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
Pages: « 1 2 3 [4] 5 6 » Show All
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!
Pages: « 1 2 3 [4] 5 6 » Show All
Have your say
You must be logged in to post a comment.