Rugby legend praises Januarie

2008-05-15 22:08

Stephen Nell

Cape Town - Australian rugby legend Nick Farr-Jones had high praise for Stormers scrumhalf Ricky Januarie when he visited the Western Cape on Thursday.

Farr-Jones, who captained Australia in 36 of his 63 Test matches, also complimented the Stormers on their spirit and style of rugby.

"I have watched some Super 14 matches and Ricky has been playing outstanding rugby," said Farr-Jones, one of the heroes in the team that won the World Cup in 1991.

"Ricky has good organisational skills and he's a fiery player. He kicks well and the opposition has to keep an eye on him.

"I'm also impressed by the spirit that is coming through at the Stormers and by their style of play," Farr-Jones said.

"There are some outstanding scrumhalves in the Super 14 this year but I have seen too little to express an opinion about who should play for the Springboks.

"Luke Burgess, of the Waratahs, has also done well and I think he will play for the Wallabies."

Farr-Jones also expressed support for the experimental laws that have been tried out in the Super 14 competition but he feels the northern and southern hemisphere will have to come to some compromise.

Give and take

"I don't think we have to include all the experimental laws but it's been a good start," he said.

"We saw much more exciting rugby but the northern hemisphere is not excited about it. There will have to be some give and take on both sides.

"We in the south should not try to push through everything too quickly and too dramatically but those in the north must realise a little change is good for the game."

Farr-Jones visited the Trafalgar High School on Thursday in his capacity as a patron of the JAG foundation.

Most of the foundation's activities are centred on primary schools that do not have sports programmes in place. However, last year they sponsored Trafalgar, who won the world touch-rugby championship for high schools.

Januarie will be a key figure when the Stormers play the Lions in their big Super 14 battle in Johannesburg on Saturday.

Playing against his former team-mates, he has an opportunity to show why he should wear the Springbok No 9 jersey this year. His form has made him the leading SA scrumhalf this season.

Victory at Ellis Park is non-negotiable for the Stormers, who will also have to ensure they maintain their points-difference lead over the Sharks.

Both teams still have a chance of qualifying for next week's semi-finals but there may be room for only one of them.

- Die Burger