Let me start off this week’s SuperBru thread by saying “Thanks for nothing, Sharks!”
Typical of the Cell C Sharks, play like plonkers for most of the Currie Cup, but then turn it on just in time to mess up everyone’s GSP.
After losses to the Steval Pumas and then at home to the GWK Griquas, not many gave them a chance at Loftus. Well done to the Sharks though, but it must be added that the Blue Bulls looked like plonkers on Saturday.
The Xerox Golden Lions and DHL WP consolidated their positions on the top of the Log with comfortable wins against the Steval Pumas and GWK Griquas, and the Toyota Free State Cheetahs easily beat the Eastern Province Kings. No surprises with those three games.
This week The Rugby Championship also resumes with the Springboks hosting the Wallabies at Newlands, Cape Town and the All Blacks traveling to Argentina to face Los Pumas.
Over to some predictions…
The Rugby Championship:
Nortie’s predictions:
The Wallabies haven’t beaten the Boks at Newlands since 1992 and I don’t think they will start now. They did beat us in Australia, but on Saturday it will be a different story. Boks have made some changes, the most notable and talked about being Oupa getting his first start. The Wallabies are decimated at hooker once again. Bokke at home should have just enough firepower to deal with the Ozmob, especially when HM brings on some of his experienced bench players. Then again, against the All Blacks his bench was utter crap and Bismarck, Lambie and Lood made more of an impact for the All Blacks than they did for the Bokke. Let’s hope this week he doesn’t sub just because he promised some of them X amount of minutes, but actually leaves the guys doing the job on the field if they are playing proper rugby.
Springboks by between 8-13 points would be my guess.
The All Blacks are without Aaron Cruden, but that means Barrett gets another crack at fly half. Last time out against Argentina he was also the fly half and barring a terrible day kicking wise, he set the back line away superbly. The All Blacks will relish the nice dry conditions and hard field and will use this game as a nice warm up for the big game a week later at Ellis Park. Most players will go for a small All Black win, but I don’t subscribe to the popular opinion that the Argentines are good or have made so much progress that they can keep the All Blacks close in perfect conditions. I really hope the AB’s cut loose and run them ragged.
All Blacks by 30-35
Grootblousmile’s predictions:
The Springboks missed a golden opportunity in the last game against the Wallabies, conspiring against themselves to lose to a resurgent Wallabies side in the last 10 minutes. The Bokke will therefore still be hurting that they let themselves down like that and will be up for the Test at Newlands. Springboks have a worry at scrumhalf and a question mark at blindside flank.
Let’s be frank, the Wallabies are not great at the moment, not by a long shot and should be beaten at Newlands.
Springboks by between 5-12 points.
The Pumas always start a Championship much harder than they finish it, whereas the All Blacks seem to get stronger the longer a Championship continues.
With 5 changes in the All Blacks squad, they are still putting a squad out there that is very, very strong. With Beauden Barrett at flyhalf, the All Blacks should run the Pumas ragged and I expect a big All Black win!
All Blacks by 20 – 30
Predictions from the bookies:
- Sportingbet: South Africa, New Zealand
- Bet.coza: South Africa, New Zealand
- Sportsbet: South Africa, New Zealand
Predictions from SARugbymag:
SPRINGBOKS vs WALLABIES
- Gary Lemke: Boks by 9
- Mark Salter: Boks by 10
- Jon Cardinelli: Boks by 6
- Simon Borchardt: Boks by 8
- Brenton Chelin: Boks by 17
- Mark Keohane: Boks by 15
ARGENTINA vs ALL BLACKS
- Gary Lemke: All Blacks by 12
- Mark Salter: All Blacks by 12
- Jon Cardinelli: All Blacks by 12
- Simon Borchardt: All Blacks by 14
- Brenton Chelin: All Blacks by 8
- Mark Keohane: All Blacks by 5
Predictions from Planet Rugby:
- South Africa by 10
- New Zealand by 15
Predictions from Rugby365:
- Springboks by 8
Predictions from SuperSport:
- Springboks by 7
- All Blacks to win with a bonus point
Currie Cup – Round 8:
Round 7 winner: BrumbiesBoy
As if the Cell C Sharks winning at Loftus wasn’t punishment enough, the Yellow Cap for last weekend goes to BrumbiesBoy. Talk about rubbing salt into the wounds… well done PoneyBoy, I hope they have a cap big enough to fit that head of yours.
We have a new leader atop of the Log after Brakenjan usurped MacroBull by jumping 7 spots. Brakenjan is on 30.75 points to Macro’s 30.50. In third spot this week it’s Bono who moved up 12 places and sits on 30.00 points.
Let’s get to the predictions for Round 8…
Nortie’s predictions:
There are two matches on Friday, the one being between the Free State Cheetahs vs the Blue Bulls. This is the most difficult pick of the round. I think a coin toss is the way to go and am expecting that the team I don’t pick will be victorious.
I tossed a coin twice and both times it came up Blue Bulls, but after them dropping most Bru players last weekend, I decided I couldn’t pick them again, so I went for the Free State Cheetahs.
Free State Cheetahs by 3
Province play the Pumas in Nelspruit and although the Pumas have been unbeaten in Nelspruit, there is a first time for everything, so I expect Province to get an away win.
WP by 15-20
On Saturday the final two matches will be played before the big one between the Springboks and Wallabies.
The Xerox Golden Lions travel to Kimberley and I doubt they will have too much trouble dealing with the Griquas.
Golden Lions by 25-30
The second match on Saturday will see the Cell C Sharks beat the EP Kings. Pointless saying too much about this one, it’s the EP Kings, so they will lose.
Cell C Sharks by 20-25
Grootblousmile’s predictions:
Some interesting games this weekend and none more so than the game between the Free State Cheetahs and the Blue Bulls.
I am bitterly disappointed in the way my Blue Bulls have been doing things and the bottom line is that I think they have become stale and far too predictable, as a result I think that time is overly ripe for a palace revolution and some coaching changes! Sorry Frans Ludeke, you are an extremely nice guy.. but I think it’s time for renewal.
The Free State Cheetahs have also been very average to poor in the Currie Cup… so who to pick?
I will go for hometown advantage…
Free State Cheetahs by 4 – 8
DHL Western Province, to the absolute delight of their big-mouth supporters, have been excellent in the Currie Cup, playing excellent rugby.
The Steval Pumas started the Currie Cup season like a house on fire, but they will be waning towards the latter stages of the competition, simply because they do not have the depth to maintain their giant-slaying exploits… and this weekend will follow that line.
WP by 12-24
The Xerox Lions are playing a fantastic brand of rugby lately… spit, spit, spit!
Griquas on the other hand, like the Pumas do not have the depth to mantain a strong run right throughout a season but they are notorious buggers to overcome in Kimberley.
The Golden Lions simply have too much ammo for the Griquas though.
Xerox Golden Lions by 15-25
The Cell C Sharks vs the Eastern Province Kings.. well we all know on current playing merit the EP Kings don’t even belong in the Currie Cup Premier Division (although completely valid arguments are made that the region should be developed and enhanced).
This game is a no-brainer… just the margin of the Sharks victory is the elusive question.
Cell C Sharks by 20 – 40, yeah, I know my margin is very wide…
Bookies’ predictions:
- Sportingbet: WP, Cheetahs, Sharks, Lions
- Bet.coza: WP, Cheetahs, Sharks, Lions
- Sportsbet: WP, Cheetahs, Sharks, Lions
SARugbymag’s predictions:
PUMAS vs WESTERN PROVINCE
- Gary Lemke: WP by 10
- Mark Salter: WP by 8
- Jon Cardinelli: WP by 7
- Simon Borchardt: WP by 5
- Brenton Chelin: WP by 6
- Mark Keohane: Pumas by 3
FS CHEETAHS vs BLUE BULLS
- Gary Lemke: Bulls by 4
- Mark Salter: Cheetahs by 5
- Jon Cardinelli: Bulls by 5
- Simon Borchardt: Cheetahs by 7
- Brenton Chelin: Cheetahs by 12
- Mark Keohane: Bulls by 5
SHARKS vs EP KINGS
- Gary Lemke: Sharks by 22
- Mark Salter: Sharks by 10
- Jon Cardinelli: Sharks by 10
- Simon Borchardt: Sharks by 12
- Brenton Chelin: Sharks by 16
- Mark Keohane: Sharks by 20
GRIQUAS vs GOLDEN LIONS
- Gary Lemke: Lions by 4
- Mark Salter: Lions by 12
- Jon Cardinelli: Lions by 8
- Simon Borchardt: Lions by 5
- Brenton Chelin: Lions by 13
- Mark Keohane: Lions by 10
Predictions from Planet Rugby:
- Cheetahs by 6
- WP by 4
- Lions by 10
- Sharks by 18
Predictions from the Rugby Blog:
- Cheetahs by 10
- WP by 6
- Sharks by 25
- Lions by 9
Predictions from Rugby365:
- WP by 10
- Cheetahs by 4
- Sharks by 14
- Lions by 8
Predictions from SuperSport:
- WP to score hard fought win
- Cheetahs to win
- Sharks to score comfortable win with bonus point
- Golden Lions to win
Nortie
Please answer the burning question:
Will Renaldo Bothma & Warren Whiteley be playing CC rugby this weekend, &, if so, will it be in the starting XV or off the bench of their respective teams?
Varkit, every rugby site is quiet on this matter! (as if it is of no consequence) …
hmmm, ok:
Bothma fit to play –
http://www.lionsworld.co.za/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=9857
@ Angostura:
Bothma is in the Puma’s side, but I think they will decide later today whether he is fit enough.
The Lions side was announced earlier the week already with Mapoe again as captain, so unless Akkers springs a huge surprise, I don’t think he will be there.
@ Angostura:
Ok, saw your follow up post, so Bothma passed fitness yesterday already.
Good player that, I wonder which franchise will grab him for next year’s SR?
@ nortierd:
Geez he is an excellent player that Bothma.
@ MacroBok:
Yep, he, Watermeyer and Spekman are the stand out players for the Pumas for me so far this CC.
@ nortierd:
Well even across all the teams.
When is Faf de Klerk coming back?
@ MacroBok:
Yep, out of all the teams.
Not sure about Faf, not much news about his injury, they are coping well without him though
nortierd wrote:
I understand the Sharks are looking to sign Bothma & another Namibian International loose forward as well, for SR2015.
@ Angostura:
Some of these new contracts are baffling to me, in 2015 SR franchises will need to play with 7 POC’s (2 Black)
Everyone, but the Stormers is absolutely F***ed, yet no one is thinking proactively.
@ Angostura:
They already have so many loose forwards, will be a pity if they take him and he doesn’t get to play.
He will do better, and fit in well with the Lions, same type of game and loosies are encouraged to run and pass and jol a bit
Bothma strikes me as a Vermeulen-type #8 …
The Sharks team for the Semi Final
Team: 15. SP Marais, 14. JP Pietersen, 13. Paul Jordaan, 12. Francois Steyn, 11. Lwazi Mvovo, 10. Pat Lambie, 9. Cobus Reinach, 8. Ryan Kankowski, 7. Jean Deysel, 6. Marcell Coetzee, 5. Stephan Lewies, 4. Willem Alberts, 3. Jannie du Plessis, 2. Bismarck du Plessis (Captain), 1. Thomas du Toit
Replacements: 16. Kyle Cooper, 17. Dale Chadwick, 18. Lourens Adriaanse, 19. Etienne Oosthuizen, 20. Lubabalo Mtembu, 21. Charl McLeod, 22. Sibusiso Sithole, 23. Tonderai Chavhanga
only had 2/5 POC’s in the starting team and 5/7 POC’s in total
Problem with this is if you have not contracted the cream of the “black” talent in the country you are screwed especially teams without the “black” player base the Western Cape has.
@ MacroBok:
That team got klapped by the Crusaders in any case, so would it have made a difference if they picked other players?
I am not looking forward to next year, there is going to be a big Storm coming from the Transformation side of South Africa.
@ nortierd:
The Sharks don’t have many loose forwards (of SR-standard) anymore; it is a glaring weakness of the franchise.
The Lions on the other hand, have a glut of quality loose forwards – Bothma won’t get much game time with the Lions with captain Whiteley there & unlikely to feature for the Bokke again …
@ nortierd:
Bulls Final team
Team: 15. Jurgen Visser, 14. Bjorn Basson, 13. JJ Engelbrecht, 12. Jan Serfontein, 11. Francois Hougaard, 10. Handre Pollard, 9. Piet van Zyl, 8. Jacques Engelbrecht, 7. Jono Ross, 6. Roelof Smit, 5. Victor Matfield (Captain), 4. Paul Willemse, 3. Marcel Van Der Merwe, 2. Bandise Maku, 1. Morné Mellett
Replacements: 16. Callie Visagie, 17. Werner Kruger, 18. Nico Janse van Rensburg, 19. Marvin Orie, 20. Jesse Kriel, 21. Jacques-Louis Potgieter, 22. William Small-Smith, 23. Dean Greyling
2/5 POC’s starting/ 3/7 in total
Lions
Team: 15. Andries Coetzee, 14. Lionel Mapoe, 13. Stokkies Hanekom, 12. Alwyn Hollenbach, 11. Anthony Volmink, 10. Elton Jantjies, 9. Ross Cronje, 8. Warren Whiteley (Captain), 7. Warwick Tecklenburg, 6. Jaco Kriel, 5. Franco van der Merwe, 4. Franco Mostert, 3. Julian Redelinghuys, 2. Robbie Coetzee, 1. Schalk (FS) van der Merwe
Replacements: 16. Akker van der Merwe, 17. Corne Fourie, 18. Ruan Dreyer, 19. Willie Britz, 20. Derick Minnie, 21. Francois de Klerk, 22. Marnitz Boshoff, 23. Courtnall Skosan
3/5 starting, 4/7 squad.
Cheetahs
Team: 15. Willie Le Roux, 14. Cornal Hendricks, 13. Johann Sadie, 12. Rayno Benjamin, 11. Raymond Rhule, 10. Johan Goosen, 9. Sarel Pretorius, 8. Philip Van der Walt, 7. Teboho Mohoje, 6. Torsten van Jaarsveld, 5. Francois Jakobus Uys, 4. Lood de Jager, 3. Coenie Oosthuizen, 2. Adriaan Strauss (Captain), 1. Caylib Oosthuizen
Replacements: 16. Kevin Stevens, 17. Luan De Bruin, 18. Carl Wegner, 19. Jean Cook, 20. Henco Venter, 21. Shaun Venter, 22. Elgar Watts, 23. Hennie Daniller
4/5 Starting and 5/7 in squad
The Stormers is the only franchise that will compete their team and buying players like Senatla to look to the future.
Team: 15. Jaco Taute, 14. Gio Aplon, 13. Sailosi Tagicakibau, 12. Juan de Jongh, 11. Cheslin Kolbe, 10. Kurt Coleman, 9. Nick Groom, 8. Duane Vermeulen, 7. Schalk Burger (Captain), 6. Nizaam Carr, 5. Ruan Botha, 4. Michael Rhodes, 3. Pat Cilliers, 2. Tiaan Liebenberg, 1. Alistair Vermaak
Replacements: 16. Stephan Coetzee, 17. Sithembiso Sithole, 18. Martin Dreyer, 19. Manuel Carizza, 20. Siya Kolisi, 21. Louis Schreuder, 22. Peter Grant, 23. Seabelo Senatla
7/5 Starting, 10/7 Squad
@ nortierd:
Who does not get klapped by the crusaders in a semi final at home?
Christchurch or their second home in Newlands 😆
@ Angostura:
Won’t Kanko and The Cullen of loose forwards be back again next year?
Then there is Marcell and Alberts and your new captain Tera.
Not many franchises have players of SR standard to be honest.
The Sharks were just the best of the worst this year, nice draw saw them capitalize and top the conference, but not a threat to win the tournament.
@ Angostura:
I wonder what offer the Sharks will make for Oupa?
They will be eyeing those jackpot points with glee.
@ nortierd:
Kanko is not up to standard
Cullen & Deysel are gone forever
Botes will have retired
Alberts is injured half the season
So, if Marcell gets injured, which is high probability with his confrontational, energizer bunny style of play, then the Sharks (without new quality loose forward recruits in reserve) will be truly varked …
@ Angostura:
I’m sure Jake will buy some decent back up, just not sure a guy like Bothma will fit into the Jakeball pattern.
Who is that one flank of Griquas, also plays a tough game.
He is injured this week
@ nortierd:
Bothma will suit the Sharks style of play much more than what he would the Lions’ running rugby, & Bothma will suit Jakeball much more than Kanko, & say, a fast, supporting & linking #8 like Whiteley (who is clearly more suited to Lions & NZ rugby) … imho
@ Angostura:
I guess the Sharks will end up buying him, so let’s see how he goes if they do.
He will also probably end up as a regular guy who will play here and there and end up overseas, can’t see him getting any further honors, seeing as they pick players from Varsity Cup to Boks with a handful of SR matches in between and call it merit.
@ nortierd:
Bothma already has higher honours – he is a Namibian International, & not eligible for higher honours in safrika
@ Angostura:
Ok, good for him, so he will be at the WC next year.
Europe up in 3 games in morning Fourballs.
@ Scrumdown:
The Sceptics are looking shell shocked.
Septics.
😆
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