Sanjay's Rugby World

The medical team of the Springbok under-20 rugby side saved the life of 15 year-old Desiree Jaftha.

The Baby Boks have been prepararing for their clash with Argentina on Saturday and have been based in Saldanha Bay, which is about 110km north-west of Cape Town.

As reported in the full story which can be found on Sport 24, the medical team of the Baby Boks were alerted by swimmers that Desiree Jaftha was drowning in the swimming pool of the team hotel.

Team doctor Arthur Williams and physiotherapist Wayne Hector initiated CPR and transported Jaftha to the Vredenburg Provincial hospital in the team Combi instead of waiting for the ambulance.

Jaftha’s condition stabilised and she has been released from hospital back to the family.

What fantastic work by the Bok medical team. They can be immensely proud of saving a life and putting their medical training to great use!

South African centre Jean de Villiers desperately wants to play in the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

He is leaving Munster at the end of the Northern Hemisphere season to return back to South Africa.

De Villiers only left South Africa in October 2009, and has spent just the 1 season at Munster. It was not an entirely happy time for him, as initially he was dropped and not highly valued by the Munster coaching staff.

His value to the Springboks however was evident when he was called up for the test against Ireland, even though the Boks rarely call up overseas based players.

On the 3rd September 2009, I wrote an article stating that I believed de Villiers would return back to South Africa sooner than most people expected, and I only expected him to last the one season up north.

The reason I suspected that was because I believe de Villiers made his decision before an awesome season for the Springboks in 2009 was completed. All of the side were happy, happier than I’ve ever seen a Springbok side, and he doesn’t want to miss out on that. Coupled with the fact he is yet to fully participate at a World Cup, and he wants to ‘earn’ his World Cup winners medal, I knew he’d be back.

In a press statement de Villiers said “I feel this is perhaps my last opportunity to represent my country at the World Cup and after consultation with SARU it has become clear that to qualify for selection players must be playing their rugby in South Africa in the season leading up to the competition”

“I’m thoroughly enjoying my time here in Munster and I think it would be fair to say that had the World Cup not been a factor, then I would be remaining for at least the next 2 seasons. I would not rule out returning here after RWC 2011 either, if the opportunity arose” continued de Villiers.

Add to that, the special atmosphere that is brewing at Western Province/The Stormers and I know de Villiers will not want to go to any other South African province.

Western Province rugby MD Rob Wagner  said “WP Rugby noted Jean de Villiers’ media statement on the Munster website yesterday, confirming that he will return to South Africa at the end of the European season. Jean is a world class player who has excelled on the international stage. He has played all his rugby in the Cape having represented both WP and the Stormers. We will be contacting him to learn more of his intentions and explore opportunities.”

I’m sure Springbok coach Peter de Villiers will select Jean de Villiers for the 2010 Tri-nations, and I expect to see him also running out for Western Province (if the Springboks don’t want him rested) in the 2010 Currie Cup!

PR: wait… I: wait… L: wait… LD: wait… I: wait… wait… Rank: wait… Traffic: wait… Price: wait… C: wait…

Ruben Kruger was laid to rest in an emotional farewell in Pretoria on Wednesday.

The funeral took place at the Christian Reformed Church on the corner of Lynnwood and Hans Strijdom Avenues, near Silver Lakes in Pretoria East on Wednesday.

The service was led by Pastor At Boshoff from Bloemfontein

Springboks, Provincial players (both former and current) and administrators travelled from around South Africa to lay to rest one of the true gentleman of the game.

Almost all members of the World Champion 1995 Springboks were present (Francois Pienaar did not attend as he was away in Europe).

It was reported to be an emotional affair with many reporting on the integrity, humility and strong core values exhibited by Kruger.

As reported on Sport 24, another Springbok strongman Andre Venter (who was himself transported with the aid of a wheelchair) had this to say about Kruger “Ruben was a remarkable person. My wife and I visited him and Lizel in Pretoria in December. He prayed for me in spite of all his pain. That sums up his life. It does not matter what his situation was – he always thought of a fellow human being before himself. He was not just a legend on the field, but a legend of life. Ruben, when I get to heaven one day, I want to be in the same team as you again.”

In her tribute to Kruger, his wife Lizel Kruger said “Earthly possessions were not important to you. We were proud of you. Not because you were a Springbok rugby player but because you were a Springbok dad.”

The ‘silent assassin‘ is with us no more, but his legend will remain forever. As one of my all-time greats, Kruger will be sorely missed. Like many others I am inspired  by this great man, who showed us all how to never give up, play with integrity, and treasure what is most valuable.

Springbok flanker Ruben Kruger has passed away at the age of 39.

Kruger was forced to retire from rugby in 2000 due to a brain tumour. He has been fighting its effects for some time, and unfortunately lost the battle to this cancer.

It’s the only battle I’ve ever seen him lose. Kruger is one of my top 10 players of all time and a Springbok legend.

Kruger was born on the 30th March 1970 in Vrede.

He was educated at Grey College in Bloemfontein (one of a long list who have gone on to become Springboks from this great school) before attending Free State University and played for Shimlas and the Free State Cheetahs, before a long and distinguished career for the Bulls and South Africa.

Kruger was the 596th Springbok, and made his debut in 1993 against a South Australian invitational XV, before his test debut against Argentina in the same year. His last test was as a replacement against New Zealand at the 1999 Rugby World Cup.

During his 36 test matches for South Africa, Kruger scored 7 tries (35 points). My favourite was the try in the opening minutes of the 1997 test at Eden Park, during which Kruger unfortunately broke his ankle. It was typical Kruger, hard, uncompromising flank play, following up close to the ball and burrowing over.

He unfortunately was never awarded what I thought was a fair try in the 1995 Rugby World Cup final when he was driven over the line but the ref did not award it. That could have been one of the most important tries ever for the Springboks, but perhaps it wasn’t awarded to add to the drama that later unfolded.

Nicknamed the ’silent assassin’ by coach Kitch Christie, Kruger was fittingly named South African Rugby Football Union’s player of the year in 1995. He started in 5 matches, only missing the game against Canada in Port Elizabeth. He scored a try against France in the Durban semi-final and only admitted years later that it was not a legitimate try.

Kruger was one of the rocks which the 1995 Springbok Rugby World Cup campaign was built around. Together with Springbok captain Francois Pienaar, he formed the hardest, most uncompromising flank combination I have ever seen. If ever I wanted to go into battle with anyone, those two guys would be the first names I’d ever put down.

Kruger was also selected for the 1999 Rugby World Cup, although not a regular starting member of the side.

Kruger also represented the Bulls (formerly Northern Transvaal) and led the side on occasion. As was his trademark, he led from the front, always playing hard and never giving up. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a player with such tenacity as Kruger, and the other key attribute he possessed was his stamina. He was a superbly fit individual and worked terribly hard to be the best in the game.

After his rugby career he became a camera salesman and owned a Minolta franchise in Pretoria.

What impressed me most about Kruger was not just his determination, dedication and never say die attitude. It was his demeanour as a person. He was not just a legend of the game, but a role model for all South Africans and a damn good oke.

My condolences to the Kruger family, all his teammates, and the many many people he influenced over the years.

RIP Ruben.

Rugby stats:

Status: LEGEND

Teams: Springboks, Bulls (Northern Transvaal), Free State Cheetahs, Grey College (Bloemfontein)
Springbok debut: 1993 v South Australia Invitation XV
Test debut: 1993 v Argentina
Test matches: 36
Tries: 7
Rugby World Cups: 1995 (South Africa), 1999 (UK)

Willem Alberts and Louis Ludik are still embroiled in a contractual dispute between the Golden Lions Rugby Union (GLRU) and the Sharks.

Both players left the Lions late last year and have been training with the Sharks, although Ludik is still recovering from injury.

Like Jaque Fourie whose case needed arbitration, Ludik and Alberts contracts’ with the Lions have technical loopholes.

Allegedly the main loopholes in the contracts are that the players are employed as a “professional analyst” not rugby players, and remuneration amounts for allowances, deductions, match fees and bonuses are not stipulated in their contracts.

Whilst technically it is possibly enough for the players to get out of their contracts, they were certainly happy to receive money for being “professional analysts.” Where is their integrity? If they were happy to recieve money they should have honoured what they signed.

It does show how poor the state of the Lions rugby union was. Their on-field performances and condition were poor, but they weren’t helped by incompetent administrators. Someone should be fired for this, but in all of that agents, players and representatives of the unions should have done better in putting agreements together.

It is pointless trying to blame others. I truly believe most unions will not stand in the way of players moving if things are done in the right manner. No union wants a player who is desperately unhappy to be there. However rather than walk away from an agreement, you need to speak to the appropriate people and show some integrity and honesty. Just as most employers will respect an employee who comes to them openly and honestly.

We now have a situation that is a lose-lose for all involved. Reputations, relationships and money are all on the line. Unfortunately the Jaque Fourie case set a precedent that all further disputes must now follow.

Because the Golden Lions Rugby Union have not provided clearance for these two players, SARU regulations state the players cannot play any level of rugby for the Sharks.

Sharks chief executive Brian van Zyl said “We would like to resolve the matter. I think it’s rather a matter of SA Rugby having to revisit their regulations. It’s disappointing that they do not want to get involved.”

Van Zyl obviously wants Alberts and Ludik playing as the Sharks are paying them salaries.

I would suggest that if the Sharks do play Alberts in their warm-up matches without the necessary clearance, they are facing serious repercussions. Unfortunately this sort of behaviour cannot be condoned and the players should not be allowed to play.

I remember when it was an honour for players to represent their provinces and they played for no money at all. I hate to think all players are greedy and lack the courage to do the right thing. I hope Alberts and Ludik prove me wrong, but I fear that for all their talent, they’ve showed poor sportsmanship on this occasion!

Springbok coach Peter de Villiers is consulting with all the stakeholders to ensure his players can perform at their peak potential.

Whilst Springbok coaches have consulted with and Guru Sports Scientist Professor Tim Noakes in the past, his advice hasn’t always been adhered to.

It appears Peter de Villiers is not prepared to run his players into the ground and wants to work with the provinces and South African rugby public to ensure he manages his assets carefully.

This sort of consulting has long been overdue, and for those who criticise de Villiers, one cannot fault his thoroughness and willingness to explore avenues previous Springbok coaches have suggested but never implemented.

Whilst all the players have had a minimum 4 week break off-season break and should be primed for a strong 2010 season, de Villiers is planning to ensure his top Springboks are at their peak for the 2011 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand, but also to ensure they are well managed in 2010.

“It’s the right time now to be considering 2011. I want recommendations by rugby unions because we have to work together in the best interests of the players. My job is to consult with all the stakeholders – there is many more than just SA Rugby. There are unions, sponsors, suite holders. There are also agreements with SANZAR that need to be honoured” said de Villiers.

He continued, “I want to see what the unions have to say. What is easy for the Lions and Cheetahs may be difficult for the Blue Bulls and Sharks. I sincerely believe that the unions will make decisions in the interests of the players and SA Rugby. As soon as I have finished consulting with the unions, I will go to the sponsors. The findings of the report will be made public as the public are also stakeholders.”

It shows a great maturity to want to make the results public and acknowledge just how important the fans are to this process. Whilst the fans want to see the top players every week, I believe we are also sensitive to ensuring players are not run into the ground and are rested adequately.

de Villiers also thanked the Super 14 sides who are co-operating to keep players fresh during 2010.

“Rest is the component that will be very important in the discussions (with unions). I know some of them have already cancelled Monday training sessions. It’s a step in the right direction as it is 14 weeks of Mondays, which amounts to two weeks’ rest” said De Villiers.

On Sunday the contracted Springboks were lectured by Professor Tim Noakes in Cape Town about managing themselves.

“The general theme was that they need to cut back this year and do everything next year. South Africa’s players cannot expect to be competitive in the World Cup unless they play less” said Noakes.

However whilst players are mindful of rest, they also hate to sit on the sidelines and worry about losing form and their rhythm. The provinces that pay their salary also want to see them play as many games as possible which can make it hard for players to rest, especially during important games.

However it is exciting to see South African adopting a more professional attitude and taking the advice of the Sports Science community. I am sure it can only lead to better performances and a winning Springbok side!

For once it appears as if coaches are working together for the greater good of South African rugby, as the Springboks vie to become the first side to successfully defend the Rugby World Cup.

Springbok conditioning coach Neels Liebel has said that contracted Springbok players are likely to be rested for during the 2010 Currie Cup.

One could see towards the end of 2009, many of South Africa’s leading players such as Fourie du Preez, Victor Matfield, Morne Steyn etc were jaded and not performing at their best.

Resting at the end of 2006, and during the 2007 international season worked for the Boks at the 2007 Rugby World Cup, and the strategy looks like it will be repeated for the 2011 title defence.

All 5 Super 14 coaches appear to be co-operating with the Springbok management to manage the players during this year’s Super 14 and Currie Cup competitions. It has taken some time to achieve, but the provincial coaches have pledged their support in ensuring the Boks get the rest they require/are requested.

“We are hoping that our players get some time off during the Super 14, but I can understand if they don’t. The coaches want the Boks to do well, but at the end of the day, they want to win and their jobs are on the line. We are planning to pull the 26 contracted players out of the Currie Cup this year, a plan that has not yet been approved by the relevant authorities and stakeholders. If it is approved, we will go through with it” said Liebel.

The plan is for the top Boks to be pulled out for most of the end of year tour and possibly some of the 2011 Super 15 and Tri-nations. This policy was met with some criticism in 2007, so it remains to be seen just exactly what is allowed to transpire.

The Super 14 coaches were asked for their opinion on resting the Springboks.

Cheetahs coach Naka Drotske has said “If I were Peter de Villiers, I would request that Springboks be withdrawn from the Currie Cup and possibly also the end of year tour. They are not tired during the Super 14.”

With only Juan Smith and Heinrich Brussow affected from the Cheetahs, this policy would certainly help Naka Drotske against his rival teams however, so no wonder he supports it! The teams affected the most would be the Bulls and Sharks, and the Stormers/Western Province.

The Lions are unlikely to be seriously affected and with coach Dick Muir on the Springbok coaching team, their full co-operation comes as no surprise.

“We’re all working towards a national solution. I think one has to consider individual cases and not make any blanket decisions” said Muir.

Stormers coach Allister Coetzee has been part of the Springbok coaching team in the past, and is also likely to be very co-operative.

“We will consider the request depending on our situation. I’m aware of the bigger picture and don’t know which players Peter has earmarked” said Coetzee.

Sharks coach John Plumtree suggested he’d agree to requests but that players liked to play.

“It makes it much easier if you have depth. My experience is also that players prefer to play and do not like to rest. New Zealand learned some hard lessons by removing players from the Super 14″ said Plumtree.

The Bulls provide the bulk of the Springbok side, and whilst they are affected heavily from resting players, they are prepared to serve the national interest and bigger picture.

“We support Peter de Villiers and I have a good relationship with him. I’m sure we’ll have a good discussion about how players should be managed. We see the bigger picture” said Bulls coach Frans Ludeke.

The co-operation of the coaches will ensure the Springboks remain successful and have a great chance of defending their World Champion title in 2011. At the moment all coaches are in agreement and say they’ll co-operate. However this is South African rugby, and when the pressure goes on and coaches feel the heat, anything can happen! I’m hoping for once we finally have the national interests at heart first.

Former Springbok flanker Wickus van Heerden has signed a new contract with the Golden Lions Rugby Union (GLRU).

van Heerden spent 9 seasons at the Lions, before moving to the Bulls and winning the Super 14 and Rugby World Cup in 2007. He then departed to England and has been playing for Saracens, but will return to South Africa in time for the 2010 Currie Cup.

He will finish with Saracens on June 30, before taking up his contract with the Lions from July 2010 to October 2012.

van Heerden is looking forward to returning to the union where he first started playing professional rugby. “Since my time at the Lions I have grown as a player and have gathered much experience at both the Bulls and Saracens. I am hoping to utilise this experience and make an impact when I join them later this year. The Lions have always been a very special team to me.” said van Heerden.

With Springbok ambitions possibly his primary motivation, van Heerden has a great chance of representing the Boks on the end of year tour if he can show top form. Peter de Villiers will be looking at resting many top Boks on the 2010 end of year tour, and someone with van Heerden’s experience, especially of northern hemisphere conditions will be invaluable.

Since Dick Muir has taken over at the Lions, his influence and direction may be luring players such as van Heerden and Carlos Spencer to what was the most successful union in South Africa during the 90’s.

Are we seeing a change at the Johannesburg based union and a return to their former glory days?

Former Springbok Wikus van Heerden is leaving Saracens to return to South Africa later this year.

At the conclusion of the current English season, van Heerden will pack his bags and return to his country of birth.

Saracens director of rugby, Brendan Venter said “Wikus wishes to return to South Africa for the sake of his family, and we accept his wishes. He is a formidable loose forward who has represented the club with distinction over the past couple of seasons.”

van Heerden is an uncompromising flanker who always gives 100% and never lets any side down. He is an asset to any side and is still young enough to play for the Springboks.

Is representing the Springboks the decision for his return? Whilst he has yet to sign for a province, and one would imagine he’d be keen to join up with the champion Bulls side again, his motivation may be the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

“This is purely a personal decision. From a rugby point of view I have never been happier at any stage of my career. Saracens is now a fantastically well-run club with a very bright future, and I wish I was able to stay and be a part of that future. For the next five months, I am 100% focused on ensuring we finish this special season with at least one trophy” said van Heerden.

If he was happy at Saracens and had no intention of playing for the Springboks again, I’m sure he wouldn’t be returning. To be elible for the Springboks he would have to play his domestic rugby in South Africa. Surely he wants to challenge once more for a Springbok spot and go to another World Cup.

Gary Botha also recently to South Africa, and the success of the Springboks in 2009 and the lure of defending the Rugby World Cup may well bring more South Africans plying their trade in Europe back home.

I am sure Jean de Villiers will return, but there could be more. It will certainly help South African rugby and may be just the remedy Peter de Villiers needs to give his top players a rest.

Victor Matfield, the Springbok vice-captain and Bulls Captain has given his views on the subject of players resting.

Many people felt the Springboks were exhausted on their tour of Europe in November which was a large factor in the poor results.

I have to agree. It was evident during the latter stages of the Currie Cup that some players such as Matfield, Bakkies Botha, Fourie du Preez and Morne Steyn were tired. They had played too much high intensity rugby in 2009. Yet others such as Bryan Habana were in prime physical and mental condition and were operating at peak capacity. It shows that players need individual monitoring.

University of Cape Town Sports Professor Tim Noakes warned that the Boks were burnt out and should not have toured, and that if they are not rested enough, they will be affected when they defend the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand in 2011.

Matfield said that if the results were better on the end of year tour no one would be talking about rest. He said “It’s difficult to say we needed to rest during the end of year tour. I mean, how do you willingly miss a Springbok test? If you need to be rested, then surely it isn’t when the Springboks play, those are the most important games to play for any player, to represent your country.

He makes a great point. I don’t believe a player should ever be rested from playing for the national side. That is the pinnacle and the reason why players play the game.

Peter de Villiers has said the same thing, which is the reason he did not rest players when it was perhaps in the players’ best interests. If that is the case then the South African provinces simply have to rest and limit the workload of the top players.

They don’t like to do that a they pay salaries and want to see a return on investment. But if they took a longer term view and helped build the depth in their sides, they’d be able to rest players and still field strong sides. Matfield did say in consultation with the Bulls medical side “It is likely that I won’t play in all the games in the tournament (super 14)”

I only hope that the players get enough rest. The one thing I never understand is putting them on the bench! That is hardly rest as you still have to prepare the same because you could go on in the first minute of a game.

Jake White’s resting of players in 2007 (as advised by prof Tim Noakes) proved to be a masterstroke. I just hope we’ve learnt the lessons of a successful campaign and don’t run all our top players into the ground. If we’re at our peak we can become the first nation to successfully defend the Rugby World Cup!

In what has been reported to be one of the biggest contracts in South African rugby, ex-All Black Carlos Spencer has been reported to sign for the Lions.

Spencer is currently 34, and playing in Europe for Gloucester.

It is believed that Spencer’s contract is worth more than the Sharks paid to secure Argentinian Juan Martin Hernandez. I’m not sure why we are paying foreigners such big bucks when there are superstars within South Africa we could spoil rather than letting them go overseas to chase the big money.

Spencer represented the Auckland Blues, Auckland NPC side and the All Blacks in 44 tests between 1997 and 2004.

Spencer, has been viewed as a replacement for ex-Lions’ and Springbok flyhalf Andre Pretorius who has gone to Perth to play for the Force.Whilst this may be a good thing for the struggling Lions, and he probably fits right into the style of rugby new Lions Director of rugby Dick Muir wants to play, is it not a kick in the pants for ex-Bulls flyhalf Burton Francis who moved with the expectation of being first choice flyhalf?

Spencer no doubt has plenty of experience and has sublime running and passing skills that will benefit the new Lions pride, and can also slot in at inside centre. But how much game time and influence he will have remains to be seen.

Sports agent Stephan Weyers said that Spencer will also be a skills coach for the Lions in this year’s Currie Cup.

Spencer has signed for two seasons with the Lions with the second season in 2011 either as player or coach – or both. His role in the Currie Cup is likely to be more of a coaching role.

The Lions will also be without star halfback Jano Vermaak for the beginning of the Super 14 and will have to wait before being able to confirm whether JP Joubert will be joining them. Joubert has been in a contract dispute with the Free State Cheetahs.

It all looks a bit unsettled for a side that will need to come out firing from the first game if they are to avoid a repeat at the bottom of the table like the last few years.

Captain in the Cauldron – The John Smit Story

John Smit is one of the legends of South African rugby, and perhaps the most successful Springbok captain ever. He is the most capped Springbok forward ever, the most capped captain of any International side, and has led the Springboks to every title they can achieve.

This book is his story, told to one of the icons of the South African rugby media and close friend, Mike Greenaway of Independent newspapers.

Smit was born in Pietersburg (Polokwane), and one gets a great insight into a typical boy growing up on the veld of South Africa, ensconced in tremendous values from a young age from a very loving value. As one reads, one can tell that Smit always remains true to these values and has left his legacy on the Springboks who have become fantastic ambassadors for the rainbow nation.

Sanjay with Springbok Captain John Smit

In his book, Smit reveals:

Reading Smit’s  story you gain a fascinating insight into a man who is fiercely patriotic towards his country, and who surprises at times with his character. I was surprised to learn how tennis was one of Smit’s great passions, and the extent to which he still follows it today.

It came as no surprise to me to learn how important his family, especially his parents, wife Roxy and kids are to him.

For the first time in a rugby biography, John Smit tries to take the reader behind the scenes and learn what truly happens off the field and in the change rooms. Smit shows how much pride and passion the Boks have, and it is comforting to know the side cares as much as us supporters do!

There are some great tales, interesting stories and I was surprised to learn just how much of a character Smit truly is off the field, as he has always come accross as the consumate professional. Whilst he never strays from his responsibilities, he does let his hair down and like to have a good jol too!

In a recent survey by Sport 24, the results revealed that the South African public would rather offer a lift to Smit the Springbok captain that South African beauty Lee-Anne Liebenberg (and just over 70% were male!). The Springbok skipper also topped the polls as the ultimate dinner partner, showing just how much he is admired and revered by the South African public.

Whilst he has achieved so much already, I fear the true value of John Smit will only be felt once he retires from the game. In 2000 when he made his Springbok debut, I was not sure he was one of the best hookers in South Africa. Consequently I thought Jake White man a bad choice in selecting Smit as his Captain. However after 2007, he is the first man I’d select in my Springbok side and deserves to play anywhere he is needed.

I wish John Smit all the best of success for the future and can’t wait to see him become the first man to successfully lead a rugby side in defending the World Cup. No one deserves it more!

The annual South African rugby awards were presented on Monday night at a banquet in Johannesburg.

The main award for SA player of the year was won for the second time by scrumhalf Fourie du Preez.

Also nominated were Morne Steyn, John Smit, Victor Matfield and Heinrich Brussow. Any of these players would have been deserving of this award.

du Preez has had an outstanding year, and is the fulcrum behind which both the Springboks and Bulls have been able to base their winning campaigns this year. He is a consistent player, who is rewarded for his hard work, and dedicated attitude.

His option taking this year has been superb, not being afraid to take quick taps and chance his arm, as evident in creating Francois Hougaard’s opening try in the Currie Cup final.

Add to that his solid positional play, safety under the high ball, crisp pass and pin point kicking game, and it is not hard to see why Fourie du Preez has been the world’s premier scrumhalf since he first won the SA rugby player of the year award in 2006.

du Preez had this to say “It’s an incredible year. I don’t think we’ll experience anything like that again and that is why the award was extra special.”

He is now focused on the Springboks end of year tour “It’s important for us to finish the year on a high, but it’s not going to be easy.”

Du Preez was also pleased with the inclusion of his Bulls teammates Heini Adams and Francois Hougaard in the Bok squad. “They deserve it. I think Francois is the guy who will take over from Heini and myself when we finish playing in a year or two.”

After the 2011 World Cup du Preez may leave South Africa to play overseas, “I’m still looking around, but it’s definitely an option. It will not just be about rugby, but will also be a lifestyle choice when I go overseas.”

Whilst du Preez has had a great year, the man I thought deserved the main award was Morne Steyn.

Steyn has had a superb year, being a large reason behind the Bulls and Springbok successes this year. He has played his way into the Springbok side and smashed his way into the record books. To become the fastest Springbok to 100 points against the hardest opposition he could, including having to play off the bench, speaks miles of his achievements.

He is an incredibly humble man, and it is his attitude that allows him to enjoy massive success today. A few years ago his kicking was very wobbly, but one can see how hard he has worked with kicking coach Vlok Cilliers, to become the World’s most accurate kicker.

Morne Steyn captured three awards, the prestigious Players’ Player of the Year Award as well as the Test Player of the Lions Series Award and the Player of the Super 14 Award.

Like Steyn, Heinrich Brussow was a newcomer in the Bok team this year and won the award of Best Provincial Player of the Lions Tour and the Young Player of the Year Award.

Coach of the year went to Peter de Villiers, and in my view he has certainly gotten better and better, and is now one of the world’s leading coaches. However I would have given the award to Paul Treu who has had an outstanding year, and made the Springbok Sevens world title holders.

The Springboks were the SA Rugby Team of the Year, although they would have been pressed hard by the Bulls and the Springbok Sevens.

The full list of awards winners is:

SA Rugby Player of the Year – Fourie du Preez (Vodacom Blue Bulls)

Players’ Player of the Year – Morné Steyn (Vodacom Blue Bulls)

SA Rugby Young Player of the Year – Heinrich Brüssow (Vodacom Free State Cheetahs)

Test player of the Castle South Africa 2009 Lions Series – Morné Steyn (Vodacom Blue Bulls)

Provincial player of the Castle South Africa 2009 Lions Series – Heinrich Brüssow (Vodacom Free State Cheetahs)

SA Rugby Team of the Year – The Springboks

Absa Coach of the Year – Peter de Villiers

Vodacom Super 14 Player of the Year – Morné Steyn (Vodacom Bulls)

Absa Curie Cup Premier Division Player of the Year – Luke Watson (Vodacom Western Province)

Absa Curie Cup First Division Player of the Year – Allistair Kettledas (Pumas)

SuperSport Try of the Year – Jaque Fourie, 2nd Test v British & Irish Lions (Loftus Versfeld)

Sasol Sevens Player of the Year – Frankie Horne

SA Under-20 Player of the Year – Lionel Cronjé (Vodacom Free State Cheetahs)

Vodacom Cup Player of the Year – Jonathan Mokuena (GWK Griquas)

SAA Club Champs Player of the Year – Dustin Jinka (Hamiltons)

SA Rugby Women’s Rugby Achiever of the Year – Saloma Booysen (Eastern Province)

Marriott Refereeing Achievement of the Year – Jonathan Kaplan

Coca-Cola Craven Week Player of the Tournament – Andile Jho (Border)

The Blue Bulls squashed any remaining doubts about their status as South Africa’s premier side with a 36-24 victory over the Free State Cheetahs at Loftus on Saturday.

The final lived up to expectation, with plenty of drama and action.

The Free State Cheetahs signalled their intentions early with some wonderful running. However the Bulls absorbed the pressure and Pierre Spies initiated a breakout after reclaiming a high kick. Derick Kuun was brought down inches short on the left hand side and the Bulls were awarded the penalty. Fourie du Preez it quickly and executed a wonderful cross kick to put Francois Hougaard in the right hand side.

It signalled the pattern for the first 25 minutes of the match as the Cheetahs attacked relentlessly. They had the majority of territory and possession, but the Blue Bulls defence was up to the task. The Cheetahs seemed to make easy metres every time they went wide, the Bulls not rushing up in defence, but happy to let the Cheetahs run at them.

Whenever they got ball, Fourie du Preez orchestrated the attack beautifully and 3 opportunities to break out led to 3 wonderfully taken opportunities. With Morne Steyn in supreme form and able to land a 52m penalty, the Blue Bulls had a 24-0 lead after 25 minutes.

Jacques-Louis Potgieter had an easy penalty chance after 6 minutes, but missed the kick. He blows way too hot and cold at this level, and the Cheetahs needed him to get the scoreboard ticking over. Coming back from 24-0 down was always going to be tough.

However credit to the Cheetahs, for they certainly don’t give up. Most sides who visit Loftus would succumb after a 24-0 lead. The Cheetahs stuck to their game plan, and scored two well worked tries to close the gap to 10 points.

The Bulls had good field position close to the end of the half and worked beautifully into mid-field to set up Morne Steyn for the drop-goal. It showed the difference between the sides. The Bulls’ execution, especially under pressure is faultless. In finals, it is all about building up pressure, and the Bulls know exactly what is required. Even Victor Matfield said after the match he doesn’t have to say anything each time the opposition scores, his side knows exactly what it has to do.

If the Cheetahs could have started well after half-time, they could have worked their way back into the match, but once again the Blue Bulls started well and almost took the game away from the Cheetahs.

Transgressions allowed Morne Steyn to take the lead to 16 points, and in my view they were lucky not to earn a yellow card for repeated infringements at the breakdown.

The Bulls started to relax, and the Cheetahs were dominating the scrums. A poor clearance from a defensive scrum led to wonderful interplay between the Cheetahs forwards and a try that put them back into contention. With a quick drop-goal from Jacques-Louis Potgieter, the Cheetahs were suddenly only 6 points shy.

I thought the Bulls were desperately unlucky when Morne Steyn produced a brilliant chip and chase that resulted in a try to Jaco Pretorius. Not sure what ref Jonathan Kaplan ruled, but the try was not given, and Morne Steyn missed his only kick.

From here the Cheetahs kept transgressing due to the pressure, and the Bulls simply ground out the victory. Perhaps the Cheetahs may rue their game-plan to run everything, but it did seem to work for them. The Blue Bulls on the other hand seemed content to handle whatever was thrown at them, and have so many strings to their bow that makes them difficult counter.

The Cheetahs used their scrum well to exert pressure on the Blue Bulls, I was surprised the Bulls didn’t slow the game further and try to work more lineouts where they once again dominated.

Heinrich Brussow started to become a factor late in the second half, but he was overshadowed by his schoolmate Deon Stegmaan, who was well supported by Dewald Potgieter.

I thought the Bulls players did everything they had to, and the difference in class was evident, but for me their players have also looked slightly jaded after a long, long season. They can now celebrate this victory before their Boks leave for the end of year tour, and their remaining players get together to start preparing to defend their titles for next year!

The Bulls made history as they became the first South African side to achieve the Super 14 and Currie Cup double!

If there was ever any doubt, surely now the Bulls have laid to rest any doubt: They are the premier side in South Africa, and have been for the last 7 years.

Naka Drotske even had to concede, “They’re the best in the world and they have the record to prove it. They’ve been involved in most Currie Cup finals since 2004 and now they’ve won two Super 14 titles and a Currie Cup. So, yes, they are the best in the world.”

Balie Swart has been working as a scrumming consultant recently, and has coached in New Zealand and with the Sharks. He said “No other team with which I have been involved believes as much in hard work as the Bulls do.” That is the secret to the Bulls success, and one can see the development and effort all the players have made in the last few seasons.

They now leave a legacy, and as Frans Ludeke said after the game, “There was a piece missing from the puzzle and tonight we filled that piece. We wanted to leave a legacy and now we’ve achieved that. Credit must go to this special group of players. They showed their character in the semi-final, and they were excellent this evening. They’ve worked hard to get where they are and they’ve reaped the rewards of that hard work.”

It’s fantastic to hear Bulls Captain Victor Matfield say that their success this year won’t mean anything unless they back it up again next year. It’s this attitude they will keep the Bulls at the top next year and beyond!

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 2009 Currie Cup final between the Blue Bulls and the Free State Cheetahs at Loftus Verfeld on Saturday will re-write the record books.

The Blue Bulls have an impressive Currie Cup record, and stand to achieve greatness never before achieved, if they win the Currie Cup for the 23rd time.

Only Western Province with 32 wins have won more Currie Cup titles.

The Free State Cheetahs, for a supposed breeding ground of Springboks, have only ever won the 4 Currie Cup titles, 3 coming in the last 5 years.

In the 8 times these 2 sides have clashed in the final, the Blue Bulls have only ever lost once. And that was the fateful day in 2005 when a momentary lapse of concentration, a yellow card for Bryan Habana and the cruel bounce of the ball handed the Cheetahs an improbable victory.

The Blue Bulls have the best record of all teams in South Africa over the past 10 years in terms of finals played (6) and titles won (3 outright, 1 shared). Add to that 2 Super 14 titles, and they have clearly dominated the South African rugby landscape in the professional era.

Over this period the Free State Cheetahs have only made 4 finals (2 wins, 1 shared title) and not one Super 14 semi-final.

Saturday present the Blue Bulls with a chance to make history that may never ever be repeated. They could become the only side to ever hold the Super rugby title, along with the Currie Cup.

For the Bulls Boks, they also hold every other title there is to hold. The Freedom Cup (South Africa/New Zealand), The Nelson Mandela Plate (South Africa/Australia), The Tri-nations, the British and Irish Lions series and the Rugby World Cup! The chances of any other players holding all those titles is slim, although not impossible if you are a Bull!

In my mind there is only 1 side deserving of victory on Saturday. 1 side had proven time and again they are the best side in South Africa, has the players, the management, the supporters deserving of another title, as just reward for consistent performances.

Go Bulle Go! Ek Bly ‘n Bull! Go Bulle Go!

The Blue Bulls/Northern Transvaal v the Free State Cheetahs in Currie Cup Finals:

1973: Northern Transvaal won 30-22 in Pretoria
1975: Northern Transvaal won 12-6 in Bloemfontein
1977: Northern Transvaal won 27-12 in Pretoria
1978: Northern Transvaal won 13-9 in Bloemfontein
1981: Northern Transvaal won 23-6 in Pretoria
2004: Blue Bulls won 42-33 in Pretoria
2005: Free State won 29-25 in Pretoria
2006: Free State and Blue Bulls drew 28-28 in Bloemfontein.

Last 10 Currie Cup finals:

1999: Lions v Natal, 32-9 in Durban
2000: Western Province v Natal, 25-15 in Durban
2001: Western Province v Natal, 29-24 at Newlands
2002: Blue Bulls v Lions, 31-7 in Johannesburg
2003: Blue Bulls v Natal, 40-19 in Pretoria
2004: Blue Bulls v Free State, 42-33 in Pretoria
2005: Free State v Blue Bulls, 29-25 in Pretoria
2006: Free State v Blue Bulls, 28-28 in Bloemfontein
2007: Free State v Lions, 20-18 in Bloemfontein
2008: Sharks v Blue Bulls, 14-9 in Durban

One of Pretoria’s most eccentric son’s, Jaco van der Westhuyzen returns to the Bulls.

Jaco van der Westhuyzen has signed a 3 year contract with the Blue Bulls Company (Pty) Ltd , that will see him playing his rugby in Pretoria from 2010, until the end of 2012.

van der Westhuyzen has been playing his rugby in Japan since 2004/05 for the NEC Green Rockets. With their side likely to be eliminated before their league play-offs, van der Westhuyzen should be back for the Bulls by the start of the 2010 Super 14.

van der Westhuyzen is excited to be returning to play for the Bulls and said “The Bulls will always have a very special place in my heart. I am very eager to play for them and everything I do and want to do is centered around the Bulls. It was a very easy decision to make and I am very excited to join up with the team.”

van der Westhuyzen first played for the Bulls in 2001, and played a key role in the 2007 Bulls Super 14 victory. Able to cover flyhalf and fullback, and centre and wing if needed, his utility value will add great depth to the Bulls. As an experienced Springbok, his mentoring role will be extremely valuable to the enormous talent coming through the Bulls backline ranks.

Whilst his last test match was 3 years ago, in the horrific 49-0 loss to the Wallabies at Suncorp stadium, don’t be surprised to see him recapture his previous form and force his way back into the Springbok set-up.

What a fantastic year it has been for SA rugby.

The Bulls won the Super 14.

The World Champion Springboks beat the British and Irish Lions, picked up the Nelson Mandela plate, the Freedom cup on the way to decisively winning the Tri-nations and gaining the No. 1 World Ranking.

It’s been a great team effort this year, but in looking at individuals, who has earnt the right to be called South African rugby player of the year when the awards are unveiled in November?

There have been 27 past winners over the 40 year history of the award with such notable names as Naas Botha (4), Gerald Bosch (2), Uli Schmidt (2) Bryan Habana (2), and last years winner Jean de Villiers. Who will join these Springbok legends?

The individuals that stood out for me this year:

Fourie du Preez

There is certainly no better halfback in World Rugby, du Preez has been without peer for several years now. His all round game is brilliant. He has no weaknesses. His pin point kicking, ability to spot a gap and take opportunities has been magnificent, fearless under the highball, and a solid defender too.

Has been at the core of the Springboks and Bulls’ success. If there was ever a weakness, it could be that he was quiet in one or two games, notably the British and Irish Lions series and the Tri-nations encounter against the Wallabies in Brisbane.

Victor Matfield

Possibly the World’s smartest player. The brains behind the Bulls and Springboks dominance in the packs. Reads the game brilliantly, and directs play according to his terms.

At lineout time he is the master. He unlocked the best the Northern and Southern Hemisphere had to throw at him this season, testament to his high work ethic.

The try he scored at Newlands after John Smit grubbered through was one of the tries of the year. Extremely agile for a big man, and not afraid of shirking the hard stuff, he made plenty of tackles this year too.

Bakkies Botha

The “enforcer” of the Bulls and Springbok packs. Brings the hard edge to the forward battle, and his presence is most noted when he is not there.

The most consistent season I’ve seen from the big man. His work rate has been tremendous. Always willing to clean out rucks and get involved in the dirty work, but it was the covering tackles he made that showed me the effort he puts in. It’d have been easy not to go the extra yard, but he was always working hard and playing to the best of his ability.

John Smit

Captain Courageous. Had to deal with a new position this year starting off against the British and Irish Lions. Never complains, always happy to be the go to man to carry the ball up. His pace may be down slightly, but he leads the Boks from the front and brings great composure and experience to the Springboks.

His humility and behaviour as one of South Africa’s great role models is a pleasure to watch. He has become the most capped captain in the history of World Rugby which is no mean feat, especially for a country so complex as South Africa.

Bismarck du Plessis

His game has matured immensely. Does the basics of scrumming and lineout throwing exceptionally well. However it is his brute strength at the breakdowns, his ability to act as an extra loose-forward and make steals and this season, remain calm that has seen him produce consistent performances week in and week out.

In the past discipline has been a problem, but my view is that playing with John Smit has helped him massively.

There were other great performers, Heinrich Brussow, Jaque Fourie, Francois Steyn, Bryan Habana, JP Pietersen, The Beast Mtawarira. Almost the whole side in fact.

My South African rugby player of the year is:

Morné Steyn

What a fantastic season for the Bulls and Springbok flyhalf!

His all round performances have improved markedly, and bear testament to his strong work ethic and extreme humility.

He kicked beautifully for the Bulls, often getting them in the game at crucial stages such as the drop goals against the Crusaders in the semi-final at Loftus. His tactical kicking played a huge role in the Bulls being able to execute their game plan confidently every week.

Whilst he didn’t start against the British and Irish Lions, he produced two match winning performances. In the first test he made a tackle on Lions winger Ugo Monye that kept the Boks in front.

In the second test at Loftus verfeld, in front of his home crowd, he didn’t miss a kick, nailing a conversion from the sideline, and then writing himself into folklore, kicking a  fantastic penalty from inside his own half.

He broke multiple records including kicking 8 penalties and scoring all the points in the 31-19 victory over the All Blacks in Durban. Steyn also earned the distinction of becoming the fastest Springbok player to score 100 test points, remarkably against the British and Irish Lions, All Blacks and Wallabies, including coming off the bench to do so!

It’s been a fairytale season for the Bulls and Springbok flyhalf and he deserves to be recognised for a fantastic year.

Burton Francis is leaving the Bulls and Loftus, to join the Lions at Ellis Park.

The 22 year old Bulls flyhalf, has been granted a release from his contract, and will be leaving Loftus at the beginning of November to move down the road to Ellis Park where he will join up with the Lions.

Francis was the Vodacom Cup Player of the Year in 2008, and is an extremely talented proposition. However being behind Morne Steyn, and possibly Jacques-Louis Potgieter next year is not going to help his rugby. At least at the Lions he will most likely be first choice flyhalf.

Whilst it is sad for us Bulls supporters, as I rated Francis highly, it is a great show of kindness from the Bulls who acted in the best interests of the player. Whilst the Lions don’t have the same experience in the backline as the Bulls, hopefully Francis can be the catalyst for change as the Lions seek to reclaim the glory days of the Mid 90’s.

The Bulls thanked Francis for his contribution over the last four years and wished him all the best for the future.

The Bulls are still served well in the flyhalf position. Aside from Morne Steyn, there will be  Jacques-Louis Potgieter, and have a host of talented youngsters in Francois Brummer, Louis Boshoff, JC Roos and Marnitz Boshoff .

Roos and Louis Boshoff are both still under 19, while Marnitz Boshoff is a former SA Schools flyhalf playing in the national Under 21 competition.

This is my analysis of the Currie Cup and Super rugby for the past 5 years. It shows who is the dominant team in South African rugby, and by how much!

My ranking is based on the following:
Log position
1 = 10
2 = 8
3 = 7
4 = 6
5 = 4
6 = 3
7 = 2
8 = 1
I weighted it so that top of the log gets slightly more points/rewards. And semi finalist get more rewards than missing out ie 5th.
The teams that make the final get 2 more bonus points, and the winner a further 3.
Super 14 and super 12 get similar rankings, for the 2 years the Cats played, I gave the Lions and Cheaters the same points.

Here are the final standings: