There was an article in the Cape Times this morning where Director of WP Rugby Rassie Erasmus announced that Western Province and the Stormers won’t be suffering too much of a player exodus post-World Cup, with a few of the bigger names having already signed contracts and others in the process of finalising how many years they want their contracts to be.
Some of the names definitely returning next year are Gio Aplon, Juan De Jongh and Jean De Villiers, while it is believed that Schalk Burger and Jaque Fourie will be signing their contracts soon. Duane Vermeulen, Tiaan Liebenberg, Rynhardt Elstadt and Andries Bekker are believed to have already signed contracts too, but they are awaiting confirmation. Bryan Habana’s contract is still up in the air, we already know he was being chased by Toulon but was asking for too much money for them to be able to follow through. There will also be no new signings for the new season either, with Rassie happy to back the youngsters coming through, he made specific mention of Steven Kitshoff and Frans Malherbe, with the scrum beating the Stormers took obviously being the biggest worry going forward.
There is one player missing from that list who has had his name mentioned quite a bit in the past, having only started two games this season and featuring off the bench on about just as many occasions, but everyone can see his class and abilities already, that is one Johann Sadie. He has received two contract offers, one from Western Province and another from the Bulls, he is said to be a Province boy, but it seems if Jaque Fourie does sign, he will look to go north where he will be able to hopefully get more game time. If he stays in Cape Town he will be playing behind De Villiers, Fourie and De Jongh in SuperRugby before he will be seeing any game time. He will most likely be first choice in the Currie Cup while the Boks are away on duty, but since he’s had a taste of the Super tournament, I’m not sure he’ll be happy to settle for this, while it also messes with his chances of proving himself for Bok colours.
The reason I say the management needs to make tough decisions is because players like Sadie are the future, he is still able to provide many many years of service to WP/Stormers while players like De Villiers and Fourie will most likely only offer another year before seeking the retirement packages on richer shores. Let me share a quote from Ian Schwartz, the Bulls business manager: “We wanted him at school, but he is a real WP and Stormers man. He is a special talent. We believe that Johann can become a top Bok”, they recognise his talent, but above that his love and loyalty to WP get a mention, that is the exact player we should be looking to keep.
It might be time to let one of the big names of Jean De Villiers or Jaque Fourie go to keep the special talent of Sadie in the Newlands family. I hope they can convince him to stay, it will be heartbreaking to watch him run out in the pale blue jersey of the Bulls.
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I would be seriously peeved off if we allowed Sadie to leave. 🙄
I dont think we should hang onto JDV as we have De Jongh and Sadie who are definitely the best up and coming centres in SA.
I disagree Mol.
The lesson every team learned this year is that a squad of 30 players in Super Rugby is simply not enough.
Allister himself said they will need a minimum of 40 players fit and ready if they are to compete in this competition next year.
To my mind, Stormers can and should guarrantee him game time (which is what he is after) because there is no way in hell Jean and Jaque can play 16 games. Sadie should see a min. of 6 games a season.
That is just on rotation, not even mentioning injuries etc.
Sadie will do well to remember that although Hougaard did get the game time promised at the Bulls, he was stuck at wing more than scrummie.
Jaque Fourie is the best center in SA, perhaps even best 13 in world rugby.
@Morné (Comment 3) :
What do you mean perhaps??
He IS TWG13. FACT!! 😈 😎
not sure how we going to replace F Louw. I would also be looking at a experienced 10. ….3 ….1 and 4 lock…
With Fondse out of contention, Van Zyl leaving, F Louw off to Bath, I am surprised Rassie is not looking to bolster the squad. It is all very well backing the youth and bringing them through, but they will not win a Super title in 2012. It is about 40 players , and that Stormers tight 5 will not be up to the task next year unless we recruit.
@wpw (Comment 4) :
😛
@Morné (Comment 2) : That is very true, hopefully we will improve our rotation policy next year. Hopefully we can get some contract agreement going where he will see a minimum of so many minutes and we stick to it. Didn’t we promise much the same to Brent Russell?
I hope we make some plan to get him to stay, he obviously wants to.
How the hell can the Sharks not be in the running for this kid’s signature?
Sadie would do well to follow De Jongh and be patient.Like Morne said, at the Bulls you have to be prepared to “wing it”
@Morné (Comment 3) : He is, but as I said, he will most likely only stay on for another year, where we could have Sadie for another 10 years, a long term solution.
If you had to choose between the two, who would you pick?
@molly (Comment 7) :
Look the lad has to look out for his future and what is best for him. I just hope whoever advises him does so with the intent on his future and not chasing money.
@molly (Comment 7) : molly, while it’s an interesting idea, I strongly believe that building gametime guarantees into a player’s contract is a serious no-no. If ever you needed a disincentive to work hard…
@grant10 (Comment 5) : Flouw going is a HUGE loss, I’m very worried about that, hopefully Carr or Kolisi will be able to fill that, but they’re not exactly big guys and I’m not even sure they play the same role.
Maybe Rassie is pulling a sneaky?
If I was Rassie I would be looking at BJ Botha…
@molly (Comment 10) :
Honestly I would try and accommodate Sadie. I would put it in writing that he would get a minimum of ‘X’ amount of game time in Super Rugby given his is fit and conditioned but I will also make it very clear where he is in the pecking order.
You simply cannot tell the likes of Jean and Jaque sorry, we are busy with a 10-year plan here…
They are your first choice centers and what Sadie has to remember is under who do you want to complete your apprenticeship, Jean and Jaque or Wynand Olivier?
@Morné (Comment 15) : BOOM
@molly (Comment 13) : That Ruan Kitshoff is a very good opensider….perhaps Rassie will be looking at him as well….
@robdylan (Comment 8) : They’ve just signed a centre, they also signed one last year. Another centre signing might just crush any ridiculously loyal juniors’ spirit.
@Clayton(PJLD) (Comment 16) :
Now that is a deal breaker if ever there was any!!! 😈
@grant10 (Comment 17) : Elstadt has also spent a fair amount of time in the 7 jumper.
@Clayton(PJLD) (Comment 9) : The difference is that JdJ is playing behind 2 peeps and will be at least guaranteed bench duties, while Sadie is playing behind 3 classy centres, and will struggle to make a match day 22 ahead of those, unless we get our rotation policy working properly.
@robdylan (Comment 12) : I agree, but I was thinking a low minimum, and he’ll still be out to prove himself as a starter. Just really don’t want him to go, so happy to bend the rules a little 😉
@robdylan (Comment 8) :
You mean spot talent? 😈
@Morné (Comment 19) : Why are you not at the negotiating table throwing out these pearls of wisdom.
Wynand: Lesson nommer een Johan, when on the wing make sure that you pass the ball to the touch judge or the boykie in the stands in row 3.
When in the centre, dont pass the ball to anyone.
😯
@Morné (Comment 15) : haha, yes, JdV and JF must be great role models! I hope there is a plan and a good discussion happening.
@Clayton(PJLD) (Comment 20) : i would play Elstaht at 7 as well….he doesent do enough come lineout time at 4 imo….he looks a natural 7.
@Clayton(PJLD) (Comment 20) : I think they deemed him not good enough for flanker, and he really has proven to be a blimmin good lock.
At least they are facing some decisons! Any chance of a squad update on the Sharks. Cant believe we could not get hold of 1 WP centre!
@Clayton(PJLD) (Comment 24) : hahaha 😆
@molly (Comment 27) : Not disputing his contribution Molls, just saying he is an option at 7.
@Clayton(PJLD) (Comment 30) : have you been watching u21/vodacom cup? Do we have anyone that has the same skills as Flouw?
@robdylan (Comment 8) :
The Sharks are only interested in centres that are 30 years and older!!
@molly (Comment 31) : NO, we most certainly do not.
Rob for your info
Don’t Forget the Juniors
05 July 2011 (08:12) – While all the attention has been on the Vodacom Super Rugby tournament which concludes with the final between the Reds and Crusaders this Saturday, The Sharks juniors have been quietly going about their business of preparing for the upcoming Absa Under 21 Competition.
In preparation, The Sharks Under 21s travelled up to White River to play the Pumas Under 21s in a warm-up match on Saturday ahead of their competition which starts against the Blue Bulls next Saturday at Mr Price KINGS PARK.
The team left early on Wednesday for a bus trip, with a flush out session when they arrived later that day. “On Thursday, we had three sessions – a gym session, a unit session and a full field session – with another two sessions on Friday before playing our game on Saturday at White River Rugby Club,” explains coach Sean Everitt.
“The game went well – the score line of 67-17 suggests so – but there were a couple of mistakes that we can put down to rustiness and which we expected,” he adds. “We made a lot of unforced errors which was disappointing.
“On the plus side, there were some good performances by loose forwards Terra Mtembu and Siseko Jafta and when Marcell Coetzee came, he was also very good. Pieter-Stef du Toit, a youngster, still only 18 years old, looks to be an exciting prospect (at lock). Cobus Reinach was also good.
“We made a number of changes at half-time and the players came on acquitted themselves well also.”
While Everitt admits that they had taken out of the game what they had wanted to, there are a few small things to work on before the season-opener next weekend.
A few of the Under 21 players will be involved in The Sharks Compulsory Friendly match this coming weekend but otherwise, “the team will be working hard over the next two weeks to sort out those teething problems. They are minor and we can work on them.
“We definitely got what we wanted out of the game and know what we need to work on, the mistakes we made are certainly fixable.”
The Blue Bulls Under 21s were last year’s losing finalists and can be considered formidable opposition, even if the personnel have changed.
“Games against the Blue Bulls are always going to be difficult, we know how strong they are at junior level, it will be challenging for us.”
J Fourie, J de Jongh and J de Villiers have how many Super rugby titles under the belt. Now compare that to W Olivier and then see where you can learn more. 😈
Skills wise the WP guys may be better but they dont know how to win and its now becoming a recurring pattern. Go north young man.
@robdylan (Comment 8) : Because he already has a contract until 2013 maybe?
what is it with young players these days seeming to think they are OWED a starting spot at 21 years of age?
@war1 (Comment 36) : that, it seems, was a falsehood.
Agent tells me today he’s out of contract at the end of the year.
@Salmonoid (Comment 35) : Actually, Durban is more east-northeast, but otherwise I agree
@robdylan (Comment 38) : Ok, how sure are you we are not in the running then? Maybe he doesn’t want to go to Durban even if we tried to get him.
@Culling Song (Comment 39) : haha, and what would young Sadie learn from the centre’s there? 😉
@molly (Comment 41) : How to lift a Currie cup trophy 😉
@molly (Comment 41) : Exactly what *not* to do!
@war1 (Comment 42) : 😆 😆
@molly (Comment 41) : Actually, I think you could do worse than Adi as mentor for all things playing related, and Oupa for all things conditioning and work ethic related.
@war1 (Comment 42) : haha, yes indeed.
@Culling Song (Comment 45) :
Bosman – all things relating to revolving doors and how they operate!! 😈
@molly (Comment 41) : something all youngster should learn….how to surf.
Molly, I’m sure that JF has at least 2/3 seasons left in him – he is only about 28.
How the Sharks cannot be chasing Sadie boggles the mind. :roll
@Big Fish (Comment 49) : Yes, I agree TWG13 has a few years left, but he will surely chase the Euro sooner rather than later.
@Big Fish (Comment 49) :
Maybe they read Sharksworld and have picked up how bloggers are forever saying that we should back the youngsters/academy/clubs and NOT buy players. 😈
Sharks seem to play their cards very close to their chests so they may well be in the bidding.
@molly (Comment 50) : I would be surprised if he and JdeV dont already have nice juicy offers from Europe.
@Big Fish (Comment 49) : let me just clarify what I said earlier… you guys know that I’m not a fan of buying, but if you ARE going to buy, then you want to buy young guys with proven pedigree (like Sadie) rather than old guys with lots of history.
I think Sadie and Juan de Jongh will stay at WP. Tim Whitehead is the guy the WP will lose.
@Ben (Comment 54) :
I don’t think Tim will leave anytime soon.
He had an option to move to the Sharks earlier this year but chose not to.
Our young players are proving to be very loyal at the moment!! 😈
@wpw (Comment 55) : what about the exciting talents of Paul Bosch?
@robdylan (Comment 56) :
He is either injured or seems to have disappeared.
Whitehead has started WP’s recent friendly match/es. 🙄
@Salmonoid (Comment 51) :
@robdylan (Comment 53) :
Valid point: have to back the local lads first. But it doesn’t look like we ARE backing the local centres anyway – I’d rather have Sadie than another geriatric.
@wpw (Comment 57) : the one they lost to Boland?
@Big Fish (Comment 58) : Id love to have Sadie.
@robdylan (Comment 59) :
😆 😕
I was gonna add that in last my comment but ja, you’re a bit predictable there Rob!! 😈
@Salmonoid (Comment 60) : @Big Fish (Comment 58) : let’s call a spade a spade… we’d love to have Sadie rather than Joubert, right?
@robdylan (Comment 62) : right!
@robdylan (Comment 62) :
Trying to be diplomatic. 😉
@Big Fish (Comment 64) : ah yes… it suits you no better than it suits me 🙂
you guys wanna know my issue with Joubert?
Check out these two tweets form Pieter Bergh, who is one of the Boland coaches…
”
PieterBergh Pieter Bergh
At Breezy Hill in Wellington with new Shark Marius Joubert @13Juba its gonna get late! Still think he should stay here and play for Boland!
17 Jun
PieterBergh Pieter Bergh
He says he is going to teach Meyer Bosman how to play rugby….thanks #bitlate
17 Jun
“
if Joubert really wanted to help the Sharks, he should have been working and training with them in Super Rugby, rather than sitting with his feet up cracking jokes about how kak his new teammates are.
@robdylan (Comment 67) :
Careful Rob!
@Pokkel (Comment 68) : am I reading too much into that?
@robdylan (Comment 69) :
I’m just saying you can’t read too much into what somebody else tweeted about Joubert. If it came from him then you can judge the man.
@robdylan (Comment 67) : @robdylan (Comment 69) :
He always had a wingdat attitude.
I don’t like him that much either!! 🙄
@wpw (Comment 71) : he must have learned it from the windgat WP! 😈
@robdylan (Comment 69) : I think its Piet trying to makes some kaas for Joubs, boys being boys and what what.
@Pokkel (Comment 70) : well… I challenged Bergh about it on twitter and he didn’t reply. Still, not a nice thing to have out there, is it?
@Clayton(PJLD) (Comment 73) :
Ja Boet…so who are you supporting on Saturday?
@robdylan (Comment 74) :
I suppose more people are going to see it on SW now that you’ve mentioned it than the number of people that would have happened to stumble across the tweet.
Making mountains again Rob… 🙄
@robdylan (Comment 74) : Ja, bit of a douche thing to do.
@Pokkel (Comment 75) : I would go for Reds if John O’Neil wasn’t an Ozzie.
@Pokkel (Comment 76) : ja wat… maybe.
@robdylan (Comment 67) : Yip. I find his attitude of rather hanging in CT than with the boys in Dbn pretty shitty. I give him until the end of 2012 tops before he get’s “let go” by the Sharks.
For a minute there when reading this heading I thought it was
Should we decide on:
KFC
McDs
Pizza Hut.
Then I remembered Ricky had retired and WPW doesn’t play for them. 😛
@KSA Shark © (Comment 79) : well, I remain sceptical, but will forget about it pretty quickly once he’s counted off his first hat-trick in Sharks colours.
@KSA Shark © (Comment 80) : just another 16 comments and then you’ll only have another 200 to go 🙂
Heard last week from my Malmesbury sourches (Sadie and SlapTjips rooted from there and both Paarl Gim boys) Sadie is on his way to the Brutes. Hope they have it wrong.
@PaarlBok (Comment 83) : Do you know if he is family of the winemaker, Eben Sadie?
@Salmonoid (Comment 84) : Dunno, Klein Johann’s dad Johann Sadie is a CA and have his own Book Keeping Co. Played for Boland on his day.
@robdylan (Comment 82) : Heheeehehe. IF I don’t post any articles. Tomorrow is the last day of 12hours at work.
@PaarlBok (Comment 85) : Must be family somehow, as Eben Sadie is also from Malmesbury. By all accounts makes some of the very best wines available.
@Salmonoid (Comment 84) : Eben Sadie is still a laaitie
@Clayton(PJLD) (Comment 88) : The winemaker or is there a rugby player with the same name.
@Salmonoid (Comment 87) : I’ll find out. Know Johann have a sussie and an older Boet.
@Salmonoid (Comment 89) : I’m sure the winemaker is still a youngster but the man makes decent bottle of vino.
@robdylan (Comment 67) : Marius knows fuckall about twitter OuBoet, at the moment he spend some quality time with his family on their hunting farm in the LangKloof.
Altho I agree Bosman need some midfield defense. Maybe a bit of tackle bags may help him.
@PaarlBok (Comment 92) : Have you watched Marius play in france? The man can barely tackle, himself!
@PaarlBok (Comment 92) : is Marius chums with Piet Bergh, though?
@robdylan (Comment 82) : with this little talk going on its gonna take a while 🙂
@franshark (Comment 95) : well – it’s a slow week news wise, so we’ll have to find other stuff to talk about!
@robdylan (Comment 94) : Not that I know of.
@robdylan (Comment 67) : Rob I agree with you Joubert is a royal TOOL, like JLP not really a team man…why do we buy these guys who a valueable to”French rugby” and not invest in our youngsters…the other thing…sadie was a good youngster, but other young centres where on his heals…he was given a presure chance and took it…we don’t give our youngsters a go, we still don’t know that we have invested in…