| Home | Away | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| NMMU | 45 | 29 | Maties |
| UCT Ikeys | 24 | 47 | NWU-Pukke |
| UP-Tuks | 18 | 18 | UJ |
| UFS Shimlas | 31 | 15 | Wits |
Wow the UKZN has never been part the Varsity Cup proper but the NMMU team that beat Maties 45-29 yesterday was about as close to a KZN / Sharks region representative team as supporters from the region could hope to get.
| NMMU Madibaz: | Sharks / KZN background | Maties |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Roy Godfrey (c.) | Former Sharks Junior | 1 Wesley Adonis |
| 2 Martin Ferreira | 2 Freddie Kirsten | |
| 3 Dexter Fahey | Former Sharks Junior / KZN Schoolboy | 3 Brendon Pitzer |
| 4 Stefan Willemse | Former Sharks Junior | 4 Jan de Klerk |
| 5 Cameron Lindsay | Former KZN Schoolboy | 5 Wilhelm van der Sluys |
| 6 Christopher Cloete | Former Sharks Junior | 6 Beyers de Villiers |
| 7 Marcel Groenewald | 7 Jurg Streicher | |
| 8 Timothy Agaba | Former Sharks Junior | 8 Tertius Daniller (c.) |
| 9 Daniel Acker | 9 Jean Nel | |
| 10 Gavin Hauptfleisch | Former Sharks Junior | 10 Chris Smith |
| 11 Tythan Adams | 11 Caleb Smith | |
| 12 Andile Jho | 12 Louis Jordaan | |
| 13 Michael Bernardt | Former Sharks Junior | 13 Mark Hodgskiss |
| 14 Ayabula Dlepu | 14 Clearance Khumalo | |
| 15 Jarryd Buys | 15 Craig Barry | |
| 16 Greg Bauer | Former Sharks Junior | 16 Charl de Villiers |
| 17 Nicolas Roebech | Former Sharks Junior | 17 Boeta Kleinhans |
| 18 Louis Fourie | 18 Renier Ehlers | |
| 19 Wade Elliot | Former Sharks Junior / KZN Schoolboy | 19 Lungelo Chonco |
| 20 Ivan Ludick | Former Sharks Junior | 20 Gerhard Jordaan |
| 21 Stefanus Booysen | 21 Robert du Preez | |
| 22 Donovan Marais | 22 Johnny Kôtze | |
| 23 Enoch Mnyaka | 23 Liam Hendricks | |
| Other squad members | ||
| Ruan Allerston | Former Sharks Junior / KZN Schoolboy | |
| Dwayne Kelly | Former Sharks Junior / KZN Schoolboy | |
| Simon Kerrod | Former Sharks Junior | |
| Yamkela Ngam | Former Sharks Junior | |
@Woltrui: Sadly, I have been out of the PBHS mix for a while now, so I am not clued up on this years side.
Will find out and let you know.
@Ploegskaar: You could be right – all those “protein shakes” that put on 20kg in 6 months
@Speartackle: Botterballe, die lot, was die Bulle se kondisionering afrigter voorheen betrokke by die Bulgaarse Olimpiese gewigoptel span?
Ek se maar niks. I think that you are a little premature with your assessment of some players. Goodness me, Coenie is a prop and not too long ago, there was no way that you found a prop playing international rugby at the age of 23- they only began their international careers at 25-26.
@RBugger: Hi Mr RBugger. As PBHS old boy have you heard anything about the PBHS team for 2014? If I am correct they did beat Affies at some stage at age group? Could be a good crop in 2014. How many of the 2013 team is back?
@Muzi: Well at least we can agree that JJ’s best position is wing.
Regarding match ups with Smith i know who I would have on my side anytime – little things like the relative tackle or line breaks stats that are an important part of a 13’s role – both facets in which Smith significantly outperformed JJ. in last years Super 15. The only stat that JJ features prominently in is missed tackles where he is 3rd overall with 34 – not good enough for an international 13.
A key difference between us and NZ at Ellis Park was the defensive work put in by the respective midfields;
Nonu made 10 tackles and missed 2
Smith made 11 and missed 1
JJ made 3 missed 2
Jean made 4 missed 1
@Ploegskaar: You can call us dom……….but fat?……………..aikona ………….odwa
@Muzi: Ja Muzi, JJ put him on his ass once, but on how many occasions did he play his teammates into space to get PAST (as opposed to over/through) JJ and the rest of the world’s centres during his playing career thus far?
That’s the problem at the Bulls, an obsession with big players in all positions to attack and defend in channel 1 and 2, while clever opposition skip straight to channel 3 to put your vetgat backs under pressure.
@Meadows: Yes, Smith is an unbelievable player. Like you say, not the biggest and funnily enough, not any where near the quickest either, he just knows his role an executes time and time again – right place right time, right attitude at all times.
I often think the Blacks live for rugby and rugby alone, as where, perhaps some Boks enjoy the fame that goes with it – ie, partying, drinking etc
I may be off the mark here, but that is just what I personally feel. You are right Beet, a lot of class players start off so bright and then start to fade a bit, not sure if this is due to a stringent game plan whereby all thinking goes out the window…
@Muzi: When I watched Dries Swanepoel play for Grey College I thought he could become the next Conrad Smith because he seemed to be all about trying to make good decisions and the skill was there for all to see. Now a few years on he like many other Saffas incl Engelbrecht who look like they are stuck in some sort of computer program loop – trying mostly to do the same predictable things over and over again and not looking nearly as comfortable as their skills sets once suggested they should be when it comes to trying to make things happen for those around them. With a guy like Conrad Smith his play is mostly associated with thinking rugby. Its where to be to get the ball, where to run with the ball, understanding of where the support runners will come from and what to do to keep the continuity which isn’t necessarily to pass but he at least looks very comfortable making meaningful passes that stick. I also really like his hand-off – I’ve seen that buy him a valuable extra few second and/or extra 5m on many occasions.
“I have no doubt that Conrad Smith is the best 13 in world rugby. He is neither the biggest or the fastest but he is the most astute and manages to expose a player like JJ’s limitations whenever they are matched up.”
haha JJ showed Smith the ‘bus is full’ last year at loftus the poor kiwi was not knocked out six love when the Bulls played the Canes….Engelbrecht’s best position is wing though.
@RBugger: I have no doubt that Conrad Smith is the best 13 in world rugby. He is neither the biggest or the fastest but he is the most astute and manages to expose a player like JJ’s limitations whenever they are matched up. I often wonder, in the context of our obsession with size in SA, if world class players like Smith or Brian O’Driscoll would have progressed in our structures.
@RBugger: To me, Michael du Plessis was still the best 12 to ever play this mediocre game called rugby.
@Speartackle: I do agree with you – the All Blacks certainly lead the field with their backs.
Serfontein, like many of our centres, are very solid and strong, but are they a Nonu or Bill-Williams, do the make the right decisions ala Conrad Smith – I would say not.
If Frans Steyn can just lose a bit of weight, to me, he is the most dangerous centre we have had in years – plays clever, steps well and has the natural size to compete against a Nonu etc
@beet: Agreed. I also think that there is a tangible step up to international level that some players, however effective at the level below – Super Rugby or Heineken Cup, simply cant make. It is not perceptibly faster or harder but there is clearly a gap. A guy like Ruan Pienaar is IMO a prime example – an outstanding player at the level immediately below who just seems unable to make a similar impact at international level.
@meadows: I think a guy like Kingswood’s Grant Hattingh can relate to that having to play off the bench due to the quality WP had at lock in their juniors a few years ago.
Glad to see 2009 MHS and KZN Craven Week captain Cameron Lindsay turning out for NMMU. I thought that he had quit rugby. He had the bad luck IMO to be behind Eben Etsebeth and Wilhelm vd Sluys at WP as an U19 – 21 so played mostly off the bench.
@Grasshopper: I’m pretty sure Tino Zakeyo went to Dale.
@Muzi: I don’t think the arriving on the scene first is as important as sticking around. Making the Bok team is a huge honour and says a lot about a player’s ability but it isn’t a race to get there. It’s far more important that the player makes a valuable contribution or gains the experience that will eventually make him a better intl player, than simply having the bragging rights of being the first to get picked.
Coenie Oosthuizen might be a good example of this. Got there early but is he good enough to add the kind of value the Boks need to close the gap on NZ and are there other props coming up behind him who are making slower progress towards the same intl destination but will ultimately be better test players???
@Speartackle: Spear ever since R365 started borrowing and not returning products out of your medicine cabinet for steroids articles photo shoots, you haven’t had the legs to last an entire SBR season.
When you say I’m gonna be “bad” I know read that as the Afr word for bath.
And “Badder” just sounds like a new first Christian name you are giving yourself
As for Pierre, he is short, around 1.75 for sure, good player though, miles better than his big brother. I expect he’ll be 1st choice loosehead for the Baby Boks. Speaking of Baby Boks, they’re gonna have to find space for Gelant in that squad.
@Grasshopper: Tino Zakeyo is a Dalian
@Muzi: Im surprized that the “dash” of 20 mtrs has not become a marathon by now. What was the score again?
@Speartackle:
…….well since Matfield is back from retirement Bulls might as well re-call Uli Schmidt….Robert Du Preez….Anton Leonard…..even Naas himself would fit in nicely at 10….what a huge farce. 
Our greatesr ever SA povot Naas Botha has nothing to do with this leave him alone
Kevin Pietersen getting axed from the pommies team…Quinton de Kock scoring 50 against the best bowling attack in the world at the Bullring this afternoon in the friendly test game….even though Thami is ahead of him in the pecking order for the test side…..
……according to Mr Speartackle Andre Esterhuizen is the next Sonny Bill Williams…gosh what a day 
@Muzi: He was so quick that Goosen, Jordaan and Small Smith weren’t even in the picture in that Sunday’s Volksblad.
Do you know who is the player that was regarded as always ‘first to arrive’ after a try was scored or ‘always in the picture’ when a try was scored?……………..Naas
@Speartackle:
I believe the name you’re looking for is the great Thabo Mabuza…..I simply can’t get that dash out of my head…even now I still can’t believe it he actually scored that try.
@Speartackle:
….I guess Serfontein will do the talking on the field this year. 
“Honestly I don’t know what the big hype is about Serfontein.”
I seriously can’t believe you said that…truly shocked unreal
@Muzi: These ‘once off’ flashes in the pan do stay with you for long periods…………just like that flanker who outsprinted the Greyt 2010 backline…………….what was his name again?
@Ploegskaar: @BOG: @Speartackle:
Jan Serfontein arrived violently in 2013 when he showed Heinrich Brussow “the bus is full”….it’s a shame FL can’t use his talents properly…the kid is playing according to instructions..crash..crash…crash and crash ball all day long.
@Muzi: Honestly I dont know what the big hype is about Serfontein. He was a great player at age group level but has not made any Kiwi supporter shiver.
Let’s wait a while and see how they respond to Esterhuizen…….after all the Kiwis have always been the pacesetters in world rugby.
Compare Serfontein to Sonny Bill……………do you reckon they’re in the same class?
Me thinks Esterhuizen can become a Sonny Bill……….at least I know he is a better boxer than SB
@Speartackle: @BOG:
good luck playing against those two players.
Rohan Janse van Rensburg and Andre Esyerhuizen in midfield for the baby boks….the shit has just hit the fan.
@Muzi: 1.91 & 104Kg (vs 1.86 & 98 Kg), still 19 and will get even better from here, those planets aren’t so far apart. Sharks consider him too slow for 13, but he will be the ideal “French” 13 for me….
@BOG:
Jean de Villiers is an outstanding skilful “donkey” at inside centre Jan Serfontein outplaying him shouldn’t be a surprise at all.
Probeer die O 21. Miskien is dit net GW wat die O23, binne die O21 liga het.
@Speartackle:
Andre Esterhuizen is an exciting young talent without a doubt he has a bright future he’s turning 20 this year…at this age Serfontein was already making his bok debut at ellis park against the all blacks even though he was sadly poor at wing that day.
@BOG: Ek kry nogsteeds nie daai onder 23 liga bepalings nie……….was nou al op Saru.co.FO ; Saru.co.FU; Saru.kom en Saru.suig……………..kry dit nie
@Muzi: “Platinum” class in a plane that has been grounded. You should be suspicious, VERY suspicious. Ever since he has become a Kings supporter,(When the Lions were relegated) after commuting to and from PE every week, he relates everything to air travel.But then, he had a season ticket with that budget airline belonging to the SA Taxi Ass., which never came into being, but offered discounted flights between Joburg and the E Cape. At least he got the chance to buy some nice “Organic Butterworth Chickens”
@Muzi: O ja………..Esterhuizen is still 19
@Speartackle: Consult SARU@co.FO@Muzi: Referring to the IRB U 20 tournament, makes you vulnerable here. You will be accused of “bringing up history” What I do know, is that he outshone the Bok captain on Saturday.I believe that everytime JDV wanted to go pass him, he simply kicked his walking stick from underneath him. Dont know if its fair though?
@Muzi: No Muzi…………Serfontein is still as big as he was in std 8 and I do admit he is in his own class…………..so is Esterhuizen……………just a touch above.
You know Muzi……………in life there are different classes……….even in an aeroplane you get economy and business class…………Esterhuizen is like PLatinum Class in a Concord,
Take a guy like me……………I might be ugly…………..but I’ve got class
@Speartackle:
hmmm thanks for the shadow scouting report rest assured I will personally send the Bulls, Lions and Cheetahs poachers a BBM tip about this groot blindside flank.
@Speartackle:
he’s in in his own class Oom.
Breaking news!!!….Andre Esterhuizen the next bok inside centre based on an impressive Under 21 season and a warm up game against the Saracens
Wait wait let me add my two cents….Jan Serfontein was named IRB Under 20 player of the year just aged 19
@BOG: Please inform me about this u/23 league you’re talking about……………is that exclusively to the OFS?
What’s it called? The Signal Hill Shield or what?
How about the FooTlong Cup?
@Speartackle: You have mentioned just about the whole back line. Neil Marais playing Cheetahs U 23 if not injured,Neil Jordaan playing Shimlas, Kevin Luiters on fringes of Cheetahs- played against the Kings- your side, the other day. The tights still in U 23 sides, FS and Bulls and as you probably dont know, takes a little longer to mature. All in all, they are doing ok. How is your single star doing? The shortish no 8 who captained SA schools? Playing at 9 now? Talent in Klerksdorp. This is a rugby blog- not a platform to discuss the old tannies of the OAH.
Andre Esterhuizen…………….the next Bok 12………….what a player…..watch out Serfontein.
Attended a Klerksdorp practise yesterday……………..enormous no 7 flank there………….still in grade 11……………think I should take him to Krugersdorp.
More talent here in Klerksdorp than in the whole of Paarl.
I have decided to be extra bad this year………..Remember the Steers Big and Bad burger?
I’m gonna be Badder
@Speartackle: Hiehiehiehie!! The MAIN MAN is back!!
Where are all the stars from the 1000 day unbeaten Grey Bloem 2010 team?
I know where’s Serfontein, Jordaan, Small Smith and Goosen………….where are the others?
@Toffee: Pukke Full-Back was also full of class – I presume Obi was the 11 who had a standout game, Ikeys kept going to high on him, missing tackles all the time.
Went to the Ikeys vs Pukke game. The stand out player was Obi (SA under 20) who has all the attributes of a good wing. The two locks were also very good on the night. Scrum struggled against Ikeys giving a few penalties and a tight head but lineout was strong winning a number against the throw. Pukke maybe lack a little imagination but they are very well coached and Robert Du Preez seems to be doing a good job. They will surprise a few of the big boys with the physicality and will definitely make the semi-finals. Ikeys started well but faded late in the second half. A good flyhalf/centre/centre combination and a good scrum, not much else to enthuse about but they will get better under the new coach.
@Tjoppa: Haha, no, he plays, ran out a few times for the Bulls U19 squad last year, withdrew from the final games because he had exams the same day. Its tough being a full time student and playing.
@Gungets Tuft: If he does not play rugby why would I. Rather bump into other people. But at my age it could be fatal.
@Tjoppa: Not going to walk into that one bru, fight that one on your own
He was a boarder, so the College core principles are in his DNA. Honesty, Integrity, Courage, Self-Discipline, Commitment and Respect. I say “boarders” because it is a part of their waking moments. Day boys will show the same, but with them it is just tatooed
Have you bumped into Reegan Smith yet?. Bona fide scholar, and studying law, so his rugby is 2nd priority.
@RBugger: Some instances 10cm is a lot and some instances not. But when comparing lenght some instances nobody would notice but sometimes they will laugh at you.
@Tjoppa: Well that is the thing, I was told and always believed, that I am 1.84cm – if I am now told i am 1.74cm, I am going to develop short man complex
I was in the stand and not on the field – if I were on the field, I proberly would have towered over him hahahahaha
@meadows: Unfortunately whith Unions running Varsity Cup it is known that the best teams is not picked and real, genuine students who is amateurs does not get the chance to represent their University, even if they are better than the contracted players. Phone Pote and ask him
@beet: It is nice to see that they are tightening up on the rules and enforcing them. I saw that Wits had to make fairly significant changes to their squad recently when several players were ruled ineligible.
Tuks have abused the system and received nothing more than a reprimand for the last two years.
I’ve been a big fan of the Varsity Cup concept from inception but think that it’s potential is not well served by Varsities importing teams of “fringe pro player” mercenaries from around the country. I have no problem with a pro player who is a genuine student (and believe it or not some are) playing Varsity Cup. Incidentally the younger guys who are eligible are now tending, if given the choice, to play Varsity rather than Vodacom Cup if they are not in their franchises Super rugby team.
Varsity Cup crowds and coverage are far better than Vodacom Cup which tends to be watched by a few family and fiends much like the U19 & 21 Currie Cup competitions.
@RBugger: How tall are you. That does have a big effect on one’s own ability to determine lenght.
What is the comparison between Varsity Cup and Vodacom Cup – which is the higher level of rugby played?
to give credit to Tuks, the centres both did well, Dries for taking it up and drawing the attention of his outside man and then Rohan for spotting the situation and running a short straight line.
The UJ centre actually tripped up due to the running angle of Dries, so all good.
@Tjoppa: Really did not think he was that short – I watched him play for Affies and I always thought he was quite tall – Perhaps he wore big studs
@meadows: And if UJ’s loosies knew the meaning of cover defence, well who knows. But admitting great Tuks work. Excellent try.
@BuffelsCM: Tuks were always going to score from there – they had the extra man with two on one at centre and too much space to shift. A very nice pass from the 12 and excellent line run by the Tuks 13. If the UJ wing had come in they would have scored outside him.
@Gungets Tuft: A lot of Boere ooitjies willing to help though. But must say very impressed with what I have seen as a person. Can see he does not come from Glenwood.
@Grasshopper: No BIG teams?
@RBugger: He is very short. Was very upset when they filled his form on testing. Njannies compela.
@CharlesZA: Hi Charles. Read http://www.varsitycup.co.za for more info on the Maties players schools.
@Verdwaalde Vrystater: Apparently 3 non-students per team are allowed and you can play all of them as much money as you like, so very much still a Cup about rugby players that study as opposed to students that play rugby. They need more academic and minimum games for Varsity played in prior year requirements
@Muzi: @BuffelsCM: Muzi man I agree here with BuffelsCM. There are times when I watch rugby when I think I would love to be on the receiving end of that pass coz even I could finish from there. Rohan’s try was one such instance. A super flat and accurate pass by Dries undid the defence, making Rohan virtually unstoppable from there.
How many of the Varsity Cup players are bona fide students?
What are the rules?
@Tjoppa: Shirley you’re not serious?
As for Jono – of course, we would expect nothing less, just a pity that they karrent help us souties out with “Kaans Lit” …. 8)
@RBugger: @Tjoppa: I must say I stood about 25m away from Pierre outside Kings Park last year, while the Bulls u19s were warming up. He was in impressive condition. He looked like he had increased his chest size and width since he played for Affies. This added width did make him look a lot shorter than I imagined he was when he played Affies 1sts. IMO he is definitely not as tall 1.84m. I would even say he looked even shorter than 1.80m
@Gungets Tuft: Great site!
Glenwood OB’s (not sure if all are right)
TINOTENDA ZAKEYO – Ikeys
BRADLEY BOSMAN – Ikeys
NEIL CHIPPY OELOFSE – Maties
JOHN-ROY JENKINSON – NWU
MATTHEW JAMES TORRANCE – WITS
PHAKAMULUM-UZIWOMUSA ZUMA – WITS
Dean Muir – UKZN
MILANI LUTLO MOTLOHI – UKZN
MONDLI NTSHINGILA – UKZN
MICHAEL MKHIZE – UWC
There are a fair number of Noordheuwel Old Boys in all the teams….
@Tjoppa: Pierre is not 1.74cm, he is at least 1.80cm, 1.74cm is very short
@Gungets Tuft: Shirley is asking about you.
Jono well mannered boy, just a pity his Afrikaans is so vrot. Respected by all at Tuks.
Lungelo (Bob) Chonco is a College boy. The others playing Varsity Cup, as far as I know are Jason Klaasen for UCT, Lucky Ngoama for Pukke and Jono Jansen van Rensburg for Tuks.
Good profile search available at http://www.varsitycup.co.za
Well done to Glenwood Old Boys Wade Elliott and Dexter Fahey for NMMU!
@Tjoppa:
@BuffelsCM: Rather Bierpens as Beerwinkel.
@Muzi: Elizabeth? from Oranje Meisies of Eunice. Bog will be very proud. Go Bloemfontein.
@Tjoppa: I have noticed that the reserve tighthead of Tuks made a cameo
performance last night. He was on the other side of the scrum and I could not judge his scrummaging. I missed a couple a minutes and just saw his knock on at the back of the lineout
@Muzi: Right Stats Pierrie 125kg and 174cm and Juan 120kg and 186cm. From the horses mouth that tested them in beginning of January 2013.
Clearance Temba Khumalo is a great little player though superb try…wasn’t he part of that Pumas craven week side in 2009, WP VIP Under 19 team in 2010 with Elizabeth and Ulrich Beyers?!?!
@BuffelsCM:
I don’t think Gelant will be that worried about his kicking vlokkie will sort that out.
@Tjoppa: @RBugger:
In the latest SA rugby profiles….Pierre is 117kgs and 1.84 his brother Juan is 1.86kg and 110…enough said.
@Muzi: This is what the players say. Not me or Glennda.
@Muzi: What new rules. I am considering to enroll for a M degree with a well known doctor next year. Maybe I can start getting this bodd in shape.
@RBugger: It is nice for a loosehead to be involved in the loose but then he must FIRST do his job in the scrums and tight. He is very short and not that heavy. I unfortunately do not see a big future. And please do not see this as I wish to see him fail.
Everybody, sorry players, see him as the better loose head of the two.
@Muzi: I’m not blaming the injuries.
Yes I don’t think Barry can make the step up. I told my son 2 weeks ago that Maties will have a tough season ahead of them and he thought my comments were a bit stupid. Last night he had to eat humble pie (unfortunately I wasn’t wrong).
I think the line that Rohan ran and the fact that he took the ball on the outside of Dries Swanepoel helped to set up the try. The U J defence wasn’t very organised as well (at the time of the try) because it was after a few phases. Tuks did well to score that try if you consider where it started with the quick feed to the lineout
If Gelant can sort out his goal kicking he could be the total package.
Pukke are dark horses for this years varsity cup.
if I’m not mistaken Craig Barry was seen as the next rolls Royce of WP rugby a few years ago at full back how the mighty have fallen…he looks decent these days but nothing special…please don’t blame the injuries.
Varsity Cup rugby is a farce though these days it’s like a provincial “C” league where up and coming youngsters and fringe players from the unions get some game time.
2015 will be a different ball game when the new rules kick in no more cheating.
@beet:
haha where was herold Vorster and the UJ/Lions defence when rohan ran through line a knife through hot butter for his great try…it was even in my opinion.
@RBugger:
Boogie has arrived violently. 
Warren Brosnihan and Werner Swanepoel kept on waxing lyrical about Gelant everytime he touched the ball…same can be said about tank rohan and dries
Jesse probably though the Bulls number 15 jersey is his long term…think again surfer boy
I concur boet…everytime Pierre is on the park the front row doesn’t go turbo reverse….Juan on the other hand I’m not sure about….no wonder the Bulls get bossed in the scrums…..our mobile props like Dean and Werner are poor.
@Tjoppa:
haha everytime I watch Juan Schoeman play he gets bossed around in the scrums…so far he only made an impression on me when he dominated fat Kebble in the 2012 Under 21 Currie Cup final.
Good going NMMU
@beet: Beet, I have to agree – Harold Vorster really impressed me !
@CharlesZA: As far as I know numbers 1, 2, 5, 9 (?) and 23 attended Paarl Boys’. Wesley and Liam are still under 20. Tertius Daniller hails from Paarl Gym and the 19 year old flyhalf Smith is a former SACS boy. Craig Barry from Paul Roos and Robert du Preez is the brother of the twins.
I don’t know much about the other players.
NMMU deserved the win without a doubt and they will be difficult to stop this season. IMO Maties played the wrong game though. They kept on running into the big boys which suited NMMU. The back 3 of Maties are quite small and the objective should have been to create some space for them.
When Maties had a few penalties in the 22m area of NMMU they opted to go for touch every time but it didn’t pay off. Their scrum was fairly strong initially and IMO they should have taken a scrum or two from the awarded penalties. The lineouts of the Maties were not functioning well. It seems that they only have 2 jumpers and they hardly ever contested an opposition ball. The injury to Wilhelm v d Sluys disrupted them but injuries are part of the game.
I think they won a lineout ball from NMMU in the 77 minute after they have contested the lineout. Last year Jan de Klerk impressed me but last night it didn’t look as if he could take a ball in the lineout.
Maties have too many inexperienced players in my view. Perhaps there are a few talented players that are injured or are overlooked. It is difficult to judge the teams after 4 teams’ matches were broadcast. Next week we’ll see Shimlas, Pukke, UCT and Maties. It will be easier to make a call on the teams after next week and I’ll reserve my judgement until then.
Maties will definitely have to look at their game plan and will need to adjust it according to the opponents
The UJ centre combo of Harold Vorster and Robert de Bruyn (before injury) were up against two SA Schools centres that have been tipped to go far. I thought the UJ combo had the better of their centre opponents. I’ve been trying to follow Harold Vorster’s progress ever since the Lions named him in a training squad straight out of school a couple of years ago. For me this was his best game. He made the Tuks defence look foolish a couple of times.
UJ dominated and should have won the game.
@Muzi: How good does Gelant look
I think he will be a fine player and must stay at Full-Back, it suits his game.
I personally feel Pierre will become the better player – he is a loose-head and I like the fact he gets around the field.
I have not seen him ever get dominated in a scrum and he is still young. For me, Pierre has a bigger future than Juan
@Muzi: Think you misunderstood me. TUKS1 is the B side not playing Varsity Cup. The played UJ 2nds.
On the matter of Juan and Pierre it is accepted at Tuks that Juan, by the fellow props, is the better player of the two. Working harder in the tight and much much stronger in the scrums. Pierre only wants to run with the ball. Where admittingly he outshines his older brother.
Juan all the way.
@Tjoppa:
I agree with you regarding the first choice tight head very poor…..Basil Short is injury prone though he’s decent but nothing special….Juan Schoeman better pull up his socks because his little boet Pierre looks ready to mix it up with the big boys.
haha
Bulls have very good young tight heads in Neethling Fouche…Hencus van Wyk and Wilco Louw my problem is the lack of exposure in senior rugby for these young talented players.
I won’t change my opinion regarding Dean and Werner simply not up to standard at scrum time for the past three years now.
FL should use Mellet…Marcel and Frik as first choice fatties this super rugby.
Arno Botha is sadly out again….Bulls could use a ball carrier like that blindside flankv from Tukkies…Jono Ross is average..hopefully Jacques du Plessis has grown a pair….
Francois Tredoux was never going to make it at loftus if you cant kick you get axed!
@Muzi: Demolished Uhmm not realy Tuks also had a few scrums demolishing UJ. May I then rephrase sir they played way better than expected.
If you saw the first choice tight head at Tuks1, where do the Bulls find the crap, you will be worried. The reserve tight head too short but must admit the best of the two, until he got injured. Can not understand with a coach like Kees that they still play the shorter prop at tight head. Why why why????
The no 7 of Tuks is Tuks Carlton Cup captain. Excellent player.
Some extra details on the Maties players as well?
@Tjoppa:
hmmm watching from the telly…..UJ demolished the Bulls front row…Juan Schoeman flattered to deceive…..Roloef Smit was the stand out player with the blindside flanker for Tukkies.
Carlo Engelbrecht was impressive…Rohan Janse van Rensburg and Dries Swanepoel combined very well in midfield especially on attack…both seem to have developed a good understanding with one another since last year in the Vodacom cup.
Warrick Gelant rattled a few feathers in my honest opinion full back is his best position…he’s going to push Jesse Kriel for the Bulls jersey….pity he had an off day with the boot…great player though!
@Rockspider: Would be more interesting to see who has professional contracts. I attended yesterday the matches between Tuks and UJ. According to spectators only two boys in the Varsity Cup team and four in the 1st Team represented Tuks last year in the Carlton Cup. Some regulars for the Carlton team was also replaced during the week as the Bulls needed playtime for players.
This unholy marriage between Tuks and Bulls has already cost them the bulk of last year’s Carlton Cup and 2nd team, Fezelas, players who is playing for other clubs this year. Without the Bull’s support after the Varsity Cup, Tuks is going to be slaughtered in local competitions.
Must however admit Tuks forwards did surprised me last night. I apologise. You made me eat my words ( almost ).
A large part of the team was made up out of Eastern Cape and KZN boys.
Please indicate the schools the boys attended.
Indicating were they went after school could be very misleading as most rugby players first go to the Sharks, Bulls, Lions and WP at some stage after school.