No More Mr Nice Guy For Plumtree
John Smit argues a yellow card against the Waratahs
Sharks head coach John Plumtree says he will suspend his players if they are yellow-carded in future Super 14 games.
Plumtree was reflecting on his team’s 25-21 loss to the Waratahs in Sydney when two Sharks players, prop Jannie du Plessis and flyhalf Andy Goode, were sin-binned in the first half. The Sharks have now had five players yellow-carded in four games and Plumtree said this was unacceptable.
“I was very annoyed with our discipline and have been for a while,” Plumtree told the Sharks website. “I read the riot act to the guys in our post-match analysis on Monday night.”
Plumtree said he would take action against players who are sin-binned in the future.
“I told the guys that the next player to get a yellow card gets a red card from me. When you are down on your luck, and trying really hard to get out of a hole, you can’t then make it tougher for the team by getting yourself binned. It is just silly and stresses the team unnecessarily.
“This has been creeping into our game now for a while and it has to stop right now. We were always a side that prided itself on discipline both on and off the field.”
The Sharks meet the Brumbies in Canberra on Saturday and then head back across the Tasman ea to New Zealand to play the Hurricanes and Highlanders in their last two tour games.
Plumtree admitted “the big decisions” that had gone against the Sharks in the final three minutes – the knock-down of Stefan Terblanche’s pass and the penalty for lineout obstruction – had “seriously cost us”
“Everybody has been talking about the slap-down of Stefan’s pass to Ryan which would have been a try but for that act of cynical play from Kurtley Beale. There was also a pass to Bismarck du Plessis that was called forward which on analysis was shown to be legitimate and again we would have scored.”
He added that there are decisions in rugby that can be controlled, like discipline, and others that are beyond the players” control.
“We have to move on from decisions that don’t go their way and which crop up every now and again and are a part of the game. It happens and we are not focusing on it in our post-match analysis.”
From the playing point of view he said there were signs that the Sharks were starting to improve but they were still not accurate enough.
“If you can keep hold of the ball and remain accurate with it, enough to take advantage of the quicker ruck ball, you can really put the opposition under immense pressure and eventually tire them out.”
He was also encouraged by the character in the team which had seen the Sharks fight back from 25-14 down against the Waratahs to almost win the game.
“We will just carry on fighting until we get that first win and hopefully then get on a roll.”
Courtesy of The Witness
Should John Plumtree Get The Boot?
Sharks Coach, John Plumtree
Plumtree has been the subject of much speculation since his Durban-based Sharks side started the new Super 14 rugby season with three straight defeats.
They were narrowly beaten in their first two home matches, by the Chiefs and Cheetahs respectively, and they were then thumped 35-6 by the Crusaders in Christchurch last weekend to start their long Australasian tour.
That led to suggestions from some that New Zealander Plumtree faced dismissal unless he turned things round dramatically on their five-week tour.
There was even talk of a private meeting and finger-wagging lecture from Sharks chief executive Brian van Zyl to that effect.
The Sharks, however, have acted quickly to dispel the rumours and not only assure Plumtree of his job security, but also wave a fat new three-year contract under his nose.
Plumtree, a former Wellington NPC coach, had reportedly showed some interest in the previously vacant Hurricanes job, but then withdrew himself from that race to concentrate on his role with the Sharks.
Pietermaritzburg newspaper The Witness reported that Van Zyl had fully endorsed Plumtree and strongly denied any suggestion that the highly rated coach might be facing the axe should his side’s poor run of results continue.
“The Sharks board have agreed to extend the contract by three years and we would not have done that if we did not have every faith in him as a coach,” Van Zyl told the paper.
“Plum only has to agree to the terms now but we obviously want him to stay. A good coach does not become a bad coach overnight.”
Plumtree’s wife is from Durban and he has a long association with Sharks rugby, having ended his playing days with the province in the Currie Cup.
The Sharks meet the NSW Waratahs in Sydney on Saturday night, before continuing their road trip against the ACT Brumbies, Highlanders and Hurricanes.
And though Plumtree may now have some security around his future at the organisation, he still faces a massive challenge turning this season around after their horror start.
Courtesy of stuff.co.nz
HAVE YOUR SAY: Should Plumtree get the sack for the Sharks bad performance?
So Far So Good For Rugby Changes
The Reds changed their strategy for the Crusaders.
Everyone, it seems, has a view about the new law “interpretations” in rugby, and maybe it’s time for some healthy perspective on a change in emphasis that is producing positive results on the field.
Despite what critics say, it’s increasingly obvious that the Super 14 is heading in the right direction.
There is less kicking for position, more counter-attacking, fewer penalties, the ball is in play for longer and we’re seeing a more free-flowing game.
And, let’s face it, we’re still in the middle of the bedding-in period.
From what I’ve seen so far, we’re well on the road to a better game of rugby. The anecdotal evidence tells you it’s getting better each week.
Although people refer to new “interpretations”, the reality is it’s just the laws being applied correctly.
Players are being ruled more strictly in terms of staying onside on the kick-chase and, as a result, we’re seeing sides more willing to counter-attack and having the space do so.
This appears to have reduced the amount of aerial “ping-pong” that had become a blight on the game by the end of last year.
The scrum engagement has also seen a big improvement.
There is more consistency from refs – some are still too quick – but completion rates are up significantly.
Of course, the main focus has been the contentious tackle ball. The chief effect of the tighter rulings is less kicking as sides are more willing to chance their arms because they’ve got a much better chance of retaining possession. That’s a huge positive.
Not that it’s all being loaded in favour of attacking teams.
Notwithstanding that bizarre game in Jo’burg last week, well-organised defences are still able to exert an influence. And tries were up by only a couple on last year through the first few rounds. But we are getting a better game, the ball’s in play more, and we’re seeing sides able to keep hold of the ball and build pressure.
There are still plenty of penalties at the breakdown, but I reckon it will settle down with acknowledgement the second defender in needs to get a fair go.
We shouldn’t forget referees need time to adjust as well. At the moment they’re ruling it pretty harsh and there’s a tendency to blow quickly. But it’s a tough area, refs have got only a split-second to react and, like players, they make mistakes.
So what’s next?
Teams are already adjusting. Last year tacklers would try to get the ball-carrier on the ground and turn him. You do that now you get penalised. So tacklers are staying on their feet and keeping the ball-carrier up, so they’re not falling the “wrong way”.
Also tacklers, even when on the “right side”, often don’t attack the ball, but stay strong over it, exposing it for the next player arriving to have a crack at, or even blow over.
We’re also seeing a real change in some kicking games. The Crusaders last week employed a standard approach and got hurt on the counter-attack. With counter-attack fashionable again, the long kick can be a risky proposition.
The Reds kicked differently: they moved wide and kicked into space where they could compete for the ball.
In terms of the quality of rugby, you’ll always get exceptions but I feel we’re moving away from the mediocrity that has been too common in the past few years.
Courtesy of stuff.co.nz
HAVE YOUR SAY: Do you agree?
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Super 14 Cops Northern Hemisphere Serve
Stephen Jones, that irrepressible British critic of southern hemisphere rugby, has predictably launched a scathing attack on the latest version of the Super 14, labelling it “tripe”, “sickly”, “a shambles” and “pap rugby”.
It was only a matter of time before Jones pointed his poisoned pen in the direction of the Super 14 with its new law interpretations. The 137-point fiasco in Johannesburg last weekend proved irresistible.
In his weekly “Rolling Maul” column for The Times, Jones labelled the match “a ghastly total of 18 tries against non-defending”.
“Let us not pretend that the followers of the Chiefs, or anyone else for that matter, will not feel sick if such tripe is served up for much longer in the Super 15,” wrote Jones, forgetting that the tournament is actually the Super 14 for another season before Melbourne joins next year.
“I’ve often written of the dangers of chasing the concept of entertainment in rugby. It made a complete joke of Super Rugby and it is in grave danger of doing so all over again,” Jones continued.
“It is living proof of the shambles that occurs when senior officials of struggling unions make the gross error to believe that endless sickly movements are the answer to their problems.
“By doing so, they put pressure on coaches and especially on referees. The biggest lie is that the pap rugby of last weekend was caused by a so-called crackdown by southern hemisphere referees on tackling.
“No doubt they were. But there was far more to it than that. Effectively, they abandoned any semblance of a fair contest for possession in any phases of the match and felt under pressure so that the attacking team were allowed to do so no matter what. They also feared that their paymasters would be on their backs if the game did not yield around 15 tries minimum.”
It’s hard to argue too much against Jones’ ramblings on a game that did evolve into a game of touch over the last quarter and almost single-handedly undid the promising displays of the previous weekend’s opening round
To his credit Jones did put things into perspective with a not-too-flattering view of the game in his own back yard.
He’s looking for some common ground between the approaches of the two hemispheres to give rugby a global approach that will provide a better product than is currently on display at either end of the spectrum.
With thanks to Stuff.co.nz
S14 FANTASY LEAGUE: Ready For Round Three
Losses for three of the contenders last week means there’s lots to play for as Super 14 Round Three kicks off.
The Waratahs, Brumbies and Crusaders all suffered setbacks last week – and it will be interesting to see if they can stage comebacks this weekend. The Crusaders welcome back Richie McCaw, but only from the bench this week – he should get a starting spot next week.
High flyers the Bulls will be without star flanker Pierre Spies this weekend as he is being rested – let’s hope this doesn’t come back to bite them in their match against the Waratahs.
Both the Hurricanes and Chiefs had massive wins last weekend, but while the Hurricanes can look forward to the return of Rodney So’oialo, the Chiefs will be without Sione Lauaki, who is out of the game due to a two-week suspension.
For the struggling Western Force, there’s a glimmer of light at the end of the dark tunnel – they’re at home this weekend, and will welcome back Mark Bartholomeusz, and Scott Staniforth.
Crusaders vs Sharks – Friday 8:35am
Crusaders: 15 Jared Payne, 14 Sean Maitland, 13 Robbie Fruean, 12 Ryan Crotty, 11 Zac Guildford, 10 Dan Carter, 9 Andy Ellis, 8 Thomas Waldrom, 7 George Whitelock, 6 Kieran Read (captain), 5 Brad Thorn, 4 Sam Whitelock, 3 Ben Franks, 2 Ti’i Paulo, 1 Wyatt Crockett.
Replacements: 16 Quentin MacDonald, 17 Owen Franks, 18 Joe Wheeler, 19 Richie McCaw, 20 Kahn Fotuali’i, 21 Adam Whitelock, 22 Colin Slade.
Sharks: 15 Stefan Terblanche, 14 Odwa Ndungane, 13 Waylon Murray, 12 Adrian Jacobs, 11 JP Pietersen, 10 Ruan Pienaar, 9 Rory Kockott, 8 Ryan Kankowski, 7 Willem Alberts, 6 Jacques Botes, 5 Johann Muller, 4 Steven Sykes, 3 John Smit (captain), 2 Bismarck du Plessis, 1 Tendai Mtawarira.
Replacements: 16 Deon Carstens, 17 Jannie du Plessis, 18 Wilhelm Steenkamp, 19 Jean Deysel, 20 Keegan Daniel, 21 Andrew Goode, 22 Riaan Swanepoel.
Stormers vs Brumbies – Friday 7:10pm
Stormers: 15. Joe Pietersen, 14. Gio Aplon, 13. Jaque Fourie, 12. Juan De Jongh, 11. Bryan Habana, 10. Peter Grant, 9. Ricky Januarie, 8. Duane Vermeulen, 7. Francois Louw, 6. Pieter Louw, 5. Andries Bekker (captain), 4. De Kock Steenkamp, 3. Brok Harris, 2. Tiaan Liebenberg, 1. JC Kritzinger
Substitutes: 16. Deon Fourie, 17. Eusebio Guinazu, 18. Anton van Zyl, 19. Pieter Myburgh, 20. Dewaldt Duvenage, 21. Lionel Cronje, 22. Sireli Naqelevuki
Brumbies: 15. Adam Ashley-Cooper, 14. Pat McCabe, 13. Stirling Mortlock, 12. Christian Lealiifano, 11. Francis Fainifo, 10. Matt Giteau, 9. Josh Valentine, 8. Stephen Hoiles (captain), 7. George Smith, 6. Rocky Elsom, 5. Mark Chisholm, 4. Ben Hand, 3. Salesi Ma’afu, 2. Stephen Moore, 1. Ben Alexander
Substitutes: 16. Huia Edmonds, 17. Guy Shepherdson, 18. Justin Harrison, 19. Mitchell Chapman, 20. Patrick Phibbs, 21. Matt Toomua, 22. Tyrone Smith
Hurricanes vs Lions – Saturday 8:35am
HURRICANES: 15 Cory Jane, 14 Tamati Ellison, 13 Conrad Smith, 12 Ma’a Nonu, 11 David Smith, 10 Willie Ripia, 9 Piri Weepu; 8 Rodney So’oialo, 7 Karl Lowe, 6 Michael Paterson, 5 Jason Eaton, 4 Bryn Evans, 3 Neemia Tialata, 2 Andrew Hore (capt), 1 John Schwalger. Reserves: 16 Dane Coles, 17 Jacob Ellison, 18, Nick Crosswell, 19 Scott Waldrom, 20 Tyson Keats, 21 Aaron Cruden, 22 Andre Taylor.
Lions – Earl Rose; Tonderai Chavhanga, Deon Van Rensburg, Doppies La Grange, Wandile Mjekevu; Carlos Spencer, JP Joubert; Todd Clever, Derick Minnie, Cobus Grobbelaar (capt), George Earl, Franco Van der Merwe, Ross Geldenhuys, Hannes Franklin, Heinke Van der Merwe.
Substitues – Charles Emslie, Kevin Buys, Jacques Lombaard, Robert Kruger, Jacques Coetzee, Walter Venter, Michael Killian.
Reds vs Blues – Saturday 10:40am
Reds: 15 Peter Hynes, 14 Digby Ioane, 13 Morgan Turinui, 12 Anthony Faingaa, 11 Rod Davies, 10 Quade Cooper, 9 Will Genia (captain), 8 Scott Higginbotham, 7 Daniel Braid, 6 Jake Schatz, 5 Van Humphries, 4 Adam Byrnes, 3 Laurie Weeks, 2 Saia Faingaa, 1 Ben Daley.
Replacements: 16 Sean Hardman, 17 Greg Holmes, 18 Rob Simmons, 19 Leroy Houston, 20 Richard Kingi, 21 Tim Walsh, 22 Will Chambers.
Blues: 15 Paul Williams, 14 Joe Rokocoko, 13 Rene Ranger, 12 Benson Stanley, 11 Rudi Wulf, 10 Stephen Brett, 9 Alby Mathewson, 8 Peter Saili, 7 Serge Lilo, 6 Jerome Kaino, 5 Anthony Boric, 4 Kurtis Haiu, 3 Charlie Faumuina, 2 Keven Mealamu (captain), 1 John Afoa.
Replacements: 16 Tom McCartney, 17 Tony Woodcock, 18 Filo Paulo, 19 Viliami Ma’afu, 20 Chris Smylie, 21 Daniel Kirkpatrick, 22 Lachie Munro.
Force vs Chiefs – Saturday 1:05pm
Western Force: 15 Mark Bartholomeusz, 14 Scott Staniforth, 13 Ryan Cross, 12 Mitch Inman, 11 Nick Cummins, 10 James O’Connor, 9 Brett Sheehan, 8 Sam Wykes, 7 Matt Hodgson, 6 Ben McCalman, 5 Nathan Sharpe (captain), 4 Tom Hockings, 3 Tim Fairbrother, 2 Pek Cowan, 1 Nic Henderson.
Replacements: 16 Ryan Tyrrell, 17 Matt Dunning, 18 Richard Stanford, 19 Luke Jones, 20 Chris O’Young, 21 Sam Harris, 22 Dane Haylett-Petty.
Chiefs: 15 Mike Delany, 14 Lelia Masaga, 13 Richard Kahui, 12 Callum Bruce, 11 Dwayne Sweeney, 10 Stephen Donald, 9 Brendon Leonard, 8 Colin Bourke, 7 Tanerau Latimer, 6 Liam Messam (captain), 5 Culum Retallick, 4 Romana Graham, 3 Nathan White, 2 Hika Elliot, 1 Sona Taumalolo.
Replacements: 16 Aled de Malmanche, 17 Ben Afeaki, 18 Jarrad Hoeata, 19 Luke Braid, 20 Junior Poluleuligaga, 21 Jackson Willison, 22 Tim Nanai-Williams.
Cheetahs vs Highlanders – Saturday 5:05pm
HIGHLANDERS: 15 Israel Dagg, 14 Ben Smith 13 Kendrick Lynn, 12 Jason Shoemark, 11 Fetu’u Vainikolo, 10 Michael Hobbs, 9 Jimmy Cowan (capt); 8 Adam Thomson, 7 Alando Soakai, 6 John Hardie, 5 Tom Donnelly, 4 Josh Bekhuis, 3 Clint Newland, 2 Jason Rutledge, 1 Jamie Mackintosh. Reserves: 16 Jason Macdonald, 17 Chris King, 18 Hayden Triggs, 19 Tim Boys, 20 Sean Romans, 21 Matt Berquist, 22 James Paterson.
Cheetahs: Riaan Viljoen, Danwel Demas, Lionel Mapoe, Meyer Bosman, Jongi Nokwe, Naas Olivier, Tewis de Bruyn, Frans Viljoen, Juan Smith (captain), Heinrich Brüssow, David de Villiers, Nico Breedt, WP Nel, Adriaan Strauss, Wian du Preez.
Substitutes: Ryno Barnes, Coenie Oosthuizen, Waltie Vermeulen, Ashley Johnson, Sarel Pretorius, Sias Ebersohn, Hennie Daniller.
Bulls vs Waratahs – Saturday 7:10pm
Bulls: Zane Kirchner, Gerhard van den Heever. Stephan Dippenaar, Wynand Olivier, Francois Hougaard, Morne Steyn, Fourie du Preez, Danie Rossouw, Pedrie Wannenburg, Derick Kuun, Victor Matfield (capt.), Flip van der Merwe, Werner Kruger, Gary Botha, Gurthro Steenkamp.
Substitutes: Bandise Maku, Bees Roux, Deon Stegmann, Dewald Potgieter, Heini Adams, Jacques-Louis Potgieter, Jaco van der Westhuyzen/John Mametsa.
Waratahs team: Sosene Anesi; Lachie Turner, Tom Carter, Berrick Barnes, Drew Mitchell; Daniel Halangahu, Luke Burgess; Wycliff Palu, Phil Waugh (capt), Ben Mowen, Kane Douglas, Dave Dennis, Al Baxter, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Benn Robinson.
Substitutes: Damien Fitzpatrick, Sekope Kepu, Will Caldwell, Locky McCaffrey, Josh Holmes, Kurtley Beale, Rob Horne
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