The 5th Article in the set discussing the Southern Kings.
In this Article we look at the contenders for SCRUMHALVES in the Southern Kings 2013 Super Rugby group, and what their worth will be in Super Rugby terms.
The Contenders:
Name: Nicolás Vergallo:
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He played for Jockey Club de Rosario in Argentina between 2004 and 2008. He then moved to France, where he played for Dax, making 47 appearances.
After playing for Dax, he then signed for Top 14 team Toulouse, winning the 2010–11 and 2011–12 Top 14 seasons. In October 2012, Toulouse announced that it had released Vergallo from his contract, which was supposed to end in 2014. This freed him up to sign with the Port Elizabeth-based Super Rugby franchise, the Southern Kings.
He made his debut for Argentina on 3 Dec 2005 against Samoa. He also played in the 2011 Rugby World Cup. In 2012 Vergallo was part of the Pumas team that played in the inaugural Rugby Championship.
Name: Scott Mathie:
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Scott Mathie made his professional debut for the Sharks in the Currie Cup back in 2006 and is still highly-rated in South Africa by a number of provincial coaches.
As well as playing in the Currie Cup, Mathie enjoyed a handful of Super Rugby appearances for the Durban-based franchise before making the switch to the Premiership.
A typically strong and determined No 9, Mathie moved to England with Leeds in 2008, helping them win promotion in his first season at Headingley. Mathie was an ever-present for Niel Back’s side in the years to follow, especially in 2010, when he caught the eye of Sale Sharks’ Steve Diamond who had no hesitation in recruiting the Leeds star for the 2011 season.
He joined the Eastern Province Kings in 2012.
Name: Johan David (Johan)Herbst:
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Johan currently plays for SWD Eagles in the Vodacom Cup and Currie Cup First Division. He plays scrumhalf but can also cover wing.
He played for Maties in the 2009 and 2010 Varsity Cup competitions.
Name: Shaun Venter:
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Shaun Venter is currently on a 1-year loan deal from the Pumas to the Southern Kings for Super Rugby.
He has come through the ranks at the Pumas, representing them at Under 19 in the ABSA Under 19 Competition and at Under 21 in the ABSa Under 21 Competition, both in 2006.
In 2007 to 2009 he played for the Pumas in the Vodacom Cup and ABSA Currie Cup First Division and in 2010 and 2011 for the same team in the Currie Cup Premier Division. In 2012 the Pumas were in the ABSa Currie Cup First Division again.
In 2009 he also represented South Africa at the IRB Sevens Series in George.
In 2012 he represented the SA Barbarians North during England’s tour to South Africa.
Starters:
Nicolás Vergallo should be the premier scrumhalf for the Southern Kings and my guess is that Scott Mathie will also get some game time. The other two scrumhalves are there simply to fill spots on a roster.
The next Article in the range will deal with the Southern Kings Flyhalves.
I am surpized that The Sharks supporters aren’t calling for Mathie to be a Bok.
Not related to the Kings but I thought an interesting link would like to share with you, gives a nice contemporary glimpse into Scottish rugby at a level below the main professional teams and internationals. Fantastic run by Hogg in what they have as their top try of last year! On 16th January in the next in their series they will feature an interview with new Scotland coach Scott Johnson – that should be a good entertaining one:
http://www.scotsman.com/sport/rugby/top-rugby-stories/the-scotsman-rugby-show-episode-12-1-2714901
Nicolas Vergallo is a quality player… after that the Kings look rather bleak as far as scrummies go
Where’s Bolla?
What happened to Falie Oelschig? Isn’t he playing for the Kings anymore?
5 @ leon:
Falie plays for the EP Kings… but he has’nt made the cut for the Southern Kings (Franchise of the 3 Cape sides – Border ulldogs, EP Kings & SWD Eagles) Super Rugby.
He’s kak now anyway.
@ grootblousmile:
Oh ok, thanks.
If the Argie, at nearly 30 is their best, then I fear they have an uphill battle.
I note also that despite 71 “provincial” caps, he’s only managed 18 points. Doesn’t look like he has an eye for the tryline IMO.
Ah well. Good luck to the PE boys. If it raises the level and profile of Rugby I applaude it.
grootblousmile wrote:
Actually, he had a shoulder operation at the end of last season, which put him out for 4 to 6 months (that’s why he’s not in the training group). He might feature for the Kings in the latter stages of the Super Rugby campaign, but he would be third choice.
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