How out top 3 sides should be lining up

Injuries aside, this is how I would have selected the sides:

 Stormers

15. Taute 14. v/d Heever 13. Howard 12. de Allende 11. Habana 10. Jantjies 9. Groom 1. Kitshoff 2. Fourie 3. Malherbe 4. Etzebeth 5. Bekker 6. Kolisi 7. Elstadt 8. Vermeulen

Sharks

15. Lambie 14. JP 13. Jordaan 12. Frans 11. Mvovo 10 James 9. Reinach 1. Beast 2. Bismark 3. Jannie 4. Bresler 5. J.Marais 6. Daniel 7. Steph du Toit 8. Coetzee

Bulls

15. Visser 14. Mapoe 13. JJ 12. Serfontein 11. F.Venter 10. Pollard 9. Hougaard 1. Mellett 2. Chiliboy 3. Kirsten 4. Flip 5. Willemse 6. D.Potgieter 7. A.Botha 8. Spies

Saffex

In essence I agree with most of the selections made by you - but doubbt if some of them will come off,

Stormers

Howard has not played for WP  in the CC as yet - I hope he gets some playing time this year on Super level and if he does - and he does well he could well be at the end of the session the top selection.

I am not sure about Kolisi - he ws very good at the start of the 2012 Super Series and then faded out - even before his injury he was blowing hot and cold.   And will he Stormers leave out Burger 0 I doubt it very much.

Jantjies???????????

Sharks

The Shrks wants to win the trophy this year and they would want to play their best team possible.   Ther is no way theu would play Lambie anywhere other than  flyhalf and they will play Luidick at full back.

Bulls

Good side - I like Visser and Serfomteim very much  - but Willemse is a real problem - even in the warm up games he got himself into trouble.   Have to yet prove that he belongs.

 Kolisi is our best 6, he should be our Bok 6, so should walk the Stormers side with his eyes closed. The Stormers wont leave Schalk out, but I would as Elstadt is better

There is nothing wrong with Willemse, he just plays it hard like Etzebeth and Bakkies - good on him.

Nothing is set in stone, Lambie could at some point play 15, just like Taute could play 13 for the Stormers.

 The Cheetahs have the making of a good side but for lock, they have no locks - they were stupid to let young Carl Wegner slip through their fingers and buggar off to France.

Cheetahs

15. W.le Roux 14. Rhule 13. Sadie 12. Ebersohn 11. AN Other 10. Goosen 9. v/Zyl 1. Nkanyane 2. Strauss 3. Coenie 4. AN Other 5. AN Other 6. Brussouw 7. AN Other 8. v/d Walt

They are short of 4 quality players at 11, 7, 4 & 5

Not bad teams Saff but they could be stronger. A lot stronger.

Team by team:

Sharks:

Why would you leave Alberts out of the run on team? The man was South Africa's strongest loosy last year and he is way too good to be left out for anyone. He is our man to replace Juan Smith. Lambie at 15? Why? That means we have only Goosen with plenty 10 experience. Lets take Jantjies out the picture as he is hot and cold but more cold. Lambie and Goosen are only 10's in the country worth a damn. Why would you not want them both getting as much experience at 10 as possible. James is an awesome player and 1 of my favourites but he is not going to produce performances of 2007 again so he really needs to play only to relieve Lambie when needed.

Coetzee at 8 over Kankowski is not on. Coetzee wear 19 and covers all 3 loose forward spots. Starting must be Daniel, Alberts and Kankowski. Steph du Toit to number 4 to become harder and stronger.

Stormers:

Kolisi is nowhere near the best 6 in the country. Infact, he is not even better than Deon Fourie! Schalk has had a good rest which has inevitably prolonged his career and he has another WC in him for it. He is the only stormer to "walk" the team at 6!! Kolisi is too light and he faded badly in his rookie year. Jantjies might get those backs moving a bit but he might also coast them some tries with his silly decision taking and weak defence. In a team that prides themselves on defence, I gota go with Grant at 10. If Jantjies was a possible for Bok selection, he might get the nod but he has proved he is not and we must move on from him. I also would not be too quick to throw JDV away. Like Alberts, he was the Boks best back last year. If he has 1 more WC in him, let him play until someone really shows they are good enough to surpass him and knock him off his perch. At the moment, no one around has done that and he remains our best option at 12. Hopefully this year super rugby campaign will change that and someone will shine through.

Bulls:

Venter on the wing to accommodate JJ at centre?? Why? Venter is better suited to centre and JJ is better suited to wing. Why switch them. JJ was poor at 13. Bulls will get iron, shined and re-designed out wide with Venter and JJ there. Badly caught out by world class backs I feel.

 Boklog, my sides have nothing to do with the Boks, My best 3 loosies are Daniel, Steph du Toit and Coetzee - we need new bloody here. Alberts was not our best loosie, he was good, but the Sharks have depth at lock so I wanted to play Bresler and Jandre Marais at lock with Steph du toit at 7. I'd prefer him at 5, but is a case of making the best of what we have at our disposal. 

Coetzee is no 6 and I'd prefer a big lad at 7 - plus Coetzee has the makings of a good 8 and has played there at U20 level.

For a start Jantjies is not out of the equation, not even close, for the kid is a class act. If Lambie played 15 for the Sharks, it would not impact on his competing for the Bok 10 or 15 spot, much like Taute playing 15 for Stormers would not impact his possible selection at 13. Ludik at 15 would be good with Lambie at 10 - but I prefer the Butch at 10 and Lambie at 15 selection.

Kolisi is our best 6, no debate, he was our best loosie in last years S15 and should have been rewarded with a Bok cap. Schalk is done, The Stormers need a hooker so Fourie has to stay there and no way in hell is he a better 6 than Kolisi not even close. Jantjies had no issue with his defence last year and Grant is not renowned for defence. If the Stromers want their backs ignited, Jantjies is a must. Jean shoud have been discarded 2 seasons ago, no questions asked - he was a liability last year. Best backline player my arse - he was one of the worst.

JJ at 13 for he is a class act and that where he plays. Frans Venter is a 12, but I'd rather have him on the park than Basson. The Bulls have some really exciting young backs and could potentially be our best backline - but sadly we will see useless Morne at 10

Frans Venter - by your own admission is a 12. Why have him on the wing then? Just because a guy is good at 1 position does not make him good in another. That is a pure mockery of wing play. He would be out of position, probably average to terrible under the high ball, likely far too slow and not accustomed to defence out wide. That would make JJ's job as a centre harder. It would have a snowball effect on the rest as 15 would have to work harder and all the rest. Bad call in my opinion.

Elton Jantjies - Far from a class act. He WILL be in the SA rugby plans but by default not because he is deserved of it. He showed his true colours last international season and most games in the Lions super rugby campaign. He is leagues below Lambie and Goosen.

Pat Lambie - You say playing 15 will not adversely affect his ability to play 10. I ask you this, would Frans Steyn get better at 12 if he played every game in at 12 or if he played occasionally at 12 but more at 15? Two different roles, two different responsibilities. The more you become accustomed to one position, the better you get. Ask Pienaar what chopping and changing does to a player! Must remember, this is rugby at the highest level. Inches count. This is not club level where your best player is better than another teams player no matter where he plays. These are all the worlds best. You 1 inch off the mark and you will be exposed and exploited. Its logical that if Lambie plays 10 and settles in there, he will become a better player for it.

Siya Kolisi - Faded badly in the super 15 last year. Hit the scene like a freight train and was worked out pretty quickly. Expect him to be an average, run of the mill player this season. He is a bit on the light side which doesn't help him. He will suffer from second season syndrome where opposition has worked him out. Stormers are fortunate to have Burger and Fourie to steady things because I can see Kolisi having a tough time. Deon Fourie has been around a while and is still class whether that be at 6 or 2! I feel you use the word "class act" far to freely Saffex. Honestly. JJ, Jantjies and Kolisi are not at this level.

Schalk Burger - Schalk is done?? Massive call seeing as you have not seen the man play in a year. Schalk is never done. He may just make you eat those words Saff as JDV did but you wont admit.

To sum it up, Jantjies has major issues with his defence as well as his decision making at the highest level. Kolisi is the best 6 in SA, you are right, but then we would need Burger, Daniel, Coetzee, Fourie, Stegmann and Brussouw to mysteriously vanish. Grant is known as a pretty solid defender. Its his attack that is lacking somewhat. I still dont know what your plans are with Alberts? Where do you want him to go? He has been awesome for the Boks since he was selected and you wana see him tossed away for a kid who played ok for the under 20's?? You say your sides have nothing to do with the Boks. Saffex, its ultimately all about the Boks!!

Best  rugby analysis of the year so far Boklogic. Spot on ......play guys like Taute, Lambie and Steyn in their best positions. Value experience. Build around a team and force new stars to prove they are better.....as even a mega talent like Dagg was forced to do.

 Why is it that a coach will insist on playing a player in a position where he is not trained to play?  Think of Hougaard who is really a scrumhalf and maybe he play OK on the wing but not like a real wing, like Habana.  Meyer and Ludeka are crazy.  But even by the Sharks they do that, play Petersen in the senter position when he is a wing.  Sure he canplay there but defensively he is lacking when playng out of his real spot.  Coaches use the excuse that the player said it is OK, but these guys are playing for money and to get a payday he will play anywhere the coach says else he falls out of favour and loses money.

Here on the farm we do not take a tractor driver and send him off with the big truck just because he can drive.  His skill is in driving in the fields and the truck driver in the traffic.  If we change them the problems will start early, just so in the rugby field a player must have opportunity to show his skill in his best position.

KalaedFreddie

You must understand Saffex from a start - he has a mania for changing players to positions where they are not the best available ones or in fact even under-perform - irrespective of the damage it does to them career-wise on a theoretical basis, namely that they must be playibng in positions so as to allow for their ultimate selection for the Springbok team.

He for instance wants Goosen at 10, Lambie at 15 and Taute at 13 - come hell or high water.   He also wanted Pietersen at 13.    Another issue is that he is punting Jantjis all the time.   When it is pointed out to him that players prefer to play in different positions - he would come up with arguments refuting the players own statements and when confirmed by their coaches - he woukld state that the coaches are bloody fools.

When player deficiencies are pointed out - back comes hids comments that they were bloody good.   Never for him to give any examples or motivation as to what brings him to the bloody good statement.   Of course according to him Taute was the best no 13, Steyn the best no 12  and Kolisi the best no 6  in SA last year    Any differences with his statements - even motivated ones - is ignored and reasons found why they under-performed - the best eamples being -

*  centers cannot perform adequately because of tight defensive patterns; or

*  the defective game plans are to blame; or

*  the coaches are to blame; or - if all else fails;

*  the site members who makes the adverse comments are idiots that knows nothing about rugby.

That is the way Saffex handles all adverse comments.     One somtimes get the impression that Saffex thinks adverse opinions on his favoured players are lesee majeste and near to a mortal sin.  You might as well accept that one and know hat the outcome of any criticism will be.

The above acounts for his persistence with Lambie at full back, etc.   Whether it is for the benefit of the team does not count with Saffex - he will rant about it endlessly.   He now seems to admit that Taute is a full back - but for his constant additions that he can play at 13  - and was bloody good in that position.

Just wait and see his comments once the teams have been posted this week and then see him going ballistic.  That is sometimes the same with me - but I try to motivate why I go ballsitic - and that is the difference between us. 

We actually met personally and I think he is a really nice guy - so don't take his weird selections and remarks as a reflection of Dave (Saffex's real first name) as personal.   Alhough he has been living in England for many years - he originally came from the Eastern Cape as well.   

Mike we all know Snapster is a very nice guy - he just hides it so well! Hahahahahaha

Boklogic is making sense here.

Snapsters Stormers selections have some errors. Firstly, Tiaan is still our number one hooker and I rate him as a key player. Next Deon Fourie and Burger are better than Kolis was last year. For Kolisi to win a starting spot he has to improve markedly on last year. Deon Fourie was the best openside flanker in South Arica last year by the proverbail mile. However has ou Allistair - not the sharpest penicl in the box,  realised this?

I agree jean should not the thrown away as he was indeed the best Bok back last year along with Habana. JP was in cracking form but got injured. The guy I likes the look of ws Duplessis who skinned JJ . Looks lik ea natural center. Howard I have not seen enough of but hope snapster is correct re his ability.

The major probelm with his sharks selction is not having Lambie at flyhalf and ludik at 15. Preferring Du Toit at seven to Albert is interesting. I agree Coetzee at 8. It shoul db egiven a try. Du Toit should have extra pace on Alberts but does he have the stopping power an dphysicality of Alberts. Worth a try.

I cant see Visser currently being any better than Kirchner.  JJ has not looked to comfortable at center but its early days. Olivier will still play a role guiding the youngsters. The bulle will not throw away Morne and Olivier but will try and integrate younger players this season. These young stars - as snapster sees them - will find it tough going at Super 15 level. Dont overplay them. I dont care how well Jan Serfontein for example plays - dont overplay him.  Pollard will get game time but we do not want him getting crocked like happened to Goosen. Use him wisely.

Beeno

Just one comment that everybody will go ballistic about.   I think Pollard is very much a Morne Steyn kind of flyhalf - more of  a kicker than an attacking flyhalf.   He is bound to succeed Morne and will probably get some gametime.  

Wait and see how Saffex go ballitic about my Pollard remark.   LOL

Ok Boklog here goes.

For a start Frans Venter is at the start of his career and many young centres are played on the wing at the start of their careers - look no further than Jean and Fourie - so your theory on him playing out of position is blown out the water. I'd rather have the young impressive Venter on the wing than a less impressive wing like Ndungane for instance. Its a case of utilizing what you have at your disposal. I'd move Venter to 12 at some point in the second half.

Your take on Jantjies is complete and utter rubbish. Jantjies is a class act, has a great creative feel for the game - the closest thing we have to Quade Cooper. He will thrive with the Stormers and I'd be more than happy to see him on the Bok bench. The kid has great vision and hands - he has flair and creativity written all over him. He was solid in his test against the AB's, many players were alot worse than him.

I am not wanting Lambie to specialize at 10, so I am more than happy for him to spend the S15 at 15. I'd be equally happy for him to play at 10 though. But Goosen IS our best 10 and WILL be the Bok 10, for that very reason I'd be happy to see Lambie at 15.

Kolisi did not fade at all until he succumbed to injury. He was our best 6 and should have won a Bok cap against England. Worked him out what bullshit, his strength was his strength, he has that rare ability to break tackles like Bismark does. Kolisi will be a Bok and will be one for a long time. Your list of 6's ahead of him is insulting. The only 6's to challenge him are Brussouw and Daniel

Schalk is not so much done, there are just better loosies about. Schalk has been disappointing for a few seasons now, he is far too predictable and does not have the physicality to bash players out of the way. Schalk always targets defenders, he never targets space. There is no way in hell he is a 6, so he has to compete at 7, where Elstadt is far better as he is able to physically impose himself.

Your take on our players is out of touch and the likes of Jantjies and Kolisi will prove you wrong.

Saffl

Earl Sikjy Hands Jantjies is in the Stormers line up for Saturday.   If the Stormers backline misfires he will be largely to blame.  Wish Silky Hands really have all those wonderful attributes which you so lavishly asigns to him - but unfortunately he has nothing of those wonderful talents you so lavishly credit him with.   

Nothing actually exists - they are all figments of your imagination -  and he is absolutely useless in defence.   No amount of praise on your part will cover that one up.   One thing will be an eye-opner and I really want to see come Frdaiy - namely  whom or him of Morne Steyn stands deepest in the pocket.   There are other deficiecies as well.   In essence - I hope he does not cost the Stormers a potential victory.   Bad news that bugger,

With all do respect Saffex, you can not mention Venter in the same breath as JDV and Fourie. He has none of their qualities. JDV easily transitioned to the wing as he has lightning pace and in his prime was quicker over 40 metres than Habana was. Having said that, neither JDV nor Fourie were world class wings. Much better suited to centre. Venter is more in the build of Riaan Swanepoel (ex Sharks) and never going to make the transition successfully. Fourie and JDV are much better athletes.

Please give me some examples that make Jantjies and Kolisi "class acts!" Remembering that "class" is permanent, form is temporary. I have no doubt that these players have seen patches of good form but they are not class. Class is Conrad Smith, Israel Dagg, Dan Carter, Richie McCaw, Fourie Du Preez, Jacques Fourie, JP Pietersen. These guys rarely to never have a bad game! They are class. Jantjies sees more ups and downs than a yoyo. You say he was good against the All Blacks in Soweto. I must ask, were you watching the same game as the rest of us and do you know what Jantjies we are talking about?? It was embarrassing. It was insulting to the AB's to have SA think Jantjies could take them on and win the game. The Boks had nothing when he replaced Goosen. I used to like his little touches but in amongst all the bullshit he produces, he is best equipped to a suffering Lions team. Comparing him to Quade Cooper. Quade also does some really silly things but Jantjies like a really bad Quade Cooper whilst Quade is a really good Quade. What I mean is Jantjies produces mostly the types of mistakes Quade will make.

He WONT be good for the Stormers and expect them to fizzle out too the longer he plays.

Kolisi was worked out and you will see what I mean this season. Better loosies than Schalk..Ha ha, there is none better in this world than Schalk at his best never mind the country or Stormers team. Its what players like him, Juan Smith, Bismarck and them do for the team, not just getting knocked back with the ball. McCaw is neither the quickest nor best number 7 out there but as a whole and what he does for the team, he is irreplaceable! Your team I fear would be a bunch of young guns who are 10 foot tall and bullet proof until their form eludes them and we left with no guidance and a bunch of kids who are hot and cold! 

 Boklog man you speak crap, you know nothing of Venter if you conclude that he does not have the qualities of Jean and Fourie at the same age. Also neither were blessed with blistering pace, what complete bullshit.....these two are no faster than Venter and if they are its marginal. Venter is nothing like Swanepoel, who was a fat blob. I am not saying Venter is a wing, he is a quality 12......what I am saying is that he can be utilized there given the backs the Bulls have - get it?

Schalk has never been close to the best loosie in the game. For a start Juan Smith was better. Schalk was a good player but there have been many better. Kolisi is better and has not been worked out at all, you dont work flankers out, you do when it comes to centres, wings etc - do you really play this game?

Go check the write up on Jantjies with regards to that AB's performance its anything but the bullshit you paint. Besides, even if he had a bad test, which he did not, one test does not define a player. You are so out of touch with reality given your comments on his defence. He sorted his defence out in 2012 - Fact, much like Cooper did - get with the programme.

Kolisi is going to rub your nose in it and I am going to take great delight in pointing this very fact out. Give me Kolisi over Schalk anyday - no contest at all. In Kolisi we have a youngster who breaks tackles, puts in huge hits and has a brilliant work ethic - he just never stops, much like Coetzee

Flankers are just like any other player out there. Just like a an average centre will be exploited by a much better one. What seperates Pocock and Brussouw from the rest? You speak some utter bullshit sometimes Saffex.

Dave, a small time lawyer from the outer suburbs in England, is gona sit there and tell the rugby world that Schalk "has never been close to the best!" Ha ha have you gone mad. He is feared and respected here in NZL. Is Kolisi spoken of like this? Im not saying Kolisi isn't good. He is a decent player but he will be nowhere near where he was last year. In your eyes he will be brilliant no matter what. Much like Jantjies, JJ and Taute at 13. Can do no wrong once the Saff man has targeted you. All I am saying is keep an open mind. Why would Burger be named captain if Kolisi was better than him. You think WP rugby bosses would let that happen. Kolisi was nowhere near the force he was at the end as he was in the beginning of last season. People never knew of him and never gave him respect and he used that to his advantage. This year guys know of the threat he poses and will no doubt pay him more attention. Once that happens, he better pray for some of the size Schalk has.

Not interested in write ups. I can go one better. I actually watched the game and could see Jantjies fail miserably. It was hard to watch. Must admit that. He sorted out his defence in 2012? Ha ha not even close Saff. Making a few tackles is not sorting anything out. Its expected at that level. He still misses far more than a Bok should and players make at least 5-8 metres in contact with him. Too scared, too weak. Watch Lambie and James make a hit and watch Jantjies. You will see metres and go forward gained all day long in the jantjies "hit!"

I can sympathise with you as you last played the game in the 80's or something but stop questioning whether I ever played the game. I could provide proof. I can still send you that pic of me to confirm I am anything but ugly with "stringbean arms" arms Saff man but you went very quiet on that front because you knew you had bitten off more than you could chew!!

I cant believe how easily you mesh the names of "greats"  with average players ie. Frans Venter with JDV and Fourie. Venter has a shit load more to accomplish before you speak of him in this light. I feel that you see things in players that you hope are there but really are not. You see them do one good thing and all of a sudden they are musts for the Bok team. Much the reason your team changes on a daily basis. Not even you know who you want to play where anymore.

Kolisi = Nowhere near SA's best. Not yet at least.

Jantjies = The name should be nowhere near the Bok team. Most inconsistent 10 in any of the SA unions.

JJ = nay nay!! Proven flop. In the Currie cup to. Stick to wing and be happy with provincial rugby. At least at the moment.

Steph du Toit over Alberts = Ludicrous!!

The list just goes on!

 Saf i have one question... why would you leave out basson from the bulls team who i say is one of the most dangerous wingers in the sa game atm he is rapid fast good reader of the game and is with out a doubt the best winger under the high ball! i will also no attack some of the points others have as thats boring going round and round! but I will defend you in some way! Kolisi he is a great player sometimes a little hot and cold! however people need to see he is young i read something the other day about juan smith! they said in his first few years of rugby he was seen as very hit and miss! so people who are writing him off now.will you be so keen to write him off in the near future? however i also believe the dip in form was due to a confidence lock with all the press talking about him being the best and then not being picked for the boks it can hurt a young guys play! however i think if he is seen to play for the boks in following years he needs to show he can play a full 15 games with the skill he has shown in the first few! cause frans L will be hard to through off the 6 spot as i see him as future captin for the boks! 

Also mike I know what you mean about paul will! he is a young hot gun and he is struggling with his temper however would you rather have him on your team with that temper and help him take control of it or will you want to face him when he has taken control of it? he is a hot gun as said above but even victor mat has said he will grow into a big gun for the bulls if managed well! so i can see your concern but with the space left by kruger i say give the young boy his turn! no harm can come of it but a lose! 

saf i like your boldness putting steph du tiot in but then again i would rather have alberts in for maye even the first 40-50 mins cause there is one thing that i have seen he does 3 things! he can hold a ruck and give good ball. He can run and make yards with some surpising pace and 3rd which some people may call me a coward for but he hurt the oppent in a fair way! he knocks ten shades of shit out the defence in that 40-50 mins of playing and can take some big players out of the game all together ill never forget watching him against england a few years back one or two and he came on and he plowed over the englishmen and i believe he injuryed 2 or 3 players thus earning the name bonecollector! 

Also what i find funny is people are ravin about jantjies being in the team but would you really have grant in there...... i mean grant is as one way as fucking mourne styen! so fucking boring to watch as a player great kicker but just like mourne one dimentional! the only reason i would hae jantjies in is to maybe give that little bit of freedom to the backline! that is the only reason why! 

Also i want to know why would you pick pollard for the bulls instead of louise fourie! i mean they are both amazing players and they are much better than mourne but! fourie bring somethng pollard doesnt and thats the ability to kick at 50/60 meater and still not only get it in but have it right at the top of the up rights if you dont believe me i do believe there is a video about his kicking! just cant seem to find it in my files atm! i just want to see your reason behind that one? 

I would not write the might schalk of either! he might be another smith and end early but he also might come back and destory the ruck and ball carriering area.... this is one play i have missed! he aint very good looking but my god he can play with oddly shaped balls! 

my final points are this...taute is a 15 and will play no where else! lambie is a 10 and will play no where else JJ should play on the bench and no where else such a average player with nothing but a step on him...... 

others have said things i dont agree with but meh another time and place! 

boklogic

There is a real problem here - you are indeed discussing things that to the mind of Saffex are not even debatable.   Remember - Saffex does not see anything wrong with any players he supports - when they bugger up badly - he turns it into virtues.  

This is typically why he could not accept  -

  *   any reason for the removal of  Hougaard as scrummie of the Springboks;

  *   that Engebrecht failed badly on CC level;

  *   that Taute is a full back used only for three games by the Lions as stand-in no 13 because of the unavailability of the Lions established centers;

  *   That after passing the ball five times to Jantjies in the Soweto test - the Springboks only  once after that for the remainder of the match(25 minutes)   passed the ball to him as he fouled up the first five balls; and 

  *   Kolisi did not continue to produce the goods after an initial good start and indeed fizzled ouin his later games for the Stormers..

Saffex has a weird idea of ball sense - he believes that because the big players favoured by him shall always have ball sense - but he never gives examples of actual performances that support his contention that they have ball sense.    Same with his usage of two terms that he lavishly asign to players namely "class act" and "bloody good".   Ask  him for examples  to substantiate his claims and there is always the same escape roite - a flood of allegations that the person who question his allegations knows nothing about rugby and is a bloody idiot.

If you point out specific deficiencies and quote where it did happened - there is always a few standard excuses - the most frequent one is to "blame it on Meyer".

I  really found the discussion about Venter amusing.   Venter was the choice by the Bulls to play at 12 in 2012 on CC level.  He is a reasonably good provncial level center - but according to Saffex a place must be found for Serfontein at 12 for the Bulls - so the issue is to Saffex's mind settled - move Venter to wing.   I am also a Serfontein admirer but that does not to my mind justify the removal of Venter to wing  to get him out of the way.  The fact that the two have to compete for the position is anaethema to Saffex.    I enjoyed that one tremendously - remember his mantra "Goosen must be selected at 10. Lambie at 15 and Taute at 13".   He has not change that in essence - hence his seemingly inexplicable suggestion that the Sharks play Lambie at 15.   He realizes  that Meyer would no select Lambie at 15 if he plays for the Sharks at 10 - so Lambie must play at 15 come hell or high water.   He became less noisy about Taute - bar his constant references to Taute as a potential selection at 13.

It is really useless to discuss issues with Saffex - but in reality I always do - because it is indeed amusing - he contant application of his generalized comments to fit any new situation is really funny.  As is his ignoring of facts and figures about performance.   He really believes in individual ratings by journalists of players - but ignore stats of players.

Funny guy really - but if any coach accept and try to implement any weird Saffex suggestions he has one thing for sure - if the proposal is a complete failure the coach himself will be blamed - not the player.   

  *     

Keaganzulusmith -Great summary buddy.

Kolisi, whilst good, is not the best in SA at the moment. Nothing says he will never be the best but at the moment he is not. He needs to produce that scintillating form he hit the scene with regularly over a few seasons. I have seen plenty players burst onto the scene, set the world alight, make a huge name for themselves, get appointed to the pinnacle of rugby and then produce nothing of the same the following season and take a long drop from the top. Dont rush these guys. Lets make sure Kolisi is the real deal before making calls that he is "better" than a proven star like Burger and Brussouw. Its really ludicrous on the part of Saffex. Lets give him another season or two to make sure he is consistent. Then only can we apply the word "class" to the man. This season will be the toughest season Kolisi will ever play. Second season syndrome. You have made the world aware of you by now and players respect you more and watch you closer. If he can produce the performances this year, he deserves a look in for Bok selection but I witnessed the man starting to fade last season and become less effective. I wish Siya well this year as he showed he is a great prospect. Its up to him to deliver more of the same under tougher circumstances now.

Saffex seems to overlook players as a whole for 1 or 2 moments of magic. What Schalk, Alberts and co do for their teams and the Boks is monumental and he wants to throw them out for some kid who rocks up from the under 20's with arrogance until he is hit hard a few times from some seasoned big boys and quietens down. Alberts and Schalk have been these big boys for a number of years now. There is no replacing them. Kolisi and the likes are Simba.. Schalk and Alberts are Mufasa..They need to watch, learn and emulate when the time is right!

Stormers need to work on Grant's attack. If that can not change, give Swiel licence to swing the ball and see how he goes. Jantjies is not the solution. Far too inconsistent and scared. One big knock and he noticeably starts standing deeper and his game is really ineffective from that deep. Caught behind the advantage line trying fancy, Carlos Spencer style, passes and shit. Lambie takes a knock and he gets flatter. Bravery! You can not coach that. You either have it or you dont and im afraid Jantjies does not have it and his performances to date prove this. When his team is on top, he can produce magic. We not gona be on top all the time and he puts his team at a further disadvantage. Get rid of him. We need the Lambie's and co to take us forward.

Yeah, I am starting (actually have for a while) to doubt Saffex's knowledge of team selection and what class players look like. I thank God everynight he is not a Bok selector. Scary stuff. Bjorn Basson..Jet shoes, high work rate, good under high ball and positional play, deft finisher, one of those magical players at times (all u ask for in a winger) is replaced by Frans Venter who is a run of the mill inside centre...Ha ha doctor..we need your help!!

boglogic

I share your views on Saffex's selection views - but as for the Shrink you mentioned - please not - since it will remove a prime amusment of mine on this site  The wierder the selections of Saffex becomes - the more I enjoy it in ripping him off.   And I am waiting for him to invent more disparaging remarks than "stupid" and "bloody idiot" to anybody opposing his statements.   That is getting a bit boring - so I would like to see something really special from him in the near future.LOL

 "Kolisi our best 6" ....

Pfffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffhahahahahaaaaaaaaaaaaaahahahahahahaha!!!

Look here Boklog you stupid prick, I refrained from saying what i really thought of you but throwing that pathetic small time lawyer into the equation when you know stuff all about me is the final straw you sad excuse of a man.

This coming from a worthless twat involved in recruitment, get a real job man, that's bloody embarrassing - do you wear a skirt?

Crap, you dont work a flank out, a flank like all forwards play it hard and direct, there is very little to work out, they either beat you or they dont. With a wing for instance - take Ashton of England, he burst onto the scene and created an impression as he was afforded space and was unmarked - they worked him out and closed him down - that initial impression has gone. Get it. There is very little difference between Brussouw and Pocock, whats your point dumbass.

Schalk has never been one of the best loosies in the game, he has always been good but there have been far better players about, players that relied on skill and contributed more than just putting their body on the line. Schalk has always lacked real rugby skill, which is fine had he always played 7. One can get away with playing it direct as a 7. Schalk was always a make shift 6, because we had Smith, much like Louw is a makeshift 6 for the Boks right now. Coetzee is hardly the model when it comes to selections now is he - he is the idiot who kept selecting the useless de Kock Steenkamp ahead of Quinn Roux, or Brok Harris ahead of Malherbe, or Armand at lock, so its no surprise he has selected Burger as captain. For a start Schalk should be competing with Elstadt for the 7 jersey, Kolisi should walk the 6 jersey as he should for the Boks.

Ah so I should rely on your pathetic take on Jantjies in that NZ test, what a joke given you know stuff all about the game. You play for some village side you are bloody useless, I played at a far higher level than you and have been coaching the game for years, with level 2 in the bag. I dont need to be currently playing to know what I am talking about - I coach an unbeaten side and pride myself on that very fact. My U16A side is now playing U17 fixtures for a reason.

Yes send that picture you worthless twat

Keegan, the problem I have with Basson is that he was sorely exposed at test level, for he was physically not up to the task. For that reason, I would rather see Venter getting game time for the Bulls, even if it is out of position on the wing.

Your take on JJ is complete bullshit, he has speed, size and as you say a great step. His breaks he made in the S15 last year were the best I saw from a SA outside centre. He was selected by Meyer for the Boks and dumped after 15min of test rugby on the wing - it was pathetic player management by Meyer. Poor lad had to return to CC and some wonder why his formed slipped a little.

As for Kolisi, you may have a point as once again Meyer stuffed it up by not selecting our best 6 at the time for the squad against England. Kolisi has that rare quality in that he is able to slip tackles in the same way Bismark does - its something that can't be taught, few players have it, Kolisi does as did Pieter Russouw, Cullen, Jacque Fourie, Carter, Digby etc

Steph du Toit is the next big thing in SA rugby. I see him as Etzebeths long term lock partner and I'd have him on the Bok bench this year. The Sharks have so much depth at lock with Bresler, Franco v/d Merwe, Jandre Marais, Peet Marais and Steph du Toit that it makes sense to play the skilful Steph du Toit at 7. But saying that, I'd be more than happy with Alberts at 7 and Steph du Toit at 5.

Jantjies at 10 for the Stormers a no brainer, they we devoid of attacking ideas last year - they wont go wrong with 9. Groom, 10. Jantjies and 12 de Allende......the issue is Jean at 13, he is past it.

Am with you on Fouche at 10 for the Bulls, I'd be happy to see him at 10 ahead of Pollard

I always thought a lawyer was supposedly gifted at debate …

I mean, isn’t it his profession to bring about a convincing argument …  perhaps even one with the truth twisted a tad …  this way or that … my point being that to feed his family he would need to skillfully convince the audience … have them come over to his way of thinking …

or starve ...

No friggin wonder you live in a mud hut and have BO.  

From the looks of your porky ass I would say you're probably living on the dole.

Lawyer my ass … me thinks more like a Dole Bum ....... with a belly ...

Waaaaaaaaahahahahahaaaaaaaa!!!   

Capcap, what exactly do you contribute to this board and life in general - its a serious question for you seem to be a little lost - bordering on schizophrenia.

You seem to appear from nowhere, add little value and fly off again - blue arse fly springs to mind.

Why not add your take on rugby for a start - you have already provided comic relief with your insightful take on Hougaard and Frans - why not indulge us further with your rugby wisdom, blue arse?

Saffex

I noticed you have gone off the boil a bit with regard to Taute at 13 - but that probably is because realization of fats have hit you in the face too many times.  

Now you are continueing with the Engelbrecht - Jantjies and Kolisi campaign.   Whenever are you going to wisen up on those three.   Granted it may take years - but if you want to punt them - give specific cases where they show that they actually belong on CC level - and then we can think about Super 15 level. 

I do believe of the three the only one that really could reach Springbok level - is Kolisi - but he has miles to go before he could realistically be selected.   He showed spark in his early Super 15 games and I started to pay a keen interest in him - as did Meyer - I believe.   However, in the later Super 15 games he fizzled out and before he was injured it was on the cards that Fouire would replace him as loosie for the Stormers - based on acurttal continous required performances on that level.He now has a whole season that he can play himself into the Springbok team - but far from being an automatic selection - he has a mountain to climb to prove that he will make the grade on international level.

Earl Silky Hands Jantjiesis another case in point.  Fearful of being tackled - he stands deeper in the pocket than Morne Steyn - and than have three standard plays, namely -

 *   aimless kicks - in the Soweto test he kicked one directly out costing the Springboks many meters of territory;

*    running a few steps towards the no 12 and then pass hospital passes to that unfortunate individual; ad 

*   doing the same runs towards 12 and then make an inside pass to a player running at an angle.

The above is repetative and has no beneficial impact since it happens so far behind the gain line.   Aside from that he s useless in defence and under high balls - in the latter case often enough chickening out of catching balls.   The first two issues mentioned above caused the other Springboks to ignore Jantjies existence on the field of play - and during the last 25 minutes in the Soweto test he received the ball only once.  In other cases they would pass to 12 so as to cut him out.  Go and watch the Soweto test and you would see what happened.   Jantjies is not Springbok material and the jury is out whether he is even Super 15 material.  Lets wait and see whether he makes the grade this season - but I have my doubts. 

By the way - if I have a straight choice between Jantjies and Morne Steyn at flyhalf  - Morne gets my vote.since both are bad on attack and with aimless kicking - but at least Morne is a better defender.

And then we get to poor Engelbrecht - a wing the Bulls tried to make into a center.   The poor bugger failed badly on CC level and I pointed out in the past games in which he was atrociously poor.   I am not certain whether he should play on CC level at all - maybe Vodacom Cup level.   He is the next Sadie the Bulls are going to get rid of.   Poor bugger he should have remained in the Cape as a wing.

Nope Mike, I prefer Taute at 13. If I was selecting the Stormers side, I would be happy to have Taute at 15 only because they dont have other options there as I dont rate Aplon and Joe. The Stormers have depth at centre in Howard, JP du Plessis, de Allende and even Jean and de Jongh.

This is the same with my take on Steph du Toit with the Sharks. The Sharks have depth at lock, so I'd think about playing Steph at 7 and move him to 5 in the second half.

For the Boks, we have many options at centre but only Lambie and Taute at fullback, so Taute would certainly be an option at 15 if players like Jordaan, Serfontein or JJ proved perfect options at 13 for the Boks.

Just because I select Taute at 15, does not mean I think any less of him at 13. As I have always said, I think Taute is equally good at 15 and 13, just as I think Lambie is equally good at 10 and 15. I am happy with them playing either position. The art for the Boks is finding the best 15 players to take the field. This has a good chance of seeing a player like Lambie playing in a different position to that which he has played in the S15 - that is not an issue at all.

Mike when are you going to get it into your head that I dont really rate your takes on players so anything you have to say on JJ, Jantjies and Kolisi I tend to discard as complete bullshit. All three are Bok material and nothing you will say will convince me otherwise. All three will confirm this, this S15 season and I am going to enjoy rubbing your nose in it - for you are clearly clueless

Saffex

Just one question - how do you manage to watch rugby without seeing the continuous  bugger-ups made by players like Engelbrecht and Jantjies?    I watch on wide screen TV all the times when  those players get the ball and by now can read their predictable moves exactly - so how do you manage not to see their repetative poor plays?

You must be the only person that does not see what is happening and do not accept that both those two players are poor and not acceptable on senior games level.   All members on this site - bar you - have critcized Jantjoes and Engelbrecht - so what makes you think they are all wrong and you are right?  

 Saffex why not choose a whole team for the Springboks of players that are mostly under21 and have proved little to nothing in the SuperXV?  (Proven to people who understand the game, deliver consistent stats week on week, and not your emotional take on players)

Also, it would be even better to select all these players out of position just so all your favourites could get some game time?

Do you think your Springbok team could beat the Southern Kings?

Finally, a player could be forced into retirement once they reach 27 years old- even if they are the top player in the world in their position- like Bryan Habana?

Instead Habana would be replaced with a player who cant even command a position as a certain starter for a SuperXV team. Replace Habana with say JJ Engelbreght. 

Siya Kolisi  is better than Schalk Burger has ever been. Ha Ha Ha. 

Schalk got international player of the year at 21, and has the respect of the greatest All Black players. Suddenly Schalk has never been a good player and should be replaced by a youngster that has had a few decent games. 

KiwiRugbyGuyLover

Agree 100% with you - I think the All Blacks and other international teams would like to have a team like the one proposed by Saffex in opposition to them.

I want to query just one question as to whether the team would be able to beat the Southern Kings.   The beating of the Kings may just be 50-50 - but Saffex's team will definitely lose against the University of Stellenbosh (Maties) team.

Mike, I dont mind the odd mistake - JJ was damn good last year on attack and had a few misses in defence as do all wings that move to centre - Fourie was the same. The adjustment is big and its a learning curve.

JJ showed me some great attacking runs and that is what I rate in the man. He will never lose that ability and will only grow from strength to strength.......I actually think JJ could possibly be our best option at 13, but time will tell. He will get the better of Jean at 13 this weekend.

Jantjies is an instinct, creative player who does make mistakes as he plays it on the edge, he tries things - therein lies the attraction - he is like Quade Cooper and I love that in a rugby player. My son plays his rugby like that as does my current fullback - I encourage it

Mike is you watching every game in widescreen meant to change my view on your take on rugby. You know what I think of your rugby takes, that is not going to change. I watch every game on a 52' widescreen, what difference does that make?

GayLover, stop speaking shit............my Bok side has a mixture of experienced and youthful players. No-one is playing out of position and it does not contain any washed up hasbeens like Morne and Jean - get it?

My Bok side would include players like JP, Frans, Hougaard, Beast, Bismark, Jannie and Bekker, are these players under 21 and lacking experience huh?

What?? 52'  Wide Screen??

Every match?

In your mud hut?

While on the dole?

Yeah right!!

 Saf I'm talking shit about jj? Then you must be talking utter shit about bassom..... He is not been exposed at int level he has had 6 test which I believe he was sub for all of them at his fittest he has been 89-90kg so he is not to light! Trust I would rather have him in that movovo. 

Saffex

So Engelbrecht and Jantjies make mistakes.  Interesting thought that one - since mstakes can lead to points being scored by the opposition. 

And Jantjies playing on the edge and trying things ten meters behind the gain line and never attacking the line himself.   That is intresting as well - he stands deeper than Morne Steyn and his passing game is - as Stranski put it so succintly ut it -is manufactured.   Playing that far behind the gain line leads to nothing in the form of creative play to the advantage of his team. 

Engelecht made two real breaks in 2012 in Super 15 last year nd the ball died with him on both occassions.   For the rest he buggered up regularly.   He contributed zero to the points being scored by the Bulls - at last Jantjies is good at kicking at goals - so he does produce points for his side.   

No Saffex - I do weigh up the negatives and positives in each players case and then after a number of games come to a conclusion.   Too many negatives leave a bad impression and there are far too many negatives in the case of Jantjies and Engelbrecht.   However, unlike you I do give all players credit if they play well - such as the case was in PMB in the warm up game as to Francois Steyn.   I do recognize limitations in players as well and also th fact that some have inherent deficiencies that limit the level of performance achievable by them.

In you case you see only the good and forget about the bad in players - really sad to see.   Just one bit of advice - show your son the Swiel u-tube video on the internet - that is creative play indeed - and tell him to model his play on that of Swiel.  Jantjies set a bad example for him. 

Basson was useless at test level, a complete liability. There is no way he weighs 90kg, try a paltry 84kg's

Give me Mvovo over Basson anyday, no contest.

Yes Mike every rugby player makes mistakes, its part of the game - get a grip man. Mike please dont lie about what happens on a rugby field - dont tell us that JJ buggered up everytime other than 2 breaks for that is a lie. Also get this into your stupid head, everytime a player makes a break, it does not lead to a try - bloody hell how obvious is that. If he has no support ruuners, good chance he will get isolated and lose the ball - do you know anything about rugby?

Capcap, I'm still waiting for rugby related post you ignorant twat

Where to start with this tiresome fat slob that calls himself Saffex.

Firstly, I work for a recruitment company. I dont do recruitment Dave. I am a BDM for the company. I am a peoples person and business development and sales is my game. You would not know what it takes to be a peoples person seeing as 99% of the people who come into contact with you think your'e a tosser. Since I started out here (remebering I am new to the country and just under 22 years old, I have gone onwards and upwards. I am yet to be shipped from "the big time" to the outskirts to push pen like you fat man. Lets see what I amount to when I am your age vs where you are at this stage shall we your roundness? You really gota deal with this short man syndrome you have here because you seem to be forgetting that you talking to a much taller, more superior person in every facet of life!

Now lets talk about your lack of rugby knowledge. Firstly, dont try justify your selections on players. You have not been able to date and I dont see you starting now. You seem to just make statements and think we must take it as gospel. Well Dave, you are the most blinded poster on here and thats evident by the way ppl tear into your posts and often dismiss them as ludicrous. They lack common sense and intelligence but what can you expect from a man who takes a photo of himself outside his mud hut and passes it off as million pound turf...

Who shall we believe in the "Schalk has never been the best flanker stakes!" Shall we believe the "has NEVER been" Dave who works for a tiny law firm sealing envelopes probably or the AB rugby players and coaches who will tell you exactly how good the man is and all the awards he has won. Read Jake Whites book. He was coach and he said he would play Schalk over anybody. I know who I am going to believe and it aint the baldy man...Oh wait, I guess Jake White and all the AB's are wrong and all "bloody idiots" aren't they Dave.

I am so happy I know how to get a reaction from you. A good lawyer remains calm no matter what. I have never even studied law and I have outsmarted you. Was not hard though I must admit so please, no praise from you other posters!!

All flankers play it hard and direct..Ha ha are you dillusional you prick? Brussouw is nowhere near a hard, direct player. He is a break down specialist. Much like Pocock who is more effective as a ball carrier than Brussouw but nowhere near a Juan Smith or Alberts! They all add something different. Frans Louw a makeshift 6?? Ha ha another brainless blurt. All too common though. Well as a "makeshift" he produced a string of damn fine performances last year..Very makeshift of him I must say..Idiot!!

I appreciate that you played at a higher level than me Dave. I really have not played at a major level at all. All I ask you to do now is prove it. Like everything you say. Please, stop making statements.

Prove you are not short and fat. Prove you were an amazing rugger player, prove your house is worth what you say, prove how Jantjies, JJ and Kolisi are best in the country..prove that your under 16 gimps are unbeaten and playing under 17. "Just shows the pathetic level you coach at really!" You cant prove shit. In life we have talkers and we have doer's. We have already established what type of person you are. You just talk shit and cant back it up! Kolisi should "walk" the Bok side..Ha ha..Maybe you should also "walk" the bok side then Dave. Tell us about your self proclaimed rugby prowess coz all I can see is a fat, long haired grease ball that doesn't look like he has the guts to kit up and certainly knows nothing about the game.

Boglog, got to love your chest beating antics there - pretty admirable. Seems like you are taking after your past master Moffie and are now adopting his nic and lying through your teeth when it comes to anything associated with me.

So Boglog you claim to have outsmarted me have you - how exactly? Because I think you are a useless prick, is that some kind of confirmation that I have lost my cool. Shows how bloody ignorant you are when it comes to the legal profession. There is only one person pulling the strings here and it certainly is not you - you are far too much of a halfwit to pose any form of challenge to me. You are just another toothless cyber matt that I take pleasure in wiping my muddy feet on.

Now lets get to your lies, so we can expose you for yet another cyber liar. Firstly, where do you get that I was pushed from the big time to the outskirts? Could this possibly be you lying? Explain pushed for a start, for by that you are implying that it was not my choice to move. You also seem to be impyling that I by moving I have taken a backwards step career wise - how did you conclude this wisearse?

But hey as a little diversion from your lies, please talk us through you being a peope person - fuck I know the Kiwi's don't stack up on a global sense, but if they have you as a people's person they must really be scraping the barrel or bloody desperate........people person bwahaaahaaa.

Back to your lies - 6ft is not short - at no point in my life have I ever been called short other than by the pathetic Moffie who, like you has been exposed by his buddies nogal as a barefaced liar......we can now add you to that list, unless of course you are so stupid that you classify people who stand at 6ft as being short. Shortman syndrome would apply to a 5'3 man not a 6ft man you stupid prick. So how do you conclude that I am fat, have you met me or is that you sucking up Moffie's trustworthy word on that. So we have you down for three lies here, you must be proud? I concede you are taller than me, but where do you get superior from - shit my dog has more substance than you.

Schalk was never the best flanker, hell our own Smith was better in the same era. Which Kiwi's are you banging on about that rated him so highly or is that you just making it up as you go again - your forte of course. Jake White - what a laugh, that bafoon was an average coach with a 57% record who's ego was greater than the game. His take on Schalk stands for stuff all. Dont get me wrong  rated Schalk in his day but world's best - no chance.

Your take on flankers is a joke - Brussouw for a start plays it hard and direct as does Pocock, Alberts and Louw - finesse only comes into the equation when one looks at a loosie like Skinstad, a one of a kind - or a Schalk Brits at hooker. The difference between Pocock and Alberts is size and speed. Pocock is small and relies on pace to get to the breakdown and challenge for possession, Alberts relies on size to dominate the opposition - both choose the direct and hard route - get it ignorant fool and you proclaim to know your rugby. Yep Louw is a makeshift 6, one only needs to look at his 114kg frame to reaslise that. Pocock and Brussouw are the model 6's, Louw is not, much like Schalk is not. Louw added little value in terms of our results, we were still piss poor last year.

As I have said to useless Moffie, I do not have to prove anything to you or anyone on this site and I certainly will not be posting any proof of anything relating to me on a rugby messageboard you delusional idiot. I have already proved that I am not short and fat, by relying on the word of those that have met me. As for the level I have played at, given you volunteered the average level you played at and are still playing, it was basic maths that lead to me concluding I played at a higher level than your sorry arse. I just needed to take the field back then to achieve that. As for the level I coach, that is by choice as its the same side my son plays in. I started the ball rolling at U10 level and have moved on with them through the ranks - get it?

Damn right I wont be kitting up, my days of playing are long gone thanks to Hennie le Roux putting my shoulder to bed once and for all!

Boglog, its a bit ripe labelling me as a talker and not a doer, given you know stuff all about me and when you look closer at what I have actually volunteered, you will discover I have said very little. Therein lies the art of law - unlike your stupid self who has told us exactly what he does, how old you are, what you did in SA and the teams you have played for and are playing for now - who is the stupid naive twat here.

If you ever need coaching on how to conduct yourself - give me a shout - I have level 2!! Here is a tip, quit while you still have the ability and sense to get up and walk away......for if you continue, I am going to have to start washing my cyber matt

"Useless Moffie" hey Dave Yellow. Funny then that you said:

"Impressive past Moz, good on you, you must be proud of your achievements"

You said that after I retired. There is no new information on me....that's it. And you said it was "impressive".

But now I'm useless, a Vegamite salesman etc.

Seems to me you are lying again, because you are no longer are grovelling to be in my camp. What a shame you have zero integrity. This is indefensible dishonesty.