SportBilly? Really!

This week, after going bush for a time, SportBilly, is back!

‘The formerly ferocious felines known as the Lions launched themselves to unprecedented depths this weekend. They launched an attack, or is that too strong a word, from behind their own line with the hooter having sounded. A move that saw them take the ball brilliantly close to the 22m line of the failing Force. In a move akin to possibly the worst surrender seen outside of France, Josh Strauss raises the white flag when offered a penalty, and kicks for goal to secure a losing bonus point. I’ve seen more confidence in buck toothed ginger kids! They are 17 points behind the Cheetahs and have all but secured their last spot in the South African conference. Come on Joshua, show us your pair please!! The Lions have rolled over before, but this was them playing dead.’

Do you agree?

What Say You!

Shooting from the Lip

iamjonnyking

You can find William on the timeline, weekdays, at whenever the heck he feels like – @SportBillySays

You can also catch us on the timeline – @RugbyJourney – where you won’t miss a piece, nor a post.

In my previous post on the RugbyJourney, we introduced a piece digressing on the Sharks showing of promise in #supeRUG, with their lack of fulfillment, ending with a potential scenario of what the future may look like in the remaining weeks of #supeRUG 2012 – in the South African Conference.

It just so happens that what we digressed about at the end of Week 14, has now come to fruition, which makes this section required reading as we head into Week 15; the final weekend before the International window breaks in.

Therefore, for your reading pleasure, I will reproduce. NOW.

South African Conference. It’s a #supeRUG

And I Quote.

IF the Sharks can do the business over the Stormers at home [and they did], let’s assume they take 4 points and the Stormers take 1 point, in what should be a tight fixture between teams that really don’t like each other. This will take the Stormers to the half century mark; 50. The Bulls will stay on 48, but the big movers will be the Sharks, moving on up to 45.

After Week 14 - 50. 48. 45.

Next weekend, this young Stormers side that has taken each challenge in their stride will, again, travel away to another warm place for travelling sides; the Bulls are returning home, feeling a little blue for their efforts in NZ. This is where the Sharks will need some help, but it is reasonable to expect that the Bulls will take 4 points out of this match. Considering their tough and close time in NZ, this Bulls side will know this is their opportunity, particularly if the Sharks keep them very close, today.

IF this becomes more than my very small talk, the Bulls will move 52, the Stormers could well add another BP, and move to 51, with the Sharks away to the Lions offering the potential for 4 +1; putting them on 50.

After Week 15 - 52.51.50.

Then. IT. IS. ALL. ON.

A little absurdity comes into the picture, as an International window opens, providing a little d[r] aft.

However, men reading this piece, please use both sides of your brain, as the art of the International, should not sway your thinking about what happens next in #supeRUG, with three weeks left, before the playoffs.

The Stormers have the Lions in Capetown in Week 16; the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein in Week 17, and the Rebels back in Capetown in Week 18. One would expect this to be a successful time, although the Cheetahs have been known.

The Bulls have the Cheetahs in Week 16 at Loftus and the Lions at Loftus in Week 18; two wins, one would expect.

The Sharks have the Bye in Week 16, so their side has an extended break and the Cheetahs in Durban in Week 18. One should feel confident about both results.

Assuming all the sides follow through, there is one fixture that I have missed - WEEK 17 – Sharks v Bulls in Durban. We are living in the realms that this could be the fixture that decides the South African Conference. If the Sharks are able to take 4 points, and the Bulls grab 1 losing BP, impossible is nearing nothing.

Forget the argument that the Sharks have been too inconsistent. They will need to be thoroughly, to execute this effect, when it really counts. This also explains and underscores why this must be a day of destiny in Durban.

IF the previous scenario comes true, the South African Conference reads - STORMERS 63. SHARKS 62. BULLS 61. 

Well that was a flat finish for the Sharks; second again!

If you are a little confused as to how this helps the Sharks win the South African Conference, we need to focus on the Bonus Points factor.

[1] In my previous scenario, I have given the Stormers a losing BP against both the Sharks and the Bulls in Weeks 14 and 15 – no guarantee; meaning they could finish on as low as, 61. I have also given the Bulls a losing BP against the Sharks in Week 17. Both these contexts could factor into the equation with what happens, in the next insight.

[2] The 4-try BP. The Stormers have struggled in the try-scoring stakes in 2011, so this may not intersect. The Bulls have been better, particularly at Loftus. Having the Cheetahs and Lions, in two of the final three rounds, means they could add two more points to their above total, moving it to 63. If the Sharks can do the business at the Lions in Week 15 with 5, it could well come down to Week 18 against the Cheetahs. If they gain a 4-try BP in this fixture, they could also move to 63.

We won’t confuse the issue any more, if teams are tied on points, this far out.

So many scenarios!

What is the Point?

Two. This #supeRUG season in a South African Conference is really only beginning. Today, it must start with the Sharks.

And; it did.

Can’t wait for Bulls v Stormers, next weekend, at Loftus.

Looks like another early Sunday morning in New Zealand.

What Say You?

Shooting from the Lip

iamjonnyking

Image

Perceptions, often formed from perspectives, sometimes with something less than substance – truly – but, with the Stormers and Bulls on a wing and a prayer – respectively – the relative continuity of the Sharks had many pundits backing destiny to be in their hands .

Time to Win something Super!

2011 had offered a diverse flora and fauna of results, with the high and the low just a week apart.

Who can forget a reminder of their historic yesteryear in the final round robin clash at Loftus versus the Bulls that provided a lifeline into the playoffs. This result had many believing they could look Sonny and Co. in the face, and not blink, come week one. This scribe has that sinking feeling that maybe it was not such a good idea to go there, as a certain figure who would irk the ire of many, and not for the last time in 2011, would be the subject of much after dinner speech, versus the Saders.

That was then, and this is now, but the scene that was set at the end of 2011, has yet to enter a new phase 13 weeks into 2012. It is fair to opine that the Sharks are stronger where they knew they were weak in 2011, and they have proven weaker in 2012, where they believed they would be stronger.

Confused?

i am jonnyking – comes with the territory

However, as this scribe sits comfortably in a land long way from a Durban home where most in the Republic will be sleeping; some will be liquidating, while a few will be eating and tweeting, that joke about John Smit is now not so funny, even as the stability of the zimmer frame in the 13 has proven at Ulster there is life if the Dog refuses to admit his age.

It is NOW time for the Sharks to bare their white’s. That is not a hypothetical statement!

Yes, the eyes of MacIntosh need to be again on show. The Sharks need to have an amnesia of the present, only to regain the past, when they were the mental edge in Super rugby, out of Africa.

Today, the excuses need to cease; the reasons why it couldn’t have been, removed from the “what if” playlist; this has to be a day out in Durban for the locals. It is that serious in this #supeRUG season and for a culture that is finding a way to get lost, even at home.

Hope.

While it is easy to elevate a situation until what happens next; these next two weeks in a South African Conference provide the Sharks with a lifeline. If they are to make any noise in this season, it starts today, is helped out by the Bulls next week, and then somehow carried through the International window, where they make it laugh-a-bull – and at their expense. Yes, they will likely need some help from “friends”, but if they prove today that they have the will; there is a, no way – Waaaaay.

Let me explain.

As we sit right now, with the Bulls defeat to the Chiefs, the Stormers sit atop the South African Conference on 49 points; the Bulls after their BP defeat have 48, with the Sharks in third on 41.

IF the Sharks can do the business over the Stormers at home, let’s assume they take 4 points and the Stormers take 1 point, in what should be a tight fixture between teams that really don’t like each other. This will take the Stormers to the half century mark; 50. The Bulls will stay on 48, but the big movers will be the Sharks, moving on up to 45.

After Week 14 - 50. 48. 45.

Next weekend, this young Stormers side that has taken each challenge in their stride will, again, travel away to another warm place for travelling sides; the Bulls are returning home, feeling a little blue for their efforts in NZ. This is where the Sharks will need some help, but it is reasonable to expect that the Bulls will take 4 points out of this match. Considering their tough and close time in NZ, this Bulls side will know this is their opportunity, particularly if the Sharks keep them very close, today.

IF this becomes more than my very small talk, the Bulls will move 52, the Stormers could well add another BP, and move to 51, with the Sharks away to the Lions offering the potential for 4 +1; putting them on 50.

After Week 15 - 52.51.50.

Then. IT. IS. ALL. ON.

A little absurdity comes into the picture, as an International window opens, providing a little d[r] aft.

However, men reading this piece, please use both sides of your brain, as the art of the International, should not sway your thinking about what happens next in #supeRUG, with three weeks left, before the playoffs.

The Stormers have the Lions in Capetown in Week 16; the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein in Week 17, and the Rebels back in Capetown in Week 18. One would expect this to be a successful time, although the Cheetahs have been known.

The Bulls have the Cheetahs in Week 16 at Loftus and the Lions at Loftus in Week 18; two wins, one would expect.

The Sharks have the Bye in Week 16, so their side has an extended break and the Cheetahs in Durban in Week 18. One should feel confident about both results.

Assuming all the sides follow through, there is one fixture that I have missed – WEEK 17 – Sharks v Bulls in Durban. We are living in the realms that this could be the fixture that decides the South African Conference. If the Sharks are able to take 4 points, and the Bulls grab 1 losing BP, impossible is nearing nothing.

Forget the argument that the Sharks have been too inconsistent. They will need to be thoroughly, to execute this effect, when it really counts. This also explains and underscores why this must be a day of destiny in Durban.

IF the previous scenario comes true, the South African Conference reads – STORMERS 63. SHARKS 62. BULLS 61. 

Well that was a flat finish for the Sharks; second again!

If you are a little confused as to how this helps the Sharks win the South African Conference, we need to focus on the Bonus Points factor.

[1] In my previous scenario, I have given the Stormers a losing BP against both the Sharks and the Bulls in Weeks 14 and 15 – no guarantee; meaning they could finish on as low as, 61. I have also given the Bulls a losing BP against the Sharks in Week 17. Both these contexts could factor into the equation with what happens, in the next insight.

[2] The 4-try BP. The Stormers have struggled in the try-scoring stakes in 2011, so this may not intersect. The Bulls have been better, particularly at Loftus. Having the Cheetahs and Lions, in two of the final three rounds, means they could add two more points to their above total, moving it to 63. If the Sharks can do the business at the Lions in Week 15 with 5, it could well come down to Week 18 against the Cheetahs. If they gain a 4-try BP in this fixture, they could also move to 63.

We won’t confuse the issue any more, if teams are tied on points, this far out.

So many scenarios!

What is the Point?

Two. This #supeRUG season in a South African Conference is really only beginning. Today, it must start with the Sharks.

Part of the problem in this post, is also the problem for the Sharks, which is dreaming about a potential future that has only prove more pathetic than hypothetical. They will come a step closer to waking up if they do their part against the Stormers.

It HAS to start today, so this dream can have a tomorrow.

Whatever transpires in the end, there is the potential for three sides in the South African Conference to make the playoffs.

What Say You?

Shooting from the Lip

iamjonnyking

Image Source Source

Because we care and can’t always be here, we invited someone else to tantalise your reading and rugby taste-buds.

You may know him as Gary Player’s SupeFan, but that person only finds flesh in the online persona that is Recreational William – a.k.a. SportBilly.

Easy, the photo isn’t him.

William is a cyberactive friend, and iamjonnyking thinking out loud, invited Big Will to join us each week with an event that “stood up” – or “intercepted,” if you will – his attention in the SupeWeekend, and any other weekends that will follow.

Therefore, without further wordsmith procrastination, the first edition that we now know, for a number of weeks, as the SupeSnippet with SportBilly… another a.k.a., William da Muss… Such a nice warm kiwi feel to that vibe.

Watch.

‘If there was ever a time for grumpy old men the world over to rise in unison (without the help of a small blue pill), this was it. Stirling stuff from Morty here as he takes an intercept pass, and unleashes the ‘afterburners’. Father Time over ran the offload and it was Cooper Vuna who collected and then put Stirling away for what must be the only try of the season not in need of a slow motion replay! Rod Kafer was asking for a foot race from up in the commentary box and backed him I would have! This has to go down as the Rebel’s finest hour and a good time for Sir Stirling to perhaps retire those ‘jet shoes’.’

Cheers for now..

William da Muss

As a Saders man, can’t say I enjoyed that walk down memory lane.

Nevertheless, thanking you William, and Until Next Time.

He will join us again next week, but you can find him daily on the timeline, as @SportBillySays – make sure you call connect – Call me Vodacom; we can do lunch on that line.

While you’re asking, make sure you also follow us @RugbyJourney.

I will be back with you some time this week.

However, before then, your moment of the weekend?

Offload!

Shooting from the Lip

iamjonnyking

No, we take this posting pitstop at a past-time that ponders to procrastinates, and at times, even prevaricates; I think I could “P” everywhere in this piece, as I postulate on.

Yes, this is a pool party, where even the P-Divvy will likely ventilate at some point – precisely!

Okay, this is not an adult edition of Sesame Street; time to P-free.

 Anyone for a Cookie? We could be a while.

As many of you will have grasped if you have lingered over words without end, while this scribe finds his residence under the same skyline, the long white cloud distinguishes my home.

Therefore, I offer this preview as a means to affirm my assumptions as I enter the discussion of the Kings in the #supeRUG world; they are a long way from your South African world.

Watching, reading, and reflecting on this subject that has a number of rabbit’s to trail, it is clear that some larger than life characters colour, much for many, in what is discussed on this subject that definitely matters.

This subject is much like the bride who expects it will be, the once spoken about long-term engagement has now become the real-time living arrangement, with the promise of tomorrow sounding more like the reality of today.

You know the story, the Spears promised a #supe new home and rugby status, only to be put down with the sweetest of treats, now finding a second coming in the Kings, with SARU again promising to be the faithful husband. However, the bed-wetting has returned, with many thinking it is only a matter of time before the sheets get soiled again. Unfaithful. A bride left at the altar; dressed for success; somebody else’s.

There will be tears before bedtime!

Let me be frank, as I begin to enter in, this is not a win-win situation

Somebody is crying into their pillow as a future dream becomes a nightmare. Let us not forget this dark and dingy destination for one. Sombre.

The talk remains that the Kings place is already a fait accompli, and you know the French, with the Lions the side for the chopper - ejector seat. Nobody is favoured if we refrain from the obvious; the Lions have too frequently found love in a broom cupboard; swept away by this level of competition. In the now neatly arranged South African Conference, Mitchell and Spencer haven’t been able to put the finishing touches together, even as injuries haven’t helped. Louis just too Luyt.

This is where the discussion can easily become tangential, and I will join you for a time.

 Back in my Day! You know you are sounding Old.

This is NOT about 12 Teams 

While you may legitimately decry the unfair nature of the conference arrangement, which does impinge on the conclusion, the numbers do affirm that 15 teams also means a closer competition – more away wins and a reducing gap in a contest – both marks that bear witness to a better competition, in my opinion. Aussie teams still derby in 12; not as often, but sleep is healing.

For all the talk about 12 teams in SupeRugby, such only works where the Currie Cup and NPC/ITM Cup have preference. You may talk about an Aussie conspiracy, but we have now joined their worldview, and we ain’t looking back. What were our historic rugby homes will still very much live on, as the ITM Cup has proven in previous years, but they are now well and truly domesticated – Rest in “P” – not again.

Apparently, he will be hip-hopping at home halftime matches. Okay, this may not be true, too!

This is NOT a Keohane/Watson Question

Those who make it such exhibit clear marks of making-to-creating a fatal category error. This question is being framed by some as a popularity contest on Mark Keohane, Luke and Cheeky Watson. The result of this tactic is the creation of a straw man; classic when one party wants to win a debate; easy to defeat a straw man that does not exist. This is disingenuous, with the result that it distorts the locus of this issue. This type of tactic encourages the reigning assumption of the masses to get on board, which works if many prove invigorated by the question.

Let me also state it this way; for all the talk about “supposed” wrongdoings by Keohane in particular, even if these are proven to be true, this is still a separate question to the legitimacy of the Kings in SupeRugby. While some media will talk about the mud’s viscosity, it should not stick.

Even if – hypothetically – Keohane is proven to be acting illegally, the Kings question is nowhere impinged by his actions, as his actions are separate. Again, no one should be asking you to like any of these protagonists. Such matters are beyond the point. While we can point to the genesis of this SARU decision that predates any potential Keohane conflict as basis for this position, the inherent logical connections in this situation also make this clear.

Don’t be confused by this issue.

 Nuff Said.

Why is this important?

Because it helps to take more of the heat out of the debate, and most importantly in my opinion, because this better exemplifies a clear correspondence in the context. I am not consumed with pushing anyone’s case from my New Zealand home.

And again, the question of the Kings is not the same question as one’s opinion on the like-ability or fitness of Keohane and Co. It is time for South Africans to drop this line of reasoning in regard to the Kings, as it corrupts; assuming you want to approach this subject on an even footing.

A Solution?

You think I could arrive at that in a little over a Thousand words?

Okay, I lied, it is alot over that word count, and I do have a cunning plan – you can play, pin the tail on the weasel.

You could give SARU the same number of years and we could be onto a winner, which is to say, this organisation is sitting in the hot seat. They have made promises in the past that are now becoming the present, even when the gift still awaits to given.

 Who said Cheetahs are not Marriage-Material?!

The solution is NOT to have the Kings of 2012 enter a playoff arrangement with the Lions of 2012

It would be as logical to affirm the Kings entrance into SupeRugby in 2013, with the plan that post this season, they could play the Lions for this spot in 2014. It would really be the Lion Kings then, as this Jozi side will be stripped, and then kitted in the other colours.

I also do not buy the lack of depth in South African rugby argument for a sixth side. There is plenty of depth. Take an accounting of the numbers plying their trade off-shore. The rudimentary numbers are there. What is needed is the financial ability or willingness to pay the price, which in practice puts a stop to this idea in the past.

You can also rid yourself of the lack of local talent perspective, as it is reasonable to expect this to take time, and I am assuming there’s at least some altruistic SARU ideals for having a team in the Eastern Cape. If previous locale is your raison d’etre for rejection, you may want to also check the New Zealand residence of the Highlanders squad.

Yes, the Kings will need a bumper cheque book.

The answer seems as intractable as either set of supporters in this debate – Word – channeling the 90s.

Wait! A Light… Dawning on the Horizon >>> The King, Writeth.

Oh, Stop It, Already!

An iamjonnyking Solution

Personally, I would take a more pragmatic view in the present, grounded in the reigning assumption that SupeRugby is NOW the dominant “local” rugby competition in South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand.

This means that fundamentally, this competition is on a growth curve – phat boy.

If SupeRugby stops at 15, someone has dropped the ball.

I expect a scenario where another team will join the Australian Conference from Asia and another team will join the New Zealand Conference from the Americas, into the future, thereby making, you guessed it, 6 teams in each Conference, if the Kings are also JUST added.

If this is the long-term plan, on behalf of the Australian and New Zealand contingent, I would have placated this South African dilemma, [1] in light of this plan, [2] the African numbers impacting on the Television deal, and [3] the ability to keep a, they-owe-me, for a later date.

This would have taken some creative accounting, in terms of the breakdown in the competition, but this Kings side could have been guaranteed to play every Australian and New Zealand side; another coup for honest John O’Neill and his thriving conference.

The result is that SANZAR would also have given SARU and the South African 6 an opportunity to witness what this extra team looks like in reality, but with a limited expectancy of some two years, before the next deal is signed. SARU could even put some quality control outcomes in place for all 6 teams, placing all under notice that their future proof of life is to be connected with performance.

Everyone placed on a somewhat even footing.

Somebody call, SANZAR!

Today, talk is the Kings are already in SupeRugby 2013, and while the dawning of a new side with a Canterbury connection does offer something for this King, the promise of a tomorrow seems a question that is still very much future.

Will love mean marriage for these Kings? They may have the ring to prove it, but the Return of the King is much more middle earth – I know, loved this ending as well.

There is still much to say on this subject, but that is enough from me; this bill from Aotearoa now worth my crown.

What Say You?

Until Next Time

iamjonnyking

Image Image Image

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Apologies if that nearly sent your electronic reading device over the edge, or, if you are now looking more blue than pink, in the face.

Whatever way you want to frame it, there has been much consternation in the Republic recently.

Speaking of such, it reads like the deal has been done on bringing back the champion Lock, Victor Matfield, with other names like, Fourie du Preez, also apparently wanted by the new Springbok supremo.

Trust Me. I Know What I Am Doing!

It is reasonably clear that this decision fails to read the reigning paradigm and perspective in South Africa, which desperately desires to start something new in Springbok Green. The final nail in the older order was blown by Bryce, and this is the time to blood the many talented players, such as Etzebeth and Kruger; not to mention those who have completed their time, such as Bekker and van der Merwe, in this Second Row.

This does not even detail those in the “other” positions.

Nevertheless, let me see if I can, from my middle New Zealand home, offer some reasoning as to why, Heyneke Meyer, who will live and die with these decisions, is heading down this direction.

Simply put, he believes these decisions provide his best chance of winning in the short-term, versus England, which will likely extend into the new Rugby Championship. It would not surprise this scribe, if we do not see the new Meyer philosophy coming into greater effect, until the End of Year Tour.

Remember, change does take time.

At a moment when this code has been consumed with every four years, can I affirm that it is nice to witness a focus on the short-term, with the motivation being the goal; to win every Test.

The question then becomes for Meyer, what is the best way and means, to this destination.

Why Take This Direction?

In a word, time.

Meyer is just getting his staff together, and with only a matter of weeks before Test time, he will pragmatically approach this time, much like a Caretaker; continuing with a philosophy that should provide enough initial success to get the job done. This would also explain why he is pushing for Matfield for this one year, as he was one of the key leaders and instigators of the Bokke unit, in the P-Divvy era, and with their close relationship, this can maximise these effects.

Some of the talk has been reasoning on Victor’s experience as Captain, for this decision. While this may play some part – there is still the FDP question – I believe it is the whole package of what he provides from the past, which Meyer wants to continue into the future, until that time, when he can begin something new.

In New Zealand, the new All Blacks staff has been announced since late December 2011, and has been preparing for the 2012 All Blacks facsimile, since then. SARU are still in the process, making Meyer’s move far more convoluted, impacting on his ability to do it his way.

In real terms, this may not affect the selectorial process significantly, as the new names that are standing out should still get picked, even as some old names are retained.

However, I do have a nagging unease that if this Matfield move is being dogmatically planned, then his form on the field moves toward irrelevance, when I believe it should be used as part of his test. No matter what Meyer wants, if Matfield is clearly past the point of some return, he must be able to say thanks, but no thanks.

If not, this could get very ugly, and early.

Would I make this decision?

Probably not, particularly in light of Matfield’s retirement in the code. If you were to give an All Blacks context, say bringing back, Brad Thorn, this would not provide such an issue, as he is still plying his trade for Leinster, at the minute.

When Heyneke Meyer was named as the new Bokke coach, I witnessed the fresh sense and hope that his words provided for many bearing the weight of the Divvy’s different dimension. I listened to him talk with humility and hope about the future, saying the right things, pushing the correct buttons.

If the Matfield talk becomes reality, there will be an almighty pause for many.

However, while we provide conjecture, he must carry the weight of responsibility. Any talk about four years is really relegated from this debate.

In light of the full context of the moment for Meyer, what is the best plan for South Africa to win every Test in 2012?

I have no doubt that he is doing his all to present what he believes is the right answer, just as many will claim he is answering the wrong question.

It must be admitted; he is taking the greater risk if he follows through.

Remember that.

There would be less dissension if he only picked a new squad for England from those who have stood tallest. If this didn’t go according to plan, there would be grief, but it would be contextualised by a new beginning.

Meyer is opening a door to the future, which has the majority openly rejecting his proposal. That says much about his character and his belief that this is the best way forward for the Springboks.

I must admit that this encourages a greater respect for the man.

Nevertheless, the question still remains; courageous or foolhardy?

Only time can answer that tale.

What Say You?

Shooting from the Lip

iamjonnyking

Image

His job is presently a taxing and consuming priority; don’t jettison his hope for a joke.

Only a small trophy can be won in April, and as the Blues are proving, much can also be lost. There is plenty of time for all sides at either spectrum to take a dive or arrive, as we head toward week 18, and the playoffs.

Nice and slow.

As this season of 2012 unfurled, there were only a few picking this new Stormers unit would be the leading #supeRUG side out of the Republic. It was tough enough for us, New Zealand side, to find out who would be making the final cut in each franchise, but with all the talk about change in the Cape, even her more vociferous and ardent supporters were playing it on the downlow, as expectations started to sound off.

And then the band played.

Things would start solidly enough over the Canes and Sharks, before this side would say, Bye. The Blues would blow mostly cold, as a momentary blitz would only disturb the saucers – no cups. The Lions on Coke would go close, even as this southern South African side would provide comfort for the flock. The battle with the Bulls would be brutal, but clinical on close examination. However, with the arrival of week 7 in Dunedin, the fantastical clan have started to show signs of expression, after their defensive wall made that one in china, more meccano, by comparison.

7 weeks. 7 wins – even the Lions wins on the Bye.

Is this the Season for the Stormers?

No, I am not meaning another home semi-final!

Will they finally cross the Sahara, and find new sporting life?

For all those who have been on more than one Tour of Duty, you have one bloviating who has known the pain of failed expectations, so I understand reticence to ride this new wave. Your thinking is correct. It is too early to seriously consider such longings for the locals, as there is many-a-mirage with which to ignore on the way. Then again, we are not one to walk the well-worn path on a RugbyJourney – telly-ho, what.

Therefore, in the remaining moments in this reading convocation, let me whisper with reason to be hopeful on the horizon – Storm Saam.

This starts with some non-fat phat

If you want the brutal perception of the historic Stormers pack, and let’s be frank, the Front-Row seemed more intent on loving you to death, instead of hitting like it hurt on the engage and out into open play. Soft. The rise of the Ranga – Kitshoff; the return of Brok back to the fold, with the other – I got picked on when I was a boy in the playground – starting to provide a new culture, seemingly unencumbered by the failings of the past; ready to disassemble. To be sure; the Highlanders are no real test of this growth plate come scrum-time, but it is time for a Greek Wedding, as speaking of getting Frank, they will face the sternest test from a Saders 8 who play to get their h8 on – assuming selection, of course.

There are other names that have the timelines tweeting, one such being the Siya-later-Kid Kolisi. While he has had his moments, the best on opening day when he Caned the opposition, the one standing tallest is South Africa’s very own, Garden of Eben… Etzebeth! Again, the sun is in the early morn of his appearing, but he could just be the new face we love to loathe in South African rugby. Brash; willingness to war; dismissiveness of self, and a hunger to hunt at all costs, mark him out as a special calling. As one who lives a long way from this home, the come and get me response to a Highlanders clean-out, sent my pulse on a road with a little racing.

The White-Picket D Fence

The name, Nienaber, sounds suspiciously like another season, but his style and system is suiting the Stormers who are using their D as the means to unlock the opposition when most vulnerable. If I was a thinking man, I would suggest the best way to beat this Stormers side would be to play it safe, Saam. Conservative. The Highlanders played far too much rugby, for the most part, behind the gain-line, providing the Stormers with a nice inside game of smack that man. As the phases grew in number, so did their resolve, along with the opposition’s frustration. It was only a matter of time before the unstructured reality of turned over ball, opened the door for the Stormers to attack. If the Saders try and get around them, they will likely find that the Stormers will got through them – previous assumptions continuing.

The system is working, and some credit is due. However, it has to be very personal, founded in the growing attitude of iron – ore – in their curtain. There is a resolve into the collision, an acceptance that the price is worth paying, a willingness to work together, with the results proof this is looking very positive.

After all, championships are won on…!

The Draw

The potential in any draw is only made evident if a side is executing, and with three still to play in New Zealand and further West, this is still very much, a one week at a time, proposition. However…

While the Saders in Christchurch should be one of their toughest to play, with a return from the Republic, a more-rested Stormers should be physically prepared. In light of their laaities – I think the term goes – they may decide to call time this weekend, as with the Force and Reds following, both loom as real winning opportunities before the Stormers return home to enjoy the Bye. After that nice rest in some Capetown rain, the Cheetahs and Waratahs at Newlands potentially provide more pain for the tourists, with the following week – 14 – at the Shark tank, a battle that should get all the English-speakers tweeting. What happens next is week 15, which is another date to diarise, with the Bulls returning to play against the Stormers side that has been in the Republic for a handful of weeks. Not a bad time to gather a bottle for the beach from Loftus. You also never know when a white card will offer a load-of-Bull, in NZ?! 16 – Lions at home. 17 – Cheetahs away; finishing with a Bye in week 18, as the Bieber takes over Newlands, as the Rebels arrive – settle down.

This is a draw that should read playoff. Form can slump. Injuries can happen. The opposition can find the key. Nevertheless, the way the Stormers are presently tracking; the return of the Burger fueled in good time; this is a draw that should offer more hope than rope, even in the toughest of contests.

Therefore, this Stormers side should win the South African Conference – even at this point, from this far out, with all that has gone on before.

Oh the joys of pressure!

Will they?

Their closest rival – the Bulls – have the Lions [A], Brumbies [H], Bye [4], Rebels [A], Highlanders [A], and Chiefs [A], before they return on that week 15 for this compelling contest versus the Stormers, at Loftus. We will likely have a better idea at that moment, but how the Stormers perform in their final two matches in Australia – Reds/Force – in contrast to the Bulls in NZ – Highlanders/Chiefs – will set the scene for this clash at Loftus, and the battle for the Conference crown.

We must also remember the 4 week [approx.] international window, following week 15, which takes out most of June. This will provide another twist to this tale.

The Sharks and Cheetahs will proclaim they are still in it to win it, but they will need much help from above and beyond.

Is this the year of the Stormers?

Hope is all you’ve got at this point, but there is reason to hold on.

What Say You?

Shooting from the Lip

iamjonnyking

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Both sides were all derby’d-up for the battle, as each came out early, wanting to share their love for the game, and for each other.

All seemed like your proto-typical rugby bromance, until the heat must have gone to Chilliboy’s head, and he decided it was time to break out into a two-step of sorts-n-shorts-n-sports, catching all by the seat of their pants, let along Spies.

Talk about dancing with the stars.

This also caught the Commentators by surprise.

Bob tried his best to explain what was happening next, but Matty P couldn’t handle the moment, just freezing in the Skinner’s full flight – not even any eye contact – this was serious.

There’s always such moments on a RugbyJourney, but please anyone, help a Matty out with any ideas as to, What Bob Said? For the love of some SupeSport!

Please leave a comment after the beeeeeep. Apologies. Matty still way too upset!

Shooting from the Lip

iamjonnyking

Butt Seriously: Fall in “Like” with us on Facebook. Really. Truly. Deeply.

As I look on my little one who has an arm-full of cast, after falling from the sky, I begin to take in the ticking of the body clock, informing one of the deprivation of sleep – alarm bells – we rarely take notice of such. This has been some day in the iamjonnykingdom.

Yet, I am moved by a more intense idea, which is this – Motherwell – stunned silence; shattered hope; numb realities; the ending of days.

The thought that fills my mind is how much the fallen would have given to live my day, look into my future, and deal with my dilemma. On a personal level, this should remind us all about the radical nature of living out the mundane. We too easily give it away, complain of its pain, until it is gone, and our failure to grasp the gift of such a simple grace is finalised, and a future is given away to such an excuse for a fate.

It is too early and too soon to navigate too far down such a path, as the wounds are too fresh, the reality too visceral, and the future too surreal. This is the time for the rugby community of South Africa to exhibit in practice what they would love to experience in greater measures, in reality.

In my New Zealand home, we have had our own, Sonny Fai.

As a worldwide rugby community, this is the time to do more than offer heart-felt condolences, our actions must animate these words into life.

Already I have witnessed some direction in this discussion on social media platforms, and I am sure this will grow as those compelled by this tragedy respond to their beating down below.

We will talk again soon!

On this RugbyJourney, we have considered many pathways toward the maximisation of social media; but we have yet to create the right substance toward the Summit. However, as we consider their days, we are behooved to consider our own.

Time to wait and see in this context, but act out of compulsion in this other.

We still hope for something that defies!

Shooting from the Lip

Until Next Time

iamjonnyking

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<—- Yes, this fella over there!

He’ll have his catch-phrases, one-liners, emotional moments, and words that just seem to turn a phrase.

So that we all won’t forget, we would like to welcome you to, What Bob Said – cue the cheesy jingle.

Thanks for that, Bob.

Anyone like to posit a creative line for what was wrong with Gary van Ashwegen’s posterior?

Shooting from the Lip

iamjonnyking