Saffers Playing Abroad Thread
Same old story. He was simply incredible against Gloucester. His defence, turnovers, distribution and ball carrying is another level. Let's just hope he can keep it up for the next 3 months so he'll be back on the Bok radar come selection time.
Not saying he should be picked ahead of DDA, but he's certainly done enough to be in the mix.
Not saying he should be picked ahead of DDA, but he's certainly done enough to be in the mix.
He deserves to be there more than Wazza.assfly wrote: Mon Jan 03, 2022 4:46 am Same old story. He was simply incredible against Gloucester. His defence, turnovers, distribution and ball carrying is another level. Let's just hope he can keep it up for the next 3 months so he'll be back on the Bok radar come selection time.
Not saying he should be picked ahead of DDA, but he's certainly done enough to be in the mix.
The one thing AE could do even more to better his chances is get some gametime at 10. Quins have talked about this, and last week he filled in well when the 10 was in the bin. That sort of versatility is exactly what Rassie looks for.
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If he can learn to kick proper up&unders he can have a shot at 9 too. 

It's difficult to believe that AE is now seen as better as De Allende. I'll watch a few of his games to make up my own mind. If he can sort out his discipline, it will be a nice headache for Rassie and Nienaber.
Springboks, Stormers and WP supporter.
DDA is ripping it up for Munster too, it must be said.handyman wrote: Mon Jan 03, 2022 8:15 am It's difficult to believe that AE is now seen as better as De Allende. I'll watch a few of his games to make up my own mind. If he can sort out his discipline, it will be a nice headache for Rassie and Nienaber.
Great problem to have, and lots or rugby to be played before Bok selection.
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"We trust those guys and know what they have done for us in the past..."Chilli wrote: Mon Jan 03, 2022 8:46 am In all honesty Ra$$naber are pretty pig headed when it comes to new players.
I can't see them bringing AE into the squad, they would play Jessie, Pollard or Wazza there.
Same situation with Jasper Wiese.
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You know you are right ........................ish.boere wors wrote: Mon Jan 03, 2022 9:05 am"We trust those guys and know what they have done for us in the past..."Chilli wrote: Mon Jan 03, 2022 8:46 am In all honesty Ra$$naber are pretty pig headed when it comes to new players.
I can't see them bringing AE into the squad, they would play Jessie, Pollard or Wazza there.
Same situation with Jasper Wiese.
Yes, we beat the Lions.
Yes we beat Georgia
Yes we beat the Argies
Yes we beat the All Blacks away.
Yes we beat Scotland
Yes we beat Wales
Yes, we only lost by a point to the Poms.
It is the losses against a smart, but underwhelming Ozzie team that I don't like.
Our rugby is dumb...............relentless and dumb.
A smart team will out think us.
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Get over it.Chilli wrote: Mon Jan 03, 2022 9:48 amYou know you are right ........................ish.boere wors wrote: Mon Jan 03, 2022 9:05 am"We trust those guys and know what they have done for us in the past..."Chilli wrote: Mon Jan 03, 2022 8:46 am In all honesty Ra$$naber are pretty pig headed when it comes to new players.
I can't see them bringing AE into the squad, they would play Jessie, Pollard or Wazza there.
Same situation with Jasper Wiese.
Yes, we beat the Lions.
Yes we beat Georgia
Yes we beat the Argies
Yes we beat the All Blacks away.
Yes we beat Scotland
Yes we beat Wales
Yes, we only lost by a point to the Poms.
It is the losses against a smart, but underwhelming Ozzie team that I don't like.
Our rugby is dumb...............relentless and dumb.
A smart team will out think us.
Look like Etsebeth going to get sacked at Toulon.
SARugbymag
Toulon president Bernard Lemaître has labelled Springbok lock Eben Etzebeth as a “handicap” to the club as he is “expensive, is regularly injured and is often away on Test duty”.
In a wide-ranging interview with regional newspaper Var-matin, Lemaître explained the issues the club faces in terms of recruitment for the upcoming 2022-23 season and, in the process, took a swipe at Etzebeth and Argentinian Facundo Isa.
Lemaître said Etzebeth and Isa are injured or away on national duty more than they play for the club and demanded that World Rugby implements a law that “prevents foreign countries from coming to the Top 14 supermarket to take the players they need for their selection” or that national unions at least pay compensation to have their Test players released
3rd man of the match in a row.assfly wrote: Sun Jan 09, 2022 4:13 am Another match-winning performance from AE.
On current form, he is one of the best backline players in the world.
Just remember he never got near the team because De Allende did the years riding the bench ahead of him. Undeserving.
That's the beauty of the internet. Us Sharks supporters really felt the loss of players like Andre and the Du Preez brothers because of their quality. But realizing that they would never feature at the boks , it is heartwarming to see these lads entertain at a level far far above anything our local unions face. And we can enjoy that
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You chase them with dad Robert du Preez away. Cockroach brain cells don't remember long.
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AE was in the Springbok team and surely can play him back again with good performances. There isn't many 12s around.
If JN keeps selecting Frans Steyn and Jessie Kriel, AE will still not be selected. As I said before, he could do with a couple of games at 10 or 13 to show his versatility.OomStruisbaai wrote: Sun Jan 09, 2022 6:06 am AE was in the Springbok team and surely can play him back again with good performances. There isn't many 12s around.
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Rumours that Harlequins are looking to sign one or both of the Tshituka brothers from the Lions. Its likely that there will be fewer Etzebeths being recruited and more cheaper younger talent.
Heyneke Meyer has recruited 9 young Saffers for his Houston club. Including the best SA schoolboy winger in years Marcell Muller. The US used to be the destination for journeyman types like Joe Pietersen. But Marcell Muller and Gideon van Wyk the Paarl Boys flank are 21 year old 5 star recruits.
Heyneke Meyer has recruited 9 young Saffers for his Houston club. Including the best SA schoolboy winger in years Marcell Muller. The US used to be the destination for journeyman types like Joe Pietersen. But Marcell Muller and Gideon van Wyk the Paarl Boys flank are 21 year old 5 star recruits.
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For a young Saffer it will be heaven living in the US.
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Stupid comment from him. Regulation 9 isn't new and shouldn't be a surprise to clubs. If you think a player is going to be away for Top14 games and thus deliver less value for the club, then drop your monetary offer. If they've got a significant injury track record and are thus highly likely to miss games, then drop your offer. If you are aware of things that may make a player unavailable and still offer them big money contracts, then that is entirely the club's fault.OomStruisbaai wrote: Sun Jan 09, 2022 3:48 amGet over it.Chilli wrote: Mon Jan 03, 2022 9:48 amYou know you are right ........................ish.boere wors wrote: Mon Jan 03, 2022 9:05 am
"We trust those guys and know what they have done for us in the past..."
Yes, we beat the Lions.
Yes we beat Georgia
Yes we beat the Argies
Yes we beat the All Blacks away.
Yes we beat Scotland
Yes we beat Wales
Yes, we only lost by a point to the Poms.
It is the losses against a smart, but underwhelming Ozzie team that I don't like.
Our rugby is dumb...............relentless and dumb.
A smart team will out think us.
Look like Etsebeth going to get sacked at Toulon.
SARugbymagToulon president Bernard Lemaître has labelled Springbok lock Eben Etzebeth as a “handicap” to the club as he is “expensive, is regularly injured and is often away on Test duty”.
In a wide-ranging interview with regional newspaper Var-matin, Lemaître explained the issues the club faces in terms of recruitment for the upcoming 2022-23 season and, in the process, took a swipe at Etzebeth and Argentinian Facundo Isa.
Lemaître said Etzebeth and Isa are injured or away on national duty more than they play for the club and demanded that World Rugby implements a law that “prevents foreign countries from coming to the Top 14 supermarket to take the players they need for their selection” or that national unions at least pay compensation to have their Test players released
Sards porn.Springbok behemoth Andre Esterhuizen isn't a forgotten man after all.
The Harlequins No 12, who has scooped three successive man-of-the-match performances, says he got a message from the Springbok camp that coach Jacques Nienaber thought he was playing well.
Esterhuizen sat down with the studio panel of SuperSport's First XV programme, where he told former Springboks Joel Stransky, Hanyani Shimange and Gcobani Bobo about life in the UK.
The former Sharks centre, who has set the English Premiership alight since moving there in 2020, recently told media he'd love to hear from the Springbok head coach.
It seems the message got to Nienaber.
"I didn't have any conversation with them for quite a while, I think, since the camps just before the British & Irish Lions series," said Esterhuizen.
"Just after this last game, I got a message that he (Nienaber) is saying that I played well.
"It's [great news]."
It seems, amid reports that the Boks could be forced to field an all-local match 23 for England later this year because of the calendar, Harlequins have encouraged Esterhuizen to covet an international recall.
Esterhuizen earned the last of his eight Test caps against Argentina at Loftus in 2019, the year he missed out on a place in Rassie Erasmus' Rugby World Cup squad.
"There are a lot of teams overseas who want to keep their players, obviously, but they want you to get into international sides as well," said Esterhuizen.
"I've gotten massive support from the coaching staff, and everyone tries to make everyone better, so we can all maybe get into an international side.
"It's everyone's dream to play for their country, and I'd love to for them again. Let's wait and see."
Things haven't always gone swimmingly for Esterhuizen up north despite his irrefutable talent.
Esterhuizen was suspended in December 2020 for four weeks after he dropped an elbow into the face of Gloucester's Lloyd Evans.
The following April, he copped a six-week ban for striking an opponent with an elbow during a scuffle in Quins' game against London Irish.
A tip-tackle on Michael Rhodes in 2015 also saw him suspended for four weeks while playing for the Sharks against the Stormers in Super Rugby.
"It was obviously a tough time," said Esterhuizen.
"The second one came towards the end of the season, and that's when we were picking up a lot of momentum, and it looked like we could make the playoffs.
"Those six weeks, I knew that if I was going to come back for the season, it was [only] for the final. I just kept on believing and trained hard for those six weeks.
"I gave inputs in training, fines meetings and stuff like that.
"I was watching the semi-final, sitting there at half-time, and it was 28-5 (to Northampton), and one of the fans came up, and he said: 'We're going to Twickenham.'
"I was thinking, what game are you watching, mate? Shortly after the second half, Harlequins started scoring tries and the more tries they scored, the more excited I got.
"We actually had a great time in that game and the next week, I didn't expect to start. I thought, hopefully I'd get a spot on the bench.
"Luckily I started the game and it [worked] out well for us."
Despite the infringements, Esterhuizen played a part in Harlequins beating Exeter 40-38 in the final to claim the Premiership last year.
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Thor has been rubbish for Ulster so far.
Walks about the pitch most of the time.
Walks about the pitch most of the time.
He's certainly not the player he once was but I think calling him rubbish is a bit much. I was one of the Ulster fans that was initially very sceptical of his signing having watched him dander about during the RC, making little impact.Uncle fester wrote: Tue Jan 18, 2022 7:37 am Thor has been rubbish for Ulster so far.
Walks about the pitch most of the time.
But he has carried well for us and won many crucial turnovers. He certainly doesn't have the energy Coetzee had but I don't think many Ulster supporters expected that when he signed. What he lacks in work-rate his experience, stability and big moments make up for, plus Timoney and Rea have enough energy to cover the blades of grass that he doesn't.
It seems to be working relatively well at the moment but I fear he might get found out in the knockout stages of the Europe.
Ian Madigan for Ireland.
From that article it seems his discipline is still a problem. Same as Wiese.Chilli wrote: Tue Jan 18, 2022 7:32 amSards porn.Springbok behemoth Andre Esterhuizen isn't a forgotten man after all.
The Harlequins No 12, who has scooped three successive man-of-the-match performances, says he got a message from the Springbok camp that coach Jacques Nienaber thought he was playing well.
Esterhuizen sat down with the studio panel of SuperSport's First XV programme, where he told former Springboks Joel Stransky, Hanyani Shimange and Gcobani Bobo about life in the UK.
The former Sharks centre, who has set the English Premiership alight since moving there in 2020, recently told media he'd love to hear from the Springbok head coach.
It seems the message got to Nienaber.
"I didn't have any conversation with them for quite a while, I think, since the camps just before the British & Irish Lions series," said Esterhuizen.
"Just after this last game, I got a message that he (Nienaber) is saying that I played well.
"It's [great news]."
It seems, amid reports that the Boks could be forced to field an all-local match 23 for England later this year because of the calendar, Harlequins have encouraged Esterhuizen to covet an international recall.
Esterhuizen earned the last of his eight Test caps against Argentina at Loftus in 2019, the year he missed out on a place in Rassie Erasmus' Rugby World Cup squad.
"There are a lot of teams overseas who want to keep their players, obviously, but they want you to get into international sides as well," said Esterhuizen.
"I've gotten massive support from the coaching staff, and everyone tries to make everyone better, so we can all maybe get into an international side.
"It's everyone's dream to play for their country, and I'd love to for them again. Let's wait and see."
Things haven't always gone swimmingly for Esterhuizen up north despite his irrefutable talent.
Esterhuizen was suspended in December 2020 for four weeks after he dropped an elbow into the face of Gloucester's Lloyd Evans.
The following April, he copped a six-week ban for striking an opponent with an elbow during a scuffle in Quins' game against London Irish.
A tip-tackle on Michael Rhodes in 2015 also saw him suspended for four weeks while playing for the Sharks against the Stormers in Super Rugby.
"It was obviously a tough time," said Esterhuizen.
"The second one came towards the end of the season, and that's when we were picking up a lot of momentum, and it looked like we could make the playoffs.
"Those six weeks, I knew that if I was going to come back for the season, it was [only] for the final. I just kept on believing and trained hard for those six weeks.
"I gave inputs in training, fines meetings and stuff like that.
"I was watching the semi-final, sitting there at half-time, and it was 28-5 (to Northampton), and one of the fans came up, and he said: 'We're going to Twickenham.'
"I was thinking, what game are you watching, mate? Shortly after the second half, Harlequins started scoring tries and the more tries they scored, the more excited I got.
"We actually had a great time in that game and the next week, I didn't expect to start. I thought, hopefully I'd get a spot on the bench.
"Luckily I started the game and it [worked] out well for us."
Despite the infringements, Esterhuizen played a part in Harlequins beating Exeter 40-38 in the final to claim the Premiership last year.
Springboks, Stormers and WP supporter.
Since his last card in April 2021, his discipline has been exemplary. Whenever there is trouble on the field, he's nowhere to be seen.handyman wrote: Tue Jan 18, 2022 8:02 am From that article it seems his discipline is still a problem. Same as Wiese.
Wiese is still such a loose canon. He either gets a card or man of the match. The coach's nightmare.
He did look a little off the pace on the weekend. Very effective at the breakdown, but not quite covering the same distances he used to. Let's hope he picks up the pace.Jim Lahey wrote: Tue Jan 18, 2022 8:01 amHe's certainly not the player he once was but I think calling him rubbish is a bit much. I was one of the Ulster fans that was initially very sceptical of his signing having watched him dander about during the RC, making little impact.Uncle fester wrote: Tue Jan 18, 2022 7:37 am Thor has been rubbish for Ulster so far.
Walks about the pitch most of the time.
But he has carried well for us and won many crucial turnovers. He certainly doesn't have the energy Coetzee had but I don't think many Ulster supporters expected that when he signed. What he lacks in work-rate his experience, stability and big moments make up for, plus Timoney and Rea have enough energy to cover the blades of grass that he doesn't.
It seems to be working relatively well at the moment but I fear he might get found out in the knockout stages of the Europe.
Is he not still recovering from the effects of Irish Covid?Uncle fester wrote: Tue Jan 18, 2022 7:37 am Thor has been rubbish for Ulster so far.
Walks about the pitch most of the time.
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Never buy an old bull. Get a youngster like CJ Stander. Even better, buy local. You're Ireland. Only NZ and SA produce better loose forwards. Importing a skilled dude like Ruaan Pienaar or Percy Montgomery makes sense but Duane is a rubbish buy.Chilli wrote: Tue Jan 18, 2022 8:22 amIs he not still recovering from the effects of Irish Covid?Uncle fester wrote: Tue Jan 18, 2022 7:37 am Thor has been rubbish for Ulster so far.
Walks about the pitch most of the time.
- FalseBayFC
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35 year old Duane is like 1971 Muhammed Ali, capable of knocking you out but more often going to run out of gas against the younger Joe Frazier.
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Note sure how familiar you are with Ulster but they've been buying everybody and anybody in the pack for a number of years now.FalseBayFC wrote: Tue Jan 18, 2022 3:36 pmNever buy an old bull. Get a youngster like CJ Stander. Even better, buy local. You're Ireland. Only NZ and SA produce better loose forwards. Importing a skilled dude like Ruaan Pienaar or Percy Montgomery makes sense but Duane is a rubbish buy.Chilli wrote: Tue Jan 18, 2022 8:22 amIs he not still recovering from the effects of Irish Covid?Uncle fester wrote: Tue Jan 18, 2022 7:37 am Thor has been rubbish for Ulster so far.
Walks about the pitch most of the time.
Young Augustus certainly looks the part at No8 for SaintsFalseBayFC wrote: Tue Jan 18, 2022 3:36 pmNever buy an old bull. Get a youngster like CJ Stander. Even better, buy local. You're Ireland. Only NZ and SA produce better loose forwards. Importing a skilled dude like Ruaan Pienaar or Percy Montgomery makes sense but Duane is a rubbish buy.Chilli wrote: Tue Jan 18, 2022 8:22 amIs he not still recovering from the effects of Irish Covid?Uncle fester wrote: Tue Jan 18, 2022 7:37 am Thor has been rubbish for Ulster so far.
Walks about the pitch most of the time.
- OomStruisbaai
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That's good news.SaintK wrote: Tue Jan 18, 2022 5:24 pmYoung Augustus certainly looks the part at No8 for SaintsFalseBayFC wrote: Tue Jan 18, 2022 3:36 pmNever buy an old bull. Get a youngster like CJ Stander. Even better, buy local. You're Ireland. Only NZ and SA produce better loose forwards. Importing a skilled dude like Ruaan Pienaar or Percy Montgomery makes sense but Duane is a rubbish buy.

- OomStruisbaai
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Watched Sale vs Quins. Lots of Saffers. Robert du Preez had a good game
Good to see Faf back too, in his short cameo he looked electric.OomStruisbaai wrote: Sun Feb 06, 2022 3:39 pm Watched Sale vs Quins. Lots of Saffers. Robert du Preez had a good game
Rob seems to have found his mojo in the 13 jersey, good for him.
Dan du Preez with another man of the match performance. Even last week he was outstanding. Really putting his name in the hat for the 8 jersey (as are many, many other players!).
I feel a bit sorry for JL du Preez, looks like he's got the 4 jersey and his performances have been quiet. I think he's a much better 7.
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Bad news for the Lions if this pans out. I'd love to see Simelane given a go in a French team though. He'll benefit from playing more regularly against class oppo. Any idea if there are transfer fees involved when this happens? Like in football?
- FalseBayFC
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Pro rugby players are free agents. So its buying out a contract if it hasn't expired.
https://www.sarugbymag.co.za/top-five-m ... ll-time-1/
https://www.sarugbymag.co.za/top-five-m ... ll-time-1/
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Not many families have repped 3 countries internationally. Recently Jacob Umaga turned out for England. His dad Mike played for Samoa and his uncle Tana played for NZ. I'd love to see Louis Lynagh turn out for Italy but he'll be captured by England fairly soon I should think.assfly wrote: Mon Feb 07, 2022 7:25 am I found out this weekend that Tommy Allan (current 3rd choice flyhalf for Harlequins and Italian player) is the nephew of John Allan, and even played some junior rugby for WP.
He'll need to perform better than he did for Harlequins yesterday. Though he wasn't the only one to have a poor match!FalseBayFC wrote: Mon Feb 07, 2022 9:15 amNot many families have repped 3 countries internationally. Recently Jacob Umaga turned out for England. His dad Mike played for Samoa and his uncle Tana played for NZ. I'd love to see Louis Lynagh turn out for Italy but he'll be captured by England fairly soon I should think.assfly wrote: Mon Feb 07, 2022 7:25 am I found out this weekend that Tommy Allan (current 3rd choice flyhalf for Harlequins and Italian player) is the nephew of John Allan, and even played some junior rugby for WP.