2021 South African Preparation Series

[FalseBayFC]

So 3 matches this weekend. Nice. God I miss weekends with good cricket and heaps of rugby. Send the family to the in-laws and veg out. Drink beer and eat doritos by myself.

[OomStruisbaai]

Yep, looking forward to watch the young guns.

[Chilli]

Friday, 26 February

19h00: Lions v NNC Pumas

Saturday 27 February

17h15: DHL Stormers v Toyota Cheetahs

Sunday 28 February

15h00: Vodacom Bulls v Eastern Province

17h15: Cell C Sharks v Tafel Lager Griquas

Lions by 15
Stomps by 15
Bulls by 40
$hark$ by 7

[OomStruisbaai]

Lions team vs Pumas
Lions – 15 EW Viljoen, 14 Prince Nkabinde, 13 Manuel Rass, 12 James Mollentze, 11 Divan Rossouw, 10 Tiaan Swanepoel, 9 Morne van den Berg, 8 Francke Horn, 7 Roelof Smit, 6 Marnus Schoeman, 5 Reinhard Nothnagel (c), 4 Emmanuel Tshituka, 3 Wiehahn Herbst, 2 PJ Botha, 1 Nathan McBeth.
Subs: 16 Dameon Venter, 17 Banele Mthenjane, 18 Jannie du Plessis, 19 Ruhan Straeuli, 20 MJ Pelser, 21 Dillon Smit, 22 Luke Rossouw, 23 Ngia Selengbe, 24 Ruan Dreyer, 25 Izan Esterhuizen, 26 Sibusiso Sangweni.

[‘tsek]

Very young side that, should be the nucleus of the side in 2-3 years’ time. Will be interesting to see how the Lions strategy in terms of player development is adapted given the N-Hemisphere future, will they still target age group players like Rass? Perhaps a move to a more pragmatic playing style away from typical Lions rugby?

[Chilli]

Very young side that, should be the nucleus of the side in 2-3 years’ time. Will be interesting to see how the Lions strategy in terms of player development is adapted given the N-Hemisphere future, will they still target age group players like Rass? Perhaps a move to a more pragmatic playing style away from typical Lions rugby?

By pragmatic I trust that you don't mean the WP or $hark$ style?

[Sards]

Just not feeling the same old same old...

Probably go to the beach on Sunday and there is cricket on Saturday.....

[handyman]

Pretty sure I will skip this warm up matches. Weather is still good so will spend the time outside with the family.

[assfly]

Pretty sure I will skip this warm up matches. Weather is still good so will spend the time outside with the family.

Same here. The Six Nations matches look more more interesting to me, especially England Wales.

[handyman]

Pretty sure I will skip this warm up matches. Weather is still good so will spend the time outside with the family.

Same here. The Six Nations matches look more more interesting to me, especially England Wales.

True. I hope that our teams will loosen up a bit and give the ball some air. We have to players to play expansive, but smart rugby and we need to be able to switch up our styles. Give Rassie and Nienaber something to work with when they rock up for Bok training, we don't want them to have to start from scratch.

[assfly]

True. I hope that our teams will loosen up a bit and give the ball some air. We have to players to play expansive, but smart rugby and we need to be able to switch up our styles. Give Rassie and Nienaber something to work with when they rock up for Bok training, we don't want them to have to start from scratch.

Rassie and Nienaber will have to be involved by now. If this Lions tour goes ahead, and it's starting to look like it will, then we are going to be seriously undercooked.

[handyman]

True. I hope that our teams will loosen up a bit and give the ball some air. We have to players to play expansive, but smart rugby and we need to be able to switch up our styles. Give Rassie and Nienaber something to work with when they rock up for Bok training, we don't want them to have to start from scratch.

Rassie and Nienaber will have to be involved by now. If this Lions tour goes ahead, and it's starting to look like it will, then we are going to be seriously undercooked.

That's exactly my concern. You're not going to beat the Lions by playing the rugby we dished up in the CC.

[assfly]

That's exactly my concern. You're not going to beat the Lions by playing the rugby we dished up in the CC.

Ja. We're not even going to have much time in the Rainbow Cup to get ourselves ready.

Unless we rely heavily on players based in Europe, which may be contentious but I would fully support it.

[FalseBayFC]

That's exactly my concern. You're not going to beat the Lions by playing the rugby we dished up in the CC.

Ja. We're not even going to have much time in the Rainbow Cup to get ourselves ready.

Unless we rely heavily on players based in Europe, which may be contentious but I would fully support it.

Our world cup squad would be just about all available. Bring in Jasper or Cobus Wiese in case PSDT not fit. Morne Steyn as back up for Elton. Would need 2 locks. Ruan Nortje and...

[assfly]

Our world cup squad would be just about all available. Bring in Jasper or Cobus Wiese in case PSDT not fit. Morne Steyn as back up for Elton. Would need 2 locks. Ruan Nortje and...

Let's have a look:

Willie le Roux - only just started playing again in Japan
Cheslin Kolbe - match fit and in form
Lukhanyo Am - out of form
Damian de Allende - match fit and in form.
Makazole Mapimpi - only just started playing again in Japan
Handre Pollard - injured
Faf de Klerk - match fit and in form.
Duane Vermeulen - match fit and inform
Pieter-Steph Du Toit - injured
Siya Kolisi (c) - out of form
Lood de Jager - only just back from injury
Eben Etzebeth - match fit and in form.
Frans Malherbe - unfit and out of form
Mbongeni Mbonambi- out of form
Tendai Mtawarira - retired

Malcolm Marx - only just started playing again in Japan
Steven Kitshoff - match fit and in form.
Vincent Koch - only just started playing again in English second division
RG Snyman - injured
Franco Mostert - only just started playing again in Japan
Francois Louw - retired
Herschel Jantjies - out of form
Frans Steyn - match fit and in form.

[handyman]

Our world cup squad would be just about all available. Bring in Jasper or Cobus Wiese in case PSDT not fit. Morne Steyn as back up for Elton. Would need 2 locks. Ruan Nortje and...

Let's have a look:

Willie le Roux - only just started playing again in Japan
Cheslin Kolbe - match fit and in form
Lukhanyo Am - out of form
Damian de Allende - match fit and in form.
Makazole Mapimpi - only just started playing again in Japan
Handre Pollard - injured
Faf de Klerk - match fit and in form.
Duane Vermeulen - match fit and inform
Pieter-Steph Du Toit - injured
Siya Kolisi (c) - out of form
Lood de Jager - only just back from injury
Eben Etzebeth - match fit and in form.
Frans Malherbe - unfit and out of form
Mbongeni Mbonambi- out of form
Tendai Mtawarira - retired

Malcolm Marx - only just started playing again in Japan
Steven Kitshoff - match fit and in form.
Vincent Koch - only just started playing again in English second division
RG Snyman - injured
Franco Mostert - only just started playing again in Japan
Francois Louw - retired
Herschel Jantjies - out of form
Frans Steyn - match fit and in form.

Have to agree with that. It's not looking great, is it.

[OomStruisbaai]

This series will give chances for the young guns. Hope Dobson will give Kade Wolhuter his chance. Hope he learn his lesson with Piel.

[‘tsek]

Very young side that, should be the nucleus of the side in 2-3 years’ time. Will be interesting to see how the Lions strategy in terms of player development is adapted given the N-Hemisphere future, will they still target age group players like Rass? Perhaps a move to a more pragmatic playing style away from typical Lions rugby?

By pragmatic I trust that you don't mean the WP or $hark$ style?

As a lifetime Lions supporter, I lessen the continual blows by expecting the worst as my default position.

[OomStruisbaai]

vs Cjeetahs
DHL Stormers: Tristan Leyds, Edwill van der Merwe, Ruhan Nel, Cornel Smit, Leolin Zas, Kade Wolhuter, Godlen Masimla, Juarno Augustus, Ben-Jason Dixon, Marcel Theunissen, Chris van Zyl (captain), David Meihuizen, Neethling Fouche, Scarra Ntubeni, Ali Vermaak. Replacements: Chad Solomon, Leon Lyons, Sazi Sandi, Johan du Toit, Ernst van Rhyn, Paul de Wet, Abner van Reenen, Mnombo Zwelendaba

[OomStruisbaai]

EP vs Bulls
EP Elephants – 15 Riaan Arendse, 14 Josiah Twum-Boafo, 13 Christopher Hollis, 12 Sherwin Slater, 11 Qeutyne Oerson, 10 Inny Radebe (c), 9 Luvo Claasen, 8 Luigi van Jaarsveld, 7 Anele Lungisa, 6 Cyril-John Velleman, 5 Mncedisi Diwengu,4 Athenkosi Manenze, 3 Lupumlo Mguca, 2 Robin Stevens, 1 Lyle Lombard.
Subs: 16 Sithembiso Befile, 17 Siyakubonga Nzuzo, 18Emile Klassen, 19 Ronald Sheckle, 20 Arnold Kleyne, 21 Diego Williams, 22 JoshAllderman, 23 Keanu Vers

[Sards]

vs Cjeetahs
DHL Stormers: Tristan Leyds, Edwill van der Merwe, Ruhan Nel, Cornel Smit, Leolin Zas, Kade Wolhuter, Godlen Masimla, Juarno Augustus, Ben-Jason Dixon, Marcel Theunissen, Chris van Zyl (captain), David Meihuizen, Neethling Fouche, Scarra Ntubeni, Ali Vermaak. Replacements: Chad Solomon, Leon Lyons, Sazi Sandi, Johan du Toit, Ernst van Rhyn, Paul de Wet, Abner van Reenen, Mnombo Zwelendaba

Where is your boy

[Chilli]

vs Cjeetahs
DHL Stormers: Tristan Leyds, Edwill van der Merwe, Ruhan Nel, Cornel Smit, Leolin Zas, Kade Wolhuter, Godlen Masimla, Juarno Augustus, Ben-Jason Dixon, Marcel Theunissen, Chris van Zyl (captain), David Meihuizen, Neethling Fouche, Scarra Ntubeni, Ali Vermaak. Replacements: Chad Solomon, Leon Lyons, Sazi Sandi, Johan du Toit, Ernst van Rhyn, Paul de Wet, Abner van Reenen, Mnombo Zwelendaba

Surely they should be playing Willemse? He needs time to get his confidence back.

[handyman]

vs Cjeetahs
DHL Stormers: Tristan Leyds, Edwill van der Merwe, Ruhan Nel, Cornel Smit, Leolin Zas, Kade Wolhuter, Godlen Masimla, Juarno Augustus, Ben-Jason Dixon, Marcel Theunissen, Chris van Zyl (captain), David Meihuizen, Neethling Fouche, Scarra Ntubeni, Ali Vermaak. Replacements: Chad Solomon, Leon Lyons, Sazi Sandi, Johan du Toit, Ernst van Rhyn, Paul de Wet, Abner van Reenen, Mnombo Zwelendaba

[handyman]

EP vs Bulls
EP Elephants – 15 Riaan Arendse, 14 Josiah Twum-Boafo, 13 Christopher Hollis, 12 Sherwin Slater, 11 Qeutyne Oerson, 10 Inny Radebe (c), 9 Luvo Claasen, 8 Luigi van Jaarsveld, 7 Anele Lungisa, 6 Cyril-John Velleman, 5 Mncedisi Diwengu,4 Athenkosi Manenze, 3 Lupumlo Mguca, 2 Robin Stevens, 1 Lyle Lombard.
Subs: 16 Sithembiso Befile, 17 Siyakubonga Nzuzo, 18Emile Klassen, 19 Ronald Sheckle, 20 Arnold Kleyne, 21 Diego Williams, 22 JoshAllderman, 23 Keanu Vers

Excited to see what De Villiers can do with this team.

[assfly]

Excited to see what De Villiers can do with this team.

What exactly is he "preparing" them for if they won't be in any competitions after this?

[handyman]

Excited to see what De Villiers can do with this team.

What exactly is he "preparing" them for if they won't be in any competitions after this?

If you're trying to make sense of what the plan is with EP rugby, you are wasting your time. I just want the players to play, even if it is just to impress to get a contract somewhere else.

[assfly]

If you're trying to make sense of what the plan is with EP rugby, you are wasting your time. I just want the players to play, even if it is just to impress to get a contract somewhere else.

Very true.

[handyman]

Now that we've got some rugby under our belt, WP is going to run it more.

https://www.news24.com/sport/rugby/stor ... e-20210225

[Chilli]

Cheetahs: 15 Clayton Blommetjies, 14 Duncan Saal, 13 Chris Smit, 12 Frans Steyn, 11 Rosko Specman, 10 Reinhardt Fortuin, 9 Tian Meyer, 8 Jeandré Rudolph, 7 George Cronje, 6 Andisa Ntsila, 5 Rynier Bernardo, 4 Carl Wegner, 3 Aranos Coetzee, 2 Wilmar Arnoldi , 1 Schalk Ferreira.
Replacements: 16 Marnus van der Merwe, 17 Conraad van Vuuren, 18 Khutha Mchunu, 19 Victor Sekekete, 20 Aidon Davis, 21 Ruan Pienaar, 22 Dries Swanepoel, 23 Rhyno Smith.

[handyman]

This is horrible news for the saarks. They are actually going to have to play rugby.

https://www.news24.com/sport/rugby/sa-r ... s-20210225

[OomStruisbaai]

Cheetahs: 15 Clayton Blommetjies, 14 Duncan Saal, 13 Chris Smit, 12 Frans Steyn, 11 Rosko Specman, 10 Reinhardt Fortuin, 9 Tian Meyer, 8 Jeandré Rudolph, 7 George Cronje, 6 Andisa Ntsila, 5 Rynier Bernardo, 4 Carl Wegner, 3 Aranos Coetzee, 2 Wilmar Arnoldi , 1 Schalk Ferreira.
Replacements: 16 Marnus van der Merwe, 17 Conraad van Vuuren, 18 Khutha Mchunu, 19 Victor Sekekete, 20 Aidon Davis, 21 Ruan Pienaar, 22 Dries Swanepoel, 23 Rhyno Smith.

Strong team. Cheetahs by 20

[‘tsek]

Now that we've got some rugby under our belt, WP is going to run it more.

https://www.news24.com/sport/rugby/stor ... e-20210225

So Dobson reckons they will be more fluid?

Nice juxtaposition there, a fluid, illiquid team.

[handyman]

Now that we've got some rugby under our belt, WP is going to run it more.

https://www.news24.com/sport/rugby/stor ... e-20210225

So Dobson reckons they will be more fluid?

Nice juxtaposition there, a fluid, illiquid team.

Sjoes.

[assfly]

Just the usual pre-season crap from coaches.

[Chilli]

Just the usual pre-season crap from coaches.

I know that Oom is particularly looking to watching the Stormers backline playing with a soutpiel at 10.

[assfly]

I know that Oom is particularly looking to watching the Stormers backline playing with a soutpiel at 10.

The poor kid needs to add a van der to his name to keep Oom happy.

[Chilli]

Bulls: 15 David Kriel, 14 Madosh Tambwe, 13 Marnus Potgieter, 12 Marco Jansen van Vuren, 11 Stravino Jacobs, 10 Chris Smith, 9 Embrose Papier, 8 WJ Steenkamp, 7 Tim Agaba, 6 Nizaam Carr (captain), 5 Janko Swanepoel, 4 Jan Uys, 3 Mornay Smith, 2 Joe van Zyl, 1 Gerhard Steenekamp.
Replacements – form: 16 Janco Uys, 17 Jan-Hendrik Wessels, 18 Gerhard van der Merwe, 19 Raynard Roets, 20 Uzile Tele, 21 Keagan Johannes, 22 Jandré Burger, 23 Diego Appollis, 24 Reinhardt Ludwig, 25 Werner Gouws, 26 Dawid Kellerman.

[OomStruisbaai]

Still a very good Bulls team. Good to see Griquas captain Zak Burgers boetie Jandre on the bench. Played 10 for Paarl Gym. Dawid Kellerman in the midfield played with him for Paarl Gym and Jan Hendrik Wessels talented Grey College prop.

Jake White is very good with getting the Bulls structure strong.

[OomStruisbaai]

I know that Oom is particularly looking to watching the Stormers backline playing with a soutpiel at 10.

The poor kid needs to add a van der to his name to keep Oom happy.

WOLHUTER is Duits.

[assfly]

Sharks: 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Werner Kok, 13 Jeremy Ward (captain), 12 Murray Koster, 11 Anthony Volmink, 10 Manie Libbok, 9 Grant Williams, 8 Phepsi Buthelezi, 7 Thembelani Bholi, 6 James Venter, 5 Hyron Andrews, 4 JJ van der Mescht, 3 Michael Kumbirai, 2 Kerron van Vuuren, 1 Khwezi Mona.
Replacements: 16 Fez Mbatha, 17 Ntuthuka Mchunu, 18 John-Hubert Meyer, 19 Reniel Hugo, 20 Mpilo Gumede, 21 Jaden Hendrikse, 22 Jordan Chait, 23 Thaakir Abrahams.

Sharks also putting out a bit of a B side. Good to see a few familiar faces coming back from injury.

Libbok at 10