SA Rugby Legends Event: Bokke en Biltong Evening

The Bokke and Biltong evening was a steak evening hosted by Johnny Louw at the Boeretroos Theater in East London on Thursday evening, 30 August.

The guests were Springbok Legend, Ollie Le Roux and one of the best refferee's that our country has produced in Tappe Henning.

The evening kicks off full of laughter and jokes with Johnny being very humourous and entertaining with an awesome personality.

Both Ollie and Tappe speak of the highs and lows of rugby from both sides of the spectrum, but I sense the night had a deeper meening than just the fame and success that the sport gave them.

It kicks off with the mood changeing from joking and laughing to Johnny speaking openly and direct of his life, a difficult life, full of struggles and heartache. Ollie and Tappe join in and flips the whole evening around and speaks about life without direction and without a cause. They were always searching for the next big break to put them higher on the limelight ladder, where you are noticed and likeable, a life where temptations are huge as everyone has their spotlight on you. Jy is mos die main man, n Springbok en n skeidsregter wat groot games blaas, waar groot name rugbyspelers speel.

Johnny, Ollie and Tappe then speaks about the event, the event that changes your whole life. An event that shakes you so hard that you realise that your life is empty and directionless. The event opens your eyes and God starts speaking to you, ruk jouself reg en word vissers van mense. Go out and help these young sportstars who are chasing the green and gold jersey, money, fame. They urged the young people to stop chasing these above mentioned, superficial things and start chasing Jesus for He is the one who safes and He is the one who wants to shape you and guide you to better things.

This evening really connected with the inner me and I realise that God has a specific plan with my life. I might have wanted to be a proffesional rugby player, but it isn't what I want, it is all about what He wants.

After the talk we all sat down and had a really nice meal and overall it was a great event that was impeccably hosted by Mr Louw and left me in content. A big shout out to Hoërskool Grens and the SARugby Legends association for organizing such a awesome event.

Until next time, have a blessed week end and don't stop chasing Jesus!!!! ;-)

Regards
Barry

New Zealand vs Australia – Preview

Round two of the inaugural Rugby Championship kicks off with the powerful All Blacks taking on the Wallabies at Eden Park in Auckland.

The Wallabies would be desperate for an away victory after their home defeat last week to the same opposition. Their cause would have taken a huge blow after their captain David Pocock was injured in last week’s encounter, giving the young and exciting Michael Hooper a shot at glory.Quade Cooper returns to the starting line up in place of Kurtley Beale and Berrick Barnes move to outside center to give the Aussies some extra kicking options. Will Genia takes over the captaincy role.

The settled All Black side has only one injury-enforced change from last week’s run on team, with Wyatt Crockett replacing the injured Tony Woodcock.

Players to Watch:

Sonny Bill Williams with his magical off loads, Israel Dagg with his brilliant positional play and extraordinary attack, Mr. Consistent Dan Carter, Captain Incredible Richie McCaw and the impressive Kieran Read.

For Australia the explosive Digby Ioane, magical Quade Cooper if the moment isn’t too big for him, Silky Smooth Will Genia, Never Say Die Scott Higginbotham and Old Timer Nathan Sharpe.

Prediction:

Australia will give everything in their power to outmuscle the All Blacks, but I do not think they will have enough power to stop the black machine.

All Blacks to win by 15.

Date: Saturday, 25 August
Venue: Eden Park, Auckland
Kick Off: 09:35, SA Time.

SA vs Abroad

It may be for the money or lack of oppertunities, but South Africa is loosing not only young rugby players, but experienced veterens of the game at the speed of light.

Fourie du Preez is a great example of a talented, well rounded rugby player who represented his country and provincial sides with distinction. He has won everything from numerous Currie cup's, Super 14 titles, Tri-Nations and not to mention the World Cup.

Suddenly after our not so succesul 2011 World Cup campaign, he decides to take up a lucrative offer to play in Japan knowing that his career would soon come to an end.

Did his descision impact the Springbok side hugely?

YES, I believe it did!!! No one has really grabbed the oppertunity to establish himself as the best no. 9 in the country and maybe the world, because I believe du Preez was/is the best scrum half SA has ever had with Joost coming in a close second.

Nothing against Francois Hougaard, Ruan Pienaar, Dewaldt Duvenhage or whoever you prescribe to don the bok jersey, because they are awesome rugby players themselves, but lately we lack direction on attack which du Preez was central to aswell as comunication on defense.

Fourie is not the only player leaving a gaping hole for I can mention the names of Jaque Fourie, Francios Louw, Joe van Niekerk just to name a few and fringe players like Schalk Brits and Ernts Joubert. There are hundreds of young SA players plying their trade abroad because of the lack of oppertunities in this country and it is really sad.

I really hope Hougie has a huge game on Saturday against the Argies and starts to put his signature on the 9 jersey for the future.

An I truly hope SARU derives some system in keeping our talent at home!!!!

Welcome

This is my very first post and I would just like to thank everyone in advance for viewing my blog!!!

I chat about rugby, the sport everyone loves in this country. The highs and the lows, the awesome and not so awesome moments. If it has anything to do with rugby, I will have a view. My view may not be the best view and If I offend anyone, I oppologise in advance.

I will discuss a couple of topics in the next couple of days and please feel free to comment and share as you please!!!! Any advise on topics etc. Would be highly appteciated!!!