The game kicks off at 5pm at kings Park. Go Sharks!
Sharks – 15 Curwin Bosch, 14 Odwa Ndungane, 13 Lukhanyo Am, 12 André Esterhuizen, 11 S’bura Sithole, 10 Inny Radebe, 9 Stefan Ungerer, 8 Philip van der Walt (c), 7 Jean-Luc du Preez, 6 Francois Kleinhans , 5 Ruan Botha, 4 Etienne Oosthuizen, 3 Thomas du Toit, 2 Franco Marais, 1 Juan Schoeman.
Subs: 16 Chiliboy Ralepelle, 17 John-Hubert Meyer, 18 Jean Droste, 19 Khaya Majola, 20 Michael Claassens, 21 Wandile Mjekvu, 22 Rhyno Smith.
Free State Cheetahs – 15 Clayton Blommetjies, 14 Rayno Benjamin, 13 Nico Lee, 12 William Small-Smith, 11 Raymond Rhule, 10 Fred Zeilinga, 9 Tian Meyer (c), 8 Niell Jordaan, 7 Uzair Cassiem, 6 Paul Schoeman, 5 Reniel Hugo, 4 Carl Wegner, 3 Tom Botha, 2 Torsten van Jaarsveld, 1 Ox Nche.
Subs: 16 Jacques du Toit, 17 Charles Marais, 18 Justin Basson, 19 Henco Venter, 20 Shaun Venter, 21 Niel Marais, 22 Michael van der Spuy.
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Cmon Sharks. .give us something this weekend
Where is Sergeal Petersen?
Go Sharks! I really hope we see some coaching, skill – and most importantly, pride for the jersey – everything the backsliding springboks don’t seem to have. I can deal with the springboks up that infamous creek without means of propulsion, if the Sharks give me hope.
CC rugby has become the surprise entertainer during this part of the rugby season….thought RC would overshadow CC for entertainment value, but the opposite has happenned.
Go Sharks, win or lose, let’s hope this is an entertaining game.
Updates? Watching spurs game, anybody doing updates for sharks? Or do I need to record it.
3 – 7. Cheetahs scrum destroying the sharks. Penalty try just awarded and already one tighthead.
Ok, make that 6 – 7. Penalties keeping the Sharks ticking
Now Sharks are taking a beating in the mauls too…
Wow very little faith in Radebe.
9 – 7. 50 m penalty from Bosch. Sharks have had 20% territory…
@coolfusion (Comment 9) : And just as I speak Radebe puts himself between a monster and the try line to stop a sure thing.
Another tighthead gives the Cheetahs a penalty 5m from sharks line. Not surprisingly they are taking a scrum. Expecting another 7 points here.
Wow, Fred misses an easy 3 points. Sharks just used a get out of jail free card there…
We are lying so flat on attack. Slow off the mark. No fast runners onto the ball how do we expect to break the line? Amateur sharks.
Yes let’s all try to kick every ball. Old sharks trick. Pity everyone already knows that.
Sharks finally win a scrum, pass the ball to Esterhuizen whos kick was charged down, Try Cheetahs under the posts. Nice.
Can no member of the team count, scoring 3 by 3 takes longer than scoring 7 by 7. Tries boys, forget the penalties
9 – 14, but sharks manage to get another penalty on the Cheetahs 10 m. Chance to strangle some points and narrow the gap.
Thomas du Toit hands is crap
Penalty hits the post…
How many times has Thomas du Toit lost the ball in contact in the last few weeks? Ridiculous!
Bumbling forwards. Tell me again how we don’t miss the experience of Keegan. And with Ninja off its just amateur hour.
Would love to see the metres gained stats. I think all the sharks ball carriers have negative yardage.
Cheetahs set piece just earned more meters off the last scrum than the entire sharks team for the match.
I still remember when this style of kicking rugby was played. It was when Moses was still playing for Israel. Really SA coaches. Don’t you have decoders????
@coolfusion (Comment 22) : Sadly I think this is going to be one of “Those” rugby weekends.
@coolfusion (Comment 22) : It’s definitely amateur hour now. 🙄
This is becoming ridiculous. A dummy lineout attempt gives the Cheetahs a free kick 7 m out. Scrum being taken
Thank goodness Cheetahs are taking a shot at goal with their latest scrum penalty.
9 – 17
Terrible play. We have only the creche on the field. Not one experienced man since Odwa left.
Half Time
Sharks 12 – 17 Cheetahs
@Pablo Dinero (Comment 28) : Is there a game plan or structure at all?? It looks like a parkie team. ????
Sharks taking a shot now from 3 m inside their own half. Time is up in the first half and somehow despite being 8 points down (maybe even only 5) it seems the sharks have been extremely lucky that they are not out of the game completely
@KILLER SHARK (Comment 33) : Well, lets see…. Sharks have lost every scrum. They have lost several lneouts. They have negative meters gained. They havent had possesion in the Cheetahs 22. Its not pretty. Not at all. Yet astoundingly they only trail by 5… Im not quite sure how thats possible but Ill take it. Who knows, a couple of lucky interceptions and its game on.
If it was not for Bosch’s monster boot, the Sharks would be in serious doodaah. It is scary to think most of these guys would have to do Super duty next year,
Our boys have never been good at handling these last minute injury disruptions….Ginger’s injury was absolutely unnecessary and dirty play from Freestate, we lost our guy and they got away with a meaningless penalty.
Get Claasens and chilli on.
@Bokhoring (Comment 36) : No! They will welcome all their springboks back!!! Oh wait…. I forgot, they dont have any. Not that getting a Bok back right now will strengthen any team.
Time for two injured props?? Why are the backline hanging so far back??? every run crosses gainline
lots of pain tonight, I think the tequila needs to come out
@Kabouter (Comment 40) : Hanging back in our territory. Bunching up and lying flat when we are in their red zone. It’s almost as if there’s no one telling these idiots what to do. Oh wait there isn’t.
And everyone was getting their hopes up after we beat the Pumas, Griquas and Kings. What a wake up call these last 2 weeks have been. 🙂
@Kabouter (Comment 40) : Yes, uncontested scrums would help. is there any way to get uncontested mauls and uncontested lineouts?
@Ben (Comment 42) : Im not sure we would beat Griquas if we played them again right now.
@Pablo Dinero (Comment 43) : Throw uncontested rucks in there too.
Let’s just play League.
How are the Sharks only losing by 2 points!!! It seems obscene!
Time to forgive April.
Am wouldn’t be able to see an offside line if it was painted on the field at every ruck. 🙄
I know the scrums are under pressure, but has Marais forgotten that the primary role of a hooker is to hook the bloody ball. Its why they are called hookers FFS.
Oh dear.
Another scrum stuffed, ball spurts out and Cheetahs score again. I cant believe Marais is still on the field.
If your scrum is under pressure, does it make sense for 9 to step away and leave it up to a 7 playing 8 to pick up the ball?
Score?
15 – 24. Im afraid trading tries for penalties is a losing strategy.
Cheetahs prop does a better job of draw and pass than the Sharks centres.
Not sure if it’s me, or the quality of rugby – but I find that I’m not really in the mood for rugby this weekend… 🙂
And Du Toit loses another ball in contact.
And Thomas du Toit loses the ball in contact again. Wtf?
@Pablo Dinero (Comment 35) : It’s as if there is a slapgat spirit of no responsibility prevalent in this group. A lack of drive..
Finally some promising play but the ball lost forward by Thomas in contact… again. So will settle for 3. Still trading tries for penalties.
Jean luc seems to have shit in his hands tonight, would not be able to catch a cold naked in alaska
This is shocking. Sharks cannot handle any kickoff. Pattern for this game, Bosch kicks a penalty, Cheetahs wins back the kickoff and scores shortly thereafter
Sharks playing uncontested kickoffs hand the try to the Cheetahs.
From bad to worse now… 🙄
What an absolute bullshit decision!
And a yellow card thrown in as a bonus. I think JL DPs second in a row right?
We need veterans. Plain and simple. there is no substitute for experience. These kids are lost.
Sharks playing like an under 10 team now.
#getadecoderto dupreez
Seems we practiced with a soccer ball in the week so none of the guys knows how to catch an oval ball
Im afriad Inny Radebe isnt up to it at this level either. Maybe time to give Bosch a go at flyhalf and start Ryno Smith at the back
Just a shambles at the moment… 😥
@Pablo Dinero (Comment 72) : Agreed
I think we need Stuart Berry.
Chilli at least showing the youngsters the way
Ball in hand!! beautiful!!!
Wow, playing better with 14 than with 15. Try sharks!
Been a huge fan if Sbu from yester year, but he is not looking for work and is almost no where, seems like dead wood being dragged along
Last chance Sharks, next tsietas score, and I’m not changing the channel back to SS.
25 – 31
@FireTheLooser (Comment 80) : …wife becomes a reserve tsietas supporter….and I’m out.
Ooooo we are so screwed tonight
Cheetahs scores the simplest of tries from a lineout.
But then less than 2 minutes later Sharks gift the try right back off a gimmick lineout
Not acceptable from the sharks
25 – 38… ordinarily Id say its time for the Sharks to start raiding other provinces for talent again, but sadly theres a distinct lack of that in SA right now.
Can we just hang on to the ball for once
Sigh…
Rasta also having a blinder tonight
Sharks can’t hold on…where have I heard that before?
Only guy that can feel some pride in his performance is Kleynhans. The rest have been from mediocre to terrible.
How can than turn over be legit???????????
Oh my wooooord!!!!!!!
@pastorshark (Comment 91) : Think we should get Bostick as a sponsor
@Bokhoring (Comment 92) : And Bosch for place kicking.
@Henkb (Comment 90) : Jot going that route again. We didn’t look capable of scoring at all. This is all on us.
@coolfusion (Comment 97) : No I agree, not saying it is all his fault, he had kak calls both ways, but really some of them was more than just shit, not saying he is the reason we loosing
Thomas makes up for all the dropped balls
At least we score again, is this to little to late? More direction, seems chilli took over captaincy
Ok, so sharks have scored… holding our breath for the inevitable Cheetahs reply? Scarily enough if the kick goes over the Sharks are actually still in the game
How many partially charged kicks from both sides tonight
Cheetah loose head has been very impressive in the set pieces and loose play.
Damn, thats a pretty huge missed kick, but we can hardly blame the guy who has kept the sharks in the game for a miss.
This Ox nche really looks impresive !!!!!!!
Ox to be called up to bok squad, he has been actually amazing tonight, in the scrums and loose
@schrodingers cat (Comment 105) : An loose head named Ox from the Free State. He has to be good
@Henkb (Comment 106) : Agree he offers much more than beast does
Bosch doing great now at FH
Scrum has solidified. Still not great, but better.
@Bokhoring (Comment 107) : haha Os durant
@schrodingers cat (Comment 108) : To be honest on current form, he will be a huge assets and currently much better than beast
@Henkb (Comment 109) : Back line just seemed a lot more settled with Claasens at 9 and Bosch at 10. Chilly should also start next week.
@schrodingers cat (Comment 111) : Maybe Ox can also win the world cup in 2020 and then in 2035 again with that name tag
@Bokhoring (Comment 113) : Agreed, since those 3 changes were made the team seems completely different, as if there is someone giving direction now
Cheethas playing for time now, but sensible from them
Ok so the loss is now inevitable. I guess the miracle is that it is only by 8. Still Cheetahs walk away with 5 points and the sharks…..0
That penalty must surely now be game set and match
@Henkb (Comment 114) : haha ,whell hes my MOTM ,hes been a OX today (excuse the pun)
@schrodingers cat (Comment 119) : Must be MOTM, he gave it horns from the word get go 🙂
@Henkb (Comment 118) : You mean it wasnt when they had to score 9 points to win in 90 seconds?
If we feel bad for paying to watch this rubbish then spare a thought for the sponsors!!!
FULL TIME
SHARKS 30 – 38 CHEETAHS
We showing a lot more enterprise since Claasens came on and Bosch moved to 10,Mjekevu also showed a lot more in the last couple of minutes than sithole did the whole game
@Pablo Dinero (Comment 121) : We still had a shot at a loosing bonus point before then
And thus ends a truly special weekend of rugby.
@Henkb (Comment 125) : And sadly that seems to be the best case scenario these days… oh well, mission not accomplished.
@Henkb (Comment 124) : We will never learn the ratio of experience to raw young talent was never there. Sorry Keegan you were sorely missed, so was Phillip and Claasens and Chilli. We had them just chose not to use them when we could.
Problem now is we 5 points behind the cheethas, 1 Point ahead of Griquas, and only 3 ahead of Bulls and Lions, and the Kwasse and Lions played 1 game less
@coolfusion (Comment 128) : True, think we should have brought Chilli, Claasens on earlier on half time maybe, then we might have had a better shot at this, I really hope they start Bosch at FH next game
RdP the savior of Sharks rugby – not even close. More passionless fare from most of the players which a good coach would change asap, not just let blunder along until it’s too late to make a difference. People really are getting fed up with this shark-malarkey, meh
Yah guys, tough to not get any points
but once we lost keegs, ginger, odwa the balance of youth and experience was not in our favour.
JLDP had a shocker fielding kick offs (milkshakes it look easy)
Radebe, had a poor game but the team was in general on the back foot, with more experience and coaching he will learn how to play the the heat is on.
frans had a quite first half but once he took over from kick offs and 8th man he looked reAlly good.
majola had a avg game.
JLDP played better once he didn’t have to field kicks and could move back to.flank.
once we lost Phillip we were in trouble as all of the Cheetahs loose forwards are big unites, which hurt them in SR, cause those okes are slow but it helped them today.
it will be interesting to see what they do next week, I would place Radebe on the bench and start April
Cannot believe there is no one better than that Ungerer chop to scrummie for teh Sharks. All he does all day is gift possession, slowly at that
@Mephisto_Shark (Comment 131) : RdP needs to form a team spirit first, I agree. Our best play came off individual moments. We need a quality 9 and 10 to dictate our attack. JLDP never scrumed. He was watching the rest from the back. When he shifted to the side we were more effective. A school coach would have been able to blow more fire into a team at half time. Truly no reason to go out to the stadium to watch this sad stuff.
OK so after some time to calm down here’s my 2 cents:
Losing KD (before the game) and the Ginger Ninja (after just 30sec) did not help!
Inny, Franna and Majola was all invisible tonight. Maybe time to give April or Smith a start. Franna’s long time out injured showed and as for Majola poor lad had not chance of replacing the Ginger Ninja. Not sure if Majola is an option for Super rugby especially not at 7 and 8.
Thomas got schooled in the scrums and it just showed that Sharks urgently needs another backup tight head for Super rugby! Then again he was a totally different player once he moved over to loose head.
Of all the Sharks “regular star performers” non were able to shine tonight.
Cheetahs had a really good game and totally out played the Sharks (especially in the first half).
Let’s see how RdP and the Sharks respond after losing two games in a row?!
@revolverocelot (Comment 132) : Nail on the head buddy.
@coolfusion (Comment 136) : thanks, that was a rough game to watch with western problems supporters along with me, but they didn’t exactly shine last night either.
when does Dan get back from injury. we really missed Lewies today as well
We got to take. stock an refocus for the kings next week. at least it’s at home
I saw Cobus Reinach on the stands yesterday. Any idea when he will be back? I hope ginger is OK. He looked ok. Hope he is back next week. I like Kleinhans but he isn’t as hard as nails as ginger is. Odwa also looked very eina. Hope his arm is ok.
Reinach is back next year Feb I believe. I hope ginger doesn’t get kept out of the team like Lambie did cause of a knock to the head cause we need him. we can still win the cc but getting a home semi is going to be tough, and a home final even tougher.
Odwa is out so wandile and sithole will have to step up now, they are young athletic and talented but neither have been consistent for some time, so now is their chance to stake a claim.
yesterday was a complete mess, was angered really the captain when ginger went off ? I.like the kid even though his inconsistent too, If I were ousthuizen I would have stepped up to be captain, ungerer isn’t even a SR regular.
I guess with Lambie, Mvovo, Reinach, lewies, Dan, ginger, keegs, odwa, Chadwick, beast etc not available for different reason, everyone will have to step up
I’d start April and ungerer next week, Radebe did well until yester and even then I can blame him entirely but. but now it’s time for April to show what he can do and put Radebe on the bench keep Curwin at fullback. bring Louw in to cover centre cause haimer, is leaving, or if you do play haimer don’t play him anywhere but inside centre.
two loses in a row, it’s time we refocus and start building toward a play off spot more, than building depth for SRor testing young guns. although you can do both, just get the experience balance on the field correct cause once ginger went down it was like no one knew how to stay calm.
@revolverocelot (Comment 139) : I would try getting Claasens back to form. I don’t how long it will take before Ungerer transforms into a usefull scrummie.
Lets look at the positive side of things……….ummmm…..wait….oh yes Bosch did well under pressure when moved…Thomas was massive when moved to loose head. ..I said it all along without a good 9 and 10 we are not going to make it…Sho it’s tough being a sharks and bok supporter for the last 2 years
@Sharkfinn (Comment 141) : ja boet it’s only for hard core supporters!!! Let’s see how the Sharks coach and team respond after the two defeats as for the Bokke ja let’s rather not talk about it!!!
@revolverocelot (Comment 139) : The loss is going to put a lot of pressure on the Sharks. Bulls have a relatively easy run in to the finals with matches against Griquas and Boland to round out their league phase, whereas the Sharks have a tough match against the Lions ahead. The Bulls can conceivably end on a minimum of 29 points, which means the Sharks will have to beat the Lions to get a possible home semi-final
Cheetahs also have to face the Lions, but can secure a home semi-final with matches against Griquas at home and Pumas away, of course the Griquas can still upset the apple cart if they can upset the more fancied teams.
@KingCheetah (Comment 143) : at leat this year Sharks managed to beat both Pumas and Griquas.
@JD (Comment 144) : Agreed, I am rather relieved that we play Griquas at home. They are a tough nut to crack in Kimberly! And of course we have stumbled against the Pimas before too! I am happy, and quietly optimistic about the Cheetahs progress thus far. We still shy some solidity amongst the locks.
Lets be honest from the moment Van Der Walt went off the Sharks didnt look like they would win the game. The rest of the game looked like an u14 team playing he 1st XV. Sharks got bullied and beaten up all over the field. Handling errors and conceding silly penalties are once again becoming the norm as like every other CC season. Cheetahs were solid today but far from the best they have played…but they do play as a team and especially scrum as one and that i must give credit for. Lets see what changes are made for this week against the Kings…
@SheldonK (Comment 146) : We were smashed up front and the three stars on the field for me were Ox,the Namibian hooker and the no 7 with the Popeye arms,apart from Jean Luc our looses were invisible.
We neve at any stage deserved to win that game and only the extremely gifted boot of Bosch kept us in the game.
@SheldonK (Comment 146) : 100% true! Let’s see how the Sharjs react and what they do to improve!
@KingCheetah (Comment 145) : it was a well deserved victory for the Cheetahs as they totally outplayed the Sharks! Congrats and enjoy it! Maybe we will join you for a Cheetahs vs Sharks final in Bloem!?
@The hound (Comment 147) : 100% correct!!! Personally I think the ship has sailed for both Franna and Majola as they hardly play due to injury and when they do they just disappear! Also maybe time to chance the flyhalf give either Bosch or April a chance as Inny was also missing for the last couple of games.
@JD (Comment 150) : Bosch must stay at 15 he is very young and doesn’t need the pressure of 10,he needs to be given a long run and time to settle at 15,he is a huge talent.
When ever I watch him I am reminded of Serge Blanco.
@The hound (Comment 147) : Cheetahs were good all over. Jean-Luc made a few tackles but other than that he had a shocker, so many mistakes! If Cheetahs had a decent 10 they would be so much better as all over the park they just smashed us.
Just watched the game on Youtube and reckon the score flatters the Sharks. I can’t remember when last I saw such a shambles in just about every facet of the game. Scrums crap, balls knocked, no fetching, charge-downs, clueless backs, etc. The only glimmer of professionalism was line-outs on our ball.
I don’t agree with those calling for Bosch to replace Inny. I would keep him at 10 and experiment with Ryno Smith at 12. I don’t get the infatuation with Esterhuizen, who does fuck all to spark the backline, so is basically the bottleneck between Radebe and the flyers we have outside. Esterhuizen does nothing all game except run into the brick wall waiting for him. It’s exactly the reason the Boks are so crap as well – Jantjies and Mapoe are used to a playmaker at 12, but got De Allende. Then people say the Lions players can’t make the step up.
The less said about Ungerer the better. How the fuck is he stand-in captain?????
@Spirit of Rugby (Comment 153) : pretty sure the Namib import will do better at 9. Shit we are missing Cam Wright. Time to give Venter extended time? we have been at sea since CR’s injury with MC also off the boil and Ungerer has been poor every game so far unfortunately. Since his hammy he has not been the same.
I did like how Chilli responded to Captaincy though.
@Kabouter (Comment 154) : We could make a serious plan to get Tiaan Meyer to come home,to solve 2 problems,no9 and captain..He proved he was better than anything we had in both positions on the weekend.
Spirit for me if it wasn’t for Esterhuizen making some big defensive hits it would have been worse…I think he has what it takes to be a 1st class 12 if he has a good flyhalf.
@SheldonK (Comment 146) : cant remember who made the earlier comment but it did look like the creche was on the park….
What made this game really hurt was watching our whole front row being lifted into the air and be treated like a club side playing a SR team.
It was by far our weakest pack this season but shite shite. JLDP is a super talent but please keep him away from fielding kickoffs. Franna & Khaya probably needs to go to Frnace or Japan to get a full season or two under their belt because unfortunately they are not fulfilling early promise
@The hound (Comment 155) : cant believe we chose Zoolander above him….
Agreed that the current crop actually has been pretty shockin. Even bringing either youngster that played for Kings in Sr will add significant value as they both had bullet passes. What is the point of having supposedly a hot backline and your 9 slows everything down and passes like my 3 year old
@Kabouter (Comment 157) : Go and watch the CC qualifying…pretty much that same pack and they got the same treatment from teams, i wasnt surprised. Jean-Luc is a good player but he had a shocker on Saturday….if there were other options he should have been subbed.
@JD (Comment 150) : This may be a chance for April to prove a point and come back into 10. If he still misfires we will know where we stand but Radebe doesn’t have the trust from the coach and maybe even his teammates or not enough confidence to boldly step up and own flyhalf. so at the moment we are running a loss.
@SheldonK (Comment 159) : The du preez boys always seem to take a while to adjust from injury and their handling is poor in the first few games back.
@JD (Comment 149) : I hope so Bud, the Bulls have a very good chance of claiming a home semi spot, but we all know, that anything can happen in a knock out match.
@KingCheetah (Comment 162) : must congratulate you – your team was superb on Saturday
@SheldonK (Comment 159) : yup it did not help that subs were used by then.
i know the qualies were bad but we all expected better especially with mostly SR pack that started campaign – I think it is all Rob’s fault as his injury article screwed the team badly… 😉
At least the two Gary’s have a clear idea of how much the next in line dont cut it and I am expecting a bit of culling / loaning out to happen
@coolfusion (Comment 161) : It was just one of those games for Jean-Luc and it happens. Unfortunately it happened in the game when he needed to be the standout loose forward as others were average. Moving him to 8th man threw him could see it. He is still young and doesnt have the experience to adapt during a game.
@Kabouter (Comment 164) : The pack we have had has had a super rugby majority so they have done well. But on Saturday Schoeman, DuToit, Botha, Kleinhans and Majola were all part of the pack that gt their asses handed to them in the qualifying.
@robdylan (Comment 163) : Cheetahs with a better 10 and concentration on defense would be a serious side. But indeed got to give them credit for not being at their best but still winning easily.
@SheldonK (Comment 166) : definitely worst case scenario that happened there as that lineup would only be chosen vs Kings if any…
hopefully no one gets rushed back this weekend as first choices will be required vs Lions.
Other aspect that really bothered me was how far the backline hangs back and make no attempt to stop the attack from crossing gainline. Is this due to Inny being moved to wing?
@Sharkfinn (Comment 156) : Esterhuizen is a crash-ball centre, no matter who plays 10. He just doesn’t seem to learn how to run lines, which split defenders. I’m afraid Jake was right in moving him to flank.
@Kabouter (Comment 154) : Agree. Chiliboy has to start and captain if Keegan or Ginger aren’t fit.
@Kabouter (Comment 168) : In terms of your last point- yes and no. There is nobody leading the line on defense. But also looks like we are employing more of a drift defense which also doesnt make sense as we place our weakest defender on the wing that then needs to make the tackle.
@The hound (Comment 151) : then April must be given a chance as Inny was nowhere in the last couple of games.
@KingCheetah (Comment 162) : for sure. If by luck the Sharks play Cheetahs in Bloem we must get together for a beer as I will do my best to go and watch the game!
@robdylan (Comment 163) : Thank you. Was very nervous about the match. Sharks were seriously disrupted by injuries.
@JD (Comment 173) : Sounds like a plan!
@SheldonK (Comment 171) : Zeilinga was allowed to pretty much cross the A line before he had to make a decision and we allowed a lot of momentum. Zeilinga be far the weakest in the Cheetahs lineup and I believe missed the opportunity to put presure on him – same as with RdP last week.
Hopefully the lienup / strategy gets refined to work as 10 tries in two games conceded is a clear indication it is not working
@KingCheetah (Comment 174) : Cheetahs badly need a 10. Id even play Michael Van Der Spuy there with Francois Venter, Nico Lee , William Small-smith ,Neil Marais combining in some form in the centres.
@Kabouter (Comment 176) : Spot on
@Kabouter (Comment 176) : @SheldonK (Comment 178) : something needs to be done as seemingly the defence left with the defensive coach!
@JD (Comment 179) : It started to leave when he was busy packing his bags…
@SheldonK (Comment 177) : I see they have also signed Ryno Eksteen from WP. He is apparently highly rated, but I can’t say I am in the know in this regard.
@SheldonK (Comment 180) : hahaha ja might be. Any idea who took over his responsibilities and if anyone did take over?
@SheldonK (Comment 177) : @KingCheetah (Comment 181) : personally I think Rob dP jnr will be a perfect fit for the Cheetahs. I’m just wondering what happend with Fred? He was looking really good and then just lost form?
@JD (Comment 182) : I dont think anyone took over the specific portfolio. It was just combined into the other coaches roles. @JD (Comment 183) : Can never see Rob DP Jnr going to Bloem…WP are going to hold onto him. Whats ever happened to that other SA u20 flyhalf Stapelberg from WP?
@KingCheetah (Comment 181) : Ive heard the name but cant say ive watched the guy play at all. Zelinga isnt the answer at 10 though. Sias Ebersohn seems to be banished and think Neil Marais is probably better suited to 12. Perhaps they should enquire about Marnitz Boshoff?
@SheldonK (Comment 184) : he torn his quad in the warmup for the VC final and has been doing rehad and has 4 weeks left – doing rehab with Pollard at institute in Stellies. Kings wanted loan him as he is a PE boy.
His dad is one of best mates. He has 1 year left on WP contract but cant see him staying as Coleman, RdP, JL Du Plessis and Thompson ahead in the queue. Best attributes is that he is a strong player which likes to attack the gain line and boots it a mile (put a 60m drop kick over to win game vs WP playing for EP u18). He is in same situation as the two province players apparently moving to DBN.
At the moment he is planning to make sure he gets a good VC under his belt to get a move away from WP to get game time. He does not have Inny’s hands but next to Esterhuizen would make sure 10/12 channel is shut down. Personally think he would benefit playing 12 next to a good 10 to learn the art of 10, not a strong as Esterhuizen but much more creativity and game awareness. He is highly rated by Gert Small but needs game time and miles ahead of Fouche and Watts that played for Kings this year in SR and whole family in PE might just see him turn out for Kings if they are in SR in 2017.
@KingCheetah (Comment 181) : Eksteen has load of potential but needs game time, and Cheetahs a good fit for his style.
@Kabouter (Comment 186) : Ah shot for the info. If that is the case with him looking for game time then perhaps the Kings but eish thats a risky move. If i wwere him id look to somewhere like Boland…or if a bigger Union maybe Free Sate or even the Lions if Boschoff leaves
@SheldonK (Comment 184) : not for one second did I say he will go to Cheetahs I just think he will fit into Cheetahs running rugby.
@JD (Comment 188) : Yeh ok thats a fair point.
@SheldonK (Comment 187) : yip, Boland down the road so he could still finish up at Maties. I think next to Swart at Kwaste would also work well or a conversion to 12 could create opportunities. Ja Kings is risky especially with Ward gone. A combo of 9 Hall, 10 Stapelberg, 12 Watermeyer 13 Ward would have been very exciting prospect.
I know they were thinking 15 as an option but Bosch is closing that route for any higher honors… tough decisions to make as I now he does not want to become a journey man like Brummer / Watts or just get paid to muck around in qualifiers and then just sit again
@Kabouter (Comment 190) : Assuming the status quo is maintained then Boland should probably qualify again for the CC and they do need a flyhalf badly. SA does need better quality 15s so not the worst option either…cant just bank on 1 guy coming through.