against the Bulls through suspension. We all saw Cronjé yellow carded for a supposed “tip tackle”, whatever the hell that is. I thought it was frankly ludicrous that the player received anything more serious than a penalty for a completely innocuous hit, but this is the IRB we’re talking about and they reckon that throwing their weight around amounts to about the same thing as flexing their muscles.
Kockott, never one to resist a cheap shot when it’s on offer, has been cited for striking a player. I guess it’s a case of “when will he ever learn” and perhaps it’s time for Plumtree to investigate bringing Charl McLeod into the starting line up on a more regular basis while allowing the petulant Kockott a little time off to decide whether he’d rather be a rugby player or a boxer.
So, assuming both are found guilty and suspended, which, let’s be honest, they will be, we’re once again looking very inexperienced among the backs, just at a time when the existing combination was starting to gel. Plum mentioned in a media report that his plan was to play Juan Martin Hern´ndez at centre this week, assuming he arrives, which would have made good sense and allowed Cronjé a little more time to settle at flyhalf, with experienced players on either side. Assuming no Cronjé, though, it looks like El Mago will go straight in at flyhalf – that’s of course barring any further delays to his work permit. He is expected in Durban today.
I would imagine that McLeod would be a pretty obvious direct replacement for Kockott and, with Ross Cronjé on standby, scrumhalf is the one area where we can, at least, afford to lose a player. Let’s hope that the Argie does indeed arrive and bring his kicking boots with him, though, or else we may have no option but to start with Ross at scrumhalf and let him take the kicks. We’re then down to the prospect of Monty Dumond at flyhalf, which would frankly be suicide against the Bulls.
Waylon Murray should also hopefully be fit to take his place on the bench this week.
Brace yourselves, Sharks fans, it’s going to be a nail-biting week down in Durban.
Tweet
I did not see this game, but I would be extremely pissed at Kockett if I was a Sharks supporter.
Cronjé’s yellow was an absolute joke. Nothing wrong with what he did imo.
As far as Rory’s concerned I suppose he’s a bit unlucky. But then again you can’t use your elbow to ‘hand-off’ another player.
it was stupid, but looked more like a forearm than elbow me!still stupid
@willa (Comment 3) : is THAT what they’ve cited him for?
OH COME ON! Let’s all go rather play f*cking tiddlywinks!
Im sure the player who got tipped is even against the ruling,how blind must it be for a lock to get tipped by a midget flyhalf.
@provincejoulekkading (Comment 5) : anyway, Hlungwane shouldn’t have been on the field to get tipped in the first place, since he flattened Guy with a high swinging arm tackle just a few minutes beforehand. Poor kid probably wouldn’t be able to play this week anyway – he was so clearly concussed by the end of the game anyway.
To me it looked like he simply fell over. 🙄
@McLovin (Comment 7) : if cronje’s hair wasnt so shocking blonde,the ref would have thought so to
@robdylan (Comment 4) :
I was racking my brain to remember Kockots punch and then remembered his forarm handoff, for which he was penalised, so I presume that is what they are citing him for and that would be harsh.
@willa (Comment 8) : he really had a superb game. if Plum decided to keep him at flyhalf for the campaign, with Mago at 12 and Swannie at 13, I would have no problem whatsoever.
@robdylan (Comment 10) : and it could get him used to the setup for next year, pienaar coming in, el mago and maybe swannie on the outside, but i agree guy did play well,esp when his boet came on
@willa (Comment 11) : they’re a scarily talented pair of kids, those two.. Both seem to have such a superb attitude as well. Good defenders for their size as well.
@robdylan (Comment 4) : The ref thought a warning and a penalty was sufficient at the time… that means three week ban from the fatties.
Guy got a yellow so that equates to 5 weeks?
Kockots his own worst enemy, when will he realise the damage he has done to his career, with his petulant behavior. What a twit, he is so gifted as well if only he did not have a pea for a brain
@Rahul (Comment 13) : I guess you could be right.
Makes me so angry. Let’s make some armbands!
@robdylan (Comment 15) : 😆 We got ime to improve on the springbok designed one.
Should read
JUSTICE 4 GUY
Kockott you stupid [email protected]#$
@Rahul (Comment 16) : I like it… can I put you down for 100? 🙂 You can sell them at the robot…
Kockott – A talented player and he does not have to resort to dirty playing. Alas, perhaps small-man-syndrome comes into play in his case? He is a loose canon which is gonna cost the sharks plenty of games.
@diablo (Comment 18) : I wonder about the superb muscle definition he has… coupled with the uncontrollable rage… see where I’m heading?
@robdylan (Comment 17) : 😆 😆 THE robot is too crowded!
@diablo (Comment 18) : Scrum half syndrome, they all like that!
@robdylan (Comment 19) : Does make one wonder. I am from his home town and know know some family members very well – Rory also “suffered” an unfortuanate injury during his youth that might be another contriburing factor towards his aggression 🙄
@robdylan (Comment 17) : Did a quick survey, I can do 2. The other Sharkie moved to PE
@Rahul (Comment 23) : I’ll take one…….Now that we have a kicker I think it would be good for Cocky to stay sidelined for a while….and while he calms down he can also learn about teamwork inbetween his anger management classes. 😕
@Pokkel (Comment 24) : I have to agree with Kockott’s citing. I called it before the ref blew it, and if I were a bolander I would be calling for a suspension. Guy, that was never dangerous.
yours is in the post!
@diablo (Comment 22) : oh really? Sounds like an interesting story from Slummies…
New Blogger here!
Guy should be allright, but kockett is definately in trouble. Heard that the sharks recieved no info on sunday, hopfully that means they will let it ride. If so our backs will look alot better!(murray and Argi) 😮
@JJR (Comment 27) : Welcome JJR…..I’ll do this on Rob’s behalf…so where did you hear about Sharksworld???
@JJR (Comment 27) : Are you a Sharks supporter???? Don’t be put off by the WP supporters, they are nice guys once you get to know them….
@JJR (Comment 27) : welcome!
Been a Shark all my life! I think i heard about sharksworld from a blogger sarugby.com. Thanks for the welcome. Also a Michaelhouse old boy so much of my support goes to the cronje’s and Lambie. Lets not forget the machine deysel.
Oh my goodness! Now I’ve seen it all!
Rugby365 has Dries Strauss at 13 in their team of the week!
@JJR (Comment 31) : sorry – I was over on Keo for a bit, stoking the flames 🙂
Welcome! Good to have some fresh blood here. Hope you enjoy it and let me know if you have any questions.
Shit, but Michaelhouse is really producing the talent right now, although this year’s Craven Week seems to have its fair share of Glenwood boys.
any news about the two ? when will we know?
@robdylan (comment 31) : Don’t expect many more for a few years. The last two to three years we have had some real talent, but the other years coming up are not too great. Only one guy 1 rate Dumisani Mabena. A zim boy, very good runner.Maybe see him in next years craven week. Glenwwod really have some beef, but i have a hunch that they r currently doin some serious recruiting. Shit, hope Kockett doesn’t get suspended.
@JJR (Comment 35) : is Glenwood a dual medium school?
@rekinek (Comment 34) : you will knows as soon as (well, shortly after!) I know. Also expecting confirmation on JMH today.
@robdylan (Comment 37) : 😎
@robdylan : Don’t know hey, sorry.
They might have become one over the last few years. I think i heard somewhere, but still not sure.
on a different note – who would have thought that Griquas would be at the top of the log at any point in time.
@JJR (Comment 39) : I’m just surprised that there seems to be a large number of Afrikaans boys coming through… adds credence to the suggestion that they may be buying in
@rekinek (Comment 41) : ME! (but not the currie cup log :mrgreen:)
@rekinek (Comment 41) : they are going to make the top 4, I think
Right now, if I were a betting man, I’d say
1 Bulls
2 WP
3 Griquas
4 Lions/Sharks
@Rahul (Comment 43) : well, all the other teams are at Vodacom Cup strength as well… and we all know who won the Vodacom Cup 🙂
@robdylan (Comment 44) : there still seem to be a lot of faith in WeePee. they will not go so high – methinks!
@robdylan (Comment 45) : for now. though I reckon Griquas will make semis this year – with Weepee and Cheetahs loosing out. I get the feeling that Lions will pull through.
@robdylan (comment 39): Ja there r alot of dutchees! When i played against Glenwood last year,i was wondering why all the parents were shouting, ” Slag hom!”
@JJR (Comment 47) : are you still at school, JJR?
Nah, Just left, now at Pukke. I was IN LAMBIE’S YEAR.
@robdylan (Comment 44) : Good prediction for a betting man. Pre season I would not have picked Griquas for semis, or Lions. Sharks and Cheetahs? Who knows what goes on in vrstaat?
Even though i am here in potch, i can’t see myself ever supporting the leopards! Some of the players i have seen play r so shit!
@JJR (Comment 51) : 😆 Not even when they playing the bulls?!!?
@Rahul (comment 52): I think for Shraks and Bulls they r playing at the Royal Bafokeng. I will go watch Sharks, but never the arrogant Bulls! Ha Ha. What suprises me is arrogance even though there is nothing worth doing so 😮
@JJR (Comment 49) : so you know Pat? Will you ask the little scamp to accept my Facebook friend request? I want to interview him 🙂
@Rahul (Comment 52) : I’d even support a side featuring 15 Clyde Rathbones against the Bulls.
anyone seen Oubaas recently? He seems to have disappeared 🙁
@robdylan (Comment 54) : they have been successful over past years so a bit of arrogance should not hurt.
who was the one who said that ego is not a dirty word
@rekinek (Comment 57) : 😳 it was supposed to be re: JJR’s comment 53 😳
@rekinek (Comment 57) : ummm – was it me? 🙂
@robdylan (Comment 56) : he’s got trouble unpacking his pc? Sharkette obviously in charge of that area
geez but those two Cronje okes look very much the same. hey?/ It’s about as identical as identical can ve!! 😯
@Rahul (Comment 60) : yes… leave it to the experts 🙂
@Prof. Ice (Comment 61) : I think one is slightly taller than the other. but not sure
@Prof. Ice (Comment 61) : I had a good laugh when commentator said the swapped positions during a match! great to have cover at scrummie when the scrummie goes on a little run. They look a wee bit small though 😕
@robdylan (Comment 62) : 😆
@robdylan (Comment 62) :
i did not measure them… 😈 😉
@Rahul (Comment 63) : they’re not huge, that’s for sure.
@Rahul (Comment 64) : I don’t even have a phone number or work email address for him anymore 🙁 Makes me feel quite cut off
@Rahul (Comment 63) :
i think they did nogals great for newies..
I am somewhat worried about the weekends game.. 😕
@Prof. Ice (Comment 65) : I said taller, not longer 🙂
@Prof. Ice (Comment 67) : only somewhat? I am shitting myself!
@robdylan (Comment 68) :
@robdylan (Comment 69) :
Yeah, well, I did not want to get the whole SW community up in arms – so I tried to let them know in a gentle manner – but seeing we areon the same level – i am shitting myself! 😆
@robdylan (Comment 68) : 😆
@Prof. Ice (Comment 67) : I think they were great, showed a lot of heart!
@robdylan (Comment 69) : I got Sharks to win by 5 or so… dont panic 😕
Cheers everyone!! i am off…was a real blue Monday..bashed my car this morning, having to deal with insurance, copshops, rentals… 🙁
Ciao!!
@robdylan: Ja, i know Pat i will let him know. For all those who say the twins are super identical, u might want to know that ross is about 3 to 5 cm taller.Random info.
@Rahul (Comment 71) : they’re not all that strong upfront… problem is, neither are we!
@rekinek (Comment 57) :
I think it was Johan Muller.
@Prof. Ice (Comment 72) : strongs, chick! Never fun.
@JJR (Comment 73) : I WAS RIGHT! HA!
@JJR (Comment 49) :
At Pukke, are you going to become a dominee?
I saw a picture of the twins standing next to each other at the July. I can’t tell them apart for shit, but I definitely noticed that one was taller than the other.
@Salmonoid (Comment 77) : LoL… 🙂
Last week someone wanted to know whether it was trus that Gerhard Harding had a glass eye. Seems he did in fact -confirmed by Bros in Friday nights commentary when he recalled how, after a night game in which the floodlights went out one after the other, Hatding commented to Ian Mac that he thought he was losing the sight in his good eye too.
@Prof. Ice (Comment 72) : eina! good luck!
@robdylan (Comment 78) : Is that not just the hair style?
@robdylan (Comment 79) :
Im sure they offer other courses there but it seems everyone I come across that was a Puk studied theology or pharmacy.
@Salmonoid: Good one, love the generalisation. I am studying sport management. R u studying what the Darwin awards r?
😀
howzat all, welcome JJR. @Robdylan, i asume u have no news for us yet?
@Salmonoid (Comment 75) : it was a rhetorical question before we humble sharks supporters start the bulle bashing
@Prof. Ice (Comment 72) : I sure hope your day gets better.
@Prof. Ice (Comment 72) : go get them ❗
@JJR (Comment 84) :
What is a Darwin?
@JarsonX (Insomniac) (Comment 86) : none yet…
@rekinek (Comment 87) : Yes but do you remember Johan Muller saying the same before a big game earlier this year. We lost.
@Rahul (Comment 82) : no… I don’t think so. Just found the photo again. There’s a pretty big difference.
@robdylan (Comment 91) : i guess u wont be the 1st to know 😉 I take it, no one lost a lifeline or died on LMS this weekend
@Salmonoid (Comment 92) : yip – before Tahs game to be precise. the reason i referred to it was just to remind everybody that sharks not so humble after all.
Kinda assumed that everybody would remember the quote.
@robdylan (Comment 93) : you guys realise that they will be wearing different numbers so it will be easy to distinquish
@rekinek (Comment 95) :
Nobody refered to it after the game – selective memory loss.
@rekinek (Comment 96) : im dislexic, i cant distinguish between 6 and 01
@Salmonoid (Comment 97) : there was a game 😛
@rekinek (Comment 96) : Thats their first mistake! If they wore the same numbers it could be a free substitue!
@Rahul (Comment 100) : exactly!
@Rahul (Comment 100) : we could sign Akona, he has the same number, although we will have to get him to wear a black and white jersey
@JarsonX (Insomniac) (Comment 98) : hmmm – if ross starts it will be easy – one will have one digit and the other two…
@Rahul (Comment 100) : Could we fool the ophthalmologist from Mpumalanga though
@JarsonX (Insomniac) (Comment 102) : you know my theory about those two, right?
Heres a thought for what its worth if we signed Akona and the ebersons blades wouldnt know what to do with himself he would be seeing double without the whiskey
hi all, long day so far, welcome jjr, random question, what is ur nickname from?
@robdylan (Comment 104) : spoke to reporter and nothing has happened on citings yet or if it has no announcement
@Fattmann (Comment 107) : thanks. Any news on JMH?
@robdylan (Comment 104) : uhm… No?? Speak up
@robdylan (Comment 108) : 😆 , u sound desperate rob
@robdylan (Comment 104) : yeah, plz do tell
@robdylan (Comment 108) : heard hes on flight to dbs but ill believe that when i see it
@JarsonX (Insomniac) (Comment 109) : I believe that they swap places once every two seasons. Only one of them can actually play rugby, but he moves around to ensure that neither loses his contract.
We’ve got the shit one this year… we had the good one for the last 2 years.
@Fattmann (Comment 112) : sweet… I like the sound of that.
@robdylan (Comment 113) : they never seem to play well at the same time 🙂 ur right
@robdylan (Comment 114) : i think plum said that if he arrives by tuesday he will consider him for saturday’s game, i just hope we don’t end up with monty dumond as starting flyhalf against the bulls again!
@robdylan (Comment 113) : ooops – what will we do then 🙄
@Fattmann (Comment 112) : isn’t it bit late if he is to start this weekend?
@rekinek (Comment 117) : even if he arrives on Friday morning, I’d let him play, rather than Monty
@robdylan (Comment 118) : 😆
@war1 (Comment 116) : Let me ask again. Does anybody know what’s happening with Len. I thought that I was reading somewhere that he had some involvement in 2009 CC in his contract.
@robdylan (Comment 118) : me too, dont think plum would take that risk tho 😡
@robdylan (Comment 113) :
@rekinek (Comment 120) : dont think he will play
@war1 (Comment 123) : I think that even if he arrives on thursday’s flight its only from France so he will be fine physically he wont know the moves but sometimes i think the team dont know their moves either!!!
and class will come thru Great news about Wynand though Odds have swang back to the sharks
@rekinek (Comment 120) : will ask my connection about Len
@rekinek (Comment 117) : we contract both of them and pull an in-game switcheroo when necessary 🙂
@Fattmann (Comment 124) : odds will swing right back to the Bulls if Rory and Guy are banned
@Fattmann (Comment 124) : there might be a hole at 12 then 🙂
@rekinek (Comment 120) : it was an understanding at the time he was signed, but things have changed.
@robdylan (Comment 127) : tru that : 🙁
@Fattmann (Comment 125) : thanx 😛
@robdylan (Comment 126) : that’s bring us back to this strategy of buying all the good players so that they would not play for the opposition 😆
@robdylan (Comment 127) : so true but im hopefull that wont happen
@Fattmann (Comment 124) : injured?
if we get de Compostella and charl- can’t be too bad
@robdylan (Comment 127) : not necessarily
@rekinek (Comment 133) : if we have all four,would be best! and wynand olivier is with the boks
@rekinek (Comment 133) : Jacobs crocked Wynand called up just heard he will start Jean not over injury yet
@robdylan: When should we hav info on the citings…i hate having the feeling that Sharks might be understrength because of something stupid.
@Fattmann (Comment 135) : Adi – Mr Reliable
sharks can always count on him.
seriously – pity should adi be out 😥
@rekinek (Comment 133) : who’s charl?
@robdylan (Comment 138) : mcleod
@JJR (Comment 136) : I’m not sure… right now I’m hearing that Rory may not have been cited after all. Will let you know soon as.
@war1 (Comment 139) : oh yes – I remember him.
He’s good, isn’t he?
@robdylan (Comment 138) : Is this a serious question 😯
@war1 (Comment 139) : YES!
@robdylan: Shot 🙂
@Fattmann (Comment 135) : you’re saying Wynand will start with Mossie?
@war1 (Comment 139) : you did mention him in his article – remember
@JJR (Comment 143) : you see the little grey arrow at hte bottom of the comment? Click it and see what happens… 🙂
@JJR (Comment 143) : hey man, welcome, did not get a chance to say hi, btw if you wanna reply to a comment, just click the arrow at the bottom of that comment
@rekinek (Comment 145) : yeah, maybe he forgot his name was charl 😆
you guys give me waaaay too much credit.
@robdylan (Comment 149) : 🙄
Morning all just heard Guy has DC this am no action against rory Comissioner is Govender and sharks dont have a good record againt him saw incident and it wasnt a spear
News just in: Only Guy Cronje will face the judicial officer this afternoon it seems. No further steps will be taken against Rory. JMH might arrive in SA/Durban today, sounds like he will start against the Bulls.
@Fattmann (Comment 151) : i didnt see your comment 😳 the paper says he picked the guy up and drop him on his head. If that is the accusation and it wasnt a spear, then he will probably come off.
@JarsonX (Insomniac) (Comment 153) : i have 2 words to say for that but better to leave that out interesting fact just heard about Cronje had taken a knock to the head just b4 that and as a result wasnt himself apparently he doesnt remeber the tackle
@Fattmann (Comment 154) : I don’t think he remembers the last half hour of the game. Hlungwane floored him with a swinging arm about ten minutes into the second half. I reckon the wrong oke has been cited.
@Fattmann (Comment 154) :
I saw that, I dont know if that can be used as a mitigating factor. Some may argue that they were dropped on their heads as babies and are prone to the occassional blackout…. :twisted:. This is also probably true of some.
@robdylan (Comment 155) :
He wasn’t well, its not often that the player shows tha world that he is seeing 24 fingers and the coaches / refs allow the player to stay on the field. 😯
@Salmonoid (Comment 157) : you mean you don’t have 24 fingers? How do you type?
@Salmonoid (Comment 157) : and that was only his right hand! 😆
@robdylan (Comment 158) :
With 2 thumbs.