The select few Super Rugby players set to benefit from the pandemic
Both South African and Australian rugby have taken their licks in recent weeks, with the impact on their finances from the Coronavirus outbreak having resulted in multiple players being let go or stood down. In South Africa, a transfer window of sorts was sanctioned by MyPlayers, South African Rugby Employers’ Organisation and SA Rugby Industry, in which players under contract could move abroad should they come to an agreement with their current club or union.
In Australia, the government’s JobKeeper subsidy had been one way in which the Super Rugby franchises were looking to save money during the outbreak, although not all players have been keen to take up the option of a deduction in pay during the period.
With significantly more lucrative contracts on offer in Europe and Japan, it is not too surprising that both nations have had their struggles in retaining players during this period of uncertainty. Given that southern hemisphere rugby has long battled against its wealthier northern rival, the current global pandemic has only heightened the financial disparity between the two hemispheres.
Although not officially confirmed yet, it looks as though the Stormers are set to lose the services of Pieter-Steph du Toit, with the reigning World Rugby Player of the Year having requested a termination of his contract with the Cape Town-based franchise. It is a story that has gone back and forth over the last couple of weeks and fuel was added to the fire when it was reported that Montpellier were interested in the Rugby World Cup-winner.
Cobus Weise is also departing Newlands and it leaves the Stormers with a reasonable hole in their options on the flank. This is the perfect opportunity for Jaco Coetzee to cement himself into the starting XV, with injuries having initially held him back following a stellar career in schoolboy and age-grade rugby. If he can stay fit, he could potentially push his way into Springbok consideration over the remainder of this Rugby World Cup cycle.
An alternative option would be to blood Francke Horn as a flank rather than a No 8, with Juarno Augustus having won himself the eight jersey of late. Horn is an excellent ball-carrier and shone brightly at the U20 level last season before injury derailed his World Rugby U20 Championship campaign. Between Coetzee, Augustus and Horn, the Stormers have versatility and youth in their back row moving forward, although a lack of prototypical height in the group might be a concern. Nevertheless, the current departures will inevitably create opportunities.
At the high-flying Sharks, talented flanker Tyler Paul has opted to leave Durban, with a move to Japan believed to be in the offing. His combination with Sikhumbuzo Notshe and the two Venters, Henco and James, has been key to propelling the Sharks to the top of the South African conference so far this season, although if there is one thing the Sharks do not lack for, it is gifted prospects in the back row.
The first name up will likely be former South Africa U20 captain Phepsi Buthelezi, with the No 8 having been regularly involved in the franchise’s matchday 23s this season. He has the skill set to fit well on the flank, a mobility and work rate to prosper, and has the communication and leadership traits to transition well into the senior environment.
The long-term goal, however, could be to move Buthelezi to his accustomed position at No 8 and have Celimpilo Gumede take up a role on the flank. Gumede is rawer than Buthelezi at this point in his career but he has all the ingredients to emerge into a Super Rugby-calibre option in the back row, with foundations of a strong carrying game, relentlessness in defence and impressive physical gifts already in place.
With the Bulls having used the period to strengthen, rather than let players leave Pretoria, the final South African Super Rugby side is the Lions, who have been particularly hard hit by the outbreak. Not only has the talismanic Malcolm Marx left the franchise, but so have exciting prospects Tyrone Green and Ruan Vermaak, leaving the Lions ailing at hooker, lock and on the wing.
None of these players will be easily replaced in Johannesburg, although their departures do create a somewhat clearer pathway for those eager to follow in their footsteps. It is in this area where South African university rugby arguably separates itself from other nations.
At Wits University, South Africa U20 hooker Dameon Venter is honing and refining his game, after a number of years spent impressing in the Golden Lions’ age-grade sides. He is not quite built in the freakish model of Marx, although he does resemble former Lions hooker Robbie Coetzee in a number of ways. As the likes of Pieter Jansen and Marko Janse van Rensburg jockey to replace Marx in the short-term, opportunity could come calling for Venter at the Lions.
Just a mile or so away from Wits, wing Prince Nkabinde is progressing his rugby career at the University of Johannesburg, again, like Venter, after having impressed at the age-grade level for the Golden Lions. His blend of speed and power makes him an unenviable player for defences to line up opposite against and if he can continue to develop at UJ, he could soon be lining up outside of Wandisile Simelane in a potent and dangerous Lions back line.
Three Queensland Reds players, including a Wallabies star, have been stood down without pay after refusing Rugby Australia’s competition-wide player pay-cut proposal.https://t.co/5dn3W6nKay
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) May 17, 2020
If there had been plans from the Lions management to look at Green as a full-back moving forward, his departure opens the door for former schoolboy sensation Muzi Manyike, who possesses some of the most outrageous feet in South Africa. The Wits prospect has played plenty of his formative rugby at centre and at full-back, something which could help the Lions fill the voids in their back line moving forward.
Lastly we come to the Queensland Reds, who have been forced to stand down locks Izack Rodda and Harry Hockings, as well as utility back Isaac Lucas, after the players opted not to accept the pay deduction that had been offered to them as part of the Australian government’s JobKeeper scheme. It has hit Brad Thorn’s side particularly keenly in the engine room.
Lukhan Salakaia-Loto will likely relinquish his spot on the blindside to move back to second row and partner Angus Blyth in the starting XV, though it leaves the Brisbane-based side dangerously short at the position. The door could be opened for the powerful and dynamic Tuiana Tali Tualima, though the Brisbane City forward is more suited to the back row at this level. Another option would be for an impromptu move to lock for No 8 Harry Wilson, who has been one of the stars of the Australia U20 team in recent seasons.
This is unlikely to be the last of the player departures this year, as rugby clubs and unions in both hemispheres begin to tighten their belts, though at least for some this spells a period of opportunity.
As rugby slowly begins to return to play, new heroes are set to come to the fore.
Comments on RugbyPass
SBW is fast becoming a laughing stock, his misplaced comments & lack of insight Is actually pretty sad.
5 Go to commentsJust well you guys are couch 🛋 potatoes selector's, picking a team of greenhorns to play England! “What are you people smoking?” The halfbacks will be Christie, Fakatava, Perenara Props; Newell, Bower, Lomax, Tunga'fasi, Hookers; Asosa Amua when fit, Taylor, Samisoni,
11 Go to commentsQuite frankly, all this is a bit pathetic. The first time Wales get the Wooden Spoon in 21 years and everyone is on the bandwagon for a ‘play-off’ game. Wales have no obligation to Georgia and no obligation to the rest of the Six Nations to play such a game. If they want Georgia in so badly then they need to include South Africa into a Northern Hemisphere competition with 2 leagues of 4 teams with the top 2 competing for the Championship. Sadly, this will end Triple Crowns and Grand Slams forever. Is this really what you want?
4 Go to commentsI think Finau to start Blackadder to come on. Poss Prokter instead of Ioane, haven't seen much from Reiko so far this year.
11 Go to commentsJoe will have had a good chat with Dave Rennie, a smart move to begin with while it’s doubtful Fast Eddie will be consulted? Plenty of Aus players hitting top form so they should go OK.
3 Go to commentsMmm. Not sure I like this article or see it as necessary.
5 Go to commentsBlackadder but no Finau! 😀 It’s Razor so you are probably right, plus Taylor at 2…
11 Go to commentsThe strongest possible AB side would actually include Aaron Smith, Bodie Retallick, Sam Whitelock, Leicester Fainga'anuku, Shannon Frizzel.. don’t get me started on the rest of the injury hit brigade that got flung on the heap so left. Many a whole not getting filled as of yet.
11 Go to commentsI don’t think anyone knows what Schmidt will do, one thing is certain it ain’t gonna be all the picks we on the keyboard will think. My impression of him is that he will be looking at who can step up and what is the best combination. He will ignore individuals as he looks for guys who can build a powerful team and not just guys who can make a flashy run or ignore the winger as they want to score themselves.
3 Go to commentsSome dumb selections there. Not Porecki Not Donaldson Not Gordon Not Lonegran - both Not Nic White - Fines instead Not Liam Wright Not Paisami Definitely not Vunivalu Other than that not bad.
3 Go to commentsI've never been convinced that Patty T is a test match all black. Otherwise I probably agree it's the best side available to beat the poms. Caveat that Codie Taylor is yet to be seen and could very likely warrant selection by June. I hope that Razor brings the young loosies, half backs and locks into the training squad and develops/ selects the best
11 Go to commentsYou doing the same thing I disliked about the example of Samisoni Taukei'aho, Nick. He’s great the way he is, you’re trying to do what modern-day coaches frustrate me doing, turning everyone into the perfect athlete. Next thing you’ll be telling me you’ll bench him until he’s hit that arbitrary marker, and can’t overtake the current guy who’s doing all his workons. He’s a young Kieran Read, through and through, plays wide and has threat, mainly (and evident in your clips) through his two hand carry and speed. Just let him work on that, or whatever he wants, and determine his own future. Play God and you risk the players going sideways, like Read did, instead of being a Toutai Kefu. I mean I was in the same camp for a while, wanting our tight five to have the size, and carry ability, as the teams they were getting beat by. Now I’m starting to believe those teams just have better skilled and practiced individuals, bigger by upwards of 5kg sometimes, sure, but more influentially they have those intrinsic skills of trust and awareness. Basically our guys just didn’t know wtf they were doing. Don’t think I’m trying to prove a point here but hasn’t Caleb Clarke been in much better form this year, or does he just ‘look’ better now that he’s not always trying to use his size?
44 Go to commentsThe pack lacks a little in height for the line out and I wouldn’t be completely convinced by some of the combinations till we see it in action.
11 Go to commentsThe side is good but lacks experience. International playing bona fides udually trumps super rugby form for good reason. And incumbents are usually stuck with. Codie Taylor should start or come off the bench. B Barrett will start at fullback. Blackadder has not earned the position, Finau has. TJs experience and competitiveness earns him a starting role, Christie or Ratima off the bench
11 Go to commentsPretty good side. Scott Barrett should be the captain. Ethan Blackadder a great choice at blindside. He is going to go from strength to strength having made a couple of starts for the Crusaders. Scott Robertson rates him highly. Perenara could start a no 9.
11 Go to commentsI question and with respect. Was enough done over the last few years to bring through new blood knowing the Whitelocks and co couldn’t last forever. There should have been more done to future proof the team. New squad new coach, he and they weren’t set up well. IMO
6 Go to commentsJacobsen will definitely be in the 23
11 Go to commentsLots of discussion points, Ben, but two glaring follies IMO: 1. Blackadder at 6. Has done nothing so far this season to justify his selection. Did you see him going backwards in contact at the weekend? Simply has not got the physical presence at 6: we need a Scott Barrett or a Finau (or wildcard Ah Kuoi), beasts who are big enough to play lock, like Frizzell. If Barret played at 6, Paddy could be joined at lock by Vai’i or one of the young giants we need to promote, like Darry or Lord (if he ever gets on the field). Blackadder best left to join the queue for 7. 2. Not even a mention for Christie? Ratima gets caught at crucial times at the back of the ruck when he hesitates on the pass. The only way he starts would be if Christie and TJ are injured.
11 Go to commentsWhat a dagg in more ways than one
6 Go to commentsRegroup come back next year but sack some of the coaching team and don't be like the ABs last minute sacking. If Crusaders don't do well ABs don't do well.
5 Go to comments