JP Pietersen, in his last home game for the Sharks, will lead a reshuffled team onto the Kings Park turf against the Sunwolves on Friday night.
Gary Gold has made a number of changes to the side that won against the Cheetahs last week; Odwa Ndungane and Stefan Ungerer come in at right wing and scrumhalf respectively in a backline that is otherwise unmodified. Pietersen is again at outside centre, with S’bura Sithole and Michael Claassens omitted and benched respectively.
Up front, Beast Mtawarira is out, replaced by Thomas du Toit in the starting lineup, while Chiliboy Ralepelle starts at hooker. Ruan Botha starts his first match, rotating with Stephan Lewies, while Tera Mtembu starts at blindside flank in the final change to the pack.
Dale Chadwick and Kyle Cooper come onto the bench, as does Jean Deysel. Marais and Jean-Luc du Preez join Mtawarira and Sithole in dropping out of the 23. Pat Lambie, interestingly, has been bracketed with Curwin Bosch on the bench.
Sharks: 15 Rhyno Smith, 14 Odwa Ndungane, 13 JP Pietersen, 12 Andre Esterhuizen, 11 L:wazi Mvovo, 10 Garth April, 9 Stefan Ungerer, 8 Philip van der Walt, 7 Tera Mtembu, 6 Keegan Daniel, 5 Ruan Botha, 4 Etienne Oosthuizen, 3 Coenie Oosthuizen, 2 Chiliboy Ralepelle, 1 Thomas du Toit.
Subs: 16 Kyle Cooper, 17 Dale Chadwick, 18 Lourens Adriaanse, 19 Stephan Lewies, 20 Jean Deysel, 21 Michael Claassens,
22 Curwin Bosch / Pat Lambie, 23 Heimar Williams,
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Pieterson as captain i dont believe is the right call, just like i had my doubt about Beast and they were confirmed. Other than that only Coenie starting i have doubts about but the rest im pretty happy with. Definitely lots of bulk up front to start and off the bench. Lambie being bracketed is some good news although i doubt he will play
JP Captain.. all the lols. 😆
Just on JPP playing his last home game…he has been a success story at the Sharks. Not always a fan favouite but he certainly is a quality player and probably one of the best defensive wings i have seen as most are speed bumps. I hope he has a really good last home game.
@SheldonK (Comment 3) : Agree. Has given a lot despite being less than luke warm last two seasons.
All the best and signoff with tries in every game going ford
@SheldonK (Comment 3) : That JP is a fantastic player and one of the Sharks all time greats is undeniable. However, as far as his captaincy credentials go…
@Another Nick (Comment 5) : ag guys, I think its a going away present. He is a sharks legend after all. Its like Ollie kicking for posts that time. Let him have it. Its good for the ‘gees’
I am a fan of JPP but making him captain – I feel too much emotion in it and also, The Sharks taking the Sunwolves lightly?
@Another Nick (Comment 5) : I do agree. think the captaincy thing is a silly move but i do understand Gold’s thinking
@West Indies Cricket Board (Comment 6) : well then there you have it…let JPP kick for the Posts! 😆
@DuToit04 (Comment 9) : Lets not get carried away…maybe he can put the ball on the tee
The Sharks are such a sentimental bunch…
Hard to believe that it’s the last time JP will play at KP. Still remember him bursting onto the scene in 2006. What an amazing career he’s had. A real legend of Sharks rugby.
@DuToit04 (Comment 9) : 😆
@Big Fish (Comment 12) : Wasnt his first test match at KP too?
@SheldonK (Comment 14) : picked at fullback against Aus, but wasn’t that at EP?
@robdylan (Comment 15) : I couldnt remember the ground just thought it was on the coast so thought was Durban or CPT.
@robdylan (Comment 15) :
Incredible memory you have!
He started as a 15 under Muir. I thought he would move there and not 13 as he got older. Scored some amazing tries running from the back – that deceptively quick, mazy running style he used to have.
@Big Fish (Comment 17) : which EP stadium was that at?
@SheldonK (Comment 18) : 9 September 2006, at Ellis Park, we beat Australia 24-16
@robdylan (Comment 19) : Dankie meneer
Maybe this is Gold’s swan song as well could be the last time he coaches the Sharks at home,he is the only prick in the entire global rugby community that thought that Connie did enough to warrant his place in the starting 15.
Maybe its just me but is there anyone else out there who can enlighten me as to what this fool is doing in the 3 jersey.
Got completely sidetracked by JP being captain – I forgot to look at the strange changes to the team.
Sbu completely dropped – is Odwa’s inclusion another farewell selection?
Coenie at th – thank goodness, was worried that we’d start with that inept th from last weekend….oh wait.
Botha starting – Should be something really good….do the SHarks have anything coming through at 4 lock, or are we waiting for that giant craven week lock of ours to finish school? 😉
Happy about the rest of the guys, I assume Kyle’s inclusion on the bench is another farewell selection?
@FireTheLooser (Comment 22) : I think the only playing selection issue is Coenie. Sithole was pretty horrid vs Cheetahs so makes sense Odwa plays and then yes its possibly his final but think he will be back. Marais wasnt that hot so think its just rotation for Cooper and him playing his last. Maybe Coenie is also playing his farewell game in Durban 😉
Bit of a strange team?! Hope they do not underestimate the Sunwolves as it could cost them a place in the playoffs!!!
@Big Fish (Comment 17) : ja does look as if he’s only jogging but he really can move even it it does not look like it!
@JD (Comment 24) : I share your sentiments! 😯
I ,think this was the shittest home season in years we really got nothing for our season ticketss,but at least are getting an AB test .
I really hope we are going to play serious rugby on Friday and not turn it into a sentimental pile of shit that usually has the birthday boy on the losing side,as most of the rugby centurion games have been.
JPP had one leg on the bus out of town for the last two seasons,he has hardly broken sweat this year.
Why the fuck would you make a guy the captain in his last game,shows you exactly how much value is placed on that position by the Sharks management.
@SheldonK (Comment 3) : @Big Fish (Comment 12) : I fully agree in fact I would go as far to say he was one of the all time great wings
@FireTheLooser (Comment 11) : for greats like JP for sure only problem is they not being replaced
@SheldonK (Comment 3) : JPP used to be one of my favourites but since his Japaneses stints he’s rarely looked interested and seemed to lose that fire that always made me proud he was a Shark through and through. We’ve seen glimpses of the JP of old in the last 2 seasons but far to seldom for such a talented player.
We are getting a first class klap in the craven week. Wp 26- 0 sharks after 19min
Looking like a lack of commitment from our young lads. I wonder how many are born and bred in kzn seeing as there are a lot of glenwood boys
@Hulk (Comment 30) : With his Bok and Jap commitments i honestly think the guy is just tired and perhaps a bit stale. But still better than any other wings we have on offer. He does seem better at centre lately though and perhaps that challenge gets him out of the stale environment of wing.
@Poisy (Comment 31) : I had a feeling that could happen. WP schools have been very good this year and KZN hardly features in top 20…
@DuToit04 (Comment 26) : ja hope they can get the job done and get a bit of confidence before the playoffs!!!
Wp 38- 0 sharks. After 27min. We hhave a second yellow in as many games 12points scored since man in the bin. We are fucked
Really feel kzn should have picked more players from dhs. Those boys are not the biggest but they play with absolute passion for the whole game! This glenwood thing is not working
@Poisy (Comment 37) : DHS have hardly won a game all year. Passion is great but you still need to be good. They picked all the good DHS players. Sometimes you just play against better teams..
Sorry can’t take anymore of this. Score is wp 38-0 sharks after 32min. Not watching anymore
Maybe the SABC has a point… 😉
Sheldon the best loose forward they have is the dhs captain buthelezi and his not playing today maybe he is getting a rest but he could make a difference. Dhs might not have won many games but playing for kzn that’s what you need the real passion. Not feeling it from the green machine players.
@Poisy (Comment 41) : Not sure why Buthelezi isnt playing cos he played on Monday. Like i said they picked the good DHS players for this side. The whole side isnt Glenwood. Passion is all well and good but if you cant back it up with ability good sides will still beat you- as shown by DHS results. This WP side is good…give them credit. Sounds like they on their game today and KZN is a bit off it
@DuToit04 (Comment 26) : @JD (Comment 25) : Not really a strange team, core of the group is still there bar the injured ones we have been playing without anyway. Chilli and Tera is starting and to me that is good. KD, JPP, EO, AE Mvovo are all still there and we have a lot of experience on the bench. Not taking them lightly.
@Quintin (Comment 43) : Yeah, I agree…
@The hound (Comment 27) : you must be one of the last of the last still purchasing season tickets,nostalgia csn be a bastard at times,as for Casper aka JPP,he has been a liability since 2012,the best at ghosting out of games
@benji (Comment 45) : I agree he s always done the absolute minimum
I am amazed at the pychophants on here who think its fine for Gold to make him captain for the day.Once upon a time when season tickets were something to be proud of,the captain of the Sharks was a very highly valued and proud position,not something handed out weekly like the coloured jerseys this excuse for a coach used to hand out.
Who going to be captain the week after,Connie hasn’t had a shot yet.
Doesn’t ring true,does it Craig Jameson,Gary Teichman,John Smit,…………JPPieterson,but only for one game,so that makes it cool,
Where is that guy who used to post on here as GOLD MUST GO.
@Quintin (Comment 43) : @pastorshark (Comment 44) : no disrespect to the guys but it’s a lot of changes and the one change that must be made he does not make, Adriaanse needs to start!
@The hound (Comment 46) : Good question,he/she hasnt posted in ages and one more thing,when last did Sharks take 13 seriously,not since days of Pieter Steph dT,its been a weakness for long time now
@benji (Comment 48) : meaning that Pieter Steph was weak and exposed at 13
@benji (Comment 48) : They probably got rid of him because he wouldn’t sing Khumbaya round the camp fire like a good boy scout
@The hound (Comment 50) : Not PS duT,but GOLD MUST GO.
@The hound (Comment 51) : Yes
@JD (Comment 47) : Adriaanse will start next week…
@benji (Comment 52) : but is he not shifting to DOR? Structures are not right and succession planning almost non existent.
@SheldonK (Comment 42) : WP was supreme and is in a different class. Although still should be Boland…
was AE rested against the Lions? If he had any niggle I would not play him vs Wolves.
The pack must demolish the wolves to earn the right for backs to have a go.
Morne has been very quite…did he join his boss in moving to Ireland?
@The hound (Comment 50) : “sing Khumbaya round the camp fire like a good boy scout” wow, when you latch onto something you just don’t give it up. You’re a writer, I know you have more creativity than you are showing currently.
😈
Besides, if I were hanging around a campfire with our Pastorshark, I am guessing we would be singing German beer drinking songs not Peter, Paul and Mary folk songs. 😉
Another thing to consider, in a tight game, with a small lead and a defensive scrum on your 5 m line with 5 minutes or less to go, would you rather have Coenie or Adriaanse scrumming down? I know what my answer is.
Just remembering all the complaints at the beginning of the season, stupid SuperRugby schedule, we only play NZ teams while Bulls and Stormers don’t play any NZ teams, we beat 2 of the 5 NZ teams. Stupid SuperRugby schedule sends us from NZ to SA to Arg in two weeks, and we win two of those three matches. Gold is such an idiot the Sharks have absolutely no chance and should expect to be scraping the bottom of the barrel, we are one win away from the playoffs. All our best players left and we didn’t replace any of them, du Preez twins step in and perform superbly one even getting two SA A matches, now everyone seems to love Botha, even though EO has been superb this season. We have no chance with Lambie injured, and in steps April to shine (100% kicking for goal last week). People always complain the Sharks don’t back their youth, but this year, we had the du Preez twins, AE, Lewies, and April all coming through extremely well
Seriously people you all need to go back to February and remember how you felt about the Sharks chances back then. Perhaps then you might actually appreciate what we have now and how we are building for the future.
@Dancing Bear (Comment 57) : Hell those are words of great wisdom coming from someone who names himself after the famous male strippers,maybe you need a little Kumbaya yourself all alone in your room in your g string.
Khumbaya has nothing to do with the pastor,who I think is probably a cool guy, but with the boy scouts who frequent this site and all sing the company song,
to each other.
What makes me really laugh here is in amongst all the structured politically correctness of the site and its admirable lack of homophobia,there is a sinister tone of ageism which regularly rears its ugly head ,never a week goes by that one of the illuminati of this site doesn’t unleash an ageist barb.
Fuck the idiots don’t realise that each and every one of them has only two certainties in their lives,one they have a hole in their backside,and secondly every morning they wake up a little older than the night before.
@The hound (Comment 61) : Famous male strippers??? Don’t you recognize my icon? Since I am almost as old as you, I would think you might be more familiar with 1960s acid rock…..you know like the Grateful Dead…. 😆 😆 😆
@The hound (Comment 61) : and…oh by the way…your first reference to Khumbaya was sitting around the campfire singing it with the Pastor. So it was you that connected the two my friend. And since I am almost as old as you, it must be your aged addled brain, I know that is what happens to me. 😆 😆 😆
@The hound (Comment 61) : Here http://www.gypsyrose.com/products/images/products/ad813.jpg check that out, perhaps it will help you to understand my choice of name. 😆
@Dancing Bear (Comment 64) : Bob Hite from Canned Heat was the original Dancing Bear immortalised in the John Mayal song Laurel Canyon Blues,”The sun is going down and the bear is dancing in the shade”
Dancing Bear today in the states and you should know cause you live there is a company of Chippendale like male strippers.
Pull the other one its also got fur on it.
@The hound (Comment 65) : Apparently male strippers are not high on my list of interests, since I had no idea these Dancing Bear strippers even exist, even living here in the US. Of course my list of interests rarely align well with most Americans, but that is another story.
My question is how do you know so much about these American male strippers? 😉 😆
@The hound (Comment 65) : I hope you realize I am just having a bit of fun here. This place, like most places in the world nowadays, needs an injection of humor and fun from time to time.
Ive never heard of the famous dancing bears either. Perhaps im just too young.
Personally I prefer, How great thou are. Especially when sung by someone with a truely magical voice such as Whitney Houston.
Id say Hound is more a Battle hymn of the Republic kind of guy.
It’s splendidly apocolypic.
Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord;
He is trampling out the vintage where the grapes of wrath are stored;
He hath loosed the fateful lightning of His terrible swift sword:
His truth is marching on.
With all his experimentation he decides every second place and every youngster gets a go but Sithole gets dropped altogether. What message does that send? Bosch gets a run but sbura out? Gold and Co are doing their usual damnest to lose more talent out of the squad. Is it not enough John Smit lost us so much, does Gary have to help too?
@JD (Comment 24) : I suspect Gold is underestimating them. Could bite us in the arse.
@fyndraai (Comment 70) : I’d say “call me maybe”…or. ..or anything by the Jonas Brothers. ..would be his marching music.
@coolfusion (Comment 72) : Our only weakness is Oosthuizen, and who knows, maybe against the Sunwolves, he won’t be so poor.
@Kabouter (Comment 55) : WP were very good. Those schools Paarl Boys and Paarl Gim etc are really getting things rights in terms of the players and teams they are producing. I do agree that should be Boland though. The other big concern i have watching Craven Week is that the defense throughout seems to be very poor. Its all well and good having the ‘cool skills’ of stepping and offloading etc but in the face of poor defense how good is it really? And we wonder why we struggling at international level where a good defense is a non negotiable.
@Dancing Bear (Comment 60) : @FireTheLooser (Comment 74) : I dont rate Botha at all I think EO is a monster with skilss to match something most in the Sharks lack
@The hound (Comment 61) : Ageism,i fully agree and to make matters worse the majority now and have for a very long time lived outside of SA yet trawl this site for that feel good feeling and holding /hankering on to the past,how sad, yet they all so clever with google when it comes to the Sharks,EISH
Never a dull moment on SW!
@coolfusion (Comment 73) :
😆
@coolfusion (Comment 72) : No he is not. He would have rested the likes of EO and AE, both guys who had heavy work loads this season. Sure, he is resting a few guys, but like I said in my previous comment, we have a LOT of experience on the bench. I’m not happy about Sithole being dropped though, also think we are going to lose him and he is going to become a star player at another franchise.
@Big Fish (Comment 78) : Hence the Hounds statement to you regarding season tickets etc
@Quintin (Comment 79) : Im not an Odwa fan currently as i think his time has come but Sithole was pretty poor against the Cheetahs…dont think he made any metres and knocked on twice. All i can remember him doing is 1 tackle. So perhaps he does need to go elsewhere to realise his potential…id rather have Mjekevu and Am back.
@SheldonK (Comment 75) : They are getting things right in terms of players, but not making any friends along the way 😉 A lot of schools here in Cape Town jokes that if you go play in a tournament with Boys High and Paarl Gym, you arrive with 15 players, but leave with 10 because of coaches offering the players scholarships. Personally I don’t have a problem with this, as the schools that complain the most, have a reputation of taking learners from smaller high schools as well (rather won’t mention nay names)
Came for the team announcement, stayed for the sweeping generalisations. Thread delivers.
@SheldonK (Comment 81) : Maybe a confidence thing? I hope Sithole finds his feet during CC with no injuries. He has a few things to work on (high ball, etc), but his desire to play is up there with the best and think he is an amazing team player. I would hate it if he becomes another player that leaves the sharks to go and find form with another team. He has the abilities, he just needs to get some confidence and form and keep going!
@HeinF (Comment 82) : Yeh there is that saying- “I didnt come here to make friends, i brought my own”. There are two very different schools of thought regarding rugby at school…one being that the sport should be treated more amateur and not televised and no rankings etc…and the other being that rugby is a profession and schools are preparing kids for that profession. I think both views have merits. Personally i can appreciate that rugby is a profession and school rugby s in essence a job interview. So just like schools push students in maths and science etc for a career in the economy then why not push the students for a pro rugby career. But thats just my viewpoint
Do we really only have Sithole , Mvovo and Odwa as wings in stock ?! where are the youngsters ??
@HeinF (Comment 84) : Yes could definitely be a confidence thing- but that he needs to work on himself then. I just get the feeling he often tries too hard and looks rushed. The other times he looks like he is sulking on the wing when i really want to see him get involved. I think he has a lot of potential but he isnt producing at all and to be honest he is currently picked and spoken about more on his reputation than anything. So perhaps a move away would allow him a breath of fresh air and accelerate his development. Still think he should have gone to the Kings instead of Mjekevu…assuming the Kings wanted him.
@John (Comment 86) : Youngsters would be Am, Mjekevu, Nkosi, Joubert, Buthelezi, Coetzee…
Still not one comment on the utter contempt for the captaincy that it can be awarded to a guy playing his last game.
On this serious flaw in judgement the collective self appointed rugby connoisseurs on this site are very disturbingly quiet.
To me again it signifies that the position ,once the most powerful at the Sharks is now so devalued that it is allocated weekly at the whim of the coach kinda like blackboard monitor at prep school.
Surely this is a sign of the lack of player influence at what was once a strongly led players union.
@SheldonK (Comment 85) : I agree…until you get a Grade 10 learner who doesn’t do his math lit homework, and tells you he doesn’t need it, he is going to be a pro rugby player… 😉
@SheldonK (Comment 87) : Don’t think the Kings would have said no to have him, just think he was ahead of Mjekevu and Am in the pecking order, so the sharks would have been more reluctant to send him away. Well, time will tell, he should have a full season of CC to show his abilities, otherwise the reality is that there will be youngsters overtaking him
@HeinF (Comment 90) : If he cant do maths lit he wont be a very good player. The thinking processes needed in academics are very important for professional athletes as it helps them made good quick decisions under pressure. So no you dont need to be a trigonometry genius to be a pro rugby player but likewise if you cant run 5min with huffing and puffing and cant catch perhaps its time to have another look at the maths homework not the rugby ball.
@Kabouter (Comment 55) : @SheldonK (Comment 75) : HeinF will be able to give the best insights as to why they are part of WP and not Boland, I think this is also the case for schools athletics but all other sports are under the Boland umbrella.
There is talk that as of next year the Paarl schools (not sure if Stellenbosch is included) will be playing under the Boland union.
@The hound (Comment 89) : Look i dont think JPP is a good captaincy choice, but neither was Beast. Sharks havnt had a really good captain since Johan Muleler to be honest…(im not counting Lambie as he has barely played)
should give Nkosi and Joubert a chance instead of odwa
@HeinF (Comment 91) : No look i do agree with you and thats why he didnt go. I just feel the ample game time there could have benefitted him much like it has for Am. And Sithole probably has more potential than Am.
@Salmonoid the Subtle (Comment 93) : Ive heard that its only the Paarl rugby league that falls under WP but everything else is Boland. It is a bit odd. It does mean that schools like Bishops, SACS, Wynberg get less WP reps…but does also mean that outlying schools in the Boland do get reps…so would be give and take.
@John (Comment 95) : Think Nkosi may still be injured…
@SheldonK (Comment 97) : Paarl was always under boland but the other boland schools could not compete so they moved them to WP
@John (Comment 99) : Makes sense
Just read a very concerning article on Supersport saying that if Lambie doesnt play on Fri then he is not eligible for the playoffs. Playing him would be a massive risk as he is still getting headaches daily. Rhyno Smith is also not eligible for the playoffs.
@The hound (Comment 89) : Eish Hound, I was going to comment on that but got enmeshed in other things. I agree with you (maybe not as strongly though) but to bandy the captaincy around as if it is a noddy badge is not on in my book. Many have mentioned that Beast is not cutting as captain so maybe they just dont want to tread down the road of commenting on JP as captain thinking that it is a snide to a favoured son of Sharks rugby – its not, its a go at whoever decided to play around with the captaincy.
By all means let JP take to the field on his own and let the crowd give him the necessary recognition before the rest of the team run out and give him his own permanent seat in the stands for future use but also respect the captaincy and your opponents.
@SheldonK (Comment 101) : Same goes for Curwin apparently, which leaves us with no fullback.
@The hound (Comment 89) : @SheldonK (Comment 94) : @Salmonoid the Subtle (Comment 102) : I’m gonna go with Sheldon on this one, while JPP might not be the best choice, neither was Beast, in fact, I think JPP might even be better suited than Beast as we know JPP at least has a cool temperament, which surely is one of Beasts’ weak points.
@SheldonK (Comment 101) : Rhyno shouldn’t be a worry as Willie would most likely be ready and eligible to play. Lambie though, that is one heck of a problem!
Come to think of it, we have been on the bad end of the stick since Lambie got injured in pre-season. Not doing that bad considering the luck we’ve had. Yes, there are other pressing issues that are sticking out like a sore thumb, but considering all the facts, it’s not all doom and gloom.
@John (Comment 99) : I cant remember them being in the Boland, they may have been once upon a time but I think that was very long ago. HTS Drosdy from Worcester (a very good rugby school with limited numbers) play their rugby in the WP and Boland League so schools are not bound to be only playing in their home unions “province”. For most parts its strength vs strength across the Boland, WP and SWD.
@SheldonK (Comment 101) : I just read a more concerning thing in your post – that Lambie is still getting headaches on a daily basis.
@Bump (Comment 103) : Odwa it is 😉 @Salmonoid the Subtle (Comment 106) : Yeh not all are bad but yeh. Aparently Sharks have ben good in managing him and werent going to include him this week until Sanzaar threw the curveball, so he may just sit bench and not play.
@SheldonK (Comment 81) :
You could be right. Maybe a new start is what Sithole needs.
@vanmartin (Comment 83) :
Like a panda!
@Big Fish (Comment 108) : Sithole has been in the Sharks system for how long now? And if we really honest is he better now then when he first came onto the scene? id say no…not sure who is agent is but perhaps someone needs a word as his career is stalling fast.
@Salmonoid the Subtle (Comment 105) : I want to school at HTS Drosdy and we played Boys high and Gim , but yes it was very long ago how the structure work I am not sure
@John (Comment 110) : So you are a Donkey. I think Drosdy plays all the same Cape schools that Gim and Boys High play (other than their derby with Worcester Gym). I watched their game with Outeniqua this year, they lost but had their chance to win it, Good team.
@SheldonK (Comment 109) : I would give the guy some slack, it’s not like he’s had an extended run in a certain position. Hard to assert yourself if you have to focus on two different positions. But I get your point, he has been around a while, and had some chances, wouldn’t say the best of chances but hey, you have to use them when they come around in the professional game.
@Salmonoid the Subtle (Comment 111) : HAHA first called John Smit now a Donkey !! haha but yeah I am a Donkey I am sure SheldonK is going to have a good laugh at this one !! but Drosdy dropped the standards a bit we also used to smash Worcester Gym and a think I year ago they lost to them
@Quintin (Comment 112) : Barring a couple games at centre he has played majority at wing so pretty much just 1 position. He has had a lot of chances ,and probably more than others would have got if they showed that form, owing to his reputation from the 7s. I just look at when he started and where he is now and well i dont think he is any better so is it not time to perhaps look at investing in someone else?
@John (Comment 113) : hahaha was John Smit the prop not implying that you were a Donkey 😉 I should have been more clear 🙂
@vanmartin (Comment 83) : Well, that comment has absolutely made my day!
@SheldonK (Comment 114) : Yeah I just think the guy should settle his mind on one position, don’t think he knows what it is yet even though he’s played wing most of the time. Mjekevu and Am it is, lets see what they pull off next year.
@SheldonK (Comment 115) : HAHA this is getting as bizarre as JPP being bloody captain !!! why not Daniel or Tera I would even pick Chillie
@John (Comment 118) : Sentiment clouding judgement i would guess.
@Quintin (Comment 117) : I have been impressed with Am on the wing…think he is decent at centre but can become a really good wing…especially the way wings are utilised in todays game.
@John (Comment 118) : I am sure Sheldon agrees with you on Chilli.
Its complete no brainer that Keegan should get the captaincy,but hey we are dealing with a coach who goes on record that Coenie had a great first half last week especially in the scrums.
@The hound (Comment 121) : Ya look lets just say the only Chilli i like is on my food. But moving on im also not sure why Daniel or even Mthembu isnt captain- especially as Daniel took over as captain last week when Beast went off. So yeh i think its either sentiment clouding judgement or its a case of JPP named as captain and does the coin toss but Daniel actually captains on the field
@SheldonK (Comment 120) : he definitely looks more dangerous on wing, especially when playing blind side.
what I have liked is that he does not seem to have handling issues and looks consistent and calm. Whoever spotted him from Border, well done!
Sbura was so explosive when playing for 7s and I remember his tries when he first played CC – he backed is pace and skills to beat his opponent – never tried to bash then. He looks to have gone the Habana route of bulking up and now makes too much contact instead of just beating the guy. Lets see if he settles in CC and grabs the opportunity as with no Odwa,JPP and PJ he should be the senior.
We suddenly have space for all of Sbura, Mjekevu, Am and Nkosi in a matchday….opportunities galore so please take it or time to move on unfortunately.
@Kabouter (Comment 123) : Very good comment that, fully agree
@SheldonK (Comment 122) : I think Chilli have been good so far for the Sharks maybe a bit far fetched being captain but rather him than JPP I would go , my choice would be Tera as I see him as a future Sharks captain so let the guy gain some experience with Daniel as VC
@SheldonK (Comment 122) : Not the best idea as a thank you but options limited. What I would have preferred as a send off was a testimonial match for JPP and Odwa where some of the golden boys come and have some fun. I know logistics the issue but how about the CC side play exhibition game against
1 Beast & ?
2 Bissie & Burden & John
3 Jannie & BJ
4 Sykes & Bresler
5 Wentzel & Muller
6 Botes & Marcell
7 Alberts
8 Kanko &
9 Charl & Hoffman( 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 )
10 Butch & Frans
11 Odwa & Mentz
12 Barret & Strauss
13 Terblanche & Jordaan
14 JPP
15 Monty & Ludik & Viljoen
@The hound (Comment 121) : How about this as bonus for season ticket holders?
@John (Comment 125) : Chilli is a leader but needs to earn more time with Sharks before his transgressions can come close to being forgiven.
I still think as a player, his signing was a masterstroke and he is our no 1 hooker and will be key during the playoff(s)
@SheldonK (Comment 120) : Must admit, I haven’t really watched the Kings so I have not seen much of Am, but from what I hear, looking forward to seeing him during CC for us. Our legendary wings (JPP and Odwa) are going or getting close to retiring, so we need some game winners on the sides to come through again. We need some wings that can do for us what Combrinck is doing at the Lions, hopefully Am can come through.
@Kabouter (Comment 126) : Id love to see this Sharks “Old” Boys side:
1. Beast 2. Bissie. 3. Bj Botha 4. Bresler 5. Hargreaves 6. Coetzee 7. Alberts 8. Botes 9. Kockett 10. Butch 11. Terblanche 12. Barritt 13. JPP 14. Russell 15. Ludick
@HeinF (Comment 128) : Assuming Am and Mjekevu come back to us…EP will be scratching for guys for the CC
@SheldonK (Comment 129) : That side probably with the exception of Butch,Terreblache,Russell, and Botes are all still playing.
@SheldonK (Comment 129) : Change Ludick for Viljoen
@The hound (Comment 131) : Yeh i know. @The hound (Comment 132) : Ludick personal preference for me. Viljoen also good though
@SheldonK (Comment 133) : Ludick was good till he broke his leg never quite the same after that,Viljoen most underrated 15 in South Africa, watch him have a full go on Friday night.
nd lost by @John (Comment 113) : You can wear your Donkey name with pride. Worcester Gym did win last year but they were a good team and had a few star Craven week players in the side. Gym were also up for the game this year and only lost by a few.
@SheldonK (Comment 133) : I loved Ludicks defense, wouldn’t want to square up with him one on one even if I was 100+kgs. Had a good boot, great in the air and his positioning was natural. Viljoen on the other hand had a huge boot(still has) and was more of a threat on the counter. Like both of them though, had a lekker jol with Viljoen in Ballito one night, very nice guy.
@The hound (Comment 89) : what is a blackboard?
@fyndraai (Comment 137) : Chalkboard I guess…
@Quintin (Comment 136) : I enjoyed both players whilst they were at the Sharks. Was sad to see them go.
@Quintin (Comment 136) : you went drinking with Riaan Viljoen and lived to tell the tale? I have new respect for you mate!
The Sunwolves are royally kak, but with Pietersen Captain etc, I just hope the Sharks don’t think they are going to just pitch up and win this game.
@robdylan (Comment 140) :
This is true!
@Vonno13 (Comment 141) : Fully agree. On another note i really like the Sharks XV side they picked…like that combo of players.
@robdylan (Comment 140) : To be completely honest, me and my brother tried to walk from Crush afterwards to our hotel just other side of the main beach entrance, had to call someone at 3am before we got halfway to fetch us 😆 Was totally worth it though.
With Kanko not making the 7s side does that mean he just goes back to Japan? I assume he desnt have a sharks contract?
@SheldonK (Comment 145) : I want to know as well. But he wouldn’t be eligible to play anyway.
@Quintin (Comment 146) : Yeh was thinking more CC. But think he is contracted to Japan as far as i know.
@SheldonK (Comment 143) : Nice side they have picked – again, 7 starting players eligible for u21 rugby and another 3 on the bench, so 10 juniors running out.
We going to have one hell of an u21 side this year and I am generally upbeat about the future of Sharks rugby, we are going to be on the up and up from next year
@Vonno13 (Comment 148) : I know some but not all the guys…who are the big names/if any missing? Geldenhuys being 1. Retief Marais…the DuToit kid?
@SheldonK (Comment 149) : All the names mentioned above, including, M Majola, R Kramer, Nkosi ( is he injured )
@Vonno13 (Comment 150) : Think Nkosi is injured…thats last i heard since JWC. Was just wondering what the u21 depth would be like…no good just having 15 or even 22 players…need 30 to compete for a title
@SheldonK (Comment 151) : For sure, but there is good depth in most positions.
We a bit short at centre, with Louw and Blewit your likely starts, the only back up I can think of is B Ellse
If they keep Bosch with the u21 side, our backs will be phenomenal – as stated already, the entire pack played last year and are now a year older, stronger and wiser.
we will certainly have a great year
@Vonno13 (Comment 152) : I must admit i do like what i have seen from Blewitt so far. Collegians u20s have been phenomenal this year so interesting to see if those guys get a look in
@SheldonK (Comment 153) : I can almost assure you this will be your backs
9 Juries
10 Inno
11 Cele
12 Louw
13 Blewit
14 Nkosi
15 Bosch/ Joubert if Bosch is playing senior
Joubert can also cover 13, not sure about the backup 10 now that Tedder is gone, so that is certainly up for grabs
@Vonno13 (Comment 154) : Won’t Inno have to back up April in the Senior side? The way I see it, with Lambie and Willie on Bok duty, we only have April, Inno, Smith, and Bosch to cover 10 and 15 for the senior CC side, or am I missing something here?
@Dancing Bear (Comment 155) : I suppose Odders can cover 15 as well. Also, who is going to be our CC 13? I have a feeling a lot of the juniors are going to be needed for the senior side. Perhaps we can get Johan Deysel back, we need him badly, also Am and Mjkevu back from the Kings. I think we will be just fine in the forwards, but the senior CC side will be in some serious need of help in the backs.
@Dancing Bear (Comment 156) : Deysel is coming in for CC, as is Smith. I expect both signing to be announced soon
@Dancing Bear (Comment 155) : there in lies the conundrum. Do we play our best juniors in the senior CC and have an average campaign, or, keep the u21 side intact and look to win the u21 CC? It is a tough situation to be in for the Sharks. Personally, I would play both Inno and Bosch in the u21 side and look to win the comp. by doing so, those youngsters come through the ranks with great confidence
@Vonno13 (Comment 158) : What’s our senior cc stocks look like?
Thomas, Chili/Marais, Adriaanse, EO, Lewies/Botha, Keegan/Kleinhans, du Preez/Terror, Ginja/du Preez, Ungerer/Claasens/Venter, April/Innie, Mjekevu, AE, Deysel, Odwa, Smith/Bosch
We shouldn’t need to dip too far into the u/21 stocks.
@robdylan (Comment 157) : saw a rumour that Garry Teichmann may take over from JS? Any info?
@robdylan (Comment 157) : Glad to hear. Both of them can be serious good CC players.
@robdylan (Comment 157) : I like the sound of that! Rob DuPreez rounding up the boys he has coached? 🙂
@Vonno13 (Comment 158) : That is the tough conundrum. I think i agree with you in that the guys should play in their age group but depends on senior resources available.
@Vonno13 (Comment 158) : I understand your thinking, but if both Inny and Bosch play U/21 then who will be back up to April and Smith in the senior CC? I think the most logical thing to do would be leave Bosch at U/21 and have Inny on the bench for senior CC to backup April. If Smith goes down, April can move to 15 quite comfortably. Without another flyhalf at the Sharks, we are very limited in our choices. I know Joe Pietersen is sort of persona non grata here, but we need him this CC, or another similar player. With Lambie and Willie with the Boks, we have almost no depth at 10 and 15, and that is troublesome.
@Dancing Bear (Comment 164) : Pieterson is off to Japan after Super rugby. So only guys left are Lambe, Willie (assuming Boks),April, Inny, Bosch, Smith and then seems Duncan Campbell is next in line
@SheldonK (Comment 165) : Exactly the point I was making, I know Pietersen is gone, which is a problem, because there is nobody to fill that role anymore in the senior side, a bench player that can cover 10 and 15 (and apparently 9). Therefore, we are going to be forced to look to our U/21s to fill the senior side. I was responding to Vonno’s point that Bosch and Inny should play U/21, I don’t think that is going to be possible since both are probably going to be needed for the senior side, unless we can bring in another Joe Pietersen like player.
Is Heimar still around for CC? If so, perhaps he is that kind of player that can cover 10 in a pinch. Problem with that is then who is our kicker. It seems to me after April, we have no goal kickers other than Inny, which kind of forces the point to have him on the senior bench.
@Dancing Bear (Comment 167) : Lewies kind of reminds me of Eales, maybe he can kick for goal 😉 😈
@Dancing Bear (Comment 166) : Yeh ok sorry fair point. Unless they use Odwa at 15 and play Smith off the bench to cover 10/15. Remember CC is only 22 man teams. Some teams go with a 5/2 split but think 4/3 is better.
@Dancing Bear (Comment 168) : Think Esterhuizen can kick, not sure of accuracy though.
@SheldonK (Comment 170) : Time is so ripe to bring back Frans Steyn,
Would love to see ,Pat 10 ,Frans 12 ,AE 13,Lawazi 14,Sibura 11, April/Bosch 15
@The hound (Comment 171) : ‘Show me the money’ is probably how he would answer the phone…
@The hound (Comment 172) : Definitely a good backline that
Beautiful evening for rugby here,
@SheldonK (Comment 169) : Seriously??? Still 22 man squads? I don’t get the point, I understand that last year was the first year it was implemented internationally and they weren’t prepared for the change, but again this year? Every other comp in the world fields 23 player squads now.
@SheldonK (Comment 170) : Didn’t really think of AE, he could be an option, he has an incredibly strong boot albeit inconsistent. With that distance, accuracy is a matter of lots of practice and proper mental preparation. The only thing that could hold him back is if he just doesn’t have the kop for it, happens with some players..
@The hound (Comment 172) : Do you think AE would make a good 13? I’m not sure he has the skillset necessary for 13, he is a basher and very good at it, can he hit a gap and make a pinpoint pass to set the wing or FB away? I’m not so sure.
@Dancing Bear (Comment 176) : Yeh i think it was fully retarded last year and still do. @Dancing Bear (Comment 177) : Yeh as i said i think he can kick for poles and touch etc bu the consistency and accuracy isnt there. @Dancing Bear (Comment 178) : I think AE could be a good 13- could easily break the line there and is just as skilled as any other option we have at 13 to be honest. With a creative 12 he could do well there.
@SheldonK (Comment 179) : Imagine AE and Frans running together against the W.P backline,my God that would be the most ferocious pairing since Japie Mulder and Pieter Muller
Why play guys out of position? The Stormers play JL du plessis and Brandon Thompson. The lions also back their youngsters. Surely we have enough fly half cover. Bosch and Inny must be part of cc side. As for the U21 didn’t JS sign the fly half from Sacs last year.
@The hound (Comment 180) : Yeh would be good on attack and defense. If we could get 2 wingers with a high workrate running off their shoulders even better
@sudhir (Comment 181) : Who was the SACS flyhalf? never heard a thing about him. Who would be playing out of position. With April, Smith, Inny and Bosch thats too many for the CC side if all fit. Only really need 2 or 3 of them…
Can’t remember his name but JS mentioned a few signings after the easter festival last year. Or maybe it was this year. Not sure.