The Rugby results from the Cape Schools Week held over the June holidays at SACS attest to the new regime of skills and resistance training that is proving to be a valuable foundation for all our rugby players. The commitment of the 1st and 2nd XV squads to sometimes seven sessions per week of training, including weights and speed/endurance sessions, is setting a strong example for the rest of the School.
The results also point to some success from our planned program to build, from the junior sides up, the participation rates, skills and strength of rugby at Rondebosch Boys’ High School.
The coordinated, three-sessions-a-week coaching program for all 14s to senior teams is well under way for this season and we now have 10 old boys regularly coaching our junior and senior rugby teams.
The Rondebosch Boys’ High School 1st XV v Grey 1st XV matches has traditionally been a close, hard fought encounter.
This year was no exception with the teams going tackle for tackle. Grey High preventing a Cape Schools clean sweep at the opening of the Cape Schools Week. Rondebosch as always responded well to the physicality of the game. Scores were locked at 12-all and then 17-all. With two minutes to go 21-20, Grey then broke through the midfield and scored to take the match to 27 – 21. Lock-forward Louw Naude adjudicated ‘Man of the Match’.
In the second match of the festival Selbourne threw everything at our side.
The Selbourne forwards were relentless in the rucks and in defence. Our back line attempted to penetrated for the whole match, demonstrating enhanced skill levels and fitness, but devilish tackling stopped us from scoring. Scott van Breda had his kicking boots on and slotted all the points for the match whenever a penalty was awarded in Selbourne’s 22m. At the final siren, the 1st XV was stormed from the sidelines by the 200 strong Bosch supporters, celebrating a hard earned 15-8 win. Scott van Breda selected as ‘Man of the Match’.
The final game for the festival was against Muir College. With numerous players away on holiday and slight niggles, the team called up one or two second, third and under 16 players. Urged on by Steven Wallace, stand-in captain and ‘Man of the Match’, the palpable high spirit and a relentless drive to not give up, our boys responded with a convincing win by mauling in 7 tries to take and keep the victory 39-09.
My thanks must go out to the players who have sacrificed all their holidays, public holiday’s and weekends for the glory of Rondebosch rugby. The two weeks off will do load to replenish the batteries and I encourage our parents and players to spend time together as a family.
The seriousness with which our rugby is taken can be seen by the advanced training equipment being erected at school. Firstly a tackling machine, the first of its kind in the country has just been completed and will soon be in use. With the new changes in rules and regulations in the tackle, we want to be at the leading edge of training technology, the apparatus will train youngsters how to tackle correctly and remain on their feet, and drive the opposition backwards, thus giving away fewer penalties.
Secondly, we have a new tackling bag which holds a ball for coaching players to the ball on the ground and how to capture space when counter-rucking is already in use by some of the teams.
Rondebosch will once again be defending their winner’s trophy at the Villagers’ 7’s tournament, along with a definite plan to succeed at the Hamilton’s 7’s. Training has begun under the watchful eye of Mike v Rheede and Bob MacFarlane, and strategist Tom Dawson-Squibb.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Jake White and I
Thanks to Global Trading for their generous sponsorship, five of the High School coaches attended the Jake White’s Winning Ways Coaches Academy. The academy held at Paul Roos in Stellenbosch over three days and nights was the first of a number of courses being held around the country for the coaches of rugby. The lectures included Dr Sherylle Calder two time World Cup medal holder on visual performances, former springbok physiotherapist Clint Readhead, Balie Swart on scrumming techniques ,Dr Henning Gericke on the psychology of the game, Prof Derik Coetzee on all aspects of players’ conditioning, also Discovery and nutrition. Then drills, skills and lectures by the experts Eddie Jones and Jake White rounded off each night.
The lectures included practical demonstrations with question and answer time from all present. Balie Swart making use of our coaches Tim Rawbone and Brad van der Westhuizen in a scrum coaching demonstration.
Congratulations and our best wishes go to the three players that made the Western Province Academy team, Rajn Smid as lock, Joel Carew as loosehead prop and Justin Filies as left wing. Once again our school has also produced a Craven Week player with hooker Gary Topkin representing Western Province in the Craven week being held in East London in July. Gary scored his first try against the Boland Craven side on Tuesday in a friendly warm-up match which saw province run out victorious by over 50 points. The players will be training and playing matches for their province leading up to the weeks and will therefore be unavailable for selection for their school sides against Bishops 20 June 11:20 , and the Cape Schools week being played at SACS against Grey 27 June 12:00 , Selbourne 29 June 09:00 and Muir 1 July 12:00.
Although this is a blow to the team, we are pleased that they have been recognised by the province. This also offers opportunities for players who have been on the edge of 1st Xv rugby getting an opportunity to play at the highest level.
As we hit the mid season break, it is good to look back at the performances of our teams and revisit areas that we feel need attention. The senior teams have performed well and have shown their strength against all opposition, our u16 and 15 age groups battled flu and injury to maintain a winning edge and will have the coaches working extra hard to produce positive growth and winning skills with the players available come the new term.
The sponsorship of a new scrumming machine by old boy Denis Nic will ease the load on the larger machine and can be used on fields as a teaching device as it is designed to ski on the grass rather than dig into the turf. Teams can now practice running their backlines off the machine as well as teaching the eighth-man, flanks and scrum-half how to work the hinge or vacuum area around the scrum.
Once again the Impact Concussion programme has shown its worth over the high school’s examination period as doctors were able to have data to assist their diagnosis of player’s concussion in games. Player’s exam scripts and marks are carefully analysed by staff in the case of a boy suffering from concussion.
A gentle request from the coaches is that the parents watching the games comment about their own son’s performance and refrain from negative comments and shouting at the players from the side-line. We ask that parents watch their own child and when they come off the field win or lose, comment on their own performance, stressing and emphasising their positive play. The game is hard enough without parents slating a player’s poor performance.
The lectures included practical demonstrations with question and answer time from all present. Balie Swart making use of our coaches Tim Rawbone and Brad van der Westhuizen in a scrum coaching demonstration.
Congratulations and our best wishes go to the three players that made the Western Province Academy team, Rajn Smid as lock, Joel Carew as loosehead prop and Justin Filies as left wing. Once again our school has also produced a Craven Week player with hooker Gary Topkin representing Western Province in the Craven week being held in East London in July. Gary scored his first try against the Boland Craven side on Tuesday in a friendly warm-up match which saw province run out victorious by over 50 points. The players will be training and playing matches for their province leading up to the weeks and will therefore be unavailable for selection for their school sides against Bishops 20 June 11:20 , and the Cape Schools week being played at SACS against Grey 27 June 12:00 , Selbourne 29 June 09:00 and Muir 1 July 12:00.
Although this is a blow to the team, we are pleased that they have been recognised by the province. This also offers opportunities for players who have been on the edge of 1st Xv rugby getting an opportunity to play at the highest level.
As we hit the mid season break, it is good to look back at the performances of our teams and revisit areas that we feel need attention. The senior teams have performed well and have shown their strength against all opposition, our u16 and 15 age groups battled flu and injury to maintain a winning edge and will have the coaches working extra hard to produce positive growth and winning skills with the players available come the new term.
The sponsorship of a new scrumming machine by old boy Denis Nic will ease the load on the larger machine and can be used on fields as a teaching device as it is designed to ski on the grass rather than dig into the turf. Teams can now practice running their backlines off the machine as well as teaching the eighth-man, flanks and scrum-half how to work the hinge or vacuum area around the scrum.
Once again the Impact Concussion programme has shown its worth over the high school’s examination period as doctors were able to have data to assist their diagnosis of player’s concussion in games. Player’s exam scripts and marks are carefully analysed by staff in the case of a boy suffering from concussion.
A gentle request from the coaches is that the parents watching the games comment about their own son’s performance and refrain from negative comments and shouting at the players from the side-line. We ask that parents watch their own child and when they come off the field win or lose, comment on their own performance, stressing and emphasising their positive play. The game is hard enough without parents slating a player’s poor performance.
Friday, May 29, 2009
As an experienced rugby professional...
Dear Chaps
As an experienced rugby professional, you already know that the reliable way to get ahead in your game is to perform excellently and to beat all performance expectations. To do this you need to work hard, develop your skills, and show wisdom and good leadership.
Hard work is up to you. You learn from the best: You know the right skills, You got the right training, and got the coaching you need, you can deliver an exceptional performance this week. But it's not just performance that matters here: You need to grow as a capable, well-balanced, happy person sharing in the fun.
For the weeks to come please look at the following aspects of your life:
Emotional Awareness: Understand what you’re feeling and why.
Perseverance: Whether you’re working toward an outward goal or on inner coping strategies, they’re all action-oriented -- trust in the process and don’t give up.
Internal Locus of Control: Believe that you, rather than outside forces, are in control of your own life.
Optimism: See the positives in most situations and believe in your own strength.
Support: While you tend to be strong individuals, you know the value of social support and must be able to surround yourself with supportive friends and family.
Sense of Humor: You’re able to laugh at life’s difficulties.
Perspective: Resilient people are able to learn from their mistakes (rather than deny them), see obstacles as challenges, and allow adversity to make you stronger. Find meaning in life’s challenges rather than seeing yourself as a victim.
Spirituality: Being connected to your spiritual side has been connected with stronger emotional resilience, especially if you're internally connected and not just going through the motions of attending services. (This doesn't mean that people who aren't spiritual can't be resilient, just that this connection has been found.)
Cheers for now
Sean Friedenthal
As an experienced rugby professional, you already know that the reliable way to get ahead in your game is to perform excellently and to beat all performance expectations. To do this you need to work hard, develop your skills, and show wisdom and good leadership.
Hard work is up to you. You learn from the best: You know the right skills, You got the right training, and got the coaching you need, you can deliver an exceptional performance this week. But it's not just performance that matters here: You need to grow as a capable, well-balanced, happy person sharing in the fun.
For the weeks to come please look at the following aspects of your life:
Emotional Awareness: Understand what you’re feeling and why.
Perseverance: Whether you’re working toward an outward goal or on inner coping strategies, they’re all action-oriented -- trust in the process and don’t give up.
Internal Locus of Control: Believe that you, rather than outside forces, are in control of your own life.
Optimism: See the positives in most situations and believe in your own strength.
Support: While you tend to be strong individuals, you know the value of social support and must be able to surround yourself with supportive friends and family.
Sense of Humor: You’re able to laugh at life’s difficulties.
Perspective: Resilient people are able to learn from their mistakes (rather than deny them), see obstacles as challenges, and allow adversity to make you stronger. Find meaning in life’s challenges rather than seeing yourself as a victim.
Spirituality: Being connected to your spiritual side has been connected with stronger emotional resilience, especially if you're internally connected and not just going through the motions of attending services. (This doesn't mean that people who aren't spiritual can't be resilient, just that this connection has been found.)
Cheers for now
Sean Friedenthal
Thursday, May 14, 2009
4 Top factors in goal achievement!
4 top factors in goal achievement
If there is one question - or comment, actually, I get from players who have yet to start changing their thoughtand belief patterns is that many of them set goals... lots of goals.
Big goals. But don't achieve the biggies. Hardly any of them. Many have told me they've read mountains of goal setting books and listened to a boat load of tapes and CDs.
They got the steps down pat. They go something like this.
1- Identify the thing you want or what you want to achieve and write it down.
2- Write down all the reasons you want it, emotionally, spiritually, etc. What will achieving it give you, howwill you feel? This is for motivation.
3- Know your obstacles and challenges. Write down your limitations that might stop you.
4- Find out what you'll need to know/learn and find out where to get the help and who can help you... get theadvice, ask for help.
5- Put a deadline on when you want and expect to achieve the goal.
6- Create your plan... all the things that will need to be done to reach the goal.
7- Imagine yourself already having achieved the goal.
8- Keep going. Stick with it. Don't give up.
Right out of the book. "Goal Setting 101."
But in rugby and in life, 101 level knowledge doesn't cut it when you need 401 level skills.
And know this: When you have dreams, set goals and quit on them regularly, what happens is you get cynical. Even more than before, your self image becomes that of someone who loses. You see people who succeed routinely as "lucky." And your dreams usually die.
Depression is often a typical result.
I mean, after all, if there is no hope of achieving your biggest hopes and dreams, it's common to literally give upon yourself.
Self-esteem takes a battering. Daily. Because these goal setting steps above work pretty goodonly for people who are 100% committed.
For everyone else? Maybe 1 in 40 will accomplish much in more than one main area of life.
So what is the key... what is the secret to achieving nice, big, juicy, life-changing goals in MANY areas oflife?
Regularly?
Routinely?
There are a number of key factors. Your self image needs to change along with your achievement.
No change-a the self image means no change-a... period.
If you think of a goal and deep down believe, "That's not me," then guess what? It's not going to be you. No goal. Pack it up.
But when you can not only see yourself doing what is necessary and enjoy it, but truly identify with every part of what owning this accomplishment will mean to every part of your life, you are a thousand times more likely to stick with it.
When you think deep down, "I am (a great ____)," then your identity is now tied up in your success, and you are on the way to success.
You must be able to literally shrink down the size of the challenges in your mind. Yes, the brain can make tasks look big and impossible. And the brain can make tasks look small and ridiculously impossible. Same task!
When the job looks small and easy, confidence soars. This can make incredibly difficult jobs feel fun.Seeing mistakes, setbacks, delays not as problems but as inevitable, predictable steps along the path to reaching your outcomes. This isn't Pollyanna thinking. Achievers in all fields are ready for so-called "problems" and when they show up, they get excited to solve them instead of depressed and defeated.
Knowing the benefits of reaching a goal is not enough. To achieve very difficult feats, you must be able to spit out the benefits in your sleep... backwards, forwards, upside down and inside out. You need to make them attractive to you. You need to fall in love with the benefits. They need to be... motivating enough for you to give up many things, quite often.
Because when you are faced with choices and temptations to do things that go against you achieving your goals, if you are the slightest bit fuzzy on why you want a goal, you are going to choose wrong.And afterwards?
"Aw, who was I kidding?"
"That wasn't me."
"I guess I'm always going to be ____."
"That is for other people, not people like me."
And what are these?
Beliefs. Core beliefs.
Core beliefs that go deep, deep, deep.
And your potential gets smaller and smaller every time this happens. That's why simply writing down a few goals and spending a few scant specks of time on dreaming about them doesn't cut it.
Because thought habits and patterns are strong. They have momentum on their side. Life-long momentum. This is why people generally don't change much if at all after the age of 20.
People who set and achieve massive goals and continue to grow and grow and grow are foundationally different than people who are content doing the same things day after day after day. Ever wonder why the world greatest golfers, skiers, tennis players, rugby players, soccer and other top athletesare the greatest at their sports?
It's not physical training or real "hands-on" experience. That's a small part only.
What always, always, always sets the very best performers at any skill set is mental training.
Their massive success comes because they use mental training that is, most always, more effective than their actual physical training. Because the body follows what the mind tells it to do.
So if you have been frustrated because you want more from life but haven't been able to get it...If you have been angry because life isn't fair...If you've lost too often and have stopped trying...
If you don't believe you can achieve any more than you have...
You are missing out on the juice of life...Growth. The joy of massive accomplishment. Adoring admiration of others.
Confidence. Fame. Freedom. Peace of mind.
If you're stagnating and want more, Be a doer. Join the elite achievers.
If there is one question - or comment, actually, I get from players who have yet to start changing their thoughtand belief patterns is that many of them set goals... lots of goals.
Big goals. But don't achieve the biggies. Hardly any of them. Many have told me they've read mountains of goal setting books and listened to a boat load of tapes and CDs.
They got the steps down pat. They go something like this.
1- Identify the thing you want or what you want to achieve and write it down.
2- Write down all the reasons you want it, emotionally, spiritually, etc. What will achieving it give you, howwill you feel? This is for motivation.
3- Know your obstacles and challenges. Write down your limitations that might stop you.
4- Find out what you'll need to know/learn and find out where to get the help and who can help you... get theadvice, ask for help.
5- Put a deadline on when you want and expect to achieve the goal.
6- Create your plan... all the things that will need to be done to reach the goal.
7- Imagine yourself already having achieved the goal.
8- Keep going. Stick with it. Don't give up.
Right out of the book. "Goal Setting 101."
But in rugby and in life, 101 level knowledge doesn't cut it when you need 401 level skills.
And know this: When you have dreams, set goals and quit on them regularly, what happens is you get cynical. Even more than before, your self image becomes that of someone who loses. You see people who succeed routinely as "lucky." And your dreams usually die.
Depression is often a typical result.
I mean, after all, if there is no hope of achieving your biggest hopes and dreams, it's common to literally give upon yourself.
Self-esteem takes a battering. Daily. Because these goal setting steps above work pretty goodonly for people who are 100% committed.
For everyone else? Maybe 1 in 40 will accomplish much in more than one main area of life.
So what is the key... what is the secret to achieving nice, big, juicy, life-changing goals in MANY areas oflife?
Regularly?
Routinely?
There are a number of key factors. Your self image needs to change along with your achievement.
No change-a the self image means no change-a... period.
If you think of a goal and deep down believe, "That's not me," then guess what? It's not going to be you. No goal. Pack it up.
But when you can not only see yourself doing what is necessary and enjoy it, but truly identify with every part of what owning this accomplishment will mean to every part of your life, you are a thousand times more likely to stick with it.
When you think deep down, "I am (a great ____)," then your identity is now tied up in your success, and you are on the way to success.
You must be able to literally shrink down the size of the challenges in your mind. Yes, the brain can make tasks look big and impossible. And the brain can make tasks look small and ridiculously impossible. Same task!
When the job looks small and easy, confidence soars. This can make incredibly difficult jobs feel fun.Seeing mistakes, setbacks, delays not as problems but as inevitable, predictable steps along the path to reaching your outcomes. This isn't Pollyanna thinking. Achievers in all fields are ready for so-called "problems" and when they show up, they get excited to solve them instead of depressed and defeated.
Knowing the benefits of reaching a goal is not enough. To achieve very difficult feats, you must be able to spit out the benefits in your sleep... backwards, forwards, upside down and inside out. You need to make them attractive to you. You need to fall in love with the benefits. They need to be... motivating enough for you to give up many things, quite often.
Because when you are faced with choices and temptations to do things that go against you achieving your goals, if you are the slightest bit fuzzy on why you want a goal, you are going to choose wrong.And afterwards?
"Aw, who was I kidding?"
"That wasn't me."
"I guess I'm always going to be ____."
"That is for other people, not people like me."
And what are these?
Beliefs. Core beliefs.
Core beliefs that go deep, deep, deep.
And your potential gets smaller and smaller every time this happens. That's why simply writing down a few goals and spending a few scant specks of time on dreaming about them doesn't cut it.
Because thought habits and patterns are strong. They have momentum on their side. Life-long momentum. This is why people generally don't change much if at all after the age of 20.
People who set and achieve massive goals and continue to grow and grow and grow are foundationally different than people who are content doing the same things day after day after day. Ever wonder why the world greatest golfers, skiers, tennis players, rugby players, soccer and other top athletesare the greatest at their sports?
It's not physical training or real "hands-on" experience. That's a small part only.
What always, always, always sets the very best performers at any skill set is mental training.
Their massive success comes because they use mental training that is, most always, more effective than their actual physical training. Because the body follows what the mind tells it to do.
So if you have been frustrated because you want more from life but haven't been able to get it...If you have been angry because life isn't fair...If you've lost too often and have stopped trying...
If you don't believe you can achieve any more than you have...
You are missing out on the juice of life...Growth. The joy of massive accomplishment. Adoring admiration of others.
Confidence. Fame. Freedom. Peace of mind.
If you're stagnating and want more, Be a doer. Join the elite achievers.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
The Beginning
The Beginning
Firstly, this month is a large month of ‘thankyou’s; to the Bosch Rugby Supporters Club and the Boland Old Boys for giving us the opportunity that the training camp afforded the team to develop and grow.
There were some great lectures, work and effort made by the players, coaches, management, support staff and supporters of Rondebosch rugby, thank you! The camp site at Turner’s (E94) Bontebok Ridge was the perfect setting for a team get-a-away.
Training rugby line-outs and performing backline moves whilst the Bontebok looked on seemed odd, yet relaxing. Meal time was a learning process on its own, with the teams having to cook for forty people on military style cookers (fun was the name of the game around supper time). The tents were only used to store the older generation and kit as the team slept under the stars, until it rained.
Secondly, ‘Thanks’ to staff who during the weekend gave the team lectures on various topics; on nutrition - Tarryn Povey, Backline moves - Gareth Wright, Forward play – Robbie Kempson, mental health and goals – Thomas Dawson-Squibb, motivation – Andrew Louwrens and rugby related skills, myself.
1st XV
The 1st XV had a disappointing start to the season with a loss 10-0 against Paul Roos in the Canal Walk Newlands Rugby Day. The 40 minute match played at Newlands under lights offered the coaches the chance at seeing the players in their positions and playing under pressure. The warm up game came just before the Easter break, before the training camp and the King Edwards VII Rugby Festival.
An excellent run of game strategy, planning and player management at the King Edward VII Rugby Festival saw the team climbing the confidence table and start thinking about winning each time they took the field.
The games were dotted with some fantastic displays, especially when the chips were down and our players needed to dig real deep into their fitness and concentration levels. All our matches were against high league opposition and the games won seemed lost in the first half and yet easy in the second. Our play never started off comfortably or to the pre-game plans, only after harsh or stern words at half-time did the team play their normal play.
All in all Rondebosch has some excellent players with the player of the tournament for myself being the captain Chad Matthews, followed by a number of polished performances by Louw NAude, Michael Aristidou, Jamie Croeser and Matthew Foster to name but a few. A lack of experience and depth in the tight five meant that a number of players were shifted each game and taught how to handle these new positions to carry us through the festival. Hopefully this problem has been solved and the best five will now start each game.
The final scores being a win against Westville Boys’ High School 18-15, a narrow loss to KEZ in the dying seconds of the game 24-15, and a well earned win against Pretoria Boys’ High School 22-18.
A huge thank you must be sent to the Headmaster, parents, old boys and staff that attended the festival and supported our efforts.
U15 Paarl Boys Festival
Coaches and players worked as hard as they could to have a team ready for the Paarl Boys Festival. The final results and competition helping the team prepare for the season ahead. The team played against tough opposition and narrowly lost two matches namely, Menlow Park 10-0, Jeppe Boys’ High 14-13 and finally drew against Swartkops from Pretoria 0-0. Thanks to the parents and coaches who gave up their holidays for the benefit of rugby at Rondebosch.
The Way forward
Player moral is high and training on the whole was enjoyable and light on our return from the festival, a number of factors came into play here however competition for places is great hence the feeling that they need to train is that great. The school is lucky to have the top four senior teams almost on par with each other in skills and game readiness, something that might’ve lacked before.
Thankfully we were able to put a team together without many injuries for the Paarl Gim match. The hush that settled across the fields in Paarl last Saturday gave the distinct feeling that not all the games were going the hosts’ way. I must congratulate all the teams for fine performances. The 1st Xv half time score of 3-3 had the opposition reeling, The teams, some narrowly missing out on wins, mostly in the dying seconds of the matches. A tough day in the field but fabulous skills show by several players. Our brand of rugby worked on by all the coaches seems to be working. A feather in the 1st XV’s cap was the decision by Paarl Gim not to scrum against our pack but rather take uncontested scrums, the final score being 13-6. One of the closest scores in the last ten years. This being the second school in just a few matches to crumble under our front row, well done coaches and players.
The u14A rugby team received an unexpected surprise as the 1stXV gave each of the players a token rugby ball before their first match, as Captain to Captain traditions are passed down.
Finally, it was a pleasure to have Springbok Seven’s coach Paul Trau drop by training this week to watch and offer advice to all our coaches. His presence and gentle manner in assisting was of great value to all, ‘thank you’ for your time.
The management and coaches wish all the teams participating in the Wynberg High School Festival the best of luck... Proudly pursuing perfection.
Firstly, this month is a large month of ‘thankyou’s; to the Bosch Rugby Supporters Club and the Boland Old Boys for giving us the opportunity that the training camp afforded the team to develop and grow.
There were some great lectures, work and effort made by the players, coaches, management, support staff and supporters of Rondebosch rugby, thank you! The camp site at Turner’s (E94) Bontebok Ridge was the perfect setting for a team get-a-away.
Training rugby line-outs and performing backline moves whilst the Bontebok looked on seemed odd, yet relaxing. Meal time was a learning process on its own, with the teams having to cook for forty people on military style cookers (fun was the name of the game around supper time). The tents were only used to store the older generation and kit as the team slept under the stars, until it rained.
Secondly, ‘Thanks’ to staff who during the weekend gave the team lectures on various topics; on nutrition - Tarryn Povey, Backline moves - Gareth Wright, Forward play – Robbie Kempson, mental health and goals – Thomas Dawson-Squibb, motivation – Andrew Louwrens and rugby related skills, myself.
1st XV
The 1st XV had a disappointing start to the season with a loss 10-0 against Paul Roos in the Canal Walk Newlands Rugby Day. The 40 minute match played at Newlands under lights offered the coaches the chance at seeing the players in their positions and playing under pressure. The warm up game came just before the Easter break, before the training camp and the King Edwards VII Rugby Festival.
An excellent run of game strategy, planning and player management at the King Edward VII Rugby Festival saw the team climbing the confidence table and start thinking about winning each time they took the field.
The games were dotted with some fantastic displays, especially when the chips were down and our players needed to dig real deep into their fitness and concentration levels. All our matches were against high league opposition and the games won seemed lost in the first half and yet easy in the second. Our play never started off comfortably or to the pre-game plans, only after harsh or stern words at half-time did the team play their normal play.
All in all Rondebosch has some excellent players with the player of the tournament for myself being the captain Chad Matthews, followed by a number of polished performances by Louw NAude, Michael Aristidou, Jamie Croeser and Matthew Foster to name but a few. A lack of experience and depth in the tight five meant that a number of players were shifted each game and taught how to handle these new positions to carry us through the festival. Hopefully this problem has been solved and the best five will now start each game.
The final scores being a win against Westville Boys’ High School 18-15, a narrow loss to KEZ in the dying seconds of the game 24-15, and a well earned win against Pretoria Boys’ High School 22-18.
A huge thank you must be sent to the Headmaster, parents, old boys and staff that attended the festival and supported our efforts.
U15 Paarl Boys Festival
Coaches and players worked as hard as they could to have a team ready for the Paarl Boys Festival. The final results and competition helping the team prepare for the season ahead. The team played against tough opposition and narrowly lost two matches namely, Menlow Park 10-0, Jeppe Boys’ High 14-13 and finally drew against Swartkops from Pretoria 0-0. Thanks to the parents and coaches who gave up their holidays for the benefit of rugby at Rondebosch.
The Way forward
Player moral is high and training on the whole was enjoyable and light on our return from the festival, a number of factors came into play here however competition for places is great hence the feeling that they need to train is that great. The school is lucky to have the top four senior teams almost on par with each other in skills and game readiness, something that might’ve lacked before.
Thankfully we were able to put a team together without many injuries for the Paarl Gim match. The hush that settled across the fields in Paarl last Saturday gave the distinct feeling that not all the games were going the hosts’ way. I must congratulate all the teams for fine performances. The 1st Xv half time score of 3-3 had the opposition reeling, The teams, some narrowly missing out on wins, mostly in the dying seconds of the matches. A tough day in the field but fabulous skills show by several players. Our brand of rugby worked on by all the coaches seems to be working. A feather in the 1st XV’s cap was the decision by Paarl Gim not to scrum against our pack but rather take uncontested scrums, the final score being 13-6. One of the closest scores in the last ten years. This being the second school in just a few matches to crumble under our front row, well done coaches and players.
The u14A rugby team received an unexpected surprise as the 1stXV gave each of the players a token rugby ball before their first match, as Captain to Captain traditions are passed down.
Finally, it was a pleasure to have Springbok Seven’s coach Paul Trau drop by training this week to watch and offer advice to all our coaches. His presence and gentle manner in assisting was of great value to all, ‘thank you’ for your time.
The management and coaches wish all the teams participating in the Wynberg High School Festival the best of luck... Proudly pursuing perfection.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
The Huddle March
‘The Bosch Huddle’
Rondebosch Boys’ High School Rugby Newsletter
By Sean Friedenthal, Head of Rugby: RBHS
Issue # 2 March 2009
Welcome to the Rondebosch Boys’ High School Rugby Coaching &
Development Newsletter.
The aim of the newsletter is to provide coaches, players and parents with monthly up-to-date information regarding relevant coaching, training or sporting issues throughout
the course of the year. Each edition will include articles, each specific to junior and senior coaches; general coaching & development news/updates; an upcoming events calendar, and 1st Xv
Rugby specific news.
March brought with it the much awaited rugby trials held for the 1st XV team to be chosen
to represent the school at the King Edward VII Rugby/Hockey Festival being held from
the 8-13 April 2009 and to select a squad of thirty players who would attend a coaching
camp from the 3-5 April 2009 at the Turner’s ‘Bontebok Ridge’ game farm in Wellington.
Some of our biggest headaches for a school coach come from hosting trials, and trying to
get the right balance of selection for the season. Your head tells you one thing, your heart
another and umpteen parents and player opinions confuse matters further. This year a
panel of nine selectors were gathered to steer through these possible troubled waters and
to develop a coherent selection policy.
A clear policy was communicated to the nine coaches as to the selection policy before the
games. Criteria was discussed and agreed upon and followed throughout the process. This
included the asking of questions by the selectors on specific players and their positions.
It must be stressed that the 1st XV coaches are looking for consistency throughout the
season and in order to maintain morale for all the players, the season has been mapped out
with each tournament/match marked in, and then we allocated the balance of players we
intend taking should injuries occur.
Hence the training squad of thirty going on camp.
For the trials held on Sunday 15 March the following criteria was used for selection;
• Handling of the ball
• Defensive capabilities in tackling
• Speed to breakdown and recycling
• Set pieces and effective work rate
• Coach ability
• Ability to read the game and team work
• Position specific duty
• Sportsmanship
The First Fifteen for the KES festival are as follows:
Captain: Chad Matthews Vice- Captain: Stephen Wallace
Leeroy April, Michael Aristidou, Simon Bergman,
Darryn Berry, Jamie Croeser, Josua De Villiers, Justin Fielies, Matthew Foster,
Llyod Gluckman, Edward Gregory, Chris Keet, Andrew Moir, Gareth Muller, Jonty Mylne,
Louw Naude Benjamin Shaw, Nic Simpson, Rayn Smid, Gareth Topkin and Cameron Wright.
Congratulations and ’proudly pursue perfection’.
The subscription to the IMPACT Concussion Programme with Dr Vicky has been very
successful with over 100 players signing up for the base line test. Testing will take place
on two days, Thursday 19 and Friday 20 March. Players must book times to be tested in
the computer room.
A huge ‘Thank you’ is extended to the Boland Old Boys for their contributions towards new
gym weights and their generosity and assistance with the training camp.
It’s all about support!!
Rondebosch Boys’ High School,
Canigou Avenue, Rondebosch
Tel: 021 686 3987 Fax: 021 689 9726
www.rondebosch.com
Rondebosch Boys’ High School Rugby Newsletter
By Sean Friedenthal, Head of Rugby: RBHS
Issue # 2 March 2009
Welcome to the Rondebosch Boys’ High School Rugby Coaching &
Development Newsletter.
The aim of the newsletter is to provide coaches, players and parents with monthly up-to-date information regarding relevant coaching, training or sporting issues throughout
the course of the year. Each edition will include articles, each specific to junior and senior coaches; general coaching & development news/updates; an upcoming events calendar, and 1st Xv
Rugby specific news.
March brought with it the much awaited rugby trials held for the 1st XV team to be chosen
to represent the school at the King Edward VII Rugby/Hockey Festival being held from
the 8-13 April 2009 and to select a squad of thirty players who would attend a coaching
camp from the 3-5 April 2009 at the Turner’s ‘Bontebok Ridge’ game farm in Wellington.
Some of our biggest headaches for a school coach come from hosting trials, and trying to
get the right balance of selection for the season. Your head tells you one thing, your heart
another and umpteen parents and player opinions confuse matters further. This year a
panel of nine selectors were gathered to steer through these possible troubled waters and
to develop a coherent selection policy.
A clear policy was communicated to the nine coaches as to the selection policy before the
games. Criteria was discussed and agreed upon and followed throughout the process. This
included the asking of questions by the selectors on specific players and their positions.
It must be stressed that the 1st XV coaches are looking for consistency throughout the
season and in order to maintain morale for all the players, the season has been mapped out
with each tournament/match marked in, and then we allocated the balance of players we
intend taking should injuries occur.
Hence the training squad of thirty going on camp.
For the trials held on Sunday 15 March the following criteria was used for selection;
• Handling of the ball
• Defensive capabilities in tackling
• Speed to breakdown and recycling
• Set pieces and effective work rate
• Coach ability
• Ability to read the game and team work
• Position specific duty
• Sportsmanship
The First Fifteen for the KES festival are as follows:
Captain: Chad Matthews Vice- Captain: Stephen Wallace
Leeroy April, Michael Aristidou, Simon Bergman,
Darryn Berry, Jamie Croeser, Josua De Villiers, Justin Fielies, Matthew Foster,
Llyod Gluckman, Edward Gregory, Chris Keet, Andrew Moir, Gareth Muller, Jonty Mylne,
Louw Naude Benjamin Shaw, Nic Simpson, Rayn Smid, Gareth Topkin and Cameron Wright.
Congratulations and ’proudly pursue perfection’.
The subscription to the IMPACT Concussion Programme with Dr Vicky has been very
successful with over 100 players signing up for the base line test. Testing will take place
on two days, Thursday 19 and Friday 20 March. Players must book times to be tested in
the computer room.
A huge ‘Thank you’ is extended to the Boland Old Boys for their contributions towards new
gym weights and their generosity and assistance with the training camp.
It’s all about support!!
Rondebosch Boys’ High School,
Canigou Avenue, Rondebosch
Tel: 021 686 3987 Fax: 021 689 9726
www.rondebosch.com
The Huddle
‘The Bosch Huddle’
Rondebosch Boys’ High School Rugby Newsletter
By Sean Friedenthal, Head of Rugby: RBHS
Issue # 1 February 2009
Welcome to the Rondebosch Boys’ High School Rugby Coaching &
Development Newsletter. The aim of the newsletter is to provide
coaches, players and parents with monthly up-to-date information
regarding relevant coaching, training or sporting issues throughout the
course of the year.
Each edition will include articles, each specific to
junior and senior coaches; general coaching & development news/updates;
an up coming events calendar, and 1st Xv Rugby specific news.
New Staff Members
The coaching staff boosted its ranks with the former Sharks player Clinton Van Rensburg,
assisting the school with backline training especially the 2nd XV. Tom Dawson-Squibb has the task of preparing the mental conditioning and well-being of all the teams whilst on age group specific camps. The first will be the under 16’s running from Friday 27-Saturday 28 March to be held at school.
The 1st XV squad will look to camp in Tulbach from the 3-5 April, just before their KES
tour.
News
The coaching staff have introduced a Mentor programme, with senior and junior players, ‘adopt a team’ for the growth of our ‘Boschie Gees”! and the 1st and 2nd teams have been given the task of assisting a Boys Children Home of street children as part of their community service. The players will be collecting new and used clothing, shoes and sports goods to give to the home.
Coaches and families can expect fun filled days, as part of a de-stressing and team building
exercise.
The pre-season training program finished in its current format on Saturday the 14th of February. The program ran from November over 15 weeks and consisted of weights, speed, and conditioning & 2 x skills sessions per week.
Over the course of the program all participants (57) achieved substantial improvements in core
skill level, strength and speed. The programme will now concentrate on position specific
conditioning, with the fitness and handling skills continuing throughout.
Trial games are set for Sunday 15 March starting at 16:00. Four 30 minute matches will be run, and a squad of 22 announced to go to Johannesburg for the KES festival.
There are still two coaching positions open to our Old Boys who are keen to give back to the Bosch community.
Our rugby boys are encouraged to support the ‘IKEYS’ team at their home games, as numerous
Rondebosch Boys are in the team. The seniors attend the previous game, the u15 the 16 February and the u16’s will attend the 9 March at 16h15.
Thanks
Rondebosch Rugby would like to thank the Bosch Rugby Supporters’ Club for their assistance with financial bursaries to numerous young players, and to the Boland Old Boys for their contributions towards new gym equipment. We encourage all our parents to join the Bosch Rugby Supports Club.
It’s all about support!!
Rondebosch Boys’ High School,
Canigou Avenue, Rondebosch
Tel: 021 686 3987 Fax: 021 689 9726
www.rondebosch.com
Rondebosch Boys’ High School Rugby Newsletter
By Sean Friedenthal, Head of Rugby: RBHS
Issue # 1 February 2009
Welcome to the Rondebosch Boys’ High School Rugby Coaching &
Development Newsletter. The aim of the newsletter is to provide
coaches, players and parents with monthly up-to-date information
regarding relevant coaching, training or sporting issues throughout the
course of the year.
Each edition will include articles, each specific to
junior and senior coaches; general coaching & development news/updates;
an up coming events calendar, and 1st Xv Rugby specific news.
New Staff Members
The coaching staff boosted its ranks with the former Sharks player Clinton Van Rensburg,
assisting the school with backline training especially the 2nd XV. Tom Dawson-Squibb has the task of preparing the mental conditioning and well-being of all the teams whilst on age group specific camps. The first will be the under 16’s running from Friday 27-Saturday 28 March to be held at school.
The 1st XV squad will look to camp in Tulbach from the 3-5 April, just before their KES
tour.
News
The coaching staff have introduced a Mentor programme, with senior and junior players, ‘adopt a team’ for the growth of our ‘Boschie Gees”! and the 1st and 2nd teams have been given the task of assisting a Boys Children Home of street children as part of their community service. The players will be collecting new and used clothing, shoes and sports goods to give to the home.
Coaches and families can expect fun filled days, as part of a de-stressing and team building
exercise.
The pre-season training program finished in its current format on Saturday the 14th of February. The program ran from November over 15 weeks and consisted of weights, speed, and conditioning & 2 x skills sessions per week.
Over the course of the program all participants (57) achieved substantial improvements in core
skill level, strength and speed. The programme will now concentrate on position specific
conditioning, with the fitness and handling skills continuing throughout.
Trial games are set for Sunday 15 March starting at 16:00. Four 30 minute matches will be run, and a squad of 22 announced to go to Johannesburg for the KES festival.
There are still two coaching positions open to our Old Boys who are keen to give back to the Bosch community.
Our rugby boys are encouraged to support the ‘IKEYS’ team at their home games, as numerous
Rondebosch Boys are in the team. The seniors attend the previous game, the u15 the 16 February and the u16’s will attend the 9 March at 16h15.
Thanks
Rondebosch Rugby would like to thank the Bosch Rugby Supporters’ Club for their assistance with financial bursaries to numerous young players, and to the Boland Old Boys for their contributions towards new gym equipment. We encourage all our parents to join the Bosch Rugby Supports Club.
It’s all about support!!
Rondebosch Boys’ High School,
Canigou Avenue, Rondebosch
Tel: 021 686 3987 Fax: 021 689 9726
www.rondebosch.com
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
