NS:  Tough game Keegan but you managed to come from behind, and finally get one over on your tour.

KD:  Ya for sure Sharpie, we were unfortunate against the Chiefs and Landers but the boys showed some character to get through in the end.

NS:  Any injury concerns.  I see Coetzee went off at half time?

KD:  No the kid just took a knock and as a precaution we decided that he should sit out the remainder of the game.

NS:  Now reports earlier in the week suggested that there is a huge rift in the camp, claiming you said that there is too much Afrikaans players in a traditional English team.

KD:  Ag Sharpie, in South Africa you get some journo’s that is after sensation that rather pointing out the evidence.  I get on well with my players, as can be seen by some of their social media updates leading up to the game.  I am going to say this, and you can translate later, Beeld, gaan fok jouself….ek is n Suid Afrikaner, not a foreigner so gaan soek kak in die buiteland and los my en my span maats uit. STEK!

Now Afrikanergate in my opinion is a bunch of hogwash.  If there was refutable evidence that Keegan made those remarks, then maybe yes you have a case.  It’s surprising that Beeld is still allowed to run it’s mouth since they are known for publishing stories for the sensation rather then the truth.

So like Daniel would say…a very kind Voetstek from my side will suffice.

Looking at his record, he is the only Manager in history to win the Double for North and South of the English Scottish Border (Manchester and Aberdeen), he is also the most decorated coach in British Football with a total of 49 Major Honors.

He came to Manchester and transformed them into a winning machine, installing a sense of pride, discipline and a will to win.  He has won 13 Premier League Titles in his tenure and has Managed some of the most talented players on earth.  Players like Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, David Beckham, Peter Schmeicel, Eric Cantona, Mark Hughes, Bryan Robson, Paul Ince, Christiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney, Roy Keane, Gordon Strachan, Rio Ferdinand, Edwin Van der Sar and Jaap Stam to name only a handful of players.

His shock retirement came today, and now the hunt will be on for a new manager.  Now many people I know that are Man U haters suggest a downfall in everything, but I need to remind them and the millions of Man U fans that Sir Alex will still be very much involved with the team, not only as an Ambassador but also as Director, and one demand was that he has the final say in who replaces him.

I will follow up with a list of coaches I think that would fit the Man United way, but I get a sneaking suspicion that it is David Moyes of Everton.

Thank you for 26 years of promise, 26 years of victories and a lifetime of Gratitude.

To the best Manager in the World.  You will always be in our hearts.

Sir Alex the true champion

16 players out injured.  That is a hefty toll and must be some sort of record.  Still I feel that the Sharks are only to blame for this themselves.  And we also have this little thing called the Academy, and also a VC team, from which we could pull resources.

I still believe, and I will stand by my point that the amount of rugby our players are subjected to is still way too much.  And if Saru has any integrity, they will try and lesson that burden, but I forgot, they need to focus all their energy on 2015 when the negotiations for the new broadcasting deal is due, to which we will probably pull on the short stick….again.  And this while we pull in the numbers for both competitions.

The Sharks departed on their grueling tour of Australasia with a stop in Waikato against the Chiefs this weekend followed up by a tough encounter against the Highlanders in Dunedin.  The tour concludes after stops in Australia against the Warratahs and Force.

My team for this week would be:

1 JC Janse Van Rensburg

2 Kyle Cooper

3 Jannie

4 Bresler

5 PSDT

6 Daniel

7 Coetzee

8 Mtembu

9 Reinach

10 Lambie

11 Sithole

12 Viljoen

13 Bosman

14 Jordaan

15 Steyn

Ja, it looks like a kak span without big names like Alberts, Bismarck, Beast, Botes, Whitehead, JP, Mvovo and Ludik not there.  I would move Jordaan since he has played Wing for the Baby Boks and bring Viljoen into the midfield.  The good news is that Butch James, Tim Whitehead, Willem Alberts, Beast, JP and Mvovo should be ready when the teams return, that is if everything goes according to plan.  Bissie should be near ready, I honestly think he is, and that the Sharks were instructed by HM to let him play as little as possible…i dunno.

Keep the faith Sharkies.  We may be in a tough spot, but I believe we can win atleast three of the four games, and when we get off the plane again, we should buckle up.

Firstly, they had to put yet another player on their very long injury list, with Jacques Botes suffering a broken arm and possibly ending his involvement in this year’s competition.  The talisman is currently the squads most experienced player, here is hoping he will break his Nelson of 111 games.

Secondly, with their injury problems, and the Lions cancelling their tour of the USA, the Sharks has requested the services of two players with Super Rugby experience, Jaco Kriel, a promising loosie and Andries Coetzee, a talented fullback, capable of covering a few positions in the back line.  Both players will most probably be included in their Tour Squad.

Thirdly, news from the Mercury reported that the Sharks are lining up a new CEO.  According to reports, Brian Le Roux, current CEO of the Union and the last one for nearly 20 years is set to retire Feb 2014.  The Sharks are now lining up John Smit, former Sharks and Springbok captain.  The 35 year old who is currently playing for Saracens before ending off his career at Toulon next year, has been approached by the Sharks and they in turn have already held negotiations with the French club to have him released earlier from his contract.  Smit would be a great asset for the club, and hopefully see the Union move in the right directions.  Many people tends to see this move as bold but also very positive.

And lastly, the Sharks team for this weekend’s crucial match between them and the Stormers at Newlands have been announced.  The only changes in the team would be the inclusion of Kankowski at Blind Side Flanker in place of Jacques Botes, Keegan Daniel moving to openside and Marcell Coetzee at Eightman.  The only surprise at that in the back line would be the inclusion of young and talented Sean Robinson at wing in the place of Sbura Sithole who came on as a sub, but had a horrible time.  Ndungane move to the bench and the welcome return of Jean Deysel will boost the bench.

Sharks:

15. Francois Steyn, 14. Sean Robinson, 13. Paul Jordaan, 12. Meyer Bosman, 11. JP Pietersen, 10. Patrick Lambie, 9. Cobus Reinach, 8. Keegan Daniel (captain), 7. Ryan Kankowski, 6. Marcell Coetzee, 5. Franco van der Merwe, 4. Pieter-Steph du Toit, 3. Jannie du Plessis, 2. Kyle Cooper, 1. Tendai Mtawarira

Substitutes: 16. Craig Burden, 17. Wiehahn Herbst, 18. Anton Bresler, 19. Jean Deysel, 20. Charl McLeod, 21. Riaan Viljoen,  22. Odwa Ndungane

This will be an interesting game.  And I expect a hostile reception at Newlands, just hoping that it will atleast be without the violence that occurred at the Crusaders game.  I will be in attendance, sporting my kit, my cap, and my heart.  Sharks will have their backs against the wall for one reason only, crowd being behind their team, but they have shown that they can win at Newlands, so I will back them for this on Superbru.

Cheers!

Now….maybe someone can hook a die hard Sharks fan up with a photo opp before or after the game.

The Sharks came from behind to beat the Crusaders on Friday.  Lambie kicked 7 penalties on the night for a 100% record.  What impressed me about it was the accuracy, and one can see that the extra work he has put in is paying off.

On the worrying front though, with Ludik confirmed out for 3 months, Botes for 2 months and Odwa for atleast a week, the Sharks suddenly look thin.  And with the likes of Tim Whitehead, Dale Chadwick, Bissie, Alberts, Deysel also out, the team has to once again raid their age group teams to come up with the goods.

How bad could it be?

Well firstly I would bring in 4 players from the VC side.  Firstly to cover the bench, we would need two loosies, so Kleynhans and Mtembu can cover 5-8.  For the backline we can bring in Gouws Prinsloo who can cover from 10-15 and my surprise inclusion, Fred Zeilanga.  The kid is class, and he is quickly making a name for himself.

The probable side John Plumtree will field will be:

1 Beast

2 Cooper

3 Jannie

4 PS Du Toit

5 Van der Merwe

6 Daniel

7 Coetzee

8 Kankowski

9 Reinach

10 Lambie

11 JPP

12 Bosman

13 Jordaan

14 Viljoen

15 Steyn

I think the coach will hope that Viljoen does what he did so well against the same opposition during the Semi Final last year.  He was just playing at Full back, but I do think he can easily make the switch to wing.  Sithole can cover the wing from the bench.  I don’t know whether he will bring in Kleynhans, who I believe to be a great player.

The next two weeks will now be even more crucial for the Sharks.  With such an amount of injuries to key players, the time has come for the reserves to hold up their hands and make themselves count.  I think we can still take this game, the Stormers are struggling, mentally, they are a mess, after a player that I believe they could have offered a contract last year kicked them to shit on Saturday.

The Sharks record against the Crusaders reads dire.  Only three wins in the history of the competition.  We have gotten ourselves into great situations for the win, but came undone at the end.  This weekend will start what is a very important three weeks before we head off for our tour.  Other years I would have watched our Tour dates and worked out our best chances to win, but I think that Sharks has adopted a new approach, win, and if you die, do so ugly.

The Sharks has started to back their players.  For the first time in a long time I can say with confidence that we have a complete back line.  Even though they are not hitting their form just yet, they will and when they do, expect to see some Champagne rugby, Le Bleus style.  We have a bunch of talented youngsters that have built up an impressive amount of caps for the Union.  Meyer Bosman, even though he started and played his majority of rugby in Free State, is set to make his 100th appearance, and although many regard him as a has been, I still think that he has a lot to offer the union, he was after all my best Currie Cup player last season.

Even though some injuries to key players have halted our progress somewhat in the try scoring department, one can now clearly see the big void left by Biscmark Du Plessis.  The Tank has the ability to dig deep in the toughest trenches and talk the boys out of their slumps.  Willem Alberts is another we missing, as is Wollie and Timmy.  But with the series hitting the halfway mark, we will need them to see us through in the coming months.

So what can we expect tomorrow?

Expect the Crusaders to hold on to that ball.  Forget about Carter, McCaw and Reid that isn’t there and think of the able replacements they have.  The Crusaders know that if they hand the ball to the that they will run at them every chance they get.

Expect cleaner line out ball.  The Crusaders was lucky last weekend, we all know Deon Fourie is not a very good thrower of the ball, and Andries Bekker is a confidence player, not a very good and healthy relationship.  Kyle Cooper has always impressed me.  I am sad that Craig Burden is having such a slump in form, we all know what the boy can do.  And with Peter Steph showing his worth, I think it will only be a matter of time before he is made first choice lock.

The Sharks can score 4 tries.  Yes they can, and they should back themselves like they did against the Rebels.  Even though the Rebels are not the side any team will fear, they was still in the game in the first 25 minutes.  The Sharks themselves need to hold on to that ball for dear life, not try unnecessary passes, 50/50 off loads or dwell without support.

The last thing that shouldn’t happen is the Sharks getting complacent.  Many argue that after a week, some teams lose that spark they had heading into a bye, but the Sharks should not let that get to them.  They will be much fresher, much more focused and should provide us with an entertaining game.

Good Luck to the boys.

Sharks by 6

A few years ago ( round about 2005), my cousin and me went to watch the rugby at Newlands.  Since his blood is WP blue and mine Natal black, and because the Sharks already played at the stadium, we decided to watch the Stormers v Hurricanes.  Off course I wanted a South African Team to win, but the behaviour of the crowd in particular to the All Black fans was disgusting.

A year or so later, the Sharks made their way to Newlands and off course I was in attendance.  To be honest, I have never seen such a bunch sore losers, like they say in Afrikaans, “Baiebek” when they are leading but sour when they lose.

Through the years I have had my fair share of vocal abuse from the Newlands faithful, and even though I can appreciate the rivalry, it is no reason to act like a complete and utter moron.  I decided that I will only attend Sharks games after the Crusaders Semi Final three years ago, to which the Stormers lost.  Take it from me, I know people that support the All Blacks and Crusaders.  I know them, but it is not up to me to judge and tell them who to support, why ain’t I supporting the Stormers some would ask?  Even my sister is a All Black, and have been for over 30 years.  There is absolutely nothing I will say about it, but one thing is clear though, she or the handful of All Blacks I know are not morons.

So coming to my point, the Sharks will be making the trip to Newlands next weekend, and I will most def be in attendance.  So anyone also going?

Thoughts?

Everyone thought that the Rebels should give the Sharks a comfortable victory.  What it shows is that Australian rugby, really cannot afford a 5th nevermind 4th franchise with the Force and Rebels occupying the 12th and 13th position on the combined log.

I thought the Sharks would still make silly errors but they were really great.  Considering that they made a hash up of the previous game against the Brumbies, they came out with full intent.

I watched closely at how instead of just of loading first, they always had a player on their side and if the pass was not on they took it to ground.  Off loading has become a skill all players nowadays want to perfect.  Running with support is the correct way to do this, not only will this give you the option of off loading to the next player but if you take it to ground, you will have a player that can clear out the ruck.

Daniel is showing why he is such a class outfit.

How good is Pieter Steph Du Toit?  Grandson of Piet Spiere Du Toit showed some good signs of promise.  Now it is just up to the Sharks to manage him correctly.  I think for the future he and Etzebeth will be looked at for the Springbok jumpers.

Kyle Cooper had a good game.  The Burly Hooker was a handful and scored a great try, breaking out of the tackle and running in unanswered.

The Sharks enjoy a well deserved bye this weekend.  Looking at the stats, the win against the Rebels gave them a 60 points points difference.  The only other South African team with a positive is the Stormers with 1 point.  This weekend has a few tricky games, game of the weekend will most certainly be the Stormers v Crusaders, the Stormers coming off a good win against the Brumbies will be confident that they can overcome the struggling Crusaders, then again, they are playing at their second home ground.

Till Later

REM

Stoomrol pappie

Snakes:

Jake “The Snake” has once again taken a ordinary team and turned them into a class outfit.  I never said or thought that facing table topping Brumbies would be easy, but what a first half by the men from Canberra.  The Sharks was outplayed, not committing enough players at the breakdown, making silly schoolboy errors when handling the ball and missing tackles, in turn being their own worst enemy.  Look for them to bounce back.  What a yellow card miss by Jonathan Kaplan one can say, since when do we allow players to close line another?  Had it been a Saffa, he would easily have been given 10 minutes and a citing on Monday.  Ah well

Flakes:

I am not referring to Dandruff flakes, but the one some women love indulging, Flake Chocolate has a motto, “One bite and all resistance crumble”  Sound familiar?

Sounds like Johan Goosen, out for another long length of time, probably 6 months in what they call a “freak accident” during training where he slipped and fell injuring his knee.  Goosen will be flown back on Thursday where he will undergo immediate surgery and rehab to correct the problem.  All the best lad!

Trophies:

It’s still way to early to determine a Super Rugby winner.  The trophy I am referring to here is the Barclays Premier League trophy surely now in grasp of Manchester United and Sir Alex Ferguson for the 20th time.  After Manchester City slipped and fell on their bek against Everton, this opened the gap for United to increase their lead to 15 points with 9 games remaining.  United now only need 13 points from the next possible 27 on show, which equates to 4 wins and draw.  They are still due to play City, Chelsea and Arsenal, but those will be home fixtures, as well as a few struggling sides that are still bound for Old Trafford and the wrath of the Stratford End.  To think 20 some years ago when Ferguson promised he would overtake Liverpool that he would now be so close to having 2 more titles under his belt.

GGMU!

Game 1: Highlanders v Hurricanes (08h35 Friday)

Both teams have only recorded one win thusfar.  So both will be very interested in showing some steel for this game.  Always a tricky game to predict but I am going to go with the home team, Landers by 6.

Highlanders: 15 Ben Smith, 14 Kade Poki, 13 Jason Emery, 12 Phil Burleigh, 11 Hosea Gear, 10 Colin Slade, 9 Aaron Smith, 8 Elliot Dixon, 7 John Hardie, 6 Joe Wheeler, 5 Jarrad Hoeata, 4 Brad Thorn, 3 Chris King, 2 Andrew Hore (captain), 1 Tony Woodcock.
Replacements: 16 Brayden Mitchell, 17 Ma’afu Fia, 18 Jake Paringatai, 19 TJ Ioane, 20 Fumiaki Tanaka, 21 Lima Sopoaga, 22 Buxton Popoalii.

Hurricanes: 15 James Marshall, 14 Alapati Leiua, 13 Conrad Smith (captain), 12 Tim Bateman, 11 Julian Savea, 10 Beauden Barrett, 9 TJ Perenara, 8 Victor Vito, 7 Karl Lowe, 6 Brad Shields, 5 Jason Eaton, 4 Jeremy Thrush, 3 Ben May, 2 Dane Coles, 1 Ben Franks.
Replacements: 16 Motu Matu’u/Ash Dixon, 17 Reggie Goodes/Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, 18 James Broadhurst, 19 Faifili Levave, 20 Chris Smylie, 21 Tusi Pisi, 22 Andre Taylor.

Game 2: Warratahs v Cheetahs (10h40 Friday)

Many is saying that the Cheetahs normally don’t string together two good performances in a row, but I feel that they are able to do that.  They have set themselves a good platform to get their second win on their Tour, against a Warratahs side that has not impressed me thus far.  Will be close, Cheetahs to win by 5

Waratahs: 15 Israel Folau, 14 Lachie Turner, 13 Adam Ashley-Cooper, 12 Berrick Barnes, 11 Peter Betham, 10 Bernard Foley, 9 Brendan McKibbin, 8 Pat McCutcheon, 7 Michael Hooper, 6 Dave Dennis (captain), 5 Kane Douglas, 4 Sitaleki Timani, 3 Paddy Ryan, 2 John Ulugia, 1 Benn Robinson.
Replacements: 16 Luke Holmes, 17 Jeremy Tilse, 18 Mitchell Chapman, 19 Lopeti Timani, 20 Matt Lucas, 21 Ben Volavola, 22 Rob Horne.

Cheetahs: 15 Hennie Daniller, 14 Willie le Roux, 13 Johan Sadie, 2 Robert Ebersohn, 11 Raymond Rhule, 10 Johan Goosen, 9 Sarel Pretorius, 8 Phillip van der Walt, 7 Pieter Labuschagne, 6 Frans Viljoen, 5 Francois Uys, 4 Lodewyk de Jager, 3 Lourens Adriaanse, 2 Adriaan Strauss (captain), 1 Trevor Nyakane.
Replacements: 16 Ryno Barnes, 17 Coenie Oosthuisen, 18 Rynhard Landman, 19 Heinrich Brüssow, 20 Piet van Zyl, 21 Riaan Smit, 22 Ryno Benjamin.

Game 3: Southern Kings v Chiefs (19h10 Friday)

I am sorry, but even though the Sharks was not at their best, neither was Jason Jafhta.  I have never seen a ref so out of his depth since Bryce Lawrence blew us away in the Quarters in 2011.  The Kings one can say has a solid defense, but the Chiefs will be licking their wounds and look to put a few through the men of PE.Chiefs by 11

Southern Kings: 15 SP Marais, 14 Marcello Sampson, 13 Ronnie Cooke, 12 Andries Strauss, 11 Sergeal Petersen, 10 Demetri Catrakilis, 9 Shaun Venter, 8 Jacques Engelbrecht, 7 Wimpie van der Walt, 6 Cornell du Preez, 5 Darron Nell (captain), 4 Steven Sykes, 3 Kevin Buys, 2 Bandise Maku, 1 Schalk Ferreira.
Replacements: 16 Edgar Marutlulle, 17 Jaco Engels, 18 David Bulbring, 19 Daniel Adongo, 20 Nicolas Vergallo, 21 George Whitehead, 22 Hadleigh Parkes.

Chiefs: 15 Gareth Anscombe, 14 Lelia Masaga, 13 Tim Nanai-Williams, 12 Andrew Horrell, 11 Asaeli Tikoirotuma, 10 Aaron Cruden, 9 Tawera Kerr-Barlow, 8 Ross Filipo, 7 Tanerau Latimer 6 Liam Messam, 5 Michael Fitzgerald, 4 Craig Clarke (captain), 3 Ben Afeaki, 2 Hika Elliot, 1 Pauliasi Manu.
Replacements: 16 Rhys Marshall, 17 Pauliasi Manu, 18 Brodie Retallick, 19 Sam Cane, 20 Augustine Pulu, 21 Charlie Ngatai, 22 Patrick Osborne.

Game 4: Crusaders v Bulls (08h35 Saturday)

Tough one to call.  No one gave the Bulls a chance against a impressive Blues outfit but they prevailed.  My heart is saying that the Crusaders will finally come good, but the Bulls are on a roll second to none, if they can keep it tight they will pull one over this hurting Crusaders side.  Bulls by 3

Crusaders: 15 Israel Dagg, 14 Tom Marshall, 13 Robbie Fruean, 12 Ryan Crotty, 11 Johnny McNicholl, 10 Dan Carter, 9 Andy Ellis, 8 Kieran Read (captain), 7 Matt Todd, 6 George Whitelock, 5 Dominic Bird, 4 Samuel Whitelock, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Corey Flynn, 1 Wyatt Crockett.
Replacements: 16 Ben Funnell, 17 Joe Moody, 18 Tom Donnelly, 19 Luke Whitelock, 20 Willi Heinz, 21 Tyler Bleyendaal, 22 Adam Whitelock.

Bulls: 15 Zane Kirchner, 14 Akona Ndungane, 13 JJ Engelbrecht, 12 Wynand Olivier, 11 Jürgen Visser, 10 Morné Steyn, 9 Jano Vermaak, 8 Pierre Spies (captain), 7 Arno Botha, 6 Deon Stegmann, 5 Juandrè Kruger, 4 Flip van der Merwe, 3 Frik Kirsten, 2 Willie Wepener, 1 Morné Mellett.
Replacements: 16 Chiliboy Ralepelle, 17 Werner Kruger, 18 Grant Hattingh, 19 Jacques Potgieter, 20 Francois Hougaard, 21 Louis Fouché, 22 Jan Serfontein.

Game 5: Reds v Force (10h40 Saturday)

What will surely be yet another boring Australian derby, the Reds will prove to be too strong for a struggling boring Force side.  I wonder how long we have to be happy with this drivel…Reds by 12

Reds: 15 Jono Lance, 14 Luke Morahan, 13 Anthony Faingaa, 12 Ben Tapuai, 11 Chris Feauai-Sautia, 10 Quade Cooper, 9 Will Genia (captain), 8 Jake Schatz, 7 Liam Gill, 6 Eddie Quirk, 5 Rob Simmons, 4 Ed O’Donoghue, 3 James Slipper, 2 Saia Faingaa, 1 Greg Holmes.
Replacements: 16 James Hanson, 17 Albert Anae, 18 Adam Wallace-Harrison, 19 Jarrad Butler, 20 Nick Frisby, 21 Mike Harris, 22 Aidan Toua.

Force: TBA

Game 6: Sharks v Brumbies (17h00 Friday)

What will surely be the game of the weekend, the Sharks face a tough test against a side improving by the week.  Surely one can see the genius that is Jake “The Snake” White.  He has taken a ordinary team and turned them into a great team.  The Sharks will hope that they get off to a flying start, scoring some tries we know they can score.  They will also be hoping the humidity will aid them because in March, Durban is hell hot.  Sharks to edge it in a close contest by 6

Sharks: 15 Louis Ludik, 14 Odwa Ndungane, 13 Paul Jordaan, 12 Francois Steyn, 11 JP Pietersen, 10 Patrick Lambie, 9 Charl McLeod, 8 Ryan Kankowski, 7 Keegan Daniel (captain), 6 Marcell Coetzee, 5 Franco van der Merwe, 4 Anton Bresler, 3 Jannie du Plessis, 2 Craig Burden, 1 Tendai Mtawarira.
Replacements: 16 Kyle Cooper, 17 Wiehahn Herbst, 18 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 19 Jacques Botes, 20 Cobus Reinach, 21 Meyer Bosman, 22 Lwazi Mvovo.

Brumbies: 15 Jesse Mogg, 14 Henry Speight, 13 Tevita Kuridrani, 12 Christian Lealiifano, 11 Joe Tomane, 10 Matt Toomua, 9 Nic White, 8 Fotu Auelua, 7 George Smith, 6 Ben Mowen (captain), 5 Sam Carter, 4 Peter Kimlin, 3 Ben Alexander, 2 Stephen Moore, 1 Scott Sio.
Replacements: 16 Siliva Siliva, 17 Ruaidhri Murphy, 18 Scott Fardy, 19 Colby Faingaa, 20 Ian Prior, 21 Robbie Coleman, 22 Clyde Rathbone.

Enjoy