This is the first of a series of articles on the SA Franchises that I am going to place in preparation for the 2010 Super 14 competition, being the last of its kind before the evil conference system takes over in 2011.
Obviously everyone posting here is an expert. Whether that expertise lies in rugby we will find out during the course of the season, so I have taken it upon myself to give everyone a breakdown of the contenders, unbiased of course, a reminder of who’s who in the showpiece of Southern Hemisphere rugby, especially for my esteemed light-blue colleagues in the Pretoria-Clan, yes boys, there are other teams competing in the Super 14 as well.
WARNING: The following article might lead to excessive bantering, differences of opinion and hopefully, legitimate arguments. If there is a problem with this, please do not read any further.
The Saint’s Super Showdown
The Cheetahs
Yes, they exist, seriously, I am not joking, I have seen them myself. If you haven’t, check out the bottom of the Super 14 log, they like hanging around there as it puts them in a category of their own, they simply refuse to be average…, or successful for that matter. Or at least, that is what I have been led to believe, because I can’t see any other reason why they are where they are.
The Cheetahs are especially known for their hard-scrumming packs, their hard-running backs, and the wide open Freestate plains…wait, did I say plains? I meant gaps… in their defence. Because everyone is so busy attacking, counter-attacking, and waving to their girlfriends “Look I am on teeeveee!” that they forget that the game has two pillars – Offence & DEFENCE!
After every miserable super campaign, they pretend amongst one-another that winning the Currie Cup is better that winning the Super 14, but seeing as they have won neither, this really puts them in a bind. They now have nothing to talk about, so they all just sit at home, sipping a beer or six while sulking about the bigger unions stealing all of their best players…boo hoo.
This is the same sob-story we hear every year, and the fact of the matter is, in the modern-day game, it’s no longer an excuse. Surely there must be some way of getting corporate Bloemfontein involved much the same way that Giteau was persuaded to stay with the hapless Force for as long as he did, individual player sponsorships, name rights, after rugby contingency plans etcetera, if the Cheetahs are serious enough about keeping a player, I am sure that there will be a way. One must ask why players like Juan Smith and Andre Venter always stuck by the Cheetahs, and why Heinrich Brussow remained in the FS Capital, loyalty is one answer, but loyalty doesn’t put food on the table, and neither does a losing team, clearly the Cheetahs have something on the table for those players, now they only need to apply it to more of their other upcoming stars. (Read WP Nel – all provinces have a shortage of quality props)
As a matter of personal opinion, I believe that the Cheetahs are much too satisfied with being crap, or maybe they like the feeling of being wiped…off the field that is. Their biggest problem is their absolute belief that running rugby can solve anything, they forget that a team needs to earn the right to score a try, one has to put in the work, play to the corners, put the ball through the phases, then send it out wide to score, total rugby isn’t a dream anymore, it’s a game that wins trophies, which is why the cheetahs have none.
The Team
In the Currie Cup it was quite evident that little is the matter with the orange boys come scrum-time, even though they somehow lost the plot when the ball had to be thrown in at line-outs, rising stars like WP Nel, Coenie Oosthuizen, Frans Viljoen and Ashley Johnson combined well with guys that can already be called seasoned veterans such as Wian du Preez, Nico Breedt, Hendro Scholtz, Adriaan Strauss, Kabamba Floors and David de Villiers. Add to the mix some up and coming Griqua muscle and superstars Juan Smith and Heinrich Brussow and there is plenty to be optimistic about, IF they can keep it together on the away leg of the competition.
It is from No. 9 though, that the problem starts, in Sarel Pretorius and Tewis de Bruyn they have two more than competent scrum-halves, both unfortunately are known for losing their cool, and in the Super 14, you simply cannot allow that to happen. At centre they seem to have adequate cover in the form of Meyer Bosman, Corne Uys, Robert Ebersohn, Barry Geel and JW Jonker, while on the wing, Danwell Demas, Jongi Nokwe have been around the block while Lionel Mapoe and Bjorn Basson are stars in the making. At fullback Riaan Viljoen is an exciting prospect to beef up the sturdy (but oh so boring) Hennie Daniller, so they should be settled in that regard.
Louis Strydom, Naas Olivier and in a lesser sense Meyer Bosman are the cheetah cover at flyhalve, and with the exception of Bosman, both of the other flyhalves have had their shares of absolute shockers, Olivier performed admirably for the Griquas in the 2009 Currie Cup, but only when the field was dry and in Kimberley, while Strydom, well, enough said about Strydom.
The Cheetahs lost more than originally thought when Lionel Cronje sought greener pastures with Rassie Erasmus. I do not know if, at the time, they thought Jacques Louis Potgieter was going to change his mind about returning to Pretoria, but that certainly did not happen. Now it leaves them with a flyhalve that is notoriously unable to perform at sea-level (where 75% of the Super 14 is played), another who is notoriously unable to perform…period, and Meyer Bosman who is more of a centre than anything else. Where is Sias Ebersohn? Wasn’t he touted as the next great thing? I think it is time to blood him in the Currie Cup at least, he could be worth his weight in (green and) gold, and the cheetahs desperately need him.
Which leads me to conclude that, other than flyhalve and potentially lock, the cheetahs have a solid foundation from which they can build to at least mid-table, as well as causing a few shocks along the way.
2010 might just be the year that the FS Boys finally get out from under their mommy’s aprons, and actually win an overseas game. They needn’t win the Super 14, they just need to prove that they belong in the competition, because if everyone is so satisfied with losing, and certain politicians get their way, what argument can there be against replacing them with the Southern Kings. Wooden spoon is wooden spoon!
Clashes to watch
12 February 2010 – Cheetahs vs Bulls (Bloemfontein) – Always brutal
17 April 2010 – Crusaders vs Cheetahs (Christchurch) – Cheetahs brought them down in Bloem, now it’s payback!
Cheetahs Training Squad
Backs: Hennie Daniller, Riaan Viljoen, Danwel Demas, Bjorn Basson, JW Jonker, Robert Ebersohn, Philip Snyman, Wilmaure Louw, Meyer Bosman, Corné Uys, Barry Geel, Naas Olivier, Louis Strydom, Jongi Nokwe, Lionel Mapoe, Rocco Jansen, Tewis de Bruyn, Sarel Pretorius.
Forwards: Kabamba Floors, Frans Viljoen, Ashley Johnson, Francois Uys, Davon Raubenheimer, Juan Smith, Heinrich Brüssow, Hendro Scholtz, Wesley Wilkens, David de Villiers, Jacques Lombard, Izak van der Westhuizen, Nico Breedt, Rudi Mathee, Kobus Calldo, WP Nel, Hans Grobler, Rayno Barnes, Adriaan Strauss, Albertus Buckle, Coenie Oosthuizen, Wian du Preez, Skipper Badenhorst.
Next up…The Lions
#23 Treehugger
No issues with clicking from page to page
Lekkerrr Artikel Saint, nice touch of humor too. cant wait to see your unbiased Bulls article. 😆
Cheetahs came back well in the CC after their very very slow start. The biggest challenge for Naka is to get them started. Lucky for him they play the team they hate the most first. If there is one thing to get the Cheetahs going it is a Bulls game.
Huh, this Saint oke knows nothing [ WP supporter, need I say more?]. How can he be so negative about the mighty VRYSTAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAT!
#33 That was my positive spin, you should see the drafts where I actually sledge them. I didn’t want to publish that, as I feared that they may use it as an excuse when they suck again in 2010!
Good read. Spot on, maybe a bit harsh.
Cheetahs biggest problem is the same as my beloved Lions. Unproffesional approach with regards to player management, coaching staff and preperation.
Luckily a lot has changed at the Lions, but the Cheetahs sill have the same coaches and management. They want to win and play well, but they’re just not prffesional enough for a competition such as the Super 14.
Now The Saint, can’t wait for you preview of my Lions. Hope you have all the facts and all the new changes that took place. Looking forward to it.
What is the Pedi word for The Saint? According to Julius if there is no Pedi word then he cannot exist.
Don’t know the pedi word, but in isiZulu it is umkrestu.
#35 – I am in the process of completing the Lions review, interestingly enough you are quite accurate in your summation (in my humble opinion of course)I hope you will enjoy it as well, just be warned…I don’t mince words…even my beloved Stormers are going to get it!
37 – Moenie jou aan Loosehead steur nie. Hy is ‘n engelse vrystaat ondersteuner wat in die kaap woon.
Iets fout met daai prentjie.
Cheetahs coaches need to concentrate on their players and team and not anner ouens se vrouens
#37 – Cool. Don’t have a problem with honesty – sometimes it’s all that’s needed to fix problems. But only if it’s fair an just.
Cool, nice to see some of the old regulars back… I trust everybody is resting nicely, charging the batteries and getting ready to blog up a storm in the new year!!
gbs @ 41
bleddie hel, gbs, is jou “huiswerk” op datum?
lyk my jy’s die enigste ou hier wat snags blog?
jy weet daars viagra wat mens kan gebruik as mens sukkel nê?
o, en jy sal daarvan hou … dis ñ BLOU pilletjie (of so hoor ek, lol) 😉
42@ Absbakkie – My “huiswerk” is vir nog klompie weke van lyn af, na Handbriekie se operasie…. flok!
Gisternag was die 1ste keer gister wat ek tyd gehad het virrie blog…. was gister besig met hout- en metaalwerkies…. so bietjie lekker ontspan, jy weet…
Maar toe boor ek mos per ongeluk my flippen finger raak, toe die boor gly…. eishhhhhhhhhhh.
gbs @ 43
yep, soesie spreekwoord sê: “dronk werk is k*k werk” of so iets 😀
ok guys
thats my bit for this year!!
best wishes to all on the coming year, enjoy the celebrations!!
until monday
cheers!!
45@Asbakkie – Cheers, enjoy the party…see ya!
Saint, Nice article.
Well I do hope that Cheetahs don’t milk 5 points to all the overseas Super sides next year. Then come and thrash my Sharks again. 😀 They seem to leave their best play always for the Sharks or any SA side. Do hope they have a much better S14 next year.
5 – Snoek, I hope so boet. For next year I don’t feel as postive about our Sharks team. Hope they prove us wrong. Maybe when we are not expecting much from them they will surprise us.
45 – Cheers Ash, All the best for the New Year mate.
To all the RT bloggers. Enjoy your New Years Eve party or what ever you are doing tonight. Remember to Drive Sober.
All the very best to all the bloggers on RT for the New Year.
Will catch up with everyone in the New Year.
To all our bloggers in Oz and NZ and Rugby Pricess in China. It must be the New Year by you lot already.
Have a great one and enjoy.
Heppy happy New Year to those who lead us into the year of miracles , well that is what most of SA population thinks. We are warming up to the new year celebrations.
May you all have a great year , and if i might say it, let the Bulls stay on a roll. Another S14 will just be fine.
So to the Bulls and the Bulls supporters have a great , brilliant prosperous year. To the rest have the same. 😆
I will stay at home tonight , i am almost under house arrest. 2 road blocks planned by the Police , both to near to my house to go anywhere.
Compliments of the season to all! May 2010 bring much joy, happiness and many trophies to the best teams…
Hope all are well – been busy with friends and family, but haven’t forgot you all.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
52 – Irish, Howzit mate. All the best to you too for the New Year. What ever you wish for yourself may it all happen for you in 2010.
Best of luck to both our teams in 2010 too. Munster and the Sharks.
51 – Super, All the best for the New Year boet.
How awful was our crici? Probably the worst loss I can ever remember.
Hope for better at Newlands. You were right GS should have bowled first. We had the worst of the batting conditions in the first two days. GS should have looked at the weather forecast before the toss. I thought maybe if the weather stayed once we were in we just may have got a big total. Too much rain in the first two days.
Then England played superb and bowling us out so fast on Wednesday all credit to them. They deserved their win.
I too am just house bound tonight. Though having some mates over for a braai. They all just live up the road from me so all walking here. Safe where I live so no problems with them walking.
Enjoy your your evening Super. Keep fingers crossed for the crici on Sunday. Jeepers to this from last year. How disappointing.
puma, thanks for all the well wishes, hope you have the same.
That cricket was awful, but dont take anything away from England, they hit back and hard. Duminy is going down the drain with his batting. Ntini is only there for color balance, sad indeed. Somehow the Australians know when to retire, most of them go out on a high. Shaun Pollock also.Some good advice to Ntini and fans, go when you are still admired, dont wait until everyone hates you.
Just popped in to say hello and all of the of the best for the New Year, to all of you RT’s.
(Morne, I tried to get onto RW to wish all bloggers over there well for 2010 but I have lost my password! I do still read your blog from time to time.
I haven’t been blogging much lately, being out here in the bundu on a long sabbatical I don’t get to use the internet as often as I used to. To tell the truth, I don’t even miss it!)
But anyway, have a good one guys.
Take care all.
Can I wish all my R.T friends a very Happy New Year, thanks for your company in 2009.
A great rugby year for me, I saw Ireland beat Wales in the Six Nations Final, in May met a whole bunch of Keo bloggers at Twickenham for the Guinness Premiership Final.
June was the month that we travelled with the British and Irish Lions to your shores and expereinced rugby at The Shark Tank, Newlands and Loftus.
November I saw the Boks get beaten by Sarracens at Wembley then December was Barbarians v All Blacks at Twickenham!!
What memories, but best of all has been the friendships that have grown from both here and Keo, all linked by rugby, thanks to all of you.
Can I wish you and your loved ones a healthy and happy 2010.
Best Regards – Carol xxx
PS I will get GBS to attach one of my favourite photos….When the British and Irish Lions fans turned Loftus red!!
Here it is Carol:
Carol i had a great year too. Going down to the Cape to meet a few of the bloggers, Pietman, KP, Trupi, Ex Player, Boerboel and Karen. Pietmans wife Pampoen. What a great trip and watching for the first time a game at Newlands. Great chirps there at Newlands when i wore my Blue Bull cap at the Sharks vs Stormers game.
Then also meeting up with K9 who traveled down with us and GBS.
Then on the rugby fields the Bulls gave us endless pleasure, the Boks 3 wins against the Abs was really great and so too the miraculous wins against the BIL.
Just one dam good year for me.
I will send more photos next year, thanks for the nice chats with you, we will work on the timing of our chats, i missed you far to many times.
Kaptein Grootblou, nogmaals dankie vir die werk wat julle hier ingesit het. daai kompetisie van ons gaan ek die naweek vasmaak. Die lekkerste prys gaan op die spel wees.
Sterkte vir die nuwe jaar en ek weet die plek gaan kook. Ek kan nie wag vir volgende week wanneer die Rugby begin nie.
My last words for 2009
GO BULLE
Users Online
Total 57 users including 0 member, 57 guests, 0 bot online
Most users ever online were 3735, on 31 August 2022 @ 6:23 pm
No Counter as from 31 October 2009: 41,240,709 Page Impressions
_