Official United Rugby Championship thread

[Chilli]

10-12 @ 1/2 time.

Not so bad for tge Stormers.

Anything interesting so far?

[Tichtheid]

10-12 @ 1/2 time.

Not so bad for tge Stormers.

Anything interesting so far?

It's been a good half, very open with a good exchange of scoring.

What sort of side do Stormers have out?

There are a few missing from what I can see.

[Sards]

10-12 @ 1/2 time.

Not so bad for tge Stormers.

Anything interesting so far?

It's been a good half, very open with a good exchange of scoring.

What sort of side do Stormers have out?

There are a few missing from what I can see.

That's pretty much their best side., bar Malherbe.
They look exhausted.
Do they have to travel for their next game?

[Tichtheid]

10-12 @ 1/2 time.

Not so bad for tge Stormers.

Anything interesting so far?

It's been a good half, very open with a good exchange of scoring.

What sort of side do Stormers have out?

There are a few missing from what I can see.

That's pretty much their best side., bar Malherbe.
They look exhausted.
Do they have to travel for their next game?

I was thinking about Roos, really.

Stormers play London Irish away next week

[Sards]

So not much travel then. Because they look knackered

[Tichtheid]

So not much travel then. Because they look knackered

Glasgow are difficult to play against if you let them run you off your feet like this.

[Sards]

Stormers should have sent their B side

[yermum]

Great game that one.

Lots of cracking games this weekend. URC best league.

[dabooldawg]

Stormers looked average. Dobbo should lay off the papsak.

[OomStruisbaai]

Glasgow was by far the better team and deserved winners. The Stormers struggled from de Wet who was slow and Libbok played his usual shite game. Defense looked rattled. Huw Jones plays for the wrong team

[Sandstorm]

Stormers loosies - Dyamani in particular - were very poor in defence. Glasgow smashed them passed the gainline repeatedly.

[Jim Lahey]

Ulster

You just have to laugh at them at this stage. They used to be the perenial bridesmaids, coming close but never actually winning when it mattered.

Now they are looking like the wan you've been warned by your mates all night not to go near, but after your 12th pint you talk yourself into how a kebab and taking her home is the best way to round off the night.

[fishfoodie]

Ulster

You just have to laugh at them at this stage. They used to be the perenial bridesmaids, coming close but never actually winning when it mattered.

Now they are looking like the wan you've been warned by your mates all night not to go near, but after your 12th pint you talk yourself into how a kebab and taking her home is the best way to round off the night.

It's a pity Lancaster is off to the bright lights in Paris; he'd have been the ideal replacement coach for Ulster

[OomStruisbaai]

Stormers loosies - Dyamani in particular - were very poor in defence. Glasgow smashed them passed the gainline repeatedly.

You have to give credit to Glasgow attack. They look good all night. The Stormers came close against a very good team.

[clydecloggie]

Glasgow was by far the better team and deserved winners. The Stormers struggled from de Wet who was slow and Libbok played his usual shite game. Defense looked rattled. Huw Jones plays for the wrong team

Glasgow are playing lovely rugby again, in their trademark style - ridiculous speed in attack, especially (not just running speed but lightning continuity from the breakdown). I've missed that.

If they can keep going, they might just squeeze a home QF this season.

[Uncle fester]

Ulster

You just have to laugh at them at this stage. They used to be the perenial bridesmaids, coming close but never actually winning when it mattered.

Now they are looking like the wan you've been warned by your mates all night not to go near, but after your 12th pint you talk yourself into how a kebab and taking her home is the best way to round off the night.

It's a pity Lancaster is off to the bright lights in Paris; he'd have been the ideal replacement coach for Ulster

Nah, Ulster need a Chekia.
Forwards are pish and that's the main problem but Stockdale looks like he's carrying way too much weight.

[Jim Lahey]

Ulster

You just have to laugh at them at this stage. They used to be the perenial bridesmaids, coming close but never actually winning when it mattered.

Now they are looking like the wan you've been warned by your mates all night not to go near, but after your 12th pint you talk yourself into how a kebab and taking her home is the best way to round off the night.

It's a pity Lancaster is off to the bright lights in Paris; he'd have been the ideal replacement coach for Ulster

Nah, Ulster need a Chekia.
Forwards are pish and that's the main problem but Stockdale looks like he's carrying way too much weight.

Agreed, they need someone in that knows what its like to win something and to gut the loser mentality from the organisation.

Bryn Cunningham needs to go as well. Our procurement policy has been shambolic for a long time.

Stockdale looks shot. Zero confidence and we can't afford to keep trying to play him into form if he's going to continue dropping the ball.

I've defended Billy Burns in the past but he was awful yesterday. Hendy was useless, zero leadership from him. Greg Jones is stealing a living. Cooney had a few noticeable fuckups.

Complete freefall.

[Sards]

Glasgow was by far the better team and deserved winners. The Stormers struggled from de Wet who was slow and Libbok played his usual shite game. Defense looked rattled. Huw Jones plays for the wrong team

Glasgow are playing lovely rugby again, in their trademark style - ridiculous speed in attack, especially (not just running speed but lightning continuity from the breakdown). I've missed that.

If they can keep going, they might just squeeze a home QF this season.

I may be mistaken but there looked to be a lot of young and smallish backline players. I haven't gone through the " learn your opposition " with this team yet. I know Huw Jones and he was spectacular. Carved up our midfield with ease. The rest I don't really know. But great skills. Made our boys look silly.

[GrahamWa]

Glasgow was by far the better team and deserved winners. The Stormers struggled from de Wet who was slow and Libbok played his usual shite game. Defense looked rattled. Huw Jones plays for the wrong team

Glasgow are playing lovely rugby again, in their trademark style - ridiculous speed in attack, especially (not just running speed but lightning continuity from the breakdown). I've missed that.

If they can keep going, they might just squeeze a home QF this season.

I may be mistaken but there looked to be a lot of young and smallish backline players. I haven't gone through the " learn your opposition " with this team yet. I know Huw Jones and he was spectacular. Carved up our midfield with ease. The rest I don't really know. But great skills. Made our boys look silly.

The backline was a bit shorter than usual. We lose a lot when Stafford McDowell at 6'4" doesn't play but the gains from playing "Huwipolotu" were plain to see. Inside them G Horne is a very small 9 but is the form guy in the squad. The wingers, you'll know Kyle Steyn and Seb Cancilliere will make the Argie WC squad and arguably should have started in the last international speed. Ollie Smith at 15 is small and young but again he has been pretty good a few saying will be pushing Stuart Hogg for his place in the Scotland squad and would no longer be a worry should Hogg go down.

[Sards]

Brains over brawn. You could see them considering their options before making a run, outstanding decision making

[OomStruisbaai]

10-12 @ 1/2 time.

Not so bad for tge Stormers.

Anything interesting so far?

It's been a good half, very open with a good exchange of scoring.

What sort of side do Stormers have out?

There are a few missing from what I can see.

That's pretty much their best side., bar Malherbe.
They look exhausted.
Do they have to travel for their next game?

London against Exiles

[Jock42]

Anyone offer any insight into this guy?

[OomStruisbaai]

Anyone offer any insight into this guy?

Know Carlu very well. He is Stormers rooted. Not from the usual big l big rugby schools, HS Bellville, went through the WP junior teams but like Wilco Louw, Kebble, playing under our legend Fat Frans Malherbe. One of the strongest THs you'll get. He went to the Lions before the $hark$ poached him.He,ll be the same as WP Nel.

[Jock42]

Anyone offer any insight into this guy?

Know Carlu very well. He is Stormers rooted. Not from the usual big l big rugby schools, HS Bellville, went through the WP junior teams but like Wilco Louw, Kebble, playing under our legend Fat Frans Malherbe. One of the strongest THs you'll get. He went to the Lions before the $hark$ poached him.He,ll be the same as WP Nel.

Good to know, cheers.

[Tichtheid]

.He,ll be the same as WP Nel.

High praise indeed!

WP Nel has been terrific for Edinburgh and Scotland

[OomStruisbaai]

.He,ll be the same as WP Nel.

High praise indeed!

WP Nel has been terrific for Edinburgh and Scotland

WP has been very loyal like all Namaqualanders. Was more referring to their scrumming power.

[OomStruisbaai]

SA teams playing the next 2 months without their Springboks. This weekend all of them are playing up north. Stormers vs Ulster, Sharks vs Embra, Bulls vs Scarlets, Lions vs Connacht.

Not sure if the 6 nations players play for their clubs.

[GrahamWa]

SA teams playing the next 2 months without their Springboks. This weekend all of them are playing up north. Stormers vs Ulster, Sharks vs Embra, Bulls vs Scarlets, Lions vs Connacht.

Not sure if the 6 nations players play for their clubs.

They don't unless they are coming back from injury and need game time or they play outside their nation. Sutherland should play for Ulster if fit and Sebastion will play for Scarlets.

[Tichtheid]

SA teams playing the next 2 months without their Springboks.

Why is that? Is it a rest protocol?

This weekend all of them are playing up north. Stormers vs Ulster, Sharks vs Embra, Bulls vs Scarlets, Lions vs Connacht.

Not sure if the 6 nations players play for their clubs.

I expect Edinburgh to be without the 6N players, so ten of them.

[OomStruisbaai]

SA teams playing the next 2 months without their Springboks.

Why is that? Is it a rest protocol?

This weekend all of them are playing up north. Stormers vs Ulster, Sharks vs Embra, Bulls vs Scarlets, Lions vs Connacht.

Not sure if the 6 nations players play for their clubs.

I expect Edinburgh to be without the 6N players, so ten of them.

Springboks players union and SARU made the agreement for the Boks to be rested snd freshen up for the upcoming WC.

[Tichtheid]

Springboks players union and SARU made the agreement for the Boks to be rested snd freshen up for the upcoming WC.

Ah, thanks.

I was a little concerned about Edinburgh facing the Sharks pack without our internationals, to be honest.

We may see Hamish Watson back as he's been on return to play protocols since the game against New Zealand. Also van der Merwe might get a run out to prove his fitness.

[OomStruisbaai]

Stormers for Ulster

Forwards: Kwenzo Blose, Ben-Jason Dixon, Willie Engelbrecht, Connor Evans, Brok Harris, JJ Kotze, Lee-Marvin Mazibuko, Scarra Ntubeni, Marvin Orie (captain), Junior Pokomela, Evan Roos, Sazi Sandi, Marcel Theunissen, Ruben van Heerden, Andre-Hugo Venter, Ali Vermaak.

Backs: Clayton Blommetjies, Juan de Jongh, Jean-Luc du Plessis, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Suleiman Hartzenberg, Herschel Jantjies, Imad Khan, Ruhan Nel, Cornel Smit, Stefan Ungerer, Kade Wolhuter.

Unavailable: Angelo Davids, Steven Kitshoff, Alapati Leuia, Frans Malherbe, Salmaan Moerat, Gary Porter, Seabelo Senatla, Adre Smith, Ernst van Rhyn, Damian Willemse, Nama Xaba, Leolin Zas.

[OomStruisbaai]

Stormers for Ulster

Forwards: Kwenzo Blose, Ben-Jason Dixon, Willie Engelbrecht, Connor Evans, Brok Harris, JJ Kotze, Lee-Marvin Mazibuko, Scarra Ntubeni, Marvin Orie (captain), Junior Pokomela, Evan Roos, Sazi Sandi, Marcel Theunissen, Ruben van Heerden, Andre-Hugo Venter, Ali Vermaak.

Backs: Clayton Blommetjies, Juan de Jongh, Jean-Luc du Plessis, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Suleiman Hartzenberg, Herschel Jantjies, Imad Khan, Ruhan Nel, Cornel Smit, Stefan Ungerer, Kade Wolhuter.

Unavailable: Angelo Davids, Steven Kitshoff, Alapati Leuia, Frans Malherbe, Salmaan Moerat, Gary Porter, Seabelo Senatla, Adre Smith, Ernst van Rhyn, Damian Willemse, Nama Xaba, Leolin Zas.

Stormers send their C team. Ali Vermaak, Deon Fourie, Neethling Fouche, Joseph Dweba, Djanimani, de Wet, Ungerer, Dan du Plessis, JJ Kotze rested for next week Bulls match.

[Sards]

Stormers for Ulster

Forwards: Kwenzo Blose, Ben-Jason Dixon, Willie Engelbrecht, Connor Evans, Brok Harris, JJ Kotze, Lee-Marvin Mazibuko, Scarra Ntubeni, Marvin Orie (captain), Junior Pokomela, Evan Roos, Sazi Sandi, Marcel Theunissen, Ruben van Heerden, Andre-Hugo Venter, Ali Vermaak.

Backs: Clayton Blommetjies, Juan de Jongh, Jean-Luc du Plessis, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Suleiman Hartzenberg, Herschel Jantjies, Imad Khan, Ruhan Nel, Cornel Smit, Stefan Ungerer, Kade Wolhuter.

Unavailable: Angelo Davids, Steven Kitshoff, Alapati Leuia, Frans Malherbe, Salmaan Moerat, Gary Porter, Seabelo Senatla, Adre Smith, Ernst van Rhyn, Damian Willemse, Nama Xaba, Leolin Zas.

Stormers send their C team. Ali Vermaak, Deon Fourie, Neethling Fouche, Joseph Dweba, Djanimani, de Wet, Ungerer, Dan du Plessis, JJ Kotze rested for next week Bulls match.

Gaan kak man. C team nonsense

[OomStruisbaai]

Stormers for Ulster

Forwards: Kwenzo Blose, Ben-Jason Dixon, Willie Engelbrecht, Connor Evans, Brok Harris, JJ Kotze, Lee-Marvin Mazibuko, Scarra Ntubeni, Marvin Orie (captain), Junior Pokomela, Evan Roos, Sazi Sandi, Marcel Theunissen, Ruben van Heerden, Andre-Hugo Venter, Ali Vermaak.

Backs: Clayton Blommetjies, Juan de Jongh, Jean-Luc du Plessis, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Suleiman Hartzenberg, Herschel Jantjies, Imad Khan, Ruhan Nel, Cornel Smit, Stefan Ungerer, Kade Wolhuter.

Unavailable: Angelo Davids, Steven Kitshoff, Alapati Leuia, Frans Malherbe, Salmaan Moerat, Gary Porter, Seabelo Senatla, Adre Smith, Ernst van Rhyn, Damian Willemse, Nama Xaba, Leolin Zas.

Stormers send their C team. Ali Vermaak, Deon Fourie, Neethling Fouche, Joseph Dweba, Djanimani, de Wet, Ungerer, Dan du Plessis, JJ Kotze rested for next week Bulls match.

Gaan kak man. C team nonsense

Sorry it's the B team except for the C team Bergie frontrow.

[Sandstorm]

Stormers were nearly bankrupt this time last year. That is a very decent squad with lots of depth.


Ulster by 12

[OomStruisbaai]

Stormers for Ulster

Forwards: Kwenzo Blose, Ben-Jason Dixon, Willie Engelbrecht, Connor Evans, Brok Harris, JJ Kotze, Lee-Marvin Mazibuko, Scarra Ntubeni, Marvin Orie (captain), Junior Pokomela, Evan Roos, Sazi Sandi, Marcel Theunissen, Ruben van Heerden, Andre-Hugo Venter, Ali Vermaak.

Backs: Clayton Blommetjies, Juan de Jongh, Jean-Luc du Plessis, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Suleiman Hartzenberg, Herschel Jantjies, Imad Khan, Ruhan Nel, Cornel Smit, Stefan Ungerer, Kade Wolhuter.

Unavailable: Angelo Davids, Steven Kitshoff, Alapati Leuia, Frans Malherbe, Salmaan Moerat, Gary Porter, Seabelo Senatla, Adre Smith, Ernst van Rhyn, Damian Willemse, Nama Xaba, Leolin Zas.

Stormers send their C team. Ali Vermaak, Deon Fourie, Neethling Fouche, Joseph Dweba, Djanimani, de Wet, Ungerer, Dan du Plessis, JJ Kotze rested for next week Sharks match.

Gaan kak man. C team nonsense

Corrected. oh and your favourate Manie Libbok.

[OomStruisbaai]

[OomStruisbaai]

Sharks B vs Embra

Cell C Sharks have said goodbye to six of their star players as they move from London to Edinburgh.

The Springboks go into their resting protocols from this week and it is understood that the likes of Siya Kolisi, who captains the Sharks in their Heineken Champions Cup campaign, Eben Etzebeth, Ox Nche and a few other Boks are heading back to Durban, with six replacements being flown out.

The Sharks were at full strength minus a few injured and suspended players (Bongi Mbonambi and Makazole Mapimpi) when they lost 39-29 to the Harlequins at The Stoop in London in the Champions Cup at the weekend. So they do have some correcting to do before they get to Edinburgh for a game that is important for them given their mid-table position on the URC log and the way they are lagging in the conference and battle for the South African Shield.

To top that, the Edinburgh game will be played on an artificial pitch at the DAM Health Stadium, which is troubling considering the Sharks looked a little beaten for tempo by the Harlequins

[FalseBayFC]

Good to see Ruben van Heerden back in SA. He'll add some beef to the Stormers pack and is a solid worker. Apparently Jannes Kirsten is also coming back to the Bulls. Very underrated player.