Frans Steyn’s Toshiba Brave Lupus went down to JP Pietersen’s Panasonic Wild Nights in their semi final clash. The Wild Knights will now clash with Yamaha Júbilo in the Final on 1 February 2015, after Jubilo saw off Gary Gold’s Kobelco Steelers in the first semi-final.
Ryan Kankowski’s Toyota Industry Shuttles ended 7th on their side of the table, they have therefore not been taking part in the play-offs, but will be involved in a promotion relegation on the 14th of February. I think we can assume Ryan will be able to return after that game.
Unfortunately it looks like Steyn and our new coach will be involved in another mini competition that teams now take part in. My Japanese isn’t that great, so it’s hard to figure out exactly when this “sub-competition” will end, but it would seem that there is still 2 rounds to be played during February on the 8th and 15th, before another semi-final and then the final on the 22nd and 28th. I can’t figure out whether this means that at least JP’s Wild Nights will end their campaign after their final on the 1st of Feb, or whether the top 2 teams also take part in this sub-competition? It’s all very confusing. If anyone can make sense of that, I would love some clarity.
Something that I can definitely confirm though, is that Frans Steyn is looking in tip top shape these days. When I heard that Steyn had lost more weight and is now looking better than ever, I looked into it a little and from what I can see, it would seem our Fransie will return hungry – hopefully for some Super Rugby action too.
I’m looking forward to welcoming back Fransie, along with JP Pietersen and Ryan Kankowski for some much needed experienced reinforcements. I’m also excited too see what Gary Gold will bring to the table. At the very least we will have all these guys back by March, after Super Rugby Round 3.
PS. Keegan Daniel’s Kubota Spears who ended 5th on their side of the table are in the same boat as Kanko’s shuttles and will be playing promotion relegation on the 14th, while it looks like Jean Deysel’s Toyota Verblitz, 4th, will play in the sub-competition with Steyn’s Brave Lupus. There’s been rumors that one of these guys might return to the Sharks for Super Rugby, but nothing has been confirm in that regard as of yet, so for now I’m assuming that was just wishful thinking.
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So we have to wait another possible month before we get our coach and Frans? 😯 What nonsense! If you are out of the competition, you are out. Not this mini competition, sub competition, club competition, shield competition etc etc. Just get back to the tank already!
I don’t mind our experienced guys joining us later in the season…this allows the noobs some SR experience, whilst ensuring our best guys are up for the challenge come the business end of SR.
SR is a mammoth marathon…I would not want to see the same disinterested rugby, which we had to endure because of JW’s insistence on wearing the top guys out.
@FireTheLooser (Comment 2) : Players joining later is ok-ish.. but I mean the head coach? Am I the only one that is concerned here? Look, I know BV has been taking charge of the squad and pre-season and all that, and I do not doubt him for a minute. But GG is appointed as our head coach, who I feel should be interacting with the players as much as possible.
@Another Nick (Comment 3) : I’ve resigned myself to the fact that GG will only really be the official Sharks head coach from the CC onwards…this SR will be the BV show.
Bliksem looks like Steyn dropped quite a few KG’s! Hope he comes back and dominates.
I always thought frans would have been one of the best blindside flankers of all time…
Frans looking good!!!!! No more Fat Frans!!!!
I don’t see this weight loss to be honest, Frans looks exactly the same from those three photos!
The only way to see if he has truly leaned out, is to see photos with his shirt off!
@Bump (Comment 8) : The red is slimming man even i can see that 😉
@Bump (Comment 8) :
He has a definite tube around his waist in the 2013 photo.
5 – 10 Kg’s on a 115Kg body, doesn’t show that much, but he’s definitely leaner.
@Bump (Comment 8) :
Go on youtube and watch the recent semi-final, he’s clearly much fitter and much leaner.
@Bump (Comment 8) : you just want to see him shirtless. Look at his cheekbones and neck.
Sorry guys, but I think that all of you are secretly wishing that Frans will come back in reasonable shape. And therefore you are seeing things that are not there.
@JD (Comment 12) : 😆 😯 on the shirtless chirp.
@Bump (Comment 13) : so we are seeing him smaller that what he is? So would it not rather then mean we’re not seeing everything that’s there?!?!?! 😉
Looking good I reckon. I’m looking forward to having Frans and co back!
Will Bissie remain captain?
@The Quirk (Comment 6) : perhaps but he is one of the if not the best 12 of all time
If you want to stay up to date on comps and all stuff Japan rugby, go follow Sackey_t on twitter. He loves the Sharks and Springboks and gives you all the news and insights.
@Morné (Comment 18) :
Thanks, will check it out.
@David12246 (Comment 16) : yes
@benji (Comment 17) : Really? You missed a lot of rugby in your life, or you are really young!! Pieter Muller, Jean de Villiers, Michaeldu Plessis, all could make arguments for being far more accomplished 12’s, and that is just in SA. Jamie Roberts, Frank Bunce, never heard of them?
@KingCheetah (Comment 21) : ja sorry to say although I really like Frans he’s good but with guys like Pieter Muller, Hennie le Roux, Michael Dup I don’t even rate him as the best that SA ever had. It’s very difficult to compare players that did not play in the same era as there’s no fail proof way to compare them. Anyway everyone will have his or her own “dream team” of best players ever!!!
@KingCheetah (Comment 21) : I don’t know, who of them won a world Cup at age 19 and should have won another 4 years later. The way he played in 2011 was outstanding!
Thanks Rob, was waiting for this info
@Southern_Shark (Comment 23) : sorry to say but that only shows that he played alongside some seriously talented team mate as he did not won the World cup on his own. Yes he did have a huge impact during that time but has struggled with his form for a couple of years now. Yes he’s a apecial player and I’d love to have him on form and for the Sharks and Bokke I hope he gets into that type of form again this year!!!!!!
@JD (Comment 25) : Exachary… Last time I checked rugby was a team sport.