THE MIDWEEK VIDEO: JUNIOR WORLD CUP PROMO



The IRB Junior rugby world cup will kick off next week in beautiful Stellenbosch and Cape Town in South Africa. This tournament has become a firm favourite on the rugby calendar and its certainly no surprise why. Fantastic rugby played by future greats filled with plenty passion provides all the ingredients for a spectacular event. And 2012 will not disappoint.

Sit back and enjoy: The Midweek Video  



BENS BOKS FOR ENGLAND

The English are coming to town and the big question at the moment is which 15 players will don the green and gold. I anticipate that the English approach will be that of a physical nature with the ball being given little air unless it’s off the boot. Whilst England did win 4 of their 5 Six Nations games, they were largely uninspiring and were only able to scrape past teams like Scotland and Italy. Coach Stuart Lancaster will adopt a low risk approach which I imagine will be forward based, with numerous pick-and-goes and crash balls.

With this in mind I have picked a Springbok side based on 2 principles – aggression and combinations. The Boks will need to man up physically against the English assault and as such players like Eben Etzebeth and Willem Albert are key in this regard. Dominate up front and the series will be won comfortable. With so little time to gel as a side, the Boks will best be served by established combinations, and as such I have chosen the Sharks’ front row, Stormers’ lock and centre pairings and Bulls’ half backs. With just 1 week to prepare (on the back of intense Super Rugby duty) there is no time for experimentation.

My starting 15 are as follows:-

1.            TENDAI ‘BEAST’ MTAWARIRA – Whilst he has only recently returned to Super Rugby, ‘Beast’ is the man to front up the English pack. If he can reproduce his 2009 form against the British and Irish Lions, he’ll give the Boks a great platform at scrum time.

2.            BISMARCK DU PLESSIS – Arguably the world’s best hooker, Bissie is set to make the Bok number 2 his own. He has the perfect balance of aggression and agility and his role as a fourth loose forward cannot be underestimated. He can mix it up in the trenches as well as carry the ball well and this all-round ability is what sets him apart.

3.            JANNIE DU PLESSIS – Going into a 3 match series with just a week to gel it is vital to keep combinations together. Du Plessis must join Bissie and Beast to keep a settled front row together.

4.            EBEN ETZEBETH – Sticking to combinations and producing an aggressive pack means that Etzebeth gets his first Bok cap. This player is truly a phenomenon whose abrasive play has seen him lead the Stormers this year. If it’s aggression the English want, it’s aggression they’ll get from this man.

5.            ANDRIES BEKKER – The natural successor to Victor Matfield as the Bok’s line-out specialist, Bekker will now take over the mantle. His massive 2.08 metre height combined with intelligent line-out play make him indispensable in Matfield’s absence. His combination with Etzebeth has been as much a joy to watch for the Stormers as it will be for the Boks.

6.            HEINRICH BRUSSOW – Even if all the flanks in South Africa were fully fit, Brussow would still make the side. He has an incredible ability to turn over ball in an era where this has become increasingly more difficult. He is crucial to the Boks in loose play and wont shy away from the physical confrontations.

7.            WILLEM ALBERTS – in order to counter-balance Brussow’s smaller frame and role as a fetcher, the Boks need an enforcer like Alberts. Although not at his best this year, he has been immense for the Boks and has turned games when he has been introduced off the bench. He will provide the big hits and strong ball carries that will see the English going backwards.

8.            PIERRE SPIES – the Bulls’ captain seems to have found some form of late and is a worthy 8^th man. His pace around the park is impressive and his ball carrying has been great for the Bulls. If provided good go-forward ball in space he can devastate the tourists.

9.            FRANSCOIS HOUGAARD – Another player who’s time to shine has come. Having sat second fiddle to Fourie Du Preez, he will not lack motivation. He too adds a physical edge that no other South African scrumhalves have at the moment. Not only can he rumble it on defence, but he contains that ‘X’ factor with the ability to break open tight games.

10.          MORNE STEYN – With Johan Goosen injured and the Boks needing experience, Steyn is the man. He has been good for the Bulls this year and as always his kicking is top notch. His educated boot will dictate play and turn the English pack around.

11.          LWAZI MVOVO – What a season he is having for the Sharks! His 6 tries prove his finishing prowess and his ability to turn defensive situations into attack is an asset. He is also part of the new generation and needs an opportunity at test level to show his true value.

12.          JEAN DE JONGH – In sticking with a philosophy of combinations for this test series, De Jongh must partner Jean De Villiers in the midfield. Whilst the Stormers’ backline has failed to fire, De Jong has been a consistent player who has played well and provided good go-forward ball.

13.          JEAN DE VILLIERS – De Villiers will be the leader in the back line now and his experience will be critical. With no Jaque Fourie, De Villiers will be entrusted to organise and orchestrate the back line on both attack and defence, a role he can cover no doubt.

14.          GIO APLON – The pocket rocket is a true game breaker, which will be so valuable. He can be the catalyst in attack and his unpredictability is a major asset to any team.

15.          PAT LAMBIE – Lambie has been exceptional at 10 for the Sharks this year, and his form can easily be utilised at 15. His cool nature will assist under pressure whilst his boot can relieve a lot of pressure from the back. Best of all he can alternate with Steyn on attack to mix things up.               

THE MIDWEEK VIDEO: BOKS V ENGLAND DROP GOAL BRILLIANCE!

With the English tour to South Africa fast approaching, it is great to look at some classic moments between the 2 nations. There is no doubt that the 1999 Rugby World Cup quarter final was a beaut from a Bok point of view. Jannie De Beer sank 5 tremendous drop kicks to kill off any chance of an upset. The Boks ran out 44 – 21 winners and progressed to the semi-final to face Australia.

Sit back and enjoy: The Midweek Video    

STORMERS AND BULL BRUTALITY BODES WELL FOR BOKS

The ruthless manner in which players from the Stormers and Bulls approach the game is set to assist the Boks in the upcoming series with the English.   

Whilst the Bulls were unable to topple the Highlanders this past weekend, the ferocity with which they played was immense. There are not many teams who could have withstood the physicality of the men from Pretoria besides the Highlanders. It was also a game that could have gone either way and was an absolute joy to watch.

The Stormers were able to win their battle this weekend against the Waratahs. Once again the Stormers will be criticised for their inability to create and score tries, but I would like to focus on the intensity with which they play. They are extremely effective in all facets of the game with solid set-pieces and a strong defensive system. They may not score lots of tries, but they are a very tough team to beat.

The biggest benefit to South African rugby of these 2 teams is the aggression with which they play. They tear into teams with massive hits and ruthless rucking. Heyneke Meyer must be drooling at the thought of his troops ripping into the English. On the other side the English must be scratching their heads trying to devise a way to stop the Boks from bashing them into surrender.

Of course sheer aggression and physicality is not enough to win test matches, but it certainly goes a long way. South Africans can be excited by the prospect of the visiting English as a new era for Bok rugby dawns. If Meyer can combine this brutal approach with smart tactical ability, the new generation may be as successful as their predecessors

THE MIDWEEK VIDEO: SAD DAY FOR SCHOOL BOY RUGBY

This past weekend saw 2 of South Africa's top rugby schools go head to head. Hoerskool Kempton High (ranked 21 in SA) hosted Hoerskool Dr EG Jansen (ranked 27) in a massive clash. Kempton Park would go on to win the game, but sadly the reaction from the EG Jansen coaching staff is how this game will be remembered.

After the final whistle the EG Jansen coaching staff surround the referee and seem to have a go at him, but one member of the coaching staff (although not an official coach but rather a consultant) comes up behind the referee and shoulder charges him. Whilst there is no injury, the action is reprehensible. Sure school boy rugby is intense and passionate, and perhaps the refereeing was not up to scratch, but it does not give rise to such conduct. What kind of example does this set for the boys themselves?

Sit back and enjoy: The Midweek Video

LIONS ONLY HAVE THEMSELVES TO BLAME

As a Lions fan it pains me to write this, but sadly the union has left me no choice. Whilst the obvious failings of SARU come to mind, the Lions can only look at themselves when faced with the prospect of relegation from Super Rugby.

It was announced last week that the last place South African side in this year’s tournament would in all probability be relegated. With the Lions comfortably rooted at the foot of the table, it will be them who get the chop. But how did it all go so horribly wrong for the team? A team boasting plenty Springboks in the side and millions in the bank in the mid-nineties has become a laughing stock.

The Lions have produced some wonderful talent over the years, but sadly these players utilise their trade all over the world. Here are a few players who were once Lions:-

Schalk Brits, Brian Habana, Jaque Fourie, Brian Mujati, Willem Alberts, Jean Deysel, Anton Van Zyl, Louis Ludik, Ernst Joubert and Jano Vermaak.

It could be a different story altogether if John Mitchell had these players at his disposal. However, players have regularly departed the Lion’s den and one can only surmise that the union simply does not look after their players as other unions do. The Bulls have created a family type atmosphere where the players are like brothers. At the Lions the players look out for themselves and are ready to jump ship at the hint of another opportunity. Can you blame them?

As the number one component to any team, the players are paramount. Look after them and they will in turn give everything for the team. Sadly the Lions management has let the entire team and province down. The glory days of the past appear a fading memory and whilst the Lions restored some belief with a 2011 Currie Cup title, it is a fleeting light on an otherwise dark last decade. Mitchell is a great coach, but his task has become near impossible with second rate players and amateur administrators.

Whether the Southern Kings will be competitive or not is academic. They will play in the 2013 Super Rugby competition and as it stands they will be there ahead of the Lions. If Lions fans hope to see Super Rugby at Coca-Cola Park next year, they better start praying for the Cats to return.   

THIS WEEKEND’S BEST SUPER RUGBY MATCHUP’S

With a number of crucial games lined up for this weekend, these key match-ups may have a huge bearing on results. Watch out for these great battles this weekend:-

LUKE BRAID (BLUES) V JOSHUA STRAUSS (LIONS)

This matchup has nothing to do with the player’s ability but rather all to do with their leadership. In a game between the basement boys, the winner may come down to who can lead and inspire their troops better. Both captains have had a huge amount of criticism to deal with and both can keep the press at bay with a long overdue victory.

FRANSCOIS HOUGAARD (BULLS) V SAREL PRETORIUS (WARATAHS)

Arguably the 2 best South African scrumhalves at present will battle it out in this one. Whilst it’s unsure if Pretorius will be considered for the Springboks, he will want to prove himself worthy of wearing the Bok number 9. There is no doubt that Bok coach Heyneke Meyer will have a key eye on this clash with the England series fast approaching. Adding fuel to the fire is Fourie Du Preez’s announcement that he is available for Bok selection. The Waratahs may have come off a loss last week, but they cannot be discounted. They’ll be up for it for sure, and so will their number 9.

ADAM THOMPSON (HIGHLANDERS) V VICTOR VITO (HURRICANES)

These two loose forwards are in great form and their upcoming clash is mouth-watering. Both have been impressive all season and this makes for a wonderful encounter. The Highlanders and the Hurricanes rely heavily on these guys and the victor of this battle may determine the winner of the game. Vito is a number 8 and Thompson a flank, but they will get stuck into each other for sure.   

PETER GRANT (STORMERS) V SIAS EBERSOHN (CHEETAHS)

With Johan Goosen out for the rest of the season, Sias Ebersohn is the man entrusted with the Cheetahs number 10 jumper. A talented player no-doubt, he has the weight of Bloemfontein on his shoulders, especially after an average performance last week (v the Force). He now tackles a Stormers stalwart in Peter Grant. Grants form is improving with every game and Ebersohn is in for a hell of a time. If he can dominate Grant, it will boost his confidence and this may just boost his entire team to a win.

There will be many other tremendous tussles this weekend in addition to the ones mentioned above. Super Rugby is reaching the tipping point where the serious contenders will start to pull away from the pretenders. Tune in to see who keeps pace with the leaders and who remains down at the foot of this year’s table.