After 3 weeks of this Super 14 behind us, there is one thing that has stood out for me of the rugby that the Bulls are playing.
We have heard about the X factor, the Y factor, just about every alphabet factor that a team should have. In my opinion the Bulls’ success is attributable to the KISS factor. Let me explain before Dawie gets excited and starts dreaming of his trips to the local gay bar. The “Keep it simple stupid”- factor.
What a revelation to see the backline of a South African team playing simple but effective rugby again. Not trying to confuse the opposition with fancy moves, which in the end confused themselves even more. Just plain and simple running rugby with emphasis on the skills involved to use the opportunities. When your basic skills are top notched, you do not have to try and confuse the opposition. You outclass them.
Simple skills like doing things at speed, running straight thus creating hesitation, passing and catching. That is all the Bulls have been doing. They played the traditional game. Strong forward dominance and snake like strikes with the backline. The way the game is supposed to be played. Skills like Morne Steyn displayed with that little chip kick. Precise and execute perfectly.
For once we are seeing real traditional South African rugby. The tradition was never 10-man rugby. That was a myth created when our players and coaches stop focusing on the basic skills of backline players other than just defense.
This is short and sweet, but an ode to something great like the rugby we saw from this team over last 3 weeks, need not be a book. Well done Bulls and your coaching staff. You have taken the first step to getting the soul of rugby back into the game.
Afterall we find that the game haven’t really change.
March 2nd, 2010 at 10:50 am
Morne Steyn is getting way too little credit for my liking.
He delivered on his pre-season promise to step up from last year and he has, in a big way.
With the 9, 10 and 12 axis of the Bulls it can only be a pleasure being an outside back in that backline.
March 2nd, 2010 at 10:52 am
Reply to Morné @ 10:50 am:
Why?
March 2nd, 2010 at 10:53 am
BTW he has been dubbed “The Freak” over here.
March 2nd, 2010 at 10:53 am
Reply to Deon @ 10:52 am:
Huh?
Why what?
March 2nd, 2010 at 10:56 am
“With the 9, 10 and 12 axis of the Bulls it can only be a pleasure being an outside back in that backline.”
I am pulling a Brand on you.
What will make it a pleasure for them?
(I kind of like this
)
March 2nd, 2010 at 10:57 am
Reply to Deon @ 10:56 am:
Oh
Strike runners having a ball with all the space and time created through their 9, 10 and 12 axis.
March 2nd, 2010 at 10:59 am
Well done Deon.
Yes – even I – have been enjoying the Bulls the last three weeks !!!
And I say again the bit before half-time was the best for me.
Well done BULLS !!!
March 2nd, 2010 at 10:59 am
Reply to Morné @ 10:57 am:
And how do they create it?
What skills do they apply?
(Damn Brand has been keeping the best for himself.
)
March 2nd, 2010 at 11:00 am
You know what I would have been happy even if only one or two tries were scored as well – in total – by both teams.
The rugby was THAT GREAT !!!
March 2nd, 2010 at 11:02 am
Reply to Deon @ 10:56 am:
Glad you see that “half statements” and gross generalizations
is KAK
Give frigging ENOUGH detail – or there is zero sensible communication !!!
Bwahahahahahaahaha – pulling a Brand
March 2nd, 2010 at 11:05 am
Reply to Deon @ 10:59 am:
Bwahahahaha
Hate to admit it . . . . . . . . . . .
but suppose it depends if the other “person” wants to have REAL communication
or just comment
Don’t you also now just hate – just comments
March 2nd, 2010 at 11:10 am
Reply to Deon @ 10:59 am:
Ha ha ha – Deon – for 3 years you have been hearing me talking about TRANSFORMING – somebody’s life
or for that matter Team’s “Lives”
and States
and Self-Management
and
and
and . . . . . . .
I am reading a book currently – well studying it
If ever (OK Christians – except the Bible) I have to recommend ONLY one book to change your LIFE
this is the book I will recommend
Why ???
Because most everything I coach – begins and ends with – the CRUX of this book.
March 2nd, 2010 at 11:10 am
Reply to The Brand @ 11:05 am:
Seems I have gone in too hard. No answer.
March 2nd, 2010 at 11:11 am
Reply to The Brand @ 11:10 am:
I guess the book’s name is Why ???
Just checking
March 2nd, 2010 at 11:11 am
Reply to The Brand @ 11:10 am:
Without applying this “crux”
NOTHING will improve
forget change !!!
March 2nd, 2010 at 11:12 am
Reply to Deon @ 11:10 am:
Fok – THAT pisses me off – even more
Bwahahahahahaaha
March 2nd, 2010 at 11:15 am
So what the hell is the book??
Die lees gogga het my weer gebyt. Ek is nou al deur “The World’s most notorious men”, 3 Wilbur Smith’s en ‘n Robin Cook. Ek moet die balans hou, so gee my iets nuut.
March 2nd, 2010 at 11:15 am
En daai was in 2 weke.
March 2nd, 2010 at 11:16 am
Reply to Deon @ 11:11 am:
Ha ha ha
book by Marilee Adams
“Change your questions – change your life” 2nd edition
If you don;t change the questions you ask
FIRSTLY – of your self every frigging day – nearly every frigging moment / minute / second
Secondly – of others
NOTHING will change – simply the way our brains are hard-wired !!!
Always KNEW this – could never communicate it as effectively as Marilee Adams does
March 2nd, 2010 at 11:20 am
Reply to The Brand @ 11:16 am:
OK that is what I decided to do in any case. Ask question instead of trying to convince people. Maybe they will start to think for themselves and not be brain washed. But let us not go there.
March 2nd, 2010 at 11:21 am
Reply to The Brand @ 11:16 am:
I have read more than 300 books in my professional domain the last 10 years
THIS book – sooooo simple – is really the beginning and the end – for transformation in Life.
Everything I have coached and have read – fits inside this change PRINCIPLE !!!
Not only have I – as stated – not been able to effectively communicate this to others
but
sadly yes very sadly – also not to myself.
Again another example of – we know more than we do
and why coaching closing the knowing-doing-gap is soooooooo important and effective in transforming lives !!!
March 2nd, 2010 at 11:23 am
Reply to Deon @ 11:20 am:
Deon KOOP en LEES en PAS-TOE hierdie boek
ek BELOWE jou –
nie net jou lewe SAL verander nie maar ook die van jou vrou, jou kinders, jou vriende en jou werk-kollegas
Dit is sooooo kragtig !!!
March 2nd, 2010 at 11:24 am
On the topic of books!
There are only 2 books I would recommend for any one involved in rugby: Total rugby and Think rugby by Jim Greenwood!
PS: Brand – will be getting the book you mentioned – already have it in my Amazon cart.
March 2nd, 2010 at 11:24 am
Reply to Deon @ 11:20 am:
Great stuff !!!
Welcome to “my-life” – ha ha ha ah aha ahahahah
en ek sukkel daagliks –
March 2nd, 2010 at 11:25 am
Reply to The Brand @ 11:23 am:
oh
But I have the perfect life – why would I want to change it?? 
March 2nd, 2010 at 11:26 am
Reply to JT @ 11:24 am:
JT this book WILL transform you rugby-coaching as well !!!
Ha ha ha – surely you can see how excited I am about this
I am just blessed to be able to share it with you guys as well.
March 2nd, 2010 at 11:26 am
Reply to JT @ 11:24 am:
Both by Greenwood ???
March 2nd, 2010 at 11:26 am
Reply to The Brand @ 11:24 am:
We will convert them one by one.
March 2nd, 2010 at 11:28 am
Reply to JT @ 11:25 am:
He he he – maybe you have been practising – the crux of the book – already in your life – then
March 2nd, 2010 at 11:28 am
Reply to The Brand @ 11:26 am:
yes
March 2nd, 2010 at 11:29 am
Reply to Deon @ 11:26 am:
Haaaleluuuuya Brother !!!!!!!
March 2nd, 2010 at 11:29 am
Reply to The Brand @ 11:28 am:
My key is: if you don’t like it – change it!
Life is too short!
March 2nd, 2010 at 11:31 am
Reply to JT @ 11:28 am:
Thanks will get them !!!
March 2nd, 2010 at 11:31 am
Reply to JT @ 11:28 am:
Thanks will get them !!!
March 2nd, 2010 at 11:32 am
Reply to The Brand @ 11:31 am:
Reply to The Brand @ 11:31 am:
Both?
March 2nd, 2010 at 11:35 am
Reply to JT @ 11:29 am:
Great !!!
And this book will provide you with the skills to do JUST THAT effectively.
Amazing – still is to me – HOOOOOWWWWWWWWWW many people don’t want to change
The following saying applies to them.
“Would you rather have what you want in life
or
the reasons you don’t?”
Most people sadly – choose the – reasons they don’t
March 2nd, 2010 at 11:36 am
Reply to JT @ 11:32 am:
ha ha ha – fokken skerp
WordPress het “gehang”
March 2nd, 2010 at 11:40 am
Reply to JT @ 11:29 am:
So there is hope?
March 2nd, 2010 at 11:40 am
For you?
March 2nd, 2010 at 11:41 am
Reply to Deon @ 11:15 am:
Die lees gogga het my weer gebyt.
======
Vir nostalgie: Lees weer Trompie.
Vir kultuur: Herman Charles Bosman.
Vir spanning: Deon Meyer.
March 2nd, 2010 at 11:41 am
Reply to The Brand @ 11:36 am:
BTW am reading a very interesting book mat the moment, nothing to do with rugby or coaching but interesting none the less!
A Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson!
March 2nd, 2010 at 11:44 am
I think Morne is off searching for context and statistics…
That’ll sort you out!
March 2nd, 2010 at 11:46 am
Reply to JT @ 11:41 am:
Yes it is interesting – got it as well.
I recently bought – on sale and half-price of on-sale price – Bwahahahahahaha
the book – The Book of War by Dwight Jon Zimmerman
“one-pagers” on the most influential wars in human history – the commanders – and the inventions
absolutely fascinating !!!
ha ha ha – was thinking of DawidS when I bought hit – ha ha h a
March 2nd, 2010 at 11:46 am
Reply to JT @ 11:41 am:
March 2nd, 2010 at 11:47 am
Praat van die dybel
March 2nd, 2010 at 11:47 am
Reply to DavidS @ 11:44 am:
If ever.
March 2nd, 2010 at 11:48 am
Reply to Deon @ 11:46 am:
Why ???
March 2nd, 2010 at 11:48 am
Reply to The Brand @ 11:47 am:
March 2nd, 2010 at 11:48 am
Reply to Deon @ 11:46 am:
Sorry is that against your conservative thinking ie. creationism.
March 2nd, 2010 at 11:50 am
Reply to JT @ 11:48 am:
forgot the
March 2nd, 2010 at 11:50 am
Reply to The Brand @ 11:46 am:
The problem I have with history books is that it is most of the times written from the writer’s perception and his/her’s bias are included.
To be honest, thinking back the most unbiased history books I ever read was the ones, I had at school. Very little that I have found afterwards contridicting the facts.
March 2nd, 2010 at 11:52 am
Reply to JT @ 11:48 am:
Nah I wanted to say that if it was a short history about the Liberalism, it would only be 2 words. Seeing that you now opened the can, I guess I can say it.
March 2nd, 2010 at 11:52 am
Reply to Deon @ 11:50 am:
hahaha SA school books unbiased – give me a break!
It is just the history you would like to believe hence in your opinion unbiased!
Sad thing is that all history books are written from a certain perspective with a certain agenda!
March 2nd, 2010 at 11:53 am
Reply to Deon @ 11:52 am:
jou bliksim!!! You bated me
March 2nd, 2010 at 11:55 am
Before I get dragged into another
and 
contest – moet geld verdien!
tot later
March 2nd, 2010 at 11:57 am
Reply to JT @ 11:53 am:
Hehehe, just kidding.
March 2nd, 2010 at 11:58 am
Reply to Deon @ 11:50 am:
True
yet reading different perspectives on history is EVERYTHING reading about history IS !!!
And it fascinates me – that two human being – or many more – have absolute different perspectives about EXACTLY the same thing or event.
Reading History books expecting the TRUTH is false to fact
March 2nd, 2010 at 11:59 am
Reply to JT @ 11:53 am:
Bwahahahahaha – “luckily” I saw that coming – was geared there for a moment to “UN-LEASH” ha ha ha
March 2nd, 2010 at 12:00 pm
Reply to JT @ 11:55 am:
Cheers
and cheers from me as well
How to spoil a good kuier – hey JT
March 2nd, 2010 at 12:08 pm
Reply to JT @ 11:52 am:
Just one thing. The history books we had was never politicised. Just the basic of how things came about. But then again I dropped it in St8 so I don’t know if maybe those 3 years were different.
March 2nd, 2010 at 12:13 pm
Reply to Deon @ 12:08 pm:
“The history books we had was never politicised.”
March 2nd, 2010 at 12:15 pm
Reply to Deon @ 11:15 am:
“ligte lEEswerk”
The walking Drum- Loius L’Mour
Post his westerns- type of Zane Grey JT Edson Style
died before he could finish the 3 bOOk project
what a pity
StiLL
gOOde read.
March 2nd, 2010 at 12:19 pm
Reply to WiLLem @ 12:13 pm:
Maybe I just don’t remember it that well then. Was never interested in that very much. Hell who cares what happened yesterday when today is here and the future ahead, when you are 14 years old.
March 2nd, 2010 at 12:23 pm
March 2nd, 2010 at 12:26 pm
Reply to Deon @ 12:19 pm:
hehehe- agrEEd on being 14 and bored in the history class
The olde history bOOks had maybe – leSs than a confrontational agenda than the current ones
But I wiLL mail you an lecture on “diSSent”
I must say your take on the role of History – when projecting the future – are flawed – to my not so humble opinion.
Human nature have changed liTTle the past 3500 years- the impact of the actions had however changed radicaLLy.
HIS Story- HER story – the way it reaLLy was/ should have bEEn
Quite relevant…..
March 2nd, 2010 at 12:27 pm
Reply to Deon @ 12:23 pm:
chEErs
March 2nd, 2010 at 12:31 pm
Deon why are they calling Steyn a Freak in Aus?
March 2nd, 2010 at 2:17 pm
Siende dat hier niks aangaan nie.
Lyk my die liberals is eintlik die slimmes.
More intelligent people are significantly more likely to exhibit social values and religious and political preferences that are novel to the human species in evolutionary history. Specifically, liberalism and atheism, and for men (but not women), preference for sexual exclusivity correlate with higher intelligence, a new study, published in the March 2010 issue of the peer-reviewed scientific journal Social Psychology Quarterly,finds
March 2nd, 2010 at 2:25 pm
Reply to manvanstaal @ 2:17 pm:
I would rather re start the forward pass debate
March 2nd, 2010 at 2:41 pm
Reply to JT @ 2:25 pm: please no.
March 2nd, 2010 at 2:43 pm
I suspect the forward pass & the boer war are two subjects that have been extensively ‘debated’ on this site.
March 2nd, 2010 at 2:47 pm
More intelligent men are more likely to value sexual exclusivity than less intelligent men.
Bit worrying that the doffies pomp more than the clever okes.
Maybe that’s why there are so many dof people on the planet.
March 2nd, 2010 at 3:20 pm
Reply to manvanstaal @ 2:47 pm:
hehehe
“and for men (but not women), preference for sexual exclusivity correlate with higher intelligence,”
eish
now isnt there a couple of pOOrly disguised minefields in there!
March 2nd, 2010 at 3:20 pm
Reply to JT @ 2:25 pm:
March 2nd, 2010 at 3:27 pm
Reply to JT @ 2:25 pm:
I would rather re start the forward pass debate
======
And get clobbered?
March 2nd, 2010 at 3:40 pm
Reply to Boertjie @ 3:27 pm:
A gOOde place for a restart is the ’97 CC Final
when Andre Watson gifted prOOOOvins a CC
forward paSS se gat!
March 2nd, 2010 at 3:49 pm
Reply to WiLLem @ 3:40 pm:
take off you eye patch – I have the game somwhere on a DVD – thx for reminding me – will watch it this week and relive the past glories
March 2nd, 2010 at 3:50 pm
Reply to WiLLem @ 3:40 pm:
and that must be the 2nd most famous forward pass in rugby – the top being the France v NZ 2007 QF in Millenium stadium! Forward pass not given!
March 2nd, 2010 at 3:50 pm
hehehe way past glories!
March 2nd, 2010 at 3:53 pm
Reply to WiLLem @ 3:50 pm:
still more of it than you have
March 2nd, 2010 at 3:56 pm
Reply to JT @ 3:49 pm: I don’t have it on DVD but remember it well. It was definitely forward.
March 2nd, 2010 at 4:02 pm
Reply to JT @ 3:53 pm:
Reply to manvanstaal @ 3:56 pm:
PrOOOOOOvins , die kuRRikup kom wEEr…..
se net nie waTTer jAAr nie!
March 2nd, 2010 at 4:05 pm
Reply to WiLLem @ 4:02 pm:
of course it does!! 2010!!!
Just a small matter of the blerry bulls
March 2nd, 2010 at 4:10 pm
Reply to JT @ 4:05 pm:
ah die kupkomhieRRiejAAr!
March 2nd, 2010 at 4:15 pm
BTW
What haPPened to Welshbok?
March 2nd, 2010 at 4:33 pm
Reply to WiLLem @ 4:02 pm: As dit nie die jaar is nie is dit altyd volgende jaar.
March 2nd, 2010 at 4:44 pm
Reply to WiLLem @ 4:15 pm:
Weet nie.
Met Ollie gemail – nuwe job,
vind sy voete voor hy weer
kan blog.
Ploos is ook vir iemand boos
lyk dit.
March 2nd, 2010 at 5:46 pm
Reply to manvanstaal @ 2:47 pm:
Now I know why I pomp sooooo bliksems MIN – ahhrrgggggggg
ek is TE SLIM !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
March 2nd, 2010 at 6:08 pm
Reply to The Brand @ 5:46 pm: Maybe it’s the women who are too clever.
March 2nd, 2010 at 6:09 pm
Reply to manvanstaal @ 6:08 pm:
The trap was set and stepped into
March 2nd, 2010 at 6:25 pm
Reply to manvanstaal @ 6:08 pm:
Bwahahahahahaha
Reply to JT @ 6:09 pm:
Gaan kak
March 2nd, 2010 at 6:42 pm
Hello ou kankerballe,
Pappa was 3rd in SA final matric exam History paper. 2 months before the exam the rules changed. For the exam we would be allowed to either for or against whichever history we were writing about, as long as we made a solid argument. Since then its changed but I still thik thats the best way to view history. Its open, not closed.
So, the article, who was the clever doos who said Morne was average? Was it not Ollie? More is now pretty much what we all hoped Ruan would be.
March 2nd, 2010 at 7:16 pm
Reply to manvanstaal @ 2:17 pm:
Shhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhht Dammit.
Not many people know this!!!
March 3rd, 2010 at 11:38 am
Reply to DavidS @ 12:31 pm:
Dawie,
Dit is meer ‘n kompliment vir sy talent as ‘n belediging.
March 3rd, 2010 at 11:51 am
Reply to Deon @ 11:38 am:
If he (Morne Steyn) keeps this up he surely will put all doubts aside as being a restricted fly-half.
even Snor will have to admit that Steyn is a better and more talented FH than RP.
March 3rd, 2010 at 12:12 pm
Reply to newbokshields @ 6:42 pm:
I said that his performance for the Springboks last year was average and by no means brilliant. I also said thatt I really hope that he ups his game as he says he plans to because the Springboks need a good 10.
So far in the S14 he seems to be doing exactly what he said he would. Lets see if he carries that on through for the Boks. I really hope he does, because as far as I am concerned the RP experiment didn’t work and Steyn is the 1st choice 10 for the Boks at the moment.
March 3rd, 2010 at 12:18 pm
Reply to Ollie @ 12:12 pm:
Ja, he’s becoming better.
That chip that lead to
Potgieter’s try was out
of the book.
Also the best tactical
kicker and a good defender.
Not too much more one can
ask for – just consistency.
March 3rd, 2010 at 12:24 pm
Reply to Deon @ 11:38 am: Nee eke het dit aanvaar
Net gewonder waar dit te skryf staan… sal graag hulle opinie oor him wil lees
March 3rd, 2010 at 12:24 pm
Reply to Boertjie @ 12:18 pm:
and to adapt to NH (cold, wet) conditions. IMO that was the biggest problem on the NH tour. It was his 1st time AFAIK so if he can adapt to that then he will be as good as it gets
March 3rd, 2010 at 12:25 pm
Reply to Boertjie @ 12:18 pm:
I haven’t watched him this year yet, but I hope that his distrubution/running game gets better.
Last I saw was that he would run the ball up into contact purposely and not really threaten to break the line himself. That said, his support running was ok.
Like I have said before, he seems to be predictable in that he will either kick or pass and if he is forced to run it it will be into the defence to setup another phase from a ruck.
March 3rd, 2010 at 12:43 pm
Reply to Ollie @ 12:25 pm:
Judging from the silence I take it that there is some agreement with me then
March 3rd, 2010 at 12:46 pm
Reply to Ollie @ 12:43 pm:
It is only 3 games in and all at home. So far he is showing all the right stuff but let’s see how he does in NZ for final judgement.
Do yourself a fav and watch the Bulls game of the weekend!! AWESOME!
http://www.rugbyzone.com
March 3rd, 2010 at 12:49 pm
I’ll try and make some time to watch it.
March 3rd, 2010 at 1:12 pm
Reply to Ollie @ 12:49 pm:
Well for now – at least – wellcome back
March 3rd, 2010 at 1:15 pm
Reply to Ollie @ 12:25 pm:
Reply to JT @ 12:46 pm:
I keep on remembering Shileds stating that Morne was know at shools level as one-dimentional
he was know as a RUNNING-10
Shileds correct me if I am wrong.
As the old saying goes – “past skills/abilities are not GONE – they are simply hidding in funny places”
His running AND distrubution was exceptional last 3 games – he had the oppo thinking “what next” the whole time.
March 3rd, 2010 at 1:16 pm
Reply to The Brand @ 1:15 pm:
How in ONE pst did I get THAT right
OK now I have to consentrate – Shileds
March 3rd, 2010 at 1:34 pm
Reply to The Brand @ 1:15 pm:
Nothing will make me happier than seeing him keep the opposition guessing while he is wearing the GREEN & GOLD.
March 3rd, 2010 at 1:40 pm
Reply to Ollie @ 1:34 pm:
Nothing
March 3rd, 2010 at 1:45 pm
Reply to Ollie @ 1:34 pm:
Or wearing Blue – our only
chance for a semi it seems.
March 3rd, 2010 at 1:50 pm
Like I have said before, he seems to be predictable in that he will either kick or pass and if he is forced to run it it will be into the defence to setup another phase from a ruck.
Must be the most moronic thing I have ever read on RW
Geez a flyhalf must
1. Pass
2. Kick
3. Take contact
Did you forget maybe just the aditional thing? He is so predictable and boring… he iether kics, runs the ball or passes… I mean all opponents can see that one coming a mile away…
I think three tries in three games pretty much shuts Ollie up in any case…
Ollie was always the RW bonobo so his skils are more about what girls do rather than Bulls
March 3rd, 2010 at 2:11 pm
Reply to DavidS @ 1:50 pm:
Must be the most moronic thing I have ever read on SF
Don’t read your own posts a 2nd time obviously
Let me clear this up for you and please bear in mind I am talking about when he played for; a. the BOKS, b. LAST YEAR
1. Pass: It was catch and pass stuff that even a chimp could do. The 10 IMO should be getting his players into space, not giving to the 12 to do “something”.
2. Kick: no problems there
3 Take contact(not that I agree that this is a task of the 10): Not in the way that the opposition can easily predict (if not control) where the contact will be and make the tackle with minimum players committed. The opposition should be always be working hard to figure out what his plan is with ball in hand and be on the back-foot come tackle time.
And if you read my posts carefully you will note that I say I haven’t yet watched him play this season yet, so I don’t know how his 3 tries were scored, but if it was through support running then I made a point that his suppport play was good, if it was through him being 1st ball receiver and breaking the line then it bodes well if he can keep it up when playing for the BOKS.
I think three tries in three games pretty much shuts Ollie up in any case…
I get it, you actually think I don’t like Steyn.
& 
, boys
March 3rd, 2010 at 2:31 pm