Officials from KZN will meet today to discuss the high school Youth Weeks. If this was a meeting held in the Western Province it would be a celebratory occasion, fit for many high-fives, pats on backs and chest beating by various goal achieving officials. However it being KZN who are close to the opposite side of the success rate spectrum, the meeting can’t possibly revolve around many compliments particularly when it focuses its attention on Craven Week, unless of course window-dressing becomes the order of the day.
The KZN under-18 Craven Week team called the Sharks as of this year, now has a well-established trend of losing double the number of games that it wins at Craven Week. Putting things in perspective, every year tough games are lined up for the province who have recorded a handful of one-off victories along the way but are generally erratic and seemingly never win on the final match day of Craven Week. Even if quality of opposition excuses are available for the overall loss record, what needs to be analysed is the gap between the team’s true potential and what they end up delivering during 70-minutes on the field of play. There is definite room for improvement here.
The meeting is a good idea as is the decision to look at the season as whole because KZN is a tough place to prepare a Youth Week team given the congested fixture list with most schools wanting to conclude their rugby programmes before the July school holidays and focus on soccer during the third term. Sadly it’s not the first end of season meeting of this kind suggesting that it has not achieved it’s desired objective in the past. Perhaps the light at the end of the tunnel for KZN won’t be in what’s discussed and agreed to at this particular meeting but will come in the form of an overdue change in the top position of the Association. The incumbent may have served to the best of his ability but as far as improving on Craven Week success is concerned, it hasn’t been an inspiring term in charge.
Letter sent out:
@McCulleys Workshop: oh in the DHS festival game which didn’t count?
@Grasshopper: The given reason they played him was due to the fact that it was a festival game and therefore the HMA didn’t apply.
@Bush: on piont 83.If I anderstand you correctly then all of the selectors must be from Glenwood ,please elaborate…
@McCulleys Workshop: Strange, Smit never played against Ville as that would have caused massive outrage. Is he really against the Headmasters agreement. He arrived at Glenwood in 2014, I believe and missed all of 2015 due to injury. So he could play this year? But he is under 19……hmmm. Not sure it’s quite the same as Marne-gate as he played in his matric year only. I still think there are a few bad eggs that need to be weeded out….
@Grasshopper: The question remains, does the Messianic complex “the untouchable one” pervade through the decision making processes at the school. This may not be just a Kershaw thing. You work it out, just stay consistent in your theory.
@Grasshopper: We don’t know the reason for House not playing Glenwood, if you think it’s because we took points this year, think again, as you yourself have said, we have one of the best records against GWood (check your XL next to your bed). It may or may not be due to a tour, or not enough Saterdays to fit all their traditional games into the season (they have dropped W/ville, Nwood and DHS in recent years as a once off).
What I am aware of is that in the opening game of the season, GWood elected to play Kevin Smit, who was playing in breech of the HMA, even after being asked not to by House.
If these agreements exist, they exist for a reason. If GWood elects to opt out – no problem, if they elect to be bound by them, honor them, you agree?
@Gungets Tuft: and Natal beat WP back then ?
@Gungets Tuft: I have awesome pictures of the 64 & 65 Natal schools sides my uncle played in, I think it’s Skonk in the pictures as the coach. Would love Beet to post them here…
@Grasshopper: Skonk had close relationships with every coach in the province, and mutual respect between them all. There might have been the odd good player that slipped through the net somehow, but it wouldn’t have been many, and it definitely would not have been through lack of effort.
@Gungets Tuft: I knew that was coming, I know he wasn’t bias but many would have questioned a single man deciding. I don’t know how the team was selected then, it might have been by consensus. Maybe you know more.
@McCulleys Workshop: As far as I know it a straight league scoring system. 2 for a win, 1 for a draw, with only the first fixture counting in the event of double headers as House and Hilton have. If there are lots of missed games in the contender pool (with due respect to Northwood – they seldom play everyone so exclude them), Glenwood, DHS, Westville, KC, College, Hilton and House.
I don’t know the scores so can’t add it up, but if there were lots of missed fixtures then it makes no sense. Or if it was one school missing most of them, for instance Glenwood with their Japan tour, then just exclude them and add it up.
@Grasshopper: In the Skonk years it was pretty much College dominating, so your justification for so many Glenwood players in the side now is exactly the same. If you’re claiming a bias, you know nothing about Skonk Nicholson.
@McCulleys Workshop: What changing ethos?
@Playa: Couldn’t give a rats arse. If having a son that’s had his 3 major concussions and decides to play hockey rather than end up like Joost is evidence of a lack of testosterone, well then. It’s not as if College being in the top 3 is SA Hockey for 10 years and still sneaking a couple of top 20 (and a 10) in that time, I reckon we’re doing ok, along with top in Basketball, and top in KZN in soccer. It’s about opportunity for everyone, even my 60kg son. I know it was in jest, but I wouldn’t mind seeing all the rugger boys running out at a short corner drag flick coming at them from 8m at 150kph. The “mof” might change to “moer” quicker than the ref can say Set.
@McCulleys Workshop: or double headers with Ville & College…
@McCulleys Workshop: well Hilton are too scared, House seem to be heading that way too & Affies was a mismatch. Probably more touring it seems….
@Grasshopper: I don’t believe it’s that easy to just fill the gaps and find new derbies. It’s a problem for Glenwood, firstly the costs of having to replace those games with out of province opponents or to be subjected to bye’s. When you have employed a whole bunch of young guys on scholarships, you want to give them game time, week in week out.
@McCulleys Workshop: it’s a big pity to throw away 90 year old derbies, a Kershaw legacy that will mend itself with time. I’m sure Glenwood will find decent opposition in the meantime though. The new head must make it a priority to fix old relationships…
@Grasshopper: Yes, well as I have said before, Glenwood had a haphazard schedule, with a number of bye’s. As much as this was viewed by Greenman as good recovery time, it’s not great for continuity, building momentum and BMT. It seems it won’t improve next year with additional games missing. It seems a pity to have expended the resources to build a rugby academy set up, only to have limited opposition. And this is exacerbated for the lower age groups/teams.
@McCulleys Workshop: played 18 won 15 lost 3, is a very good season in anyone’s eyes….
@McCulleys Workshop: I understand the Maths but we all know who were the strongest side but without a round robin format it cannot be confirmed…
@Grasshopper: Kearsney were top in KZN, you’ll have to get Gungets to explain the maths to you. Glenwood didn’t play enough games provincially and therefore weren’t no 1, so instead of awarding the title to Kearsney my understanding is that there is no KZN No 1 this season. That doesn’t make sense, whatever the criteria is, apply it.
And based on the points criteria Glenwood aren’t going to be No 1 in KZN next season either, they won’t be playing Hilton, House or Northwood, and I believe the Affies game is also cancelled.
@Bush: yes little doos, time to go to bed…
@Grasshopper: Ja, we will watch this space. Any way truck now and go to bed you doos.
@Bush: yes that is due to a House tour and I’m glad we not playing Affies, not competitive enough. I honestly do hope there is a shake up in KZN with no GW coaches or selectors, then any GW selections cannot be challenged or questioned….
@Grasshopper: Theoretically all us bloggers know how mighty clever you are, but in fact you a dumb ass. Those losses one takes into life and you are able to learn life lessons from them. I learnt great lessons from that loss. It’s not about the tables been turned, it’s about your school controlling the KZN rugby scene. Prime example is this award that was not handed out. It BS.
Nothings going to happen next year dumb ass, House is not play GW.
And GW won’t get 60 plus points against Affies.
@Bush: haha! Honours in Economics takes a real dumb ass, yes! Yes, like Hilton running away with your tail between your legs. Glenwood got hammered by House for years but took it on the chin, now roles are reversed they run scared! Really mature. We will see next year what happens.
@Grasshopper: Ja Hopper those squint eyes of yours will be straight when I’m done with you. Our House is in order as we are equal to the majority of other schools in KZN. It is a pity House has dropped that fixture against GW. Like Affies have done with GW. Maybe they are sick of pounding your backsides.
It doesn’t bother me about the big scores we take against GW. I have mentioned that many times, but again you show your stupid side.
@Bush: under16a Glenwood 80 – House 0, looks promising…,
@Bush: what’s so funny is you so brave on a blog, in person you wouldn’t be so brave. House rule go House! The power-House of KZN rugby! Instead of focusing on GW so much get your own House in order….I can see another pounding of the House next year….
@Grasshopper: Thank Truck you are in the UK. *** GW are in charge of KZN Schools Rugby. That’s the problem. Hopper truck off and go play scrabble with your lonely self.
@Bush: branch not chip on ones shoulder! Pomelled to obvilion now bleating like a lamb. Yes, Kearsney are top in KZN, they deserve the trophy….
@McCulleys Workshop: I didn’t even want to comment about that crap. To be honest with your GW must form their own league and go play with themselves. Who gives a TRUCK if they are best in KZN, this gives them the right to send 2nd and 3rd to KZN trials. Wait for it, Greenman will add his 5 kuk cents worth. That they have played Craven Week at the lower levels. That makes them better than the rest of the KZN 1st Team Players.
Now that GW are once again above everybody, that due to the fact that they didn’t have enough provincial games the award for the best KZN team will not be given out this year. WTF, how does that make the rest of the schools in KZN feel.
Come on surely a coach at the school should at least stand up and say that it should go to another team, like Kearnsey.
Bloggers from the Cape, TVL and all other provinces can you now understand why certain people cannot handle these mooses from GW.
FTGA
@beet: I would love KZNto get Swys de Bruin back to the coast and being the independent selector who watches as many games as possible and has a big say in the selection, almost like retirement role. He could then also advise the coaches with the gameplan etc.
@Bush: Bush, have you heard anything from the KZN Schools luncheon today? I believe they didn’t make an award to any school for the top side, what happened? I though Kearsney were clear winners.
@Beet: do not want to hijack the KZN issue, but feel that there are commonalities in Lions region as well. Systems and processes are all good and we’ll, BUT the effectiveness depends all on the people that apply it. The Lions also have a good system that seems fair and equitable. After the first round, the personal preferences come to the fore though. Kids are selected that may perform well in their school setup, but dismally under perform at a higher level. In my experience the PEOPLE involved are always the dictators of success, or otherwise. Band of brothers who keep each other happy may be a common theme? Agree that external influence with rugby success as measure needs to be involved.
@Grasshopper: Yeah Hopper and building on what you are saying, we should never accept that because its always happened that way in the past as an excuse for continuing along the same path.
Transparency is a great word. I watched the vote counting at the KZN AGM and thought to myself, should an independent be involved in the process along with KZNRU officials. Same goes for player selections rating/vote telling. There shouldn’t be even a hint of doubt in anyone’s minds that the process isn’t 100% above board.
I must add that looking at a few other regions in SA from afar I feel KZN still has one of the better systems. I’ve seen some things in other regions that just does not look right.
@beet: I agree with you, ALL schools should be represented equally. I think it’s quite transparent these days. I mean pre 2000 it was a mystery, I couldn’t even name one Natal Schools coach from those days. Big black box and sudden announcement. In the 90’s I think Glenwood got max 15 reps in 10 years. In the Skonk years it pretty much was him deciding on the sides…
I also still stand by my view that the selection committee votes should be spread equally and guaranteed amongst by all the major schools in KZN. For a number of years before this year College didn’t have a vote and Westville with the exception of one year haven’t had one for a number of years, this while others like Glenwood and Kearsney had more than one u18 vote at times. It’s obviously easier said than done coz it’s just a vital that the coaches have a say in selections. But if we are going to be realistic as was said from the podium at the KZN rugby AGM and not denounced by a single school official there : closer to trials headmasters put pressure on their own school coaches to see to it that their own school’s players benefit during the process. It’s reality! It’s tied in with marketing. If you can overcome that, rather aim at a system that tries to gives everyone an equal say.
Adding to what I said above, one of the good things that came about this season was the new CW selection system for trials. If used right it can work well. A big benefit was that it resulted in better trial matches at Woodburn. Making away with zonal teams means there is far better opportunity to up the quality of trial matches and test players in strength vs strength challenges. So hats off to KZN for implementing this. Like any system it could be subject to corruption but if its managed well it could be a useful tool in achieving success. Interestingly not only does it have to be used to assess and select players but it affords an opportunity to now go back and assess selectors based on the ratings they gave players at trials in relation to how those players went on to perform. It could be used to weed out weak or ulterior motive selectors, and help strengthen the system even more.
Just getting back to the topic for a moment, here are a few things I would like to add re: KZN and Craven Week performances.
KZN CW is not as weak as a lot of people perceive. Yes we are challenged by quota and yes we do tend to produce smaller players and we will probably never arrive at CW as one of the favourites to win it outright but we have produced good capable teams even in recent years and have managed to beat the likes of the Lions, Free State and Western Province with convincing performances. Yet every year for a number years now our team comes home with 1 win 2 defeats – an established trend and that record is often the result of the team underperforming in a winnable game. So we are inconsistent.
I had the pleasure of attending the rugby KZN AGM last year. It was very interesting. Amongst the things said was a report bacl speech given by a CW coach. He said KZN CW should have beaten EP in the semi last year and if they had played in the final he believed they would have given WP a closer game. I agreed 100%. Where we might have differed in our reasons for why KZN did not win that semi. Had we won it, it would have been a 2-1 campaign and not the usual 1-2.
This year we played the Pumas who we’d beaten earlier in the season on sort of neutral ground, on the CW Saturday. KZN was the home team. As the game progressed the Pumas who are probably far more challenged than KZN to find 10 good quota players, looked to have more endurance and sadly also looked like the better coached team on the day and went on to pull off a win in a close game as part of a good CW for them. KZN again 1-2 at CW when it could have / should have been 2-1.
So again we are not expected to world beater but our CW record is a poor one. There needs to be a drive to get our record up to at least 50% or over the next decade and to decrease the number of games where the team underachieves – so even if they don’t win they at least come closer to fulfilling their potential. Whatever the people who run the show are doing, they need to be doing more. Under the current leadership, we lack direction and we lack innovation. It feels like we are forever following in the footsteps of other more successful provinces when in fact we need to be province who tries to take the lead with modernisation and decisive measures aimed at improving a system that needs improvement. The woeful trend 33.333333% trend is the constant reminder that compliments for coaches, selectors and execs should be a rarity.
@oldschool: Hahahaahhaha…Gungets wont like this one bit
Just a bit of inside on both the Lions and SA Schools teams this year:
When they tested and exercised the defensive patterns during practice, the “B-team” ran the “A-team” ragged, every time. It included forwards and backs in most instances. Njannies koepella!
So, when do you guys start talking about the coaching problem? Or, is it all the boys’ fault?
I thought the U/18 academy team was quite decent, and competitive, this year.
@GreenBlooded: Lol…dont know what happened there. Freaky Friday
@Speartackle:
Your new mate Bush going to donner you properly if he see’s you wearing that Green jersey. He might even bust out his video camera and start another bonfire with it………..
@TJ: Not only that but that should attract the right boys if scouting was done correctly
@Speartackle: Ah so “history and facilities” would suffice, to be honest relying on exactly those two have got us in this hole.
@TJ: Very easy, with your history and facilities. It should in fact be much easier for you guys to build a Dream Team than it would be for GW or Westville.
WTF
I love Glenwood
Traitor
@Speartackle: Where do you get that Glenwood jersey?
Went to Suncoast Casino yesterday and thought I’d pop into the Snake Park and there in Glass Cage A7 I saw Green Mamba lying staring at me. Sign at the entrance said donations would be welcome so I gave R 50 , Hope Green Mamba had a lekker rat or 2
Had the pleasure of doing business with Speartackle yesterday, he is a very stand up person, dresses very mod and looks like he is settling in well here in KZN. No signs or rugged look that most West Rand people bear. Nice guy.
@Speartackle: Just for interest sake, how do you suggest College fix their recruiting issues?
@GreenBlooded: But I heard that he is attending literacy classes so that he can follow the local newspaper reports.
@GreenBlooded: He asked me where the local Morkels & Beares was, I gave him a blank look…
@star: I can understand that perception especially with the recent management there, but not all the teachers and the board are dodgy. Does every other school not have bad eggs? What I dislike is this pedestal position other schools take, like we are perfect and they are scum. With proper rules and procedures re player movement agreed openly and honestly between the schools this animosity should subside. It’s going to take years to change that perception, unfortunately…
@star:
He’s dreaming if he thinks he’s a Natal oke. Standard policy in most of the civilised world is 5 years residence before you get a passport. So as far as I’m concerned, he still has another 4 years and 10 months worth of presenting is passport for scrutiny at Van Reenens pass.
Truth be told, it will take a lot longer than that to get him up to KZN standards – wearing shoes, eating with utensils etc. Being from the West Rand, these things take a little longer……..
@Speartackle: Yep, he was the one player that could have matched the Affies and Monnas forwards for physicality. A team isn’t made of one player but at this level one player can make a huge difference. He used to create space for our backs by sucking in more than 2 or 3 defenders. What this shows is how good the Grey and Boishaai depth is as they still won recent games with like 5 and 8 players out respectively. How Monnas lost to Garsies only god knows. That Monnas side was something special when they clicked, especially the pack..
@star: I miss the West Rand yes but I’ve come to save the Last Outpost
@Grasshopper: Yes Palvie was massive blow for GW. I don’t think anyone can realise how important his presence could have been.
@Speartackle: So now you are a Natal oke. I always thought you were the proverbial Wes Rand boytjie.
I have witnessed numerous examples over several years and across several sporting codes to give credence to this ” perception”. This needs to be properly unpacked and not deflected by the enablers. Let me give an example. While the Prinsloo issue has been debated at length, over the past 4 years there have been 3 Westville props that have gone on to represent SA U20 and now their senior provincial sides. Only one was at CW and he was not even a starter. To rub further salt into the wound is that fact that they were all so called ” PDI”. How do we reconcile this outcome? I think like one of our major parties is concerned a little introspection is required. This certainly does not mean that all the other schools are above reproach.But if the green hat fits 
@ Greenman- the majority of people do not hate GW. I have enough family and friends who attended the school to think otherwise. What they hate is the perception of impropriety and the fall out that will ensue. We need look no further than current national actions and the impact it has on the rand.
@oldschool: Agreed and remove bloody soccer/football and basketball, come on those are not sports either…
@Speartackle: you spot on, I also think losing Palvie was massive for Glenwood. I know the guys will take the piss now, but he was our go forward guy and actually feared by most other sides. They then tried to use JJ in that role and that shouldn’t be where he plays. He is a lock and should stick to clearing rucks & mauls, winning lineout ball and anchoring the scrum. Brummer was a great leader, but against the bigger physical packs he was just too small, got thrown around like a ragdoll at Monnas. I think selection also was a problem at Glenwood, Vorster wasn’t a loosehead, Weideman was a penalty machine and not having an experienced flyhalf like Bossr didn’t help. In terms of coaching, Rudi and Mike are good coaches, but maybe they could do with a trip to NZ or England to widen their thinking. Glenwood put their necks on the line every year now playing Affies, Grey & Monnas. These are the benchmarks and we lost by 30 or more to each of them. So KZN rugby is far behind currently. Our under16’s are a beacon of light though….some hope going forward…
Over protective mothers and the growth of fairy sticks are the 2 major reasons why Rugby numbers are dropping in KZN schools , 8 years ago , KZN would field over 450 rugga games on a Saturday through all the tiers and age groups , now we can only field 270 teams …. numbers are dying due to the hyper A type personality Mum whom pussy whips her weak husband …. and the boy child is forced to play fairy sticks and read mens health magazine and will probably end up being a mountain biker or even worse a dusi paddler… calling these exercises actual sports !! hence the supposed deterioration of our rugby quality … take Moff stock away from our boys as an option and our rugby will improve … so to will the sex life of the hockey dad whom will find his testosterone again !!
@Speartackle: Spear – very valid points. KZN has been fairly dependent on the Privates, and they are never going to even pretend to be rugby academy’s for various reasons, nor build their ethos around that, so I don’t see that changing drastically. In all the other provinces the big model C schools are the overwhelming contributors to their CW sides. In KZN I would guess the privates make up 30/40% of the CW teams on average. Hopper will have those stats in his Acer XL next to his Beano comics and glass of milk. Glenwood has been the only Model C in KZN to stick up its hand consistently over the last 10 years. While the Ville have enormous potential, I agree on your perception of the coaching, and possibly their entire rugby program, and both Nwood and DHS are trying to claw their way back with renewed programs. Nwood looked to have a good side early in the season with the biggest pack in KZN, but conditioning and basic skills were piss poor. Bashford should be able to produce better than that. I think your assessment of College is accurate, and I’m sure they face a myriad of challenges as well as possibly a changing ethos?
@Greenman: My point is, why play the third best hooker because he is from the same school as your best lock? While I understand your thinking, I believe it’s flawed. To have a stand out flyhalf, Bader last year, and to have played the House scrum half for CW to keep combos intact makes absolutely no sense to me, neither would not playing Bader and replacing him for a second or third choice Fly Half because he has good report with his school side scrum half and they make a good combo. Beet addressed this issue last year, starting with selectors who actually do their job provincially outside of just watching their first team games etc etc. It just seems to lack professionalism which certainly isn’t the case in most of the other unions.
@Playa:
@Greenman: Hahahaha…this is me laying off.
@Playa: There is nothing wrong in defending your own and is expected. Maybe just lay off on GW. Maybe Grasshopper will start commenting on English school rugby then
@Speartackle: Spot on. Mental toughness believing we can be competitive. Lacking when we go north.
@Grasshopper: What I said was in jest.
I have no business commenting on KZN rugby. My beloved Border has problems in abundance. I would, however like to see an amicable way forward for the good of rugby, and not for just an individual school. And pointing the finger at other schools when yours is being critiqued is not the way to go about it.
At last a topic for us Natal okes……a big problem here is the pathetic recruitment by the private schools and possibly the standard of their coaching at age group level They have a decent group one year and then get slaughtered for a few years. Westville coaching a major problem (I offered my services but they not interested, tough luck to them….suffer on ) and I think College just struggling to scout the talent they used to get for free.
Fitness levels also not up to scratch so they cant keep up with the tempo against the big schools.
And then mental toughness….very important….you CAN compete against more talented and better teams if mentally stronger.
I think Glenwood had a hell of a start to the season and upon return from Japan it was as if they are now expected to perform like world champions and it collapsed on them big time. They needed a guy there who could have worked more on their mental toughness. Each and every one of you who have competed at a high level in sport should understand the nerves and mental kak that goes through your minds. And even those of you who could never ever perform at a high level should have encountered nervous moments like for instance having to throw that Bull that would win you the down down or ask old Bushie that 2 footer he missed for birdie after 3 stabbing that short par 4 that he drove.
The 2 major problems in KZN are fitness and mental toughness……there are enough talent here………..but KZN rugby is run by a bunch of amateurs
@McCulleys Workshop: Prinsloo might have been the answer but were locks that goes with him. We do like to punt names as individuals but this is a team sport. I think (not think) we have learned our lessons by playing players out of position because of previous performance and reputation. The proof is in the pudding and sometimes they add a cherry to the top to justify themselves
@Greenman: agree with you, for decades College was the best team in KZN and they got the most reps followed by DHS and a sprinkling of the rest, no one seemed to moan then. It’s because Glenwood have become more competitive in the past 15 years that really irritates some, especially in the private schools. Glenwood were strong in the 80’s too, so it isn’t a new thing. Why people can’t celebrate success I’m not sure. Who cares where the boys come from originally their parents have chosen the school and they all Glenwood boys. Those from the Eastern Cape are getting a good opportunity, I don’t think any loving parent would let that go. I mean half of the privates intake is from Joburg, no one has issue with that. It’s either envy or jealousy but it’s not a positive thing. KZN will be better next year and in 2018, let’s support them all. I would make Richardson the captain on the flank….
I don’t know why i get involved in a discussion here. Instead of sharing ideas as how to assist we end it up with a GW vs rest of KZN thing. Currently GW is the best in KZN and we can debat that if needed. That’s your strength and we should support them. We should actually encourage other schools to compete to be the best. Michaelhouse last year were the top team.
Yet we cannot support our provincial team here because of “hatred” towards GW and any boy that goes to school there who might be chosen to represent. I don’t care about Grasshopper as he is not representing GW but a loyal supporter. So punt your own school and if you cant, stay away from criticizing others. If your school doesn’t believe in being competitive by investing then so be it. Don’t throw stones at others that do. It is obvious the main representatives will be from the champion school however that me be. If you want a welfare team, then mix it up with whoever pitches up. Just don’t expect results. KZN is not featuring anywhere outside of its own borders so lets support those that want to see us back in the mainstream.
@Playa: what do you think of Horseflies then? Payi comes to mind and quite a few others are in Blackmores House….
And it is all in a vain attempt to satisfy this unsavoury character. http://www.bdlive.co.za/opinion/columnists/2014/01/22/fikile-mbalula-an-unbearably-useless-individual
Truth is that the problems faced by KZN, are no different from the problems faced by the franchises in the north (Transvaal) and the FS, where rugby is NOT the first choice of the quota component. No use talking around the problem, which has become a disease in SA. And from what I can understand, is that there is a difference between Zulus and Xhosas. How many kids “of colour” in KZN, are local Zulus and how many are from accross the “border”, the Transkei and beyond ?
In all honesty…not since schools started buying from outside provinces has KZN been a force in schools rugby.This conversation will go on until stop seeing green when KZN sbr is named.Artificial growth leads to real failure.In Zulu…failure is ihlazo…which is green in English.Pests in the fields are green.The worst being a grasshopper. Shit I talk too much…forgot Hopper is now in England and here I am explaining Zulu phrases.
@Greenman: I agree with you, if we are talking combos, the best hooker in KZN was Prinsloo, and on that basis I agree, the Westville locks should have been chosen. That would have kept things nice and tidy.
@McCulleys Workshop: Nope, it’s called a list of KZN reps since 2003 in Excel and the ones prior I remember….stop being such numb skull…
@Grasshopper: Given the accuracy of your spelling, I would guess those names didn’t just jump out of your head, not even Playa would be able to get all that spelling right. I think it’s from the schools annuals next to your bed, along with Beano and Roy of The Rovers.
@Bush: Mate you have just shown your age there, black kids only started to attend Gov schools in 1990. Privates had them before but in very small numbers. Glenwood isn’t the yardstick at all, Grey Bloem, Boishaai and Affies are.
@Stier: It all started with Victor Tsewu & Lucky Massina in 1996, both made KZN schools. Then came Thulani Nteta (Sharks & SA A team strength and conditioning coach) & Bheki Langa KZN schools 2000, Petros Methula SA schools 2001 & Nanyak Dala KZN Schools 2001 (Canada), Allen Zungu (2010), Senzo Mtshali (2010), Sanele Pina (2011), Nkululeko Marwana (2011 & Sharks u/20), Sihle Ngxabi (2012), Mthokozisi Mkhabela (2012), Ntokozo Vidima (2013), Mzwandile Mazibuko (2013), Sphamandla Ngcobo (2013), Akona Nela (2013), Ilunga Mukendi (2014), Percy Mngadi (2014 & 2015), Kwazi Khanyile (2014), Philani Ngcobo (2014), Nama Xaba (2015), Mchunu (2015), Mayibongwe Maduna (2016) & Sibonakaliso Dubazane (2016)…….and those are the ones from my head, there were many others.
@Greenman: 100% correct. All schools in KZN must be involved. The tops schools in KZN must have the players at the trails. It can’t come from one school only.
@Grasshopper: You need to google “boxing” and “leading with the chin”.
@Grasshopper: Thanks, you make me feel young.
When are you going to blog with an open mind? MHS, Hilton and Kearsney all had players of all races groups before you were an itch in your dads ball bag. Those schools were subjected to hoffric elements, but GW has always done or had things better. When you blog about something GW is always the yard, Boerboel is correct. You have a problem. It’s not bi-polar, I don’t it’s something really trucked up
If I may throw in my 2 cents worth. Two points to make. 1. Why invite 150 players to trials? Identify the chosen early in the season by watching school games. Its a mess to chose 46 in 1 day trials. 2. Pick combinations that works. Hooker with locks and scrummie with flyhalf. These are critical and doesnt happen overnight.
@Bush: When are you going to grow up? You sound about 20 years old…
@Grasshopper: Lekker Hopper, GW only came alive after 1995. One must not forget the pensioner you had as Captain. Nothing new with a ton of things at GW
@Grasshopper: Don’t seem to be that consistent at doing it. However if kzn is producing enough talent through their primary schools then their must be another problem. Seeing how you kzn boys kicked this topic off that might be the problem. I thought us boertjies had a reputation for not being able to work together but you guys are showing as we can still learn a lot from the souties.
@Stier: Glenwood have been playing Zulu boys since 1995, nothing new there. In fact one year we had 7 or 8 in the 1st team
Interesting that the under 13 is not a topic, that should be the feeder for the rest but doesn’t seem important enough. All regions can be as strong at cw as weepee if they make sure the boys at primary school level gets better coaching in the basics.
Bog always makes a big thing about boys of colour playing rugby in the cape regions but look at the kzn under 13 team, they made the final for the first time in their history and they had many boys of colour that looked really promising. I think kzn should keep doing what ever it is they did to get those boys playing the game and over time things will come right. Who knows Glenwood may one day stop buying Afrikaans boys from gauteng and play with some home grown Zulu boys from kzn? But if every region will stop looking for excuses and start developing their own youngsters SA rugby will be better and we can all stop scouting 13 year old boys from hundreds of miles away.
There may be many reasons for non-performance. We will probably never know what they are – fair enough. What I do know is that involvement of external parties in a specialist role as well as a facilitator role may feel awkward, but it will ensure the guys get to the root causes much faster. With too much skin in discussions it will take ages and the real causes maybe never found.
The handbags are out and flying. Feel free to use the high heels as well. Any objection if I, as an impartial individual from a peaceful region, act as promotor and arrange fights with other regions? In my modest opinion, current ratings would be 1) Noordvaal, 2) WP and 3) KZN. But I see potential. With a few minor adjustments to a few things, you can climb that ladder in no time. At this stage, it would be as curtain raisers for the CC, but as things are going in SA rugby, that could be reversed.
@Grasshopper: And also Lekker stupid.
@Bush: I’ll call you Spud from now on…
@Bush: I would rather be a whinger than a silver spooner toff boy
@Grasshopper: Hopper the GW whinger. You must fit in well in the UK. Bangers, mash and a chop
@Bush: Pot kettle….
@Grasshopper: Do you want some cheese with that whine
@Bush: Yeah similar to the one we sung in the 90’s……burn burn burn down the HOUSE….unfortunately we couldn’t as we were playing against the Grey OB’s club…
@Grasshopper: Huh is that a GW school song?
@Bush: It’s called the world wide web, which turned 25 years old 2 days ago….
@Grasshopper: Where the F did you Hop out of????? I think it should be GW all through everything. No rep from any other school in KZN. As they are too kuk. It’s only about GW nothing else counts.
@McCulleys Workshop: I have suggested numerous times, each schools head coach should pick a side at trials using none of his own players. Then they put the sides together and select those that appear the most, so Richardson would have made every side so is a shoe in….
@Grasshopper: Which schools should have 2, which schools should have 1, which schools should have none?
@McCulleys Workshop: If it’s just Rudi and Mike then No, but anymore then yes. I would ideally like no Glenwood involvement in selection, so when the Glenwood boys are picked there cannot be any outcry like there is every year…
@Grasshopper: Well now that you’ve opened the meeting on that topic, do you think there is too much GWood influence?
@McCulleys Workshop: Nope, I’m talking about the bloggers. Maybe in the meeting too from those schools who think there is too much Glenwood involvement and influence. Cue….Bush……and Boerboel….
@Grasshopper: Why would the meeting be a Glenwood bashing session? What’s Glenwood got to do with it? Do you think KZN = Glenwood?
Cue….Glenwood bashing deluxe….