“The Intelligent Reader’s Rugby Report”
DB
The Irish Herald: “The most intellectually accurate report; DB might be crazy and impaired pyschologically, but he’s no dummy
“In Rugger We Love”,
D Berman
The DeeBee Rugby Report
NYC & Cape Town”
The Irish Herald: “The most intellectually accurate report; DB might be crazy and impaired psychologically, but he’s no dummy”
To be taken off this Report please email “unsubscibe”. DB will NOT be offended. The list is growing rapidly.
Buggers,
Since many of you had similar thoughts to the General, we thought we’d share our thoughts. Soccer is certainly not rugby.. and lets not let any one fool you. Just think NZ without Carter… of course the team must be critical, but an individual can have a far greater impact in rugby given the variations.
DB
PS. Eddie Jones says it’s no coincidence that the six Tests that Steyn started at fullback last year, the Boks won. ‘Frans is one of the most gifted players in the world, and to leave him out when he’s available…’ says Jones. Jones is a reader of the DeeBee Report
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General Beukes writes from Pretoria:
Pardon silence but had few SWC 2010 chores and rugger quiet for a while. Been VERY exciting here! Saw interesting remark by Spanish captain who is goalkeeper before semi-final against Germany.He remarked that the teams like Argentina with the MVP in Lionel Messi; Portugal with #2 ,Christiano Renaldo, England with Rooney, etc. , were gone. He then explained that the TEAM is always more important than any MVP.I previously mentioned the story of Magic Johnson , Jordan and some NBA MVP’s who also realized this basic principle; you are as good as your team. I also know that you favour The Kid; he is a rugger MVP like Giteau, McCaw,Carter, etc. These individual soccer and rugger star -players have to slot into the bigger game plan together with the soccer bench which is bigger than the rugger reserves. Messi, Renaldo, Rooney, Torres, Fabrecas,et al , could not get their teams winning. Why, one can speculate about for the rest of the year. The same conditions apply in rugger as well as in any group, eg BP at the moment.One star isn’t enough.
DB Response
Hi from a very hot NYC!! Was on TV yesterday – went well – sadly it wasn’t about rugby…
You say “One star isnt enough”. This is true, but its also not true. In soccer it is truer.
Its true because you need a good team obviously. But its not true because unlike in soccer where you can mark a good person, there is no way to mark the kid at #15 or stop him from kicking from so far (see Keo article below on The Kid and Fourie).
In other words, while he is only one man, he alone changes the entire game plan for the opposition. In other words, the opposition cant kick the ball to him – its pointless - he’ll kick it back further and for a line out which Victor will win – so the opposition have no choice but to run more and thus make more mistakes, and we win. No one in the media seems to have figured this out – but THIS is his beauty, not his long range kicks and darting runs.. but his MERE PRESENCE in the team. Those who like to say the Kid had a poor game in Ireland recently simply miss the point. They possibly expect him to produce magic every time, and when he doesn’t they call it a poor game. This is shallow thinking. They do not realize that just by being there, he has allowed his team to win. And when he does kick, if they ever are foolish enough to kick to him, he kicks further and we get the line out stolen. But how many fans even give credit to those extra 20 yards or so that he might gain? Now watch his replacement. It will be an entirely different game AND game plan by the opposition. ALL because of on man. PDV I am afraid, of whom I am a big fan as you know, is foolish for not seeing this. The good news – I feel sure the Kid will be there for the RWC. It will just take PDV and us fans some pain in figuring it out.
So unlike in soccer, this freak of nature can change an entire match. One man. Not only can he, but he has. Keo even writes on this. PDV has gotten many fans to think The Kid is not a team player etc yet how can we fans forget that he won many key games for us as this exact person!! I feel saddened that the poison of soccer thinking has gotten into the heads of many rugby fans – but its a result of reading about soccer strategy and the like - when the two games are so different. Remember, you can mark Messi in soccer and make him quite redundant, but its impossible to mark a full back when kicks come his way. Rugby has many more variables than soccer which is why it will always reign supreme. Its the thinking man’s sport. A game of true strategy given its many variables and many more ways of scoring. The Bok team is a good one. With the Kid in it, its an outstanding team.
DB ==============================================================
KEO
Without Frans Steyn and Fourie du Preez, the Springboks have lost key components to their Tri-Nations title defence.
Peter de Villiers explained Steyn’s omission from the 28-man squad due to the Racing Metro-based back being off pace and that the standard of European club competitions wasn’t as fast as Super Rugby, but still picked three players (BJ Botha, CJ van der Linde and Butch James) who played there last season.
The June Tests also haven’t been used well in trying to find the scrumhalf and fullback’s respective replacements. Steyn started against Wales but since, Zane Kirchner, Gio Aplon and even Ruan Pienaar have run at 15, showing the confusion over the position.
Steyn was also the difference the last time the Boks met the All Blacks, his three long-range penalties a feat no other player in the world can achieve.
Eddie Jones says it’s no coincidence that the six Tests that Steyn started at fullback last year, the Boks won.
‘Frans is one of the most gifted players in the world, and to leave him out when he’s available, you must think you’re going pretty well,’ Jones told keo.co.za.
‘At fullback, he’s a big guy who can kick the ball as long as anyone, is reasonably safe under the high ball and he has something about him. Kirchner still hasn’t proved that he’s a Test player although he’s played very well in the Super 14, and he tends to have that habit of making two or three iffy mistakes a game. Aplon is a very good little player but he’s probably a better winger than fullback at Test level.
‘There’s a potential hole there that they haven’t filled and not picking Steyn may come back and bite them. He also kicks goals regularly from over 50m.’
The loss of Du Preez is not by choice, but his exclusion due to injury will hurt the Boks even more. Even though the law interpretations have changed since last year’s competition, Du Preez’s boot, brain and all-round brilliance will be missed.
‘They’ll be massive losses,’ Jones said of Steyn and Du Preez. ‘South Africa haven’t faced good enough quality opposition to realise how much they’re gonna miss them, particularly Fourie.
‘One of the things that stood out in the Super 14 was that the Bulls were the best attacking team in the competition – they scored the most tries per game – but having said that, they were also the side that kicked the most. It’s a simplistic way of looking at it but it’s quite true: their kicking was so accurate, it gave them field position to score tries.
‘The architect of most of those kicks was undoubtedly Fourie and to not have him playing for South Africa when games get tight, with long kicks or high kicks that are contestable, they’re really going to feel it. The other part of Fourie is that his tactical nous is second to none in the world and they’ve lost huge intellectual capital, which again will hard to replace in big Tests.’
Finding Du Preez’s replacement during June also hasn’t been executed well, with Ricky Januarie seemingly having a monopoly on the No 9 jersey. De Villiers gave Pienaar just 16 minutes throughout four Tests in his favoured position of scrumhalf, with Januarie playing 304 out of a possible 320.
‘Ruan’s shown his hand by signing for Ulster that his confidence has been dented, there’s no doubt about that. If he was confident about where he was, he wouldn’t go to Ulster because he’s a proud South African who wants to play for the Boks,’ said Jones.
Jones still rates Pienaar as a flyhalf, but the player has shown his desire to play scrumhalf and Jones says he must only be played in one position by his coaches.
‘It’s interesting to look at his performances at flyhalf, he was good there in the first Test against the Lions. He missed some kicks but still played reasonably well in the second – people tend to forget that. Every time he’s played at 10 for South Africa he’s played well,’ he said, including the Boks’ opening Tri-Nations fixture against the All Blacks in Bloemfontein.
‘He’s past the stage where he’s a young kid and he really needs to become a specialist. You find guys who are shifted around, as they get older, they tend to become bits and pieces players. The only thing they’re good for is limited overs cricket or 20/20, but not for Tests anymore.
‘He’s a tough and talented kid who plays hard for his country, but he needs to find his position.’
By Grant Ball
The 2009 champions open their defence away to New Zealand next Saturday without the World Cup-winning duo, with the former Wallaby boss citing that the Springboks were hugely successful last season when Steyn started games at full-back.
“Frans is one of the most gifted players in the world, and to leave him out when he’s available, you must think you’re going pretty well,” he said, speaking to keo.co.za.
While scrum-half Du Preez has been ruled out with injury, the omission of Steyn came as a shock when Peter de Villiers said that the back was not up to the pace of Super Rugby anymore since his move to Racing-Metro 92.
“He’s a big guy who can kick the ball as long as anyone, is reasonably safe under the high ball and he has something about him,” continued Jones on Steyn, whose number fifteen jersey is likely to be filled by Bull Zane Kirchner.
“Kirchner still hasn’t proved that he’s a Test player although he’s played very well in the Super 14, and he tends to have that habit of making two or three iffy mistakes a game. [Gio] Aplon is a very good little player but he’s probably a better winger than full-back at Test level.”
The former Reds and Saracens coach ultimately believes that the loss of Steyn could hurt the Springboks at Eden Park, but not as much as being without the experience of Du Preez for their competition opener.
“One of the things that stood out in the Super 14 was that the Bulls were the best attacking team in the competition – they scored the most tries per game – but having said that, they were also the side that kicked the most,” he added.
“It’s a simplistic way of looking at it but it’s quite true: their kicking was so accurate, it gave them field position to score tries.
“The architect of most of those kicks was undoubtedly Fourie and to not have him playing for South Africa when games get tight, with long kicks or high kicks that are contestable, they’re really going to feel it.”
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KEO SITE
It has become apparent that finding a fullback to fill the massive void the dynamic Frans Steyn has left will be Peter de Villiers’ biggest challenge in the coming months.
To continue the debate about whether De Villiers should relent on his stance not to select Steyn while he is a Racing Metro player is futile. He won’t. That much has become abundantly clear given the coach’s offerings on the subject dating back to last year.
That stance has inadvertently cast the spotlight on his replacement, Zane Kirchner, whom De Villiers, through a series of consistently impressive performances, had hoped would quell the criticism emanating from the sectors of the South African rugby fraternity who believe Steyn’s omission will have an adverse effect on the Springboks’ potency.
It would be unfair to make an absolute assessment of Kirchner after just seven Tests. He has acquitted himself well for the Bulls in the three seasons he’s been with the franchise, playing an important role in securing two Super Rugby titles. De Villiers believes he has earned an opportunity at Test level, and that is understandable, especially in the absence of any other prominent candidates.
Kirchner’s skill set as a No 15 is relatively complete, but his major shortcoming is his lack of pace, which is a commodity required to excel as a fullback on the international stage. Kirchner’s coaches at the Bulls have supported that assertion, albeit in a veiled manner, while De Villiers intimated as much saying: ‘We also need some speed coming onto the ball in attack,’ when giving his reasons for dropping Kirchner in favour of Gio Aplon for the second Test against Italy on Saturday.
However, Kirchner’s challenge is amplified by the fact that comparisons between himself and Steyn are inevitable and unfavourable. Steyn is a freakish talent and a match winner, and is capable of infiltrating the very psyche of the opposition because of his unpredictability. Those are qualities Kirchner either hasn’t yet exhibited for the Bulls, admittedly as a result of a rigid directive, or in his short tenure with the Springboks, or simply doesn’t have. Time will judge which it is, but with the World Cup little more than a year away time is not on De Villiers’ side in his race to find a suitable replacement for Steyn.
The experiment with playing Ruan Pienaar at fullback in the 2009 Tri-Nations was quickly abandoned, while Kirchner’s performances on the year-end tour left many astute observers unconvinced that he was the man to fill the gap. De Villiers, through his selection of Aplon in a team that closely resembles the one that will start the Tri-Nations, suggests De Villiers is equally unconvinced.
There are no other obvious contenders outside of Kirchner and Aplon, and the latter’s aptitude, especially in fielding bombs, is sure to be fully tested should he be deployed there in the Tri-Nations. De Villiers has selected an insurance policy of Jean de Villiers on the wing whose height he hopes will ease the pressure on Aplon in this regard, but whether that is a sustainable option is debatable given the player’s preference for inside centre, the position he excelled in for the Springboks in 2009.
So where to from here if the Aplon experiment fails, or indeed if Kirchner is entrusted once more but continues to offer nothing more than the ordinary on attack? De Villiers and his selectors will be left with a selection conundrum of note and the ghost of Steyn will continue to haunt them for as long as they continue their stubborn resistance.
By Ryan Vrede
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Eddie Jones believes that South Africa will struggle to hang onto their Tri-Nations crown without the class of Fourie du Preez and Frans Steyn.
The 2009 champions open their defence away to New Zealand next Saturday without the World Cup-winning duo, with the former Wallaby boss citing that the Springboks were hugely successful last season when Steyn started games at full-back.
“Frans is one of the most gifted players in the world, and to leave him out when he’s available, you must think you’re going pretty well,” he said, speaking to keo.co.za.
While scrum-half Du Preez has been ruled out with injury, the omission of Steyn came as a shock when Peter de Villiers said that the back was not up to the pace of Super Rugby anymore since his move to Racing-Metro 92.
“He’s a big guy who can kick the ball as long as anyone, is reasonably safe under the high ball and he has something about him,” continued Jones on Steyn, whose number fifteen jersey is likely to be filled by Bull Zane Kirchner.
“Kirchner still hasn’t proved that he’s a Test player although he’s played very well in the Super 14, and he tends to have that habit of making two or three iffy mistakes a game. [Gio] Aplon is a very good little player but he’s probably a better winger than full-back at Test level.”
The former Reds and Saracens coach ultimately believes that the loss of Steyn could hurt the Springboks at Eden Park, but not as much as being without the experience of Du Preez for their competition opener.
“One of the things that stood out in the Super 14 was that the Bulls were the best attacking team in the competition – they scored the most tries per game – but having said that, they were also the side that kicked the most,” he added.
“It’s a simplistic way of looking at it but it’s quite true: their kicking was so accurate, it gave them field position to score tries.
”The architect of most of those kicks was undoubtedly Fourie and to not have him playing for South Africa when games get tight, with long kicks or high kicks that are contestable, they’re really going to feel it.”
“The Intelligent Reader’s Rugby Report”
DB
July, 2010
Rugger Buggers,
Below are some of many emails received from so many of you! Thank you! It is without question that we made a huge error in not going. WE underestimated the atmosphere and excitement. But we are thrilled for all of you in SA even if you don’t go to the games, as its the atmosphere… The Huffington Post article below was sent to us by so many so we thought we’d best share it – if you haven’t read it, read it! It echoes many of the positives we’ve been sharing about SA for years now.
The soccer has most definitely overshadowed the rugby and we are anxiously awaiting the soccer finals. It would be highly ironic if the Dutch would win their first WC in South Africa (you surely don’t need a reminder that in 1652 a Dutch expedition under Jan Van Riebeeck founded the first settlement in SA near the Cape of Good Hope!)
AS for the rugby Tri-Nations, without The Kid in the team at fullback, we fear New Zealand might be too strong for us. PDV is making a poor gamble no doubt on ego. We have a very strong team, but the Gods will have to be with us to win this without him. Its that simple. Many have argued that Fourie du Preez at #9 is our most valuable player, and so isn’t it ironic now that both will be missing – however, as we’ll see, its easier to replace Fourie than The Kid, a freak of nature and the world’s best X factor player.
Thoughts?
In Rugger We Love,
David Berman The DeeBee Rugby Report NYC & Cape Town ===================================================================
David, Ironically one of your best reports ever and it deals with SOCCER. You have perfectly summed up everything going on in the tournament. Unbelievable emotion watching our adopted country win! Almost like watching the Boks. Let’s hope the miracle continues. Velkes ===========================
| David, All World Cups, whatever the code, have their mis-matches, the real business of the football (soccer) World Cup will only come after we get to the last 32 and the real contenders emerge. You might be bored because of a lack of goals, but just wait.. Regards. M. McGrath (Hong Kong)
PS: Please keep the newsletter going. I may not always agree with everything you write, but that’s the beauty of sport. Once all the experts agree with each other, then you can be sure there will be upsets (as in Switzerland beating the best football team in Europe, Spain). And there’s not nearly enough written about sport in South Africa. Bud, i am so pleased that you finally appreciate the ‘beautiful game’. i have tickets for you for games so come! but selling v fast just sold 2 tiks for semi today for £1000 each and tomorrow someone is buying finlas tiks for £2250 each so hurry and decide otherwise i will sell my tiks v soon. Regards, Pete ========================== |
DB, The vibe is awesome Friends staying at us from Boston loving the vibe…. Actually I must say I was just in aussie and there was so much stuff re SA just awesome for SA and the future of tourism etc etc Re the rest of the stuff: enjoy personally I would need to be paid handsomely to attend a soccer game…….. have been offered a few tickets but way to much hassle to go live…… in fairness I hardly go live to rugby the TV seems more than suffice…..once the knockout stages start should be awesome…….Went to odd live game in the UK loved the spirit and singing when I lived in NA I loved ice hockey and us- football now back in SA love cricket and rugby they rule …. soccer may be simple and no doubt the skills are unbelievable the world cup facilitates a very defensive approach which should be looked at. All international sports people are sublime….. check out the NBA, for example.. no point comparing just enjoy these young people competing at the highest level…………………… Just enjoy the moment and at the monument SA is the place to be. It was a perfect winters day in CT sun was out and we hiked platterklip gorge and relished in all the foreigners around. Dr Baskir
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A must watch rugby commercial re soccer http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RvUIbqKyppY
DB, If you love the purity of skill and the artistry of a game that can be appreciated by those not in the know, then you need to watch the Argentinians. They played against Greece with 7 replacements (you wouldn’t know it) Messi had 3 markers but still managed to hit the post, make a goal and create. The 2 goals only arrive in the last quarter of the match, but such was the level of skill in attempting to break down a packed Greek defence, that I was transfixed for the full 90 I have been to 4 games, all in Durban. The stadium is amazing. It will be a great stadium to watch rugby and I think there will be huge pressure on the Natal Rugby Union to move over the road. Am sure it will happen if the parties concerned can sort out leases, hospitality suites, revenue streams etc.The vibe in the stadium and at the beachfront fan fest is tremendous. Luckily there has been only good things happening and no adverse crime etc. People are friendly and have come together as one. Yes, we can feel it, we can touch it.
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| Hi Dave, I was on a flight from Capetown to Durban last night, when just before landing about 20 Americans started chanting USA..USA..USA. I am not sure how they got the result while we were still flying but it awesome to share the excitement. I am really proud to be a South African
Cheers China ========================= |
DB, It is truly a great thing to read your email on soccer. As a long time lover of the beautiful game, it so heartwarming to read about your experience with the US groundswell of support. The US team is certainly a force on the way up – they were great last year at Confed cup and have not disappointed at the WC ( in spite of ridiculous rulings against them). I have made a point of getting to their games and as a South African let me say – We Love the great number of supporters out here for the team – the Americans are welcome guests ( as are all the great fans). The US team shows great physical strength, huge determination and no shortage of technical skill. They will go far!!
For the rest at home – get on a plane, beg borrow or steal a ticket. This WC is incredible and SA is loving it. The fans from around the world are incredible and everyone is caught up in the greatness of the event. We are so lucky to be part of it!! Come join the fun!
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DB, As a rabid soccer fan, I was sorry to see our boys get knocked out and agree with your comments in general, but, as with most things in life, outcomes often depend on split second decisions that are not fair or equitable. I like the rules as they stand – they can be to the benefit or detriment of either team. I agree that the US should have been awarded the goal last week. In aggregate, I hope that this extends beyond the seeds that the 1994 world cup laid – the games I go to here are 95%+ Hispanic followed. While I have England winner the whole thing in my pool (I am a sucker for punishment), I hope that the US goes far as it can only benefit the game over here! Howard in US
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David, with all the soccer and the rugby and now the tennis, how do you find time to make a living? Seriously though, I switched continuously between the soccer and the tennis until bad light stopped play. Where these 2 get the energy from is beyond me. I once reffed at a 7’s tournament and did 6 or 7 matches between 2 and 8 pm and had to spend the next day in bed. I was very fit in those days but still could not move the next day as I was so stiff. Admittedly I did not stay warm between matches. Leslie (CT)
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I’m at Joburg airport and there are tons of English and Americans here and soccer remains one of the most boring sports ever invented. Hope to see you soon. PK
A WEEK LATER
I had no trouble getting on flights just one week ago. I am surprised you can’t get on. By the way, I have changed my views on the sport. Maybe it’s the high def and the photography but I find myself thoroughly enjoying the sport of soccer. PK
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Hey David, Just got back from the Brazil game which was amazing. Been here for 4 days and been to 3 awesome games already (Us vs Ghana in Rustenburg, England vs Germany in Bloem and Brazil vs Chile tonight at Ellis Park). Off to the Paraguay Japan game also tomorrow. South Africa has really come to the party and put on an incredible show. Kevin
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DB, I just had some Swiss visitors who are following the Swiss team all over the country and going to their matches. The soccer atmosphere is massive. Where ever you go, there are fans. Cape Town was full of the Holland supporters yesterday. Orange people everywhere. They now have an orange bus traveling in and around Cape Town. Another guy sprayed his car orange, had about 10 vuvuzelas fitted on it and driving down the streets with very load traditional dutch music. Today is Portugal vs Brazil and then the Germany vs England match what I think is going to be World War 3, hehe. Anyway, hope all is well. Its very misty here today. Fogg from Cape Town to Somerset West. Regards Jacques Frick
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David, We are rocking in Cape Town and missing you ….The world cup has been a real true gift for my 4 boys who spend their days and nights with people from all over the world and so Cape Town has transformed into an international hub and I hang out in the afternoons after being in the office on the Parade with the foreign nationals blowing our vuvuzelas and cheering for AFRICA. Shabbat shalom. Love Jos
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Well last night was my first world cup soccer game. Argentina against Mexico at soccer city. It was lovely to be amongst all the excitement and festivities of it all. The soccer is getting very good now because its the knock out stages. Soccer city is an awesome stadium and with our special parking tickets we were there in no time at all. II had layers and layers of clothes on as the weather has turned icy again. It is a HUGE stadium and beautifully built and holds I don’t know how may thousands of people….it was packed to capacity and MUCH MUCH bigger than Ellis park. I was so proud of South Africa. The stadium was SPOTLESSLY CLEAN , and everything ran like clockwork. My doubts about whether SA could pull off this world cup tournament or not are no longer……It has been fantastic and I sure hope a lot of tourist will be back for another visit. After the match we went to the news cafe fr a very late bite to eat. Lots of Love, Cousin EV
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DB, NEWS REPORT TODAY SAYS WE HAVE 640,000 VISITORS HERE IN SOUTH AFRICA FOR THE SOCCER, THIS IS A RECORD FOR THIS COUNTRY, YOU ARE 100% CORRECT, THAT SO MANY WRONG CALLS BY THE REFEREES ARE BEING SHOWN, THEY HAVE TO HAVE A TV MONITOR TO PROVE THAT THE DECISIONS CALLED ARE INCORRECT. WE HAVE SEEN TOO MANY RED CARDS, AND OFFSIDE INFRINGEMENTS, WHICH ON REPLAYS ARE WRONG. THEY WILL HAVE TO USE 4TH UMPIRE TO MAKE THE GAME MORE FAIR. RIGHT NOW THE REF IS THE SOLE ADJUDICATOR, AND THAT’S NOT RIGHT. MAYBE THIS LEADS TO LOTS OF CORRUPTION AND PAY OFFS FOR THE REFEREES. IN MOST GAMES WE SEE PLAYERS TAKING A DIVE AND REF CALLS FOR FREE KICK, WHILE THE WHOLE INFRINGEMENT WAS NOTHING BUT AN ORCHESTRATED FALL AND THE INNOCENT PLAYER IS YELLOW CARDED, AND EVEN RED CARDED AND SENT OFF FROM INCORRECT DECISION BY THE REF. THEY DON’T EVEN USE THE LINESMAN FOR HIS OPINION, THE REF IS THE SOLE DECISION MAKER. NOT ACCEPTABLE IN WORLD STANDARDS, BUT FIFA ARE GANGSTER MOB THEMSELVES. HAVE YOU HEARD ABOUT THE BAVARIAN BEER SCANDAL WITH THE COURTS SET UP THE IMMEDIATELY HEAR CASES AND GIVE ARREST WARRANTS AND FINES WITHIN A DAY. THE 2 BEER GIRLS HAD TO PAY R10,000.00 BAIL FOR TAKING OFF THEIR JACKETS AND SHOW REALLY SHORT ORANGE SKIRTS WITH A VERY SMALL BAVARIAN LOGO SHOWING, FIFA HAD THEM ARRESTED, BUT AFTER A WEEK OF LAWYERS AND COURTS THEY ARE DROPPING THE CASE. IT GAVE BAVARIAN BEER MORE COVERAGE, THAN ANY ADVERT THEY COULD HAVE PLACED IN WORLD PRESS.
FIFA RUN A HELL OF AN ORGANISATION AND TAKE ALL THE BENEFITS OR MOST OF THEM. THEY WILL EARN 3.4 BILLION DOLLARS FROM THIS WORLD CUP HERE, WE WILL BE LEFT WITH THE BILLS AND AFTERMATH OF PAYING FOR THIS WHOLE TOURNAMENT. BUT I MUST SAY IT IS WONDERFUL TO BE HERE WITH IT. YOU JUST CAN’T DESCRIBE THE VIBE AND GEES HERE. IT IS RUN LIKE A WELL OILED GEAR.
REGARDS,
OMRI
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DB, MY GRANDSON FROM AMERICA IS HERE FOR THE SOCCER, AMAZING SOCCER LAST NIGHT, AMERICA WENT THRU TO THE NEXT ROUND, THEY PLAY ENGLAND THIS WEEKEND, I HAVE NEVER BEEN A SOCCER FAN, BUT THIS WORLD CUP IS AMAZING, THE WHOLE ORGANISATION AND THE GEES HERE IS UNBELIEVABLE. THE SECURITY, TRANSPORT AND ENTRY TO THE NEW STADIUMS IS WORLD CLASS. WE PUT ON A SHOW LIKE NEVER BEFORE. NEVER WATCHED SOCCER BEFORE BUT THIS WORLD CUP IS AMAZING. DID I SAY THAT!!?? WE GO TO GAMES EVERY SECOND DAY, HAS BEEN AN AWAKENING FOR ME. LAST NIGHT GHANA V/S GERMANY WAS AN OUTSTANDING GAME. TODAY WE PLAY GOLF AND FOLLOWED BY POKER, TONIGHT.
REGARDS, OMRI
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The world cup has been amazing. WE have been to many games including the opening and will be at the closing ! The vibe at the games and in SA on a whole is awesome. I thought the vuvuzelas would worry me but actually they don’t ( unless of course you have one blowing right behind you – which luckily I did not ) I can’t imagine another soccer or for that matter another rugby match without them. It really adds to the atmosphere and at times people blow in tandem to make kind of tunes – it’s quite amazing ! Actually they may have an added purpose come to think of it. People can vent not only their happiness and excitement with it but also their frustrations ….so maybe it’s a good thing to keep anger at bay J
Soccer City is an unbelievable stadium. It seats 90,000 people and is absolutely huge. It is a beautiful stadium and at night looks like gold on the outside with all the lights eluminating it. I was amazed at the organization. Everything ran like clockwork and the place was SPOTLESSLY CLEAN !!! I was very proud to see it like this and proud to be a South African. My doubts about whether we could handle an event of such enormity are no longer. We have done a sterling job ! The city is full of flags everywhere and vendors selling all their paraphernalia on the streets as well. Vern was give quite a few vip parking tickets to various matches so getting there and back has been no problem. I must say though from reports I have had the park and rides from different places in the city to the stadium have been working like clockwork as well as the Metrorail to soccer city. Apparently the station has been redone and it feels like you are in another when you there now. The park and ride is about R50 and if you catch the Metrorail which gets there in no time at all, all you need to do is show your soccer ticket.
Sandton city is streaming with tourists and Melrose arch is the place to go when you are not at the game and want to have a vibe. They have two enormous screens in both squares and in between games live bands . Everyone is so happy and festive. It’s a pleasure to see. As for the Gautrain….I haven’t been on it yet but my kids have – They said it is beautiful and takes so quick ( bout 15min) to get to the airport. They have the same system as everywhere else in the world does for the undergrounds. Money is loaded onto a card and swiped as you go through. Their friends, and I am sure many tourists, have been using it to go backwards and forwards from the airport and all have been very happy !!
It has been wonderful to see so many of our friends from overseas back here for the games. When we see our good friends that have left and who come back for a visit again, it’s like they have never been away !! Old bonds will never break !
The weather has been particularly cold here this winter and CT unfortunately has had rain at some of the matches, but people carry on regardless and as long as you are togged up to your neck and fingers in warm clothes its fine !
Anyway here’s to the best world cup ever and may the best team win !!
Ev
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Howzit DB! Here on your Soccer Email:
Orgasm: I can not agree with the comparison – there’s absolutely nothing in soccer that comes even close to an orgasm. (Maybe its an age thing – I get the impression that those making this analogy could be on the older side, perhaps above 70?!). Just a few important differences: An orgasm is PLANNED. Both teams SCORE. Its GUARANTEED – it happens every time. It brings proceedings to a CLIMAX at the END with no continuance of painful boredom that you’re forced to endure thereafter. The accompanying sound effects are GENTLE and constructive to your cause – ear plugs would be a show stopper.
Bad acting: The single most irritating factor about soccer is the act that players put on when an opponent touches (or doesn’t touch) them. The acting is so profuse that they run the risk of tearing a cheek muscle or severing a lip in the process of putting up a face that convinces the referee of their unbearable an intense pain. This is while grasping onto a leg or ankle that has just been crushed, which the slo-mo often reveals is totally the wrong spot. For crying out loud, do you call this sport?!?! Is this a World Cup where the best of the best meet?! Are these the most highly paid sportsmen on the planet?! Voetsek man, give me pre-school rugby, any day!!
Vuvu’s: I absolutely agree with the notion that vuvuzelas are popular because blowing it gives bored spectators something to do that feels gratifying while the uneventful game drags out in front of them. Its like a giant escape valve for the frustrating lack of thrills and for the anger for paying R30 in our own country for a tasteless foreign beer. It at least offers some reprieve of the feeling that you are being heard. But I sincerely hope that the novelty wears off. At least be creative – blow it only for short periods, for example when a goal is scored (ha-ha), or work out a rhythm that means something, or blow a tune (THAT would be a challenge!). And may it NEVER, EVER, NOOIT be allowed to enter rugby stadiums – it simply doesn’t belong there.
Country in unity: Take nothing away from the amazing ‘gees’ that the soccer world cup has endowed upon us. I fully agree with all the lovely accounts offered about the great things that we all experienced over the past few days. But don’t credit just soccer for this - this is what SPORT can do. If we had a world cup in darts for which 7 new stadiums had to be built, major freeways received extra lanes, all schools and universities closed for 5 weeks and tens of thousands of spirited overseas visitors poured into the country, you would find the same euphoria. Sport IS cool, its an amazing unifying factor. But better than that, South African people are VERY cool. And that is why this event is already being hailed as a major success! May the Boks find a higher gear in the second encounter against the Itaai’s next weekend! Cheers, Wynand =============================
Hi David, I was at Newlands on Saturday and at the soccer last night (Italy vs Paraguay). The noise levels were significantly diff to say the least!!! Article below rants on about whites attending rugby – well it was very obvious who the majority was at the soccer last night – VERY LILLY WHITE. Also interestingly the foreigners seem to be loving the vuvus and have not seen one without it. I had some Poms sitting behind me at they were blowing the whole game with full gusto!!One thing – Newlands is in trouble. The new stadium is absolutely awesome and rugby needs to “evolve” over soon. Will be at the Eng vs Algeria game on Fri – this time with ear plugs!! Regards, Mickey
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DB, some old dear here in the UK called pest control as she thought her house had been invaded by bees when she started watching the WC soccer on TV. The poms are moaning big time here about the vuvuzelas with surveys being conducted on all news programmes – at least we give them something else to moan about between their usual moans about everything else. Craig Swart
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DB, Thanks for the article. The vuvuzelas are a novelty and unfortunately really drown out all the subtle crowd noise, songs, etc. which I think are way more important to the atmosphere. It was interesting to begin with but now it’s just an irritant causing shit with audio, commentators, players ability to communicate, and a myriad of kuck. Glad the Newlands gang banned them for the rugby.
Have you noticed the thousands of empty seats. I understand that so many spectators have been stranded trying to get to the games on time and have not been able to get there. What a @#$%& Up!!! It kills me to see these empty seats particularly if they have been paid for and the people could not get to the stadiums because of a total cock-up with traffic flow etc. Great that the Bokke are supporting the Bafana Bafana as they really need it after today’s performance. Imagine beating France in both Rugby and Soccer – those Hoender Haane will have moerse Traane!!
Cheers boet, Greg
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A photograph taken by National Geographic photographer of the Jhb sky line
with soccer city in the front – quiet stunning! The country has been transformed into this international show piece – it’s been amazing. Everything has worked, and worked well, everyone is happy and Jhb is alive and buzzing. I believe Cape Town and Durban are the same. The kids have been in Umhlanga, as it is school holidays, and they said it was teaming with international tourists and all the little pubs pumping.
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http://www.huffingtonpost.com/shari-cohen/south-africa-rolls-out-th_b_611802.html
The Huffington Post
International development worker in the public health sector
Posted: June 15, 2010
South Africa Rolls Out the Ubuntu in Abundance
I went on a rant the other day regarding the cost of the 2010 World Cup versus all the critical needs South Africa is facing and whether or not the most vulnerable of this country would gain anything from having the World Cup hosted in their country. At that time, I also had some very positive things to say about our hosts for the 2010 World Cup and I wanted to share that side of the coin as well, because it is equally important.
To say that I have been blown away at the hospitality South Africa has shown the rest of the world would be an understatement. I think back on recent Olympics and struggle to remember much reporting in the USA of athletes from other countries. I remember when a Togolese guy won a bronze medal in kayaking and NBC reported it and I thought to myself, “where are all the other fascinating stories like this one…like the Jamaican bobsledding team.” In today’s America, sadly, we have drifted so far towards being so US-centric that we only seem to root for the Americans.
Not so here in South Africa. I’ve been here since early May and each week I have become more and more impressed with the global embrace that South Africans have offered up to the world. On the way to the airport a couple of weeks ago, I heard a radio program that said each day they would focus on one country that would be coming to South Africa for the World Cup, and they would explore not only that sport’s history in soccer, but also their politics, religion, and socio-cultural practices. On the television, I’ve seen numerous programs that focus on a particular country and it’s history of soccer and how the history of that country is intertwined with their soccer history. I’ve seen programs on India, exploring why India enjoys soccer but hasn’t really excelled at the global level… yet. And I’ve seen shows on soccer in Muslim countries. Maybe it’s planned, maybe it’s unplanned, maybe it’s by chance, but it is happening. It’s not just about South Africans showing off their varied and multifaceted culture to their global guests, it’s also about using this opportunity to educate South Africa on the rest of Planet Earth’s inhabitants.
As I moved through my work here in the provinces over the last six weeks, I had a pivotal meeting with the Board members of a rural NGO. They were explaining their guiding program philosophy of Ubuntu. No, not the Linux program. I’m talking about the traditional African philosophy of Ubuntu that essentially says, “No man is an island.”
I found a better explanation from Wikipedia:
Archbishop Desmond Tutu further explained Ubuntu in 2008: One of the sayings in our country is Ubuntu – the essence of being human. Ubuntu speaks particularly about the fact that you can’t exist as a human being in isolation. It speaks about our interconnectedness. You can’t be human all by yourself, and when you have this quality — Ubuntu — you are known for your generosity. We think of ourselves far too frequently as just individuals, separated from one another, whereas you are connected and what you do affects the whole world. When you do well, it spreads out; it is for the whole of humanity.
To me, Ubuntu is the acceptance of others as parts of the sum total of each of us. And that is exactly what I have experienced during the lead up to, and the initial days of this World Cup. There is nary a South African citizen that I’ve met on the street, or in shops or restaurants or hotels, that hasn’t gone out of their way to greet me and make me feel like I am home. And I don’t mean that in the trivial, “Oh, aren’t they nice, homey people here… ” sort of way. I mean real, genuine interest and questions. People seriously want to know where I come from. What it’s like where I live. How does it compare to where I am now. What do I think of South Africa. Oh yes, and what do I think of Bafana Bafana… The questions and conversations are in earnest. They are honest. And they are had with enthusiasm and a thirst to know more. South Africans are drinking deeply from the cup of humanity that has been brought to their doorstep. I would never imagine that an American World Cup or Olympics would ever be this welcoming to the rest of the world. And that saddens me for the state of my home country, but it also makes me feel the pride of the South African people.
I have been truly humbled on this trip. And while I have my gripes regarding development here, I cannot say one negative thing about how South Africa has handled its duties as host and hostess to the world. If I could say one thing to sum up being here during this once-in-a-lifetime experience, it would be that I’ve learned the value of Ubuntu, and that when found and offered in abundance, the world is indeed a better place to live in.
So, if South Africa accomplishes nothing more on the playing field, it will still have won as a host country. I am a cynic, no doubt about that. And yet I have to admit, I’m a little teary just writing this because I leave for home next weekend and I will be leaving a little piece of myself here in South Africa. I just hope I have learned enough to bring back a little piece of Ubuntu to my homeland, where perhaps with a little caring and a little water, it will take root as naturally as it does here, in the cradle of civilization. It’s funny, many people in America still ask me, “are the people in Africa very primitive?” Yes, I know, amazing someone could ask that but they do. And when they do, I usually explain that living in a mud hut does not make one primitive, however, allowing kids to sell drugs to other kids and engage in drive-by killings — isn’t that primitive behavior? I think it is. When I think of Ubuntu and my recent experiences here, I think America has much to learn from Africa in general, in terms of living as a larger village; and as human beings who are all interconnected with each other, each of us having an affect on our brothers and sisters.
As the 2010 Cup slogan goes, “Feel it. It is here.” Well, I have felt it, because I am here. Thank you South Africa, for giving me this unexpected gift. I am humbled.
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Vuvuzela’s – annoying people since 1660!
=========================================================================== Rugger Buggers,
We must make a confession in the spirit of the intellectual honesty of our Report which we try our hardest to adhere to.
In watching the soccer, it has been much more exciting than we thought. Perhaps its been because we’ve had teams to root for that have almost come through, and have come through. The Bafana team at 2-0 up at half time really gave us hope and we can be proud of a win over the French. It was exciting to watch that at the same time as watching to see if Uruguay would win. The exit from the tournament was sad, but at that point, expected.
BUT today, we are at a conference in Nantucket, Massachusetts, and before you knew it, the hotel’s pub was full and everyone remarkably was watching the US game, with the England game on the far TV. The excitement of the game was contagious. And these are people who have barely watched professional soccer! They are people who have played as kids or who have kids who play (its very popular in the US among young kids).
While the first half of the game wasn’t as exciting overall as a comparable rugby World Cup to watch, the excitement in the second half had a Pee Factor of 10, as many rugby games have too score-dependent, and as desperation and the “moment” sank in.
AND when the US scored the goal, it was CERTAINLY up there amongst the best moments in sport for us. Surely English fans felt this way about their goal. It was, as we explained and if you’ll forgive the analogy, like an ejaculation. You wait and wait, and wait, and it either “comes or it doesn’t”. And when it does, it’s big!! (And if its a woman, a “goal” only happens 50% of the time).
My gosh we are all so excited. To see all these Americans, with ties and jackets on, who very rarely watch, yelling, screaming ”USA, USA, USA…” was amazing.
Many however feel the game is so “uncivilized” in the sense that the refs have cart blanche to do as they wish. Its foreign to the attitude here. This would never pass in America where “being fair” and doing the right thing and respect is fundamental to society values. Where reasons must be given. Where you cant throw a person in jail without a trial and explanation. The US goal disallowed last week was a tragedy, and today, Dempsey’s disallowed ”offside” goal, as the replay showed, was another wrong decision and tragedy, as sports go. One can’t help but feel the anti-American sentiment acts in these ways in split second decisions. In time, technology has to be used in certain key decisions, but since soccer is run the way it is by who it is, maybe that’s wishful thinking. After all, why would the decision makers take away the power from the decision makers.
Anyway, this is awesome. Far more awesome than we ever dreamed, now that the boring opening games are over. Now, where each result REALLY matters, its exciting. IF you have a team that you support. If you don’t, we may not feel this way. So pick another team as Bafana is out, and enjoy the ride, and enjoy what we are enjoying, watching the skill of a Renaldo or a Messi, our hero so far. Its also an unfair game in a way, as clearly not always the better team wins, as there’s a lot more luck to this game than in other games, even though the ball is round. But we suppose, this adds to the excitement. Or the disappointment.
Go World cup!! Go South Africa! Go USA and go Americans who ironically are by far the biggest visitors to SA for the games.
PLEASE share with us your thoughts. It’s only from you that we learn.
“In Rugger, and Soccer Temporarily Only, We Love”,
D Berman
The DeeBee Rugby Report
NYC & Cape Town“
The Irish Herald: “The most intellectually accurate report; DB might be crazy and impaired pyschologically, but he’s no dummy
Rugger Bugger,
Be sure to read selected responses at end
If you’re finding watching soccer boring, you’re not alone. In Cape Town the guys are getting very upset. After 270 minutes of watching three games long games of soccer, at great expense, they have only seen two goals in total and to make matters worse, they have come all the way and not even a winner has emerged in any of these games. No wonder they say watching soccer is for the brain dead of our society. Those who admit to loving soccer say the reason for the Vuvuzela is because it gives them something to do to take away the boredom. Dinkum, we kid you not. Of course when a goal is finally scored, its totally orgasmic, which is why soccer and sex are so similar – you work hard and wait for a long time, and only some of the time do you enjoy a quick adrenalin of excitement.
Well, there’s no question our team BfBf can win… just one of two things has to happen as we see attached. Again, here’s THE best site http://www.marca.com/deporte/futbol/mundial/sudafrica-2010/calendario-english.html . You can see the games at a quick glance by date, by team, by section, or by stadium.
The great bore aside, the feeling in SA is sensational by all accounts and there can be no doubt this is hugely successful event, on multiple levels. We include some responses below, including our thesis on rugby and sex further amplified. Thanks guys!
As for rugby, the three southern hemisphere tests will be fun to watch. It will be nice to see Butcher Boy back in the mix, although we’d rather see him at #10.
PLEASE share with us your thoughts. It’s only from you that we learn.
“In Rugger We Love”,
D Berman
The DeeBee Rugby Report
NYC & Cape Town”
The Irish Herald: “The most intellectually accurate report; DB might be crazy and impaired psychologically, but he’s no dummy”
To be taken off this Report please email “unsubscibe”. DB will NOT be offended. The list is growing rapidly.
To be ADDED, please email and include your name, where you are from, who you support, and where you live.
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Went to my first Soccer match in about 50 years last night at the new Durban Stadium ……8.30 kick off…………Germany v Australia. Like a culture shock! We found ourselves seated next to a block of about 400 beer swilling, German supporters. They were so noisy they drowned out the Vuvuzelas! Not many of them took much interest in what was going on, on the field. Beers (Buds) were being knocked back at the rate of 1 per person every 15 minutes……….approx 6 to 7 beers during the game ………..not to mention what they might have had before and after. After every goal (4 in all) they sang the anthem and waved their arms with half –full bottles of beer in their hands and so all and sundry in the vicinity were doused in beer…….unbelievable! Some of the fans never sat down for a minute. Huge raucous fun……………..but hard to handle for a “gentle” Rugby spectator. The Stadium is superb beyond words……………….the atmosphere as we approached was magic and the crowd handling immaculate. The game was one-sided and if you were German………extremely confidence boosting. Australia were “old” and tactically naïve………… I very much doubt if they are capable of beating Ghana or Serbia also in their group.
Much love,
UNCLE RON
P.S. Thank goodness for the ear plugs……..we went prepared …..and thankfully so ……the noise from the vuvuzelas was absolutely deafening! ==============================================================
“South Africa has the extraordinary ability to make fools of those who attempt to predict its future”. Those are the words of the SA author Rian Malan writing in the UK Daily Telegraph last weekend. He included himself among the predictors who had been proved incorrect in this instance,in that he had earlier written that SA would not be ready for the World Cup. I was at the opening game on Friday and I have never been more proud to be a South African. The opening ceremony was brilliant, although watching it back on TV I think that they messed up the coverage somewhat. Anyway, not a big deal. Our seats were directly behind the corner of the goal where Tshabalala fired in his rocket shot. We went ballistic. The 20 minutes after the goal were special – the stadium was rocking. It was how it could have been the whole night if we had held on to win. Walking back to our transport, a policeman summed it up best for me when he chided the Bafana fans saying, “where are the vuvuzelas? We must hear them! We did not lose. We are all the winners today.” DeeBee, this whole place is buzzing. Everyone has really embraced the World Cup, from the staunch rugby fan with his face painted, saying what a great thing it is for Africa, to the beautiful Muslim girl wearing the flag as her hijab, to the three year old black child on his father’s shoulders blowing the vuvuzela. I was on Sandton Square on Thursday night jamming with 1,000 other people from all over the world. There was a full-on Mexican mariachi band. ESPN has set up their broadcast booth overlooking the square. I don’t know how they are doing with all the noise. I just hope that nothing serious goes wrong – there is still plenty of time for that – but right now, this is the biggest party this country has ever seen. I hope we qualify for the next round. So far, all the effort seems to have been well worth it. I am so happy to be able to be a part of it. You can hear the vuvuzela the whole day. It may get tedious but right now, no-one seems to mind.
KING WARREN ===================================================================
Thank you David, for your post game summary which made interesting and contentious reading. We were at Newlands and it is absolutely obvious that Francois Steyn is a must at fullback because a left footed kicker is also required as Morne Steyn who is most probably the world’s number one fly half is not all that good with the left foot. Francois bring a new option. Francois Louw who is outstanding and Gio Aplon who scored two great tries a 10 is a little bit, in my opinion, over the the top, an 8 or 9 would be the correct figure as in all the reviews that I have seen over the years I don’t really think I have seen a 10. Anyway everything is a matter of opinion and I appreciate yours. Today we are having a winters day in Cape Town like we used to have 40 – 50 years ago with the temperature at 11-12 degrees and rain pouring non stop. The German soccer team last night performed outstandingly and if they can keep up that type of fast good football inter-passing as they did then they must be in contention for World Cup victory. There are four youngsters in the side who are only 20/21 years old and that augers well for German football.
LORD FREDDY ====================================================================
HI DeeBee,
The past week leading up to the opening of the world cup and also after the first game in JHB, onto the first game at Cape Town Stadium (Yes, I was there) has been one massive orgasm for all of us living in South Africa – never have I felt this size of excitement – and yes, as we all know size does count, for such a long period of time (correct, time is also a major orgasm factor). Never before have I been more proud to be a South African – Not even when Apartheid was abolished as I was to young to understand the repercussions! But I am now old enough to understand the statement and the message that we have put out to the rest of the world. I understand the repercussions of this message and I am so delighted. Black and white, young and old are standing shoulder to shoulder dancing and partying in the streets as 1 and forgetting the many differences. For once, we have more in common than we have differences!!!!! It shows what an important role sport plays in South African unity (and for the rest of the world!). It also shows how much bigger soccer is than rugby and the difference is HUGE! Together, We as South Africans have pulled this massive show off in spectacular fashion and long may it last. Saturday’s rugby was one way traffic and the French were beaten before the start – we played like the world class team that we are, but I think that many teams would have beaten the French on Saturday Hers to a month long of orgasms!!
ADMIRAL MARTIN =============================================================
We had a lovely morning in NYC. With Josh & Philip we went to the Nasdaq “ringing the bell” opening (CNBC televised) with the South African Ambassador to the US, and thereafter we went to a lekker plek to watch ”the paint dry” (soccer) – the OPENING match of the World Cup Soccer! After well over 40 minutes in the 2nd half we Bafana Bafana finally scored a goal and ONLY then did it get exciting - and boy was it exciting to see that goal! An eruption of sorts! Folks with us went mad. So did we!
You know we love rugby. There’s always action, many variables, huge chess like strategy, a strange bounce to contend with, and points. With soccer… So it finally dawned upon us why a soccer goal can be so exciting… it reminded us of an orgasm…. you wait a long time, age dependent of course, and then the ultimate arrives! Bang! Or perhaps the analogy is best for a women’s orgasm. You wait forever and then, only 50% of the time, there is an orgasm! The rest of the time, we are goalless.
Unlike in rugby where there are mini orgasms throughout, in soccer they either “come” or they don’t. And when they do, the eruption can be magnificent. It’s like eating after being starved, when it happens it tastes more delicious because of the very wait itself, not he food. The rest of the time, its like watching paint dry. Or just “building up” to climax. If one is so lucky. Today we were lucky. After 90 minutes we had one orgasm on our side – with a result of 1-1 - so even then, there was still no result. As if trying make a baby but alas the condom was on.
Best DB
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SA passion surprises world
June 12 2010
By Sameer Naik
The footballing world watched in awe as tens of thousands of South Africans gathered to show their support for Bafana Bafana this week. Sandton, the financial heart of Joburg, came to a standstill as fans thronged the streets. The scene was replicated across the country, from Augrabies to Zeerust, as fans of all sizes, shapes, hues and creeds put on their supporters’ kit and came out at noon to blow their vuvuzelas and sound their hooters in an unprecedented show of support for the team and excitement about the World Cup.
Now analysts are tipping South Africa to host the most successful World Cup the world has ever seen.
According to the 2010 Scorecard, an in-depth analysis of World Cup preparations, South Africa has exceeded all expectations and leapt past Germany in terms of preparations and excitement. Dr Nikolaus Eberl, 2010 analyst and chief executive of Brandovation, said the week’s celebration had sent shock waves through the world. “The celebrations on Wednesday were unprecedented. Never before has the host country’s fans celebrated before kick-off. We were shocked at what unfolded throughout the country,” he said, adding that there was little excitement before Germany’s World Cup in 2006. “In Germany there was a dampened mood. It was very different (from) South Africa. People were anxious, moody and very unhappy with the national team’s performance,” he said. The nation came together only after Germany had passed the group stages. “Only 8 percent of fans backed their national team, so there was no vibe at all,” said Eberl.
“South Africans showed the world that they can host a tournament of any scale. It shows how much locals care about their country and how proud they are, it was fantastic and came as a shock to many of us.” Germany’s opening ceremony was a disaster. “Fifa (was) forced to cut down the opening ceremony for the 2006 World Cup to only half an hour because (it) feared the grass would burn. Franz Beckenbauer was also disallowed from participating in the opening ceremony,” said Eberl. “Fans booed Sepp Blatter when he came out to speak and production had to be halted during the opening. Fans were also disappointed that they could not drink German beer in the stadium.” Eberl believes South Africa is on track to host the most successful tournament yet.
“South Africa shocked the world and showed everybody that the country can host a successful tournament.
“The World Cup is a catalyst for national reconciliation and locals have come together to prove disbelievers wrong,” he said. He believes the togetherness seen this week will unite South Africans for the rest of their lives. “The 31 days of national euphoria will be more than enough to change the behaviour of all South Africans. “Over the course of the World Cup South Africans will grow even closer and it will have lasting effects,” said Eberl. But Parreira voiced concerns over Wednesday’s celebrations, calling them a distraction.
The Brazilian told SuperSport that the parade had the potential to distract his players and did not send the right message, with some people celebrating as if South Africa had won. “We (did) not need this two days before a big match.”
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DB, Thanks for the article. The vuvuzelas are a novelty and unfortunately really drown out all the subtle crowd noise, songs, etc. which I think are way more important to the atmosphere. It was interesting to begin with but now it’s just an irritant causing shit with audio, commentators, players ability to communicate, and a myriad of kuck. Glad the Newlands gang banned them for the rugby.
Have you noticed the thousands of empty seats. I understand that so many spectators have been stranded trying to get to the games on time and have not been able to get there. What a @#$%& Up!!! It kills me to see these empty seats particularly if they have been paid for and the people could not get to the stadiums because of a total cock-up with traffic flow etc.
Great that the Bokke are supporting the Bafana Bafana as they really need it after today’s performance. Imagine beating France in both Rugby and Soccer – those Hoender Haane will have moerse Traane!!
Looking forward to the Italy game this weekend. Haven’t seen Butch play for a while so that should be interesting. Hope that Kershner can do a better job as we got away with his crap play last week.
Cheers boet,
MAD GREG
The long horns — already the symbol and soundtrack of this soccer extravaganza — are banned from use on domestic airlines.
They are also banned from Newlands Stadium, Cape Town’s rugby temple, which explains why a security guard at one of the stadium gates on Saturday had a plastic bag stuffed with confiscated vuvuzelas by the time South Africa’s Springboks had commenced their methodical, often spectacular, destruction of France.
World Cup fever has its limits, but plenty of noise could still be heard inside Newlands. There were roars of slightly surprised delight from the Springbok fans as their team stormed to two tries in the opening eight minutes. There were collective gasps that resonated more like collective winces after particularly thunderous hits.
There was even, near the end, a tremor of polite, perhaps condescending applause as the French scored a late try of their own that did nothing to alter the fact that this was a blowout.
Final score: 42-17.
While South Africa’s soccer team remains a big underdog in the World Cup and would be delighted simply to reach the second round, the rugby union team has already won its World Cup at home. The Springboks did it in 1995, with the newly elected president Nelson Mandela urging and cheering them on despite their linkage with the apartheid era and the white regime that had imprisoned him for 27 years.
Mandela’s well-timed teaching moment has since been mined for books and last year’s Clint Eastwood film, “Invictus.”
The national euphoria and improbable optimism of 1995 have been tempered by challenges and disappointments, both small and large. But 15 years later, the Springboks remain the green-and-gold standard of sporting excellence in post-apartheid South Africa and a particularly big draw here in Cape Town, which, with its large white population, has long been a rugby stronghold.
“It is more of a rugby town, Cape Town, it always has been,” said Peter Raubenheimer, a 40-year-old physician from Cape Town who was at Newlands on Saturday. “I think soccer is growing among schools, but traditionally, soccer has never been a major school sport. It’s always been rugby. “
The Springboks won another World Cup in 2007 in France and, in light of recent achievements, look like the favorite to win next year in New Zealand, too. It is a sign of rugby’s stature here that soccer’s governing body, FIFA, agreed to let the game Saturday be played in South Africa during this World Cup window, which is normally a no-fly zone for other international sports matches.
This one came on a rest day from the soccer in Cape Town, and the Springboks managed to drew a near-capacity crowd. But they started earlier than usual (2 p.m.) to avoid conflicting with the Nigeria-Argentina game on television, and for the next month, the Springboks’ game will be thoroughly overshadowed by the much more global one that has long associated with black culture in South Africa.
“Because of the perception that soccer in this country is more the black sport, I think this World Cup can only do the country good, not just short term but long term as well,” said Marc Wilson, a 36-year-old operations manager for a telecommunications company in Cape Town. “Even in the buildup to the World Cup, people from all backgrounds were getting together and just celebrating the fact we are actually hosting the World Cup as an African nation.”
Wilson was at Newlands on Saturday and plans to see England play Algeria in the World Cup next week at the new stadium at Green Point. But not all rugby fans have crossover interest. “I don’t know anything about soccer,” said Martin Lotz, an 18-year-old from Somerset West near Cape Town, who attended Saturday’s game. “I’ve grown up Afrikaans, so I just prefer rugby to soccer. My family is a rugby family.”
Judging from the crowd on Saturday, rugby’s core public remains predominantly, if not exclusively, white. But by design and with some governmental pressure, the makeup of the Springboks continues to change, albeit slowly. On Saturday, the team looked rather more like the rainbow nation South Africa is instead of simply representing it.
The coach, Peter de Villiers, in place since 2008, is the first nonwhite coach in Springbok history, and two of the players who had the biggest influence against the French — the established star Bryan Habana and the new winger Gio Aplon — are also nonwhite. The national youth teams are more diverse still.
“There is definitely more diversity among the players,” said Anton Gaylard, a 40-year-old executive with an information technology company in Cape Town. “It just seems to be that we are more passionate about rugby, so there are still a lot more white players playing rugby than blacks. But it’s coming and everyone is enjoying it, and the nice thing is that everybody enjoys it together.”
That is truer after last month, when the southern hemisphere’s premier club competition, the Super 14, staged a semifinal and the final in the former black township of Soweto. They were played in Orlando Stadium, the long-time hub of soccer in the black community, because the Bulls, a rugby team from Pretoria, chose to play in Soweto while their regular stadium was being renovated for the World Cup.
“The significance of the occasion is not lost on us,” Bulls coach Frans Ludeke said to South African reporters.
Nor was it lost on rugby fans who made the unexpected trek to Soweto.
“It was an eye opener for me, being a Capetonian,” Wilson said. “It was the first time I had been to Soweto, and I will definitely be going back. I saw a lot of rugby supporters going into the communities there and enjoying that communal kind of lifestyle and embracing it.”
That game in Soweto was also unusual in another respect. Vuvuzelas were permitted inside the stadium for a big rugby match. “I think after the World Cup they will start creeping in elsewhere,” Gaylard said.
The airlines may soon be the last refuge.
Saturday at Noon NYC – 12 June 2010
See “ratings”.14 Gio Aplontjie (10) Yes we have some egg on our face, but we’ll take it. Big yellow egg. A massive game for Aplontjie in his home crowd stadium. Such heart as we have always said. Two awesome tries. Wow!! While thrilled with his tries and this win, we are now afraid as Aplontjie will likely secure his spot in the team, and you know our thinking on his size and the risks thereof especially against more physical teams. Don’t forget his performance against the Bulls for example. You also know we’ve changed our minds before, which if wrong we are willing to do, but we are not close to that on this one. We’ve NEVER dismissed Aplontjie’s potential on attack. Watch him closely in the Tri Nations on defence. He was also underestimated today which always helps a new less “marked” player. Today in attach he came through in style. He bumped off Maxime Mermoz before stepping the cover defence brilliantly en route to the tryline. He then showed that he has the pace for a Test rugby winger by collecting the ball on his 22m line and smoking the French defenders, with great and very clever side steps. Those were rare attacking opportunities in a match where he was largely reduced to chasing box kicks. Good positional play and defence outside of the earlier mentioned incident. Against this less physical side than the All Blacks, he wasn’t asked of much on defense at all.
13 Jaque Fourie (9) Supported Habana well in Spies’ try when he floated the pass to the rampaging No 8. Key move. He is still becoming accustomed to playing alongside Wynand Olivier, and there were moments of miscommunication on defence. However, he is the glue that binds the Bok backline and the intelligence he shows when in possession on attack is one of his underrated qualities. His one huge break later was sensational. What he gives up in pace, evident when he failed to cross the whitewash after that slicing of the defensive line in the 64th minute, he makes up for in grey matter. Thank God for him as he is the “backline coach” as Muir is clearly over his head.
12 Wynand Olivier (6) Little space to operate from set plays and few attacking opportunities in general play. Didn’t disappoint but never thrilled and needs to develop the skill of creating chances in that tight environment because it will seldom be on offer. Defensively good.
11 Bryan Habana (8) Intercepted the pass then shrugged off three tackles in creating Pierre Spies’ try. The importance of this early try which he gets more points for than even Spies in scoring it, cannot be overstated. On defence his hard pushes off the line pressure the French carriers and receivers and ensured that the opposition got no joy in the wide channels. Worked hard and often in the mix for a wing.
10 Morne Steyn (8) – WE LOVE how he is maturing. Solid (though not spectacular which is just fine) and did what was requested of him. Played great low risk rugby. He has displayed his ability to play to a game plan but needs to vary his play if he is to be considered amongst the elite flyhalves in world rugby. His most notable attacking contribution was a floated brilliant pass to Steenkamp for the prop’s try. His kicking was terrific as were his clearance kicks. Others may have expected more of him, we felt he was solid and a great general today, especially without his half back partner Fourie.
9 Ricky Januarie (8) Solid game! Good defence. Busy game. No important mistakes or dumb penalties this time – cleaned-up his transgressions. His box kicking was a mix of ordinary and OK, and this was particularly pertinent because the Springboks have come to rely so heavily on excellence in that facet of play from Fourie du Preez. His distribution was adequate – better than usual – had a faster distributor been there, the centers would’ve seen more of the ball.
8 Pierre Spies (8) THe Man Giant is a freak of nature. Pity Vermuelen that we have suc a great #8. Ran a great supporting line to score the Test’s opening try. However, his true test was always going to come how he coped behind a pack that didn’t enjoy the ascendency and came through that test well. The French routinely posted two defenders on him (the opposite of what they did with Aplontjie) which nullified his potency with ball in hand but created holes in the defensive line when the ball was recycled. The fact that he never disappeared in a match pattern that didn’t suit his strengths says he is growing into a more complete N0 8.
7 Francois Louw (10) Who misses Brussouw? Anyone? Louw is the new Brussouw but bigger and growing into a Bok to be reckoned with. He is busy shattering the generally accepted rules about what physical dimensions an openside flank needs to have to be effective. He runs intelligent defensive lines and this is why he is able to have a crack at slowing or turning over possession as often as he does. His contribution at the breakdown stifled France’s attacking flow and made his team’s defensive task significantly easier. Looks a comfortable fit at Test level and promises to be a key player for the Boks this season. One great try by him undoubtedly cements his spot as “Man of the Match”.
6 Schalk Burger (7) Carried strongly but wasn’t the force at the gain line his coaches would have hoped him to be. His sheer physicality on attack and defence meant he was always a menace but needs to match amplify his threat by busting the line more often than he does. He gave away no dumb penalties! He has Potgieter, a “mini Schalk”, breathing down his neck.
5 Victor Matfield (8) Imagine the team without Victory? He clearly infiltrated the very psyche of the French hooker and his jumpers. This of course is his primary role but also made valuable contributions in defence. Led the side well in John Smit’s absence, ensuring composure and sustained focus on the game plan that had made them successful. Leads to the question: “do we need Smit”?
4 Danie Rossouw (8) – Massive try saving tackle and massive tackle early on. Has so lifted his game that Backies not missed. Has carried his Super 14 form into the Test arena and will be difficult to displace. His physicality and work rate make him a formidable opponent and those two qualities were central to the Boks’ success this afternoon. His first half hit on Lionel Nallet ensured the French hard man was a non-factor for the remainder of the contest and his brutal cleaning of rucks meant there’ll be some sore bodies in their camp.
3 BJ Botha (6) Inconsistent at scrum time, mixing solidity with vulnerability in an average scrummaging performance. His defence around the track was good but needs to up his ruck hits.
2 John Smit (5) Injured and substituted at half-time but like Botha delivered a mixed bag at scrum time. One has to bear in mind that he only recently returned to the position at Test level and should improve along with his front row wingmen under the tutelage of Os du Randt. Never lacked any physicality with ball in hand and a force when cleaning at ruck time. Not missed as captain in second half.
1 Gurthro Steenkamp (8) Great try gets him big points but why didn’t he run closer to the posts for the conversion which was missed? Excellent all round performance. His scrummaging has improved exponentially in the couple of months since his nightmare of late 2009 and his work rate in defence and accuracy and power at the tackle point was a sight to behold.
Subs:
16 Chiliboy Ralepelle (7) – (On at half time for John Smit) Showed he has the capacity to play at this level if given the opportunity. Scrummed well and was effective when carrying in the loose. Will improve if he is invested in. Had a few Louw type steals and great game.
17 Jannie du Plessis (6) – (On in 57th minute for BJ Botha) – Scrummed relatively well without being dominant and worked hard in defence.
18 Flip van der Merwe (1) – (On in the 60th for Danie Rossouw) – Pitiful. The debutant ensured sustained physicality amongst the tight five on attack and defence, merely b his size. But as he walked on we said how worried we were that he’d do something dumb, as he often does. And he did – got a yellow card. Pathetic. Dumb. Unnecessary. He better learn fast to get his act together.
19 Dewald “Mini Scalk” Potgieter (6) – (On in 51st minute for Schalk Burger) Rabid tracking across the park and strength in the collisions made him a like for like replacement for Burger. Will grow in stature as the Test season progresses and looks a natural replacement for the Stormers man.
20 Ruan Pienaar (6) – (On in the 66th minute for Morne Steyn) Controlled the game relatively well when he came on but never injected the game breaking quality his coaches would have been looking for. But cant expect magic with so little time.
21 Juan de Jongh (5) – (On in the 60th for Wynand Olivier) Punched above his weight on defence but had few attacking opportunities. Let through one try in the tackle which may have been held back by a stronger defender (missed by most fans).
22 Jean de Villiers (6) – (On in 62nd minute at wing for Zane Kirchner) – No opportunities to carry the ball, much like with but anything was better than Zane.
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FROM KEO
A resounding 42-17 win on Saturday ended the Springboks’ five-year losing streak against France.
It was a game that was won before kickoff. Hordes of French fans filtered into Newlands and made their fierce presence felt during the singing of ‘La Marseillaise’. The Bok supporters countered with an uplifting rendition of ‘Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika’ and it seemed as if all the emotion resulting form Bafana Bafana’s draw against Mexico had the locals hungry for more success.
The Boks certainly displayed the controlled aggression they lacked in the last meeting between the two teams. One tackle summed up their dominance, with senior statesman Lionel Nallet enduring a fierce body blow in the 28th minute. Referee Bryce Lawrence stopped the game to check with his touch judge regarding the legality of Danie Rossouw’s tackle, while Nallet was swarmed by French medical personnel. France had sustained an early assault, and like Nallet, were a few blows away from hitting the canvas.
The visitors struggled to breach the advantage line due to the Boks’ bruising physicality at the collisions. Without earning the right to go wide, their backline attack was static, and a loose pass was swooped on by Bryan Habana. The Bok winger found Jaque Fourie who in turn fed a hard-running Spies. The Bulls No 8 compared to a young Bob Skinstad in the way he swan-dived between the uprights.
While the Boks must have drawn inspiration from Bafana, the French were as flat as their own football counterparts. They botched several opportunities deep in Bok territory, as the South African hassling wasn’t limited to the breakdown, but prominent in the lineout as well.
Victor Matfield broke from a maul to pass to Ricky Januarie in the ninth minute, and the scrumhalf spun a flat pass to Gio Aplon. The Stormers winger, who boasts a modest 75kg bulk, proceeded to bounce off France centre Maxime Mermoz, and completed the humiliation by outsprinting the cover defence to score.
An area where the Boks did fail to deliver was in the centres, as Wynand Olivier and Fourie battled for synergy, especially on defence. Their breakdown in communication often led to an overlap for the French, and it was one such mistake that allowed Aurelien Rougerie to hit back for the visitors.
The scrum started well, but struggled as the first half progressed with BJ Botha heavily penalised. The Boks also lost skipper John Smit to injury at the end of the first 40. They were fortunate that scrumming wasn’t as much a factor when the game opened up.
Gurthro Steemkamp’s try in the 32nd minute ensured the Boks went to the break with a commanding 25-10 lead, and an opportunistic strike by Aplon early in the second period consolidated the advantage. The Boks did well to capitalise on French errors in this match, and it was a loose pass by Francois Trinh-Duc inside the Boks’ 22 that Aplon successfully gathered before sprinting 80m to score.
The French battled with the new law interpretations at the breakdown, and they certainly missed the physical presence of Sebastien Chabal and Imanol Harinordoquy. Louis Picamoles added some grunt to the French pack in the second period which begs the question why Marc Lievremont opted for mobility over strength in contact.
The visitors also looked tired, and began to kill the ball in the final quarter in an attempt to limit the damage. The Boks also lost rhythm towards the end because of the number of changes, and Flip van der Merwe’s debut ended on a bad note when he was sent to the sin bin for negative play.
Replacement scrumhalf Dimitri Yachvilli’s yellow-card served to further disrupt the disjointed French, and Francois Louw scored the Boks fifth try in 76th minute after the tired France defence disintegrated. The visitors earned a consolation try late in the game when Marc Andreu crashed over, but the scoreline confirmed they were well beaten.
The Bok coaching staff will be pleased with this performance considering it’s the first time the ‘A’ team’s played together in 2010. There are a few ailments that need remedying, and while Jean de Villiers’ return should help the midfield, the coaches will hope Smit’s injury doesn’t lead to more changes in the front row.
By Jon Cardinelli, at Newlands
Monday Morning June 7, 2010
Rugger Buggers,
Tennis: Rafael Nadal – my gosh he is insane! What a pleasure to have him back at his best, not dropping a set all tournament!
Soccer: Big day on Friday! We are thrilled for SA and hope it goes well. We love playing soccer but alas, no matter how hard we try, it just doesn’t have the same chess-like excitement as rugby does for us. Not even close. A round ball, so no guessing and less “luck”, and also so few alternatives for points, with only 1-2 goals in a match. One big yawn. But hey. the festivities should be great and we look forward to a few reports from those of you who do love it.
Back to rugger. Wales V Boks – great game! Watched it with lighties and Philip in a pub in NYC, and met an old friend Sir Lawrence Rose of model UCT fame.
At he end of our Report, please see some views from a few others.
Things were ominous in the first quarter with the Boks down 3-16, but one felt they would shift it up a gear. And they did. So much so, that in the final quarter the Boks were so dominant it felt as though it could be a cricket score. But alas the Welch fought back aided by a few weak substitutions and Kirshner, who is not ready for Bok level, made an awful mistake that led to a try. We think the boys did well and by half time, even though it was 14-16, there was one clearly better team. Many have been critical of the team notably John Smit among them. Given that he was one of the worst players on the field and gifted one of the most foolish intercept tries we have ever seen, we suspect he may be talking about himself, and we were disappointed he didn’t speak to his own shocking performance a bit more. We are not in the thick of things, but no doubt he did inspire the guys not to panic and to come back, so he surely must get credit for his captaincy.
Some late and weak substitutions like Hargreaves and Kirshner hurt the Boks, but unlike others who criticized it, we welcomed these subs as it let us see their impact, and hopefully it showed PDV and the selectors those weak choices, which we would otherwise not have known. It is only in retrospect that we can say the game was not shut-out and there are those who just love to blame PDV for this, as it did become too close for comfort, but truly, at the time, it did appear to be the right decision.
As has been the case since we spotted The Kid years ago, there are those who just do not like him and tend to focus on a poor kick here or there, but then in the same breath those same folk are now saying he must still be the Bok full back, so go figure. Imagine how they’d bitch if he missed that 50 meter kick! With the Kid, it’s a function of expectations being way too high, and not recognizing the good he does do, the extra yardage he gets, how solid he has become, and how his inclusion alone gets the opposition team to change the game plan. No, he didn’t have his greatest game “for him” especially, but it was good enough that we believe without him, we likely would’ve lost. He also has presence and inspires the team. And that’s without mentioning his huge 3 pointer.
Ratings below: OK, so we borrowed Keo’s format and below are OUR ratings and thinking (alongside his, where we agreed). If you wish to see his more negative views and ratings, go to his site.
Danie Roussouw was our Man of the Match. A first for him in our books. He is maturing nicely as we saw all season. He was always solid and created that great try for Potgieter which is why he gets our vote. To be sure, there was no clear Man of the Match in this game. It’s nice to see that many of the newer buggers showed an inspired performance, notably our two flanks and De Young.
A word on January; there are those we respect who felt he had a great game. We thought he had a good game “for him” but that he was a weak link, as we found his distribution way too slow and his kicks lacking the accuracy and depth of some of our other scrumhalves.
Best, David
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Our ratings of Springboks players from the Test at the Millennium Stadium.
RATINGS OUT OF 10
15 Frans Steyn – THE KID (8) – Without The Kid, we believe likely have lost. And not just because of that huge 3 pointer he scored for us. Without him, we did lose last year in our trip up north, and we pointed to fans that he was the major change from the prior Tri-Nations. Many fans still do not understand that his mere inclusion in the team changes the game. It prevents the other team from kicking as he kicks it back further. His defense is huge. He is a big guy. He can be relied upon, usually, unlike Kirshner who botched a catch which led to a try. His long range 3 points came at a vital time. His long punts added valuable yardage that few seem to notice. Did he make mistakes? Sure he did. But at least when he hung onto the ball in the tackle, he retained it well. Not his best game, but he can have a poor game and still be one of the best on the field.
14 Gio Aplontjie (6) – Solid under the high ball and was excellent in chasing up and unders. Had one important and nice attacking run. Wasn’t pressed or tested. There should be rugby for smaller people like him and us. He just isn’t big enough at this level.
13 Jaque Fourie (7) – Showed some much needed composure when the Boks looked like imploding early on. Along with De Jongh, the pair largely kept Jamie Roberts and James Hook – Wales’s biggest dangers – quiet. Fourie did nothing special in this tight game, but his focus on being general on defence can not be overrated.
12 Juan de Joung (7) – Took a massive hit early on from Roberts, but recovered well in his debut Test. Although he did nothing badly wrong, the Boks missed the solidity Butch James. AS Keo says, he Will have to add some more strings to his bow other than his running ability if he’s to become an international quality No 12, but still has time on his side. He scored an outstanding try, and for this, those up north who denied Butch’s inclusion. got spanked.
11 Odwa Ndungane (7) – Scored the Boks’ first try but limped off with an injury after 30 minutes. He must get credit for great finishing, although in truth there wasn’t too much to do. To us, he is one of the weak links in the team.
10 Ruan Pienaar (7) – Somehow lacks that leadership quality at #10. Too frantic a player, likely why he is better suited for #9, a position he himself prefers. Seems insecure. Every kick a worry, the first few just making it. But he improved as the game went on. Tried his best to loosen up the game with long passes and running from deep, which played into the hands of the hosts. Missed James’s composure alongside him in the opening 10 minutes and the result was the Boks went down 6-0 with their frantic game-plan. Kicked 16 points, which was a positive sign, but should absolutely start for the Boks at scrumhalf in Fourie du Preez’s absence.
9 Ricky January (4) – Absolutely lousy passing as simply too slow. And his kicks from the base not high or potent enough. Won a turnover and penalty with the Welsh attacking early on. Without similar skills to Du Preez, he had to offer the Boks something on attack, but we agree with Keo that his decision-making was poor.
8 Big Joe (6) – He is no Spies Vermuelen is also as good if not better. Made one brilliant run, but couldn’t replicate his club form for Toulon. Although he never set the game alight, also solid in a brilliant loose trio.
7 Dewald Potgieter (7) – Was industrious with ball in hand and ran some great angles. Scored in his first Test start which was just reward for his loads of defensive work.
6 Francois Louw (7) – Two turnovers in the opening 20 minutes highlighted his ability on the deck, but unfortunately his hard work for the second resulted in James Hook’s intercept. Played the referee well and continually slowed down or stole ball on the deck. Also showed his ability with ball in hand and is the solution with Juan Smith’s omission. A combination of Louw, Schalk Burger and Pierre Spies is the Boks’ best for next week’s match against France.
5 Victory Matfield (7) – A late inclusion to the side with Andries Bekker’s injury. Started off really slowly.. A menace in line outs, but a quiet game for him. After the shock of the opening quarter, eventually started contesting at the Welsh lineout and disrupted them at the set piece.
4 Danie Rossouw (8) – His ball control in possession was shoddy early on, knocking on balls as the Welsh flung themselves into tackles. Made a telling break and neat offload for Potgieter’s try which turned the game, and generally returned to his dominating best with ball in hand as the match wore on. A massive physical presence. Did not miss Bakkies.
3 BJ Botha (5) – As was the case with many of the Boks, made an error-ridden start as the front row conceded many free-kicks for going down too early at the scrum. Also gave away a soft penalty to hand the Welsh a 9-3 lead, which was plain D umb. . As the match went on and the ref settled, the Bok scrum started to get on top. Not his best showing, but still must be the Boks’ starting tighthead.
2 John Smit (4) – Typified the confusion and lack of structure in the side with his pass that handed James Hook an intercept try for a 16-3 lead. On return to his best position, he was solid without being outstanding. But that intercept try was inexcusable. An absolute disgrace.
1 CJ van der Linde (7) – With referee Allan Lewis allowing a free for all at the breakdowns, Van der Linde’s greatest value was hitting the rucks with ferocity. Also industrious around the pitch. Thrilled to see he never gave away any dumb 3 pointers as he used to do.
Subs:
16 Chiliboy Ralepelle – On with seven minutes remaining, but couldn’t make much of an impact.
17 Jannie du Plessis – On after 57 minutes but failed to offer much as the game loosened up.
18 Alistair Hargreaves – Not enough time to be judged, but should not be here.
19 Ryan Kankowski (6) – On after 55 minutes and was productive at ruck-time and in defence.
20 Meyer Bosman (Not used)
21 Zane Kirchner (1) – Dropped an up and under with his first touch and handed Wales seven points as they stormed back into the contest. An absolute shocker. He is not a Test #15. Not yet.
22 Bjorn Basson (7) – Came on for Ndungane after half an hour for his debut. Showed some good pace and also fitted in to the Boks’ game-plan with his ability in the air.
Peter de Villiers and coaching staff (6) – With James’s forced removal and De Jongh’s promotion, the Boks lost backline options off the bench. The Boks’ initial game plan was also similar to a disastrous 2008 until they settled.
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VELKES
Too close for comfort. De Jongh, Potgieter, Louw did well, Joe OK, Steyn good not great (why he was replaced with 5 mins to go is beyond me). Januarie a nightmare; need to move Pienaar to scrum half for rest of season. Jon Smit looks tired and slow. Bring in the rest of the starters and we will be in good shape.
STAN THE MAN
Hi DB , I must say it was a REAL surprise to see teh BOKS come back, ’cause in the past, once down, they seldom came back to win, and fell apart..matfield should have got the ‘Jack of all positions’ prize, for being in every position in the line, excepting the FORWARDS…..Joe Van Niekerk….Einaaa..?? Not for the Boks (even on bench). The “KID” …Yislaaaaaaaaaaaaik” he is good, BUT…you have to look OUT of the Box…he had a shocker, besides the L-O-N-G penalty, and is very recklass….Captain is going to be a passenger in next years World Cup…..’Apolontjie’ is a brave man (Small) BUT brave, and he can run, BUT…will drop us against teh Blacks / Aussies/France………..January (Blimp) is just not there any more, and his continual fighting will drop us (Ref was fast asleep, and gave little guidance to players. Overall a lekker fast game (not slow & dour)…good start to the Test season….
Tjeeeeeeeeeeeeers
KING WARREN
Hi DeeBee
This is definitely a champion side. To come back from 16-3 down after 20 minutes against a good Welsh side with the crowd behind them and their tails up is one heck of an achievement. I thought that we were better than John Smit’s “ordinary” assessment of the side. He may as well have been referring to himself. His intercept pass was a shocker.
There was a load of positives all over the park and we look to have a lot of depth. Possibly the only 2 positions where we are short are 13 and 15. That could be sorted by bringing back Marius Joubert and The Kid. I thought The Kid was good but not brilliant. His play, particularly his kicking, was very erratic and I think that he maybe needs to get used to the pace and ferocity of international rugby again. So too Joe van Niekerk.
Francois Louw was the stand-out for me. I thought he was superb and I think that he was the best loosie in the Super 14 final as well. It is amazing that we continue to churn out this type of loose forward on a regular basis. Dewald Potgieter was great as well. As for Danie Rossouw, he has developed into a great lock and his offloading in the tackle has always been impressive (including for The Kid’s first try in international rugby in Dublin). How many locks in world rugby can put in a massive shift AND throw a sublime flick out the back of the hand for a try? Not many.
I thought that Januarie played well but his limitations where always shown up – his passing was too slow (as you say) and his kicking game is atrocious compared to that of FdP.
Referee Allan Lewis’s performance at the scrums was laughable. He reset the scrum three times when the Welsh prop dropped his knee towards the end, which allowed the Welsh to score in the corner off the next scrum. The scrum also went through 90 degrees on a few occasions without sanction. The end result should not have been as close as it was.
However, this does not excuse the management team again screwing up the substitutions. I cannot believe that they again threw on all the subs when the game was not shut down. At least Jake White’s watch was wrong when he did that. These guys have no excuse. They did the same with the Lions last year. If they keep on like this, it is going to bite them at some stage.
So, we move onto France next week. The team selection will be very interesting. Hopefully the key players will not be too tired to give a good showing.
Will Butch play for the Boks again? Will the Beast? Are there enough players of colour? Big Bekker had an affair. SA rugby has to be one of the biggest soap operas in the sporting world.
I am off back to SA for the World Cup for 4 weeks. I can’t wait.
GENERAL BEUKES
DB, I appreciate your positive evaluation of game. Gamble by PdeV only just paid off; expect 10+ changes for CT next week. Boks won as result of natural abilities plus huge experience of key players. Smit never panicked; kept side together well and grinding ; common knowledge that Welsh win would be remote but still international and one should field best starters; principle to be respected my approach. Potgieter classy dedicated honest player always; no fancy tricks; grafter. Will improve in future. Louw big strong pedigreed player; improved this season.Solid prospect for next few seasons. Big Joe not sharp; French stay has dulled edge; flair has gone.
De Jong ‘s try well run ; natural centre.
BOB
Hi Dee BEE, Sorry I didn’t get back to you earlier – I was up in Namibia. Yes the Bulls/Stormers game was a bad one for Aplon – he made some pretty bad mistakes – which I must admit could have been to do with his size. I hope it wasn’t due to nerves resulting from reading your Report!! I think our guys did well against Wales considering the experimental nature of the side and the fact that they only had 3 days together beforehand. The game proved one thing if nothing else – despite the extra 10 kgs he’s had to put on, John Smit was a pretty ordinary prop and now he’s too fat and slow to be a Bok hooker. I also get the feeling that the rest of the back have to “carry” him just because he’s in as captain. He should now step down before it’s “too late”. Your comments in your next Report would be welcomed (if nothing else to take the heat off of Aplon !!)
KEO’S Vrede (at least someone else quietly loves THe Kid)
The Springboks’ overseas-based contingent displayed their value in the victory over Wales. There has to be roles for them this Test season.
History reflects two absolutes about successful teams at the World Cup: Good defensive units are successful and those with quality in depth are usually in the mix at the business end of the tournament. The latter is particularly important for the Springboks and must be a point of intense focus for coach Peter de Villiers and his selectors. In this regard, it is crucial that they further soften their stance on the selection on overseas-based players.
To their credit, there seems to be more of a willingness to select these players, evidenced in the drafting of Jean de Villiers, CJ van der Linde and BJ Botha for the 2009 year-end tour, albeit as a result of injuries to the incumbents. That continued with the selection of two overseas-based players for the Test against Wales at the Millennium Stadium (CJ van der Linde had confirmed his return to South Africa for Leinster prior to the Test while Bath’s Butch James was denied the opportunity of playing due to Premiership laws governing the release of players outside of the stipulated June Test window).
To establish the value those players (and indeed others) can add based on the evidence of one Test would be foolish, which underlines the importance of their continued participation throughout the 2010 Test season.
Botha and Van der Linde’s experience is invaluable, while the technical insights they would have gained while playing in the northern hemisphere and technical improvements they would have made in their tenure there makes them essential additions to the squad. The fact that they play in positions where South Africa are short of quality options, particularly with the news that Beast Mtawarira is no longer eligible for selection, should make them certainties for continued involvement with the squad. Van der Linde’s versatility strengthens his case.
Joe van Niekerk had a quiet game against Wales, but he has consistently been a top performer in the French Top 14 and deserves an opportunity to prove his aptitude at Test level once more. This is not to suggest that he should trump Pierre Spies or Ryan Kankowski, but along with Duane Vermeulen, he must be considered an additional option. Like Van der Linde, Van Niekerk’s versatility (he has been equally impressive for Toulon when deployed at blindside flank) will offer the selectors options when it comes to the composition of the squad.
James’ omission robbed the Springbok selectors of an opportunity to see him in a Test environment after two years in the wilderness, even if it was in the unfamiliar position of inside centre. Defensively there are few flyhalves in world rugby who match his physicality, while he has added a pragmatic dimension to attacking game in two seasons in the Premiership.
To advocate that he starts ahead of Morne Steyn, or overtakes Peter Grant in the challenge for a starting role, is silly, but James offers the same mentoring value as Bob Skinstad did at the 2007 tournament, while still presents a go-to option at flyhalf.
Of the aforementioned group of players, Frans Steyn is the most important. He is a match winner and is a more complete player than any of the options available to De Villiers and co. There can be no more debate about his value, and he and De Villiers need to put aside their personal differences for the benefit of the team.
By Ryan Vrede
SIR JOEL
Well it was a game of 4 quarters, with us dominating the middle 2 quarters. It was always going to be hard for the Boks to come out of the blocks firing this weekend with a team that was playing together really for the first time and in some cases playing as a Bok for the first time.
There were good things and there were bad things. Wales really just folded in the middle quarters and looked like they would steal it towards the end. I thought the game was scrappy and that there were certainly moments of brilliance from the Boks.
I’ve never been a fan of Butterfingers Rossouw, but just like in the World Cup Final when he executed THAT tackle and stood up to be counted, on the weekend he was one of the seniors who never looked ruffled and did all the grunt work necessary to keep us going forward.
My man by man summary:
15) Frans Steyn – kicked a ridiculous angled kick from 50 metres and returned the opp kicks with interest, but STILL seems to run away from his support and never passes out of the contact situation. Overlooked an open Aplon in one move. 6.5
14) Gio Aplontjie. Ridiculously fast and elusive, had one great break where he rode the contact and made an extra 10 metres by ducking under the contact point. Will be shown up in the tighter games of the tri-nations. Might be an idea to leave him on bench to come on in the last 20 and slice tiring opposition defensive lines to shreds. Clearly part of PdV bigger plans whether we like it or not. 6.5
13) Fourie. Great day on defense and making those metres and drawing in defensive players to open spaces elsewhere on the field. 7.5
12) Juan de Jongh. Are you sure this kid is 21? Playing with the maturity of a 40 test veteran. As active on defense as he was on attack, scored a great try and saved another. 9
11) Nudgane. Great finisher that he is, he picked a ball out of the air from behind him and accelerated his body to the correct position to ride the tackle and score a good try. Hurt himself in the process and immediately off. Pity. 8
10 Pienaar. Easily his best showing at number 10 in a Bok jersey. French website this week claims that he is off to France next year, so dunno if we will see him in a Bok jersey next season. Is he good enough at 10 to unseat Steyn? Only if you take kicking for poles out of the picture. What about 9? Well we have FdP, Kockitt Rocket, Hougaaard and Jano Vermaak as well. It’s a pity as it is the little things that he does effortlessly well that moved the Boks into space with ease. Showing the ball and then holding onto it, finally passing it after the defender was committed and put Potgieter into loads of space. 8
9) January. One good steal does not make a great performance. 4 Penalties! Lucky to stay on the field considering the way he mountaineered over Welsh bodies lying on the floor. Sideways running, poor passing, poor decision making, so glaringly missing at the rucks that Potgieter took over at scrummie. Hopefully this was his swan-song to make way for the younger guys coming through. 4.5
van Niekerk. Good to see his hunger for a Bok jersey evident in his play all over the field. Good pace, good tackling, terrible scrum-helmet. Was his performance enough to unseat Spies or even Vermeulen? Naaaah, but a good run-out and definitely gives PdV options if he has a nightmare injury run. 7
7) Potgieter. Great support play, good try and generally making his presence felt around the field. Methinks he is the new Bok captain in training, they need to play him at captain for the bulls first though. 7.5
6) Flo Louw. Monster! Great pace, immense strength at the breakdown and in the form of his life. Cannot be left out of the Bok 22 for the rest of the year. 8
5) Matfield. Cabernet is becoming more imperious as he gets older and is starting to be a better captain than smit (especially through example). Can’t fault his performance on saturday, stole 3 lineouts in a row at critical times. 9
4) Rossouw. Butterfingers lived up to his name for the first 15 minutes, but from then on just seemed to go up the gears. Tried the flick out the back of the hand once, went to ground, skidded off of the side of Fourie’s boot, only for Pienaar to flick it to Ndugane to score. The next time he flicked it he found Potgieter who went over for a try. One of his best performances as a Bok and sorely needed to lead the young ‘uns on a day it would have been easy to succumb to the early Welsh onslaught. 8.5
3) CJ. Not as bad as BJ. Is he our best loosehead? Nope,but a decent if quiet showing by him. 6.5
2) Smit. Not a test he will care to remember. 2 weeks of pie-eating has left him sluggish and sloppy. Can he make the 2011 WC, he seems to think so, but a fit Bismark is too hard to ignore. Dunno what he was thinking with that lazy pass after 20 seconds of decision-making for the Hook try. 3
1) BJ. Early engaging, giving away penalties. Was hoping to walk away from this test saying that “BJ is the answer to our tighthead issues”, in fact we now walk away going “What is the answer to our tighthead problems?” 3
Replacements (not going to go through all, just the pertinent ones):
Basson – I like this kid, he’s got some skills (plucked and held onto a difficult ball), pace, appetite. Has the makings of a fine understudy to Habs and JP. 8
JdP – certainly shored up some of our scrum problems. 6
Kirchner – touched the ball once, gave away a try. Not a fair reflection of a solid player, I just never see him stepping away from contact, accelerating away from defence, kicking for the trams – all the marks of a standout fullback 1
Kanko, Hargreaves etc – nothing to report here.
DAN THE MAN
Hi boys, Ok so we know a few things after Saturday:
Juan De Jong is class, up against Jamie Roberts he made very few mistakes & those were made mostly from nerves. He will continue to improve.
Apples chased well, defended decently & is a solid squad member he is still not my first choice 14 but deserves some time & does have heart and x factor on attack.
John Smit is not a centre……enough said BUT his leadership was paramount in the game. I still worry about life after him.
Joel, I defer to your greatness. You were right about DeWalt Potgieter I liked him & thought in a while but he is pretty ready.
Francois Lowe, I picked 3 years ago & he never lets me down. Good solid 1st test he is another that can stay in the squad but we have so many loosies.
Danie Russouw was sublime. We need an enforcer in 4. Hargrieves looks to me like he likes kissing not klapping, but lets see.
BJ & CJ looked a bit off the pace. BJ more than CJ. BJ’s scrumming angles seemed wrong to me, which twice put JOE under pressure. Seemed pretty lateral.
Big JOE. OK, nice to have him back if we need him. A solid replacement when resting others. But not in my top15 now. Maybe more game time against Italy.
Ricky, had a surprisingly solid game, but clears too slowly from the ruck for me. Pienaar must be given the gap left by Fourie & Morne must be covered by Butch with Jano Vermaak been given a shot & Francois Hoegaard back in the mix when recovered. Hoegaard’s utility options in the 22 are vital for the world cup.
ZANE is not an international fullback you can see this when the Kid plays & you can see it more when Zane plays. He is average. I saw him as a defensive fullback but he didn’t do that too well. Once Lambie is settled in the next few months, I’d give him a shot.
I have a lot of time for Bjorn Basson, I have liked him for a while now, & I can’t see either Ndungane going to the world cup.I think they are too slow. Basson seems hungry, a decent back up.
Anyway enough about the Welsh test, it’s sad that we are not going to see Jauzion & Bastareaud in the centres this weekend. Would have loved to have seen that 12/13 battle. Be it Wynand /Fourie or DeJong /Fourie. I also think that without Servat,Harinordoquy & Chabal they have lost a lot of the forward grunt. That combatitive pack showed us up last time. But you can never write off the French. I look forward to watching it with my Opening party hangover.
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