I’m crediting Moz for my return. I received an email from him today reaching out which I appreciated.
Part of me was not moved to return, I was not missing the board and it had left a sour taste, but many of us go back, there is history here and Moz’s reach reminded me of that.
As for my lists, fuck me they have been occupying my head for months, I need an outlet to set them free 😜
Flash as for the Under 20’s, I’ve watched every one of their games this year and loved it. They are a great side for the most and yes Yaqeen Ahmed is next level at 10. He will be Sacha’s back up for years to come. Forget Moyo - he is solid and that’s it. Ahmed is special as is Siyaya at 15, who is unfortunately missing out on this comp thanks to the concussion he sustained playing for the SA A side. I love Jooste on the wing, he is another gem as is Ethan Adams at 12. Markus Muller is yet to measure up to the hype. He is freakishly strong and has a good offload, but I want to see more magic from him on attack. Time is on his side - give me Jurenzo Julius anyday.
Gilliomee is good but I need to see more. I like the two 9’s very busy and give the side some zip. Schoeman is stocky so effective in close quarters
The forwards are solid nothing out of this world. They miss Norton at 5, who while good, certainly did not merit the Bok elevation he has received. Same applies to Moyo at 10. The props are good in particular Rambo and Reid. Really sad to see Kai Pratt test positive for steroids. Mnebelele at hooker has disappointed me a little - I had him as our next Marx - I thought I’d see him being more dominant than he has been. The loosies are good but have failed to stamp any authority in the bigger games. The locks are solid but lack grunt.
For me this side lacks a big bruiser at 4 and a big physical blindside. They could have had that, had they selected Jacques Botha ((2.06m & 128kg) signed with Stade Frances. Reserve lock
Orange should be playing 7 - he is abrasive but not tall enough for lock
Let’s hope they beat France in the final on Saturday
Watched the SA Schools side lose to the SA Schools A side today 34-33 - bit embarrassing for the side and selectors. The starting 15 secured a 21-7 lead at halftime with both sides making wholesale changes at halftime only to let the A side walk away with the honours. What an amazing achievement by my old school which has all of 500 boys from 5 to 18 yrs who had 4 players across the 2 squads (2 in each)
