Du Preez named South Africa Rugby Player of the Year

Michael Bradley for Harlequins? 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.

I saw that - a friend rang me with the bit of news. He wasn't asked when Kidney left though, and McLoughlin is bedding in nicely up North, so Cheika's seat is the only place he can go, unless he gets a chance abroad in the willds of England, Scotland or Wales - scary thought. 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.

Michael Bradley is off, eh. I also noticed last week that Paddy Power is offering prices on the next Leinster coach. My mind is working over time.

Go and watch 'Roots' backwards. That should cheer you up if you're not feeling on top of your game.

It means he agrees with you and he's just trying to find a nice way of saying it. Stop being so pernickety.

I have never disagreed with the suggestion that Du Plessis is an excellent hooker, I have simply stated that his carrying game has been reduced, which is unfortunate given his power and dynamism.

I don't understand what you're attempting to say.

Shaw was one who I had forgotten about and would be recognition for a man who seems to have not received as much as he was due over the years. Not sure if he would get nominated and win over say Matfield though. 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.

Not at all - I'll be supporting England all the way against Argentina. And the Australasian teams.

It would put a little Naas Botha smile on my face... .

I would have thought that would keep even an Irishman happy or is it like video games. Its only fun when you are playing

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

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

Morne Stey did not play every game this year for the SBs, he has done a lot of kicking and owes much of his “extra time” and success to Du Preez producing on his inside. 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.

Brussow, Matfield, Bismarck (Did I not tell you he was the best 2, Knives Out!?) and the Ice Man have all been outstanding, and in certain instances, breathtaking. It would be disappointing if they're not nominated for this illustrious award. 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...

Given Carters return from injury and being on the wrong side of results against the Boks I would think Steyn, with his never ending string of match winning performances has been the better player this year. Carter is pure class though and the Boks might not have everything their own way next year so we shall see how good Steyn is then

Do have to wonder when Matfield will recieve some form of recognition. He has been terrifying opposition lineouts for what seems like forever while almost guaranteeing the Boks 1st phase ball. There is none of the sudden magic in his work you would see in other game breakers like the Williams/Habanas/Carters etc but the overall effect he has on the game is immense

Maybe if Philips was in for a shout on the award but he isnt. To compare the two to me seems farcical as Du Preez is light years of any other 9 on the planet Philips included. The fact that Philips could even be counted as one of the top 9s in the says more to me about the general lack of quality 9s than his own ability.

In general within print media yes it is pretty rare to find NH league information. The exception will be where a prominent former SH player is involved e.g. Carter or around general international news. However, lets be honest how many of us fanatics stick to print media? I get my fill across a variety of sites including this one and although my interest in the GP, Magners league and Heineken cup has diminished to the point I no longer read all the match reports etc I still follow up on the general news and columnist opinion to keep a rounded view on the sport

Steyn has played well but in terms of player of the year Carter is still probably the best out half. 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...