Post RWC player movements; how might it effect the line-ups of S15 teams for 2012?

[William18]

the blues will remain much the same quality but just a few diffrent faces.. joe is replaced on the wing by rudi wolf.. perhaps anscombe begins to cover flyhalf on the bench.. um jared payne wont be there so to afoa.. but overall the same strenth

crusaders will have the two rocks in mccaw and carter to maintain an automatic contender for the ***le. then add maitland israel dagg and guilford being fed ball by fruen at centre and you have a lethal backline. and if sonny bill stays on.. wow. forwards are not an issue with todd and read its allmost an allblacks loose trio. only concern is lock. thorn and jack are both too old and one is confirmed to be leaving.

hurricanes prospects are bleak. losing so many allblacks becos of a dumb ass coach. however this may be incredibly benefial becos..

the chiefs are now potencially the dark horse for next year if they sign up the hurricanes stars. imagine this 10 nanai williams, 11 mesaga,12 nonu, 13 kahui, 14 sivivatu(hopefully gear but..), 15 jane(both these two even less likely than nonu). enough said but even if this miracle happens as long as the forwards remain the same they wont win a thing. a bit like that club that signed rico gear and latham but still did ****.

highlanders will be same old. bar slade and cowan the rest is crap. bar thompson. it will be the same as when evans was there. great player. poor team.

No team will do well with Tim Nanai-Williams at first five.

 

[lynam1104]

Don' think Jane will end up in Ulster after they signed Payne, Munster and Leinster have wing and FB covered well.

 

[psychic duck]

Latest Super rugby transfer news

• The Waratahs reserve scrum half Josh Holmes has joined Bourgoin, the Waratahs have also released Ben Mowen, for the possibility of resigning Rocky Elsom, who has been confirmed as leaving the Brumbies, Josh Valentine will also leave, Al Baxter has announced his retirement, likewise Phil Waugh

• The Brumbies are poised to sign youth prospects Kimami Sitauti, Siliva Siliva, Ian Prior and Joseph Tomane to help rectify their ailing side

• The Western Force are keen to splash their money freed up from James O'Connor's wages on the Hurricanes Cory Jane who is out of contract, Mitch Inman was also confirmed as leaving the Force at the same time as James O'Connor becoming the Rebels marquee signing

• The Melbourne Rebels Luke Rooney has left after one season to rejoin Toulon who he joined the Melbourne Rebels from, other departures from the Rebels inaugural season are Greg Somerville, Sam Cordingley and Kevin O'Neill joining coach Rod MacQueen into retirement, meanwhile Danny Cipriani has resigned with the Rebels but is still in close competition with Gavin Henson in the most pages in tabloids competition which he currently seems more focused on

• The in strife Hurricanes are hoping to retain Piri Weepu, Aaron Cruden (linked to the Chiefs), Hosea Gear (linked to the Highlanders) and Cory Jane (linked to the Force) all of whom are out of contract, however the 'Canes have signed Chiefs prop Ben May for 2012, The Highlanders and Agen are waiting on a decision form Andrew Hore on where he wants to be next season

• The Bulls, after a disappointing season, are reported as looking to sign the impressive young Stormers centre/wing Johann Sadie, also the Bulls will not be losing Francois Hougaard to the Stormers after a brief rumour it was promptly rubbished

• The Cheetahs after losing reserve Louis Strydom to the Southern Kings, they are bracing themselves for initial annual Sharks raid on Cheetahs/Lions players, which is starting with a tussle for Robert Ebersohn

• Stade Français recruitment continues on, after signing Aled de Malmanche, Lei Tomiki, Francis Fainifo and Alex Rokobaro from the Super 15, they have completed the signings of the Sharks Gerhard Mostert and the Stormers Anton van Zyl

• Meanwhile Ma'a Nonu has been linked with a bundle of teams after his release from the Hurricanes, the Blues, the Sharks, the Chiefs, the Highlanders, Biarritz, the Ospreys, and a while ago Montpellier, which was rubbished by Nonu himself

Below are all confirmed Super Rugby transfers so far, watch this thread to see all developments
http://www.therugbyforum.com/forum/showthread.php?21565-Transfers-2011-12

Blues
IN: Rudi Wulf (Toulon)
OUT: John Afoa (Ulster), Luke McAlister (Toulouse), Joe Rokocoko (Bayonne), Jared Payne (Ulster)

Brumbies
IN: Fotu Auelua (NTT Shining Arcs)
OUT: Huia Edmonds* (Saracens), Salesi Ma'afu (Western Force), Mark Chisholm (Bayonne), Mitchell Chapman (Japan), Matt Giteau (Toulon), Francis Fainifo (Stade Français), Adam Ashley-Cooper (Waratahs), Rocky Elsom, Patrick Phibbs, Josh Valentine

*Huia Edmonds' transfer to Saracens is in doubt due to a shoulder injury that requires surgery, the Melbourne Rebels are planning to sign him if the deal falls through

Bulls
IN: Willie Wepener (Clermont)
OUT: Gurthrö Steenkamp (Toulouse), Gary Botha (Toulouse), Berend Botha (Mont-de-Marsan), Danie Rossouw (Suntory Sungoliath), Bakkies Botha (Toulon), Victor Matfield (retired), Fourie du Preez (Suntory Sungoliath)

Cheetahs
IN:
OUT: Frans Viljoen (Aironi), Naas Olivier (Aironi), Louis Strydom (Southern Kings)

Chiefs
IN:
OUT: Ben May (Hurricanes), Aled de Malmanche (Stade Français), Steven Setephano (NTT Docomo Red Hurricanes), Taniela Moa (Pau), Stephen Donald (Bath), Mike Delany (Panasonic Wild Knights), Dwayne Sweeney (Japan), Tana Umaga (retired), Sitiveni Sivivatu (Clermont), Mils Muliaina (NTT Docomo Red Hurricanes)

Crusaders
IN:
OUT: Brad Thorn (Fukuoka Sanix Blues), Jonathan Poff (Wasps), Kahn Fotuali'i (Ospreys), Matt Berquist (Leinster)

Highlanders
IN:
OUT: Hoani Matenga (Mont-de-Marsan), James Wilson (Bourgoin), Fetu'u Vainikolo (Connacht), Kade Poki (Fukuoka Sanix Blues)

Hurricanes
IN: Ben May (Chiefs)
OUT: John Schwalger (Agen), Anthony Perenise (Bath), Neemia Tialata (Bayonne), Bryn Evans (London Irish), Rodney So'oialo (Honda Heat), Tyson Keats (Aironi), Andrew Hore, Ma'a Nonu

Lions
IN:
OUT: Rory Kockott (France), André Pretorius (Toulon)

Melbourne Rebels
IN: Mitch Inman (Western Force), James O'Connor (Western Force), Kurtley Beale (Waratahs)
OUT: Greg Somerville (retired), Kevin O'Neill (retired), Sam Cordingley (retired), Luke Rooney (Toulon), Alex Rokobaro (Stade Français)

Reds
IN:
OUT: Lei Tomiki (Stade Français), Leroy Houston (Bordeaux-Bègles)

Sharks
IN: Marius Joubert (Clermont)
OUT: John Smit (Saracens), Steven Sykes (Leinster), Gerhard Mostert (Stade Français), Riaan Swanepoel (Clermont)

Stormers
IN:
OUT: Ethienne Reynecke (Connacht), Anton van Zyl (Stade Français), Francois Louw (Bath), Ricky Januarie (Lyon), Paul Bosch (Montpellier)

Waratahs
IN: Adam Ashley-Cooper (Brumbies)
OUT: Al Baxter (retired), Pat O'Connor (Agen), Sitaleki Timani (Japan), Phil Waugh (retired), Josh Holmes (Bourgoin), Luke Burgess (Toulouse), Ryan Shortland (Newcastle), Sosene Anesi (NTT Shining Arcs), Kurtley Beale (Melbourne Rebels), Ben Mowen

Western Force
IN: Salesi Ma'afu (Brumbies), Toby Lynn (Waikato)
OUT: Matt Dunning (Biarritz), Tim Fairbrother (Harlequins), Mitch Inman (Melbourne Rebels), James O'Connor (Melbourne Rebels), David Smith (Toulon)

 

[Darwin]

• The Waratahs reserve scrum half Josh Holmes has joined Bourgoin, the Waratahs have also released Ben Mowen, for the possibility of resigning Rocky Elsom, who has been confirmed as leaving the Brumbies, Josh Valentine will also leave, Al Baxter has announced his retirement, likewise Phil Waugh

• The Brumbies are poised to sign youth prospects Kimami Sitauti, Siliva Siliva, Ian Prior and Joseph Tomane to help rectify their ailing side

• The Western Force are keen to splash their money freed up from James O'Connor's wages on the Hurricanes Cory Jane who is out of contract, Mitch Inman was also confirmed as leaving the Force at the same time as James O'Connor becoming the Rebels marquee signing

• The Melbourne Rebels Luke Rooney has left after one season to rejoin Toulon who he joined the Melbourne Rebels from, other departures from the Rebels inaugural season are Greg Somerville, Sam Cordingley and Kevin O'Neill joining coach Rod MacQueen into retirement, meanwhile Danny Cipriani has resigned with the Rebels but is still in close competition with Gavin Henson in the most pages in tabloids competition which he currently seems more focused on

• The in strife Hurricanes are hoping to retain Piri Weepu, Aaron Cruden (linked to the Chiefs), Hosea Gear (linked to the Highlanders) and Cory Jane (linked to the Force) all of whom are out of contract, however the 'Canes have signed Chiefs prop Ben May for 2012, The Highlanders and Agen are waiting on a decision form Andrew Hore on where he wants to be next season

• The Bulls, after a disappointing season, are reported as looking to sign the impressive young Stormers centre/wing Johann Sadie, also the Bulls will not be losing Francois Hougaard to the Stormers after a brief rumour it was promptly rubbished

• The Cheetahs after losing reserve Louis Strydom to the Southern Kings, they are bracing themselves for initial annual Sharks raid on Cheetahs/Lions players, which is starting with a tussle for Robert Ebersohn

• Stade Français recruitment continues on, after signing Aled de Malmanche, Lei Tomiki, Francis Fainifo and Alex Rokobaro from the Super 15, they have completed the signings of the Sharks Gerhard Mostert and the Stormers Anton van Zyl

• Meanwhile Ma'a Nonu has been linked with a bundle of teams after his release from the Hurricanes, the Blues, the Sharks, the Chiefs, the Highlanders, Biarritz, the Ospreys, and a while ago Montpellier, which was rubbished by Nonu himself

Below are all confirmed Super Rugby transfers so far, watch this thread to see all developments
http://www.therugbyforum.com/forum/showthread.php?21565-Transfers-2011-12

Blues
IN: Rudi Wulf (Toulon)
OUT: John Afoa (Ulster), Luke McAlister (Toulouse), Joe Rokocoko (Bayonne), Jared Payne (Ulster)

Brumbies
IN: Fotu Auelua (NTT Shining Arcs)
OUT: Huia Edmonds* (Saracens), Salesi Ma'afu (Western Force), Mark Chisholm (Bayonne), Mitchell Chapman (Japan), Matt Giteau (Toulon), Francis Fainifo (Stade Français), Adam Ashley-Cooper (Waratahs), Rocky Elsom, Patrick Phibbs, Josh Valentine

*Huia Edmonds' transfer to Saracens is in doubt due to a shoulder injury that requires surgery, the Melbourne Rebels are planning to sign him if the deal falls through

Bulls
IN: Willie Wepener (Clermont)
OUT: Gurthrö Steenkamp (Toulouse), Gary Botha (Toulouse), Berend Botha (Mont-de-Marsan), Danie Rossouw (Suntory Sungoliath), Bakkies Botha (Toulon), Victor Matfield (retired), Fourie du Preez (Suntory Sungoliath)

Cheetahs
IN:
OUT: Frans Viljoen (Aironi), Naas Olivier (Aironi), Louis Strydom (Southern Kings)

Chiefs
IN:
OUT: Ben May (Hurricanes), Aled de Malmanche (Stade Français), Steven Setephano (NTT Docomo Red Hurricanes), Taniela Moa (Pau), Stephen Donald (Bath), Mike Delany (Panasonic Wild Knights), Dwayne Sweeney (Japan), Tana Umaga (retired), Sitiveni Sivivatu (Clermont), Mils Muliaina (NTT Docomo Red Hurricanes)

Crusaders
IN:
OUT: Brad Thorn (Fukuoka Sanix Blues), Jonathan Poff (Wasps), Kahn Fotuali'i (Ospreys), Matt Berquist (Leinster)

Highlanders
IN:
OUT: Hoani Matenga (Mont-de-Marsan), James Wilson (Bourgoin), Fetu'u Vainikolo (Connacht), Kade Poki (Fukuoka Sanix Blues)

Hurricanes
IN: Ben May (Chiefs)
OUT: John Schwalger (Agen), Anthony Perenise (Bath), Neemia Tialata (Bayonne), Bryn Evans (London Irish), Rodney So'oialo (Honda Heat), Tyson Keats (Aironi), Andrew Hore, Ma'a Nonu

Lions
IN:
OUT: Rory Kockott (France), André Pretorius (Toulon)

Melbourne Rebels
IN: Mitch Inman (Western Force), James O'Connor (Western Force), Kurtley Beale (Waratahs)
OUT: Greg Somerville (retired), Kevin O'Neill (retired), Sam Cordingley (retired), Luke Rooney (Toulon), Alex Rokobaro (Stade Français)

Reds
IN:
OUT: Lei Tomiki (Stade Français), Leroy Houston (Bordeaux-Bègles)

Sharks
IN: Marius Joubert (Clermont)
OUT: John Smit (Saracens), Steven Sykes (Leinster), Gerhard Mostert (Stade Français), Riaan Swanepoel (Clermont)

Stormers
IN:
OUT: Ethienne Reynecke (Connacht), Anton van Zyl (Stade Français), Francois Louw (Bath), Ricky Januarie (Lyon), Paul Bosch (Montpellier)

Waratahs
IN: Adam Ashley-Cooper (Brumbies)
OUT: Al Baxter (retired), Pat O'Connor (Agen), Sitaleki Timani (Japan), Phil Waugh (retired), Josh Holmes (Bourgoin), Luke Burgess (Toulouse), Ryan Shortland (Newcastle), Sosene Anesi (NTT Shining Arcs), Kurtley Beale (Melbourne Rebels), Ben Mowen

Western Force
IN: Salesi Ma'afu (Brumbies), Toby Lynn (Waikato)
OUT: Matt Dunning (Biarritz), Tim Fairbrother (Harlequins), Mitch Inman (Melbourne Rebels), James O'Connor (Melbourne Rebels), David Smith (Toulon)

Great work! Just thought I'd not that Kade Poki has got out of his contract with Fukuoka Sanix Blues, and has re-signed with the Highlanders for another 2 years (http://www.odt.co.nz/sport/rugby/162932/rugby-five-more-signings-highlanders)

 

[Kiwiwomble]

Great work! Just thought I'd not that Kade Poki has got out of his contract with Fukuoka Sanix Blues, and has re-signed with the Highlanders for another 2 years (http://www.odt.co.nz/sport/rugby/162932/rugby-five-more-signings-highlanders)

was just about to say that myself

 

[Rhyer]

I found it disgusting that the Sharks, Stormers and Bulls regularly poach from the Lions and Cheetahs. This stops them from being competitive and with the SA conference further boosts their chances as they verse each weakened team twice. I was looking at the squads for each and it is remarkable how many talented players are not originally from that province.

 

[TRF_stormer2010]

Okay, so we can add (much to the Cheetah's woe but expected)

Confirmed: Sarel Pretorius (Cheetahs {super15} to Waratahs) <_<
Rumours: Heinrich Brussow (Cheetahs to Stormers)


I do hope Brussow makes the move even though I am a big Cheetahs fan. He will be more than able replacement for the departing Francois Louw if he manages to stay fit for a few games. What the Stormers really need though to seriously compete for the ***le is a couple of hard-nosed props, an imaginative fullback but with a boot (please sign Riaan Viljoen LOL) and a WORLD class 10 with his heart in it.

 

[TRF_Ezequiel]

Let's see how long it takes before they sign one of the props. I would like to see the Ebersohn twins move to Durban. We can use some depth in 10 and 13, but most important is scrum half. I am still broken up about Sarel moving overseas

 

[TRF_stormer2010]

I'd love it if Mujati and Pietersen (Joe) could come back to help sort out our problems at 3 and 15. Hell, I'd prefer if Francois Louw could stay instead of Brussow possibly coming over as well but I guess money talks and these guys get better salaries in Europe while the Free State and Cheetahs have to accept that the Bulls, Sharks, Stormers and now Waratahs pay more in addition to the droves of players they lose to Europe as well. But really, the tight five is where our problems have been and is still where we get found out every now and then. That and bad tactical kicking. Sharks need to sort out their midfield and get a good 9. A world class lock wouldn't hurt as well. Maybe our two unions should sit around a table and work something out.

Sarel leaving bugs me to no end as well but I guess it's better him playing S15 than being lost up North. Hopefully Ruan Pienaar can come back to help out the Sharks. I don't know if there are any hard feelings though. Maybe he can come help the Stormers out instead

Rumours also abound that the Bulls are looking to sign Johan Sadie. That'd be a big pity but we look sure to keep all three of De Jongh, De Villiers and Fourie and if we aren't going to make space for Sadie on the wing if Habana stays then I would back him moving to where he is assured gametime (SA could use another good option at 13 which is where he'd probably play for the Bulls) and wish him good luck.

 

[psychic duck]

An update on player movements

---

Blues

INS: Piri Weepu (Hurricanes), Ma'a Nonu (Ricoh Black Rams), Rudi Wulf (Toulon)
POSSIBLE: Sonny Bill Williams (Crusaders)

OUTS: John Afoa (Ulster), James King (Melbourne Rebels), Stephen Brett (Toyota Verblitz), Luke McAlister (Toulouse), Winston Stanley (Western Force), Joe Rokocoko (Bayonne), Jared Payne (Ulster)

TEAM 2012: 15 Isaia Toeava, 14 Rudi Wulf, 13 Benson Stanley, 12 Ma'a Nonu, 11 Rene Ranger, 10 Gareth Anscombe, 9 Piri Weepu; 1 Tony Woodcock, 2 Keven Mealamu, 3 Charlie Faumuina, 4 Anthony Boric, 5 Ali Williams, 6 Jerome Kaino, 7 Luke Braid, 8 Peter Saili

---

Brumbies

INS: Siliva Siliva (Western Force), Ben Mowen (Waratahs), Ian Prior (Reds), Fotu Auelua (NTT Shining Arcs), Kimami Sitauti (Reds), Joseph Tomane (Gold Coast ***ans RL)
POSSIBLE: Danie Rossouw (Suntory Sungoliath, loan)

OUTS: Elvis Levi (Béziers), Salesi Ma'afu (Western Force), Mark Chisholm (Bayonne), Mitchell Chapman (Japan), Julian Salvi (Leicester), Patrick Phibbs (Exeter), Matt Giteau (Toulon), Tyrone Smith (Honda Heat), Francis Fainifo (Stade Français), Adam Ashley-Cooper (Waratahs), Huia Edmonds, Anthony Hegarty, Rocky Elsom, Josh Valentine, Ed Stubbs

TEAM 2012: 15 Christian Lealiifano, 14 Henry Speight, 13 Andrew Smith, 12 Pat McCabe, 11 Kimami Sitauti, 10 Matt Toomua, 9 Nic White; 1 Ben Alexander, 2 Stephen Moore, 3 Dan Palmer, 4 Peter Kimlin, 5 Ben Hand, 6 Ben Mowen, 7 Colby Faingaa, 8 Stephen Hoiles

---

Bulls

INS: Willie Wepener (Clermont), Wilhelm Steenkamp (Cheetahs), Jacques Potgieter (Southern Kings), Jano Vermaak (Lions), Johann Sadie (Stormers), JJ Engelbrecht (Stormers)

OUTS: Gurthrö Steenkamp (Toulouse), Gary Botha (Toulouse), Berend Botha (Mont-de-Marsan), Danie Rossouw (Suntory Sungoliath), Bakkies Botha (Toulon), Victor Matfield (retired), Derick Kuïn (retired), Fourie du Preez (Suntory Sungoliath), Andries Ferreira

TEAM 2012: 15 Zane Kirchner, 14 Gerhard van den Heever, 13 Johann Sadie, 12 Wynand Olivier, 11 Bjorn Basson, 10 Morné Steyn, 9 Francois Hougaard; 1 Dean Greyling, 2 Chiliboy Ralepelle, 3 Werner Kruger, 4 Flip van der Merwe, 5 Wilhelm Steenkamp, 6 Deon Stegmann, 7 Dewald Potgieter, 8 Pierre Spies

---

Cheetahs

OUTS: Wilhelm Steenkamp (Bulls), Frans Viljoen (Aironi), Sarel Pretorius (Waratahs), Naas Olivier (Aironi), Louis Strydom (Southern Kings), Corné Uys (Newcastle), Riaan Viljoen (Sharks)
POSSIBLE: Heinrich Brüssow (Stormers)

TEAM 2012: 15 Hennie Daniller, 14 Philip Snyman, 13 Robert Ebersohn, 12 Andries Strauss, 11 Ryno Benjamin, 10 Sias Ebersohn, 9 Tewis de Bruyn; 1 Coenie Oosthuizen, 2 Adriaan Strauss, 3 WP Nel, 4 Francois Uys, 5 Martin Muller, 6 Heinrich Brüssow, 7 Juan Smith, 8 Ashley Johnson

---

Chiefs

INS: Michael Fitzgerald (Hurricanes), Aaron Cruden (Hurricanes), Robbie Robinson (Highlanders)
POSSIBLE: Sonny Bill Williams (Crusaders)

OUTS: Ben May (Hurricanes), Aled de Malmanche (Stade Français), Isaac Ross (NTT Shining Arcs), Hayden Triggs (Japan), Taiasina Tuifu'a (Newcastle), Steven Setephano (NTT Docomo Red Hurricanes), Taniela Moa (Pau), Stephen Donald (Bath), Mike Delany (Panasonic Wild Knights), Dwayne Sweeney (Kyuden Voltex), Tana Umaga (retired), Sitiveni Sivivatu (Clermont), Mils Muliaina (NTT Docomo Red Hurricanes)

TEAM 2012: 15 Tim Nanai-Williams, 14 Save Tokula, 13 Richard Kahui, 12 Jackson Willison, 11 Lelia Masaga, 10 Aaron Cruden, 9 Brendon Leonard; 1 Toby Smith, 2 Hika Elliot, 3 Ben Afeaki, 4 Craig Clarke, 5 Romana Graham, 6 Liam Messam, 7 Tanerau Latimer, 8 Colin Bourke

---

Crusaders

OUTS: Brad Thorn (Fukuoka Sanix Blues), Chris Jack (Japan), Jonathan Poff (Wasps), Kahn Fotuali'i (Ospreys), Matt Berquist (Leinster)
POSSIBLE: Sonny Bill Williams (Blues/Chiefs)

TEAM 2012: 15 Israel Dagg, 14 Sean Maitland, 13 Robbie Fruean, 12 Sonny Bill Williams, 11 Zac Guildford, 10 Dan Carter, 9 Andy Ellis; 1 Wyatt Crockett, 2 Corey Flynn, 3 Owen Franks, 4 Luke Romano, 5 Sam Whitelock, 6 George Whitelock, 7 Richie McCaw, 8 Kieran Read

---

Highlanders

INS: Andrew Hore (Hurricanes)
POSSIBLE: Hosea Gear (Hurricanes)

OUTS: Hoani Matenga (Mont-de-Marsan), Alando Soakai (Kubota Spears), James Wilson (Bourgoin), Fetu'u Vainikolo (Connacht), Kade Poki (Fukuoka Sanix Blues), Robbie Robinson (Chiefs)

TEAM 2012: 15 Ben Smith, 14 James Paterson, 13 Kenny Lynn, 12 Shaun Treeby, 11 Siale Piutau, 10 Colin Slade, 9 Jimmy Cowan; 1 Jamie Mackintosh, 2 Andrew Hore, 3 Chris King, 4 Jarrad Hoeata, 5 Josh Bekhuis, 6 Adam Thomson, 7 John Hardie, 8 Nasi Manu
16 Jason Rutledge, 17 David Te Moana, 18 Tom Donnelly, 19 Nick Crosswell, 20 Aaron Smith, 21 Lima Sopoaga, 22 Telusa Veainu

---

Hurricanes

INS: Ben May (Chiefs)

OUTS: John Schwalger (Agen), Andrew Hore (Highlanders), Anthony Perenise (Bath), Neemia Tialata (Bayonne), Michael Fitzgerald (Chiefs), Bryn Evans (London Irish), Rodney So'oialo (Honda Heat), Tyson Keats (Aironi), Piri Weepu (Blues), Aaron Cruden (Chiefs), Ma'a Nonu (Ricoh Black Rams)
POSSIBLE: Hosea Gear (Highlanders/Europe), Cory Jane

TEAM 2012: 15 Cory Jane, 14 Alapati Leiua, 13 Conrad Smith, 12 Jayden Hayward, 11 Hosea Gear, 10 Daniel Kirkpatrick, 9 Chris Eaton; 1 Ben May, 2 Dane Coles, 3 Michael Bent, 4 Jeremy Thrush, 5 James Broadhurst, 6 Jack Lam, 7 Karl Lowe, 8 Victor Vito

---

Lions

INS: Callie Visagie (Stormers), CJ van der Linde (Stormers), Eddie Bredenhann (Waratahs)

OUTS: Jano Vermaak (Bulls), Rory Kockott (Castres), André Pretorius (Toulon)

TEAM 2012: 15 Jaco Taute, 14 Lionel Mapoe, 13 Waylon Murray, 12 Doppies la Grange, 11 Deon van Rensburg, 10 Butch James, 9 Michael Bondesio; 1 JC Janse van Rensburg, 2 Bandise Maku, 3 CJ van der Linde, 4 Wikus van Heerden, 5 Franco van der Merwe, 6 Derick Minnie, 7 Michael Rhodes, 8 Josh Strauss

---

Melbourne Rebels

INS: James King (Blues), Mitch Inman (Western Force), James O'Connor (Western Force), Kurtley Beale (Waratahs)
POSSIBLE: Huia Edmonds (Brumbies), Napolioni Vonowale Nalaga (Police)

OUTS: Greg Somerville (retired), Kevin O'Neill (retired), Sam Cordingley (retired), Alex Rokobaro (Stade Français), Luke Rooney (Toulon)

TEAM 2012: 15 Kurtley Beale, 14 James O'Connor, 13 Mark Gerrard, 12 Stirling Mortlock, 11 Cooper Vuna, 10 Danny Cipriani, 9 Nick Phipps; 1 Nic Henderson, 2 Ged Robinson, 3 Laurie Weeks, 4 Alister Campbell, 5 Hugh Pyle, 6 Jarrod Saffy, 7 Michael Lipman, 8 Gareth Delve

---

Reds

OUTS: Lei Tomiki (Stade Français), Leroy Houston (Bordeaux-Bègles), Ian Prior (Brumbies), Kimami Sitauti (Brumbies), Will Chambers

TEAM 2012: 15 Peter Hynes, 14 Rod Davies, 13 Anthony Faingaa, 12 Mike Harris, 11 Digby Ioane, 10 Quade Cooper, 9 Will Genia; 1 Ben Daley, 2 Saia Faingaa, 3 James Slipper, 4 Rob Simmons, 5 James Horwill, 6 Scott Higginbotham, 7 Beau Robinson, 8 Radike Samo

---

Sharks

INS: Marius Joubert (Clermont), Riaan Viljoen (Cheetahs)

OUTS: John Smit (Saracens), Steven Sykes (Leinster), Gerhard Mostert (Stade Français), Riaan Swanepoel (Clermont)

TEAM 2012: 15 Pat Lambie, 14 Odwa Ndungane, 13 Marius Joubert, 12 Meyer Bosman, 11 JP Pietersen, 10 Frédéric Michalak, 9 Charl McLeod; 1 Tendai "Beast" Mtawarira, 2 Bismarck du Plessis, 3 Jannie du Plessis, 4 Ross Skeate, 5 Alistair Hargreaves, 6 Keegan Daniel, 7 Willem Alberts, 8 Ryan Kankowski

---

Stormers

POSSIBLE: Heinrich Brüssow (Cheetahs)

OUTS: Ethienne Reynecke (Connacht), Callie Visagie (Lions), CJ van der Linde (Lions), Anton van Zyl (Stade Français), Francois Louw (Bath), Ricky Januarie (Lyon), Johann Sadie (Bulls), Paul Bosch (Montpellier), JJ Engelbrecht (Bulls)

TEAM 2012: 15 Conrad Jantjes, 14 Gio Aplon, 13 Jaque Fourie, 12 Jean de Villiers, 11 Bryan Habana, 10 Peter Grant, 9 Dewaldt Duvenage; 1 Wicus Blaauw, 2 Tiaan Liebenberg, 3 Brok Harris, 4 Rynhardt Elstadt, 5 Andries Bekker, 6 Schalk Burger, 7 Pieter Louw, 8 Duane Vermeulen

---

Waratahs

INS: Sarel Pretorius (Cheetahs), Adam Ashley-Cooper (Brumbies)
POSSIBLE: Tevita Metuisela (Western Force)

OUTS: Al Baxter (retired), Pat O'Connor (Agen), Sitaleki Timani (Canon Eagles), Ben Mowen (Brumbies), Phil Waugh (retired), Locky McCaffrey (Western Force), Josh Holmes (Bourgoin), Eddie Bredenhann (Lions), Luke Burgess (Toulouse), Ryan Cross (Perpignan), Ryan Shortland (Newcastle), Sosene Anesi (NTT Shining Arcs), Kurtley Beale (Melbourne Rebels)

TEAM 2012: 15 Adam Ashley-Cooper, 14 Lachie Turner, 13 Rob Horne, 12 Tom Carter, 11 Drew Mitchell, 10 Berrick Barnes, 9 Sarel Pretorius; 1 Benn Robinson, 2 Tatafu Polota-Nau, 3 Sekope Kepu, 4 Dean Mumm, 5 Kane Douglas, 6 Dave Dennis, 7 Pat McCutcheon, 8 Wycliff Palu

---

Western Force

INS: Salesi Ma'afu (Brumbies), Toby Lynn (Waikato), Winston Stanley (Blues), Jordan Ropana (Gold Coast ***ans RL), Will Tupou (North Queensland Cowboys RL)

OUTS: Siliva Siliva (Brumbies), Nathan Charles (Gloucester), Tim Fairbrother (Harlequins), Mark Bartholomeusz (retired), Henari Veratau (Bourgoin), Mitch Inman (Melbourne Rebels), James O'Connor (Melbourne Rebels), David Smith (Toulon), Matt Dunning, Tom Hockings, Jono Jenkins
POSSIBLE: Tevita Metuisela (Waratahs)

TEAM 2012: 15 Cameron Shepherd, 14 Nick Cummins, 13 Winston Stanley, 12 Gene Fairbanks, 11 Rory Sidey, 10 Willie Ripia, 9 Brett Sheehan; 1 Pek Cowan, 2 Nathan Charles, 3 Salesi Ma'afu, 4 Sam Wykes, 5 Nathan Sharpe, 6 Matt Hodgson, 7 David Pocock, 8 Ben McCalman

---

 

[TRF_Ezequiel]

Riaan Viljoen to the Sharks? Has this been confirmed?

 

[Amobokoboko]

Why did Wilhelm Steenkamp move back to the Bulls, can't remember seeing him play that often for the team. He's was always behind Botha and Matfield. And he's still recovering form his knee injury I reckon.

 

[Seaton]

He moved to the Cheetahs to get more game-time, I suppose he feels he is a natural Bull (however his stint with the Sharks pays away that theory)

With Russouw, Matfield and Botha moving off, he has got a good chance of snatching that starting berth from under Juande Kruger's nose.
Will also provide a leadership element in what is soon to be a very leadership stricken team

 

[TRF_Ezequiel]

Wanted to say the same but you beat me to it. He is a Pretoria born and raised and eventually playing for the Bulls was his goal when moving to Bloem.

 

[Marszxc]

Hope the Crusaders sign a replacement for Fotuali'i. Nobody top class, but anyone better that Willi Heinz that **** will do. Also, the departure of Thorn will likely mean more game time for Luke Romano/Chris Jack. As usual, front row stocks are abundant with the Franks brothers and Crockett, as is the back row with McCaw, Read, Todd with Whitelock and Poff very able replacements. my concern is on the wing and in the centers. with SBW possibly leaving, guys like Ryan Crotty simply aren't up to the mark, though Tom Marshall is an up and coming talent I'd like to see the Crusaders stock up in the centers. Wing and fullback replacements will be needed too, in case Guildford/Maitland or Dagg get injured as they have this season. As for Berquist leaving, Bleyendaal would be an interesting prospect at Super Rugby level.

 

[psychic duck]

Two more moves today

Andrew Hore (Hurricanes to Highlanders)
Jano Vermaak (Lions to Bulls)

 

[Hulk Hogan]

If Digby leaves the Reds I will cry....

 

[TRF_Ezequiel]

Vermaak to the Bulls... Now there is a good signing by the Pretoria franchise. Losing du Preez, having Hougaard better on the wing, Vermaak is maybe even a better signing than Basson last year

 

[TRF_stormer2010]

Vermaak to the Bulls... Now there is a good signing by the Pretoria franchise. Losing du Preez, having Hougaard better on the wing, Vermaak is maybe even a better signing than Basson last year

Agreed. It's sad that the Lions basically just lost their best player. I guess this means Hougaard will play wing and Van den Heever fullback? Bulls have also signed Johan Sadie and JJ Engelbrecht who are both wingers though Sadie can cover centre very well. Along with Basson, Kirschner and Ndungane they are set out wide. 9Vermaak, 10Steyn (who will benefit from Vermaak more than Hougaard inside him IMO), 11Hougaard, 12Olivier, 13Sadie, 14Basson, 15v d Heever

I didn't check if it was mentioned earlier but the Sharks have signed Riaan Viljoen from the Griquas; the Cheetahs S14 outfit lost over the last 2 years; 9Sarel Pretorius (Waratahs), 10JLP (Sharks), 11Bjorn Basson (Bulls), 12Meyer Bosman (Sharks), 13, 14Lionel Mapoe (Lions), 15Riaan Viljoen(Sharks)
Pity that the Stormers didn't snap up Viljoen if he had to leave; now we're stuck with Jantjes.

 

[TRF_Ezequiel]

They lose Wilhelm Steenkamp as well, who moves to the Bulls.