‘Boks can expect different Blacks’
7 Jul 2010
Robbie Kempson says the All Blacks won’t adopt a helter skelter approach like they did last year against the Springboks.
The Kiwis’ tactical naivete in the first encounter between the sides astounded many pundits, as they opted to run from all positions on the field in an attempt to not make contact as often as possible and avoid the Boks strengths, such as the lineout. The visitors were expected to be more pragmatic in Durban, but again they followed the Bloem template – without any success.
With Dan Carter back for the final hit-out of the year in Hamilton, the Blacks varied their game better, but their faltering lineout cost them in the opening half especially.
Former Bok prop Kempson believes the Kiwis would have learnt their lessons and will play a much smarter game this time around. The Stormers and Bulls – who make up the majority of the Bok squad – had unprecedented success against the New Zealand sides in this year’s Super 14, the former winning all five of their games, while the Bulls lost just one out of six against Kiwi opposition.
That loss came against the Blues, when the Aucklanders realised they had to play the Bulls at their own game, and they physically matched the South Africans at the collisions. Conversely, the Crusaders believed they had the blueprint to down South African opposition, but in the semi-final it backfired as they only served to put themselves under pressure by running from deep.
Even though this year’s law interpretations favour sides keeping ball in hand in their own territory and All Blacks wing Cory Jane says they’ll counter-attack as much as possible under the Boks’ aerial attack, Kempson feels the hosts won’t try loosen up the match from the outset.
‘The All Blacks know they’ll have to take on the confrontations first,’ Kempson told keo.co.za. ‘They’re known for swinging the ball wide, but they won’t do it from the start. The only way to beat the Boks is to confront them up front initially.’
The battle for gain-line supremacy is aided by who gets front foot ball at the set-pieces. Graham Henry lamented his side’s poor showing at the scrum against Wales, while the Boks hold a mental advantage over the Blacks at the lineout due to last year’s dismantling of the set-piece by Victor Matfield.
‘I don’t think the Bok scrum will dominate, as many people think,’ said Kempson. ‘Our front row isn’t at their best yet and is still one of the weaker parts of our game because we don’t have continuity in that aspect. Both sides would assume the scrums will be 50-50 and we’ll have to wait and see what happens there as you can’t read too much into what the All Blacks did against Wales.
‘The All Black lineout has improved, but no one compares to Victor. We should dominate them there, and our loosies will also edge it.
‘Overall, that battle up front is key, but in both sides’ cases, they’re not as strong as they’d want to be.’
The Boks have a brilliant opportunity to strike another blow to the Kiwi psyche in Auckland, but Kempson doesn’t foresee the Boks repeating last year’s feat of defeating the Blacks three times.
‘I don’t think we’ll win both Tests there,’ he said. ‘We have the best squad South Africa’s assembled and what they’ve achieved is tremendous, but we won’t repeat last year’s results. Especially with the amount of pride at stake on the All Blacks’ part.
‘It’s always tough in New Zealand, especially the first Test. As Richie McCaw’s said, they’re ranked the No 1 side in the world and no one’s given them much credit for it. They’ll really be up for the challenge.’
By Grant Ball
84 Comments
7 Jul 2010, 06:06 am
They’ll still play running rugby.
7 Jul 2010, 06:08 am
@TheTackler(TheTackler)-1: Here’s hoping
7 Jul 2010, 06:09 am
Yup, Robbie, pretty much spot on…….
7 Jul 2010, 06:17 am
Please try running from your 22 again
7 Jul 2010, 06:21 am
@whatever(whatever)-4: Ha ha yeah good intention but bad mistake
7 Jul 2010, 06:57 am
Except that the field of possibility is broad and wide. We should not limit outcomes with negative expectations. We should hold positive expectations, for they vibrate like electromagnets with the resonance of success.
7 Jul 2010, 07:00 am
“while the Bulls lost just one out of six” what? Name the six teams from New Zealand that the Bulls apparently played?
7 Jul 2010, 07:02 am
@Transformation(Transformation)-7: they played the Crusaders twice
7 Jul 2010, 07:05 am
@Transformation(Transformation)-7:i see u counting the semi too…
7 Jul 2010, 07:14 am
@Disa(Disa)-8: thanks, thought about it after pressing submit…
7 Jul 2010, 07:23 am
so not six teams, six games
7 Jul 2010, 07:25 am
See they reckon Wynand will be starting, eish not very comfortable with that move as we will now play JdV out of position
7 Jul 2010, 07:29 am
@Disa(Disa)-12: He was played out of position for de Jongh as well…. we had no problems with that though….
7 Jul 2010, 07:33 am
@Disa(Disa)-12: pdv is setting meisiekind up for failure, if he blows this chance, it’s verby for him in a bok jersey!
7 Jul 2010, 07:43 am
@Transformation(Transformation)-14: I still believe that de Jongh should be backed 100%. He’s got everything(except experience) to become the world’s no1 inside centre. That experience will come with gametime, and BMT will be developed in the TN. Give him the no12 jersey with Jean end Meisiekind as his understudy…IMO
7 Jul 2010, 07:44 am
@Disa(Disa)-11: The article talks about games, and not teams…
7 Jul 2010, 07:48 am
J de Jongh had a shocker against WO in the Super 14 final. For the first time Juan looked utterly k@k. He had no answer to WO. So if Wynand fails come Saterday, he still will be much better than thede jongh chap.
I can just see those newlands all black supporting hooligans now — ja die span is te wit en all that k@k. Point is, it wil be difficult tobeat the All Blacks in Auckland with the travel etc. Al wat ek weet as die hooligans gaan kom raas en vlae swaai in hulle karre, gaan hulle nie meer wiele oor he ni .. capish
7 Jul 2010, 07:54 am
@Soccer_World_Cup_a_Flop(Transf0rmation)-17: Fair enough, but de Jongh is definately the future at 12. He’s got a sidestep that reminded me alot of the late Ettiene Botha…(who in my mind was the best no12 in world rugby, despite not ever given a chance in the green and gold)….
7 Jul 2010, 07:55 am
@UnbeataBULL(UnbeataBULL)-15: Just his size worries me. he has everything else. Not that he has to be super big.
7 Jul 2010, 07:57 am
@Soccer_World_Cup_a_Flop(Transf0rmation)-17: you’re talking kak as usual, de jongh left the field after 14minutes, how can that be a SHOCKER? You can fool some but not everyone. Keep repeating it to yourself maybe you might believe it hahahaha
7 Jul 2010, 07:59 am
he had a shocker in those 14 mins … WO killed him.
7 Jul 2010, 08:00 am
@UnbeataBULL(UnbeataBULL)-18: nothing fair about that, de jongh wasn’t kak against olivier, this doos nic stealer is delusional. De jongh played against jamie roberts and emerged with flying colours.
7 Jul 2010, 08:00 am
maybe he is the future .. but for this test I’d go for WO .. or even better … i’d play JDV & Mossie and play Aplon on the wing
7 Jul 2010, 08:02 am
@Soccer_World_Cup_a_Flop(Transf0rmation)-21: killed him, how? Anyway keep believing your own kak you have nothing to add on this blog anyway, only stealing nics…
7 Jul 2010, 08:02 am
jamie roberts whoopie … he also played well against Tommy Poegenpoel when they played Griquas … pppf
7 Jul 2010, 08:03 am
ooh? so there is another guy who thinks the world cup is a flop?
7 Jul 2010, 08:07 am
If wynand played for province, the whole story would be different
7 Jul 2010, 08:08 am
@Soccer_World_Cup_a_Flop(Transf0rmation)-25: how did olivier play against anthony faingaa, james o’connor & ben stanley? Come tells, bring your supposed rugby analyses, did he kill them too? Come on doos!!
7 Jul 2010, 08:08 am
Kempson is talking rubbish. The ABs might vary their play a bit, but instinct will always come through for them. They will always prefer to keep ball in hand and have a good crack at it.
Super 14 form aside, the ABs will be a better drilled unit come continuity, and with a slightly heavier pack they will look to control the hit.
Kempson, if you think the ABs are gonna kick ball away you are in for some kind of slap in the face.
7 Jul 2010, 08:11 am
9 ricky
10 morne
11 habs
12 jdv
13 fourie
14 aplon
15 kirchner
bench: ruan, WO, JDJ
7 Jul 2010, 08:12 am
Auckland – Gio Aplon’s home town of Hawston will be united in their backing of their favourite son when the Springboks play the All Blacks at Eden Park on Saturday.
While some of the inhabitants of the small coastal town support the All Blacks, they will cheer Aplon on when he has the ball tucked under his arm.
“You could say I have divided the town,” Aplon laughed in the team’s hotel in the build-up to the biggest game of his life.
“There is a group of people in the Cape that traditionally support the All Blacks and some of them are in Hawston. I have friends among them, but they have promised that if I get the ball, they will turn their backs on the All Blacks at that moment and cheer me on. Fortunately my family are dedicated Springbok supporters,” said Aplon.
7 Jul 2010, 08:17 am
@Soccer_World_Cup_a_Flop(Transf0rmation)-25: yes jamie roberts the same guy who tormented the all black backline in their last Test against the Welsh, you must watch these games to be able to see beyond your own arse!
7 Jul 2010, 08:19 am
transformation, it must irk you that a white team is super 14 champs hey .. if you want to gooi insults, then i’ll gooi it in your capie language, n@@ier
7 Jul 2010, 08:27 am
this is going to be massive…
everyone talks about how physical the boks are… if the ABs get some momentum, they can out-muscle the boks!! the first 20 minutes are going to be crucial! Expecting some massive hits – sheesh I hope our loosies manage to get accross the advantage line! We’d better hope that either Bakkies or Pakslae are fit!
7 Jul 2010, 08:39 am
@Soccer_World_Cup_a_Flop(Transf0rmation)-33: how many black teams are there?
7 Jul 2010, 08:42 am
@Soccer_World_Cup_a_Flop(Transf0rmation)-33: how did wynand play against anthony faingaa and them, i’m waiting?
7 Jul 2010, 08:44 am
@Transformation(Transformation)-35: There’s Kenya, Zimbabwe, Uganda…. nah…just kidding. C’mon guys, lets leave the racial debate for a topic related to it….
7 Jul 2010, 08:52 am
@UnbeataBULL(UnbeataBULL)-37:
ja nee wat…. the last couple of comments killed the comments!
7 Jul 2010, 08:58 am
@Transformation(Transformation)-36: And being outsprinted by Higgendragon
7 Jul 2010, 09:03 am
@Transformation(Transformation)-36: Seriously Transie. The guy has the intellect of a mummified warthog. Why are you giving him credibility by responding to his rantings?
7 Jul 2010, 09:06 am
@Soccer_World_Cup_a_Flop(Transf0rmation)-33: let me help you along, this is what rugby365 had to say after the Reds vs Bulls game, it’s their opinion and not gospel hence i’m looking for your assesment
15 – Gio Aplon (Stormers):
He gives new meaning to the phrase: ‘Slippery as an eel.’
Bubbling under: Peter Hynes (Reds)
14 – Joe Rokocoko (Blues):
Every week his All Blacks claims get stronger.
Bubbling under: Rod Davies (Reds)
13 – Jaque Fourie (Stormers):
It is not just his involvement, several times, in Bryan Habana’s try (surely the try of the season till now), but his overall contribution has been immense.
Bubbling under: Will Chambers (Reds)
12 – Anthony Faingaa (Reds):
He was up against a seasoned Springbok and made him look rather ordinary.
Bubbling under: Luke McAlister (Blues)
11 – Bryan Habana (Stormers):
His workrate is simply phenomenal and he again showed why he is rated as one of the best, if not THE best, left wings in the world.
Bubbling under: Digby Ioane (Reds)
10 – Quade Cooper (Reds):
Without peer at present.
Bubbling under: Peter Grant (Stormers)
9 – Will Genia (Reds):
He outplayed the man regarded as the best scrumhalf in the world. Does that make the best now?
Bubbling under: Kahn Fotuali’i (Crusaders)
8 – Willem Alberts (Sharks):
Strong cases can be made for both Duane Vermeulen and Thomas Waldrom, but after much debate we opted for Alberts.
Bubbling under: Duane Vermeulen (Stormers)
7 – Scott Higginbotham (Reds):
After the way he played, and outsprinted two backs for a stunning try, we had to find place for him and Schalk Burger currently owns the No.6 jersey.
Bubbling under: Richie McCaw (Crusaders)
6 – Schalk Burger (Stormers):
As we said, he owns the No.6 jersey.
Bubbling under: Jerome Kaino (Blues)
5 – Andries Bekker (Stormers):
It may sound cliched, but he is indeed reaching new heights.
Bubbling under: Franco van der Merwe (Lions)
4 – Chris Jack (Crusaders):
He still has all the class that made him such an integral part of the All Black set-up.
Bubbling under: Steven Sykes (Sharks)
3 – Ben Franks (Crusaders):
No doubt he has talent, but the way in which they demolished the Cheetahs front row says it all.
Bubbling under: Brok Harris (Stormers)
2 – Tiaan Liebenberg (Stormers):
He is so full of energy and a great asset to his team. But it is his skills levels that make him such an amazing player.
Bubbling under: Saia Faingaa (Reds)
1 – Wyatt Crockett (Crusaders):
As we said about Franks The way in which they demolished the Cheetahs front row says it all.
Bubbling under: Tony Woodcock (Blues)
7 Jul 2010, 09:07 am
If Kempson is right about:
“The All Blacks know they’ll have to take on the confrontations first,’ Kempson told keo.co.za. ‘They’re known for swinging the ball wide, but they won’t do it from the start. The only way to beat the Boks is to confront them up front initially.”
then this is a good thing.
The Test match will be played on Bok terms!
7 Jul 2010, 09:20 am
I see it’s a full moon again….
7 Jul 2010, 09:22 am
@Taahirah(Taahirah)-40: the thing is he has been perpetuating this falsehood for so long, i’m sick of it. i know he is an imbecile, but when a guy like unbeata-bull starts agreeing that de jongh was “killed” by WO when it never happened
7 Jul 2010, 09:32 am
The Problem is that unfortunately certain people mistake genetics for racism.
ie: Genetically, Maoris are heavy built, this comes as a result of hundreds of years of a high protein diet(mainly fish)
By comparison, the average bantu living in the transkei lives on mpokoqo, and the occasional samp and beans.
If i am a 1.56M tall man, i don’t try out for high jump.
SA’s politicians seek reform while they are in power so that they can be credited for the “change”. SA Rugby’s Transformation needs a visionary, not some hoodlum waving that clichéd race card that sport meddling politicians love using.
7 Jul 2010, 09:36 am
@Transformation(Transformation)-32: Who is the real “Transformation” ???
Tranny, it seems you have a doppelganger….
7 Jul 2010, 09:36 am
@RaGe_X(RaGe_X)-45: How big are eskiomos. They eat a lot of fish too.
7 Jul 2010, 09:38 am
@racheltjiedebeer(racheltjiedebeer)-47: yeah but there’s very little sunlight there. And we all know that sunlight is required for growth…..
7 Jul 2010, 09:39 am
@RaGe_X(RaGe_X)-45: It’s interresting to note that whilst the Islanders may be heavier built, they aren’t nescessarily stronger…..
7 Jul 2010, 09:41 am
@stormersboy(stormersboy)-48: If you’re a plant maybe.
7 Jul 2010, 09:42 am
7 – Scott Higginbotham (Reds):
After the way he played, and outsprinted two backs for a stunning try, we had to find place for him and Schalk Burger currently owns the No.6 jersey.
7 Jul 2010, 09:52 am
When I first saw the headline I thought, “oh no, not more quota regulations”.
7 Jul 2010, 09:58 am
@Heavens Game(Heavens Game)-46: eish, what can i say? It’s flattering but not when the impostor is a harebrained imbecile.
7 Jul 2010, 10:09 am
@racheltjiedebeer(racheltjiedebeer)-47:
Great question, as a nutritionist, I have seen energy expenditure of the typical Eskimo, and the majority of their energy is spent on conserving body heat.
If you would like to read a very insightful article regarding the Eskumo’s energy expenditure and increased metabolic rate:
***.physiology.org/cgi/pdf_extract/33/2/184" rel="nofollow">
7 Jul 2010, 10:14 am
@RaGe_X(RaGe_X)-54: The link doesn’t appear to work. But thanks anyway.
What about the Scandinavians? They’re very tall, and also live in a cold climate.
7 Jul 2010, 10:15 am
Apparently my link contains a racist word… ROFL
j a p
(the irony is inconceivable)
7 Jul 2010, 10:17 am
@Mighty Horua(Mighty Horua)-51: I read today that their thinking of making Scotty a Centre, now that would be interesting
7 Jul 2010, 10:18 am
Climate/Environment certainly plays as big a part in your physical make-up as diet.
Easier for your body to heat shorter limbs. And if I’m not mistaken muscles generate more heat.
7 Jul 2010, 10:18 am
@Transformation(Transformation)-44: When de Jongh came up against a good defending 12, he did look ordinary. WO is not renowned for his sidestep, and that is something you’re looking for at 12. I never said he killed JdJ, but he was not as flamboyant as in the rest of the tourny. If you read previous posts of mine, you will see that I actually want JdJ to start in the no12 jersey, with WO or JdV as his understudy. Please dont take my “fair enough” comment out of context…..
7 Jul 2010, 10:26 am
WO is a S14 and currie cup player and not our answer for the boks. Juan dj definitely the future. However, I would start Jdv for his experience. He won’t play badly against the Blacks. Juan dj on the bench. This would allow for Aplon to be played on the wing. Think it will be very tough to win in NZ. Blacks are a different team to last year, especially with Carter finding form. Let’s not get ahead of ourselves, its going one hell of a difficult game to win.
7 Jul 2010, 10:26 am
@racheltjiedebeer(racheltjiedebeer)-58: Yes, but the whole “genetic” thing is in my opinion very valid. West Africans (and their decendants) typically make the best sprinters, eastern Africans typically make good distance athletes etc. Islanders look like bodybuilders etc. The Dutch are tall. Politicians are self serving….And blond long haired inside centres are disapointing at international level.
7 Jul 2010, 10:28 am
Without FDP and Frans Steyn in the starting lineup, I agree with Kempson.
7 Jul 2010, 10:29 am
@stormersboy(stormersboy)-61: Absolutely.
Although the Islanders (non pro-athletes) carry a lot of body fat.
7 Jul 2010, 10:29 am
@UnbeataBULL(UnbeataBULL)-59: It’s hard to tell after the short time that he played IMO. But I think WO has always stepped up at Super 14 level, and seldom done so at international level, so therefore JDJ should get his chance now.
7 Jul 2010, 10:31 am
@ploos(ploos)-60: If we start with JdV, we are taking away a very good opportunity for JdJ to gain “Big Match Temprament” He needs the gametime more than JdV does. If we put faith in JdJ NOW – and he can bulk up in the off season, we will have the best no12 in the WC11.
7 Jul 2010, 10:31 am
@racheltjiedebeer(racheltjiedebeer)-63: Yes, especially the women. Very scary! Also very prone to heart disease in middle age (according to Dr Atkins)
7 Jul 2010, 10:34 am
This is gonna be a tough game. I think we need to revert more to the old JW style of play in order to win this one – let Steyn keep pinning them back and then just keep it amongst the forwards once in their 22, that’s definitely where we have the edge for this one.
Pitty about no Bakkies, we’ll have to keep an eye on Thorn their enforcer and keep him at bay, but otherwise I can see no reason why we shouldn’t take them.
7 Jul 2010, 10:49 am
@UnbeataBULL(UnbeataBULL)-65:I do agree with you. However, would be best to play Jdv, his experience will count against the Blacks midfield. Don’t think its the right game to start JDJ though. Use him from the bench first. Playing Jdv on the wing is crazy, we need pace on the outside against Jane and Joe.
7 Jul 2010, 11:06 am
@Yetirat(Yetirat)-67: that is not jake white’s style of play, last night i watched a ’97 tri-nations match at Eden Park with Carel du Plessis as coach. Joost @ 9, Jannie de Beer @ 10, Honiball @ 12 & percy @ 13.
De Beer kicked 99% of the front-foot ball presented to him, even Mexted & Nisbett commented on how hadn’t run anything!
The gameplan only changed when Lem took over @ flyhalf and he started stringing switch-passes to release Percy which led to Slaptjips’ try!
The kicking game/ “structure” is
not a jake white invention.
7 Jul 2010, 11:18 am
BJ Botha on Twitter: “These journalists in NZ are unbelievable, they asked our media liaison officer which “Tribe” Gio Aplon is from, he couldn’t stop laughing!”
7 Jul 2010, 11:22 am
Beware the hurting All Blacks. They’re going to be a lot better than people are expecting. Its possible the Boks are in for a serious beating in NZ this time round.
SA peaked last year. These things go in cycles. NZ will rise fast this year and will peak in 2011 around WC time.
7 Jul 2010, 11:22 am
@ transformation; at this stage we cant be saying Wynand is being set up for failure. he must put up with the demands of leading the midfield in NZ. He’s played enough rugby to warrant a test start. I think it’s a god decision to start with him because if we do not and Juan gains some level of momentum then we might never really know what Wynand is capable of at this level. Let him play.
@Glazer; How big is Gordon D’arcy? Juan’s size is not an issue. I’m sure you dont want an immobile Pieter Muller like center. Wynand is big enough and not very big compared with Juan. Wynand makes his tackles and that’s what Juan should continue doing.
7 Jul 2010, 11:33 am
@siener(kriek)-70:He’s from the Tryscorin Tribe!
7 Jul 2010, 11:44 am
@madvillain(madvillain)-72: that post was said tongue in cheek mate
it’s been said ad nauseum that wynand has been the form 12 of the last couple super rugby seasons, so i see no reason why he shouldn’t excel at the highest level.
7 Jul 2010, 11:46 am
@madvillain(madvillain)-72:
I would think that after something like 28 tests, we know exactly “what Wynand is capable of at this level.”
PdV is going to make a BIG mistake if he starts with this guy on Saturday.
7 Jul 2010, 11:53 am
we need WO to nullify Nonu! finish & klaar
7 Jul 2010, 12:03 pm
@Tisme(Tisme)-76:
He wasn’t there last year and Nonu was not much of a factor.
Why is WO needed THIS year to nullify Nonu? Is he the only centre that can tackle him?
7 Jul 2010, 12:10 pm
@Transformation(Transformation)-69:
I wouldn’t necessarily say it was a JW invention but it was certainly a game plan he adopted for the most of his tenure as Springbok coach.
That is how we stayed competitive against the All Blacks in those times when others were crushed. We just pinned them back with deep kicks so that when their inevtiable line breaks came our cover defence could get to them before they reached the tryline.
7 Jul 2010, 12:10 pm
@nama1(nama1)-77: We had JdV whom is not known for his defence, the size of Nonu is a factor, soften him up for 50min & unlease JdJ…. and it seems that JdV has fallen a bit out of favour with pdivvie
7 Jul 2010, 12:43 pm
@Tisme(Tisme)-79:
But surely he can’t just be there to tackle the **** out of Nonu.
He hasn’t shown that he can create anything for the players on his outside in all the test matches that he played.
Wasn’t he also the weak link on defence against the French?
In any case, if PdV selects him I will back him to do well on Saturday. In the meantime however, I will hope that PdV doesn’t make that mistake. It will cost us the test match, I’m afraid.
7 Jul 2010, 14:08 pm
Kempston annoyed me when he played for the Boks and now he annoys me with his viewpoints.
How is it that he seems to know so much about what the All Blacks will do? Numpty!
7 Jul 2010, 16:20 pm
I have to say that our backline is not a settled one at the moment, and altough PDV is experimenting I cant help but feel that its going to cost us on sat.Pitty because we will definitely handle them up front.Hope Im wrong though!
7 Jul 2010, 16:27 pm
@Yetirat(Yetirat)-78: these are your words “This is gonna be a tough game. I think we need to revert more to the old JW style of play in order to win this one”
9 Jul 2010, 05:36 am
And different they will be, the boks won’t know what hit them
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