Official United Rugby Championship thread

[OomStruisbaai]

oom, sort your copy pasting out

Vokket

https://www.unitedrugby.com/latest/news ... nouncement

[Sards]

So Friday
Bulls 6.30pm
Lions 8.30pm
Saturday
Stormers at 2pm
Sharks 8.30 pm

At least they aren't conflicting the times

[OomStruisbaai]

SARUGBYMAG.CO.ZA

Senatla suffered a torn pectoral muscle injury in the campaign-opening victory against Connacht, when the winger was cleaned out illegally by Bundee Aki, which earned the Irish centre a red card.

Stormers head coach John Dobson confirmed the worst in a press conference on Wednesday, as Senatla will have to go under the knife and will only be able to play again next year.

“I think Senatla is having an operation today. He will be out for a while, it will be quite a few months,” said Dobson. “It is unfortunate, especially given how it happened.”

[OomStruisbaai]

Look like the Welsh clubs to leave us.

[Slick]

I have some sympathy for him in terms of where the hell are you supposed to bind onto a player that's in that position and actually have it be a fair contest - but whatever the answer to that question is, it's not smashing them in the head with your shoulder.

Players have to option of realising that the possession is lost and try to secure it on the next phase

Absolutely this.

I hadn’t seen his reaction to the ref. Never mind the foul play he should get taken to the cleaners for that

[robmatic]

Look like the Welsh clubs to leave us.

I think they'd jump at the chance, but their biggest problem is that their teams have been consistently mediocre for a long time.

[OomStruisbaai]

Look like the Welsh clubs to leave us.

I think they'd jump at the chance, but their biggest problem is that their teams have been consistently mediocre for a long time.

This can open it for the Cheetahs, Pumas & Griquas to step in.

[PornDog]

Some Welsh are under the delusion that their masses, who couldn't be arsed to turn up to their teams playing Leinster or Glasgow, will suddenly show up in their droves if instead they were playing against Exeter or Harlequins. It's just out and out delusional.

I can't see this happening at all, even leaving aside whatever participation agreements are in place. What would the reaction of an Ealing or Rotherham or whomever be to this? It would mean English rugby abandoning their own to take on failing Welsh regions!

Pie in the sky stuff.

[Tichtheid]

Some Welsh are under the delusion that their masses, who couldn't be arsed to turn up to their teams playing Leinster or Glasgow, will suddenly show up in their droves if instead they were playing against Exeter or Harlequins. It's just out and out delusional.

I can't see this happening at all, even leaving aside whatever participation agreements are in place. What would the reaction of an Ealing or Rotherham or whomever be to this? It would mean English rugby abandoning their own to take on failing Welsh regions!

Pie in the sky stuff.

In my humble onion, crowds are driven by success. Moving to the premiership doesn't increase their chances of success, in fact if it did come about they'd have to accept the possibility of relegation.

btw, I sometimes get asked why Scotland doesn't have a team from the Borders, since that is the heartland of rugby in the country, the truth is there was a team in the borders and no one showed up to watch, even when the Brian O'Driscolls were in the visiting teams.

[PornDog]

Some Welsh are under the delusion that their masses, who couldn't be arsed to turn up to their teams playing Leinster or Glasgow, will suddenly show up in their droves if instead they were playing against Exeter or Harlequins. It's just out and out delusional.

I can't see this happening at all, even leaving aside whatever participation agreements are in place. What would the reaction of an Ealing or Rotherham or whomever be to this? It would mean English rugby abandoning their own to take on failing Welsh regions!

Pie in the sky stuff.

In my humble onion, crowds are driven by success. Moving to the premiership doesn't increase their chances of success, in fact if it did come about they'd have to accept the possibility of relegation.

btw, I sometimes get asked why Scotland doesn't have a team from the Borders, since that is the heartland of rugby in the country, the truth is there was a team in the borders and no one showed up to watch, even when the Brian O'Driscolls were in the visiting teams.

100%

I realise Welsh club rugby is flailing at the moment and a drowning man will hang on to anything in the hope it saves them, but this is just a nonsense. Not to say that it wont come about at some point in the future, but its not in any way the magic bullet that some seem to think it will be.

[robmatic]

Some Welsh are under the delusion that their masses, who couldn't be arsed to turn up to their teams playing Leinster or Glasgow, will suddenly show up in their droves if instead they were playing against Exeter or Harlequins. It's just out and out delusional.

I can't see this happening at all, even leaving aside whatever participation agreements are in place. What would the reaction of an Ealing or Rotherham or whomever be to this? It would mean English rugby abandoning their own to take on failing Welsh regions!

Pie in the sky stuff.

I don't think Welsh crowds are that much bigger when they play the English clubs in Europe, despite there apparently being so much pent-up demand and European games being a bigger draw anyway.

[Chilli]

Bulls: 15 Kurt-Lee Arendse; 14 Canan Moodie; 13 Cornal Hendricks; 12 David Kriel; 11 Sbu Nkosi; 10 Johan Goosen; 9 Zak Burger; 8 Elrigh Louw; 7 Marco van Staden; 6 Marcel Coetzee; 5 Ruan Nortje; 4 Walt Steenkamp; 3 Francois Klopper; 2 Johan Grobbelaar; 1 Gerhard Steenekamp
Replacements: 16 Jan-Hendrik Wessels; 17 Simphiwe Matanzima; 18 Mornay Smith; 19 Janko Swanepoel; 20 Reinhardt Ludwig; 21 Embrose Papier; 22 Chris Smith; 23 Lionel Mapoe

Date: Friday, September 30
Venue: Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria
Kick-off: 18.30 (16.30 GMT; 17.30 Ireland time)
Referee: Andrea Piardi (Italy)
Assistant referees: Cwengile Jadezweni (South Africa) & Griffin Colby (South Africa)
TMO: Matteo Liperini (Italy)

[PCPhil]

Some Welsh are under the delusion that their masses, who couldn't be arsed to turn up to their teams playing Leinster or Glasgow, will suddenly show up in their droves if instead they were playing against Exeter or Harlequins. It's just out and out delusional.

I can't see this happening at all, even leaving aside whatever participation agreements are in place. What would the reaction of an Ealing or Rotherham or whomever be to this? It would mean English rugby abandoning their own to take on failing Welsh regions!

Pie in the sky stuff.

I don't think Welsh crowds are that much bigger when they play the English clubs in Europe, despite there apparently being so much pent-up demand and European games being a bigger draw anyway.

The biggest difference will be made by sorting out the damn calender! Think of Football. Fans pour money into the game because they know that in every league game, european competition, international tournement etc, baring injury they will see the best players against each other in every game. Never going to happen though unless a real sh1t and fan moment occurs.

[OomStruisbaai]

Bulls: 15 Kurt-Lee Arendse; 14 Canan Moodie; 13 Cornal Hendricks; 12 David Kriel; 11 Sbu Nkosi; 10 Johan Goosen; 9 Zak Burger; 8 Elrigh Louw; 7 Marco van Staden; 6 Marcel Coetzee; 5 Ruan Nortje; 4 Walt Steenkamp; 3 Francois Klopper; 2 Johan Grobbelaar; 1 Gerhard Steenekamp
Replacements: 16 Jan-Hendrik Wessels; 17 Simphiwe Matanzima; 18 Mornay Smith; 19 Janko Swanepoel; 20 Reinhardt Ludwig; 21 Embrose Papier; 22 Chris Smith; 23 Lionel Mapoe

Date: Friday, September 30
Venue: Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria
Kick-off: 18.30 (16.30 GMT; 17.30 Ireland time)
Referee: Andrea Piardi (Italy)
Assistant referees: Cwengile Jadezweni (South Africa) & Griffin Colby (South Africa)
TMO: Matteo Liperini (Italy)

Feel sorry for Connacht. Bulls by 50+

[assfly]

That looks like a very strong Bulls side.

[PornDog]

Some Welsh are under the delusion that their masses, who couldn't be arsed to turn up to their teams playing Leinster or Glasgow, will suddenly show up in their droves if instead they were playing against Exeter or Harlequins. It's just out and out delusional.

I can't see this happening at all, even leaving aside whatever participation agreements are in place. What would the reaction of an Ealing or Rotherham or whomever be to this? It would mean English rugby abandoning their own to take on failing Welsh regions!

Pie in the sky stuff.

I don't think Welsh crowds are that much bigger when they play the English clubs in Europe, despite there apparently being so much pent-up demand and European games being a bigger draw anyway.

The biggest difference will be made by sorting out the damn calender! Think of Football. Fans pour money into the game because they know that in every league game, european competition, international tournement etc, baring injury they will see the best players against each other in every game. Never going to happen though unless a real sh1t and fan moment occurs.

Sorry but the calender is a complete red herring. How does moving the games around to different times of year change how many games players have to play? It's rearranging deckchairs is all it is. Reducing the number of games will help certainly, but not changing when certain games are played in relation to others.

Football is a different sport, with different demands on the body - and even at that your top players don't play every game of the season. Football also doesn't separate their season out into different competition blocks, which seems to be the main thrust of those arguing for a calendar change in rugby (which again, in no way changes the number of games that needs to be played).

And quite how any change to the calendar is suddenly going to make Welshists turn up to watch rugby I don't know.

[OomStruisbaai]

For our Iere friends. Tomorrow's link vs Griquas

[Chilli]

Sharks team:

15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Werner Kok, 13 Rohan Janse van Rensburg, 12 Ben Tapuai, 11 Thaakir Abrahams, 10 Boeta Chamberlain, 9 Grant Williams, 8 Phepsi Buthelezi, 7 Dylan Richardson, 6 James Venter, 5 Reniel Hugo, 4 Justin Basson, 3 Thomas du Toit (captain), 2 Kerron van Vurren, 1 Ntuthuko Mchunu

Substitutes: 16 Dan Jooste, 17 Dian Bleuler, 18 Carlu Sadie, 19 Hyron Andrews, 20 Sikhumbuzo Notshe, 21 Cameron Wright, 22 Marnus Potgieter 23 Anthony Volmink

[PCPhil]

I don't think Welsh crowds are that much bigger when they play the English clubs in Europe, despite there apparently being so much pent-up demand and European games being a bigger draw anyway.

The biggest difference will be made by sorting out the damn calender! Think of Football. Fans pour money into the game because they know that in every league game, european competition, international tournement etc, baring injury they will see the best players against each other in every game. Never going to happen though unless a real sh1t and fan moment occurs.

Sorry but the calender is a complete red herring. How does moving the games around to different times of year change how many games players have to play? It's rearranging deckchairs is all it is. Reducing the number of games will help certainly, but not changing when certain games are played in relation to others.

Football is a different sport, with different demands on the body - and even at that your top players don't play every game of the season. Football also doesn't separate their season out into different competition blocks, which seems to be the main thrust of those arguing for a calendar change in rugby (which again, in no way changes the number of games that needs to be played).

And quite how any change to the calendar is suddenly going to make Welshists turn up to watch rugby I don't know.

Not talking about rearranging what we have. Talking about a fundamental look at competitions, number of games, player welfare…

Or alternatively lets just carry on as we are and weight for increasing player lawsuits, dwindling attendances and zero growth out of its minority bubble. Happy to listen to other suggestions.

[PornDog]

The biggest difference will be made by sorting out the damn calender! Think of Football. Fans pour money into the game because they know that in every league game, european competition, international tournement etc, baring injury they will see the best players against each other in every game. Never going to happen though unless a real sh1t and fan moment occurs.

Sorry but the calender is a complete red herring. How does moving the games around to different times of year change how many games players have to play? It's rearranging deckchairs is all it is. Reducing the number of games will help certainly, but not changing when certain games are played in relation to others.

Football is a different sport, with different demands on the body - and even at that your top players don't play every game of the season. Football also doesn't separate their season out into different competition blocks, which seems to be the main thrust of those arguing for a calendar change in rugby (which again, in no way changes the number of games that needs to be played).

And quite how any change to the calendar is suddenly going to make Welshists turn up to watch rugby I don't know.

Not talking about rearranging what we have. Talking about a fundamental look at competitions, number of games, player welfare…

Or alternatively lets just carry on as we are and weight for increasing player lawsuits, dwindling attendances and zero growth out of its minority bubble. Happy to listen to other suggestions.

Apologies - its just most talk of a global calendar is exactly that, shifting things around - and arguing that it will somehow help player welfare.

As if somehow by playing league games, then Europe and then internationals instead of how it is currently arranged will somehow help resolve anything.

I agree though that fewer games is needed.

[bok_viking]

Bulls: 15 Kurt-Lee Arendse; 14 Canan Moodie; 13 Cornal Hendricks; 12 David Kriel; 11 Sbu Nkosi; 10 Johan Goosen; 9 Zak Burger; 8 Elrigh Louw; 7 Marco van Staden; 6 Marcel Coetzee; 5 Ruan Nortje; 4 Walt Steenkamp; 3 Francois Klopper; 2 Johan Grobbelaar; 1 Gerhard Steenekamp
Replacements: 16 Jan-Hendrik Wessels; 17 Simphiwe Matanzima; 18 Mornay Smith; 19 Janko Swanepoel; 20 Reinhardt Ludwig; 21 Embrose Papier; 22 Chris Smith; 23 Lionel Mapoe

Date: Friday, September 30
Venue: Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria
Kick-off: 18.30 (16.30 GMT; 17.30 Ireland time)
Referee: Andrea Piardi (Italy)
Assistant referees: Cwengile Jadezweni (South Africa) & Griffin Colby (South Africa)
TMO: Matteo Liperini (Italy)

Feel sorry for Connacht. Bulls by 50+

I like this backline a lot. They can definitely cause some damage, specially in open play. Holding thumbs that Goosen survives most of the season. I see the Bulls have a 2nd team taking on the Cheetahs on the same day. White says it is a great way to test their depth before a very busy season. For interest sake here is the team that plays against the Cheetahs before the URC game. Apart from a couple old men this team is quite young, so very promising for the future if the Bulls can hold onto most of them.

15 Wandisile Simelane; 14 Izzy Novuka; 13 Marco Jansen van Vuuren; 12 Chris Smit; 11 Stravino Jacobs; 10 Morne Steyn (Captain); 9 Bernard van der Linde; 8 Muller Uys; 7 Phumzile Maqondwana; 6 Raynhard Mouton; 5 Ruan Vermaak; 4 Merwe Olivier; 3 Jacques van Rooyen; 2 Bismarck du Plessis; 1 Dylan Smith

Substitutes:

16 Joe van Zyl; 17 Wiehan Bezuidenhout; 18 Mhleli Dlamini; 19 Juan van der Westhuizen; 20 Abulele Ndabambi; 21 Keagan Johannes; 22 Juan Mostert; 23 FC du Plessis

A couple of players from the Carlton Cup are given opportunities to prove themselves against the Cheetahs after very good performances in that Club competition

[Sards]

Sharks team:

15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Werner Kok, 13 Rohan Janse van Rensburg, 12 Ben Tapuai, 11 Thaakir Abrahams, 10 Boeta Chamberlain, 9 Grant Williams, 8 Phepsi Buthelezi, 7 Dylan Richardson, 6 James Venter, 5 Reniel Hugo, 4 Justin Basson, 3 Thomas du Toit (captain), 2 Kerron van Vurren, 1 Ntuthuko Mchunu

Substitutes: 16 Dan Jooste, 17 Dian Bleuler, 18 Carlu Sadie, 19 Hyron Andrews, 20 Sikhumbuzo Notshe, 21 Cameron Wright, 22 Marnus Potgieter 23 Anthony Volmink

Sharks resisted playing their boks. Good call

[OomStruisbaai]

Bulls: 15 Kurt-Lee Arendse; 14 Canan Moodie; 13 Cornal Hendricks; 12 David Kriel; 11 Sbu Nkosi; 10 Johan Goosen; 9 Zak Burger; 8 Elrigh Louw; 7 Marco van Staden; 6 Marcel Coetzee; 5 Ruan Nortje; 4 Walt Steenkamp; 3 Francois Klopper; 2 Johan Grobbelaar; 1 Gerhard Steenekamp
Replacements: 16 Jan-Hendrik Wessels; 17 Simphiwe Matanzima; 18 Mornay Smith; 19 Janko Swanepoel; 20 Reinhardt Ludwig; 21 Embrose Papier; 22 Chris Smith; 23 Lionel Mapoe

Date: Friday, September 30
Venue: Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria
Kick-off: 18.30 (16.30 GMT; 17.30 Ireland time)
Referee: Andrea Piardi (Italy)
Assistant referees: Cwengile Jadezweni (South Africa) & Griffin Colby (South Africa)
TMO: Matteo Liperini (Italy)

Feel sorry for Connacht. Bulls by 50+

I like this backline a lot. They can definitely cause some damage, specially in open play. Holding thumbs that Goosen survives most of the season. I see the Bulls have a 2nd team taking on the Cheetahs on the same day. White says it is a great way to test their depth before a very busy season. For interest sake here is the team that plays against the Cheetahs before the URC game. Apart from a couple old men this team is quite young, so very promising for the future if the Bulls can hold onto most of them.

15 Wandisile Simelane; 14 Izzy Novuka; 13 Marco Jansen van Vuuren; 12 Chris Smit; 11 Stravino Jacobs; 10 Morne Steyn (Captain); 9 Bernard van der Linde; 8 Muller Uys; 7 Phumzile Maqondwana; 6 Raynhard Mouton; 5 Ruan Vermaak; 4 Merwe Olivier; 3 Jacques van Rooyen; 2 Bismarck du Plessis; 1 Dylan Smith

Substitutes:

16 Joe van Zyl; 17 Wiehan Bezuidenhout; 18 Mhleli Dlamini; 19 Juan van der Westhuizen; 20 Abulele Ndabambi; 21 Keagan Johannes; 22 Juan Mostert; 23 FC du Plessis

A couple of players from the Carlton Cup are given opportunities to prove themselves against the Cheetahs after very good performances in that Club competition

We got that running on

https://www.notplanetrugby.com/viewtopic.php?t=579

[Uncle fester]

Some Welsh are under the delusion that their masses, who couldn't be arsed to turn up to their teams playing Leinster or Glasgow, will suddenly show up in their droves if instead they were playing against Exeter or Harlequins. It's just out and out delusional.

I can't see this happening at all, even leaving aside whatever participation agreements are in place. What would the reaction of an Ealing or Rotherham or whomever be to this? It would mean English rugby abandoning their own to take on failing Welsh regions!

Pie in the sky stuff.

I don't think Welsh crowds are that much bigger when they play the English clubs in Europe, despite there apparently being so much pent-up demand and European games being a bigger draw anyway.

That's always been my point. They've had games against their "natural rivals" Gloucester and Exeter yet still didn't turn up.

[OomStruisbaai]

Stormers –15 Clayton Blommetjies, 14 Suleiman Hartzenberg, 13 Dan du Plessis, 12 Damian Willemse, 11 Angelo Davids, 10 Manie Libbok, 9 Paul de Wet, 8 Evan Roos, 7 Hacjivah Dayimani, 6 Deon Fourie, 5 Marvin Orie (c), 4 Salmaan Moerat, 3 Neethling Fouche, 2 Joseph Dweba, 1 Ali Vermaak.
Subs: 16 Andre-Hugo Venter, 17 Brok Harris, 18 Sazi Sandi, 19 Adre Smith, 20 Ernst van Rhyn, 21 Junior Pokomela, 22 Herschel Jantjies, 23 Sacha Mngomezulu.

[OomStruisbaai]

Embra the favorites. The Stormers returning Boks will be rusted as hell. Orrie capt?

Embra,s coach

On how Edinburgh stop the DHL Stormers

“It’s always good when you’ve played at a stadium before. We had the Quarter-Final here and one of the main learnings was how deadly their back three are on transition.

“We need to make sure we’re squeaky clean when we kick the ball so it allows us to use our strengths and we’re not too loose.

“I think they’re probably the best in the league around their transition play. They’re really quick to set.

“In that quarter-finals we got a couple of scrum penalties and a driven maul as well so it’s about making sure we’re physical enough to put them under pressure.”

[Blake]

Stormers –15 Clayton Blommetjies, 14 Suleiman Hartzenberg, 13 Dan du Plessis, 12 Damian Willemse, 11 Angelo Davids, 10 Manie Libbok, 9 Paul de Wet, 8 Evan Roos, 7 Hacjivah Dayimani, 6 Deon Fourie, 5 Marvin Orie (c), 4 Salmaan Moerat, 3 Neethling Fouche, 2 Joseph Dweba, 1 Ali Vermaak.
Subs: 16 Andre-Hugo Venter, 17 Brok Harris, 18 Sazi Sandi, 19 Adre Smith, 20 Ernst van Rhyn, 21 Junior Pokomela, 22 Herschel Jantjies, 23 Sacha Mngomezulu.

Dweba moet vinger trek.

I've stuck my head out for Dweba al lot over the years and it's time for him to repay me with a good performance. He is capable of much more than what we saw in his terrible Bok outings.

If his level is URC, then so be it. Maybe he isn't a Bok, but then be a damn fine URC player.

[robmatic]

Embra the favorites. The Stormers returning Boks will be rusted as hell. Orrie capt?

Come on now, defending champions at home are always favourites. That said, I'm hoping Embra will improve on last week's strong performance and having a kicker in the team will make a difference.

[FalseBayFC]

Stormers –15 Clayton Blommetjies, 14 Suleiman Hartzenberg, 13 Dan du Plessis, 12 Damian Willemse, 11 Angelo Davids, 10 Manie Libbok, 9 Paul de Wet, 8 Evan Roos, 7 Hacjivah Dayimani, 6 Deon Fourie, 5 Marvin Orie (c), 4 Salmaan Moerat, 3 Neethling Fouche, 2 Joseph Dweba, 1 Ali Vermaak.
Subs: 16 Andre-Hugo Venter, 17 Brok Harris, 18 Sazi Sandi, 19 Adre Smith, 20 Ernst van Rhyn, 21 Junior Pokomela, 22 Herschel Jantjies, 23 Sacha Mngomezulu.

Dweba moet vinger trek.

I've stuck my head out for Dweba al lot over the years and it's time for him to repay me with a good performance. He is capable of much more than what we saw in his terrible Bok outings.

If his level is URC, then so be it. Maybe he isn't a Bok, but then be a damn fine URC player.

I thought initially that Bongi Mbonambi had a ceiling like that. Once he mastered the technicalities he became a world-class hooker. I think Dweba is similar. He'll thrive once he's found the right environment.

[Blake]

I thought initially that Bongi Mbonambi had a ceiling like that. Once he mastered the technicalities he became a world-class hooker. I think Dweba is similar. He'll thrive once he's found the right environment.

Yeah, I think so to, but he's going to have to put in the work.

My dad and I often talk about players seem to have ceilings at certain levels, and how fans don't appreciate that sometimes some players just can't make that step up. Currie Cup legends that were average/mediocre Super Rugby players, or very good Super Rugby players that couldn't cut it one step up...or never got the opportunity.The Bulls and Sharks have produced many of them over the years.

I hope Dweba proves is haters wrong, and if he doesn't, I hope he has a good career with the Stormers.

[Tichtheid]

Embra the favorites. The Stormers returning Boks will be rusted as hell. Orrie capt?

Come on now, defending champions at home are always favourites. That said, I'm hoping Embra will improve on last week's strong performance and having a kicker in the team will make a difference.

If everyone is fit I expect a very similar team to last week, with Kinghorn starting at 10.
He's not a front line kicker, Jaco is, but if he passes the RTP protocol he'll be on the bench.

Crosbie, Bennett, Gilchrist and van der Walt all took knocks, but were training this week.
Bennett would be the biggest loss of those

[OomStruisbaai]

Embra the favorites. The Stormers returning Boks will be rusted as hell. Orrie capt?

Come on now, defending champions at home are always favourites. That said, I'm hoping Embra will improve on last week's strong performance and having a kicker in the team will make a difference.

Embra played like champions last week. Stormers are far below that level.

[Tichtheid]

[Tichtheid]

Unavailable: Luke Crosbie, Wes Goosen, Jaco van der Walt

So, still no recognised goal kicker.

With Vellacott starting it looks like we will be looking to play more to Edinburgh's quick game. Big Bill Mata is a huge loss, Haining is a hard carrier, but Bill is a bit special.
Muncaster is going to be very good in a year or two.

We're away to the champions, on paper we will do well to come away with a couple of points, but the optimist in me is hoping for more.

[LoveOfTheGame]

I thought initially that Bongi Mbonambi had a ceiling like that. Once he mastered the technicalities he became a world-class hooker. I think Dweba is similar. He'll thrive once he's found the right environment.

Yeah, I think so to, but he's going to have to put in the work.

My dad and I often talk about players seem to have ceilings at certain levels, and how fans don't appreciate that sometimes some players just can't make that step up. Currie Cup legends that were average/mediocre Super Rugby players, or very good Super Rugby players that couldn't cut it one step up...or never got the opportunity.The Bulls and Sharks have produced many of them over the years.

I hope Dweba proves is haters wrong, and if he doesn't, I hope he has a good career with the Stormers.

I reckon he'll step up, far less pressure on him now playing in the URC. Confidence will make a big difference as well, hopefully he'll get a couple of good games under the belt for the Stormers.

[robmatic]

Unavailable: Luke Crosbie, Wes Goosen, Jaco van der Walt

So, still no recognised goal kicker.

With Vellacott starting it looks like we will be looking to play more to Edinburgh's quick game. Big Bill Mata is a huge loss, Haining is a hard carrier, but Bill is a bit special.
Muncaster is going to be very good in a year or two.

We're away to the champions, on paper we will do well to come away with a couple of points, but the optimist in me is hoping for more.

Kinghorn may not be a first choice goal kicker but he's a better option than we had on the pitch last week.

I'm disappointed not to see Big Bill, I wonder if they are easing him back into it after that long lay off?

[Tichtheid]

Unavailable: Luke Crosbie, Wes Goosen, Jaco van der Walt

So, still no recognised goal kicker.

With Vellacott starting it looks like we will be looking to play more to Edinburgh's quick game. Big Bill Mata is a huge loss, Haining is a hard carrier, but Bill is a bit special.
Muncaster is going to be very good in a year or two.

We're away to the champions, on paper we will do well to come away with a couple of points, but the optimist in me is hoping for more.

Kinghorn may not be a first choice goal kicker but he's a better option than we had on the pitch last week.

I'm disappointed not to see Big Bill, I wonder if they are easing him back into it after that long lay off?

Agree on Kinghorn.

That would make sense on Bill, he plays a very physical game, sometimes I think that is under appreciated when you see him do things like that ridiculous take and give off the floor which ended in Graham's third try last week.

(I just wanted the excuse to post this)

[weegie01]

[clydecloggie]

Away to the Ospreys. Last week gave hope, but the week before suggested the away blues is alive and well. Time to step up.

[robmatic]

Away to the Ospreys. Last week gave hope, but the week before suggested the away blues is alive and well. Time to step up.

Bit of rotation but it's still a decent looking team on paper. The team two weeks ago had Sordoni and Bean starting in the pack and this is a much better lineup.