Edinburgh sign wp nel from the cheetahs

by **RDW** Wed 15 Feb 2012, 5:42 pm

edinburghrugby.org/news/edinburgh-news/4048-edinburgh-sign-southern-hemisphere-star-

Can I just start off by saying Yahoo

Looked at the YouTube video in the article and the guy looks a cracking player! Looks like he'll fit in the edinburgh style too - big strong man but massively dynamic.

Anyone who watches super 15 able to comment?

Very happy!

by Jenifer McLadyboy Wed 15 Feb 2012, 6:10 pm

RDW_Scotland wrote:edinburghrugby.org/news/edinburgh-news/4048-edinburgh-sign-southern-hemisphere-star-

Can I just start off by saying

Looked at the YouTube video in the article and the guy looks a cracking player! Looks like he'll fit in the edinburgh style too - big strong man but massively dynamic.

Anyone who watches super 15 able to comment?

Very happy!

Absolutely cracking player. Great scrumager. Big. Strong. (A bit fat) and mysteriously uncapped by South Africa, so he will qualify for Scotland after his 3 year deal. Bollix. Crying or Very sad

He has been suggested for Leinster for the last couple of years.

Good for the League because he should make Embra harder to beat.

by funnyExiledScot Wed 15 Feb 2012, 6:19 pm

Very good news, because there isn't much behind Cross and Jacobsen currently at Edinburgh.

The Edinburgh backs are becoming a force to be reckoned with, so it makes sense to strengthen the forwards.

by **Notch** Wed 15 Feb 2012, 6:24 pm

Yeah, he's excellent. Great signing.

by **RDW** Wed 15 Feb 2012, 6:51 pm

Our reserve tightheads are absolutely baws so my grandma would be an improvement on them!

Also - he's only 25 so will only get better!

Why's he come to edinburgh??

There's also rumour of the Georgian number 8 coming too, but he's only 6ft 2 and 16 stone - we've got plenty of backrow players like that just now!

Big 2nd row please!

by Imperialbigdave Wed 15 Feb 2012, 7:00 pm

RDW_Scotland wrote:Our reserve tightheads are absolutely baws so my grandma would be an improvement on them!

Also - he's only 25 so will only get better!

Why's he come to edinburgh??

There's also rumour of the Georgian number 8 coming too, but he's only 6ft 2 and 16 stone - we've got plenty of backrow players like that just now!

Big 2nd row please!

I dont understand the Georgian signing (rumoured) unless we are losing more than one of our current backrowers.

As far as im aware, theres no movements from any of our guys (though macdonald needs to find somewhere to get more gametime).

by **George Carlin** Wed 15 Feb 2012, 7:30 pm

Don't forget that Edinburgh also signed the Puma Ulises Gamboa from Aironi until the end of the season too (beginning of the month). That's slightly more strength in depth, then.

Nel looks a cracking signing - the lad is only 25 and the Bokke like their props battle hardened old feckers so I wouldn't read anything into the fact that he's not a full international yet. Most props don't hit their pomp until late 20s/early 30s.

by **RDW** Wed 15 Feb 2012, 7:42 pm

George - not exactly shouting from the roof tops about the Argentinian midget - he's a reserve prop from airioni!

Obviously going to give him more of s chance but wasn't overly convinced against ospreys!

by mckay1402 Wed 15 Feb 2012, 8:53 pm

Has signed for the gunners. Good signing? Will certainly bolster the scrum

by **RDW** Wed 15 Feb 2012, 9:44 pm

mckay1402 wrote:Has signed for the gunners. Good signing? Will certainly bolster the scrum

Merged your thread as it was already being discussed here.

by **George Carlin** Thu 16 Feb 2012, 5:24 am

RDW_Scotland wrote:George - not exactly shouting from the roof tops about the Argentinian midget - he's a reserve prop from airioni!

Obviously going to give him more of s chance but wasn't overly convinced against ospreys!

Very 'sizist' RDW Smile

Anyone who can give Chunk or Geoff a rest is worth having over.

by **Biltong** Thu 16 Feb 2012, 6:29 am

WP Nel is a very good tight head prop, but under Naka Drotske during the Super Rugby tournamnet had some contentious issues about Nel being penalised a lot at the srum, in fact if I remember coreectly in 2010 Drotske the Cheetahs coach called Os du Randt in to come assits as the penalty count as scrum time was horrendous.

So technically Nel seems to have some issues.

by AsLongAsBut100ofUs Thu 16 Feb 2012, 6:46 am

Biltong, hopefully Tom Smith and Cuttita can help to iron those out

by **George Carlin** Thu 16 Feb 2012, 6:59 am

Good information Biltong - appreciated.

by **Biltong** Thu 16 Feb 2012, 7:18 am

Here are some snippets of that time.

This just after their loss to the Sharks.

Naka Drotske, the Cheetahs coach, has expressed his concern publicly regarding the numerous scrum penalties his team gifted. He reckons these penalties to be a major factor in the defeat in Durban against Sharks.

The Cheetahs are generally considered to be a frightening scrimmaging side, but were alarmed after getting profoundly fined at the scrum time under soaked circumstances. Cheetahs lost to Sharks by an alarming 24-9 score difference.

Naka Drotske said, “It's not easy to say something about the scrums straight off. I would like to see a video of the game on Monday to be competent enough to give a proper conclusion.”

Just before the Cheetahs had to play the waratahs in 2011.

With a pair of bookends weighing 247kg between them - Coenie Oosthuizen (127kg) and W.P. Nel (120kg) - the Cheetahs' strategy appears to be based around using the scrum as their main weapon of attack against NSW.

"We just came out of a video session now watching that, and it's true, they didn't scrum well against the Crusaders," Drostke said

The expertise of du Randt - who only recently joined the Cheetahs - can help win that advantage, said Drotske.

"Scrums will always be important and especially with referees cracking down on penalties and free kicks now, discipline on engagement is a vital aspect of the game," Drotske said.

"Os brings a lot. He is an experienced guy, he played three world cups and won two, so there is a lot of respect within the team for him. He is a huge asset for the Cheetahs."

Coenie Oosthuizen was actually penalised more than WP Nel, you see the memory is fading. Doh

by **RDW** Thu 16 Feb 2012, 8:20 am

George Carlin wrote:
RDW_Scotland wrote:George - not exactly shouting from the roof tops about the Argentinian midget - he's a reserve prop from airioni!

Obviously going to give him more of s chance but wasn't overly convinced against ospreys!
Very 'sizist' RDW
Anyone who can give Chunk or Geoff a rest is worth having over.

Sorry - vertically challenged! warning

by AsLongAsBut100ofUs Thu 16 Feb 2012, 9:09 am

From the Torygraph:

It is understood that he is Scottish qualified by way of a grandfather, but the length of his contract is such that he would become eligible for Scotland on residence grounds anyway.

Hadn't realised that

by **Biltong** Thu 16 Feb 2012, 9:51 am

AsLongAsBut100ofUs wrote:From the Torygraph:

It is understood that he is Scottish qualified by way of a grandfather, but the length of his contract is such that he would become eligible for Scotland on residence grounds anyway.

Hadn't realised that

develop your own props. He is as Afrikaans and Free stater as you would get.

They go to school barefeet and crew cut.

When we still had national serviice in the 80's and 90's freestaters would go to the army just so that they could wear shoes and have long hair. Rolling Eyes

by AsLongAsBut100ofUs Thu 16 Feb 2012, 10:02 am

Not like the good old days, biltong, when we had John Allan for a couple of years, and then you got him back for a few more!

by AsLongAsBut100ofUs Thu 16 Feb 2012, 10:14 am

Just a thought, but if Nel proves himself and decides to back the Scottish horse, would Geoff Cross switch to loosehead when Chunk retires?

by **RDW** Thu 16 Feb 2012, 10:16 am

By blindside do you mean loosehead?

I brought up that subject a while ago

https://www.606v2.com/t20034-when-chunk-retires-cross-to-loosehead

by **Biltong** Thu 16 Feb 2012, 10:19 am

AsLongAsBut100ofUs wrote:Not like the good old days, biltong, when we had John Allan for a couple of years, and then you got him back for a few more!

Yeah, all the traditions seem to disappear, how sad. more and more I am beginning to sound like my parents. "the good old days"

by AsLongAsBut100ofUs Thu 16 Feb 2012, 10:25 am

RDW_Scotland wrote:By blindside do you mean loosehead?

I brought up that subject a while ago

https://www.606v2.com/t20034-when-chunk-retires-cross-to-loosehead

RDW, thanks, yes I did, correction made

by funnyExiledScot Thu 16 Feb 2012, 10:48 am

I didn't know that Cross had played loosehead before. Not an easy transition to make if he hasn't played there before, particularly to international standard.

I'm hoping that Jon Welsh at Glasgow finally steps up show his promise.

by gowales Thu 16 Feb 2012, 10:55 am

Man the Scottish teams are starting to recruit well. The Welsh regions won't be able to compete in the next few years.

by **RDW** Thu 16 Feb 2012, 11:20 am

Reckon the 450k + we're getting for qualifying for the HK helped get this guy, or that there'll be more signings to come??

Hope it's the latter!

by AsLongAsBut100ofUs Thu 16 Feb 2012, 11:42 am

Big, bruising second-row to complement/mentor young Gilchrist

by **Biltong** Thu 16 Feb 2012, 11:47 am

AsLongAsBut100ofUs wrote:Big, bruising second-row to complement/mentor young Gilchrist

You could have got Mauritz botha for a couple of quid. Laugh

by **RDW** Thu 16 Feb 2012, 11:57 am

It's a difficult balance actually. Our first choice front row is international class but the reserves are under 10's class. However, our 2nd rows are maybe Rabbo league class but not much more than that (Gilchrist will become international class in a few years IMO). Our backrow is most definitely international class.

Therefore do we strengthen the front row further to provide greater depth, or do we improve 2nd row so that we have better players there?

by AsLongAsBut100ofUs Fri 17 Feb 2012, 4:29 pm

Saw this headline elsewhere, and it made me larf: "Nel Packs His Trunk For Murrayfield"

by Imperialbigdave Fri 17 Feb 2012, 6:53 pm

RDW_Scotland wrote:Reckon the 450k + we're getting for qualifying for the HK helped get this guy, or that there'll be more signings to come??

Hope it's the latter!

considering that Glasgow are signing every player under the sun, id hope were getting the same amount of cash to throw about.

by IanBru Fri 17 Feb 2012, 8:36 pm

AsLongAsBut100ofUs wrote:Saw this headline elsewhere, and it made me larf: "Nel Packs His Trunk For Murrayfield"

Asbo, I just dropped my drink, damn you! Laugh

by AsLongAsBut100ofUs Mon 20 Feb 2012, 3:33 pm

MacVisser has extended his contract with Embra for another 3 years to 2015

by Artful_Dodger Mon 20 Feb 2012, 3:36 pm

A lot of Ulster fans wanted us to get Nel as a replacement for BJ Botha, but we ended up getting John Afoa - great signing for Edinburgh.

by red_stag Mon 20 Feb 2012, 3:59 pm

Edinburgh sign <not a second row> from the Cheetahs.

by funnyExiledScot Mon 20 Feb 2012, 5:46 pm

Yes, Edinburgh still an enforcer short. They have Gilchrist, who has been extremely impressive breaking through, at 4, and a choice between Cox and Lozada at 5, but Gilchrist can't play every game, and next season he may end up getting into the Scotland squad. Turnbull hasn't done enough really to suggest he's a real option at 4.

A big lock with a big of dog needed. If only Jim Hamilton could be persuaded to return.

by MacKnocked-on Mon 20 Feb 2012, 10:35 pm

What about Sean Tomes from Bedford?

by AsLongAsBut100ofUs Tue 21 Feb 2012, 9:02 am

MacKnocked-on wrote:What about Sean Tomes from Bedford?

Lazy, played a season for the Chiefs and he just couldn't be bothered

by funnyExiledScot Tue 21 Feb 2012, 11:07 am

Edinburgh will suit him then. They only really turn up for HC games, they take the rest of the season off there.

by AsLongAsBut100ofUs Tue 28 Feb 2012, 3:06 pm

Just announced that Embra have signed (Scots-qualified thru his mum?) Greig Tonks: Saints' Tonks

To date:

Edinburgh Rugby new signings: WP Nel (Free State Cheetahs), Greig Tonks (Northampton Saints), Ulises Gamboa (Aironi, to the end of the season)
Edinburgh Rugby re-signings: Sean Cox, Geoff Cross, David Denton, Gregor Hunter, Lee Jones, Greig Laidlaw, Robin Hislop, Harry Leonard, Stuart McInally, Lewis Niven, Matt Scott, Steven Turnbull, Tim Visser

by nickj Tue 28 Feb 2012, 5:26 pm

Just saw that ASBO, any thoughts?

by AsLongAsBut100ofUs Tue 28 Feb 2012, 10:07 pm

Still short of a lock

tonks will be a decent replacement for Mossy

by MacKnocked-on Tue 28 Feb 2012, 10:14 pm

Is Jim Thompson destined not to get a chance in the team?

by **George Carlin** Wed 29 Feb 2012, 1:24 pm

MacKnocked-on wrote:Is Jim Thompson destined not to get a chance in the team?

Sadly, Jim is maintaining his reputation as always being the bridesmaid only. The 'Matt LeTissier' of Scottish rugby, if you will.

by mcnevis Fri 16 Mar 2012, 10:10 am

Must say. As a Scotland, Edinburgh and Bedford supporter I think Sean Tomes would really help bolster the Edinburgh pack. May well have struggled in the past but hes definately not lazy. Far far from it. When he came to us after pre season he was a different player. He's played nearly every game this year and is a massive ball carrier for Bedford. Good set of hands on him too and always breaks defensive line and looks confident. Would like to see him in black and red jersey. Nice guy too - humble, talks to all the supporters and always stands his round at the bar.

by AsLongAsBut100ofUs Fri 16 Mar 2012, 10:38 am

mcnevis wrote:Must say. As a Scotland, Edinburgh and Bedford supporter I think Sean Tomes would really help bolster the Edinburgh pack. May well have struggled in the past but hes definately not lazy. Far far from it. When he came to us after pre season he was a different player. He's played nearly every game this year and is a massive ball carrier for Bedford. Good set of hands on him too and always breaks defensive line and looks confident. Would like to see him in black and red jersey. Nice guy too - humble, talks to all the supporters and always stands his round at the bar.

mcnevis, delighted to hear that's he's worked hard on his fitness. He certainly had the physical attributes to play at the top, and if he's getting there mentally too, then that would be good.

by pioden gorllewin Fri 16 Mar 2012, 12:20 pm

reported in walesonline match report of the dragons vs blues game, that edinburgh are signing welsh international loose head john yapp. both scottish regions seem to be recruiting a fair bit this summer:

http://www.walesonline.co.uk/rugbynation/newport-gwent-dragons/2012/03/15/newport-gwent-d-gons-18-14-cardiff-blues-dragons-triumph-in-derby-91466-30548556/

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