Oz star player for WP

[mudskipper]

I'm curious to know Muddy. Where would you prefer Giteau to play for the Wallabies and/or the Brumbies? 10 or 12?

I know a few of you bang on about Gits for 10 or 12 but when I watch the Wallabies I see Giteau being used as both by Deans and swapping with Barnes... I think this helps the creative attack but I worry if it diminishes who's responsible for leading team around the park... This has been an issue this year... So i like the interchange between Barnes and Gits but is it confusing the work flow on the park? and therefore the result... So I guess its either get better at it or go back to a fixed Flyhalf...

As for where would I prefer Giteau to play at the Brumbies I'd say at the start of the season to play at 10 until the team settles in and use Toomua as a 10 (late in games) more over the season to utilise Giteau footwork and explosive pace to break the line… Especially in the last 20 minutes catching out weary jarpie forwards...

Next year teams will have trouble marking the Brumbies backs. Many teams double mark Mortlock so expect Giteau, Tryone Smith, Toomua, AAC and Lealiifano to do some damage on the score board... they’ll have their hands full and that doesn’t even count the quick men Franky, Alfie and Sipa… Ouch… I guess you'll all have first taste come Feb at the MES… Through and forward in the backs Smith, Rocky or Mitchell and it wont matter where Giteau is playing... he'll score points

[James]

It'll be interesting to see how that one pans out because either way there will be a *LOT* of gloating. A worse Force team than we have now played a better Brumbies team than you have now and held them for 60 minutes until two centres injured saw the Force crack. Brumbies had better bring their 'A' game.

[mudskipper]

Force got the better of the Brumbies last time and Giteau's had a blinder... This time we've got him covered... The only issue is the start of season games can be a little MES-sy.... but I can't wait , it will be a cracker... We can see what that jarpie and JOC can do. Additionally your new forward pack, well frontrow... with Pek as hooker?

[TOCC]

Force got the better of the Brumbies last time and Giteau's had a blinder... This time we've got him covered... The only issue is the start of season games can be a little MES-sy.... but I can't wait , it will be a cracker... We can see what that jarpie and JOC can do. Additionally your new forward pack, well frontrow... with Pek as hooker?

bahhhh, already making excuses.....

[mudskipper]

Province into Currie Cup semis as Toomua steps up into Flyhalf

Western Province stormed into the Currie Cup play-offs with a rousing 43-3 win over Griquas in the Absa Currie Cup Premier Division match at Newlands on Saturday afternoon.

Province crowned their victory with a bonus point after they managed five tries against a side that scored a shock victory over them in first-round competition.

A heavy downpour and a soggy pitch greeted the teams as they ran out. As a result of the heavy underfoot conditions play was frequently punctuated by knock-ons, dropped passes and spilt catches.

Province wisely opted to kick for field positions to transfer play to the opposition half whereas the visiting Griquas opted for a more adventurous approach in conditions more suited to an ice-rink.
Continues Below ↓


The Brisbane-based Australian Test referee Paul Marks, who handled the match, kept a close watch on the Griquas offenders who paid a severe price for their indiscretions which amounted to 12 points against them in the first 21 minutes. Province full-back Joe Pietersen was on target with four penalties (12-0).

Griquas suffered another setback when their captain, Jonathan Mokuena, was yellow-carded in the 21st minute and in his absence Province took full advantage of the visitors' depleted ranks to score the first try of the match when prop Brok Harris charged over. In the play leading up to the try the Province pack set up a driving maul which took play from 20 metres to within a whisker of the Griquas try line.

Pietersen's conversion gave Province a commanding 19-0 lead.

Griquas flyhalf and Newlands old boy Naas Olivier nailed his second attempt at a penalty to finally open his side's scoring account (19-3).

Despite conditions Province were stringing together several multi-phase movements in the opposition half and their efforts were again rewarded with an unconverted try by Pietersen, six minutes ahead of the half-time break (24-3).

At the start of the second half Province brought their latest recruit, Matt Toomua, into the fray and flyhalf Peter Grant moved out to inside centre.

Frikkie Welsh moved from outside centre to right wing at the expense of Tonderai Chavhanga.

Province also replaced Dewaldt Duvenhage with Springbok scrumhalf Ricky Januarie.

Seven minutes into the half, the Aussie referee posted Province hooker Tiaan Liebenberg for foul play and at an ensuing set-scrum replacement Deon Fourie was called on to step into the No 2 role, while openside flanker was sacrificed.

The showers eased up as the second half wore on and this was the cue for Province to run the ball more frequently.

Province launched several promising movements but the finishing touch seemed to desert them out wide as they kept probing away for a bonus-point win.

On the hour mark Province forced their way over from a five-metre line-out with flanker Duane Vermeulen dotting down a converted try, and all that was left was to secure a fourth try for the bonus point.

Egged on by the surprisingly large 26 000 crowd, who braved the fierce "Cape of Storms" elements the home side's play seemed to take, a backwards step as a measure of desperation thwarted their efforts in a 12-minute passage of play.

However, Province's perseverance paid off in the end when Welsh dived on a kick-ahead by centre Juan de Jongh for the side's fourth try of the match, eight minutes before the final whistle. Pietersen's conversion failed (36-3).

Just for good measure Province ran two late close-range penalties and then treated the crowd to a fifth try by substitute Pieter Louw, and Toomua added the conversion.

Scorers

Western Province: Tries: Brok Harris, Joe Pietersen, Duane Vermeulen, Frikkie Welsh and Pieter Louw. Conversions: Pietersen (2), Matt Toomua. Penalties: Pietersen (4).

Griquas: Penalty: Naas Olivier - Sapa

http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?set_i...3601107C257165


A nice effort here by the young Australian flyhalf leading the team around the park for half the match to a incisive... nice work Matt Toomua....

[mudskipper]

Toomua spearheads WP assault

http://www.keo.co.za/2009/09/30/toom...ds-wp-assault/


Matt Toomua will start at flyhalf this Saturday with Maties’ Paul Bosch running at centre.

WP coach Allister Coetzee has made eight changes to the side that started against Griquas last week. Ricky Januarie will partner Toomua at halfback while wing Sireli Naqelevuki gets a start due to Gio Aplon’s ankle injury.

Province captain Luke Watson said Toomua has contributed significantly since arriving in Cape Town last Thursday.

‘It’s difficult to come into a team, and for Matt it should’ve been even harder,’ Watson told keo.co.za. ‘It’s not just a different team, it’s a different country and a different competition.

‘It’s far more physical in the Currie Cup and he’s had to adjust. We’ve been blown away with his maturity and enthusiasm. What caught the eye was his attitude on defence – he absolutely smoked Sean Plaatjies in that game against Griquas, and the rest of us were, “We like what this guy’s about”.

‘If he continues the way he’s started he’ll definitely be a viable contender for the No 10 jersey come semi-final time.’

In the forwards, flank Pieter Louw steps in for Duane Vermeulen while Springbok Andries Bekker is pushed straight into the starting side after passing a fitness test. Up front, JC Kritzinger and JD Moller are awarded starts.

Coetzee admitted it may take some time for the WP side to find their rhythm with so many changes.

‘It’s always a risk when new guys come in, they will take some time to adapt,’ Coetzee told this website. ‘But as I’ve said, we can’t win this tournament with 15 guys, we have to win it as a squad.

‘It’s great to have a Springbok like Andries back, and I’m looking forward to seeing how De Kock and Andries go as a combination. At the same time, I’m excited to see how JC and JD perform.

‘We’ve got to make sure everyone is fresh and sharp come the semi-finals. We want to pick up the win, but we have to consider this as well.’

Regular halfback pairing Dewaldt Duvenhage and Peter Grant have been rested for this match with Bolla Conradie and Conrad Hoffmann providing cover for Januarie and Toomua on the bench.

Coetzee said Hoffmann would get game time, but that it’s vital Toomua plays 40 minutes to meet the requirements. Hoffmann could start the second half with Toomua dropping to fullback.

‘It’s difficult to pre-plan these things,’ said the WP coach. ‘If the side starts well then we will be in a position to bring the reserves on in the second half.

‘Conrad has to get playing time, but we will see how it goes. We are not underestimating Boland.’

Western Province - 15 Joe Pietersen, 14 Tonderai Chavhanga, 13 Frikkie Welsh, 12 Paul Bosch, 11 Sireli Naqelevuki, 10 Matt Toomua, 9 Ricky Januarie, 8 Luke Watson (c), 7 Pieter Louw, 6 Francois Louw, 5 Andries Bekker, 4 De Kock Steenkamp, 3 JC Kritzinger, 2 Tiaan Liebenberg, 1 JD Moller.
Subs: 16 Deon Fourie, 17 Brok Harris, 18 Anton van Zyl, 19 Duane Vermeulen, 20 Bolla Conradie, 21 Conrad Hoffmann, 22 Juan de Jongh.


Week 2 in South Africa and toomua is starting for WP... the kids a champ read the supporter blogs about him on the link

---------- Post added at 20:54 ---------- Previous post was Yesterday at 23:10 ----------

This kid is doing a great job at developing outside of the Wallabies I... tinks...

---------- Post added at 20:57 ---------- Previous post was at 20:54 ----------

Toomua has this year played S14 Brumbies, Shute shield for the Beasts, Toured France with the Brumbies and now seeing out the year with the Western Province in SA... not a bad effort...

---------- Post added at 18:26 ---------- Previous post was Yesterday at 20:57 ----------

Since there is a lack of rugby I thought we could get to know Western Province a little more since an Aussie lad is playing Flyhalf for the most successful Currie Cup team in South African history

Western Province
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia


Union South African Rugby Union
Founded 1883
Location Cape Town, South Africa
Ground(s) Newlands
Capacity 50,900
Coach(es) Allister Coetzee
Captain(s) Luke Watson
League(s) Currie Cup

Official website
www.thestormers.com


Western Province is a South African rugby union team that participates in the annual Currie Cup tournament. The team has won the Currie Cup on 32 occasions, the most of any Currie Cup team. The team plays in blue and white hooped jerseys, and its home ground is the Newlands Stadium in Cape Town. They are nicknamed "Die Streeptruie" (The Striped Jerseys) in reference to their legendary blue and white hooped jerseys. They are also known simply as "Province" by all South African rugby lovers. Afrikaans speaking supporters refer to the team by its abbreviation, W.P. (pronounced: "vee pee"["ee" as in "beer"]) The Western Province also competes as the Vodacom Stormers in the Super 14 competition.

History
The club was established in 1883. The club claimed their first Currie Cup title in 1889; they repeated this success just three years later, winning the title again in 1892. Western Province continued to dominate the Currie Cup throughout the 1890s, winning the competition in 1894, 1895, 1897 and 1898. This success continued into the early 1900s, as they won in 1904, 1906 and 1908. The competition still being contested irregularly at this stage, was next won by the Western Province in 1914. They won a further seven times over the next two decades - four times in the 1920s and again three times in the 1930s, sharing two with Border. When the first Currie Cup championship was introduced in 1939, Western Province featured in the final, but lost to Transvaal 17-6 in Cape Town.

After losing the final in 1946 to Northern Transvaal, Western Province won their first final in 1947. The Currie Cup became an annual competition in 1969 and Western Province made it to the final that year, though they lost to Northern Transvaal. The team had to wait another seven seasons before making another final appearance, which they lost against the Orange Free State (recently renamed as the Free State Cheetahs) in Bloemfontein. Three years later they won the Currie Cup, sharing with Northern Transvaal at Newlands Stadium in Cape Town. The next year Province again lost in the final to Northern Transvaal. Northern Transvaal became Western Province's biggest rival during this time. Since 1969, the men from Pretoria have dominated the competition. Prior to this, Western Province had dominated. During South Africa's sporting isolation (brought about as a result of the country's apartheid policy) this rivalry took centre stage and became the climax of the Currie Cup season. The teams met in another six championship finals until the 1990s. In the 1980's Western Province experienced what many described as their "golden years", winning the title outright for five years in a row. This feat is yet to be equalled. (Northern Transvaal had achieved this before but their third victory in the winning streak was shared with Western Province) After drawing 16 all with Northern Transvaal in the 1989 final, their next final appearance would be in 1995, when they were defeated by the Natal Sharks in Durban. They won the Currie Cup in 1997, defeating the Free State Cheetahs, but the following season they lost to the Blue Bulls (Northern Transvaal). Western Province won the championship twice in 2000 and 2001, defeating the Sharks on both occasions. As of 2008, they have yet to reclaim the title.

In the 1990's many teams changed their names as a result of pressure by the new ANC government. Previously many teams were named after the provinces they were based in and seeing as these provinces no longer existed, the names were no longer valid. Some teams simply added some form of animal or mascot name (e.g. Boland became the Boland Cavaliers) whereas others had to change their entire name. Transvaal for example had to change their name to the Golden Lions. Northern Transvaal were also renamed the Blue Bulls although this was less of a problem for their supporters as this had been the team's nickname for many years. Western Province is the only union that has never changed its name or added anything to it.

Stadium
The Western Province Rugby Football Union is based at Newlands Stadium. Newlands is commonly referred to as the home of South African rugby. The first official matches played at Newlands were in 1890. The ground has been continually developed over the past century, entirely due to the efforts of the Western Province Rugby Football Union and its administrators. Since the advent of professional rugby, the stadium has taken on various names due to sponsorship of the Western Province side, but is today simply named Newlands, a decision made by former sponsors Investec. Vodacom has since taken over sponsorship of the team and stadium, but chose not to rename the stadium. This decision proved very popular among the faithfull supporters who deeply respect the traditions associated with W.P. rugby and Newlands itself. Newlands normally draws the largest average crowds of any stadium in the Super Rugby competition. In 2002 the Stormers welcomed their millionth spectator through the gates. The ground was bought in 1888, and currently has a capacity of 50,900.

Current Squad
Position Player
HK Tiaan Liebenberg
HK Deon Fourie
HK Hanyani Shimange
PR Brok Harris
PR JD Moller
PR Wicus Blaauw
PR JC Kritzinger
LK Adriaan Fondse
LK AJ Venter
LK Andries Bekker
LK Anton Van Zyl
LK Chris Jack
FL Duane Vermeulen
FL Francois Louw
FL Pieter Louw
FL Pieter Myburgh
FL Schalk Burger
N8 Luke Watson (c)
SH Bolla Conradie
SH Conrad Hoffmann
SH Dewaldt Duvenhage
SH Ricky Januarie
FH Peter Grant
FH Willem De Waal
FH Matt Toomua
CE Dylan Des Fountain
CE Frikkie Welsh
CE Jean de Villiers
CE Juan de Jongh
CE Morgan Newman
CE Paul Bosch
WG Sireli Naqelevuki
WG Tonderai Chavhanga
WG Wylie Human
FB Conrad Jantjes
FB Gio Aplon
FB Joe Pietersen

---------- Post added at 18:29 ---------- Previous post was at 18:26 ----------

bahhhh, already making excuses.....

Queensland ball boys see more of the ball than their players.. Brumbies will roast the Reds in 2010...

[TOCC]

[B]

Queensland ball boys see more of the ball than their players.. Brumbies will roast the Reds in 2010...

comeon muddy, surely you arent just using the same old joke over and over...

[beige]

Rhetorical, eh? Eight!

[mudskipper]

Well I figure the ball boys will have the best ball skills in the reds 2010...

[beige]

Yeah we got it the first two times...

[TOCC]

cant really blame muddy, its about as creative as they get down in canberra

[mudskipper]

The gossip is the Western Force in the near future will be poaching the Reds balls boys for the skill sets...

[travelling_gerry]

I dunno...they are good at creating committee's.

[jargan83]

Someone laugh at him so he shuts up. Committee went back to Canberra didn't it?
Posted via Mobile Device

[James]

Perhaps Coach should take the fascist dictator stance and send him to Siberia. Freedom of speech only applies when you actually have something worth saying.