Tertius asked:
The National couch said that he will remain with Morne Steyn at nr 10 for the upcoming Castle Series and his reason is that he believes in combinations, we can all see the level of rugby Steyn is playing and he and Hougard do play for the same franchise but they are playing both poorly, what is your opinion with regards to this and who do you think should be the 9 and 10 for the Castle series? Thanks and eagerly awaiting your response.
Gavin Rich answered:
That is the big question around the Stormers chances. The loose-forwards, and maybe the front-row battle. I was overseas when the Stormers played the Rebels and never got a chance to see Deon Fourie play as a No8, but the Stormers appear quietly confident. I am a bit concerned at the lack of bulk in the back row, but then we must also remember that when these two teams played each other in the league game in Durban, Siya Kolisi was absent. He's back now and that should make a difference. But the Sharks definitely have the greater depth and experience in this area.
malcolm sandt asked:
The sharks basically have a bok forward pack, will the stormers be able to keep up with their physicality.What do yu think of Deon Fourie at number 8.The sharks will miss lambie, steyn and jordaan in the backline and i think the stormers have the edge in the back line.all in all its good that we will have one bok team in the finals.will the travelling effect the sharks .thank you
Gavin RIch answered:
I expect the travelling to effect the Sharks. If the scores are close with 20 minutes to go I will have little doubt the Stormers will win from there (it was the same when they played the Bulls at Loftus after the Bulls had just got back from overseas). Unfortunately I was in the Outer Hebrides fulfilling a family commitment the day the Stormers played the Rebels so never saw Deon play No8, but the people who did seem to think he will do well. His contesting at the breakdowns may well prove to be something the Stormers need against these opponents.
Eugene Bennetts asked:
Hi Gavin, know that we figured you are not a SA fan of Rugby, and your thoughts of a SA side winning is minimal, who of the 2 SA sides have the best chance of winning? The Stormers at home or the Sharks that needs to go back to NZ?
Gavin Rich answered:
The Stormers have the best chance of going all the way but the Sharks can beat them in Cape Town, though I don't expect them to.
BB asked:
With the current super rugby format there is a chance that the 2 top teams Stormers and Chiefs will not play against eachother. Does it mean that one of the teams had an easier route to the semi''s than the other?
Gavin Rich answered:
No it will mean the team that loses their semi didn't play well enough on the day.
jh asked:
test
Gavin Rich answered:
The test worked. I'm here.
\Lorenzo asked:
Hi,
How will injury(early in the game) to any of the stormers start players have an affect on the outcome?
Do you think the stormers benchies have what it takes?
Thanks
Gavin Rich answered:
The Sharks do have a strong bench but the guys on the Stormers bench have all played Super Rugby. And don't forget Elstadt can move to lock.
Kobus asked:
As a Stormers supporter I obviously hope they win this competition, but I must admit I''m at awe at the Shark''s style of play. So looking ahead to the Rugby Championship,the bulk of the Springbok starting XV will in all probability be from the Sharks. Do you think there is a chance that HM will move away from the old kick-and-chase strategy towards the way the Sharks are playing?
Gavin Rich answered:
The quality of the Sharks' off-loading has surely raised a few eyebrows, but with Heyneke it is all about winning - and if the Sharks lose this weekend they would have lost seven games (against just two by the Stormers) so there would be enough room for him to argue that the Sharks' way is not necessarily the winning way. That said, I don't think Heyneke is just out to play dour, boring rugby. The first half of the second test against England was an example of just how effective, enterprising and entertaining the Boks can be if they get Heyneke's game right.
Glenn Paton asked:
In a crunch game (i.e. Allblacks) who do you pick in the Springboks #6 jersey?
Gavin Rich answered:
If Willem Alberts is there to do the carrying then I would go for Marcell Coetzee. In the last test against England, when Alberts' ball hugging presence wasn't there, we needed someone like Heinrich Brussow as Marcell was required to do too much.
solomon balata asked:
why do we not start with kolisi, elstadt and armand, so that we can stop them in the forwards.bring fourie inpack and run them down.allso 9 must clean quicker so that the wings can get more ball to attack.
Gavin Rich answered:
I think this game will be all about the Stormers trying to wear the Sharks down and then pouncing when the jetlag factor sets in later. So I get your point. But the Stormers feel confident in Deon's ability to do the job in the starting team. If you were to ask me, I would love to have seen them try Andries Bekker as a No8 (which Kitch Christie probably would have done), but as everyone knows, the Stormers' game is all about defence, and Fourie's contesting on the ground then becomes important.
Shaun C Williams asked:
Hi Gavin,
Do you think HMeyer will look at some other options at 10 (in the starting line-up) in the Championship tournament?
Also, do you think the Stormers is strong enough in there loose trio department against the sharkies?
SCW
Gavin Rich answered:
Second part of question answered earlier - these questions do though give a good indication that most Stormers supporters appear to have the same fear. With regards Morne at No10, I think it depends whether Goosen is fit to play. I think Goosen is the only viable alternative as a test flyhalf (considering HM doesn't appear to rate Grant and that he considers Lambie to be a fullback).
Shaun C Williams asked:
Hi Gavin,
Who would you pick on 6,7 and 8 for the S/Boks?
SCW
Gavin Rich answered:
No6 Coetzee, No7 Alberts, No8 Kankowski (Vermeulen when he is fit).
Chulumanco Macingwane asked:
Hi Gav, it''a quite clear that the Kings Super Rugby debacle is going to end in an almighty scrap in court as the Lions will certainly not take their exclusion lying down. But what leg do the Lions have to stand on legally to fight their exclusion since they were part of the unanimous vote to include the Kings in Super Rugby 2013? And what liability would SARU open themselves up to in the event that they snub the Kings again?
Gavin Rich answered:
I think the Kings are going to agree to delay their entry into Super Rugby in return for a parachute payment to get them up and running, and they will prepare for Super Rugby by playing in the premier division of the Currie Cup. That is what I am hearing. I don't think it will go to court because I think the Kings will step aside on the grounds they know they aren't quite ready - and money is the bottom line.
NIEL GROENEWALD asked:
What must the Stormers do to be able to pull this through to the end. I mean winning the final this time. I am on holiday in Norway and will follow games on P C super sport - big STORMERS fan
Gavin Rich answered:
The Stormers have won 14 out of 16 and they have effectively been playing finals rugby all year so they must just keep doing what they have been doing. If they beat the Sharks much will depend on whether they lose anyone to injury in the game. Losing a Jean de Villiers or Siya Kolisi or Andries Bekker won't help their cause in a final. But that said, the big thing on the Stormers' side this year has been their simple refusal to lose. Their win at Loftus, when they were severely depleted and were outplayed for most of the game, is a case in point. That passion and refusal to go away can win them the trophy. A lot depends too on who they would play in a final - I give the Crusaders a much bigger chance of winning at Newlands than the Chiefs.
Kenneth Claassen asked:
Hi Gavin
Does Peter Grant have a realistic chance to be the Springbok number 10?
Gavin Rich answered:
A lot of people are calling for him to be but Heyneke chooses the team and for the England series Peter wasn't even in the squad. So I think that is your answer.
stefan asked:
Hi Gavin.
Every one talks about the type of rugby the Sharks are playing at the moment but in they are forgetting that the Stormers have been playing finals rugby from the beginning of the tournament. What is your thoughts on this.I would also rather play the Chiefs as the Crusaders are mentally the Strongest.
Gavin Rich answered:
There is not a thing there that you said that I would disagree with. Read my preview up on the site - you and I could be twins.
Joe McCarogher asked:
Hi Gavin, Greetings from a sunny London.
I know I should be getting excited for the olympics that start tomorrow, but for now my mind is only on saturdays game. I know it''s going to be an epic and bruising encounter that will not dissapoint.
Please could I have your thoughts on the selection of Deon Fourie at 8, do you reckon he is up to the task? Is this a possible weak point the sharks might try and exploit?
Thanks for your time.
Joe
Gavin Rich answered:
It might be a weak point but I say that as someone who never saw him play against the Rebels, where he was Man of the Match. Glad it's finally sunny over there - I was there for most of last week and it was like a Cape Town winter. Then I flew home and the television screen showed me a sunny Oval...
Nicholas asked:
Hi Gavin
Do you think the sharks center pairing for this weekend match will be competent enough to handle the attack from the stormers?
I dont think meyer bosman is the right man for the job i would have liked J.P in at center, he has played there this year and is in sublime form. Then put ludik on wing and viljoen at fullback.
What do you think?
Gavin Rich answered:
I think when you have scored a great win like the one the Sharks scored against the Reds you go for the option that means least disruption to the team that played there. Moving Ludik now wouldn't be good after his great game last week and JP has been excellent on the wing. Remember too that the travelling would have minimised the time the Sharks have had to train and put plans together this week, so that is another reason not to change too much. This is a time when the preparation for the previous game has to carry over into this one, and even more so if they survive Saturday and have to go to New Zealand.
Miguel asked:
hi Gavin
I would just like to know based on form who your bok 22 would be.very interested in that
Gavin Rich answered:
I haven't really thought about it, but here goes: Lambie (injured at moment but can't think of anyone else), JP Pietersen, Jean de Villiers (captain), Frans Steyn, Bryan Habana, Morne Steyn (give him a rest and he will be okay for now - at least until Goosen is ready), Ruan Pienaar (Hougaard is no longer a No9 in my view), Kankowski, Alberts, Coetzee, Bekker, Etzebeth, Jannie Dup, Bismarck Dup, Beast. Sorry, reserves are a bit much to think about as have lots of other questions to answer.
Rindie asked:
Hi Gavin
Do you know what WP''s plans are with JP du Plessis and will he feature in this year''s CC? Also heard rumour about Jantjies joining WP in 2013, any truth in that??
Thanks!
Gavin Rich answered:
JP is definitely part of their plans for Currie Cup. WP have been very good at bringing players through to Super Rugby level during the domestic season and this year should be no different. Haven't heard the Jantjies rumour.
Hein Fourie asked:
I read in one article that Deon Fourie would be used tou counter the pace of The Sharks. Was wondering how quick Fourie is in comparison to the loose trio of The Sharks. We know he is quick for a hooker, but the loose forwards are something completely different.
Gavin Rich answered:
Good question - Kanko is quick enough to be a wing, and so is Keegan. Marcell Coetzee is the best young player in this year's competition by some distance and is also quick. I think the Fourie selection is based on his ability to contest ball on the ground. It's all a moot point though anyway - Duane Vermeulen just isn't fit enough to play. The Stormers have no choice but to play Deon, there is no-one else. And he has done admirably in his other games (plus while we are on the subject of bulk, it's not as if he is that much smaller, if at all, than Keegan Daniel). The Stormers have massive locks and a massive blindside flank in the form of Elstadt. Kolisi is physical and he never played against the Sharks last time. So maybe they will be okay.
Eben de Villers asked:
Hi Gavin,
Hope you are well! Just a quick one, how will the stormers matchup in the scrums agains the sharks?I personally think this is gonna be a huge battle..
Gavin Rich answered:
And that, even more so than the back row make-up everyone is pre-occupied, is the area that will most likely decide the match. The Stormers have tended to struggle against the Sharks when the all Bok front row of Beast, Bismarck etc has been there and they have all been in form. That said, there was a game last year where the Stormers scrum shocked them (the match where Jean de Villiers scored two tries and the Stormers won comfortably). In fact, while I am writing this I am thinking - the Sharks front row has usually come off better at Kings Park, but not so much in Cape Town (the Stormers scrum won the first round league game this year when the replacements came on). This may be one of those games where the scrumming battle isn't set in stone for the entire 80 minutes. You may well find that the Sharks get tired later on because of the travel, and that is when we will see Frans Malherbe etc come on with the hope of repeating what they did towards the end of the game in February.
Luwellyn asked:
Hi Gavin
The Sharks vs Stormers game, do you think the homeground advantage and the fact that the Sharks just flew back and with Patrick Lambie out, do you think that strengthens the Stormers chance of winning??
Gavin Rich answered:
Without any shadow of a doubt.
Pieter asked:
Hi Gavin,
Debating about the inclusion of the Southern Kings is pointless unless you are on the SARU panel making the decisions. They''re not taking public input on this one seriously. What I would like to know is: if the Southern Kings are included, what do you think the knock-on effect will be for the union that gets left out in the cold (looks like it will be the Lions)? Will they be able to recover and reclaim their spot after a couple of years? And what effect will this have on our local competition (Currie Cup)?
Appreciate your views.
Gavin Rich answered:
My money says the Kings will take the money and won't play Super Rugby next year. In return for this we will see the long overdue move of including them in the Currie Cup elite, which will prepare them for 2016, when it is hoped there will be six SA teams in a S18. I think to be fair to SARU, SANZAR have also been to blame for the mess because they should have years ago recognised the fact that SA rugby, which is the biggest money earner in the SANZAR grouping, has a requirement for six teams (forget about who is strong and weak, or the politics, there is a geographical requirement that is as sound as any forwarded by the Australian franchises that have been added and eroded the strength of that country's Super Rugby challenge).
Paul Smith asked:
Hi Gavin
My first concern is the our the number 10 jersey of the Boks why would one have a player like Jantjies on the bench and not even giving him a chance, then if you look at Frans Steyn at centre is he real the guy for that position when you have a centre pair like those of the Stormers? Why did HM only call on Gio when he ran out of optiions? O and one more do you think Schalk will still be the same player if and when he returns and will he be part of HM''s plan?
Gavin Rich answered:
First point last: I just hope that Schalk does return. That knee of his just doesn't seem to be responding as it was expected to and it worries me. When he is back I am sure he will regain his former glory as he has a mind that is as strong as his physique. And if he does that, then Heyneke will pick him. On Frans Steyn, I can't agree with you - Frans is the best inside centre. And I am not convinced that Heyneke is wrong if he thinks Gio isn't an international fullback. If I was going to play Gio in the Bok set-up, it would only be as a wing.
Gerhard Thirion asked:
Hi Gavin.
With Siya Kolisi playing great rugby for the Stormers this season, do you think Schalk Burger will have a hard time earning his spot back, when he eventually returns? The competition with the youngster might be good for WP and the Stormers, but how do we see him slotting back in with the Boks, with Willem Alberts, Marcelle Coetzee and even Keegan Daniels playing great world class rugby.
On the same note, with both Freddie Michalack and Louis Ludik looking very good, Pat Lambie might also have to work hard to fight his way into the Sharks squad for the Currie Cup? Assuming Freddie will be around for that?
Thanx
G
Gavin Rich answered:
If Schalk returns it will be during the Currie Cup, and I think he and Siya could happily rotate positions, remembering that Siya was actually a No7 before this year, and that many think Schalk should now be a No7, or even a No8. I agree that Pat would have to play hard for his Sharks spot, but he is too much of a talent not to win that battle. How do I see Schalk fitting back into the Boks? Well not in the foreseeable future as he needs to get over that injury, but it will depend on what Heyneke feels he needs. Willem Alberts provides the big ball carrying flank that he likes so much, and I think he wants to develop Marcell Coetzee into an openside flank. So it will be interesting. But you don't throw experience like Schalk has away, so I definitely think he will be accomodated somewhere.
Rob Meyer asked:
Hi Gavin,
Thansk for your time. For the Rugby Championship, of Lambie, M Steyn and Peter Grant, who would you pick at no. 10 and why? Would there be merit in trying a new combination against Argentina at least? Thanks
Gavin Rich answered:
A year ago I would have said Lambie but he has played much of his rugby at fullback since then. If Goosen is fit I think Heyneke will stick with Steyn. Peter Grant certainly has his supporters, but are the Boks going to play the Stormers style of rugby? Yes, if you are going to try a new combo, do it against the Pumas. And for me, if we going to talk scrumhalves, the man who has to play is Ruan Pienaar.
Shane asked:
I m a huge Sharks fan always have been, my question to you is, if the people who set these tournaments up know that the odds are stacked against the team that needs to travel , its not a true reflection of the travelling teams ability as they are handicapped by jet lag to some degree. Just for the record I believe the Sharks should walk this one if they pitch up as they have in the last few Games Stormers, Bulls, Cheetahs , Reds....... If they bring that performance and the Stormers deliver what they have been in the last few weeks do you believe the Stormers will win?
Gavin Rich answered:
The Stormers know they have to take a step up so I don't think they will produce what they did over the last few weeks. It is right that the team that is so inconsistent in Super Rugby that it finishes sixth is at a disadvantage otherwise what is the point of having a league season and a finishing order? Bottom line - Stormers have lost two games this season and the Sharks have lost six. The Stormers have earned their advantage.
Andre Booysen asked:
Wiil the Stormers loose forewards be able to match the Sharks, and will the Sharks backline be able to match the Stormers. I think it is a given that the Sharks tight 5 will have the upper hand.
Gavin Rich answered:
Answered these questions previously, and frankly, they may all be a lot less relevant to the most important one - can a team travel to Australia and back in the space of a week and expect to win away at Newlands. It's a massive ask. And on this basis I am not sure that it's a given Sharks tight five will have the upper hand - I rate Alberts as a lock but he is new to the position, and they are up against two behemoths in the form of Etzebeth and Bekker. So while the front-row might have an edge, it could be cancelled out in the second row. Alberts was good at No7 against the Sharks in Durban and there is part of me that wonders whether they may not regret playing him there in this game. Sykes' best game of the season at No4 lock was against the Stormers. But then of course who do you leave out - Keegan Daniel is the captain, and Kankowski has been outstanding.
Tumelo asked:
Hi Gavin,
Looking @ the Sharks team it seems they are going the physical route given their bench,which tight five do you think will dominate?
Will Kanko be available for the rugby championship because hi is back to his best and can help out with the calls @ line-out time
Gavin Rich answered:
Once you are going to Japan you are going to Japan. On the tight five, the Sharks would have an edge if this game was played on an island in the middle of the Indian Ocean, halfway between Cape Town and Brisbane, and both teams had had to fly the same distance (well okay, Sharks would be going from east to west, so that would make it easier for them). But they're not playing on my fantasy island, they are playing in Cape Town, and the Sharks must feel they live in aeroplane seats at the moment. Which, by the way, may just be a factor we are all overlooking - the Stormers are playing with the knowledge that a win will secure them a home final, the Sharks are playing with the knowledge that a win takes them to Christchurch or Hamilton. I know if i was a player how I would feel about that second scenario - I would be thinking "How many times can I knock myself out for a long flight with sleeping pills before it eventually makes me forget who I am and where I am?"
kallie asked:
Hi Gavin.Congrats to sharks and stormers.Gavin difficult one,how do you rate the Cheetahs coaching staff,and just feel the Cheetahs do have the talent but not coach to play to their full potential.
Gavin Rich answered:
I think that would be unfair to Naka Drostke and his staff. The Cheetahs always have young talent, but that young talent quickly heads away once they start getting anywhere. So I think the Cheetahs do the best they can with a bad situation. Also, and no disrespect to anyone intended here, but you are not going to get someone like Robbie Deans to come and coach the Cheetahs. Keeping in mind why Rassie left (he just didn't think the Cheetahs would ever have the budget or drive to win Super Rugby).
André asked:
Hi Gavin
When will the Springbok Squad for the Rugby Championship be announced and do you foresee any surprise inclusions / exclusions, perhaps moving away from the struggling bulls players?
Gavin Rich answered:
I think that last test in Port Elizabeth might have been a much needed wake-up call to Heyneke, so there may be changes. It's hard to predict, for I haven't spoken to Heyneke since Port Elizabeth, but maybe he has seen since then what everyone else appears to have (that Morne Steyn is a problem with his deep lining, that Pierre Spies battles when forwards don't dominate). I expect Kankowski to start at No8 in the Rugby Championships, I expect Ruan Pienaar to wear No9. I would be surprised if Andries Bekker was excluded now that he is fit and the forwards struggled with his field of expertise in PE. Frans will come back because hopefully he isn't going to have another wedding again, and Willem Alberts is also hopefully not going to be bothered by niggles. Those two players were sorely missed in Port Elizabeth.
Les asked:
Even as a strong Stormers supporter I cannot see them beating the Sharks if the latter put up the same performance as they did against the Reds last week. One can only hope the Capetonians do prevail because the Sharks traveling to NZ again and inning is zero to none. What do you think of the odds for either the Stormers or the Shaka to prevail in the final?
Gavin Rich answered:
If Stormers make the final they will have a better than 50% chance of winning because it will be at home. If the Sharks get through I would put their chance at about 15% (less than that if they are playing Crusaders). But hey, if you are a Stormers fan don't be so bleak - your fear that the Sharks will play as well as they did against the Reds flies in the face of what a lot of sports scientists would predict. The Sharks were tired in the second half in Brisbane, and may well have lost had it not been for the Charl McLeod intercept try early in the second half. The extra flight couldn't possibly have had the effect of energising them, so don't take them playing at Newlands like they did in Brisbane as a given. For a start, the Stormers aren't likely to give the Sharks runners the space to pick up momentum that they were allowed by the Reds...
Stoffel asked:
Who do you think will win the 2012 Super 15 Semi''s? The Cheatahs or Lions?
Gavin Rich answered:
I think we read each other - it is true that the Sharks are a combination of the Cheetahs and the Lions (and a bit of the Eastern Cape) but I would make them underdogs for this one.
Andre asked:
I know your a huge Crusader fan so am I :) but would there be a possibility for them to slip into a bulls type of rugby and lose their semi?
Gavin Rich answered:
Hee hee I would love to be a Crusaders fan - then I would be able to boast about all those Super Rugby titles I won years ago, like the Bulls fans are doing. Unfortunately that isn't true, I just think they're a great team (though not as good as I thought they would be had Read been fit for this next game). I am not sure their template is that different from the Bulls anyway - they play for territory, play for opposition mistakes and turn-overs, and run when it is on to do so. The difference between them and the Bulls is they have Dan Carter at flyhalf, and his decision making is on a different planet to the Bulls. The way the Bulls kicked possession away in the last quarter in Christchurch when it was clear they needed to score tries was disappointing because it appeared so aimless. The Crusaders, as the Bulls used to when FduP was playing for them, usually have a good chance of contesting the kick and winning the ball back. As for a prediction for tomorrow's game, I am going for Crusaders but I think the Hamilton game is less clear cut than the one at Newlands.
Freddie asked:
Hi Gavin
Do you think the Stormers can win other than in the "ugly" fashion they''ve all season, i.e. can they win playing the more open style game they are capable of on paper? I think they will need to adopt more flair on Saturday and especially in a final against any of the 2 NZ teams. As a Stormer supporter I''m doubtful, with their very modest try scoring record against the Lions, Cheetas (granted the weather was aweful that day) and the Rebels recently.
Regards
Gavin Rich answered:
You don't change your playing style at this stage of the season. If the Stormers are going to win it will be the way they have won their other 14 games out of 16 - which by the way I have just worked out to be a success rate of 85%. They must have something going for them hey?
Matt asked:
Hi Gavin
I Know that both games this weekend should be close! But I find myself in a conundrum! On the one hand I wanna see the Stormers win the semi and then go on to win the final as they have been the top side in superugby this year! But the Sharks are playing amazing rugby and you wanna see them go all the way and shut up those arrogant crusaders and beat them at home! I have a feeling that the Sharks will beat the Stormers! but you dont wanna see them loose in Nz in the final! I think the Chiefs will win the other one! your thoughts?
Gavin Rich answered:
If the Sharks win on Saturday then the team that wins tomorrow will be the 2012 Super Rugby champions. Finish and klaar!! So you've got to decide what's more important - your patriotism, or your love of "great rugby".
benjamin asked:
Hi I only have one question and thank you for taking the time to answer. The big fuss about size eludes me. Heinrich brussow has not had a bad season by any means. He weighs over 100kg is a menace in the loose. What is going to happen when we face the likes of pocock and mccaw? I rate marcel Coetzee highly but he also only weighs 106kg is not utilized in the lineout(which would make sense picking him for his height) and has not forced one turnover in the inbournd England tour. Do you think we have the game plan to neglect the threat of aus and nz at the breakdown?
Gavin Rich answered:
I think it hinges on the momentum that we can get from having big physical guys taking on the collisions. The time we were shown up for our lack of fetcher against England was in the last test when Willem Alberts wasn't there. I do agree with your concerns about the absence of Brussow - if I was Heyneke I would definitely keep him in the squad (but I would select an all Sharks back row initially).
Saul asked:
Hi Gavin, how you doing? I haven''t seen you at gym in a while. I wanted to say well done on your book, I just finished reading it and I really enjoyed it. Also, I wanted to ask what''s 69happening with Johan Goosen? Does he have a chance of being ready in time for the rugby championships?
Gavin Rich answered:
Hi Saul, thanks a lot, you obviously weren't in the gym this morning then. You should congratulate Peter, it was his story, and I probably wouldn't have been able to write it like I did had the subject been less entertaining and interesting. I don't know what is happening with Johan Goosen - I seem to recall he was out for three months? Which should mean he is due back around about now. I will find out for you and tell you between my gasps of air on the rowing machine...
Dean asked:
I am a very passionate Sharks supporter and was wondering what you realistically think of their chances of lifting the super rugby trophy? Taking travel, preparation and the form of all remaining teams in the competition into consideration. Many thanks Gavin
Gavin Rich answered:
They may beat the Stormers but their chances of going all the way are minimal.
Hoops asked:
Hi Gavin
Do you think the media play any role in the chances of teams. We saw it last year when every journalist did their best to undermine the Stormer scrum in the semi and indeed the ref called many calls I thought where the Saders simply cheated to get the upper hand. And then afterwards they media say, told you so?
Gavin Rich answered:
I wish we did play more of a role. If I had any say in anything the final of Super Rugby would have been played in the first weekend of June and the players would now be coming off a rest and getting ready to prepare for the Rugby Championships. In all seriousness though, it probably can play a role if the players and coaches you are writing about aren't mentally strong. But hey, don't blame us for that - if you going to play/coach at the highest level ability to deal with pressure should be a prerequisite.
Terrance Appolis asked:
Hi Gavin
I am a Stormer supporter and understand our pattern of play. Question is when we in the oppositions 22, surely the mindset changes from defense to attack - why is it that our backline with all the "big names" cannot cross the whitewash. How much blame must fall on the shoulders of Robbie Fleck our backline coach?
Gavin Rich answered:
Robbie Fleck is the backline coach of a team that leans very strongly towards a defence orientated template, and rightly so, so I wouldn't blame him for anything. And I am not sure blame is necessary - the Stormers topped the log, didn't they? Even if they had won every game by 50 points, and scored 10 tries in every match, and been 20 points clear at the top of the log, they would still be in the position they are now - playing a semi-final against the Sharks. As for the attack in the 22, they have often been let down by elementary mistakes made by the forwards when in that position. With a bit of luck they might have crossed the whitewash on a few more occasions and had that happened you might have seen them unlock more. I think, and this in a way is a concession to Hoops, who asked the previous question, that there are times when the Stormers players are too mindful of all the criticism of their attacking game and it makes them a bit tense. Just my perception, definitely not a fact.
Johny asked:
Hi Gavin please tell me why it is that the bulls buy so many players comparred to the other franchises. Do they just have the most money or what is the reason for this?
Gavin Rich answered:
I think you are right, they do have the money, and we mustn't forget that in 2007 there were stories that WP were on the verge of bankruptcy. I know a lot of money was squandered back at that time, and as a result of that the Stormers, even though they have the most supporters in terms of bums on seats, are still paying for it and probably can't afford to spend money like the Bulls do. At the same time, I do sometimes wonder if the Bulls have a policy of buying players so that other provinces can't use them against the Bulls. They definitely appear to buy more than they need, and the Sadie situation suggests there are times promises are made that can't be kept. For the record, I think time has proven Rassie Erasmus right on the call he made this time last year.
clint asked:
how big a roll would the weather factor have on the out come of the game in CT
Gavin Rich answered:
The Sharks play a running and handling game so it might work against them if it was wet, but as far as I can tell from my reading of the weather reports, it's going to be a good weather game.
Isgak Jacobs asked:
Hi Gav,
Kindly tell us who you think would be the best B-line coach for the Stormers and why?
I also hope they can pull off a Chelsea next week
Gavin Rich answered:
Yep, if you are going to talk about funny feelings, which do mean something, then I have to admit the flak Chelsea took for being so defensive, and yet they won the Champions League (and they wear blue), gave me a good feeling about the Stormers' chances of doing the same. On the backline coach, I don't see any reason to change.
bresley asked:
will the crusaders over come the chiefs in this weekens semi-finals off the super 15. with crusaders have most all blacks in they line up what do to think isit about experience or its about choices the play makers do will like to hear from you.
Gavin Rich answered:
Wrote it, and struggled with it to be honest, in my preview elsewhere on the site. Going for Crusaders on big match record etc but the game is a bit of a lottery. If Read was playing I would be more certain of a Crusaders win. They're not as good as they were last year, when they would have won the competition if they didn't have to spend so much time travelling.
Nelis asked:
Hi Gavin
WHo will play the Final
My prediction Stormers vs Chiefs and my boys Stormers to take the final
Gavin Rich answered:
It's not a bad call. I bet against the Stormers at the start of the season, saying the Sharks would win the SA conference, and was proved wrong about that. When you watch a team winning 14 out of 16 games you just sort of get used to them winning....and start expecting them to.
Mark asked:
The Sharks defense has improved during the latter stages of the tournament. Do you think we can expect a low scoring encounter on Saturday with the game resting (at least to a large degree) on the kicking success of Peter and Freddie?
Gavin Rich answered:
Yes, and if it comes to that the Stormers will win. I think the Sharks need to get an early lead to negate the travel factor if they are to stand any chance.
Jethro asked:
Howzit gavin,whats your taking on deon fourie packing down at 8?surely kolisa is a better option,having armand fill his 6,and deon covering from the bench?
Gavin RIch answered:
Answered earlier. Was in Outer Hebrides for Rebels game so never saw it live. So I feel a bit behind my colleagues when it comes to that question. Note to people who live overseas and have big opinions about SA rugby: I spent two weeks trying to cover the Stormers and Sharks from far away and in my experience it is impossible to get the same feel for it you do if you are right where the action is. Just my tuppence worth...
muath asked:
Hi Gav , who would you choose as the best loose trio of WP for the last 15 years? And why have you chosen Heerden. Thanks for your answer
Gavin Rich answered:
Goodness, that's tough. I choose Skinstad first and foremost because on his 1999 form, before his injury, he has no peer. Then Schalk Burger because he also had a time when he was best in the world - he wold play No6 with Bob at No8. Hmmm...that leaves a blindside flank, and I am tempted to go for Rob Brink just because he was such a good guy, and Fritz van Heerden, because with his height he would fit the mix. But because I am stumped for a No7, and don't want to play Duane there if he hasn't played there that much, and because Corne was such an influential player in the Cape for so long, maybe I will reconfigure my back row and name it as follows 8. Skinstad, 7. Burger, 6. Krige.
Theo du Preez asked:
Don''t you think that moving Fourie to eightman against the Reds was a stroke of genius for Coetzee. Firstly, he gets two very good forwards (Liebenberg and Fourie) the chance to play and be effective for 80 minutes and secondly he has the luxury of two props on the bench, because the two hookers can cover for each other in case of an injury. Also the Stormers sheer refusal to lose could be their strong point on Saturday. What do you think?
Gavin Rich answered:
Sheer refusal to lose has become one of my most often used phrases when writing about the Stormers, so would agree with you. And it should count for something if there are two minutes to go on Saturday, the scores are close and the other guys are thinking "We have to win this so we can get onto our flight to New Zealand in the morning..." Yes, playing Fourie at 8 was a stroke of genius, though I am still not sure I completely agree with it.
Richard asked:
Do you think Argentina will be competitve come the 4 nations?
Gavin Rich answered:
Depends what you mean by competitive. They will lose every game, but may be in it at half-time of one of them.
roy mundell asked:
Hi gavin,
In your opinion can the sharks do it ? and go all the way ?
Gavin Rich answered:
They can beat the Stormers but they can't go all the way.
ernest asked:
hi gavin do the stormers stand a chance against the sharks and do you think that deon fourie will be able to do what duanne does very good and how fit is our boys going to be against the sharks what ive noticed about the stormers is they play the first half well and 2nd half they slack badly
Gavin Rich answered:
Funnily enough the Stormers have dominated the second half of both games they have played against the Sharks this season and that is when I expect them to win it this weekend.
Riaan asked:
Is the stormers defence to good for the sharks offence?
Gavin Rich answered:
We will only know for sure on Saturday, but what is important to note is that the Stormers defence will be helped this week by the fact their opponents have been eating too much airline food and spending too much time sleeping in reclining chairs at 39 000 feet.
Gersuad Griffin asked:
Hi Gavin
What are the odds that the Stormers'' first 4 try win will come this weekend? Are Allistair saving the best for last - I really hope so! Is that too much of a ask for a team that ended up 1st without any 4 try bonus point win?
Thanks Gavin.
Gavin Rich answered:
There are no bonus points so it really doesn't matter, but I have a feeling you might be onto something there. The last time I can remember them scoring a four try bonus point at Newlands was against the Sharks last April (I think Meyer Bosman is trying hard to forget that game).
Sholto asked:
Hi Gavin, Really enjoy your insight and value your opinion highly. A few questions.
1. Considering M. Steyns form do we give a guy like grant a chance at 10 in the championship? your view
2. Does alberts have a career at 4 considering kankos extremely good line-out ability.
3. Does meyer choose kanko of spies considering kankos increased physicality and form or experience of spies
4. your choice at 15 for s.a. honest oppinion
5. steyn- de villiers or de villiers de joung for s.a centers?
Thank you, very much appreciated
Gavin Rich answered:
Shew, lots of questions. Firstly, I want to give Morne Steyn a break on the basis that the poor guy will be having his first break from rugby since goodness knows when this weekend. The Bulls didn't have a bye after the international season, they had a lot of games in a row immediately before the international break, and Morne plays 80 minutes of every game. I have never been his greatest fan, mainly because of my preferred playing style for a flyhalf, but he is a much better player than the form he has shown us lately, and that may be just because he plays every game every single week... As for Alberts, it's an interesting question. I think at Springbok level he will continue to play as a No7, but the Sharks need to play their captain, so Kanko's form, providing he isn't intending to live in Japan permanently, provides an interesting conundrum for Mr Plumtree. Kanko will be Bok No8 in Castle Championship. Lambie. Steyn, De Villiers.
riaan asked:
with the stormers fresh from a bye and the sharks''s heads still spinning with jet lag; what will the real impact of that be...?
Gavin Rich answered:
I spend a few days after every international flight trying to find out who I am and where I came from, but I am not sure the sleeping pills the Sharks guys take are as strong as mine. Still, you get the point...as I said earlier, too much airline food and sleeping in reclining chairs can't possibly beat sitting at home on a Sunday...
Zander Schoultz asked:
Hello Gavin who do you think of S.A is the best team to Compete in the Final???
Gavin Rich answered:
The best South African team to ever play in a Super Rugby final was the Bulls team of 2009.
Sholto asked:
As South africans do we support the stormers as it seems sharks can not go back to NZ and win therefore giving us a better chance at super rugby winners. or do we go with the form team that will be exciting and are good enough to win anywhere? i know ill be going for the sharks to pull of the win of the century by wining both here and in NZ
Gavin Rich answered:
You answered your own question.
piet asked:
Hoesit
Gavin Rich answered:
Baie lekker. Dankie.
Stoffel asked:
Hoesit Gavin,
Dink jy Victor Matfield gaan die lynstane vir die Cheatahs wen met saterdag se super15 semi''s?
Gavin Rich answered:
Miskien kan die Cheetahs n bietjie leer van Victor as hulle goed luister na sy kommentar van langs die veld wat hulle kan hulp in die toekoms wanneer hulle semi-finaal spieel. Miskien in 2025!
John asked:
Good afternoon Gavin
Iam a Stomer supporter, but I am a little worried about the choker factor do you think that the Stomers are in a calm and relax place
Gavin Rich answered:
The mood in the camp this week has been very encouraging.
Driaan asked:
has the Bulls/ Springbok coaches, selectors and the rest of the Staff realized that Pierre has not been in form for the last 2-3 years or will they keep him there for the next 5 years for no apparent reason? This is surely keeping better players off the field! i was watch the Bulls game against the Saders and realised that he had the BEST seat in the house for watching the game. He sure as hell wasn''t playing rugby!!!
Regards
Stormers supporter.
Gavin Rich answered:
He played two good games against England and disappeared in the last one.
Tertius asked:
You didn''t answer the question at all: The National couch said that he will remain with Morne Steyn at nr 10 for the upcoming Castle Series and his reason is that he believes in combinations, we can all see the level of rugby Steyn is playing and he and Hougard do play for the same franchise but they are playing both poorly, what is your opinion with regards to this and who do you think should be the 9 and 10 for the Castle series? Thanks and eagerly awaiting your response.
Gavin Rich answered:
I see. He must have said that when I was away. Well I would want to play Ruan Pienaar at scrumhalf, and I am getting a bit tired of the line that we have to keep the combinations together that know each other. That worked for the England series, but we can't keep saying that for the next four years. I just hope Goosen gets fit soon. Otherwise I am not sure about Hougaard as a scrumhalf. In fact I am more optimistic about Steyn just from the viewpoint I expressed earlier - the poor guy has been playing every minute of every game since the Rinderpest and it isn't surprising he is looking a bit flat. Let's see what he can do after a rest. Otherwise what are the combinations? I don't think Dewaldt and Grant are an international pairing (though a good Super Rugby one), and Freddie isn't South African so that rules that one out.
Craig Melvill asked:
HI Gavin
Hope ground advantage will count for a lot on Saturday, it always does, but if one looks at the way the stormers have being playing the last 3 games, and if one looks at the Sharks pack of forwards, wouldnt that be the area where the stormers could fall down on Saturday?
Gavin Rich answered:
It would. But the Stormers know they have to make a step-up, they have Etzebeth back, and they were resting last weekend while the Sharks were eating airline food and counting the hours till landing...
Stoffel asked:
Do you think Piere Spies will kick all the penalties over for the lions on the super15 semi''s on saturday?
Gavin Rich answered:
If I am to believe some of the adverts I have seen Pierre in, he is capable of anything...
Johnwin asked:
Hey Gavin,just wanted to say you never answered Tertius''s question,Im waiting eagerly.
Gavin Rich answered:
Didn't I? I will go back and look for it. I have answered over 100 questions today. I feel like Hashim Amla...only another 211 to go....
David Johnston asked:
Hi Gavin,
What a great season of rugby for the Stormers and Sharks this year in SR.
As a Stormers supporter I know that the chances of us advancing to the finals is very slim compaired to the way the Sharks are playing at the moment. But on the day we will know who wants to win more and advance. On the other hand the Stormers are only playing winning rugby, which is a good thing because we topped the overall log by just going into matches with a winning mind set. I honesly think that the Stormers will be mentally prepaired already for the Semi-final against the Sharks. What would your honest prediction be for this upcoming weekends Semi''s?
Gavin Rich answered:
I never lie in my previews so the predictions there are my honest opinion - a Stormers Crusaders final at Newlands next week. But of course I have been known to be wrong. I see I haven't answered 100 questions yet. Hash, I won't be getting 311 today, your record is safe.
