The bulk of the Sharks Super 14 squad were back on the training paddock yesterday and there were a few surprises in store, although most of them were, to be honest, expected.
The fact that Louis Ludik and Willem Alberts are in Durban probably has to come under the “worst-kept secret of 2009” heading, but both players were indeed officially a part of yesterday’s session; or rather, as officially as they could be, considering that, legally at least, they are still Lions players. There’s still going to be a legal wrangle over this one, you can be sure. At least, hopefully, possession will indeed prove to be 9/10ths of the law in this case. Gerhard Mostert, the big lock from Lions country, was also present and he, at least, has been released by the Joburg union.
A familiar face that was missing was that of the most-capped Shark ever, Albert van den Berg. After ten years of loyal service, Big Bert has finally been put out to pasture by the Sharks. Rumour has it, he’s looking to play out his golden years in Japan. Cheers, Bert. You’ll be missed, old man.
There was a lot of talk about a player swap between the Sharks and the Cheetahs – with Monty Dumond moving to Bloem and promising openside flank Johan Wessels coming the other way. I’ve spoken to both players in the past few days and certainly, in the case of Wessels, the move is not on – at least not for this Super 14. Apparently there were some discussions, but the parties couldn’t reach an agreement and I would imagine that guarantees about game time may wall have been the sticking point. Wessels and his mentor, Hein Brüssow both come off contract with Free State at the end of 2010, though and apparently one of them is virtually certain of making the move to Durban at that point.
When it comes to Monty Dumond, though, the situation is less clear-cut. The player himself is still dead keen to move, as Naka Drotske has promised him the starting flyhalf jersey there. The Sharks are holding out, though – apparently until they can have a discussion with Ruan Pienaar and find out what he wants from life. Dumond will not be released to Free State if it will leave the Sharks short of quality options at flyhalf and a new factor that has been reported this morning is that Juan Hernandez is apparently struggling with a back injury. All-in-all, not looking great for Monty at this stage, but we’ll keep you posted.
Another rumoured development is the signing of Maties centre Jean Stemmet. The 23-year-old has represented Western Province at virtually every age-group level and was one of the top try scorers in the Varsity Cup competition this year. He should apparently be linking up with the Sharks squad next week.
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AT last!!!! News about the Sharks camp! Now I am starting to feel more positive again! Just in time as next week the season tickets go on sale.
GO SHARKS !!!
@Sharksmad – The Blog’s Dudette (Comment 1) : calculated 🙂
I Wonder when they will annouce the full training squad, Maybe this thing with Ludik and Alberts is whats holding them back. Goodbuy oom Albert, enjoy being one of the tallest people in the land of rice and sushi
@JarsonX (Comment 4) : goodbuy goodbye 😳
@JarsonX (Comment 5) : I reckon Albert is big enough to be BOTH locks in a Japanese team 🙂
Heee-Haaaa!!!
Wessels and his mentor, Hein Brüssow both come off contract with Free State at the end of 2010, though and apparently one of them is virtually certain of making the move to Durban at that point. 😈
PLEEEEEZZZEEEE let it be Brussouw!! 😐
hey i couldnt believe that Japan beat Canada twice in so many weeks, i still remember that scoreline in the 95 WC, something lile 119-7 vs NZ
Do u Guys think that Fransie Steyn will ever find his way back to the Sharks. Apparently he kicked another 57m penalty securing a win against Stade France this weekend
@Xmas Ice-Icle (Comment 7) : Hi there Ice I am also praying it will be Brussow. Brussow and Deysel combined extremely well in the Italian match it would be perfect for the SHarks. And add to that Bissie the oposition would get no ball to play with!
@Sharksmad – The Blog’s Dudette (Comment 10) :
I did not watch – but last night on Superrugby someone said deysel and Brussouw did not gel wel??
That’s great news about Alberts and Ludik. Cheers Bert, thanks for the memories of those long legs in fullflight. Never let us down. Hope he’s taught Ali Hargreaves everything he needs to know, and all the others on the virtues of being a true squad player. We only really need to strengthen at Flyhalf/Inside Centre. I hope we can bring back one (or all) of the following players to KZN one day: Peter Grant, Brad Barritt, Frans Steyn and BJ Botha. My dream backline would be: 9.Pienaar 10.Grant 11.Pietersen 12.Barritt 13.Murray 14.Ndungane 15.Steyn with Kockott, Jacobs and Ludik on the bench.
@Xmas Ice-Icle (Comment 11) : I wouldn’t attach too much value to what is said on Superrugby. 😈
@Xmas Ice-Icle (Comment 11) : That was not my opinion, and the commentators were going on how they were working well together. they were stealing ball in turns. But then I do not pretend I know a lot, and do tend to get swayed by Skinstadt 😳 I’m still learning. Where are our rugby gurus? Rob, Salmanoid can maybe give us their opinion.
@Sharksmad – The Blog’s Dudette (Comment 14) :
I also get swayed by Skinsdadt.. 😈
@Xmas Ice-Icle (Comment 15) : The only rugby opinion to which I am immune to is Joel Stransky, as he opens his mouth I turn it into the Afrikaans commentary! Cannot tolerate him!
@Sharksmad – The Blog’s Dudette (Comment 16) : Hy’s ‘n peophol ja, twee gesig hy 👿
@Charlie (Comment 17) : rerig so! A real two faced so and so, and that fake english accent just grates me!
@Sharksmad – The Blog’s Dudette (Comment 10) : except for all the ball that selfish Bismarck turns over in contact
@robdylan (Comment 19) : Oh leave my love child alone! 😈
So tell us, what was your opinion on how Deysel and Brussow combined? After all God will have to listen to collective pleas and so far there are two of us pleaing (Ice and I)for Brussow to move to Durbs 🙂
How the hell can they be back at training???
How much time off have they had?? 😯
@wpw (Comment 21) : like month and a half – remember they did not make the final 😥
some say possession = 9/10 of the law. Can the sharks be said to possess Ludik and Alberts now
@Sharksmad – The Blog’s Dudette (Comment 20) : I thought they did fine, but it’s so much easier for the loosies to look good when the tight five isn’t getting hammered! Just ask Kankowski
@rekinek (Comment 23) : well, they are closer to possessing them than the Lions are. Look who they’re practising with!
@robdylan (Comment 24) : Valid point, but imo the tight five would not get shunted so badly if the 3 loosies assisted in the push.
Thanks to Oom Albert for all your years off service to The Sharks
Cmon guys. Lets be serious and honest with each other here.
Why are the guys back in training? Or rather, before making any harsh suggestions, can someone tell me how many training sessions a day/week and to what intensity are they training?
The issue is. We need to rest the guys for as long as possible. My only concern is that our returning boks are not going to help our cause at all. Think about this: Bismarck 2nd injury to the ribs, not playing. Beast not so beastly the last couple of months. Kanko, propably the most talented player on the pitch, with the best way of not showing it when he is handed the opportunity. Dito for Ruan Pienaar. And oh my gosh, Adi Jacobs, I have no comments about his current defencife decision making. My mind goes back to CC Semi-Final with Jacque Louis somebody just running past a lazy touch rugby style from Adi, and something similar happende this weekend with the red headed italian centre. And then there is JP who does not get the ball that often, so I guess I can not criticise him that much. But actually, when you think about it. He does not look for work at all on the field compared to Bryan. This is the truth guys. We are going to struggle in the S-14 next year. Thats my opinion. How do yopu feel?
@SharksRTB (Comment 29) : I agree with you but remember that the guys in training have been off since Mid October. In the Witness Plum has already stated that the Boks would not be starting training when they came back but would be integrated into training individually.
Brussow with Deysel looked good, just having Brussow in your team means that you are going to disposes the opposition of some of their ball, from there on they must just make sure that he has the necessary support to channel the ball back to be used properly.
There has been much criticism of the loosies not being fully bound at srum time. I dont think it is becuause they were not bound that we started going backwards but I think it is virtually impossible to maintain the bound position once the scrum starts retreating.
I specifically checked on the Italians in backwards mode – exactly the same scenario, loosies unbound.
I’m sure players will be ‘rested’.
@Salmonoid (Comment 31) : Thank you Salmanoid. Finally someone replies to my and Ice’s question.
@Sharksmad – The Blog’s Dudette (Comment 33) : hey, I replied too. I just didn’t give you the answer that you wanted 🙂
@robdylan (Comment 34) : I can only see answers that I want to see 😆
If you reply and no-one reads it, did you really reply?
@McLovin (Comment 36) : 😆
Truth is I did read it, and argued too, so Rob is right! Just wanted to hear Salmanoid’s answer – No disparaging of Bissie
@Sharksmad – The Blog’s Dudette (Comment 35) : he he 🙂 So you won’t see this one. I think Bismarck is a bit of a tool!
@robdylan (Comment 38) : Sorry what did you say? Couldn’t read to well some letters didn’t gel 😀
Rob, WP and Bulls have both appointed “A director of Rugby” Rassie in WP’s case and Meyer in the Bull’s case. That seems to be the trend now days. What exactly is their role in the set up? Just slightly confused.
@Sharksmad – The Blog’s Dudette (Comment 40) :
Mclovin wrote sth on another thread about premiership style – which I also do not grasp 😳
@rekinek (Comment 41) :Now that makes two of us, ’cause he also confused me in that thread, and now I read that Meyer has been appointed as DOR at Bulls, and Rassie at WP. But then Muir and Loffie are also DOR but are set to coach their team. And I was left behind right at the beginning. 😳
@Sharksmad – The Blog’s Dudette (Comment 40) : let’s discuss this on the new article I just put up 🙂
@Sharksmad – The Blog’s Dudette (Comment 40) : @rekinek (Comment 41) : DOR will be involved in overseeing the union’s structures while he could also be closely involved in team strategy, tactics and player recruitment.
Head coach will continue to be in control of day-to-day playing issues and man-management and he will be responsible for daily training and preparation.
@McLovin (Comment 44) : Damn too late.
@robdylan (Comment 43) : Seems I am behind in a lot 🙂 Moving directly to new thread.
@McLovin (Comment 44) : Thank you McLovin.
@Sharksmad – The Blog’s Dudette (Comment 40) :
Ridi appointed himself DOR about 3 years ago. As usual the Sharks led the way.
@Sharksmad – The Blog’s Dudette (Comment 47) : I aim to please. 😀
@SharksRTB (Comment 29) : I see everybody is ignoring you so I’ll reply. My mates here on Sharksworld seems to think everything is hunkydory and they refuse to acknowledge when a Sharks player like Ruan, Adi and Kanko plays kak rugby and always tries to shift blame elsewhere. Maybe they all scared of Charlie, but Adi hasn’t been antwhere near ‘world class’ this year after a fantastic year in 2008. Kanko was robbed of a SB spot in 2007/2008 when Spies was chosen ahead of him, but in 2009 he has shown nothing that proves he should be there now. JPP hasn’t done much wrong, but as you rightly say he hasn’t been looking for work. Ruan has just been terrible and not all because off his own doing and he needs to settle in one position. I’m very worried about the Super 14 because we have serious problems at 6,10,12,13 and we’ll have to see what Plum does in the front row.
@Pokkel (Comment 50) : I don’t disagree with any of what you say. I just don’t think we should be calling the players “kak” and getting rid of them. We’ve seen what they’re capable of. We need to get them back to that level of performance somehow. Kanks, Ruan, Adi, JP… all superb, gifted players. We need to get more out of them.
@Pokkel (Comment 50) : you too seem to be excusing Ruan
@Pokkel (Comment 50) : I’m also very worried that we have Bashford back as backline coach….lets hope he learned a couple of trick this year because the Sharks backline was shocking during the 2009 S14 and we have probably less talent to work with in the backline in 2010. I really hope that Hernandez’s injury isn’t too serious else we have real problems at 10.
@robdylan (Comment 51) : If you read my post I never said that they are kak players….I said that they are playing kak rugby at the moment and I don’t advocate getting rid of them and we need to get them back to their best as your said, but most people on this site tend to look for all sorts of excuses why player are not playing well instead of looking at the players themselves. I’m concernd that Plum and Bash are not the best motivators and player managers and we need some help in that department
@Pokkel (Comment 53) : Chris Boyd is the backline coach, but the argument hols nonetheless.
@robdylan (Comment 55) : 😳 my mistake
@Pokkel (Comment 54) : ja, ok… I think we actually do agree. We’re just finding it difficult to accept that we agree. It’s a balancing act. The players have been shit, but they’re just rugby players at the end of the day – not CEO’s or MBA’s. They need an environment in which they can thrive and they depend on management to create that environment for them. They’re quite sensitive to changes, for such big okes!
@Pokkel (Comment 56) : if anything, he’s worse than Bashford.
@robdylan (Comment 57) : One of my biggest concerns is that The Sharks don’t seem to be passionate and proud to be Sharks, sometimes it just looks like it’s another job for them. The Bulls players always seem extremely proud to be a Bull and for that matter the Sharks fans an be accused of the same thing, can you imagine Loftus not being packed to the rafters during a CC semi final??
What comes first though? The passionate team or the passionate supporter?
@robdylan (Comment 57) : I’m sure we agree mostly. The Sharks were always seem to be the team with the best spirit and I just don’t feel it at the moment.
@robdylan (Comment 57) :
Little biddy babies… 😆
@Pokkel (Comment 60) : you are spot on… the spirit is gone and the problem seems to be that there’s a divided squad. Plum and his “elites” on the one hand (who aren’t performing) and the others, who don’t get a look in regardless of what they do.
@Xmas Ice-Icle (Comment 61) : well, I didn’t exactly say that 🙂
@Pokkel (Comment 59) : I think the two need to develop in lockstep and feed off each other.
Bulls supporters are just as fickle, though… they are only really passionate when they’re winning. It only takes two or three losses in a row and Loftus is empty.
@Pokkel (Comment 59) : this one is like chicken or egg I’m afraid.
@robdylan (Comment 63) :
no need to use exactly those words..
@robdylan (Comment 64) : remember the pool game where it was packed with sharks crowd ❓
@Xmas Ice-Icle (Comment 66) : we have imagination
(and a bity of brain too – me hopes 
@rekinek (Comment 67) :
I was at a game at Loftus las year I think..man you’d swear we were in Durbs! It was awsome!
Loftus was nog nooit so lekker nie! 😆
Maybe Sharks supporters read this site, it can sometimes be enough to make one wonder if its worth going to the stadium to watch the game.
@Pokkel (Comment 60) : dude, is that a bass in your hands in the picture?? and if it is, where in Zim did you catch it?
@rekinek (Comment 67) : I’ve been there on a few occasions where it was hard to spot a Bulls fan
@robdylan (Comment 72) :
still whatever it was will not erase these empty stands at KP during semis 😥
@Salmonoid (Comment 70) : the official site is the one where all the cheerleading happens!
@rekinek (Comment 73) : no, it’s true. But reality of the situation is that, once you’ve lost the fans, you don’t get them back without playing attractive, winning rugby.
@robdylan (Comment 75) : The Sharks were not playing worse rugby in the semi than in this pool game. 🙄
I think it would be interesting if somebody bothered to run a questionnaire of how many supporters the sharks have in Durbs and in Gauteng and then how many of these guys go and watch at the stadium.
Here when the sharks ar in town it’s like festive day.
@robdylan (Comment 74) : i’m so sorry for the writer of Sharksrugby right now
must be very innovative.
@rekinek (Comment 76) : yeah, but much easier to go watch one game a year than to watch all of them…
@rekinek (Comment 77) : he works very hard to spin things positively. Great man
@robdylan (Comment 78) : true, but not go for a semi – rather then skip griquas game.
and i do think the pricing was good, @ Tin Coke they charge 100 bugs for a normal game.
@robdylan (Comment 79) : is it this maverick man?
@rekinek (Comment 81) : I think so 🙂
@robdylan (Comment 74) :
Being the official site thats their job, thank fully you wont read comments there about players that pieces of @%&$ and others that should be taken around the back and put out of their misseries.
We tend to forget that the player is part of a team dynamic, with friends in the team who just may be the stars of the team. None of them, the poor player or his team mates, appreciate reading crud like that.
@Salmonoid (Comment 83) : you think we need some sort of code of conduct here about what we say about players?
@Salmonoid (Comment 83) : pokkel says we are not critical enough
salmo says we are too critical 🙄
maybe we are just fine.
morning 😛
@VanWilder (Comment 71) : hehehehe….it is a bass and would you believe I caught THAT in a farm dam near Newcastle….Weighed a healthy 3.85kg’s
Good morning my fellow Sharks supporters!!
😀
@wpw (Comment 88) : funny how few people realise what wpw really stands for 🙂
@wpw (Comment 88) :
@robdylan (Comment 89) : ❓ ❓
@robdylan (Comment 84) :
Not on my behalf, but maybe you can ask any one of Skipper, Frans, Monty Dummond and others how they feel about it.
@wpw (Comment 88) : More jou 2 gat jakkals 😉
@rekinek (Comment 85) :
Critcal is good, getting personal not that good.
But your observation is spot on – just fine.
@robdylan (Comment 84) : Why??? If we continue to praise them even though they playing badly they’ll never get motivated. A few honest comments should motivate the guys and make them realise that the fans aren’t blind.
@Salmonoid (Comment 91) :
From my side, add Dokter Jannie to the list, please.. 😈
@Pokkel (Comment 94) : agree with you here.
i must say i do feel entitled to voicing my opinion – i am not paying the players salaries directly but I’m this poor sod buying the jerseys, paying for tickets, watching ads and paying tv subscription – so I guess as a collective supporters body we keep the economy going.
@Salmonoid (Comment 91) : perhaps you should point out to them that if they play well it does not go unnoticed. 😉
greetings from eurostar 🙂
@robdylan (Comment 98) :
Greetings from Belle-Star… 😉
BTW – what DOES WPW stand for?
@Xmas Ice-Icle (Comment 99) : Must be Western Province Wes…I think
Rob
Have I ever told you what a great guy you are?? And you are my role model!!!
ANd you are VERY intelligent!! 😳
@Pokkel (Comment 100) :
Thats the idea I had, but I think its wrong..
@wpw (Comment 101) :
THAT is the reaction of a person who defnitely do not want the cat let out of the bag…
Pokkel, I get the idea we are wrong.. 😉
@Xmas Ice-Icle (Comment 102) :
I don’t have a clue what you are talking about!!
@wpw (Comment 103) :
That’s nothing new..(you not having a clue about things).. 😆
@wpw (Comment 103) :
Hey how about that Liverpool hey…
@Xmas Ice-Icle (Comment 104) :
Listen, on a more serious note… Do you have your admin rights yet??
Cos Rob first needs to run it by his fellow board members!!
I will be canvassing for votes!! I don’t think we need a woman on board!! 😈
@wpw (Comment 106) : what board members, Wes P?
@wpw (Comment 106) :
I have the ability to sway votes, afterall, I am blonde and dont have a eating problem, and I am a woman… 😈 and I think yor fellow members are all in a “straight” line…so somehow I think you gonna lose out in this round.. 😉
Bo(a)rd members nogals…is that now the eating club? That is what you meant with “bord”, innit??
@robdylan (Comment 107) :
“Rob
Have I ever told you what a great guy you are?? And you are my role model!!!
ANd you are VERY intelligent!! ”
@Xmas Ice-Icle (Comment 108) :
I had lunch with Big Feeesh yesterday… Ons het lekker van jou geskinder!!!
@Morné (Comment 105) :
This is a rugby site, capish!!! 😈
@wpw (Comment 110) : just mailed you an arti. Bandwidth on this train non-existant
@robdylan (Comment 112) :
No probs my FELLOW Board Member!!
@wpw (Comment 110) :
Great! At least i know you still think of me! Its if people DONT talk about me, that I get worried that I might be forgotten! 😈
@wpw (Comment 110) : What was on the menu…pies, gatsby’s, curry bunny’s ???
@wpw (Comment 113) : Nogal ‘n brekgat nuh 👿
@Charlie (Comment 115) :
Jou blerrie fool!!
Daar was salad op my bord, dit is al wat saak maak!! 🙄
@Xmas Ice-Icle (Comment 114) : So die Tannie was ge-discuss 😆
@wpw (Comment 117) : Ney man vra ma net, mossie board member nie, ok soe die laarnies iet nou salads en nie mee steaks nie 🙄
@Charlie (Comment 119) : Vra die waiter oek chicken or beef, of ney daai move is mos oppie aeroplane nuh, joh ma die board members sal wiet
@Charlie (Comment 118) :
🙄 😆
In Beeld: by Pieter Jordaan, “Hoewel die GLRU tot onlangs nog n stokkie voor Alberts en sy spanmaat Ludik se vertrek na Durban probeer steek het, is die twee nou amptelik deel van die Sharks se S14 oefengroep.”
Wont be surprise to see Jean Stemmet, another Paarl Gim boytjie 9also captain them in his day) moving to the Sharks. Another midfield loss for WP.
@PaarlBok (Comment 123) :
Oh my word!! How you doing bru??
Where have you been?? 😯
Hulle sé mos ‘Goeie goed is skaars’
@PaarlBok (Comment 123) :
Good to see you are still around, I thought of you when I read about Jean Stemmet moving to the Sharks.
@PaarlBok (Comment 123) : hey oom! Good to see you again