Heinrich Brüssow is likely to run out against the Sharks this weekend, after it has been reported that Lappies Labuschagné has a groin injury and will not be able to play.
Brüssow played in the Vodacom Cup last weekend, getting himself some game time after a lengthy stint on the sidelines, thanks to a toe injury picked up in Japan. With Lappies not available this weekend, it is a logical step for Naka Drotske to call on the Springbok flanker.
Other news from Bloemfontein, thanks to Volksblad and Sport24.com, confirms what we expected, that Johan Goosen has concussion and will not be able to play against the Sharks this weekend. He will in all likelihood be replaced by Elgar Watts, with Riaan Smit starting on the bench.
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Will be interesting to see what he has to offer. A stint in Japan and an injury layoff will mean he needs game time. a Vodacom Cup match is a practice run for him.
Injuries are not doing the Sharks any favours right now, but it is however giving up and coming youngsters a chance to prove their worth.
For me I would like to see the following team, and yes I know some may argue that for example that F Steyn is not a 10? many may argue that fact, but what is true is that every time he has had to move to 10 he has been superb.
My feeling here is that we have more depth and huge talent at center right now than at 10, We have seen Swiel at 10 and he was OK but nothing special, Heimer will never let the team down and has been solid.
I however would rather see P Jordaan move into the 12 spot as he has more experience and actually play most of his junior rugby career there and at 10, If he is still injured I would take a risk with A Esterhuizen, both these centers run off the ball so well.
So they’ll go with Cook, Prinsloo and Brussow?
I can’t say I think much of the balance in that trio.
Cook at 7 (since he’s the only one with a bit of bulk) …. I’d then be tempted to play Brussow at 8. But the Sharks aren’t going to battle much to outmuscle them in the loose trio.
@sharks_lover (Comment 2) : With Odwa potentially having to sit this one out due to a shoulder injury, I would move Sbu to wing, and bring Jordaan back into 13, with Tim getting a start at flyhalf.
@robdylan (Comment 3) : This may be an opportune time for rotation and give Keegan an extended run and give one of the loosies a break
This is the Sharks team I would like to see this coming weekend.
15 Mvovo
14 Odwa
13 Sbura
12 Jordaan/Esterhuizen
11 JPP
10 Steyn
09 Mcleod
08 Kanko
07 Deysel
06 Marcell
05 Lewies
04 Alberts
03 Adriaanse
02 Bismark
01 Beast
16 Cooper
17 Jannie
18 Chadwick
19 Oosthuizen
20 Daniel
21 Ungerer
22 Esterhuizen/Williams
23 Swiel
@stevovo (Comment 4) : I haven’t heard anything about Odwa missing out?
@stevovo (Comment 5) : not sure where you start Keegan, though? We’ll lose too much at the breakdown if we pick him ahead of Marcell. Maybe a start at 8?
I dunno.
Keegan was anonymous against the Lions. Not sure a start ahead of Kanko is warranted.
I’d not make any changes to the pack unless I had to.
@stevovo (Comment 5) :
I hear you on rotation, but why Keegan? He is leaving, so we might as well blood a youngster or give Mthembu some game time, if you really want to rest anyone
@stevovo (Comment 4) : If true? I would still take a different route and have Steyn at 10, play another big fast 12 in Andre Esterhuizen and play Jordaan then at 13, these 2 have both been in very good form.
so for me the backline would become
15 Mvovo
14 Sbura
13 Jordaan
12 Esterhuizen
11 JPP
10 Steyn
09 Mcleod
But my feeling is that JW would go with this backline.
15 SP
14 JPP
13 Sbura
12 Jordaan/Heimer
11 Mvovo
10 Steyn
09 Mcleod
@Richard Ferguson (Comment 9) : Tera has a hammy problem, though. Out for a few weeks.
Agree with the sentiment, though.
one thing that concerns me greatly is the combination of Brussow and Jaco Peyper. We all know that the latter gave up on understanding the breakdown laws years ago so doesn’t even bother policing that aspect of the game.
@robdylan (Comment 3) : yes Sharks should out muscle their loose trio but they’re going to be a handful at the breakdowns.
@robdylan (Comment 11) :
In that case, I don’t think changes need to be made..
And if JW’s selections go according to form, very little will change..
@JD (Comment 13) : not if we hit it in numbers.
Sharks haven’t been committing too many men to the breakdown, but I think we need to change that this week.
Can’t give Willie turnover ball.
@Richard Ferguson (Comment 14) : agree.
We should experiment in terms of game plan, not personnel.
@robdylan (Comment 12) : We have Coetzee now. A staffie to endlessly harass the badger.
@robdylan (Comment 12) : I think we will be ok boet, last weekend we faced 2 fetchers in the Lions team in Kriel and Mienie, Bismark and Marcell did fine in the fetching etc, but I do agree re Peyper
@sharks_lover (Comment 18) : I forget which but either Johan Ackerman or Warren Whiteley said that the Sharks were very good at slowing down the ball at their breakdowns. My only concern is, as Rob mentioned, to commit more men to our own breakdowns.
@Richard Ferguson (Comment 14) : I think you are right, Jannie will start and chances are he will choose between Jordaan and Swiel to start.
Depending on which route he takes re those 2 will determine the Sharks backline for the weekends match, this is the backline 1 think he will go with.
15 SP
14 JPP
13 Sbura
12 Jordaan/Heimer
11 Mvovo
10 Steyn
09 Mcleod
Reserves
21 Ungerer
22 Swiel
23 Williams
@robdylan (Comment 8) : must agree with you again, Sharks needs to pick the strongest possible team for Saturday as they’ve got a tendency to lose against the bottom teams, also remember local derbies is always hard and Sharks needs to beat the Cheetahs as they’re not going to roll over and play dead.
@Richard Ferguson (Comment 9) : For rotation purposes, to give Marcell and Kanko a needed break. I just think that facing the Cheetahs may be the right time to do if he wanted to give either of them a break.
@robdylan (Comment 15) : that’s a fact Sharks must nail them in the break downs, use their bulk to dominate the break downs and collisions.
@stevovo (Comment 22) :
As I said, I get where you are coming from in terms of a rest, but I would have liked to give it to a player which will benefit us in the long run.. If that makes sense.
But yes, if either of the loosies have the slightest bump or bruise, a weekend off will do no harm. Even if Alberts gets some time from the bench and starting Oosthuizen in the second row, I can deal with that. But I cannot see it happening.
It is a home game, and the Sharks need to win it. Also think the Cheetahs are going to come out snorting – so it is going to a very tough first half.
I would rather start with experience and bring on youngsters when it is safer than making wholesale changes.
The Sharks must not get sucked into a loose game with the Cheetahs though – that will suit them to a T.
@vanmartin (Comment 17) : Marcell will give the Durecell bunny a heart attack. He’s really full of energy and playing great
@sharks_lover (Comment 20) : I really cant see JW changing his 15. The experiment only really started paying off now.
@West Indies Cricket Board (Comment 27) : Not so sure mate, It is not like SP is not the backup, who do you put in? an experienced SP or inexperienced Swiel?
I know normally he would stick to the same team, but injuries dictate otherwise, If Odwa is out as is Fred JW has no option but to make changes.
I’m feeling way too confident about this weekend….never a good thing against the tsietas.
For me, Steyn at 10, Williams at 12 and the rest of the team to stay the same.
No need to change it if it isn’t broken.
@FireTheLooser (Comment 29) : The best finisher we have is Jordaan, if he is ovedr his injury he is a must to start.
15 Mvovo
14 Odwa
13 Sbura
12 Steyn
11 JPP
10 Jordaan
09 Mcleod
21 Ungerer
22 Williams/SP
23 Esterhuizen
The fastest 10 in the world lol
@sharks_lover (Comment 30) :
How many tries has he scored?
@Big Fish (Comment 33) :
WHAT??? Ive finally gone platinum in the club???
WOOOHOOO!!! 😆 😎
@Big Fish (Comment 33) : ja, I’d rate Mvovo as teh best finisher we have. Jordaan doesn’t bat.
@Big Fish (Comment 33) : Well when he has been able to play you should ask lol, but boet of course I am joking re him at 10, but do not forget even when he does not score it is him that takes the gap for the most in our backline,
Jordaan runs off the ball better than most in our team
@Big Fish (Comment 34) : Congrats! But I think you’ve been plat for a while now 😀
@sharks_lover (Comment 32) : I actually thought the same scenario. Jordaan played 10 previously, so might not be a bad option. Only concern is that he hasn’t played there for long time, so might take some time to settle in. Not everyone is a freak like Frans (or Lambie) that can just slot in another position at any given time. Swiel is a thoroughbred flyhalf that has gained experience in the Vodacom cup and must surely be ready for SR action. I would start Swiel at 10, Frans 12, S’bu 13 with Jordaan on the bench – impact player around the 60min mark.
@HoneyBadger (Comment 38) : I hear ya mate, Still what I have seen of Swiel leaves me a little worried, I would rather Steyn played 10 with Williams Jordaan or Esterhuizen at 12, but hey if Swiel starts? I would love for him to prove me wrong
I hope that the Sharks take extra care to neutralize Brussow, as he has been a real thorn in our side in the past.
With regards to flyhalf, I hope that Swiel gets a starting spot because I don’t believe that Steyn is the man for the rest of the season at flyhalf.
you guys are revolutionaries!
Balk at the idea of picking Swiel at 10, but will happily throw Jordaan “I have no kicking game whatsoever” in there based on a few appearances in that position as an under 12.
@robdylan (Comment 41) : lol Rob I was joking re JOrdaan as per my post to bigfish, 😉
I posted the team I would start with way ontop, and that has Steyn at 10
One thing is for sure, come Thursday morning we will know which backline JW has selected
@sharks_lover (Comment 28) : oh ja my bad forgot about Odwa…
@sharks_lover (Comment 36) :
I wasnt talking about him at 10 – just that if he is our best finisher, he should have the most tries. I rate the kid a helluva lot, but I think its still early days.
I also really rate Swiel – he is a very balanced player. He has gas to burn, but he doesnt try to just run on his own all the time – good maturity in passing, kicking and running decisions.
@vanmartin (Comment 37) :
😳
You might be right – I normally post from my phone so never check.
@West Indies Cricket Board (Comment 44) : we don’t know for a fact that Odwa is out…. nothing has been said about it.
@robdylan (Comment 41) :
😈
Look at the player ratings thread yesterday if you want to see some sensible rugby posts. 🙄
Didnt Jake say he was working on a new lock signing? I wonder if its still on the cards
@West Indies Cricket Board (Comment 48) : I saw a tweet from Tank Lanning where he said something about JW signing the ex Kiwi lock from the Canes, just trying to remember his name, will post shortly, is it true? who knows lol
@robdylan (Comment 41) : I guess it all depends as well for how long Zeilinga will be sidelined? If, say he is expected to be out for only a game or 2, he may well go for Steyn at 10 as this is a safe option and not necessarily a long-term solution for the rest of the season. But if Zeilinga’s injury look like months off, then go for Swiel and get him settled, ready for the long haul.
@Big Fish (Comment 47) : We’d end up playing Jordaan at tighthead prop and making him captain based on the reasoning over there
@Big Fish (Comment 45) : I think we’re being very unfair on Swiel if we judge him harshly based on the two games we’ve seen.
That game against Saracens was a nightmare for him, with the service he was getting from Reinach. Reinach simply couldn’t decide whether he wanted to play himself or give Tim the ball, result being that he wasted all the good ball and shoveled all the bad ball onto Tim.
Looking to the Bulls game, well… I don’t think Tim did too badly at the job he was given to do. It simply wasn’t the right game on the day, though. Sure, he didn’t look great, but that’s hardly his natural game.
I like a few things about him. He stands his ground well in the tackle and has a surprisingly big boot for such a slight guy. He is easily twice as fast as any other flyhalf we have as well and has a devastating pair of feet.
He also strikes me as incredibly level-headed, mature and very bright as well.
No, we’re onto a winner with this kid. Just need to give him a fighting chance.
@sharks_lover (Comment 49) : no, it’s not happening.
Ok, so I need to change what I just said.
Odwa is out.
I wonder if Jake will look to Chavanga, rather than messing with his established players at 13 and 15….
Jason Eaton
@robdylan (Comment 53) : @robdylan (Comment 53) : Thank Goodness
I think this will now be the backline knowing Odwa too is out, eish so many injuries, 🙄
15 SP
14 JPP
13 Sbura
12 Jordaan/Heimer
11 Mvovo
10 Steyn
09 Mcleod
Reserves
21 Ungerer
22 Swiel
23 Williams
@sharks_lover (Comment 56) : to be honest, I was a little disappointed. Would have been a great guy to bring in.
I would actually like to see a bit more of Ungerer in the 2nd half to be honest. More than the 5mins he is now getting right at the end.
@sharks_lover (Comment 57) : I dunno… you reckon Jake is going to move Mvovo away from fullback now? He seems to chuffed with the experiment to do that.
I’d almost back on a guy like Chavanga or maybe even Jaco van Tonder coming in for a start at wing.
@HoneyBadger (Comment 59) : they’re giving Stefan charity caps at the moment.
Cobus is at most another 2 weeks from being able to play and Jake clearly isn’t too worried about a 3rd scrummie.
@robdylan (Comment 58) : To be honest Rob I would rather see some of our youngsters getting some needed experience, like Marias, we already have an oldie in the VC team
@robdylan (Comment 58) : shit ja me too. Hes a great lock!
@Big Fish (Comment 45) : keep going… one day soon you’ll overtake Chaz
@robdylan (Comment 60) : You could be right,
@sharks_lover (Comment 62) : we have no senior locks now that Bresler is out.
That’s my only concern.
@sharks_lover (Comment 65) : people who consistently bet against that outcome tend to lose their money more often than not! 🙂
@robdylan (Comment 66) : What of the ex Bok and Cheetah Lock?
@sharks_lover (Comment 68) : Wentzel?
Yes well, someone needs to fax Jake a picture of him to remind him he’s available….
@robdylan (Comment 67) : I just think Chavhanga is not the route JW will take as he has not played SR for a very long time, SP however has, and it is not like Mvovo has played 15 for a long time?
@robdylan (Comment 69) : That’s the one, also Peet Marais is part of the SR squad
@robdylan (Comment 60) :
Heimar at 12, Jordaan at wing. Or Jordaan at 12, SP to the back 3 (probably wing).
I think it’s between Frans and Swiel at 10 – probably the latter getting 30 minutes at the end.
In fact someone mentioned earlier that we need to rotate? I would actually prefer to rest a Flanker and move Alberts back to flank and bring in a Marais so that he gains experience and confidence, We are solid with L/Forwards, But like Richard pointed out, Lock is a problem for us.
@Big Fish (Comment 72) : Must say I would rather go with Steyn at 10 and have Swiel on the bench as backup. At 12 start with either Jordaan or Williams.
@robdylan (Comment 54) : sh!t that’s bad news, but the again maybe this will solve JW’s problem of how and where to play Jordaan?!?!?! “Een se dood is ‘n ander se brood”.
Im also worried about the locks.Does anyone know what the plan is and if they are still looking for a new signing and why Peet is not being used?
After past Saturday, I’d have to say that Mvovo at fb showed a lot of promise….tactical and positional awareness….joins the line on attack…safe under the high ball…and does not require a hop, skip and jump to get his run going.
Replace the injure players with the least amount of disruption.
SP at 11.
Swiel and Jordaan on the bench, with a definite aim at giving them 20 – 30 mins. in the second half.
@FireTheLooser (Comment 77) : I hear what you say, but there’s just something preventing me from considering SP at wing.
Is he quick enough?
@FireTheLooser (Comment 77) : hop, skip and jump – classic
No Sp on wing please.Rather PJ on the wing and Heimar in at 12.Thats the safe option and we could even bank the bonus point wich we will definitely need.Tim Swiel on for the last 15min.
@tigershark (Comment 80) : Jordaan at wing? Yes, could work…. he’s fast enough.
Goosen injured! That’s bad news for the Sharks. Expect a much better team with Watts at 10. Hope Goosen recovers in time.
@robdylan (Comment 81) :
With Danniller at wing, how is pace even a concern?
Also not sure why you don’t back SP at wing. He’s got some pace and is pretty unpredictable on attack.
@GreatSharksays (Comment 82) : Goosen has concussion so will not be playing. Think there’s a compulsory two week rest for concussion.
@robdylan (Comment 81) : been thinking 10 Swiel, 12 Steyn, 13 S’bu, 11 Jordaan, 14 JPP & 15 Mvovo with Heimar and SP on bench. If Swiel flops big times Heimar can be played at anytime or Jordaan can play 10/12 with SP going into back three.
I would go:
10. Swiel
11. SP
12. Steyn
13. Sburu
14. JPP
15. Mvovo
Bench: Jordaan, Heimar,
Don’t think I’ll be willing to throw Swiel that far in the deep end…his SR confidence would have taken a bit of a knock vs. the bulls.
Rather start him off the bench.
Fred had VC and CC senior rugby to build his confidence before being given a shot at SR.
@Big Fish (Comment 83) : yes, unpredictable for his own team 🙂
@FireTheLooser (Comment 87) : I agree with that, this is why I suggest we start with Frans at 10 and then depending on Jordaans fitness? I would start him at 12 or then Williams.
@FireTheLooser (Comment 87) : I think it would be better for Swiel to start between Charl and Frans (and practice there the whole week) than to need to come on and try to fit in a game plan that he did not tain in or play at the end when wthe game is on the line.
@JD (Comment 90) : JD I honestly think which ever route JW takes in the replacements we will be OK
@FireTheLooser (Comment 87) : not sure there was anything in that game to knock his confidence. Had we scored 1 more try and won that with or without his input we’d probably be singing praises for him. Thought he did well considering the sudden shift of momentum so early in the game. We were certainly on the ascendancy in the last quarter and I suspect had the game lasted 90 minutes we would have won. JLP did not dominate him in any particular facet that I remember.
Against the faltering cheetahs at home this is as shallow as the deep end goes. How badly will we regret not using him now should we require him to step in later.
But if these injuries keep occurring the Sharks might need to ask Butch to make a come back 😆
for how long is FredZ out for?
@gregkaos (Comment 92) : don’t think for one moment that this will be an easy game. SA teams got a tendency to try and smash each other to bits, but I still believe that the games against the Cheetahs and Stormers would be ideal games for Swiel to settle before heading overseas.
@sharks_lover (Comment 93) : Sharks can get Butch to help please just don’t get MJ or Goode again as I’m still having nightmares about them playing for the Sharks.
@JD (Comment 96) : 😆
Swiel and Mtembu to start, Frans and Sithole in the midfield.
I would like to see Kyle Cooper get a decent run, he was a beast in the CC. Frans could captain this one I think, or Deysel.
@Quintin (Comment 98) : Mtembu is injured.
@robdylan (Comment 99) : Too bad, he needs some game time!
@Quintin (Comment 100) : yeah agree.
He’s going to get a whole Currie Cup, though.