Bell Super eight rugby action back
Jul 04, 2009
AFTER an eventful 3 month hiatus for international matches, the Bell Lager Super 8 second round continues today after the first set of matches last weekend. The strangest things have happened in the last 3 months.
By Peter Ofong
AFTER an eventful 3 month hiatus for international matches, the Bell Lager Super 8 second round continues today after the first set of matches last weekend. The strangest things have happened in the last 3 months.
Uganda bowed out of the 2011 RWC qualifiers amidst bizarre individual retirements of key national team players, while prior to that, Rwenzori were a respectable third in the Bamburi Rugby Super Series.
Impis naively failing to fix a match with Pirates due to exams were walked over by the latter in a dejavu case a la 2007 season.
I almost forgot Kobs were docked 3 league points for using the services of banned coach Fred Mudoola which means they are now level with Pirates at 27 points with Heathens third at 25.
What could happen in the final phase!
The above scenarios have left many wondering what next could possibly happen in the second half of the season. I can only say strap on your seat belts for a yet more shockers. Earlier in the season, I predicted 2009 would be the year Kobs stranglehold on the league would be broken.
I based this prediction on the packed international schedule that would take a toll on their players but with all the surprise retirements, Uganda's loss has been Kobs gain. Many have accused the subject players for putting club before country.
It is now Heathens and Pirates with the players tied up on international while Kobs have their senior players (still the best in the country) rested, fresh and rearing to go.
I thus change my prediction to say Kobs have been indirectly strengthened and are favourites to retain the league even with the points loss. Many will frown at this assertion but Kobs are that good on pitch their shenanigans off pitch not withstanding.
Springbok clinch the Lions
Tour
South Africa has won 2 of 3 tests to win the series of the 2009 British Isles tour of South Africa. In today's final test, the British Lions are playing for pride.
The world champions did look shaky in both victories especially the second test and will know they will not get away with such a performance in the try nations.
A late powerful Jacque Fourie try at the corner post set the ball rolling for what had looked like an unlikely victory after all the comedy of bok errors.
Boks coach Peter De Villiers needs to concentrate more on starting his inform Fly Half, Bulls hero Morne Steyn instead of defending Schalke Burger on his disgraceful 'eye gouging' incident. I think that in Morne Steyn, the South Africa team has found Butch Jame's heir apparent.
AFTER an eventful 3 month hiatus for international matches, the Bell Lager Super 8 second round continues today after the first set of matches last weekend. The strangest things have happened in the last 3 months.
Uganda bowed out of the 2011 RWC qualifiers amidst bizarre individual retirements of key national team players, while prior to that, Rwenzori were a respectable third in the Bamburi Rugby Super Series.
Impis naively failing to fix a match with Pirates due to exams were walked over by the latter in a dejavu case a la 2007 season.
I almost forgot Kobs were docked 3 league points for using the services of banned coach Fred Mudoola which means they are now level with Pirates at 27 points with Heathens third at 25.
What could happen in the final phase!
The above scenarios have left many wondering what next could possibly happen in the second half of the season. I can only say strap on your seat belts for a yet more shockers. Earlier in the season, I predicted 2009 would be the year Kobs stranglehold on the league would be broken.
I based this prediction on the packed international schedule that would take a toll on their players but with all the surprise retirements, Uganda's loss has been Kobs gain. Many have accused the subject players for putting club before country.
It is now Heathens and Pirates with the players tied up on international while Kobs have their senior players (still the best in the country) rested, fresh and rearing to go.
I thus change my prediction to say Kobs have been indirectly strengthened and are favourites to retain the league even with the points loss. Many will frown at this assertion but Kobs are that good on pitch their shenanigans off pitch not withstanding.
Springbok clinch the Lions
Tour
South Africa has won 2 of 3 tests to win the series of the 2009 British Isles tour of South Africa. In today's final test, the British Lions are playing for pride.
The world champions did look shaky in both victories especially the second test and will know they will not get away with such a performance in the try nations.
A late powerful Jacque Fourie try at the corner post set the ball rolling for what had looked like an unlikely victory after all the comedy of bok errors.
Boks coach Peter De Villiers needs to concentrate more on starting his inform Fly Half, Bulls hero Morne Steyn instead of defending Schalke Burger on his disgraceful 'eye gouging' incident. I think that in Morne Steyn, the South Africa team has found Butch Jame's heir apparent.