Sunday 19 October 2014

KINGS SHOULD BE THINKING OF TECHNOLOGY

TECHNOLOGY – THE COMPETITIVE EDGE
In the modern (professional) era of rugby it has become much more than just the 15 players on the park.  Highly qualified support teams with specialist coaches for different functions becoming the norm with every professional team employing a defence, attacking, forwards, backline, skills & kicking coach etc and I think the Kings would do well in acquiring one or two renowned rugby brains to coach the players.  

It has become a game of inches and getting that 5% more out of your players have become the difference between winning and losing.  The latest trend in trying to gain an advantage over the opponent is the application of technology, not only in coaching but also in data capture as knowledge is power.  The more data you receive the easier and more accurate you can analyse your players, your game plane, opposition players and also opposition game plan.   I think the Kings would do well in investing in proper technological assistance in the place of 1 or 2 big contracted players and the technology used can also be used as an incentive for young aspiring players who want to improve their game to sign for the Kings. If you can get 5 – 10 % more out of every player in a squad of 30 reasonably good players surely that is better than having one great highly paid player.

Here is a look at some of the different technologies to look at to try and improve the quality of the entire squad.

EYEGYM:
I first heard about EyeGym (brainchild of Dr Sherylle Calder – Hand Eye Co-ordination specialist) during Jake Whites tenure as the Springbok coach.  It is based on the idea that every person has muscles in each eye and like other muscled in the body it can also be trained and improved. 
As according to their research 80% of decisions made in sport are based on visual information it is important to be able to see more, see it faster and to assess situations quicker in order to make better on field decisions.  EyeGym is an online interactive programme designed to not only enable the user to see more but also analyse the data received visually quicker through extensive eye and recollection exercises.
This program requires the user to take part in 3 – 4 sessions per week to obtain the desired results.   This programme is not just for adults but also different levels available for children making it possible to implement this programme with specific identified individuals from a younger age such as u16 (Grant Komo Week).  If a player at that age is willing to commit at least his junior career up till u21 age group to the Kings they should be prepared to invest into the individual and put them on this programme.  The benefits from being on this programme for 3 – 4 years before entering the Senior rugby stage will be invaluable.
Players & teams who use EyeGym as far as I know. Springboks, Allblacks, England, Johnny Wilkonson, Demetri Catrakilis.  This is a reasonably inexpensive form of technology that is easy to apply and the amount of benefits gained from this makes this a must for any professional setup.

GPS SYSTEMS:
GPS has become a part of every day life with cellular phones, navigation systems etc.  and it is therefor just a natural step to try and find a way to implement this on the rugby field.  In the past few years more and more options in this market have been developed and it is a field that is still growing with the quality and quantity of data recorded during each game ever improving.  GPS systems allow you to track the movement of each player on the field (distance covered, speed of the player during play) and also allows coached to go back to certain moments in games and determine exactly where each player was on the field to determine how a game changing moment might have occurred or even have been stopped.  GPS systems can also be applied during training sessions to meassure the effort put in by players (Bog brother effect).  The theory is if you don’t put in 100% in training you wont improve and can also not give 100% during matches.  Better effort = Bette results.
IBM predictive analytics technology

Lately GPS systems have been combined with analytical software as the data received  by GPS systems are to much for a coach to analyse himself.  The software analyses the data and then presents it as a well organised easy to use and understand information. Heart monitors are strapped to players chests and all their data (oxygen levels, heart rate etc.) collected over a season to try and predict player fatigue and chance of injuries.  IBM’s predictive analytic technology (currently being used by the Waratahs & Leicester Tigers) is a perfect example of this.  A player is fitted with a small GPS tracking unit placed in a small poach between the shoulder blades just above the number on a players back. The player is also fitted with a heart monitor and numerous sensors on strategic places on the body to monitor intensity levels, collisions and player fatigue.  The data is relayed to the coaches live to enable them to accurately determine a player’s current on field fatigue levels and the optimal time to replace a player.  This data is captured over a complete season and is then run through the predictive analytic software to predict a player’s injury risk. The Waratahs where convinced when the software looking back at previous seasons where able to accurately predict numerous injuries (not the type but when) players obtained. Obviously the software can not predict ‘freak’ accidents or the type of injury that will be obtained but does accurately predict player fatigue and fatigued players are more likely to get injured.  This in the long run allows you to get more out of your players as you adapt his training schedule to his personal fatigue or condition levels. Rather rest a player one week than lose him for 4 – 6 weeks... Maybe not rest him for the match but put him on a lighter exercise program for the week, or put the player on a conditioning programme for the week and less his contact sessions etc etc.

IBM has joined the Waratahs as their technological partner and I think the Kings would do well in acquiring a technological partner like IBM or similar (there are a few to choose from) to become competitive.

BODY COMPOSITION
Measuring body fat is useful but subject to measurement error.  DXA (Dual X-ray energy absorptiometry) is probably the best way to measure this.  Regular measurements during in-season and off-season enables team doctors and staff to determine the effect on the body during the season and during the off period of each player to better manage their training schedules.


I believe with the correct technology in place the Kings can get 5 – 10% more out of each player, get more game time out of players as they are better managed and even use it as an incentive for young players to sign for the team.  The above mentioned are only a few examples and the field of sport technology is constantly improving and rowing and a professional team should jump on the wagon before they get left behind.  

2016 - CRAVEN WEEK SCOUTING

After watching the Craven week this year a few players stood out as players I would like to be retained by the academy.  I only had the Craven Week to monitor the players and I am sure the Academy scouts have been closely monitoring the players for a while now and will probably have a better idea as far as the quality of the players are concerned. And as consistency is a major factor to consider I am sure they will differ in some selections as they have better knowledge regarding the players. Here is a list of the players I would like to sign that represented the Eastern Cape (Border & EP) region. I have set it out as a starting XV as I heard somewhere that the Kings Academy look to sign at least 1 player in each position every year.
(some positions have more than one player as more than one player impressed - I put them in order of personal preference) 

15) Riaan van Rensburg (EP)
14) Athi Halom (EPCD), Sihle Njezulu (EP)
13) Sibabalwe Mzanywa (EPCD), Johanathan Crankshaw (EPCD)
12) Sicelo Tole (EP), S Xamlashe (BOR)
11) Lubabalo Dobela (EP)
10) Vaughan Isaacs (EPCD)
9) Louis Strydom (EP), James Bruce (Bor)
8) Kwezi Bafu (EP), Olie Losaba (EPCD)
7) Hanru Sirgil (Bor), Dihan Odendal (EPCD)
6) Eurgens Human (EPCD)
5) Keanen Murray (EPCD)
4) Ruben le Roux (EP), Leon Lyons (Bor)
3) Sazi Sandi (EPCD), E Janneke (EP)
2) Viaan Wolmarans (EP), Gareth Heidtmann (Bor)
1) A Tshwakeni (Bor), Ewan Pieters (EPCD)

From the above list the following players made it to the trials for the SA Schools squad: 

* players who made the final squad)
# players drafted into squad due to injury


With the Kings u19 and Kings u21 teams performing at the moment with Currie Cup premier division 2015 and Super rugby 2016 a guarantee for the region we should have more ammo when negotiating with the juniors and hopefully we can keep most of them and build a decent region throughout all the age groups and the senior team.

Wednesday 20 August 2014

2014 CC KINGS vs 2013 SR KINGS

Cheeky has openly claimed that the 2014 Currie cup squad is 20 - 30% better than the 2013 Super Rugby squad.  So I decided to compare the 2 squads by comparing each position and also the coaching staff...

2013 SR                                             2014 CC

Props:
Schalk Ferrreira                                   Charl du Plessis
Jaco Engels                                         CJ van der Linde
Kevin Buys                                          Simon Kerrod
Grant Kemp (SWD)                              Tom Botha
                                                           Lizo Gqoboko
In the prop position I think the 2013 Super rugby squad has the advantage with more experience.  Keep in mind though that if we would select a Super rugby squad at this moment Grant Kemp would be drafted and replace one of the EP props.  In that case the 2013 SR front row and the 2014 SR front row is about even.

Hookers:
Hannes Franklin (SWD)                      Dane vd Westhuisen
Virgile Lacombe                                 Albe de Swardt
Bandise Maku                                    Michael van Vuuren
Edgar Marutlulle                                 Edgar Maratlule
In the hooker position the 2013 SR and the 2014 CC teams are pretty even and with Hannes Franklin now at SWD he is still an option for a 2014 SR squad.

Locks:
Steven Sykes                                     Steven Sykes
David Bullbring                                   David Bullbring
Darron Nell                                         Darron Nell
Rynier Bernardo                                 Steve Cummins
In the lock position most of the players are the same players except for a straight swap of Rynier Bernardo for Steve Cummins.  I personally think Bernardo a better option but due to better offers from overseas he left our shores.  Steve Cummins however has come through the Australian ranks and represented their junior teams at a national level and should be an adequate replacement.  Therefore the lock position is pretty much a tie between the 2013 SR squad and the 2014 CC squad. 

Loose Forwards:
Daniel Adongo                                   Darron Nell
Wimpie van der Walt                          Shawn McDonnald
Mpho Mbiyozo                                   Thembelani Bholi
Tomas Leonardi                                  Aidon Davis
Cornell du Preez                                 Paul Schoeman
Devin Oosthuizen                               Devin Oosthuizen
Luke Watson (Captain)                       Luke Watson
Jacques Engelbrecht                           Tim Agaba

In the looseforward position we have some youngsters coming through in the 2014 CC squad but the experience of Cornell, Wimpie, Mpho and 'Vleis' will be missed and therefore I think the 2013 SR squad edges the 2014 CC squad and probably was 30 - 40 % better. However the current crop is young and could improve with experience. 

Backs

Scrummies:
Shaun Venter                                      Kevin Luiters
Johan Herbst                                       Jaco Grobler
Nicolas Vergallo                                  Tobie Botes
All three the scrumhalves of last year has left the franchise and new players have been recruited.  Trying to stick to the bring them home and keep them home theme Luiters and Grobler (both only 21) have been brought back to the franchise.  Both players are very capable and should improve with experience and game time.  Tobie Botes at the age of 29 has a lot of experience in Europe and gained 20 odd caps for the Italian international team and was drafted by the Kings to guide the youngsters through what will likely be a very tough Currie Cup season.  Due to experience I think the 2013 SR squad again edges the 2014 CC squad with 10 - 20%. 

Flyhalves:
Demetri Catrakillis                              Gary van Aswegen
George Whitehead                              George Whitehead
With George Whitehead featuring in both squads it comes down to who is the better flyhalf between Catrakillis and van Aswegen.  Personally I prefer Catrakillis over van Aswegen and with Whitehead out of form the 2013 SR squad again edges 2014 CC squad with a few percent. 

Centres:
Andries Strauss                                   Tim Whitehead          
Hadleigh Parkes                                  Shane Gates
Ronnie Cooke                                      Ronnie Cooke
Waylon Murray                                    Dwayne Jenner
At centre things are pretty much even with Shane Gates coming through the ranks and showing some promise.  Whitehead and Strauss pretty much an even swap and with Waylon Murray a regular on the injury list and with Dwayne Jenner a young strong up and coming player it tight to call who the better squad would have been and therefore I call it a tie in the centre position. 

Wings:
Michael Killian                                     Scott van Breda
Sergeal Petersen                                  Sergeal Petersen
Marcello Sampson                                Paul Perez
Siyanda Grey                                       Siyanda Grey
                                                           Ntabeni Dukisa
In the wing position it is also a tie as most of the players are the same. With van Breda improving and with Killian at the end of his career last year and with Perez pretty much a straight swap for Sampson I call this position a tie.  

Fullbacks:
SP Marais                                           Shakes Soyiswapi
Elric van Vuuren (SWD)                        Hansie Graaff
Shakes Soyiswapi
At fullback the 2014 SR squad is also better than the 2014 CC squad with basically a straight swap of SP for Hansie.  Hansie showed some promise when playing for the Griffons a few seasons back and was names the CC 1st division player of the year in 2012.  Then went to the Sharks where he struggled with injury and to get game time.  Since his arrival at the Kings he had a few opportunities to challenge for a starting spot but failed to deliver.  Lets hope he regains the form he had in 2012 (note he played at flyhalf then an might be his preferred position). 


COACHING STAFF 2013 vs 2014
                              2013                        2014
Director of rugby:   Solomons                 none
Head Coach:          Matt Sexton             Carlos Spencer
Forwards Coach:   Matt Sexton              Shaun Sowerby
Defence Coach:     Omar Mouneimne     Michael Horak

One should also keep in mind that the 2014 SR squad also had better coaches than the 2014 CC squad. In my opinion 'King' Carlos doesn't have enough experience as a head coach, Sowerby has almost no experience as a forward coach. I also have some questions regarding Horak as a defence coach as the Cheetahs weren't really known for their good defence when he was involved. 

With Solomons (with worlds of experience), Matt Sexton and Omar Mouneimne (highly rated defence coach) all involved in 2013 the 2013 SR squad definitely also has the advantage of better coaching staff.  

If I were involved at the Kings I would seriously be on the lookout for a Proper Director of rugby and head coach.  Nothing against Carlos as I would still keep him as the backline attacking coach.  


MY CONCLUSIONS REGARDING THE 2 SQUAD COMPARISONS:
With some positions even and with the 2013 SR squad beating the 2014 CC squad in the frontrow, looseforward, scrumhalf, flyhalf and fullback positions and with the 2013 squad also having better coaches I think it fair to say that in my opinion the 2013 SR squad is 20 - 30 % better (if not more) than the current 2014 CC squad and not the other way round as Cheeky claims.





Thursday 6 February 2014

KINGS YOUNGSTERS TO FACE THE STORM

The Southern Kings have opted to play a team of youngsters against the Stormers this coming Friday.

The average age of the starting lineup facing the Stormers this Saturday will be 22.6 (23.4 per forward / 21.7 backs) and the average age of the bench will be 23.3 (22 per forward / 25.5 per back).

This indicates that the Kings are committed to developing the youngsters in the region and this could serve as motivation for some youngsters to stay in the area especially with 2016 coming closer and hopeful Currie cup inclusion later this year.

Southern Kings team to take on the DHL Stormers on Friday: 7 February 2014
(age in brackets)

1. Brendon Olivier (21)
2. Albe de Swardt (23)
3. Charl du Plessis (26)
4. Steven Sykes (Captain) (29)
5. Rynier Bernardo (22)
6. Paul Schoeman (21)
7. Stephan Zaayman (20)
8. Devon Oosthuizen (25)

9. Sonwabo Majola
10. George Whitehead (Vice Captain) (24)
11. Eben Barnard (22)
12. Shane Gates (21)
13. Dwayne Jenner (23)
14. Sergeal Petersen (19)
15. Siviwe Soyizwapi (21)

Replacements:

16. JC Oberholzer (24)
17. Lizo Gqoboka (23)
18. Pieter Stemmet (21)
19. Stephan Greeff (24)
20. Thembelani Bholi (24)
21. Kevin Kaba (19)
22. Tyler Paul (19)


23. Jaco Grobler (21)
24. Ronnie Cooke (29)
25. Michael Killian (30)
26. Brian Skosana (22)

Thursday 21 November 2013

SPRINGBOKS - who are the future?



In the mid year tests before the Championship competition Heyneke Meyer was often asked why he isn't picking any youngsters and giving them a chance. I for one feel a Bok jersey isn't something just handed out but earned through great performances and consistency.  However, looking back here is a list of youngsters included in Springbok squads and you then get an idea of the squad Meyer is trying to build for the future.

FUTURE BOKS: (players who have already been involved in Bok setup)
(backline & looseforwards 24 and younger)
(tight five 25 & younger)

1: Coenie Oosthuisen (24) / Trevor Nyakane (24)
2: Scarra Ntubeni (22)
3: Lourence Adriaanse (25) / Frans Malherbe (22)
4: Eben Etsebeth (22)
5: Pieter-Steph du Toit (21)
6: Marcell Coetzee (22)
7: Siya Kolisi (22)
8: Arno Botha (21)
9: Piet van Zyl (24)
10: Johan Goosen (21) 
11:
12: Jan Serfontein (20)
13: JJ Engelbrecht (24) / Jaco Taute (22)
14: Willie le Roux (24)
15: Patrick Lambie (23)

Looking at the above team I believe that we have a pretty good base of players for the following 5 - 8 years and combined with some older players giving us another 2 - 4 years service with maybe few more youngsters coming through the systems in the future I think we should be OK till 2020 and Meyer has included many youngsters over his term and is building a team for the future without compromising the present.  

Tuesday 5 November 2013

EP KINGS OPT FOR YOUNG SQUAD FOR 2014

KINGS HAVE OPTED FOR A YOUNG SQUAD:
I first posted this in November but since then some players have opted to leave the union and some players have joined (permanently or on loan). The average age of the players are now even lower than it was previously. When having a look at the names and ages of the players in the squad it is clear that the squad has lost a few 'big' names but have made up for experience with the exuberance of youth. 

AVERAGE AGES: (trial players not included in stats)
Average age of the squad: 23 years and 1 months

Average age of forwards (whole pack): 23 years & 6 month
Average age of tight five: 24 years and 4 months
           considering that your tight five on average matures at a later age this is a reasonably low average.
Average age of loose forwards: 22 years and 5 months

Average age of all backs:22 years and 4 months
Average age of halfbacks: 22 years and 2 months
Average age of centers: 23 years and 2 months
Average age of outside backs: 21 years and 8 months

SQUAD: (ages in brackets)

PROPS:
BG Uys (25)
Charl du Plessis (26)
Lizo Gqokoka (23)
Brenden Olivier (21)
Pieter Stemmet (21)
Simon Kerrod (21)

HOOKERS:
Albe de Swardt (23)
JC Oberholzer (24) [on trial]
Tabbie du Plessis (??) [on trial]
Dane van der Westhuizen (21)

LOCKS:
Steven Sykes (29)
Rynier Bernardo (22)
Darron Nell (33)
Samora Fihlani (28)
Thembelani Bholi (23)
Stefan Greeff (24)

LOOSE FORWARDS:
Tim Agaba (24)
Luke Watson (29)
Devon Oosthuisen (25)
Aidon Davis (19)
Stefan Willemse (21)
Paul Schoeman (20)
Siya Mangaliso (23)
Kuhle Sonkosi (21)
Claude Tshidibi (20)

SCRUMHALVES:
Jaco Grobler (21)
Kayle van Zyl (21)

FLYHALVES:
George Whitehead (24)
Ntabeni Dukisa (25)
Marlou van Niekerk (20)

CENTRES:
Shane Gates (21)
Ronnie Cooke (29)
Siyanda Grey (24)
Andile Jho (21)
Lonwabo Ntleki (21)
Dwayne Jenner (23)

WINGS:
Sergeal Petersen (19)
Michael Killian (29)
Eben Barnard (21)
Brian Skosana (21)
Ofentse Boloko (21)

FULLBACKS:
Shakes Soyizwapi (20)
Scott van Breda (21)

Sunday 13 October 2013

KINGS - WEEKEND BATTLE RESULTS 13/10/2013

After a weekend where the EP Kings competed in 3 different 1st Division Finals over three different age groups one is left with some mixed feelings.  The under 19 team managed to beat the Valke in their final 56 points to 40, the under 21 team managed to beat Boland 59 points to 19 as everything seemed to be going well till the Senior side dropped the ball and went down agonizingly against a determined and better drilled Pumas outfit 53 points to 30.  Both the junior teams now travel to Border next week to play i their promotion relegation matches and both teams are confident of coming away with a win.

KINGS SCORERS
EP Kings u19 vs Boland u19
Conversions   Selvyn Davids x5
Penalties        Selvyn Davids x2
Try                Khaya Malotana x3
Try                Mathew Luke Moore
Try                Selvyn Davids x3
Try                Sergeal Petersen x1

EP Kings u21 vs Valke u21
Conversion   Gavin Hauptfleisch x1
Conversion   Marlou van Niekerk x1
Conversion   Ruan Allerston x3
Penalty         Ruan Allerston x3
Try               Brenden Olivier x1
Try               Claude Tshidibi x1
Try               Dane van der Westhuyzen x1
Try               Ivan Ludick x1
Try               Siphesihle Qhamani Punguzwa x1
Try               Siphumelele Nkosikhona Petros Msutwana x1
Try               Siviwe Soyizwapi x1
Try               Sonkosi Kuhle x1


EP Kings - Senior Team
Conversion  Scott van Breda x3
Penalties      Scott van Breda x3
Try               Ntabeni Dukisa x1
Try               Kayle van Zyl x1
Penalty Try  x1