Official United Rugby Championship thread

[Sards]

I am sure a victory against the Saffers is a great feeling as much as a victory for us against the top NH sides

[OomStruisbaai]

Interesting comment from Smith that the northern teams learned last year that they needed to step up the physicality and some have done so, or are at least making progress.

It's an insight into the way that SA teams view the contest; but riddle me this: What NH team this weekend facing a SA team, will say to themselves; "I wish we had their half-backs ?"

The Saffas have an embarassment of riches in the pack, & loads of speed in the back three; but they've fuck all in those critical link positions, & so they rely on overpowering teams in the forwards, & giving their limited HBs an armchair ride, or just playing meathead ball to the win.

Lions were really entertaining today, because they managed to get the ball to those talented speedsters, with some lovely passing; but Leinster didn't get into the down & dirty forwards tustle, so they won they battle, in a cracking game.

That's a fair point, especially the 10s. I can't think of one from the SA teams I would take at Edinburgh, even though our own options there are hardly perfect.

I guess there isn't much incentive to change plan A when it seems to be working, although in the playoffs last year and many of the victories so far this season, the margins have been quite small. A few different penalty kicks here and there and the SA teams would be looking much less successful.

The Stormers have richest in 10/12/15s . Yesterday was the unearth of Sacha Mngomezulu. Then we still have Kade Wolhuter playing WP u21. Stormers 12s are more use as a distributor compare to the Springboks and others dumb bashing 12s.

[assfly]

What to do about the Sharks. Look. Where will you ever get a more perfect kicking game like Leinster pulled off last night again. We just did not Cope. Yes Fassi is a poor tackler but would I give up watching that thorough bred stallion in full flight. No chance. They must fix it. And Abrahams just too small against those kicks. Nah. He is class. Rohan really was asleep this past weekend. Looks like he will be able to sleep in for a couple of games. Where to from here.
Well. Our backline will look a lot different with Am and Mapimpi. Although it will be very short term with the NH tour looming so any fix should exclude them. Something to think hard about because teams have seen what Leinster did and will try the same.
Will be good to have Ox back.
Boeta really isn't stepping up. His place kicking is poor. Compare him to Sexton and you get my meaning. But we have quality coming back from injury. I am loving their backline play and you can see a difference. Maybe Powell.
Look. Leinster were freaks last night. I doubt any team could repeat such a performance.

Sharks need to sort out their defense. Was kak in the last three games

I think the $harks can hold their heads high. Defence is a lot easier to fix than attack. Our backline tries were outstanding, I though our 10-12-13 axis did very well to unleash our wings and fullback. That is not something I have seen from us in a long time. Our pack looked good too, that's the best game from Richardson I've seen.

That was a world class Leinster team. They have vokken B&I Lions on their bench ffs, we had kids coming on.

I'll happily take 2 from 3 from tour without our Boks.

[Sards]

It's an insight into the way that SA teams view the contest; but riddle me this: What NH team this weekend facing a SA team, will say to themselves; "I wish we had their half-backs ?"

The Saffas have an embarassment of riches in the pack, & loads of speed in the back three; but they've fuck all in those critical link positions, & so they rely on overpowering teams in the forwards, & giving their limited HBs an armchair ride, or just playing meathead ball to the win.

Lions were really entertaining today, because they managed to get the ball to those talented speedsters, with some lovely passing; but Leinster didn't get into the down & dirty forwards tustle, so they won they battle, in a cracking game.

That's a fair point, especially the 10s. I can't think of one from the SA teams I would take at Edinburgh, even though our own options there are hardly perfect.

I guess there isn't much incentive to change plan A when it seems to be working, although in the playoffs last year and many of the victories so far this season, the margins have been quite small. A few different penalty kicks here and there and the SA teams would be looking much less successful.

The Stormers have richest in 10/12/15s . Yesterday was the unearth of Sacha Mngomezulu. Then we still have Kade Wolhuter playing WP u21. Stormers 12s are more use as a distributor compare to the Springboks and others dumb bashing 12s.

Yet we cannot get the ball to the wings at Springboks level

[Sards]

Sharks need to sort out their defense. Was kak in the last three games

I think the $harks can hold their heads high. Defence is a lot easier to fix than attack. Our backline tries were outstanding, I though our 10-12-13 axis did very well to unleash our wings and fullback. That is not something I have seen from us in a long time. Our pack looked good too, that's the best game from Richardson I've seen.

That was a world class Leinster team. They have vokken B&I Lions on their bench ffs, we had kids coming on.

I'll happily take 2 from 3 from tour without our Boks.

Yoh. Leinster really executed well yesterday. Any team in the world would have struggled against that execution. It's tough to play against a team where every kick goes to hand and such exciting finishers. So I think our boys can really hold their heads up high for getting the bonus point for tries scored and 2 to the wings and 2 to the fullback which means the ball is traveling along the backline.

[assfly]

Ja. The $harks have traditionally played better against the stronger teams, like the way we used to against the kiwi teams.

I hope this match is the beginning of a URC rivalry.

[Sards]

Ja. The $harks have traditionally played better against the stronger teams, like the way we used to against the kiwi teams.

I hope this match is the beginning of a URC rivalry.

Fully. We had an awesome rivalry with the Kiwi sides. Particularly the Crusaders. Not many sides beat them at home. I can feel a rivalry developing with Leinster. I don't think it will go as well next time.....for Leinster

And I fully support the decision to not play the boks if they are not going to be there for most of the tournament. Develop the rest. We still have some good players coming back from Injury. Lionel will make a huge difference. And kick better than Boeta.

[OomStruisbaai]

That's a fair point, especially the 10s. I can't think of one from the SA teams I would take at Edinburgh, even though our own options there are hardly perfect.

I guess there isn't much incentive to change plan A when it seems to be working, although in the playoffs last year and many of the victories so far this season, the margins have been quite small. A few different penalty kicks here and there and the SA teams would be looking much less successful.

The Stormers have richest in 10/12/15s . Yesterday was the unearth of Sacha Mngomezulu. Then we still have Kade Wolhuter playing WP u21. Stormers 12s are more use as a distributor compare to the Springboks and others dumb bashing 12s.

Yet we cannot get the ball to the wings at Springboks level

Yep when we beat the Wallabies in Australia we had a decent 10.

[Chilli]

Perhaps the $harks should be happy with Boeta at 10. Finally your sexy backline is working. Bring Am back at 13 and play RJVR at 12. Mampimpi on the wing instead of the midget.
Rather look to poach, sorry I mean recruit, a 15 who can kick for posts.

One Bongi, Etzebeth and Kolisi and to a lesser extent Ox are playing this will be a hard team to beat.

[Sards]

Perhaps the $harks should be happy with Boeta at 10. Finally your sexy backline is working. Bring Am back at 13 and play RJVR at 12. Mampimpi on the wing instead of the midget.
Rather look to poach, sorry I mean recruit, a 15 who can kick for posts.

One Bongi, Etzebeth and Kolisi and to a lesser extent Ox are playing this will be a hard team to beat.

Let's be honest. Our boks won't be back till Dec or January

[fishfoodie]

Benetton are destroying Dragons in the last match of the weekend, 34-14 with a few minutes to go

It doesn't look like there's be any great improvement in the Welsh sides, which I suppose wasn't likely with the state of their finances

[fishfoodie]

I love him. I love that he cares so much. Rugby will be that little bit less for his retirement in this neck of the woods

To be fair you can be that competitive and not be a knob about it.

See Wilkinson

He's not a know and he is the captain. Wilkinson could concentrate on his primary role which was looking dreamy

It's disgusting when an English man is decent, talented, & likeable. There should be some kind of rule against it !

[robmatic]

Benetton are destroying Dragons in the last match of the weekend, 34-14 with a few minutes to go

It doesn't look like there's be any great improvement in the Welsh sides, which I suppose wasn't likely with the state of their finances

Benetton are a decent outfit when they have all their players, I'm not surprised to see them putting away the Welsh teams at home.

[fishfoodie]

Benetton are destroying Dragons in the last match of the weekend, 34-14 with a few minutes to go

It doesn't look like there's be any great improvement in the Welsh sides, which I suppose wasn't likely with the state of their finances

Benetton are a decent outfit when they have all their players, I'm not surprised to see them putting away the Welsh teams at home.

This last couple of years there's definately been a marked improvement in their performances, & I don't know if it is a reflection of the improvement in the U20, & senior International performances, or vice versa, but it's great to see, & adds to the spice in the URC

[PCPhil]

To be fair you can be that competitive and not be a knob about it.

See Wilkinson

He's not a know and he is the captain. Wilkinson could concentrate on his primary role which was looking dreamy

It's disgusting when an English man is decent, talented, & likeable. There should be some kind of rule against it !

It’s a cross I have to bear.

[PCPhil]

A short message.
Dear Celts, get your sh1t together.

Thank you.

Anyway. Glad they took my advice on board.

[Slick]

He's not a know and he is the captain. Wilkinson could concentrate on his primary role which was looking dreamy

It's disgusting when an English man is decent, talented, & likeable. There should be some kind of rule against it !

It’s a cross I have to bear.

well done!

[fishfoodie]

He's not a know and he is the captain. Wilkinson could concentrate on his primary role which was looking dreamy

It's disgusting when an English man is decent, talented, & likeable. There should be some kind of rule against it !

It’s a cross I have to bear.

Damn .... I forgot Modest

[LoveOfTheGame]

Both are in for a bit of a hiding, I think.

I don't know. Both teams seem to always lift against tough opposition. I certainly wouldn't bet against either.

You really aren't picking it lately LOTG

I'll take it on the chin. The Lions had no business winning against Embra at home, so well done to them. Really enjoyed the Sharks game too. My son's a Sharks supporter (no amount of electro therapy, exorcisms or forced child labour in China could change him) and I must admit there was a moment on Saturday where we thought the Sharkies could pull one out of the bag. Was an entertaining game to watch, pity Leinster ran away with it towards the end.

[Sards]

I don't know. Both teams seem to always lift against tough opposition. I certainly wouldn't bet against either.

You really aren't picking it lately LOTG

I'll take it on the chin. The Lions had no business winning against Embra at home, so well done to them. Really enjoyed the Sharks game too. My son's a Sharks supporter (no amount of electro therapy, exorcisms or forced child labour in China could change him) and I must admit there was a moment on Saturday where we thought the Sharkies could pull one out of the bag. Was an entertaining game to watch, pity Leinster ran away with it towards the end.

That Sharks game was like 2 heavy weights exchanging blows. Sharks just didn't have the stamina and those cross kicks were too good

[OomStruisbaai]

Friday, 14 October 2022
20:35 SAST (18:35 GMT) Ospreys v Stormers
Swansea.com Stadium

20:35 SAST (18:35 GMT) Connacht v Leinster
The Sportsground, TBC

Saturday, 15 October 2022
14:00 SAST (12:00 GMT) Lions v Ulster
Emirates Airlines Park, Johannesburg

16:05 SAST (14:05 GMT) Sharks v Glasgow Warriors
Hollywoodbets Kings Park, Durban

18:15 SAST (16:15 GMT) Edinburgh v Benetton Rugby
The DAM Health Stadium

18:15 SAST (16:15 GMT) Cardiff Rugby v Dragons
Cardiff Arms Park, TBC

20:35 SAST (18:35 GMT) Munster v Bulls
Thomond Park

20:35 SAST (18:35 GMT) Scarlets v Zebre
Parc y Scarlets

[OomStruisbaai]

The URC have more matches then Soup had? Many matches at the same time.

[_Os_]

Perhaps the $harks should be happy with Boeta at 10. Finally your sexy backline is working. Bring Am back at 13 and play RJVR at 12. Mampimpi on the wing instead of the midget.
Rather look to poach, sorry I mean recruit, a 15 who can kick for posts.

One Bongi, Etzebeth and Kolisi and to a lesser extent Ox are playing this will be a hard team to beat.

Got to admit I would be disappointed if they didn't do well. Adding that many players will be a disruption though.

They would be going a lot better now if they had 1 or 2 more really physically dominant players in the mix at lock/backrow. Need some more go forward carrying/tackling/ruck.

[OomStruisbaai]

Again tough matches this weekend for Saffer teams. Glasgow and Ulster and Munster tough teams to beat. Ospreys was good against the Lions. The Stormers playing without their Boks is far from their best XV. Will be a real test for their depth.

[OomStruisbaai]

Surely the Sharks will select their Springboks at home.

[Sards]

Surely the Sharks will select their Springboks at home.

Don't have to. It will be too disruptive. They will be available fir thr Heineken cup in December

[OomStruisbaai]

Surely the Sharks will select their Springboks at home.

Don't have to. It will be too disruptive. They will be available fir thr Heineken cup in December

Ja sure. Will be disruptive if Ulster or Glasgow beat them.

[PornDog]

Why aren't all of the Boks available now anyway. TRC is finished and the next Internationals aren't until next month. Surely they could all fit in at least 2-3 weeks worth of URC before the Autumn Intl break.

[LoveOfTheGame]

Why aren't all of the Boks available now anyway. TRC is finished and the next Internationals aren't until next month. Surely they could all fit in at least 2-3 weeks worth of URC before the Autumn Intl break.

Some of the Boks have been playing non-stop rugby since the series against Wales. They'll be going into camp in a couple of weeks' time for the NH tour anyway. They needed a rest.

[Sards]

Surely the Sharks will select their Springboks at home.

Don't have to. It will be too disruptive. They will be available fir thr Heineken cup in December

Ja sure. Will be disruptive if Ulster or Glasgow beat them.

From experience last year they disrupted the team. You have no clue some of thr new signings they have made. Some really talented youngsters. I feel they need to create different tiers to remain competitive over 2 competitions

[LoveOfTheGame]

Don't have to. It will be too disruptive. They will be available fir thr Heineken cup in December

Ja sure. Will be disruptive if Ulster or Glasgow beat them.

From experience last year they disrupted the team. You have no clue some of thr new signings they have made. Some really talented youngsters. I feel they need to create different tiers to remain competitive over 2 competitions

Look they obviously did not spend the big $$$ to have these guys sitting at home when they're not playing for the Boks, but I think sanity prevailed and the guys were given a well-earned rest. I wonder if they will make an appearance in Dec?

[Sards]

Ja sure. Will be disruptive if Ulster or Glasgow beat them.

From experience last year they disrupted the team. You have no clue some of thr new signings they have made. Some really talented youngsters. I feel they need to create different tiers to remain competitive over 2 competitions

Look they obviously did not spend the big $$$ to have these guys sitting at home when they're not playing for the Boks, but I think sanity prevailed and the guys were given a well-earned rest. I wonder if they will make an appearance in Dec?

Some big games in December. The new competition. I am sure they will be part of that. I didn't save the fixtures but it's top tier so that's where I expect them to fit in. The URC becomes the CC . Where you develop players

[fishfoodie]

Did the Boks manage players hours in previous years, or is this something Rassie brought down with him ?

[_Os_]

Did the Boks manage players hours in previous years, or is this something Rassie brought down with him ?

The SA rugby contracting model has changed recently, but in practice works in a similar way. Previously players that had a Springbok contract were managed first by the Bok coaching team for the benefit of the Boks (which is fair, the Boks paid most of those player's salaries). Now all player contracts are primarily with their provincial union, but players who play for the Boks are jointly managed by their province and the Bok coaching team, and obviously that means a maximum amount of game time, which means less provincial rugby for Bok players.

It's done on an individual basis though, without checking really closely (could be missing some), all these players played for the Boks this year and have played in the URC 2022/2023 season:
Willemse, Herschel Jantjies, Evan Roos, Deon Fourie, Moerat, Orie, Dweba, Moodie, Arendse, Elrigh Louw, Marcell Coetzee, Ruan Nortje, Fassi, Grant Williams, Thomas du Toit, Ntuthuko Mchunu

[OomStruisbaai]

The Stormers Boks had no rest between the final and TRC That's why they get a few weeks break now.

[OomStruisbaai]

[Sards]

Sharks training


Well they are training with the team

[OomStruisbaai]

Sharks training


Well they are training with the team

Thought so. Kak you posted earlier. No disruption when your Springboks joins. Vok that's why they are called Springboks.

[Sards]

Sharks training


Well they are training with the team

Thought so. Kak you posted earlier. No disruption when your Springboks joins. Vok that's why they are called Springboks.

There is the Heineken champion cup starting Dec. I suspect the boks will be more involved in this. I don't consider the Leinster loss a setback for the Sharks. The team really clicked in that game. That same team beat the Stormers pre season. I do believe that the Sharks can field 2 tiers. Realistically all the South African sides are going to have to do this.
Sharks start against the Harlequins

[assfly]

The $harks don't have the luxury of depth to rest our stars.

The only player I'd think of giving a bit more of a rest is Eben, but the rest must earn their wages.