Friday, December 30, 2005

Looking to the North

www.scrum.com is running this view on the NH 2006 scene. Interesting read. All pictures from www.scrum.com.

Who will set the game alight in 2006?
29 Dec 2005
Andrew Baldock, PA Sport Rugby Union Correspondent looks forward to another great year of Rugby


The 2006 rugby union year has a tough act to follow after Wales' exhilarating Six Nations success and the astounding achievements of Graham Henry's All Blacks during the past 12 months. But a sport that rarely disappoints - on the field, as opposed to some interminable squabbles off it - will inevitably produce another heady mix of thrills, spills and controversy. After dusting down the crystal ball, prospective winners and losers in 2006 were readily apparent, yet as Wales proved earlier this year, anything is possible.


RBS 6 NATIONS CHAMPIONSHIP Wales lit up a disappointing championship last season with their thrilling brand of all-action rugby - expect France to do likewise in 2006. Coach Bernard Laporte must sometimes struggle to contain himself when he assesses the playing talent at his disposal, and a Grand Slam is well within reach if France don't self-destruct. When you consider France beat Australia and South Africa during the autumn without two of world rugby's finest operators - centre Damien Traille and flanker Serge Betsen -- then they present a daunting challenge, especially for England and Ireland, who must both travel to Paris.



Grand Slam champions Wales could conceivably threaten again, but so much depends on their opening game against England at Twickenham in early February, where the loss of injured quartet Ryan Jones, Tom Shanklin, Kevin Morgan and Brent Cockbain, plus a suspended Gavin Henson, suggests it will be too tough a task. England's heavyweight pack will grunt and grind its way around Europe, decimating much in its path, but on current evidence, the world champions' lack of flair, ambition and creativity behind the scrum suggests a Six Nations title would be as satisfying for the neutral as Germany being crowned soccer World Cup winners on the back of five 1-0 wins.

Ireland will have Lions Brian O'Driscoll and Paul O'Connell available following long injury absences, yet the Irish cracked under pressure last season in ``must-win'' games against France and Wales, which doesn't auger well for trips to Paris and Twickenham this time around. While Scotland are displaying small shoots of recovery under new coach Frank Hadden, victory in a wooden spoon decider against Italy in Rome on March 18 could be their solitary success, although the Italians won't be easily subdued on home soil. Finishing order: 1 - France, 2 - England, 3 - Wales, 4 - Ireland, 5 - Scotland, 6 - Italy.

HEINEKEN CUP The popular view suggests Toulouse only need to turn up in five more Heineken Cup games this season, and a record fourth European title will be theirs, but I have doubts whether the tournament will become a French procession. Toulouse and Biarritz should undoubtedly feature heavily at the business end, while Stade Francais could also mount a strong bid, yet the Heineken Cup might ultimately find itself resting in somewhat less exalted surroundings - Edgeley Park, Stockport.
Four English clubs have already lifted the trophy - Bath, Northampton, Leicester and Wasps - and Philippe Saint-Andre's Sale Sharks are good enough to join that illustrious band at the Millennium Stadium next May, as long as they keep believing in themselves. Last eight: Sale Sharks, Cardiff Blues, Stade Francais, Biarritz, Bath, Toulouse, Munster, Perpignan. Winners: Sale Sharks.



GUINNESS PREMIERSHIP English rugby's flagship competition appears to be developing into a two-horse race between Sale and Wasps, despite the ludicrous play-off system that means a team finishing fourth after 22 games can still be crowned champions. Wasps have won all three Twickenham Grand Finals since the controversial concept was introduced, beating Gloucester, Bath and Leicester, and I am backing them to sink the Sharks on May 27, with Sale's Heineken Cup campaign steering them slightly off a successful domestic course.


POWERGEN CUP Wasps should complete the first leg of a league and cup double by being crowned Powergen winners at Twickenham on April 9. Back-to-back semi-finals five weeks earlier in Cardiff see Wasps tackling Leicester, whose away form is so poor they could hardly beat an egg on their travels this season let alone the reigning English champions, with renowned Welsh cup kings Llanelli Scarlets facing Bath. CELTIC LEAGUE Given the abject failure of the Welsh regions to make a mark on this season's competition, Irish representatives Munster, Ulster and Leinster could fill the top three places, with Munster shading the race for top honours. SUMMER TOURS Fear for Ireland on their two-Test mission against New Zealand in June, while the same could be said when Scotland go to South Africa, but England and Wales are both backed to win a Test on respective assignments in Australia and Argentina. TRI-NATIONS Can anyone stop New Zealand from retaining the Tri-Nations crown? No. WHO'S HOT? Charlie Hodgson - Sale Sharks star has finally emerged from Jonny Wilkinson's shadow to become an effective tactical controller for England. The best is yet to come. Yannick Jauzion - the supremely-gifted French star should underline his status as the world's best centre in 2006, spearheading an assault on Six Nations silverware. Dan Carter - the All Blacks fly-half hardly put a foot wrong throughout 2005 as New Zealand smashed Sir Clive Woodward's Lions, won the Tri-Nations and completed a successful Grand Slam tour of Great Britain and Ireland, but he thinks there is room for improvement.

WHO'S NOT? Gavin Henson - a 10-week ban has destroyed his Six Nations hopes. Plenty of time to top up the tan and get a proper haircut, then. Eddie O'Sullivan - the pressure is well and truly on Ireland's coach after a spectacular Six Nations collapse last season and emphatic autumn Test defeats against New Zealand and Australia. International Rugby Board - does anyone know what they actually do?


Thursday, December 29, 2005

BURNING THE MIDNIGHT OIL

Well I just could not resist-Vorsprung skop gat

Arti & Pics by www.news24.com


Audi's diesel racing monster for Le Mans
29/12/2005 12:36



Audi will be the first major manufacturer to compete next year in the 24 hour Le Mans race with a diesel racing car.

However, the R10 racing monster with a 650hp engine is no ordinary diesel. The 5.5 litre 12-cylinder TDI motor with bi-turbo charger is a completely new development.

Audi motor sport chief Dr Wolfgang Ullrich described the R10 project as the "biggest challenge ever by Audi Sport", taking the TDI technology to its limits.




The chassis was designed by computers in Ingolstadt and produced at the Dallara racing car factory in Italy.

The prototype weighs 900 kg and conforms to other regulations that include two rollover bars and more ground clearance in the flanks.

The Le Mans race is one of the most gruelling in motor sport along with the 500 mile Indianapolis and the Formula One Grand Prix in the streets of Monaco.



Seven-times Le Mans champion Tom Kristensen from Denmark will be one of three drivers to steer the R10 in the race scheduled for June 16-17, 2006.

Sevens Schedule Commonwealth Games


Melbourne will be hosting the 2006 Commonwealth Games from 15-26 March and Rugby Union will be represented by Sevens teams from 16 countries



This Rugby 7s Draw is accurate at the time of publication. All times, dates and locations of events are subject to change as details are finalised closer to the Games.

Note: As the formatting got a little haywire- just look at the legend- no not Fleck and navigate a bit.

Rugby 7s Team Draw

Pool A Pool B Pool C Pool D
1 New Zealand Fiji England South Africa
2 Kenya Scotland Australia Samoa
3 Wales Canada Cook Islands Tonga
4 Namibia Zambia Sri Lanka Uganda

Day Date Session Start Time End Time Match Round Pool Nations

1 Thurs 16 Mar Afternoon 10:30 am 10:46 am 1 Preliminary B Fiji v Canada
10:52 am 11:08 am 2 Preliminary B Scotland v Zambia
11:14 am 11:30 am 3 Preliminary A New Zealand v Wales
11:36 am 11:52 am 4 Preliminary A Kenya v Namibia
11:58 am 12:14 pm 5 Preliminary D South Africa v Tonga
12:20 pm 12:36 pm 6 Preliminary D Samoa v Uganda
12:42 pm 12:52 pm Interval / Entertainment
12:52 pm 1:08 pm 7 Preliminary C England v Cook Islands
1:14 pm 1:30 pm 8 Preliminary C Australia v Sri Lanka
1:36 pm 1:52 pm 9 Preliminary B Fiji v Zambia
1:58 pm 2:14 pm 10 Preliminary B Scotland v Canada
2:20 pm 2:36 pm 11 Preliminary A New Zealand v Namibia
2:42 pm 2:58 pm 12 Preliminary A Kenya v Wales
Evening 6:00 pm 6:16 pm 13 Preliminary D South Africa v Uganda
6:22 pm 6:38 pm 14 Preliminary D Samoa v Tonga
6:44 pm 7:00 pm 15 Preliminary C England v Sri Lanka
7:06 pm 7:22 pm 16 Preliminary C Australia v Cook Islands
7:28 pm 7:44 pm 17 Preliminary B Canada v Zambia
7:50 pm 8:06 pm 18 Preliminary A Wales v Namibia
8:12 pm 8:22 pm Interval / Entertainment
8:22 pm 8:38 pm 19 Preliminary D Tonga v Uganda
8:44 pm 9:00 pm 20 Preliminary C Cook Islands v Sri Lanka
9:06 pm 9:22 pm 21 Preliminary B Fiji v Scotland
9:28 pm 9:44 pm 22 Preliminary A New Zealand v Kenya
9:50 pm 10:06 pm 23 Preliminary D South Africa v Samoa
10:12 pm 10:28 pm 24 Preliminary C England v Australia
2 Fri 17 Mar Afternoon 12:00 pm 12:16 pm 25 Quarter Final Bowl - 3rd Pool A vs 4th Pool B
12:22 pm 12:38 pm 26 Quarter Final Bowl - 3rd Pool D vs 4th Pool C
12:44 pm 1:00 pm 27 Quarter Final Bowl - 3rd Pool C vs 4th Pool D
1:06 pm 1:22 pm 28 Quarter Final Bowl - 3rd Pool B vs 4th Pool A
1:28 pm 1:38 pm Interval / Entertainment
1:38 pm 1:54 pm 29 Quarter Final 1st Pool A vs 2nd Pool B
2:00 pm 2:16 pm 30 Quarter Final 1st Pool D vs 2nd Pool C
2:22 pm 2:38 pm 31 Quarter Final 1st Pool C vs 2nd Pool D
2:44 pm 3:00 pm 32 Quarter Final 1st Pool B vs 2nd Pool A
Evening 6:00 pm 6:16 pm 33 Semi-Final Bowl - Winner Match 25 vs Winner Match 26
6:22 pm 6:38 pm 34 Semi-Final Bowl - Winner Match 27 vs Winner Match 28
6:44 pm 7:00 pm 35 Semi-Final Plate - Loser Match 29 vs Loser Match 30
7:06 pm 7:22 pm 36 Semi-Final Plate - Loser Match 31 vs Loser Match 32
7:28 pm 7:44 pm 37 Semi-Final Winner Match 29 vs Winner Match 30
7:50 pm 8:06 pm 38 Semi-Final Winner Match 31 vs Winner Match 32
8:12 pm 8:22 pm Interval / Entertainment
8:22 pm 8:45 pm 39 Final Bowl - Winner Match 33 vs Winner Match 34
8:52 pm 9:15 pm 40 Final Plate - Winner Match 35 vs Winner Match 36
9:22 pm 9:45 pm 41 Final Bronze Medal Match - Loser Match 37 vs Loser Match 38
9:52 pm 10:15 pm 42 Final Gold Medal Match - Winner Match 37 vs Winner Match 38

I do believe that it would not be too arrogant to believe that we will head pool D- but with Samoa and Tonga there, it is not the weakest group either. Mr Hougaardt must be glad that he is not considered a sevens player.

That leaves us to play either Engeland or the hosts- Australia. If we do advance to the semi- it seems that we will be playing the current commonwealth Champions AB's as they should be topping Group A and should be able to beat Scotland/Canada in the Quarters. We have beaten the Blacks in sevens before and if the Boks manage that again a final will most likely be between the men in green and 2002 Games runners-up Fidji- as they might just win a resurgent England Sevens team in the other semi-final.

According to the official Commonwealth Games Website, the results of the 2002 games in Manchester is as follows:

Gold New Zealand Cup winners
Silver Fiji Cup Semi-F
Bronze South Africa Cup Semi-F
4 Samoa Cup Semi-F
5 England Plate winners
6 Australia Plate 2nd
7 Scotland Bowl winners
8 Tonga Bowl 2nd
- Kenya Bowl Semi-F
- Cook Islands Bowl Semi-F
- Niue Bowl QF
- Sri Lanka Bowl QF
- Malaysia Bowl QF
- Trinidad & TobagoBowl QF
- Canada Plate Semi-F
- Wales Plate Semi-F


Wilko's back....again


www.scrum.com reports that Jonny Wilkinson will be making a return to the Newcastle team this weekend- from the bench. It seems that although the Falcons is hovering above the relegation zone- Mr Wilkinson is not being pressed into the Premiership at full haste. It maybe that the Falcons management staff have information that his return will not have an immediate impact or that influence from above is protecting him from being tried too soon. This may have lead to the earlier breakdowns just after returning from lenghty injury breaks.

All images- unless otherwise listed are from www.newcastle-falcons.co.uk



Wilkinson could return on New Year's Day

Jonny Wilkinson could begin his latest comeback from injury when Newcastle tackle Guinness Premiership visitors Worcester on New Year's Day. World Cup hero Wilkinson has not played for more than six weeks, having undergone groin surgery in yet another fitness setback during a catalogue of injuries over the past two years.

Photo: Sportsbeat Images

Wilkinson's last England appearance came in the 2003 World Cup final, while he has only started four games for Newcastle this season.

Photo: www.scrum.com

The Falcons have no intention of rushing him back into action, but a run-out off the replacements' bench against Worcester would at least see him launch 2006 on a positive note.

Photo: Sportsbeat Images

``He was pretty close for the Leeds game,'' said Newcastle rugby director Rob Andrew, following a 13-10 victory over the Premiership's bottom club at Headingley. ``We will see how we go tomorrow and Friday. We will not force him, as that would be stupid, but equally, if he is right for Sunday he will take some part in the game.''

Photo: Sportsbeat Images


Mathew Tait's try made the difference as Newcastle halted a recent Leeds resurgence that left Tykes pinned to the Premiership basement, two points behind fellow strugglers Northampton. ``The players responded magnificently,'' added Andrew. ``Two days after Christmas, they have given everything for the club - you cannot ask for any more than that.''

OORB was really impressed by the official Falcons website and recommends it as a recommended read for anyone who is currently designing a website for a Rugby Union.


Ag -***

Nederlands het sekerlik die grootse bydrae tot die afrikaanse taal gemaak en eers as mens die antieke germaans belangstellend lees- navors klink so belangrik- en sien hoe dit in engels en sweeds voortleef verstaan mens die ingeweefdheid van my moedertaal. Dan het mens nog nie eers die veelkleurigheid van die kaapse konneksie aangeraak nie.

Ek het die volgende begrippe nie by my moeder geleer nie maar gelukkig darem 'n kleurvol- genoeg lewe tot nou toe gehad om lekker daaroor te glimlag.

Of dit werklik deur die Proffessor Combrink geskryf is, dat wiet ik niet, maar die volgende stukkie het in my e-in-mandjie geland en ek moes dit net deel.

Hiermee 'n pennevrug van Prof. Johan Combrink, voormalige Voorsitter

van die Taalkommissie van die S.A. Akademie vir Wetenskap en Kuns.

DIE UNIEKE AFRIKAANSE WOORD "FOK"

Een van die interessantste, kleurvolste woorde in Afrikaans, is die

leenwoord fok en sy familie. Dis 'n towerwoord wat, bloot deur sy

klank, vreugde of pyn, liefde of haat, ontdekking of frustrasie kan weergee.

Fok is een van die min woorde wat die funksie van so te sê alle woordsoorte

kan vervul.

Dit word as oorganklike werkwoord gebruik (Fok die hele spul), en as

onoorganklike werkwoord (Aag fok), as bevel (Fok dit!), in die

bedrywende vorm (Dit het my gefok), sowel as die lydende vorm (Nou is jy gefok),

as die hoofelement in 'n hele reeks skeibare werkwoorde (aanfok, opfok,

uitfok, toefok, voortfok, byfok, agteroorfok, agternafok), ens. of as stam van

'n werkwoord (Nou het jy die hele ding befok).

As abstrakte selfstandige naamwoord (Ek gee nie 'n fok om nie), of as

persoonsnaam (Het jy gesien wat die fokker probeer doen?), as

nabepaling by 'n vraagwoord (Hoe de fok, wie de fok, hoekom de fok, wanneer de fok,

ens.), as byvoeglike naamwoord (Waar moet ek die fokken tyd vandaan kry?), as

bywoord (Dis nou 'n fokken mooi grap), en as uitroep (O fok!).

Selfs ook as invoegsel (Onge-fokken-looflik). Dit kan ook in himself

ingevoeg word (Nou is jy be-fokken-fok).

Hierdie Afrikaanse woord kan gebruik word om wyd uiteenlopende

situasies te beskryf:

Verrassing Hoe de fok gaan dit met jou?

Bedrog Die motorhawe het my befok.

Ontsteltenis Ag fokkit!

Moeilikheid Nou is ek in my moer in gefok.

Aggressie Fok jou!

Onvermoë Hoe de fok moet ek dit regkry?

Walging Fok my!

Wanbegrip Ek fokken verstaan nie.

Inkompetensie Hy fok alles op.

Gesag Wat de fok dink jy doen jy?

Verdwaal Nou weet ek not 'n fok waar ek is nie.

Oortuig Onge-fokken-twyfeld.

Dit kan horlosietyd beskryf (Presies half-fokken-vyf), of omstandighede

(Hoe het ek in hierdie fokken job beland?), of persone (Jan Fokken

Smuts),

of dinge (Kyk hoe lyk jou fokken skoene!), of plekke (Tot in fokken

Durban),

of dit kan die siel van 'n uitnodiging wees wat van hartlikheid drup

(Fok u!).

Fok is in Afrikaans onge-fokken-ewenaard!

(Prof. Johan Combrink, voormalige Voorsitter van die Taalkommissie van

die S.A. Akademie vir Wetenskap en Kuns)

e-Wisdom

A stranger was seated next to little Tommy on the plane when the stranger
turned to the boy and said, "Let's talk. I've heard that flights will go
quicker if you strike up a conversation with your fellow passenger."

Little Tommy, who had just opened his book, closed it slowly, and said to
the stranger, "What would you like to discuss?"


Oh, I don't know," said the stranger. "How about nuclear power?"
"Ok" said little Tommy. "That could be an interesting topic. But let me ask
you a question first.

A horse, a cow, and a deer all eat grass.
The same stuff. Yet a deer excretes little pellets, while a cow turns out a
flat patty, and a horse produces clumps of dried grass.
Why do you suppose that is?"
"Jeez," said the stranger. "I have no idea."
"Well, then," said little Tommy, "How is it that you feel qualified to
discuss nuclear power when you don't know shit?"

Wednesday, December 28, 2005

Santa was spotted


It seems that Santa was spotted in the UK this X-mas, but as most eager giftwrap -ripping youngsters usually ascertains with the accompaning heartbreak- Santa again did not go ''all the way"

Photo from www.scrum.com

When 7 can be ele..Ten

OORB foumd this descriptive part about sevens on www.scrum.com. What is really interesting is the reference to 10's.

I wonder what the training field's application here would be- since our teams lack so-called flair- if you rather wouldplay 10's than sevens.



Rugby Primer
Sevens & Tens
Sevens is typically played only during tournaments. A sevens match consists of two seven minute halves and is a much faster game than fifteens due to the smaller number of players on a standard sized pitch providing ample running space. The players on a sevens team are as follows:
Forwards
#1 Prop#2 Hooker#3 Prop
Backs
#4 Scrumhalf#5 Flyhalf#6 Centre#7 Wing
The same general game principles are used except tactics are quite different. Scrums feature only opposing front rows. Rucks and mauls are very fast and small, with defense and tackling of paramount importance to reduce the many opportunities for breaks. One major difference from fifteens is that after a penalty goal or try is scored, the ball is kicked to the non-scoring team from the 50 metre line to restart play.
Tens is played with ten players in combinations of either 5 forwards/5 backs or 3 forwards/ 7 backs. The team with the scrum feed gets to determine the number of forwards in the scrum. The opposing team is required to match them. The tens game is a little slower than sevens and has a flow much more similar to fifteens. Each of the halves is ten minutes long. Tens is also typically only played during tournaments.
This has been a very brief overview of rugby union play. There are many more aspects and facets to all three variations of the game. Training is also very necessary to ensure the safety of play. Check with your local club for practice and match times to learn more.

The scrum.com rugby dictionary is available as a glossary of rugby terms. For a shortcut to any of the more detailed descriptions of various aspects of play, please use the buttons on the right hand side of the page to navigate the primer.

Kerry's gone "Packing"

Please do not read disrespect in the title of this story. Whether you like Aussies- or dislike them intensely- the fact remains that Kerry Packer was a larger than life Australian and the way he "batted & googlied", also had an influence on South African Cricket.

OORB wants to extends its condolences to the entire Packer family and his friends.

RIP- big man- it surely seems that you had lived life to the fullest.

These three articles and photograph, are from the Adelaide Advertiser.





DEATH OF AN AUSSIE GIANT
By ANNA PATTY
28dec05

CRADLED in the arms of his wife and with his children at his side, Australia's richest man died on Monday night after simply "running out of petrol".

Kerry Packer, a hard-living larrikin who built a media fortune worth $6.9 billion, passed away peacefully in the bedroom of his Sydney home in the company of wife Ros, daughter Gretel, 39, and son James, 37, who had flown back from the Maldives to be with him.

His cardiologist of eight years, Dr Ian Bailey, from Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, said Mr Packer, 68, knew he was dying late last week and had decided to "go with dignity". Suffering kidney and heart failure and faced with the decision of whether to prolong his life and suffer more dialysis and drug intervention, he decided it was time to stop fighting.

Describing Mr Packer as "the bravest patient I have ever known", Dr Bailey said: "He knew his body better than the doctors did and made his own decisions about treatment.

"He was going into organ failure last week and he was suffering. He was ready to die. There were no more rabbits to pull out of the hat." Dr Bailey said he was overwhelmed seeing Mr Packer die because his patient had seemed "immortal".

As news of the media magnate's death was announced yesterday by Richard Wilkins on the Today show on Channel 9, the television network he owned, tributes began flowing in from politicians, sporting greats and community leaders.

Prime Minister John Howard described Mr Packer as "a generous, very philanthropic person" who was "always concerned about what was right for Australia".

News Corporation chairman and chief executive Rupert Murdoch said Mr Packer was "a life-long friend, fierce competitor and the most successful businessman of our generation".

Cricketer Shane Warne hailed him as "a wonderful character, a close friend".

Throughout the day, friends and family began arriving at the Packer mansion. A heavily pregnant Gretel was seen briefly on a balcony talking on a mobile phone, while James walked the property's gardens.

At the Channel 9 studios in Sydney, flags flew at half mast.

Having beaten polio as a child, Mr Packer had beaten the odds many times before.

He survived his first heart attack on a Sydney polo field in 1990 despite being clinically dead for eight minutes.

A heavy smoker for many years, he suffered from angina and underwent a quintuple heart bypass later in 1990 and flew to the U.S. for another heart operation in 1998. In 2000, he received a kidney transplant.

Many had expected that Mr Packer's heart might finally kill him, but it was the failing kidney, donated by his friend and helicopter pilot Nick Ross, that finally contributed to cutting his life short.


From 'my idiot son' to six billion dollar man
By GEORGE LEKAKIS
28dec05

KERRY Packer, Australia's richest man for the past four decades, was not his father's first choice to take over the family-owned media empire.

From the mid-1950s, Sir Frank Packer had wanted Kerry's elder brother, Clyde, to succeed him at the helm of Consolidated Press Holdings and the family's television stations in Melbourne and Sydney.

But by the mid-1960s, Sir Frank's plan for succession began to flake after Clyde embarked on a career in the NSW Parliament as a Liberal Upper House member.

Clyde's desire for the top job evaporated in August, 1972, after Sir Frank blocked a Mike Willesee interview with then ACTU President Bob Hawke from going to air.

He left the family business.

When Sir Frank died in May, 1974, Kerry, then deputy chairman of Consolidated Press and the TV businesses, took formal control. It was an amazing rise for a man who had dyslexia and was often introduced by his father as "my idiot son".

Mr Packer's importance as a corporate leader was soon apparent. While media are still a core part of the group his son, James, 38, now controls, the overall business diversified.

Assets such as Crown casino and the Burswood casino in Perth have generated much higher returns than foundation assets such as Women's Weekly. Mr Packer used the bare-knuckled business style of Sir Frank, who established the market dominance of his TV stations and magazines by blending ruthlessness with rewarding loyal staff.

But he added a strategic genius exemplified by his transactions with Alan Bond in 1987.

The deals resulted in Bond handing over $800 million cash and $255 million in preference shares for control of the Nine Network. Less than three years later, Mr Packer reacquired the business for $200 million. The acquisition of Crown casino in the late 1990s was done in similar circumstances.

In both cases, Mr Packer negotiated to buy high-profile assets that were suffering financial stress and mismanagement.

In May, 1977, World Series Cricket extended Mr Packer's profile beyond Sydney and the legacy of his father.

Mr Packer shocked the world cricket establishment by signing up 35 of the world's best players.

International stars such as Greg Chappell, Viv Richards and Tony Greig agreed to play in cricket games to compete against official Test matches the following summer in Australia.

Mr Packer had made several unsuccessful bids to win broadcasting rights for Test matches.

On December 2, 1977, former Australian Test captain Ian Chappell led a rebel team on to VFL Park for the first World Series supertest against Clive Lloyd's star-studded West Indians. Channel 9's cameras caught all the action with support from advertisers such as McDonald's and Coca Cola.

That day, Test legend Bob Simpson returned to lead an official Test team at the Gabba for the first of a five-match series against India. ABC TV covered the official action.

Mr Packer's heavy promotion and innovations drew fans. By May, 1979, the war with the Australian Cricket Board was over. Mr Packer secured long-term broadcast rights to Tests.

His gambling was legendary. Perhaps his most stunning plunge was at Flemington in 1997 when he and former Crown boss Lloyd Williams won more than $6 million on Melbourne Cup winner Might and Power.

Gambling also brought him heartache. He was said to have lost $28.2 million on blackjack at a London den in 2000. That was eclipsed later in the year when he blew $33.3 million at Bellagio casino in Las Vegas.

Mr Packer was not outspoken on politics and matters of public interest. But several Channel 9 journalists and program planners were on the receiving end of blasts from The Boss, when stories he did not like went to air. His most theatrical foray into public debate came in November, 1991, when he reluctantly appeared before a parliamentary committee into the newspaper industry.

Each of the 11 MPs on the committee, including now Treasurer Peter Costello, was blasted off the TV stage by the mogul.

"Of course I'm minimising tax. If anybody in this country does not minimise tax they want their head read because, as a Government, I can tell you, you are not spending it that well that we should be donating extra," he told the committee.

His anger often was stirred by the role of the media. His feelings stemmed partly from what he saw as gratuitous reporting of allegations made against him in the 1984 Costigan Royal Commission. The "goanna" allegations said he was involved in illegal drug running, unlawful tax schemes and other unsavoury activities. None was proven and, in 1985, John Fairfax & Sons, proprietor of the National Times, which published the most serious claims, apologised.


Midas touch made sport the winner
By BEN DORRIES
28dec05

KERRY Packer's grasp on the Australian sporting landscape extended far beyond the coloured clothes and bright lights of the World Series Cricket revolution.

From the nation's finest golf courses and its manicured horse-racing tracks to suburban rugby league grounds, there were very few places his influence did not reach.

At about the time he put the wheels in motion for World Series Cricket in the mid-1970s, Packer arguably saved another summer sport when he pumped bucket-loads of cash into resuscitating the flagging Australian golf tour.

Never a man to do things by halves, Packer flew in loads of U.S. Tour players to take on the Australian course in Sydney, which he had redesigned by Jack Nicklaus.

The big names, including Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer, jumped on a chartered jet in Los Angeles and arrived on a course with artificial hills for spectators and kilometres of underground cables for television coverage. The Australian Open went from outhouse to penthouse.





The affectionate term for horse racing - the sport of kings - could very well have been coined for Packer. With Melbourne casino boss Lloyd Williams, he owned 1993 Victoria Derby winner Mahogany and 1996 Golden Slipper winner Merlene.

In the Flemington enclosure prior to Mahogany's win, former champion jockey Greg Hall confidently told Packer to double his bet. Packer left for the betting ring, plonked on another $1 million and Mahogany duly saluted.

Packer's biggest contribution to racing was through his television interests, which first broadcast Sydney racing. Through Sky Channel telecasts, Packer oversaw a revolution bringing live racing to clubs, pubs and homes.

For Australia's No. 1 punter - who once staked $55 million during the Sydney Autumn Carnival and dropped $19 million in a single night at the roulette tables in London - his biggest gamble was to come.

Packer had plenty to lose when he backed the Australian Rugby League against the Rupert Murdoch-funded Super League in two bitter years before a joint competition was agreed in 1998.

The rival AFL code has recently reaped millions from Packer's involvement, through Channel Nine. Just three days before his death, the AFL accepted a $780 million five-year offer from Nine to broadcast matches beyond 2006. A rival bid by the Seven and Ten networks has until January 5 to match the Nine offer.


Thursday, December 22, 2005

When the arch- spins

When you read the self-pontification pom(courtesy of DavidS) on Keo- the mumblings of St Michael, you will read of the benign nature of the British Empire.

It is really doubted if our celtic firebrand Murph will ever agree with him, but another empire that was ruthless in the subjection of its colonies have left us with a legacy of excellence.

I found this gem at the following site : www.arch.mcgill.ca

Photies - courtesy of www.historylearningsite.co.uk

enjoy

PS- It seems that spinning was not invented by the Poison Dwarf ;-) and alas not perfected either.

The term soap-dodgers also came to mind here.


The Influence of Roman Engineering and Architecture
Colin Szasz, McGill University, School of Architecture



The ingeniousness and beauty of Roman architecture has not been lost on us in the 2000 years since it was built. Even today, we still marvel at what incredible builders the Romans were, and at the sheer scale and integrity of many of their projects. It is hard to argue that today’s architecture will maintain the same lasting grandeur as that which the Romans built. If we can still respect and admire the grandeur of Rome as it was in it’s day, one can only imagine how much of an influence people of the time felt, due to the incredible innovations that the Romans brought to the new regions of their empire. In fact, it is because of the superior engineering skills and architectural ideas possessed by the Romans, and respected by others, that allowed them to conquer, influence and rule such a vast area of the world, for such an extended period of time. Citizens of regions conquered by Rome were the beneficiaries of Roman innovations such as a (public) fresh water supply, bridges over previously impassable rivers, roads linking all parts of the empire (especially to the capital) and incredible public buildings like the forums and baths. They were more easily persuaded into acceptance once the Romans arrived when they saw or heard of these innovations which they realized could have such a huge and beneficial impact on their lifestyles.

The first thing the Romans did upon entering a new region, after winning the war that gained them their new territory, was construct roads and bridges. This was the best way to “Romanize” the new areas, as it permitted easier communication between the colony and the mother country. The roads all led to the capital, which solidified its position as the centre of power, and also allowed the rulers easier and faster access to the colonies when necessary. It has been said that at the peak of Rome’s power, one could travel from the English Channel all the way to Rome without ever fording a stream, simply because the Romans had built so many bridges to link its colonies. As the Romans were the first to master bridge building on such a large scale, they had a huge influence on the people in even the most remote regions. Places that had been impassible could suddenly be crossed by bridge. The bridges were a commanding presence on the landscape as well, easily conveying the sense of who was in power and influencing the people of the region. The Puente Alcantara in Spain can perhaps best show the expansive influence that the Romans held through their bridges, (Images 1 and 2). Built in AD100 and still standing today, Puente Alcantara reaches 164 feet at its highest point, is 600 feet long and has spans of 92 to 98 feet wide. Such an example of architecture so far from the centre of power is a lasting monument to the influential power once held by the Romans. People were drawn into conformity when they saw the superior skills of the Romans, who also perfected pile driving for the construction of bridges and built each bridge arch as self-supporting to avoid damage to the entire structure if only one portion was damaged. The Roman use of the arch itself, which had never been used to such a great extent before, is itself the main reason they were able to build the huge and influential structures that they were.

The use of the arch was of course not limited to bridges; it was common in all Roman architecture of the time. The next major use for it in the new colonies, however, was in the construction of a water supply system—the system of Roman aqueducts. Rome already had an extensive system of aqueducts to supply the city with fresh water, and the Romans used the same system in other regions to civilize the “barbarian” tribes they had just subdued. Such a system was unheard of in other civilizations. The Romans were a very sanitary and hygienic people to whom fresh water was very important. The new colonies had never been concerned about such sanitation. The Romans, however, were able to bring fresh water to the towns from long distances away by carrying it through tunnels and over valleys with their towering aqueducts. This water was then used for the public baths and toilets, besides the expected drinking water. The fact that this water was for the public, and not reserved for private use, pleased people in the new colonies even more, and made them even more accepting of Roman control. The actual aqueducts themselves, built by the Romans to carry the water, were perhaps even more influential. Aqueducts like Pont du Gard at Nimes (Images 3 and 4), or Segovia in Spain (Image 5), the latter of which still carries water today, were monumental landmarks in the colonies where they were built and still are today. That the Romans would build such magnificent and monumental structures for the sole purpose of supplying water to its colonies was likely overwhelming to those benefiting from it.

So the Romans supplied the towns with water, and made travel between towns easier. But what about improving life within the town itself? It is in the public buildings such as the bath, the forum and the amphitheater, which people used and experienced daily, where Rome was able to exert its greatest influence. The fact that these buildings were open to all and not reserved for an elitist group of society only increased their significance. It is arguable that the grandness of the baths has yet to be surpassed in any public building since. These were huge, lavishly ornamented structures where citizens would go not only to bathe, but also for sports, club-life and exhibitions of art. The baths acted as a community centre, uniting citizens in the towns in which they were located. There was also the Roman invention of the forum, today’s equivalent of which would be city hall, the law courts, a marketplace and a church all combined in a single structure. It was a novel idea that one could go to a single building at the centre of town and find everything they needed. People were also allowed open discussion here and were able to publicly voice their opinions and socialize with fellow citizens. However, the forum’s accessibility and openness should not hide the fact that it was used by the Romans as a control centre, where legislative duties for the town were carried out, giving Rome further influence over the citizens. The amphitheaters cannot be forgotten, as they were used by the Romans to please and placate people through the presentation of spectacles. Their architectural grandeur was also influential, however, as they were usually four stories tall, could be covered by a canopy, and were the size of two theatres put together. The Romans didn’t build the public buildings just for their own good, they were used to show “who’s boss” and keep people appeased. These buildings were superior to anything else that had been or was being built, which helped Rome keep the territory it had conquered.

It is still difficult to comprehend that the Romans were able to create an empire as vast and as powerful as they did. Lasting several centuries and covering Europe, Asia Minor and Northern Africa and even overtaking their historical enemies the Greeks, their empire was of a magnitude that has been unsurpassed but often dreamed. When we look back at how they achieved such widespread influence there is no doubt that the principal factor in their achievements was due to their superior skills in architecture and engineering of the day. They brought fresh clean water to the towns and cities they conquered using the aqueducts which are still inspiring and influential monuments today. We can only imagine the significance they held 2000 years ago. As Frontius said of the aqueducts, they are “…a signal testimony to the greatness of the Roman Empire.”



The water brought by the aqueducts was then distributed to the public and used in even more magnificent structures like the baths. How could people not be influenced by such great inventions as these and the forum and the amphitheater, which were used by the Romans not only to please the people but also to help maintain power? The Romans built bridges and roads to link their new colonies and built them so they were a lasting and powerful presence. These bridges were not just a show of power in their grandeur, but were also used by the Romans as quick access to the colonies they needed to keep under control. People of the world were not nearly as advanced in terms of the engineering ability of the Romans, and were persuaded to accept Roman rule. They respected and admired the Roman’s superior abilities and innovations and were therefore easier to conquer and less likely to revolt, allowing the Romans to expand their empire and maintain their influence for such a long time. The Romans no doubt improved their quality of life upon conquering them, and it is hard not to accept a new ruling class if such improvements are occurring. The greatness of the Roman Empire as it was is a direct result of the fact that they were such superior engineers and architects.

Tuesday, December 20, 2005

Hasta La Vista -Mr Jones

It may be a cliche in sending a coach packing, but it seems that the Aussies is fed up with the way Rugby Union is being administrated and coached.

Much has been said about Eddie Jones, the injuries to key players etc. I have found this article on www.scrum.com-photo as well- and for me , it sums up the Australian situation quite accurately




The view from Australia – wrap of 2005

by Rollo Manning

19 December 2005
The year of 2005 will be one the Australian Rugby Union will want to forget as it moves ahead in the quest for the Rugby World Cup in 2007. The organisation has been shaken by the departure of the number one coach (Eddie Jones) and the Chairman of the ARU (Dilip Kumar) as the results are scrutinized and excuses sought for the blackest season in Wallaby history since 1973. In that year the Wallabies were beaten by the touring Tongan team playing in its first official International Rugby Board sanctioned tour.

The 2005 points for and against flatter the scene with 386 for to 302 against - the early year Test wins against Samoa and Italy when 143 points were scored for to only 28 against help flatter the result as does five wins and eight losses sounds better than six losses in a row.
There are three components to a successful Wallaby team – the players, the coaching staff and the central administration. On each count and based on 2005 the ARU has failed.

The players battled on with injuries a plenty but this only helped to emphasize the lack of depth in Australian rugby. The priority in the minds of the ARU Board should be to quickly get a competition in place that will emulate the National Provincial Championship in New Zealand or the Currie Cup in South Africa . When the All Blacks can change an entire 15 players (as they did v Ireland ) and still win with flying colors it brings into focus the shallow base Australian rugby is built on and the dire need for greater local competition between Super 14 and club rugby.

On the coaching front Eddie Jones could not have gone quickly enough. This former hooker with the Randwick Club in Sydney took Australian rugby from a high after the 1999 World Cup through a miraculous victory over the All Blacks at RWC 2003 to its lowest point since the late 60s early 1970s era. One of his most recent gaffs was to take on the Spring Tour of Britain three rookie players (Loane, Houston and Wallace-Harrison) and not give them a game. While Jones's career as the National coach hinged on winning, the win at all cost attitude only holds the game back in developing young players. They were on tour to play and not just for a bonding exercise. It appeared Jones went ahead picking his best team to save his own soul and failed.

The replacement for Jones is the subject of speculation and time must be taken to find the best available. The Wallabies do not play a game until June 2006 and that time will give a new coach to work with the Super 14 coaches in identifying talent.

The final component for success – sound administration – is not in a healthy state. Gary Flowers, CEO of the ARU after John O'Neill, has failed to meet the expectations. This is due to the fact that running an organisation like the ARU needs people skills better found in a former State-wide bank manger (O'Neill) than a partner in a law firm (Flowers).
The teamwork needed across the board in the ARU will be almost as important as selecting the right players. A strong CEO will motivate and guide development – Flowers has since his appointment in May 2004 shown a far too conciliatory approach with out the “grunt” being called for in the Wallaby front row.

Bring on 2006 – it has to get better than this!

Monday, December 19, 2005

Navigational Error benefits Lions



Seeing that OORB is totally in the festive mood- this x-mas card is sent to all Lions supporters- so that they can also "get" something in 2005.

OORB cannot acknowledge the copyright holder of this image as it was sent to Oranje_Orakel as an attachement to an e-mail. I honestly believe that the humour contained should be spread, none the less.

Hougaard's present

It seems that Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer will be visiting the Hougaard adobe in Blue Bull Vale after all.

OORB can confirm that Mr Naka Drotske, Team Manager of the Vodacom Cheetahs, did confirm earlier today that they are not in talks with Brian Lima to join the Vodacom Cheetahs for the Super 14 tournament.

So Derrick relax boet- you only have to think about Barry Goodes, Ryno vd Merwe, Hendro Scoltz & Co.

Hey You- Do you want to run your own Club?


The new Vodacom Cheetahs website is carrying this invitation for individuals to apply to run a Cheetah Supporters Club in their region.

Visit http://www.vodacomcheetahs.co.za/club.asp for more detail.

Cheetahs Supporters Club

Overview:

The new Supporters Club of the Free State Vodacom Cheetahs is now in process with the aim of supporting the team financially and physically by means of attending games and other functions. The Supporters Club is created to satisfy the needs of all the Cheetahs supporters, regardless where the supporters stay or live.

Branches will be established in as many cities and towns as possible with a committee in every city or town to manage the club in conjunction with the main club.

Features & Benefits:

Free SMS during the ABSA Currie Cup season.

Discounts at several stores and businesses country wide.

Certain financial benefits for the person organizing the club.

Arranging Vodacom Cheetahs golf and dinner days.

Tours to Vodacom Cheetah games.

Branches of the Vodacom Cheetah Shop will be made available to the "franchise" club and memorabilia at cost prices.

Applications:

Any person who is capable of organizing supporters and who have the infra structure can apply to run a "franchise" club.

Only one club per City or Town will be allowed.

Specifications:

The Clubs will initially be awarded to a person or persons for the period of 3 years.

Pricing:

A certain percentage of all income generated by the supporter club will go back to the Cheetahs (Pty) Ltd. Detail of the exact % will be discussed with every franchisee.

A yearly budget in conjunction with the Cheetah (Pty) Ltd will be compiled.

Pricing:

Vodacom Cheetahs Clubs is now available country wide.

For more info contact

Piet de Necker: work +27 (0)51-4071742
Mobile +27823398598
Louw Bezuidenhoudt: work +27(0)56-2134891
Mobile +27824552612


Supporters Club Contact Persons:

Sasolburg, Parys, Heilbron, Meyerton, and Vereniging Region.
Dawie Le Roux by: 083 6255920

Pretoria Region:
Riaan Waldick
Cell: 082 518 7865
Fax: 012 - 328 5936
Email: wallyr@telkomsa.net

Johannesburg Region:
Kobus van Rooyen
Tel = 011 - 477 3054
Fax2email = 086 680 0321
Cell = 083 2777 955.


Bothaville Region:
Rikus Venter: 084 6030558

Who laughs last...

Whilst researching the possibility of a good story build-up between Brian Lima- Derrick Hougaard, if the Lima move to the Cheetahs does materialise, I got this joke from www.moonstoneinfo.com.

The relevance lies unfortunately in the accompanying photo from www.scrum.com


A SOUTH AFRICAN DREAM

Derrick Hougaard goes into the South African changing room to find all his team mates looking a bit glum. "What's up?" he asks. "Well, we're having trouble getting motivated for this game. We know it's important but we've just beaten the Georgia and Samoa in consecutive weeks and let's be honest, it's only England. They're useless and we can't be bothered".

Derrick looks at them and says "Well, the way I've been playing recently, I reckon I can beat these guys by myself, you lads go down the pub." So Derrick goes out to play England by himself and the rest of the SA team go off for a few jars. After a few pints they wonder how the game is going, so they get the landlord to put the telly on.

A big cheer goes up as the screen reads "England 0 - South Africa 7 (Hougaard - 10 minutes - Converted Try)".

He is beating the Poms all by himself! Anyway, the telly goes off and a few more pints later the game is forgotten until someone remembers "It must be full time now, let's see how Derrick got on". They put the telly back on.

"Result from the Stadium: England 7 (Wilkinson 79 minutes) - South Africa 7 (Hougaard 10 minutes)". They can't believe it, Derrick has single handedly got a draw against England and maintained SA's unbeaten run. They rush back to the Stadium to congratulate him. They find him in the dressing room, still in his gear, with his head in his hands. He refuses to look at them. "I've let you down, I've let you down." says Derrick.

"Don't be daft, you got a draw against England, all by yourself. And they only scored at the very very end!" says the rest of the team. "No, No," says Derrick, "I've let you down... I got sent off after 12 minutes".


The "Chiropractor" is a Cheetah

According to an interesting rumour of celtic origin- "The Chiropractor" Brian Lima is joining the Vodacom Cheetahs for the 2006 Super 14 season.

OORB were unable to confirm this as yet, but enjoy this background information on Brian Lima in the meantime.

If it does turn out to be the truth, it might not be the present that Derrick Hougaard wanted-in his x-mas stocking- for the 10 Feb 2006 match with the Vodacom Cheetahs. It might be that Heyneke Meyer will be turning to him for the pivot role as the Cheetah loose trio and Barry Goodes had forced Morne Steyn into elementary errors during the 2005 CC final.

Both the text and the photo is from wikipedia- url-http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brian_Lima




Brian Lima (born 25 January 1972 in Apia, Samoa) is a Samoan rugby union footballer.

Originally a wing, Lima has moved into centre for Samoa as his pace has lessened, but he remains a formidable player.

He has earned the memorable nickname of "The Chiropractor" for his shuddering hits in defence that supposedly rearrange the bones of the victim. He has been described as the best Samoan rugby union player of all time.

He made his debut for Manu Samoa back in 1990 and featured in the famous World Cup win over Wales in 1991. He was the youngest player at the 1991 Rugby World Cup.

One of Brian Lima's greatest moments came in Samoa's match against South Africa in a sudden death qualification match to be in the top 5 in the 2003 Rugby World Cup. As Springbok fly-half Derick Hougaard leapt up in the air and caught the ball, Lima "spear-tackled" Hougaard, sending him crashing to the ground and dazing him for at least 5 to 10 minutes.

He signed for Munster after an extremely impressive game for the southern hemisphere vs the northern hemisphere in a fundraising game for the Tsunami appeal. However Lima was injured shortly after landing in Ireland and never got to pull on the Munster jersey. He has also played for Auckland Blues and in Japan. He signed a two year deal with Bristol starting in the 2005-6 season.

He is the only player in rugby union history to have appeared in four Rugby World Cups and is on track to appear in a record fifth in the 2007 World Cup in France.

SERIAAS BLOGGING

This one is for all you seriaas Bloggers out there, would like to see your comments


Digital era spawns public paparazzo


DECEMBER 13, 2005
A ERA of citizen journalism is dawning in Britain as media organisations turn to their readers, viewers and listeners for photographs.

The amateur photographer already has an agency, Scoopt, to distribute reports and images, while the budding writer can replace professionals in The Guardian's Saturday travel section.

As soon as there is a big unexpected event, a script runs at the bottom of the screens on the BBC or Sky News inviting the public to email digital photographs.

The July 7 terrorist bombings on three London subway trains and a bus were a watershed in the news business. Most of the on-spot bombing images carried on television and in newspapers were from amateurs.

Any eyewitness with a phonecam or a digital camera has the technical means to become a journalist for a day. "People like to contribute to the news and they get a kick out of it," says Kyle MacRae, the founder of Scoopt.

Started in Glasgow in July, the agency claims 4300 members -- some of them not very active - in 80 countries without the benefit of advertising.

Scoopt uses photos of events such as car accidents for immediate local interest, storms for regional interest and serious crimes, such as the recent shooting of a policewoman, for national viewers.

It also accepts photos of celebrities, which has created a citizen paparazzo on every street corner.

Scoopt is building an electronic archive of photographs that can only be used by media subscribers.

AFP

The Australian

X-Mas Stocking Stories

Yeah- I know OORB is a rugby blog , but rugby stories- except those that Rasputin keeps digging out at www.ruggaworld.blogspot.com- is a bit slow this time of year.

I am also quite sure that all have hailed the AB's for their performances this year and I will try not to mention (again who had won the Currie Cup in 2005- ;-).

Speaking of an early X-mas present- I found this on www.mclaren.com.

Their x-mas whishes is a bit more lofty than mine- but still an interesting read. It seems that "family" is still the biggest present- but that a jet isn't too shaby either.

Hope all of you spend the X-mas with the people that you love- and for all the Saffa ex-pats- wipe away the tears and may 2006 be a good year for you- wherever you are.

Mind you, I would have like it,if Kimi had said that Santa must bring him a Mclaren that can finish the race- 90 % of the time.

Oranje Orakel




ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS




Kimi Raikkonen
"I am looking forward to spending Christmas with my family, this is a tradition for me as Christmas is a great time to catch up and spend time with parents and in-laws. This year the perfect present for me would be a jet; this would make my journeys to all the overseas races a lot easier as there would be less waiting around, however I would be happy with clothes, CD's and DVD's as well."



Juan Pablo Montoya
"This year will be my son Sebastian's first Christmas and to make it extra special we are going to take him to a ski resort in Europe with our family and friends so that he will get to see snow for the first time. Our Christmas is usually fairly traditional, which in Colombia we celebrate on Christmas Eve. We attend church and that is usually followed by a meal and all the children are given their presents then. For me all I will be hoping for is that Team McLaren Mercedes have a great 2006!"



Alex Wurz
"My Christmas was going to be different this year as my wife and I were expecting our second child on Christmas Eve however Charlie was born early so my hope for getting out of cooking the turkey has gone. That means that we will go back to our usual celebrations which are a mixture of the Austrian (where we celebrate on Christmas Eve) and the British traditions. I will have to start thinking of new presents to wish for as I had only been thinking about the birth of my son."



Pedro de la Rosa
"Christmas for me is a family occasion with us visiting my wife Maria's family for lunch on Christmas day and then going onto my parents in the evening. This is usually a fun occasion as my brother dresses up as Santa to give all the children their presents. This year we are also going to go to New York on the 27th December so that should be great fun for the family. As for presents all I hope for is good health as when you are healthy then you can achieve anything.

Thursday, December 15, 2005

A Brand new website for the Super 14 Vodacom Cheetahs!

The central region franchise of the Super 14, the Vodacom Cheetahs, has recently launched their brand new website. The Vodacom Cheetahs consists of players from the Vodacom Free State Cheetahs, the Wildeklawer Griquas and the Griffons.

This website will keep supporters up to date with the latest news, fixtures for 2006, logs, and other exciting information about this Super 14 team.

Visit www.vodacomcheetahs.co.za for more information!

Source: www.news24.com


Putting the X into Xmas
15/12/2005 10:18 - (SA)

Sam Wilson

"Why don't we ever talk about baby Jesus?" my six-year-old, Josef, asked me earlier this week.

A tricky moment, I can tell you. Let me set the scene.

I am not Christian, although I come from a Christian upbringing. Neither is my partner, although his parents are devout Christians, who are somewhat dismayed by our unwillingness to instil even the rudiments of the faith into our children's upbringing.

So why do I still celebrate Christmas?

It's simple, really. I love many bits of Christmas. I love the coming together of family and the exchange of gifts. I love that there's a public holiday devoted to spiritual introspection and celebrating the good parts of humanity. At least, that's how I choose to see Christmas, and I believe those are things we should all, regardless of faith, have access to.

And if the engine of global consumerism can hijack Christmas for financial gain, I really don't think a pair of agnostics, hijacking it for love and family feeling can really be that bad.

So I put up a tree every year, bedecked in tinsel and popcorn with a lop-sided fairy. I wrap things in red shiny paper. I have a giant family lunch. I even play Christmas carols (although my partner believes that's going a bit far) and while I don't do Midnight Mass or actively invite discussion on the nativity, I do try to talk to my children about tolerance, about privilege and about giving to those less fortunate than ourselves.

So how did I answer my son?

I rooted out a storybook on the birth of Jesus, and we read it together. We discussed how Jesus believed in love and tolerance and trying to see the good in everyone, even people who are not like you. We discussed how some people think Jesus is the son of God, while others believe he is a prophet.

Joey digested all this and looked at me with that clean, clear look of a small child about to flummox an adult.

"Mom, I believe that Jesus is God's son," said Joey. "Do you mind?"

Woah...mama.

"Not at all, honey," I replied. "In fact, I fully support it, if that's what you believe."

We blinked happily at each other for a bit. Then I asked a tricky question of my own.

"Do you mind that Mommy isn't sure about God?" I asked. "Because it is not that I don't believe in God, just that I'm not sure."

Joey thought about this.

"I think that's okay," he replied. "But... when do you think you'll decide?"

Got to love little people.

Sam Wilson is the editor in chief of women24. She's pretty sure she's happy about that.

RUGBY365's CHAT with Rassie

This story was first published on the web by Rugby365 and is availible in print by buying RugbyNews/Nuus from your local magazine shop.

**********$$$$$$$$$$************

We have 6 beers with Rassie Erasmus
Tuesday December 13 2005
Cheetahs coach Rassie Erasmus managed to achieve in one season what most provincial coaches can only dream of their whole career ... to win the Currie Cup. Chris Schoeman, editor of Rugby News/Rugby Nuus magazines spoke to him about his career as player and coach. He gives his views on 2005 and what to expect in 2006.



Rugby365 publish the interview with kind permission of the magazines. You can visit their websites at Rugby News and Rugby Nuus for more info. (The magazines are also available at major new agencies [CNA, PNA, etc.] and supermarkets.)

Question: You're from the Eastern Cape; tell us about your life before you came to Bloemfontein.
Answer: Yes, those were the good days. I grew up in Despatch when the town was a force to be reckoned with in club rugby. I was only a lightie when I became ball boy at the town's rugby field. I regularly went to watch when the big guys were practicing. It is ironic that Pote Human, who is the present Blue Bulls forwards coach, lived next to us! Top players like Danie Gerber, Willie Meyer, Adri Geldenhuys and Frans Erasmus all played for the town club. In my high school days I often worked as barman at the rugby club where I could be in closer contact with my heroes. I myself didn't play too badly and in matric in 1990 I played for the EP Craven Week team. Os (du Randt) played for NEC and the SA Schools the same year. After that I came to Bloem for my military training and played for Free State U20s. I enjoyed Bloem so much that I decided to stay there and here I still am today!

Q: Tell us about your Free State days.
A: I played my first match for Free State in 1994 and in the end played more than 120 matches for them. I also played for Lions for two years, but I was very happy to come back to the Free State. My first highlight with them was the Currie Cup Final in 1997, but we lost by two points. Then of course there was last year's final which we also lost, but fortunately this year I was on the winning side, although this time as coach and not as a player.

Q: In 2000 you were the Super 12 Player of the Series and in 2001 the South African Player of the Series. What other highlights were there as player?
A: My first test against the British and Irish Lions at Ellis Park [1997]; thereafter our Tri-Nations title in 1998 and the 17 subsequent test victories with Nick Mallett as coach. Then of course the World Cup quarter-final against England in Paris in 1999 when we destroyed them.

Q: Which coaches stood out for you?
A: If it is just about how the game should be played, Nick Mallett was the man. André Markgraaff taught me a lot about discipline and passion and commitment.Then Oom Peet [Kleynhans], I've learnt a lot from him about one's approach to the game. He has made a huge contribution to the game in the Free State.

Q: Did you ever think during your playing days that you would one day be a provincial coach?
A: I always wanted to remain part of the game after hanging up my boots, but never thought it would happen so soon. It was only after meeting Oom Peet that I had the hope to become coach. It was a special experience to see how he thinks about the game and how he does things.

Q: What were your aims at the beginning of 2005?
A: We had been in the final the previous year and we felt at least we should go through to the final again. We've been there and we could do it again, maybe this time it would depend on the bounce of the ball, and that is exactly what happened. The final could have gone either way.

Q: How did you approach the semi-final against WP and the final against the Blue Bulls?
A: Before every match you analyse your opponents, look at their weak points and concentrate on your strong points. The WP is not really so weak up front as people think and we had to play hard to beat them. To be honest, we didn't play very well in the semi-final, but we did enough to win the match. The main thing we told ourselves was to keep the ball away from the WP backline. You will be stupid not to do it. As far as the final is concerned, you know, people don't give the Blue Bulls enough credit for their achievements. You often hear they are predictable and if you keep them at bay up front, they are very ordinary. But why can't anybody do it? Heyneke Meyer is a very shrewd coach and even in the final he came up with one or two things that were new to us. The final could have gone either way. But I have to say that it had been the first time in four years that we had been able to match the Blue Bulls for the whole 80 minutes. So we stayed in the game and in the end the ball bounced right for us.

Q: What was the atmosphere like in the dressing room before the final at Loftus?
A: I think the fact that we had been in the final the previous year and had to sit in the same dressing room at the same stadium as in 2004, made most guys somewhat calmer. But the fact remains that you still have to go onto the field and cope with everything. So there is still the quiet tension before the game. You have your experienced guys like Os, Naka and Ollie who can probably handle this better than the younger players. But the young guys like Meyer Bosman and Alwyn Hollenbach who were playing in their first final were very nervous.

Q: What can we expect from the Cheetahs in next year's Super 14?
A: Look, we managed to win the Currie Cup and the Free State players have a lot of confidence and that is good. But at the same time everybody realise that the Super 14 is a totally new competition, something different from the Currie Cup we had been used to. It has new demands, new challenges and requires new adjustments. One can't just say for instance we want to win seven matches. What will happen for instance if after seven matches you have won five and six remain? You can't say we've won five, now we only need to win two more. You have to look at every match as it comes and plan from match to match. We have already done bleep tests and power training, etc. with a big group of approximately 50 from the Free State, Griquas and Griffons and in January we will select the final group of 28. As I have said before, the Super 14 is a new challenge but we look forward to it.

Q: Some people say you shouldn't be 'pals' with the players. How do you see it?
A: I have learnt from coaches like Nick Mallett, Oom Peet and even André Markgraaff that you have to be able to relax with the players at the right time but in such a way that they won't lose their respect for you. You have to remember, I have just turned 33, how can I now all of a sudden pretend to be 40? Last year I was still playing with many of my players, winning, losing and crying together, how can I now put myself on a pedestal? I believe you have to remain the same person. When it comes to practice and game analysis and this type of thing, then you're the boss. Away from the field you have to enjoy yourself with the guys, but when it comes to rugby, it is all black and white.

Q: What is the biggest lesson you have learnt from rugby, on and off the field?
A: You know, one experiences that there are a lot of people out there who want to see that you are not successful. It is a trait of our people, they want to deny you winning and being the Currie Cup Champions. But then there are lots of people who will always support you. One should never allow the negativity of others to undermine your confidence. There will always be those who support you and they are they ones you should be able to trust.

Q: Who, in your opinion, has been the greatest player in your time and also before your time?
A: Some people won't agree with me, but when I played there was no player like of Jonah Lomu. It was often said that he couldn't turn around quick enough for chips and that sort of thing, but look at the tries he scored and the matches he had won almost all by himself. Many had lots of negative things to say about him, but I tell you, the guys were scared of him. Before my days there had been only one, Danie Gerber. We grew up in the same town and I often saw him playing for the town's team, for EP and the Springboks and he was just a phenomenal player. What impressed me just as much as his play, was his commitment. He had all the talent in the world and things came very naturally for him, but he never rested on his laurels. I often saw him jogging early in the morning and practicing on his own and I always realised he never thought he was too good for that. He was a great example to everybody.

Monday, December 12, 2005

Die Fees van Kerse? soos deur 'n kind gesien

Kersfees


(n Opstel deur 'n kind)

Kersvees is die moiste tyt van die jaar. Die meeste mense
het dan vekansie, ek ook. Ons het ook 'n krip in die
sitkammer, wat Pa drie weeke voor kersvees daar ingebring
het en ek en my klyn sissie kan ook help. Baie krippe is
vevelig maar nie ons sin nie want daar is baie oulike
figiere daar in.
Ek het eenkeer vir Josif en liwe Hesus op die stoof gesit
dat hille nie kout kry nie toe was dit te warm. Liwe Hesus
het swart geword en Josif het ytmekaar gebars, een van sy
foete het in die deeg in geskiet en dit was nie 'n mooi
gesig nie. Ma was baie kwaat en gese dat nie eers die
hyliges beskerm word deer my domgeit nie. As Maria so
sonder man en kind rondstaan lyk dit nie goet nie. Maar ek
het gelikkag baie figiere in myspeelgoed-boks en nou is
Josif Donald Duck. Vir liwe Hesus wou ek vir Asterix vat
omdat hy die enigste een is wat so klyn is dat hy in die
voerbak kan pas maar Ma het gese dat liwe Hesus tog nie
Asterix kan wees nie dan liewer verbrant is beter. Nou is
liwe Hesus swart maar nog steets liwe Hesus.
Agter liwe Hesus staan twee osse, 'n esel, 'n seekoei en 'n
brontosauris. Die seekoei en die brontosauris het ek self
daar ingesit want die osse en die esel het so aleenag
gelyk. Lings van die stal kom nou net die drie wyse manne
in. Een van die wyse manne het laas kersvees geval toe Pa
hom wou skoonmaak nou is hy heeltemal stikkend. Nou het ons
net twee wyse manne en 'n wyse Batman.
Gewoonlik het die wyse manne baie giskenke vir liwe Hesus
soos gout, wierrook en pirpir of so iets. Ons sin het in
plaas van gout 'n sygstokkiepapierkie wat so mooi blink.
Die ander ene het prymtwak in sy hant omdat ons nie
wierrook het nie, maar die prymtwak maak ook rook as mens
dit aansteek. Die wyse Batman het 'n pistool. Dit is nie
eintlik 'n goeie giskenk vir liwe Hesus nie, maar daarmee
kan hy hom teen die brontosauris beskerm.
Agter die drie wyse manne is 'n paar rooihuid indiane en
'n glasengel. Een van die engel se voete is afgebreek,
daarom sit hy nou op 'n moterviets sodat dit maklikker is
vir hom. Nou kan hy met die moterviets ry as hy nie lis is
vir vlieg nie.
Regs van die stal het ons vir rooikappie gesit. Sy het 'n
pizza vir ouma saamgebring. Ek het nie meer 'n wolf nie,
nou loer daar 'n ninja tirtel agter die boom yt in die wolf
se plek. Daar is nie nog goet in die krip nie, want Ma het
gese dis nou genoeg. In die aant sit ons die lig aan dan
lyk die krip eers regtig moi.
Ons sit om die krip en sing kersveesliekies. Pety is baie
moi. As 'n mens weer sien is kersvees veby en sommer die
jaar ook. Die giskenke is ytgepak en 'n mens kry niks voor
paasvees nie behalwe as jy voor die tyt vejaar. Maar een
ding is veseker: kersvees kom altyt weer.



Daneel Ferreira

Friday, December 09, 2005

Sevens- In Spears Country

After the heartbreak that had befalled the Springbok 7-s team, in losing against Fidji in Dubai, the stage is set in the beautiful George for the second leg of the 2005-06 IRB sevens tournament

Please log on to www.irbsevens.com for a detailed schedule of the first day's play and the results

Wednesday, December 07, 2005

Read Recommendation

Oranje Orakel want to recommend to his readers that they click on the link to Ruggaworld and read the brilliant contribution from DavidS on the problems that us- the fans of South African Rugby, Springboks and all the individual teams- are associating with SARU- both past & present.

The piece is called "THE FOUR MAIN ISSUES WITH SARU" and is well worth the time spend.

PissAnt On OORB- Take 1/2005

Pundit Poster on Keo.co.za and one of the inspirational -piledrivers ala "pakslae" behind www.ruggaworld.blogspot.com is PissAnt- also known affectionately by some exponents of "Die Taal" as piepiemier. Now do not let the alternative style on nickname choosing fool you- PA knows his stuff- always analysing Rugby Union games and sharing it-in detail with his fellow muppits- keolings- whatever.

After being nagged to death-;-) by Oranje Orakel- PA finaly had given in and is willing to post a bi- monthly article on Rugby Union analysis on OORB. This series will be started in 2006 by analysing the Vodacom Cheetahs successful 2005 Currie Cup campaign.

As an appetiser- OORB are publishing the following post that PA had posted a while ago on Keo.co.za- focusing on the 2005 Sprinbok year.

****%%%%****


yes i am bored and since there is no one to talk to i have talked to myself and it is expressed in a 2 part post to follow.

Since we are winding down for the year, and so many will go on holiday, and…………well we wont see any articles of note on Keo, I thought I would post my plan for Jake White for 2006 and 2007 in view of preparing adequately for World Cup France 2007.

Plus it might be some nice reading material for you lot while you sit on white sandy beaches sipping on your cocktails while myself and some other muppits slave our asses off during December.

Since the French test, there were many discussions regarding the team, the selections, where we believe we fell short, and many views on the best way in our own opinions to move forward. Having read most of it, I tried to include most of those views below and off course spin my own opinion into it too.

The feeling from most of us after 2005 is that yes, it was a good season, but it could have been better. We still have not managed impress at the EOYT and we basically sported the same results as last year. Now although I agree with some of you, that it might not have been good enough, we must not loose perspective on the huge strides made by Jake and the team post 2003. But I do agree, we have not improved much from last year to this year, and that my friends is what playing or coaching rugby is all about, consistently improving year after year.

So why have we not really improved? Player selections? Coaching methods? Coaches themselves? The players themselves? Or administration?

I believe all of these things had some form of impact into the results of 2005.

Let’s look at player selections first.

Post 2004, we saw some players fade away, some guys putting up their hands and some stars born whom Jake could no longer leave out.

I suppose the most obvious player to fade away, or who has had a serious dip in form was Marius Joubert. He was a star in 2004 breaking records all over the show and even reminded some of us of the great Danie Gerber. His form in 2004 was no surprise really. Marius has impressed since he partnered Wayne Julies at Boland. In 2004 the Stormers had a successful campaign in which he was part of. Also, Jake made it easier for him by partnering him in the midfield with his provincial partner DeWet and, add the fact of an extended run for the Bokke, Marius was in a very comfortable situation with everything going for him. So much so, that he played the most games of any other SA player, which might have been part of the reason of his downfall.

I hate it when players/coaches/administrators use the “overplayed” excuse. Yes there are arguments for this, and Tim Noakes has proved as much to me. So I am not saying it is not a valid excuse, but I am saying that if it is such a big deal why did we allow, or expect, Marius to play all those games? Jake has hammered on player management for quite a while now, and to Jake’s defense, he has not had much help from SARU or the provincial coaches. It seems some people still need to realize that country, always, and I mean always, comes before unions or provinces. There should be no arguing that, full stop. Let’s hope Jake has the support in 2006.

With the demise of Marius, DeWet was an obvious casualty. Marius understood his game and running lines and as a unit they defended extremely well. Maybe now some people will understand the importance of combinations and why Jake hammers so much on playing certain guys together even though one individual might not be the best in his position according to some. Fact is, as a unit these guys are lethal, the trick is finding the right combinations though. Marius and DeWet were lethal, but through the loss of Marius, DeWet was a lone man.

Another reason I think we saw our most capped center pairing fail, was the piss poor Super 12 campaign they experienced with the Stormers. For me, form is directly related to confidence. A great example off course is Andre Pretorius, but more on him later. In my view, every single player involved with the Stormers Super 12 campaign was extremely low on confidence, especially after the hammering dished out at Loftus.

Needless to say, guys like Marius, DeWet, Joe, Breyten & Schalk came into Jake’s group shattered and beaten players. Jake performed miracles with Big Joe, but in fairness, Big Joe only hit top form again in the Ellispark test, a couple of weeks into the international season, an opportunity not afforded to Marius and DeWet. And as luck would have it, Jean de Villiers and Jacques Fourie had absolute blinders. Along with some other stars like Ricky January.

To be honest, all the players included in Jake’s team that were part of the Stormers setup, was questioned by the media and public. To an extent, Breyten, Joe and Schalk silenced those critics and proved yet again, that Jake seems to get that little bit extra out of his players, or, Jake is a genius selecting the right combinations.

Another player who disappointed was Jaco van der Westhuizen. In my opinion he gave a new meaning to lateral running, which was very surprising if you take into account the explosive year he had in 2004. Maybe it was the Japanese influence, but one thing is for certain, he did not help DeWet and Marius’ cause to play themselves into form at all, because he was constantly shutting down their space.

Another player that was low on confidence and probably suffered from a poor campaign in the Super 12, was Schalk Burger. Being on such a high in 2004, he also stood a good chance to suffer from 2nd year blues. Jake stepped in, and like with Joe, managed him perfectly. The fact that Schalk was dropped to the bench a couple of games, plus the fact that there was a media gag placed on him, took a lot of pressure and the spotlight off the youngster. Suddenly he realized that, you know what, 2004 was 2004, to be the best you have to consistently perform and be the professional you are supposed to be in this game of rugby. Too many times we throw our young stars to the wolves, and they are torn apart by these animals, yes Keo you and your gang! I need to mention but one name, Derrick Hougaard.

It’s also interesting that NZ, protected Dan Carter much like Jake protected Schalk. We called it a media gag on Schalk, NZ just basically made sure Dan, apart from appearing on billboards in underwear, was never put into a situation were the media could lay into him.

I faintly remember an article or comment about Dan being a bad public speaker or a shy guy, hence the reason we don’t hear much from him in interviews. A clever angle but a media gag none the less.

A few stars were born in 2005 too. Brian Habana, Ricky January and to some extent Lawrence Sephaka silenced a lot of critics this year through their performances. Yes these boys are far from the finished article, but they sure as hell made a huge difference to the team this year.

One worrying factor we all share is the war horses in our team who are nearing the end of their careers. Monty, Os and Breyten still has a huge role to play in the Bok setup, but Jake must develop suitable replacements for the come World Cup 2007, because although he and a lot of us hope they will make it until then, the reality is they might not.

Out of all these Os is probably not that much of a problem, we have great guys that could fill his place, but in Monty and Breyten we are loosing a lot of experience, cool heads, defensive organizers and our first choice kicker. A big void to fill.

Yet again, I would like to point out to the muppits who believe there are more than capable guys to step up and fill these boots, remember, it is not only individual brilliance and skill that will make you great in a team like the boks, but also, the combinations they will form part of. Monty and Breyten played together for years, even before the boks. Thus, knowing each other well and complimenting each others game helped a hell of a lot in pressure situations. Also, it made life much easier for a youngster like Habana to fit in, who btw got shown up a couple of times this year being out of position, slow work rate etc.

We tend to look too much at individual brilliance as supporters and forget how much effective combinations plays a part in a winning team. Hell, just look at the Freestate Cheetahs! No real stars but deadly combinations that gelled helluva well in 2005.

But all said and done, Jake must get guys into the setup very early next year to blood some new guys who will be able to step up to the plate if the situation calls for it if these 2 get crocked.

Candidates he must consider in my opinion are:

Nokwe
Roets
Ruan Pienaar (I think he might make a great fullback)
Jantjes (He is not a wing!)
Ndungane
Russel (Fullback)
Jaco

These guys are all great as individual players, but the sooner he decides on one or two and get them involved with the boks next year the better.

Andre Pretorius made one hell of a comeback this year, and no one is more pleased about it than me. I have always rated him and it was great to see him finally delivering on some of the promise he had shown all through his career. And thank god he did, cause Jaco went through a bit of a dip.

It showed us that we are vulnerable at flyhalf, and Jake had to look at a back up in this department. In true Jake White style, he picked a no-one named Bosman. Look I think I have said enough about this guy and his selection over the last couple of weeks, but in my opinion this guy is as good as anyone else we have in SA at the moment. What Jake must do now, is stick with him come hell or high water, if Jake discards this youngster, I will be extremely disappointed in him.

Also, don’t forget, there is another candidate lurking in the background. And yes, laugh all you want but watch this space, Butch James might make a hell of a lot of people eat their words come 2006. Like is said, watch this space.

Jean de Villiers was probably one of the disappointments for the year for me. I really rate this guy and always have. But he just did not come to the party quite yet this year. Also, we have discussed the possible reasons for this to death. Let’s just hope he makes us eat our words come 2006, both for the Stormers and the Boks.

With Jean not quite cutting it, Jacques Fourie was also made to look like and ordinary center. But one look at Prozone will tell you, this guy does a moer of a lot of work on the park. His competitiveness at ruck situation is matched by only one guy in the Bok backline, DeWet Barry.

I think we are in a pretty good situation regarding our midfield. We got five guys who can step up on any day and give a million dollar performance. All Jake has to do now, is find the right combination. I have to mention Wayne Julies as well. I was never a fan but the limited game time he got this year for the boks and his union, he has really impressed me. I probably rate him as the best distributor out of the lot. I just wish I could get rid of my fear on his defense though.

The coaches. Well I think we covered them quite a bit in the last couple of days. And I agree, Gert and Coetzee did nothing to impress me or show me we are ready for 2007, and no, I am not looking to far ahead in this regard, our forwards and backs, were disappointing at times throughout the year. Most notably, the tight loose. Will we see a change in this department? Never.

The one good thing about loosing the World Cup bid is that hopefully a lot of influential people will realize that the administration in SARU is up to shit. One thing I believe we will see is Brian van Rooyen get kicked out of SARU and hopefully we will never see him again. Let us hope this investigation is done properly and the bastard and his accomplices will be named and shamed.

They have not given Jake an ounce of support throughout his reign as coach so far. Hell we can be lucky we still have him as a coach after the PE fiasco! I also hope that Jake gets given more power to manage his players. It will be the only way he will be able to take a fresh squad to France, and there will be no excuses.


Posted by: PissAnt at December 3, 2005 11:04 AM

My advice to Jake.

Jake old buddy old pal, nothing would please me more come 2007 to tell Tackler: “4 more years”, so please Jake, listen to what I am telling you.

What you have done with our team in the last 2 years were amazing, truly it was. And I think every single bok supporter would like to thank you from the bottom of our hearts for bringing pride back into bok rugby and making us a respected rugby team again.

However, what you have created so far, won’t win us the World Cup unfortunately, and that is what all this is all about isn’t it?

I know you are under pressure from various groups and individuals, and you cannot always exercise your ideals the way you want to, because of the country we live in and the unique circumstances we find ourselves in as South Africans. So keeping that in mind I think you need to look at the following.

We need a squad capable of beating the best away from home. It is tough, but not impossible. Our defense is still the best in the world, but I think you must teach the guys to adapt the structures a bit in the next year and a half. Maybe combine rush and drift a bit, we got enough time for that so I am sure you will be able to do it.

Although our forwards never really let us down this year, they also have not played to their full potential. I think you have the right guys in there at the moment, but please have a look at Wikus as well. This guy performs year in and year out and never lets his side down, he is a great backup for Juan and Joe/Pedrie. He also brings a new dimension to the line out and is a brilliant runner with ball in hand. So unless Jacques has a stormer next year and Wikus fades, please include him in your squad!

Pakslae Coetsee is a lock, and is a great cover for Bakkies or Vic. Solly must get more game time, rest Schalla, we know what we have in him and we know he will never disappoint the team when he is called upon. But Solly T is low on confidence. Trust him Jake, give him some more game time.

I would have loved to argue a case for Ryno too, but I guess you can only take so many guys in hey. Anycase, if we have a spade of injuries don’t forget Ryno please.

John Smit must rest. Decide on who our number 2 hooker is and give the guy more game time. The captaincy must also be shared amongst the team. What happens if a freak accident suddenly rules out John for the World cup? Are we without a capable leader then? Find a vice captain in the forwards and one in the backs too, and have them gain experience at test level of the pressures of captaincy. This is non negotiable Jake!

Although Danie and Albert give us cover for Vic and Bakkies, we must find 2 more locks. Cause Vic and Bakkies needs time off. And no, I don’t mean relegated to the bench, relegated to the stands watching the game with a cold Castle for a change! Have a look at Van Schouwenberg and Bekker, these youngster have a year and a half to bulk up a bit and gain valuable experience.

In Ricky, Fourie, Bolla, Claasens & De Kock we are pretty much covered in the scrummy department, but re-consider your stance on Davidson please. Yes the git shoots his mouth off at times but what can you expect from a Natalian? He is good, of that there is no doubt, so I suggest a cup of coffee and lay your differences on the table like grown ups. After Ricky and Fourie he is the next best guy. I know you know this so don’t let personal agendas come in the way.

In Pretoors and Jaco we might be okay in the flyhalf department. But like the EOYT showed, tragedy can strike at any time. I believe we have a gem in Bosman, so please stick with him. But I also believe from an experience point of view Jaco should be first choice back up for Percy, hey the dude can kick too. So we need to identify another potential back up for Pretoors. You have mentioned that the other candidates have done nothing to impress you, and I agree, they did not impress me either, but I think you need to sit down with Steyn, Hougaard, DeWaal and Grant and discuss the areas you believe they need to work on. They too, have a year and a half to sort this out. Inviting them to bok training camps wont hurt either

We have 5 gems in our center department. But I believe a couple of them needs a kick up the arse. Give Julies more game time, play a bit with the combinations so come World Cup 2007 any of these 5 guys can slot into any of the two positions with ease.

We need Nokwe and Ndungane and Chavanga to get more game time too. Paulse is also moving on in the years department and these other guys need to build up confidence so come WC 2007, they can be called upon without having to worry about experience.

Jantjes and Jaco should provide sufficient back up for Percy. Like Os and Smit, Percy needs a bit of a breather in 2006. Have faith in these guys and give them a game or 2. Also do not forget about Roets, but lets see if he performs again in the S14 next year.

In CJ, Sephaka, Steenkamp and Andrews we have sufficient cover in the props department. But also have a look at this Botha guy, he seems the real deal and we are not the most blessed in this department as you know. Also don’t forget about a certain Bands okay!

If I may be so bold to suggest a group of players you need to get together from next year onwards, if only for training camps and working with some of these guys in a bok setup please consider the following:

Props:

CJ, Os, Guthro, Botha, Sephaka, Andrews, Pat Barnard, Bands

Hookers:

Smit, Botha, Shimmy, Brits

Locks:

Vic, Bakkies, Pakslae, Albert, Van Schouwenberg, Bekker

Loosies:

Schalla, Joe, Juan, Pedrie, SollyT, Wikus, Jacques, Ryno

Scrummies:

Ricky, FDP, Davidson, Bolla, Claasens, De Kock

Flyhalfs:

Pretoors, Jaco, Bosman, Steyn, Grant, Hougaard, Butch

Centers:

JDV, Fourie, De Wet, Marius, Julies, JP Nel

Wings:

Breytie, Habana, Nokwe, Ndungane, Chavanga, Willemse

Fullbacks:

Monty, Jaco, Jantjes, Roets, Pienaar

It is only a group of 50 players which can be cut down to 35 in 2007 and 26 come world cup.

I think these guys will take us forward.

Good luck and thank you for making us proud supporters again!

If you want to contact me for further insight just post your e-mail address, I will be more than happy to help!


Posted by: PissAnt at December 3, 2005 11:13 AM

This page is powered by Blogger. Isn't yours?

Subscribe to Posts [Atom]