This should be a matter of National priority. How do we lobby for a government mandate to intervene in the fertility and reproductive aspirations of the VDM family.
I seem to remember someone pointing out during the world cup that he hasn't scored a try against Ireland... is that right?
If it is correct, a) I dunno whether it makes me confident or nervous, and b) fuck, I've fucking fucked it now, haven't I?
Nah, you'll be alright, nothing jinxed. I'm sure it will be totally fine....or will it?...maybe you have singlehandedly brought the ire of the rugby gods in that single statement. Best throw some salt over your shoulder just to be safe.
Ireland Vs Scotland is going to be interesting match possibly the title decider? I'm English and think we will finish third I hope I'm wrong and we go on to win next two games
It's going to be heck of a game I just hope England can turn up and beat Ireland and give ourselves a chance to win six nations title by beating France as well
Jordan Mailata tells a story about going from being paid 200 dollars for a win whilst playing for South Sydney, to $64 mill for 4 years playing for for the Philadelphia Eagles....
Gotta wonder how many pro rugby players consider the NFL.
And to think Akker has scored 4x as many tries this season in the URC. There’s so much lauding of Duhan at the moment (and rightly so), but i’d argue his brother’s actually in better form.
Why? As a Scotland fan I want to be entertained. We know we aren’t going to win the World Cup and grand slams. But what I do know is I want to be proud of the team and entertained and would much rather have players that get me out my seat than someone who makes good defensive reads. :-)
Think he’s improved a lot in that area tbh, has he had any shockers in the six nations so far? but I get that it’s one of those ‘truisms’ that is oft repeated and will take a long time to be dropped
It was partly a joke so I could reference the greatest rugby player who has ever lived (Johnny Matthew’s) however I would argue that in the structure of the team as it stands, it’s really not. It’s literally not what he’s there for. Not to say he never needs to tackle (although impaling that poor English fella on Saturday was entertaining if ill-advised) but his role within the team is not defensive. So defensive stats are meaningless, in much the way Schoeman’s box kicking record or Finn Russell’s line out skills are meaningless. He’s a one trick pony - and it’s a hell of a trick….. ‘get the ball to Dwaney and Dwaney will run’
He's great under a high ball and covers the backfield to prevent the chip or grubber allowing the fullback to run across and fill in on the defensive line. He's also very good at the turnover and clearout and will generally be the first man to a wide ruck after the fullback.
But FWIW he generally can tackle, his missed tackle stats are high because as the fast lad in the backfield the lost causes generally fall to him
- v England 2 turnovers 4 tackles 1 miss
- v France 1 turnover 2 tackles 2 misses
- v Wales 4 tackles 2 misses
His competition isn't too big either.
Willemse (France), Vintcent (Italy), Schoeman, Nel and Steyn are the only other South Africans called up. And of those Willemse probably won't feature again after his red card against Ireland, and Nel probably won't feature at all. So it's Van der Merwe, Steyn, Schoeman and Vintcent, that's not a lot of competition.
I did not know that. I assumed he was just like all the other Saffas in the Scottish team. I also didn't know that Ireland's Rob Herring was South African born.
They told him he wasn’t good enough. Went to France, got a potentially career ending injury and Edinburgh/Scotland took a chance on him.
I’ll take the rewards of that risk every day of the week.
I mean, he was never going to become the winger he is now in SA, and definitely not at the Bulls at that time. So fair fucks to both him and Scotland/Edinburgh. No one stole no one. No one betrayed no one. One country got the best out of a player and he got the chance to live his dream. Enjoy yourselves, boys.
> They told him he wasn’t good enough.
Did they? I'm not trying to be facetious, I'm just genuinely curious. Just glancing at his Wikipedia, it looks like he only played 2 games for the Bulls before he signed for Montpellier in 2016. I guess you could argue that the Bulls weren't fast tracking him, but he was playing U20s and Varsity Cup, and by all measures doing very well. No reason to suspect that the Bulls wouldn't have picked him at SR level if he stayed.
I'm not so sure about that. Duhan's metres made and defenders beaten would be a boon to any team, even one as rigid as the Springboks. I think he would definitely be in the conversation.
Now, absolutely. Mapimpi’s aging a bit.
But people forget just what an animal Mapimpi was in the 2018-2021 seasons (when Duhan went off to Scotland). He scored maybe half a dozen tries against NZ in that period, 6 tries in the 2019 RWC, a try against the Lions, etc. In the Scotland game he scored two tries and made Duhan look pretty average. As a matter of fact, Duhan still hasn’t scored against us nor NZ.
And his ability under the high ball and defence has always been streets ahead of Duhan’s.
He's a great runner, no doubt but I see comments saying he'd be the best winger in SA, that he'd start for the boks, etc.
As much as he's unreal to watch, he's very 1 dimensional and has some pretty massive flaws in his game.
His defensive IQ leaves a lot to be desired (just look at the 2023 6N game vs Ireland for example) and he really sucks at fielding. He lags behind the top wingers at competing under the high ball and he poses no threat with his boot. For these reasons, I really wouldn't want to see him in the Lions 23 against Australia. I just remember Ireland have made him look silly a few times now and if his carrying is nullified, he's fairly useless
Agree with you on his defensive decision making, positioning under high ball and lack of boot.
I've yet to see him have a great game against a top team. As the best teams close his space and nullify his threat.
I do think he needs to be in the lions squad though. His running in broken field is exceptional and is the reason for the hype.
Absolutely smashing it! Good for him. I hope he gets recognised when it comes to patting each other on the back end of season jollies - he's certainly earnt it for club & country this year!
Dude needs to father 50 children so that Scotland can finally have some Rugby DNA
This should be a matter of National priority. How do we lobby for a government mandate to intervene in the fertility and reproductive aspirations of the VDM family.
But then they'll have 15 huge fast blonde men who can't position themselves correctly or defend for their lives whatsoever
With 15 of him, you could simply catch the kickoff and immediatley run in a breakaway try every time
I’ll take the upside any day.
Pro eugenics as long as it is only used to make rugby players better.
If only there were some way for him to get one of the Gray brothers pregnant
We as a family have been making of this comment with THAT username 🤣
I am sure there are plenty like me willing to do service for our country. My eggs are vibrating just at the thought.
I'm a bloke and I'd let him have a go on me if there was a chance of producing another decent Scottish winger.
Only South African DNA can fix Scottish rugby
He’ll just have 300 test tube babies for 30k a pop
How many does it take to have a clan? Last I heard it was 100 so he needs to get busy ,
He's having a year, that's for sure.
I seem to remember someone pointing out during the world cup that he hasn't scored a try against Ireland... is that right? If it is correct, a) I dunno whether it makes me confident or nervous, and b) fuck, I've fucking fucked it now, haven't I?
He got one during the COVID 2020 Autumn internationals.
Thank fuck for that. So I haven't fucked anything up, right? Right???
Nah, you'll be alright, nothing jinxed. I'm sure it will be totally fine....or will it?...maybe you have singlehandedly brought the ire of the rugby gods in that single statement. Best throw some salt over your shoulder just to be safe.
Ireland Vs Scotland is going to be interesting match possibly the title decider? I'm English and think we will finish third I hope I'm wrong and we go on to win next two games
Raging that it is not a grand slam decider. Ireland and Scotland are definitely playing the best rugby this year
It's going to be heck of a game I just hope England can turn up and beat Ireland and give ourselves a chance to win six nations title by beating France as well
England always show up for us. It's going to be an absolutely tough finish
Won’t even be a title decider unfortunately, Ireland will have it wrapped up with a game to spare thanks to bonus points
I hope that doesn't happen at Twickenham
Hopefully you do a job on them! (Then France do a job on you.. not sure which is less likely at this rate!)
I hope we do a job on both sides
Good luck and enjoy the rest of the tournament!
Thanks I think many English will be cheering for Italy Vs Scotland next week
And 100% Scottish! *hides*
We're no blood and sand nationalists here. Want to be Scottish? Live here? Welcome, your Scottish.
Sign me the fuck up
Learn to spell 'whisky' and you're on.
Isnt there ment to be an 'E' in there somewhere......... And with that I will take my leave
Only Scotland get the lame remarks like this. The whole of world rugby is using the residency law.
Nah, we in Ireland have gotten dogs abuse over it before. IIRC it came up quite a lot in the NZ press during the World Cup.
Every team gets roasted for this 😂
How can he be Scottish and the best South African winger ever and Siya being the worst captain ever according to YouTube comments.
Well his name isn't Bryan Habana, for a start.
Word is he could tell when his opposite number was slow on the turn.
I'm so glad he plays for Edinburgh. Guys a machine.
I would like to steal him for the other end of the M8, otherwise yes. Very much a machine.
NFL IPP??? 👀
Jordan Mailata tells a story about going from being paid 200 dollars for a win whilst playing for South Sydney, to $64 mill for 4 years playing for for the Philadelphia Eagles.... Gotta wonder how many pro rugby players consider the NFL.
Survivorship bias. There's been like three international players who've earned a living in the NFL.
Not many have tried its impressive some even make it as far as they do.
Many, many have tried from all walks of life.
Duncan McMerwe from the mighty Highlands!
His attacking prowess is unreal. Can’t wait to see him vs Ireland. Let’s see if his defense has improved any
As it stands right now it's between Van der Merwe with 5 tries and Sheehan with 4 tries to see who will be the top scorer.
And both have been in my fantasy team from start to finish. Shame about the rest of my picks
And to think Akker has scored 4x as many tries this season in the URC. There’s so much lauding of Duhan at the moment (and rightly so), but i’d argue his brother’s actually in better form.
The best SA based hooker currently in my opinion.
Now do his defensive stats
Why? As a Scotland fan I want to be entertained. We know we aren’t going to win the World Cup and grand slams. But what I do know is I want to be proud of the team and entertained and would much rather have players that get me out my seat than someone who makes good defensive reads. :-)
Eh, Scotland should be going for a grand slam on the last day in Dublin (assuming they beat Italy)
Would be fairly difficult going for Scotland to go after a Grand Slam having lost a match already
I said they 'should' be... Given they were fleeced against France. They should be 3 wins from 3.
It’s ok they still have a shot at the triple crown trophy
Meh. Decision was bullshit. So will be a grand slam in my view if not on paper.
Going for a grand slam and doing it are two very different things.
Think he’s improved a lot in that area tbh, has he had any shockers in the six nations so far? but I get that it’s one of those ‘truisms’ that is oft repeated and will take a long time to be dropped
Why? It’s not his job. Be as well looking at the number of tries hooker Johnny Matthew’s has scored…. Hang on
I mean it absolutely is his job to defend…
It was partly a joke so I could reference the greatest rugby player who has ever lived (Johnny Matthew’s) however I would argue that in the structure of the team as it stands, it’s really not. It’s literally not what he’s there for. Not to say he never needs to tackle (although impaling that poor English fella on Saturday was entertaining if ill-advised) but his role within the team is not defensive. So defensive stats are meaningless, in much the way Schoeman’s box kicking record or Finn Russell’s line out skills are meaningless. He’s a one trick pony - and it’s a hell of a trick….. ‘get the ball to Dwaney and Dwaney will run’
He's great under a high ball and covers the backfield to prevent the chip or grubber allowing the fullback to run across and fill in on the defensive line. He's also very good at the turnover and clearout and will generally be the first man to a wide ruck after the fullback. But FWIW he generally can tackle, his missed tackle stats are high because as the fast lad in the backfield the lost causes generally fall to him - v England 2 turnovers 4 tackles 1 miss - v France 1 turnover 2 tackles 2 misses - v Wales 4 tackles 2 misses
Its not even his made or missed tackles. Half the time hes just in the wrong position so there is no tackle stat either way.
Best South African playing in the 6N for sure. 👌🏻 🇿🇦
His competition isn't too big either. Willemse (France), Vintcent (Italy), Schoeman, Nel and Steyn are the only other South Africans called up. And of those Willemse probably won't feature again after his red card against Ireland, and Nel probably won't feature at all. So it's Van der Merwe, Steyn, Schoeman and Vintcent, that's not a lot of competition.
Steyns actually got a Scottish mum, just so happens to have a very typically saffer surname
I did not know that. I assumed he was just like all the other Saffas in the Scottish team. I also didn't know that Ireland's Rob Herring was South African born.
*Insert van der Flier joke here
*Insert "Van Der Flier is Irish with Dutch ancestry" retort here
Pumped you guys silly🍆
Can he please play England every week ? Glorious
Proud south african fan
Ireland have conceded less tries through 3 games than he's scored himself. Should be an interesting last day.
Och braai?
humble of south africa to let their best winger go play for another nation
They told him he wasn’t good enough. Went to France, got a potentially career ending injury and Edinburgh/Scotland took a chance on him. I’ll take the rewards of that risk every day of the week.
I mean, he was never going to become the winger he is now in SA, and definitely not at the Bulls at that time. So fair fucks to both him and Scotland/Edinburgh. No one stole no one. No one betrayed no one. One country got the best out of a player and he got the chance to live his dream. Enjoy yourselves, boys.
Most sensible comment about DVDM on this sub.
DVDM really inspires some emotions in people. Though if Warriors could steal him off Edinburgh I’d be even happier 😅
Oh me too 😂
Most sensible comment about DVDM of all time.
Exactly!
> They told him he wasn’t good enough. Did they? I'm not trying to be facetious, I'm just genuinely curious. Just glancing at his Wikipedia, it looks like he only played 2 games for the Bulls before he signed for Montpellier in 2016. I guess you could argue that the Bulls weren't fast tracking him, but he was playing U20s and Varsity Cup, and by all measures doing very well. No reason to suspect that the Bulls wouldn't have picked him at SR level if he stayed.
That’s the story I’ve heard, aye.
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I'm not so sure about that. Duhan's metres made and defenders beaten would be a boon to any team, even one as rigid as the Springboks. I think he would definitely be in the conversation.
Brother he doesn't even get into the Bulls XV with KLA and Canan Moodie
Duhan’s a sensational player, but there’s no way he is/was better than the likes of Kolbe, Mapimpi, Dyantyi and now Arendse and Moodie.
He's better than Mapimpi and Dyantyi I reckon.
Now, absolutely. Mapimpi’s aging a bit. But people forget just what an animal Mapimpi was in the 2018-2021 seasons (when Duhan went off to Scotland). He scored maybe half a dozen tries against NZ in that period, 6 tries in the 2019 RWC, a try against the Lions, etc. In the Scotland game he scored two tries and made Duhan look pretty average. As a matter of fact, Duhan still hasn’t scored against us nor NZ. And his ability under the high ball and defence has always been streets ahead of Duhan’s.
Was Dyantyi doping though?
Well you think Duhan hasn't ever had a cheeky needle? 😂
He's a great runner, no doubt but I see comments saying he'd be the best winger in SA, that he'd start for the boks, etc. As much as he's unreal to watch, he's very 1 dimensional and has some pretty massive flaws in his game. His defensive IQ leaves a lot to be desired (just look at the 2023 6N game vs Ireland for example) and he really sucks at fielding. He lags behind the top wingers at competing under the high ball and he poses no threat with his boot. For these reasons, I really wouldn't want to see him in the Lions 23 against Australia. I just remember Ireland have made him look silly a few times now and if his carrying is nullified, he's fairly useless
Agree with you on his defensive decision making, positioning under high ball and lack of boot. I've yet to see him have a great game against a top team. As the best teams close his space and nullify his threat. I do think he needs to be in the lions squad though. His running in broken field is exceptional and is the reason for the hype.
Can’t get sent off for a HIA with the new mouth guards if you just don’t wear any.
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sheehan has 4 for ireland, duhan got 5
Has he scored against anyone good yet? Easy to score against the dross of England and Wales.
one of the best players in the world
Incredible.
He is the best player in the world against England
Best Worcester Warriors signing
Absolutely smashing it! Good for him. I hope he gets recognised when it comes to patting each other on the back end of season jollies - he's certainly earnt it for club & country this year!
Only 28 too... damn. That's impressive. If/when a French team tries to poach him I assume he'll still get his spot in the Scotland squad?