Sanjay's Rugby World

Springbok Captain John Smit becomes only the second player to play 100 test matches for South Africa.

When the Springboks take on the All Blacks at FNB Stadium in Soweto, in what will be a historic occasion in itself, John Smit will make history as only the second Springbok to play 100 test matches for the Boks.

The other Springbok to record this achievement is Percy Montgomery, and Smit has the chance to equal his record of 102 caps if he plays all 3 home Tri-Nations fixtures over the next 3 weekends.

Springbok centurion and Captain John Smit

I have seen close up what a fantastic example he sets, and the respect within the squad for a dedicated individual.

In his recent biography, “Captain in the Cauldron”, one gains an insight into the man, and just how passionate Smit is about the Boks, and how important the team is ahead of individuals.

Smit is a tough character, he has played under 4 Springbok coaches, played every front row position, and been Mr Dependable for the Boks.

I don’t believe he was a great captain when he started, but he has become one as he has been prepared to learn from his experiences.

Whether or not he is the best hooker in South Africa on current form is debateable, but there is no doubt he has the heart of a Lion, will die for his country, and deserves a massive ovation when he leads out the Springboks for his 100th test.

Well done John Smit, and thank you for leading SA!

Springbok lock and enforcer Bakkies Botha has copped a 9 week ban after being found guilty by SANZAR judicial officer Dennis Wheelahan of head butting All Black scrumhalf Jimmy Cowan following the Boks 32-12 massacre at Eden Park.

Botha was cited after Irish referee Alan Lewis missed the head butt which occurred in the opening minutes after Cowan had earlier interfered with Botha as he tried to chase a kick. Botha was obviously aggravated by this incident and in the heat of the moment lost his cool, his sense of judgement and his Springbok lock position.

Botha’s offence was deemed to be int he middle range of seriousness, and his past judicial record was also taken into account in determining his suspension. It follows a 4 week suspension earlier this year in the Super 14, a 2 week ban in last year’s international season, a further 3 week ban in last year’s Super 14 amongst others.

Botha will thus miss all the Tri-Nations matches, and can best use this period to take a long hard look at his behaviour and modify his approach in the future. I have supported Bakkies for a long time now, believing him to be past incidents such as when he eye-gouged Australian hooker Brendan Cannon in 2003.

I felt he has been unfairly victimised for playing the game hard (but legally) and copped suspensions for incidents others perform almost every game. However no one can condone a head butt, which was a cheap shot as Cowan was on the ground and it was aimed at the back of his head where he could not defend himself.

Botha, like Johan le Roux and Andre Venter in past years, took the bait as the All Blacks are past masters of knowing how to get under the skin of the Boks. It worked like a charm as Botha was lulled in hook, line and sinker, and now Botha will have to face the long reaching consequences for the rest of his career.

“I sincerely regret the incident. I have let my team, my country and family down and I have done an injustice to the Springbok jersey and what it stands for. I apologise to Jimmy Cowan and the New Zealand rugby public for what happened. Rugby is a physical sport but it has to be played within the boundaries and spirit of the law. I truly regret my actions and will make sure that I put the extended time away from the game to positive use and return to playing with the right attitude” said Botha in a statement afterwards.

Andy Marino who is SARU’s Manager of National Teams had this to say,”SARU views any incident of foul play in a very serious light. Bakkies remains an important player in Springbok rugby and I have discussed with him the extent of his actions and the implications it could have on the team, himself personally and his family.”

A 9 week ban was fairly lenient given the seriousness of the offence, and the question remains now as to how much of a liability Botha may be to the Springboks, and how many opportunities his coaches will give him in the future. I have no doubt he’ll come back better, and more focused than ever after he has missed the majority of this year and still has much to deliver for South African rugby.

South Africa currently has a dearth of top quality fullbacks, with the departure of Francois Steyn opening the position for someone to make their own.

Zane Kirchner has not had a great start to his test career, however I see plenty of potential in the 26 year old to believe he can emulate the rolls royce of fullbacks, Andre Joubert.

Zane Kirchner training

Kirchner made his Currie Cup debut in 2003 for Griquas, staying with the union until 2007. After moving to the Bulls in 2008, Kirchner’s career has gone from strength to strength, winning 2 Super 14 titles and a Currie Cup title.

Initially I was not that impressed with Kirchner, as he often doesn’t stand out as many great players do. However he is a solid rugby player, who performs the basics exceptionally well, has few weaknesses and above all, his greatest strength is his intelligence.

It is for this reason that I can Kirchner becoming a Springbok great. His test career has started poorly, with a debut against the Lions in the ill-fated third test at Ellis Park (2009),
dropping a high ball that led to Wales scoring a comeback try in Cardiff and indifferent performances against France and Italy so far this season.


The reason I rate Kirchner so highly is because he reminds me of Andre Joubert in so many ways.
He lacks out and out pace, but plays to his strengths exceptionally well:
His positional play is top class, and is rarely out of position
His kicking is solid, with a long boot and great at putting up hanging kicks
His chasing and ability in the air is safe and fearless
His tackling is solid. As the last line of defence that is all you ever want, no one will run over Kirchner who is great with his front on defence

But what will make Kirchner invaluable is his rugby intelligence. His ability to read the game and enter the line (which so many fullbacks fail to do these days) and put other players into space creates so many tries for his outside backs. Just ask Bryan Habana, Francois Hougaard and Gerhard van den Heever who have benefited from playing alongside Kirchner.

After a largely forgettable start his test career, I am certain Kirchner will be a success because he is smart, and that will ensure he has the mental resilience and toughness to recover from an indifferent start and become a truly great South African fullback.

Sanjay and Zane Kirchner

Last year I wrote that the loss of Francois Steyn to France was not a huge loss to South African rugby.

Whilst I still believe overall he has many weaknesses, he also has many strengths that defy the laws of being human! His kicking in particular is out of this world, on his day of course.

Steyn remains an enigma, capable of shocking play, yet equally capable of producing performances or moments of brilliance that make him so valuable. For instance in the Tri-Nations test against the All Blacks in Hamilton last year he showed how vaulable he can be with his long range kicking.

In this video clip he hits such a sweet 60m drop goal that it makes you want to select him for the Springboks. The scary thing is that the kick went over the crossbar by such a large distance. How far could Steyn have kicked it?

The hard thing to judge is just when Steyn will win you a match. He’s worth having in any Springbok squad, but when to play him and at the expense of who is the tough question.

Francois Pienaar is a South African and Springbok icon.

In this interview with Sportsvibe Pienaar talks about what it is like to impersonate Matt Damon, Invcitus, winning the Rugby World Cup in 1995, the soccer World Cup, Nelson Mandela and more.

Bulls and Springbok scrumhalf Fourie du Preez has ended speculation as to his intentions after the Rugby World Cup in 2011.

du Preez has previously signalled his intentions to finish his career overseas, no doubt for financial security, but also I believe to play rugby without any pressure for a change.

du Preez has a contract with the Bulls until the end of the 2011 Super 15, and with the Springboks until the conclusion of the Rugby World Cup taking place in New Zealand in 2011. After that he will move to an undisclosed club in Japan. The fact he chose Japan instead of Europe signifies to me a desire to escape top level rugby pressures, and probably a large payday.

Like the champion rugby player he is, du Preez has been very open with his intentions and allowed the Bulls succession planning. It indicates just how loyal and honest du Preez is, and his love for the Bulls. du Preez has previously  revealed he would not move to another South African franchise or province unless his mentor Heyneke Meyer was involved .

“Fourie did not only act in his own interests, but thought of the team as well. As one of the architects of the success the Bulls enjoyed in recent years, his input in our planning will be highly valued and it is nice to know he will be around for a while still. I know he had many offers and options, but he again showed his commitment to the Bulls” said Bulls coach Frans Ludeke.

Whilst he has signalled his intentions for the future, Du Preez still has plenty to achieve with the Bulls and the Boks, but spent some time reflecting on his time with the Bulls.

“These were the best rugby years of my life and I could never have played for another union. By revealing my plans for the future now, it will give the Bulls sufficient time to plan for the future and possible successors. There is already some excellent players like Francois Hougaard knocking on the door, so it is time to move on” Du Preez said.

“I was happy to be involved with the Bulls during arguably the best era they have ever had. It remains a massive honour to be part of the structures started and maintained by world class coaches such as Heyneke Meyer and Frans Ludeke. The leadership of Victor Matfield and the bond between the team members are also things I will always treasure. There is still time for me to add value and it is something I look forward to” continued du Preez.

“After 11 years at the Bulls, I am affording myself the opportunity to change the scenery and to expose myself to a different culture. This contract will allow me that. I think I can learn a lot and broaden my horizons in the game at the same time, which will help should I opt for a career in coaching later on in my life” said du Preez.

After a tough 2008 season du Preez had contemplated an early move overseas, but the success of the Bulls in 2009, and the atmosphere Peter de Villiers created with the Boks made it an easy decision to stay on (something I believe de Villiers is not fully recognised for).

“There is the chance to play in another World Cup, but also the knowledge that I will enjoy the experience. Last season was the most enjoyable I have had in the Bok jersey and I think Peter de Villiers deserve a lot of credit for that. I feel we have the experience and core group in the team to make a serious run at the Webb Ellis trophy again” said du Preez.


I look forward to seeing the best of du Preez, culminating in another Super 14 title, 100 games for the Bulls and ultimately a second World Cup winners medal!

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…

Lions coach Dick Muir may have an unleashed the next Springbok wing.

In naming his side for the Lions first Super 14 encounter this season against the Stormers, Muir has surprised us all by naming Wandile Mjekevu in the starting lineup on the right wing.

Whilst there were two other surprises by Muir in picking Hannes Franklin from the Pumas at hooker, and Jaques Lombard at lock, it was Mjekuvu at wing that raised the most eyebrows.

Muir has described the 19 year old Mjekuvu as a future Springbok. He is a South African schools winger, and has taken his chances so far to impress Muir.

Muir had this to say about the young talent, “One of the things you realise as a coach in the Super 14 is that you have to play it with potential future Springboks. He’s been showing the potential to take that step up. He is still very young, a bit fragile still, but certainly I believe he is the right man for the job taking us through the season.”

“We certainly wouldn’t have chosen him if we didn’t think his head was strong enough. He certainly has what we are looking for from a potential perspective, and yes, I think he is certainly ready for it” said Muir.

It’s a great attitude from Muir, and shows he will not be adopting the conservative attitude this year. Winners take chances, back themselves and are usually rewarded for being bold.

I can’t  wait to see what young Mjekuvu can do. As Springbok backline coach, Muir could have a great influence in Mjekuvu rising to be the next Springbok wing. It may not be this season, but I wouldn’t count against it in the near future!

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

Fourie du Preez has added a 1 year extension to his Bulls contract.

du Preez’s contract was due to expire at the end of the 2010 Super 14, but du Preez has added a 1 year extension that sees him stay at Loftus until 2011. He was also announced as part of a group of players contracted by SA rugby for the Springboks 2011 Rugby World Cup title defence.

Last year the 27 year old du Preez revealed in an interview with SA rugby magazine that he had considered going overseas at the end of 2009. However I believe it has been the professionalism and structures shown by both the Bulls and Springboks, that has led to du Preez enjoying his rugby much more, and free to express himself. It’s no coincidence that saw a rejuvenated, dangerous du Preez who was the world’s star player in 2009.

du Preez also revealed he would not move to another South African franchise or province unless his mentor Heyneke Meyer was involved (this was prior to Meyer rejoining the Bulls).

Whilst he is likely to go overseas (I’d imagine only for a season or two as he loves Pretoria) and set himself up financially for life after the 2011 Rugby World Cup, South Africa and the Bulls have 2 more years to make use of his rugby genius. The emergence of Francois Hougaard to take his place may also have influenced the decision, as du Preez has stated he believe Hougaard will successfully take over his position in the future.

I’m looking forward to seeing some more amazing pieces of brilliance from the little scrumhalf, and I’m sure when he leaves South Africa he will firmly be ensconced as a legend of the game.

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)

The Super 14 almost always uncovers new stars each season. This year watch out for Jonathan Mokuena!

Mokuena led Griquas with distinction during the 2009 season, winning the Vodacom cup and playing above their weight during the Currie Cup.

Now he will be turning out for the Lions in this year’s Super 14, and believes great things are in store for his side.

Whilst I’d suggest his side will improve, I don’t see them as genuine semi-final contenders, but Mokuena is one player who may push on to higher honours.

Earlier this week Mokuena told Supersport “It’s ‘lekker’, there’s a great vibe around here. The guys are hungry and usually when there’s hunger, there’s danger.”

“The danger is that there’s a pride of Lions hungry to prove themselves. There’s a new vibe in the Lions and that’s good. We know that good things await just around the corner for us and there’s a hunger in the team to not be mediocre this year. We want to push our own standards higher” said Mokuena.

Coach Dick Muir has not selected his captain yet, and Mokuena has already shown he possesses great leadership qualities. Muir’s dilemma in appointing Mokuena may be that he has not secured a starting position just yet. However if captaincy does go his way, Mokuena has shown he leads from the front and is not adversely affected from the extra responsibility.

“It’s great. I like competition, it brings out the best in me. Also, Dick made it very clear on day one that nobody will simply walk in and claim their jersey in this team. That’s the secret why we will do well. We have a big squad and everyone knows they have to perform if they are to do well” said Mokuena.

“I’ve got to take time and set my sights on improving my game as a player. But that is where I believe I have a small advantage coming from Sevens rugby, whether it be my defence or attacking abilities, or the way I run support lines, you have to be sharper at Sevens. It gives me an edge. I want to make that number eight jersey mine this season. I know I’ll have to play well to get it and help the team achieve its goals. But that is what I’m aiming for” said Mokuena.

With his sevens skills, playing in a side with Carlos Spencer, and the open game plan favoured by Muir, we may see the sublime ball skills and ability to put players around him into space that Mokuena possesses. His workrate is fantastic, which one needs from your eighth man, and he is solid on defence.

Number eight is an area I believe the Boks need better backup if Pierre Spies is to get injured (without moving one of our flanks such as Juan Smith, Schalk Burger or even Danie Rousouw).

At the moment this is how I rate our current number eights:
Pierre Spies
Ashley Johnson
Duane Vermeulen
Ryan Kankowski

Spies is world class and one of the top 5 players I have ever seen. Johnson is raw but has great pace for a big man and gives good options with ball in hand. His workrate and overall polish need improving, but there is loads of talent there.

Vermeulen is a solid player and needs to take the step up. His basics are good, and he doesn’t have any glaring weaknesses.

Many may be surprised I have not put Kankowski directly behind Spies, but for all his talents with ball in hand, he is not a player I’d pick in my side. He struggles when his side is going backwards, has poor handling skills and has a low workrate. My biggest concern is the way he disappears when the match is tight and tough.

Mokuena however may just be the man to take his opportunity on the international stage and show us all the potential I see in him. At 28 years old he would still be a great asset for Peter de Villiers, and a superb backup for Pierre Spies.

Lookout for a big season from Mokuena!

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.

Philip de Bruin has recently written an article on Sport 24 titled, Bok caught using cocaine

The article states that Bulls and former Springbok loose forward Pedrie Wanneburg has admitted to using abusing alcohol and also using the drugs cocaine and ecstasy.

It does not state what time period this was reported to have occurred, although it does make reference to his mother finding the straw he used to snort cocaine in his bedroom.

He has reportedly been warned by Bulls coach Frans Ludeke, but again a time period was not stated in the article. He is now apparently tested every week by the Bulls medical team for alcohol and drug abuse.

A video was sent to the Blue Bulls rugby union (BBRU) after Wannenburg had used drugs in a nightclub and was caught out on camera. This is apparently when Frans Ludeke’s warned Wannenburg, indicating it was a quite a recent event as Ludeke has only been at the Bulls for 2 years.

Wannenburg has openly admitted to his problems and still harbours dreams of wearing the Springbok jersey. He may have had issues in the past, but he has tried  to deal with those albeit a difficult habit to kick, and has focused on regaining the health and form of his prime.

Wannenburg may have suffered from lack of game time and lack of focus. At his best he remains a great player. I have always been a big fan. Possesses a good step for a forward and unlike the traditional South African forward he uses his skill to get over the advantage line rather than trying to run over the opposition.

If anything it highlights the problem that some of today’s professional players run into. My question is what are team management, fellow players and administrators doing to prepare our players and ensure these sorts of incidents don’t happen?

One can never control what an individual ultimately does, (such as Joost van der Westhuizen), but your mates should be help you through your touh times and look out for you. Considering the family atmosphere at the Bulls, this is disappointing.

Wannenburg co-owns the Springbok bar (there are 2 venues), with Kurt Darren. Possibly not the most appropriate investment! However the fact Wannenburg has admitted to his problems and wants to move forward before doing something really stupid indicates his courage. I still feel he has plenty to offer on the rugby field and look forward to him being a key member of the Bulls in 2010 and beyond.

Wannenburg’s story is in the latest issue of Afrikaans magazine Finesse which is available on Monday.

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!

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.

Jean de Villiers is happy. He’s in a winning Bok team, his form is great, and he say’s this is the happiest Bok side he has been part of.

Whilst he departs for Munster at the end of the Tri-nations, his departure from the Springbok side may only be temporary.

Jean has had a horror run at Rugby World Cups, sustaining a Shoulder injury prior to the 2003 Rugby World Cup, and then sustaining a shattering bicep tear in the Springbok’s opening World Cup fixture against Samoa. Jean told me that his involvement with the 2007 World Cup Winning Springbok side allowed him to have  “…been there but haven’t really experienced anything.”

He’s played for the Boks under three different coaching regimes, and states that this Springbok side is the happiest he’s known. With his departure to Munster, effectively ruling him out of Springbok selection due to Peter de Villiers desire to only select South African based players, is this Saturday his last game in Australia?

When reminded that it is likely to be his last game in Australia, Jean replied “Ja, obviously it is my last game this year, but hopefully not the last always. Hopefully I can be back and play again in Australia.”

With an International career that threatened to be curtailed before it began with a horror run of injuries, Jean has changed his approach these days and plays every game as if it will be his last, which has made every game mean so much more.

Jean clearly indicated that he desperately wants to fulfil his ambition of playing at a World Cup, in 2011, and experience the sensation of contributing to a Springbok victory on a Rugby players ultimate stage. Jean said  “I’ve got a contract for 1 year, with the option of another 2 years.” It clearly shows that no firm decisions have been made, and Jean doesn’t want to give up his Springbok jersey permanently.

He has also stated that he may still play in Australia, and New Zealand. Sometimes a change can do a player the World of good. A chance to experience a new culture, get away from the constant limelight and re-evaluate what is important. We’ve seen it with John Smit and Victor Matfield. The desire to play for the Springboks, in my view may simply be too strong.

Jean said “Especially with the team doing so well at the moment, it’s such a happy team, it’s such a great atmosphere to be part of, it’s definitely something I’ll miss if I’m not part of it anymore.” It shows how hard it’ll be for Jean to walk away from, and with further ambitions still to fulfil we may even see Jean return to South Africa after one season at Munster, in time for next year’s Tri-nations!

My gut feeling is that this isn’t the last time we’ll see Jean de Villiers playing in Australia, or for the Springboks. At only 28, there is a burning ambition to play at a World Cup and remain with an all-conquering Springbok side that none of the current players wants to walk away from. Expect to see a revitalised Jean de Villiers this time next year for the Springboks!

Francois Steyn has confirmed, he will be leaving South Africa, to play his rugby for French club Racing Metro at the end of the British and Irish Lions series.

The announcement has been brewing for some months now, but just how big a loss is it for South African rugby?

I would suggest that the loss of Steyn is not that large. I think he is a highly overrated player, and his departure opens the way for the next youngster to step up. however it does concern me that someone so young has left South Africa to chase the dollars they can earn overseas. It sets a dangerous precedent for young players.

Steyn has a Currie Cup title and a Rugby World Cup winners medal and is still only 22. Many have argued he doesn’t have a lot left to achieve in the game. However if that were the case then people like Roger Federer and Tiger Woods should just retire.
He has yet to win a Super rugby title and moving to France must surely be a detrimental move for his rugby. But one feels he wants to get away from the pressure and limelight he experiences in South Africa.

Many will be mourning the loss of Steyn but I don’t think it’s such a great loss. Sure he has has produced some great things on the rugby field, generally in the Springbok jersey, but those are far and few between. He singlehandedly changed the game against Australia at Newlands in 2007 with his 2 superb long range drop goals.

He stepped in and covered more than adequately in Rugby World Cup 2007. His performances there were more solid than spectacular and his long range penalty in the final certainly helped the Boks out, but it wasn’t a match defining piece of play. The solo try against Italy whilst playing flyhalf was also one of the great individual tries i’ve ever seen.

But these moments of brilliance have simply
 been too far and few between to warrant me viewing Steyn as an automatic choice in any team. His performances are often erratic, mixing the woeful with the sublime.

He is too slow in his decision making and handling to be a flyhalf and his best position is inside centre or fullback.  

Many forget that he missed the vital conversion that would have won the Super 14 in 2007 for the Sharks, and then he failed to put the ball out to allow the Bulls to construct the match winning try. Whilst there were other factors that caused the Sharks to lose that day, Steyn must shoulder the responsible for not closing out the game.

At the moment South Africa is blessed with some great players who have the fullback position covered, and at inside centre we have De Villiers and Olivier. Steyn would not be in my Springbok 22 and thus from a national perspective I don’t see his absence as being a big deal. The Sharks may miss his presence, but in my opinion he offered little more than most non-international players in the Super 14 this year.

Steyn has said he would like to remain playing for the Springboks and wants to go to Rugby World Cup 2011. If I was coach or selector I wouldn’t pick him as an overseas player because I think we should only select players from overseas if they are world class superstars that we really can’t do without. Players such as Pierre Spies, Bryan Habana, Percy Montgomery.

So it’s au revoir to Francois, I just hope the French with all their style can finally manage to get Francois a decent haircut!