Extra-time - the explanation
Our new Extra-time feature has attracted plenty of attention in its first week of existence. Some readers, however, seem unsure about just what we’re trying to do…
Well, it’s simple, really; we’re trying to have a bit of fun with all the happenings in rugby on a weekly basis – using you, out there, to help us, and also making use of a few fun pictures and clips from YouTube.
This week, for instance, we have some more on yet another high tackle from the Munster ranks and Ma’a Nonu has gone on another verbal rampage – prompting us to recycle his infamous ‘F-word’ tirade from earlier this year.
We also have a picture caption we need help with, but – unfortunately – there is a rather sobering aspect to Extra-time this week as we pay tribute to brave Lions coach John Mitchell for his reaction after being affected by crime, and also pick a Player of the Week.
So, you see, this is simply a fun little rugby365.com feature which allows us to highlight matters or moments that might not make it into our news column.
At the same time, we encourage reader interaction – either via email, rugby@sportsmedia365.com, or by leaving a comment below – so please feel free to let us know what you would like to see in Extra-time.
WHAT’S IN THE WATER AT MUNSTER?
Just a week after Munster’s Lifeimi Mafi was banned for seven weeks for dangerous tackles during the Magners League, his centre partner and teammate Sam Tuitupou has been cited for an incident in the Heineken Cup match against London Irish at Madejski Stadium this past Saturday.
Tuitupou is alleged to have committed a dangerous tackle on Exiles scrumhalf Paul Hodgson during the first half.
With his hearing due later this week, it is interesting to note the recommended IRB sanctions for such an act – Low-end: three weeks; Mid-range: six weeks; Top-end: 10+ weeks; Maximum: 52 weeks.
We wonder how that will work out for Sammy…
NONU ON THE RAMPAGE… AGAIN?
Ma’a Nonu has launched a verbal tirade aimed at his Wellington coaches for their inconsistent selection policy.
Bless him for his candour… even if it does end up landing him in trouble, much like his infamous ‘F-word’ tirade from during the Super 14 earlier this year.
That, of course, landed him in trouble, so please be careful when listening to the video below – although it is something of a laugh.
HERO OF THE WEEK:
No question; it quite simply has to be John Mitchell.
Crime is, sadly, a very big reality in South Africa (and also in certain other countries and cities), and Lions coach Mitchell felt the full wrath at the weekend when he was stabbed and held hostage during a robbery.
Afterwards, he could have been bitter and angry… yet he remained dignified and calm when discussing it – despite the massive media frenzy in his native New Zealand and, also, in Australia; not to mention the possibility that it could have been a lot worse.
A quality bloke, clearly, who has already proven to be a massive credit to this country and the Lions.
PLAYER OF THE WEEK:
Our congratulations go out to Griquas’ Bulls-bound winger Bjorn Basson (below) for breaking the SA try-scoring record this year.
The Bok speedster scored a staggering 21 tries in just 14 games for the Peacock Blues this Currie Cup season – equalising and then breaking the old record held by Carel du Plessis and Colin Lloyd.
Basson even attracted the attention of former Springbok boss Jake White, rating the flyer as “the best player I’ve ever seen taking the ball out the air”.
QUESTION OF THE WEEK…
Who has Jonathan Kaplan upset in South African rugby?
The world’s most-capped referee remains a quality whistleman, yet he is not considered good enough to referee a semifinal or the final in the 2010 Currie Cup.
Ok fine, so some might reckon he’s not the best right now – on form – but surely he’s still amongst SA’s top three, at worst?!
PICTURE CAPTION – WE NEED your HELP!
What is Jean de Villiers doing… or thinking in the picture below? Is he laying an egg or taking a beak?
Please give us some ideas for a potential caption!
* Thanks to Jimmy King and Mary Downing for their help in compiling the third ‘episode’ of Extra-time – keep them coming!
