Former Sharks hooker Gary Botha is leaving Harlequins and is already in negotiation to rejoin the Blue Bulls.
The 27-year-old Botha, a Pretoria native and alumnus of Waterkloof Hoër in the capital, made his Super 14 début for the Sharks in 2003 as a draft player, having languished in the Bulls’ age-group ranks for years without getting much of a look in. After a superb tournament in an otherwise ordinary Sharks side, Botha went back to Pretoria and quickly established himself as first choice at the Bulls. He went on to play in the team that captured the Super 14 trophy in 2007, but his Springbok appearances were always somewhat limited due to the presence of John Smit.
Botha amassed 12 Springbok caps in all, between 2005 and 2007.
His return to the Bulls will raise a number of interesting issues, of course, since Chilliboy Ralepelle, Bok hooker elect, is currently second in the Pretoria pecking order, with the limited Derick Kuün preferred in the number 2 jersey. Bandise Maku has put in some impressive performances in Ralepelle’s absence, but it’s hard to see him progressing any further with Botha back in the ranks. Talk of Kuün moving back to flank seems a little ridiculous, since the Bulls have no shortage of quality opensides and he’s unlikely to play ahead of Deon Stegmann or Jacques Burger in the current setup. Moving from first-choice hooker to third-choice fetcher is such a stupid move that not even a Bulls tight forward would consider it… surely?
To my mind, there’s very little doubt that Botha will come straight back into the 22, though and it may well be that Ralepelle is forced to find another union that will allow him enough game time to further underline his Bok credentials. Perhaps a move to Durban, to be closer to his mentor John Smit would make sense, but there would be little purpose served in benching behind Bismarck du Plessis at provincial level as well. There is still no clarity on the future of du Plessis, though and the Botha move would at least seem to drive the final nail into the coffin of the du Plessis-Bulls link.
Unless Western Province pull a rabbit out of the hat at the 11th hour – unlikely since they already have Tiaan Liebenberg in superb form and have spent huge amounts on Bryan Habana – the smart money would be on the du Plessis brothers putting pen to paper with the Sharks. The alternative is to take a massive pay cut and head back to Bloem.
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Bulls fans the land over will be wetting themselves with excitement.
Besides Liebenberg WP also has Fourie, although Rassie has dreams of playing him as a flank.
@provincejoulekkading (Comment 1) :
i heard that kuun was moving back to looseforward for next season, and i feared this would mean that bissie had signed for the bulls, this makes me think he hasn’t
@war1 (Comment 4) :
Why was ther rumours?? Would they have taken he’s Boet too?? Coz I think they come as a “pay for one get one free” deal… 😈
@war1 (Comment 4) : look, he’s a shit hooker, but unless the coaches have finally realised that and are forcing him to move back, I just can’t fathom why he’d want to. And if they have realised what the rest of the country has known for 3 years, why do they still pick him ahead of Chilli and Maku?
@GI ICE (Be afraid) (Comment 5) : I heard that they were talking, but that the Bulls pulled out of the deal. I think there were two reasons:
1) Doeps wanted too much money.
2) Concerns that the Doeps may have not fitted into the “all for one” culture at the Bulls.
Pure speculation, of course.
@robdylan (Comment 7) :
Who’s the “One”..in “all for one”.. 😈
So – they play for themselves and not for the team?
@GI ICE (Be afraid) (Comment 8) : I think it’s Wynie Strydom, actually…
What I mean is that there are no real individualists (or is individuals?) in the Bulls setup and I just don’t really see Bissy (in particular) slotting into that.
I met Jannie last weekend, by the way. Hell of a chilled oke. Made us drink a farewell toast to Frans Steyn… said something along the lines of “I know I’m the only one who will miss him, but anyway…”
@robdylan (Comment 9) : my sister worked with him in the bloem hospitals
@robdylan (Comment 7) : ya, i dont know, chilliboy has been injured a lot lately, but by now he should be getting regular starts for the bulls, definitely ahead of kuun
@war1 (Comment 10) : you seem to be connected to an awful lot of people 🙂
@war1 (Comment 11) : zigacktly. Chilli is a damn fine hooker. Pity he never plays.
@robdylan (Comment 9) :
Ohhhhh….Uncle TV..I thinbk old Tantrum Queen form FS is close on he’s hills) 😆
We you at a function after the game or sumthing?
@robdylan (Comment 12) : ha ha, that was not really that much of a connection, jannie would probably not even remember her
@robdylan (Comment 12) : also, speak for urself mr facebook stalker
😆
@GI ICE (Be afraid) (Comment 14) : not really a function… just ran into some of the guys after the game. Jannie, Kanko, Wolla and Monty. Kanko’s and dad, too.
@war1 (Comment 16) : speaking of which, am i the only one having problems with facebook this morning?
@robdylan (Comment 18) : i have quite a slow connection, so i generally have issues, what problems r u having?
@war1 (Comment 19) : it just won’t load 🙂
@robdylan (Comment 18) :
Interfering with your stalking?? 😈
I am blocked…so thats my only problem! Can access with a proxy, but it’s basically “Just Read” mode..cannor acces inbox or post anything..
@GI Ice (Comment 21) : bloody annoying to say the least!
@robdylan (Comment 20) : oh no, i have no problems with that
According to News24 the Boks will be playing Sarries at Wembley on Nov 17.
@McLovin (Comment 24) : nice. I want to go.
You keen?
@robdylan (Comment 25) : I think I am. 😎
ok… I need to wait for eh wife to get back from ZA so I can negotiate a pass
Howzit???
So for the first time in quite a while I am actually working most of the day!!! 😯
HECTIC!!! 😥
@robdylan (Comment 27) :
@robdylan (Comment 27) :
My type of woman! 😉
@wpw (Comment 28) : you come right, boetie?
@GI Ice (Comment 30) : any man who doesn’t acknowledge that his wife is in charge is either a liar or a fool 🙂
@robdylan (Comment 32) : 🙂
@robdylan (Comment 32) :
My daughter says because I am the oldest in the house, I am the Boss..
But – ja…you are right…or they sleep in the Blue room.. 😆
@robdylan (Comment 32) : Unfortunately sooo very true 🙁
@Pokkel (Comment 35) :
You make it sound like its actually a bad thing?? 😈
@GI Ice (Comment 34) : the Blue Bull room? 🙂
@GI Ice (Comment 36) : whether good or bad, it’s a true thing. It’s a global law and you will break yourself if you try to defy it.
@robdylan (Comment 37) :
as in the “spaar kamer”.. 😆 The Afr have a way of “naming” an unused room after the colour scheme..
@robdylan (Comment 32) :
I always thought that Hitler, Stalin et al got a bad rap, it was all Eva’s and Ludmilla’s (or whoever the genial, good natured moustached uncle was snuggling up to) fault.
@GI Ice (Comment 36) : It is a bad thing if your wife hates rugby 👿
@Pokkel (Comment 40) :
😯 😯 Ja nee! Then its time you start showing her who wears the pants!! 😆 At least my dearest do not have to worry about that – we both fight about who needs to get up for some reason when a game is on. 😀
OR, you can go about it a total different route – but I do charge for these info sessions.. 😆
@GI Ice (Comment 41) : Next time (if there is a next time) I’m marrying a rich, sportsloving wife…….who needs love anyway 😉
@Pokkel (Comment 42) :
There is “love” in sportloving.. 😆
@GI Ice (Comment 41) : Hoeveel?? Kan ek eers betaal as jou advies gewerk het?
@Pokkel (Comment 44) :
Internet Konsultasie is R5000 per minuut (sorry – geen per sekonde billing) – maar dis worth elke sent. En ja – pay first, but money back guarantee… 😎
@GI Ice (Comment 45) : Ek sal eers die ryk vrou moet soek voor ek daai fooi kan betaal 😯
@Pokkel (Comment 46) : of n bank beroof…
@Pokkel (Comment 46) :
@Pokkel (Comment 47) :
Of ons kan dit altyd ‘n “verimark” special maak…for today and today only…you get this amazing offer at R4999 per minute!! and Thats not ALL – you get 1 minute free!!! All for R4999. Don’t miss out on this amazing offer, nerevr to be repeated again!!
😆
BB Harmse will be having an article in the rapport on Sunday calling for Botha to be in the Bok squad for the end of year tour, citing things like Northern hemisphere experience, blah, blah, blah.
and probably forgetting to mention that Botha is from the Disgraced Harlequins Bloodgate club.
@KSA Shark © (Comment 50) : good call on BB… hadn’t thought of that angle.
@KSA Shark © (Comment 50) : @robdylan (Comment 51) :
Can you guys please confirm who the Bok hookers were at the RWC in 2007??
Smit, Bismarck and ???
Was it Strauss or Botha?? 🙄
@wpw (Comment 52) : it was gary botha, he was actually the original back-up hooker and bissie got called up when spies had to withdraw
Look, Botha was never a bad hooker, by any means. He just had the same problem as Shimmie, Danie Coetzee and so many others… he wasn’t John Smit 🙂
@KSA Shark © (Comment 50) : You’re a real Nostradamus. 😉
http://www.sport24.co.za/Content/Rugby/264/32c52ff20541421787cb0a2e4c5deb1e/02-10-2009-07-40/Bothas_Bok_dream_a_reality
😆
@McLovin (Comment 55) :
Oh dear!! 😯
I just read the article and KSA Shark was SPOT ON!!!
WOW!! 😆
‘South Africa are set to play club sides Leicester and Saracens, and Botha’s knowledge can be a major asset, particularly as a number of younger players will be in the side.’
@wpw (Comment 58) :
Is dit nie bietjie teenstrydig met wat hy voorheen gese het nie?? 😯
WHERE’S EVERYONE HIDING??? 😯
@GI Ice (Comment 60) : under some files …
@rekinek (Comment 61) :
You mean they actually sleeping behind their desks??? 😯
@GI Ice (Comment 62) : who knows – Friday : end of the week : people are tired 🙂
Some – we’ve told are at a golf course …
@rekinek (Comment 63) :
OHHHHH, jaaaa…..
i could do with a nap, but I am impatiently awaiting my debomairs delivery…. 😉
According to research if you name your dairy cows they give more milk.
@GI Ice (Comment 64) : Please send me some 🙂
@GI Ice (Comment 60) : behind my telephone
@GI Ice (Comment 64) : cool.
i have some veg 😐
@Me2 aka Mama Shark (Comment 66) : @rekinek (Comment 68) :
Sure, Ma!
[email protected]…sorry… 😉
@robdylan (Comment 67) :
Cant you blog and speak at the same time?? 😈
@McLovin (Comment 65) : Maybe that is why my sister gave ALL her jersey cows names and ended up one of the top milking herds in the country ❓ ❓ 😀
@rekinek (Comment 68) : A vegeterian Sahrk?!? Im on the phone to Nat Geo as we speak
@Me2 aka Mama Shark (Comment 70) : 😯 Didn’t she run out of names? Or was it Daisy1; Daisy2; Daisy3…….. 😉
@Rahul (Comment 71) : What is a Sahrk…and Arabian fish out of water???
@McLovin (Comment 72) : No she had a smallish herd and named them all after WP players!! 😉
A visit to the bathroom turned bloody for a Durban man after he learnt that the toilet he had used was only meant for the “boss
@Me2 aka Mama Shark (Comment 74) : 😎
@provincejoulekkading (Comment 75) : At Teasers??? 😈
@Me2 aka Mama Shark (Comment 73) : 😆
@Rahul (Comment 71) :
@provincejoulekkading (Comment 75) :
😯 The bosses thrown? 😉
@Me2 aka Mama Shark (Comment 74) :
And they actually produced the goods??? 😯 😈
@Rahul (Comment 78) : I’m not JUST a pretty face 😀
@GI Ice (Comment 80) : Yes…but omly milk…no honey 😆
Annnnddd…I’ve cleared the room again…. 🙄 😥
@GI Ice (Comment 83) : Must be that thing from debonaires ❓
@Me2 aka Mama Shark (Comment 84) :
It did have some garlic on…and onions..
Lunch time is over….back to WORK!!! 🙁
@GI Ice (Comment 85) : See I was right…catch you later…..
@GI Ice (Comment 85) :
and it was most probably the nastiest pizza I have had in quite a while…just did not taste like I imagined… 😡
@Me2 aka Mama Shark (Comment 87) :
Okay – cherio!
@GI Ice (Comment 88) : I have found that their pizzas are not what they used to be……our last one was also a disappointment 😐
@Rahul (Comment 71) :
not so radical
just a bit unlucky today .
@GI Ice (Comment 88) : my veg was exactly as imagined
@rekinek (Comment 91) : nothing wrong with veg… maybe Muller should have had some more…
@Rahul (Comment 93) : to get this calcium hey 🙂
@GI Ice (Comment 89) : Where did supergirl go?
you guys tried Col Cacchio pizzas? Bloody superb
@robdylan (Comment 96) : Is this Jhb or in pomieland?
@robdylan (Comment 96) : It doesn’t get much better
@provincejoulekkading (Comment 98) : grat timing 😎
@provincejoulekkading (Comment 98) : great timing 😎
@Rahul (Comment 99) : High five!
@Rahul (Comment 97) : joburra
@Rahul (Comment 95) :
I am right here!! Just popped out for a bit looking for something “Farm-Like” for my eldest “beauty pageant” tomorrow…
@provincejoulekkading (Comment 101) : shit bru, you shoulda SEEN the the hill I ran up yesterday. It was savage.
@robdylan (Comment 96) :
Theres a franchise here Pizza Del Forno…they have a pizza called Formaggi..
@robdylan (Comment 104) :
Still On that excuse??
@GI Ice (Comment 106) : oh shut up. It doesn’t count if you weigh under 50kgs. Same reason I ignore klampie’s times.
@robdylan (Comment 104) : Good man!
@robdylan (Comment 107) :
And who’s fault is THAT?? Col Cacchio’s??
@GI Ice (Comment 109) : Any one know who is reffing tomorrow?
@robdylan (Comment 107) : 😆
@GI Ice (Comment 109) : 😆
@GI Ice (Comment 103) : I was referring to the avatar
@Me2 aka Mama Shark (Comment 110) : according to sharksrugby …… dododododoooom …… jonathan kaplan.
will be difficult with these 4 tries
@rekinek (Comment 112) : Lets hope HE brings his a game!
When is the game BTW 😳
@rekinek (Comment 112) : 😮
@Rahul (Comment 113) : Yes, you should be blushing!! I hope your good friend KSA doesn’t seee this!
Where are my smilies????
@robdylan (Comment 96) : They all in the snobby northern burbs!
@Rahul (Comment 113) : durban 🙄 🙄
@Me2 aka Mama Shark (Comment 115) : 😆 He dont scare me!
Life has been turned on its head in the last few months… I got no clue what is going on any more. :?!?:
@rekinek (Comment 117) : When…. not where.
@Rahul (Comment 113) :
Ohhh – LOL!! Supergirl made place for GI ICE, coz from now on untill we win the CC – it’s WAR!!
I like JK…
@Rahul (Comment 119) : 😳
Sat, 5pm SS1
@GI Ice (Comment 109) : Ice, my skeleton alone weighs more than Klampie
@GI Ice (Comment 120) : maybe I should get scarrier avatar as well. will try sth with real teeth 🙂
@GI Ice (Comment 121) : nah, he has a huge ego. I was quite happy when that junior chef in London f*cked up his Ferrari
@Rahul (Comment 116) : which burbs do you prefer?
@rekinek (Comment 124) : it can never be scarier than mine 🙂
@robdylan (Comment 126) : Eastern burbs. Need take aways tonight… any ideas?
England 83/3 in 14 overs!?!
@robdylan (Comment 125) : Johnathan Kaplan has a Ferrari 😕
@robdylan (Comment 127) : your avatar aint scary… its the legend behind it that makes me sweat!
@robdylan (Comment 123) :
I was actually referring to me… 😉
@rekinek (Comment 124) :
@robdylan (Comment 125) :
I dont actually know him personally 🙄
– I like how he handles a game on the field..I kinda trust him (althoughj I relaise he is just human too) Maybe I am being too naive??
@rekinek (Comment 122) : np… who is on tonight. (too lazy too lookitup)
@Me2 aka Mama Shark (Comment 130) :
NO…he has a F*cked up Ferrari… 😉
@Me2 aka Mama Shark (Comment 130) :
What do they say about men an schnazzy cars??? 😉
@GI Ice (Comment 135) : They are loaded!
and they making up for small issues
I was talking about the d00s from Jamiroqai…
As for you, Ice, I reckon my… ummm… you know… weighs more than you do!
@Rahul (Comment 133) : cheetahs vs lepards (7.10)
any thing else
@Rahul (Comment 128) : hmmm… let’s think.
There’s a lekker seafood restaurant at the Bedford centre, but I don’t know if they do takeaways. Also not sure if that’s East enough for you.
@robdylan (Comment 137) :
Ohhhh JK…on this blog (rugby) you should know its Jonathan Kaplan.. 🙄
@Rahul (Comment 136) :
Precisely.. 😉
@rekinek (Comment 138) :
Whats fr supper…what take aways must Rahul buy.. 😆
@rekinek (Comment 138) : I’m so damn bored I’ll be doing commentary on that one
I need to head to Sainsburys and get something for supper. And cat food.
Sigh.
How mundane.
Out of here!!!
You all have a super weekend!
GO SHARKS!! 35 point diffs, pleazzzeee!!
Griquas – make my weekend!!
@rekinek (Comment 138) : Man united?
@robdylan (Comment 139) : which one?
@GI Ice (Comment 140) : fisaways in paper 🙂
@GI Ice (Comment 143) : we don’t want Kwas to win, Tannie… that way we’ll get the Bulls in the semis.
@rekinek (Comment 145) : is it called the Harbour House? I could be wrong… my memory’s not that good anymore
@GI Ice (Comment 143) : cheeriooooo
may the force be with Griquas 🙂
@robdylan (Comment 137) : ??????????????????
@Rahul (Comment 144) : Sat 18.30
PS. I do not do cricket
@GI Ice (Comment 143) : Cheers Ice…..
@rekinek (Comment 150) : England 100/5
@robdylan (Comment 146) : and finish them off 🙂
@robdylan (Comment 147) : i know this one. good food.
there is entire new extension to Bedford Centre, full of restaurants.
@robdylan (Comment 147) : no – I’m wrong. Harbour House is the place in Kalk Bay where a mate got married.
@robdylan (Comment 139) : Next to steers? Bedford is perfect, probably end up having KFC again!
@GI Ice (Comment 140) : Place your orders….
@rekinek (Comment 145) : beef or chicken
@robdylan (Comment 154) : I was wondering how “harbour House” could be in Bedford Centre…no harbour there, the last time I looked 😛
@robdylan (Comment 154) : it’s harbour sth (not sure if house)
@Me2 aka Mama Shark (Comment 156) : it’s a fishy place
@Me2 aka Mama Shark (Comment 156) : actually, it’s called Harbour Fish and Meat Market, so I wasn’t that far off…
Smart ass 🙂
@Me2 aka Mama Shark (Comment 156) : This is a strange place… my son is in the Sea scouts (cubs) but the ocean is 1000km away?
@Rahul (Comment 155) : fizaways are next to steers.
Fish Fish
@Rahul (Comment 159) : Lots of dams around……gues they can’t call them “Dam Scouts” 😕
@rekinek (Comment 160) : Ja, they expensive for a takeaway! And besides, I dont like fish… hehe
@robdylan (Comment 158) : I love CTFM…..they have even one in London!!
@rekinek (Comment 157) : back in the day when I used to prowl those parts, it was just Harbour Fish Market. They’ve clearly added the meat part.
I sincerely hope Lolly Jackson wasn’t involved.
@Me2 aka Mama Shark (Comment 163) : went to the Cresta one last saturday night. AWESOME.
But I spent R600 on wifey and me. Scary
@robdylan (Comment 165) : You’ll spend a lot more at the London one, if Dean & mary are to be believed…so stay away from there 😉
@Me2 aka Mama Shark (Comment 166) : Suddenly I feel like some sushi… 😐
@Rahul (Comment 162) : depends what fish you have
@Me2 aka Mama Shark (Comment 167) : you people out there to torment me … I am still gonna be at the office for the next 2 hours and ate all my veeg 😐
@rekinek (Comment 168) : Fresh out the sea is good! with a few prawns, some calamari and mussels… yummy
right im off to cubs. nice chatting with y’all again!
@Rahul (Comment 170) : see my post 169 😈
cheeriooooo
have a good weekend
@rekinek (Comment 171) : Sorry you working late…..I’m off do the “cash up”…enjoy the game…catch you all again soon!!
@Me2 aka Mama Shark (Comment 172) : will do 🙂
cheers 😛
@Rahul (Comment 170) : Cubs? How old are you?
@robdylan (Comment 174) : 😆 I had to repeat a few years!
@Me2 aka Mama Shark (Comment 161) : 😀 Im sure ill be calling them that soon enough
@Rahul (Comment 175) : careful… it might get dodgy if you’re too much older than the rest of them