Yoh! Lions suspend Mitchell

The Golden Lions Rugby Union has suspended coach John Mitchell with immediate effect following complaints from the players regarding his management style.

The players have long been frustrated at Mitchell’s man management, which often features vitriolic criticism and unusually punishing training sessions, especially after performances he deems unsatisfactory.
One such session, on Monday, was the tipping point for the players. A source described it as ‘bordering on inhumane’ while another spoke about the players’ anger at being ‘treated like children’. Both confirmed that such poor man management has been an outstanding feature of Mitchell’s reign (there was a similar player revolt at the end of Mitchell’s stint with the Western Force).

Strauss took up the players’ cause with Lions president Kevin de Klerk, who said on Friday that ‘the nature of the complaints is so serious that we have suspended him, pending further investigation.’
Assistant coaches Carlos Spencer and Johan Ackerman will take control of the team for their remaining Super Rugby matches.

With the Lions in a financial crisis it is unlikely that they will be able to afford to fire Mitchell. They will hope the New Zealander walks away without seeking compensation for early dismissal, or that he will be open to negotiating a fee that would suit both parties.

This latest incident simply deepens the troubles of the already embattled franchise. With the Kings guaranteed inclusion in Super Rugby in 2013, the Lions, who have won just two matches this season, face relegation.

Saru has insisted that a solution will be reached that won’t see any South African franchise relegated. However, the Cheetahs have already indicated they are not open to a merger, while Sanzar, the governing body that oversees Super Rugby and the Rugby Championship, has stressed that no additional team will be accommodated under the current format.

Another Top 14 Season upon us....

Talk about a jam-packed 2012/2013 Rugby season, there's 29 rounds of rugby (including the knock-out phases) to go through and also remember that theres also Eropean fixtures, 6 Nations and June Tests to consider.... That  isn't much right?

Its going to be a lengthy season, at least ten teams have legitimate hopes of making the top six and qualifying for the Heineken Cup.

So let's take a look at who has what it takes to go all the way :

Champions of the last two seasons and France's most decorated club, Toulouse must once again be considered favourites to defend their title. Despite having the league's biggest budget, Guy Novès seldom splashes out in the transfer market but his recruitments are always from the top drawer. The return of Yoann Huget from Bayonne and the arrival of heavyweight youngsters Antoine Guillamon (Lyon) and Edwin Maka have left the squad as strong as ever. William Servat's conversion from hooker to forwards coach will be closely watched. The policy of turning former players into coaches has worked well in the past and in young Christopher Tolofua, Toulouse have a quality replacement on the field.

Beaten in the semi-finals of both the Heineken Cup and the Top 14 when they looked unstoppable, Clermont are a safe bet to be in the mix at the business end of the season. Despite their knack for breaking records, they have formed a habit of stumbling at the final hurdle. All that matters now in the Auvergne is silverware and Vern Cotter's side certainly have the necessary firepower. Keep an eye on fan favourite Napolioni Nalaga, who returns after a stint with the Western Force in Super Rugby.

Losing finalists in June, Toulon have once again gone on a major shopping spree in their bid to finally bag a trophy. Masoe, Durand, Michalak, Armitage x 3, Mermoz, Sheridan, Jenkins... the big names continue to arrive in the Var. They now have all the players required to compete on both the European and domestic fronts. Another year without silverware will be considered a major failure.

There have been a few major shifts behind the scenes at Racing-Metro where former Argentina international Gonzalo Quesada has taken over from Pierre Berbizier, whose old-school bully approach was no longer appreciated by many players. Sixth place last year was not good enough considering the money spent. The arrival of Dimitri Szarzewski, Mathieu Bélie, Luc Ducalcon and Sakiusa Matadigo will add some new blood to the squad but the departures of new big names - notably François Steyn - might leave the Parisians a little short of the requirements for the title.

After making the play-offs for three straight years, the perennial nearly-boys of the Top 14, Castres will hope to finally have a crack at the final. Relatively quiet on the transfer front, CO have compensated for the departure of Chris Masoe by signing former Springbok loose forward Pedrie Wannenburg. Also keep an eye on former Hurricanes pivot Daniel Kirkpatrick and full-back Brice Dulin, who arrives from Agen after making his Test debut in June.

Three former champions in a period of rebuilding, Perpignan, Stade Français, Biarritz have announced grand objectives for 2013.

After their worst season in years, 2009 champions Perpignan have made headlines by signing a few big names - especially Tongan try-machine Sona Taumalolo - but they have seen a large chunk of the squad exit for greener pastures.

Stade Français have totally changed their coaching staff as they seek a revival of fortunes after failing to make the play-off for three consecutive years. For once they've looked in-house and former flank Richard Pool-Jones has been charged with the task of bringing silverware back to the capital.

Montpellier have been punching above their weight for a few seasons thanks to a dynamic coaching team. Many feel Fabien Galthié was unlucky not to get the France job and their staff will be even stronger with the addition of Mario Ledesma as forwards mentor.

Bubbling under, ....

Agen and Bordeaux-Begles defied the predictions of many last season and finished relatively comfortably in mid-table. One of the oldest clubs in the country, Agen are taking their time about building for the future but are making constant, steady progress. Scotland tighthead Euan Murray will stabilise the scrum while South African lock Ross Skeate brings plenty of experience.

Former France legend Raphaël Ibanez has taken command at Bordeaux-Begles, who will be aiming to improve their defence but will expect to produce a few more upsets.

A number of big-name signings disappointed last season but Bayonne have grand ambitions and have flung their cheque book around once again. Former Wallaby Mark Chisholm will lead the Basque team this season. Keep an eye on 21-year-old sensation Marvin O'Connor, who has been tipped for big things.

As is always the case, the newly-promoted sides will struggle to make the step up from the ProD2.  Grenoble however, have promised to play attractive rugby and have legitimate ambitions of avoiding the drop after winning their way back into the top flight for the first time in seven years. After convincingly winning the ProD2, the core of their squad has been maintained although former Toulouse number eight Shaun Sowerby and Perpignan fly-half Nicolas Laharrague will add significant strength to their team.

Mont-de Marsan are no strangers to the top flight but are unlikely to stay up after winning promotion in a shock play-off win over Pau at the end of last season. Scottish international Scott Murray will be their star this season.

Oh Captain my Captain Richie McCaw finally back for the Crusaders

Richie McCaw will make an appearance on the Crusaders bench against the Hurricanes after a lengthy battle with a foot injury.

McCaw hasn’t played since the World Cup final in October 2011. There were fears that it was so severe that he would be forced into premature retirement. However, McCaw assured the media that those fears were unfounded.

In other changes, the Franks brothers, Ben and Owen, start at loosehead and tighthead prop , while Luke Romano comes into the second row in place of Sam Whitelock.

Dan Carter continues his stint in midfield.

Will Genia to join Western Force? Seriously?

I was confirmed yesterday that Melbourne Reds and Wallabies scrumhalf will join the Western Force next season.

Shock, right? I mean I don't understand Australian teams and their players sometimes,  waisting their talent by leaving teams that have been performing well for struggling teams. It makes if you know you are a good player, playing the best players in the country as a team and dominating as apposed to going off and being the superstar of an ok team. I get that they are spreading the talent amongst the teams but this decisions i don't understand.

It almost feels like he's abandoning ship because with Quade Cooper out on injury and Digby Ioanes suspension the Reds have been struggling. But I guess money talks.

The move will only be confirmed next week, but it is believed that Genia has already agreed terms to leave defending Super Rugby champions the Reds for the Force in 2013. This comes after the player requested an improved contract to remain in Australia, with demands of a A$400 000-a-season deal.

There were potential moves to Europe and Japan on the cards before the Force offered Genia a lucrative deal. The signing of Genia has also convinced Wallabies flank and Force captain David Pocock to agree a new deal to extend his stay in Perth.

This is going to be a massive loss for the Reds, I'm starting to wonder what Quade Cooper s going to do when or if he comes back from injury.

Hougaard to stay with the Bulls

It was reported that talented scrum half Francois Hougaard signed a 3 year deal extending his contract with the Bulls. Good news for the team indeed considering that there were rumours that he wold go back to Westeern prvince and that he also had other offers to go abroad to play.

He moved from Western Province to the Bulls in late 2007.

Hougaard said: ‘This is where it all really started for me and in the last four years I have worked very hard in the structures to establish myself in the side. I put a very high premium on hard work and the work ethic at the Bulls is something I feel very comfortable with. I know how hard not only the players, but the coaching staff work to achieve results.’

The Beast is Back!

Wow, It felt like he was gone forever. Sharks Tendai Mtawarira is back in action this week in the Vodacom Cup after making a faster than expected recovery from injury.

He suffered a bad ankle injury at the begining of the year while training and had to have surgery, He recovered 2 weeks early. The 26-year-old is in the starting line-up for the Sharks XV's clash with the EP Kings at Kings Park on Saturday. This is good news for Sharks, Beast will  add great value to the team for a place in the playoffs.

The Sharks play the Chiefs this weekend before enjoying a bye next week, so there is a good chance Tendai could be involved in the next clash against the Highlanders on May 5.

Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer must be a pleased man with these news.

Counting the days till Peter Grant is back at no.10 for The Stormers, but Gary van Aswegen should be good for now right, ....

Not to take anything away from the young Gary van Aswegen who has ‘unbelievable potential’ playing in Super Rugby. But I cant wait for flyhalf Peter Grant to come back in the country and feature for the Stormers.

They said he wont be available until early March due to his commitments to the Japanese club Kobe Steelers took him away from the Stormers’ pre-season games. So the Stormers have had to search for a more dependable, and potentially greater, longer-term option.

Van Aswegen held his own during the first few games of the 2011 competition, but is this year that he will be expected to exercise more control and authority. We all know that the Stormers have been having issues with finding a flyhalf , but the coach has  faith in Van Aswegen as a player.
De Villiers said ‘We’re basically preparing as if Bash [Grant] isn’t going to be here,’ . ‘Gary has done well with the few opportunities that he’s had, and I think we’re in a better position now than we were at the same time last year with regards to the flyhalf situation.

‘Gary is maturing as a player, he has unbelievable potential. I have a role to play in mentoring young players like Gary, but at the same time I’m excited to be playing next to him.’

Van Aswegen has started 2 games thus far during the pre-season. While he will have De Villiers on his outside at No 12, he won’t have the Stormers’ best scrumhalf, Dewaldt Duvenage, on his inside.

With all that said we shouldnt worry about Gary starting now and Grant starting later,... right?