Sunday, February 18, 2007
WEEKLY ARCHIVE : S 14 '007 : WEEK 3
Well this is what the experts had to say about this weekend's game between the Cheetahs and the Waratahs in Kimberley.
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From www.rapport.co.za
17/02/2007 18:49 - (SA)
Cheetahs vat 5!
J.J. HARMSE
Dit was hoes en proes, maar uiteindelik is die Cheetahs die Waratahs se baas.
Die sentrale streekspan het gister hier in ’n snikhete Absa-stadion hul tweede tuis-oorwinning uit twee behaal en vyf punte ingepalm deur die hoog aangeskrewe manne van Sydney met 30-26 te klop.
Maar hoekom sulke harde werk daarvan maak, kan jy vandag die tuisspan afvra.
Daar was net een span op die veld in die eerste helfte, maar wat van dié Cheetahs-span in die tweede helfte geword het, behoort rede tot kommer vir Rassie Erasmus te wees.
Verlede week het die Cheetahs ná ’n skitterende eerste helfte teen die Bulls verwelk en gister was dit weer so.
Dat hulle wel teen een van die beste spanne in die kompetisie kon vasbyt vir ’n roemryke oorwinning, sê egter baie van die wenspan.
Hulle is nog maar babas in die uitmergelendste rugbyreeks ter wêreld en om een van die groot kanonne te klop, is beslis ’n prestasie.
Die Cheetahs was warmer as die 40-grade-Kimberley-son in daardie eerste halfuur. Die Waratahs is al sedert verlede Sondag in die Diamantstad, maar kon nie ’n Cheetahs-aanvaller met ’n kompas vind nie.
Met Ronnie Cooke (sekerlik een van die natuurlikste buite-senters in die land) aan die spits, het die tuisspan kringe om die Aussies genael.
Cooke was by albei die Cheetahs se eerste twee drieë betrokke. Hy het die eerste self gedruk met ’n goeie aanvalshoek en sy sagte hande het Philip Burger vir die tweede deurgejaag.
Nie dat Burger net kon deurdraf nie – daar was nog berge werk voordat Burger met styl kon afrond.
Een ding van dié vleuel/heelagter/akteur, hy het dalk ’n hup te veel in sy stap, maar hy kan hierdie game speel.
Ewe flink in die Cheetahs se aanvanklike oorheersing was Kabamba Floors en Eddie Fredericks.
Die Waratahs het hulle spasie gegee en hulle het dit benut.
Waarom die Cheetahs die hef laat glip het ná die eerste halfuur was deels Waratah-klas, deels Cheetah-laksheid.
Die Waratahs se jong losskakel, Kurtley Beale, is toegelaat om darem te maklik vir hierdie vlak van rugby deur te wals. En toe Ben Jacobs, op sy beste ’n klubsenter in Suid-Afrika, deur die Vrystaatse middeveld stap sonder dat ’n hand op hom gelê is, het die onweerswolke saamgepak.
Kyk, die Noord-Kaap kort reën, maar Kersvader was al in Desember in dié geweste.
Waarom die Cheetahs dus so vrygewig was met die voordeellyn, is onverklaarbaar.
Kyk egter na die groter prentjie. Twee jaar gelede, toe die Waratahs in die eindstryd van die Super-12-gespeel het, het die Cheetahs nog nie eens bestaan nie!
En ’n jaar gelede het die Cheetahs op dieselfde veld skande gemaak deur teen die Western Force – verlede jaar laaste in die Super-14 – te verloor.
Ander Suid-Afrikaanse spanne het met swak rugby daarin geslaag om met oorwinnings weg te kom, maar ten minste het die Cheetahs vir ’n goeie deel van die wedstryd sinvolle rugby gespeel.
Die bonuspunt is binne ’n uur verkry.
Anders as verlede week het die plaasvervangers hierdie keer weinig impak gemaak. Maar dan, die slag is reeds in daardie skitterende eerste halfuur gelewer.
Toegegee, dit was dalk nie die beste vertoning deur die Cheetahs nie, maar wat daarvan? Hulle het gekom vir vyf punte en dit is presies wat die punteleer weerspieël.
Welgedaan, Cheetahs. Die Waratahs is stert tussen die bene hier weg. Wat ’n goeie gevoel.
Punte: Waratahs: Drieë: Kurtley Beale, Ben Jacobs. Doelskoppe: Peter Hewat (2). Strafdoele: Hewat (4).
Cheetahs: Drieë: Ronnie Cooke, Philip Burger, Eddie Fredericks, Juan Smith. Doelskoppe: Meyer Bosman (2). Strafdoel: Bosman. Skepdoel: Herkie Kruger.
17/02/2007 18:49 - (SA)
Cheetahs vat 5!
J.J. HARMSE
Dit was hoes en proes, maar uiteindelik is die Cheetahs die Waratahs se baas.
Die sentrale streekspan het gister hier in ’n snikhete Absa-stadion hul tweede tuis-oorwinning uit twee behaal en vyf punte ingepalm deur die hoog aangeskrewe manne van Sydney met 30-26 te klop.
Maar hoekom sulke harde werk daarvan maak, kan jy vandag die tuisspan afvra.
Daar was net een span op die veld in die eerste helfte, maar wat van dié Cheetahs-span in die tweede helfte geword het, behoort rede tot kommer vir Rassie Erasmus te wees.
Verlede week het die Cheetahs ná ’n skitterende eerste helfte teen die Bulls verwelk en gister was dit weer so.
Dat hulle wel teen een van die beste spanne in die kompetisie kon vasbyt vir ’n roemryke oorwinning, sê egter baie van die wenspan.
Hulle is nog maar babas in die uitmergelendste rugbyreeks ter wêreld en om een van die groot kanonne te klop, is beslis ’n prestasie.
Die Cheetahs was warmer as die 40-grade-Kimberley-son in daardie eerste halfuur. Die Waratahs is al sedert verlede Sondag in die Diamantstad, maar kon nie ’n Cheetahs-aanvaller met ’n kompas vind nie.
Met Ronnie Cooke (sekerlik een van die natuurlikste buite-senters in die land) aan die spits, het die tuisspan kringe om die Aussies genael.
Cooke was by albei die Cheetahs se eerste twee drieë betrokke. Hy het die eerste self gedruk met ’n goeie aanvalshoek en sy sagte hande het Philip Burger vir die tweede deurgejaag.
Nie dat Burger net kon deurdraf nie – daar was nog berge werk voordat Burger met styl kon afrond.
Een ding van dié vleuel/heelagter/akteur, hy het dalk ’n hup te veel in sy stap, maar hy kan hierdie game speel.
Ewe flink in die Cheetahs se aanvanklike oorheersing was Kabamba Floors en Eddie Fredericks.
Die Waratahs het hulle spasie gegee en hulle het dit benut.
Waarom die Cheetahs die hef laat glip het ná die eerste halfuur was deels Waratah-klas, deels Cheetah-laksheid.
Die Waratahs se jong losskakel, Kurtley Beale, is toegelaat om darem te maklik vir hierdie vlak van rugby deur te wals. En toe Ben Jacobs, op sy beste ’n klubsenter in Suid-Afrika, deur die Vrystaatse middeveld stap sonder dat ’n hand op hom gelê is, het die onweerswolke saamgepak.
Kyk, die Noord-Kaap kort reën, maar Kersvader was al in Desember in dié geweste.
Waarom die Cheetahs dus so vrygewig was met die voordeellyn, is onverklaarbaar.
Kyk egter na die groter prentjie. Twee jaar gelede, toe die Waratahs in die eindstryd van die Super-12-gespeel het, het die Cheetahs nog nie eens bestaan nie!
En ’n jaar gelede het die Cheetahs op dieselfde veld skande gemaak deur teen die Western Force – verlede jaar laaste in die Super-14 – te verloor.
Ander Suid-Afrikaanse spanne het met swak rugby daarin geslaag om met oorwinnings weg te kom, maar ten minste het die Cheetahs vir ’n goeie deel van die wedstryd sinvolle rugby gespeel.
Die bonuspunt is binne ’n uur verkry.
Anders as verlede week het die plaasvervangers hierdie keer weinig impak gemaak. Maar dan, die slag is reeds in daardie skitterende eerste halfuur gelewer.
Toegegee, dit was dalk nie die beste vertoning deur die Cheetahs nie, maar wat daarvan? Hulle het gekom vir vyf punte en dit is presies wat die punteleer weerspieël.
Welgedaan, Cheetahs. Die Waratahs is stert tussen die bene hier weg. Wat ’n goeie gevoel.
Punte: Waratahs: Drieë: Kurtley Beale, Ben Jacobs. Doelskoppe: Peter Hewat (2). Strafdoele: Hewat (4).
Cheetahs: Drieë: Ronnie Cooke, Philip Burger, Eddie Fredericks, Juan Smith. Doelskoppe: Meyer Bosman (2). Strafdoel: Bosman. Skepdoel: Herkie Kruger.
from www.rugby365.com
Cheetahs take Kimberley thriller
Saturday 17th February 2007
The Cheetahs went to the top of the standings, maybe just temporarily, after beating the Waratahs 30-26 in a thrilling Round Three Super 14 match at ABSA Park, in Kimberley, on Saturday.
The Waratahs overcame a fierce early Cheetahs onslaught - in which the Cheetahs scored three tries inside the first 18 minutes - and the loss of their captain Phil Waugh (to an ankle injury) inside the first five minute, to come back and almost clinch it at the end.
The Super 14 may not have reached the dizzy heights that have become expected of it in the opening two weeks but this game went some way to rectifying that. It had all the thrills and excitement we have come to expect from the Super 14, albeit with a handful of errors thrown into the mix.
However when both sides are intent on playing such positive rugby with width and pace at every available opportunity errors can be forgiven. Even more so when the advantage played results in a more flowing and open game as was the case more often than not here.
In the early exchanges it seemed as if the Cheetahs would run away with the game, literally, as they spread the ball from one side of the pitch to the other, and back again. The Waratahs struggled to live with the pace of the game, as Phillip Burger exposed them wide early on.
It only took the free running Cheetahs three minutes to open their account with a well worked Ronnie Cooke try under the posts. After the TMO had adjudged Juan Smith to have been held up over the line the Cheetahs struck from the resulting scrum. As Herkie Kruger drifted with the ball in hand he flicked a clever pass back on the inside to Ronnie Cooke who crashed in under the posts for the opening score, but not before the TMO was called upon to confirm the grounding.
If the opening three minutes hadn't signaled the Cheetahs intent then their confidence to run the ball from deep from the restart certainly did. Phillip Burger and Kabamba Floors demonstrated their sevens skills combining down the flank to make easy yards. And it was Burger again who showed a superb turn of pace to cross for the second Cheetahs try after only six minutes.
Moving the ball wide from first phase the Cheetahs exposed the Waratahs out wide as Burger cantered in at the corner after a turn of pace had seen off the cover defence. A collision between the last two Waratah defenders may have been a little fortuitous but it was nothing less than the Cheetahs deserved for their adventure.
Peter Hewat momentarily broke the one sided pattern with a simple penalty goal, but the Cheetahs soon found themselves back in control. Their impressive pack laid the foundations down the right flank with some excellent tight play before Eddie Fredericks coasted over. Fredericks found a huge hole through a ruck and had an easy run to the line for the third Cheetahs try. Meyer Bosman added his second conversion and the Cheetahs were cruising.
They had the chance to wrap up a try bonus point on two occasions as Kabamba Floors made two telling breaks only to find himself with no support. With only a quarter of the game gone and the Cheetahs stamping their authority on the game it seemed as if it could be a very one-sided affair. A scrappy ten minutes of play did little too suggest otherwise, that was before young Kurtley Beale conjured up a piece of individual brilliance.
With nothing seemingly on in the middle of the pitch Beale chipped a flat Cheetahs defensive line and re-gathered in style before diving under the posts for a score that will only add to his already growing reputation. Hewat added the extras and all of a sudden the game took on a different complex.
Herkie Kruger chipped over a clever drop goal as half time rapidly approached before the Waratahs struck again with the final move of the half. Having re-gathered the ball from the restart it was the Waratahs who utilised the width this time before swinging play back into midfield. Ben Jacobs hit a fine angle to burst through a yawning gap and score under the posts. Again Hewat added the extras and at half-time the Waratahs had clawed their way back into a game that had almost passed them by.
The second half was not quite of the break neck pace seen in the first but again both sides showed plenty of adventure. Hewat reduced the gap further with his second penalty as the game evened out further and the Waratahs sensed they could take something from this clash.
But it was the Cheetahs captain Juan Smith who ensured his sides would take at least a try bonus point from the game when his outstretched arm dotted the ball down on the line. Eddie Fredericks had laid the platform for the score with an elusive break before the ball was moved wide to Smith to secure the bonus point.
Bosman and Hewat exchanged penalties in quick succession before Hewat nudged his fourth shot at goal to bring the Waratahs within a try. He had a chance to reduce the deficit to just one point with five minutes left but pushed the simplest of chances just wide of the uprights. It was to prove a telling blow as the Waratahs chased the game late on but the Cheetahs just hung on for a thrilling victory.
Man of the Match: All those who graced this game deserve a mention for the manner in which they approached it but we have gone for Phillip Burger. He was a constant threat to the Waratahs defence and showed superb pace to score his try.
The scorers:
For the Cheetahs:
Tries: Cooke, Burger, Fredericks, Smith
Cons: Bosman 2
Pen: Bosman
DG: Kruger
For the Waratahs:
Tries: Beale, Jacobs
Cons: Hewat 2
Pens: Hewat 4
Teams:
Cheetahs: 15 Phillip Burger, 14 Eddie Fredericks, 13 Marius Joubert, 12 Meyer Bosman, 11 Ronnie Cooke, 10 Herkie Kruger, 9 Falie Oelschig, 8 Darren Nell, 7 Juan Smith Juan (c), 6 Kabamba Floors, 5 Corniel van Zyl, 4 Bian Vermaak, 3 Jannie du Plessis, 2 Adriaan Strauss, 1 Wiaan du Preez
Replacements: 16 Richard Strauss, 17 CJ van der Linde, 18 Henro Scholtz, 19 Ryno van der Merwe, 20 Michael Claassens, 21 Gavin Passens, 22 Tiger Mangweni
Waratahs: 15 Sam Norton-Knight, 14 Peter Hewat, 13 Ben Jacobs, 12 Sam Harris, 11 Lote Tuqiri, 10 Kurtley Beale, 9 Brett Sheehan, 8 Wycliff Palu, 7 Phil Waugh (c), 6 Rocky Elsom, 5 Will Caldwell, 4 Dean Mumm, 3 Al Baxter, 2 Adam Freier, 1 Benn Robinson.
Replacements: 16 Tatafu Polota-Nau, 17 Jeremy Tilse, 18 Tim Davidson, 19 Ben Hand, 20 Josh Valentine, 21 Daniel Halangahu, 22 Morgan Turinui
Referee: Lyndon Bray (New Zealand)
Touch judges: Vinny Munro (New Zealand), Pro Legoete (South Africa)
Television match official: Deon van Blommestein (South Africa)
By Marcus Leach
Cheetahs take Kimberley thriller
Saturday 17th February 2007
The Cheetahs went to the top of the standings, maybe just temporarily, after beating the Waratahs 30-26 in a thrilling Round Three Super 14 match at ABSA Park, in Kimberley, on Saturday.
The Waratahs overcame a fierce early Cheetahs onslaught - in which the Cheetahs scored three tries inside the first 18 minutes - and the loss of their captain Phil Waugh (to an ankle injury) inside the first five minute, to come back and almost clinch it at the end.
The Super 14 may not have reached the dizzy heights that have become expected of it in the opening two weeks but this game went some way to rectifying that. It had all the thrills and excitement we have come to expect from the Super 14, albeit with a handful of errors thrown into the mix.
However when both sides are intent on playing such positive rugby with width and pace at every available opportunity errors can be forgiven. Even more so when the advantage played results in a more flowing and open game as was the case more often than not here.
In the early exchanges it seemed as if the Cheetahs would run away with the game, literally, as they spread the ball from one side of the pitch to the other, and back again. The Waratahs struggled to live with the pace of the game, as Phillip Burger exposed them wide early on.
It only took the free running Cheetahs three minutes to open their account with a well worked Ronnie Cooke try under the posts. After the TMO had adjudged Juan Smith to have been held up over the line the Cheetahs struck from the resulting scrum. As Herkie Kruger drifted with the ball in hand he flicked a clever pass back on the inside to Ronnie Cooke who crashed in under the posts for the opening score, but not before the TMO was called upon to confirm the grounding.
If the opening three minutes hadn't signaled the Cheetahs intent then their confidence to run the ball from deep from the restart certainly did. Phillip Burger and Kabamba Floors demonstrated their sevens skills combining down the flank to make easy yards. And it was Burger again who showed a superb turn of pace to cross for the second Cheetahs try after only six minutes.
Moving the ball wide from first phase the Cheetahs exposed the Waratahs out wide as Burger cantered in at the corner after a turn of pace had seen off the cover defence. A collision between the last two Waratah defenders may have been a little fortuitous but it was nothing less than the Cheetahs deserved for their adventure.
Peter Hewat momentarily broke the one sided pattern with a simple penalty goal, but the Cheetahs soon found themselves back in control. Their impressive pack laid the foundations down the right flank with some excellent tight play before Eddie Fredericks coasted over. Fredericks found a huge hole through a ruck and had an easy run to the line for the third Cheetahs try. Meyer Bosman added his second conversion and the Cheetahs were cruising.
They had the chance to wrap up a try bonus point on two occasions as Kabamba Floors made two telling breaks only to find himself with no support. With only a quarter of the game gone and the Cheetahs stamping their authority on the game it seemed as if it could be a very one-sided affair. A scrappy ten minutes of play did little too suggest otherwise, that was before young Kurtley Beale conjured up a piece of individual brilliance.
With nothing seemingly on in the middle of the pitch Beale chipped a flat Cheetahs defensive line and re-gathered in style before diving under the posts for a score that will only add to his already growing reputation. Hewat added the extras and all of a sudden the game took on a different complex.
Herkie Kruger chipped over a clever drop goal as half time rapidly approached before the Waratahs struck again with the final move of the half. Having re-gathered the ball from the restart it was the Waratahs who utilised the width this time before swinging play back into midfield. Ben Jacobs hit a fine angle to burst through a yawning gap and score under the posts. Again Hewat added the extras and at half-time the Waratahs had clawed their way back into a game that had almost passed them by.
The second half was not quite of the break neck pace seen in the first but again both sides showed plenty of adventure. Hewat reduced the gap further with his second penalty as the game evened out further and the Waratahs sensed they could take something from this clash.
But it was the Cheetahs captain Juan Smith who ensured his sides would take at least a try bonus point from the game when his outstretched arm dotted the ball down on the line. Eddie Fredericks had laid the platform for the score with an elusive break before the ball was moved wide to Smith to secure the bonus point.
Bosman and Hewat exchanged penalties in quick succession before Hewat nudged his fourth shot at goal to bring the Waratahs within a try. He had a chance to reduce the deficit to just one point with five minutes left but pushed the simplest of chances just wide of the uprights. It was to prove a telling blow as the Waratahs chased the game late on but the Cheetahs just hung on for a thrilling victory.
Man of the Match: All those who graced this game deserve a mention for the manner in which they approached it but we have gone for Phillip Burger. He was a constant threat to the Waratahs defence and showed superb pace to score his try.
The scorers:
For the Cheetahs:
Tries: Cooke, Burger, Fredericks, Smith
Cons: Bosman 2
Pen: Bosman
DG: Kruger
For the Waratahs:
Tries: Beale, Jacobs
Cons: Hewat 2
Pens: Hewat 4
Teams:
Cheetahs: 15 Phillip Burger, 14 Eddie Fredericks, 13 Marius Joubert, 12 Meyer Bosman, 11 Ronnie Cooke, 10 Herkie Kruger, 9 Falie Oelschig, 8 Darren Nell, 7 Juan Smith Juan (c), 6 Kabamba Floors, 5 Corniel van Zyl, 4 Bian Vermaak, 3 Jannie du Plessis, 2 Adriaan Strauss, 1 Wiaan du Preez
Replacements: 16 Richard Strauss, 17 CJ van der Linde, 18 Henro Scholtz, 19 Ryno van der Merwe, 20 Michael Claassens, 21 Gavin Passens, 22 Tiger Mangweni
Waratahs: 15 Sam Norton-Knight, 14 Peter Hewat, 13 Ben Jacobs, 12 Sam Harris, 11 Lote Tuqiri, 10 Kurtley Beale, 9 Brett Sheehan, 8 Wycliff Palu, 7 Phil Waugh (c), 6 Rocky Elsom, 5 Will Caldwell, 4 Dean Mumm, 3 Al Baxter, 2 Adam Freier, 1 Benn Robinson.
Replacements: 16 Tatafu Polota-Nau, 17 Jeremy Tilse, 18 Tim Davidson, 19 Ben Hand, 20 Josh Valentine, 21 Daniel Halangahu, 22 Morgan Turinui
Referee: Lyndon Bray (New Zealand)
Touch judges: Vinny Munro (New Zealand), Pro Legoete (South Africa)
Television match official: Deon van Blommestein (South Africa)
By Marcus Leach
from www.news24.com
Cheetahs too fast for Waratahs
17/02/2007 18:50 - (SA)
Cape Town - Central Cheetahs scored three tries inside the first 20 minutes for a 30-26 Super 14 victory over Australia's New South Wales Waratahs in Kimberley on Saturday.
The home team added a bonus point fourth try in the 56th minute, which ensured that they moved to the top of the standings with 10 points after three rounds.
It was the Waratahs' second consecutive defeat in South Africa after a loss against the Sharks a week earlier.
In sweltering 35° heat, the Cheetahs opened the scoring in the third minute through a try from wing Ronnie Cooke, which centre Meyer Bosman converted.
Aussies bounce back
Three minutes later, the home side extended their lead when fullback Phillip Burger scored after a scintillating 50-metre run, which left two Waratahs defenders tackling each other.
By the time right wing Eddie Fredericks scored a third try for the home team in the 18th minute after poor defensive work at a ruck by the visitors, it seemed as if the match was over as a contest.
But the Australians, semi-finalists in 2006, typically bounced back. They had enjoyed the majority of the territory and possession in the opening quarter, but were caught out by the Cheetahs' lightning breaks.
Once the Waratahs found their rhythm though, they clawed their way back.
First, teenage flyhalf Kurtley Beale chipped ahead and collected to score in the 35th minute, which wing Peter Hewat converted to add to his 10th minute penalty.
The Cheetahs briefly extended the lead through a drop-goal from flyhalf Herkie Kruger, but the visitors closed out the half with a second try.
Centre Ben Jacobs barged over the line after an angled run on the stroke of half-time, leaving his team just five points adrift.
Skipper scores
Hewat's second penalty in the 45th minute narrowed the margin.
But, Cheetahs skipper Juan Smith scored the bonus point try 11 minutes later, stretching his two-metre frame to reach the line.
Two more Hewat penalties, one from 54m were not enough to see the Waratahs through, after Bosman landed a 61st-minute penalty.
Cheetahs too fast for Waratahs
17/02/2007 18:50 - (SA)
Cape Town - Central Cheetahs scored three tries inside the first 20 minutes for a 30-26 Super 14 victory over Australia's New South Wales Waratahs in Kimberley on Saturday.
The home team added a bonus point fourth try in the 56th minute, which ensured that they moved to the top of the standings with 10 points after three rounds.
It was the Waratahs' second consecutive defeat in South Africa after a loss against the Sharks a week earlier.
In sweltering 35° heat, the Cheetahs opened the scoring in the third minute through a try from wing Ronnie Cooke, which centre Meyer Bosman converted.
Aussies bounce back
Three minutes later, the home side extended their lead when fullback Phillip Burger scored after a scintillating 50-metre run, which left two Waratahs defenders tackling each other.
By the time right wing Eddie Fredericks scored a third try for the home team in the 18th minute after poor defensive work at a ruck by the visitors, it seemed as if the match was over as a contest.
But the Australians, semi-finalists in 2006, typically bounced back. They had enjoyed the majority of the territory and possession in the opening quarter, but were caught out by the Cheetahs' lightning breaks.
Once the Waratahs found their rhythm though, they clawed their way back.
First, teenage flyhalf Kurtley Beale chipped ahead and collected to score in the 35th minute, which wing Peter Hewat converted to add to his 10th minute penalty.
The Cheetahs briefly extended the lead through a drop-goal from flyhalf Herkie Kruger, but the visitors closed out the half with a second try.
Centre Ben Jacobs barged over the line after an angled run on the stroke of half-time, leaving his team just five points adrift.
Skipper scores
Hewat's second penalty in the 45th minute narrowed the margin.
But, Cheetahs skipper Juan Smith scored the bonus point try 11 minutes later, stretching his two-metre frame to reach the line.
Two more Hewat penalties, one from 54m were not enough to see the Waratahs through, after Bosman landed a 61st-minute penalty.
from www.keo.co.za
Cheetahs put heat on ‘Tahs
Saturday 17 February 2007
The Cheetahs withstood a fierce Waratahs fightback to claim a 30-26 victory in Kimberley.
In temperatures that were more suitable for the beach than Super 14 rugby, the Cheetahs’ first-half tactics were simple: play the game at a high pace, take the ball up the middle, clean out effectively at the rucks and then attack the blindside.
Without Phil Waugh, who injured his left ankle in the first minute, the ‘Tahs were rudderless and lost the breakdown battle. Quick second-phase ball coupled with sharp passing from Noel Oelshig and Herkie Kruger brought the Cheetahs’ back three into play regularly and exposed the ‘Tahs defence out wide. In fact, the Australians seemed surprised by the attacking intent of their opponents, especially in such intense heat.
Despite having just 42% of the ball in the opening quarter, the Cheetahs ran in three excellent tries for a commanding 19-3 lead.
Philip Burger’s selection at fullback was questioned in the pre-match build-up, but he quickly silenced his doubters with a break down the left-hand touchline that resulted in Juan Smith being held up over the tryline. From the resultant scrum, a clever inside pass from Kruger saw Cookie score under the posts.
A few minutes later, Kruger skipped Marius Joubert in midfield and created space outside for Burger, who stepped past Sam Norton-Knight and dived over in the corner.
The ‘Tahs went further behind when the Cheetahs attacked the blindside, and the ball popped up perfectly from a ruck for Eddie Fredericks who took the gap and ran around under the posts.
The second quarter was one of missed opportunities for both sides. Oelshig knocked on just before the tryline, while a forward pass earlier in a ‘Tahs attack saw Kurtley Beale’s try disallowed.
Surprisingly, it was the ‘Tahs who finished the half strongly, scoring 12 points in five minutes.
Beale sparked the comeback with a brilliant individual try, chipping over Floors’s head and snatching the loose ball away from Corniel van Zyl. Kruger then kicked a drop goal, before Ben Jacobs burst through the Cheetahs’ midfield to score a critical five-pointer just after the hooter.
The second half saw a slight change in tactics from the home side, who made far more use of the rolling maul. Twice the ‘Tahs were forced to illegally bring it to ground, although neither penalty cost them points.
The scrum, which had gone so smoothly in the first 40, disintegrated after the interval. Several scrums had to be reset, with Wium du Preez being pinned twice and Al Baxter once for going in at an angle.
The Cheetahs handling let them down badly in the second half, but they did get it right soon after the break when Fredericks took the ball on the switch, and Smith reached over to score a bonus-point try three phases later.
Hewat’s reliable boot clawed the ‘Tahs back to within four points, only for the winger to miss a relative sitter with five minutes remaining. That saw the visitors having to push for a try in the final moments, and when they coughed up possession the Cheetahs wasted no time in booting the ball into touch.
Cheetahs – Tries: Ronnie Cooke, Philip Burger, Eddie Fredericks, Juan Smith. Conversions: Meyer Bosman (2). Penalty: Bosman. Drop goal: Herkie Kruger.
Waratahs – Tries: Kurtley Beale, Ben Jacobs. Conversions: Peter Hewat (2). Penalties: Hewat (4).
By Simon Borchardt
Cheetahs put heat on ‘Tahs
Saturday 17 February 2007
The Cheetahs withstood a fierce Waratahs fightback to claim a 30-26 victory in Kimberley.
In temperatures that were more suitable for the beach than Super 14 rugby, the Cheetahs’ first-half tactics were simple: play the game at a high pace, take the ball up the middle, clean out effectively at the rucks and then attack the blindside.
Without Phil Waugh, who injured his left ankle in the first minute, the ‘Tahs were rudderless and lost the breakdown battle. Quick second-phase ball coupled with sharp passing from Noel Oelshig and Herkie Kruger brought the Cheetahs’ back three into play regularly and exposed the ‘Tahs defence out wide. In fact, the Australians seemed surprised by the attacking intent of their opponents, especially in such intense heat.
Despite having just 42% of the ball in the opening quarter, the Cheetahs ran in three excellent tries for a commanding 19-3 lead.
Philip Burger’s selection at fullback was questioned in the pre-match build-up, but he quickly silenced his doubters with a break down the left-hand touchline that resulted in Juan Smith being held up over the tryline. From the resultant scrum, a clever inside pass from Kruger saw Cookie score under the posts.
A few minutes later, Kruger skipped Marius Joubert in midfield and created space outside for Burger, who stepped past Sam Norton-Knight and dived over in the corner.
The ‘Tahs went further behind when the Cheetahs attacked the blindside, and the ball popped up perfectly from a ruck for Eddie Fredericks who took the gap and ran around under the posts.
The second quarter was one of missed opportunities for both sides. Oelshig knocked on just before the tryline, while a forward pass earlier in a ‘Tahs attack saw Kurtley Beale’s try disallowed.
Surprisingly, it was the ‘Tahs who finished the half strongly, scoring 12 points in five minutes.
Beale sparked the comeback with a brilliant individual try, chipping over Floors’s head and snatching the loose ball away from Corniel van Zyl. Kruger then kicked a drop goal, before Ben Jacobs burst through the Cheetahs’ midfield to score a critical five-pointer just after the hooter.
The second half saw a slight change in tactics from the home side, who made far more use of the rolling maul. Twice the ‘Tahs were forced to illegally bring it to ground, although neither penalty cost them points.
The scrum, which had gone so smoothly in the first 40, disintegrated after the interval. Several scrums had to be reset, with Wium du Preez being pinned twice and Al Baxter once for going in at an angle.
The Cheetahs handling let them down badly in the second half, but they did get it right soon after the break when Fredericks took the ball on the switch, and Smith reached over to score a bonus-point try three phases later.
Hewat’s reliable boot clawed the ‘Tahs back to within four points, only for the winger to miss a relative sitter with five minutes remaining. That saw the visitors having to push for a try in the final moments, and when they coughed up possession the Cheetahs wasted no time in booting the ball into touch.
Cheetahs – Tries: Ronnie Cooke, Philip Burger, Eddie Fredericks, Juan Smith. Conversions: Meyer Bosman (2). Penalty: Bosman. Drop goal: Herkie Kruger.
Waratahs – Tries: Kurtley Beale, Ben Jacobs. Conversions: Peter Hewat (2). Penalties: Hewat (4).
By Simon Borchardt
from www.nswrugby.com.au
HSBC Waratahs Lose Battle and Waugh against Cheetahs
Sunday, 18 February 2007
NSWRU Media Unit
The HSBC Waratahs have ended their three-match tour of South Africa on a low, losing skipper Phil Waugh to an ankle injury en route to a 30-26 loss to the Cheetahs in Kimberley.
Phil Waugh is helped from the field in Kimberley
Phil Waugh is helped from the field in Kimberley
Phil Waugh is helped from the field in Kimberley
Flyhalf Kurtley Beale gets his pass away in his starting debut in Kimberley
Flyhalf Kurtley Beale gets his pass away in his starting debut in Kimberley
Flyhalf Kurtley Beale gets his pass away in his starting debut in Kimberley
Tough Defence ... Brett Sheehan shows how it's done
Tough Defence ... Brett Sheehan shows how it's done
Tough Defence ... Brett Sheehan shows how it's done
Played in steamy conditions, the opening 20 minutes of the match were disastrous for the visitors, who lost Waugh to an ankle injury in the first minute of play.
They then conceded three tries in 18 minutes to trail by 19 points to 3 with just a quarter of the match gone.
The Cheetahs first try came after four minutes, with winger Ronnie Cooke barging his way over from close range one phase after Juan Smith was held up over the line.
The home side’s second came almost from the restart, fullback Phillip Burger showing a neat turn of pace before touching down out wide to make it 12-nil after six minutes.
A Peter Hewat penalty got the Waratahs on the scoreboard however the joy would prove short lived, winger Eddie Fredericks popping up to score the Cheetahs third try on 19 minutes for a 19-3 lead.
The Waratahs managed to regain their composure in the lead up to half time and converted it into points through to a try to teenage flyhalf Kurtley Beale.
Beale bagged his maiden Super 14 try in his first starting appearance, chipping over the Cheetahs defence before regathering and racing away to score beside the posts.
Hewat’s conversion ensured the Waratahs remained in touch at 19-10.
The Cheetahs stretched their lead through a dropped goal to flyhalf Herkie Kruger one minute before half time, however Waratahs centre Ben Jacobs would finish the scoring for the half, picking up his side’s second try after the siren sounded.
The Waratahs, having secured the ball from the restart, sent it wide and Jacobs made the most of the opportunity, running a neat line to stroll over almost untouched.
Hewat converted to reduce the Cheetahs lead to 22-17 at the break.
The winger nudged the visitors even closer with a penalty shortly after half time, however the Cheetahs lead would be stretched again soon after when Smith, in the midst of a man of the match winning performance, touched down out wide to secure his side a four try bonus point.
Two more Hewat penalty goals – the second from 52 metres out – coupled with one to Bosman took the score along to where it finished at 30-26, and yet despite finishing full of attack the Waratahs could not score the try they needed to take victory.
The loss means the Waratahs finish their three-match tour of the Republic with five competition points, through a win over the Lions in week one and a bonus point from today’s match.
On the plus side for the Waratahs Beale, scrumhalf Brett Sheehan and lock Dean Mumm all performed well after being handed their starting debuts for this match.
Young prop Jeremy Tilse also won his Super 14 debut late in the game after coming on as a replacement for Benn Robinson.
The Waratahs return home on Tuesday afternoon (AEDT) ahead of a week four bye, their next match is against the Western Force at Aussie Stadium on Friday 2 March.
HSBC WARATAHS – 26
Tries: Kurtley Beale, Ben Jacobs
Conversions: Peter Hewat 2/2
Penalties: Peter Hewat 4/5
Dropped Goals: Peter Hewat 0/1
CHEETAHS – 30
Tries: Ronnie Cooke, Phillip Burger, Eddie Fredericks, Juan Smith
Conversions: Meyer Bosman 2/4
Penalties: Meyer Bosman 1/1
Dropped Goals: Herkie Kruger 1/1, Phillip Burger 0/1
At the ABSA Park Stadium, Kimberley
Crowd: 15,000 (Approx.)
Man of the Match: Juan Smith (Cheetahs)
Referee: Lyndon Bray (NZ)
HSBC Waratahs Lose Battle and Waugh against Cheetahs
Sunday, 18 February 2007
NSWRU Media Unit
The HSBC Waratahs have ended their three-match tour of South Africa on a low, losing skipper Phil Waugh to an ankle injury en route to a 30-26 loss to the Cheetahs in Kimberley.
Phil Waugh is helped from the field in Kimberley
Phil Waugh is helped from the field in Kimberley
Phil Waugh is helped from the field in Kimberley
Flyhalf Kurtley Beale gets his pass away in his starting debut in Kimberley
Flyhalf Kurtley Beale gets his pass away in his starting debut in Kimberley
Flyhalf Kurtley Beale gets his pass away in his starting debut in Kimberley
Tough Defence ... Brett Sheehan shows how it's done
Tough Defence ... Brett Sheehan shows how it's done
Tough Defence ... Brett Sheehan shows how it's done
Played in steamy conditions, the opening 20 minutes of the match were disastrous for the visitors, who lost Waugh to an ankle injury in the first minute of play.
They then conceded three tries in 18 minutes to trail by 19 points to 3 with just a quarter of the match gone.
The Cheetahs first try came after four minutes, with winger Ronnie Cooke barging his way over from close range one phase after Juan Smith was held up over the line.
The home side’s second came almost from the restart, fullback Phillip Burger showing a neat turn of pace before touching down out wide to make it 12-nil after six minutes.
A Peter Hewat penalty got the Waratahs on the scoreboard however the joy would prove short lived, winger Eddie Fredericks popping up to score the Cheetahs third try on 19 minutes for a 19-3 lead.
The Waratahs managed to regain their composure in the lead up to half time and converted it into points through to a try to teenage flyhalf Kurtley Beale.
Beale bagged his maiden Super 14 try in his first starting appearance, chipping over the Cheetahs defence before regathering and racing away to score beside the posts.
Hewat’s conversion ensured the Waratahs remained in touch at 19-10.
The Cheetahs stretched their lead through a dropped goal to flyhalf Herkie Kruger one minute before half time, however Waratahs centre Ben Jacobs would finish the scoring for the half, picking up his side’s second try after the siren sounded.
The Waratahs, having secured the ball from the restart, sent it wide and Jacobs made the most of the opportunity, running a neat line to stroll over almost untouched.
Hewat converted to reduce the Cheetahs lead to 22-17 at the break.
The winger nudged the visitors even closer with a penalty shortly after half time, however the Cheetahs lead would be stretched again soon after when Smith, in the midst of a man of the match winning performance, touched down out wide to secure his side a four try bonus point.
Two more Hewat penalty goals – the second from 52 metres out – coupled with one to Bosman took the score along to where it finished at 30-26, and yet despite finishing full of attack the Waratahs could not score the try they needed to take victory.
The loss means the Waratahs finish their three-match tour of the Republic with five competition points, through a win over the Lions in week one and a bonus point from today’s match.
On the plus side for the Waratahs Beale, scrumhalf Brett Sheehan and lock Dean Mumm all performed well after being handed their starting debuts for this match.
Young prop Jeremy Tilse also won his Super 14 debut late in the game after coming on as a replacement for Benn Robinson.
The Waratahs return home on Tuesday afternoon (AEDT) ahead of a week four bye, their next match is against the Western Force at Aussie Stadium on Friday 2 March.
HSBC WARATAHS – 26
Tries: Kurtley Beale, Ben Jacobs
Conversions: Peter Hewat 2/2
Penalties: Peter Hewat 4/5
Dropped Goals: Peter Hewat 0/1
CHEETAHS – 30
Tries: Ronnie Cooke, Phillip Burger, Eddie Fredericks, Juan Smith
Conversions: Meyer Bosman 2/4
Penalties: Meyer Bosman 1/1
Dropped Goals: Herkie Kruger 1/1, Phillip Burger 0/1
At the ABSA Park Stadium, Kimberley
Crowd: 15,000 (Approx.)
Man of the Match: Juan Smith (Cheetahs)
Referee: Lyndon Bray (NZ)
from www.ruggaworld.com
Cheetahs Pounce On Tahs
Categories: Super 14 - Posted by Rasputin @ 12:30 am February 18, 2007
The Cheetahs continued their good start to the Rebel Sport Super 14 with a 30-26 bonus point win over the Waratahs in Kimberley on Sunday (NZ time).
The Cheetahs went to the top of the table with this victory [at the time], their second after three rounds of the championship, while the Waratahs, semifinalists last year, leave the republic with one win from three matches.
The Cheetahs scored three tries inside the first 20 minutes to set up this win and added a bonus point fourth try in the 56th minute to take the championshiplead.
In sweltering 35-degree heat the Cheetahs opened the scoring in the third minute through a try from wing Ronnie Cooke, which centre Meyer Bosman converted.
Three minutes later the home side extended their lead when fullback Phillip Burger scored after a scintillating 50-metre run, which left two Waratahs defenders tackling each other.
By the time right wing Eddie Fredericks scored a third try for the home team in the 18th minute after poor defensive work at a ruck by the visitors, it seemed as if the match was over as a contest.
But the Australians, semi-finalists in 2006, typically bounced back. They had enjoyed the majority of the territory and possession in the opening quarter, but were caught out by the Cheetahs lightning breaks.
Once the Waratahs found their rhythm though, they clawed their way back.
First teenage flyhalf Kurtley Beale chipped ahead and collected to score in the 35th minute, which wing Peter Hewat converted to add to his 10th minute penalty.
The Cheetahs briefly extended the lead through a drop-goal from flyhalf Herkie Kruger, but the visitors closed out the half with a second try.
Centre Ben Jacobs barged over the line after an angled run on the stroke of halftime, leaving his team just five points adrift.
Hewat’s second penalty in the 45th minute narrowed the gap. But Cheetahs skipper Juan Smith scored the bonus point try 11 minutes later, stretching his two-metre frame [not quite but hey, what the hell] to reach the line.
Two more Hewat penalties, one from 54-metres, were not enough to see the Waratahs through, after Bosman landed a 61st minute penalty.
Cheetahs 30: Ronnie Cooke, Phillip Burger, Eddie Fredericks, Juan Smith tries. Meyer Bosman 2 con, pen; Herkie Kruger dg.
Waratahs 26: Kurtley Beale, Ben Jacobs tries; Peter Hewat 2 con, 4 pen.
HT: 22-17.
Reuters
Cheetahs Pounce On Tahs
Categories: Super 14 - Posted by Rasputin @ 12:30 am February 18, 2007
The Cheetahs continued their good start to the Rebel Sport Super 14 with a 30-26 bonus point win over the Waratahs in Kimberley on Sunday (NZ time).
The Cheetahs went to the top of the table with this victory [at the time], their second after three rounds of the championship, while the Waratahs, semifinalists last year, leave the republic with one win from three matches.
The Cheetahs scored three tries inside the first 20 minutes to set up this win and added a bonus point fourth try in the 56th minute to take the championshiplead.
In sweltering 35-degree heat the Cheetahs opened the scoring in the third minute through a try from wing Ronnie Cooke, which centre Meyer Bosman converted.
Three minutes later the home side extended their lead when fullback Phillip Burger scored after a scintillating 50-metre run, which left two Waratahs defenders tackling each other.
By the time right wing Eddie Fredericks scored a third try for the home team in the 18th minute after poor defensive work at a ruck by the visitors, it seemed as if the match was over as a contest.
But the Australians, semi-finalists in 2006, typically bounced back. They had enjoyed the majority of the territory and possession in the opening quarter, but were caught out by the Cheetahs lightning breaks.
Once the Waratahs found their rhythm though, they clawed their way back.
First teenage flyhalf Kurtley Beale chipped ahead and collected to score in the 35th minute, which wing Peter Hewat converted to add to his 10th minute penalty.
The Cheetahs briefly extended the lead through a drop-goal from flyhalf Herkie Kruger, but the visitors closed out the half with a second try.
Centre Ben Jacobs barged over the line after an angled run on the stroke of halftime, leaving his team just five points adrift.
Hewat’s second penalty in the 45th minute narrowed the gap. But Cheetahs skipper Juan Smith scored the bonus point try 11 minutes later, stretching his two-metre frame [not quite but hey, what the hell] to reach the line.
Two more Hewat penalties, one from 54-metres, were not enough to see the Waratahs through, after Bosman landed a 61st minute penalty.
Cheetahs 30: Ronnie Cooke, Phillip Burger, Eddie Fredericks, Juan Smith tries. Meyer Bosman 2 con, pen; Herkie Kruger dg.
Waratahs 26: Kurtley Beale, Ben Jacobs tries; Peter Hewat 2 con, 4 pen.
HT: 22-17.
Reuters
Ok this one is more generalist but still av ery gOOde read
www.sarugbyview.blogspot.com
Friday, February 16, 2007
Stormers guilty of the biggest problem in South African rugby
JeanDeVilliersStormersVsChiefs2007
Jean de Villiers pickpockets another intercept try Photo: Getty Images
South African rugby has many issues that need to be addressed. Among those issues, one can debate cause and effect. But the biggest single issue is the speed of second phase ball.
As I said one can debate cause and effect. For sure, slow ruck ball is often a result of poor commitment and cleaning out at the breakdown. It might also be caused by the set up of the ruck or maul - poor choice of field position for the ruck / maul engagement can also be the source of the problem. And most often it is likely due to poor protection of the ball allowing opponents to slow down recycling.
It is delightful that the Stormers carded a win on their third attempt of the Super 14 season. But in truth, the Chiefs were not the strongest competition.
Against better sides with stiff ruck and maul competition, the Stormers will again look like the side we saw over the last two weeks. Their backs will look innocuous and their flyhalf will look flatfooted.
So whether the Stormers improved showing was due to the wholesale changes in personnel or the quality of opposition is debatable.
That said, Peter Grant very good. He was more direct as Kobus van der Merwe promised. He started his kicking duties with aplomb before falling away later. After working well in the inside centre position with Naas Olivier on his inside, his delayed return to the side from injury was overdue. It is still my opinion that Grant offers more at inside centre than Jean de Villiers.
De Villiers was better tonight though. He held his line on defence and looked more of a factor on attack. He snaffled a trademark intercept to score a runaway try that ultimately took the game away from the Chiefs. If he can increase his levels of commitment, I'd like to see him outside Grant at 13.
Wholesale changes may have accounted for the 20 missed tackles from the Stormers. It must have been very difficult to organise and entirely new line on defence. However, the figure is unacceptable and the Stormers were lucky not to leak more tries than the one resulting from a missed Corne Uys effort.
Getting back to that slow ball, a further reason for it was the service of JP Joubert. He takes a step on every pass from the base. Placing the front foot down the line of the pass is fine. Stepping with your back foot before passing delays the pass substantially. It's a flaw in technique that should have been corrected at schoolboy level and was the subject of frustration when observed by Doc Craven. He apparently remarked that if the scrummie took a step, the delay worked its way through the line leaving outside backs no chance at all.
Lastly with regard to the backs, I thought Brent Russell looked innocuous at full back. He played in the flyhalf channel enough to allow for glimpses of form. There didn't seem to be much. Is he overrated or have years of benchtime blunted one of South Africa's deadliest attackers?
In the scrum, the Stormers looked poor. Proving that dominant scrumming is often due more to technique rather than weight, the Stormers often looked shaky on their own ball. Brock Harris looked good but JD Moller looked to struggle with his bind. Behind him, the tight five couldn't have been helped with three loosies waiting to break rather than contributing to the shove.
In the loose, Harris and Gerrie Brits were outstanding in their contribution to tackles and cleaning. Bekker looked a much better player too. Letting the side down was Tiaan Liebenberg whose line-out throwing was putrid.
Schalk Burger had a tough day at the office due to some shocking refereeing. He was first pinged for playing a player in the ruck while off his feet. Replays showed it was Brock Harris AND he was on his feet. It happened directly in front of the referee. It began Burger's vocal dissatisfaction. Burger's third offence was for bringing down a maul. Replays showed him knocked off his feet and the maul falling over him. His indignation at the yellow card almost resulted in a red. I hope Paul Marx is censured for an unacceptable level of refereeing. But Schalk Burger needs to keep his temper.
So a lot for the Stormers to work on. They'll be missing that offer of Frederico Mendez to help as a scrum coach. They should never have turned that down. They will also have to focus on ball protection and cleaning at ruck and maul time. They don't need any specialist coach for that.
Labels: 2007, Chiefs, Stormers, Super 1
www.sarugbyview.blogspot.com
Friday, February 16, 2007
Stormers guilty of the biggest problem in South African rugby
JeanDeVilliersStormersVsChiefs2007
Jean de Villiers pickpockets another intercept try Photo: Getty Images
South African rugby has many issues that need to be addressed. Among those issues, one can debate cause and effect. But the biggest single issue is the speed of second phase ball.
As I said one can debate cause and effect. For sure, slow ruck ball is often a result of poor commitment and cleaning out at the breakdown. It might also be caused by the set up of the ruck or maul - poor choice of field position for the ruck / maul engagement can also be the source of the problem. And most often it is likely due to poor protection of the ball allowing opponents to slow down recycling.
It is delightful that the Stormers carded a win on their third attempt of the Super 14 season. But in truth, the Chiefs were not the strongest competition.
Against better sides with stiff ruck and maul competition, the Stormers will again look like the side we saw over the last two weeks. Their backs will look innocuous and their flyhalf will look flatfooted.
So whether the Stormers improved showing was due to the wholesale changes in personnel or the quality of opposition is debatable.
That said, Peter Grant very good. He was more direct as Kobus van der Merwe promised. He started his kicking duties with aplomb before falling away later. After working well in the inside centre position with Naas Olivier on his inside, his delayed return to the side from injury was overdue. It is still my opinion that Grant offers more at inside centre than Jean de Villiers.
De Villiers was better tonight though. He held his line on defence and looked more of a factor on attack. He snaffled a trademark intercept to score a runaway try that ultimately took the game away from the Chiefs. If he can increase his levels of commitment, I'd like to see him outside Grant at 13.
Wholesale changes may have accounted for the 20 missed tackles from the Stormers. It must have been very difficult to organise and entirely new line on defence. However, the figure is unacceptable and the Stormers were lucky not to leak more tries than the one resulting from a missed Corne Uys effort.
Getting back to that slow ball, a further reason for it was the service of JP Joubert. He takes a step on every pass from the base. Placing the front foot down the line of the pass is fine. Stepping with your back foot before passing delays the pass substantially. It's a flaw in technique that should have been corrected at schoolboy level and was the subject of frustration when observed by Doc Craven. He apparently remarked that if the scrummie took a step, the delay worked its way through the line leaving outside backs no chance at all.
Lastly with regard to the backs, I thought Brent Russell looked innocuous at full back. He played in the flyhalf channel enough to allow for glimpses of form. There didn't seem to be much. Is he overrated or have years of benchtime blunted one of South Africa's deadliest attackers?
In the scrum, the Stormers looked poor. Proving that dominant scrumming is often due more to technique rather than weight, the Stormers often looked shaky on their own ball. Brock Harris looked good but JD Moller looked to struggle with his bind. Behind him, the tight five couldn't have been helped with three loosies waiting to break rather than contributing to the shove.
In the loose, Harris and Gerrie Brits were outstanding in their contribution to tackles and cleaning. Bekker looked a much better player too. Letting the side down was Tiaan Liebenberg whose line-out throwing was putrid.
Schalk Burger had a tough day at the office due to some shocking refereeing. He was first pinged for playing a player in the ruck while off his feet. Replays showed it was Brock Harris AND he was on his feet. It happened directly in front of the referee. It began Burger's vocal dissatisfaction. Burger's third offence was for bringing down a maul. Replays showed him knocked off his feet and the maul falling over him. His indignation at the yellow card almost resulted in a red. I hope Paul Marx is censured for an unacceptable level of refereeing. But Schalk Burger needs to keep his temper.
So a lot for the Stormers to work on. They'll be missing that offer of Frederico Mendez to help as a scrum coach. They should never have turned that down. They will also have to focus on ball protection and cleaning at ruck and maul time. They don't need any specialist coach for that.
Labels: 2007, Chiefs, Stormers, Super 1
Eish I posted the wrong post from Stormsaam
Here is the right one
Sunday, February 04, 2007
More of the same?
So we're off in the 2007 Super 14. We're all wondering whether the SA teams will finally compete again and praying that we'll have a team to cheer to a final win.
Do our teams have the same level of desire and ambition?
Well, with the exception of a fine effort from the Sharks pack, it could be more of the same.
I didn't see the Lions match on Friday. I'm told that despite another change in coach, Tim Lane's cry is still unanswered: the coach has still not received 15 guys who can tackle. Let's hope things change. Most people would like to see Loffie Eloff achieve some success.
Onto the local derbies. Much elation should accompany the Sharks win. They have possibly the best SA draw ever. Beating the Bulls is more than a home win - it shows they can gain ascendency in the tight phases and if one thing this weekend has proved for the umpteenth time that its very difficult to win if you can't mix it up with the big boys.
Sadly, the handling dished up by the Bulls and the Sharks was putrid. Let's be honest - rugby is a game often played in pouring rain and Durban humidity might be awful, but it's not a downpour. You'd be forgiven for having thought so when considering 39 unforced errors. That's got to change if either of these two teams are going to go all the way this year.
I must say, despite the claims of forthcoming "total rugby" from the Bulls, I battled to see the signs. It's looked like the same brand to me. And with that brand, the team seems clueless whenever their intimidatory, physical style fails to knock over their opponents.
I thought there was a lack of standout players on both sides, but kudos to the Sharks pack. They laid the platform well.
The opposite can be said for the Stormers light five. Yes, the jokes are well-placed. The Stormers lesson was most authoritatively given by Professor Ollie le Roux. I may not know much about front-row play, but even I could see the working over Ollie gave Eddie Andrews and Brock Harris. He played the ref well and had Andrews alternatively pinged for scrumming inwards and losing the bind. Camera work showed Ollie's role.
Despite the absence of Barend Pieterse, the Free State team looked good in the lineouts, and with the lack of go-forward, the much vaunted Stormers loose trio lacked any platform to build on. Clearly the backs were to suffer far more of the same, and Brent Russell would have suffered from the same static ball that Naas Olivier received. Both the Stormers and the Cheetahs should be applauded for their defence - it was resolute and attrition resulted in the Cheetahs points.
An exception is Jean de Villiers. He was awful in every aspect. He rushed off his line on defence, and generally walked around looking for an opportunity to score a runaway try. On one occasion he had the mark on Philip Burger and gave up immediately the flyer received the ball. Gio Aplon made the try-saving cover tackle.
The jury will be out on the "left-right" experiment with Luke Watson and Schalk Burger. I still have a suspicion that Schalk's true position is eighth man. I'd like to see Joe van Niekerk on the blind, Schalk at the back and Luke on the open side. I think you allow each to exploit the strengths to the full.
Of course I'm biased, but there must be some Cheetahs supporters who'd also like to knee-cap Philip Burger. His theatrics after a late brush from Schalk Burger ended abruptly on the award of a yellow card. We don't need soccer performances on a rugby field. He tends to milk the ref, the crowd and the opposition at every opportunity. He must have had some big friends at school...
Will the Cheetahs be able to beat the best? It will depend on whether they can play the total game. They have the ingredients - a strong tight-five, good defence, good tactics, under-sung loosies and a promising backline. Even Marius Joubert could come good for them. I wonder if they lack a dominating flyhalf? I'd prefer to see Meyer Bosman given an extended run there. We'll have to see.
Here is the right one
Sunday, February 04, 2007
More of the same?
So we're off in the 2007 Super 14. We're all wondering whether the SA teams will finally compete again and praying that we'll have a team to cheer to a final win.
Do our teams have the same level of desire and ambition?
Well, with the exception of a fine effort from the Sharks pack, it could be more of the same.
I didn't see the Lions match on Friday. I'm told that despite another change in coach, Tim Lane's cry is still unanswered: the coach has still not received 15 guys who can tackle. Let's hope things change. Most people would like to see Loffie Eloff achieve some success.
Onto the local derbies. Much elation should accompany the Sharks win. They have possibly the best SA draw ever. Beating the Bulls is more than a home win - it shows they can gain ascendency in the tight phases and if one thing this weekend has proved for the umpteenth time that its very difficult to win if you can't mix it up with the big boys.
Sadly, the handling dished up by the Bulls and the Sharks was putrid. Let's be honest - rugby is a game often played in pouring rain and Durban humidity might be awful, but it's not a downpour. You'd be forgiven for having thought so when considering 39 unforced errors. That's got to change if either of these two teams are going to go all the way this year.
I must say, despite the claims of forthcoming "total rugby" from the Bulls, I battled to see the signs. It's looked like the same brand to me. And with that brand, the team seems clueless whenever their intimidatory, physical style fails to knock over their opponents.
I thought there was a lack of standout players on both sides, but kudos to the Sharks pack. They laid the platform well.
The opposite can be said for the Stormers light five. Yes, the jokes are well-placed. The Stormers lesson was most authoritatively given by Professor Ollie le Roux. I may not know much about front-row play, but even I could see the working over Ollie gave Eddie Andrews and Brock Harris. He played the ref well and had Andrews alternatively pinged for scrumming inwards and losing the bind. Camera work showed Ollie's role.
Despite the absence of Barend Pieterse, the Free State team looked good in the lineouts, and with the lack of go-forward, the much vaunted Stormers loose trio lacked any platform to build on. Clearly the backs were to suffer far more of the same, and Brent Russell would have suffered from the same static ball that Naas Olivier received. Both the Stormers and the Cheetahs should be applauded for their defence - it was resolute and attrition resulted in the Cheetahs points.
An exception is Jean de Villiers. He was awful in every aspect. He rushed off his line on defence, and generally walked around looking for an opportunity to score a runaway try. On one occasion he had the mark on Philip Burger and gave up immediately the flyer received the ball. Gio Aplon made the try-saving cover tackle.
The jury will be out on the "left-right" experiment with Luke Watson and Schalk Burger. I still have a suspicion that Schalk's true position is eighth man. I'd like to see Joe van Niekerk on the blind, Schalk at the back and Luke on the open side. I think you allow each to exploit the strengths to the full.
Of course I'm biased, but there must be some Cheetahs supporters who'd also like to knee-cap Philip Burger. His theatrics after a late brush from Schalk Burger ended abruptly on the award of a yellow card. We don't need soccer performances on a rugby field. He tends to milk the ref, the crowd and the opposition at every opportunity. He must have had some big friends at school...
Will the Cheetahs be able to beat the best? It will depend on whether they can play the total game. They have the ingredients - a strong tight-five, good defence, good tactics, under-sung loosies and a promising backline. Even Marius Joubert could come good for them. I wonder if they lack a dominating flyhalf? I'd prefer to see Meyer Bosman given an extended run there. We'll have to see.
Waratahs vol klagtes ná slae
Feb 19 2007 11:28:40:033PM - (SA)
Vicus Bürger en Hendrik Cronjé
KIMBERLEY se warm son het die besoekende Australiese Super 14-rugbyspan, die Waratahs, Saterdag rooi van woede gebrand.
Die Vodacom-Cheetahs se sege van 30-26 het beslis ook nie as ’n sonbeskermer gedien nie, want die Waratahs was gister siedend die josie in.
Dit lyk nou asof die Aussies so suur oor dié nederlaag is dat hulle gister vier amptelike klagtes teen die Cheetahs by Sansar ingedien het. Hoewel die Cheetahs gister ernstig oor die klagtes berispe is, hoort dit waarskynlik eerder in een van Leon Schuster se komedie-rolprente.
Beoordeel die klagtes liewer self:
# Valskermspringers wat voor die wedstryd tussen die spelers van die Waratahs geland het. Lote Tuqiri, vleuel van die Waratahs, sê hy het vir sy lewe gevrees;
# Die Harley Davidson-motorfietse van die Cheetahs wat tydens die opwarmingsessie van die Waratahs glo te naby aan die besoekende spelers gery het;
# Lemoentyd wat glo net langer as 12 minute was en nie die gebruiklike tien minute nie;
# En die Waratahs wat glo net drie kaste water gekry het en baie meer vir die hitte wou hê.
Mnr. Ewen McKenzie, afrigter van die Waratahs, het aan www.rugbyheaven.com.au gesê hy glo die Cheetahs sal slegs “op die vingers getik word”.
“Dit was uiters frustrerend. Ons het nie van die valskermspringers geweet totdat dit ’n bedreiging vir ons ingehou het nie,” sê die Waratah-breier.
Asof dít nie reeds genoeg is om die lagspiere te prikkel nie, word die Cheetah-gelukbringer daarvan beskuldig dat hy die Waratah-fisioterapeut, Stuart Pavely, ’n opstopper gegee het.
Dié gelukbringer sê dit was nie ’n opstopper nie.
“Ek het omgedraai en per ongeluk in hom vasgeloop. Ek het hom glad nie gesien nie,” sê hy.
Die Cheetah het Pavely met ’n handgebaar om verskoning gevra en dit was nie ernstig nie.
Die Vrystaatse Rugbyunie (VRU) het Volksblad versoek om nie die naam van die man in die Cheetah-gewaad bekend te maak nie.
News24 het gisteroggend berig die gelukbringer het Pavely ’n hou agter die kop gegee. Pavely het die voorval as ’n ongeluk beskou en skertsend aan News24 gesê: “Ek het daarna nie baie lekker gevoel nie.”
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Feb 19 2007 11:28:40:033PM - (SA)
Vicus Bürger en Hendrik Cronjé
KIMBERLEY se warm son het die besoekende Australiese Super 14-rugbyspan, die Waratahs, Saterdag rooi van woede gebrand.
Die Vodacom-Cheetahs se sege van 30-26 het beslis ook nie as ’n sonbeskermer gedien nie, want die Waratahs was gister siedend die josie in.
Dit lyk nou asof die Aussies so suur oor dié nederlaag is dat hulle gister vier amptelike klagtes teen die Cheetahs by Sansar ingedien het. Hoewel die Cheetahs gister ernstig oor die klagtes berispe is, hoort dit waarskynlik eerder in een van Leon Schuster se komedie-rolprente.
Beoordeel die klagtes liewer self:
# Valskermspringers wat voor die wedstryd tussen die spelers van die Waratahs geland het. Lote Tuqiri, vleuel van die Waratahs, sê hy het vir sy lewe gevrees;
# Die Harley Davidson-motorfietse van die Cheetahs wat tydens die opwarmingsessie van die Waratahs glo te naby aan die besoekende spelers gery het;
# Lemoentyd wat glo net langer as 12 minute was en nie die gebruiklike tien minute nie;
# En die Waratahs wat glo net drie kaste water gekry het en baie meer vir die hitte wou hê.
Mnr. Ewen McKenzie, afrigter van die Waratahs, het aan www.rugbyheaven.com.au gesê hy glo die Cheetahs sal slegs “op die vingers getik word”.
“Dit was uiters frustrerend. Ons het nie van die valskermspringers geweet totdat dit ’n bedreiging vir ons ingehou het nie,” sê die Waratah-breier.
Asof dít nie reeds genoeg is om die lagspiere te prikkel nie, word die Cheetah-gelukbringer daarvan beskuldig dat hy die Waratah-fisioterapeut, Stuart Pavely, ’n opstopper gegee het.
Dié gelukbringer sê dit was nie ’n opstopper nie.
“Ek het omgedraai en per ongeluk in hom vasgeloop. Ek het hom glad nie gesien nie,” sê hy.
Die Cheetah het Pavely met ’n handgebaar om verskoning gevra en dit was nie ernstig nie.
Die Vrystaatse Rugbyunie (VRU) het Volksblad versoek om nie die naam van die man in die Cheetah-gewaad bekend te maak nie.
News24 het gisteroggend berig die gelukbringer het Pavely ’n hou agter die kop gegee. Pavely het die voorval as ’n ongeluk beskou en skertsend aan News24 gesê: “Ek het daarna nie baie lekker gevoel nie.”
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