Rugbybanter.com - Frikkie's Corner

World Cup Hangover

Fri, 18 May 2012 06:01:46 -0800

Its inevitable, 90% of rugby players that win the World Cup just don't pitch for the next season.
There are a few factors to blame.
Firstly, many decide to call it quits and retire from the game.
Others believe the grass is greener and head overseas.
While the rest produce rugby that makes you think how on earth did this guy celebrate a Rugby World Cup triumph???

In the past many players' form has waned after winning the biggest trophy of them all. Names such as Ben Tune post 1999, Johnny Wilkinson post 2003 and Bryan Habana post 2007 have gone from headlining as winners to headlining as no shows in the following season or even seasons. The reigning All Black squad and RWC Champions of 2011 have had a rather poor 2012 season (as of the end of Round 12 in the S15).

Post 2011 ratings:

Tony Woodcock - Missed much of the tournament through injury and has been poor in a struggling Blues team.
5/10

Kevin Mealamu - The Blues have had a torrid time with Mealamu often struggling to find his lineout jumpers, probably the worst season he has had to date. Provides great leadership though.
4.5/10

Owen Franks - The Crusader strongman has had an average season. His high standards have not been met though.
6.5/10

Brad Thorn - Headed overseas to play in Japan and earn his retirement package.
No rating

Sam Whitelock - Some glimpses of his incredible talent has come through this season. One for the future.
7/10

Jerome Kaino - Injured
No rating

Richie McCaw - Only recently made a comeback from a nagging foot injury, has been overshadowed by Matt Todd. Well below his world class standards.
6/10

Kieran Read - Has also not lived up to his previous high standards. One or two good games though.
6.5/10

Piri Weepu - The halfback has lost fitness and form in his move from the Hurricanes to the Blues. Alby Matthewson who must be the 5th or 6th best scrumhalf in New Zealand has kept him out of the side for many games this year.
4/10

Aaron Cruden - The young flyhalf who was the 4th choice pivot in the tournament has had an outstanding season so far, igniting his exciting Chiefs outside backs.
8/10

Richard Kahui - Played on the wing at RWC11, he has moved back to centre alongside Sonny Bill Williams. He has been inconsistent.
6.5/10

Ma'a Nonu - Joined the Blues from the Hurricanes with Piri Weepu. Although always an attacking option, he has been less than influential in a toothless Blues attack.
5.5/10

Conrad Smith - The Hurricanes have done exceedingly well with what looked like a squad with too little experience as too many established stars left. Conrad Smith stayed behind and has lead this team very well.
7.5/10

Cory Jane - Another player that has created such high standards that he just could not maintain. He has combined well though with Julian Savea and Andre Taylor in the Hurricanes back 3.
6.5/10

Israel Dagg - Often played outside of his best position at the Crusaders. This has hampered his form, although this seems to be changing.
6/10

Well, if only 1 of the starting XV can score an 8 out of 10, then something must be a miss. The World Cup definitely seems to be a party that everyone wants to attend, but the hangover the next season seems to be awefully heavy.

Other squad members that have not been very impressive are: Dan Carter, Ali Williams, Colin Slade, Ben Franks, Corey Flynn, Jimmy Cowan, Isaia Toeava and Victor Vito.

The exceptions to the rule have been along with Cruden: Sonny Bill Williams, Hosea Gear, Andrew Hore and Adam Thompson.

The only plausible reason I can think of is that there is a hunger lacking from their game. Historically though, Tune and Wilkinson could blame injuries and Habana definitely never gave up trying. So I'm not too sure what it is, but South Africa and Australia should tread lightly, these All Blacks tend to step up to the plate when it matters. Even Argentina need to be wary, they have joined the Rugby Championship and its going to be eagerly anticipated by all.

As Naas would say... Form is temporary, class is permanent...

Agree with this assessment? If not, make your voice heard...

Springbok Captain Conundrum

Fri, 04 May 2012 12:09:52 -0800

One of the biggest talking points around the appointment of Heyneke Meyer has been who will he decide to skipper the boks. Meyer said he will select the team first then the captain. The rumour mill though has spilled out the names of overseas and retired players in Fourie Du Preez and Big Vic Matfield. If Meyer stays true to his word then these options dont seem likely at all. So lets take a look at all the contenders from our local Super Rugby sides..

Adriaan Strauss
- 9 Springbok Caps
- 64 Super Rugby Caps

The Cheetahs skipper has been phenomenal over the past 3 years and his leadership has been exemplary under Naka Drotske. However, does he warrant selection ahead of Bismarck Du Plessis? The jury is still out on this one.

Josh Strauss
- 0 Springbok Caps
- 20 Super Rugby Caps

The bearded one. The Lion look-a-like captain has over the past 3 seasons gone from club player in the Western Cape to Boland for a short stint on his way to the Lions and has taken the captaincy away from strong leaders like Baywatch Grobbelaar, Wikus Van Heerden and Franco Van Der Merwe. The colossus from Parow is in contention for a spot in the bok squad, but is definitely not guaranteed a starting spot ahead of Schalk Burger, Willem Alberts and Duane Vermeulen.

Schalk Burger
- 68 Springbok Caps
- 88 Super Rugby Caps

The Stormers captain has been out injured for some time now and will miss the England tests. Many armchair pundits think he could be Meyer's long term choice as captain. He is vastly experienced after making his Springbok debut in 2003.

Keegan Daniel
- 0 Springbok Caps
- 71 Super Rugby Caps

The young Sharks captain has made huge strides in leadership capacity over the last year and although a stalwart at the Sharks, is an unlikely option in the bok mix, let alone as captain.

Jean De Villiers
- 72 Springbok Caps
- 72 Super Rugby Caps

The Stormers stand in captain in Schalk's absence has been top class. His form has been International quality and would be one of the first on to Meyer's team sheet. Perhaps the perfect stand in captain?

Pierre Spies
- 47 Springbok Caps
- 76 Super Rugby Caps

Mr Muscles himself has stepped in as captain at the Bulls in the FDP and Big Vic void. An experienced squad has made his job simpler, but truth be told he has done a better job than I had expected. Meyer's well documented past with the Bulls make Spies the front runner for long term Springbok Captain.

My personal choice would be Schalk Burger, patriotic and someone that would always lead by example. However, I predict Meyer will pick the Bulls captain, Pierre Spies. Leaving provincialism aside, Spies is less injury prone and younger than Schalk which makes him the more desirable leader in the long term..

Who do you think should take the reigns as bok skipper?

In the Spotlight: The Front Row Grunt

Thu, 05 Apr 2012 01:06:12 -0800

The second blog to find itself in Oom Frikkie's Spotlight is The Front Row Grunt

The important info:

The main man behind it all: Andrew 'Tank' Lanning

Lets hear a bit more from the man who calls himself 'Tank':

Hi Tank, you are one of the most respected rugby bloggers out there. Tell us more about who Tank Lanning is.

In a nutshell, I am a thirsty beer enthusiast with a penchant for rugby, anything media and a braai with good mates and family …

The longer version goes a little like this … I started my career in 1995 in Cape Town as a picture researcher / marketing apprentice at then Touchline Photo, now Gallo Images, was made head of the division in 1996, before starting the online division at Touchline Media and managing it from 2001. I moved to 24.com to take up a role as founder of Sport24.co.za in April 2007, and now run my own business called Tankman Media and blog called Front Row Grunt.

I am a graduate of UCT with a social science majoring in Economics, and a post graduate diploma in marketing management. I have also completed a media management course at the University of Stellenbosch, and a Publishing on the Web course at Stanford University in California.

Those with the best memories on earth might remember him as a 1989 SA schools tighthead prop who got a few games for Western Province when Keith Andrews was on Bok duty. It was in 1995, at the ripe old age of 24, that a particularly serious neck injury forced him to give up playing rugby, but thanks to a solid piece of titanium and some fused cow bone holding his neck together, he is now able to partake in pretty much any activity he chooses, except rugby!

After a few enjoyable years at UCT, where rugby might have got more of his attention than the text books, he took an interest in the media world, especially the digital side of things …

What's your favourite personal rugby memory?
Tough to go with only one, but running out to a packed Newlands to take on the then Northern Transvaal would be right up there. I scrummed against legendary Bok Heinrich Rodgers, and together with a few Ikey mates in the WP side, we gave the Blue Bulls 40 points that day. Giving Rondebosch 50 points in the traditional Bishops vs Bosch derby also ranks right up there …

What made you start blogging?
I think I have always wanted to be a writer of sorts. So when seconded to a Naspers company in California to advise them on their editorial strategy, I thought it a good time to start a blog. Chris Roper, now online ed at the M&G, and I were over there together and he told me about the 24.com blog platform, and so the Front Row Grunt was born …

You are a staunch advocate of the heavies up front. Who do you rate as the best front rower in the world right now, and why?
I am practically a Franks brothers groupie! Although they are not having it all their own way at the moment. But I love their no frills attitude to rugby, where it is all about the scrum. They have backs you could iron a dress shirt on, and have amazing scrumming technique. That said, Carl Heyman is still probably the best tighthead in the world. It’s a serious pity we no longer get to see him playing in the SANZAR tournaments any more… Lure of the pound and all…

Super 15 champions in 2012 will be...
The Bulls! The Reds have fallen off the bus, and the Crusaders have had an especially slow start. But the Saders will be back. The Stormers are a dark horse, having had a cracker of a start. They look good with a pack that actually looks to dominate. But my substantial gut says the Bulls will only improve, and they are not half bad at the moment…

Do you agree that Heynecke Meyer was the right choice?
Definitely the right choice, but four years too late! We need to close the P Divvy chapter as soon as we can, but just imagine we had had Meyer at the helm! His announcement was a little shoddy with all the secrecy, and the time it has taken to announce his side kicks is a worry, but Meyer is a great, great rugby man who will look to grow the players as people as well as rugby players. I just hope he does not pull a Divvy and harp back to the past, begging the likes of Du Preez and Rossouw to return. The young talent in SA is fantastic and I think we should build a side using these guys!

Who do you think he will appoint as his skipper?
The grapevine suggests that he has already spoken to Du Preez about coming back to SA to lead the side, and he will probably go that route. Sadly, as I would like to see Hougaard at scrummie and then either Schalk Burger or Jean de Villiers as captain. That said, I say pick the side, then pick the skipper from the 15 best players in the country …

Thanx for your time Tank.

Websites/blogs:  http://www.frontrowgrunt.co.za/ and http://tankmanmedia.wordpress.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/TankLanning and https://twitter.com/#!/FrontRowGrunt

Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/frontrowgrunt

In The Spotlight because: He has great technical knowledge, is a twitter man and writes great pieces on current dealings in rugby. Here are a few of my favourite FRG pieces in the last while...

Tank on Dawie Theron and the latest SA under 20s:  http://www.frontrowgrunt.co.za/2012/04/sa-u20%E2%80%99s-in-safe-hands/

Tank on the oldest derby in South Africa, Hamiltons vs Villagers:  http://www.frontrowgrunt.co.za/2012/03/its-derby-day-time/

Tank on a Varsity Cup form XV:  http://www.frontrowgrunt.co.za/2012/03/varsity-cup-form-xv/

Tank on how poor refereeing influences: http://www.frontrowgrunt.co.za/2012/03/rugby-in-the-emergency-room/

So do the right thing and add The Front Row Grunt to your favourites bar...

Most watched Super Rugby games in South Africa

Mon, 02 Apr 2012 05:45:04 -0800

Next time you sharing a beer between a few mates and while you slap a few steaks on the braai. Take in some of these facts and wow your fellow armchair experts on the oval ball game. I read a report via Tank Lanning on The Front Row Grunt, (http://www.frontrowgrunt.co.za/2012/04/super-rugby-tv-numbers/) that shows all the stats pre round 6. And wow there are some interesting facts that come out. Here's 8 interesting facts about Super Rugby 2012 viewing numbers.

1. Prior to the Stormers versus Bulls game, the most viewed game was the Stormers versus the Sharks. The viewership totalled 776 000 on DSTV.

2. There have been 11 million viewers of Super Rugby in the first 5 rounds.

3. There were 4 million viewers in the first 6 SA derbies.

4. In the first 18 games between teams from NZ and Oz, their were only 2 and a half million viewers.

5. SA derbies average 680 000 viewers per game.

6. Average viewers per game in matches between NZ and Oz teams was 140 000.

7. Average audience is up 19% from 2011 to 2012 at the same stage.

8. The best viewed game in the first 6 matches that did not include a South African team had a South African coach. Jake White's Brumbies hosted the Highlanders with a viewership of 337 000 (roughly half of the Stormers vs Sharks game)

All stats via Repucom SA and DSTVi from Multichoice.

The rugby weekend that was...

Mon, 02 Apr 2012 03:43:31 -0800

So we had a huge weekend of rugby capped by the Stormers beating the Bulls at Newlands. The first game of the weekend was a one sided affair with Adam Thompson picking up a hat trick for the Highlanders and the Rebels. The Highlanders won 43-12.

Pictures from all the games after the jump...

In the 2nd game of the weekend the Cheetahs came from 32-11 down to win a 85 point thriller 47-38 in Wellington against the Hurricanes. Coenie Oosthuizen scored twice for the visitors on route to victory.

The Chiefs continued a great start to the tournament by beating the Waratahs without much trouble, 30-13. The exciting backs are being supported by some great work in the forwards by Clarke, Messam and Taumololo.

The Sharks narrowly beat the Brumbies squeaking it 29-26. The Brumbies are definitely punching above their weight this season.

The reigning champions, the Reds concluded their horror tour of South Africa and west Australia by going down to David Pocock's Western Force by 45-19.

The Crusaders, who normally tour well, beat the Lions comfortably by ten points, 23-13. The Saders are quietly building some steam, other teams beware!

The best was most definitely left for last, check out just how the Stormers managed to pip the pink Bulls by a late Peter Grant penalty. 20-12 was the score.

The best handoff i've ever seen... Dean Mumm vs Marcel Coetzee

Fri, 30 Mar 2012 04:20:47 -0800

The less I say the better... The the Slo-Mo show you how good it is... And by an Australian!

In The Spotlight: The Bounce

Mon, 12 Mar 2012 07:06:43 -0800

In what will become a regular part of Frikkie's Corner, I bring you 'In The Spotlight"

The first spotlight goes to the South African Sports Web Contributor of the year: The Bounce!

The important info:

Website/blog: http://www.thebounce.co.za/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/followthebounce

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/followthebounce

The main man behind it all: Ben Karpinski

In The Spotlight because: Its the best sports blog on the web in South Africa, Why? 'cause Ben has original content on rugby, cricket, golf and beautiful women. Here are a few of my favourite Bounce pieces in the last while...

The Bounce on Super Rugby: http://www.thebounce.co.za/2012/03/08/round-3-superugby-preview/

The Bounce on the ladies: http://www.thebounce.co.za/2012/03/12/week-6-bouncebadge-chantal-vs-samantha/

The Bounce on golf: http://www.thebounce.co.za/2012/02/13/a-saturday-well-spent-randpark-golf-club/

The Bounce on cricket: http://www.thebounce.co.za/2012/02/07/icc-test-rankings-%E2%80%93-do-we-really-need-them/

So do the right thing and add The Bounce to your favourites bar...

Caption this photo...

Mon, 05 Mar 2012 12:28:21 -0800

The new generals

Sun, 04 Mar 2012 14:30:58 -0800

The most pivotal position on a rugby field is the flyhalf (tightheads tend to disagree). The first 2 rounds of Super Rugby has put on display numerous new talents in the first receiver channel. Of these flyhalves, I have been impressed by most.

In New Zealand, the flyhalves on display have all been impressive. The Hurricanes have used Beauden Barrett against the Stormers and Lions with him picking up a Man of the Match for his efforts in the clash at Newlands. He has brilliant distribution skills and looks to be very cool under pressure. The Crusaders number ten Tyler Bleyendaal has all the attributes to be successful, however he seems to be a bit fragile. The Highlanders have beaten the Chiefs and the Crusaders under the direction of Lima Sopoaga. He looks to be a similar flyhalf to Stephen Brett. Most impressive though has been the slightly more experienced Aaron Cruden at his new team, the Chiefs.

Across the Tasman, in Queensland, the New Zealand born Mike Harris has filled in for the injured Quade Cooper with aplomb. Over 20 kicks at goal at different angles and lengths and each and every one has sailed through the uprights.

The new South African flyhalf that everyone is talking about is Johan Goosen, he has done reasonably well in his first two outings with the Cheetahs. He has a fantastic boot and wonderful all round game. If he manages to stay injury free he can go very far. Other young South African flyhalves have done sterling work as well. Credit to Elton Jantjies (Lions), Pat Lambie (Sharks) and Gary Van Aswegen (Stormers).

Who do you think has been the most impressive general so far?

New season with new players in new teams

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 03:24:44 -0800

Every year there is that silly season just after October where contracts get signed and players find new homes. Sometimes they move for the money. Sometimes they move to get away from a struggling team. Sometimes they move to a team they think will prosper. Sometimes there are personal or other reasons why they switch loyalty. I take my hat off to players that stick at a union through thick and thin. Names like Juan Smith at the Cheetahs, Mils Muliaina at the Chiefs and Cobus Grobbelaar at the Lions are shining examples of strong loyalty.

Lets look at some of the new faces around the Super Rugby squads:

At the Bulls:
Johann Sadie has been touted as a future springbok. The Stormers must be kicking themselves for not securing his signature. He makes his debut this weekend against the Sharks with his opposite number being retreaded wing JP Pietersen.

Chance of success in 2012: 8/10

At the Stormers:
The men from the cape were relatively quiet this off-season with very few new signings, many of the new faces come from the junior ranks. And that is where the Stormers newbie Eben Etzebeth comes from. He partners Andries Bekker this weekend against the 'Canes. He has with his rather large frame made giant strides, literally and figuratively, in the past 2 years playing for the Baby Boks and WP after an outstanding season in the Varsity Cup for UCT.

Chances of success in 2012: 9/10

At the Brumbies:
After a poor 2011 many old faces left for greener pastures. And in steps Mr Fix-it Jake White. In typical Jake White fashion he takes over a team with great potential that had been suffering recently and looks to see who will work hard and fit in his ideology. He has found some able lieutenants in Pat McCabe, Ben Hand, Ben Mowen and Stephen Moore.

Chances of success in 2012: 6/10

At the Rebels:
The new duo of Kurtley Beale and James O'Connor will make the Rebels a formidable outfit with some attacking potential. The Rebels tight five could be a weak spot, but these guys have proven even at international level, they can create chances out of virtually nothing.

Chances of success in 2012: 8/10

At the Lions:
The huge Hendrick Roodt is a lock very much in the Bakkies Botha mould and should not be taken lightly.

Chances of success in 2012: 4/10

At the Chiefs:
They have secured Aaron Cruden and Sonny Bill Williams. Too very attacking players with World Cup winning medals. The Chiefs will be one of the top try scoring teams with these two creative players linking up with Richard Kahui in midfield. Tim Nanai-Williams will benefit most and could top the try scoring sheets. Defence could be a lottery though.

Chances of success in 2012: 7/10

At the Sharks:
Riaan Viljoen is a talented fullback that can play flyhalf as well as wing. He has a tremendous boot too. I expect to see him flourish in the black and white of the Sharks.

Chances of success in 2012: 6/10

At the Hurricanes:
Ben May has come in to bolster the ranks leaving the Chiefs in the process. With a depleted squad, Ben May is a welcome addition to their roster.

Chances of success in 2012: 5/10

At the Cheetahs:
Their debutant flyhalf Johan Goosen is the complete flyhalf. He kicks virtually everything over. He has a great pass and step. He seams to have it all. Does he have Big Match Temperament though? I think he will show what he is made of very soon.

Chances of success in 2012: 9/10

At the Crusaders:
Luke Whitelock makes it 4 brothers in the Canterbury squad. He will undoubtedly get more than enough playing time and will be helped by a massively experienced squad.

Chances of success in 2012: 6/10

At the Reds:
The title of "next big thing" in Australian rugby tends to be accurate. Over the last 5 years that title has belonged to Quade Cooper, Kurtley Beale, James O'Connor and Liam Gill. The latest kid being touted as the "next big thing" in Australian rugby is 19 year old Chris Feauai-Sautia. He has the record of most capped Australian Schoolboy player. He is an extremely talented winger. Only question is, will he get game time?

Chances of success in 2012: 7/10

At the Waratahs:
Adam Ashley-Cooper is a world class back filling whatever spot the coach requires of him. The Waratahs seem to be a very confident bunch playing clinical rugby, are they peaking to early?

Chances of success in 2012: 8/10

At the Highlanders:
A paceman with a great record, Hosea Gear will provide the Highlanders with a true finisher. He will be hoping to catch the All Black selectors eye this year.

Chances of success in 2012: 7/10

At the Force:
Salesi Ma'afu has become a serious front ranker the last 2 seasons and his move to the Force could pave the way to bigger things for the tighthead.

Chances of success in 2012: 6/10

At the Blues:
The Blues team is bolstered by the ex-Hurricane duo of Piri Weepu and Ma'a Nonu. Two players who have done it all but win a Super Rugby Championship. They have a realistic chance this year.

Chances of success in 2012: 9/10

So there you have it, the new guys on the block trying to make successful changes or bright starts to their career. Who else is going to make a name for himself this season?