Azzuri annihilation
19 Jun 2008
No matter how you spin it, Italy are in for an almighty hiding at Newlands.
Nick Mallett’s been in the media this week talking about development. He’s also had a few (valid) gripes about his current situation. Playing the world champions at Newlands with a third-rate Italy doesn’t even equate to bringing a knife to a gunfight. As a collective, Italy’d have better luck bludgeoning a rabid 200kg lion to death with a beetroot.
The home win is inevitable, and as passionate as they are, every Italian player will know that. For the Springboks, the obvious question is what sort of scoreline denotes success.
Peter de Villiers has refused to write off the opposition despite their overwhelming underdog status. It’s true the Boks should be looking at this game as a dress rehearsal to the Tri-Nations (shadow rugby would be a tad harsh), and De Villiers will also be keen to assess the synergy of a few new combinations. They can’t afford to be too loose.
The Bok coach admitted on Thursday he already has a good idea about the starting side for the first Test against the All Blacks. The second string is less certain. This is where the fixture at Newlands should be of some interest.
The back row unit of Luke Watson, Juan Smith and Ryan Kankowski boasts speed and skill aplenty, and given the Boks’ certain dominance in the tight phases, they should have acres of room to work their magic. Kankowski in particular is going to be a key figure. Although he won’t get as much space against the Australasians, it can only benefit the squad to give him some game time ahead of the Tri-Nations.
But the primary focus will be on the performance of Frans Steyn at No 10. He was found wanting in this channel when up against the All Blacks last year. The Italians won’t apply nearly the same pressure, but playing between Ricky Januarie and Jean de Villiers will be beneficial if he is a realistic flyhalf option for the future. The Bok coach would do well to experiment in the second half, shifting Steyn to 12 and De Villiers to 13, with Peter Grant having a run at pivot.
The Stormers midfield of De Villiers and Gcobani Bobo find themselves together at the highest level, and one wonders if they’ll interchange as much as they did for the Cape franchise. For Bobo, it’s a great opportunity after four years in the international wilderness. The Stormers centres have complemented each other this past season, and you’d expect them to rip through the Italian defence.
There has been talk that the rain will spare a few Azzuri blushes, but this should only be a minor deterrent. The wet weather will amount to more mistakes, but the Boks have the power to play it tight and simply bulldoze the opposition. The kicking game of Januarie, Steyn and Conrad Jantjes will also come into play, and although it may not amount to a spectacle, these tactics should prove highly effective.
Boks by 60
By Jon Cardinelli
149 Comments
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20 Jun 2008, 11:13 am
#99 sondebok: beming = becoming
20 Jun 2008, 11:16 am
To any Zimbos online, howzit!
Q: How far is Peterhouse (Marondera) from Harare.
About 50km or closer to 80?
20 Jun 2008, 11:20 am
#99 sondebok: Ha ha, they need to set aside some time during training for “Dignified Scoring” practice. This can include a video on things to steer clear of, which will of course feature Robbie Fleck’s Kayser moment, Odwa’s dropping the ball will cantering over the line and the Philip Burger Cringedive. They can also devote a few minutes to brainstorming some creative try-scoring celebration signatures – the skriflesing and gebed is a bit eighties.
20 Jun 2008, 11:21 am
will = while
20 Jun 2008, 11:30 am
#103 katman: The Italian football team have similar practice sessions. Not for scoring celebrations, but to focus on other vital elements of their playing style that fall beyond the strict definition of the game. Search on YouTube for Italian Soccer Team Practice to see this in action.
20 Jun 2008, 11:35 am
#105 katman: “other vital elements of their playing style that fall beyond the strict definition of the game.”
ronaldo is of course the king in this department.
20 Jun 2008, 11:43 am
#103 katman: Ja, they could have an annual award! Lawrence Dallaglio might have tried to copy Robbie Fowlers line-sniffing celebration though. No one beat Cabous vd Westhuizen for style points though, streaking down the wing, mane flowing – like some kind of athletic rock-star.
20 Jun 2008, 11:46 am
#105 katman: their rugby team may just look like that for real tomorrow.
20 Jun 2008, 11:47 am
#107 sondebok: The Michael Bolton of the rugby field.
20 Jun 2008, 11:49 am
#98 Dawn: Soe!!! Dawn is nukkerig. Did you loose your cigarette holder?
20 Jun 2008, 11:51 am
#109 katman:
My idea of hell would be Michael Bolton crooning over the cool, laconic sax of Kenny G. Truly the Devil`s music.
20 Jun 2008, 11:51 am
#107 sondebok: sondebok, howdy mate!
i saw you will be in town 21-23 of july. no tank, but no worries. we shall eat some ring-stinging hindian kerrie and drink beer and chin wag.
bod, we have put more 40 pt drubbings past other teams this year than most experience in a lifetime. in fact, after 7 games we were 253 pts for and 27 against! go you greens!
20 Jun 2008, 11:51 am
#107 sondebok:
Howzeet. I went to mega- Musica. No Seasick Steve…no RL Burnside. But I did order his Mr.Wizard and Too Bad Jim. He’s been around but only achieved recognition in the ’90′s.
I did buy Jonny Lang’s ’98 2nd album called Wander This World. Very powerful. He made his debut solo album Lie To Me when he was 16. I have that CD. Unusual talent. Very old soul in a young man’s body.
20 Jun 2008, 11:53 am
Kenny G is a lesbian.
20 Jun 2008, 11:54 am
#112 rangerman: Heita my Broe! I`m looking forward to the trip man, little disappointed about missing the tank, but we`ll be in Coffee Bay by then. Are you going to the tank tonight?
20 Jun 2008, 11:57 am
I think the Boks are going to provide some real competition for us in the first test. Many of the supporters feel the same. Henry’s losing his popularity more and more, we need proof again.
20 Jun 2008, 11:58 am
#115 sondebok: howdy bra! no i am not at the tank tonight. i am in the himeville arms on a rugby boys weekend!
you lucky bugger, coffee bay is one cool spot. hope you are gonna cast a plug. the garrick(sorry, leervis!) will be full up by then.
20 Jun 2008, 11:59 am
#114 Jinx da Lynx: He blows big time.
20 Jun 2008, 11:59 am
#116 kiwi girl: you have it the wrong way round lass, we hope your boys will give us a bit of competition!
20 Jun 2008, 11:59 am
#113 Jinx da Lynx: Hey Jinx, pity about those discs! I got my copy of RL Burnside there, so maybe they`ll get it back into stock. There was one of Seasick Steves tracks on the free cd with last months MOJO magazine. Interesting guy, was a bona-fide tramp until someone heard him busking. Really lived the blues.
20 Jun 2008, 12:01 pm
Portugal had lessons on how to dive.
20 Jun 2008, 12:02 pm
#75 rangerman: Ranger, see if you can get to Wilsons dam, its on the dirt road to Bushmans neck, about 10 clicks from Underburg. Lots of stock there, you’ll probably get a 3 pounder. Keep your hand and wrist level while you are casting the fly, then you wont have new earing holes in the lobe of your ear
We are watching the rugby in Wimbledon tomorrow.
20 Jun 2008, 12:03 pm
#116 kiwi girl:
Just confirmed what I always thought re Graham Henry!
20 Jun 2008, 12:03 pm
#116 kiwi girl:
Hi there. Not to mention that Robbie Deans going to Oz can also be seen as a major slip up. For me he is the man for NZ rugby. Old taciturn Henry may be on the downward slope now. Things change so quickly. We shall see and as you say…NZ need proof.
I’ll be behind the Boks to pull off their 1st win in 10 years on NZ soil.
20 Jun 2008, 12:05 pm
Ah Jinx, I forgot to tell you about TBone Burnett last Friday. Do you know his stuff? More famous for soundtracks like O brother where art thou and Big Lebowski, but his solo stuff is awesome. Kind of a dark bluesy, rocking narrative sound.
20 Jun 2008, 12:10 pm
#120 sondebok:
He now lives in Norway with his Norwegian wife. Had to settle down. Quite sick now. Literally. Has had about 50 homes in 25 years. An on the road gypsy.
Plays a 3 string guitar!! Even a one string geet. Very adaptable and innovative. Indeed an eccentic maverick. He calls his wacky guitar his “Diddeley Bow”. Clever boytjie.
20 Jun 2008, 12:12 pm
#125 sondebok: Sondebok and Ranger. Ry Cooder has a new disc out called “Here come ol Flathead”, dont know if you guys like him, but I really rate him as a muso. Listen to it if you can
20 Jun 2008, 12:12 pm
#122 4man: hey 4man! sheesh, you have been scarce. i got your mail and we can maybe meet for a pint if you have enough time on your durbs trip eh?
lol, thanks for the advice. i fish the underberg area fairly regularly but there are so many venues. i will look out for the wilsons dam as we are staying at khotso but i think the wily river browns will be my quarry of choice.
anyway, i am out. have a cracker and i will be screaming bokke on the weekend!
20 Jun 2008, 12:14 pm
#125 sondebok:
Tes, I do. Flaming hot stuff.
Also the legendary T-Bone Walker from Texas who in many ways galvanised that Texas “walk”. sound. Big, fat and strident. Big influence on Stevie Ray Vaughan.
20 Jun 2008, 12:14 pm
Oops…Yes
20 Jun 2008, 12:16 pm
#121 Dawn:
Ja ja, I agree on zat, zose vile Porties vere despicable vith zere bushdiving.
20 Jun 2008, 12:18 pm
#127 4man:
Why the title “Here come ol Flathead”?
20 Jun 2008, 12:19 pm
#127 4man:
Total respect for Mr. Ry Cooder. Love his stuff.
Listen to John Hiatt’s classic album Bring The Family…Ry Cooder play electric guitar and slide guitar. Awesome. Will make you cry and shiver. Every song is up there.
20 Jun 2008, 12:21 pm
I’d love to chat more but I must waai to town.
Love your music and dig the Boks.
Adios…
20 Jun 2008, 12:22 pm
#131 WP Bis Ich Sterbe (Und Deutschland, Deutschland über Alles!):
Ich stimme.
Although how they can call anyone Schweinsteiger beggars belief.
Achtung babies.
20 Jun 2008, 12:23 pm
#132 Dawn: Ry Cooder is somewhat of a historian when it comes to American music. A Flathead is an early V 8 engine and Ry has been exploring that era and plays that type of blues of the 30′s and 40′s. he has collaborated with a lot of blues musos over the years, including Taj Mahal, Rolling Stones (who he turned down an offer to join) etc.
20 Jun 2008, 12:25 pm
#128 rangerman: I will try to make contact, bit short on time, what with visiting my Mom and wifies folks, hope to catch a surf and a dive. I have your details, will shout if theres a gap, thanks for the invite.
20 Jun 2008, 12:26 pm
#135 Dawn: Schweinsteiger is a footballer too. (pig climber or pig f%^ker depends on your interpretation)
20 Jun 2008, 12:29 pm
#138 4man:
I think “Pig-Mounter” is a more accurate translation.
20 Jun 2008, 12:31 pm
#139 WP Bis Ich Sterbe (Und Deutschland, Deutschland über Alles!): Do you really think he was mounting the pigs, must have been to **** them, so pretty much the same
the guy is a good footballer, cant remember who he plays for, I think its Kaiserslautern.
20 Jun 2008, 12:34 pm
I’m out…this site is playing up.
cheers
enjoy the rugby.
20 Jun 2008, 12:36 pm
#140 4man:
Nein, Bayern Munich. He is a good Bavarian boy.
20 Jun 2008, 12:44 pm
#142 WP Bis Ich Sterbe (Und Deutschland, Deutschland über Alles!): Good win for Germany last night…I watched the game, Rinaldo made a *** of himself trying to take a dive.
Are your family from Bavaria? We are originally from Prussia (1848) so nowadays Westphalian or Hessen. Only good thing about Munich is the Octoberfest
20 Jun 2008, 12:49 pm
#143 4man:
Prussians – fine people, fine military thinkers. The cream of the German officer corps were Prussian aristocracy, just think Von Clausewitz.
My grandfather comes from Hamburg originally, actually. Oktoberfest was fun, but nowadays there are too many damn Yanks and Poms there.
20 Jun 2008, 12:53 pm
Here is the review of Cooders new album for those who are interested, compliments to The Independent.
Album: Ry Cooder, I, Flathead (Nonesuch/Perro Verde)
(Rated 4/ 5 )
Reviewed by Andy Gill
Friday, 20 June 2008
At a time when we’re constantly being instructed to forget the supposedly outmoded notion of the album and learn to consume our music track by downloaded track, it takes courage to release a concept album, and something close to mad faith in one’s art to release three in succession, as Ry Cooder has.
I, Flathead is the final part of a California Trilogy which began with the superb Chavez Ravine and continued with My Name Is Buddy, charting the state’s history as promised land of the dispossessed. Compared to the displaced Mexican immigrants and dust-bowl refugees of those previous albums, the hot rod-racing Western Swing musician at the core of I, Flathead might seem to have things easy, but neither cars nor country music assures the hapless Kash Buk of life’s comforts: as he acknowledges late on, looking back on his life, he’s acquired little besides a Cadillac, a trailer, and 5,000 country songs that nobody wants to sing. Indeed, his tale may be the saddest of all, as his dreams are dashed from the loftier perspective of post-war affluence and confidence.
The early stages find the petrolhead Kash in feisty mood, his character neatly summed up by “Drive Like I Never Been Hurt” and the brusque rocker “Waitin’ For Some Girl”: seeking kicks and speed as a salt-flat racer, unable to form deep relationships, and with an outlaw wanderlust streak ignited by hearing Johnny Cash on the radio. Racing takes a back seat as Kash and his band The Klowns tour roadhouse bars, their passage marked by the full complement of Cooder’s musical character: the loose-limbed, Stonesy raunch of “Ridin’ With the Blues”, the sprightly blacklist blues “Pink-O Boogie”, the strutting cumbia “Fernando Sez”, the conjunto romance “Filipino Dance Hall Girl” and the country appreciation “Steel Guitar Heaven”. Kash’s own band is probably best evoked in “Spayed Kooley”, a tribute to his guard dog – his own “homeland security” – in the Western Swing style of Spade Cooley.
Interspersed among the songs are Kash Buk’s personal ruminations on his situation, phone calls home and bar-room soliloquies set to the shifting sonic backdrops Cooder drew on in his Nineties work. Accompanied by a 95-page novella, the result is a diversely detailed portrait of outlaw spirits in a land of shrinking opportunities, where lives are built on dreamy foundations, and broken by disillusion. The trilogy offers an alternative history of a state which prizes myths and fanciful lies over stark reality.
Pick of the album:’Waitin’ For Some Girl’, ‘Ridin’ With the Blues’, ‘Pink-O Boogie’, ’5,000 Country Music Songs’
20 Jun 2008, 12:55 pm
#142 WP Bis Ich Sterbe (Und Deutschland, Deutschland über Alles!):
And butt ugly.
20 Jun 2008, 12:59 pm
#145 4man:
Thanks, but a CD review is much like trying to review perfume or wine.
“woody overtones with a hint of citrus”
One has to smell it, and hear it!
20 Jun 2008, 14:58 pm
#147 Dawn: I dont know you well enough to buy you one…go and check it out at your local shop if you like the genre.
20 Jun 2008, 16:15 pm
#113 Jinx da Lynx: I read the other day Chris Martin from Coldplay regards Sigur Ros to be the best band on the planet, alongside Arcade Fire. You know their stuff? Might go check it out tonight.
#77 TheTackler: I’ll tell you what. Send me your address, so I can mail you a dime. Take the dime, then call lifeline (1-800-I-AM-ATWIT), and see if they give a flying ****. Loser.
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