Bakkies boost for Boks
8 Jul 2010
Bakkies Botha has been declared fit and will start in the Springboks’ Tri-Nations opener against the All Blacks in Auckland on Saturday.
Botha and Danie Rossouw were doubtful for the clash at Eden Park as they were suffering knee injuries during the week. However, both players have passed fitness tests and will feature for the Boks this weekend – Botha alongside Victor Matfield in the second row while Rossouw will provide lock and loose forward cover on the bench.
‘Bakkies is an old stalwart and with Victor they form a formidable combination,’ Bok head coach Peter de Villiers told stuff.co.nz. ‘They understand each other. Bakkies will always bring that something extra, so for us it’s a plus to have him available.
‘Both of them [Botha and Rossouw] were outstanding in the Super 14 and it’s just reward for them to be part of the mix. I’m so blessed to have a guy like Danie to fall back on if anything happens to the back three, and he can cover lock too. Then again Andries had a good Super 14 and I can’t wait to let him loose on the field.’
In other selections, Jean de Villiers and Zane Kirchner start at wing and fullback respectively which sees Gio Aplon drop to the bench. Wynand Olivier also partners Jaque Fourie in the midfield.
With Aplon – who started against Wales, France and Italy – left on the bench, De Villiers denied that he took a ‘bigger is better’ approach to this weekend’s Test.
‘We’ve got a few guys in our team whose hearts are bigger than their bodies,’ De Villiers said. ‘You can easily be fooled by physicality alone. We’ve got a holistic approach. The skill level of our team is quite high too, so we’ve struck a happy medium with the guys we’ve got in our team.
‘Last year it [team selection] was a bit easier. We only had that starting XV and seven guys on the bench. This year in almost all positions we have to sit down and think what will be best for this Test. That makes it difficult to go to a guy and explain why he’s not part of it. I just hope the players that are there will reward us with a great performance.’
De Villiers continued: ‘I think the circumstances that we find ourselves in have necessitated this kind of selection. We expect a soft field because it’s a little bit wet here. We have gone for stability more than anything else and if you look at the guys that we chose then these are the guys that brought the stability in the Super 14. We are confident that the team we selected will be up for the challenge.’
Springboks – 15 Zane Kirchner, 14 Jean de Villiers, 13 Jaque Fourie, 12 Wynand Olivier, 11 Bryan Habana, 10 Morne Steyn, 9 Ricky Januarie, 8 Pierre Spies, 7 Francois Louw, 6 Schalk Burger, 5 Victor Matfield, 4 Bakkies Botha, 3 Jannie du Plessis, 2 John Smit (c), 1 Gurthro Steenkamp.
Subs: 16 Chiliboy Ralepelle, 17 BJ Botha, 18 Andries Bekker, 19 Danie Rossouw, 20 Ruan Pienaar, 21 Butch James, 22 Gio Aplon.
269 Comments
8 Jul 2010, 04:54 am
LATEST: The Springboks have gone the way of their intimidator, Bakkies Botha, after both of their injured locks were cleared to take part in Saturday’s Tri-Nations opener against the All Blacks at Eden Park.
Coach Peter de Villiers reckoned it had been a difficult team to select, such is the depth he now has at his disposal, but once Botha’s hamstring cleared up and he factored in the expected All Black response to the Boks’ sweep last year, he had no hesitation in sending out his old firm in the second row.
So Botha and Victor Matfield – with 162 caps between them – will start yet another test match together against the All Blacks, while both of his other locks have been included on the bench.
In form Stormers beanpole Andries Bekker will cover the second row and Bulls utility Danie Rossouw – now over his hip injury – will back up the loose forwards as well as provide an extra option at lock.
The other key feature of de Villiers’ selection was the decision to go with Jean de Villiers ahead of Gio Aplon on the left wing and team Jaque Fourie up with Bulls standout Wynand Olivier in the midfield.
That completes a physical looking Boks backline, which might be an indication they are set to play it pretty tight.
As expected Zane Kirchner of the Bulls gets the nod at fullback while Rickie Januarie slots in at No 9 ahead of Ruan Pienaar who is on the bench. Francois Louw joins established loosies Schalk Burger and Pierre Spies in the back row, while up front John Smit earns his 97th test cap alongside form props Jannie du Plessis and Gurthro Steenkamp.
De Villiers said he had put “the best team on the field” even if it had not been an easy one to settle on. But his choice of noted enforcer Botha indicates that they’re expecting a mighty physical battle from an All Blacks side intent on exacting some revenge.
“Last year it was a bit easier,” he said of his selection. “We only had that starting XV and seven guys on the bench. This year in almost all positions we have to sit down and think what will be best for this test. That makes it difficult to go to a guy and explain why he’s not part of it. I just hope the players that are there will reward us with a great performance.”
But de Villiers indicated that he gave little thought to breaking up the great second-row combination of Matfield and Botha.
“Bakkies is an old stalwart and with Victor they form a formidable combination,” he said. “They understand each other. Bakkies will always bring that something extra to rugby in the world so for us it’s a plus to have him available.”
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Despite that, de Villiers said his other two locks brought such compelling form to the table they deserved their chances off the bench.
“Both of them were outstanding in the Super 14 and it’s just reward for them to be part of the mix. I’m so blessed to have a guy like Danie to fall back on if anything happens to the back three, and he can cover lock too.
“Then again Andries had a good Super 14 and I can’t wait to let him loose on the field,” added the Boks coach.
De Villiers also explained why he was happy to break up last year’s successful midfield partnership and despatch his namesake to wing duty.
“If you look at how guys did in the Super 14 I think they (Olivier and Fourie) deserve the trust they earned and with the way we want to play I think that’s the right combination.”
But de Villiers did not want to buy into the theory that he’d gone for a “bigger is better” approach to his backline with the pint-sized but fleet-footed Aplon left on the bench.
“We’ve got a few guys in our team whose hearts are bigger than their bodies,” he said. “You can easily be fooled by physicality alone. We’ve got a holistic approach. The skill level of our team is quite high too, so we’ve struck a happy
medium with the guys we’ve got in our team.”
The coach was also pretty quick to shrug off the relevance of last year’s 3-0 sweep of the All Blacks by his men, and did so in classic de Villiers style.
“If you live in the past I don’t think you have any hope for the future,” he said. “We’ve put those things behind our back and our only concern is on what’s going to happen Saturday. We can’t live on past successes.”
SOUTH AFRICA: 15 Zane Kirchner, 14 Jean de Villiers, 13 Jaque Fourie, 12 Wynand Olivier, 11 Bryan Habana, 10 Morne Steyn, 9 Ricky Januarie; 8 Pierre Spies, 7 Francois Louw, 6 Schalk Burger, 5 Victor Matfield, 4 Bakkies Botha, 3 Jannie du Plessis, 2 John Smit (captain), 1 Gurthro Steenkamp. Reserves: 16 Chiliboy Ralepelle, 17 BJ Botha, 18 Andries Bekker, 19 Danie Rossouw, 20 Ruan Pienaar, 21 Butch James, 22 Gio Aplon.
8 Jul 2010, 04:58 am
“Spleen injury”… well, who was ever going to believe that whopper, hey?
Of course Bakkies was going to play all along.
8 Jul 2010, 04:59 am
BTW, the above is by MARC HINTON- Nice to read what the Kiwi’s
think of the team/players…
8 Jul 2010, 05:00 am
I reckon we’ll get a hiding with this side.
Surely Gio should be on the wing, Jean at inside centre and Wynand Olivier in Pretoria.
Likewise, Ricky in the Western Cape and Ruan at 9; Butch anywhere but near a Springbok jersey.
8 Jul 2010, 05:03 am
Does this mean Ruan is scrumhalf cover? Must be, with Butch covering Morne.
8 Jul 2010, 05:03 am
I agree with all you wrote above mate.
8 Jul 2010, 05:05 am
Post no 5…
8 Jul 2010, 05:07 am
Should be Frans Steyn at 15 with Zane Kirchner on the bench. How much stronger we would be. I shudder to think of Gio as our last line of defense (no disrespect to him).
8 Jul 2010, 05:09 am
@TheTackler(TheTackler)-2: Must have been the soet in his foot that put him in doubt
8 Jul 2010, 05:15 am
Danie and Andries on the bench is curious. Sounds like Div is planning to make a wholesale change in the engine-room at some point in the game. I hope not.
I have however been thinking that Danie at 6 for this game would have been a good choice. I think NZ is planning on counter-rucking big time. Schalk is a bit light to protect us in this area.
8 Jul 2010, 05:30 am
Surely this must be WO last chance,would love to see him perform as he has had some outstanding s14 but the last chance saloon beckons.
I would also have had hougaard on the bench or even starting on the wing he is a great finisher and for me was the most impressive player of the s14.
Kirsner worries me and I think the first mistake he makes he will be wipped off and replaced by Aplon.
This team has been selected to get the job done and no more which is fine by me as long as it succeeds in its agenda,can see quite a few changes for the following test should we lose.
Does anyone know who the ref is?
8 Jul 2010, 05:31 am
Oh, I see, from the article posted by ADIDAS: Danie is cover flank. For this game, a good decision. He might be needed sooner than we think.
8 Jul 2010, 05:43 am
Experience over youth . The first game of the Tri Nations – a must win so he has put the most experienced team on the field.
I can understand that – its a sold and reliable side with plenty of fire power and speed on the bench if required. The only comparativley weak areas must be 9 and 15. 15 there is a solution which PDV won’t adopt so Zane needs to put in a big effort especially on the counter attack. 9 – well. Ricky has had a couple of good tests and he does enjoy the physical games so its probably OK – Ruan can cover this too if needs be.
Probably the right horse for the right course
8 Jul 2010, 05:59 am
This is going to be a conserative game with lots of kicking, hence the height of JDV and then WO at centre.
Personally I think its madness leaving a positional player like Aplon out.
Hopefully he comes on in the second half when we need to score tries.
8 Jul 2010, 06:02 am
That bench looks very week, especially in the backs. Better hope the starting 15 do the business.
8 Jul 2010, 06:08 am
Why oh why Butch James on the bench, he is well past his best and is taking up the place of a far better player ?
8 Jul 2010, 06:12 am
If the AB’s target and successfully force injury on Morne Steyn, they will be happy to see Butch run on…I am sure they would have spotted this weakness [along with Chiliboy], on the bench…
8 Jul 2010, 06:12 am
Jean and Habana on the wings, two intercept kings.
8 Jul 2010, 06:36 am
Some heavy rain in Auckland will help the ABs, then they can target Januarie with his slower than ever release and Kirshner with up and under outside the 22 line.
The referee is the most important factor however, don’t know who he is
8 Jul 2010, 06:44 am
Not our number 1 team but if we can beat the All Blacks this weekend we will be unstoppable
8 Jul 2010, 07:18 am
It is imperative we win this Saturday. Why or why do you have to weaken us by leaving Frans out PDV? Do you believe you don’t deserve to win? I hope not.
8 Jul 2010, 07:20 am
@sglazer(sglazer)-21: Frans has got club commitments as stated by his agent
8 Jul 2010, 07:26 am
Only 12 from S14 players that did so well this year.
8 Jul 2010, 07:31 am
Sorry, make that 13.
15 Zane Kirchner
13 Jaque Fourie
12 Wynand Olivier
11 Bryan Habana
10 Morne Steyn
8 Pierre Spies
7 Francois Louw
6 Schalk Burger
5 Victor Matfield
1 Gurthro Steenkamp
18 Andries Bekker
19 Danie Rossouw
22 Gio Aplon
8 Jul 2010, 07:34 am
@Disa(Disa)-22: I find that not believable. Players have exit clauses in their contracts for international duty.
8 Jul 2010, 07:34 am
The only two weak links in this team is Januarie at scrumhalf and Chili on the bench.
I would also prefer to see Jean De Villiers at 12 with Francois Hougardt at 14.
But I think we are slowly getting to our best 22.
8 Jul 2010, 07:34 am
Personally I would have gone with:
1. Steenkamp
2. Smit
3. Kruger
4. Bakkies
5. Victor
6. Louw
7. Burger
8. Spies
9. Kockott/Ruan
10.Steyn
11.Habana
12.Jean
13.Fourie
14.Aplon
15.Steyn
8 Jul 2010, 07:35 am
@iceman(iceman)-26: It’s going to be interesting when Bismarck comes back. He must surely be on the bench ahead of Chili.
8 Jul 2010, 07:43 am
Not bad , can’t wait. Little worried about Wynand but i am sure he can cope.
8 Jul 2010, 07:53 am
This must be the LAST chance for Wynand Olivier to do something other than pass the ball into the stands in a Bok jersey.
8 Jul 2010, 07:54 am
@sglazer(sglazer)-28:
Yes! Bissie will definately take his place but I think that they will take three hookers to the World Cup next year and Chili will take Bissie’s place on the bench in the lessor games.
I just wish that they would get rid of Januarie though. The scrumhalf is the most important player on the field, he is the link between the forwards and the backs. You can have the best pack of forwards and best backline in the world but if your scrumhalf is weak then the whole team is effected.
I would love to see Hougaardt at scrumhalf for this game, however he has not played there in some time now but I do believe that he is the future after Fourie Du Preez retires.
8 Jul 2010, 07:58 am
@Andre_WP(Andre_WP)-29: Ja sal baie beter gevoel het met JdV daar, is jy al oor die S14 verloor?
8 Jul 2010, 08:06 am
last chance saloon for wynand, this is Test rugby, he better switch on! He can’t afford to miss tackles galore like he did against the French! Go wynand!
8 Jul 2010, 08:10 am
SOUR GRAPES… A bus can break down anywhere in the world my Paraguayan friend…
Paraguay captain Justo Villar has slammed the South African Soccer World Cup.
The goalkeeper, who was playing in his third World Cup, has claimed behind-the-scenes chaos disrupted his team’s campaign, and that South Africa was inadequately prepared to host the event.
Most observers believe the first African World Cup has been a logistical success overall, but not Villar, who’s Paraguay team was knocked out by Spain in the quarter-finals of the tournament.
“I think South Africa weren’t prepared to host the World Cup,” Villar told Telefuturo.
“A load of things happened. Like in the first game, against Italy, when we had to go to the hotel, the bus broke down and we had to wait 45 minutes and we had to go in taxis. FIFA only care about the stadiums and what you see on TV.”
8 Jul 2010, 08:11 am
@Transformation(Transformation)-33: egzackerly.
8 Jul 2010, 08:14 am
This sounds particularly incompetent though… just enough to keep our feet firmly in the ‘developing’ world…
Three planeloads of soccer fans headed for the World Cup semi-final between Spain and Germany were forced to turn back on Wednesday from Durban’s King Shaka International Airport, forcing the fans to miss the match.
Spain won the match 1-0, to go through to the final for the first time.
Two planes from Johannesburg and one from Cape Town were refused permission to land after the airport was swamped by arrivals, airport spokesperson Colin Naidoo told The Associated Press.
He said the problem was caused by the large numbers of supporters arriving at the airport for the (World Cup) semi-final.
Smaller aircraft were allowed to land and disembark passengers before taking off again and “parking” at the old Durban International Airport, Naidoo said.
“We did have some delays which were compounded by the fact we had air traffic congestion,” Naidoo said. “At a certain stage air traffic control decided to close arrivals to the airport.
“Some fans didn’t manage to get to the game because we had to turn those aircraft back.”
Naidoo said planes were usually allotted a landing slot and said there were not enough slots for the aircraft that arrived.
“We had lots of air traffic from the two countries that are playing,” he said.
8 Jul 2010, 08:15 am
off to buy a Spain flag and Top for Sunday…..
What a performance, Germans couldnt get the ball !
Love it…..That German cheat goalie got his just desserts, as did Luis Fabiano of Brazil and Soares of Uruguay….cheaters dont win!
8 Jul 2010, 08:16 am
GREAT SIDE. Awesome. One problem I have though is Butch. What the hell is he doing on the bench. Useless. Rather have JdJ or Hougaard. Got to feel for Danie.
8 Jul 2010, 08:18 am
@iceman(iceman)-31: Thankfully they’ve got Cowan this weekend. He is not world class.
8 Jul 2010, 08:19 am
No way holland got a chance Sunday…..1 way traffic…..go spain, go boys!
8 Jul 2010, 08:19 am
No, we are not talking about soccer on this article. There are bigger, greater things happening.
8 Jul 2010, 08:20 am
Olivier doesn’t deserve to start.
8 Jul 2010, 08:21 am
@grant10(grant10)-37: Van Bommel takes the top podium of cheats though
8 Jul 2010, 08:28 am
Mistake playing Kirchner and Olivier who are both good solid S14 players but don’t cut it at test level, especially Kirchner. Aplon should be in at fullback and PDV has really given away his gameplan with this 1-dimensional selection. Kick the leather off the ball until the ABs make mistakes at the back. It worked last year, will it be good enough this year?
8 Jul 2010, 08:30 am
And so it is. Let me start by saying that I am 100% behind the Boks. Having said that, I believe we have fallen into a very cunning trap laid by GH. Why do you think (a) he announced his team so early, and (b) picked the team he did?
Remember the Bok team that got rodgered by them in ol’Jake the Snakes tenure? Brawn baffles brains. Here we go again. This is how they like it. This is how they beat us- trench warfare. It’s not so much the personnel and their limitations as the mindset with which those big okes of ours go onto the field.
Add to that an ambient temperature at around or below 8 degrees with sniping polar winds and the Biggies swallow lead. Factor in the travel and we might as well have sent the motionless sentries guarding the Voortrekker Monument and a couple like them accross.
The name of the game to beat the AB’s, as we saw last year is pressure. Pressure on their kickers, pressure on their scrum, pressure on their lineouts, pressure on their runners, pressure on their loosies at the rucks and pressure on their captain. Take the available time to think and react away or shrink it into almost non-existence. We need to force them to play our game. With this team we won’t even be TRYING to make them play our game.
We will be playing their game from the start. We have committed to that by the team we have picked. That is what they know, that is how they like it, that is how they have engineered our downfall for decades- the physical stuff.
Yes, you have to be physical, but you need to be smart as well. So what do we do? We pick Bakkies, Schalk and Danie. FFS. Three yellow cards under these conditions. Okes that lose it. They have proven my case over and over again. Now you don’t need to be a rocket scientist to know that 15 good big okes will always beat 14, or God forbid 13, good big okes.
Remember, our game in recent years has been heavily based on a kicking game and transferring pressure that way. In these games possession is usually about 50/50. Without a chaser we are giving away a good 15 to 20 percent of our 50 % without transferring pressure, so they can counter-attack the whole day long, because we don’t have a chasing loosie- Schalk just hasn’t got the legs or the inclination anymore, and Flouw is a ruckrat, while Spies might have the legs/wheels, but he doesn’t have the heart for that type of game. And with Danie R on the bench we don’t even have a Plan B. So what are we left with- our wings to chase. Exactly what they want.
Now you have isolated your fullback at the back, without FdP to play back and cover him. Ricky J cannot play that game, and Spies is no conventional 8. Good night nurse. Let’s rather just stop right there.
All the AB’s have to do is pressurize Morne Steyn and we are well and truly F*cked. As for how to do it? Just look at how the Frogs did it on last year’s EOY tour if you have forgotten how you have been doing it all these years.
All I can say is good luck Boks, you’re gonna need it.
8 Jul 2010, 08:30 am
Bok’s are f.ckd architects of their own demise. Here comes the slide courtesy of Bakkies Botha Zane Kirchner and Wynand Olivier. End of the road boys if you too chicken to progress and want to try protect your thinly disguised weak link supremacy you going to get one fat hiding to wake you out your slumber.
Botha Olivier Kirchner James will show the way how to lose in New Zealand. If these player coaches and their puppets cannot step out their security zone they going to get thumped and here it comes first wake up call on the road
8 Jul 2010, 08:33 am
@grant10(grant10)-40: same thing brazil said
8 Jul 2010, 08:36 am
@catleya(catleya)-45: A small but important point: it’s only in the last ten years that NZ have changed the win-loss ratio in their favour, on the back of a big travel advantage in both Super Rugby and the Tri-Nations.
8 Jul 2010, 08:40 am
GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR why kirchner, Aplon should be at 15
Boks dont have FDP, Pietersen, Janjtes and Smith.
I would go with
15 Aplon
14 J de Villiers
13 Jaque Fourie
12 Wynand Olivier
11 Bryan Habana
10 Morne Steyn
9 Ricky Januarie
8 Spies
7 Louw
6 Burger
5 Matfield
4 Botha
3 Bj Botha
2 John Smit
1 Guthro Steenkamp
16 Chillyboy =[
17 Jannie Du Plessis
18 Bekker
19 Russouw
20 Pienaar
21 Butch James
22 Juan De Jongh
8 Jul 2010, 08:44 am
@grant10(grant10)-40: Hi Grant10, Spain were hugely impressive last night. As for the Boks, I can’t believe the team Pdivvy has picked. Saturday it won’t be turbo reverse, it will be Rambo Brainfreeze. And I’m calling it. We’ve been duped.
8 Jul 2010, 08:44 am
@skopskiet(yliad)-46: Don’t take this the wrong way, Skoppie, but no one takes that kind of emotional rant seriously round here. A little rational restraint goes a long way.
8 Jul 2010, 08:44 am
@iceman(iceman)-26: Spot on!
8 Jul 2010, 08:44 am
@catleya(catleya)-45: Good analysis, but a few things you have overlooked. 1stly GH has picked a loose trio out of fear for our gameplan, not to play his. Ritchie, Kaino and Read are hardly the quickest loose trio in the world – they’ve gone for brawn. Also, very harsh on Danie, not in the same disciplinary league as Bakkies and Schalk.
8 Jul 2010, 08:45 am
this backline is tailored for defense, dont see the ball going too wide and might not be as much kicking with only one chaser in Habana.
8 Jul 2010, 08:46 am
Remember this is wet NZ fields we are playing on. I like the look for the side. Some of the posts above seem to think that we are slow/dumb/out-thought…..By GH ?? Give me a break !! Who beat the AB’s 3 times last year ?? Who are 3N and WC champs ?? Smacks of prejudice that thinks PdV can’t think/plot etc. Get over it, you’re the dinasours with your heads up your ****** !! Yes, it will be typical Bulls grind-it-out stuff and then let the dogs loose in the last 1/3rd of the match. Not pretty but a 16 – 9 ugly win is MUCH prettier than a 36 – 29 loss !! This will be Union test rugby at it hardest and best – not League or even S14 stuff.
8 Jul 2010, 08:48 am
Great news that BaXXies is fit to play.
Are the ‘best team in the World’ ever to have been ranked 2nd, with ‘depth’ supposedly seeping out their ears so incredible that they cant choose 2 wingers ? JdV is a decent centre, but a winger ?! Why on Earth select the inferior-12 WO over the superior-12 JdV ?!
Otherwise an awesome looking Bok side, give or take 1 or 2 average quality players at 15 and 3. And full strength.
8 Jul 2010, 08:49 am
@Kobus Kitty(Kobus Kitty)-42: Why not? I would love 2 c JdJ start, as I belive he is the future at 12, but WO was the outstanding 12 in the S14
8 Jul 2010, 08:54 am
@Black Panther(Black Panther)-56: This is by no means a full strength Springbok team
8 Jul 2010, 08:54 am
@sglazer(sglazer)-48: Cummon , you must be brighter than that. It has been 15 years and prior to that we had isolation , and prior to that they thumped us home and away. And the travel works both ways. Get off that adrenalin crazed hobbyhorse you’re riding. Remember 95 WC final? Remember how glad we were to have beaten them with their mean team and their Lomu? Things only changed last year on the test arena, and maybe 4 years ago in S14. Feet on the ground, boys!
8 Jul 2010, 08:55 am
“holistic” – Did Snor really use the word ‘holistic’ ? Own up, who bought him the word-of-the-day toilet paper ?
8 Jul 2010, 08:56 am
@Black Pantie(Black Panies)-56: Full strength HaHa. Players missing from squad:
Bismarck Du Plessis
Ratel Brussow
Juan Smith
Fourie Du Preez
JPP
Frans Steyn
That is 6 quality players who helped destroy you last year. 5 injured, 1 idiot.
8 Jul 2010, 08:57 am
@skopskiet(yliad)-46: Wie gaan nou al jou speelgoed terug sit in jou kot? Kom….laat jy begin!
8 Jul 2010, 08:57 am
I cant believe Pdivvy is risking his coaching career by selecting meisiekind. But then again it must be for reasons other than rugby.
8 Jul 2010, 08:57 am
@catleya(catleya)-59: How longhave you been watching Springbok rugby?
8 Jul 2010, 08:59 am
i feel sorry for the pygmy
NOT
8 Jul 2010, 08:59 am
@Ratel Brussow(Morne Steyn is under-rated)-53: yea i agree. when i saw that trio i thought geez their worried. they wont play it wide as quickly as they did last year.
8 Jul 2010, 09:00 am
@sglazer(sglazer)-48: so what your saying is there was no travel disadvantage except in the last 10 years? when you guys were losing?
yet before isolation, when the head to head count was 21-18 in SA’s favour, there wasnt a travel disadvantage?
puh-lease… I think that puts the whole travel theory up there with Susie..
8 Jul 2010, 09:01 am
@catleya(catleya)-59: Before ’92:
Country Tests Win Lose Draw Avg Score
New Zealand 37 20 15 2 10 – 9
Before isolation we had the best record in the world.
8 Jul 2010, 09:01 am
@UnbeataBULL(UnbeataBULL)-57:
Like stated above, he is a good Super 14 level player but appears mentally weak because he cannot make the step up. One dimensional basher – which is very easy to handle if you have your defense in order.
Besides, what makes more sense – JdV/Jaque combo, JdJ/Jaque combo or a Olivier/Jaque combo… They tried the last against the BIL 3rd test and it failed miserably.
8 Jul 2010, 09:01 am
Anyone here gonna nail their flag?
after seeing this team im not being pessimistic im being realistic
AB by 5 or less
8 Jul 2010, 09:02 am
This is a very good side.
Given SA’s travel plans to fly out so late and amount of time in NZ to prepare the Kiwi’s still gets my nod however, by 2 to 6.
8 Jul 2010, 09:02 am
@Ratel Brussow(Morne Steyn is under-rated)-53: Believe me, I know Danie, and when pushed the darkness settles on his brain lobes like the table cloth settles on Table Mountain.
As for GH’s loosies, they will be counter rucking the entire game with Reechie trying to get his hands in there occassionally. Recall how the Blues beat the Bulls. Same game plan, mark my words, so they won’t need speed to pilfer balls at the breakdown. Our kicking game will give them plenty to run with..
8 Jul 2010, 09:04 am
@catleya(catleya)-45: @Black Panther(Black Panther)-56: “full strength” hahaha try another one mate, bissy,brussouw, fdp, juan smith, jp pietersien?
But it’s alright, we know you by now.
8 Jul 2010, 09:05 am
@catleya(catleya)-72:
We won’t be kicking it as often. Januarie is physically unable to do box kicks.
8 Jul 2010, 09:06 am
@mamma_lou(mamma_lou)-66: Spot on.
@poppa69(poppa69)-67: Are you retarded? Let me try this for the last time. Only since the 3N and Super rugby have we been disadvantaged with travel, because of your 2 countries proximity to each other. Again if the Wallabies were based in Madagascar, SA would have the advantage. We’d probably admit it though.
8 Jul 2010, 09:06 am
@poppa69(poppa69)-67: The travel discrepancy arose with Super Rugby and the Tri-Nations because NZ and Australia are geographic neighbours.
Imagine if NZ was playing SA and Namibia or Madagascar. SA would have a clear advantage.
Prior to these competitions, there were alternating home and away tours between the two countries.
8 Jul 2010, 09:08 am
Gees, a lot of you guys are starting to sound like BH with his “its not our strongest team” line…
8 Jul 2010, 09:09 am
@Kobus Kitty(Kobus Kitty)-69: Personally I would love to see JdJ Jacques, as this combo needs to get as much gametime together as possible. JdV is not the player he was 2 years ago. He will be even worse come WC11. Get Jdj ready NOW, send Meisiekind back to help the Bulls defend the CC, use JdV as JdJ’s backup and play FH on the wing. Problem solved.
8 Jul 2010, 09:10 am
@Ratel Brussow(Morne Steyn is under-rated)-75: That’s the biggest disappointment I have about NZ rugby: apart from Mils Muliaina, who is a high-minded person with integrity, and a few others, they admit it. How do they seep at night?
8 Jul 2010, 09:11 am
@Ratel Brussow(Morne Steyn is under-rated)-75: @sglazer(sglazer)-76: thats ok, cling to the travel as the reason we overtook you in the head to head, dont admit that perhaps the ABs were just a little bit better during that time…
you guys make some kiwis Susie claims seem lightweight…
8 Jul 2010, 09:11 am
@catleya(catleya)-72: it’s called “playing to our traditional strengths” we read about it all the time, apparently it was jake the snake’s invention
8 Jul 2010, 09:11 am
@poppa69(poppa69)-67: what he is trying to say is pre 3N the timd spent on tour was the same for both teams. not so anymore with boks visiting aus and nz in one go.
8 Jul 2010, 09:11 am
@Kobus Kitty(Kobus Kitty)-74: He might roll over….
8 Jul 2010, 09:12 am
@poppa69(poppa69)-77: Oh get off your high horse, injuries happen. We are in a position now to deal with them, are you? Who are your sidelined players? And I’m only asking for quality frontline All Blacks here.
P.S Hayman doesn’t want to play for you, get over it.
8 Jul 2010, 09:12 am
@Ratel Brussow(Morne Steyn is under-rated)-75: “They don’t admit it.”
8 Jul 2010, 09:15 am
Olivier head-game must be really awesome that makes PDV loose his mind to continually select him in a failed midfield combination.
8 Jul 2010, 09:15 am
@poppa69(poppa69)-80: The problem is we don’t know if they were because of the travel. This is one of the main reasons that level playing fields is a key principle in arranging competitions. If the playing fields were level and NZ won, I personally would have no problem agreeing they were the stronger team.
8 Jul 2010, 09:16 am
@poppa69(poppa69)-80: Its not the reason we fell behind you, the reason for that was clearly isolation from international rugby, you dimwit. But it is still a factor, but don’t worry we’ve nullified your advantage with talent and depth.
8 Jul 2010, 09:16 am
@sglazer(sglazer)-64: Is 50 plus years enough?
8 Jul 2010, 09:16 am
@Ratel Brussow(Morne Steyn is under-rated)-84: funny that, yet you guys didnt afford us that same point when we lost to France last year in NZ did you?
as for high horses, do you ever get off yours?
8 Jul 2010, 09:18 am
@sglazer(sglazer)-76: If NZ travelled to SA and had to knock off Namibia and Madagascar while they were there in the neighbourhood, it would really be just a walk in the park. All it might do is add one week of extra team bonding. It would then be even easier — a drive in the park?
8 Jul 2010, 09:20 am
@poppa69(poppa69)-90: What, you don’t make any sense. I’m saying bring on injuries, we’ll beat you anyway, you are using them as an excuse. Its called depth.
8 Jul 2010, 09:22 am
@Ratel Brussow(Morne Steyn is under-rated)-88: so if Isolation was CLEARLY the reason you fell behind, how can so many of you with certainty proclaim then that you would have won in 87?? after all those years in Isolation, surely by the time 87 came around you would have been found wanting then? plus you would have had to travel to NZ again to play, and we all know you guys cant play after riding business class in modern aircraft..
thanks, by trying to prove me a ****** and a dimwit, youve inadvertantly proven yourself to have those qualities…
*insert clapping smilie here*
8 Jul 2010, 09:22 am
@Ratel Brussow(Morne Steyn is under-rated)-92: Im not using injuries as an excuse at all… cant you read??
8 Jul 2010, 09:24 am
@catleya(catleya)-89: Just asking. Then how can you say, “and prior to (isolation) that they thumped us home and away”.
NZ won a series in SA for the first time in 1992.
8 Jul 2010, 09:25 am
@Ratel Brussow(Morne Steyn is under-rated)-92: he loves shifting the goalposts and morphing the debate when hes outfoxed
8 Jul 2010, 09:26 am
@sglazer(sglazer)-95: 96 it was..
8 Jul 2010, 09:27 am
@Ratel Brussow(Morne Steyn is under-rated)-68: I was refering specifically to the latter period immediately prior to isolation. See “meelbom” era.
Something else. You will see all these bloggers jump on Zane Kirchner and blame him if what I have predicted happens to materialize. Thing is, it has/will have nothing to do with Zane. We are trying to hybridize a gameplan between the Bulls and Stormers styles and the two don’t gel. There are vital gaps that are not covered.
Take Flouw. He is a bit of a focused one-trick pony as a fetcher, but his style is not like Brussow who plays the field. Flouw is an opportunist, Brussow is a creator, who like Stegmann, gets stuck in. Flouw reminds me of a ramora hanging onto a shark. That does not marry up with the Bulls game. You need a Brussow/Steggies supported by a harrier type pressurizer/defender to limit the opponents reaction time and scope.
8 Jul 2010, 09:27 am
@TheTackler(TheTackler)-91: That’s hyperbole and conjecture Tackler. Sure, Namibia and Madagascar. But insert Australia who have won two World Cups next to SA, and it illustrates the point even better.
8 Jul 2010, 09:29 am
@TheTackler(TheTackler)-91: You and Poppas are comparing apple and oranges. The semi-professional age when teams TOURED versus today’s in-and-out trips in an era where MANY more games are being played.
Google the effects on west coast baseball teams and the effect their east-bound travels to away games has. The Dodgers, The Angels The A’s.
8 Jul 2010, 09:30 am
@poppa69(poppa69)-97: Thanks, 1996. I was there. It was painful.
8 Jul 2010, 09:30 am
@mamma_lou(mamma_lou)-96: outfoxed ?? bwahahaha
my you Saffas are getting precious… funny how when your team is hit by injury, like Big Hits, it wasnt or isnt your strongest team, yet when the ABs are hit like that we’re making excuses?
double standards seem to be the norm…
8 Jul 2010, 09:31 am
@poppa69(poppa69)-93: We played our last test match against official national opposition in 84. 3 years is not 8. Also we whipped the cavaliers in 86. But who knows what would have happened. All I’m saying is pre-isolation we beat you 54% of the time and afterwards we beat you 31% of the time, thats a big difference.
“yet you guys didnt afford us that same point when we lost to France last year in NZ did you?” afford you the same point? Sounds like an excuse to me.
8 Jul 2010, 09:32 am
@sglazer(sglazer)-95: Exactly, and recall the flourbomb tour. Point is , I never said they beat us for the entire century, only since and immediately prior to isolation.
That’s it, time for work. Outta here for a while.
8 Jul 2010, 09:34 am
@catleya(catleya)-98: i just love your analysis. ‘brussow is a creator’…’flouw reminds me of a ramora hanging around a shark’
8 Jul 2010, 09:35 am
@Ratel Brussow(Morne Steyn is under-rated)-103: Do you remember the “no lifting in the lineouts” and how many tests that cost us? Now it’s the norm.
8 Jul 2010, 09:36 am
@catleya(catleya)-98: In the last 7 test “just prior to isolation” we won 4 of them.
8 Jul 2010, 09:37 am
@Ratel Brussow(Morne Steyn is under-rated)-107: vs NZ
8 Jul 2010, 09:38 am
strong team. not sure boks will win given eden park factor and all, but it’ll be close and will set up an almighty battle for next week.
8 Jul 2010, 09:38 am
@Ratel Brussow(Morne Steyn is under-rated)-103: all teams have injuries, did I proclaim the ABs lost because of that? Dont think I have in any of my replies or at the time..
thing is, I thought the injury excuse was the domain of Big Hit, yet now Im seeing it from more then one or two SA’s (and the game hasnt even been played yet “not our strongest team”)… didnt think you guys rolled that way, guess I was wrong..
8 Jul 2010, 09:39 am
@poppa69(poppa69)-102: This is a South African site. Skewed perspectives, double standards and general abuse toward supporters of other national teams is to be expected. Sadly the confrontational style has always been encouraged by Keo and his monions…..
8 Jul 2010, 09:39 am
@Transformation(Transformation)-81: Why do you think the whole of NZ is telling anyone who wants to listen about the massive Bok props and locks etc., when in fact with their Polynesians they usually give nothing away in the size stakes. It’s all for the benefit of dumbasses like you who buy their *****. It’s called mind games. At least they know if they keep us focused on the physical stuff there is a chance of a brainfart and a yellow and that is usually game, set and match at this level.
Invoice to come via a mutual accuaintance Come to think of it- this one’s on the house!
8 Jul 2010, 09:40 am
@catleya(catleya)-104: This is what you wrote:
“It has been 15 years, and prior to that we had isolation , and prior to that they thumped us home and away.”
8 Jul 2010, 09:40 am
I suppose it wouldn’t be a springbok team announcement if we didn’t have so many experts voicing their educated opinions.
Is Div totally and utterly bonkers selecting Butch James? Or that Zane guy?
8 Jul 2010, 09:40 am
I cannot fathom how Div selects 12 and 15. Plonkers of the highest order.
8 Jul 2010, 09:41 am
@poppa69(poppa69)-102: true to form. missing a third of our runon 15 of last year is now an excuse and not a fact. well we still consider ourselves favourites
8 Jul 2010, 09:41 am
@mamma_lou(mamma_lou)-116: at least i do
8 Jul 2010, 09:41 am
@munkiboi(munkiboi)-109: There’ll only be 25,000 people in the stadium. It’s under construction. I wonder if this will help us.
8 Jul 2010, 09:44 am
@sglazer(sglazer)-58:
Which players – that are available – have not been selected ?
1. if youre injured, youre unavailable (eg FdP in 2010, DC in 2009)
2. if local selection policy dictates, youre unavailable (eg F.Steyn, C.Hayman).
8 Jul 2010, 09:46 am
@RedMan(RedMan)-114: If you take that PDV is selecting Ruan as cover for 9, then who would you select in place of James at 10?
8 Jul 2010, 09:47 am
@catleya(catleya)-112:
The Saffers are big in the forwards, the kiwis are big in the backs
8 Jul 2010, 09:48 am
@mamma_lou(mamma_lou)-116: but surely with all this depth you guys have, it shouldnt even be a consideration?
8 Jul 2010, 09:50 am
@sglazer(sglazer)-118: Does anyone else feel like the NZ stadium reconstructions are taking an eternity. Was this the 3rd Super14 that we seen ongoing construction ?
8 Jul 2010, 09:50 am
@Ratel Brussow(Morne Steyn is under-rated)-61:
since when is an injured player ‘available’ ?
If you pick your best team from all players available, that = full-strength.
When you select some 1st XV available players together with some fringey 2nd-XV players (eg ABs vs BaaBaas, Boks vs Leciester C) noone recognises this as ‘full strength’.
8 Jul 2010, 09:51 am
@poppa69(poppa69)-122: didnt i say were favourites imo?
8 Jul 2010, 09:52 am
@poppa69(poppa69)-122: Exactly, with our depth its not really a problem. What we are trying to do is unsettle you by showing you the quality that is injured. You should be afraid for 2011, but you’re too thick for fear. Tell me again the quality you guys are missing due to injury?
8 Jul 2010, 09:56 am
@Transformation(Transformation)-73:
such desperation to get your excuses in early.
So tell me, did the ‘full strength Boks in 2009′ (not 1 injury throughout the year) beat an injury-ravaged AB team OR a full-strength AB team in 2009 ?
If youre injured, youre unavailable – its simple.
But we “know you by now”, always the excuses in early – travel, quotas, refs, conspiracies….blah blah.
cmon, youre better than this.
8 Jul 2010, 09:56 am
@Black Panther(Black Panther)-119: You are forgetting a very complex 3rd point ….. the effect of politics in South African rugby. The coach has a responsibility to select a representative team which in most cases is not the absolute best team. No other coach in the WORLD faces this daunting task.
8 Jul 2010, 09:56 am
@Black Panther(Black Panther)-119: You said, “full strength team”, not “full strength team of available players”.
8 Jul 2010, 09:56 am
@stormersboy(stormersboy)-120: It was said with tongue firmly in cheek.
Sorry, hard to convey tone on a forum
8 Jul 2010, 09:57 am
@Black Panther(Black Panther)-124: By focusing on the WC. Many of those 6 should be picked for RWC 2011.
You don’t have to believe we have depth. Fitzie does and I rate his opinion over you 2 brain-surgeons.
8 Jul 2010, 10:00 am
@Ratel Brussow(Morne Steyn is under-rated)-126: again with the added insult, tells me Im getting to you..
this depth, was it evident when you guys played the EOYTs? what happened to all this depth then?
and why has PDV rushed someone like James back into the squad if you have all this depth?
you have some great depth in certain positions, but you lack real depth in others too..
Ali Williams, Toeava, Hore to name a couple…
8 Jul 2010, 10:01 am
@sglazer(sglazer)-76:
Boks had a massive travel ADvantage in 2009. Please dont make me shove the facts down your throat again. Even Im bored of it.
Boks did not play ONE Test match in 2009 immediately after a long-haul flight. Not 1. Both NZ (in Bloem) and Aus (Perth) did. Fact.
8 Jul 2010, 10:01 am
@Black Panther(Black Panther)-127: @poppa69(poppa69)-122: @sglazer(sglazer)-129:
An injury crisis in SA = 15 injured frontline boks.
An injury crisis in NZ = An injury to DC or Ritchie. God forbid not both.
8 Jul 2010, 10:03 am
@sglazer(sglazer)-129:
Im now embarrassed for you.
8 Jul 2010, 10:04 am
@poppa69(poppa69)-132: At the end of the year our players are tired from all the extra traveling in the Super 14 and Tri-Nations that your players don’t do.
8 Jul 2010, 10:05 am
@Ratel Brussow(Morne Steyn is under-rated)-131:
Says Mr Zero-Integrity himself.
8 Jul 2010, 10:07 am
I still don’t know how Steggies hasn’t made it into any squad selection even. F louw has been playing for the wp for years, and only featured this year. Deon was the biggest influence to the bulls trophies the past two years and doesn’t get a chance. His oupa hasn’t got a stand named after him probably. And remember these words: Aplon is not up to it, he will maybe be a talked about passenger in the winning team, but that one crunch game when everything isn’t going roses, he is gonna cost us big time. Hopefully this happens before the wc final so that we are rid of him by then.
8 Jul 2010, 10:07 am
@poppa69(poppa69)-132:
apparently overseas players are also relevant, Poppa. I’d list the 320 overseas full-time professional Kiwis if I could be bothered but Id be far too embarrassed to even mention them.
8 Jul 2010, 10:07 am
@Black Panther(Black Panther)-135: It’s probably your own embarrassment you’re seeing reflected back at you. Or you’re trying to shame me, which isn’t working. I would rather you focus on responding to the post.
8 Jul 2010, 10:08 am
@Black Panther(Black Panther)-133: Idiot. Advantage. You must be the only person in the world who believes that. Why don’t you start a cult?
@poppa69(poppa69)-132: Toeava hardly even makes your starting 22. Ya interesting about James, shouldn’t have been picked IMO.
Anyway I’m out of here. Don’t listen to the greatest All Black captain ever – he knows ****. Keep believing we have a travel advantage. The chickens are coming home boys. I don’t know how NZ will take another WC loss, at home too. Mass suicide. If you can’t win at home, where can you win?
8 Jul 2010, 10:10 am
@Black Panther(Black Panther)-133: dude first testp against oz we got there wednesday and played saturday
8 Jul 2010, 10:14 am
@Black Panther(Black Panther)-133: The melodrama is not convincing Panther. It’s weak.
It is true NZ had a more challenging itinerary last year than this. It was close to even with the itinerary of SA. But only in the Tri-Nations, not in Super Rugby.
One has to look at the whole season to get an accurate picture of relative travel between the two countries.
Any which way one looks at it, the fact remains that SA is playing two neighboring countries in Australasia, while NZ is playing one country in Southern Africa.
8 Jul 2010, 10:14 am
@sglazer(sglazer)-136: so the bulls for example, they had their first what was it 6 or 7 games all in SA? then they played 4 games overseas was it.. then back home for the remainder..
so one trip to Aus, one trip to NZ from Aus, a trip back to Aus from NZ, and then a trip from Brissy to SA? so they travelled over all those different timezones twice?
unlike the saders players who had to do it in consecutive weeks for the finals? then they still managed to beat the NH teams, and after playing more test matches on top too..
8 Jul 2010, 10:17 am
@Ratel Brussow(Morne Steyn is under-rated)-141: the greatest AB captain ever? in your books perhaps, not mine…
Shelford or Mourie for me, personally.. (of the captains Ive been fortunate enough to see play)
WCs next year, dont get ahead of yourself..
8 Jul 2010, 10:18 am
@poppa69(poppa69)-144: No disrespect, but a piecemeal emotional analysis rarely provides an accurate picture. One has to look at the whole picture objectively.
8 Jul 2010, 10:20 am
@poppa69(poppa69)-144: whos fault is it that they finished 4th?
8 Jul 2010, 10:21 am
I gotta get some sleep. Night all. Thanks for the conversation.
8 Jul 2010, 10:22 am
@Ratel Brussow(Morne Steyn is under-rated)-134:
By the end of TriN 2009, in 1 position alone – lock – the ABs were down to their 6th/7th choice vs Springboks last year – why else were they forced to play I.Ross as a debutant and keep selecting him despite clear deficiencies ? (yes, I know you agree). Players unavailable thru injury = A.Williams, Boric, Eaton, B.Evans. Others overseas (eg C.Jack).
If youre available, then its full-strength. Certainly the ABs were in 2009 and still suffered a clean-sweep by the full-strength Boks.
Stop hiding behind excuses. Youre beginning to sound like Big Hit.
8 Jul 2010, 10:22 am
@mamma_lou(mamma_lou)-147: their own, that and the obvious collusion by two Saffa teams..
@sglazer(sglazer)-146: well tell me, did the Saders do more travel then the Bulls this year or not? simple question?
8 Jul 2010, 10:23 am
im out
8 Jul 2010, 10:23 am
boks by 20 … this NZ team lookes like a maori team … not a good team at all!!
8 Jul 2010, 10:24 am
Im outta here too…
8 Jul 2010, 10:32 am
#138 How did you come up with that majestic prophecy? While at it, why don’t you tell me the powerball numbers.
You are truly one of a kind bro, Aplon played against most if not all of these players during the S14 and not once was he exposed, not once…
8 Jul 2010, 10:33 am
@NOTHING GUY(NOTHING GUY)-128:
I feel for you guys….
Tell me, when the Boks drew Fiji at RWC’09, did you recognise that the opposition often select their national team and players on whether theyre methodist or catholic ? Have you ever seen an Indian-Fijian play for Fiji ? Indian-Fijians are approx 40-50% of the total population. Of course they are ruled by a military regime as the result of a coup. Their 3rd or 4th.
And you think SA has problems. Or, should I say, the ‘only’ problems.
Stop feeling sorry for yourself. Even without tapping in to the vast untapped-resources of the under-privileged rugby hinterland, SA still has 5 senior players for every 1 Kiwi.
8 Jul 2010, 10:39 am
There’s just something that does not look right about this back line.
Oh yes……….it’s WO in place of JdV at centre. There go our chances of starting off this 3Nations with a victory.
Stupid decision PdV…stupid.
8 Jul 2010, 10:41 am
Wow. Seeing that Bok team in black and white looks rather ominous, for the opposition that is.
That is a very very strong Bok team, right thru to the bench.
Will take a special team to beat this Bok team. RP is a super sub, the best in the world. IF WO fails then they can shift JDV to 12 and either put WO on the wing or bring on Aplon, so many options, so much quality and depth in the Boks.
8 Jul 2010, 10:44 am
WO the best there is, the best there was and the best there will ever be …
8 Jul 2010, 10:46 am
@Disa(Disa)-32: Ja wat , dis nou verby. Eintlik gehoop die coach gaan hou met sy wen kombinasie van JDV en JF as senter paar. Dink as dit nie werk nie sal die coach trug val op daai kombinasie.
8 Jul 2010, 10:46 am
I like the look of this team, very good backline and pack just hope Ricky improves his delivery.
8 Jul 2010, 10:47 am
@nama1(nama1)-156: I also think that WO cannot cut the mustard at international level, but I think that this neds to be proven one way or another by giving him an extended run at 12. Fact is, he’s done well there this year, and JDV was overseas where he didn’t exactly light up the field.
So, as much as I’m a JDV fan, i’m prepared to give WO a go at 12 for a few games, and see if it works. This really is make or break for him though…
8 Jul 2010, 10:47 am
@quotas_sux(quota_conrad_jantjies_is_jorrie_muller)-158: Wynand is a legend
8 Jul 2010, 10:49 am
Both Pierre Spies and Jaque Fourie hailed the Springbok coaching team, and said that de Villiers was always good for a chat and a laugh.
“The way they manage us is really unbelievable and I think it brings out the best in the players, the environment we are in,” Spies said.
“So we enjoy every moment of playing for South Africa and being with the Boks.”
Fourie added that de Villiers made the players feel comfortable and enjoyed the conversations he had with the coach.
“He’s a people’s kind of person,” Fourie said, “He likes to make jokes in a team environment.”
“You don’t feel uncomfortable around him. He makes you feel comfortable. He’s a great coach and a great person.”
8 Jul 2010, 10:56 am
stormersboy #161 – Yes i agree. WO has to be pushed into the thick of test rugby now, he needs to step up. The Boks need another quality 12, it is time WO breaks his hoodoo of not performing at test level.
The only change i would have made is possibly F Steyn for Butch.
8 Jul 2010, 11:00 am
@Plegend007(Plegend007)-154:
I hate to burst your bubble, but Aplon was ruthlessly exposed against the Western Force and quite a few other times. It was hit or miss with him. I would not choose him for the big physical tests, especially with carter sure to test them thoroughly. The other problem is that our coaching team cannot get the the team to function on attack, thus the question begs to be asked, will we get the most out of Aplon’s attacking ability? Will we get enough out of him on attack to make up for his shortcomings? Or will we be blunt in attack, like we always have been under de Villiers, and just have a weak spot? take a good look at last year and year before that and you’ll have your answer. also, we had four consecutive tests without a linebreak last year, the worst attacking run in Bok history.
8 Jul 2010, 11:02 am
@race of tan(race of tan)-164:
Frans is the premier test 12, he needs to start there. But of course, de Villiers believes more in two 13s (Adi and de Jongh) than a genuine 12. I guess if Frans started playing 13 Div would play him at 12, since he doesn’t like playing players in specialist positions :s
What a chop.
8 Jul 2010, 11:04 am
@Remember when Teichman was dropped before ‘99 RWC?(Paper Tiger with Nuclear Teeth)-34: Those grapes must be very sour indeed. Clearly he didn’t make a visit to Stellenbosch or Franschoek…the grapes there are very sweet! So a bus breaking down for 45mins is indicative of incompetently hosting a World Cup? SA has had 3 millions visitors over the last 4 weeks. I wonder how many countries would be able to cope with that and suddenly we’re getting slammed because half of the world’s celebrities and so-called Arabian dignitries decided to descend upon Durban in private planes and helicopters. Do you know what a headache unchartered flights cause for air traffic controllers? Go blame these selfish idiots who are too damn stuck up to catch a normal flight in first class. Jeez I think SA has done magnificiently well with the WC.
I hear people were absolutely loving it down the beachfront and the fan parks in Durban yesterday. God I wish I could’ve been there. Many fans who’s teams are long gone extended they’re stay because they’ve enjoyed it so much. This Paraguay captain sounds like a baby. To blame their mediocre performances on a bus breaking down and having to get a taxi to the hotel shows just how sh.it and arrogant they are as a team. They got outplayed by an excellent Spanish side which even Germany had no answers for. So this little doos decides to lash out at SA because its an easy target. I doubt Paraguay has particularly good infrastructure. Well if that’s the attitude of these prima donna soccer pussys then they deserve to be on the plane home. Ghana were robbed of their semi-final place…do you hear them complaining?
It is interesting to note that the British press have hardly covered the WC since England got booted out. You see nothing of what’s going on everyday, what its like to be at the fanparks and beaches and the atmosphere in cities. I reckon its because they’re jealous and too scared to show it in case it would show up the UK. They know they wouldn’t be able to host a world cup in a such a fun and exciting way with good-natured locals who prefer to dance and blow vuvuzelas instead of drinking to excess and looking for a fight. You’d never see english fans getting behind other countries like South Africans have. Its just a big party atmosphere but in England it would be a fight fest. I think they know that they have no chance of getting the 2018 WC when they have to compete with the backdrops of mountains and beaches and local fans who aren’t interested in fisticuffs every 5 mins.
Brazil will get the same hypocritical treatment in 2014 and it will end up being an equally big success. We’ll hear the same crime stories and concerns over safety, infrastructure and so on but then suddenly everyone will be really surprised when its going well and the local fans are making the foreigners welcome.
8 Jul 2010, 11:05 am
@Alucard(Alucard)-165:
Hey Alucard!!
We’re still awaiting your analysis of de Villiers:
158. Alucard(Alucard)Reply to this comment :
July 7th, 2010 at 2:52 pm
@dr dre(dr dre)-151:
Also, de Villiers has done little right, it’s the quality of the spine of the team that is carrying the Boks. I’ve done a full scale analysis of de Villiers tenure and can credit him directly with very little. These are the facts. There’s a reason why nobody in the world rates de Villiers as a coach, if you can’t gain the respect of your peers then something is very wrong. They aren’t stupid. In terms of player management, squad development, tactics, and professionalism… he scores very low.
8 Jul 2010, 11:05 am
Something to read, or don’t read.
The Huffington Post
Shari Cohen
International development worker in the public health sector
Posted: June 15, 2010 11:35 AM South Africa Rolls Out the Ubuntu in Abundance
I went on a rant the other day regarding the cost of the 2010 World Cup versus all the critical needs South Africa is facing and whether or not the most vulnerable of this country would gain anything from having the World Cup hosted
in their country. At that time, I also had some very positive things to say about our hosts for the 2010 World Cup and I wanted to share that side of the coin as
well, because it is equally important.
To say that I have been blown away at the hospitality South Africa has shown the rest of the world would be an understatement. I think back on recent Olympics
and struggle to remember much reporting in the USA of athletes from other countries. I remember when a Togolese guy won a bronze medal in kayaking and NBC reported it and I thought to myself, “where are all the other fascinating
stories like this one…like the Jamaican bobsledding team.” In today’s America, sadly, we have drifted so far towards being so US-centric that we only seem to root for the Americans.
Not so here in South Africa. I’ve been here since early May and each week I have become more and more impressed with the global embrace that South Africans have offered up to the world. On the way to the airport a couple of weeks ago, I heard a radio program that said each day they would focus on one country that would be coming to South Africa for the World Cup, and they would explore not only that sport’s history in soccer, but also their politics, religion, and sociocultural practices. On the television, I’ve seen numerous programs that focus on a particular country and it’s history of soccer and how the history of that country is intertwined with their soccer history. I’ve seen programs on India, exploring why India enjoys soccer but hasn’t really excelled at the global level… yet. And I’ve
seen shows on soccer in Muslim countries. Maybe it’s planned, maybe it’s unplanned, maybe it’s by chance, but it is happening. It’s not just about South Africans showing off their varied and multifaceted culture to their global guests, it’s also about using this opportunity to educate South Africa on the rest of Planet Earth’s inhabitants.
As I moved through my work here in the provinces over the last six weeks, I had a pivotal meeting with the Board members of a rural NGO. They were explaining their guiding program philosophy of Ubuntu. No, not the Linux program. I’m
talking about the traditional African philosophy of Ubuntu that essentially says, “No man is an island.”
I found a better explanation from Wikipedia:
Archbishop Desmond Tutu further explained Ubuntu in 2008:
One of the sayings in our country is Ubuntu – the essence of being human. Ubuntu speaks particularly about the fact that you can’t exist as a human being in isolation. It speaks about our interconnectedness. You can’t be human all by yourself, and when you have this quality — Ubuntu — you are known for your generosity.
We think of ourselves far too frequently as just individuals, separated from one another, whereas you are connected and what you do affects the whole world.
When you do well, it spreads out; it is for the whole of humanity.
To me, Ubuntu is the acceptance of others as parts of the sum total of each of us. And that is exactly what I have experienced during the lead up to, and the initial days of this World Cup. There is nary a South African citizen that I’ve met on the street, or in shops or restaurants or hotels, that hasn’t gone out of their way to
greet me and make me feel like I am home. And I don’t mean that in the trivial, “Oh, aren’t they nice, homey people here… ” sort of way. I mean real, genuine interest and questions. People seriously want to know where I come from. What it’s like where I live. How does it compare to where I am now. What do I think of South Africa. Oh yes, and what do I think of Bafana Bafana… The questions and
conversations are in earnest. They are honest. And they are had with enthusiasm and a thirst to know more. South Africans are drinking deeply from the cup of
humanity that has been brought to their doorstep. I would never imagine that an American World Cup or Olympics would ever be this welcoming to the rest of the
world. And that saddens me for the state of my home country, but it also makes me feel the pride of the South African people.
I have been truly humbled on this trip. And while I have my gripes regarding development here, I cannot say one negative thing about how South Africa has
handled its duties as host and hostess to the world. If I could say one thing to sum up being here during this once-in-a-lifetime experience, it would be that I’ve
learned the value of Ubuntu, and that when found and offered in abundance, the world is indeed a better place to live in.
So, if South Africa accomplishes nothing more on the playing field, it will still have won as a host country. I am a cynic, no doubt about that. And yet I have to admit, I’m a little teary just writing this because I leave for home next weekend and I will be leaving a little piece of myself here in South Africa. I just hope I have learned enough to bring back a little piece of Ubuntu to my homeland, where perhaps with a little caring and a little water, it will take root as naturally as it does here,
in the cradle of civilization. It’s funny, many people in America still ask me, “are the people in Africa very primitive?” Yes, I know, amazing someone could ask that
but they do. And when they do, I usually explain that living in a mud hut does not make one primitive, however, allowing kids to sell drugs to other kids and engage
in drive-by killings — isn’t that primitive behavior? I think it is. When I think of Ubuntu and my recent experiences here, I think America has much to learn from
Africa in general, in terms of living as a larger village; and as human beings who are all interconnected with each other, each of us having an affect on our brothers and sisters.
As the 2010 Cup slogan goes, “Feel it. It is here.” Well, I have felt it, because I am here. Thank you South Africa, for giving me this unexpected gift. I am humbled.
8 Jul 2010, 11:08 am
@stormersboy(stormersboy)-161: This is the first time since the RWC Olivier has been given a starting berth in a full strength Bok team isn’t it? Well this is his make or break chance. The thing that drives me mad is that he has all the capabilities to excel at 12. He has shown it time and time again in the S14 but its his mental state that lets him down as a player. I’m concerned with the midfield as Olivier and Fourie never gelled against the B&I Lions and I wonder if they will be any better against the ABs.
8 Jul 2010, 11:08 am
@JR – The Real Make The Circle Bigger(JayDaFiveOh)-167:
Bang on, although I will say this… Brazil IS a far more dangerous country than SA. some of the police are armed with tanks!! Anyone going there, be very careful. There are far more violent countries than SA, and brazil is one of them.
8 Jul 2010, 11:10 am
@Alucard(Alucard)-166:
The last time Frans played inside centre was in 2007 against Wales.
How does that make him the ‘premier inside centre’
8 Jul 2010, 11:12 am
@Alucard(Alucard)-171:
Altho, Ive yet to meet an arrogant Brazilian.
8 Jul 2010, 11:14 am
@wpw(wpw)-172:
Put it this way, that was the LAST time the Boks were good on attack. It was the most dynamic and inventive centre pairing of the modern era for the Boks. Added to that I have been watching him in France, and he has been, to date, the best 12. No other SA can match him in any way. He is the most complete 12 on the planet. And that wasn’t the last time he played 12, he shifted there during 2008… one of the rare moments when de Villiers did something right.
8 Jul 2010, 11:18 am
PDV gaan k@k as on die een verloor … thats no lie
8 Jul 2010, 11:20 am
@Alucard(Alucard)-174:
You’re talking shite!!
He played one test at centre in 2008 and it wasnt even at inside centre.
He played 13 against the Aussies in Perth and we lost the game 9-16. So much for that being ‘the last time the Boks were good on attack’
I’d like you to give me examples of where he created tries for his outside backs while playing at 12 for the Boks!!
I can give you quite a few examples of how Adi Jacobs produced tries for his outside backs in 2008.
I doubt you can give me one example where Frans created an opportunity for one of his outside backs.
You’re all opinion mate and NO FACTS!!
So much for your analysis!!
8 Jul 2010, 11:21 am
@Alucard(Alucard)-171: Armed with tanks? Oh come on man that is an exaggeration. I am going to Brazil next year for a month. I would say its as dangerous as SA. The favelas are no-go areas unless you are with someone who knows the place. I know quite a few people who went to Brazil and they loved it. Funnily enough they complained it was on the expensive side. And the women are gorgeous. The golden rule in countries like SA and Brazil is know where you’re going, don’t go wandering aimlessly.
8 Jul 2010, 11:22 am
@Black Panther(Black Panther)-155: Not the same thing …. again. Fiji has bigger problems anyway …. player drain to the south ! And btw, why don’t you guys recruit the top Indian Fijians if they are so good? Selecting only persons of one color or religion is a clear distinction …. totally wrong, but at least clearly defined. South African politics ensure a fine line is needed. The coach knows he has to select x number of players of color in either the starting XV or the match 22. All players of color must at some stage or other be wondering if they made the team on merit or not. Of Saturday’s 22 few can argue that Ricky and Chili aren’t in this category. There is an opposite effect for the white players who must think to themselves “I must be really good to still be selected in spite of quota requirements”. One would think that these 2 effects offset each other, but I don’t think that is the case in a team environment.
8 Jul 2010, 11:32 am
@stormersboy(stormersboy)-161:
As I said on one of the threads yesterday……..although I’m against his inclusion in the team for Saturday, I’ll back him to do well for the sake of the Boks.
I just hope that people will afford the likes of JdJ, Aplon, Kirchner the same amount of opportunities (30 tests after Saturday) to find their feet at test level if indeed they struggle to do so at first. Somehow I doubt that if one looks at the bile being thrown at Kirchner after only 7 tests.
8 Jul 2010, 11:32 am
A good side all in all.
I would look to sub Bekker on for Matfield at 50 mins and try and do the same for John Smit too, he’s in no condition to play 80 mins against New Zealand in my opinion.
Understand the reasoning for leaving Aplon on the bench if the fields are going to be wet and heavy.
Here’s hoping Olivier, Kirchner and Jannie step up to the plate…
8 Jul 2010, 11:33 am
@Kea-Cat(KEA)-169: i gt a bit teary eyed reading tht
thanks for sharing
i’m going to miss the world cup
it truly was a once in a lifetime opportunity
8 Jul 2010, 11:35 am
Oh forgot to add I’m not entirely comfortable with the centre pairing of Olivier and Fourie on defense. Big boys but neither have the intellectual capacity to be great defenders.
8 Jul 2010, 11:37 am
@JR – The Real Make The Circle Bigger(JayDaFiveOh)-167: SA Is the place to be
I LOVE IT
8 Jul 2010, 11:37 am
@wpw(wpw)-176:
Adi produced nothing for his outside backs. Du Preez and Van Niekerk did though, but other then that, our backs so nothing. In fact, our attacks in 08 centred exclusively on Jean’s breaks, which Adi fed off of, because he created nothing. whereas Frans always created something from 12. I have all those games on tap still, so when referring to them, please don’t attempt to embellish.
And your emotional outburst has left you straying from what I actually said. In case you forgot, 12 comes after 13, not the other way around. I stated that Frans is the permier 12 not 13. If your 12 is outside your 13 setting up your outside backs then something is very wrong, kudos to you and your rugby knowledge. I know it sucks getting caught with your pants down, but there’s an opportunity for you to learn from this.
8 Jul 2010, 11:37 am
wynand olivier…the worst 12 in international rugby!what a joke!
8 Jul 2010, 11:38 am
Kirchner might need 100 tets .. he’s k@k
8 Jul 2010, 11:39 am
@quotas_sux(quota_conrad_jantjies_is_jorrie_muller)-175:
Hy sou gekak het al het ons gewen.
Wat sou hy tog nou met die oorwinning te doen gehad het? Dit sou mos a.g.v. VM, JS en FdP (via die internet of iets) gewees het dat ons gewen het, dan nie?
O ja, in die vervolg los jy my ma uit ons gesprekke uit, vokken doos.
8 Jul 2010, 11:41 am
how many tests more need this international quota wynand ‘can’t score ‘olivier to prove himself at test level.ffs 30 is more than enough imo!
8 Jul 2010, 11:43 am
@quotas_sux(quota_conrad_jantjies_is_jorrie_muller)-186: you are a kuk blogger!go piss off you fkkin doos!
8 Jul 2010, 11:43 am
@JR – The Real Make The Circle Bigger(JayDaFiveOh)-177:
That is factual, it atually happens. They make blockades to hault bursts of violence. It is literally a very dangerous place. Outside of its two rich centres, poverty is everywhere, it’s bad. Look it up. I’ve seen with my own eyes.
8 Jul 2010, 11:43 am
nama b@llas f0k jou ek het nie eenkeer met jou gepraat nie jou nar
8 Jul 2010, 11:44 am
scorpion, los die papsak en Die Son … jou vuilgat maniere wys
8 Jul 2010, 11:45 am
zane, january, chilli almal kwotas!! … nou kla die f0kken goed oor WO
8 Jul 2010, 11:47 am
@scorpion(capestormer)-185:
Worst international 12 would be Adi. Remember France? Never made one succesful tackle… like the first Lions test, and was like a mosquito splatting on a widnscreen on attack. He got dumped everytime and had the ball ripped off him. LMAO. Olivier is solid, if unspectacular, but given the alternatives, he is worse only to Frans and possibly Jean (who has been in dreadful form for over almost a year now).
8 Jul 2010, 11:52 am
@quotas_sux(quota_conrad_jantjies_is_jorrie_muller)-191:
Die enigste vokken nar hier is jy. Jy wys elke dag uit watter “goeie huis” uit jy kom.
Saadsokkie
8 Jul 2010, 11:53 am
@JR – The Real Make The Circle Bigger(JayDaFiveOh)-170: Yes, they don;t seem to gel all that well, certainly not as well as JDV or JDJ has worked with Jaques.
But i guess he must be given his chance.
8 Jul 2010, 11:55 am
@stormersboy(stormersboy)-196:
That’s not much of a centre pairing. de Jongh holds steady whilst Fourie has to exclusively come up with something, what a waste. with a good 12 inside him you’d actually see a succesful parternship, rather than a passive 12 with a great 13 being wasted.
8 Jul 2010, 11:58 am
#193
Wie is die ****** goed na wie jy verwys.
etter
8 Jul 2010, 12:01 pm
@Alucard(Alucard)-194: that is your opinion.don’t come here with your white agenda and force your opinions on others… do you understand you bloody agent!wynand was the worst player in a team that clobbered the french with a record score but you would not see it because you get a hard-on when watching meisiekind!
8 Jul 2010, 12:03 pm
@Alucard(Alucard)-194: at least adi knows how to cross the try-line unlike your *** lover meisiekind!
8 Jul 2010, 12:05 pm
Adi gets my vote for the worst Bok centre since 2006
8 Jul 2010, 12:06 pm
@Alucard(Alucard)-197: Who isn’t a good centre pairing? Who would you consider a good centre pairing?
8 Jul 2010, 12:07 pm
@scorpion(capestormer)-199:
White? My surname, Mendez, sure sounds like a white name. But, please, go ahead exposing your racism. That’s the typical mentality here in SA, hear what you don’t like, and if starts to hit home, pull the race card out. What a chop.
8 Jul 2010, 12:10 pm
LOL some real class being displayed here!!!!
8 Jul 2010, 12:11 pm
@quotas_sux(quota_conrad_jantjies_is_jorrie_muller)-201:
His the worst in Bok history.
8 Jul 2010, 12:17 pm
@Alucard(Alucard)-205:
Where does that leave Ricky and Chili?
8 Jul 2010, 12:19 pm
@quotas_sux(quota_conrad_jantjies_is_jorrie_muller)-201:
@Alucard(Alucard)-205:
And its all because Div rates him for the Falcon days, when he partnered E Botha
8 Jul 2010, 12:19 pm
@Alucard(Alucard)-203: You obviously don’t know the rules:
If you are white: You may criticise white players or coaches only. You may not criticise any player or coach of colour as you are then clearly a racist, long for the past and are a counter-revolutionary
If you are not white: You may ciritcise any player or coach of any race, and may freely make any remarks you wish. Anyone questioning this is obvioulsy a racist, longs for the past or is a counter revoilutionary.
Capiche?
8 Jul 2010, 12:19 pm
@Alucard(Alucard)-203: go f off you bonehead!who the f ok cares what’s your surname.
8 Jul 2010, 12:20 pm
@nama1(nama1)-206: I reckon Ricky’s gonna rattle Danny boy big time again! He’s my first choice for this particular game
8 Jul 2010, 12:21 pm
@Alucard(Alucard)-205: your g ay lover meisiekind is the worst in bok history!get with the program you doos!
8 Jul 2010, 12:24 pm
@nama1(nama1)-206:
They both actually offer something. chili actually had potential before his injuries, and Januarie is just a lazy pot belly on pegs.
8 Jul 2010, 12:26 pm
@Alucard(Alucard)-205: if you wipe that’saad’ filled eyes clear you might see that meisiekind is the kukkest international 12!
8 Jul 2010, 12:29 pm
@scorpion(capestormer)-213:
Am I getting to you? LOL. Glad one of us could take this seriously, after all I’m just killing time. A for your take on Olivier. You’ll find worse in practically every team under the top 10. There are a hundred countries with worse 12s. In the top 10? Not many better than Olivier. LOL.
8 Jul 2010, 12:36 pm
@quotas_sux(quota_conrad_jantjies_is_jorrie_muller)-201:
Adi scored 6 tries for the Boks since 2006
Wynand scored 1 since 2006.
Nou hou jou bek!!
8 Jul 2010, 12:36 pm
@grant10(grant10)-37: Red is so much easier to wear than orange!!
What time is the Bok match on Saturday btw? (S.A time)
8 Jul 2010, 12:38 pm
wpw … shadow scored more tries in the super 14 than habana … so lets pick shadow for teh boks and leave habana in SA … stupid argument … its not about scoring tries onnosel
8 Jul 2010, 12:39 pm
@wpw(wpw)-215: lol
8 Jul 2010, 12:39 pm
@Alucard(Alucard)-184:
You said Frans played at 12 in 2008. He did not!! I pointed out that he only started one test at centre that year and it was at 13.
IDIOT!!
8 Jul 2010, 12:40 pm
@wpw(wpw)-215:
Had had many tests where he never made a succesful tackle, and never created anything. The ONLY test where Adi did play well was in the second half of the loss to AUS in 08 where he scored 2 tries, that’s it. Other then that he made nothing, all the work being done by Jean’s breaks, putting Adi away with nobody in front of him.
8 Jul 2010, 12:41 pm
@quotas_sux(quota_conrad_jantjies_is_jorrie_muller)-217: scoring one try in nearly five years and that for a number 12 is a blooming disgrace you clueless prick!
8 Jul 2010, 12:44 pm
@Alucard(Alucard)-220: being considerd the worst player in the mauling of the french says it all but as he is the worst 12 in international rugby that was no surprise i guess!
8 Jul 2010, 12:45 pm
@Atreides(Atreides)-210:
Agree. I think he’ll come to the party, big time. The AB’s has gone on record in saying that they will put MS under pressure. That means Ricky will have to take more responsibility on himself.
Serious question. If one are to look for potential weaknesses in the Bok side that the AB’s will try to exploit on Saturday, what/where would those weaknesses be?
8 Jul 2010, 12:48 pm
Kiwis must be up for this one…
2 weak links – Kirchner & Ricky.
Watch the kiwis play the high ball in the first half… its the obvious thing to do.
Bets on neither will be on the field when the game finishes.
Kirchner gone early in second half… hopefully for good!
& if Ricky has a bad one… hopefully he gets the second bullet.
Best thing for Boks… get rid of Ricky & Kirchner for good.
8 Jul 2010, 12:48 pm
Die boertjies doen goed in sport … Holland & Bulle … miskien moet daar meer in die Bafana span wees
8 Jul 2010, 12:50 pm
@quotas_sux(quota_conrad_jantjies_is_jorrie_muller)-217:
You’re an idiot.
I replied to your comment where you said Adi is the worst Bok centre since 2006.
Waar val jy uit met Shadow??
Is Shadow a Springbok??
One good S14 season a Springbok does not make!!
8 Jul 2010, 12:53 pm
More New Zealand WC comedy. It seems that Auckland is incapable of organising a party venue for the World Cup.
The NZRU, Sneden and the Auckland Council must have got together for a meeting that must have been a gathering of the largest amount of incompetent idiots in New Zealand history.
8 Jul 2010, 12:54 pm
Another thing… of course the kiwis are confident of working Morne’s case.
With punch-drunk Ricky there, with his slow looping farkin’ bok-drol passes… Morne is in serious danger.
Ricky is a complete liability…
8 Jul 2010, 12:54 pm
@Alucard(Alucard)-220:
And yet Adi was nominated as SA Player of the Year!!!
Jy praat twak!!
8 Jul 2010, 12:54 pm
Adi also had only one good season & PDV picked him .. that and probably because Adi had the PDV s3x tape (PDV & the EL hooker)..
8 Jul 2010, 12:54 pm
@quotas_sux(quota_conrad_jantjies_is_jorrie_muller)-225: jy sal maar altyd n doos bly soos dit vir my lyk…kuk praat is jou naam!
8 Jul 2010, 12:56 pm
@Atreides(Atreides)-204: Always lol!
8 Jul 2010, 12:57 pm
@wpw(wpw)-229:
Yes, because SA elevates quotas. chili is also lauded as the next Bok captain by everyone, but it doesn’t make it anything more than hot air, kissing politician backsides.
8 Jul 2010, 13:07 pm
@Alucard(Alucard)-233:
So The Beast (who was also selected as one of the Players of the Year) was selected because of his colour?? In 2008??
Aah yes, always the POC’s!!
8 Jul 2010, 13:10 pm
@Alucard(Alucard)-233: i agree with you…sa elevated the biggest quota wynand olivier not once but 30 times!
8 Jul 2010, 13:11 pm
not our best team from the players available. we won’t win this one, unless the kiwi’s decide to run at us from everywhere.
zane is not good enough and we are missing f du preez and jp peterson )he tackles like a demon posessed.
8 Jul 2010, 13:12 pm
The Eye Gougers are at the gate.
And had a crowd of 2000 to watch them practice in Takapuna today. (which means some of the Eye Gougers are living inside the gate, already!)
It can only end in tears.
8 Jul 2010, 13:16 pm
@quotas_sux(quota_conrad_jantjies_is_jorrie_muller)-225:
Die Hollanders is nie Boertjies nie.
8 Jul 2010, 13:18 pm
@quotas_sux(quota_conrad_jantjies_is_jorrie_muller)-230:
I also think that Qantas suck
8 Jul 2010, 13:18 pm
@logie_Jumpbuck(logie_Jumpbuck)-236:
Missing from lasts years win in Hamilton:-
Franz Steyn,
Beastie Boy,
Juan,
Your #6 (forgotten his name.)
Bismark,
FdP,
JP Peterson.
Smit playing in diffent position.
Maybe another couple as well of changes as well?
8 Jul 2010, 13:22 pm
@chch(chch)-227:
Such is the Democratic process.
They’ll work it out.
8)
8 Jul 2010, 13:22 pm
@scorpion(capestormer)-235: Jaysus is it school holidays already ?? Your post exposes you for the prat you are.
8 Jul 2010, 13:23 pm
Bakkies in on rep only, where is the game time for a tense test match?
8 Jul 2010, 13:24 pm
@wpw(wpw)-229: Nominated yes, but did he win ?
8 Jul 2010, 13:24 pm
@jocuba(jocuba)-228: Ja I’m happy with the run on side except for that liability, he better step up and f kn pass the ball quickly otherwise he will loose us the game.
8 Jul 2010, 13:26 pm
@quotas_sux(quota_conrad_jantjies_is_jorrie_muller)-230: he he… was that hooker called chilli by any chance?
8 Jul 2010, 13:28 pm
@chch(chch)-227: If there were incompetent maybe they were ex pat Saffas LOL
8 Jul 2010, 13:30 pm
Why do guys think Chilli and Hargreaves are in the squad? Any coincidence that they were both SA Schools’ Captains and both play the same positions and Smit and Victor?
Methinks Snor is trying to continue the legacy, unfortunately the character of men is not just about numbers on their backs
8 Jul 2010, 13:31 pm
@goyougoodthing2(goyougoodthing2)-243:
You’re the first one to speak on that. Also keep in mind that he was doubtful because of an injury until yesterday. Probably why Bekker AND Danie are on the bench.
8 Jul 2010, 13:38 pm
It’s time to make peace with Ricky, let’s all rather pray the little pieman delivers good ball.
8 Jul 2010, 13:42 pm
Has Kirshner ever played against the All Blacks? Did he have a run last year or was that just against the Lions? Dont rate him at this level, Aplon deserves a chance.
I cant wait for the match, it will be an epic, i can sense an All Black victory, there is not point debating who will win this one, the teams will do there talking on the pitch!
Go BLACK!
8 Jul 2010, 13:43 pm
@nama1(nama1)-249:
The SA Lock, that has the best form in NZ, IMHO, is Danie Rossouw.
For the “his Bull are” or the Boks.
I don’t know why……………….maybe he sleeps on planes better.
He just is.
He is enthusiastic, athletic, competent and nuggety.
I’m glad he is on the bench. And I hope he stays there for 80 minutes as well.
8 Jul 2010, 13:50 pm
@Panzer Chief(cane)-240: my point being the boks quality regressed since last year and the kiwi’s got better.
there can only be one winner this weekend.
8 Jul 2010, 13:55 pm
@logie_Jumpbuck(logie_Jumpbuck)-253: unless its a draw, then theres no winner
8 Jul 2010, 13:58 pm
@NZMaori(NZMaori)-251:
No he aint yet, i dont belive, worst thing is our choach has left Frans Steyn out due to not being up to southern hemisphere standard
8 Jul 2010, 14:01 pm
Bakkies is the best lock in New Zeeland
8 Jul 2010, 14:13 pm
@Panzer Chief(cane)-252:
You’re right. He’s a real workhorse. Unlike Matfield and Bakkies, who sometimes loaf around, he put in the hard yards for the full 80 minutes. Good man to have in your team.
I think he will be cover for the loosies on Saturday. Probably Burger to come off after 55-60 minutes, I think.
8 Jul 2010, 14:30 pm
@nama1(nama1)-257: You mean 55-60 points… lol
8 Jul 2010, 14:55 pm
@nama1(nama1)-223: I’m frankly a bit worried about Kirchner, he’s never been at his best at test level…F Steyn hurt the AB’s badly last year, and i think they will pick on Kirchner. Hope he proves me wrong! I’m not too worried about WO defensively, but on attack he won’t have the same impact as JDV when linking with Jacque
Other than that it’s a good side…one other question might be Bakkies, would have started with Danie and rough tBakkies on later myself
You?
8 Jul 2010, 15:00 pm
@Gonzo Journalism(Gonzo Journalism)-255: he left out Frans because the coach can’t let egos into the team, pity though, Zane is fairly awful
8 Jul 2010, 15:03 pm
@Ratel Brussow(Morne Steyn is under-rated)-107: Who won the ’81 series? That went 2-1 to NZ. And then in ’92 we lost a one off test in Jo’burg 24-27. Then in’94 we lost two and drew one there, then won the ’95 WC final, lost the next 4, won 1, lost two, won two…………. and so it goes on.
sglazer(sglazer)
My apologies. I confused the home loss situation with an earlier series, but that is not the issue. Truth is, of late prior to last year, we’ve been clapped more than we’ve clapped, including with the core playing tomorrow, and I was just beginning to think PDivvy was the real deal, but alas I think I am wrong. It would appear he has just suffered a temporary attack of the smarts, and has now resorted to falling back on his inheritance. So sad.
Fact is, matches Boks v ABs are usually not won or lost by much, because of the physical wrestling match they all happen to be, but that is just it. They are usually won by some individual brilliance that becomes the cherry on top of a good slugfest. At that level they can compete, but lately we have been able to outthink them tactically, which has brought a new dimension into play. But on Saterday it will be good old WWF again.
8 Jul 2010, 15:14 pm
This is not a bad side that Snor has chosen considering our injuries, only person missing for me is Frans Steyn.
Didnt think we would win our first game before today, but now i think we have more than a good chance of beating the All Blacks.
GO BOKKKKKKEEEEEEEEE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
AND SHARKSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS
8 Jul 2010, 15:30 pm
@bananas(bananas)-244:
Did Matfield ever win any of those awards?? NO
That doesn’t make him a **** player doesn’t it??
Yaso the reasoning of some of these gits is astounding!!
‘bananas’
What kind of stooopid name is that??
8 Jul 2010, 15:40 pm
@wpw(wpw)-263: Kind of rubbishes these “awards” when “suarez” McCaw (in the year when Brussouw made him his biyatch) and Shane Williams get IRB POTY and Matfield, Du Preez have never won…
8 Jul 2010, 15:44 pm
WO super 14 player of the year
8 Jul 2010, 15:50 pm
@jocuba(jocuba)-258:
That be awesome.
@Atreides(Atreides)-259:
Afa Kirhner is concerned, it has been said over and over that he was only available for that one match. PdV also stated that there are no problems between them. The reason he isn’t eligible for selection is not PdV’s fault. So PdV can only select players who are available. Frans is clearly not. Kirchner was the best SA full back in the S14. Therefore his selection is justified. I think it’s a confidence thing at this stage with Kirchner at this level. For him to gain confidence, he has to play as much as possible. We don’t know what the situation with Frans will be next year.
My view on WO is clear. He’s had 29 chances already without doing anything to prove he deserves to be there. However I hope he does well on Saturday for the Boks’ sake. It’s just that his inclusion renders our back line impotent.
We’ll probably see a Jake White kind of game from the Boks where we present the possession to the AB’s and try to punish them if/when they make mistakes. That makes the inclusion of WO (for his defence) and JdV at wing (intercept master) a bit clearer.
In my view that would be the wrong game plan because we know how “successful” we were against the AB’s playing like that.
I would have started with Danie after his good performances in the home tests. Bring in Bakkies for the last 20 minutes until he reached full match fitness, probably by the time we play at home.
In any case, I hope we can pull it off on Saturday. 4/4 sounds much better than 3/3.
8 Jul 2010, 16:06 pm
HA !
How lucky I am to have just received an e-newsletter from Keo. Im still rolling in the aisles at the sheer arrogance of it:-
“Defeat for the All Blacks against the Springboks at Eden Park on Saturday will be a crushing experience. With the exception of Ali Williams and Toulon-based tighthead prop Carl Hayman, this is the strongest side they can select and it represents the team the New Zealanders hope will end the All Blacks’ dismal World Cup record. The Springboks are missing Frans Steyn, who will play in next year’s World Cup, JP Pietersen, Fourie du Preez, Bismarck du Plessis, Juan Smith and Heinrich Brussouw. One team has the capacity to be even stronger next year; the other is playing with the best available. If the Boks, having arrived in New Zealand just five days ago, squeeze out a win at Auckland’s Eden Park, New Zealand fans should go into mourning.”.
8 Jul 2010, 16:11 pm
Bombs away on Kirchener – perfect Gary Owens from Dan Carter – lots of them – that’s where they are going to come thorough and I doubt very much he’s up for it; but this is his chance to prove us wrong. And if it’s raining God help the poor man.
8 Jul 2010, 16:52 pm
Lowveld Club Rugby Finals – Saturday 10 July
White River 1st Team vs. Barbeton 1st Team 16:00
White River 2nd Team vs. Nelspruit 2nd Team 14:40
Both games at Whit River Rugby Club or Witrivier Rugby Klub to the locals…
Some good rugby, good brandy but bring your own chicks…
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