Sanjay's Rugby World

The Wallabies will wear a new playing jersey in 2010.

Their sponsorship with sports manufacturer Canterbury has ended, and they have a new 4 year deal with Australian company KooGa.

Their latest jersey utilises ‘technologically advanced materials’ which include carbon fibre and hydrosteel. In reality they’d be best to go to their local hardware store, get some hardener and harden up! A new jersey won’t save them!

The new canary yellow jersey has been labelled as ‘virtually indestructible’ but wait until the Springboks run all over it. It has new design features to enhance player comfort, but when you’re losing it doesn’t matter what jersey you wear, it’s uncomfortable!

Berrick Barnes and Benn Robinson can be seen modelling the new jersey here.

Thankfully the Wallabies will be wearing canary yellow because we all know there is only one Green and Gold!

If rugby is to be more entertaining in 2010, the refs need a kick up the backside!

There has been a lot of talk in recent times how the rules are ruining the spectacle and there is too much kicking in the game. In my mind it is less about the rules, more about the interpretation and much to do with the behaviour of the referee.

Players want consistency, and they want clarity about where they stand, and what they can and can’t do.

There is too much inconsistency from 1 ref to another, and too many grey areas. We have had it right at times, why do they go and mess with it.

As a South African rugby fan, I also have another message for IRB Referees’ boss, Mr Paddy O’Brien. Cut the c#@p once and for all and stop discriminating against the South Africans. Ensure there is one set of rules for everyone, and no one gets special treatment.

I thought 2009 showed just how much the world hates South Africa. In the Super 14 Bakkies Botha got a 3 week ban for striking, whilst Sione Lauaki tried to take Bryan Habana’s head off and get let off on a technicality and Brett Sheehan produced one of the most dangerous tackles I’ve seen and doesn’t even get cited. Why do the Aussies and Kiwis never seem to suffer the same consequences?

In the British and Irish Lions series in South Africa, Bakkies Botha gets 2 weeks for a legitimate tackle?? Are you crazy? Whilst the Lions get away with any indiscretions they produced.

In the Tri-Nations Matt Giteau takes out Fourie du Preez but we hear he’s not a dangerous player. Nevermind he wasn’t even looking at the ball. Let’s forgive him instead. Meanwhile Jaque Fourie gets a ban for a dangerous tackle on Ma’a Nonu that was borderline.

When the Southern Hemisphere teams toured the Northern Hemisphere at the end of 2009, Paddy O’Brien even apologised to the All Blacks for ref Stu Dickinson’s performance after the All Blacks had played Italy. Now O’Brien is a kiwi, but this stinks of favouritism. Italy coach Nick Mallett believed his side should have been awarded a penalty try late in the game after camping on the All Blacks’ line. Did it deserve Paddy O’Brien getting involved?

Where was the apology when Paul Honiss let the Irish score against the Boks after he told John Smit to go talk to his side and let Ronan O’Gara sneakily score a try?

Where was the apology when Bakkies Botha was suspended for a legitimate tackle? Where were the responses when Peter de Villiers sent numerous requests to Paddy O’Brien this year to have the rules clarified?

I hate to use the word “Cheating”, but all I want in 2010 is one set of rules and the refs and citing commissioners to allow the sides to compete evenly so that the best/most deserving side can emerge victorious. It can only help the Bulls and Boks to only have to compete against 15 on the field in 2010!

As a Springbok supporter it was disappointing to read the article “All Blacks: Team of the Decade”

The Springboks currently sit on top of the Rugby World as World Champions, Tri-Nation champions and IRB team of the year for 2009, yet it is probably a fair reflection of the pecking order in the International Rugby World if EVERY game is taken into consideration. I still maintain the World Cup is the holy grail, and it’s prize is the most valuable in World Rugby. Like and Olympic gold, it is the measure of true champions. Every game is important, but some are more important than others!

It is interesting to look at some of the stats from the last decade however. The All Blacks have the highest winning percentage during this time (82%). However the Springboks only rank 5th during this period, with a winning percentage of 60.8%. Sure there were some very bad years (between 2000 and 2003 the win record was 50%, and in 2006 42%), but that is not good enough for a side with arguably the most talent in the world. Interestingly Ireland have the second best win percentage, Australia third and France fourth.

On average the All Blacks won 10 of their 12.2 tests per year, whilst South Africa only 7.6 of their 12.5 tests per year. Those 2-3 extra victories often occurred in clashes between the 2 sides and on the end of year tours. The All Blacks won 16 of their 24 matches with the Springboks for a 67% winning record to the All Blacks and only 33% win record for the Springboks. That is a disgrace given the past history between the 2 sides.

Looking back at the decade whenever the Boks have had a good year, they’ve never backed it up the following season (a trend evident since readmission in 1992).

2000 – The end of the Nick Mallet reign and the start of Harry Viljoen. Whoever appointed Viljoen should be shot!
2001 – A very poor year as Harry Viljoen lost the plot and resigned
2002 – The Boks showed signs of promise, scoring some great tries in the Tri-Nations
2003 – A year of disaster on and off the field and our worst World Cup ever
2004 – A great rebuilding year and our second Tri-Nations title
2005 – Unable to repeat the heroics of the previous year
2006 – One of our worst years ever (again!) as we lost 5 tests in a row
2007 – Not a great Tri-Nations, but we won the World Cup making it all worthwhile
2008 – With an experienced side we fail to deliver when we should have been dominating
2009 – A great winter season, but ominous signs on the end of year tour. I hope it was just a blip on the radar

We need to exhibit greater ruthlessness and keep winning even when we don’t play our best, have injuries and need to blood new players. The All Blacks rarely lose more than 2-3 tests a year, and never produce a bad side. I can’t think of the All Blacks having had too many bad Northern Hemisphere tours, yet we’ve often gone of the rails losing to the likes of Ireland, England, France, Scotland and Wales. Our back-up players need to step up and display greater pride and passion in the jersey and their performance. It is not acceptable to lose so often to weaker nations.

New Zealand also scored the highest number of tries per test (4.3) followed by Australia (3.2) and the Springboks average 3.1. It highlights one of the major differences between the sides, and indicates an area we need to keep working on.

Since the IRB World Rankings came into effect the All Blacks have dominated them too. The challenge is out to South Africa to resume number 1 position, and when we do not take top spot, we must surely not slip below second!

The Super 14 competition has produced similar results as the International arena. The Crusaders and Hurricanes for New Zealand and the Waratahs for Australia have consistently been good. The Bulls have been great over the past 4-5 seasons except for a hiccup in 2008, but the other South African franchises have been extremely poor. The Sharks have conspired to shoot themselves in the foot, the Stormers can never win games they need to, whilst the Lions and Cheetahs are a joke.

There is no reason why South African rugby cannot dominate internationally over the next decade. We have the raw talent. Greater pride in performance, better mental application and smarter coaching is needed to ensure we remain at the top and produce the results needed to keep us supporters satisfied!

Lining up for the national anthems! Appears to be a great atmosphere and excitement from the crowd.

One of the worst renditions of the South African national anthem I’ve heard. Shame.

South Africa have not played in Toulouse since 1974. However they did win on that occasion.

The surface appears a little slippery underfoot which may limit running rugby.

2nd Min – Penalty to France, Schalk Burger offside chasing the kick. Ref Wayne Barnes could also be a big factor in tonight’s test.

5th Min – Penalty France. John Smit penalised for going into the ruck from the side. It’s been a very physical opening to the test as we expected.
Adi Jacobs made a strong tackle on his opposite early on.
The French kick the penalty and France lead early on 3-0.

7th Min – Ryan Kankowski loses the ball at the maul. That’s the reason I don’t rate him. Not so good doing the hard yards.

12th Min – Tremendous pressure at the breakdowns. Brussow has made one steal so far. but the Boks are making silly errors due to the pressure. Time to settle it down and build some pressure.

17th Min – South Africa building pressure, and enjoying good territory. Howevr they look disjointed on attack and players are running poor lines and getting in each others way.

19th Min – Penalty to South Africa after France transgress at the maul. The maul is working well for the Boks so far.
Morne Steyn to kick from 43m out.
What a beautiful kick! He is a machine. Morne makes such difficult kicks look easy.
The score is 3-3!

22nd Min – Brilliant Bok breakout. They are looking more dangerous as the match goes on. John Smit puts in a cross kick! Not his strength, but it’s good to see the Boks have free reign to try things and express themselves.

The Bok scrum earns a turnover. The first few scrums have looked very solid.

25th Min – Excellent Springbok pressure. Morne Steyn sits back in the pocket and executes a great snap drop goal!

South Africa 6, France 3.

26th Min – Wow. Ref Wayne Barnes said he called “advantage over” too early and has gone back on a decision. I’ve never seen that before. Good reffing.

28th Min – John Smit scores! Brilliant Springbok pressure with the kick and chase produced a lineout 5m from the French line. Smit claimed the overthrown ball and barges over. Awesome, and no player deserves a try more.
Morne Steyn nonchalantly kicks it from the sideline.
Boks ahead 13-3.

31st Min – Ryan Kankowski spills a ball in midfield and gifts the French excellent possession and teritory, and the French score a good try in the corner to Vincent Clerc.
The conversion is wide and the Boks lead is cut to 13-8.

37th Min – Penalty to France. Bakkies Botha goes in at the side of the ruck.
Julien Dupuy has another shot at goal and hits the post.

38th Min – John Smit made a beautiful tackle. He’s had a great game and has been all over the park. Hopefully that answers his critics.

40th Min – Morne Steyn yellow carded for a foot trip. Not much in it, but it will rob the Boks of their goal kicker at the start of the second half.
Dupuy gets the penalty and gets the French tails up going into halftime.

Halftime South Africa 13 France 11

France started off well, but as the half wore on the Springboks started to get their game going and played with good field position. Small errors have cost the Boks, Kankowski has made two vital ones.

Two areas everybody thought would be Bok weaknesses, the scrum and defence in Adi Jacobs’ channel have been good. The French don’t look that dangerous on attack, but if they grab the lead they’ll be especially hard to beat. With Morne Steyn off, the Boks will have to play it tight and down the right end of the field at the start of the second half.

41st Min – Poor start from South Africa. Zane Kirchner makes his first real mistake and overcooks the kick-off.

45th Min – South Africa penalised for pulling down the maul.
Dupuy has a chance to put the French in front again.
From 50m out, he cannot convert.

48th Min – Adi Jacobs superb on defence as France breakout. Ryan Kankowski drops the ball again.

Schalk Burger leaves the field looking very uncomfortable and Danie Rousouw comes on.

48th Min – The Bok scrum disintegrates and the Beast is penalised.
Dupuy doesn’t miss this one and France earn the lead again. 14-13.
Morne Steyn about to come back on.

54th Min – Excellent French pressure. As soon as they get in front they look like a different side. They have the crowd right behind them now, and a good tackle from the Beast spills the ball forward close to the Bok line.

The Beast leaves the field and CJ van der Linde makes his Bok comeback after last playing in August 2008. He will actually play on the loosehead side.

55th Min – The French makes some changes and on comes Sebastien Chabal.

Imanol Harinordoquy also injured and replaced by Julien Bonnaire.

58th Min – Penalty to South Africa. France penalised for pulling back Jaque Fourie and the ball wasn’t even in play. Everyone was running to the lineout, and that’s bad discipline.
Morne Steyn misses a difficult kick.

60th Min – Kankowski loses the ball for the 4th time. This time it’s a vital turnover inside the Springbok 22. We need Spies!!!

61st Min – Springbok scrum penalised for driving around. It all comes back to the turnover.
Dupuy makes no mistake and gives the French a 17-13 lead. Tough for the Boks now. I really think we’re going to have to score a try.

64th Min – Penalties coming thick and fast for the French. This time Brussow penalised at the maul.

66th Min Brussow stops the rot and wins a penalty for being on his feet at the ruck. Good work, after Victor Matfield made an important tackle to stop Chabal.

Julien Dupuy substituted for Morgan Parra.

68th Min – South Africa hot on attack and marched 60m downfield.

Ryan Kankowski gets 10 minutes in the bin and just reward for a crappy game. He is just not up to international standard.

Parra misses a simple penalty and keeps South Africa’s chances alive.

Wynand Olivier on for Adi Jacobs, and Adriaan Strauss on for Bismarck du Plessis.

75th Min – Scrum France. France enjoying all the territory and making it hard for South Africa. We need a Habana intercept or something similar to get out of this one.

77th Min – Plenty of chances for France to wrap this game up. Springbok need a miracle. Please!

78th Min – Our scrum is destroyed and a penalty right in front will wrap this game up for France.

Parra kicks France to a 20-13 lead. A draw is still possible with 90 seconds to go.

Full Time France 20 South Africa 13

Hugely disappointing from the Springboks. Once Morne Steyn got carded, the French gained all the momentum. Little errors and better tactical kicking from the French gifted them opportunities and once again our scrum let us down in the second half. It’s becoming a problem.

Th French deserve their win, and they were the better side, but the Springboks have some major areas to tidy up on. I do think some of our top guys look jaded. I’d rest them now and get them fresh for next year, but that will never happen.

2 Consecutive losses on tour is not good. A wonderful season may end up being remembered for the wrong reasons.

South Africa take on France in Toulouse on Friday night in what may be the Boks toughest test match in 2009.

After a poor display from the second string Boks last week against Leicester,  the top Springbok side are determined not to follow the same fate. It has been a wonderful year for the Springboks, and they are determined to finish a long taxing year on a high.

France are often tough to beat in France, and the selection of a small ground with a large partisan crowd in Toulouse will de tough for the Boks if they fall behind early. The French have selected a big, strong, physical pack with big inside backs and will look to match and dominate the Springboks physically.

The Springbok pack has dominated all its opposition so far this year. As long as they match the French side, it will allow the collective genius of Fourie du Preez and Morne Steyn to dictate proceedings.

Adi Jacobs is seen as a weak point amongst many in South Africa and possible by the French side. I am sure he can hold his own and hopefully add an extra attacking dimension to the Bok Backs.

I said at the beginning of the year, Zane Kirchner would be the Springbok fullback by the end of the year, and he now has a chance to make the jersey his own. He possesses all the skills, safe under the high ball, a good kick-chaser, and enters the line well. Compared to Francois Steyn, the man he is replacing, he should ask more questions of the French defence. His incursions into the line will hopefully create more opportunities for Bryan Habana and JP Pietersen.

If all goes to plan, the Springbok should be too good for the French, and win by 10-12.

South Africa:

1. Tendai Mtawarira
2. Bismarck du Plessis
3. John Smit (c)
4. Bakkies Botha
5. Victor Matfield
6. Heinrich Brussow
7. Schalk Burger
8. Ryan Kankowski
9. Fourie du Preez
10. Morne Steyn
11. Bryan Habana
12. Adi Jacobs
13. Jaque Fourie
14. JP Pietersen
15. Zane Kirchner

Reserves
16. Adrianna Strauss
17. Wian du Preez
18. CJ van der Linde
19. Andries Bekker
20. Danie Rousouw
21. Ruan Pienaar
22. Wynand Olivier

France:

1. Fabien Barcella
2. Willem Servat
3. Nicolas Mas
4. Lionel Nallett
5. Romain Millo-Chluuski
6. Theirry Dusautoir (c)
7. Imanol Harinordoquy
8. Louis Picamoles
9. Julien Dupuy
10. Francois Trinh-Duc
11. Cedric Heymans
12. Maxime Mermoz
13. Yann David
14. Vincent Clerc
15. Damien Traille

Reserves
16. Dimitri Szarzewzski
17. Sylvain Marconnet
18. Sebastien Chabal
19. Julien Bonnaire
20. Morgan Parra
21. David Marty
22. Maxime Medard.

Referee:
Wayne Barnes (England)

Invictus is a 2009 feature film based on Nelson Mandela’s life during the 1995 rugby World Cup.

Invictus (also known as The Human Factor), recaps the magical moments that occured during the 1995 rugby World Cup in South Africa, won by the Springboks. The film due for release in late 2009, is one of the biggest films ever to be made in South Africa.

Invictus is directed by Clint Eastwood, and stars Morgan Freeman as Nelson Mandela and Matt Damon as Francois Pienaar.

The title Invictus was taken from the poem by the British poet William Ernest Henley. It is latin for ‘Unconquered’. It is a celebration of the human spirit and is about never giving up.

As Henley stated in the poem,

“I am the master of my fate
I am the captain of my soul”

It features a look at Nelson Mandela (Morgan Freeman) after the fall of Apartheid. Once released from prison, Nelson Mandela became the President of South Africa and faced the difficult job of uniting a country that was still divided. He used the 1995 rugby World Cup to unite the people of South Africa.

South Africa, coached by Kitch Christie, and led superbly by captain Francois Pienaar, were not given much hope of winning the tournament by any of the experts. However Kitch Christie and Nelson Mandela both knew that no other result was ever possible.

It was about more than just being a game/tournament. Nelson Mandela knew it was a vehicle for Nation building that was more powerful than anything any person in South Africa could control. Once he set the belief in motion, passion carried the Springboks to victory.

New Zealand were impressive in every game, and had tournament sensation Jonah Lomu (played by ex Bath Rugby player Zak Feaunati) who was just about unstoppable. No one could see how they Springboks could stop him, or the All Blacks from marching to victory.

However this script was surely written by Nelson Mandela. The Springboks semi-final win over France in Durban, was filled with high drama after the rains, delays, and final play which came up centimetres short by the French.

The final took place at Ellis Park, Johannesburg, South Africa’s field of dreams. I still remember the day vividly. I watched the game alone, in the early hours of the morning. Firstly there was the unbelievable inspiration of Madiba, Nelson Mandela, wearing the symbol of white supremacy, the Springbok jumper, with the number 6 of the Springbok captain Francois Pienaar emblazzoned on his back.

To hear the crowd (predominantly white) chanting, “Nelson!, Nelson!, Nelson!” It made the Springboks grow ever more determined, whilst it had a negative effect on the New Zealanders.

Once the game began, it was 80 minutes of knife-edge tension. There were no tries scored (although Ruben Kruger scored a legitimate try from a maul that was not awarded). And the scores were locked at 9-9.

The game was forced to go into extra time, and South Africa went behind early. After equalling the scores with a penalty, Joel Stransky’s famous drop goal sealed the game for the Springboks!

It was the game that changed a nation! Nothing else mattered. Not black, not white, just dynamite. One Team, One Country. United.

Ask any South African where they were that day, and they still remember it like it was yesterday. Watch it on video, and it brings a tear to the eye.

The Springboks start off their home season in 2010 with a single test against France, before two test matches against Italy.

The venues are yet to be confirmed, as the 2010 Soccer World Cup has put some major rugby venues off limits.

The Boks will then have a 3 week break before starting their Tri-nations campaign.

The Boks open the tournament by playing the All Blacks at Eden Park for the first time since 2001, and then move to Wellington for a second test against the All Blacks. From there they move to Brisbane, a ground that has not been kind for them in recent times, to play the Wallabies.

For the home leg of the Tri-nations, the Boks have made a smart moving in scheduling another 3 consecutive test matches (because they are the only side who has to do this twice, it does disadvantage the Boks) all on the Highveld. The Australasian sides don’t have as good a record, and don’t enjoy playing on the Highveld nearly as much, so it’s a smart move.

First will be the All Blacks at Ellis Park in their first trip their since 2004 (why has it been so long?) before facing the Wallabies at Loftus Versfeld and Bloemfontein.

Springboks’ International fixtures for 2010:

Springbok Home Test Matches (venues to be confirmed):

June 12 – South Africa v France, Newlands
June 19 – South Africa v Italy, TBC
June 26 – South Africa v Italy, TBC

2010 Tri-nations schedule:

July 10 – New Zealand v South Africa, Auckland
July 17 – New Zealand v South Africa, Wellington
July 24 – Australia v South Africa, Brisbane
July 31, Australia v New Zealand, Melbourne
August 7 – New Zealand v Australia, Christchurch
August 21, South Africa v New Zealand, Johannesburg
August 28 – South Africa v Australia, Pretoria
September 4 – South Africa v Australia, Bloemfontein
September 11 – Australia v New Zealand, Sydney

The Springboks were dominant in the 2009 Tri-nations, and this is reflected in my Tri-nations XV.

The Springboks have had one of their best years ever. In winning the Tri-nations title they clearly exhibited the best side, playing superbly as a unit rather than as individuals.

In putting together my Tri-nations XV, it was extremely difficult to think of which Australians or New Zealanders were better than a Springbok in a particular position. For the first time in a long time the All Blacks don’t have many players dominating their positions on the world stage. It is a reflection of where South African rugby is at present that they have numerous world class players.

In some positions where there were world class players to choose from in each position, it came down to who performed under pressure, and made match winning contributions for their side.

Sanjay’s Tri-nations XV:

1. Benn Robinson
2. Bismarck du Plessis
3. John Smit (c)
4. Bakkies Botha
5. Victor Matfield
6. Heinrich Brussow
7. Juan Smith
8. Pierre Spies
9. Fouire du Preez
10. Morne Steyn
11. Bryan Habana
12. Berrick Barnes
13. Jaque Fourie
14. JP Pietersen
15. Francois Steyn

16. Andrew Hore
17. Beast Mtawarira
18. Nathan Sharpe
19. Richie McCaw
20. Will Genia
21. Dan Carter
22. Mils Muliaina

Coach: Peter de Villers

Props

Benn Robinson was the stand out loosehead for me, and was an exceptionally strong scrummager. The Beast Mtawarira was great in the loose, had a very high workrate and made many tackles, but his scrumming let him down.While Tony Woodcock for the All Blacks is always a good player, he did not stand out this season.

John Smit takes the tighthead spot for his high workrate and leadership. He could have covered hooker and allowed a second prop on the bench instead of Andrew Hore in the absence of props on the bench who can cover both sides of the scrum.

Hooker

No competition here with Bismarck du Plessis standing out from the rest. Andrew Hore earns the reserve spot as I went with a conventional bench, however I’d probably have preferred John Smit as my reserve but he hasn’t played hooker for some time now.

Locks

Once again the Springbok pairing of Bakkies Botha and Victor Matfield pick themselves. Strong, physical, skillful. Bakkies does the hard work and Matfield provides the lineout genius. Once again it was hard to pick a reserve, but Nathan Sharpe is always solid and offers a replacement for Bakkies late in the game.

Loose Forwards

This was perhaps the hardest area to call. I’ve opted for an all Springbok back row. Heinrich Brussow was the form openside flanker, and shaded Richie McCaw and George Smith in their encounters this year. McCaw remains a class player and can cover both flank positions from the bench.

Juan Smith earns the blind spot flank position because of his strong workrate, and he never has a bad game. He was the unsung hero of the Bok pack this year.

Pierre Spies was my eighthman, and although he has tons of potential and was always dangerous, there was a lack of competition for his spot. George Smith was solid, but eighthman is probably not his best position.

Halfback

Fourie du Preez is the world’s best halfback. His performances in Perth and Hamilton were sublime.

Flyhalf

Morne Steyn won games. His goal kicking was superb and tactical kicking great. Dan Carter remains a world class player, but Morne Steyn never put a foot wrong. In Hamilton, Carter was forced into some poor options at times. Matt Giteau remains dangerous but didn’t dictate play for his side, and it was not one of his better seasons.

Centres

Berrick Barnes gets the inside centre position and had a good season. His kicking game was very good, and his ability to get his outside backs away perhaps just shades Jean de Villiers.

At outside centre Jaque Fourie was very solid, creating an enormous presence in the midfield, tackling superbly and running straight and hard.

On the bench, Dan Carter covers 10 and 12.

Wings

Bryan Habana and JP Pietersen were the form wingers. They had high workrates, and were a large factor in the dominance of the Springbok kicking game. Defensively they both solid, and on attack always dangerous.

Fullback

Francois Steyn. Fights off a strong challenge from Muliaina, but his all round game and match winning goal kicking gives him the edge. Mils Muliaina gets the reserve spot, being able to cover fullback, centre and possibly wing. James O’Connor was dangerous and had some good performances, but was too erratic overall.

Coach

Love him or hate him, Peter de Villers has built an imposing record. Tactically he was very astute, and his Tri-nations rivals have not worked out ways to counter him just yet. Learnt valuable lessons from the British and Irish Lions series and changed his approach. Not sure Graham Henry and crew are as quick on the uptake, while Robbie Deans doesn’t have the same quality of talent to work with.

The Springboks won the Tri-nations title for 2009 with another superb display against the All Blacks in Hamilton. However not everyone was impressed with the manner of victory!

Brett Harris wrote it is “Time to cut a penalty goal’s value” in the Australian after the Springbok victory. His views are shared by many in Australia, but I struggle to see the logic.

He wrote, “When a team has a “rocket launcher” instead of a goal kicker it is surely enough reason for the IRB to seriously consider reducing the value of penalty goals from three points to two. The capacity to kick a penalty goal from 60 metres distorts the game and is a way of accumulating cheap points”

He went on to say “A team can be attacking 40 metres from the opposition line, commit an infringement, and be punished with a penalty goal. Knowing the opposition has a long-distance goal kicker like Francois Steyn also influences teams to play conservatively. Having a kicker like Steyn on the opposition team means you have to play inside your opponent’s 40 metre line or risk three points being scored against you every time you infringe”

Harris also felt “conceding two points is still a deterrent as is the threat of a yellow card.”

In my view this one again smacks of sour grapes. You can’t change the rules because one or two players are simply very good at what they do. Rather than blame the rules, the Wallabies and other sides need to come up with strategies to counter the Springboks strengths and utilise their own.

Last year the Springboks played poorly. The coaching staff were largely to blame, and did not adapt to their rules of the time. This year the Springboks have succeeded because they have the best coaching team.

The players in all three Tri-nations sides are largely the same, however the Boks came up with plans and strategies that no one else has effectively countered consistently this season. The Wallabies achieved this in Brisbane, and it had nothing to do with penalties being worth 3 points.

It has always been my view that if a team infringes, then they should be punished. (The problem of inadequate reffing, and penalising teams unfairly is another issue!). It doesn’t matter if you make the mistake in your 22 or on the opposition’s goal-line, you suffer the consequences.

Harris is essentially saying it is fine to infringe in certain areas of the field and one shouldn’t concede points if far enough away from their own goal-line. In my view it is not fair to infringe no matter where on the field you are. Teams know that if they are in opposition territory and unable to concede points, they will infringe more often because the consequences are are not as severe.

Harris also said, “As goal-kicking techniques improve the range of goal kickers will also increase and long distance kickers will become more common.” I don’t believe that will happen. The legendary Don Clarke was able to kick goals from 50m out with a leather ball and the torpedo style kick. based on Harris’ logic, kickers should be banging them over from 100m now!

The game of rugby has always been heavily influenced by goal-kicking. It’s part of the game. Scores of 6-3, 9-6 etc etc were common many years ago and made rugby the game it is today. Nothing needs to change.

We don’t need to necessarily see massive amounts of tries. Not at the expense of the fundamental contest for possession and rewarding teams that are dominant in the key elements of the game, set pieces, breakdowns, physicality etc.

Each Tri-nations game this year (so far) was won by the dominant side. In South Africa the game has never been more popular, their fans want to see their side winning. I’d suggest to Mr Harris that if the Aussies were also winning, the Australian public would care less how many points a penalty was worth.

Argentina are joining the Tri-nations.

It was confirmed on Monday by SANZAR that Argentine will be joining the Southern Hemisphere showpiece rugby tournament from 2012 to create a new 4 team tournament.

It’s a welcome addition to a largely monotonous schedule, and Argentina thoroughly deserve greater international exposure after receiving little help from the IRB or SANZAR thus far.

It marks a great development for Argentinian rugby. Most of their professional players currently play in Europe, and this will hopefully boost the game in Argentina. Assurances have also been made to ensure Argentina field their strongest side, regardless of where their players are based.

The tournament will be played at the conclusion of the new Super 15, from about mid-August through to mid-October. In Rugby World Cup years the format will be abbreviated and played in July/August.

The tournament format will consist of each nation playing one another on a home and away basis. This means there will be 12 matches in total (increasing from the current total of 9). Each side will play a total of 6 matches, meaning each existing side does not play any additional number of games.

It will also help the Springboks who have always had the hardest travel schedule. Whilst it still won’t be easy, there will be less matches for the Springboks in Australasia, and hopefully the tours can become shorter.

Finally after all years of talking it will be great to see the superpowers help a developing rugby nation, and I suspect it can only help Argentinian rugby.

The Springboks are the current World Champions. The Number 1 ranked IRB test nation. The cream of the crop, yet the most despised side in World rugby. The IRB, and the rest of the world doesn’t like them. And they want to ban the Boks from the rugby world cup?

After the second test between the Springboks and the British and Irish Lions, Schalk Burger was rightly banned for 8 weeks for eye gouging Luke Fitzgerald. Actually it was for reckless play, but he had his hands on a Lions players’ eyes. The punishment was fair based on the precedent set so far by disciplinary tribunals in World rugby.

However in the same game Bakkie Botha was unfairly cited and banned for 2 weeks for a legitimate tackle on Adam Jones. The Springboks finally took a stand against the unjust treatment they’ve been receiving for years. How do you ban a guy who produced a legal tackle? For something that happens hundreds of times during a game. The only factors that led to this citing and subsequent banning, were because Adam Jones became injured as a result, and because Bakkies Botha is South Africa and has a bad record.

Good on the Springboks, led by John Smit, who showed their solidarity for their teammate by wearing white armbands written with  “Justice 4 Bakkies”. That’s what standing by your teammates is all about. Especially when you are right. The IRB decided these actions bought the game into disrepute and the Springboks needed to be punished. So the South African rugby union (SARU) were dragged in front of another disciplinary committee.

Nevermind the citing commissioner or unfair tribunal who punished Bakkies Botha. They get away scot free.

Instead the South African Rugby Union, and John Smit were heavily fined for their behaviour. And the IRB committee were unanimous in wanting the Springboks banned from the 2011 Rugby World Cup. That would have produced an uproar. Once again South Africa get picked on. Forget about right or wrong, any other country would never have to deal with this.

We may not have heard the end of this as the IRB looks at the legal technicalities. SARU may protest this one, but in all likelihood will take their punishment and keep quiet. Shame on the IRB, and shame on the Rugby World for showing such prejudice on South Africa. Go the Springboks, all your supporters are behind you!

The first test between the World Champion Springboks and the British and Irish Lions will take place in Durban on Saturday.

Just how will it unfold? Many have their opinions, none more vocal than Nick Cain and his article British and Irish Lions have nothing to fear from South Africa.

Firstly I would like to reply by saying, the Springboks are the World Champions! Get over it Nick. Just because we didn’t play the All Blacks or Australians doesn’t make it any less of an achievement. To say that England were more deserving of their victory in 2003 is a load of balony! We beat everyone we had to, when we had to. We demolished England in the pool game! Whilst we may have taken our foot off the accelerator from the quarter final, we played winning rugby, and got the job done.

To say South Africa doesn’t deserve their World Champion status because we didn’t win the tri-nations last year is ludicrous! We had a new team, new coach and a new competition. England fell away after their World Cup victory in 2003, what then? Why doesn’t the same logic apply and Nick believe they were undeserving of their title?

The concern revolving around Ruan Pienaar and the Bok team is our problem. We will deal with it and put out the side we want on Saturday. You just worry about your own side. It’s an attempt to unsettle the Springboks, talk up the British and Irish Lions, and make the Northern Hemisphere feel better about themselves. Well face the fact. The Springboks are the World Champions, and they will demolish the Lions on Saturday. Maybe then you’ll give them some credit…or maybe you’ll need to wait until we win the second test and win the series!

Wacthing the Super 14 this weekend, I think the game is being dominated by the whistle more than ever. ELV’s look like they are here to stay, at least in the Southern Hemisphere, in some shape of form. it is extremely confusing for spectators, players and referees.

The ELV’s were origninally brought in to promote a more open, attractive style of rugby, and go back to core rugby values. To ensure competition for the ball, and allow the attacking team chances to run the ball.

There is not just one form of the ELV’s, which is where the confusion starts. The internationals tend to use the global ELV’s which retain long arm penalties, whilst the super 14 uses the hybrid ELV’s which utilise short arm free kicks. It’s confusing and in my opinion produces 2 completely different games.

For a start I am not a fan of the ELV’s. We simply need to ensure the laws promote the game as we want it, and then get referees to ALL blow to that interpretation. Having multiple law variations simply makes the differences even greater.

I like to see an emphasis on set pieces, where there is fair, even competition for the ball. The hybrid ELV’s see a lot of aimless kicking from one end to the other. It takes out lineouts, (which is a South African strength) which should be as valuable as scrums in my view. Scrummaging needs to be fair and favour teams with a stronger, better scrum. Allowing weak scrummaging teams ie the Aussies, to be able to compete with no consequences simply takes the physicality out of the game.

At ruck time it is a lottery. Depending on the ref, and how they blow it. I’m seeing way to many variations with some refs favouring the defending teams, and some favouring the attacking teams. And markedly too. One only wants to see a fair contest for the ball if the defenders execute great tackles and are standing over the ball. Otherwise it should favour the attacking team.

Collapsing of the mauls is another rule that has been changed but I just don’t see why. If you can’t defend a maul, that is your fault. It rewarded good technique and physicality. They’ve now taken away a great option close to the try line. The problem in my view was that mauls were allowed to go on too long and should be blown earlier if they don’t have momentum and are rolling forward. The same should apply with tackles and rucks. If someone makes a great tackle and halts the attacking team or even drives them backwards, the attacking team should have to get the ball out quickly else a scrum to the defending team should ensue. Lets reward good play and allow turnovers for defence that moves forward.

The biggest criticism I have though of the hybrid ELV’s is that a free kick does nothing for the game. Sure it keeps the ball in play longer. But you can give away multiple free kicks to simply slow the opposition down, get a turnover at some stage and boot the ball downfield and snuff out their attacking options. With a penalty you get punished with 3 points. It slows the game but every action has consequences. At the moment it can be really hard to get out of your half because if you are infringed against, you don’t necessarily want to kick the ball out because you don’t get the lineout throw (which you do with a penalty) and hence you can get stuck in your own territory for long periods.

The advantage rule has gone 180 degrees too. A few years ago I felt it was way too long, now it is often too short. Teams often don’t even get to see whether they benefit from the advantage, because it’s over as soon as there is a turnover. There is a balance in the middle!

All in all I preferred a forward dominated game where set pieces were important and there was a contest for the ball. The ELV’s are ruining the game and i’m with the Northern Hemisphere on this one…

This year sees the New Zealand and Australian teams with a point to prove after their poor campaigns in super 14 2007 and the rugby world cup. South Africa meanwhile has to try and maintain it’s supremacy and not experience the decline we suffered after the 1995 world cup.

With all teams losing quality players due to retirement and defections to the northern hemisphere, the chance is there for someone to grab the opportunity and gain momentum. In this regard the first 4 rounds will be critical to setting the tone of the season and gaining much needed confidence. My pick is for the Sharks to again be front runners and take the title. The Bulls are my favourite team but will find it harder without Matfield, Botha and coach Meyer.

Blues
Were the New Zealand frontrunners last year, but the loss of some key players in Williams and Rawlinson in the locks, Howlett on the wing, and McAlister and Tuitupou in midfield will leave them without the class to seriously challenge for the title. Expect a mid table finish

Bulls
Will be without some key personel from last year, but the Fortress of Loftus Versfeld and the passion of being a Bull will stand them in good stead for the home matches. The key will be picking up points whilst on the road but they should be there come semi final time and then anything can happen. Go the Bulle!

Brumbies
Will be a shadow of the team of years gone by. Take out some key forwards and the halfback pairing of Grogan and Larkham and this team will not be able to match most of the others. I am looking forward to them getting smashed and losing their proud record at home.

Cheaters
They may be Currie Cup champions but they will struggle in a competition where other teams are at full strength. Lack the experience and class in the halfbacks to seriously control games, although the forward pack should stand up to the others.

Chiefs
Have a similar squad to years gone by and may benefit from the inexperience of some of the other squads and the consistency of a settled squad. Once again plenty of speed and talent in the backs and good loose fowards. If their tight five can gain parity they may be a dark horse, although they have to beat the bogey of being a team that has never achieved anything.

Crusaders
Robbie Deans will want to get one more title before he becomes coach of the Wobblies. The loss of some stalwarts in Chris Jack, Aaron Mauger, and Rico Gear are offset by their new aquistions so once again they have a good forward pack and damaging backs. A strong squad with good depth will maintain their confidence and they always seem to bounce back strongly from a poor previous season. Will have to be watched and not allowed to gain early momentum.

Farce
Although they lack big name players, their squad is settled and coach John Mitchell will be hoping to build on their previous campaigns. Much will depend on their start, but opening with 3 away games to South African opposition should see the wheels fall off midway through their campaign.

Horricanes
As with most years, the Horrorcanes have good backs and strong loose forwards. Like the Chiefs their tight five will determine their success. Always a mixed bag but I suspect a strong showing this year, and they will be there or thereabouts come semi final time.

Islanders
A squad of no names, with most of the experience now gone. A rebuilding phase for the Islanders. The house of pain is no longer the intimidating factor it used to be so they will struggle both home and away. Should be fighting it out for last spot.

Lions
Coach Loffie Eloff will be looking to build on last year. Whilst he has a tenacious squad, the loss of Andre Pretorius and Jacques Fourie for the intial stages will leave them without the control in the backs to score enough tries. Their forward pack will try hard and if they can ensure the game remains tight they may win some low scoring affairs with the boot.

Reds
What a joke. No class, no hope, no chance. Should seal last spot from the Islanders. Thanks for making up the numbers and bringing super rugby to Brisbane.

Sharks
Have lost great experience in World Cup winners Smit, Skinstad, James and Montgomery. But the young brigade will have a years more experience, and coach Dick Muir will be much the wiser. The addition of French flyhalf Michalak will prove to be a masterstroke. Although they have a tough draw, the return to their traditional colours of black and white will lift them above that. Will go close to taking the title. Not black, not white…just dynamite!

Stormers
Could be the surprise package. As always much will be expected of them as they have too much talent to continually disappoint. The difference could be coach Rassie Erasmus. He simply always gets the best out of players. Have tough first up games against the Bulls and Sharks so losses there will test their resolve. Could be potential winners or once again be also rans. Impossible to predict.

Worrytahs
Should be the best of the Aussies, which is not saying much. Possible top six finish if they play to their potential but I just can’t see it happening.

Sanjay’s prediction
1. Sharks
2. Bulls
3. Crusaders
4. Stormers
5. Horrorcanes
6. Chiefs
7. Blues
8. Worrytahs
9. Lions
10. Cheaters
11. Farce
12. Brumbies
13. Islanders
14. Reds