Official United Rugby Championship thread

[Chilli]

Nah boet. You've spend millions on your team, they should be performing right now.

All I want from our junior and CC teams is to provide a steady stream of players for the URC and Heineken Cup. I don't care so much about their results.

Yes , buying marquee players who never play and are always either injured or on bok duty did absolutely nothing but create interest in the brand so other teams would take note. Otherwise it's a complete cock up and lesson learnt or school fees paid. But what has happened is that the youth develop has been phenomenal. There is intense interest in making the Sharks youth sides. And great pride for the schools whose players make it. I have somehow linked onto the youth movement, probably as a result of the fantastic marketing the Sharks are doing. And players from all over the country including WP are fighting to get into the academies. It's pretty much the same at the Bulls. They ran second to us in the youth. So if you are looking for your youngsters dude.....look there. I understand the WP youth environment. It's toxic. It's not what you know. WP will just have to pick up the scraps. And don't think it's going to be the same next season with Plumtree there. I love to hate Plum. Met him a few times. Abrasive cnut. But is a professional.

Cool.
So we can expect the $harks to win the URC next year with all this talent and Plum as a coach.

I look forward to that

[Chilli]

Don't be so insular lads - the Welsh deserve your ire as well.

The who?

[Chilli]

Dude...........its actually quite funny........have a gander on fb.
Sharks don't bitch about the refs.......gracious blokes us. I am just amused about a particular ref that follows the Stormers circus........Marius Van Der Westhuizen......lots of references to him on fb.
Stormers should be more concerned about their scrum being neutralised because of the pitch and then the rain.............Huge huge test for Manie

Yeah, mid table teams can't exactly bitch about a ref. Rather focus on improving your own team.

Yes thanks. We are busy with that. Our under 20s won that comp, our CC side will probably top the log this weekend. Our under 19s need to step up a bit but looking positive.
Ja. Our grassroots are in order. Just need to keep the thieving poachers away from our youngsters.

In contrast your URC team is going to take some huge hits with players leaving and your CC and youth teams are not cutting it.

The wheels turn

Have the $harks raped and plundered Bloemfontein again for "homegrown" talent?

[Sandstorm]

Have the starting lineups been announced yet?

[Jim Lahey]

I'll be cheering on Munster like most Irish fans, Fester.

Most

I struggle to believe that Leinster lads don't have a good chuckle every time Ulster shit the bed. Even I laugh tbf. Probably the same for Munster and Connacht lads.

Likewise its hard for the rest of us not to have a chuckle when Leinster shit the bed given the hyperbolic Irish rugby media, wanking themselves into oblivion about the sophistication of Leinster's "structures" and "systems," the great Stuart Lancaster love-in etc.

Although tbf I harbour no ill-will to Munster or Connacht, I like to see them both do well. I can see why some Leinster supporters hate Munster. Don't think anyone dislikes Connacht.

But interprovincial hatred is what makes Irish rugby what it is, in the pro-era.

[LoveOfTheGame]

I'll be cheering on Munster like most Irish fans, Fester.

Most

I struggle to believe that Leinster lads don't have a good chuckle every time Ulster shit the bed. Even I laugh tbf. Probably the same for Munster and Connacht lads.

Likewise its hard for the rest of us not to have a chuckle when Leinster shit the bed given the hyperbolic Irish rugby media, wanking themselves into oblivion about the sophistication of Leinster's "structures" and "systems," the great Stuart Lancaster love-in etc.

Although tbf I harbour no ill-will to Munster or Connacht, I like to see them both do well. I can see why some Leinster supporters hate Munster. Don't think anyone dislikes Connacht.

But interprovincial hatred is what makes Irish rugby what it is, in the pro-era.

The interprovincial hatred here in SA is epic at times. Especially Bulls and WP, although the Sharkies have their own little rivalries with both the aforementioned teams. The most widely hated by most other fans would be the Bulls imho, then WP. Nobody really cares about the Sharks, because they never win anything. So it's more a sympathy thing with them. Ditto the Lions.

[Slick]

I'll be cheering on Munster like most Irish fans, Fester.

Most

I struggle to believe that Leinster lads don't have a good chuckle every time Ulster shit the bed. Even I laugh tbf. Probably the same for Munster and Connacht lads.

Likewise its hard for the rest of us not to have a chuckle when Leinster shit the bed given the hyperbolic Irish rugby media, wanking themselves into oblivion about the sophistication of Leinster's "structures" and "systems," the great Stuart Lancaster love-in etc.

Although tbf I harbour no ill-will to Munster or Connacht, I like to see them both do well. I can see why some Leinster supporters hate Munster. Don't think anyone dislikes Connacht.

But interprovincial hatred is what makes Irish rugby what it is, in the pro-era.

I got fairly short shrift off a Munsterman I was speaking with last night when I suggested he might have been a bit disappointed at last weeks result

[Uncle fester]

I'll be cheering on Munster like most Irish fans, Fester.

Most

I struggle to believe that Leinster lads don't have a good chuckle every time Ulster shit the bed. Even I laugh tbf. Probably the same for Munster and Connacht lads.

Likewise its hard for the rest of us not to have a chuckle when Leinster shit the bed given the hyperbolic Irish rugby media, wanking themselves into oblivion about the sophistication of Leinster's "structures" and "systems," the great Stuart Lancaster love-in etc.

Although tbf I harbour no ill-will to Munster or Connacht, I like to see them both do well. I can see why some Leinster supporters hate Munster. Don't think anyone dislikes Connacht.

But interprovincial hatred is what makes Irish rugby what it is, in the pro-era.

If there's a frustration with Ulster, it's the lack of new Irish talent coming through. It has been a frustration with Munster also but Rowntree seems more inclined to pick local lads in games that actually matter, eg. Hodnett.

[Jim Lahey]

Most

I struggle to believe that Leinster lads don't have a good chuckle every time Ulster shit the bed. Even I laugh tbf. Probably the same for Munster and Connacht lads.

Likewise its hard for the rest of us not to have a chuckle when Leinster shit the bed given the hyperbolic Irish rugby media, wanking themselves into oblivion about the sophistication of Leinster's "structures" and "systems," the great Stuart Lancaster love-in etc.

Although tbf I harbour no ill-will to Munster or Connacht, I like to see them both do well. I can see why some Leinster supporters hate Munster. Don't think anyone dislikes Connacht.

But interprovincial hatred is what makes Irish rugby what it is, in the pro-era.

If there's a frustration with Ulster, it's the lack of new Irish talent coming through. It has been a frustration with Munster also but Rowntree seems more inclined to pick local lads in games that actually matter, eg. Hodnett.

Ulster's academy is an absolute jokeshop when it comes to forwards. Our last fully home grown international forward was Hendy, who's debut was 10+ years ago.

Before that it was probably Deccie Fitz, who tbf was actually decent but only got a few caps because he was made of chocolate.

Before that you are going back as far as Chris Henry, Fez, Rory best etc.

But as long as Bryn Cunningham keeps stacking the squad full of Saffer journeymen and Leinster academy cast offs, we'll keep burying our heads in the sand about how inept we are at developing forwards

[Chilli]

Most

I struggle to believe that Leinster lads don't have a good chuckle every time Ulster shit the bed. Even I laugh tbf. Probably the same for Munster and Connacht lads.

Likewise its hard for the rest of us not to have a chuckle when Leinster shit the bed given the hyperbolic Irish rugby media, wanking themselves into oblivion about the sophistication of Leinster's "structures" and "systems," the great Stuart Lancaster love-in etc.

Although tbf I harbour no ill-will to Munster or Connacht, I like to see them both do well. I can see why some Leinster supporters hate Munster. Don't think anyone dislikes Connacht.

But interprovincial hatred is what makes Irish rugby what it is, in the pro-era.

The interprovincial hatred here in SA is epic at times. Especially Bulls and WP, although the Sharkies have their own little rivalries with both the aforementioned teams. The most widely hated by most other fans would be the Bulls imho, then WP. Nobody really cares about the Sharks, because they never win anything. So it's more a sympathy thing with them. Ditto the Lions.

Yes, one can't help but feel sorry for the $harks and those who support them.

So much money
So much talent
So little to show for it.

[Sandstorm]

Have the starting lineups been announced yet?

Bump (as long as I’m not interrupting ERs nostalgia whinge with current events?)

[LoveOfTheGame]

Have the starting lineups been announced yet?

Bump (as long as I’m not interrupting ERs nostalgia whinge with current events?)

Stormers — 15 Damian Willemse, 14 Angelo Davids, 13 Ruhan Nel, 12 Dan du Plessis, 11 Leolin Zas, 10 Manie Libbok, 9 Herschel Jantjies, 8 Evan Roos, 7 Hacjivah Dayimani, 6 Deon Fourie, 5 Marvin Orie, 4 Ruben van Heerden, 3 Frans Malherbe, 2 Joseph Dweba, 1 Steven Kitshoff (captain).

Subs: 16 JJ Kotze, 17 Ali Vermaak, 18 Neethling Fouche, 19 Ben-Jason Dixon, 20 Willie Engelbrecht, 21 Marcel Theunissen, 22 Paul de Wet, 23 Clayton Blommetjies.

[Sards]

Have the starting lineups been announced yet?

Bump (as long as I’m not interrupting ERs nostalgia whinge with current events?)

Stormers — 15 Damian Willemse, 14 Angelo Davids, 13 Ruhan Nel, 12 Dan du Plessis, 11 Leolin Zas, 10 Manie Libbok, 9 Herschel Jantjies, 8 Evan Roos, 7 Hacjivah Dayimani, 6 Deon Fourie, 5 Marvin Orie, 4 Ruben van Heerden, 3 Frans Malherbe, 2 Joseph Dweba, 1 Steven Kitshoff (captain).

Subs: 16 JJ Kotze, 17 Ali Vermaak, 18 Neethling Fouche, 19 Ben-Jason Dixon, 20 Willie Engelbrecht, 21 Marcel Theunissen, 22 Paul de Wet, 23 Clayton Blommetjies.

Clayton Blommetjies is the best addition to the squad. He is great kicking out of hand and he is X factor. He really has impressed me

[LoveOfTheGame]

Have the starting lineups been announced yet?

Bump (as long as I’m not interrupting ERs nostalgia whinge with current events?)

Stormers — 15 Damian Willemse, 14 Angelo Davids, 13 Ruhan Nel, 12 Dan du Plessis, 11 Leolin Zas, 10 Manie Libbok, 9 Herschel Jantjies, 8 Evan Roos, 7 Hacjivah Dayimani, 6 Deon Fourie, 5 Marvin Orie, 4 Ruben van Heerden, 3 Frans Malherbe, 2 Joseph Dweba, 1 Steven Kitshoff (captain).

Subs: 16 JJ Kotze, 17 Ali Vermaak, 18 Neethling Fouche, 19 Ben-Jason Dixon, 20 Willie Engelbrecht, 21 Marcel Theunissen, 22 Paul de Wet, 23 Clayton Blommetjies.

Munster: 15 Mike Haley, 14 Calvin Nash, 13 Antoine Frisch, 12 Malakai Fekitoa, 11 Shane Daly, 10 Jack Crowley, 9 Conor Murray, 8 Gavin Coombes, 7 John Hodnett, 6 Peter O’Mahony (C), 5 Tadhg Beirne, 4 Jean Kleyn, 3 Stephen Archer, 2 Diarmuid Barron, 1 Jeremy Loughman
Replacements: 16 Niall Scannell, 17 Josh Wycherley, 18 Roman Salanoa, 19 RG Snyman, 20 Alex Kendellen, 21 Craig Casey, 22 Ben Healy, 23 Keith Earls

[LoveOfTheGame]

Strong Munster team that, really looking forward to this game. Nerves are starting to bite.

[Sandstorm]

Cheers LOTG. No idea where I’d find this info every week. URC and Supersport websites are fucking useless. Basically just Rugby gossip sites.

[_Os_]

I have read this thread and decided the Stomps losing will be a good thing.

[Sards]

I have read this thread and decided the Stomps losing will be a good thing.

Nah. Flying the Saffer flag and deserved. Got to support the Stomps......

Although with no horse in the race, I am in love with the Munster fairy tale.

[_Os_]

I have read this thread and decided the Stomps losing will be a good thing.

Nah. Flying the Saffer flag and deserved. Got to support the Stomps

Can't have them droning on about two URC titles.

[LoveOfTheGame]

I have read this thread and decided the Stomps losing will be a good thing.

Nah. Flying the Saffer flag and deserved. Got to support the Stomps

Can't have them droning on about two URC titles.

Be nice Ox.

[Sards]

Supporting the Stormers has become easier now that they don't play in a toilet anymore.

Funny how easily everyone got over losing Newlands. It was like the end of the world at one point

[_Os_]

Supporting the Stormers has become easier now that they don't play in a toilet anymore.

Funny how easily everyone got over losing Newlands. It was like the end of the world at one point

You can take them out of Boo-lands, but not the Boo-lands out of them. Cape manners will be on full display if Munster get ahead.

[LoveOfTheGame]

Supporting the Stormers has become easier now that they don't play in a toilet anymore.

Funny how easily everyone got over losing Newlands. It was like the end of the world at one point

You can take them out of Boo-lands, but not the Boo-lands out of them. Cape manners will be on full display if Munster get ahead.

At least we have supporters at the stadium né?

[Uncle fester]

Strong Munster team that, really looking forward to this game. Nerves are starting to bite.

It's about as strong as we can put out. Think Snyman on the bench is the right call. Good to see Earls in the 23.

[OomStruisbaai]

I have read this thread and decided the Stomps losing will be a good thing.

Nah. Flying the Saffer flag and deserved. Got to support the Stomps

Can't have them droning on about two URC titles.

Ai Os, disappointing stuff from you.

Munster the big favorites. The Stormers have a big mountain to climb.

[OomStruisbaai]

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_ ... tid=Nif5oz

[Uncle fester]

Can't wait for this game. We've pulled it out of the fire four games in a row. Five is probably too much to ask for but we can dream.

[Sandstorm]

I have read this thread and decided the Stomps losing will be a good thing.

Nah. Flying the Saffer flag and deserved. Got to support the Stomps

Can't have them droning on about two URC titles.

I hope we win tomorrow even more now. Annoying the Filofax will be the cherry on the cake.

[Sards]

Can't wait for this game. We've pulled it out of the fire four games in a row. Five is probably too much to ask for but we can dream.

Literally a fairy tale.

[Sards]

Stormers better do it today.
We had to move my youngest kids birthday party to earlier just so the dads can get to the stadium on time. Hired out a net and officials for an indoor cricket match 18 kids. Going to be a handful

[Chilli]

Supporting the Stormers has become easier now that they don't play in a toilet anymore.

Funny how easily everyone got over losing Newlands. It was like the end of the world at one point

They seem to appreciate not having the stench of stale piss in the air.

[Chilli]

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_ ... tid=Nif5oz

Why is there a photo of Ruan Nel? Did he also go to that school?

[Slick]

This is like the morning of an England v Ireland 6 Nations game, still struggling to know who I want to lose more, but also really looking forward to it

[Sandstorm]

This is like the morning of an England v Ireland 6 Nations game, still struggling to know who I want to lose more, but also really looking forward to it

[OomStruisbaai]

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_ ... tid=Nif5oz

Why is there a photo of Ruan Nel? Did he also go to that school?

Nope, he was on the team announced photo.

Edwill van der Merwe was also there.

[OomStruisbaai]

The Western Cape is in a great rugby vibe. Everybody talk about the final, even the dogs and cats. Nice sunny weather, hope it holds.

[yermum]

Munster only chance comes if they can avoid getting munched in the scrums.

The stormers front row looks extremely formidable. If they get on top the game can just be won from there with penalty dominance controlling field position.

Big day for Steven Archer. I have slated him in the past but he has been solid this last year or so.

[OomStruisbaai]

Munster only chance comes if they can avoid getting munched in the scrums.

The stormers front row looks extremely formidable. If they get on top the game can just be won from there with penalty dominance controlling field position.

Big day for Steven Archer. I have slated him in the past but he has been solid this last year or so.

Scrumming is a big issue in CT Stadium. So no worries for Munster

[Sandstorm]

Munster only chance comes if they can avoid getting munched in the scrums.

The stormers front row looks extremely formidable. If they get on top the game can just be won from there with penalty dominance controlling field position.

Big day for Steven Archer. I have slated him in the past but he has been solid this last year or so.

Scrumming is a big issue in CT Stadium. So no worries for Munster

Yup, anyone dropping the ball will get stink-eye from the front row.

[FalseBayFC]

Feeling a bit drunk and emotional right now. So much kak facing our country and we're having such an amazing event here in the mother city. Good luck Munster Irishers! Go Stormers!