Official United Rugby Championship thread

[OomStruisbaai]

Sharks is the heavy favourates against Munster. cant wait to see them exploide into the red berets.


Will be great if the Sharks and Bulls can bring down Leinster and Munster.


That will lift the Springbok supporters.

[Sards]

Sharks is the heavy favourates against Munster. cant wait to see them exploide into the red berets.


Will be great if the Sharks and Bulls can bring down Leinster and Munster.


That will lift the Springbok supporters.

Enthusiasm levels are at an all time low currently.......

I will just be happy to watch a different tournament tbh

[assfly]

Sharks is the heavy favourates against Munster.

Utter nonsense.

[OomStruisbaai]

I am moeg vir verloor. This weekend everything will change. Just throw away that vokken crutches, this Saturday after all our teams wins, I might dance on the table again.

[Chilli]

Sharks is the heavy favourates against Munster.

Ulster nonsense.

Fixed

[lemonhead]

Any idea what the Munster team might look like?

Irish Lions contingent won't come straight back but we often pitch up near to full strength for a game like this, maybe:

Haley, Nash, Farrell, Scannell, Zebo, Carbery, Casey, Coombes, POM, JOD, Wycherley, Kleyn Ryan, Scannell, Killer

[Sards]

Any idea what the Munster team might look like?

Irish Lions contingent won't come straight back but we often pitch up near to full strength for a game like this, maybe:

Haley, Nash, Farrell, Scannell, Zebo, Carbery, Casey, Coombes, POM, JOD, Wycherley, Kleyn Ryan, Scannell, Killer

Any news on RG Snyman

[lemonhead]

October at some point

[Sards]

October at some point

Great news for us........

You are obviously a Munster Supporter.....

[OomStruisbaai]

October at some point

Great news for us........

You are obviously a Munster Supporter.....

Munster have other x Stormers monster locks you should worry about. He and your x Stormers lock were team mates not to long ago,

[Sards]

This will be the ninth week of training for the majority of the squad as the pre-season training programme began on Monday, July 26.

Liam O’Connor is unavailable this week due to a neck/arm injury that will be assessed by a specialist.

Roman Salanoa is also unavailable this week due to a knee issue that is being reviewed by the medical department.

John Hodnett and RG Snyman, who are both following modified training programmes, are increasing their involvement in team training this week

Got to start following Munster to get a feel for the team the Sharks are facing....how about some insight from Sandy



Nash looks quite the threat.....looks like the Sharks need to get their rolling maul on

[OomStruisbaai]

Weak Munster for Sharks
SS

Munster weakened ahead of URC clash with Sharks
By Gavin Rich
21 September 2021 | 09:05
Gerbrandt Grobler © Gallo Images
The Cell C Sharks will open their United Rugby Championship campaign at Thormond Park in Limerick on Saturday against a Munster team that has been weakened by injuries to some key players.

Ireland international Chris Farrell (abdomen) and props Roman Salanoa and Liam O’Connor will all sit out the landmark first game for both teams in a competition that marks the start of a new era as South Africa’s arrival in Europe becomes a reality. So will former Bulls lock Jason Jenkins, who is struggling with an ongoing shoulder issue. Munster coach Johan van Graan, the former Springbok assistant, will also be without hooker Kevin O’Byrne, who has a leg injury.

With Bok lock RG Snyman also still yet to make his return to the field, the absence of so many Munster tight forward might just give the Sharks a bit of a leg up in the fixture, as after the recent Currie Cup season, where they were well beaten in the final by the Bulls, the tight five still remains an area of concern for the Durbanites.

They have shown signs of improvement though, and with Ruben van Heerden and Hyron Andrews back in the squad to join recent signings Le Roux Roets and former Munster player Gerbrandt Grobler among the second row resources, the Sharks will be hopeful of giving a good account of themselves.

Grobler should be particularly motivated to do well against his old team as he left the Irish province under rather controversial circumstances a few years ago, a departure driven by the unhappiness of the Irish media at the team recruiting a player who had been tested positive for a banned substance.

Grobler’s positive test had been years before that and he had already served his time, a two year suspension from the sport, which was Van Graan’s argument at the time. However, in Irish rugby there is zero tolerance for drugs and ultimately the media pressure just became too much. Grobler is certainly playing good rugby at the moment and could be a thorn in the host team’s side if he plays.

Also missing from the Munster team to play the Sharks will be the British and Irish Lions duo of Connor Murray, who captained the tourists while the original captain Alun Wyn Jones was absent, and Tadhg Beirne

[fishfoodie]

Weak Munster for Sharks
SS

Munster weakened ahead of URC clash with Sharks
By Gavin Rich
21 September 2021 | 09:05
Gerbrandt Grobler © Gallo Images
The Cell C Sharks will open their United Rugby Championship campaign at Thormond Park in Limerick on Saturday against a Munster team that has been weakened by injuries to some key players.

Ireland international Chris Farrell (abdomen) and props Roman Salanoa and Liam O’Connor will all sit out the landmark first game for both teams in a competition that marks the start of a new era as South Africa’s arrival in Europe becomes a reality. So will former Bulls lock Jason Jenkins, who is struggling with an ongoing shoulder issue. Munster coach Johan van Graan, the former Springbok assistant, will also be without hooker Kevin O’Byrne, who has a leg injury.

With Bok lock RG Snyman also still yet to make his return to the field, the absence of so many Munster tight forward might just give the Sharks a bit of a leg up in the fixture, as after the recent Currie Cup season, where they were well beaten in the final by the Bulls, the tight five still remains an area of concern for the Durbanites.

They have shown signs of improvement though, and with Ruben van Heerden and Hyron Andrews back in the squad to join recent signings Le Roux Roets and former Munster player Gerbrandt Grobler among the second row resources, the Sharks will be hopeful of giving a good account of themselves.

Grobler should be particularly motivated to do well against his old team as he left the Irish province under rather controversial circumstances a few years ago, a departure driven by the unhappiness of the Irish media at the team recruiting a player who had been tested positive for a banned substance.

Grobler’s positive test had been years before that and he had already served his time, a two year suspension from the sport, which was Van Graan’s argument at the time. However, in Irish rugby there is zero tolerance for drugs and ultimately the media pressure just became too much. Grobler is certainly playing good rugby at the moment and could be a thorn in the host team’s side if he plays.

Also missing from the Munster team to play the Sharks will be the British and Irish Lions duo of Connor Murray, who captained the tourists while the original captain Alun Wyn Jones was absent, and Tadhg Beirne

Bad news for Munster; the weather forecast is Dry, Warm (18C), & with light winds(11kph)

[Sards]

Weak Munster for Sharks
SS

Munster weakened ahead of URC clash with Sharks
By Gavin Rich
21 September 2021 | 09:05
Gerbrandt Grobler © Gallo Images
The Cell C Sharks will open their United Rugby Championship campaign at Thormond Park in Limerick on Saturday against a Munster team that has been weakened by injuries to some key players.

Ireland international Chris Farrell (abdomen) and props Roman Salanoa and Liam O’Connor will all sit out the landmark first game for both teams in a competition that marks the start of a new era as South Africa’s arrival in Europe becomes a reality. So will former Bulls lock Jason Jenkins, who is struggling with an ongoing shoulder issue. Munster coach Johan van Graan, the former Springbok assistant, will also be without hooker Kevin O’Byrne, who has a leg injury.

With Bok lock RG Snyman also still yet to make his return to the field, the absence of so many Munster tight forward might just give the Sharks a bit of a leg up in the fixture, as after the recent Currie Cup season, where they were well beaten in the final by the Bulls, the tight five still remains an area of concern for the Durbanites.

They have shown signs of improvement though, and with Ruben van Heerden and Hyron Andrews back in the squad to join recent signings Le Roux Roets and former Munster player Gerbrandt Grobler among the second row resources, the Sharks will be hopeful of giving a good account of themselves.

Grobler should be particularly motivated to do well against his old team as he left the Irish province under rather controversial circumstances a few years ago, a departure driven by the unhappiness of the Irish media at the team recruiting a player who had been tested positive for a banned substance.

Grobler’s positive test had been years before that and he had already served his time, a two year suspension from the sport, which was Van Graan’s argument at the time. However, in Irish rugby there is zero tolerance for drugs and ultimately the media pressure just became too much. Grobler is certainly playing good rugby at the moment and could be a thorn in the host team’s side if he plays.

Also missing from the Munster team to play the Sharks will be the British and Irish Lions duo of Connor Murray, who captained the tourists while the original captain Alun Wyn Jones was absent, and Tadhg Beirne

With 11 players with the boks the Sharks aren't weakened either......nooooo

[OomStruisbaai]

Bad news for Munster; the weather forecast is Dry, Warm (18C), & with light winds(11kph)

Treviso 25C 14h00 on Saturday. It's going to be very hot for the Stormers.

[Chilli]

Weak Munster for Sharks
SS

Munster weakened ahead of URC clash with Sharks
By Gavin Rich
21 September 2021 | 09:05
Gerbrandt Grobler © Gallo Images
The Cell C Sharks will open their United Rugby Championship campaign at Thormond Park in Limerick on Saturday against a Munster team that has been weakened by injuries to some key players.

Ireland international Chris Farrell (abdomen) and props Roman Salanoa and Liam O’Connor will all sit out the landmark first game for both teams in a competition that marks the start of a new era as South Africa’s arrival in Europe becomes a reality. So will former Bulls lock Jason Jenkins, who is struggling with an ongoing shoulder issue. Munster coach Johan van Graan, the former Springbok assistant, will also be without hooker Kevin O’Byrne, who has a leg injury.

With Bok lock RG Snyman also still yet to make his return to the field, the absence of so many Munster tight forward might just give the Sharks a bit of a leg up in the fixture, as after the recent Currie Cup season, where they were well beaten in the final by the Bulls, the tight five still remains an area of concern for the Durbanites.

They have shown signs of improvement though, and with Ruben van Heerden and Hyron Andrews back in the squad to join recent signings Le Roux Roets and former Munster player Gerbrandt Grobler among the second row resources, the Sharks will be hopeful of giving a good account of themselves.

Grobler should be particularly motivated to do well against his old team as he left the Irish province under rather controversial circumstances a few years ago, a departure driven by the unhappiness of the Irish media at the team recruiting a player who had been tested positive for a banned substance.

Grobler’s positive test had been years before that and he had already served his time, a two year suspension from the sport, which was Van Graan’s argument at the time. However, in Irish rugby there is zero tolerance for drugs and ultimately the media pressure just became too much. Grobler is certainly playing good rugby at the moment and could be a thorn in the host team’s side if he plays.

Also missing from the Munster team to play the Sharks will be the British and Irish Lions duo of Connor Murray, who captained the tourists while the original captain Alun Wyn Jones was absent, and Tadhg Beirne

With 11 players with the boks the Sharks aren't weakened either......nooooo

$harks by 23!

[OomStruisbaai]

Weak Munster for Sharks
SS

With 11 players with the boks the Sharks aren't weakened either......nooooo

$harks by 23!

23+ I'd say. They played competitive rugby two weeks ago. Munster havent played in ages and sure we all know Munster will play Bulls rugby. They have a Bulls coach. Sharks will run them off their feet in perfect weather conditions.

[Sards]

Sharks , Sharks , Sharks.....thank you for all the support

[OomStruisbaai]

we are black we are white we are dynamite!

[handyman]

I'm worried about the lack of BMT shown by the saaks in the Currie Cup final. For me, it's an indicator of a bad team vibe, possibly driven by the influx of money.

I also think that Everett is not strong enough to stop it.

[Chilli]

I'm worried about the lack of BMT shown by the saaks in the Currie Cup final. For me, it's an indicator of a bad team vibe, possibly driven by the influx of money.

I also think that Everett is not strong enough to stop it.

They need John Mitchell, or Rudolph Straueli to put a stop to it.

[handyman]

I'm worried about the lack of BMT shown by the saaks in the Currie Cup final. For me, it's an indicator of a bad team vibe, possibly driven by the influx of money.

I also think that Everett is not strong enough to stop it.

They need John Mitchell, or Rudolph Straueli to put a stop to it.

Agreed. They need a coach, not a friend. Perhaps some running up hills will also help.

[lemonhead]

October at some point

Great news for us........

You are obviously a Munster Supporter.....

https://www.munsterrugby.ie/gallery/sha ... -21-09-21/

In training with the squad last night. Been a long time coming back, we better not break him again.

[handyman]

October at some point

Great news for us........

You are obviously a Munster Supporter.....

https://www.munsterrugby.ie/gallery/sha ... -21-09-21/

In training with the squad last night. Been a long time coming back, we better not break him again.

What's the deal with no Irish coach for Munster?

[lemonhead]

We did have one. Sadly passed away and between the juggle from Rassie to JVG the assistant coaching ticket also fragmented.

You can fault JVG himself or maybe other coaches getting burnout and wanting a fresh start, whatever. All academic now, he's not going anywhere for a season or two. The team also needed stability after five coaches in five years.

Next one probably will be Irish again unless Larkham proves himself and wants the top job.

[handyman]

We did have one. Sadly passed away and between the juggle from Rassie to JVG the assistant coaching ticket also fragmented.

You can fault JVG himself or maybe other coaches getting burnout and wanting a fresh start, whatever. All academic now, he's not going anywhere for a season or two. The team also needed stability after five coaches in five years.

Next one probably will be Irish again unless Larkham proves himself and wants the top job.

Thanks. We have had mixed results with foreign coaches in SA.

[average joe]

We did have one. Sadly passed away and between the juggle from Rassie to JVG the assistant coaching ticket also fragmented.

You can fault JVG himself or maybe other coaches getting burnout and wanting a fresh start, whatever. All academic now, he's not going anywhere for a season or two. The team also needed stability after five coaches in five years.

Next one probably will be Irish again unless Larkham proves himself and wants the top job.

You guys burnout a lot over there.

[lemonhead]

We did have one. Sadly passed away and between the juggle from Rassie to JVG the assistant coaching ticket also fragmented.

You can fault JVG himself or maybe other coaches getting burnout and wanting a fresh start, whatever. All academic now, he's not going anywhere for a season or two. The team also needed stability after five coaches in five years.

Next one probably will be Irish again unless Larkham proves himself and wants the top job.

Thanks. We have had mixed results with foreign coaches in SA.

Yeah, even in Europe where you have a lot more resources from abroad it's about recruiting real quality or why bother.

He has made positive changes to the playing squad and comes across as a genuinely decent guy. But as a coach, tends conservative and I don't think nice always wins you trophies.

Sounded like he'd moved towards more of a director role late last season, which puts Larkham in charge of the team. We'll see.

[OomStruisbaai]

Benneton have a nice SA flavor. Dewaldt co captain and they recruited Andries Coetzee & Rhyno Smith.

[handyman]

We did have one. Sadly passed away and between the juggle from Rassie to JVG the assistant coaching ticket also fragmented.

You can fault JVG himself or maybe other coaches getting burnout and wanting a fresh start, whatever. All academic now, he's not going anywhere for a season or two. The team also needed stability after five coaches in five years.

Next one probably will be Irish again unless Larkham proves himself and wants the top job.

Thanks. We have had mixed results with foreign coaches in SA.

Yeah, even in Europe where you have a lot more resources from abroad it's about recruiting real quality or why bother.

He has made positive changes to the playing squad and comes across as a genuinely decent guy. But as a coach, tends conservative and I don't think nice always wins you trophies.

Sounded like he'd moved towards more of a director role late last season, which puts Larkham in charge of the team. We'll see.

Agree about JVG, a genuine good guy, but as you say, maybe too nice and definitely conservative with his Bok and Bulls background.

[OomStruisbaai]

Bismarck du Plessis

SS

“It was the first team meeting we had in Dublin. We started the meeting with a prayer. For me, that moment with the Bulls reaffirmed why I came back to South Africa, and why I took this opportunity.”

Awesome

[Sards]

October at some point

Great news for us........

You are obviously a Munster Supporter.....

https://www.munsterrugby.ie/gallery/sha ... -21-09-21/

In training with the squad last night. Been a long time coming back, we better not break him again.

Who's the gym bunny to the right of him in pic 18

[Sards]

We did have one. Sadly passed away and between the juggle from Rassie to JVG the assistant coaching ticket also fragmented.

You can fault JVG himself or maybe other coaches getting burnout and wanting a fresh start, whatever. All academic now, he's not going anywhere for a season or two. The team also needed stability after five coaches in five years.

Next one probably will be Irish again unless Larkham proves himself and wants the top job.

Thanks. We have had mixed results with foreign coaches in SA.

Eddie Jones

[lemonhead]

Great news for us........

You are obviously a Munster Supporter.....

https://www.munsterrugby.ie/gallery/sha ... -21-09-21/

In training with the squad last night. Been a long time coming back, we better not break him again.

Who's the gym bunny to the right of him in pic 18

Gav Coombes. You'll notice him on field.

[fishfoodie]

We did have one. Sadly passed away and between the juggle from Rassie to JVG the assistant coaching ticket also fragmented.

You can fault JVG himself or maybe other coaches getting burnout and wanting a fresh start, whatever. All academic now, he's not going anywhere for a season or two. The team also needed stability after five coaches in five years.

Next one probably will be Irish again unless Larkham proves himself and wants the top job.

Thanks. We have had mixed results with foreign coaches in SA.

Hasn't everyone !

Connacht were blessed to have Pat Lam for a few years; to the point that when he got offered a huge amount of money to go to Bristol. I don't think I heard anyone sound upset, because he'd given the fans their greatest day out; had completely changed their expectation of how their team could play; & because he was so honest about his reasons; no one could fault them !

Leinster had Matt Williams, & he did a bit; but was mostly Meh; then they had Cheika, & finally won in Europe; & then had Schmidt. Two out of three is a pretty good return.

[Chilli]

Should the teams not be announced today?

[OomStruisbaai]

Should the teams not be announced today?

Yes.

[OomStruisbaai]

Lions – 15 EW Viljoen,14 Jamba Ulengo,13 Wandisile Simelane,12 Burger Odendaal (c),11 Rabz Maxwane ,10 Jordan Hendrikse, 9 Andre Warner, 8 Francke Horn, 7 Vincent Tshituka, 6 Jaco Kriel, 5 Pieter Jansen Van Vuren, 4 Ruben Schoeman, 3 Carlu Sadie, 2 Jaco Visagie, 1 Ruan Dreyer.
Subs: 16 PJ Botha, 17 Sti Sithole, 18 Asenathi Ntlabakanye, 19 Reinhard Nothnagel, 20 Sibusiso Sangweni, 21 Morne van den Berg, 22 Eddie Fouche, 23 Divan Rossouw.

[Sards]

Cell C Sharks

Khwezi Mona
Kerron van Vuuren
Thomas du Toit (v/c)
Le Roux Roets
Gerbrandt Grobler
Dylan Richardson
Henco Venter
Phepsi Buthelezi (c)
Ruan Pienaar
Boeta Chamberlain
Thaakir Abrahams
Marius Louw
Werner Kok
Yaw Penxe
Curwin Bosch

Replacements

Fez Mbatha
Ntuthuko Mchunu
Khutha Mchunu
Hyron Andrews
Ruben van Heerden
Mpilo Gumede
Sanele Nohamba
Jeremy Ward

Boeta starting
Hyron back...

[OomStruisbaai]

Strong Sharks team.