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Cape Town – This week’s ‘You said it!’ features Sport24 readers comment on Rickie Januarie announcing his retirement from Springbok rugby, Schalk Brits as he takes one last shot at Bok glory playing for the Stormers in the Super Rugby semi-final, and the performance of Bryce Lawrence in the Super Rugby match between the Sharks and the Crusaders.
Januarie quits Springboks
Ricky Januarie has withdrawn from the Springboks’ preliminary Rugby World Cup squad after announcing his retirement from international rugby on Friday. The 29-year-old Western Province scrumhalf made his decision after discussions with Springbok coach Peter de Villiers.
“Ricky did the honorable thing, realising that he is not the player he used to be.” – Neo
“Now it's your turn John Smit and Bryan Habana too.” – Obelix
“Give credit where credit is due....he has been around a long time and he has done some good things on his day. He is definitely way behind our current scrumhalves, and I think Ricky realizes that. This is a very wise decision and a classic example of getting out at the right time. I wish Ricky well on his journey to France.” – Timothy
“I really hope the selectors do the right thing now and select Sarel Pretorius in his place, the guy has been fantastic this season.” – Chappy
“Love him or hate him, that try in Dunedin was a great moment in Springbok rugby history. Quite possibly the greatest ever Springbok try.” – Gilgamesh
“Dunedin 2008: You achieved more in a couple of seconds than those slating you here will achieve collectively in their lifetimes.” – Jacques
“So he's improving Lyon, WP, Stormers and Bokke all in one go..... not bad!” – CP
“Although it's sad to see Ricky go I am glad for Duvvies who will now be the Stormers' official no.1 scrummie.” – Fox
“A ‘big’ servant to SA rugby – he knew where all the pies were buried.” – Robin Hood
Whatever his detractors may say, Ricky Januarie's match winning try against the All Blacks in Dunedin will live on in the annuls of Springbok rugby. (Gallo Images)
Brits' shot at Bok glory?
The Stormers' Vodacom Super Rugby semi-final against the Crusaders at Newlands on Saturday may well be a golden opportunity for Schalk Brits to serve a reminder of his talents to the Springbok selectors.
“The three hookers who will go to the RWC has already been decided - it will be Smit, du Plessis and Chilliboy. Strauss will be on standby.” – Dan Steel
“I am a great fan of Brits but he will never be included in the Bok set-up.” – Gooinat
“In loose forward terms this guy is Frodo Baggins, the Crusaders will eat him alive.” - Krugga
“Playing Schalk off the bench gives you a wide variety of options. He can provide cover for more than just hooker, which is invaluable in a WC substitute.” – Anton Rupert
“Brits is pure class. When he left they said he would never survive the scrums up north in the wet weather. His response was to be nominated for best rugby player in the UK Aviva Premiership for two years running.” – Gman
“99% of players who go to the Northern Hemisphere come back worse players.” – Krugga
Schalk Brits back in a Stormers jersey. (Gallo Images)
Ref 'shocking' in Nelson
The shocking performance by the New Zealand referee in Saturday’s Super Rugby playoff match between the Crusaders and Sharks has once again raised the question of whether neutral referees should not rather be considered for such fixtures.
“You had no complaints when your team got all the favours against the Cheetahs and Bulls.” - Kangaroo
“Bryce Lawrence is simply the best ref that ever graced our hallowed rugby grounds. He is the only ref that has the vision to actually predict dangerous play. What a legend.” – Backstabber
“Lawrence is a disgrace to refs. I hope he gets a red card for his poor performance.” – Supporter
“How the heck did Bryce Lawrence get to ref the final?” – Barry Kinchington
“The Crusaders were the better team.” – Armchair critic
“The ridiculous one-eyed comments here epitomise everything that is wrong with SA rugby.” – Vusi 9
“Where's Pieter van Zyl when you need him?” – Roman Morani
“Someone should sponsor Piet van Zyl a ticket to the semifinal in Newlands...” – Rob van den Heuvel
“Crusaders Man of the Match....The ‘Ref’” – Biskit
“They picked the wrong Lawrence for the final.” - Tank
Bryce Lawrence performance in the Sharks-Crusaders playoff has re-opened the debate behind using non-neutral refs. (Gallo Images)
Januarie quits Springboks
Ricky Januarie has withdrawn from the Springboks’ preliminary Rugby World Cup squad after announcing his retirement from international rugby on Friday. The 29-year-old Western Province scrumhalf made his decision after discussions with Springbok coach Peter de Villiers.
“Ricky did the honorable thing, realising that he is not the player he used to be.” – Neo
“Now it's your turn John Smit and Bryan Habana too.” – Obelix
“Give credit where credit is due....he has been around a long time and he has done some good things on his day. He is definitely way behind our current scrumhalves, and I think Ricky realizes that. This is a very wise decision and a classic example of getting out at the right time. I wish Ricky well on his journey to France.” – Timothy
“I really hope the selectors do the right thing now and select Sarel Pretorius in his place, the guy has been fantastic this season.” – Chappy
“Love him or hate him, that try in Dunedin was a great moment in Springbok rugby history. Quite possibly the greatest ever Springbok try.” – Gilgamesh
“Dunedin 2008: You achieved more in a couple of seconds than those slating you here will achieve collectively in their lifetimes.” – Jacques
“So he's improving Lyon, WP, Stormers and Bokke all in one go..... not bad!” – CP
“Although it's sad to see Ricky go I am glad for Duvvies who will now be the Stormers' official no.1 scrummie.” – Fox
“A ‘big’ servant to SA rugby – he knew where all the pies were buried.” – Robin Hood
Whatever his detractors may say, Ricky Januarie's match winning try against the All Blacks in Dunedin will live on in the annuls of Springbok rugby. (Gallo Images)
Brits' shot at Bok glory?
The Stormers' Vodacom Super Rugby semi-final against the Crusaders at Newlands on Saturday may well be a golden opportunity for Schalk Brits to serve a reminder of his talents to the Springbok selectors.
“The three hookers who will go to the RWC has already been decided - it will be Smit, du Plessis and Chilliboy. Strauss will be on standby.” – Dan Steel
“I am a great fan of Brits but he will never be included in the Bok set-up.” – Gooinat
“In loose forward terms this guy is Frodo Baggins, the Crusaders will eat him alive.” - Krugga
“Playing Schalk off the bench gives you a wide variety of options. He can provide cover for more than just hooker, which is invaluable in a WC substitute.” – Anton Rupert
“Brits is pure class. When he left they said he would never survive the scrums up north in the wet weather. His response was to be nominated for best rugby player in the UK Aviva Premiership for two years running.” – Gman
“99% of players who go to the Northern Hemisphere come back worse players.” – Krugga
Schalk Brits back in a Stormers jersey. (Gallo Images)
Ref 'shocking' in Nelson
The shocking performance by the New Zealand referee in Saturday’s Super Rugby playoff match between the Crusaders and Sharks has once again raised the question of whether neutral referees should not rather be considered for such fixtures.
“You had no complaints when your team got all the favours against the Cheetahs and Bulls.” - Kangaroo
“Bryce Lawrence is simply the best ref that ever graced our hallowed rugby grounds. He is the only ref that has the vision to actually predict dangerous play. What a legend.” – Backstabber
“Lawrence is a disgrace to refs. I hope he gets a red card for his poor performance.” – Supporter
“How the heck did Bryce Lawrence get to ref the final?” – Barry Kinchington
“The Crusaders were the better team.” – Armchair critic
“The ridiculous one-eyed comments here epitomise everything that is wrong with SA rugby.” – Vusi 9
“Where's Pieter van Zyl when you need him?” – Roman Morani
“Someone should sponsor Piet van Zyl a ticket to the semifinal in Newlands...” – Rob van den Heuvel
“Crusaders Man of the Match....The ‘Ref’” – Biskit
“They picked the wrong Lawrence for the final.” - Tank
Bryce Lawrence performance in the Sharks-Crusaders playoff has re-opened the debate behind using non-neutral refs. (Gallo Images)
