I've thought about blogging for some period of time due to my strong opinions on just about everything - politics, rugby, the markets, etc...., I'm a terrible writer but here I go.
Rugby
We are in the middle of Heineken Cup week and the drama does not get much bigger than Dan Carter playing for Perpignan against Leicester. Henekye Meyer and his Tigers are walking into a buzz saw - the French are famous for playing much better at home and now with the best player in the world at 10, this game proves to be a cracker and my pick of the week! The Munster/Clermont and Quins/Stade games are the one not to be missed. The performance of the Harlequins last weekend in Paris was unreal. I expect the Parasians to come out swinging and one dogfight of a game. Danny Care seems to play much better without a rose on his jersey and just runs the show for the Quins look for a massive follow up to last . Munster put in a pretty average performance last week and will be keen to step it up at home. Euro rugby does not get much better, what a weekend a head!
Other games
Scarlets vs Ulster - I pick Ulster
Castres vs Leinster - Leinster
Dragons vs Toulouse - Toulouse
Treviso vs. Ospreys - Ospreys
Biarritz vs. Cardiff - Biarritz
Gloucester vs. Calvisano - Gloucester
Muster vs. Clermont - Munster
Quins vs. Stade Francais - Quins
Montauban vs. Sale - Sale
Wasps vs. Edinburg - Wasps
Glasgow vs. Bath - Bath
Super 14
To say I am anxiously awaiting this years S14.
Today - South Africa
Blue Bulls
The Bulls back line is looking quite strong with the Jaco Pretorious addition in the Midfield and Morne Steyn at the Pivot, and should give them some serious attacking prowess, more so than I've ever seen in Pretoria. In the pack they're going to miss Wickus Van Heerden on the deck but have an ever improving Deon Stegman combined with Piere Spies who's had a lot of rugby after sitting out for an extended period with blood clots. Combine Dannie Rousow and Pedrie Wannenburg at the blindside and you have a serious back row.Victor Matfield is becoming a better captain every game he takes the helm, and is the undisputed line out king. They will have Fourie De Preez at the back of the srum marshalling the show - this could be another year Bull. Hold on to your klipies and coke cause here comes bulls!
FS Cheetahs
The Freestate produces world class rugby player after world class rugby player - the problem is they leave. The talent drain leaves the FS with little hope in the S14. They dont have the depth than can weather this campaign or the Greuling tours back and forth across the tasman. Watch for Heinrich Brousow and Juan Smith to show the wild amount of depth SA has in the back row.
Lions
Where in the world is Carmen Sandiego/Andre Pretorious? He's a favorate of mine and a world cup winner - will he ever play again? I have one word of advice for the fathers of daughters in JoBurg, hide them, cause here comes Todd Clever. He talks like a wuss but hits like an NFL line backer. Todd is a USA Eagle and the real deal. He might not start off the bat with all the homegrown talent at the Lions but at some point he'll make an impact - and we'll be watching! Jacque Fiore and Willem Alberts are two class players but I don't see the Lions in the top 4 or even the top 8.
Stormers
Rassie Erasmus is a rugby mastermind. The question then becomes with all these Springboks, what are we going to get here? The Stormers are stacked from top to bottom. Front row, second row, back row, half backs, midfield, back three. They have several world class players and should challenge for a top 4 spot. Look for big performances from Schalk Britts, Duane Vermeulen, and Peter Grant - all three who want that Green Jersey.
Sharks
My dear Sharkies have tons and tons of talent, and one of the best Schedules of the S14. Its the latter part that may make for the most impact. The attacking prowess of this team may be beyond what any other team in the S14 can handle. With an almost all Springbok back line - they might have the best in the competition. In the forwards the back row of Kankowski, Botes and Deysel will be hard to stop. The one I am going to watch for is Jean Deysel. He should have worn a green jersey on tour and might be the one to knock Juan Smith out of his position. His ball carrying ability is beyond anything I have ever seen. Add to that a front row of John Smit, Bismark DuPlesiss, and the beast - you have the best of the comp. Sharks have to be looking at a home semi if not more.
Tomorrow - Aussie S14
Friday - Kiwi S14
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