http://www.paddypower.com/bet?action=go_type&category=SPORTS&disp_cat_id=&ev_class_id=12&ev_type_id=12326&ev_oc_grp_ids=118520&bir_index=

I am so confused by this new Italian scenario. I literally have no idea what’s happening.

He impressed the test squad with his performances last season in the games against Aus and NZ. Only for the fact that it was end-season they’d have beaten the Aussies and possibly the NZ game. Would have been a great feather in his cap, and admittedly left Kidney staring at a wall-high bar in the Autumn Int’ls.

You’ll notice that Bradley’s set his stall out in wanting to achieve H Cup qualification. Not as difficult this season as previously. The winner of the Cup gives an extra place to their country is a new rule brought in. Haven’t figured out if they’ve dropped the last qualifying spot as a result though presume they must have.

So if Munster, Leinster or Ulster manage to repeat last year’s feat, Connacht get a step up.

Interesting article in the Irish Times the other day about the Italians getting ready for next year in the Magners. Or maybe more accurately, not being ready. Roma are planning to sue Dondi and the rugby mafiosi for ‘de-selecting’ them and putting the other franchise in the game. It’s always politics in Italy. Viadana are certain to be picked, despite having a population of a western isles town, but a certain rugby president is from the area.

There hasn’t really seemed to be a complete stand out performer this year though – I still think the closest is Du Preez though simply due to the sides he has played against.

.

And this would please you and keep you happy, would it?

In terms of consistency, that’s about it. Roberts performed well towards the back end of the season and on the Lions tour, proving that he could become a world class centre, if he isn’t already. Croft had a good season, but not enough to warrant a nomination. I suppose Simon Shaw is another alternative, his performances over the last few months have been nothing short of stunning.

Its between Matfield and Du Preez. Matfield is a fantastic lineout player, there is no none better… I would easily grant him the award BUT if some one asked me who the SBs can least afford to lose I would say Du Preez, Smit and then Matfield.

You ask any international no. 9 and they would say Du Preez is the best.

I wish the Boks played England on this tour, it would be awesome to see Du Preez cut the poms to shreds…again.

The springbok team that played the AB’s in the their last 3N match would hand England such big, overwhelming and embarrassing whipping that Johnson will not know what excuse to hide behind.

Du Preez should be declared player of the year, but knowing the IRB’s present state of mind, it wouldn’t surprise me if the award went to an undeserving Northern Hemisphere player…

Can’t argue with Matfield – the pure psychological effect that he had on the ABs lineout was enough to win those games.

What about players up north? I can only think of BOD…

You said that Du Preez didn’t stand out, I’m saying in the 3rd test no one from the Boks stood out.

“No, I mean for the entire 2nd half of the 1st test, 60 minutes (until the Lions lost two props, of course) of the 2nd test and the entire 3rd test. ”

Given the consensus was that the Lions backs were better than the Boks in terms of attack in the tests, I find it interesting that despie this domination in both forwards and backs that the Lions lost?

From a SA perspective I would say Matfield. The mark of a good player is exceeding reliability in the big games. Morne Steyn had a pretty exceptional season too.

As well as that some South African sports websites like keo.co.za carry updates on the games.

What did Mike Philips do that was so much more than what Du Preez did?

The point I am making is that although as you say Du Preez wasn’t as prominent in the Lions series(which I debate), he still played very well.

Colin N and KO, who for your money should be World Player of the year if not Du Preez? I

No, I mean for the entire 2nd half of the 1st test, 60 minutes (until the Lions lost two props, of course) of the 2nd test and the entire 3rd test.

‘And never mind the fact that in the 3rd test, not one Bok player stood out.’

And that supports your argument how?

But he still failed to shine, that’s the point really.

In South African papers? Examples? What about Australia and New Zealand? I think I sometimes see a results round-up on the New Zealand Herald website, but that’s about it.

My point really being, is that there seems to be a distinct lack of knowledge of Northern Hemisphere rugby by the Southern Hemisphere in general.

I don’t believe SA is great at coverage of NH comps/leagues. It improves when SA is involved, but the rest of the time, it is quite limited, same as NH media.

The results of S14 are printed in Irish papers – I regularly look at them. And I’m pretty sure I’ve seen them in English papers too. Don’t know about Scotland or Wales. French papers also cover S14 from what I’ve seen.

The Currie Cup final wasn’t – which is a shame because it was one of the best games of the year.