Linee, 43, played 112 matches at centre for Western Province between 1992 and 2001 and will be remembered as a loyal WP player with a no-nonsense approach to defence as displayed by his bone-crunching tackles.

He made his Springbok debut in 1993 – at the age of 23 – and went on to play nine tour matches for his country in Australia, Wales, Scotland and Ireland.

WPRFU President Thelo Wakefield said: “Tinus is a true son of Western Province rugby and we will stand by him in his hour of need.

“But it’s not just about Tinus and helping him now – it’s about his wife and the future too. We are hoping to raise as much as possible on the day of the Reds match, but we also have a few other events planned in his honour (to help him and his wife). We would like to call upon all DHL Stormers and DHL Western Province fans to show their support for Tinus.”

Financial contribution towards Tinus Linee can be made by making a deposit to the WP Rugby President’s Trust, using ‘Tinus Linee’ as the reference.

There will also be bucket collections at DHL Newlands on Saturday, whilst you can also SMS ‘Tinus’ to 38208 to make a one-off R10 donation to Tinus Linee. Email tinus@wprugby.co.za for more information.

Meanwhile, tickets are still available for Saturday’s match and can be purchased at the DHL Newlands ticket office, PostNet outlets and online at wprugby.ticketpros.co.za.

The President’s Trust bank details are as follows:

Account name: The Western Province Rugby Union President’s Trust

A/C no.: 62376831080

Clearing code: 200-109

Bank and branch: First National Bank, Claremont

15. Malcolm Jaer (Hoërskool Die Brandwag)
14 Dylan Vermaak (Grey High PE)
13 Siya Lawu (Pearson High School)
12 Luan Nieuwoudt (Nico Malan)
11 Keanu Vers (Grey High PE)
10 Ernst Stapelberg (Hoërskool Framesby)
9 Luciano Daniels (Hoërskool Otto du Plessis)
8 Martin Groenewaldt (Grey High PE)
7 Morney Moos (Hoërskool Die Brandwag)
6 CJ Velleman (Grey High PE) – captain
5 Stefan Ebersohn (Grey High PE)
4 Elandre van der Nerwe (Hoërskool Die Brandwag)
3 Erich de Jager (Hoërskool Die Brandwag)
2 Justine Antonie (Pearson High School)
1 Kaden Prince (Hoërskool Die Brandwag)

16 Arno Lotter (HTS Daniel Pienaar)
17 Jodie Banbie (Newton Tech)
18 Sipathu Pakomela (Grey High PE)
19 Bathandwa Cafu (Grey High PE)
20 Matthew Alborough (Grey High PE)
21 Jeremy Ward (Grey High PE)
22 Renald King (Pearson High School)

Coach:
Gordon Noland (Hoërskool Otto du Plessis)

Assistant Coach:
Pedro Somerset (Arcadia High School)
Christiaan van Schalkwyk (Hoërskool Die Brandwag)

Manager:
Sebenzile Hoko (Lungiso)

Eastern Province CD u18:
15 Tshepo Mabitsela (Hoër Volkskool)
14 Aphiwe Dinga (ANHS)
13 Robbie Ball (St Andrew’s College)
12 Peet Schoeman (Hoër Landbouskool Marlow)
11 Xhanti Sandi (Graeme College)
10 Jason Vers (Union High School)
9 Jason Baggot (St Andrew’s College)
8 Luigy van Jaarsveld (Hoër Landbouskool Marlow)
7 Stuart Stopforth (St Andrew’s College)
6 Nelius van Heerden (Hoër Landbouskool Marlow)
5 Sintu Manjezi (St Andrew’s College) – captain
4 Tyler Paul (St Andrew’s College)
3 Ronnie Beyl (Hoër Landbouskool Marlow)
2 Thomas Filmer (St Andrew’s College)
1 NJ Oosthuzen (Hoër Landbouskool Marlow)

16 Marco Blom (Hoër Landbouskool Marlow)
17 David Murray (St Andrew’s College)
18 Hannes Viljoen (Hoër Landbouskool Marlow)
19 Ockert su Plessis (Hoër Landbouskool Marlow)
20 Qhama Masiza (Adelaide Gymnasium)
21 Siphosethu Pinini (Graeme College) 22 Gordan-Wayne Plaatjies (Graeme College)

Coach:
Allan Miles

Assistant Coach:
Derik Olivier

Team Manager:
George Lamani

Catrakilis became the first South African in seven years to exceed 100 points in his Super Rugby debut during the game against the Highlanders, and currently boasts 107 points, ranking as the ninth highest point scorer in the overall competition. He joins just three other fellow South Africans, Morné Steyn (163 points) Pat Lambie (139 points) and Joe Pietersen (125) in Club 100 for the 2013 Super Rugby season, so far.

Last year’s Vodacom Cup Player of the Year, follows in the footsteps of DHL Stormers’ Peter Grant, who reached 100 points in his debut Super Rugby season in 2006, while Steyn did it in his debut playing for the Vodacom Bulls in 2005.

“It’s a dream come true for me, it’s something I’ve been striving towards for the past two years, but ever since I’ve been a kid it’s been a dream of mine, and to eventually be here is a bit surreal,” said an elated Catrakilis.

Catrakilis said he was happy with his form so far this season, but that there was always room for improvement.

“I’m satisfied with what I have done so far, I could always get better and that’s what I am looking to do,” he said.

Asked about his debut super rugby season with the Southern Kings, Catrakilis said: “I’ve learnt in life that some things come at the right time, and this came at the right time for me I think and I’m just grateful for the opportunity and had to grab it with both hands.”

“It’s been really exciting, It is a really nice team, it’s a nice union and PE is a really beautiful place.”

Changes to the team from last week:

Raymond Rhule has been moved to the bench and is replaced by Willie le Roux on left wing.  Rayno Benjamin will start on right wing.

TOYOTA CHEETAHS vs KINGS

NELSON MANDELABAY STADIUM, PORT ELIZABETH

KICK-OFF:  15:00

The former Cats (11 caps) and MTN Lions (62 caps) player will represent the Vodacom Bulls for the 28th time and become South Africa’s 22nd centurion at that level.

He has been named on the bench for the derby clash, but should see action in what is anticipated to be a very bruising affair.

Vodacom Bulls coach, Frans Ludeke, who earlier in the day signed a three year extension as Head Coach, made some minor changes to the team what outplayed the Highlanders last weekend. Two are in the backline.

Bjorn Basson returns to the left wing berth and swop places with Lionel Mapoe, who will move to the bench. It will also be a milestone of sorts for Bjorn Basson, with the try-scoring ace playing in his 50th match of Super Rugby, having also represented the Toyota Cheetahs nine times.

The most experienced Super Rugby midfielder in the country, Wynand Olivier, is also back at 12, with Jan Serfontein moving to the bench. Both Serfontein and replacement flyhalf Louis Fouchè have niggles and a final call on who will play in Durban will be made later.

Ludeke also refreshed his front row with Werner Kruger and Dean Greyling returning in place of Frik Kirsten and Mornè Mellett. Willie Wepener also rotates with Callie Visagie on the bench.

The team to play The Sharks (with Super caps) is:

Jürgen Visser (7), Akona Ndungane (91), J J Engelbrecht (27), Wynand Olivier (108), Bjorn Basson (49), Morné Steyn (117), Francois Hougaard (51), Pierre Spies (100, c), Dewald Potgieter (61), Deon Stegmann (69), Juandré Kruger (28), Flip van der Merwe (57), Werner Kruger (86), Chiliboy Ralepelle (63), Dean Greyling (32). Replacements: Willie Wepener (61), Frik Kirsten (25), Grant Hattingh (16), Arno Botha (20), Jano Vermaak (99), Louis Fouchè (20)/Jan Serfontein (8), Lionel Mapoe (38).

Vermaak in 100ste in Vodacom Bulls stryd teen Sharks

Die Vodacom Bulls-skrumskakel Jano Vermaak behoort Saterdag in Durban in sy 100ste Vodacom Super Rugby-wedstryd te speel as sy span teen die Sharks uitdraf.

Die voormalige Cats- (11) en MTN Lions speler (62) sal in sy in 28ste wedstryd vir die Vodacom Bulls opdraf as hy van die bank af benodig word en sal Suid-Afrika se 22ste speler word om 100 Super-wedstryde te speel as dit gebeur.

Die Vodacom Bulls-afrigter, Frans Ludeke, wat vandeesweek sy kontrak met drie jaar verleng het, het altesaam vier skuiwe aan die span gemaak wat verlede week die Highlanders oorwin het.

Bjorn Basson is terug op linkervleuel en speel in sy 50ste wedstryd op die vlak. Hy het vroeëer nege keer vir die Toyota Cheetahs uitgedraf. Hy speel in Lionel Mapoe se plek, wat afskuif bank toe.

Die land se mees ervare senter in Super Rugby, Wynand Olivier is terug op 12 in die plek van Jan Serfontein. Die jongeling-senter is as plaasvervanger gekies, maar met beide hy en Louis Fouchè wat met beserings sukkel, sal slegs een wel in Durban in aksie wees.

Ludeke het ook sy voorry verfris en Werner Kruger en Dean Greyling speel in die plek van Frik Kirsten en Mornè Mellett.

Die span wat teen The Sharks speel (met Super wedstryde) is:

Jürgen Visser (7), Akona Ndungane (91), J J Engelbrecht (27), Wynand Olivier (108), Bjorn Basson (49), Morné Steyn (117), Francois Hougaard (51), Pierre Spies (100, c), Dewald Potgieter (61), Deon Stegmann (69), Juandré Kruger (28), Flip van der Merwe (57), Werner Kruger (86), Chiliboy Ralepelle (63), Dean Greyling (32). Plaasvervangers: Willie Wepener (61), Frik Kirsten (25), Grant Hattingh (16), Arno Botha (20), Jano Vermaak (99), Louis Fouchè (20)/Jan Serfontein (8), Lionel Mapoe (38).

The 45-year old coach extended his contract with the BBC for another three years to 2016 and will continue in his role as Head Coach of the Vodacom Bulls Super Rugby franchise.

Ludeke took over as Head Coach at the Vodacom Bulls in 2008 and took the team to Vodacom Super Rugby titles in 2009 and 2010 and a play-off spot in 2012. He is one of only two South African coaches to have the Super Rugby title and the only one to achieve this twice.

Ludeke (87 Bulls, 24 Cats) is also the third most experienced Super Rugby coach ever and with this extension, should move past Robbie Deans (Crusaders, 120) and Ewen McKenzie (Reds & Waratahs, 127) while still at Loftus Versfeld.

As Vodacom Blue Bulls Currie Cup coach, Ludeke also took his team to the top in 2009, giving the Pretoria side a unique double that year.

Ludeke said it was an easy decision to stay with the Vodacom Bulls.

“It was certainly very humbling when asked to stay on in this capacity. I would like to believe that we managed to sustain the core values of rugby at Loftus Versfeld, where dedication and hard work, professionalism, passion and performance are part of the normal day of life.

“One can easily associate with the traditions of this proud union and team. The challenge will be to keep on honouring the drive to excellence and to sustain the winning culture and habit. I am grateful for the dedication and hard work by the support and management staff as well, as they make the job so much easier.”

No less than 16 players has become a Springbok under Ludeke’s reign and the coach is keen to have this tally extended.

“Coaching is certainly not only about winning trophies, but also about developing players and people and when their abilities are rewarded at national level; it is a feather in the cap to all concerned.”

Commenting on the news, CEO of the BBC, Barend van Graan, said:

“This is fantastic news for us as a union wanting to stay at the top. To achieve that, you need to have a great coach, one of the best in the business and I am happy that we managed to secure that. Frans have a track record with us, but not only that, he has extended the principles of performance and delivery and we have to admire that.”

•Ludeke also won the Vodacom Cup with the Golden Lions.

Ludeke bly aan by Vodacom Bulls

Die Blou Bulle Maatskappy (Edms) Bpk het Woensdag aangekondig dat die termyn van die Vodacom Bulls se hoof-afrigter, Frans Ludeke, verleng is.

Die 45-jarige breier het sy kontrak tot einde 2016 verleng en sal voortgaan in sy rol as hoofafrigter van die Vodacom Bulls franchise.

Ludeke het in 2008 die leisels by die Vodacom Bulls geneem en die span tot Vodacom Super Rugby kampioenskapstitels in 2009 en 2010 afgerig. Hy is een van slegs twee Suid-Afrikaanse afrigters om die Super Rugby titel te wen en die enigste wat dit twee keer kon regkry.

Hy is ook op twee na die mees ervare afrigter in die kompetisie (87 wedstryde Bulls, 24 wedstryde Cats) en kan met die verlenging van sy kontrak by Robbie Deans (Crusaders, 120) en Ewen McKenzie (Reds en Waratahs, 127) verbyskuif.

As afrigter van die Vodacom Blou Bulle het Ludeke ook in 2009 die Absa Curriebeker gewen om aan die span ‘n unieke dubbeldoor-oorwinning te gee.

Volgens Ludeke was dit ‘n maklike keuse om aan te bly.

“Dit was beslis ‘n baie nederige oomblik vir my toe ek gevra is om aan te bly as hoof-afrigter. Ek sou graag wou glo dat ons daarin geslaag het om die kernwaarders van rugby by Loftus Versfeld behoue te laat bly en selfs uit te brei en dat toewyding, harde werk, professionaliteit, passie en prestasie deel van die normale leefwyse van Loftus Versfeld kon bly.

“Mens kan jouself maklik met die tradisies van so ‘n trotse unie en span vereenselwig. Die opwinding en uitdaging lê daarin dat ons hierdie strewe na uitnemendheid moet eer en die wenkultuur en gewoontes behou. Ek is dankbaar vir die ondersteuning van die bestuur- en afrigtingspan, want hulle maak die taak maklik en aangenaam,” het Ludeke gesê.

Nie minder nie as 16 spelers het onder Ludeke se vaandel Springbok geword, iets wat die breier meer van wil sien.

“Afrigting gaan nie net daaroor om trofeë te wen nie, maar ook oor die ontwikkeling van spelers en mense en as hulle vermoeëns op ‘n hoer vlak erken word, is dit ‘n regmerkie vir almal hier wat betrokke is.”

Die BBM se bedryfshoof, Barend van Graan, was verheug oor Ludeke se besluit.

“Dit is fantastiese nuus vir ons. Vir ‘n unie soos ons met groot ambisie om toonaangewend te wees, is ‘n uitstekende afrigter ‘n ononderhandelbare bestandeel. Ek is oortuig dat ons in Frans een van die beste afrigters in die wêreld het en sy vertoningslys saam met die Vodacom Bulls en Vodacom Blou Bulle bewys dit. Sy span presteer op die veld en hy het ‘n werksetiek en kultuur gehandhaaf waar prestasie ‘n deurslaggewende maatstaf is. Jy moet jou hoed lig vir wat hy hier vermag het.”

•Ludeke het ook die Vodacombeker as afrigter van die Goue Leeus gewen.

The Stormers suffered a spate of injuries on their recently-completed four-match tour of Australasia, with five players from last week’s line-up – against the Rebels – missing because of injury this weekend.

Centre Juan de Jongh (fractured finger), flank-cum-hooker Deon Fourie (ribs), lock Andries Bekker (back) and props Frans Malherbe and Pat Cilliers (both ankles) are the injury-victims from Melbourne. A sixth player, hooker Scarra Ntubeni, withdrew from last week’s match at the 11th hour with a hamstring injury and is still not available for selection.

Fourie, Ntubeni and De Jongh should all be back on deck after the June Test break – along with lock De Kock Steenkamp, who left the tour early with a chest injury – but Bekker, Malherbe and Cilliers will be out for some time.

As a result of these injuries, Damian de Allende (inside centre), Don Armand (No.7 flank), Gerbrandt Grobler (No.4 lock), Brok Harris (tighthead prop) and Tiaan Liebenberg (hooker) all come into the starting XV this week. In other changes, skipper Jean de Villiers will move from inside centre to outside centre, Siya Kolisi shifts across from No.7 to No.6 and Eben Etzebeth will call the line-outs in the absence of Bekker in the No.5 shirt.

De Allende will make his first start since the Stormers’ 22-15 win over the Sharks on April 13, Armand and Harris will make their first starts of 2013, Grobler will make his first-ever Super Rugby start and Liebenberg (having recovered from an elbow injury) is back in the mix for the first time since March 23 (against the Brumbies).

On the bench, meanwhile, prop Chris Heiberg and flanker Rohan Kitshoff – both DHL WP Vodacom Cup stars – await their Super Rugby debuts for the DHL Stormers, whilst lock Marius Coetzer – another new face in the selection frame this week – has played five Super Rugby games for the Lions but will be on debut for the Stormers.

“We’ve been hit really hard by injuries, but we’re looking forward to (new) players bringing in new energy this weekend,” said DHL Stormers boss Allister Coetzee.

“As a coach you make do with what you have and remain positive about the (next) fixture, but the reality is that we’re currently sitting with 15 players that are unavailable. Having said that, I’m excited about the new players in our team – all of whom have a chance to lay down a marker and all of whom brought plenty of energy and enthusiasm to training this week.”

Speaking about facing the Reds, the 2011 Super Rugby champions, Coetzee added: “The Reds are a challenging team. They beat us at DHL Newlands last time (two years ago) and I expect the same (from them) from a tactical point of view.

“They’re probably disappointed at losing (to the Cheetahs) last week and they’ll probably be chasing a four-try bonus point. We’re confident in our defence, however, and hopefully we can make our opportunities on attack count.”

Meanwhile, Saturday’s match will also be used as a vehicle to raise funds for former WP centre Tinus Linee who has been diagnosed with Motor Neuron Disease (MND).

There will be bucket collections at DHL Newlands during the day, whilst you can also SMS ‘Tinus’ to 38208 to make a one-off R10 donation to Tinus Linee. Email tinus@wprugby.co.za for more information.

Tickets are still available for Saturday’s match and can be purchased at the DHL Newlands ticket office, PostNet outlets and online at wprugby.ticketpros.co.za.

The DHL Stormers team to take on the Reds is as follows:

15. Joe Pietersen
14. Gio Aplon
13. Jean de Villiers (captain)
12. Damian de Allende
11. Bryan Habana
10. Elton Jantjies
9. Louis Schreuder
8. Nizaam Carr
7. Don Armand
6. Siya Kolisi
5. Eben Etzebeth
4. Gerbrandt Grobler*
3. Brok Harris
2. Tiaan Liebenberg
1. Steven Kitshoff

Reserves:
16. Martin Bezuidenhout
17. Chris Heiberg**
18. Marius Coetzer**
19. Rohan Kitshoff**
20. Dewaldt Duvenage
21. Gary van Aswegen
22. Gerhard van den Heever

* Starting debut for the DHL Stormers
** On debut for the DHL Stormers

Referee: Jaco Peyper (South Africa)

Catrakilis became the first South African in seven years to exceed 100 points in his Super Rugby debut during the game against the Highlanders, and currently boasts 107 points, ranking as the ninth highest point scorer in the overall competition. He joins just three other fellow South Africans, Morné Steyn (163 points) Pat Lambie (139 points) and Joe Pietersen (125) in Club 100 for the 2013 Super Rugby season, so far.

Last year’s Vodacom Cup Player of the Year, follows in the footsteps of DHL Stormers’ Peter Grant who reached 100 points in his debut Super Rugby season in 2006, while Steyn did it in his debut playing for the Vodacom Bulls in 2005.

Six more South Africans have reached 100 points in their first season of Vodacom Super Rugby – four of them in 1996. They are Jannie Kruger (Northern Transvaal), Henry Honiball (Natal), Joel Stransky (WP), Gavin Lawless (Transvaal) and André Joubert. In 2001, Butch James scored 100 points for The Sharks in his first season.

Eastern Province Rugby President, Cheeky Watson, said Catrakilis’ call up was a testament to what was being accomplished by the new Southern Kings franchise.

“This is just another example of how players, who may previously not have been afforded the opportunity to play at Super Rugby level, have shown the world what they can do through the Southern Kings. These youngsters have stepped up to the challenge and have outperformed even our wildest expectations,” he said.

Southern Kings Director of Rugby, Alan Solomons said he was immensely proud of Catrakilis’ call up to the squad.

“Demetri has really played fantastic rugby this season and fully deserves getting the recognition for his contribution that he has made,” he said.

Solomons said Catrakilis’ call up would, however, not impact on any of the remaining games that the Southern Kings would be playing, and that Catrakilis was still part of the team for the Southern Kings match against the Cheetahs on Saturday.

The players who were not part of the first training camp in Cape Town in April are: Gio Aplon (DHL Stormers, wing/fullback), the Toyota Cheetahs’ trio of Trevor Nyakane (prop), Lappies Labuschagne (loose forward) and Willie le Roux (fullback/wing), Vodacom Bulls duo of JJ Engelbrecht (centre/wing) and Lionel Mapoe (wing/centre), Wiehahn Herbst (The Sharks, prop) and Demetri Catrakilis (Southern Kings, flyhalf).

Seven injured players, who were part of Springbok squads in 2012, were not considered for selection as they will not be fit to play in June. They are JP Pietersen, Jaco Taute, Frans Steyn, Johan Goosen, Duane Vermeulen, Pat Cilliers and Frans Malherbe. Furthermore Andries Bekker, who is not available due to club commitments later this season in Japan, wasn’t considered for selection.

Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer said he was impressed with the form of a number of the country’s top players, despite concerns about the high number of injuries to key players.

“It looks like most of the guys are improving weekly and a few new players have put up their hands, which is good to see with the first Test only a few weeks away,” said Meyer.

“We’ve also been very impressed with the form shown by a number of players since we were together in April. This camp will provide us with a great opportunity to work with these players before the squad for the Castle Lager Incoming Series is finalised.

“Overseas-based players were not considered for this camp as some of them are still playing in their respective finals this coming weekend. They are at the end of their seasons and need a well-deserved break before the start of the Castle Lager Series.”

The training squad will assemble in Durban on Sunday, a day after the highly anticipated Vodacom Super Rugby derby between The Sharks and the Vodacom Bulls at Kings Park. All five South African franchises are in action on Saturday, 25 May – the Southern Kings host the Toyota Cheetahs in Port Elizabeth and the DHL Stormers take on the Reds in Cape Town.

Players invited to the second Springbok training camp of 2013:

Forwards (19): Tendai Mtawarira, Trevor Nyakane, Jannie du Plessis, Coenie Oosthuizen, Wiehahn Herbst, Adriaan Strauss, Bismarck du Plessis, Chiliboy Ralepelle, Eben Etzebeth, Flip van der Merwe, Juandré Kruger, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Siya Kolisi, Marcell Coetzee, Willem Alberts, Arno Botha, Lappies Labuschagne, Pierre Spies, Ryan Kankowski.

Backs (19): Jano Vermaak, Francois Hougaard, Pat Lambie, Morné Steyn, Elton Jantjies, Demetri Catrakilis, Jean de Villiers, Juan de Jongh, Jan Serfontein, Robert Ebersohn, JJ Engelbrecht, Bryan Habana, Lwazi Mvovo, Raymond Rhule, Lionel Mapoe, Bjorn Basson, Gio Aplon, Zane Kirchner, Willie le Roux.

We do have an important decision to make though and need the fans help. The French playing strip is blue, so despite being the home team, we are showing them the courtesy of wearing their national playing strip and we will wear an alternative.

But what to wear?

We’ve decided to hand this decision over to the fans.

We have two options to choose from. We can play in our away-strip (predominately white), or we could bring out for one more time only, the limited edition harlequins-style jersey we wore just the once against the Crusaders in February. That jersey was about raising funds for Men’s Health Trust NZ and as luck would have it, the week of the ‘adidas Challenge’ is also Men’s Health Week.

To have your say, please go to www.theblues.co.nz and look for the Tell Us What to Wear story and voting poll.

After all, it’s a special game, so we want to make sure we’re dressed well for the occasion!