The Sharks recorded a great Currie Cup semi-final win over the Blue Bulls on Saturday, prevailing by 20 points to 3 in a match that the dominated from start to finish. Let’s rate the individuals concerned.
1) Dale Chadwick. Some early scrum wobbles, but he got stronger as the game progressed. Also good on defence. 6/10
2) Kyle Cooper. A real menace with ball in hand and made his presence count on defence too. However, needs to take his share of the blame for some very messy lineout work. 7/10
3) Jannie du Plessis. Really stood up during his half hour on the field and scrummed well, while also being prominent in loose play. 7/10
4) Jandre Marais. Played another storming game and was hugely effective in keeping the Bulls pack – and particularly opposite number Flip van der Merwe – very quiet indeed. 8/10
5) Anton Bresler. It was the Sharks second row that stood up the most in this game, easily overshadowing their Springbok opponents and adding steel and fire to a great forward effort. Bresler was instrumental in that and over 80 minutes was clearly the best tight forward on the park. 9/10
6) Marcell Coetzee. A strong game from the Bok flank, particularly on defence, where he again excelled. Also put in some fine ball carries. 8/10
7) Jean Deysel. A fine performance from Deysel in his 50th test, knocking the Bulls back with big hits and showing some nice variation to his attacking game. Also won a crucial turnover or two. 8/10
8) Keegan Daniel. Another captain’s innings from the captain. Most impressive was the way he maintained discipline and managed the referee to keep all the pressure on the Bulls. Also huge on defence, but came under some pressure on attack and made a few errors. 7/10
9) Cobus Reinach. Managed the game well enough, with box kicking superb. Defence was on song and he kept his composure in the biggest game of his career to date. Guilty of a few poor passes, with him and Daniel often getting in each others’ way at the base. Still a pretty good game, though. 7/10
10) Patrick Lambie. Always in control and hardly put a foot wrong. If Lambie can be this good after just 80 minutes at flyhalf, imagine how good he’ll be if left there for a season or more? 9/10
11) Lwazi Mvovo. A very busy game from Lwazi, which is nice to see. Proved that he must be the deadliest finisher in the local game, but it was his work on defence and fielding high balls that was perhaps more impressive. 8/10
12) Tim Whitehead. Such an underrated cog in this team, but is such a consistent performer, particularly on defence. 7/10
13) Paul Jordaan. Has been making huge improvements in his overall contribution to the game week by week and can now no longer just be counted on for a moment of magic with ball in hand. Defence is rapidly becoming a strong point in his game. 7/10
14) JP Pietersen. A quiet game on attack, with the ball not finding its way to JP, but his presence in the back three and calm assurance under anything the Bulls could launch at him was of huge value. 7/10
15) Louis Ludik. With each performance, he continues to prove to everyone watching that he is, WITHOUT DOUBT, the best fullback in the country. I just hope that the Bok coach is one of them. Another superb display. 9/10
16) Craig Burden. A good cameo from burden, who seemed to do better in the lineout. Few chances to run, given the conditions. 7/10
17) Wiehahn Herbst. Played his part in a dominant Sharks scrum effort and was effective in other parts of the game as well. 7/10
18) Beast Mtawarira. Looked powerful at scrum time, but contributed little otherwise. Looks a bit tired still, which is a concern. 6/10
19) Steven Sykes. Looked a little rusty after a few weeks off and battled to get into the game. Also conceded a silly penalty. 6/10
20) Willem Alberts. The Bone Collector did what he does, smashing the Bulls back metres at a time in the tackle. Had a few nice runs at the tryline too. Great game. 8/10
21) Charl McLeod. Unused. Didn’t seem to like it.
22) Meyer Bosman. Added a lot of energy when he came on and can always be counted on to take the ball up strongly against tired legs. 7/10
Tweet
I was a bit worried when I saw on the field before kick off, he looked so dis interested, nice poker face captain.
Was a bit worried about our line outs, let’s hope the guys get it right saturday
Still remember that hand off Lambie gave Schalk when he went over for that try in ’10.
Can’t freakkin wait for the game, come on SHARKS!!!!
#sharksforever
@pierre_mackie (Comment 1) : sorry Keegan with his poker face
The one black spot on the team score card was the shambles at line outs. Fortunately the Bulls could not really use that to get into the game. The boys will have to put some hard work in this week.
Less 1 to the all the forwards for losing so many of our own line out ball.
@pierre_mackie (Comment 1) : He’s going for a hand off on Etzebeth this weekend he already bought the step ladder
@Danman110 (Comment 5) : 😆
Anybody know if Morne Steyn got cited for his cheapshot on Ludik at the end of the game? If Dixon got a red card for his accidental kick in the face of Arno Botha then Steyn deserves a 6 week ban starting first round of Super Rugby next year!!! 👿
😆
@Danman110 (Comment 5) :
“10) Patrick Lambie. Always in control and hardly put a foot wrong. If Lambie can be this good after just 80 minutes at flyhalf, imagine how good he’ll be if left there for a season or more? 9/10”
Amen
Eish, please guys. Dont push Lambie too hard for Bok flyhalf. If he plays 10 then Kirchner will still be there. They will never choose Ludick in front of Kirchner (who knows why) so the only chance we have is if Pat plays 15. I would rather have Jaantjies at 10 and Pat at 15 than Pat at 10 and Kirchner even close to the field. If I had my way for Bok backline:
15. Lambie
14. Mvovo
13. JP Pietersen
12. De Villiers (If he is ready)
11. Habana
10. Jaantjies
9. Pienaar/Reinach
@ChrisS (Comment 7) : No rather ban him for EOYT.
@Amateur (Comment 10) :
Pat at 10, Louis or JPP at 15
@Amateur (Comment 11) : He won’t/shouldn’t make it anyway but ban him for both just to satisfy everyone
This just proves beyond doubt who the best flyhalf & fullback in the country are at the moment. Lambie & Ludik bested the bulls wannabes
@Amateur (Comment 10) : Stop with this Lambie at 15. He’s clearly a 10 and the last two games have proved that point!
Hell but Lambie showed up Meyer in a big way. How is it at all possible that Meyers second choice fullback (who gets no game time) can so effectively outplay his first choice flyhalf – it makes no sense and beggars a coherent explanation. We will not get it though.
@The Sharks Sharkie (Comment 15) : I AGREE!!!!!! Lambi by a country mile the best 10 in SA!!!!! And I’ve been saying it since whenever….
@Salmonoid (Comment 16) : I can easily imagine Meyer reasoning, “Lambie was playing behind a dominating pack.” 🙄
@Franshark (Comment 17) : I think he needs to work a bit more on his kicking and the lengths of his kicks. Goosen does gain more distance which will count against Lambie. But honestly, if Lambie has Frans Steyn on his inside why does he need to be able to kick a 80m punt?
It will be interesting to see the Lambie-Steyn combo next year in SR. I think it could be lethal if given time to develop and hopefully if it does indeed develop, Meyer will continue that combo at a national level.
@The Sharks Sharkie (Comment 18) : oh yes… that is happening behind the scenes already, trust me
@robdylan (Comment 20) : I can also imagine Meyer saying, “Morne kicked 100% of his kicks, Lambie only kicked 71% of his kicks.”
@The Sharks Sharkie (Comment 18) : The whole Springbok game plan is based of forward dominance, so the pack not dominating shouldn’t even be brought up when considering Lambie.
And from what we’ve seen from Lambie, he seems to thrive under pressure….the higher the pressure, the better his decision making and playing ability.
I really enjoyed how Lambi purposely took control of the game, running the show from pivot and stepping up to the leadership role of the backline. It’s an angle of his game which I haven’t seen before.
@FireTheLooser (Comment 22) : No you see Meyer’s possible argument for choosing Steyn ahead of Lambie was that Steyn would have performed much beter HAD his pack been on the front foot and that the reason Lambie outshone Steyn was due to his forwards’ dominance rather than due to the fact that Lambie is just a better flyhalf.
@FireTheLooser (Comment 22) : To be fair Steyn also has the temperament to handle extreme pressure, although this is mostly shown through his goal-kicking whilst Lambie’s nerves of steel are shown more in general play.
@FireTheLooser (Comment 22) : And on your final paragraph (point), Lambie is a player with a massive point to prove and that can only be good news for the Sharks, Springboks and SA Rugby in general. More players should be on a quest to prove a massive point.
@The Sharks Sharkie (Comment 21) : 😆
Hypocrisy rules here 😆
15) Louis Ludik. With each performance, he continues to prove to everyone watching that he is, WITHOUT DOUBT, the best fullback in the country. I just hope that the Bok coach is one of them. Another superb display. 9/10
@Amateur (Comment 10) : @Dunx (Comment 14) : If Ludik is the BEST FULLBACK IN THE COUNTRY why was he dropped for Lambie who was coming back from injury?
Louis Ludik’s performances since the England series according to Sharksworld.co.za
vs Bulls:
15) Louis Ludik. In addition to his ever-safe play at the back, Ludik attacked the line with gusto this week and was finally rewarded for his efforts when he managed to scythe through for the vital bonus-point try late in the game. Mr Consistency delivers again. 8/10
vs Cheetahs: 15:
Pat Lambie. Another who looked to have been rushed back from injury. Pat was pretty good at fullback, without being great, yet unfortunately went off injured at half time. 5/10
22) Louis Ludik. Showed in just 40 minutes that he’s the Sharks’ best fullback, bar none. 8/10
vs Reds:
15. Louis Ludik. Proved again that he’s the Sharks’ best bet at fullback; his positioning and technique on defence are outstanding and he’s never afraid to join the line with heart either. 9/10
vs Stormers (picked @ wing)
14) Louis Ludik. Another player picked out of position who simply shone. His collect-and-dart to score the Sharks’ opening try was, to my mind, the defining moment of the match and opened up a lead that the Sharks were never to relinquish. This man has Springbok written all over him at the moment. 9/10
again i ask you, why was he DROPPED for Lambie at fullback? 😕
Still some of you want Meyer to recognise him 🙄
@The Sharks Sharkie (Comment 23) : Yeah now I see what you mean, but Lambie must just perform week in and week out, anyone can see that Lambie is a really special talent and leaving him out is harmful to HM’s international coaching career.
It’s in his own best interest to select Lambie at 10. The Bok backline needs a leader, someone able to dictate play – Lambi have now also stepped into that role.
@The Sharks Sharkie (Comment 25) : And that is definitely the vibe he gave off this past Saturday, yet he manages to do this without becoming arrogant, which is what most sportsmen turns to.
@Megatron (Comment 27) : you’re having a dig at Amateur for having an opinion different to mine?
I don’t understand… I have written every one of those player rating articles and have never wavered in my support for Ludik as the Sharks’ best fullback. I have stated openly on many occasions that I consider him a better fullback than Lambie.
But Amateur is entitled to his own opinion too. It’s not hypocrisy unless it’s the same person making the contradictory statements.
@Megatron (Comment 27) :
I agree with you, Lambie was never better that Ludik at fullback. If I could have my way Lambie will NEVER play fullback again!
Bit high for the hooker and locks considering the lineout shambles. Agree with the rest.
@Megatron (Comment 27) :
Megs, get off it. Rather explain the Kings capitulation. That’s the real elephant in the room.
@FireTheLooser (Comment 28) : Consistently good performers don’t seem to be rewarded (ala Ludik) but the more he performs the more middle fingers are shown to Meyer.
@robdylan (Comment 29) : i don’t recall any wailing here that Plum is IGNORING ludik to the team’s detriment.
didn’t lambie play in the Final?
@Megatron (Comment 33) :
Yes he did and he shouldn’t have an I for one wasn’t happy about it!
@Big Fish (Comment 31) : wha is there to explain? they got outplayed.
@The Sharks Sharkie (Comment 32) : “(ala Ludik) but the more he performs the more middle fingers are shown to Meyer.”
that MIDDLE FINGER must start at Plumtree, who dropped him even for Lambie!
@Megatron (Comment 33) : sometimes you don’t want to disrupt winning momentum…
@Megatron (Comment 36) : You’re arguing a non-issue.
Ludik is a better fb than Lambie, Lambie is the best fh this country has seen in years, and Kings imploded when it came to the real deal.
Seems we’re all singing from the same song book. 😉
@Megatron (Comment 35) :
Just taking a leaf out your book and having a pointless dig. Kings next year will be a different team anyway. Rome wasn’t built in a day.
@Megatron (Comment 27) : Not sure of the Hypocrisy? If you read my comment again you will see that I never said anything about Ludic not being the best, just that Meyer will not pick him. I even put in brackets (who knows why they wont). My point was that we need to keep out Kirchner and hence play Lambie at 15. If he plays at 10 for the Boks then the gap is still open for Kirchner. Both Lambie and Ludic have had done enough for Bok selection but having seen the trend, Meyer wont choose Ludic.
@Amateur (Comment 40) : Ludic? He’s not a Serb, you know…:)
@FireTheLooser (Comment 38) : it is not a non-issue 😆
deflection, if middle fingers are being dished out, PLUM, should be first in line! Ludik’s form since the England series – when Lambie was INJURED – is documented BUT your coach decide to drop him or move him in the process DISRUPTING a winning combo and SNUBBING ludik…
why must meyer pick ludik on form when his provincial coach DROPS him for a FLYHALF coming back from injury?
@Big Fish (Comment 39) : only 12 from the EP Kings have been offered super rugby contracts…i don’t know how many from Border or SWD.
Ludik.
Just read that both Morne and mellet being cited…
@Amateur (Comment 40) : so you don’yt see it as a problem that his coach continuously drops him for lambie even when he is in the form of his life? 🙄
@Megatron (Comment 46) : I reckon he is being dropped coz Plum KNOWS HM wont select him over Zane, so rather give Lambie a shot, because AGAIN Plum knows Lambie is not gonna get the 10 jersey either…
Simple really..
@Ice (Comment 45) : where?
@Ice (Comment 47) : what convoluted nonsense…think again…
simple answer indeed.
@robdylan (Comment 48) : Bokrugby / Tank… on Twitter
@Megatron (Comment 49) : What other more complicated and intellectual answer would you give, Einstein?
@Ice (Comment 51) : Heyneke is a simple man…so I would reckon such a simple answer would suffice… 😈
@Megatron (Comment 43) : Names please.
@Ice (Comment 51) :
I’m sorry but I have to agree with Megatron on this one.
I don’t think Plum give a hoot about where Heyneke wants to play Lambie.
Plum most likely selected him there for the benefit of the team just like he did before Heyneke became Bok coach.
In 2011 Plum moved Lambie to 15 when Freddie was signed as your back up scrumhalf. 🙄
He then proceeded to play Fred at 10 and Lambie was shifted to 15.
@wpw (Comment 54) : And he has subsequently changed his mindset, on this and quite a few other selection posers 🙄
Surely we can get over it when somebody rights their past wrongs? Or will we continuously harp on about every single person’s past mistakes irrespective?
@wpw (Comment 54) :
Are you ready for Saturday?!
@Pokkel (Comment 56) : lyk vir my Wes het klaar ‘n houtlepel in elke hand 🙂
@wpw (Comment 54) : Westerling…I was kidding and being sarcastic on HM’s refusal to choose Lambie at 10 😉 and trying to give a simple expl on Megs question on Amateur…
BUT…you always know Megs will take the bait – especially if it does not look or sound intellectual enough… 😈
@Pokkel (Comment 56) : @robdylan (Comment 57) :
All I can say is ‘Sharks are favourites! pass it on’ 😈 😉
@Ice (Comment 58) :
😯 😕
Jeez i thought you were seriaaaas! 😆
A bit slow on the uptake there, was I… 🙄
Louis Ludik is a better fullback that Pat Lambie. Dropping him in favour of Lambie for the S15 final was a big mistake. And to add to that, saying that Louis Ludik was better than Kirchner on Saturday would be like saying Heidi Klum is hotter than Rosie O’ Donnel; it’s a truth so self-evident that any opposing viewpoint must be treated with extreme suspicion
@wpw (Comment 54) : Why did he play Fred at 10 and when did he shift Lambie to 15?
@wpw (Comment 59) : How can they now be favourites – against the uber super team that is actually the Stormers that topped the Super logs but now has a lot more experience..
If you really believe the Sharks are favourites then you are actually saying that you coaching has gone backwards.
@Culling Song (Comment 61) : i like Heidi Klum, coolest blonde i’ve ever seen, plus she pops babies by the dozen making the one of the ultimate MILFs…
@Salmonoid (Comment 63) :
Firstly, the Sharks have more depth than us in key positions.
They have home ground advantage.
WP have lost Burger, Kolisi, Koster, Carr, JDV, Liebenberg, Bekker, Elstadt, Duvenage, Van Aswegan to injury.
The Sharks are definitely favourites!
@wpw (Comment 65) : depth doesn’t count… you’re only allowed 22 players
@wpw (Comment 65) :
I agree Wes…..the Sharks are favorites!
We’re just so much better then WP!
Don’t even bother pitching up!
@wpw (Comment 65) : You have had injuries all year, at least now you are allowed to play Sinclair.
Try harder, you guys are the team of 2012 and must be the favourites.
@Salmonoid (Comment 63) : @wpw (Comment 65) : @robdylan (Comment 66) : The “underdog” tag should actually by despised, not longed for.
If the Sharks are only able to perform when the other team is not up for it, I guess they’re not that good after all.
Anyone can get to the number one spot, but the mark of a true legend is the ability to not only claim the number one spot, but to consistently stay there, never allowing the hype to go to his head.
Sharks are the favorites for the CC cup, and rightly so. If they are unable to use that as their ultimate motivating factor then they’re still a long way from being the team we expect them to be.
@robdylan (Comment 66) :
I’ll remember to bookmark this page the next time this subject comes up! 😉
@Pokkel (Comment 67) :
‘better THAN WP’ 😈
@Salmonoid (Comment 68) :
*sigh* 🙄
….and because we are the favorites for the cup, we don’t have to win it, it is ours to lose.
And that should serve as a hint to the Proooovince supporters. 😉
@Salmonoid (Comment 68) :
The Sharks have also beaten us in the last 4 games if I’m not mistaken.
Definitely favourites!!
@wpw (Comment 72) : But you have to admit that something has gone seriously awry in camp Prooooovince for you guys to be seen as underdogs. 😕
After finishing number ONE in THE premier competition for franchises, they almost missed cracking the top 5 for a watered down CC, and were extremely lucky to not have lost to the Lions in the semi. 😯
Ever since Rassie left, Proooovince/Streamers have been on a constant downward spiral.
😈 Good score for the whole team ❗ -maybe Plum should have fielded Burden and McLeod sooner as 2 and 9 seemed to struggle to find their marks in second half. Well done Sharks! 😈
@wpw (Comment 72) : Please change your avatar – Joke was good but get into the spirit of the site- Please
@KILLER SHARK (Comment 75) : is that Marcel being planted by Mumm
priceless
@wpw (Comment 72) : But that’s just because you believed that all it would take was to just turn up and take the game.
@Megatron (Comment 76) : Pfftttt, 53-14 is what is priceless.
@Megatron (Comment 76) : 😈 Yip Marcel went for a high tackle and missed – almost seriously injured – good lesson though.
@KILLER SHARK (Comment 79) : Aaahhh @Salmonoid (Comment 78) : 🙄 😆
After watching both semi’s what is clear to everyone that has any knowledge of rugby, so we are excluding the Springbok coach here, there was only one star flyhalf on show. Jantjies was awful and cost the Lions their spot in the Final, both kicking and open play were not Currie Cup quality never mind Super Rugby or Test quality. Clearly he could not come to the Sharks because on that performance he would not get game time even if Lambie was injured. Steyn was so far behind Lambie that he had to resort to dirty play to even be noticed. He has NEVER been more than a decent Currie Cup flyhalf who could kick well. Right now he can’t kick.
Then we look at full back, Kirchner v Ludik, seriously can you compare, well I suppose so they both have 2 legs and that is about it. One is sheer class and the other a very average club player with no vision and average skill. If Kirchner were to come to the Sharks he would probably be about 4th pick, optimistically. How then is he the incumbent Springbok No.15?
@KILLER SHARK (Comment 75) :
How about you kiss my ass?? 😈 🙄
@wpw (Comment 82) :
You like my avatar WPW? 😈