Mutual music maniacs may have heard echoes of this Billy Fury song after the final whistle blew in the match between the All Blacks and the Springboks on Saturday. In particular, the final refrain: “Don’t lead me halfway to paradise – so near, yet so far away.” Bobby commented this morning on the excellent discipline […]
Tag Archives | Jean de Villiers
O Captain my Captain
It appears a foregone conclusion in the media that Victor Matfield will lead the Springboks until the return of Jean de Villiers. I am in agreement with this, but to disqualify Bismarck du Plessis on the grounds of one or two minor incidents in Saturday’s game is really not smart thinking on the part of […]
Bok team taking shape
They say that, in golf, every shot pleases someone – either the player, or his opponent. The bad news about the incumbent Bok captain probably solves a quandary for the coach while at the same time creating another. It appears that Frans Steyn is the obvious replacement for Jean de Villiers at centre, but who […]
Bestendigheid Meyer se Basis
Die afwesigheid van sleutelspelers in die Bok oefengroep moet nie gesien word as ‘n aanduiding dat Heyneke Meyer beoog om ‘n klomp nuwelinge in te sluit in die span wat teen die internasionale span gaan speel nie. Die Springbok afrigter was nog altyd baie konserwatief in sy spankeuses, en ons verwag nie dat hy nou […]
Probable Springbok Team
My colleagues suggested a squad to take on the international side in a warm-up match prior to facing Wales in June. The huge number of injured players, including the likes of Bakkies Botha and Francois Louw, obviously impacted on the choices. These two, amongst others, may be back by June, but whether Meyer will select […]
Bruising Battles Ahead
T20 World Cup This competition sees the top twelve national cricket sides come together for two fast and furious weeks of T20 cricket action. To join us in the fun prediction pool, please go to the Moonstone pool Tref & Trap. The pool code cedeveil, and the tournament is called World T20. See you there! […]
A Fitting End
The demolition job on France on Saturday summed up where the Springboks currently are. Much has been said about the game itself, so I will focus on a few aspects not related directly to the game. The men in green and gold are a well-disciplined side, willing to walk the extra mile for the team. […]
Pluck the Golden Rooster
Stade de France, the national stadium of France, is situated just north of Paris in the commune of Saint-Denis. It has an all-seater capacity of 81,338, making it the sixth largest stadium in Europe, and is used by both the French national football and rugby teams for international competitions. Also Sprach Wikipedia. It is a worthy venue for a game which marks 100 […]
Scotland the Grave?
Nie oud of koud nie Dan Carter speel hierdie naweek in sy 100ste wedstryd vir die All Blacks. Daar was al spelers wat hierdie mylpaal bereik het, maar na my mening is hy en Richie McCaw die twee spelers wat wêreldwyd agting afdwing, en dit volkome gegun word, ongeag watter land jy ondersteun. Dis interessant […]
Fouries are jolly good fellows
The condition of the pitch is important in cricket, but it should not affect the quality of a rugby match. Sadly, Wales lost here, too. I felt particularly sorry for Frans Malherbe, and also Coenie Oosthuizen, who must have come close to setting a new record for receiving a yellow card in the least amount […]