The Saracens teams to take on the Bok XV at Wembley tomorrow night contains an all-South African back row and a springbok halfback pairing. In all, ten of the 22 named started their careers in the Republic.
Former Lions and Bulls loose forward Wikus van Heerden captains the side from the number 6 jersey, while his backrow colleagues are former Stormers play Justin Melck and Ernst Joubert from the Lions. Mouritz Botha, whose brother Methos posts on this site from time to time, is in the second row, while Ethienne Reynecke and Schalk Brits are the two hookers in the squad.
Neil de Kock and Derick Hougaard will be at scrumhalf and flyhalf respectively, while former Sharks centre Brad Barritt and Free State fullback Michael Horak complete the South African contingent.
15 Michael Horak, 14 Noah Cato, 13 Kameli Ratuvou, 12 Brad Barritt, 11 Michael Tagicakibau, 10 Derick Hougaard, 9 Neil de Kock, 8 Ernst Joubert, 7 Justin Melck, 6 Wikus van Heerden (c),5 Hugh Vyvyan, 4 Mouritz Botha, 3 Richard Skuse,2 Ethienne Reynecke, 1 Rhys Gill.
Subs: 16 Schalk Brits, 17 Carlos Nieto, 18 George Kruis, 19 Andy Saull, 20 Kevin Barrett, 21 Alex Goode, 22 Rodd Penney.
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this is like spot a non-saffa 🙄
@rekinek (Comment 1) : it is indeed.
I’m supporting the Bok XV to win, but Brad to make Meisiekind look like an amateur 🙂
@rekinek (Comment 1) : Like the cricket yesterday. When Trott & Pietersen were batting there was no Englishman on the field.
That is a very strong side.
@McLovin (Comment 3) : including both umpires
Will you be attending Rob??
I should prolly ask ‘Will the wife allow you to attend’
Speaking of Cricket:
De Villiers raised a laugh when one of the British journalists, playing a few mind games of her own, asked what he remembered of South African-born Kevin Pietersen’s magnificent ODI century in the tied match in Bloemfontein in January 2005, in the match in which De Villiers made his debut.
“I don’t remember much,” he said.”I just remember we won the series four-one.”
Eish – England sport is like a ZA colony.
@robdylan (Comment 2) : He has a good chance to do so, considering he will be playing next to Liefling and be able to run at Pienaar. 😆
@Worcestershire Sauce (Comment 8) : reverse colonisation
Back to the cricket, the IPL will trial pink balls in 2011. Should be interesting.
@wpw (Comment 6) : I will be.
@VinChainSaw (Comment 4) : hey dude… you up for a beer before or after?
@McLovin (Comment 11) : I’ve been using pink balls my whole life. They work fine
@robdylan (Comment 13) :
@McLovin (Comment 14) : thanks dude. Great setup.
BTW, comment 12 applies to you as well
Just read that they cited Habana for his “kick”… this citing commission is becoming a farce AND a major time-waster. What a joke.
@molly (Comment 16) : agree. What a joke.
@fyndraai (Comment 9) : no need to be unpleasant 😆
@McLovin (Comment 11) : in the breaks they will screan “we don’t drink pink drinks”
@molly (Comment 16) : Morne Steyn should be cited for some of his kicks. 😉 😈
Morne Steyn looked very underdone, I thought he just had to take the field and then the Boks would win. Can someone please explain what has happened.
@McLovin (Comment 19) : and for the stupid look he has permanently stuck to his face….
@robdylan (Comment 21) : i prefer his voice
@rekinek (Comment 22) : I don’t watch interviews with Bulls players 🙂
@robdylan (Comment 23) : ouch 😉
@robdylan (Comment 12) :
Ja definitely brew. Probably gonna knock off work around fiveish, meet a mate in the city and then head up to wembley.
Probably be at a pub called the torich either before or after. Bit of a dive of a place, in fact a big dive, but there’s not a terrible amount fo choice up there.
Anyway, I see the Boks are living in my backyard… and training at the grounds of our arch-rivals.
Would love to know which hotel they’re in – anybody got any ideas?
@VinChainSaw (Comment 25) : I can ask…
@VinChainSaw (Comment 25) : still firming up my plans, but I’m unlikely to get to Wembley significantly before kick-off. Might have to grab a jar afterwards.
@robdylan (Comment 26) :
Nope I found out – Sopwell Spa. Less than 2kms away from my house…
@robdylan (Comment 27) :
It’s all good mate – I’ll be around before and after the game, along with every other saffa in London.
Every saffa I know is going to the game.
You’ve got my mobby number – just give me a shout after the game, or before the game if you get up early.
I’ll be there too!
@VinChainSaw (Comment 29) : will do… prob not going to get to Wmbley before 19h00 at the earliest, though… sigh
@Superwors (Comment 30) : will you? Lekker.
I’m thinking Sharksworld meetup after the game… What do you guys think?
Sounds good. Not sure what time I am going to get there. Also have to pick up tickets from the stadium too which might take ages.
@Superwors (Comment 33) : you got my mobile no?
@robdylan (Comment 13) : You make a funny 😯
@provincejoulekkading (Comment 35) : whoda thought?
Where is everyone??? 🙄
I is here.
So how’s about Habana’s citing. I think the citing dude is pulling our leg.
Get it… 🙄
@McLovin (Comment 38) :
pink balls and all… 😈
@wpw (Comment 40) : I never leave the house without them.
@McLovin (Comment 39) : Alweer skerp
@Pokkel (Comment 42) : I do my best.
11 hours to go.
@robdylan (Comment 34) : Hey Rob, no, I don’t have it. will send mail on fb. Still a bit of a logistical nightmare at the moment as I want to take the train and have a few quiet beers, but a mate of mine insists on driving, which I think is madness during peak traffic.
I’m here.
@robdylan (Comment 46) : so what
😉
@robdylan (Comment 46) :
So am I…
99 bottles of beer on the wall….
HALLO EVERYBODY !!!
@Superwors (Comment 45) : I agree… crazy.
My own plans are going to be dictated by train times, which is a bit of a disaster, since the last one home leaves Charing Cross not long after 11 🙁
Seen any good movies lately?
Bravefart – One Scottish woman’s quest to be able to break wind in public, and the oppressors who keep her from finding the freedom to do it.
@Charlie (Comment 50) : hosa!
@robdylan (Comment 53) : Awe mase kinnes 😈
@robdylan (Comment 51) : Sleepover 🙄
I just miss-spotted my Fin-Acc exam… 😆
Wat gat hie aan?? 👿
@wpw (Comment 57) : fokol.
@Xmas Ice-Icle (Comment 56) : I hate when that happens. 😈
@robdylan (Comment 51) : Just mailed you. Not sure what is happening yet. I don’t want to risk the traffic as I have bought 14 tickets for people coming from all over the place so can’t afford to be late.
@Superwors (Comment 60) : sweet… got your message.
Will call you this evening to try and figure out what’s going on. We’re meeting in a pub called “the Torch” before the game.
@McLovin (Comment 58) :
@McLovin (Comment 59) :
Problem is…that was my final.. 😆
@Xmas Ice-Icle (Comment 62) : Degree?
@McLovin (Comment 63) :
Nah – only diploma
@Xmas Ice-Icle (Comment 64) : Same thing. 😉
9 hours…
Im bored!!! 🙄
Cheeseburger time..
@Xmas Ice-Icle (Comment 68) :
I’m having a chicken burger for lunch… Yummy!!! 😀
@wpw (Comment 69) : Ice can afford to eat a burger…..not so sure about you 😈 😉
i see weather sa says its going to rain 113mm on friday, that a bit of rain 😯
@willa (Comment 71) : where?
@McLovin (Comment 72) : joburg and pretoria
@wpw (Comment 69) :
I actually SO felt like Currie – especially in this cold weather…but had to dowith the burger… 😐
@Pokkel (Comment 70) :
Nasty!!! 😆
@Pokkel (Comment 70) :
jou blerrie bliksem!! 👿
@Xmas Ice-Icle (Comment 74) :
Did I tell you I make a mean seafood curry?? Mmmm
@willa (Comment 71) :
4 en ‘n half duim…is dit nie? Okay – I am goin to work with my Jetski on Friday..
@Xmas Ice-Icle (Comment 74) : @wpw (Comment 75) : Ek is in dieselfde bootjie as jy….dis hoekom ek maar sop en brood geeet het. 🙄
@wpw (Comment 76) :
Ag nee jinne man WES…jy kan my mos nie nou so laat suffer nie – ek het ‘n Craving vir kerrie soos ‘n pregnant fairy!! 😆
I was actually in the mood for a good Indian Curry as in Durban Curry…but now I suppose a seafood curry would be great too!
me is here – busy 😐
@Xmas Ice-Icle (Comment 56) : is it good or bad?
@Pokkel (Comment 78) :
Instant Soup?? 😆
@McLovin (Comment 52) : i saw very good movie last nigt on tv believe it or not – but very sad
@Xmas Ice-Icle (Comment 81) : ja…..dis maar moeilik as jy arm is… 😥
BTW what happend to Klempie
@rekinek (Comment 80) :
VERY bad! 😕 😆
@rekinek (Comment 82) : What was it called?
@Pokkel (Comment 83) :
Sop het niks met arm uit te waai nie! Selgemaakte sop is actually baie goedkoper as Instant soup…
Ek vra maar net, want ek kan imagine hoe jy daar sit met jou broodjie en soppies…wat nie eens so lekker soos regte egte sop is nie..
@McLovin (Comment 86) : can’t remember – probably one can see on tv schedule (last night Mnet 21h30)
@rekinek (Comment 88) : That good?
Soup is not food. 😈
@McLovin (Comment 89) :
😆 😆
@rekinek (Comment 88) :
Last night at 21H30 I was studying….the WRONG FRICKEN STUFF!!
Last night at 21h30 I was sleeping. 😯
I watches ANgels & Demons on Sunday. What a waste of time and money that was.
🙄
@McLovin (Comment 92) :
I can’t tell you waht I was doing but I’ll give you a hint…
Afterwards I had a HUGE smile on my face!!
@wpw (Comment 94) : Home alone again? 😉
@wpw (Comment 94) :
EATING SUPPER????? 😈
@McLovin (Comment 95) :
@Pokkel (Comment 84) : I think he ran off to start Bullsworld 🙂
any of you guys tried quinoa? My new favourite grain
@robdylan (Comment 99) :
Whats that?
👿
@robdylan (Comment 99) : Never heard of it.
@wpw (Comment 101) :
You put your foot in it all by yourself… 😉
@Xmas Ice-Icle (Comment 100) : google it, skattie 🙂
@Xmas Ice-Icle (Comment 87) : My vrou maak n moerse lekker boontjiesop…..maar ek moes nog kliente sien vanmiddag
😆
@robdylan (Comment 104) :
To smoke or eat? 😉
@Pokkel (Comment 105) :
Dankie tog!!! 😯 😆
@Xmas Ice-Icle (Comment 106) : whatever takes your fancy, Icey 🙂
@robdylan (Comment 108) :
I’ll take eat…no need to smoke – I sing like Ras allready!
@Xmas Ice-Icle (Comment 109) : surely you can’t be that bad? 🙂
@robdylan (Comment 110) :
I’d like to think not…but others might disagree.. 😆
I missed the match yesterday, but I believe Barritt was at his most damaging self! How could we have let him go for Steyn, (who left in any case) beggars belief 🙁
i see when i have to log on, this site is a supporter of the 2008 currie cup champs. i wonder if it supports the 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009 chokers. they wear the same jerseys. 👿
@McLovin (Comment 3) :
Posted this on Twitter:
“Definition of No-Englishman-on-the-field: when Strauss&Pietersen r battin & Trott brings them drinks” – McLovin on @sharksworld
Hope you don’t mind …
@Sharksmad – The Blog’s Dudette (Comment 112) : yeah i am pleased brad raised a middle finger salute to sa rugby with his performance last night. also the fact that ruan isn’t playing any worse than morne behind a shit scrum is also good news.
@try time (Comment 113) :
Ah – I’ve missed that…
Howzit TT…?
@try time (Comment 115) : TT been trying to catch up on yesterday’s match, I couldn’t watch it, as my father in Law passed away on Sunday and we have been running around ragged since then, not to mention the emotional upheavel so was too buggered to stay up. There are a lot of conflicting opinion’s on Ruan’s game, how was he honestly. I really feel for this guy!
VOLDY brings you the Springbok player ratings from their loss at Wembley.
Ratings out of 10:
Earl Rose – 6
Nice touches with ball in hand, but his tactical use of the boot wasn’t good enough and isn’t strong enough in the air for an international fullback.
Odwa Ndungane – 5
Looked disinterested again and doesn’t have the strength, power or pace for an international winger. With the Boks on attack and in a hole, he simply lost the ball in contact too easily.
Juan de Jongh – 6
Finished well for the first try, but thereafter tended to hold on too long when had options out wide. Has a good break, but tries too often to take on defenders, who read him easily as the match went on.
Wynand Olivier – 6
Did all the basics of a No 12, something which Adi Jacobs can’t do for the Test team. His hit on former team-mate Derick Hougaard would’ve pleased him, but more importantly showed his defensive ability and physicality. Was also productive in setting up second phase, securing the ball well and setting a target for his forwards. A must starter for the remaining two Tests of tour.
Jongi Nokwe – 7
Looked dangerous with ball in hand on numerous occasions with his inside backs giving him plenty opportunities in the opening half. Chased well for his first try and was on hand for the second.
Ruan Pienaar – 5
An anomaly at flyhalf, does one decent act followed by something poor, but more negatives than positives. From the first kick-off opted to run from deep and handed Saracens three points inside the opening minute. Bettered Hougaard in the tactical kicking game when he did use the boot, but in the second half especially didn’t opt for territory enough. Is just too inconsistent all-round to start at 10 in Tests, and in his goal-kicking.
Heini Adams – 6
Taken off at half-time after making some sniping breaks, but his service lacked precision at times. Also doesn’t offer a decent kicking option, but probably should have been kept on as Francois Hougaard hadn’t had regular game-time at No 9 in ages.
Ashley Johnson – 5
Not as industrious as his fellow loose forwards. Contested a high ball well for Nokwe’s try, but also made some basic mistakes in decision-making when running from deep.
Jean Deysel – 8
Willing ball-carrier, but couldn’t benefit from a disorganised Bok attack at times. Strong defence and added some grunt around the contact points in a physical contest with his pack largely going backwards at the set-pieces. Will have made Peter de Villiers realise he was wrong to originally leave him out of the squad as Deysel must now be in Test contention.
Dewald Potgieter – 6
The captain made some good steals at the lineout, while was also solid at receiving kick-offs as Sarries attempted many straight down the middle. However, lacked discipline at the breakdown at times.
Andries Bekker – 6
Showed great pace in a run that could have resulted in a 75m try, but was also willing to do the hard work and play tighter without Rossouw starting. Taken off at half-time to save him for the Italy Test.
Alistair Hargreaves – 4
Late replacement for Danie Rossouw and on occasions didn’t even have the strength to clean out one player at ruck-time. Was tossed around and in grave need of a notable bulking course sometime very soon. Until then shouldn’t find himself in a Bok jersey again. More suited to the looser role when Rossouw came on.
CJ van der Linde – 5
Started strongly at scrum-time but worryingly off after 10 minutes as his injury worries look like they aren’t behind him.
Adriaan Strauss – 6
All over the park in the loose, but as the scrum creaked so the rest of his game faltered. Missed his jumpers more as the match went on.
Heinke van der Merwe – 3
Late replacement for Wian du Preez in starting his first game since 18 April, nearly seven months to the day. Had to move to tighthead with Van der Linde’s departure after 10 minutes, and struggled technically. This judgement is not his fault however, he’s not a No 3 and was an unfair position to put him in. Coach De Villiers must take the blame for the Bok scrum being marched back yet again as this was his selection.
Subs:
Bandise Maku – Not enough time to be judged.
Wian du Preez – 5
Came on for Van der Linde after initially being pulled from the starting XV. Solid with ball in hand, but with his tighthead struggling, couldn’t make an impact at scrum-time.
Danie Rossouw – 6
On at half-time for Bekker and as he only had 40 minutes should be able to start against Italy. Useful ball-carrier in getting his team over the advantage line.
Davon Raubenheimer – Not enough time to be judged.
Francois Hougaard – 3
On at the start of the second half and his charged down kick brought Sarries back into the game via Ernst Joubert’s try. The Bok No 9 shouldn’t have gone into the wheel and made many errors in a poor half of rugby from a talented scrumhalf.
Meyer Bosman – Not enough time to be judged.
Riaan Viljoen – 4
Some poor decisions at the back when a cool head was needed
@Charlie (Comment 118) : Did all the basics of a No 12, something which Adi Jacobs can’t do for the Test team
Gee, you think they have an agenda over there?
I think the media have an agenda against DIvvy’s favourites like Rose, Adi as well as Heinke’s selection at tighthead!! 🙄
@robdylan (Comment 119) : Say no more, do they know the basics of journalism, something of being objective and not one-eyed 🙄
@robdylan (Comment 119) : @wpw (Comment 120) :
snap!! 😉
@wpw (Comment 120) : I also have something against Heinke’s selection at tighthead. That one is not an agenda… just common sense.
@robdylan (Comment 123) :
I agree.
@Charlie (Comment 118) :
Hargreaves 4 😯
I thought he was damn good putting his weight to good use, cleaned rucks, great in the line outs – the best game Ive seen him play.
@Salmonoid (Comment 125) : ok, so now I feel like a right twat for slating him in my arti. 🙂
@robdylan (Comment 126) :
Ive heard one or 2 other comments that he was not good but I realy liked what I saw, not only his general play but his guts in doing it in a less than dominant team.
I also think Andries Bekker has shown more grunt and willingness for the hard stuff in the last 3 games than Ive seen in 2 years from him
@Salmonoid (Comment 127) : well, Alistair has been waiting in the wings for many years now… time for him to step up