Boks shift into knockout mode
28 Sep 2011
Dick Muir says the Springboks will play finals rugby against Samoa and that Morne Steyn has a campaign-defining role to play in South Africa’s remaining matches.
There have been a number of rumours doing the rounds in the Bok camp over the last week. There was first talk that the Boks would ‘throw’ their final pool match to avoid facing Australia in the quarter-finals, talk that was refuted by technical adviser Rassie Erasmus.
Then there was a more subtle suggestion that the Boks would move away from their pragmatic game plan and favour a more expansive approach. The latter strategy would be implemented to ensure the Boks went into the play-offs without serious injuries incurred through an all-out-war of attrition at the gain line.
The Bok management has once again rubbished the rumours, and the make up of the match 22 certainly lends substance to their claims. On Wednesday, Muir pointed out that only the All Blacks are guaranteed a place in the next round. He confirmed that the Boks want to win Pool D and will be doing everything in their power to beat Samoa on Friday.
‘It’s a must win for us. We are looking at it as a knockout game,’ said Muir.
‘We came into this tournament underdone and what’s been great about this pool is that it’s been as physical as we anticipated. We’ve been able to rotate the squad and use a horses for courses policy, and I’m happy with what we’ve achieved.
‘Obviously there are a few things, such as the tactical kicking, that we need to work on, but otherwise the physicality of these three clashes has been good for us.’
The Boks will aim to impose themselves at the set-pieces, collisions and breakdowns, and their backs will also look to contain the more explosive members of the Samoa backline. Spectators can expect a series of high-hanging kicks from the Bok 9 and 10 in this match and indeed in every other match between now and the end of their campaign.
Muir intimated that if the game plan is executed correctly, the South Africans will accumulate points. While the Boks have a number of attacking players at their disposal, they employ a pattern that relies on their best goal-kicker, Morne Steyn, to score points. Muir said the management’s preferred No 10 will be pivotal to the Boks’ success on Friday and in next week’s probable quarter-final against Australia.
‘We took a view a while back that kicking accuracy was going to be important in this tournament. We saw how Morne performed against Namibia last week, it was an exceptional effort and that’s the standard we expect from him. Goal-kicking is going to be key going into the tight games.’
In July, Butch James was the selectors’ favourite to wear the No 10 jersey at the World Cup, but after he missed a relatively easy penalty against the Wallabies in Durban, Steyn was reinstated. The Bulls’ sharpshooter took his opportunity in the subsequent Test against the All Blacks, kicking all 18 of the Boks’ points in a approach many hailed as a World Cup finals template.
Muir extolled the virtues of Steyn in the context of this game plan. He did mention James as a fallback option, but for now Steyn is the man in whom the coaches and selectors will place their faith.
‘Butch has a World Cup winners medal around his neck. He has a huge amount of experience and is not the type of guy to get flustered in pressure situations, so we know we can call on him. He’s been very competitive on the training field, and we believe he is ready.’
Jean de Villiers is another who was expected to start the big matches at this World Cup, but when he sustained an injury in the first pool match against Wales he unintentionally gave Frans Steyn a chance to make the position his own.
‘Frans has shown that he’s not just a kicker,’ said Muir, who gave Steyn his big break at the Sharks in 2006. ‘He’s a very special player with a lot of vision, he likes to play what’s in front of him and if you can blend that into your structures you will have a dangerous player. He’s got that extra X factor with the boot too, being able to kick it over from anywhere.
‘He’s been given a gap and he’s taken it. It doesn’t mean that he’s the preferred No 12 for the rest of the tournament, but Jean is going to have to fight for his position. Jean will have an opportunity off the bench this week. He’s also a player who we believe has a lot of the X-factor.’
By Jon Cardinelli, in Taupo
183 Comments
27 Sep 2011, 23:22 pm
Knockout Dragons!!
And so they should…
Nobody does it better comes RWC time.
Bring it.
27 Sep 2011, 23:26 pm
Saying a lot about very little… until eventually he’s saying everything about nothing…
27 Sep 2011, 23:28 pm
If they fail to BURY Samoa, they’ll be wracked with self-doubt. Samoa is only a tier 2 nation and really shouldn’t come within 30 of the reigning champions.
27 Sep 2011, 23:30 pm
I am just glad it was not another insultong thread aimed at Bismark and Smitty
27 Sep 2011, 23:39 pm
Doubt JdV has the that extra something special. Frans Steyn definitely does have.
Go Boks. Just hope no injuries for this game. Top our pool and we go into the quarters with confidence.
27 Sep 2011, 23:44 pm
@TheTackler(TheTackler)-3: Tackler,
Boks don’t have to bury Samoa they just have to beat them. One point will do. We just want to get to the quarters injury free.
27 Sep 2011, 23:55 pm
@TheTackler(TheTackler)-3: The only bit that made any sense there was “reigning champs”.
28 Sep 2011, 00:07 am
everything is going to go tits up for NZ if Italy beats Ireland.
28 Sep 2011, 00:09 am
Frans not the preferred 12 for the rest of the tournament? In that case we need Samoa to do us another favor and injure Jean again. If that’s what it takes, then that’s what must happen. Under no circumstances can Jean EVER be allowed anywhere near the 12 jersey for the rest of his career! We will never win this world cup with that aimless plodder. How much more has Frans got to do? He has been displaying his superiority over Jean for many years. Even out of position at 13 on the EOYT he outclassed Jean. Remember Jean’s bumbling against England? That with one of the most dominant forward displays of Peter’s era! It was embarrassing. Frans is fitter, stronger, faster, better acceleration, quicker and longer more accurate passing game off both hands, has far better vision and reaction, has variation in his game and is a tremendous decision maker. Unlike Jean, he is not passive, he actively reads opponents and is alongside Hougaard as the best competitor in the squad. Defensively he has more presence than Olivier, but with greater mobility than Jean. He can match Nonu head on, delivering powerful charges, but unlike Nonu, he is a very good stepper. A better rounded player that brings balance to our backline, and that big boot at 12 is more of a threat with the drop and delivers the greatest kicking axis in the history of rugby! du Preez – Morne – Frans… you simply can’t beat that. Frans is everything that Jean never was. He was a faithful servant to Bok rugby, but his day has come and gone long ago. Much like Barry was replaced by Jean in 2005, that after his world class showings in 2004. You have got to call it how it is, and the reality is that Frans should never have been dropped in the first place. One of the great blunders of de Villier’s tenure. I hope he has the guts to correct it here, where it matters most. If he retains Jean, it will be one of the biggest regrets of his life. Just ask Mallett how that feels!
28 Sep 2011, 00:10 am
the rent-an-irish crowd is going to be circus tent big.
28 Sep 2011, 00:13 am
Tried to write 2 different posts, then just thought stuff it, my heart’s not really in it.
This world cup is pretty boring so far. The only positive is that the meaningless month is almost over and the real games will commence a week and a half from now.
Just a pity that there will only be 2 of them – SA vs Aus and SA/Aus vs NZ, after which the World Cup will effectively be won and everyone can go home.
This tournament really is a farce, and the Tri Nations is truly much more difficult to win.
28 Sep 2011, 00:19 am
No Chiliboi, no Aplon, no Ndungane?
How come?
Many were drooling to the prospect of Aplon Vs Tulagie, now it has left for JP to dent the beast
28 Sep 2011, 00:20 am
@TheTackler(TheTackler)-3: This is nonsense. Rugby doesn’t work like that. Samoa wil be a severe test of our defensive structures. They destroyed an Aussie side missing only two players, and neither of those two would have made a difference! A team that won the TNs! They are asroundingly physical. The only reason we have been so successful over them in the past is because we destroyed them in the set pieces and were much fitter. That gap is closing fast. They should be the toughest of our pool opposition. It will require an accurate showing. If we do not play an accurate game, then they stand a very good chance of taking this one. And our reputation for brute force will ensure they come out blazing. This is their last chance to seal their fate in this tournament, they were very unfortunate against Wales, so that will have them like rabbid dogs. They truly believe they can beat us. First 20 minutes are going to be vital. But unlike 2007, were Jean stifled our play, we have Frans starting. That gives us a nice opportunity to deliver on all fronts. So we shouldn’t have to rely on penalties.
28 Sep 2011, 00:23 am
@Tacitus(Deucalion)-11: Tri Nations is easier. You have an opportunity to correct your mistake. Australia won the tournament by only playing one genuinely good game. In fact the TNs has become incredibly sloppy in recent years. Not the accurate master class that the NH used to watch in awe. This World Cup has seen some good rugby, but the difference in time zones kills the atmosphere for those on the othersie of the planet. Much like the Olympics in Australia and China, or FIFA 2002. as games are never a part of your day, you lose the build-up and it passes by as if it never was. That is however not good ground to criticise the competition.
28 Sep 2011, 00:24 am
@Alucard(Alucard)-9:
FS was never dropped, he simply said NO in June 2010 to any prospect of playing off the bench or being a squad player, after the Boks had lost 3 on the trot in 2010 TriNations they begged him to come back
Simple
And it’s not like it happend 5 years ago!
28 Sep 2011, 00:27 am
Continued reference to deploying the hackneyed game plan a smokescreen? It seems a bit odd that they should state their intentions so overtly. I sincerely hope that the brains trust has something else up their sleeves.
28 Sep 2011, 00:31 am
@Tacitus(Deucalion)-11:
It certainly is, has no rugby proper value, but it’s a money injection to many Test union.
Even the diabolic SWC had more excitement, and I haven’t watched any of it except the final!
28 Sep 2011, 00:31 am
@Hondo(Hondo)-15: Frans was dropped in 2008. He end 2007 as the first choice 12, but de Villiers went WP crazy in 2008 and Jean was never going to be left in the cold. So yes, it was years ago. I don’t blame Frans for having the guts to say something about de Villier’s two-faced dealings with people.
28 Sep 2011, 00:52 am
@Tacitus(Deucalion)-11:
“and the Tri Nations is truly much more difficult to win.”
The thing is Tac, the 3N is not a knock-out. There is always the philosophy that there’s another match next week or there’s always next year.
But the WC is only played every 4 years. Knock rugby requires a different mind-set to a league based formula. And as a Bulls supporter, you should know all about knock-out rugby.
28 Sep 2011, 02:01 am
Pool D
aka the ‘Pool of Death’
the same Pool with the worst, most selection depleted, Fiji team in RWC history.
and the weakest team at the RWC who have leaked the most tries (36 !), Namibia.
What lengths will some fans go to in their desperation to lift their own self-esteem. And all because of a Hook shot that landed on the fairway.
~ ~ ~ ~ belly wobble ~ ~ ~ ~
28 Sep 2011, 02:07 am
@Alucard(Alucard)-9: “Unlikely Nonu [Frans] is a very good stepper”.
You’re joking, right? Or you’ve actually never watched Nonu play… Nonu is a fantasic stepper, and sets up and scores plenty of tries with his step. I also doubt that Steyn would come close to Nonu for physicality or work rate in the midfield.
I’m happy to agree that Steyn is a more complete rugby player – Nonu can’t kick, and while Nonu’s passing has improved a great deal he isn’t of Steyn’s ability in that regard. But credit where credit is due please, Nonu is a fantastic international quality No12.
I also wonder how fit Frans was going into this WC. He looked well out of shape in the Tri Nations after his stint in Europe. He seems to have trimmed up since then, but I wonder whether his fitness is up to 80 mins at 12 against the top tier countries. We’ll find out soon enough.
Kiwi’s respect Frans as a potential match winner, his long range goal and drop kicks are freaky good. However, paradoxically I suspect many Kiwi’s wouldn’t pick him for a starting position in the current AB side. I don’t think he would displace Carter, Nonu or Dagg in the minds of Kiwi fans, and we would rather try to win by scoring lots of tries than sneak a tight game via a couple of long range drop goals/kicks.
Of course, that’s probably why we haven’t won the WC since 87, but hey, that’s the way we are
28 Sep 2011, 02:12 am
@Black Panther(Black Panther)-20: Well, we have a more challenging pool than most. Certainly New Zealand have by far the easiest group! I don’t hear anyone bleating that fact. The most significant details are that our opponents are highly adept at exposing defensive frailties. Even Namibia is very good ball in hand. They might not have been able to beat us, but, as they did in 2009, they can expose flaws very well. We showed that we could keep Fiji and Namibia tryless, a very important stat. Wales’ only try came from a forward pass. These facts reflect a significant turnaround from a defensive standpoint. Another important detail is that our scrumming has improved. Rassie and Nienaber are doing fine work in such a short period of time! Completely reconstructing our game. It’s barely recognisable. You can faddle all you want about our group. I choose to look at the reality and all those important facets, and they without question fill me with greater confidence than I had before Rassie and Nienaber arrived. The Boks are headed in the right direction, wether or not that translates to Bok victory in a final is another matter, but the fact is we are finally moving forward for the fist time since Plumtree bailed these three clowns out.
28 Sep 2011, 02:21 am
@Alucard(Alucard)-22:
keep up the good work
“keeping 2 of the (worst teams) tryless”
wow, its worse than I thought.
28 Sep 2011, 02:22 am
@Alucard(Alucard)-22: The boks do seem to be playing with more cohesion, and as players are coming from injury your match day 22 is starting to get a very strong look to it. That is a worry for the other big sides.
I don’t think I would be reading much into the Fiji and Nambia games however – those teams were hopeless (Fiji’s performance in particular was pathetic).
28 Sep 2011, 02:22 am
@Puma(Puma)-6: Technically, the Boks don’t even need to win. One bonus point will see them through into the QF and you can get that even if you lose. But a defeat or an unconvincing win will sow massive self-doubt and torpedo what’s left of their campaign. Nothing but a 30+ result will do. After all, it’s against a mere Tier 2 nation. A minnow.
28 Sep 2011, 02:24 am
@TheTackler(TheTackler)-25: I can’t see the Samoan’s winning this – certainly it wouldn’t be by more than 7, unless a couple of Boks get sent off.
28 Sep 2011, 02:28 am
@TheTackler(TheTackler)-25: Samoa are more than a tier two nation. You’re lack of respect or acumen will be better served in the Aussie camp.
28 Sep 2011, 02:30 am
@>^..^< katman(katman)-7: England were “reigning champions” too when the Boks shredded them 36-0 in the pool play at RWC2007. And they were beaten, during their inglorious four year reign by everyone down to Joe Bloggs and his family dogs. Rather like the Boks — lost to Scotland. Lost to two English club teams even! Stuff like that makes a mockery of “world champion”, doesn’t it?
28 Sep 2011, 02:32 am
@Black Panther(Black Panther)-23: You should worry about New Zealand, them having conceded tries in every game. Tonga put a lid on NZ in that second half too! Boks have conceded 1 try, one which should never have been allowed, as it was forward, NZ 4, and plenty more were on offer too. Japan better than Namibia? Definitely not. Tonga better than Fiji? Nope. France better than Wales? Again… no, not even close. I know it hurts, you want the Boks to lose so badly.
28 Sep 2011, 02:35 am
@Alucard(Alucard)-27: Sorry, Samoa IS a tier 2 nation. They’re ranked a lowly 10th by the IRB. Behind Argentina, behind Scotland. Only 2 places ahead of Canada and 4 places in front of Georgia! They are minnows.
28 Sep 2011, 02:36 am
@Alucard. Your assessment of Jean is even worse than your assessment of Lambie.
28 Sep 2011, 02:37 am
@TheTackler(TheTackler)-28: The difference is player quality. The Boks have been saddled with the worst coaching team in the history of the game. Plumtree, Rassie and Nienaber have bailed these clowns out, giving us some respectability. Another lose to the Transformation brigade. Will they learn? Definitely not. I mean, how many idiots will try and emply a running game against scotland in scotland, in very wet and rainy conditions? Selecting flyweights too. It just beggars belief just how clueless this lot are. Thank heavens Nienaber in particular is here. Reconstructing our entire defensive system is n easy task, but he has done a wonderful job. If only we had coaches like these throughout the last four years. Imagine what would have been if the right man was selected for the job? what a sad way to have to reflect on this cycle of rugby.
28 Sep 2011, 02:38 am
Japan managed a draw versus Canada. Namibia are pants. Easybeats. Wasted by 50+ by everyone. Couldn’t beat an egg.
28 Sep 2011, 02:39 am
@stormer in a teacup(stormer in a teacup)-31: My assessment on Jean is absolutely one hundred percent bang on the mark. That you are not willing to bring anything to the table to discuss an alternate view reflects your limited debating skills and your limited evidence to prove the contrary. It’s pointless you even responding to me. The debate was over a long time ago. anyone with even the slightest but of knowledge on centre play would have identified Jean as the weak link long ago. Were you one of those crazed nuts that were baying for Morne earlier in the year? You sound like you follow media opinion rather than actual happenings in game.
28 Sep 2011, 02:40 am
The Boks “worst-ever” coaching team somehow beat NZ 3 in a row in 2009, including twice in NZ.
28 Sep 2011, 02:42 am
@TheTackler(TheTackler)-33: Japan drew against Canada… big deal. Canada were a better side in the 90s, but not anymore. They, along with Japan are definitely worse than Namibia. Namibia are better ball in hand, and offer more work up front. Fact remains, NZ’s defence looks very leaky.
28 Sep 2011, 02:44 am
@Alucard(Alucard)-32: With Nienaber already in situ as the defence coach, the Boks conceded 6 tries to Australia and 5 to NZ in their two Antipodean tests this year. Hmmm????
28 Sep 2011, 02:45 am
@Alucard(Alucard)-36: Nobody’s worse than Namibia. Looks at the scoreboard.
28 Sep 2011, 02:47 am
Namibia can’t even beat any SA Vodacom Cup team. Wooden-spooners, wherever they play. Useless!
28 Sep 2011, 02:48 am
@TheTacklet. The Boks don’t do selfdoubt.
28 Sep 2011, 02:48 am
@TheTackler(TheTackler)-35: Not so. PLUMTREE did the work in 2009. The Boks nearly lost to Namibia in our warm up for the series. Peter hit the panic button and called in Plumtree. All of a sudden our game changed. However, in 2010 the laws changed and de Villiers was struggling all year to replicate 2009s tactics. He was exposed. The work at the breakdown that Plumtree was particularly working on was our big weakness in 2010. But still de Villiers kept telling is that if it worked in 2009 it will still work now, and declared it the model for the World Cup in spite of it being heavily exposed. Our failing and erroding structures were savaged. In comes Rassie and Nienaber and our entire game changes. New defensive systems, enhanced tactics and suddenly we start coming to life. But this is all coincidence right? If so, how did those 3 months in 2009 end up in statistically the worst year of Bok rugby of all time in 2010? Why was 2008 such a huge failure? The ONLY time we saw success was when someone else was called in to do the dirty work. Peter knows this, why won’t you accept this? Under pressure last year he was scowering the country for someone to fix his mess. Even approach coaches abroad. Nobody was interested and he had to deal with the two men he tried to plant a knife into. You have absolutely no ground to argue the contrary to this.
28 Sep 2011, 02:49 am
@Black Panther(Black Panther)-23:
fu k off you hating racist troll
28 Sep 2011, 02:51 am
@TheTackler(TheTackler)-37: With Nienaber coaching defence the Boks have conceded 3 tries in 5, one of which was a forward pass. You lie very loosely. The Boks first two games were coached entirely by the three stooges whilst the frontliners were in Rustenburg. Rassie and Nienaber had nothing to do with those results. They had no involvement with those players, tactics, were not even on the same continent. so please, next time , rather shut up than try to deceive everyone here.
28 Sep 2011, 02:53 am
@TheTackler(TheTackler)-38: Look at the scoreboard? we are better than NZ, so your comparison is mute. Namibia remain a better side than Canada and Japan.
28 Sep 2011, 03:11 am
@Alucard(Alucard)-22:
Boks “have a more challenging Pool than most” ?
so youre effectively saying, for want of comparison, that Wales are stronger than France ? that Namibia would beat, say, Canada ? and that Japan – reigning winner of the Pacific Nations Cup (USA/Tonga/Samoa/Fiji) – would lose to teams, now, that they defeated in July ? Tonga ? well they came within a hairs-breath of beating the Boks on their way to victory at the Lotto Cup in 2007.
If the ‘Pool of Death’ has any resonance whatsoever, it surely referred poignantly to Samoa/Fiji/Wales (remembering previous RWCs between those 2 nations) having to fight for 1 qualifying spot.
If anything Pool B, with 3 more-even teams in Engl/Argy/Scot, has a real nailbiting element to it, with the Calcutta Match – the final match of that Pool – to determine everything for all 3 teams. By comparison, the Pool of Yawns hangs on the RWChamps vs a minnow, Samoa.
28 Sep 2011, 03:29 am
I might as well spend a sleepless night throwing punches with BP here
So, Pool D is not the pool of death, Namibia is proven to be the worst team outhere and Fiji and Samoa are genuine minnows. Did I leave anything out? So, what is your point exactly? The Boks have a date with AUS in the Qtrs. Should they win that, guess who will they be playing next? I fear Aus more than the AB’s. Wanna know why? They are renowned for turning up at big events and giving it their all. Unlike the AB’s who must be close to performing their 4-yearly ‘routine’ of an empty sack, falling flat at the slightest hint of pressure. Don’t believe me? Watch the Argies scare the living daylights out of every Kiwi in 2 weeks.
28 Sep 2011, 03:38 am
I think everyone on the planet bar for one or two idiots on this forum knows that pool d was on paper the toughest pool . Just because Fiji and Samoa haven’t lived up to the pre tournament hype doesn’t take away the fact that any team out of four in the group could have made the top 2 – the other groups were not as tough.
28 Sep 2011, 03:48 am
@boktillzero(boktillzero)-47: And what our mate BP deliberately forgets is his government hampering the Fijian side as much as any club in Europe. No player with any military ties in Fiji was going to get a visa from the NZ government. Hence none was selected. BP himself expected Fiji to play better. The taunts of Fiji’s ’07 exploits leading up to this tournament proves this. Sad fella realy…
28 Sep 2011, 03:53 am
@UptheGuts(UptheGuts)-48:
Yeh it’s pathetic I bet he doesn’t evn like the Abs he’s just a bok hater
28 Sep 2011, 03:58 am
@TheTackler(TheTackler)-28: “Stuff like that makes a mockery of “world champion”, doesn’t it?”
It pales into insignificance alongside so-called “world champions” who can never win the title.
PS: Make sure yr mom irons your bokke shirt and yr oranje-blanje-blou flag so you can celebrate.
28 Sep 2011, 03:58 am
@whatever(whatever)-42:
I’ll let you know the very day I decide to take instructions from repulsive sexist racist bottomfeeding-pondlife SCUM, like YOU
ok ?
28 Sep 2011, 04:02 am
@boktillzero(boktillzero)-49: ENG to beat SCO this weekend, squaring NZ to play the Agies in their Qtr final. This will not be an easy game for them I suspect. ARG does pressure well. And they’re not a team to go quietly. AB’s should still win but weirder things have happened, keeping in mind that unlike ARG, they don’t like it when the heat comes on.
28 Sep 2011, 04:07 am
@Black Panther(Black Panther)-51:
No, it’s not okay you one eyed racist hating, anti saffa, whinging troll
You need to go away and spew your negative hatred elsewhere
Dooooooooos!
28 Sep 2011, 04:21 am
Don’t rub up the black pantie … its slippery when wet
28 Sep 2011, 04:24 am
@UptheGuts(UptheGuts)-52: The All Blacks have never lost to Argentina. Can’t see it happening this year either. The Argies got a pounding (legal and not so legal) from England, and suffered more injuries in the Wales game. Their playing stocks are limited as it is, and with these injuries they won’t have the players or energy to go toe to toe with the AB’s for 80 mins.
The reality is that the AB’s have never been seriously pushed by one of the second tier nations in the World Cup. If we are getting muscled in the pack, we have the backline to speed up the game and create the width needed to score without need of a forward platform.
Unfortunately, this ability tends to give AB supporters a false sense of confidence. Whilst that works against the lesser nations, a fired up top tier team has the ability to lock us in to a war of attrition in the forwards and have the backline defence to push us back into the tight when we try and wriggle out.
I don’t recall the Boks or England having lost to a second tier side at the World Cup. The “Plan B” that those sides use is a bit different to the AB’s speed/width tactic. Plan B is up the intensity of the battle in the tight, until the opposition can’t take it any more. This leads to seemingly closer games (SA vs Wales, England vs Argentina), but in reality the Bok and English approach is very effective in a tournament.
In reality, I think England, the Boks and the AB’s have all performed at pretty much the same level to date. I’m not reading anything into the Argentina and Wales games, the English and hte Boks are going to go well.
Just at it would be foolish of Bok supporters to think the Argentines will down the AB’s – it won’t happen, not even close, but that level of confidence in the AB’s doesn’t mean I think we are going to beat either the Boks or England if we face them later in the tournament.
28 Sep 2011, 04:25 am
Hehehe.. Gotta love it…
The Boks don’t have to thrash anybody… Anyone who believes that we do have post huge scores every time we play does not understand the concept of world cup rugby…
one point more than the opposition is all that is needed to get through to the next game and getting through to the next game is all that is needed to progress… and to progress forward and stay in the comp is all that is needed to keep moral and confidence up…
let the ABs add to the already massive pressure on themselves to perform for the crowds like barnum and bailey… they simply demonstrate what the rest of the world has known for the last 24 years… the ABs simply do no understand the difference between test rugby and world cup rugby…
the boks do… one point is all that is needed… anyone who says anything different is simply exhibiting their inability to grasp the concept of what it takes to win a world cup…
how many cups have been won by last minute kicks along the way…? yet the ABs believe they have to win by scoring tries… believing they can simply disrespect their opposition and take the tries… and belittle anyone else who takes kicks…
hehehe…
BUT… was that danny boy we saw ‘practising’ a drop goal in a match…???
oh danny boy… the poles the poles are calling… from right in front… or from the other side…
28 Sep 2011, 04:25 am
@Alucard(Alucard)-29:
I apologise.
The younest, least experienced, Wales team – EVER – is ‘better than 2 x RWC Finalist’ vastly-experienced France.
Namibia is, probably, better than France too. France got lucky at RWC’07 (they werent the only ones) when a last-min try meant they sneaked a victory by 77pts.
Heck, Namibia is probably the strongest team at this RWC’11. Other than Sth Africa.
As for Tonga being “definitely not” stronger than Fiji, well, I suppose you would have to apply the Logic of Krusty ‘not on the scoreboard’ Burger to that one to ignore 45-21 to Tonga in July.
So, you were right. Because you said so.
28 Sep 2011, 04:31 am
@ufo(ufo)-56: yep, there is a difference in philosophy. Also, we probably don’t have the confidence in our forward pack as you Boks do, to be able to shut down a game with one point in it and 20 mins to go.
I don’t think there are any AB supporters who would seriously argue that the Bok’s aren’t superb at knockout rugby. The results speak for themselves. I was at the Wales/Springbok game in Wellington, and the confidence of the Bok team that they could come from behind, and defend that one point lead, was so obvious from the stands. It’s a great quality.
So if we play you in the semi, our tactic is bound to be to get 12 or more points ahead so that you have to chase the game, and we will then feed off your mistakes. If the game is closer than that with 20 mins to go, a betting man would have to favour the boks.
28 Sep 2011, 04:33 am
@TheTackler(TheTackler)-39:
Namibia looks like a decent Auckland club team. Ponsonby would nail them.
28 Sep 2011, 04:33 am
@Black Panther(Black Panther)-57: How Alu can argue that Nambia are a credible team is beyond me. Maybe it’s because quite a few of them have Bokke names???
28 Sep 2011, 04:34 am
@Black Panther(Black Panther)-59: So would Wainouiamata, even without Piri
28 Sep 2011, 04:34 am
@corporal punishment(corporal punishment)-55: I can agree with that. I believe the Argies has got it upfront to match the AB’s. Although Lobbe out and Read in might be significant. So, I agree it’s going to come down to NZ’s backline on attack vs the Argies backline on defense. And I would give them good odds to do much better than what the Frogs dished up last week on defense. And to my defense, I did say that NZ should still win it. They might just get a scare along the way.
28 Sep 2011, 04:37 am
I’d prefer to see JDV at 12 against us if we play you blokes but then again, Steyn will be wasted there with his massive boot so it works out will for us. Still think the Boks are going to cop some injuries against the Samoans who will no doubt be hitting them hard. If you blokes go into the Aussie game minus a couple of key players (Broussow, Fourie, Jannie D), goodnight sweet prince
28 Sep 2011, 04:37 am
@UptheGuts(UptheGuts)-46:
Good luck with that then.
All the Rosemary West.
Finger crossed.
Toes too.
28 Sep 2011, 04:40 am
@UptheGuts(UptheGuts)-62: The AB’s could do with the workout up front. We’ll probably be made to look a bit **** in that area though
I don’t think it will matter in this game however.
I’ll have to differ with you about the Argentine backline defence offering more resistance. I think the AB’s will be able to create tries out wide without needing to confront the Argentine defences head on.
But hey – anything could happen. And every side that has won the cup from 1991 has had at least one serious scare along the way, so maybe I should keep my fingers crossed for that (and you should hope for a blow out!!)
28 Sep 2011, 04:41 am
@UptheGuts(UptheGuts)-52:
Arg will be their first real test of the tournament and I rate Arg to be much better than the France team that played the Abs. it should be a better contest
28 Sep 2011, 04:42 am
@Alucard 34. Well that makes you three from three as your assessment of me is equally wide of the mark. It is obvious you don’t inconvenience yourself with facts. JdV has been the number 1 choice inside centre at every level. All of his coaches, who are rugby professionals, have chosen him above the rest. His distribution. Defence and vision are excellent. You are have the ignorance of a zealot so debate with you is pointless.
28 Sep 2011, 04:43 am
@corporal punishment(corporal punishment)-58:
that’s the most sensible and realistic explanation yet offered by an AB supporter on Keo for the AB strategy to beat the Boks… and… IMO the one most Boks supporters fear… having to try and claw back a substantial lead in the dying minutes of the game…
the one scenario that will blow that out of the water is the boks getting out to a good lead… (i’m not superstitious, fatalistic or religious… but i’m wishing and hoping and praying…
)
whatever eventuates…. it will be interesting… and nerve wracking… and exciting… and… i can’t wait…!!
i love this game…!!!
28 Sep 2011, 04:43 am
@Maori_Fulla(Maori_Fulla)-63: I bet you’d want JdV at 12! FS asks so much more on defense.
Brussow is probably the one player we can ill-afford to lose. Jannie Dup probably too. Fourie? Which one? FdP or JF? FdP maybe not that much as Hougaard is more than an able replacement as long as they don’t want him to be a FdP wannabe. Playing his own game, he should be fine. JF might be but JdJ should slot in.
28 Sep 2011, 04:43 am
@UptheGuts(UptheGuts)-48:
How odd. You got all sensitive and called me “a Liar” when I also said that many of Fijis best players were ‘encouraged’ to stay in Europe by their UK & French clubs.
Why no mention of this now ?
Was it the article that was published, 2 weeks after I, *ahem*, “lied” about that too ?
So
lets get this right now. We dont want any further confusion from here on in, do we.
You acknowledge the Fiji team was weakened by Military intervention. And now the journo’s appear to have confirmed that, indeed, they were further weakened by their greedy NH clubs.
BUT
youre still promoting this whole ‘Pool of Death’ concept – right ?
28 Sep 2011, 04:46 am
@corporal punishment(corporal punishment)-60:
Its much easier than that. Its because theyre in SAs Pool, ergo.
28 Sep 2011, 04:47 am
Anyone that questions Morne Steyn is a moron.
Kicking stats this world cup:
Morne Steyn (South Africa) 17 from 20: 85 per cent
Ronan O’Gara (Ireland) 10 from 12: 83 per cent
Dimitri Yachvili (France) 7 from 9: 78 per cent
Toby Flood (England) 9 from 12: 75 per cent
Dan Carter (New Zealand) 8 from 12: 67 per cent
Colin Slade (New Zealand) 10 from 15: 67 per cent
James Hook (Wales) 6 from 9: 67 per cent
James O’Connor (Australia) 5 from 8: 63 per cent
Felipe Contepomi (Argentina) 4 from 8: 50 per cent
Quade Cooper (Australia) 4 from 8: 50 per cent
Jonny Wilkinson (England) 7 from 14: 50 per cent
Martin Rodriguez (Argentina) 8 from 17: 47 per cent
Jonathan Sexton (Ireland) 5 from 13: 38 per cent
Look at the great Dan Carter (who just openly bitched about the ball.. it’s not the ball Dan, it’s your skill level) and that thief Quade Cooper… lololololol. Good luck in the knock out stages you two Polynesians.
28 Sep 2011, 04:48 am
@corporal punishment(corporal punishment)-65: Yep. Imo, the AB’s needs to be stopped before the final. If they make it that far, that’s it…unless it’s France. None of the other NH sides will be able to hold them back. So, I guess it’s up to us then…
28 Sep 2011, 04:49 am
@ufo(ufo)-68: I think the AB’s have the game to chase down an early lead to the Aussies, but I can’t see us being able to chase down the Boks – absent a miracle game lie the Frech dished up to us in 1999. I would expect the Steyn’s to settle pack into a territory game, and just keep the scoreboard ticking over with penalties from half way as the AB’s get ever looser and more desperate. A la 2009, and the PE test this year
Yep, it’s going to be one hell of a game, assuming we both get there of course (frantically touching wood)
28 Sep 2011, 04:52 am
@UptheGuts(UptheGuts)-73: don’t feel you have to
we won’t hold it against you if you waive us through for the good of our mental health :-0
28 Sep 2011, 04:56 am
@Black Panther(Black Panther)-70: Funny that you’re the only one disputing this. Boktill0 got it right imo. The fact they haven’t lived up to the hype must be a real dissapointment for you. Pool of death or not, we’ve shown a steady improvement since Durban. And That’s all that matters.
28 Sep 2011, 04:57 am
@corporal punishment(corporal punishment)-61:
and that would be Wainui’s league side, playing by Union rules.
28 Sep 2011, 04:58 am
@corporal punishment(corporal punishment)-55: common sense for a change
28 Sep 2011, 04:59 am
@corporal punishment(corporal punishment)-74:
yes… IF we both get there of course… and not taking for granted we will… believe all games for us from here on out will be extremely tough… hence the one point win being all i’m looking for…
as far as the group of death thing is concerned… i think people are missing the point… it’s not about the rankings or status or rugby ability of the teams or players that are relevant…
it’s about the fact that the PIs are widely acknowledged as consistently being the hardest (and highest) hitters in world rugby and the fact that the boks play two of them means that even if we win the pool, the likelihood is that it will be minus a number of stars targeted by the PIs… many of who are mates with many of the ABs… its just a natural doing-it-for-your-mates thing…
as Maori Fulla acknowledges… “Still think the Boks are going to cop some injuries against the Samoans who will no doubt be hitting them hard.”
28 Sep 2011, 05:02 am
@UptheGuts(UptheGuts)-76:
yes, a steady improvement against roadkill. Back up a litte, just to make sure of it.
Aus will be coming out of a Pool having played both Ireland and Italy. Thats Ireland who are Played 4, Won 3 vs Boks. And an Italy team growing steadily stronger with regular 6N competition. Unlike Samoa/Fiji and ~tee hee~ Namibia.
28 Sep 2011, 05:03 am
@corporal punishment(corporal punishment)-74: AB’s need a blow out, putting them out of reach. 5-6 points in it with 30 to go and Bissie, Hougie and Beast running on? Our bench will swing it should we still be in touch with 30 to go. What do you make of your pick and go strategy? Brisbane you did that with 40 mins still to play. It worked but Aus were slow to counter. This time round they might not be, nor the Boks. I get the feeling they think they’re on to a winner (as a back-up Plan B) but I’m not too sure. Cardiff 2007?
28 Sep 2011, 05:05 am
All Blacks will be going into the knock out stages without playing a proper game since the end of the Tri-nations.
Tonga, lol
Japan, lol
B France that wanted to lose, lol
Canada, lol
28 Sep 2011, 05:07 am
@ufo(ufo)-79:
do-it-for-your-mates presumably, then, accounts for heavyweights Namibia guiding the Boks thru for all 87 of their unanswered points then ?
28 Sep 2011, 05:07 am
@Black Panther(Black Panther)-80: Pool A is not exactly trophy game either. What are you saying mate? The more you’re babbling on, the more you give the impression of a scared little man. Is that so? Is panty a litlle scared?
28 Sep 2011, 05:11 am
@Kobus Kitty(Kobus Kitty)-82:
ah yes, the old France ‘B’ theory
sacre bleuuuuuu
France have selected the exact same matchday-22 – barring a replacement no8, and dropping Traille – for the 2nd-consecutive match.
I suppose they “want to lose” to Tonga too, and make a hasty RWC-exit for Paris.
*chortle*
28 Sep 2011, 05:12 am
@UptheGuts(UptheGuts)-84:
He isn’t a little scared, he’s openly shi-tting himself.
28 Sep 2011, 05:12 am
@UptheGuts(UptheGuts)-81: Can’t see pick and go working against the Boks.
What I would like to see happen is the AB forwards AND backs smash everything that moves in a green jersey, scramble like men possessed in defence, and when we get the ball back play for territory rather than trying to run it out from our 22 UNLESS we have an overlap on out wide after a turnover. Dagg helps that plan, as he has a much bigger boot for territory than Mils (who is a feeble territory kicker).
Once in Bok territory, play a possession based game until the Boks give up a penalty, a drop goal opportunity arises, or an overlap arises out wide.
I.e. play like the Boks usually do in the WC
What I think will happen is we will play like we usually do – lots of width on the ball, try to tire the opposition out, get frustrated when it doesn’t work and then give up penalties/intercept tries.
So – I sincerely hope it is not close with 20 mins to go, I hope we have a 15-20 point lead by then
28 Sep 2011, 05:15 am
@Black Panther(Black Panther)-85:
France are 5 points ahead of Tonga and the points difference is too great. B SIDE. Unless you think Canada can beat the All Blacks (which they nearly did in 2007) otherwise no, France have 2nd spot already.
28 Sep 2011, 05:17 am
@Kobus Kitty(Kobus Kitty)-86: I don’t understand it. The Boks put our ‘minnows’ away like expected. We struggled against Wales and won when we had no right to. And by that I don’t mean the missed penalty. All he’s doing is showing his own insecurities. PLEASE LET THE BOKS PLAY THE AB”S IN THAT SEMI!!!! PLEAASSSEEEEE!!!!!!
28 Sep 2011, 05:19 am
@UptheGuts(UptheGuts)-81: I don’t think I agree your bench is a big advantage. Bissie and SBW cancel each other out for impact (albeit in different parts of the park), and AB supporters aren’t that impressed with either Hougard (sorry bout that
) or Beast. Probably about the same level of impact for those two, in AB supporters’ minds, as Hore and Ali Williams.
Also, of course, Bissie will have ground to make up given the gulf between him and the aging Smit
I do think the Boks have used their bench much better since the WC started, and it was one of the decisive factors in the WC game. I just think that between the AB’s and the Boks, the difference will probably be in the style of rugby played and the relatively strength of your kicking game (very, very strong) vs our running game (strong, but fallible in the face of committed defence).
Do I sound like I have convinced myself
28 Sep 2011, 05:20 am
@corporal punishment(corporal punishment)-87: All things being equal how about Dagg,SBW and Carter vs Brussow and the 2 Steyns? Out of these the eventual winner will be decided
28 Sep 2011, 05:21 am
* Wales game
28 Sep 2011, 05:22 am
@UptheGuts(UptheGuts)-91: Give me Dagg, McCaw, Carter and Super sub SBW vis your Brussow, 2 Styens and super sub Bissie, and I think you have hit the nail on the head!!!!!
28 Sep 2011, 05:25 am
@corporal punishment(corporal punishment)-90:
Yuck. You compared Sonny Bench to Bismarck.
This is the same Bok side from 2009 (except for Smith) only with a far.. far better Bench.
The Bok side from 09 had dogshit like Kirchner, Jacobs, Januarie and Olivier coming on after the Boks had a large lead only for the opposition to come back in the final 10 minutes making the game look closer than it actually was.
This world cup 22 is so much stronger.
28 Sep 2011, 05:26 am
@UptheGuts(UptheGuts)-84:
ah, but there is difference there
its a subtle difference, true, thats if youre mentally-impaired
the difference is that we’re NOT saying Pool A is the ‘Pool of Death’. Because that would seem somewhat desperate.
facts are facts – France is tougher than any team in Pool D apart from Boks. And, well, played 10 Won 6 Drawn 1 also suggests theyre stronger than SA too. And this Japan side is better than Samoa/Fiji as the Pacific Nations Cup proved.
btw – have you accepted that many of Fijis best players were encouraged to make themselves ‘unavailable’ yet ? just asking.
28 Sep 2011, 05:27 am
@Kobus Kitty(Kobus Kitty)-94: 2009 is another galaxy, let’s just see what happens shall we?
28 Sep 2011, 05:28 am
Sonny Bench is a player that you want as far away from a knock out game as possible. Moron with no respect for possession. Habana in PE was targeting his forced offloads and nearly got the intercept twice. Inches away from making the scoreline 32-5.
28 Sep 2011, 05:28 am
@corporal punishment(corporal punishment)-90: Hore and Ali? You’re joking. Well, it’s still not certain whether FS is going to remain at 12 but remember how clueless we looked with ball in hand only weeks ago? With him at 12 our attack seems lots more incisive and sure of itself. So ja, we’ve got a strong kicking game but our attack should have a little more teeth to it with Frans at 12. For you fellas? All I can up with is your pack. If they play like men possesed for 80 min with your backs some semblance of front foot ball, your normal game might be enough. Your tight 5 need to stand up mate.
28 Sep 2011, 05:28 am
@Kobus Kitty(Kobus Kitty)-94: PS – both Bismarck and Sonny Bill spend far too much time looking at their popeye style muscles in the gym mirror than is truely healthy….
28 Sep 2011, 05:30 am
@Kobus Kitty(Kobus Kitty)-88:
Thats fine, KKK. It somewhat flies, heavily, in the face of all your previous ‘RWC = fullstrength’ theories that youve entertained us with in the past 4 years but thats OK. We’ve come to thoroughly enjoy your contortionist sideshows. If only they were consistent with one another, you wouldnt look like such a fool.
28 Sep 2011, 05:32 am
@Black Panther(Black Panther)-83:
hehehe…
you’re so childishly obtuse you’re laughable… as usual you miss the point… you’re stacking them up and now have more misses than a usa teenage beauty pageant…
IF namibia played the ABs you would have a rational comparison…
the point being no other tier one team had to play two PI teams of hard-hitters that even (honest) AB supporters acknowledge will “no doubt” be hitting the Boks hard…
but you know the point…
and denying that when even your own (honest) countrymen know it to be true just makes you look even sillier…
but hey… don’t let me stop you… i’ve tried to be friendly with you too often only to discover you’re too determined to be unreasonable and play the lonely victim…
if you were drowning and a saffa offered you a hand to save you… you’d be so intent on proving your hatred you’d actually slap the hand away and drown…
as i said the other day… just enjoy the rugby dude… for the rugby’s sake… everyone else is… you’re watching rugby for the sole purpose of finding ‘evidence’ to knock south africans and south africa…
the sad thing… and it really is sad and i sincerely feel sorry for you… the sad thing is… that when the world cup is done and dusted… whoever wins… everyone else is going to have great memories of the rugby and of new zealand…
and your only memories are going to be of having fights with south africans on a website called keo…
but if that’s the way for clock ticks… well… wind it up…
28 Sep 2011, 05:32 am
Anyway, time to get ready for work. And BP, it’s true. You fellas have this sown up. We might as well pack up and go home. The AB’s are the best! No one comes even close. Congratulations
28 Sep 2011, 05:33 am
@corporal punishment(corporal punishment)-99:
Bismarck isn’t a show pony and shouldn’t be mentioned in the same breath as Sonny Bench. Sonny Bench is like a maori version of Spies.
28 Sep 2011, 05:33 am
@corporal punishment(corporal punishment)-99:
hehehe…
well said…!!
28 Sep 2011, 05:36 am
@UptheGuts(UptheGuts)-98: Yep, the tight 5 is our weakness, specifically loosehead prop, and one of the locking positions.
Loosehead – we are really missing Crockett I believe. Woodcock is only good for 60 mins these day. And our scrum goes to pieces when Ben Franks comes on (this has always been he case, like Afoa he is a weak scrummager).
Lock – one older head like Thorn and Williams would be OK, but not two of them.
Also, McCaw has been slow to find his form and fitness, and I don’t think he has been an 80 minute player yet this year.
If Woodcock, Thorn and McCaw dig deep and kill themselves for 80 mins, I think our pack will be competitive enough to give us a fair chance of a win against you guys. Not a certainty by any means. But if they fail to “man up”, I don’t think we have much chance at all.
Don’t think I’m not patriotic – I do believe those guys have that game in them. But I’m just realistic enough to admit that there is a chance they won’t bring it!!
28 Sep 2011, 05:36 am
yeah.. outta here too…
great day all…!!
28 Sep 2011, 05:43 am
@Kobus Kitty(Kobus Kitty)-103: At the risk of encouraging you to flame me further, I would profer the opinion that Spies is the European version of a long line of All Black failures at No8… Sione Luaki, Mose Tuiali’i (SP?), Ron Cribb, Aran Penne etc etc. For an Aussie version see Rakidi Samo, good on the front foot but happiest playing on the wing (and the Aussies are reportedly thinking about playing him there in their next game!)
SBW is a back, and an aggressive b*stard (look at his league career if you want evidence of that).
Bismark is just as likely to lose you guys a game by getting sent off as SBW is of losing via an intercept pass. High impact players will do that to you….
28 Sep 2011, 05:44 am
outta here too….
PS – I want to school in Taupo, apart from the scenary it’s a sh@t hole full of mongrels!
28 Sep 2011, 05:57 am
@ufo(ufo)-101:
I know this is going to sit a little uneasy with you
but
1 of my oldest, best mates, was born you-know-where and educated at Jeppe High. I cant quite pick his accent, but I suspect its not Kiwi.
Another great mate is Godfather to one of my sons (I think I might have 2 of them). He’s also from you-know-where.
And I employ 4 x you-know-where’ers in my business (London HQ).
By all means “feel sorry for” me. ooooooh, an anonymous blogger hates me. I, too, feel no little pity for anyone who translates rugby-specific banter in to “hating a Nation” (which, btw, Ive never visited) and “all its people”.
Goodbye, Mr Chips.
ps – Im curious. When was the bit when you “tried to be friendly” with me ? was it that time you called me “a liar” about the Fijian players in Europe, when I was subsequently proved to be correct ? you guys….
28 Sep 2011, 06:01 am
@corporal punishment(corporal punishment)-105:
thought the scrum looked quite solid vs renown-scrummagers, France.
I agree that Crockett was a better option that makeweight Afoa, but Woodcock is essential and playing back in to form in the cauldron of RWC footy. Play him.
28 Sep 2011, 06:51 am
@Alucard(Alucard)-44: Comparison is mute? It had better speak up then, hey?
28 Sep 2011, 06:55 am
@Kobus Kitty(Kobus Kitty)-103: SBW has Samoan heritage, not Maori.
28 Sep 2011, 06:59 am
@Black Panther(Black Panther)-59: Grey College Bloemfontein’s 1st XV would whip Namibia.
28 Sep 2011, 07:12 am
@ 107. Corporal. You seem like a readonable guy who is interested in an intelligent rugby conversation. A word of advice. Ignore Kobus. He is like a mooning driunk by the side of the
freeway. Save your efforts for the more deserving.
28 Sep 2011, 07:17 am
@stormer in a teacup(stormer in a teacup)-114:
yo
Frans at 12 or 15
and
if at 12
who goes to 15 ?
I think its odd that in an attempt to shore-up the midfield, the Boks are weakening the 1 position that dovetails perfectly with their own kick’n'chase gameplan given that Frans’ howitzer boot at the back often turned D in to immediate A.
your thoughts ?
28 Sep 2011, 07:20 am
@ 107. Corporal. You seem like a readonable guy who is interested in an intelligent rugby conversation. A word of advice. Ignore Kobus. He is like a mooning driunk by the side of the
freeway.
28 Sep 2011, 07:23 am
@Black Panther(Black Panther)-109:
109.Black Panther:
hehehe… now you sound as plausible as idi amin insisting he did not hate white people because his 2IC was Bob Astles and he (idi amin) played rugby as a youngster…
if you employ saffas it’s only because we work hard and have a good reputation in London for just that…
where is my post did I say I hate you…? Please go back to my post ( in this thread – not too hard)and cut-n-paste where I said I hated you… I said a pitied you…
You see, you’re so determined to play the little victim that you simply make up anything to fabricate the point…
you and I have never discussed, let alone argued about, Fijians in Europe… please be so good as to cut and paste (with dates and times) the posts in which you and I discussed Fijians in Europe and where I called you a liar…?
as far as your hating South Africa and South African’s protest all you like… the evidence is in almost every post you make.. you display it for all to see…
as far as trying to be reasonable with you… I offered sincere good luck to all AB supporters before the opening game, saying you should all enjoy and cherish this special time and that i was proud to call you brothers in rugby… many AB supporters responded in kind… you didn’t even bother to respond…
when the ABs beat the French… I congratulated them and the supporters here I know by name… you included… again most responded in kind… but again you didn’t even have the grace to acknowledge my comment…
and I have twice in the past tried to reason with you.. even apologized once for all past heated exchanges… and said lets reboot and start again… the only rebooting you did was to get your kicks and insults in and told me you don’t need any saffa friends… thing is you’re so consumed by rage you don’t retain the good and only seek out and hang onto the bad…
BP the sweeping generalisation is a common tool of the bigot… you always talk of saffas as a whole, you never qualify it to say ‘some’ saffas… of the saffa who said this or the saffa who said that… a comment by one saffa is read and translated by you into ‘all saffas’…
If you want to come across as less of a bigot and be seen not to hate South Africans qualify and limit your statements to target the people who actually made derogatory statements… instead of your usual blanket coverage of saffas this and saffas that…
This is good advice BP… you really should take a while, digest it, and use it…
But chances are you’ll just spew and rant even more…
28 Sep 2011, 07:23 am
@stormer in a teacup(stormer in a teacup)-116:
Indeed kitty is the only p u ssy I’ve ever disliked.
28 Sep 2011, 07:30 am
BP. If all fit Jean at 12 and Frans at 15. Otherwise De jongh. Fransies boot at 15 is a gameplan on it’s own. No worries at all about the midfield. All 3 centres are well up to the task. What our midfield delivers depends on how the ball gets past Morne if at all.
28 Sep 2011, 07:32 am
i don’t hate anyone BP… it is such a negative energy consuming emotion and there’s no place or time in my life for it…
life is way too fleeting to hate anyone or be consumed by rage… it requires active participation by the hater to keep alive… i rather expend energy positively building good relationships…
but still enjoy good fun banter… of course…
28 Sep 2011, 07:38 am
@ufo(ufo)-117:
being totally frank and 100% honest ?
I simply dont care whether you think Im BSing or not.
My comments are rugby-specific and relate to some, but never all, Bok fans. Do I think youre all SCUM like Whatever ? or self-absorbed peacocks like Boy George ? or absolute Gentlemen like Puma ? or friendly intellectuals like SodaJoe ? or total ******* like Peaches ? or weighed down under massive chips, like you ?
dont rush your Answer. Give it some thought.
28 Sep 2011, 07:38 am
Dr Dre says that Argentina to shock and beat the united pacific ferns!
The doctor has spoken.
28 Sep 2011, 07:44 am
@Black Panther(Black Panther)-121:
hehehe…
“being totally frank and 100% honest ?”
okay…
28 Sep 2011, 07:47 am
@stormer in a teacup(stormer in a teacup)-119:
oh for ffucks sake man!
the boks have been playing only but running rugby with a team thats scored not only the second most points for (yes, they’re attacking) but also still have the least points against (because wow, they are also still defending too) and somehow the flyhalfs got nothing to do with that…really?…i mean really now?….
28 Sep 2011, 08:16 am
@Alucard(Alucard)-9:
You had everything spot on there except the Nonu vs Steyn stepping.
28 Sep 2011, 08:17 am
@ufo(ufo)-101: Beautifully said.
Must say, I pretty much stopped posting here because of all the haters – there are many other sites where I can actually have a decent rugby conversation where debate remains debate and don’t progress into an all out war of words.
28 Sep 2011, 08:22 am
@ufo(ufo)-120: I’ve noticed it too…Poppa of course being a fair bit more unhinged than BP…but yea the selective reading does get boring, they’ll scrol past 10 reasonable posts and fixate on the 3 negative or insulting ones…they’ve become blind to anything said that does not conform to their views that all saffas are out to insult and belittle their country..I’ve made (and also seen) a lot of very positive and complimentary posts about the RWC, like you, but haven’t seen them respond to any of those…they just hone in on the bullshit. Pity, because they actually know their rugby but the constant repetitive default replies, and their precious sensitivity about all things Kiwi was boring 2 months ago already!
28 Sep 2011, 08:23 am
@King Shark(King Shark)-126: Can you imagine this place if/when one of our teams are knocked out? Think I’ll head for the hills
28 Sep 2011, 08:30 am
@Black Panther(Black Panther)-115: I think that the result in improved backline play indicates that they are onto something with Frans at 12. Yes, we don’t have his booming boot at the back, but he may drop back on occasion to field those kicks, I don’t know.
If they play Lambie at 15 he has a long enough boot IMO.
I was sceptical at the beginning for sure, but I’ve seen enough to support an extended run at 12 for him. For now.
28 Sep 2011, 08:31 am
1987. The number that gives a tiny glimmer of hope to the all mighty all blacks and their supporters.. How many of you guys could actually wipe your own arrsess back then? The funny thing is that what happens between world cups doesn’t really phase us, because the ultimate prize only comes along every 4 years, and new zealanders feel the same, they won’t admit it until they start winning the bill.
Maybe this time with absolutely everything in their favour they will win the thing and stand alongside the two bigboys of the RWC.
Bokbefok.
28 Sep 2011, 08:34 am
@Atreides(Atreides)-127:
only two months?….
28 Sep 2011, 08:35 am
@124. Reechie. We have only been playing running rugby in the last two games against Fiji and Namibia. Morne can send it wide – but the Boks don’t usually against top opposition. It depends on the gameplan on the day.
28 Sep 2011, 08:50 am
@ufo(ufo)-123: Broer, you’re p!ss!ing into the wind… these okes will never change. Not as long as we’ve got a hole in our @rse.
They’re too self-absorbed & caught up with contemplating & admiring their navels. Massive complexes… small-man syndrome, inferiority (or is it superiority??), self-consumed, denial, arrogant, world-needs-to-bow down-to-us… I don’t know.
& then they’re threatening to pull out of 2015…
In Natal, we refer to these types as “Boega Minna’s” – constantly demanding attention.
28 Sep 2011, 08:57 am
@corporal punishment(corporal punishment)-105: I’m not happy with Woodcock either. He is primarily the reason France scored that second try. He doesn’t have the legs anymore. Crocket is sorely missed. Thompson scares me too. So glad that Reid is back. Richie also needs to become Richie again.
28 Sep 2011, 08:59 am
@jocuba(jocuba)-133: Just a bit of perspective there. Black Panther did not make that decision. NZRU did. Must we hold you personally responsible for everything that Oregon Hoskin’s does?
28 Sep 2011, 08:59 am
As long as we have Franstasties we can beat any team!
28 Sep 2011, 09:06 am
@stormer in a teacup(stormer in a teacup)-132:
sure, i hear you but your last line throw away comment suggests its more about the flayhalf than it is about the gameplan on the day…to quote: “What our midfield delivers depends on how the ball gets past Morne if at all.”…unqoute…
28 Sep 2011, 09:06 am
@Kobus Kitty(Kobus Kitty)-72: Kobus, if only, the whole position of flyhalf was ONLY about kicking. Aside for that stat, which Morne has in the bag, he is utter rubbish.
28 Sep 2011, 09:09 am
@stormer in a teacup(stormer in a teacup)-116: Apt description, but even those guys by the side of the highway can be funny.
28 Sep 2011, 09:09 am
I think all of the debate around NZ and SA is moot, please guys dont take the focus off Australia, Cooper and Genia will be hurting at the moment after the Ireland game and the Aussies will want to beat us very badly. I dont for one second believe that Australia based on one game are a terrible team.
This is the same Aussie team who got smashed by the AB’s in NZ but were happy to return the compliment in Auss. Lets just focus on the Wallabies.Perspective fellas.
28 Sep 2011, 09:10 am
@stormer in a teacup(stormer in a teacup)-132: Morne is brave enough to try it against lesser opposition, but will always revert to kicking when he is under pressure. Always.
28 Sep 2011, 09:15 am
@corporal punishment(corporal punishment)-107:
When was the last time Bismarck was sent off? Has he ever been yellow carded in an international? Tell me, it apparently happens so often that you must be able to recall the last time he was sent off. Or is that just a myth? He barely gets penalized.
28 Sep 2011, 09:18 am
@francois93(francois93)-140:
personally, .i think their injuries will sink them.
just too many key players with niggles or worse.
28 Sep 2011, 09:20 am
@rossoneri(rossoneri)-135: I thought I was talking collectively… obviously, not obvious to you… or are you just a little bit precious?
28 Sep 2011, 09:22 am
@rossoneri(rossoneri)-138:
Morne has proven to be world class especially with du Preez.
Anyway, your opinion is absolutely less than dogshit.
28 Sep 2011, 09:28 am
@141. Rossoneri. It is not a question of feeling brave, but of the gameplan chosen by the coaches. Morne has buckets of BMT. Just consider how many high pressure kicks he converts.Che also has a good eye for the gap, but the Boks play one of the most structured games and they don’t usually wander too far from the script.
28 Sep 2011, 09:29 am
@reechie maak so lank die pan warm, bakkies bring die wors…(i_love_u_bakkiesbotha)-143: For sure the Aussies have some big injury’s, turned green when I saw the Fainga hit, having likewise copped a knee in the head with a similar result, still missing a day and a half in my life, cant remember a farken thing. Be very surprised if he doesn’t have a serious concussion. That aside they could still make life very difficult for us, the worst possible thing is to give Aussies the underdog card. Pressure release valve of note, we should be talking them up from morning till night and doing everything in our power to put them in the spotlight come the quarterfinal. Place as much pressure on Genia and Cooper as possible, something very cleverly done by the Irish. As far as I am concerned cant hurt, can only help.
28 Sep 2011, 09:31 am
@francois93(francois93)-147: yeah with Samo out they’ll have to sramble to fill the gaps.
28 Sep 2011, 09:41 am
@stormersboy(stormersboy)-148: Yep, also have to decide if its Vickerman or Sharpe, personally if I was Deans, my choice would be Sharpe and Horwill, lots a grunt needed against the Boks and try to limit Line outs, which I am pretty sure would have already been the plan.
28 Sep 2011, 09:47 am
Agh all this talk of tougher pools blah blah
Namibia have been diabolical
BUT
Fiji & Samoa would beat Canada,Japan.Lets not forget Samoa beat the Wallabies & ran Wales close.
Wales on current form and especially if the faced a French team with Parra at 10,Dulcalcon at 3,Yachvilli at 9, Pape at 4, Szarzewski at 2 etc I would back them to beat France.Reece.Warbuton,Faletau,Phillips,Roberts,Williams have been better than anything France have mustered up.Only Clerq,Parra(AT 9) Picamoles have impressed somewhat. If you look at form book it clear for all to see.
Tonga would beat Namibia.
SA group might no be group of “death” but it was more competitve & of more quality than that of NZ.
28 Sep 2011, 09:47 am
@francois93(francois93)-149: I agree with you on Sharpe. Always rated him and was quite surprised that he didn’t get chosen.
28 Sep 2011, 09:49 am
@francois93(francois93)-147:
yes i agree, the right mindsight can only be a good thing.
28 Sep 2011, 09:50 am
@mshiniwami(mshiniwami)-150: Mr. Beamin I as ever am your humble servant and yet again find myself in agreement. Sir I like the cut of your jib
28 Sep 2011, 09:56 am
@stormersboy(stormersboy)-151: Look I cant fault Deans on wanting a specialist line out option. I just dont thin Dan is ready for the same reason that I am worried about Vic undercooked is an understatement. I agree Sharpe has been the go to guy for Auss when the hard stuff needs to get done, that he has mostly done it in a pack that has been noted for its lack of Physicality is a testament to him. Also any Guy Bakkies respects has gotta be a tough bugger.
28 Sep 2011, 10:03 am
@francois93(francois93)-154: Yeah and I think they could have used his hard edge against Ireland. One of the tactical mistakes they made.
28 Sep 2011, 10:30 am
Hougie, F Steyn and Lambie give the backline some much needed flair. All 3 need to start in the knock out stages against the top sides
28 Sep 2011, 12:35 pm
The odds at the bookies for an outright SA win at the WC is 10/1.
Worth a flutter.
Our boys are hungry (last rugby for some full stop, nevermind tournament), experienced (crucially, in key positions) and confident (due to a greater team spirit and a new-look midfield IMO).
But what really sets us apart is our bench. If we “survive” the onslaughts of the first 50 minutes, we will be unstoppable.
We have to take it one game at a time though. Samoa, Australia, New Zealand and a finalist.
10/1? Bring it on, bookies.
28 Sep 2011, 12:36 pm
@jocuba(jocuba)-144: Very obvious. How do you hate an entire nation by the actions on a sporting body? Should the world have considered all South Africans eye gougers after the B and I tour and the Schalk incident, just because of the statements PDV made? Don’t generalize it’s ignornant.
@Kobus Kitty(Kobus Kitty)-145: Yeah I forgot, Morne works as a package deal with Fdp. So tell me, is he off to Japan next year too, seeing as he can only play rugby with one specific player at 9 in order to function? What kinda **** 10 is he then.
28 Sep 2011, 12:39 pm
@stormer in a teacup(stormer in a teacup)-146: And they won’t in the next few matches comming up. I expect them to revert to what we saw in PE and for Morne to be the sole point scorer in the game.
28 Sep 2011, 12:41 pm
@willievz(willievz)-157:
definitely worth a lazy twenty.
28 Sep 2011, 12:46 pm
JDV has the EX – factor, Steyn has the X – factor
28 Sep 2011, 13:01 pm
@NicG(NicG)-161:
Well said!!
28 Sep 2011, 14:20 pm
Morne Steyn has to carry the confidence he has now with ball in hand into the next stage of the WC.
The kick chase will not work against the Ausies and Kiwis for a number of reasons.
Habana is not the player he was in 2009 when rules facoured this tactic. Neither is Pietersen, which rules out our 2 premier chasers.
Fourie has lost his kicking accuracy for now, that ability he had when he was able to kick the ball onto a penny seems to have escaped him.
The Allblacks are picking players who are great under the high ball and not necessarily strike wingers. Perhaps in anticipation of playing against sides who favour the kicking games. England, SA etc.
Morne and the rest, try to keep the ball in hand and dominate the collision.
That is all.
28 Sep 2011, 15:15 pm
How stupid to play finals rugby (play the game like a knockout) when 1 point will put you top of the group.
So if you are less than 8 points down you would risk everything for the win?
Morons
28 Sep 2011, 16:46 pm
@chch(chch)-164:
Honestly sweetness, do you think they will not go for posts if they are 8 points down, 1 minute to play with a penalty in front?
However, would another team wearing black jerseys have the nouse to slot a drop to win a knockout game when they are 2 points down and time is running out? Answered in 2007.
28 Sep 2011, 16:47 pm
Chch – in the words of that great man Forrest Gump, “Stupid is as stuid does”
28 Sep 2011, 17:35 pm
@Kobus Kitty(Kobus Kitty)-72: Kobus dis nou baie interesant. Waar kry jy die syfers vandaan?
Ek wil graag sien tekkel nommers vir elke posiesie, en veral vir losskakels
28 Sep 2011, 17:58 pm
Been having that same feeling actually since the Welsh game. I mean, a team with seemingly the outright advantage at the tackle point playing in 5th gear not able to put away a seemingly inferior opponent. Since then I’ve been having THIS FEELING!
28 Sep 2011, 18:00 pm
Knock-out feeling that is…
28 Sep 2011, 20:38 pm
@Atreides(Atreides)-127:
I recently posted a comment (I cant be farked finding it) that started by praising Bizzy to the Heavens (I always have, I even called him “best hooker in the World” long before anyone else here did) which, again, said he was “some player”. I then went on to say – in balance – that he was a Penalty Magnet, which he is. You should know that too, Atriedes, because all the offenses you happily label McCaw “a cheat” with, are the same things Bizzy is doing. Ironic, huh ?
I then ended my post by saying something like “despite Smits athletic shortcomings compared, he is very disciplined and never gives away pens….good leadership…..vital at RWC’s”
So, looking back on it, I thought I said 2 x complimentary RUGBY comments about SA players/rugby and (if thats your angle, it always is when you comment about me) 1 x ‘negative’ comment.
I then got a hasty response, in particular from 1 of my favourite stalkers, JL1 (who, I might add, has said more disgusting filth about NZ than I ever have about SA) and guess what he focussed on ?
How much I “hated” Safas.
Thats this whole issue IN A NUTSHELL
So what he did was ignore ANYTHING I said that was positive, and zero’ed in on the ONE ‘negative’ comment, just to perpetuate the same
ANTI-KIWI
(I presume thats the right phrase)
anti-Kiwi tar brush that youre, again, so being “precious” about. with me now.
How many times have you brandished the “Kiwis are cheats” tar-brush then, Atriedes ?
So youve got, what, maybe 4-5 Kiwis here giving you guys a ribbing and then you have 100′s in some gang mentality telling us what “cheats” we are, we “beat up our women” we “are suicidal after an AB loss” our “women are ugly” we are “racist” and, more hilariously “the RWC will be sh*t, noone will watch it, it will be massive losses”….blah blah
and
yet
1 ”negative” comment in the sandwich of 2 very positive ones, and yet you have the gall to call US “precious”
from a vast minority ?!
28 Sep 2011, 21:30 pm
… What a precious twat… The post says it all…
28 Sep 2011, 21:49 pm
@Black Panther(Black Panther)-170: America has been discovered already, no need to try again.
28 Sep 2011, 22:10 pm
@Nils(Nils)-172:
tis true
I’ll STFU then
(pass the Tui’s)
28 Sep 2011, 22:50 pm
@Black Panther(Black Panther)-173: I do not know about Tui’s but can assure Estonian beers I have got while breathing superfresh air in very tiny island in the middle of the sea taste delicious.
28 Sep 2011, 22:58 pm
OK, so Kiwis still hating Saffas, I see
28 Sep 2011, 23:02 pm
@JL1(JL1)-175:
No
just you.
28 Sep 2011, 23:04 pm
@Nils(Nils)-174:
its a reference to a local, well-known, advertisement by the beer Tui’s (which incidentally, is a terrible brew)
The Tui’s ad’s always end with
“yeah, right”
an ironic p*sstake
(eg, “yeah right, as if Im going to STFU”)
28 Sep 2011, 23:17 pm
@Black Panther(Black Panther)-177: Now I get it.
I just think time has come to stop all that ‘explaining’ and other shiit. You know perfectly well as I do – it won’t change a bit.
28 Sep 2011, 23:19 pm
@Black Panther(Black Panther)-176: You hate me?
A bit harsh old chap would you not say?
28 Sep 2011, 23:41 pm
@JL1(JL1)-179:
of course I dont. I dont even know you.
but no sillier or “harsh’er” than saying I “hate all saffas”
would you not say, old chap ?
28 Sep 2011, 23:42 pm
@Nils(Nils)-178:
fair enough. good point well made.
28 Sep 2011, 23:55 pm
@Black Panther(Black Panther)-181: I mean, some things are certain as death. When ABs play many (majority) okes here will spot any single bit about them and will not see a tiny bit about the opposition (Frogs 2nd try a prime example – no a whimper of complain) and vice versa – when Boks play they will be blind as moles and see everything the opposition does wrong or perceivedly wring. The same applies to the reffing.
Plus some special ones will keep on tell fairytales thinking all others are fools and cannot use internet or just have total amnesia.
From recent examples I especially like the pearl from Kobus Kitty (from thread “Bryan looks to break the barrier”): “Boks very rarely get to play a real proper minnow, unlike the ABs who “somehow” manage to play them often.”
Nevermind that during 1995-2011 Boks have played 8 “proper minnows” while ABs 6. As I said it won’t change a bit in their thinking.
29 Sep 2011, 04:29 am
@Nils(Nils)-182:
are you now explaining away my over-explaining ?!
(silly smiley Teachers Stamp…..gawd, I feel irreparably tainted already)
I get it.
I just find it odd that I can say ‘positive SA’ stuff, but all Old Chaps like JL1 do is focus on the 1 ‘negative’ (constructive criticism, actually) and then make a meal out of it. When if they wanted their insatiable ego’s stroked, then its right there if they care to look for it.
No worries, as we say.
And youre 100% right.
I feel a little Waka coming on.
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