Preview: Springboks vs Wallabies
3 Sep 2010
GRANT BALL says Australia blew their chance at breaking the highveld drought and another loss in Bloem will follow.
The contest to avoid the wooden spoon produced a loose affair last week, a game that suited the visitors in their quest to break a 47-year losing streak at altitude. They dominated possession in the last half hour, especially, but still botched it.
The tourists have spoken about the self-belief gained from their start, but it’s more likely that lost opportunity will haunt them and only serve up more mental demons. Reversing the result this Saturday after the nature of the Loftus blowout will take massive character from this Aussie unit, but they don’t appear to have the necessary mental fortitude to win in tough conditions, or when they’ve got themselves into commanding positions (for example, 21-7).
If the Boks allow the Wallabies a similar buffer in Bloem it will only highlight their defensive and tactical frailties, but as poor as the Boks have been throughout the competition, you can’t see that happening again.
Robbie Deans’ response has been to make three changes to his pack, two of them clear acts of desperation. Ben McCalman is selected to bring some physicality, but picking a lock at No 8 for his first Test start is a gamble at altitude. The Boks will adopt their kick-chase approach, and McCalman’s tactical nous at the back and his covering skills will be tested to the limit. Mark Chisholm displaces Dean Mumm in the second row, but whether Chisholm is the answer is highly debatable – he’ll play his first Tri-Nations Test this year after last featuring in Australia’s unconvincing win over Ireland in June.
The elevation of hooker Stephen Moore is no surprise, but it again highlights how big an opportunity the Wallabies wasted in Pretoria. Saia Fainga’a's lineout throwing faltered and he didn’t offer much in the loose, but Deans failed to bring on Moore and other substitutes when individuals were tiring.
The Boks have neglected the opportunity to blood new players and have made just one change – promoting Danie Rossouw – before the majority of the players undergo a conditioning camp. Whether their minds are on the break or what will be the final Test of the year for some will go a long way to determining the performance.
The standard of their showing is important in gauging whether the Boks have stagnated or regressed over the past six internationals, while their competitors have advanced. If the Boks can re-produce a similar set piece display as Loftus, and then replicate the team breakdown performance, they’ll have the quality possession needed to dominate the fragile Aussie defence.
It’s no surprise Morne Steyn had his best Test of the year, as did Jean de Villiers, against an Aussie midfield of Quade Cooper, Matt Giteau and Adam Ashley-Cooper. As dangerous as that trio are with ball in hand, if the Boks get front foot ball, they should look no further than attacking No’s 10, 12, and 13.
A possible second win out of six will get De Villiers crowing once more (who knows what he could say post-match), but it may just serve to lead to complacency and unfounded confidence that the Boks are on the right track under their eccentric coach.
Prediction: Boks by 10
Springboks – 15 Frans Steyn, 14 JP Pietersen, 13 Jaque Fourie, 12 Jean de Villiers, 11 Bryan Habana, 10 Morne Steyn, 9 Francois Hougaard, 8 Pierre Spies, 7 Juan Smith, 6 Schalk Burger, 5 Victor Matfield, 4 Danie Rossouw, 3 Jannie du Plessis, 2 John Smit (c), 1 Gurthro Steenkamp.
Subs: 16 Chiliboy Ralepelle, 17 CJ van der Linde, 18 Flip van der Merwe, 19 Ryan Kankowski, 20 Ricky Januarie, 21 Juan de Jongh, 22 Gio Aplon.
Australia – 15 Kurtley Beale, 14 James O’Connor, 13 Adam Ashley-Cooper, 12 Matt Giteau, 11 Drew Mitchell, 10 Quade Cooper, 9 Will Genia, 8 Ben McCalman, 7 David Pocock, 6 Rocky Elsom (c), 5 Nathan Sharpe, 4 Mark Chisholm, 3 Salesi Ma’afu, 2 Stephen Moore, 1 Benn Robinson.
Subs: 16 Saia Fainga’a, 17 James Slipper, 18 Dean Mumm, 19 Richard Brown, 20 Luke Burgess, 21 Berrick Barnes, 22 Anthony Fainga’a.
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135 Comments
3 Sep 2010, 05:13 am
End of the line Dragons for PDV?
3 Sep 2010, 05:17 am
The Grit Australia are missing- Cameron Shepard, Mark Gerrard, Digby Ioane, Wyclif Palu, Scott Higginbotham, James Horwill…those players I rate
3 Sep 2010, 05:24 am
Ben McCalman is a 1.92m backrow forward. Since when is that picking a lock at No. 8?
Research!
3 Sep 2010, 05:30 am
Aussie to win with eye-watering ease by about 20.
3 Sep 2010, 05:31 am
@TheTackler(TheTackler)-4:
Stop stiring Yarpie!
3 Sep 2010, 05:33 am
@Ooh Aah Umaga(Ooh Aah Umaga)-3: haha yea just read that, even his profile say’s he’s a No8/flanker. Think poor grants a big confused.
3 Sep 2010, 05:33 am
@Kiwisamoan(Kiwisamoan)-6: sorry meant to be “a bit confused”
3 Sep 2010, 05:38 am
@flanka(flanka)-2: Add to that Tatafu Polota-Nau and Ben Alexander. Plus Stirling Mortlock, who despite being past his best, would add some fantastic composure to the backline, as well as a consistent goalkicker.
Rodzilla, Vickerman and Daniel Heenan (the incumbent Wallaby blindside before a severe injury) also back in Australia next season, hopefully seeing Brown and Ma’afu sent back to Super Rugby for good.
@Ooh Aah Umaga(Ooh Aah Umaga)-3: I can understand the mixup given he did play a few games at lock for the Force this year, but yes he is primarily a backrower, be it blindside flank or number 8.
3 Sep 2010, 05:43 am
@DonutDunning(DonutDunning)-8: I def agree with polota-nau, ben alexander and motrlock….im a bit hesitant on rodney blake. he was a bit of an overhyped flop and by the time he left he was massively average (and overweight) at the reds. always good to have depth but never really rated blake. vickerman has been out of top flight rgby for a while and i think it might take him a while to adapt considering he’s been playing for cambridge in a much poorer league. still a class act though. Mortlock is the wallabies biggest loss i think….Deans was too quick to get rid of his experience and he brings an aura as the only wallaby backline player from the golden days. Ioane probably has his measure though when fit
3 Sep 2010, 05:45 am
@DonutDunning(DonutDunning)-8: i hear the great Larkham is in line to become wallaby backline coach coz of ‘the john mitchell effect’…..what the boks would give to have someone like Larkham coaching habana, pietersen, JDV, JF….wasted talent
3 Sep 2010, 05:49 am
@flanka(flanka)-9: Yes they definitely miss the Evil Wizard, but I am also keen to see Ioane get an extended run at 13 I think he would be explosive.
That said, Ashley-Cooper finally getting a settled position is also great to see and I think he will do equally well as a 13.
Going from what Big Hit has said, a couple years in the NH has done Rodney a world of good. He is looking a lot harder and his scrummaging has improved out of sight.
Will be interesting to see, as we are lacking a Test level prop after Robinson and Alexander.
Never thought I’d be hoping they bring in Baxter as cover!
3 Sep 2010, 05:51 am
@flanka(flanka)-10: Yeah heard that too.
Without meaning to be selfish, I just hope it doesn’t interfere with his appointment to save the Brumbies backline next season first!
3 Sep 2010, 05:51 am
@DonutDunning(DonutDunning)-8: Yes there are starters this weekend that would be flat out making the bench next year, barring injuries of course.
3 Sep 2010, 06:03 am
This is a severely depleted aussie side lacking some real grunt upfront.
If the Boks loose PDiddy must go.
The journos are hacks, last weeks match was really good and as much as the Wallabies blew it, so did the Boks win it. Give credit where is is due.
Keo clowns have lost their press privelages and as with Jake White the knives are out.
3 Sep 2010, 06:26 am
@RugbyRulz(RugbyRulz)-13:
RWC 2011 Team
1. Benn Robinson
2. Stephen Moore
3. Ben Alexander
4. James Horwill
5. Nathan Sharpe
6. Rocky Elsom
7. David Pocock
8. Wycliff Palu
9. Will Genia
10. Quade Cooper
11. Drew Mitchell
12. Matt Giteau
13. Digby Ioane
14. Peter Hynes
15. Adam Ashley-Cooper
16. Tatafu Polota-Nau
17. James Slipper/Rodney Blake
18. Mark Chisholm/Dan Vickerman
19. Scott Higginbotham
20. Berrick Barnes
21. James O’Connor
22. Luke Burgess/Cam Shepherd/Mortlock (depending if they need a reserve scrummy)
A much stronger looking lot than we have available now.
3 Sep 2010, 06:33 am
Yawn it will be lame if the Bokke do revert back to this predictable boring kick and chase game, use these games to develop a backline that can score trys with the ball in hand and distribute out wide.
The wallabies will have some smart moves and a far, far superior back three in Beale, Mitchell and Connor, a kick and chase tactic would be giving the ball to their best players. It’s silly given the physical strength superiority why we persist in kicking the ball away all the time.
3 Sep 2010, 06:37 am
@flanka(flanka)-10:
After his last match in SA, Larkham was asked by a Supersport interviewer if he would visit SA again. His answer was, “Njaaaa…Don’t think so, mate”
3 Sep 2010, 06:39 am
@KevinRack(KevinRack)-14:
If the Boks loose PDiddy must go.
Do you want Tackler on your spoor, hey?
3 Sep 2010, 06:40 am
@TheTackler(TheTackler)-4: when?
3 Sep 2010, 06:44 am
18. nama1(nama1) please nooooooooooooo…..
It should read if the Boks loose to this is a severely depleted aussie side he must go.
I think we will win big this weekend.
3 Sep 2010, 06:45 am
“Spies not at all intimidating” Wallaby No 8 Ben McCalman….yes because pierre is making outsurance adds with habana…both playing super kuk
3 Sep 2010, 06:49 am
@KevinRack(KevinRack)-14: If the Boks loose PDivvy, he’s bound to fall to earth. And if you loose your wheel-nuts, your wheels will fall off.
Better tighten them, so that they’re tight, not loose. Or else you may lose your life.
3 Sep 2010, 06:55 am
It looks like Deans will lose his next 3 matches – what must he do to get fired? Sleep with O’Niel’s misstress.
3 Sep 2010, 07:00 am
@TheTackler(TheTackler)-22: in about 13-14 months time you’ll go silent for a while again
as the AB’s wheels will surely come off
3 Sep 2010, 07:01 am
@KevinRack(KevinRack)-20:
Vok Kevin, ek’t jou probeer waarsku. Die oom is ‘n kwaai meester.
loose= los
lose=verloor
Volgende keer gaan die oom jou moer, granietkoppies en al.
3 Sep 2010, 07:09 am
@KevinRack(KevinRack)-20: @nama1(nama1)-25:
3 Sep 2010, 07:23 am
@mountaingoat(mountaingoat)-24: The ABs have developed way beyond mere wheels. They float like a butterfly and sting like a bee. They’ve got more wiii-ngs than a whole herd of red bulls.
3 Sep 2010, 07:31 am
i like the sound of this McCalman, calling out that showpony Spies! He’s been super sh*t this whole international season and for McCalman to say last week, was Pierre’s best game this season tells you a lot about what the aussies & kiwis think of this guy, no wonder the all blacks were in stitches when they saw his outsurance ad on tv!
Wake the hell up Pierre, what happened to your improved cognitive abilities?
3 Sep 2010, 07:31 am
@nama1(nama1)-25: So do you know the Appies from Steinkopf?
3 Sep 2010, 07:42 am
Lets hope this is habana’s last game for the boks. This guy was been the k@kkest Bok in the last 2 years .. by faaaaaar! (this year even worse it at all possible! .. if PDV is going to pick this quota again after a k@k performance 2morrow, we must moer habana in jail with bees
3 Sep 2010, 07:56 am
i reckon either a very close war …..
or an easy bok win.
Just not sure Aussies will be able to pick themselves up after a week at the sea.
Boks danger is they eye the month conditioning camp as a Spar holiday and have a focus there as opposed to the game.
PDV must focus the boks completely, if they catch the aussies early and score early points this could become another Ellis Park type slaughter……
If Aussies mentally up for it though it will be close.
3 Sep 2010, 08:02 am
A spar holiday?
Are boks packing shelves there?
I would have though a supermarket is the wrong place to go for a conditioning camp.
Especially one with a pastry section.
3 Sep 2010, 08:06 am
habana really needs a break. criticism over his form isn’t a new thing over the past few years, and a freshening up could only benefit his game
plus Gio hasnt put a foot wrong this season. surely he deserves a start?
3 Sep 2010, 08:06 am
Good moring all.
Just saw a Zebra stallion kick another like planke toe.
Eish… you would not believe how hard he kicked him. I had to put him out.
3 Sep 2010, 08:06 am
@I_support_BEES(suffer_guy)-30:
You don’t know anything about rugby do you?
Habana is world-class and a South African great. Just going through a bad patch.
I back every single Springbok 100%, that includes Chilliboy, Enrico, WO.
3 Sep 2010, 08:08 am
@gunther(gunther)-32: plod will nail all the pies
3 Sep 2010, 08:09 am
@Staal(Staal)-34: kan daai zebra agsteman speel ?
3 Sep 2010, 08:12 am
a 2 year bad patch … face it, habana is a has been (should never have left the Bulls)
Should Peter de Villiers be axed?
Yes 1133 – 82% of all votes
No 241 – 18% of all votes
Total Votes: 1374
Started: September 1, 2010
maybe the reason why Loftus was only 60% full – no one wants PDV
3 Sep 2010, 08:14 am
anyway … easy game for Province 2night … only AC knows why he didn’t rest some of his star players
3 Sep 2010, 08:15 am
@grant10(grant10)-37: nie meer nie!
3 Sep 2010, 08:31 am
@Staal(Staal)-40: was he trying to steal his car?
3 Sep 2010, 08:33 am
Beware the winning springbok. That’s usually when we get beaten. We don’t wear the favourites tag well…..
3 Sep 2010, 08:34 am
@I_support_BEES(suffer_guy)-38: so what you are trying to say is that he would have been a has been at the bulls? half the problem with habanna is he plays in team(boks) who don’t like to spread the ball wide and his over eagerness to get involved doesn’t always pay off
3 Sep 2010, 08:38 am
PdV has to go. He’s attacking his players and that’s a no-go zone. What coach, worth his salt, does that. How weak is he?
It must be doubly hard for his players to hear his rubbish when they’ve played well over their time limit already.
That’s the only thing wrong with Habana and one or two others, they just need a break.
Who is PdV going to put in to provide them with that?
There are one or two around, that aren’t injured, but why hasn’t he brought others on only 12 months away from a world cup?
He’s out of his depth.
They should put him somewhere else.
Perhaps in promoting the game in the townships or something.
I wouldn’t give him the women’s team even.
They’re not doing too well.
The last thing they need is something like him to drag them down.
3 Sep 2010, 08:38 am
@stormersboy(stormersboy)-42: it’s the crayfish syndrome all over again…you get so used to being judged and critisized that as soon as people start heaping praise on you, it goes to your head, not in an arrogant way, just unfamiliar
3 Sep 2010, 08:39 am
On Boots & All last night the Fox commentating team in Bloemfontein also mentioned that think the All Blacks are peaking to soon. THey have revealed their hand a year early. If they pitched up next year playing the way they do now, they would’ve caught everyone off-guard, but now Aus and Boks have a year to work out the ABs. Also, Phil Kearns mentioned for both the Wallabies and Boks there are players that needs to come back that will strengthen the sides, cannot think of any players coming in that can further bolster the ABs. Methinks the will be tears and a gnashing of teeth next year when the ABs fail yet again at achieving the highest honour in Worl Rugby.
3 Sep 2010, 08:43 am
love the fact everyones hoping the ABs choke… it shows how insecure you all are and how you have little to no faith in your own team..
but thats understandable… Ive watched your team play this year too..
3 Sep 2010, 08:54 am
@Craven(Craven)-46: well you can only hope cant you.
Its seems every RWC, the general opinion is, that its the All blacks to lose rather than others to win.
Great compliment to the ABs
3 Sep 2010, 08:56 am
@poppa69(poppa69)-47: hey poppa, it’s time for you to fess up! I remember having a conversion with a poppa69 about 4/5 years ago, who was a disgruntled non-white south african, working in IT who couldn’t wait to imigrate to New Zealand or Australia. Well you got you wish and now you feel the need to justify your exodus by bad mouthing the boks at every turn. would explain your handle on the afrikaans language
3 Sep 2010, 08:58 am
@lapoftherugbygods(lapoftherugbygods)-48: Well the all Blacks never progress far enough to be beaten by the Springboks. Which is not our problem….
Oh wait, we’ve actually met you thrice in WC’s and won two of them, and the one time you did beat us you still couldn’t go on to win the title…….
3 Sep 2010, 09:03 am
@BuckT(BuckTrendy)-49: 4 or 5 years ago I wasnt on this blog, and I have never set foot in SA.. so must have been someone else..
as for bad mouthing the boks, well it is a SA blog, but the continual diatribe directed at anyone of foreign heritage in this site really does give one an indication of the SA psyche..
case in point, the time from the end of last years 3Ns to the start of this years…
so if people cant handle it now the shoes on the other foot, thats not my problem..
3 Sep 2010, 09:11 am
@stormersboy(stormersboy)-50: You havent negated the point I was making. The All Blacks are always installed as favorites what ever has preceded before. they will be favorites again next year regardless.
Great compliment to the ABs
3 Sep 2010, 09:20 am
@BuckT(BuckTrendy)-49: now thats a faux pax if ever i saw one – how dare you confuse a revenge-obsessed, small-minded, Ozzie provincial Kiwi with a noble Bok supporter
3 Sep 2010, 09:27 am
The seven dwarves are down in the mines when there is a cave-in. Snow White runs to the entrance and yells down to them. In the distance a voice shouts out “Sth Africa are good enough to win the World Cup.” Snow White says “Well at least Dopey’s alive!”
3 Sep 2010, 09:27 am
@Heavens Game(Heavens Game)-53:
Are you giving Pops a back handed compliment
3 Sep 2010, 09:30 am
@RugbyRulz(RugbyRulz)-55: its this myth of a “noble bok supporter” …considering conspiracy and Paddy Obrien have suddenly become the most popular words in the Seth Afrikaan vernacular
I thought noble was a very strange choice…
3 Sep 2010, 09:31 am
@RugbyRulz(RugbyRulz)-55: you know what, the worst insult will prolly be a complement to that sheepshagging whale whisperer…
3 Sep 2010, 09:32 am
@poppa69(poppa69)-56: As I said, ” back handed compliment.”
3 Sep 2010, 09:33 am
@Heavens Game(Heavens Game)-57: Nice to see the spirit between us all. I don’t think it gets any better.
3 Sep 2010, 09:34 am
@Heavens Game(Heavens Game)-57: hehehe the fact youre talking about me is its own reward… seems a lot of you ahem noble Saffas take the bait every time I post… its funny to watch, and amazing that lil ole me can illicit such a range of responses and emotions..
but you could always hide away in France for a few weeks and not have to put up with my posts.. oh hang on
3 Sep 2010, 09:36 am
@RugbyRulz(RugbyRulz)-59: talking about confused identity – i was watching the womans world cup on wed… I saw the kiwi woman’s prop, a head shepherd by profession, and I sh.it you not, her team mates called her poppa
3 Sep 2010, 09:39 am
@Heavens Game(Heavens Game)-61:
Ons kan nie bekostig om verskoning wanneer die huis is aan die brand gesteek….
and guess who started the fire, seems someone was clowning around with matches…
3 Sep 2010, 09:41 am
hoe kan ek, hemel spel, raak ontslae van hierdie voortdurende duim druk…
3 Sep 2010, 09:41 am
@poppa69(poppa69)-47: hey Popps, how’s the pressure, ur shoulders weary?
3 Sep 2010, 09:41 am
@lapoftherugbygods(lapoftherugbygods)-52: Well actually you were making a point about everyone hoping the AB’s will lose a WC, rather than someone winning it. I was pointing out that we have won it. Twice. But yes, you will be favourites next year, and good luck to your team.
3 Sep 2010, 09:42 am
Grant
McCalman is not a lock. He is a No8 or No 6. He occassionally plays at lock.
3 Sep 2010, 09:42 am
Testing3 Sep 2010, 09:43 am
@poppa69(poppa69)-60: anytime you finish pounding the english girls in the final, you come find HG in Barnes and he’ll take you out on the town – from the white hart on the thames to the orange tree in richmond – we’ll find you a welsh bloke or something who’ll treat you right. You can talk about sheep together…
3 Sep 2010, 09:44 am
@Transformation(Transformation)-64: what pressure Trans? you mean the type of pressure thats on SA shoulders in trying to avoid ANOTHER wooden spoon… how many is that now?
3 Sep 2010, 09:44 am
HeavensGame3 Sep 2010, 09:44 am
@Heavens Game(Heavens Game)-61: I am not at all into women playing, but to each their own. Anyways, my husband was channel flicking the other day and came across the Aussie girls playing the English. The English team had one of their flankers sin-binned. As she begrudgingly walked to the side she removed her head-gear. My god she was bald!
I also noted that one of the Aussie girls is Matt Giteau’s sister. I honestly must be a dinosaur… girls look far better with pom poms.
3 Sep 2010, 09:45 am
@Heavens Game(Heavens Game)-61: are women allowed to head anything in new zealand? i guess there are always exceptions, especially in poppa’s case.
3 Sep 2010, 09:45 am
@poppa69(poppa69)-62: jy kry lekker tweetalig, ne, my verliefste fokk.en doudruppeltjie…
3 Sep 2010, 09:45 am
@Mighty Horua(Mighty Horua)-70: are you experimenting with the lineout again?
3 Sep 2010, 09:46 am
@Heavens Game(Heavens Game)-68: sounds like a night, but wont you have to get permission to be allowed to go out? isnt your missus rather strict like that?
vatso katvis!
3 Sep 2010, 09:47 am
@RugbyRulz(RugbyRulz)-71: apparently Deans is considering drafting her into the squad at Matt’s expence
3 Sep 2010, 09:50 am
@BuckT(BuckTrendy)-76: Damn, just what we need… another set of twins
3 Sep 2010, 09:51 am
3 Sep 2010, 09:52 am
that would be dreadful
3 Sep 2010, 09:52 am
@TheTackler(TheTackler)-4:
20 points I am not sure, but if Boks win you will disappear or make some disingenuous remark.
@poppa69(poppa69)-47:
To be fair on people who makes these comments, it has happened enough times to justify them saying it
3 Sep 2010, 09:53 am
SHOULD THE BOKS WIN???
I will never wish a loss on our National Team but this might be the best for the boks in the long term. Div is walking on thin ice and if coaches are going to change. this would be the opportune time.
3 Sep 2010, 09:54 am
NZ’ers invented the condom in 1812 by using a sheep’s bladder. South Africans perfected it in 1813 by removing the bladder from the sheep
3 Sep 2010, 09:55 am
@RugbyRulz(RugbyRulz)-71: I tell you what, some of the women are immensely athletic and the atmosphere of the WC is reminiscent of the best of the amateur bygone era.
i was walking to a game on saturday, with the banshee – who likes the game, and saw a group of blonde women walking our way. one woman had an ugly shiner – normally you would think, jeez i’d love to get my hands on the bloke that did that to her – but, this time it was the Sweden womans rugby team….
Some of the women are not bad looking – in a robust, hockey player way. Lots to admire about their commitment – stories of some taking months of unpaid leave to take part… makes a change from some of the spoilt brats in the pro era…
3 Sep 2010, 09:59 am
@poppa69(poppa69)-75: the banshee enjoys a bit of “boys will be boys” for yours truly…. in your case its more like “girls will be boys”… good luck for the weekend, and don’t forget to tie those locks in a tight braid – that english policewoman in the front row is mighty fierce – head shepherd or no head shepherd – she don’t care…
3 Sep 2010, 10:00 am
Sing us another one, Boy George !
3 Sep 2010, 10:03 am
I agree with the journo this time around. Aussies blew their chance at a victory at Loftus, 14 pt lead should have been enough to strangle the Bokke but they let them back in instead. Theres a potential bloodbath awaiting the Wallabies this w/e. Which will be great – the Aussies and Boks still fighting out for the Wooden Spoon and, yet, the Safas will kid themselves that all is right yet again and that they only lost 0-3 because of some refereeing conspiracy.
Long Live Krusty !
3 Sep 2010, 10:04 am
@Heavens Game(Heavens Game)-61:
only in NZ would they be proud that there women are good at rugby. urgh.
3 Sep 2010, 10:07 am
@Black Panther(Black Panther)-86: I would love it to be a blood bath – will be in the stands to see it!!!
Seriously, I think Giteau’s sister would most certainly do better than he does. I find it interesting that his slump in form coincided with Deans’ arrival in Aus. Don’t think Gits likes the discipline that Deans is trying to instill in the team.
Barnes at 12 would have been a far better bet.
3 Sep 2010, 10:08 am
@munkiboi(munkiboi)-87: It is silly to assume only NZ being proud of their womens team. If that were true there would be no opposition
3 Sep 2010, 10:08 am
@Heavens Game(Heavens Game)-84:
3-0
doot doot doodle oodle oot doot do do
3 Sep 2010, 10:11 am
@poppa69(poppa69)-69:
Carter: World Cup pressure too much
</strong
Dan Carter says the pressure of winning the
World Cup is responsible for the mass
exodus of All Blacks to Europe.
A host of top players, including Carl Hayman
and Luke McAlister, have decided to sacrifice
their Test careers for the opportunity to
play in the relatively pressure free club
scene in Europe.
Carter said moving overseas was appealing
to those players because the weight of
expectation of winning the World Cup was
just to much.
“Since winning in ‘87, we have been
expected to win every other World Cup,”
Carter, who confirmed that he would look to
move to Europe next year, told the NZPA.
“That becomes quite a burden, a real weight
on your shoulders. There’s always that
pressure and it is part of the reason some
of the guys come over here [Europe]. They
play over here for a club. You might play
more games than you would play in a New
Zealand season, but it is more structured.
“You play for one team, week in, week out,
and you are allowed to concentrate on that.
In New Zealand, you play for three or four
teams, the standard changes but you must
always play well. ”
Reflecting on the All Blacks’ World Cup
quarter-final defeat, Carter lamented the fact
that they opted to play a forward
orientated game when centre McAlister was
yellow carded.
“Because we did that, we made it easier for
the French to defend against us. Luke came
back on and we didn ’t change our game
plan,” Carter said. – so france didn’t play well, New Zealand made it EASY for them
“We got our second try from a series of
close-in drives but the French defended a
lot tighter after that and we needed to
change it, but we didn ’t.
Carter, who limped off with a knee injury in
the latter stages of that match, added that
they should have attempted a drop goal late
in the game.
“This is something we could learn from the
England side, and other teams over here.
They have set plays for drop goals, ” he said.
“That’s a big part of the game over here,
whereas you go to the Super 14 and you
will probably see two drop goals in the
whole competition.
“We practise drop-goal routines but it’s not
part of our culture. In the situation we were
in, it would have been the most appropriate
thing to do. ”
Carter said he had taken valuable lessons
from the loss.
“I thought it would continue to be plain
sailing but it didn’t. Looking back, I can see I
was vulnerable. Not having had a bad
experience in my career beforehand, I
hadn ’t a chance to learn from it,” Carter said.
“It wasn’t arrogance, it was just that I hadn’t
the benefit of what comes from a huge loss.
I hadn ’t played in the 2003 semifinal (loss to
Australia).
“As long as I learn from this, I think things
will be fine.”
This entry was posted on Monday,
November 26th, 2007
3 Sep 2010, 10:13 am
Move over aussies for the pietandbarney bokbefok. the boks are back on track and the “legendary” dingo deans (a right kissing cousin if you ever saw one – overhyped, but thats not out of the ordinary for a kiwi) and his marsupial charges are going to have a good rugby lesson taught to them on Vrystaat turf.
no “reconciliation” from Oneill is going to help here, ’cause plainly there isn’t an aussie provincial kiwi in sight to do the classic Tew ben dover… other than deans of course who may finally get his DCM (don’t come monday) after this blood river…
barney and his front row will scrum these ozzies into the vrystaat earth with f16 air superiority from matfield paving the way for the loosie storm troopers to blitzkrieg the marsupial midfield. after that even donkey de villiers will look half decent walking his way through to the tryline. Mossie and the outside backs are going to run right with hot stuff habanero coming back with a hat trick bang.
yup, many sad tears this saturday for oneill and his kissing cousin dingo… Schweet.
3 Sep 2010, 10:13 am
@Heavens Game(Heavens Game)-84: And how good is the English openside flanker? Reminds me of Serge Betsen in his pomp. But a female version. Full of mongrel.
3 Sep 2010, 10:17 am
@Transformation(Transformation)-91: Suddenly my coffee tastes a little sweeter..
3 Sep 2010, 10:18 am
@Black Panther(Black Panther)-86: @poppa69(poppa69)-90: nice boys, keep that bubble going – like a subprime mortgage, this is one bubble guaranteed to pop…
the abs fannie mae is going to arrive just in time for Oct 2011…
3 Sep 2010, 10:21 am
@RedMan(RedMan)-93: as athletic as… betsen is a good comparison – she does play like him… must say the kiwi 14 wing is bloody good – jeez she could show many a male wing how to play the game…
3 Sep 2010, 10:30 am
@Transformation(Transformation)-91: Am I Dan Carter trans?? so why would I feel pressure?
really, if thats the best you can do youd be better off sitting in the corner of a nightclub blogging on keo while your missus is on the dancefloor, at least liquored up you made some sense..
eish…
3 Sep 2010, 10:42 am
I don’t think any of the Trination coaches are feeling the pressure.
GH is winning = zero pressure
RD is building depth = zero pressure
PDV has won 1 from 5, gag order is nonsensical = zero pressure
All that is on offer tomorrow is a world ranking. If the Boks can play half decent rugby they will maintain their 2nd status and if they do not then they will fall to 3rd sooner than later.
Cold hard fact. Now or EOYT.
3 Sep 2010, 10:43 am
@Black Panther(Black Panther)-86: You wish, every SA knows we lost 0-4 not 0-3 because we were shite. I really think it’s the best thing that could ever happen to our team, imagine if we were 5-0 up now.
3 Sep 2010, 10:44 am
Well, the odds are that the ozzies have got a foot on the plane already…i hate these games because we all know that it just doesn’t mean as much when you’re 2 and 3. We’ll probably put in one of those 30 pointers or something and have divvy and the matfield/smit kring telling us all there was nothing to worry about
The “tests” for us were in NZ this year. And we failed them badly. Sorry to be so negative but we must face reality.
3 Sep 2010, 10:55 am
@Marino(Marino)-100: I think we are facing reality, the Boks know they have to improve major.
The advantage we have is we know we can do it because we have done it before, and we know to do it we have to improve.
The AB’s and supporters once again are thinking **** we are the best, nobody can beat us, the cup is ours, last 5 WC’s it was away from home, this time we are at home.
3 Sep 2010, 10:56 am
And the SAf woman in the #2 jersey has as much flab as John Smit.
3 Sep 2010, 10:56 am
Healthier colour though.
3 Sep 2010, 11:01 am
@Auntie Mavis(Auntie Mavis)-102: Did you see the English no 9? I believe she is their captain too. Gutsy is all I will say
3 Sep 2010, 11:13 am
Spies not at all intimidating
2010-09-02 22:31Email | Print
Ben McCalman (Gallo Images)
Stephen Nell
Durban – Wallaby No 8 Ben McCalman is not at all intimidated about the prospect of facing Pierre Spies in Saturday’s Tri-Nations Test in Bloemfontein.
“Pierre played his best Test (of the year) last week, but I have confidence after playing against him earlier this year,” said McCalman.
He was referring to the Wallabies’ 30-13 win in Brisbane.
McCalman came on as a substitute 10 minutes before the end and helped Will Genia knock the last nail into the coffin of the Springboks’ Tri-Nations title ambitions.
“I got the ball from Will Genia and ran into Spies. I got the better of him in that situation. It was a great moment and made me realise that I want more Test rugby. Will scored shortly after that,” he said.
The Wallabies are clinging to the win in Brisbane and the lead that was surrendered at Loftus Versfeld last week as evidence that they have what it takes to beat the Boks in Bloemfontein.
“Everyone is disappointed that we could not convert that lead into a victory last week,” said McCalman.
“The Boks are physical, but the important thing is that we stick to our plan and take the game to them. Hopefully it can work in our favour if we can move those big guys around a bit.”
McCalman, skipper Rocky Elsom and fetcher David Pocock will be involved in an interesting battle of the loose forward combinations with Spies, Juan Smith and Schalk Burger.
Pocock told Sport24 on Thursday that the new application of the breakdown laws are good for the game because it encourages attacking rugby.
He believes there are still opportunities for fetching flanks to win turnover possession.
“You have to be careful about getting involved at the breakdown because you can easily concede a penalty. But I still believe there are plenty of opportunities at the breakdown,” said Pocock.
The Wallaby star expects Heinrich Brüssow to adapt easily when he returns from his knee injury.
“I believe players with that kind of ability will always find a way of doing well. One of the nice things about rugby and all its intricacies is that you always have to think on the field. I believe Brüssow will do well when he returns.”
3 Sep 2010, 11:25 am
@rossoneri(rossoneri)-105: Spies isn;t intimidating in the least. His biggest weapon is his speed with ball in hand. Not something to be intimidated about. Deysel, Bakkies, Danie. Now they’re intimidating..
3 Sep 2010, 11:50 am
Boks by 20.
SA 41-21 Australia
3 Sep 2010, 14:49 pm
BOKS 33
Wobblies 22
3 Sep 2010, 15:24 pm
SA 28 – OZ 18
3 Sep 2010, 16:09 pm
I cant recall an Oz program that predicts anything other than what is on the commentaters wish list Also, Jeremy Pauls’ dummy spitting display does nothing for him or their programme.
They persist in nominating the Wallabies as the “winners”. This smacks of bias not objective analysis and is beginning to give me the “whoops”. Eventually, their predictions may be correct but I wouldn’t bet on them. Has anyone lost by betting on the Boks against the Okkers (at altitude)in the last half century?
I hope they get stuffed in Bloem.
3 Sep 2010, 16:19 pm
Boks 52- Aus 21
3 Sep 2010, 16:25 pm
Let’s see what Jake White’s golden oldies can conjure up against the youthful Wallabies.
Pity Divvy couldn’t develop any new talent in the last three years instead preferred to plough ahead with Jake’s dream team.
And please don’t tell me Divvy got stiffled by the ‘senior players’. A leader won’t let himself be intimidated by his underlings. If you are that weak, then go coach Kindergarten.
3 Sep 2010, 16:29 pm
@Bludeks(Bludeks)-110: hehhehehehe….
3 Sep 2010, 21:12 pm
Wallabies 28 – Boks 26
3 Sep 2010, 21:17 pm
massive 7.2 richter scale earthquake just hit New Zeeland.
Canterbury & Christchurch were affected
4 Sep 2010, 03:29 am
Wallabies by 14+…they wont make the same mistake twice
4 Sep 2010, 06:18 am
@roobarb2(roobarb2)-115: It was probably caused by Sonny Bill Williams making his earth-shattering Canterbury debut.
4 Sep 2010, 06:58 am
for Springbok supporting, Western Province fans I guess you’re not gonna be top of any SuperBru pools
4 Sep 2010, 08:50 am
@captain fantail(captain fantail)-116: The **** is going to hit the fan(tail) to day….
4 Sep 2010, 09:27 am
@Kea-Cat(KEA)-101:
The ONLY time I have heard “we WILL win the RWC” is right here on Keo. The ONLY persons dumb enough to say that are Safas ! In fact, so stoopid are they – statements as-if-fact – that they were made earlier this year when 2 SA teams met in the S14 Final…..blinded by the same success you are now accusing Kiwis of ! This with (at the time) 2 x TriN competitions and an EOYT still to complete.
I have not heard 1 Kiwi dumb enough to say what you are now alleging but I sure have read enough from Safas.
Gee, what happened in the meantime ?
4 Sep 2010, 09:38 am
@Kea-Cat(KEA)-101:
In fact, I’ll do you a deal Kea-Cat…..
For every Kiwi here that you can find who said “we will win RWC’11″ over the past few months, I will find you 5+ Safas who said the same thing. But Im guessing you wont find one (no, Tackler doesnt count).
If you cant find one, prepare to wallow in your own sewerage.
4 Sep 2010, 12:13 pm
@Black Panther(Black Panther)-120:
undoubtedly the most revealing post you have made on this blog.
your prejudice has been well and truly exposed.
4 Sep 2010, 12:18 pm
@Black Panther(Black Panther)-120: Do you hate South Africa and South Africans?
4 Sep 2010, 12:53 pm
@JL1(JL1)-123: lol boet we already know the answer to that
4 Sep 2010, 13:15 pm
ah, the old offense-defence huh, that old nugget from Sth African rugby history, the Route 1 of De Wet and friends.
It works about 1 in 8 I suppose. Get it right and you’re on a winner.
Dear Charo, how I have missed you.
JL1, so warmly regarded here by fellow countrymen that the same question could almost
be asked of you.
Your genius hypothesis hinges on the hairline balance now of equating Sth African ‘confidence’ at RWC-time with my “hating” a country I have never even set foot in. WTF ?!
As for ‘Sth Africans’ themselves, I’m sure there are GCs and Fwits there as there are also GCs and Fwits in NZ, Aus, wherever. Brasilians are nice people too. So are Koreans.
Jeez, what were we talking about again ?
4 Sep 2010, 13:26 pm
Interesting concept this of yours tho, certainly not the 1st or last it’s been alleged over the years. This desperation to label another blogger here as either a Hate’r or a Love’r of whichever rival team.
It allows morons like JL1 and Boy George and opportunists like Dear Charo to openly wear their ‘I Hate ABs’ buttons so proudly on their own lapels whilst happy to slander the others here for allegations like it’s a disease. Cake AND ear it.
Black and White.
2009 – PdV was the Wee Meastro
2010 – he’s a Clown.
Ever heard of ‘Grey’ ?
4 Sep 2010, 13:29 pm
@Black Panther(Black Panther)-125:
“JL1, so warmly regarded here by fellow countrymen that the same question could almost
be asked of you.”
Those will surely be the FWits that you are referring to
4 Sep 2010, 13:31 pm
Sonny Bill Williams hits the ground running,
his first Canterbury outing.
And the Earth shook.
7.1 out of 10.
4 Sep 2010, 13:33 pm
@Black Panther(Black Panther)-126: Are you by any chance trying to justify your xenophobic behaviour towards South Africans?
4 Sep 2010, 13:39 pm
@JL1(JL1)-123:
Panther hates no one.
But he loves ballance.
And he admires truth.
And if the flame-thrower is turned on him,
and those he loves,
then the fire gets spit back.
3-0.
Burnt toast.
8)
4 Sep 2010, 14:12 pm
@Transformation(Transformation)-28:
Notice in the ad that Spies avoids making contact whereas Bryan puts in a smothering tackle.
These advertising types know their rugby alright.
4 Sep 2010, 14:20 pm
@JL1(JL1)-129:
A Saffa lecturing on Xenophobia!
Get those wagons in circle Okes,
Only one wagon oke.
Well, make it a small circle.
4 Sep 2010, 15:09 pm
@Panzer Chief(cane)-130:
You da man.
I DO love balance but so much as to give it 2 L’s.
4 Sep 2010, 15:12 pm
@Black Panther(Black Panther)-133:
dont you just hate it when you fark up your punchline.
@Panzer Chief(cane)-130:
“…but NOT so much as to…”
4 Sep 2010, 19:25 pm
Grant Ball
The prediction was not quite right.
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