Storm and Stress in the Western Province - Super Rugby 2019 Preview
It is not a good sign when the Stormers’ pre-season headlines are all about tumultuous and turbulent events off the field.
To make matters worse, it appears that a faction (or factions) within the coaching set-up may be responsible for the disquiet within the camp.
For the uninformed. The protracted Paul Treu saga exploded into the media spotlight in January – with rumours of a threatening player strike and sponsors pulling out of the troubled franchise.
It was quickly followed by a full-house of denials.
And while some of the rumours have since been exposed as ‘fake news’, there is still a strong undercurrent of unease.
In fact sources close to the inner sanctum at Newlands have suggested the original ‘leaks’ related to the saga may have emerged from a faction within the coaching set-up … those unhappy with Treu’s ongoing involvement in the Western Province/Stormers set-up.
And captain Siyamthanda Kolisi was obviously aggrieved to have been dragged into to ugly public spat.
It will take some strong leadership to ensure that the players remain focussed and not get thrown off their game by all the sideshows.
There is no doubt the Stormers have the talent to be not just competitive, but challenge for silverware.
With a pack of forwards that include Kolisi, Wilco Louw, Steven Kitshoff, Pieter-Steph du Toit, John Schickerling, Frans Malherbe and Eben Etzebeth they should be able to compete with even the Crusaders.
Note: They should be able to compete.
Backline talent include Sergeal Petersen, Seabelo Senatla, Ruhan Nel, Damian de Allende and Damian Willemse.
The only reason they will fail; is if their focus is NOT on the job at hand.
2019 Predictions
South African Conference Placing: Fifth
Player of the Year: John Schickerling
Rookie of the Year: Edwill van der Merwe
Super Rugby Placing: Outside top 10
Squad Movements
In: Corné Fourie (from Lions), Ruhan Nel (sevens)
Out: Nizaam Carr (to Wasps), Dewaldt Duvenage (Treviso), Jacobus Janse van Rensburg (Grenoble), Jan de Klerk (Canon Eagles), Dean Muir (Kintetsu Liners), Raymond Rhule (Grenoble), Carlu Sadie (Lions, loan), Stephan de Wit (Kings), George Whitehead (Griquas), Eduard Zandberg (released).
Squad: Wilco Louw, Steven Kitshoff, Siyamthanda Kolisi, Siyabonga Ntubeni, Salmaan Moerat, Ramone Samuels, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Neethling Fouche, Nama Xaba, Michael Kumbirai, Lee-Marvin Mazibuko, Kwenzo Blose, Kobus van Dyk, Juarno Augustus, Johan du Toit, John Schickerling, Jaco Coetzee, Frans Malherbe, Ernst van Rhyn, Eben Etzebeth, Corne Fourie, Cobus Wiese, Chris van Zyl, Chris Massyn, Chad Solomon, Sarel Marais, Sergeal Petersen, Seabelo Senatla, Ruhan Nel, Paul de Wet, Justin Phillips, Joshua Stander, Johannes Engelbrecht, Jean-Luc du Plessis, Jano Vermaak, Herschel Jantjies, EW Viljoen, Edwill van der Merwe, Duncan Saal, Dillyn Leyds, Dan Kriel, Dan du Plessis, Craig Barry, Damian de Allende, Damian Willemse.
History
Best finish: Runners-up in 2010
Worst finish: Eleventh in 1996, 2006 and 2014
By Jan de Koning @rugby365
Rugby World Cup City Guides – Fukuoka:
Comments on RugbyPass
$950k for a Prop that isn’t fit enough to play 10 mins of rugby? Surely there is someone better to replace Big Mike with
2 Go to commentsFour Kiwis in that backline. A solid statement on the lack of invention, risk-taking and joy in the NH game; game of attrition and head- banging tedium. Longterm medical problems aplenty in the future!
1 Go to commentsGood article, I learnt quite a lot. A big sliding door moment was in the mid 00s when they rejected Steve Anderson's long term transformation and he wrote Ireland's strategy instead.
2 Go to commentsHi Dr Nick! I'm worried that I've started to enjoy watching England and have actually wanted them to win their last two games. What would you prescribe? On a more serious note, I've noticed that the standard of play in March is often better than early February. Do you think this is because of the weather or because the players have been together for longer?
10 Go to commentsMy question in all this brett is who is going to wear the consequences of these actions? Surely just getting the sack isn’t sufficient? A teenager working the till at woolies would probably get taken to court if they took $20 out of the till. You mean to tell me that someone can spend $2.6 million and get away with it? Where was it spent? What companies/people were the beneficiaries etc? How is it just being talked about as an ‘oopsie’ and we all just move on and not a matter of the court for gross negligence, fraud, take your pick…
18 Go to commentslove Manu too but England have relied on him coming back from injury for far too long and not sorted the position with someone else long term . It will be a blessing he has gone . Huge shame he was so injury prone . God speed Manu .
3 Go to commentsI agree with Ben Smith about Brett Cameron. The No. 6 position has to be a monster and a genuine lineout option, like Ollivon, Lawes (now Chessum), Du Toit, etc. The only player who fits that bill right now is Scott Barrett. A fit and fizzing Tuipolotu together with one of the young towers, Sam Darry or Josh Lord, would give Razor the freedom to play Barret at 6.
16 Go to commentsOutstanding article, Graham. Agree with all of it. And enjoy the style of writing too (particularly Grand Slap!).
2 Go to commentsI wouldn't pay a cent for that loafer. He just stands around, waiting for play to come his way. He won't make the Wallabies.
2 Go to commentsGood bit of te reo maori Nic. Or is that Niko or Nikora? On the theme of trees the Oaks v Totara. Game plan would be key. I have one but it would cost you.
10 Go to comments> Shaun Edwards’ You should not have to score 30 points to win a game, as exciting as it is. This statement was surprising to me. It is nonsensical .I guess it is a defence coach speaking. But head coach, defence and attacking coaches all work together. They are inseparable. You score more than the opposition to win. It only needs to be one score. You score whatever the game demands, whatever the opposition demand. You defend whatever it takes. The attack coach needs to be able to clock up 30pts if need be.
10 Go to commentsWho’d have thought, not having Farrell & Youngs kicking the ball at every possible opportunity and playing flat and allowing your centres to run and pass would pay off? No one could possibly have seen this coming. FML. It took a LONG time coming but at least that time has finally come. England need to find a backup to Lawrence. Freeman is the best candidate for me, I see no reason why he can't play 12. He's big, strong, fast and has great hands.
10 Go to commentsLove Manu but he's not the player he was and I imagine Bayonne have paid too much money for him.
3 Go to commentsNew Zealand have not beaten England since 2018 and even that was a pretty close shave.
1 Go to comments“a renewed focus on Scottish-qualified players” Scottish-qualified is another way of saying English. England has development more players for the Scotland national Rugby team in the last 4 years, than Scotland has.
2 Go to commentsThis sounds a lot like the old Welsh rugby proverb “Wales never lose. Other teams just score more points.”
5 Go to commentsFinally,at last, Borthwick has done what the whole of England have been crying out for. Ditch the kick chase and let the players have freedom to attack and run with the ball. It was great to see. Ford played really well and for the first time in ages was 5 yards closer to the gainline which then allowed a more attacking position . Pity it has taken 90 odd caps to do so. However, this has to continue and not be a false dawn . One issue. Marcus. With Ford having one really good game in 5 ,is he the answer long term . Smith puts bums on seats and is terrific to watch . How can you leave him out before he departs for France in disillusion . England are in danger of Simmons , Alex Goode , Cipriani , Mercer and now Smith being unable to get a selection ahead of “favourites” of the management regardless of form . Great to see England play so well .
2 Go to commentsCockerill was an abrasive player in the mould of a Georgian front rower who will have the respect of that pack. Looking forward to seeing what he can do with this exciting team, hopefully they can send a message to unions like Wales that money alone doesn't buy you wins.
2 Go to commentsI like the look of those July matches. Hopefully they'll get some good tests in November too.
2 Go to commentsThis is a poor article, essentially just trolling six nations teams
22 Go to comments