Boks to fight fire with an inferno
27 Sep 2011
The Springboks intend to outbully the confrontational Samoans in Friday’s Test at North Harbour Stadium.
After a disappointing campaign in the Pacific Nations Cup, Samoa stunned the rugby world when they beat the Wallabies 32-23 in Sydney. Many believed the historic win signalled the beginning of something special, and the massive Samoan contingent in the greater Auckland area moved to buy tickets to the Samoa vs South Africa World Cup pool clash on 30 September.
The North Harbour Stadium will be at full capacity this coming Friday. There is a big South Africa-fan base in that part of New Zealand, but it won’t compare to the number of spectators clad in the blue of Samoa.
Both sets of fans will be expecting a physical romp, and there’s good reason to believe that this Samoa side will be tougher to top than sides of previous years. While they’re as physical as their predecessors, they play with more structure and purpose.
The Boks have taken note of Samoa’s performances at the 2011 tournament. They weren’t quite good enough to beat Wales, although they were competitive for large parts of that match. They steamrolled Namibia and hammered Fiji. They’re unlikely to dominate the Boks upfront, but there’s no doubt that they will try to win the battle at the collisions.
It will be a bruising contest, and there may be casualties if neither side is willing to move away from an attritional approach. Samoa have already spoken about moving the ball around, but the Boks intend to take the islanders on at the coalface no matter the cost.
It’s a strategy that should bring them the desired rewards, but they will be hoping that it doesn’t lead to further injuries to key players a week out from a quarter-final against Australia.
Bok centre Jaque Fourie said that playing two intensely physical matches back-to-back shouldn’t be a problem for this South Africa team. Following last week’s win against Namibia, the Boks enjoyed a couple of days rest, and Fourie believes this has made all the difference. The Boks have used this time to recharge and prepare themselves for an all out war at the point of contact.
‘It’s going to be physical, I’m sure we’re going to be feeling the bruises afterwards,’ said Fourie. That’s why it was important that we had the break. Your body needs to be fresh, but your mind needs to be fresh as well.’
Several players have stood out for Samoa in this tournament. Scrumhalf Kahn Foutali’i, who also plays for the Crusaders in the Super 15, has been one of the more direct No 9s while the 120kg winger Alesana Tuilagi will be an attacking threat if he’s brought into the line. Centre Seilala Mapusua is another who will look to impose himself in the tackle.
Fourie played down the threat of these individuals. While he acknowledged their talents, he believes the collective is more dangerous than before because Samoa are now using their natural talent and inclination for contact to pursue a common goal.
‘They’re a very physical team, and as is the case with the Fijians, if you allow it to get loose, they will punish you. If your kicking game and first-phase is not up to standard, they will punish you.
‘All round they’ve got a good team, so we’re not going to focus on one or two players. They stay in their structures, so we have to look at how we are going to beat the team rather than the individuals. They’re dangerous in broken play, but they seem to be even more dangerous now that they’re structured.
‘I think they’ve modelled their game on how the All Blacks play.’
The Boks have the pack to boss the islanders proving they don’t go into the game with a complacent attitude. They will also need to take the fight to the islanders in midfield, and this is where men like Frans Steyn, Fourie and even Jean de Villiers will need to prove their worth.
‘They’re very direct and physical, there’s no funny business,’ said Fourie. ‘You know what to expect, they just come straight and hard, and there defence is good as well.
‘We need to be clinical in what we want to do; we need to be as direct and physical as we can be.’
In the build up to the Fiji and Namibia matches, the Boks promised to play direct, pragmatic rugby. What transpired against Fiji was a looser albeit profitable approach against a weak defence. The Boks were also too adventurous during the early stages against Namibia, and the loss of structure led to frustration and unnecessary errors.
As Fourie suggests, the clash against Samoa will require a lift in accuracy and intensity. The Boks should beat Samoa, but their success will be determined by their ability to maintain a high standard over the course of 80 minutes. A consistently physical effort will ensure they beat the Samoans by a comfortable margin and take some much needed momentum into the play-offs.
By Jon Cardinelli, in Taupo
537 Comments
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27 Sep 2011, 12:08 pm
24 hours, when the pain is still fresh and at its worst, to begin running from the time the final whistle sounds.
27 Sep 2011, 12:10 pm
Gunth, are you leaving Langers at 1’7″ so that we have somthing left for tomorrow or are you planning on finishing him off?
27 Sep 2011, 12:11 pm
@Helen(Helen)-349:
Not really, I only ask because I don’t have a Yarpie flag and I’d need to procure one . . . and I’d also need to learn the words of your anthem . . . but if francois insists on 24 hours I’ll accept that. I just want everything to be clear.
Oh and note that you are the witness to this wager, Helen old girl.
27 Sep 2011, 12:11 pm
@youknowwho(youknowwho)-350: Yeah well the abraisons thing doesn’t sound like a plan for me.
27 Sep 2011, 12:12 pm
@Helen(Helen)-347: Gunt has already disappeared… elvis has left the building.. rush off for an autograph
27 Sep 2011, 12:12 pm
@youknowwho(youknowwho)-339:
holihah.
apologies for using local terms..
look at our langers, all grown up and a citizen of the world.
he can say underpants in 11 different languages.
and to think that there are those who mock him for working at a laundromat.
27 Sep 2011, 12:13 pm
@Kitchener(Kitchener)-353:
If you win, I will send you a glass of the good stuff. Undiluted period juice with a little umbrella in it and a slice of lime over the rim. Yes?
27 Sep 2011, 12:14 pm
@Kitchener(Kitchener)-353: Then we have a deal. I really hope you are English and living in the UK and not anywhere near a couple of “Yarpies” fella. I am going to enjoy this win or lose.
27 Sep 2011, 12:14 pm
@rossoneri(rossoneri)-354: Come off it.. Abrasions are nothing compared to those blisters from those fancy Jimmy Choos
27 Sep 2011, 12:14 pm
Dickinson quits refereeing
2011-09-27 08:17Email | Print
Stuart Dickinson (File)
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Sydney – Australia’s most celebrated referee Stuart Dickinson has announced his retirement, effectively immediately, at the age of 43.
According to the Australian Rugby website, Dickinson was in charge of an Australian record 47 Test matches after controlling his first international in 1997 when Tahiti played Papua New Guinea in a Rugby World Cup qualifier.
He went on to referee at the highest level of the game for 15 seasons, officiating at three Rugby World Cup tournaments – the 1999 event in Wales, 2003 in Australia and 2007 in France.
He also had the honour of winning the inaugural Referee of the Year Award at the annual John Eales Medal evening in 2009 and again in 2010, as well as the Super Rugby Australian Referee of the Year award on a record seven occasions.
Dickinson started refereeing at the age of 12, while he was also playing fly-half and fullback for Epping Boys High School.
He has been employed as a full time referee with Australian Rugby Union since 1997 and also controlled 98 Super Rugby matches – an Australian and tournament record.
Australian Rugby Union Managing Director and CEO, John O’Neill, paid tribute to Dickinson.
“Throughout his career at the international level, Stu was among the best referees in the world,” said O’Neill.
“His ability to control a match with empathy for not only the laws of the game but the spirit of the game was a feature of his time in the middle.
“The achievements he has collected over a long period of time, after refereeing his first Test at the age of just 29, are testament to his ability and his commitment to refereeing.”
Dickinson said he had thoroughly enjoyed his career in refereeing and the journey it had taken him on.
“It’s not often people get to turn their hobby into a career and for that I am eternally grateful,” Dickinson said.
“To have been able to travel the world and take the field with some of the best players the game has ever seen has been a huge honour.
“I want to thank my wife Fiona and our three children Michael, Emily and Isabella who have been incredibly supportive, understanding and patient over the course of my career and I look forward to spending more time with my family in the months and years ahead.
“I also want to thank the ARU and my Australian and international colleagues, the camaraderie and friendships I have made over my time in the game will be truly cherished.
“My decision to hang up the whistle I believe is the right one, as I now have a good opportunity to move into the commercial world and leave the game feeling as though I’ve achieved all I set out to achieve.”
Dickinson has completed a Masters Degree in International Sports Management through Southern Cross University.
27 Sep 2011, 12:14 pm
@francois93(francois93)-351:
Okay then, 24 hours it is . . . but when . . . sorry, “if” I win, I will insist on you singing all the words correctly and having an English flag big enough to cover you.
27 Sep 2011, 12:15 pm
@rossoneri(rossoneri)-341:
The thought of you in a tight pair of Mr Kleins finest has made my breath come in short pants.
@rossoneri(rossoneri)-348:
race has nothing to do with it.
it’s a matter of breeding.
Thabo Mbeki has beautiful table manners.
27 Sep 2011, 12:16 pm
@Gunther(gunther)-356: Helen was looking for you.. tell her before you leave
.. very traumatic
27 Sep 2011, 12:16 pm
@Gunther(gunther)-356:
Bwhahahahaha…… that has just reduced Langers to a 7 inch midget!
One or two more of those and he’ll be breaking in to a cold sweat every time he hears the vacuum cleaner
27 Sep 2011, 12:16 pm
@youknowwho(youknowwho)-359: My feet can happily burn for sexy shoes, but my privates get extra special care and consideration.
27 Sep 2011, 12:17 pm
@Kitchener(Kitchener)-361: The famed English arrogance good stuff that, accounts for English excellence in sport most of the time.
27 Sep 2011, 12:22 pm
@Gunther(gunther)-362: I just thought it ironic that you guys are talking about CK’s when I’m actually wearing a pair today. As for the table manners. I will keep an eye out.
27 Sep 2011, 12:23 pm
@youknowwho(youknowwho)-359: How did you know I have shoe addiction problems?
27 Sep 2011, 12:23 pm
@rossoneri(rossoneri)-365: I suppose I will never understand woman.. I admit
… cant work out the bag thing either
27 Sep 2011, 12:25 pm
@rossoneri(rossoneri)-368: A shot in the dark bearing in mind that you can hardly miss 90% of all women
27 Sep 2011, 12:29 pm
@rossoneri(rossoneri)-367:
and now thanks to you I can think of nothing else.
27 Sep 2011, 12:34 pm
@Gunther(gunther)-371:
27 Sep 2011, 12:35 pm
@youknowwho(youknowwho)-370:
easy langers.
the last time you took a shot in the dark with a woman
charges were pressed.
27 Sep 2011, 12:37 pm
@francois93(francois93)-366: As much as I think K needs to line up in front of his own infantrymen, the odds are squarely against Scotland beating England. It’d take miracle imo.
27 Sep 2011, 12:39 pm
Oh good. Bye bye Stuart you doos
27 Sep 2011, 12:39 pm
@Gunther(gunther)-373:
hahahaha….. 4 inches.
Lucky for him it wasn’t a woman, so the transvestite withdrew charges after he apologised and agreed to join her in a looting spree through Woolworths frozen section
27 Sep 2011, 12:39 pm
@Gunther(gunther)-373: And this reduces Langers to the size of an ectoplasm
27 Sep 2011, 12:41 pm
@Gunther(gunther)-371: One of my friends has had her boobs done, botox to the face and works out daily and full blond.. arguably the hottest chic on the planet. She showed me the new knickers that she was wearing because she has the body to flaunt… pity about the visible liner
Now compared to your Groupie that walks around with a loaf shoved up the alley declaring her love or you on every street corner, I reckon I could bypass that Faux Pax
27 Sep 2011, 12:42 pm
@Michael(mikeybrass)-374:
Ja, Francois would have been better off if he’d taken a bet that England won’t win the cup. Kitch is so arrogant, he would’ve accepted.
27 Sep 2011, 12:43 pm
@youknowwho(youknowwho)-378:
That’s it, my boy. Fight back. Go down in a blaze of glory. You clawed back 2 inches with that one!
PS. leave my bunny chow out of your fight with Gunth
27 Sep 2011, 12:46 pm
@Gunther(gunther)-373: She stepped into the cross hairs.. kind of a Helenesque move…
Got away with it though.. claimed self defence
27 Sep 2011, 12:46 pm
@Helen(Helen)-379: Exactly. It will only increase the Butcher’s arrogance if/when the lily-white “all black” team wins.
27 Sep 2011, 12:47 pm
@rossoneri(rossoneri)-360:
there’s really only one country in world rugby which stands to gain from his retirement and thats south africa. good news for us…too bad for the all blacks…
27 Sep 2011, 12:47 pm
@youknowwho(youknowwho)-381: Ooooohhhhh the comeback continues!
*gets the popcorn*
27 Sep 2011, 12:48 pm
C’mon Gunth, so close now…
27 Sep 2011, 12:52 pm
@youknowwho(youknowwho)-381:
*kneeling down and talking to a 9 inch, 2 legged mammal climbing over the carpet fibres*
What happened to us?
We used to be so close.
It’s not the same anymore.
Do you feel the same?
Something is different since you shrunk
27 Sep 2011, 12:56 pm
@Helen(Helen)-385: Massage his shoulders while you at it.. and keep the bucket close.. no good have a corner girl/guy without equipment
27 Sep 2011, 12:58 pm
@Helen(Helen)-386: Step away from the light hun.. its where the cross hairs are
27 Sep 2011, 12:58 pm
@youknowwho(youknowwho)-381:
that’s not what she said to the court.
she bent over to light a cigarette and the next thing she knew she couldn’t poo right for a week.
27 Sep 2011, 13:00 pm
@Redrover(Redrover)-303:
yeah, richie mccow was supposed to be psychic, similar to paul the octopus, and was set up with two bottles of milk (or feed or something) in the week before this years tri nations final to see which team it would pick to win the 2011 tri nations. of course the whole thing was a manipulated sham and mccow then dutifully chose to feed from the bottle/meal with the all blacks flag, much to the joy and excitement of all nz no doubt.
however, of course we all know how that game went for the all blacks, so richie mccow ‘the psychic calf’ conveniently and hastily dissapeared from the news subsequently.
27 Sep 2011, 13:01 pm
@Helen(Helen)-385:
I say old girl, serious question, do you have no self-esteem at all or do you simply not realise what a fawning and obsequious toady you sound like when you suck up to this Gunther dullard all day every day?
27 Sep 2011, 13:02 pm
@Gunther(gunther)-389: She claimed that she bent over for a cigarette but we both know about these excuses… I winked at the Judged and he understood too
27 Sep 2011, 13:02 pm
@Gunther(gunther)-389:
bwhahahahahahaha……. 3inches and shrinking at a rate of knots!
I don’t think Langers has the balls to fight back, their diameter is now measured by a nanoscale
27 Sep 2011, 13:03 pm
@youknowwho(youknowwho)-392:
The judge also into transvestites? Lucky you!
27 Sep 2011, 13:04 pm
@Kitchener(Kitchener)-391:
You’re right, I have absolutely no self esteem.
I find it gets in the way of my fun
27 Sep 2011, 13:05 pm
Ok so My Superbru is officially f ucked. I keep forgetting to load my picks (it sucks when life gets in the way of your hobbies) and they’ve lost patience with me…….
27 Sep 2011, 13:08 pm
Gunth, just one more and old Langers will be knitting himself a blanket out of raw, undivided Molebdunum molecules
27 Sep 2011, 13:08 pm
@Helen(Helen)-395:
Right, got it. So you do realise what an obsequious and fawning suck-up you sound like but it doesn’t bother you . . . okay, noted. Thanks for the candid and frank reply.
27 Sep 2011, 13:09 pm
@Helen(Helen)-393: Not fighting back hun.. just trampling over the illusion created by you.. Come on Helen.. Where is the Fiesty hot chic that stood her own corner.. I thought you were quite sexy when we were first introduced.. on our virtual island
27 Sep 2011, 13:10 pm
@Kitchener(Kitchener)-398:
You are the only one who seems to mind.
Even old Langers has admitted that Gunth is a legend around here.
Best you pack away the Union Jack and make yourself a Gunth flag…
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