Rob Sr has made a few changes to the team against the Chiefs. Mzamo Majola (who impressed against the Chiefs) starts in place of the injured Thomas du Toit with Juan Schoeman taking his place on the bench. Dan moves back to 8 and PvdW shifts back to 6. Andre Esterhuizen takes back his 12 jersey. Dylan Richardson will probably get his first Super Rugby cap of the bench.
Lions like to play the game at pace and with width. I would not have mind a Stringer coming on as a reserve to add some pace to our loose trio, but Vermeulen does get through a mountain of work.
The Sharks are sitting in 7th spot on overall log (and 4th on the SA conference log). We cannot afford to drop too many (if any) of the remaining 4 games – so this is a must win game. I don’t think this game will be a repeat of the Ellis Park game – so we best not underestimate these Lions.
- Mzamo Majola
- Kerron van Vuuren
- Coenie Oosthuizen
- Ruben van Heerden
- Ruan Botha
- Philip van der Walt
- Jean-Luc du Preez
- Daniel du Preez
- Louis Schreuder (c)
- Curwin Bosch
- Makazole Mapimpi
- Andre Esterhuizen
- Lukhanyo Am
- Sbu Nkosi
- Aphelele Fassi
Replacements
- Dylan Richardson*
- Juan Schoeman
- John-Hubert Meyer
- Hyron Andrews
- Jacques Vermeulen
- Cameron Wright
- Robert du Preez
- Kobus van Wyk
Lions – 15 Andries Coetzee, 14 Courtnall Skosan, 13 Lionel Mapoe, 12 Harold Vorster, 11 Aphiwe Dyantyi, 10 Elton Jantjies, 9 Nic Groom, 8 Kwagga Smith (c), 7 Cyle Brink, 6 Marnus Schoeman, 5 Marvin Orie, 4 Stephan Lewies, 3 Johannes Jonker, 2 Jan-Henning Campher, 1 Dylan Smith.
Subs: 16 Piet Jansen, 17 Sti Sithole, 18 Carlü Sadie, 19 Reinhard Nothnagel, 20 Vincent Tshituka, 21 Hacjivah Dayimani, 22 Shaun Reynolds, 23 Tyrone Green.
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That’s a power team! Majola must bring that form from the last game. They will target him at scrum time. Otherwise we have some monster forwards that hopefully pitch up for the game. This game is vital boys, come on! Fuck! Let’s do this!
Yip we need parity at the scrum after that we have to use the power game against them.
Aside from #1 prop, this is the same starting XV that went toe to toe with the crusaders. All they need is the proper attitude.
lions without Marx and Sadie
Sharks should probably stick to same tactics as against Crusaders – traditional old SA rugby. Kick the ball to them (preferably to grass, or contestable), tackle them senseless, take your penalties and use turnover ball to score tries.
@Byron Wright (Comment 4) : Sadie is on the bench
Stringer was involved in the build up to a number of tries at Ellis Park due to his mobility and speed. These loose forwards did well in cold weather conditions in NZ. I’m just concerned that the Durban heat is going to take it’s toll on our big heavy loose forwards. Especially when we expect the lions to play a fast game.
Excited to see Dylan Richardson debut.
For all the criticism levelled against Rdp he must be complimented for having the guts to select five 19 year old in his SR teams this year. Dick Muir was the only other coach to do the same type of thing.
Cell C Sharks XV
James Scott
Cullen Collopy
Khutha Mchunu
Gideon Koegelenberg
Andrew Evans
Luke Stringer
Tyler Paul
Kwanda Dimaza
Zee Makabela
Inny Radebe
Charlie Mayeza
Marius Louw
Jeremy Ward (C)
Sicelo Tole
Boeta Chamberlain
Replacements:
Michael Meyer
Francois Klopper
Marcell Barnard
Jacques Ackermann
Damian Stevens
Murray Koster
Le Roux Malan
@sudhir (Comment 8) : same here
Saffas hitting themselves with a plank again.
https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/super-rugby/112941294/super-rugby-sanzaar-confirm-tmo-marius-jonker-was-wrong-to-deny-crusaders-try-in-cape-town
@Salmonoid the Subtle (Comment 12) : Im glad the Crusaders took this further – they probably did not need to considering their log position but it was the right thing to do.
Now if it had happened to the Sharks and some unfortunate soul brought it up on this site they would have been told to suck it up and that the team should have still conjured up a win anyway.
@Salmonoid the Subtle (Comment 13) : Agreed 100%on all points
@Salmonoid the Subtle (Comment 13) : Officially the game still counts as a draw. Looks at the scoreboard
@Bokhoring (Comment 15) : Thats true, but by this ruling SANZAR is officially saying that Jonker stuffed up and cost a team points and momentum – they could be implying that he is incompetent or even a cheat.
@Salmonoid the Subtle (Comment 16) : I think for the time being it’ll be that he’s incompetent, until a trend emerges
@Salmonoid the Subtle (Comment 16) : Funny enough, I just heard that Jonker is reffing out game tonight… This is a Zululand division Friday night game, so the powers that be must be REALLY pissed at him!
@Karl (Comment 17) : I actually dont think he is a bad, or crooked ref / TMO but maybe just got ahead of himself (with his selection for world cup duty fresh in his mind) and just did not do the due diligence on the play and had already made up his mind when he first called it. He wont make the mistake again.
@Karl (Comment 18) : Quiet a demotion, but probably a way for him to keep fit and sharp – anyway you guys must be chuffed having a top notch ref doing your game.
@Salmonoid the Subtle (Comment 20) : Yeah, we’ve had a few Doozies along the way, but tonight will be lekker
Chaps, does anyone know what’s happened to SheldonK? He used to be quite active on here…
Whose watching the Sarries vs Gloucester game? Lots of SA players (many former sharks ) in the mix along with tons of other high profile test players
Will our SSRC game against border be broadcast as it’s the curtain raiser to the SR game? Any updates?
@revolverocelot (Comment 23) : Can’t find it anywhere but the Sharks are 54-0 up at half time. Eish, poor Border rugby.
@Salmonoid the Subtle (Comment 24) : That should have been 54 -10.
@Salmonoid the Subtle (Comment 24) : Border were ahead of us on the log before this game
@jdolivier (Comment 26) : Ignore that comment, got Boland and border mixed up in my head
Vital match for both teams. Probably more for the Sharks.
Sharks will drop out of the top 8 if they loose, Lions should manage to still squeeze in ahead of the Stormers
So we annihilate their scrum and van Der westhuizen just leaves it. Hmmmmmmm
Good first scrum for the Sharks
Kak pass from LS stuffs up a try scoring oppotunity
Strong maul as well
Louis is officially the dumbest captain in the history of the sharks. We maul them 30m we smash them in the scrums and he is kicking for posts.
Bosch you beauty, intercepts and scores under the posts
Bosch loves playing the Lions – intercepts and scores under the sticks
Can we please fire the captain. And ship him somewhere and put on c.w
@jdolivier (Comment 33) : He is no Victor Matfield
@osbal (Comment 36) : Cam, grant Williams rob snr would probably be better
@Bokhoring (Comment 37) : Hence the comment sharks history, he is still not the worst captain south African teams have had
Lol my granny is faster than him
@jdolivier (Comment 39) : I mean Victor use to take the lineout penalties and Bulls often scored from them. Used to be a great captain for the Bulls
Dan scores from a maul
14-0
Nice boys. Glad bocsh is proving me right. He is class.
@Bokhoring (Comment 41) : Understood
Our forwards are phenomenal tonight
And the Lions score
So lions score off a forward pass
We kicked the ball dead from a penalty, conceded one for tackling a man without the ball and Lions score on the other side
Glad I’m not nic groom tonight, he has been smashed 3 times already
Majola has tackled the piss out of everything in front of him. What a game so far by the burly prop
@jdolivier (Comment 51) : He is actually better at loosehead in the scrum than Thomas
@Bokhoring (Comment 52) : Sad but true
Yip
Fassi ghosts through a gap, but Nkosi’s foot just in touch. Great attempt though
Another kak pass from Louis costs us a try
LS takes a great gap and then throws a shocker to Sbu.
Monster clearance from Sbu. Man is looking good tonight. If Louis could pass, would have had 2 tries already
Sharks have now wasted 4 try scoring opportunities
And we tackle like girls, lions on full comeback. We will lose if the guys don’t fucking focus
Lions backline does not mess up chances – Brink scores after Lions run from deep inside their half
Lions start scoring tries and we kick for posts
We need to turn this game back into a forward battle. Lions will run us ragged if the game turns loose
And rob jnr comes on for fassi, stupid decision again
Jean de Villiers is flabbergasted by Sharks changes
Mapoe is breaking our line at will
@Bokhoring (Comment 65) : Everyone in the world is confused by it, just not Rob snr who has to let his boy play
At least Kwagga has balls
@Bokhoring (Comment 66) : Am kept him in control
Mapimpi scores full length of field intercept
@Bokhoring (Comment 68) : But it does not pay off as Mapimpi intercepts and scores on the other side
WTF
@Bokhoring (Comment 72) : The moment you step forward on a mark or short arm penalty, the opposing team may advance. He started running before touching it with his foot. Ref 100 percent correct on that
Could’ve sworn Tryon green feet knocked the ball into touch and he is allowed to throw in quickly
Great tackle by Mapimpi saves a try
Lions attack started by another Sharks mistake on attack
24-17
Sharks need to cut down on the mistakes
Good idea to use the maul
Louis you useless idiot, our mall would score tries
Bosch makes it 27-17
Mapimpi should be sure thing for Bok 11
Rod jnr is really off form
Our fucken backline cannot pass a ball to each other. Fortunately we get a penalty and a chance to maul
55 second debut for Richardson on a very crucial line out
We win a crucial game and still in the top 8
So Cam only gets a minute. I am soooo mad!! ????
So Cam only gets a minute. I am soooo mad!! ????
@Julesgr8ter (Comment 87) : And fassi was ripped off 53 minutes in for an extremely out of form Rob jnr. Great game by the boys all round.
@Bokhoring (Comment 82) : Both sharks wingers should start for the bokke, 2 hardest working wingers in RSA rugby, and they can finish
@jdolivier (Comment 89) : 100% – so tired of Rob junior being given chance after chance to get his confidence back but other players don’t get the same chances
@Julesgr8ter (Comment 91) : Supersport challenge is there, 82 something win today for the sharks xv that is where he will regain confidence
@jdolivier (Comment 92) : perhaps but then the same applies for Rob jnr
This was the easiest match of the last 4. Good signs of forward domination in the first half, strong defense bar a few lapses and some great individual skills by some players.
However we still look clumsy and have poor shape on attack.
@Bokhoring (Comment 94) : @jdolivier (Comment 90) : Really impressed with Majola, scrummed dominantly at times, and held his own the remainder, plus he was extremely useful in loose play, making tackles and securing ruck ball.
That being said, this was, in my opinion, the best match for Mapimpi, he has always been a superb finisher, but his defense and work rate have been in question. This match he was all over the place looking for work, and defending like his life depended on it. So impressed with him in this match, he has had excellent matches for the Sharks, but he was simply superb in all facets in this match.
Also happy to see Sbu looking for work, luck is just not with him right now, but he is doing all the right things, and if he continues it will all come right. He is an emotional and incredibly talented player, you could just see his frustration after the match, he wants to contribute so much more…I’ll take players like him all day long, with that attitude. Hang in there young man, the ball will start to bounce your way soon enough.
So I just want to throw something out there about Rob Jr. I know there is a lot of angst about his father continuing to play him regardless, but please consider this. After Bosch and Rob Jr., who is our next flyhalf? This has been a point of discussion on this site for months, and there is really no solution we can agree on. Given that Rob Jr. is one of our top 2 10s, and you can not start a senior rugby match without a backup 10 on the field or bench, who should Rob Sr. have on the bench in Rob Jr’s place? I think he is our only option, so given that, SuperSport Challenge is really not an option for him to play into form. So I feel for Rob Sr., even if there is no special treatment, what is best for the Sharks, and right now, we need Rob Jr. on the bench. The problem with Rob Jr. started way before SuperRugby 2019, when he signed to play up north during the only down time for a SA rugby player, he is an excellent player that is simply knackered. But what can the coach do? Who is the backup flyhalf to Bosch? Who do you bench behind Bosch? I think the simple fact that Rob Sr. has continued to start Bosch, is a sign there is no nepotism, I truly believe he is after the best interests of the Sharks. Of course his son’s best interests are important, but at this point, you just have to accept he has been overplayed and needs a break…it really is simple as that.
@Dancing Bear (Comment 96) : Not to mention the fact that the Sharks supporters have been rather schizophrenic about Rob Jr., when he was with the Stormers, he was the best thing since sliced bread, and then once he came back to the Sharks, everything he does is scrutinized and criticized. I’m sorry to say it, but he is in a kind of no win situation in Durban, and I am willing to wager he will find superb form up north, and we’ll all wish he was back.
@Dancing Bear (Comment 96) : He could obviously keep him on the bench for safety but rest him like he is resting Cam
@Dancing Bear (Comment 97) : Rob jnr is a talented player, definitely, he is also a passionate sharks player. Remember him breaking down crying after the cc win. The problem is with his current form. Marius louw and Jeremy ward are playing Supersport challenge to find their rhythm, maybe jnr should get 80 minutes there. If he played this weekend in a 80-24 rout, it would definitely boost his confidence, a tune up game. Class is permanent, form is temporary. The issue with picking him now is that it breaks momentum in crucial times in games. Had he come on at 65 minutes not 50 minutes every game, the entire scenario would most probably have looked completely different
@jdolivier (Comment 99) : I think the gist of what Dancing Bear is saying, is that should Rob Jr be dropped to the SS Challenge, who would be the FH backup should Curwin break down?
@Dancing Bear (Comment 96) : I agree that Rob Jr is a good player who is currently mentally and physically knackered – been saying that for a while now.
Unfortunately the blame for that should be laid at the feet of Sharks management – including his own dad. He should never have been allowed to take on a off-season gig that would have been that strenuous (especially given his playing schedule last year). I know we can’t compete with the overseas contracts, but it did nothing to keep him at the Sharks in the end anyway.
@Julesgr8ter (Comment 88) : @Bokhoring (Comment 98) : Maybe Rob snr, with the game against the Chiefs fresh in his memory, wanted to make sure there was no way the game could be lost before he let Cameron onto the field. 😈
@Salmonoid the Subtle (Comment 102) : Perhaps he should do what Morne always suggested – start the youngsters and then bring on the experienced players to finish out the game.
Seriously though, Cam should just move somewhere else – he is wasted at the Sharks.
@Bokhoring (Comment 103) : I wonder if Schreuder wont be moving on soon somehow I think all or at least most of the senior players will be moving on. I also get incredibly frustrated with LS taking his time in getting the game going after the ball is available, use the damn thing if its available and dont wait for the ref to start warning you to make use of it. Worst is when we have won the ball, its available, our scrum guys relax just that little bit and the counter shove comes and we lose the ball – it doesnt happen often but once in a season is already too much.
On the other hand he is the team captain so I suppose this counts heaps for him getting game time.
@Salmonoid the Subtle (Comment 104) : There is no pressure on him though – he knows he is safe as houses. He can play faster as he did show at Ellis Park, but most game he takes so much time away from our attack. Better rotation may have put a bit more pressure on him to perform
I don’t blame Rob Jnr as much as a Blame his dad, It’s clear his out of form and needs a break but they persist in laying him.
Yes there’s no direct replacement for him on the bench but Andre or LS can step in at 10 if Bosch needs to come off for any reason.
the plan should be to give Rob jnr time off and then bring him back via the SRC tournament.
@revolverocelot (Comment 106) : Was junior bad the last 2 games?
Was very impressed by Majola and when you factor in Ruben and Kerron its been a decent season for unearthing talent although pretty average for results.
1)Schoeman/Majola
2) Kerron/Burden
3)Thomas/Meyer
4)Paul/ Van der Mescht
5)Ruben/Andrews
6)Stringer
7) Jean Luc
8)Dan/Buthelezi
9) Cam/Schreuder/Williams
10)Bosch/Inny
11)Mapimpi
12)Andre/Louw
13)Am/ Ward
14) Nkosi/Van Wyk
15)Fassi/Smith
When you look over the possible squad for 2020 you feel we short at lock, Flank,Flyhalf and FB. No need to break the bank because we need to write off the next two years but the pack could use a bit of experience at lock/flank
@Byron Wright (Comment 108) : You can swap Majola and Schoeman around
@Bokhoring (Comment 109) : I was going to but maybe a year more off the bench first?
@Karl (Comment 100) : Ryno Smith. Can also play 10 and was used there in the warmups and against the Bulls started a FB and had a nightmare. Was dropped and hasnt played in the SR team since. But he was also playing FH for the SS games. So is he not 3rd choice?
@Salmonoid the Subtle (Comment 107) : No. But shifting Bosch to FB blunted our attack to an extent. Also Fassi was having a good game in the last 2 matches and was subbed. At minute 53. Why do that? Rob jnr is a very good FH and the criticism levelled against him is not because he is not liked by the fans. It is because these decisions hurt the team and cost us games. The guy has played non stop for far too long and needs a break to refresh and rejuvenate himself. The decision to let him play in europe is hurting him now.
@sudhir (Comment 111) : It would seem Ryno Smith covering 10 and 15 on the bench is a good option to replace Rob Jr. Didn’t think of him when I posted about this. Good point, thanks. Rob Jr. only covers 10 anyway, and we always seem to carry another centre to replace Andre or Am if needed.
@sudhir (Comment 112) : Im not so sure about our attack being effective against the Lions – 2 long range intercepts and a pushover try probably attest to that. I suppose its different strokes for different folks, Fassi has been better lately on defense and attack but he is no Bosch and Bosch at 15 offers us a lot more than Fassi or Bosch at 10 for that matter – thus I am more than happy having junior (if playing well) in the 10 slot if it means unleashing Bosch from fullback.
What I dont get though is if Du Preez has shaken his nightmare run and is playing much better why guys would say his father is doing him a disservice by playing him – on what grounds are those comments made other than to whinge and grind an ax.
@Dancing Bear (Comment 113) : Rob jnr also covers 12, has played there for WP and Maties (I think)
@Salmonoid the Subtle (Comment 115) : Ward and Louw both cover 12 when on the bench, Am can move to 12 with Van Wyk to 13 when he is on the bench. So for every match we have had coverage for 12 without Rob Jr., which is why I brought up the point of who else to cover 10. Ryno is an option, and since Rob Sr. won’t use Cam at 9 I don’t see him covering 10. 😉
@Dancing Bear (Comment 116) : Ok got it, I misread it to understand that Rob jnr only has the ability to cover 10.
@Salmonoid the Subtle (Comment 117) : Nah, more like Rob Jr. is our only SuperRugby level cover for 10 (if Bosch is starting). Probably the case which makes it difficult to give him a chance to get his form back at a lower level. Let’s face it, we will see the same strategy for the remainder of the SR season, or as long as Bosch continues to play well at 10.
@Dancing Bear (Comment 118) : I’d really like to see the Sharks recruit a solid 10 though, either to be starting 10 with Bosch at 15,or as understudy to Bosch. But with Rob leaving, we definitely have to get some cover because I don’t feel that Smith will cut it at 10 in SR
@Karl (Comment 119) : We can always steal another player from WP – Stander is actually a pretty solid flyhalf
Sarugbymag reports that Paul Jordaan given early release from La Rochelle, seems he misses South Africa and has fitness/medical issues, hence the early release. I have good memories of his time in Plum’s Sharks…hope he doesn’t end up playing for the stormers or other rinky dink outfit.
@Karl (Comment 119) : They must be working on it now. I’ve always liked the idea of a French recruit, someone like Michalak.
@SeanJeff (Comment 121) : Purchase! But where do you play him? Centre? Full. Wing? Full. I’ve always rated him very highly though!
@Bokhoring (Comment 120) : From the little I’ve seen of him, he doesn’t seem bad, but how good can he be if he can’t consistently keep the 10 jersey away from du Plessis?
@Karl (Comment 124) : Nowadays he seems to start more often than Du Plessis. I think Du Plessis is trading more on his name value than anything else.
Stander is no Dan Carter but he is a solid player that does the basics well
Saw about Paul Jordaan being available but to be honest in Ward we have probably the second best 13 in the country playing behind the best so there isnt space.
We are buggered at 10 we have no depth and will be down to just one quality 10 next season unless we buy someone. There is also a chance Bosch leaves and then its none.
@Byron Wright (Comment 126) : Maybe Tollie would fancy a move to 10
@Karl (Comment 127) : He played 10 in the under 21’s for the sharks if I recall
@Karl (Comment 127) : He would make a good 15 as well. Could be worthwhile as a utility back.
@jdolivier (Comment 128) : He even filled in at 10 in some senior games too.