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
Word in France is that he’s on the radar of a few Top14 clubs.
2 Go to commentsGet blocking Travis, this guy has styles and he’s gonna make a swift impact…!
1 Go to commentsWhat remorse? She claimed that her dangerous tackle wasn’t worthy of a red! She should be compensating the injured player for loss of earnings at the minimum. Her ban should include the recovery time of the injured player as well as the paltry 3 match ban.
4 Go to commentsArdie is a legend. Finished and klaar. Two things: “Yeah, yeah, I have had a few conversations with Razor just around feedback on my game and what I am doing well, what I need to improve on or work-ons. It’s kind of been minimal, mate, but it’s all that I need over here in terms of how to be better, how to get better and what I am doing well.” I hope he’s downplaying it - and that it’s not that “minimal”. The amount of communication and behind the scenes preparation the Bok coaches put into players - Rassie and co would be all over Ardie and being clear on what is expected of him. This stands out for me as something teams should really be looking at in terms of the boks success from a coaching point of view. And was surprised by the comment - “minimal”. In terms of the “debate” around Ireland and South Africa. Nice one Ardie. Indeed. There’s no debate.
1 Go to commentsThere’s a bit of depth there but realistically Australian players have a long way to go to now catch up. The game is moving on fast and Australia are falling behind. Australian sides still don’t priories the breakdown like they should, it’s a non-negotiable if you want to compete on the international stage. That goes for forwards and backs. The Australian team could have a back row that could make a difference but the problem is they don’t have a tight five that can do the business. Tupou is limited in defence, overweight and unfit and the locks are a long way from international standard. Frost is soft and Salakai-Loto is too small so that means they need a Valentini at 8 who has to do the hard graft so limits the effectiveness of the backrow. Schmidt really needs to get a hard working, tough tight 5 if he wants to get this team firing.
3 Go to commentsSorry Morgan you must have been the “go to for a quote” ex player this week. Its rnd 6 and there is plenty of time to cement a starting 15 and finishing 8 so I have no such concerns.
2 Go to commentsGreat read. I wish you had done this article on the ROAR.
2 Go to commentsThe current AB coaching team is basically the Crusaders so it smacks of wanting their familiar leaders around. This is not a good look for the future of the ABs or the younger players in Super working their way up the player ladder. Razor is touted as innovative, forward looking but his early moves look like insecurity and insular, provincial thinking. He is the AB's coach not the Golden Oldies.
10 Go to commentsSimple reason for wanting him back. Robertson wants him as captain. Otherwise he wouldn’t be bothering chasing him. Not enough reason to come back just to mentor.
10 Go to commentsI had not considered this topic like this at all, brilliant read. I had been looking at his record at the Waratahs and thought it odd the Crusaders appointed him, then couple that with all that experience and talent departing and boom. They’ve got some great talent developing though, and in all honesty I don’t think anyone would be over confident taking them on in a playoff match, no matter how poor the first half of their season was. I think they can pull a game out of their ass when it counts.
2 Go to commentsNot a bad list but not Porecki and not Donaldson. Not because they are Tahs, or Ex Tahs, they are just not good enough. Edmed should be ahead. Far more potential. Wilson should be 8 and Valentini 6. Wilson needs to be told by his father and his coach, stop bloody running in to brick wall defence. You’re not playing under the genius Thorn any more. He’s a fantastic angle runner. The young new 8 from the Brumbies looks really good too. The Lonegrans are just too small for international rugby as is Paisami, as is Hamish Stewart at 12. Both great at Super Rugby level. Stewart could have been a great 10 if not for Brad Thorn. Uru should be there and so should Tupou. Tupou just needs good Australian coaching which he hasn’t been getting. I don’t think Schmidt will excite him.
3 Go to commentsIf he wants to come back then he should. He will be a major asset to the younger locks and could easily be played as an impact player off the bench coming on in the last 30. He is fit, strong and capable and has all the experience to make up for any loss in physical prowess. He could also be brought back with a view to coaching within the structures one day. Duane Vermeulen played until he was 37 or 38. He is now a roaming coach within the South African coaching structures. He was valuable in the last world cup and has been a major influence on Jasper Wiese and other young players which has helped and accelerated their development and growth. Whitelock could do the exact same thing for NZ
10 Go to commentsBrett Excellent words… finally someone (other than DC) has noted that Hanigan is very hard and very good at doing what Backrow should do… his performance via the Drua sauna was quite daunting for those on the other side… very high tackle count… carries with good end result… constant threat to make a good 20-25 meters with those long legs… providing his mass effectively to crunching the Drua pack… Finally he is returning to quality form… way to much injury time over the last 2 years… smart-strong-competent in his skills… caught every lineout throw aimed at him and delivered clean pass to whoever was down below… and he worked hard for the whole 80 minutes… Ned has to be in the top 5 for backrow honors… He knows what is required as he has been there before…
20 Go to commentsI think Sam Whitelock should not touch a return with a bargepole. He went out on a high, playing in the RWC Final. He would be coming back into a team that will be weaker than last years, and might even be struggling to win games, especially against the Boks. Stay in France, enjoy another year with Pau, playing alongside his brother.
10 Go to commentsRyan Coxon has been very impressive considering he was signed by WF as injury cover whilst Uru has been a standout for QR, surprised neither of those mentioned
3 Go to commentsIt’s the massive value he brings with regard team culture/values, preparation, etc. Can’t buy that. I’m hoping to see the young locks get their chance in the big games though.
10 Go to commentsAll good, Gregor, except that you neglected to mention Sam Darry amongst that talented pool of locks. In fact, given Hannah’s inexperience and the fact that Holland won’t be eligible until next year, Lord and Darry might be the frontrunners this year, to join Barrett, Tuipoluto, Va’ii and possibly Whitelock. In fact there might be room for all of them if Barrett played 6 (like Ollie Chessum).
10 Go to commentsHis value is stabilizing the ship 20 - 40 minutes out from the final whistle plus his valuable experience to the underlings coming through.
10 Go to commentsWhat is criminal is she acts like it's no problem her actions have have cause the Italian player to lose her playing career, lose salary, if she did this in day to day life she would be in jail, she is a complete thug!!!
4 Go to commentsCorrect me if i’m wrong but the sadas have to win all games running into the finals yeh nah?
1 Go to comments