RugbyBanter.com managed to spend some time with the ex-Stormer. The current Hamiltons RFC man talks about his heritage, his toughest opponents, his choice for bok coach and a sneaky tour story amongst other things. Sit back and here more from the WP Currie Cup try scoring record holder, Egon Seconds.
Hi Egon, RugbyBanter.com would like to thank you for sparing some of your time to chat with us
No problem...
So, you seem to be a very loyal and patriotic kind of person, where does Egon call home?
I would like to think so yes... I am from Cape Town, grew up in Factreton, Kensington. Stayed in Kimberley for a few years, but back in the Mother City again. Home now is in Mowbray, Southern Suburbs.
You have had a long rugby career that started when you were young at WP, Stormers and went on to play at Griquas, for the blitzbokke and you even played against the British and Irish Lions. Which jersey was your favourite to play in?
Difficult to say which is my favourite. I loved playing in every single one of them, and was proud to represent whoever I was playing for.
If I had to choose one, it has to be The Stormers. It was a dream since I started playing rugby to play for WP and Stormers, so that Jersey for me has to be the slight favourite.
If I had to choose one, it has to be The Stormers. It was a dream since I started playing rugby to play for WP and Stormers, so that Jersey for me has to be the slight favourite.
And which jersey was the toughest to play against?
Super Rugby we all know is extremely tough all round. Every opponent, every week, is a hard battle.
I played when The Crusaders was dominating SuperRugby almost every year, so for me, they were the toughest I've faced. No disrespect to the other franchises. I played 7's as well, and the NZ team was the toughest there as well. Fiji is World Class, but physically, its bruising facing NZ teams.
I played when The Crusaders was dominating SuperRugby almost every year, so for me, they were the toughest I've faced. No disrespect to the other franchises. I played 7's as well, and the NZ team was the toughest there as well. Fiji is World Class, but physically, its bruising facing NZ teams.
New Zealanders always earn respect. You scored plenty in your career especially for WP, what attributes make a great winger, and who do you rate at the moment?
I was lucky to have Chester Williams who mentored me during my career. Apart from having outright speed and agility, a winger needs to be clinical in finishing. Even out of a "nothing" situation. Strong runner, and should be difficult to bring down. Read the game and play, to put himself in the best positions, always looking for work to create the mismatches.
Having good hands, otherwise he will never score. Solid under high balls, as they will always be covering spaces and always gets peppered with up and unders.
All wingers are not always blessed with all the attributes, that's why I always coach young boys to work on areas that they not as good at, either before or after training. Even while playing socially with mates like touch rugby.
We can never do too much to improve our skills. And I am talking about any age.
Having good hands, otherwise he will never score. Solid under high balls, as they will always be covering spaces and always gets peppered with up and unders.
All wingers are not always blessed with all the attributes, that's why I always coach young boys to work on areas that they not as good at, either before or after training. Even while playing socially with mates like touch rugby.
We can never do too much to improve our skills. And I am talking about any age.
Habana has had a lot of criticism in the media over the past 2 seasons. Does the media effect your performance?
The media plays a crucial role. But that's just part of any sport. The pressure don't just come from the media, but the fans as well. Players need to be mentally strong during down periods of their form, cause it happens to the best of us.
It is how they deal with that pressure and criticism that will see them overcome it sooner rather than later. With the social media platforms these days, players read everywhere what people think of them, and their performance. There's is almost no hiding from it. They need to equip themselves with that filter that can stand what is being said, and shrug it off, or use it to their advantage.
So many young individuals breaking into the pro era these days, and for them, its of the utmost importance to learn how to handle the media. Fighting it won't help as I have seen many players "try" and do.
Whether we like it or not, The media makes you, or\and it breaks you.
It is how they deal with that pressure and criticism that will see them overcome it sooner rather than later. With the social media platforms these days, players read everywhere what people think of them, and their performance. There's is almost no hiding from it. They need to equip themselves with that filter that can stand what is being said, and shrug it off, or use it to their advantage.
So many young individuals breaking into the pro era these days, and for them, its of the utmost importance to learn how to handle the media. Fighting it won't help as I have seen many players "try" and do.
Whether we like it or not, The media makes you, or\and it breaks you.
Talking about media, you are getting quite involved in the media and social media lately. Tell us more about MESport.
Ah yes, MESport!!! Its an initiative that got started over a rugby game, and a braai. Martin Myers (my lady's, sisters, husband) and I started bantering on radio because of he's NZ alliance.
It overflowed to family gatherings, and then Martin thought it was a great idea to take it mainstream. That's how it originally started.
We then went on TheTaxi Online Radio every Thursday afternoon and the listeners really liked what we did.
Must be honest, it did help me knowing a lot of high profile rugby players and invited them as guests, but hey, I can't apologize for having a network hey. (Chester, Richie McCaw, SBW, Conrad Jantjes, just to mention a few who gave us exclusive interviews)
So that's MESport in a nutshell, and someone had to stop Martin Myers with his NZ love affair.
I am the Sport Guy\Reporter on TheTaxi, so I am on every morning. Monday's 2-3pm I have my own show called "TheSecondShow". We starting a breakfast show on CTTV end of the month as well, and then I am also part of the CapeRugbyTV panel spearheaded by JP Naude.
Wow, that is a lot now that I think about it.
Other than that, I love the Facebook and specially Twitter Platform where I can interact with everyone. Needless to say, I am very outspoken.
It overflowed to family gatherings, and then Martin thought it was a great idea to take it mainstream. That's how it originally started.
We then went on TheTaxi Online Radio every Thursday afternoon and the listeners really liked what we did.
Must be honest, it did help me knowing a lot of high profile rugby players and invited them as guests, but hey, I can't apologize for having a network hey. (Chester, Richie McCaw, SBW, Conrad Jantjes, just to mention a few who gave us exclusive interviews)
So that's MESport in a nutshell, and someone had to stop Martin Myers with his NZ love affair.
I am the Sport Guy\Reporter on TheTaxi, so I am on every morning. Monday's 2-3pm I have my own show called "TheSecondShow". We starting a breakfast show on CTTV end of the month as well, and then I am also part of the CapeRugbyTV panel spearheaded by JP Naude.
Wow, that is a lot now that I think about it.
Other than that, I love the Facebook and specially Twitter Platform where I can interact with everyone. Needless to say, I am very outspoken.
Busy man! You have become a fixture on the show CapeRugbyTV with JP Naude on Cape Town TV. What have you enjoyed most about the show?
Finally the club players is getting exposure. Western Cape has the biggest club competition in the country, and the most teams. The outcry has been for years now from the community about the talent that's in that pool, but never get seen.
Now the vehicle is there. It was the first season of the show, and it surpassed everyone's expectations.
I thinks its a great show, that can only grow from here on in, but more importantly, Cape Rugby now has a spotlight on it. Might not be the brightest yet, but we working on it.
Now the vehicle is there. It was the first season of the show, and it surpassed everyone's expectations.
I thinks its a great show, that can only grow from here on in, but more importantly, Cape Rugby now has a spotlight on it. Might not be the brightest yet, but we working on it.
Here at RugbyBanter we totally agree, WP Club Rugby is strong. You’ve played Super Rugby, Currie Cup and Vodacom Cup, how tough is WP Club Rugby?
The club Rugby in the Cape has evolved so much, specially in the Super League. Here I refer to how most clubs are run, sponsorships, to mention a few.
Players are getting contracted, facilities are being upgraded, and Club Rugby is like a Pro League, if you know what I mean.
Playing in the Super League is no slouch anymore. Not that its ever been, but you can now take guys straight from Club Rugby, that can be seriously competitive in Currie Cup, and dare I even say SuperRugby.
That's why its so closely competed as well. The days of Maties walking the league with 5 games to go are over. And that is so healthy for rugby in the WP.
We have all seen the talent at even Varsity Cup.
Club Rugby in the Cape is very tough. Especially for a lot of Pro Players who run out for their clubs. We all know how it goes, its like there is a bounty out on some of those individuals. I would know, its happened to me more often than not.
Players are getting contracted, facilities are being upgraded, and Club Rugby is like a Pro League, if you know what I mean.
Playing in the Super League is no slouch anymore. Not that its ever been, but you can now take guys straight from Club Rugby, that can be seriously competitive in Currie Cup, and dare I even say SuperRugby.
That's why its so closely competed as well. The days of Maties walking the league with 5 games to go are over. And that is so healthy for rugby in the WP.
We have all seen the talent at even Varsity Cup.
Club Rugby in the Cape is very tough. Especially for a lot of Pro Players who run out for their clubs. We all know how it goes, its like there is a bounty out on some of those individuals. I would know, its happened to me more often than not.
It has been over a decade since you were part of the last WP Currie Cup winning team. Apart from silverware, what’s been missing from WP?
You making me look at my 2001 jersey, signed by the whole team, with a big smile on my face.
Its been that long hey?!?!
WP has come close on a few occasions, semi's, and finals. Seems we just can't seem to get over that final hurdle. That killer instinct, to be consistent, and to pull it off when it really matters.
We have good seasons leading up to the play offs, then just fizzle away. A lot of attention always gets drawn to the coach then, but we should not forget, that the coach is not out on the field having to do the job.
WP need to start making winning a habit again. Like I said, consistency, and really stamping authority on competitions. We got all the talent here, that's one thing we don't lack.
I was not gonna delve too much in the administration, but what the hell!!!
It seems as if there is a real issue on how the union is run these days. Highlighted once again with Rassie Erasmus leaving WP. Its not a secret, and we read about it all the time, that there is just too much deception going on in the top tier. With that being said, sometimes those issues filter down the system.
There are too many guys in positions of power, who's vision and outlook for this union is questionable. Its sad though, cause for a powerhouse like WP, to go trophy-less for 10 years, is a real concern. Surely, something must be done. And with that I don't mean just winning, I mean some individuals up there need to start sticking their necks out. Get out of that comfort zones, and stop being content in their positions. Some members get voted there because of promises they make, and possible difference. And when they get there? Nothing. Tired of it.
I know I am going on and on about this now, but its only cause I wanna see this union be respected again, for the right reasons.
Am I getting out of hand? Ok, I'll stop :)
Its been that long hey?!?!
WP has come close on a few occasions, semi's, and finals. Seems we just can't seem to get over that final hurdle. That killer instinct, to be consistent, and to pull it off when it really matters.
We have good seasons leading up to the play offs, then just fizzle away. A lot of attention always gets drawn to the coach then, but we should not forget, that the coach is not out on the field having to do the job.
WP need to start making winning a habit again. Like I said, consistency, and really stamping authority on competitions. We got all the talent here, that's one thing we don't lack.
I was not gonna delve too much in the administration, but what the hell!!!
It seems as if there is a real issue on how the union is run these days. Highlighted once again with Rassie Erasmus leaving WP. Its not a secret, and we read about it all the time, that there is just too much deception going on in the top tier. With that being said, sometimes those issues filter down the system.
There are too many guys in positions of power, who's vision and outlook for this union is questionable. Its sad though, cause for a powerhouse like WP, to go trophy-less for 10 years, is a real concern. Surely, something must be done. And with that I don't mean just winning, I mean some individuals up there need to start sticking their necks out. Get out of that comfort zones, and stop being content in their positions. Some members get voted there because of promises they make, and possible difference. And when they get there? Nothing. Tired of it.
I know I am going on and on about this now, but its only cause I wanna see this union be respected again, for the right reasons.
Am I getting out of hand? Ok, I'll stop :)
We respect opinions here, glad you have one. Too many people nowadays avoid stepping on toes. Moving along, on the topic of people in power, who do you believe should get the bok job?
I got my front runner yes. And I am not just saying this cause I played under him, but I really rate him, and he has shown that he has the credentials to potentially do a great Job.
Gert Smal.
Out of the candidates up for the job, he is for me, the guy for the job as head coach.
Gert Smal.
Out of the candidates up for the job, he is for me, the guy for the job as head coach.
Great choice! All rugby players have at least a few tour stories worth a laugh. Care to share?
Oh my goodness, I have so many. I will share one for now!
2004 SA 'A' tour to Argentina, star studded team that was. We had a great tour, going unbeaten. After all our games, we had about 3 days to kill before jetting back home.
So we set to leave the Thursday morning bright and early. So obviously, the boys go out and do their thing, specially the night before we head out of Argentina.
So the Thursday morning, we all gather in the lobby, bags packed, and dressed up. But we missing one player by the name of Lukas van Biljon.
Few minutes later, our team mate gets out a cab outside the hotel, still dressed for success, and when he saw us, realised we leaving in 5 minutes, and not the Friday morning.
With most of us suffering from a night out, we all felt it for Lukas, he was appointed duty boy for the trip home. Having to carry, load, and check in everyone's bags.
He was not a happy chappy :)
2004 SA 'A' tour to Argentina, star studded team that was. We had a great tour, going unbeaten. After all our games, we had about 3 days to kill before jetting back home.
So we set to leave the Thursday morning bright and early. So obviously, the boys go out and do their thing, specially the night before we head out of Argentina.
So the Thursday morning, we all gather in the lobby, bags packed, and dressed up. But we missing one player by the name of Lukas van Biljon.
Few minutes later, our team mate gets out a cab outside the hotel, still dressed for success, and when he saw us, realised we leaving in 5 minutes, and not the Friday morning.
With most of us suffering from a night out, we all felt it for Lukas, he was appointed duty boy for the trip home. Having to carry, load, and check in everyone's bags.
He was not a happy chappy :)
Haha sounds like great fun on tour with the boys! Lastly, you have been involved in some charity work. Tell us more.
Yeah, trying to just do my part in giving back you know. I have been part of raising funds for schools, children homes, and homeless shelters. Not affiliated to one particular one. I just help out where I can.
Recently been very involved in the Ironbok Academy. Its run by Ebrahim Moerat, who used to play rugby as well, and is involved in sport at Grootte Schuur HS. That's where the Academy is run from as well.
The Academy offers specialised training for surrounding schools who does not feature in the top leagues of school boy rugby. Also put a lot of emphasis, on equipping the young stars with necessary life skills for off the field, and life in general.
Its really a great initiative with a lot of passionate people involved and eager to make a difference.
Recently been very involved in the Ironbok Academy. Its run by Ebrahim Moerat, who used to play rugby as well, and is involved in sport at Grootte Schuur HS. That's where the Academy is run from as well.
The Academy offers specialised training for surrounding schools who does not feature in the top leagues of school boy rugby. Also put a lot of emphasis, on equipping the young stars with necessary life skills for off the field, and life in general.
Its really a great initiative with a lot of passionate people involved and eager to make a difference.
Its been a fantastic hearing from you, and RugbyBanter.com looks forward to chatting with you again in the future.Thanx Egon, chat soon...
Sure thing bud!
Until next time...
Oom Frikkie
Oom Frikkie
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