Wednesday, July 4, 2012

Irish provincial signings and a bit of Super Rugby

CJ Stander (picture http://bit.ly/N7CLtT)

Irish Round Up

All seems quiet on the Leinster front with all the news coming from the other three provinces. It seems you are nobody if you haven’t signed a South African recently – Leinster snapped up lock Quinn Roux, Munster have got their hands on CJ Stander, a promising young flanker from the Bulls, and Connacht are in on the act as well, signing wing/full back Danie Poolman,  from the Stormers.  All three can potentially play for Ireland, but they might want to cast their eye over the career of another South African who came here looking to play rugby for Ireland, Robbie Diack. Diack was tipped by some to be a future Springbok, but his chances with Ireland seem slim when he’s struggling to make Ulster’s first team. Time will tell who makes the grade. With Ricard Strauss waiting in the wings as well , the days of the Springboks using Afrikaans for line out calls when they play us are numbered.

Meanwhile, Ulster, in a ‘signing a South African is so last season, dahling’ move,  have signed a kiwi, Nick Williams.

Super Rugby

The Chiefs could do the Canes a big favour by beating the Saders, and I actually think they have a chance, even with Carter, Dagg and Read back in the team. The Reds should beat the Highlanders, and put pressure on the Brumbies, who on paper should lose against the Tahs.

The Sharks vs the Bulls rivals the first match in terms of impact. I’m not expecting anything fancy – in fact I’d fall off my chair if I saw anything fancy- it’s going to be South African rugby at it’s brutal best. The Sharks are without Lambie and man mountain Alberts, and have slipped up in recent matches. I’m going with home advantage to see them through.

The Blues and Western Force, and the Rebels and Lions promise to be fascinating encounters…not.
Enjoy the rugby!

Super Rugby
Friday , July 6
Chiefs vs Crusaders 19:35
Reds vs Highlanders 19:40
Sharks vs Bulls 18:10
Saturday , July 7
Blues vs Western Force 19:35
Waratahs vs Brumbies 19:40
Cheetahs vs Stormers 15:00
Lions vs Melbourne Rebels 17:05

No comments:

Post a Comment