Player Exodus

Jun 17 • General News, Super Rugby • 4724 Views • Comments Off on Player Exodus

Written by: David van der Merwe – @djvanman on twitter

The Bulls will be losing the following 10 players at the end of this season:

Victor Matfield – He retires again. Hopefully for good this time. We might see him as the attack coach at the Bulls next season. Many will hope not.

Flip vd Merwe – Flip is going to Clermount. As he is no longer in the Bok mix it doesn’t seem like a big loss. I believe he still has a lot to offer in rugby.

Jacques du Plessis – Joining up with Jake White’s Montpellier might just be what he needs to breath new life into his fast disappearing career.

Wiaan Liebenberg – Another player joining Montpellier. We didn’t see much of him this season. I believe he should have stuck around another season before making this move.

Pierre Spies – Moving to Japan. There he might become the player he use to be. Lacked intensity this season. Also not the best captain we have seen.

Francois Hougaard – This is a big loss. Canyon Eagles in Japan is getting a brilliant winger and a average scrumhalf if needed. Hope he remains available for Bok selection.

Jacques-Louis Potgieter – Lyon. He was never going to make the Bok side. Still a reliable kicker.

William Small-Smith – Yet to confirm who he will be joining. Another player crashing on to the scene and then just crashing. He does however have a bright future with the right team.

Akona Ndungane – Will be retiring. He played his heart out and deserves every accolade he has received.

Jurgen Visser – Still without a contract. His performance this season will not help him securing one.

The Cheetahs will see 7 players depart:

Henrich Brussow – NNT Japan is getting a brilliant 6. Bok rugby will miss this fetcher but his size has ruled him out once to many.

Jean Cook – Zebre Italy. I have not seen much of him so I won’t comment much.

Sarel Pretorius – This is probably one of our most underrated players. Newport Gwent Dragons in Wales is getting a brilliant scrumhalf. Can’t blame Sarel for leaving as he is overlooked every year for Bok selection.

Joe Pietersen – His move to the Sharks is a mind boggling one. At the Cheetahs he would remain 1st choice. At the Sharks he will be behind Lambie at 10 and Le Roux at 15. Still don’t understand the move.

Johann Sadie – Agen is getting a good player. I still believe his move from Province was the wrong one. This might bring his career back on the right track.

Cornal Hendricks – unconfirmed. Who ever signs a contract with this winger is getting their money’s worth. He is exciting and has feet fit for the dance floor. Hope he stays in SA for now.

Willie le Roux – His move to the Sharks is not a surprise. He was coached to death at the Cheetahs. Lost that flair we all love. Although I believe new Cheetahs coach, Franco Smith might have changed that.

The Sharks has said their goodbyes to 6 of their players:

Jannie du Plessis – Moving to Montpellier. Once a stalwart in the scrum, but of late he has lost form. Doesn’t look like he will regain it. Jake might be his answer.

Matt Stevens – Toulon fancy’s the man. Well I have not seen him play much. Will keep an eye on his progress.

Bismarck du Plessis – He has regained his form of late. Discipline has been a problem. Still Montpellier is getting one of the best hookers in world rugby.

Willem Alberts – losing a player of his calibre is always sad. Then he is nearing the end of a brilliant career. Good luck hardman.

Cameron Wright – Montpellier. If Jake is looking for him it means there is something in him. Will have to watch his career.

Fred Zeilinga – Cheetahs. This young man has a lot to offer. Here he will be first choice. A good move.

The Stormers also bid fairwell to 6 players:

Steven Kitshoff – off to Bordeaux. Losing an anchor in the scrum. Watched him from his debut. Deserves a Bok jersey.

Neil Rautenbach – moving to the Cheetahs. So we will see more of him.

Micheal Rhodes – Saracens is getting a versatile forward. Good losie and a good lock to boot. Sad to see him go.

Duane Vermeulen – Toulon is getting the best 8th man in world rugby in my view. A massive blow for the Stormers and Boks. Let’s hope he remains in this form and available for Bok selection.

Demitri Catrakilis – a player that can step into a Bok jersey. After Montpellier and Jake is done with him see him do just that.

Patrick Howard – Northampton Saints. Don’t be surprised if he plays for England at centre come the next World cup in 2019.

The Lions losses only one player:

Schalk van der Merwe – another player joining Jake and his troops at Montpellier. He has a big career in front of him.

Montpellier turns out to be the big winner in numbers but Toulon and Newport might win with the calibre of players they have signed.

It is time we as South African supporters forget where a player plays. If he is good enough he ahould play for the Springboks. Players leaving only means we can develop more youngsters.