2020 Super Rugby Unlocked / Currie Cup

[Chilli]

Congrats to the Bulls, they are the unlocked Champs.

The CC will be a different story. Still a marathon ahead.

This weekend match between the Cheetahs vs Stormers will be the clash of the weekend. Must win for both teams.

Cheetahs will be back at their very best. Cheetahs by 13

Vokof Oom.

[Chilli]

His kicking to poles were dreadful but the other stuff was OK specially in the second half when the game opened up.

The knock-on in front of his own posts whilst trying to clear a kick was horrific. Swiftly followed by a pass directly into touch. And his kicking.

Willemse looked decidedly average against the Griquas. His best game so far

[OomStruisbaai]

His kicking to poles were dreadful but the other stuff was OK specially in the second half when the game opened up.

The knock-on in front of his own posts whilst trying to clear a kick was horrific. Swiftly followed by a pass directly into touch. And his kicking.

Willemse looked decidedly average against the Griquas. His best game so far

Hy bere sy beste vir die Vrystaat en veral vir die S15 kampioene

[Sards]

His kicking to poles were dreadful but the other stuff was OK specially in the second half when the game opened up.

The knock-on in front of his own posts whilst trying to clear a kick was horrific. Swiftly followed by a pass directly into touch. And his kicking.

Willemse looked decidedly average against the Griquas. His best game so far

You can't miss 4 attempts at poles at Currie Cup level. Definitely not in Soup rugby. Most certainly not international rugby.

I noticed Gelant steps in a lot at flyhalf. That kid is showing all the hype I had in him. Just such a pity Fassi is so devastating. Splits my loyalty......but I can still rate both of them.

[Sards]

That Griquas defense was abysmal. No line...just scampering around like headless chickens. That's why Am is so valuable for the boks currently. Sort that shit out Griquas.

[OomStruisbaai]

Speak of flyhalfs, Junkies and Morne struggled. Jantjies try that cross kick to the wing over and over again. Morne and Bosch are high kick and charge bevok.

[OomStruisbaai]

That Griquas defense was abysmal. No line...just scampering around like headless chickens. That's why Am is so valuable for the boks currently. Sort that shit out Griquas.

S15 Champs to put 100 on them. Easy 5 points

[Chilli]

The knock-on in front of his own posts whilst trying to clear a kick was horrific. Swiftly followed by a pass directly into touch. And his kicking.

Willemse looked decidedly average against the Griquas. His best game so far

Hy bere sy beste vir die Vrystaat en veral vir die S15 kampioene

Hoopelik so.

[Sards]

Willemse looked decidedly average against the Griquas. His best game so far

Hy bere sy beste vir die Vrystaat en veral vir die S15 kampioene

Hoopelik so.

Lucky fish. Imagine only having to play 2 decent games a year. Willemse was very poor on Saturday . He should have been pulled before halftime

[handyman]

Those with sharp eyes would have noticed that for the last 2 games, Willemse has tried a lot less on his own, either passed or kicked. I think the coaches are working very hard on his game management and combined with his natural talent, he could be back to his best soon.

[Sards]

Those with sharp eyes would have noticed that for the last 2 games, Willemse has tried a lot less on his own, either passed or kicked. I think the coaches are working very hard on his game management and combined with his natural talent, he could be back to his best soon.

Dude....you obviously don't follow much social media.

[Sards]

Team of the week

(Round 5)
15 Warrick Gelant (Stormers)
14 Travis Ismaiel (Bulls)
13 Wandisile Simelane (Lions)
12 Marius Louw (Sharks)
11 Angelo Davids (Stormers)
10 Curwin Bosch (Sharks)
9 Sanele Nohamba (Sharks)
8 Juarno Augustus (Stormers)
7 Nizaam Carr (Bulls)
6 Marco van Staden (Bulls)
5 Marvin Orie (Lions)
4 Jason Jenkins (Bulls)
3 Carlu Sadie (Lions)
2 Jaco Visagie (Lions)
1 Ox Nche (Sharks)

Fair....not fair....?

IMHO Duane is mostly overlooked at 8.....
For me. Player of the round Warrick Gelant.
The boy is back....no way anyone is going to dislodge him at 15. He won that game on his own.

[bok_viking]

Team of the week

(Round 5)
15 Warrick Gelant (Stormers)
14 Travis Ismaiel (Bulls)
13 Wandisile Simelane (Lions)
12 Marius Louw (Sharks)
11 Angelo Davids (Stormers)
10 Curwin Bosch (Sharks)
9 Sanele Nohamba (Sharks)
8 Juarno Augustus (Stormers)
7 Nizaam Carr (Bulls)
6 Marco van Staden (Bulls)
5 Marvin Orie (Lions)
4 Jason Jenkins (Bulls)
3 Carlu Sadie (Lions)
2 Jaco Visagie (Lions)
1 Ox Nche (Sharks)

Fair....not fair....?

IMHO Duane is mostly overlooked at 8.....
For me. Player of the round Warrick Gelant.
The boy is back....no way anyone is going to dislodge him at 15. He won that game on his own.

Not sure how Duane was overlooked at 8. He was instrumental in making the Bulls very instrumental at the breakdown and overall forward play. Leading from the front.

In general I have been very pleased with Gans at 13...he is bringing a great attacking dimension for the Bulls backline. Very elusive and very alive. Both Arendse and Gans have done really well in the 15 game so far compared to most other Blitzboks imports. Even Hendricks turn out to be quite a revelation at 12. He is actually trying to evade tackles, not like most 12's the Bulls had over the decades.

Simelane looked great on Saturday, that try of his was fantastic. Hope he can add consistency to his performances, If he can perform more often like he did on Saturday, it would be great to see him in the Bok squad sometime.

Would be great to see Gelant get some form again, even if he is playing for the Stormers. Would love to see him at his best again from a Bok perspective, just need to do it more than once every few games though.

[Sards]

Gelant really struggled after his injury. Bulls lost patience with him when they should have stuck with him. He was very good at Superrugby level before his injury. So he has proven himself at this level before. I really like him as a player. Pity he plays for the Stormers now.

Re Duane...I think he is just such an awesome player that noone can be expected to reach his lofty standards so they look for second best

[Sandstorm]

FFS Gelant played one game where he didn't kick everything (badly) against shithouse opposition and he's the Second Coming?

Even as a one-eyed Stomps fan I can see he's a shadow of his former self. Any pressure on him and he'll just kick the bloody ball away next time.

[Sards]

FFS Gelant played one game where he didn't kick everything (badly) against shithouse opposition and he's the Second Coming?

Even as a one-eyed Stomps fan I can see he's a shadow of his former self. Any pressure on him and he'll just kick the bloody ball away next time.

There really is noone better than Gelant. At the Stormers. You may have noticed that he takes on a lot of the roles of flyhalf . From first receiver to distributer to clearance kicks. He has a wide range of roles to fulfill. And please. The Griquas are a very decent side.

BTW....his stats for the comp are very impressive.

[Chilli]

https://www.news24.com/sport/rugby/supe ... e-20201110

As if Frans Malherbe needs anymor fucking doughnuts.

[Sards]

New York-based businessman Marco Masotti, head of MVM consortium, has shown an expression of interest to invest $6 million (almost R100m) in WP Rugby. Earlier in the week, SARugbymag.co.za reported that Masotti is set to be in Cape Town from 12-17 November, and plans to meet with the likes of WP Rugby president Zelt Marais.

But according to a damning report on the Daily Maverick website, the business consortium is all but ready to abandon the prospective investment unless some decisive answers are provided.

‘Everything Zelt Marais has done through this process is indicative of self-serving interests. He doesn’t care what’s best for the players, the fans, the sponsors and the community, he only cares about one person – and that’s himself,’ said MVM Consortium member Michael Yormark, who is also the president of Roc Nation International’s sports division.

‘This is a joke. Firstly, WP reached out to Marco, not the other way around. He [Marais] is the one that put the current number on the table. He’s the one that stated, “I will give you an exclusive 45-day negotiation window”, yet now he’s telling the media that this American group might not get approval for the process.

‘He’s the one who reached out to us. He and his board approved the exclusive negotiating window, so if he didn’t think that it would get through the system, why did he even go through the process?’

‘WP haven’t even shared due-diligence information that we requested. We have waited for two months for them to share their financials so that we could go through them to clearly understand what the club’s financial position is. They won’t even share that information.

‘The franchise is under-capitalised and it needs professional management. It has a great upside, but it will never reach its potential with the current management structure and current leaders running the show over there.

‘This deal is an equity deal, it’s not a loan. MVM is a very deep-pocketed investment group that has a South African lead investor. We are not only willing to make the purchase, but also to invest significantly more resources in bringing the best talent in the world to run and operate the franchise.

‘MVM also wants to develop an infrastructure that can support the players and which can provide an incredible fan experience in Cape Town and around South Africa. But Zelt won’t listen. He simply won’t listen. The consistent fabrication of the deal structure which has been presented by Marais in the media is frankly just insulting.’

Meanwhile, Marais told Daily Maverick that the ‘WPRFU constitution does not allow it [giving up a controlling interest]’ and that ‘it is also very unlikely that the SA Reserve Bank will approve the export of the WP intellectual property to a foreign jurisdiction’.

One way or another, Yormark said it’s all going to come to a head this weekend.

‘I will ask a simple question at the beginning of the meeting, which is: ‘Are you willing to sell majority control of the Stormers?’ If the answer is ‘no’, then the meeting is over. If the answer is ‘yes’, then let’s discuss the terms.

“If they’re not happy with $6-million and want ‘X’ then let’s talk. But it’s not about money because WP could’ve come back to Marco months ago and said they wanted $7-million, or whatever. That’s called a negotiation. Zelt is being self-serving and wants to maintain control because he would surely take the $6-million if we only wanted a 49% stake. Because we want majority control, he won’t take the deal

[Sards]

Clown college

[Chilli]

NEWS: The Sharks’ build-up to their Super Rugby Unlocked Round Six match against Griquas has been given an unexpected hurdle.


The Sharks travel to Kimberley on Friday for an encounter with the unpredictable and tricky Northern Cape outfit.

A delay in the arrival of the of their weekly COVID-19 testing results has caused some ‘minor’ adjustments for the Durban-based franchise.

Wednesday’s morning training run has been moved to the afternoon, while the planned team announcement and media sessions were postponed till Thursday.

Any further disruptions or delays could have a real impact on the Sharks, who are desperate to close the gap on the table-topping Bulls in the race to the domestic title.

With just two rounds remaining the Bulls, who have a bye this week, are on 19 points – with four wins and a loss from their five outings.

The Stormers and Sharks are in joint second place (13 points) with three wins from four matches – the Stormers having a slightly better points differential, plus-11 against plus-five.

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The Cheetahs, early pace setters until their campaign was disrupted by a COVID-19 scare in the Lions camp, are on 12 points – with two wins and a draw (the result of their cancelled match against the Lions) from four matches.

The Sharks will need a full-house five points from their trip to Kimberley and then repeat the exercise when they host the Stormers in Durban in the final round of fixtures next week.

They also need the Bulls to slip against the Pumas.

However, first they need to get the job done against Griquas on Friday.



Griquas coach Scott Mathie featured in 40-odd games for the Sharks between 2006 and 2008, before he headed off to Europe – where he played for Leeds Carnegie and Sale Sharks.

When Mathie moved into coaching he was an assistant coach to current Sharks forward coach Brent Janse van Vuuren at Griquas.

Mathie also coached at schoolboy level, at Durban High School, between 2016 and 2019.

Current Sharks Sanele Nohamba (scrumhalf) and Phepsi Buthelezi (loose forward) were members of that Durban High First XV coached by Mathie.

“Scott coached me at school and I know how good he is,” Buthelezi told a virtual media briefing this week.

@rugby365com

[assfly]

FFS, what a nothing story.

[Sards]

FFS, what a nothing story.

I thought I was the only one

[Chilli]

FFS, what a nothing story.

I thought I was the only one

It is what passes as journalism these days.

[Sards]

Cell C Sharks: 
15 Anthony Volmink,
14 Yaw Penxe,
13 Jeremy Ward (captain),
12 Marius Louw,
11 Madosh Tambwe,
10 Curwin Bosch,
9 Sanele Nohamba,
8 Phepsi Buthelezi,
7 Thembelani Bholi,
6 James Venter,
5 Hyron Andrews,
4 Ruben van Heerden,
3 John-Hubert Meyer,
2 Kerron van Vuuren,
1 Ox Nche. 

Replacements: 16 Daniel Jooste, 17 Mzamo Majola, 18 Khwezi Mona, 19 JJ van der Mescht, 20 Dylan Richardson, 21 Cameron Wright, 22 Manie Libbok, 23 Sbu Nkosi.

Yaw and Tambwe making a name for themselves.
Must be lovely to play for a Union where you get international recognition...where you are part of a dynamic backline. Where you stand in line to be poached abroad

Janes Venter is back with JJ on the bench.
And Cameron Wright.
Anthony Volmink gets the nod ahead of Libbok.

Its tough for these talented youngsters to get a starting spot on such a prestigious team. Keep working lads...you get played on perrformance not hype

[OomStruisbaai]

Volmink is soos n vink, all over the place.

[Sards]

Stormers –
15 Warrick Gelant,
14 Ruhan Nel,
13 Dan du Plessis,
12 Rikus Pretorius,
11 Angelo Davids,
10 Damian Willemse,
9 Herschel Jantjies,
8 Juarno Augusts,
7 Ernst van Rhyn,
6 Marcel Theunissen,
5 JD Schickerling,
4 Salmaan Moerat,
3 Frans Malherbe,
2 Scarra Ntubeni,
1 Steven Kitshoff (c).

Subs (from): 16 Bongi Mbonambi, 17 Kwenzo Blose, 18 Sazi Sandi, 19 Neethling Fouche, 20 Chris van Zyl, 21 David Meihuizen, 22 Ben-Jason Dixon, 23 Godlen Masimla, 24 Kade Wolhuter, 25 Michal Hazner, 26 Leolin Zas.

Warrick standout player to watch....
I see Ruan back on the starting 15....
Rickus wants to moer Frans
Herschel given a start again.
Who is the cover at 10?
Must win for Stormers...Cheetahs were easy beats last weekend where Bosch nailed player of the round. Stormers now have the blueprint.

[Sards]

Tafel Lager Griquas:
15 Masixole Banda,
14 Ederies Arendse,
13 Harlon Klaasen,
12 Johnathan Francke,
11 Eduan Keyter,
10 George Whitehead (captain),
9 Zak Burger,
8 Johan Momsen,
7 Stefan Willemse,
6 Gideon van der Merwe,
5 Cameron Lindsay,
4 Adre Smith,
3 Ewald van der Westhuizen,
2 HJ Luus,
1 Mox Mxoli.

Replacements (from): Monde Hadebe, Andrew Beerwinkel, Madot Mabokela, Carl Els, CJ Velleman, Theo Maree, Tinus de Beer, Daniel Kasende, Bandisa Ndlovu, Ewan Coetzee, Ashlon Davids.

[OomStruisbaai]

Finally Kade Wolhuter on the bench.

[OomStruisbaai]

Tafel Lager Griquas:
15 Masixole Banda,
14 Ederies Arendse,
13 Harlon Klaasen,
12 Johnathan Francke,
11 Eduan Keyter,
10 George Whitehead (captain),
9 Zak Burger,
8 Johan Momsen,
7 Stefan Willemse,
6 Gideon van der Merwe,
5 Cameron Lindsay,
4 Adre Smith,
3 Ewald van der Westhuizen,
2 HJ Luus,
1 Mox Mxoli.

Replacements (from): Monde Hadebe, Andrew Beerwinkel, Madot Mabokela, Carl Els, CJ Velleman, Theo Maree, Tinus de Beer, Daniel Kasende, Bandisa Ndlovu, Ewan Coetzee, Ashlon Davids.

Zak Burger who were at the Sharks Academy tussle with Nohamba will be interesting. He had a great season thus far for Griquas. His fellow Gimmie and x Matie Johan Momsen in 8 (he is a lock). I liked the Tukkie flyhalf but they gave Whitehead another chance.

Sharks by 50+

[Sards]

Finally Kade Wolhuter on the bench.

How did I miss that ouboet.......
If he gets on soon enough Stormers can scrum the Cheetahs and win this.

[Sards]

Wow.....Bosch did actually get player of the week.
Its just a continuation of his Superrugby form earlier this year. And there are still those that doubt him. I keep hearing about his defense but game after game, from the lowly Stormers to the best the Kiwis have to offer, he outplays teams and wins player of the match consistently. Very proud of this young man.

[OomStruisbaai]

Cheetah team.

15. Clayton Blommetjies

14. Malcolm Jaer

13. William Small-Smith

12. Frans Steyn/Chris Smit

11. Rosko Specman

10. Tian Schoeman

9. Tian Meyer

8. Jeandré Rudolph

7. Junior Pokomela (C)

6. Andisa Ntsila

5. Carl Wegner

4. Ian Groenewald

3. Luan de Bruin

2. Reinach Venter

1. Charles Marais



16. Boan Venter

17. Marnus v.d Merwe

18. Khutha Mchunu

19. JP du Preez

20. Aidon Davis

21. Ruben de Haas

22. Reinhardt Fortuin

23. Chris Smit/Howard Mnisi

[Sandstorm]

Strong Team. Cheaters by 8

[OomStruisbaai]

Strong Team. Cheaters by 8

We have a bunch of laaitie. Cheetahs by 50.

[Chilli]

Strong Team. Cheaters by 8

We have a bunch of laaitie. Cheetahs by 50.

The both of you can go fuck yourselves.

[Chilli]

Emirates Lions: Tiaan Swanepoel; Stean Pienaar, Wandisile Simelane, Burger Odendaal, Courtnall Skosan; Elton Jantjies (capt), Ross Cronjé; Len Massyn, Vincent Tshituka, MJ Pelser, Reinhard Nothnagel, Willem Alberts, Carlu Sadie, Jaco Visagie, Ruan Dreyer.

Reserves: Jan-Henning Campher, Sti Sithole, Wiehahn Herbst, Marvin Orie, Hacjivah Dayimani, André Warner, Dan Kriel, Divan Rossouw

[Fangle]

Ross Cronje is back. Where has he been.

[Sandstorm]

Ross Cronje is back. Where has he been.

Injured

[Chilli]

Let's stop arse farting around and playing jammer Tannie.
This weekend will be
Sharks by plenty
Lions by plenty
WP by a few

[OomStruisbaai]

IOL

Pumas pack in quarantine for after positive Covid-19 tests
By Morgan Bolton Time of article published 15m ago


JOHANNESBURG- The match between the Lions and Pumas on Saturday at Emirates Airline Park has been postponed due to Covid-19 protocols, it was announced by SA Rugby on Friday.

The postponement is due to two positive tests returning to the Pumas on Friday morning, after earlier in the week one player from the Nelspruit-based team had initially tested positive for the virus.


The Friday morning tests triggered the National Institute for Communicable Diseases' protocols which advised that the encounter not go ahead as scheduled "to limit the risk of further infection in the rugby community."

It was further revealed that the infections occurred within the Pumas forwards, especially a group of players that were involved in a scrumming session and as a result the entire Pumas pack will now enter a 10 day period of self-isolation and quarantine.

That period also puts the Pumas final SuperRugby Unlocked match against the Blue Bulls in jeopardy next weekend, but as explained by the SA Rugby statement, a workaround was being considered to reschedule not only that encounter at Loftus Versveld, but also the match against the Lions.


Previously, the Lions had their match against the Cheetahs at first postponed and then cancelled last month after a viral cluster compromised the Johannesburg team. Each team was awarded a draw, and two points in the standings in that instance, but at the moment it seems that SA Rugby wishes not to follow that example.

Nonetheless, it will be interesting to see how and when SA Rugby will reschedule the matches. The final matchday of SuperRugby Unlocked is scheduled for next weekend and will immediately be followed by the start of the Currie Cup a week later.

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Eastern Province rugby is known to many as one of the conveyor belts of talent in South Africa. The region has suffered under financial turmoil, which has been a direct threat to the sport. General manager Thando Manana says they are ready to change all of that. Justin Ford visited the union. Courtesy #DStv403
That tournament will play out the remainder of the year, with no break over the festive season, and come to its completion on January 23.


As confirmed by SA Rugby Friday night's match between the Griquas and Sharks in Kimberley and Saturday's clash at Newlands between the Cheetahs and the Stormers remain unaffected and will continue as scheduled.