Official United Rugby Championship thread

[fishfoodie]

Leinster are some team. When they play away they have guys with dozens of caps looking to challenge the first choice selections who are left at home, pushing pushing all the time.
They have a ridiculous depth - I happened to look at their squad a couple of weeks ago and including academy kids who have played for them they have 39 forwards, including 13 backrow players, but every one of them who is not a front line international knows they will get their chance and they take it. They play to the game plan and stake their claim.

Some team indeed.

Their Academy is something else; to the point where their castoffs are starting for the other Provinces, because they've got fed up waiting in the queue for the 1st team.

They really need to win the Heineken this year & validate the coaching ticket. They've come close, but missed too many years now.

[assfly]

Its a coaching issue and our 9/10 are locks are weak. But I don't get your butt hurt about the recruiting. How are South African teams supposed to compete in the URC without pulling out a chequebook. Transvaal and Louis Luyt were doing it before anyone except he was a crook. The broederbond ruled Northern Transvaal for years and went shamateur before anyone. As for WP and EP they've been an embarrassment to South African rugby. WP has only recently got its act together. The Sharks and KZN rugby are on the right track I think.

Yes I think the comments towards the $harks and their fans are pretty distasteful. Seems to coincide with the arrival of Roc Nation, and all of a sudden we've got money and we've become so despised. Virtually the same thing happened at the Bulls and they made a load of big signings too, and White is hailed as a genius.

My problem with the current Sharks team is the coaching. Thankfully we've got Powell coming in soon, but a big shame he's not already there. Everitt seems way out of his depth.

And then there is Bosch. I think he managed to string together a couple of decent performances this year, which is how he forced his way back into the 10 jersey. But last night was a classic meltdown by the guy. I normally don't get personal with players, but he's a total embarrassment and I never want to see him in a Sharks jersey again.

Apart from that, it's hardly panic station. We're 8th in the log so still in contention for qualification. Our first year in a new competition was always going to be tough. We just need to get our big guns firing for the rest of the season.

[OomStruisbaai]

You $hark$ supporters have been critical on the Cheetahs. I have no idea why is that?

Then there is Sards, who have been a doos about the Stormers .

So catch if you want to throw.

I agee with both of you about the coaching and I dunno if Powell can sort this. You need a hard arse coach like Stonehouse, someone who claim respect from Springbok stars.

I am worried that the $hark$ Springboks keep this form in the internationals.

That first scrum celebration turned into shite last night. Bongi needs to shut his trap and play like he can.

[robmatic]

Have to say, the URC has become a really compelling tournament now. Never had really any interest in the pro club game but enjoying it now

For me, it's actually more interesting than the European competitions this season. The URC at least has a vaguely sensible league format and the South African teams offer a different dimension in style and quality. The main problem so far has been covid disruption and the SA teams not having their Springboks at the start of the season.

[OomStruisbaai]

I really enjoy the competition. Getting to know much more about NH rugby culture, teams and players. Can understand why our players go north to play.

Watch Duanne Vermeulen yesterday. He is a legend and hope the Ulster lot appreciate him.

Also Brokkie, Fourie and Marcel Coetzee. They play an important role leading the youngsters.

[Sards]

1 suspect we will have social media glorifying the Stormers this week.

And Stomps trying to belittle the Sharks. Distasteful stuff.

Fact is . Stormers should have lost yesterday. That last try was legit . It was very clear on the replay. A Stormers hand knocked it on and the Ulster player grounded it. The TMO made a terrible Homer decision. So get you necks out your arse . You are surviving on charity currently from the referees and TMOs. Realistically you should be 1 point behind the Sharks. Ulster were screwed over.

Bulls are the only real deal currently. But had easier opposition to.

[bogbunny]

I really enjoy the competition. Getting to know much more about NH rugby culture, teams and players. Can understand why our players go north to play.

Watch Duanne Vermeulen yesterday. He is a legend and hope the Ulster lot appreciate him.

Also Brokkie, Fourie and Marcel Coetzee. They play an important role leading the youngsters.

Duanne Vermeulen is a legend but he doesn't appear to have hit the straps fully at Ulster yet.

Whether he is still recovering from his international exerts or Father Time is catching him up.

Did he excel at club level in SA or save all his big performances for the international side?

[assfly]

You $hark$ supporters have been critical on the Cheetahs. I have no idea why is that?

Who? In the CC thread I have been saying it's a travesty they aren't in the URC.

And why is it even relevant?

[OomStruisbaai]

You $hark$ supporters have been critical on the Cheetahs. I have no idea why is that?

Who? In the CC thread I have been saying it's a travesty they aren't in the URC.

And why is it even relevant?

Sorry thought Handyman & Sards are $hark$ supporters.

[Sards]

You $hark$ supporters have been critical on the Cheetahs. I have no idea why is that?

Who? In the CC thread I have been saying it's a travesty they aren't in the URC.

And why is it even relevant?

Now they are making things up.


We have been nothing but gracious in our assessments. Now that the Stormers are nose ahead thanks to the TMO favoring them prepare for the most ungracious supporters around

[assfly]

Sorry thought Handyman & Sards are $hark$ supporters.

Ag nee

[OomStruisbaai]

Sorry thought Handyman & Sards are $hark$ supporters.

Ag nee

You are right. Still a lot of rugby to be played. Think the Lions will stop EdinBokke. Bulls will take Ulster.

[Uncle fester]

Leinster are some team. When they play away they have guys with dozens of caps looking to challenge the first choice selections who are left at home, pushing pushing all the time.
They have a ridiculous depth - I happened to look at their squad a couple of weeks ago and including academy kids who have played for them they have 39 forwards, including 13 backrow players, but every one of them who is not a front line international knows they will get their chance and they take it. They play to the game plan and stake their claim.

Some team indeed.

Their Academy is something else; to the point where their castoffs are starting for the other Provinces, because they've got fed up waiting in the queue for the 1st team.

They really need to win the Heineken this year & validate the coaching ticket. They've come close, but missed too many years now.

Most of the heavy lifting is done by the schools long before they get to the academy.

[OomStruisbaai]

You $hark$ supporters have been critical on the Cheetahs. I have no idea why is that?

Who? In the CC thread I have been saying it's a travesty they aren't in the URC.

And why is it even relevant?

Now they are making things up.


We have been nothing but gracious in our assessments. Now that the Stormers are nose ahead thanks to the TMO favoring them prepare for the most ungracious supporters around

Daai TMO was wide awake.

[assfly]

You are right. Still a lot of rugby to be played. Think the Lions will stop EdinBokke. Bulls will take Ulster.

SA teams have been quite lucky the last few weeks. But I can see all of us picking up one or two losses in the coming weeks. Especially ending the round robin with an away trip. But let's hope we can get as many as possible in the top 8.

[OomStruisbaai]

Leinster are some team. When they play away they have guys with dozens of caps looking to challenge the first choice selections who are left at home, pushing pushing all the time.
They have a ridiculous depth - I happened to look at their squad a couple of weeks ago and including academy kids who have played for them they have 39 forwards, including 13 backrow players, but every one of them who is not a front line international knows they will get their chance and they take it. They play to the game plan and stake their claim.

Some team indeed.

Their Academy is something else; to the point where their castoffs are starting for the other Provinces, because they've got fed up waiting in the queue for the 1st team.

They really need to win the Heineken this year & validate the coaching ticket. They've come close, but missed too many years now.

Most of the heavy lifting is done by the schools long before they get to the academy.

Western Province have a very strong schoolboy rugby cultures Sadly the admins bankrupt the Province but the schoolboy structures will stay strong and keep on producing good rugby players.

[OomStruisbaai]

I really enjoy the competition. Getting to know much more about NH rugby culture, teams and players. Can understand why our players go north to play.

Watch Duanne Vermeulen yesterday. He is a legend and hope the Ulster lot appreciate him.

Also Brokkie, Fourie and Marcel Coetzee. They play an important role leading the youngsters.

Duanne Vermeulen is a legend but he doesn't appear to have hit the straps fully at Ulster yet.

Whether he is still recovering from his international exerts or Father Time is catching him up.

Did he excel at club level in SA or save all his big performances for the international side?

Depend if you measure hitting strap by fancy rugby. Daunne is bevok doing hard work in putting in tackles and get turn overs.

Thought he keep Ulster going after their heads were down in that first half Stormers blitz.

But then I am one eye watching him play. He played for the Bulls before chicken running. Trust me the Bulls were nothing without him.

Club or international he always gives 100%. Very few internationals play like that

[Sards]

Very impressed with the Stormers running rugby....although it has to be said they were very lucky to get the W this weekend. That is what happens when you have a proper 10 and 15......glad that Stormers have finally realised that these positions are important and you cannot mess around with half baked school boy players that don't kick on. Libbok has been an absolute relevation and is finally showing his true potential. Gelant is just class.....Somehow the Stormers need to look after these players because the alternatives are not up to standard.

[OomStruisbaai]

Gelant and Libbok started well got two nice tries then started aimless kicking down field which frustrated me. They gave all the possession back to Ulster. That nearly cost us the game. Our scrum was better in the 2nd half and save us the game in the end. Neethling was all over his opponent.

[Sards]

Gelant and Libbok started well got two nice tries then started aimless kicking down field which frustrated me. They gave all the possession back to Ulster. That nearly cost us the game.

It all started going south after the initial 2 tries...thats the experience showing for Ulster.....Stormers were very lucky the TMO overturned a legitiate try. Who was the TMO btw

[OomStruisbaai]

Gelant and Libbok started well got two nice tries then started aimless kicking down field which frustrated me. They gave all the possession back to Ulster. That nearly cost us the game.

It all started going south after the initial 2 tries...thats the experience showing for Ulster.....Stormers were very lucky the TMO overturned a legitiate try. Who was the TMO btw

Matteo Liperini. Italian. They had a long time to get it right. However Marius Louw should had red but then you will only see ref mistakes which help the Stormers

[OomStruisbaai]

Gelant and Libbok started well got two nice tries then started aimless kicking down field which frustrated me. They gave all the possession back to Ulster. That nearly cost us the game.

It all started going south after the initial 2 tries...thats the experience showing for Ulster.....Stormers were very lucky the TMO overturned a legitiate try. Who was the TMO btw

Matteo Liperini. Italian. They had a long time to get it right. However Marius Louw should had red but then you will only see ref mistakes which help the Stormers

Sorry Theo Immelman. You were hoping for Marius vd Westhuizen

[Sards]

Gelant and Libbok started well got two nice tries then started aimless kicking down field which frustrated me. They gave all the possession back to Ulster. That nearly cost us the game.

It all started going south after the initial 2 tries...thats the experience showing for Ulster.....Stormers were very lucky the TMO overturned a legitiate try. Who was the TMO btw

Matteo Liperini. Italian. They had a long time to get it right. However Marius Louw should had red but then you will only see ref mistakes which help the Stormers

Immelman was TMO.......should have been a penalty try or try. Stormers saved by the ref/TMO again.

[OomStruisbaai]

Why a penalty try?

[Sards]

Why a penalty try?

Slapping the ball out of the hand of a person going for a try. Remember when a Stormers player once kicked the ball out of the hand of a player dotting down. Same offense.
But definitely a try....they got this one wrong and Ulster can be very aggrieved

[OomStruisbaai]

Why a penalty try?

Slapping the ball out of the hand of a person going for a try. Remember when a Stormers player once kicked the ball out of the hand of a player dotting down. Same offense.
But definitely a try....they got this one wrong and Ulster can be very aggrieved

Good on them. We felt aggrieved when we play up north at the start of the competition. These decisions seem to cancel out.

[Sards]

Why a penalty try?

Slapping the ball out of the hand of a person going for a try. Remember when a Stormers player once kicked the ball out of the hand of a player dotting down. Same offense.
But definitely a try....they got this one wrong and Ulster can be very aggrieved

Good on them. We felt aggrieved when we play up north at the start of the competition. These decisions seem to cancel out.

Do you think there is a favoring of the Stormers by match officials....I keep thinking how we constantly get screwed by Marius against you lot ( what are the chances that he always officiates against the Stormers ) and now the NH teams are also getting done in by the TMO

[Monk]

Slapping the ball out of the hand of a person going for a try. Remember when a Stormers player once kicked the ball out of the hand of a player dotting down. Same offense.
But definitely a try....they got this one wrong and Ulster can be very aggrieved

Good on them. We felt aggrieved when we play up north at the start of the competition. These decisions seem to cancel out.

Do you think there is a favoring of the Stormers by match officials....I keep thinking how we constantly get screwed by Marius against you lot ( what are the chances that he always officiates against the Stormers ) and now the NH teams are also getting done in by the TMO

it wasn't the TMO making the call boetie

[OomStruisbaai]

Slapping the ball out of the hand of a person going for a try. Remember when a Stormers player once kicked the ball out of the hand of a player dotting down. Same offense.
But definitely a try....they got this one wrong and Ulster can be very aggrieved

Good on them. We felt aggrieved when we play up north at the start of the competition. These decisions seem to cancel out.

Do you think there is a favoring of the Stormers by match officials....I keep thinking how we constantly get screwed by Marius against you lot ( what are the chances that he always officiates against the Stormers ) and now the NH teams are also getting done in by the TMO

Sour grapes losing to the Stormers. Blame Bosch.

[OomStruisbaai]

$hark$ and Kings the only SA teams to lose at home against NH teams?

[Chilli]

$hark$ and Kings the only SA teams to lose at home against NH teams?

Oom, please stop trolling the $harks. $ards & A$$fly are getting a little sensitive over the topic.
Please rather focus on the positives that can be taken out from the loss to Edinburgh.

[robmatic]

I really enjoy the competition. Getting to know much more about NH rugby culture, teams and players. Can understand why our players go north to play.

As an aside, I watched the Sharks v Edinburgh game with the South African version of the commentary and I was pleasantly surprised that they had done their research and could speak knowledgeably about the Embra team, even the young players. Whenever we play English teams in Europe, we invariably get an English commentator who is completely ignorant about non-English rugby.

[Sards]

Good on them. We felt aggrieved when we play up north at the start of the competition. These decisions seem to cancel out.

Do you think there is a favoring of the Stormers by match officials....I keep thinking how we constantly get screwed by Marius against you lot ( what are the chances that he always officiates against the Stormers ) and now the NH teams are also getting done in by the TMO

it wasn't the TMO making the call boetie

https://www.sarugbymag.co.za/watch-offi ... d-try-1za/
It was

[Sards]

$hark$ and Kings the only SA teams to lose at home against NH teams?

And the Stormers.....but the TMO stuffed Ulster

[bok_viking]

I really enjoy the competition. Getting to know much more about NH rugby culture, teams and players. Can understand why our players go north to play.

As an aside, I watched the Sharks v Edinburgh game with the South African version of the commentary and I was pleasantly surprised that they had done their research and could speak knowledgeably about the Embra team, even the young players. Whenever we play English teams in Europe, we invariably get an English commentator who is completely ignorant about non-English rugby.

Yes in general I do find that the SA commentators do a decent amount of research about non-SA teams, compared to some other countries. So you normally do hear quite a few things about the other team that sometimes you are not aware off. So I do like that.

[Sards]

Do you think there is a favoring of the Stormers by match officials....I keep thinking how we constantly get screwed by Marius against you lot ( what are the chances that he always officiates against the Stormers ) and now the NH teams are also getting done in by the TMO

it wasn't the TMO making the call boetie

https://www.sarugbymag.co.za/watch-offi ... d-try-1za/
It was

The TMO is going to be disciplined but they will not overturn the result

[bok_viking]

A friend sent me a link from the Wales Rugby Union site where they had a short report of the Bulls/Dragons game and according to that report, the Bulls are loaded with international players and the Dragons dit really well due to that

Apart from few guys very close to their pensions (no current boks...yet) and a couple of Blitzboks I am not so sure how they came to that conclusion, the Dragons most likely have more internationals than the Bulls

[Sards]

it wasn't the TMO making the call boetie

https://www.sarugbymag.co.za/watch-offi ... d-try-1za/
It was

The TMO is going to be disciplined but they will not overturn the result

The TMO is Quinton Immelman from WP....

I told you there was something going on with these WP officials. Hulle tjoek

[average joe]

He lost the ball in contact. Nothing untoward about that decision.

[Sards]

He lost the ball in contact. Nothing untoward about that decision.

Watch the link and Tappe Henning. He is I charge of the officials.
The WP official turned the decision around by not giving the ref the correct information. Did not do his job to disprove the try which he could not.

It's an ANC thing

I knew they have been cheating