2024/2025 Not Heineken Cup

[Sandstorm]

Sharks are not giving up on HCC.
Plum has said he will be using the broader squad

Well I guess we'll know when we see what team gets on the plane.

I'm taking my boots to the Stoop on Saturday evening, I'll probably get onto the bench for the Stormers.

[Torquemada 1420]

This is the dirtiest / most cynical Leinster performance I've seen in many a year. Two deliberate trips, a few very cynical penalties... What's going on?

I was out so didn't see the game but read on the way back 3 trips. Was that correct. And only 1 carded?
a) How TF is a trip not a card (unless it's Betsen on Stuart Abbot)? Flannery (rightly) got a long ban for trying to break Palisson's leg.
b) And I'd like to have seen a red for such persistent, dirty offending but then, rugby doesn't do red cards on cumulative offences.

[Torquemada 1420]

It's basically franchises. With clubs supposedly responsible for the Currie Cup. 3 Franchises have investment partners. The Bulls are funded by 2 South African billionaires and the Sharks are funded by a gambling empire which was turned down by the Stormers. So they went to the Sharks. Stormers are " funded " by a " family trust ". The clubs in the Western Province ( Stormers) carried too much weight on decisions. They forced the Stormers to turn down the Massoti investment deal so now they are sitting with very shallow pockets and most of their real talent has left to play at the Bulls and Sharks.

Cheers

Sards talking kak like usual. All the Stormers Springboks are injured. Credit to Toulon, Their captain had a huge game. Rassie should crab him for the Springboks.

Wasn't Serin cap in absence of Ollivon? Laughably, he apparently got MOTM and I thought he was his usual, terrible self. So many dire SH performances (SH's slowing the game down and aimless hoofing). VP for Leicester was worse.

[_Os_]

Still like to be competitive with our Springboks.
Dobson said something about it being vital to win home games. Not sure how it works but that reinforces your statement.
After the Stormers loss he said he will do what he can in the HCC but he was shifting his focus to the URC now and putting his strongest teams there. Bearing in mind he has some tough derbies ahead.
Libbok is in hospital and they are not sure how thats going to work out...so they are in a bad way.....and the Stomps are not happy with Dobbo\

I think if the Stormers and Sharks had their full squads available to them, then both would like to give the Champions Cup a good go. But when the injuries come in like they have now, then a decision has to be made which has to be focusing on URC first.

I've become used to the chicken licken sky is falling down posts from the usual cohort of Sharks supporters. It has become a Monday treat. Win against Exeter = give up on the tournament. Unreal, next level chicken licken posting!

[Torquemada 1420]

From the Torygraph

The Tigers’ scrum, against breeze-block Ben Tameifuna, was phenomenal; the work-rate of the pack’s back five was staggering, the two flankers especially; Jack van Poortvliet looked every bit an international scrum-half; Perese, Freddie Steward and Josh Bassett were fabulous.

You are so f**ked come the 6N

[OomStruisbaai]

The French teams look in a different league on the weekend.

[Torquemada 1420]

The French teams look in a different league on the weekend.

I'm not quite as upbeat as that. My take pre-comp was for Toulouse (not exactly a hard one to tip) and UBB to be the T14's stand out chances. And even then, UBB haven't really performed to the levels one would hope: they saved it
all for Leicester in that 2nd half! Outside of that
- LaR was a shock. There really look like an ageing team in decline, lacking appetite and with disciplinary problems.
- Toulon going okay but their 1/2 backs are playing an outdated style of rugby which will catch up with them in the manner it has for Eng at intl level.
- Racing are massively underperforming under Lancaster and Farrell at FH will only worsen their chances.
- and ASM are rebuilding and in the Mickey Mouse anyway
Everyone else is chucking out B/C teams.

It looks as much a case of other leagues being weaker. Most notably the Prem. I really expected much more from the Bulls. Maybe this race is already down to ST, UBB, Leinster and the Sharks with maybe an outside nod to Glasgow and Sarries.

[weegie01]

The French teams look in a different league on the weekend.

I'm not quite as upbeat as that. My take pre-comp was for Toulouse (not exactly a hard one to tip) and UBB to be the T14's stand out chances. And even then, UBB haven't really performed to the levels one would hope: they saved it
all for Leicester in that 2nd half! Outside of that
- LaR was a shock. There really look like an ageing team in decline, lacking appetite and with disciplinary problems.
- Toulon going okay but their 1/2 backs are playing an outdated style of rugby which will catch up with them in the manner it has for Eng at intl level.
- Racing are massively underperforming under Lancaster and Farrell at FH will only worsen their chances.
- and ASM are rebuilding and in the Mickey Mouse anyway
Everyone else is chucking out B/C teams.

It looks as much a case of other leagues being weaker. Most notably the Prem. I really expected much more from the Bulls. Maybe this race is already down to ST, UBB, Leinster and the Sharks with maybe an outside nod to Glasgow and Sarries.

I've seen Glasgow quoted as dark horses (they are Scottish after all). I'd hope they make the semis, but they just do not have the depth to go all the way.

[Torquemada 1420]

I've seen Glasgow quoted as dark horses (they are Scottish after all). I'd hope they make the semis, but they just do not have the depth to go all the way.

One of several teams playing rugby worth watching. Would be good to see them and Saints run a bit deeper into the comp.

[Tichtheid]

You can never overlook Leinster in this competition. I'd love to see Glasgow get to the semis or even, whisper it, the final, but I think if they meet a really heavyweight pack they will struggle, the likes of Valianu and Dempsey coming back will help but they have pretty green locks at the moment, not counting Cummings.

[inactionman]

You can never overlook Leinster in this competition. I'd love to see Glasgow get to the semis or even, whisper it, the final, but I think if they meet a really heavyweight pack they will struggle, the likes of Valianu and Dempsey coming back will help but they have pretty green locks at the moment, not counting Cummings.

Yep, Settled team with quality all through the squad - that bench was ridiculous. Many other teams are/would struggle with a few key injuries.

[OomStruisbaai]

Sharks surely have the cattle to go all the way. But then they will need to play to their Springbok potential. Its way to early to predict after 1 round.

Leinster and Toulouse is the favorites in my books.

[fishfoodie]

Sharks surely have the cattle to go all the way. But then they will need to play to their Springbok potential. Its way to early to predict after 1 round.

Leinster and Toulouse is the favorites in my books.

The big issue for Leinster is that Toulouse or LaR can rest players, & still comfortably qualify for the playoffs, with the new format.

When it gets to the playoffs Leinster will, if they get thru, face a full on team that can shunt them around in the scrum, or pulverize them in tackles, just like they've done the last few years.

I think Leinster's signing of RG, and bringing in Nienaber to get the defense intensity up to 11 show they know where they are vulnerable, & what they need to improve on.

[TheNatalShark]

Sharks surely have the cattle to go all the way. But then they will need to play to their Springbok potential. Its way to early to predict after 1 round.

Leinster and Toulouse is the favorites in my books.

Barring whatever rest schedule that will be implemented for the Boks, Plum will have one of the best first XVs around to work with and no internationals to unsettle it all the way until end of season. It really should be able to survive some injuries and compete at the top end.

[OomStruisbaai]

Sharks surely have the cattle to go all the way. But then they will need to play to their Springbok potential. Its way to early to predict after 1 round.

Leinster and Toulouse is the favorites in my books.

Barring whatever rest schedule that will be implemented for the Boks, Plum will have one of the best first XVs around to work with and no internationals to unsettle it all the way until end of season. It really should be able to survive some injuries and compete at the top end.

Boks will rest during 6 nations. Jan-March

[Sards]

Sharks surely have the cattle to go all the way. But then they will need to play to their Springbok potential. Its way to early to predict after 1 round.

Leinster and Toulouse is the favorites in my books.

Barring whatever rest schedule that will be implemented for the Boks, Plum will have one of the best first XVs around to work with and no internationals to unsettle it all the way until end of season. It really should be able to survive some injuries and compete at the top end.

A photographer that represents the Sharks has been doing the rounds at the training sessions. See his link below. No Eben or any of the other 2 loosies injureds But a few fresh faces that have surfaced during our Currie Cup campaign. No Jurenzo. Looking forward to seeing him enter the larger stage at some point. And of course all the usual Springboks. Also saw Vincent Koch. But not sure if he is fit yet.

Sharks training

https://www.facebook.com/steve.haag1?mibextid=ZbWKwL

[laurent]

https://actu.fr/sports/rugby/coupe-deur ... 78882.html

The french recap of the week end

[OomStruisbaai]

Sharks surely have the cattle to go all the way. But then they will need to play to their Springbok potential. Its way to early to predict after 1 round.

Leinster and Toulouse is the favorites in my books.

Barring whatever rest schedule that will be implemented for the Boks, Plum will have one of the best first XVs around to work with and no internationals to unsettle it all the way until end of season. It really should be able to survive some injuries and compete at the top end.

A photographer that represents the Sharks has been doing the rounds at the training sessions. See his link below. No Eben or any of the other 2 loosies injureds But a few fresh faces that have surfaced during our Currie Cup campaign. No Jurenzo. Looking forward to seeing him enter the larger stage at some point. And of course all the usual Springboks. Also saw Vincent Koch. But not sure if he is fit yet.

Sharks training

https://www.facebook.com/steve.haag1?mibextid=ZbWKwL

See some female Sharks aswell

[Uncle fester]

What happened to Libbock?

[laurent]

What happened to Libbock?

Got destroyed by Youyoute.
The ref red carded him but there was a blocking runner so not sure how it'll go in commission.

Also was flattened by the smallest man on the field just before Serin's try.

[Uncle fester]

What happened to Libbock?

Got destroyed by Youyoute.
The ref red carded him but there was a blocking runner so not sure how it'll go in commission.

Also was flattened by the smallest man on the field just before Serin's try.

Saw the legal tackle and was wondering if it was that.

[yermum]

What is the format for getting to the final stages this year?

[robmatic]

What is the format for getting to the final stages this year?

The top four from each pool of six go through.

[OomStruisbaai]

What happened to Libbock?

Got destroyed by Youyoute.
The ref red carded him but there was a blocking runner so not sure how it'll go in commission.

Also was flattened by the smallest man on the field just before Serin's try.

Saw the legal tackle and was wondering if it was that.

If it was the Scots they would claim both as red cards. Libbok look worse then it actually was. Unfortunately only out for two weeks. I saw our worst nightmare in Jurie Matthee and Salman Moerat travelled up north. Harlequins by 50.

[yermum]

What is the format for getting to the final stages this year?

The top four from each pool of six go through.

Thanks it’s perhaps a better format than previous versions

[PornDog]

What is the format for getting to the final stages this year?

The top four from each pool of six go through.

Thanks it’s perhaps a better format than previous versions

That's one of those "would you prefer a punch in the face or kick in the balls" type of judgements

[Sards]

Got destroyed by Youyoute.
The ref red carded him but there was a blocking runner so not sure how it'll go in commission.

Also was flattened by the smallest man on the field just before Serin's try.

Saw the legal tackle and was wondering if it was that.

If it was the Scots they would claim both as red cards. Libbok look worse then it actually was. Unfortunately only out for two weeks. I saw our worst nightmare in Jurie Matthee and Salman Moerat travelled up north. Harlequins by 50.

Look...I can understand that he is a nice guy etc. Has captaincy credentials ( which I am querying now that I saw how he was fast tracked into Springbok captaincy )
But shit......Moerat is not even close to the quality ahead of him at the Stormers and especially Springboks.....if ever there was a case for " quotas " , this is the prime example.

[TheNatalShark]

Boks will rest during 6 nations. Jan-March

Thanks, is that Jan and March inclusive, or just from end of Jan until middle/end of March?

[OomStruisbaai]

Boks will rest during 6 nations. Jan-March

Thanks, is that Jan and March inclusive, or just from end of Jan until middle/end of March?

During the 6 Nations I suppose. They said each player will be different

[Sandstorm]

Anyone seen a Stormers or Quins team sheet yet?

[GrahamWa]

Anyone seen a Stormers or Quins team sheet yet?

Think the Sat/Sun games are all release at 1300 GMT

[assfly]

Sharks playing a B team, as I suspected they would.

[Sards]

Hollywoodbets Sharks

Ntuthuko Mchunu
Dylan Richardson
Trevor Nyakane
Jason Jenkins
Emile van Heerden
Phepsi Buthelezi (C)
Lappies Labuschagne
Manu Tshituka
Jaden Hendrikse
Siya Masuku
Yaw Penxe
Francois Venter
Ethan Hooker
Eduan Keyter
Jordan Hendrikse
Replacements

Ethan Bester
Phatu Ganyane
Hanro Jacobs
Corne’ Rahl
Tino Mavesere
Bradley Davids
Diego Appollis
Hakeem Kunene

Basically our Currie Cup side.

[OomStruisbaai]

Ditto Stormers
Sat, 14 Dec 2024 - 22:00
Twickenham Stoop
Referee
: Ludovic Cayre (Fra)
AR1: Jonathan Gasnier (Fra)
AR2: Evan Urruzmendi (Fra)
TMO: Eric Gauzins(Fra)

Harlequins

15. Tyrone Green, 14. Rodrigo Isgro, 13. Oscar Beard, 12. Luke Northmore, 11. Cadan Murley, 10. Marcus Smith, 9. Danny Care, 1. Fin Baxter, 2. Jack Walker, 3. Simon Kerrod, 4. Irne Herbst, 5. George Hammond, 6. Chandler Cunningham-South, 7. James Chisholm, 8. Alex Dombrandt (c)
Replacements:

16. Sam Riley, 17. Wyn Jones, 18. Dillon Lewis, 19. Harry Browne, 20. Jack Kenningham, 21. Will Evans, 22. Will Porter, 23. Jarrod Evans

DHL Stormers

15. Clayton Blommetjies, 14. Angelo Davids, 13. Wandisile Simelane, 12. Jean-Luc du Plessis, 11. Seabelo Senatla, 10. Jurie Matthee, 9. Stefan Ungerer, 1. Vernon Matongo, 2. JJ Kotze, 3. Sazi Sandi, 4. Salmaan Moerat (c), 5. Connor Evans, 6. Dave Ewers, 7. Louw Nel, 8. Willie Engelbrecht
Replacements:

16. Andre-Hugo Venter, 17. Leon Lyons, 18. Corne Weilbach, 19. Gary Porter, 20. Paul de Villiers, 21. Dewaldt Duvenage, 22. Jonathan Roche, 23. JC Mars

[OomStruisbaai]

Sat, 14 Dec 2024 - 19:30
Mattioli Woods Welford Road
Referee
: Andrea Piardi

(Ita)
AR1
: Manuel Bottino

(Ita)
AR2
: Filippo Russo

(Ita)
TMO
: Matteo Liperini

(Ita)

Leicester Tigers

15. Freddie Steward, 14. Josh Bassett, 13. Izaia Perese, 12. Solomone Kata, 11. Ollie Hassell-Collins, 10. Handre Pollard, 9. Jack van Poortvliet, 1. Nicky Smith, 2. Julian Montoya (c), 3. Joe Heyes, 4. Harry Wells, 5. George Martin, 6. Hanro Liebenberg, 7. Tommy Reffell, 8. Olly Cracknell
Replacements:

16. Charlie Clare, 17. James Cronin, 18. Dan Cole, 19. Cameron Henderson, 20. Emeka Ilione, 21. Ben Youngs, 22. Jamie Shillcock, 23. Joe Woodward

Hollywoodbets Sharks

15. Jordan Hendrikse, 14. Eduan Keyter, 13. Ethan Hooker, 12. Francois Venter, 11. Yaw Penxe, 10. Siya Masuku, 9. Jaden Hendrikse, 1. Ntuthuko Mchunu, 2. Dylan Richardson, 3. Trevor Nyakane, 4. Jason Jenkins, 5. Emile van Heerden, 6. Phepsi Buthelezi (c), 7. Jeandre Labuschagne, 8. Manu Tshituka
Replacements:

16. Ethan Bester, 17. Phatu Ganyane, 18. Hanro Jacobs, 19. Corne Rahl, 20. Tino Mavesere, 21. Bradley Davids, 22. Diego Appollis, 23. Hakeem Kunene

[OomStruisbaai]

Sat, 14 Dec 2024 - 15:00
Loftus Versfeld
SuperSport / Premier Sports / beIN SPORTS / FloRugby
Referee
: Luc Ramos

(Fra)
AR1
: Adrien Marbot

(Fra)
AR2
: Jeremy Rozier

(Fra)
TMO
: Thomas Charabas

(Fra)

Vodacom Bulls

15. Willie le Roux, 14. Sebastian de Klerk, 13. Canan Moodie, 12. David Kriel, 11. Devon Williams, 10. Johan Goosen, 9. Embrose Papier, 1. Gerhard Steenekamp, 2. Akker van der Merwe, 3. Wilco Louw, 4. Ruan Vermaak, 5. JF van Heerden, 6. Marcell Coetzee, 7. Elrigh Louw (c), 8. Cameron Hanekom
Replacements:

16. Jan-Hendrik Wessels, 17. Alulutho Tshakweni, 18. Francois Klopper, 19. Deon Slabbert, 20. Nama Xaba, 21. Zak Burger, 22. Boeta Chamberlain, 23. Stedman Gans

Northampton Saints

15. George Furbank (c), 14. Tommy Freeman, 13. Fraser Dingwall, 12. Rory Hutchinson, 11. Ollie Sleightholme, 10. Fin Smith, 9. Alex Mitchell, 1. Emmanuel Iyogun, 2. Curtis Langdon, 3. Elliot Millar-Mills, 4. Temo Mayanavanua, 5. Tom Lockett, 6. Alex Coles, 7. Henry Pollock, 8. Juarno Augustus
Replacements:

16. Craig Wright, 17. Tarek Haffar, 18. Trevor Davison, 19. Chunya Munga, 20. Angus Scott-Young, 21. Tom Pearson, 22. Archie McParland, 23. George Hendy

[SaintK]

Sat, 14 Dec 2024 - 15:00
Loftus Versfeld
SuperSport / Premier Sports / beIN SPORTS / FloRugby
Referee
: Luc Ramos

(Fra)
AR1
: Adrien Marbot

(Fra)
AR2
: Jeremy Rozier

(Fra)
TMO
: Thomas Charabas

(Fra)

Vodacom Bulls

15. Willie le Roux, 14. Sebastian de Klerk, 13. Canan Moodie, 12. David Kriel, 11. Devon Williams, 10. Johan Goosen, 9. Embrose Papier, 1. Gerhard Steenekamp, 2. Akker van der Merwe, 3. Wilco Louw, 4. Ruan Vermaak, 5. JF van Heerden, 6. Marcell Coetzee, 7. Elrigh Louw (c), 8. Cameron Hanekom
Replacements:

16. Jan-Hendrik Wessels, 17. Alulutho Tshakweni, 18. Francois Klopper, 19. Deon Slabbert, 20. Nama Xaba, 21. Zak Burger, 22. Boeta Chamberlain, 23. Stedman Gans

Northampton Saints

15. George Furbank (c), 14. Tommy Freeman, 13. Fraser Dingwall, 12. Rory Hutchinson, 11. Ollie Sleightholme, 10. Fin Smith, 9. Alex Mitchell, 1. Emmanuel Iyogun, 2. Curtis Langdon, 3. Elliot Millar-Mills, 4. Temo Mayanavanua, 5. Tom Lockett, 6. Alex Coles, 7. Henry Pollock, 8. Juarno Augustus
Replacements:

16. Craig Wright, 17. Tarek Haffar, 18. Trevor Davison, 19. Chunya Munga, 20. Angus Scott-Young, 21. Tom Pearson, 22. Archie McParland, 23. George Hendy

That Saints side is just about as strong a team that they could put out especially with Mitchell returned from injury.
Can't see them getting within 15 points of the Bulls though!

[Sandstorm]

DHL Stormers

15. Clayton Blommetjies, 14. Angelo Davids, 13. Wandisile Simelane, 12. Jean-Luc du Plessis, 11. Seabelo Senatla, 10. Jurie Matthee, 9. Stefan Ungerer, 1. Vernon Matongo, 2. JJ Kotze, 3. Sazi Sandi, 4. Salmaan Moerat (c), 5. Connor Evans, 6. Dave Ewers, 7. Louw Nel, 8. Willie Engelbrecht
Replacements:

16. Andre-Hugo Venter, 17. Leon Lyons, 18. Corne Weilbach, 19. Gary Porter, 20. Paul de Villiers, 21. Dewaldt Duvenage, 22. Jonathan Roche, 23. JC Mars

Fuck, my brother and I can beat that Stormers pack! £75 a ticket

[OomStruisbaai]

DHL Stormers

15. Clayton Blommetjies, 14. Angelo Davids, 13. Wandisile Simelane, 12. Jean-Luc du Plessis, 11. Seabelo Senatla, 10. Jurie Matthee, 9. Stefan Ungerer, 1. Vernon Matongo, 2. JJ Kotze, 3. Sazi Sandi, 4. Salmaan Moerat (c), 5. Connor Evans, 6. Dave Ewers, 7. Louw Nel, 8. Willie Engelbrecht
Replacements:

16. Andre-Hugo Venter, 17. Leon Lyons, 18. Corne Weilbach, 19. Gary Porter, 20. Paul de Villiers, 21. Dewaldt Duvenage, 22. Jonathan Roche, 23. JC Mars

Fuck, my brother and I can beat that Stormers pack! £75 a ticket

Packed with Bergies.

Interesting article about Dobson

https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2024/ ... n-coaching

[Torquemada 1420]

Sharks throwing their game against Leicester?