Welcome to my world.
Originally, this focus on a South African context was intended to be one #supe post. However, such has been the Rrrrr ratedness of their work, I believe they each deserve a moment in the Shakespearean Rugby Club sun, given the length & extent of their work.
And they claim I blow chunks!
Contestant Number One in the South African Conference roulette is, the Karp – a.k.a. The Bounce – not a Bounce, but THE Bounce, in a South African context, with the Blog of the year award in 2011, a testament to prove it.
The Bounce and I first met on a starry night – Ooops. REWIND; wrong story – The Bounce and I first came into contact, back when he was just a blogpost in a digital world. He would ask iamjonnyking for an interview; one from the enemy. Since those early and heady days, we have continued the sporting connection and bond, consummating this in person at #RWC2011 – this is no sporting sordid – settle.
In 2012, we even have some ideas about how to further strengthen the flow & interactive sporting thought.
If you have been on his site, you will know that he has some good support from his friends. He is not afraid to stick his neck out, as you will read below, and is worth his weight in sporting blo.
More details will follow, but before, iamjonnyking would like to welcome the Bounce to the Shakespearean Rugby Club, as we go on the record, on the South African Conference in the 2012 #supeRUG competition, and beyond.
Let us begin.
1] If you would, as we enter the final week before some rugby, describe the mood, the flavour, the excitement for some SupeRugby in the Republic in 2012? Please provide a little game by using an African image off the reserve to exemplify.
Since the disappointment of the World Cup we have been very bloody eager to get back on the horse so to speak. We are entering a new dawn in SA rugby and this competition is the first chance to make an impression in it. Many big names have left the fold across the board, time now for new legends to be made and successes to be had. Perhaps one of the most significant periods in my recent memory.
2] Assuming you will know these main names to make the final cut. For those unassuming types, please state 5 players from each side to [1] watch their side for [2] what position each of these players… play, and [3] what it is that makes them so worth watching?
5 is a bit much, I think I shall keep it to one or two for you:
Sharks: Bismarck du Plessis. I challenge anyone to tell me there is a more significant and explosive rugby player in the world right now. Luckily for you foreign types, a piss poor coach and the circus that was the last four years for the Boks restrained him from your teams. But not anymore – it’s go time for Bismarck, and this does not mean good things for the opposition.
Bulls: Francois Hougaard, future legend, current concern for all those who line up against him. He is our next great scrumhalf, sadly for him though he is equally gifted out on the wing so who knows how his season will pan out. All I do know though is that he is a special player and special players often go on to create special moments.
Stormers: A couple here in this team. First up the Incredible Schalk is Bok Captain elect so you know he will be laying everything on the line as usual to seal this deal. Juan de Jongh has big shoes to fill in the absence of Jaque Fourie but he now has the opportunity to make the 13 jersey his own and take the same status on up to Bok level. Duane Vermuelen was for me the best no.8 in SA last year before injury cockblocked his World Cup chances. If he stays injury free he will predictably go on to make Pierre Spies look nothing but a gym bunny.
Cheetahs: Heinrich Brussow, another super special talent and one that has always sadly been dogged by injury. He stays in one piece, look for him to inspire a few surprises for the Cheetahs this year. Johan Goosen is another legend in the making. Think Quade Cooper without the police record or the dodgy tattoos, then add the boot of Francois Steyn. Yup, he has that much ability.
Lions: Josh Strauss, special player – special leader. I would go as far as to say he has the makings of a potential Bok captain and his play in this year’s tournament will back up this statement. Elton Jantjies pretty much made last year’s Currie Cup final his own with a performance that suggests he is a class no.10 in the making. Massive tournament for him to show that that wasn’t just a day in the life of a talented kid. Jaco Taute – not since Christian Cullen have we seen a fullback that looks like he can win a game from the back. Well, keep your eye on this youngster and that may change soon.
3] Now for the 5 sides as a whole, for each, [1] what do you believe is their biggest strength in 2012 [2] what do you perceive will be their most significant weakness in 2012?
Sharks:
Strengths – Star quality, all round strength and positive team culture
Weaknesses – Centres, nob jockey supporters, tactical frailties of coach
Stormers:
Strengths – Defence, good showing in previous years, star quality, decent tourists, exciting backs
Weaknesses – Tight 5, flyhalf and depth in position,
Bulls:
Strengths – Goal kicking, talented youth, distracting away jersey
Weaknesses – Lack of experience, untested leadership, depth in key positions
Cheetahs:
Strengths – Attacking ability, cohesive unit, surprise factor, schedule
Weaknesses – Depth, defensive abilities, long term belief
Lions:
Strengths – Momentum from Currie Cup, Josh Strauss, underdog nature, attacking ability
Weaknesses – Depth, off field worries, big name quality
4] Will a SA side win it all this year? A simple – Y or N.
No
5] A new season means a clean slate, and renewed hope. Time for a reality check, which SA sides are making up the numbers and why.
I’m a firm believer that anything past the Super 12 is just stupid. Nevertheless, this is where we find ourselves and 5 teams is what we have. Sharks, Stormers, Bulls – no question – in it to win it each year. The other two will never win this trophy. Try as they might, lack of depth and overall ability to adapt to the rigours of this tournament will always see them in the bottom half. Grates me to say it, but it is the truth.
6] The final order of the SA sides, from 1 to loser-ville, 5?
Sharks, Stormers, Bulls, Cheetahs and Lions
7] Now to extend your glare. There are two other teams, state the other winners in these other Conferences?
I’m going to stick my neck out here and go with two colours. Australia won by Reds, New Zealand by Blues.
8] Get your Waterford’s out, care to take a crystal ball at the 6 sides to make it to the playoffs?
Blues, Reds, Crusaders, Sharks, Stormers, Waratahs
9] The Final before the Finally, which side will take the title in 2012?
Blues
10] Finally, and looking toward 2013, what to do about the Kings? What should be done as a solution?
Let’s just put it this way, be grateful each and every day that you wake up in the land of the Long White Cloud that sport and politics are two different things to you.
That’s what Bryce tells me every time we meet.
SupeStuff, Bounce. Sharp and insightful, which is what we like on the Shakespearean.
These self-same, 10 questions will be asked and answered by 5 others from the Republic – from a fading memory – so you will have plenty more phat to chew on, which will also best prepare you as you begin-to-watch this year’s #supeRUG.
You can check out the Bounce’s web portal – HERE – and you must follow his flow on Twitter – HERE – as he tweets and bleats throughout this year’s competition.
Thanks again, Ben, you’re a man.
Stay Tuned to the Shakespearean, as we have another South African, can I get a witness, next.
Braai!
Until Next Time
iamjonnyking
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