TIGHTHEADS & LOOSE BALLS

ALL isn’t always what it seems with the Chiefs. They were in the lap of luxury at one of the pushiest hotels in the Montecasino Precinct in northern Johannesburg this week. Visiting Super Rugby teams usually stay in far more Spartan surrounds. When asked if that was a privilege that comes with being the defending champions, assistant coach Wayne Smith quickly shook his head. “Mate, we’ve got the smallest budget of all the teams.” Which was in no way reflected in the way they play.

WE’RE not sure if the Sharks media department is paranoid, plain mean, incompetent or a combination of all three. But when a Sydney Morning Herald rugby writer, on tour with the Waratahs, phoned the union to inquire about attending Thursday’s press conference, she was informed it “was for local journalists only”. Several messages and calls later she was “cleared“to attend, but it left a bad taste.

IT seems not only did Bulls returnee Dewald Potgieter made waves in Japanese rugby in the few months he was there, but he may have earned Samurai status. All the flanker now needs is a Samurai sword. Dewald Potgieter, the last Samurai of Loftus — coming to a stadium near you.

WE know Tony Jantjies was born in Cape Town and his brother, Elton, got a loan deal with the Stormers when the Lions were in the Super Rugby wilderness, but he is employed by the Bulls. At almost every training session for the Bulls under-21 side the young Jantjies wears Stormers shorts. Finding it tough to break through into the Bulls senior team, perhaps Tony is making a statement that he is ready to move down to the Cape. In any case the Stormers may be looking to add depth to their flyhalf situation.

CHEETAHS flyhalf Johan Goosen has gone walkabout on the field most of the season, but this week he was spotted in France, apparently considering a number of options for playing in the northern hemisphere soon. His contract with the Cheetahs expires later this year.