Bakkies, Jaque return to Bok mix

Heyneke Meyer had a couple of surprises up his sleeve wheb he announced his 32-man Springbok squad for the Year Ens tour in November.

JP Pietersen is set ro return and a long side him will be Bakkies Botha and Jaque Fourie. Johan Goosen and Gio Aplon also return to the squad after good eprformances. Then their is Louis Schreuder, Pieter-Steph du Toit and Scarra Ntubeni that are uncapped.

Scarra has put up his hand as pribably the number 3 hooker in South Africa this season. His inclusion was a matter of time. He is a nuggety little player that stands back for no one.

The Suprises however are Bakkies and Jaque. Bakkies at 34 seems like a funny inclusion but his experience can help the toung locks. As an impact player he still has something to offer.

Jaque’s inclusion will see him and Jean de Villiers probably combining as centre pair again. This means the younger guys will habe to perform even better. Not a bad thing for SA Rugby.

Currie cup final set to be epic

12 years ago Western Province clinched back to back titles by defeating the Sharks first in Durban, 2000 and then in 2001 they did it in Cape Town. It seems history is set to repeat itself.

Last season WP defeated the Sharks in Durban to win their first title in 12 years. This year they are looking to make it back to back wins by beating the Sharks in Cape Town. The first final in 12 years down in Cape Town.

Two weeks ago WP out played the Sharks in a gane that many thought woukd go the other way. WP ruled the scrums abd lineouts and this gave them the edge they needed. This was down in Durban.

The Sharks will want to rectify this, but they will need to content with the Newlands crowd. Never an easy task. True Pat Lambie found some good form and if he brings it to the final it will be game on.

Still WP is undefeated and they are geared up for the game. Johan Ackerman, the Lions coach, made it vleat agter their defeat that WP has little or no weakness.

It will ne a game of great rugby. The winner will know they played a hard game. Neither team can just pitch up and expect to win. In the end my money is on WP to make it two in a row.

Blue Bulls crowned Amateur Provincial Champions

The Blue Bulls were crowed the 2013 Amateur Provincial Champions on Saturday after edging Western Province 31-30 in a gripping match at DHL Newlands.

The teams met in the final round-robin match between the winners of the Central, Southern and Northern Amateur Provincial Competitions, which featured the KwaZulu-Natal Duikers, the Western Province Emerging team and the Blue Bulls respectively.

With the Central Amateur Provincial winners the KZN Duikers suffering defeats in both their matches, the clash between Western Province and the Blue Bulls served as the unofficial final, and given the closeness of the match it lived up to its billing.

The visitors had an edge in the first half and built up a 17-13 lead at the break. But Western Province fought back with intent and worked their way into a 30-26 lead late in the second half. This lead, however, was cancelled out as the Blue Bulls scored a valuable try to sneak into a 31-30 lead.

In a dramatic end to the match, Western Province were awarded a penalty with 30 seconds to go, but the attempt was unsuccessful, which earned the Blue Bulls the trophy.

Springboks give back at SARU coaching symposium

Photo: Springbok Flip van der Merwe and Bok assistant coach Johann van Graan demonstrate the proper tackle technique at the SARU Coaching Symposium in Queenstown.

 

Springboks Francois Hougaard, Flip van der Merwe, Jan Serfontein and Bjorn Basson coached more than 170 schoolboys and 50 school and club coaches during a coaching session in Queenstown in the Eastern Cape last Thursday.

The national players gave back some of their knowledge to the local rugby community on day two of the SARU High Performance Coaching Symposium in the rural Eastern Cape.

 
 

They were assisted by Springbok assistant coaches, Johann van Graan, Ricardo Loubscher and John McFarland. The Springboks demonstrated to the local coaches how to master the basic technical techniques in areas such as tackling, scrumming, lineout play and the breakdown.

 
 

It was the second visit to the Eastern Cape by the Springboks as part of the Footprint Programme which SARU and the Eastern Cape Department of Sports, Recreation, Arts & Culture launched in July in Mthatha. Through the Footprint Programme, SARU aims to deliver the latest rugby coaching techniques and skills to all corners of South Africa.

 
 

The Eastern Cape Sports Department is also assisting SARU to prepare the Springbok Women’s Sevens squad to qualify for the 2016 Olympics. This assistance includes scientific support, fitness and conditioning training.

 
 

Rassie Erasmus, the SARU General Manager for High Performance, got the two-day symposium underway the previous day when he addresses the eager local schools and club coaches on the proper tackling and breakdown techniques.

 
 

During the practical session on Thursday, the Springbok players and coaching staff demonstrated those techniques to the learners and coaches at a community field, with a happy local crowd following every move on the field.

Afterwards lock Flip van der Merwe said he and his team mates enjoyed the session as much as the schoolboys and the coaches.

“This is a great initiative and it is wonderful to see eagerness amongst the kids and their coaches to learn,” said Van der Merwe. “We seldom get the chance to visit areas such as Queenstown and the reception we got from the local community and kids was amazing.”

Absa U19 final a Gauteng Affair

The Vodacom Blue Bulls and MTN Golden Lions ensured that the Absa Under-19 Provincial Championship final would be a Gauteng derby at DHL Newlands on Saturday after emerging victorious in their respective semifinals this past weekend.

The Vodacom Blue Bulls defeated the Leopards 37-21 at Loftus Versfeld after topping the log table at the conclusion of the round-robin stages, while the MTN Golden Lions held their nerve in a hard-fought semifinal against The Sharks at Ellis Park to book their final berth.

Vodacom Blue Bulls 37 (17) Leopards 21 (14)

In Pretoria the Vodacom Blue Bulls broke away after a tight first half to stretch their unbeaten run to 13 matches and advance to the final. The Leopards started the match strongly with two converted tries in the first 13 minutes. But the
Blue Bulls hit back soon after with two tries to add to a penalty by flyhalf Kobus Marais for a narrow 17-14 lead at the break.

The Blue Bulls found their rhythm in the second half and did well to use their point-scoring chances, which earned them two more tries by Wilco Louw and Keagon Gordon respectively in the third quarter. Marais also did his bit to keep his team on the front foot as he added two more penalties to push the side into a comfortable position to win the match at 37-14 up. The Leopards, however, refused to go down without a fight and they earned the rewards with Blessing Makhayhu crossing the tryline four minutes from full time, despite his team-mate Derek Taylor being sin-binned a minute earlier. The defeat, however, marked the end of the Leopards’ campaign.    

Scorers:

Vodacom Blue Bulls 37 (17) – Tries: Christiaan Massyn, Hendrik Viljoen, Keagon Gordon, Wilco Louw. Conversions: Kobus Marais (4). Penalties: Marais (3).

Leopards 21 (14) – Tries: Blessing Makhayhu, Chriswill September, Jeandre Rudolph. Conversions: Gysbert van Wyk, Lourens Boddington (2).

MTN Golden Lions 27 (18) The Sharks 25 (17)

The semifinal between the MTN Golden Lions and The Sharks at Ellis Park was neck-on-neck from the start as the teams fought hard to keep alive their final hopes. The Sharks’ ill-discipline, however, cost them dearly, as three late penalties by Golden Lions flyhalf Brandan Hewit ultimately earned the Johannesburg side the victory.

The Golden Lions opened up the scoring with a penalty in the seventh minute by Hewit, but they suffered a setback minutes later as Pieter Scholtz received a yellow card. The Sharks capitalised on their extra man immediately with Bartholomeus le Roux crossing the tryline, which flyhalf Jean-Luc Du Plessis converted and subsequently added a penalty to push the visitors into the lead. The next 15 minutes proved to be tight as the Golden Lions scored two tries compliments of Malcolm Marx and Jano Venter, while the Sharks added their second try. Hewit added another penalty for the Golden Lions to hand the home side an 18-17 lead.

The second half was equally tense, although the Sharks had the first say as Christopher de Beer added their third try of the match in the 45^th minute to force the visitors into the lead. But penalties conceded at crucial times dealt the killer blow to the Durban side’s hopes of a final berth as Brandan Hewit slotted over three penalties in seven minutes to take a 27-25 lead with eight minutes to go. They then succeeded in shutting out the Sharks to emerge victorious.

Scorers:

MTN Golden Lions 27 (18) – Tries: Jano Venter, Malcolm Marx. Conversion: Brandan Hewit. Penalties: Hewit (5).

The Sharks 25 (17) – Tries: Bartholomeus le Roux, Christopher de Beer, Sandile Kubeka. Conversions: Jean-Luc du Preez (2). Penalties: Du Preez (2).

England Women’s Six Nations 2014 fixtures confirmed

England kick off their Six Nations campaign against France

England Women will play Ireland and Wales at home this year in the Six Nations Championship, with Twickenham Stadium and the Twickenham Stoop hosting the seven times Six Nations winners.

England, who finished third in the 2013 championship, open their campaign against 2014 Rugby World Cup hosts France at the Stade des Alpes in Grenoble on February 1, kick off 7:55pm GMT. The game will be broadcast live on France 4 TV. Eight days later and they are in Aberdeen to take on Scotland on February 9, kick off 2pm.

Twickenham Stadium awaits England on February 22^nd and England will be looking to turn the table on 2013 Grand Slam winners Ireland who defeated England 25-0 last season. Kick-off is at 6:30pm and rugby fans can watch the match for free with free entry to the stadium after the men’s RBS 6 Nations clash against Ireland.

On March 7^th England return to the Harlequins Stoop for their final home game of the championship where they take on fierce rivals Wales at 7pm and tickets for this match go on sale on November 14^th. England’s final game is against Italy on March 16^th March, kick off 2pm GMT at the Stadio Giulio e Silvio Pagani in Rovato.

England head into this season’s tournament after a gruelling 2012/2013 season. Street’s side nilled the World Champions New Zealand in a Series whitewash just over a year ago but the Black Ferns recently reversed that result on New Zealand soil in July. England also finished third in the 2013 Six Nations. England will also play France and Canada in the Autumn International Series on November 9 at Twickenham Stadium, kick off 5:05pm and November 13 at the Harlequins Stoop at 7pm.

England Head Coach Gary Street said: “The Six Nations championship is always incredibly exciting and I certainly don’t think this season’s tournament is going to be any different, especially in a World Cup year.

“Results didn’t go our way last season, and we were disappointed to finish third but our young squad learned a lot and we are certainly looking to come back out fighting in February and do all we can to regain our Six Nations crown. That certainly isn’t going to be easy, especially with our first game away in France, but we are up for the challenge.

“We are also really excited about playing our two home games at Twickenham Stadium, against the reigning Six Nations champions Ireland, and at the Twickenham Stoop against our fierce rivals Wales. They are going to be two fantastic matches. ”

England Women Six Nations Fixtures:

• February  1 – France v England,  Stade des Alpes in Grenoble, kick off 7:55pm GMT
  
• February 9 – Scotland v England, Aberdeen Grammar Rugby, kick off 2pm
  
• February 22 – England v Ireland, Twickenham Stadium, kick off 6:30pm.                               
  
• March 7 – England v Wales, the Harlequins Stoop, kick off 7pm.                                             
  
• March 16 – Italy v England, Stadio Giulio e Silvio Pagani, Rovato, kick off 2pm GMT.
  

WP, Blue Bulls to battle it out for U21 honours

DHL Western Province and the Vodacom Blue Bulls this past weekend reaffirmed their status as the top teams in the Absa Under-21 Provincial Championships by booking their places in the final in Cape Town on Saturday.

Both teams secured home semifinals after impressive seasons, and made the most of this advantage to book their final berths.

DHL Western Province pipped the determined MTN Golden Lions 44-41 in an epic semifinal at DHL Newlands on Saturday, which went into extra time, while the Vodacom Blue Bulls produced a fine performance to beat The Sharks 36-13 at Loftus Versfeld.

The teams will meet in the final at DHL Newlands on Saturday in what will serve as the main curtain raiser to the Absa Currie Cup Premier Division final.

In the first Under-21 promotion-relegation clash in East London Border pipped the EP Kings 23-21 thanks to a penalty goal in extra time.

Vodacom Blue Bulls 36 (17) The Sharks 13 (13)

In Pretoria, four penalty goals by Vodacom Blue Bulls flyhalf Handré Pollard and try by fullback Jacques Rossouw in the 24^th minute pushed the hosts onto the front foot in their U21 semifinal against the Sharks.

Sharks flyhalf Duncan Campbell slotted two penalty goals to put his team on the scoreboard. But a late first-half try by replacement looseforward Dylan Nel reduced the gap between the teams to only four points (17-13 to the hosts) and set the scene for an exciting second half.

The home team, however, dominated proceedings after the break and backed up their solid attack up with a fine defensive effort, which left the Sharks scoreless in the second half.

Springbok centre Jan Serfontein opened up the scoring for the visitors one minute into the half as he scored the team’s second try, which bolstered their confidence and the score.

Unfortunately for the visitors they continued to concede penalties, which allowed Pollard to increase his tally of penalty kicks to seven, while captain Wiaan Liebenberg sealed the victory with his team’s third try in the 65^th minute.

Scorers:

Vodacom Blue Bulls 36 (17) – Tries: Jacques Rossouw, Jan Serfontein, Wiaan Liebenberg. Penalties: Handré Pollard (7).

The Sharks 13 (13) – Try: Dylan Nel. Conversion: Duncan Campbell. Penalties: Campbell (2).

DHL Western Province 44 (19) MTN Golden Lions 41 (20)

In Cape Town, DHL Western Province and the MTN Golden Lions pushed themselves to the limit for a place in the final, with the match being forced into 20 minutes of extra time after the teams finished the regular 80 minutes level at 34-34.

After a good start, the Lions edged their way into a 20-19 lead at the break, but second-half tries by Western Province flyhalf Tim Swiel and replacement looseforward Eital Bredenkamp, as well as a penalty goal by Swiel handed the Cape side an encouraging 34-20 lead with 19 minutes to go.

The Golden Lions, however, staged a strong fight back, with Mark Pretorius and Ruaan Lerm crossing the tryline late in the match. Marais Schmidt converted both tries to force the match into extra time.

WP’s Bredenkamp made a breakthrough in the 90^th minute, as he touched down for his second try after a tight opening spell, and Swiel added his second penalty of the match to increase their score to 44 points.

The Lions, however, had the last say with Peter-John Walters scoring the team’s fifth try on the stroke of full-time, but ultimately Swiel’s extra-time penalty goal proved to be the difference on the scoreboard. This earned the hosts a home final against the Vodacom Blue Bulls. 

Scorers:

DHL Western Province 44 (19) – Tries: Craig Barry, Devon Williams, Eital Bredenkamp (2), Michael Willemse, Tim Swiel. Conversions: Swiel (4). Penalties: Swiel (2).

MTN Golden Lions 41 (20) – Tries: Damian Engledoe, Mark Pretorius, Peter-John Walters (2), Ruaan Lerm. Conversions: Marais Schmidt (5). Penalties: Schmidt (2).

NEROLIE WITHNALL APPOINTED TO AUSTRALIAN RUGBY UNION BOARD

Australian Rugby Union today announced the appointment of Brisbane-based company director and former lawyer Nerolie Withnall to the ARU Board.

Mrs Withnall is a former partner of national law firm, Minter Ellison working in commercial law in the areas of corporate advice, capital raisings and securities.

Mrs Withnall’s Board career includes her current role as Chair of international testing services business, ALS (formerly Campbell Brothers) and Non-Executive Board roles with resources company, PanAust and global registry company, Computershare.

ARU Chairman Michael Hawker AM, welcomed Mrs Withnall’s appointment. 

“Nerolie is a highly respected Non-Executive Director in Australia and her appointment brings further diversity to the Australian Rugby Board,” said Mr Hawker.

“She brings extensive legal, corporate, and experience across a range of industries and will be a valuable addition to our Board.”

Mrs Withnall said it’s an exciting time to be part of Australian Rugby.

“As a life-long lover of Rugby, I am delighted to be part of a team that will help guide the game to achieve its potential and to inspire more people to get involved,” said Mrs Withnall.

Mrs Withnall’s appointment is effective 21 October.

In other changes recently announced by ARU, John Mumm and General Peter Cosgrove will retire from the Board in October and NAB CEO Cameron Clyne will join the Board from 1 December.

Following these changes in December 2013, the ARU Board will be:

• Cameron Clyne
  
• John Eales AM
  
• Michael Hawker AM – Chairman
  
• Paul McLean MBE
  
• Bill Pulver – Chief Executive Officer
  
• Dr Brett Robinson
  
• Ann Sherry AO
  
• Geoffrey Stooke OAM
  
• Nerolie Withnall

Zangqa opts out as Springbok Sevens assistant coach

Springbok Sevens assistant coach, Vuyo Zangqa, has informed the South African Rugby Union (SARU) that he will not renew his contract past 31 October 2013 and will be stepping down from his current position with the South African team.

 

Zangqa was offered an extension on his contract, but has decided to pursue other career opportunities.

 

“We are disappointed to see Vuyo go but we wish him all the best with his career choice,” said Jurie Roux, CEO of SARU.

 

Zangqa cited personal reasons for his decision and thanked SARU for the opportunities afforded to him since 2007, when he made his Springbok Sevens debut as a player.

 

“I would like to wish the team all of the best for the rest of the HSBC Sevens World Series season,” said Zangqa.

BMW TO PARTNER WITH MELBOURNE REBELS

The RaboDirect Melbourne Rebels are pleased to announce that they have secured European automotive giant BMW Group Australia as a Silver Sponsor, effective from October 1st 2013 until September 30th 2015.

Rob Clarke, Melbourne Rebels CEO, was thrilled to welcome BMW Group Australia aboard as a Silver Partner.

“BMW is one of the world’s most recognisable and respected brands. They are known for consistently delivering high-performance vehicles, and are characterised by a combination of engineering excellence, style and innovation.

“The Melbourne Rebels are extremely proud to partner with such an esteemed company, and look forward to working closely with the team at BMW Group Australia in the coming years.”

Phil Horton, Managing Director of BMW Group Australia, was delighted to announce the partnership with the Melbourne Rebels.

“At BMW Group Australia, we are focused on providing ultimate driving enjoyment, outperforming all competitors, and leading the way in terms of technology and development – so we have a great deal in common with the Melbourne Rebels,” Horton said.

“We are very pleased to commence this association, and look forward to a mutually rewarding partnership.”