OFFICIAL RUGBY UNION: Super 14 2008 Thread

[Ruhanv]

Guys,

After a glorious world cup, it's time to start building towards a new dawn in Southern Hemisphere rugby. We have a large group of exciting rookies that are joining the squads following the departure of a long list of legends.

Here is the schedule for the 2008 Super 14 season:

February 2008
15 Crusaders v Brumbies Christchurch 08:35
15 Reds v Highlanders Brisbane 11:05
15 The Sharks v Western Force The Absa Stadium, Durban 19:10
16 Blues v Chiefs Auckland 08:35
16 Waratahs v Hurricanes Sydney 10:40
16 Vodacom Stormers v Vodacom Bulls Newlands Rugby Stadium 17:00
16 Vodacom Cheetahs v Lions Vodacom Park, Bloemfontein 19:05
22 Hurricanes v Reds Wellington 08:35
22 Vodacom Cheetahs v Western Force Vodacom Park, Bloemfontein 18:00
22 Vodacom Bulls v Crusaders Loftus Versfeld 20:05
23 Chiefs v Waratahs Hamilton 08:35
23 Brumbies v Highlanders Canberra 10:40
23 The Sharks v Vodacom Stormers The Absa Stadium, Durban 17:00
23 Lions v Blues Ellis Park 19:05
29 Hurricanes v Chiefs Wellington 08:35
29 Lions v Western Force Ellis Park 18:30
29 Vodacom Stormers v Crusaders Newlands Rugby Stadium 20:35

March 2008
1 Highlanders v Waratahs Dunedin 08:35
1 Brumbies v Reds Canberra 10:40
1 Vodacom Cheetahs v Blues Vodacom Park, Bloemfontein 17:00
1 Vodacom Bulls v The Sharks Loftus Versfeld 19:05
7 Highlanders v Hurricanes Dunedin 08:35
7 Waratahs v Brumbies Sydney 10:40
7 Vodacom Bulls v Lions Loftus Versfeld 19:05
8 Chiefs v Vodacom Cheetahs Hamilton 08:35
8 Reds v Vodacom Stormers Brisbane 11:05
8 The Sharks v Blues The Absa Stadium, Durban 19:10
9 Western Force v Crusaders Perth 10:00
14 Chiefs v Vodacom Stormers Hamilton 08:35
14 Brumbies v Hurricanes Canberra 10:40
15 Blues v Western Force North Harbour 06:30
15 Crusaders v Vodacom Cheetahs Christchurch 08:35
15 Reds v Vodacom Bulls Brisbane 11:05
15 Lions v The Sharks Ellis Park 17:00
21 Crusaders v Waratahs Christchurch 08:35
21 Brumbies v Vodacom Cheetahs Canberra 10:40
22 Highlanders v Western Force Queenstown 03:30
22 Blues v Vodacom Stormers Auckland 06:30
22 Chiefs v Vodacom Bulls Rotorua 08:35
22 Lions v Reds Ellis Park 17:00
28 Hurricanes v Crusaders Wellington 08:35
28 Waratahs v Vodacom Cheetahs Sydney 10:40
28 Western Force v Vodacom Stormers Perth 13:00
29 Chiefs v Highlanders Hamilton 06:30
29 Blues v Vodacom Bulls Auckland 08:35
29 The Sharks v Reds The Absa Stadium, Durban 17:00

April 2008
4 Highlanders v Lions Dunedin 08:35
4 Brumbies v Chiefs Canberra 11:40
4 Western Force v Vodacom Bulls Perth 13:45
5 Hurricanes v The Sharks Wellington 08:35
5 Waratahs v Blues Sydney 11:40
5 Vodacom Cheetahs v Reds Vodacom Park, Bloemfontein 17:00
11 Highlanders v The Sharks Dunedin 09:35
12 Crusaders v Lions Christchurch 07:30
12 Blues v Brumbies Auckland 09:35
12 Western Force v Waratahs Perth 13:05
12 Vodacom Stormers v Vodacom Cheetahs Newlands Rugby Stadium 15:00
12 Vodacom Bulls v Hurricanes Loftus Versfeld 17:05
18 Chiefs v Crusaders Hamilton 09:35
18 Reds v Western Force Brisbane 11:40
19 Waratahs v Lions Sydney 09:30
19 Brumbies v The Sharks Canberra 11:40
19 Vodacom Bulls v Highlanders Loftus Versfeld 15:00
19 Vodacom Stormers v Hurricanes Newlands Rugby Stadium 17:05
25 Crusaders v Blues Christchurch 09:35
25 Brumbies v Lions Canberra 11:40
26 Chiefs v Reds Hamilton 09:35
26 Waratahs v The Sharks Sydney 11:40
26 Vodacom Cheetahs v Hurricanes Absa Park, Kimberley 15:00
26 Vodacom Stormers v Highlanders Newlands Rugby Stadium 17:05

May 2008
2 Crusaders v The Sharks Christchurch 09:35
2 Western Force v Chiefs Perth 13:05
2 Vodacom Cheetahs v Highlanders Vodacom Park, Bloemfontein 19:10
3 Hurricanes v Lions Wellington 09:35
3 Reds v Blues Brisbane 11:40
3 Vodacom Bulls v Waratahs Loftus Versfeld 15:00
3 Vodacom Stormers v Brumbies Newlands Rugby Stadium 17:05
9 Hurricanes v Western Force Wellington 09:35
9 Vodacom Bulls v Brumbies Loftus Versfeld 19:10
10 Highlanders v Blues Dunedin 09:35
10 Reds v Crusaders Brisbane 11:40
10 The Sharks v Vodacom Cheetahs The Absa Stadium, Durban 15:00
10 Lions v Chiefs Ellis Park 17:05
10 Vodacom Stormers v Waratahs Newlands Rugby Stadium 19:10
16 Blues v Hurricanes Auckland 09:35
16 Western Force v Brumbies Perth 13:05
17 Crusaders v Highlanders Christchurch 09:35
17 Reds v Waratahs Brisbane 11:40
17 Lions v Vodacom Stormers Ellis Park 15:00
17 Vodacom Cheetahs v Vodacom Bulls Vodacom Park, Bloemfontein 17:05
17 The Sharks v Chiefs The Absa Stadium, Durban 19:10

23 Semi - 1st v 4th
24 Semi - 2nd v 3rd

31 Final - Final 1 v Final 2

[Kiwi_Fella]

1st! Lol, I'd like to start talkign about something other than the New Zealand World Cup debacle, so I like this thread mate.

[Ruhanv]

1st! Lol, I'd like to start talkign about something other than the New Zealand World Cup debacle, so I like this thread mate.

Thought you would!

[Dom_88]

Looking forward to this. I'm definitely going to see the South African teams when they come to play the Blues. Looking forward to seeing the Sharks and Bulls come to play! Oh yeah and BUMP!!

[Ruhanv]

This is going to be one of the most interesting S14 seasons ever because we have had so many AB/SA/Aus rugby legends leave for Europe or retire after the world cup. It opens up the door to a host of exciting youngsters and adds a fresh touch to the tournament.

Looking at that schedule, after winning the tournament in 2007, the Bulls have a much easier road ahead.

ps. I know it will never ever again happen in my lifetime that my S14 team (Bulls) and my international side (Boks) win the S14 and the World Cup in one year. It's been a fine, fine year...

[Deadly Dingo]

Wooo go brumbies!

[d@vid]

Looking forward to the S14... hopefully the Lions will have a better S14 next year.

I read today that South Africa's sports minister ruled out racial quotas for national teams and thats a big plus for Rugby.

SuperRugby Link

South Africa's sports minister ruled out racial quotas for national teams on Tuesday after the mainly white Springboks' recent victory in the rugby world cup reignited the debate over transformation.

"Quotas are out," Makhenkesi Stofile told a parliamentary sports committee.

"Let us put our resources into the development of talent."

[Heavensport]

Hopefully the Crusaders have a better season next year.

[sirnext]

Looking forward to the S14... hopefully the Lions will have a better S14 next year.

I read today that South Africa's sports minister ruled out racial quotas for national teams and thats a big plus for Rugby.

SuperRugby Link

Brilliant news for South African rugby.

--------------------------

I've got to put some money on the Blues this year... they should make the semi's after a great domestic season for Auckland (taking the Ranfurly shield and the AirNZ Cup).


I'm also looking forward to the Hurricanes disappointing again

[FiLL]

I'm interested to see how Timana Tahu goes for the Waratah's, very talented athlete.

Let's just hope the S14 game's are more exciting then some of the World cup games were

[sirnext]

I'm interested to see how Timana Tahu goes for the Waratah's, very talented athlete.

Let's just hope the S14 game's are more exciting then some of the World cup games were

Tahu was brilliant in the NRL... He's only 27 so he's got pleny of time to make an impact.

[TrailBlazing]

Good to see another Rugby thread back in the sports forum. Im definately anticipating this upcoming season more than the last, I guess it will be some decent therapy for us All Black fans. The SA teams should be in good spirits after their results from last year so it should make for some interesting games.

Like Ruhanv said there should be a lot of young guys getting game time, so maybe we could suggest some players to watch out for? For me since I support the blues, I think David Smith and Benson Stanley are two guys to watch out for in the backline. Both are young and showed a lot of promise in the Air New Zealand Cup so hopefully they'll get a lot of game time.

[Deadly Dingo]

I'm interested to see how Timana Tahu goes for the Waratah's, very talented athlete.

Let's just hope the S14 game's are more exciting then some of the World cup games were

well that wont be hard.... england arent in this comp

[Ruhanv]

Looking forward to the S14... hopefully the Lions will have a better S14 next year.

I read today that South Africa's sports minister ruled out racial quotas for national teams and thats a big plus for Rugby.

SuperRugby Link

Don't get too excited about this. $10 says that they will be enforced in an unofficial capacity.

ps. Anyone seen the new buffed up Beale? The guy needed a few extra pounds.

[Kiwi_Fella]

I'll be interested to see how the young guys go this season. So many guys have left from all our countries.

I agree about David Smith, the guy is going to be an All Black sooner rather than later. Hoping Richard Kahui can stay healthy as well, he's got All Black written all over him.

[Ruhanv]

Does anyone have a complete list of all the players that have retired/moved to Europe?

[Ruhanv]

Burger will captain the Stormers instead of Watson.

http://www.keo.co.za/2007/11/08/wats...ay-for-burger/

[d@vid]

Does anyone have a complete list of all the players that have retired/moved to Europe?

The list of SA players that I have seen
Os, John Smit, Ashwin Willemse, Percy Montgomery, Gary Botha, Butch James, Marius Joubert, Jacques Cronje, Breyton Paulse, Lawrence Sephaka, Bob Skinstad, Michael Claassens and Victor Matfield.

(Matfield may, however, still be available for the Blue Bulls, as he has apparently not yet signed his final contract with Toulon.)

[King of the Misc]

Go waratahs

btw to congrats to south africa on winning the cup.

[sirnext]

The list of SA players that I have seen
Os, John Smit, Ashwin Willemse, Percy Montgomery, Gary Botha, Butch James, Marius Joubert, Jacques Cronje, Breyton Paulse, Lawrence Sephaka, Bob Skinstad, Michael Claassens and Victor Matfield.

(Matfield may, however, still be available for the Blue Bulls, as he has apparently not yet signed his final contract with Toulon.)

That's madness!!

[sirnext]

Bump...


New news on the AB's. Graham Henry and co have been told to reapply for their jobs... what do you guys think? Personally, though I think Henry did a good job for three years, his whole time in charge has been talked about building up for the World Cup, where he failed worse than any other All Black coach. To top it off, instead of taking the blame for the loss (wrong team selection, no team consistancy, a dreadful backline performance), during the review Henry and co decided to shift all blame on the ref, pointing out that the All Blacks did not get one penalty during the entire second half, the wrongful dismissal of Luke McCalister, and the forward pass that led to the winning try.

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/category/s...ectid=10476155

Robbie Deans is the front runner for the job, but I'd be reluctant to lose Henry, Smith and Hansen to NZ rugby... I think they could bounce back from this. Robbie Deans is class however, and should get the opportunity. I can't face him being snapped up by the Aussies either, which is bound to happen if he gets passed over again for the top AB job.

Thoughts?

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/7095862.stm

[lil_pirie]

Crusaders ftw

[Ruhanv]

That's madness!!

That's exciting!

It means a new generation is about to be revealed on the global stage. Exciting days!

[Kiwi_Fella]

Bump...


New news on the AB's. Graham Henry and co have been told to reapply for their jobs... what do you guys think? Personally, though I think Henry did a good job for three years, his whole time in charge has been talked about building up for the World Cup, where he failed worse than any other All Black coach. To top it off, instead of taking the blame for the loss (wrong team selection, no team consistancy, a dreadful backline performance), during the review Henry and co decided to shift all blame on the ref, pointing out that the All Blacks did not get one penalty during the entire second half, the wrongful dismissal of Luke McCalister, and the forward pass that led to the winning try.

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/category/s...ectid=10476155

Robbie Deans is the front runner for the job, but I'd be reluctant to lose Henry, Smith and Hansen to NZ rugby... I think they could bounce back from this. Robbie Deans is class however, and should get the opportunity. I can't face him being snapped up by the Aussies either, which is bound to happen if he gets passed over again for the top AB job.

Thoughts?

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/7095862.stm

I've had a change of heart about Henry. Yes, obviously he failed to deliver us the World Cup, which he was basically hired to do. But you cant argue with his record over the last few years. I would retain him, he's too good of a coach to let go. I think alot of things went wrong against France, many factors, but you cant lay all the blame on Henry.

I do reckon we should drop Wayne Smith and put Robbie Deans as our backs coach. Just my personal opinion

[Kiwi_Fella]

That's exciting!

It means a new generation is about to be revealed on the global stage. Exciting days!

Who are the top South African youngsters coming through? obviously we all know Steyn, but I dont know many other young guys.

I've seen Hilton Lobberts play, I like him. He reminds me of a young Jerry Collins, very raw, but you can see he has the potential.

[Ruhanv]

Who are the top South African youngsters coming through? obviously we all know Steyn, but I dont know many other young guys.

I've seen Hilton Lobberts play, I like him. He reminds me of a young Jerry Collins, very raw, but you can see he has the potential.

Oh they are just the tip of the ice berg.

Watch out for Ryan Kankowski (no.8 for the Sharks) who had limited game time last year and just got selected for the Bok squad for the Welsh game. Explosive no.8. The 21 year old has a huge future ahead of him.

Heinke van der Merwe is the new loosehead prop for the Lions. The 21 year old is built like a monster and they are already calling him the new "Os".

Chiliboy Ralepelle (hooker - Bulls) was the SA u21 captain and everyone who has played with him have said that he is going to be a legendary Bok captain one day. With Gary Botha's departure he will be the incumbant hooker for the Bulls.

Zane Kirchner (Bulls) plays fullback and won the Currie cup player of the year. The 20 year old is fast, has a huge boot and his defence is solid. Another Steyn in the works.

Hendrik Meyer (Cheetah - Centre) is 22 years old but is a monster of a player. Playing in the mid field he comes in around 17 stone (108 kgs) and 6ft4. Oh and he is fast as well.

Bradley Barrit (Sharks Centre) already had a good S14 this year but he was only 20 years old and much is expected from him in his 2nd season.

Keegan Daniel (Sharks Flank) is another 21 year old youngster who had limited game time with the Sharks this year but he is fast and strong and will still wear the green and gold in the near future.

Who should we loof for in the Aussie and Kiwi teams?

[Ruhanv]

I've had a change of heart about Henry. Yes, obviously he failed to deliver us the World Cup, which he was basically hired to do. But you cant argue with his record over the last few years. I would retain him, he's too good of a coach to let go. I think alot of things went wrong against France, many factors, but you cant lay all the blame on Henry.

I do reckon we should drop Wayne Smith and put Robbie Deans as our backs coach. Just my personal opinion

I tend to agree. Henry is not a bad coach. No one wins 3 Tri-nations championships in a period of 4 years when you lack coaching abilities.

However he would have to radically change the way the ABs approach world cups. You definitely need more structure and less free flowing rugby. It's a hard pill to swallow but when the pressure is on, a team's structure gives them a sense of security. It prevents them from choking. Look at what happened when SA played Tonga and the score was 20-20 after 60 mins. Instead of choking the guys fell back into their structures and eventually beat them convincingly. The players from the Pacific Islands do not like playing with structure and if a team plays with a solid defensive structure they will defeat a loose playing team. This is why the ABs and the Boks have had such close games the past few years.

When the pressure was on against France, the ABs didn't have trusted structure to fall back on. If you had you would have beaten the French and probably won the World Cup as well!

So your biggest strength (fast, running backs from the Islands) is also your biggest weakness come World Cup time...

[Kiwi_Fella]

I tend to agree. Henry is not a bad coach. No one wins 3 Tri-nations championships in a period of 4 years when you lack coaching abilities.

However he would have to radically change the way the ABs approach world cups. You definitely need more structure and less free flowing rugby. It's a hard pill to swallow but when the pressure is on, a team's structure gives them a sense of security. It prevents them from choking. Look at what happened when SA played Tonga and the score was 20-20 after 60 mins. Instead of choking the guys fell back into their structures and eventually beat them convincingly. The players from the Pacific Islands do not like playing with structure and if a team plays with a solid defensive structure they will defeat a loose playing team. This is why the ABs and the Boks have had such close games the past few years.

When the pressure was on against France, the ABs didn't have trusted structure to fall back on. If you had you would have beaten the French and probably won the World Cup as well!

So your biggest strength (fast, running backs from the Islands) is also your biggest weakness come World Cup time...

I couldnt agree more with you mate. You're exactly right.

Well we've got four more bloody years to sort that crap out eh?

[Kiwi_Fella]

Oh they are just the tip of the ice berg.

Watch out for Ryan Kankowski (no.8 for the Sharks) who had limited game time last year and just got selected for the Bok squad for the Welsh game. Explosive no.8. The 21 year old has a huge future ahead of him.

Heinke van der Merwe is the new loosehead prop for the Lions. The 21 year old is built like a monster and they are already calling him the new "Os".

Chiliboy Ralepelle (hooker - Bulls) was the SA u21 captain andeveryone who has played with him have said that he is going to be a legendary Bok captain one day. With Gary Botha's departure he will be the incumbant hooker for the Bulls.

Zane Kirchner (Bulls) plays fullback and won the Currie cup player of the year. The 20 year old is fast, has a huge boot and his defence is solid. Another Steyn in the works.

Hendrik Meyer (Cheetah - Centre) is 22 years old but is a monster of a player. Playing in the mid field he comes in around 17 stone (108 kgs) and 6ft4. Oh and he is fast as well.

Bradley Barrit (Sharks Centre) already had a good S14 this year but he was only 20 years old and much is expected from him in his 2nd season.

Keegan Daniel (Sharks Flank) is another 21 year old youngster who had limited game time with the Sharks this year but he is fast and strong and will still wear the green and gold in the near future.

Who should we loof for in the Aussie and Kiwi teams?

I've heard of all those blokes actually, except for Hendrik Meyer. What a tank in the midfield!. I think Chilliboy will be a good player as well. Hopefully he'll come back strong after his injuries.

Mate I wish I could give you some names about young guys coming through in NZ, but im out of the loop a bit over here and only see the odd NPC game on Sky. These guys will def make the All Blacks sooner rather than later though.

David Smith - Winger. Helta skelta winger, but deceptively strong and lightning quick.

Richard Kahui - Centre. Hopefully this guy can stay healthy, if he does, I have no doubt he'll be a permanent fixture in the no.13 jersey. Has all the traits to be a world class centre.

Aled de Malmanche - Hooker/Prop. Awesome ball runner. Work to do on his scrummaging, but can also cover hooker.

Tanerau Latimer - Flanker. Dropped off last season after an impressive debut year, but he has all the tools for an openside. Has learned the trade backing up McCaw and Holah.

Jerome Kaino - No.8/Flank. Burst onto the scene a couple of years back but since gone back to club rugby to fine tune his game. Only a matter of time before he displaces Collins or So'oialo at the back of the All Black scrum.

Tim Bateman - 2nd five. Elusive runner and solid defender. Could be thrown into the All Black mix for the tri-nations

[Deadly Dingo]

I'm afraid my brumbies are gonna be on a downward swing now after larkham and gregan goin bye bye.. we lost guiteau to the force and a number of other young'ns like henjak.

Luckily the other australian teams will stink it up so we'll still be the most succesful aussie team in the comp for a while