The Rugby Thread

[Zapater]

Petty keen to grab Dylan Hartly's autobiography when it comes out. The excerpts are looking fairly hilarious thus far. 2011 WC parties, painkillers like smarties and Eddie Jones seem to be the main topics. Haven't enjoyed a rugby autobiography since Peter de Villiers which was really good, the Matfield one was a bit generic (although hear the Eddie Jones book is pretty good too).

[Irishnev]

Pretty keen to see Snyman and De Allende for Munster

[Cormack74]

Petty keen to grab Dylan Hartly's autobiography when it comes out. The excerpts are looking fairly hilarious thus far. 2011 WC parties, painkillers like smarties and Eddie Jones seem to be the main topics. Haven't enjoyed a rugby autobiography since Peter de Villiers which was really good, the Matfield one was a bit generic (although hear the Eddie Jones book is pretty good too).

I've got it. I'd lend it to you if you weren't 5000 miles away

[Buzzo]

Good win for Edinburgh against Glasgow.

Some noticeable rust, but a decent enough game. Edinburgh on track for a home semi in the pro 14.

Leinster v Munster up next.

[Buzzo]

Watch out for Duhan Van Der Merwe over the next few years.

Qualifies for Scotland through residency now.

[Buzzo]

[ame]https://twitter.com/PRO14Official/status/1297232480525791232[/ame]

[Zapater]

I've got it. I'd lend it to you if you weren't 5000 miles away

Well it's the thought that counts, what did you think of it? Will see if I can get an e-book from an online library resource. The author Don McRae (South African) has done some excellent sports writing, can't remember the name but there's a top boxing book, he also did Gerrard's autobiography too (although I haven't read it).

https://twitter.com/PRO14Official/st...32480525791232

I never watch Pro14, but saw this when I was flicking through channels earlier. It's a shame he was poached, really like him - he has that Pacific Island style. There's definitely a bit of Nadolo about him. Probably not as good, but that style of player.

Him and Kobus van Wyk would probably be in or around the Bok setup now, thing is that there are many good black wingers in South Africa and it would be difficult for them to play. So they probably have made the right choices. It's impossible to believe now, but not even Kolbe would have played if Dyanti wasn't suspended for doping. Although there's no questioning the quality of Mapimpi, Nkosi or Dyantyi; a massive wing like van der Merve or van Wyk gives a nice option.

[Buzzo]

He’s a top level finisher, but he could do better. Possibly a touch one dimensional, but he is improving every year. Ball in hand with the line in front of him absolutely unstoppable, he’s added serious bulk over the last 24 months.

I would say the one handed carry is something that he basically brought into his game today. Typically he is head down and batter his way to the line. Not renowned for his offloads. He has serious wheels.

As with the entire Edinburgh team Cockerill has improved everything about him. He was just a pace merchant when he came up from France.

He is uncapped so far. But that will change in the autumn.

Looking forward Duhan, Graham and Kinghorn are an exciting back three for Edinburgh. Throw in Hogg and Maitland and that’s the 5 backs for Scotland.

[Buzzo]

Watching Leinster v Munster great game. Both teams looking better and less rusty than Glasgow and Edinburgh did earlier.

[Zapater]

In SA and NZ school and age group rugby is broadly televised (I obviously don't watch it) and some players are really hyped from there. Van der Merve was one of them, so we get highlights of them and are told to expect big things. For example we've been hearing about Damian Willemse for 4 or 5 years now. I think the pressure is unfair on young players who often haven't turned pro yet. See below, both videos are from 2016... Willemse is only 22, now! By contrast Percy Montgomery only debuted provincially at 22, don't think it's healthy to have so much exposure and pressure.

[ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T-6iSCqj5BU"]Duhan van der Merwe - YouTube[/ame]

[ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=feuoTA3h6tM"]Damian Willemse | Future Star - YouTube[/ame]

[Buzzo]

Yeah, That potential was why he was an exciting signing but it has taken 4 years with incremental improvement each year. Glimpses early on and looking the real deal this season. He wouldn’t have been ready for international rugby iuntil probably the end of last season.

His career was on the slide when he left Montpellier having not really kicked on there, so he was an unknown quantity at pro level when he moved to Edinburgh - but there are now quite a few SA at Edinburgh and that seems to have really helped him settle and develop his game.

Edinburgh have stabilised massively since Cockerill came in. The consistency and professionalism he brings (very much like a shorter, squatter more miserable Klopp)added to the stability of having the same coach for numerous years.

Cockerill developed the pack first and it would be fair to say previously Edinburgh relied heavily on their kicking game, and weren’t the best to watch. This year we have developed a more expansive style and that has benefited Duhan who has improved with the team. Put Darcy on the other wing and it’s a very dynamic back division.

Though Duhan’s improving, I’m not sure he would be near the SA team yet, but potential wise, he could be world class.

[Irishnev]

Snyman ****ed his knee on debut......sigh

[ame="https://twitter.com/ciantracey1/status/1297277331313168385"]https://twitter.com/ciantracey1/status/1297277331313168385[/ame]

[Zapater]

Yeah, That potential was why he was an exciting signing but it has taken 4 years with incremental improvement each year. Glimpses early on and looking the real deal this season. He wouldn’t have been ready for international rugby iuntil probably the end of last season.

His career was on the slide when he left Montpellier having not really kicked on there, so he was an unknown quantity at pro level when he moved to Edinburgh - but there are now quite a few SA at Edinburgh and that seems to have really helped him settle and develop his game.

Edinburgh have stabilised massively since Cockerill came in. The consistency and professionalism he brings (very much like a shorter, squatter more miserable Klopp)added to the stability of having the same coach for numerous years.

Cockerill developed the pack first and it would be fair to say previously Edinburgh relied heavily on their kicking game, and weren’t the best to watch. This year we have developed a more expansive style and that has benefited Duhan who has improved with the team. Put Darcy on the other wing and it’s a very dynamic back division.

Though Duhan’s improving, I’m not sure he would be near the SA team yet, but potential wise, he could be world class.

As i say, haven't really followed his journey closely. Was meaning more a hypothetical, alternative universe where he stayed at the Bulls and developed organically. Obviously that means nothing as the same thing could have happened or could have been another JJ Engelbrecht who stormed onto the scene and then fizzled out.

[Cormack74]

In SA and NZ school and age group rugby is broadly televised (I obviously don't watch it) and some players are really hyped from there. Van der Merve was one of them, so we get highlights of them and are told to expect big things. For example we've been hearing about Damian Willemse for 4 or 5 years now. I think the pressure is unfair on young players who often haven't turned pro yet. See below, both videos are from 2016... Willemse is only 22, now! By contrast Percy Montgomery only debuted provincially at 22, don't think it's healthy to have so much exposure and pressure.

I think I read somewhere that some SA school games are watched by more people on TV than some of the Super rugby matches. Incredible if true

[Buzzo]

Pretty keen to see Snyman and De Allende for Munster

Hope you got to see the 7 minutes!

[ame]https://twitter.com/Munsterrugby/status/1298173089277190144[/ame]