PdV: Bruising clash a boost
30 Sep 2011
Peter de Villiers says that Friday’s clash served as ideal preparation for the quarter-finals but doubts the Wallabies or All Blacks will be as physical as Samoa.
The Boks controlled the game in the first stanza but barely managed to keep the islanders at bay in the final quarter. They have now won all four of their pool games, but are yet to deliver a performance worthy of title-contenders.
Despite the obvious failings, the Springbok coach was in high spirits following South Africa’s 13-5 win at North Harbour Stadium.
‘We didn’t plan for it, but this kind of preparation will be valuable for us going forward in the tournament. You will never find a more physical game again in the World Cup,’ said De Villiers.
‘We knew they’d be up for it, we knew they’d be confrontational. They beat Australia three months ago and they gave Wales a good game. It was brilliant that we could beat them.
‘I think we played the complete game tonight. We attacked in the first half and then our defence didn’t let us down in the second. We were under more pressure in the second. I thought our decision making was good.’
De Villiers comments are not in synch with the stats. The Boks blew a series of attacking opportunities in the first half, and missed 21 tackles in the second.
Bok captain Victor Matfield also felt the nature of this contest would benefit the side going forward. Unless Italy upset Ireland, the Boks will play the Wallabies in the quarter-final, a team that outmuscled them when the sides last met in Durban.
The Boks will also be hoping that injuries sustained in this clash don’t preclude the first-choice stars from next week’s do-or-die clash.
‘It was very physical and we’re happy we’ve got some preparation in that respect, but then you lose a bit with regards to injuries. We may have to take an extra day to recover,’ said Matfield.
Both the South Africans and the Samoans expressed their disappointment in referee Nigel Owens. The game was an ill-tempered contest, and culminated in a red card for Samoa fullback Paul Williams, and a yellow card for Bok hooker John Smit.
Matfield maintains that the Boks showed good discipline, and stayed out of the off-the-ball ‘crap’. Coach De Villiers said Smit should never have been carded for a deliberate knock down when Samoa were on attack in the 69th minute.
‘It was a stupid, stupid decision to get him off the field there,’ said De Villiers. ‘He didn’t deserve that yellow card. But then again in the heat of the game we aren’t here to judge referees. He will sit and watch the game and he will make up his own mind. He will say he’s justified.’
Some will say that Samoa should view it as a moral victory to have pushed the defending champions so close. Samoa captain Mahonri Schwalger, however, said there was a lot of disappointment in the changing room after the game.
He felt that Owens was inconsistent at the breakdown and never should have sent off Williams for his alleged punch on Heinrich Brussow.
‘The ref was pretty hard on us,’ said Schwalger. ‘A few calls on the field… well we thought if it goes our way we would be able to put more points on the board.
‘A lot of the time they were slowing our ball down. For me, the ref has got to give us a chance as well. I felt it was one-way. Even in the scrum they cheated a little bit. Unfortunately we can’t change the result.
‘As for the sending off, there was a bit of acting there. There was nothing in that. To give him a red card, that was a little bit harsh.’
Samoa assistant coach Aussie MacLean was also in no mood to talk about moral victories. Asked it Samoa had shown the All Blacks how to beat the Boks, he said: ‘I don’t want to go down that track, because now that we’re out, I want the All Blacks to beat them.’
By Jon Cardinelli, at North Harbour Stadium
118 Comments
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30 Sep 2011, 14:55 pm
@hendrikp(hendrikp)-44: Your backline is lookin far more creative with Frans at 12 – why cant the SA public see that Frans is probably one of the best 12 in the world , far more than slow as a troll JDV whos only claim to fame is intercepting ( lets be honest ) …. Do you know that Robbie Deans tried to sign Frans as a 17 year old for the Saders – show s what the best franchise in world rugby thinks of him .
30 Sep 2011, 14:55 pm
@Ratel Brussow(Morne Steyn is under-rated)-46:
Smit must start???
Based on what .. the 2 min he spent on the field?
Bissey lost two lineouts .. one was a good jump from the Somoa lock, the other was just a cluster f** with comunication.
Smit lost one for being on holiday and getting blown up.
The scrums were very solid with Bismark there.
So please, tell us why.
30 Sep 2011, 14:56 pm
@Suspence(Suspence)-48:
They put all their eggs in one basket, yes.
If it doesn’t come off on the day, they can forget about making the final.
But like many NFL coaches always say. Something along the lines of “They know what we’re going to do, but they’ve still got to stop us”
And playing the game in opposition territory is always going to put you in with a chance.
I’d be more worried about the defensive effort and effective kick-chasing then whether we can vary our game in attack.
30 Sep 2011, 14:56 pm
@hendrikp(hendrikp)-47:
JP is excellent.
Phil Kearns is funny too.
Maybe its the sense of humour that throws you.
Noone even gets Muzzas jokes. Not even Muzza knows what he’s saying half the time.
pretty sick call on Melodie tho. Maybe a chick who knows her footy sits uncomfortably with you. Like when its the opposition being ‘physical’.
Pass the Tui’s.
30 Sep 2011, 14:57 pm
@hendrikp(hendrikp)-44: I’d like to see more low kicks for territory. The bomb has its place, but its over used. Also lets hold onto the ball through a few more phases and build some pressure and momentum.
@Black Panther(Black Panther)-45: The last time we played Samoa they faked an eye-gouge though. Some front-row ar$ewipe tried to get Frans carded, at the citing he then said he was faking.
They are a classless lot, I mean look at the tweating twit.
Keep up the confident smirk.
30 Sep 2011, 14:58 pm
point taken
30 Sep 2011, 14:58 pm
@stew(stew)-51:
Mate, I know what a great player Frans is. I also know that he was in NZ for that academy week and that the Crusaders tried to sign him yes.
But at the moment, considering what we’re trying to do and Lambie’s inexperience, we’d be best off sticking with him at 15 until the end of the WC.
Jean de Villiers is a much better defender then many people realise, and we can use Frans boot at the back if we’re going to continue with this approach.
30 Sep 2011, 15:03 pm
I’d also go with Jean at 12 and have Steyn at the back with Lambie or Aplon on the bench, probally Aplon instead of Lambie as he can cover wing as well. The advantage of having Steyn at the back is that if the Aussie’s or AB’s get sucked into a kicking for the corners game which I doubt they would, then at least Steyn can put in a good clearance. Playing him at 12 sort of nulifies his defensive abilities with the boot and when you playing a defensive game plan you need that at the back. Nothing wrong with Jean’s tackling and defensive capabilities
30 Sep 2011, 15:03 pm
@Paws(Paws)-52: Well it was more about what happened when he wasn’t there. Our tactics were pretty bad, some bad decisions, lost lineouts, I’m sorry but 2 against Samoa is not right. Also what does John bring as impact? Bissie is so musch more suited to the bench at this stage. I’d say that Bissies performance was by far his weakest of the WC 2011? Would you agree. I’d say he was better against Wales and Fiji coming off the bench.
30 Sep 2011, 15:04 pm
@hendrikp(hendrikp)-57: Honestly – you won the WC with Steyn at 12 and i have never seen the Bok backline look as good … In the quarters and semis you are going to be up against the best backlines in the world , SBW has already destroyed JDV and Fourie twice in S15 , what makes you reckon he wont do it again ????
30 Sep 2011, 15:04 pm
@Black Panther(Black Panther)-54:
It’s not a woman thing. It’s just her. Makes snarly comments. Clearly favors PI nations which really bothers me. I’m sure SA commentators do the same, but I don’t have to listen to them.
What happened to Ian Smith?
As for Australian commentators. I enjoy most of them. Phil Kearns included. He makes a lot of ‘Australian’ calls but then follows up with what he actually thinks. And who is the old man? He’s quite good. But Jeremy Paul is a joke. Not sure why he was employed because there’s no insight. Just harps on about Australia.
@Suspence(Suspence)-56:
Don’t worry about this Bok team. If anything the Samoan game pointed out where we needed to improve. I’d say we’re a better then 50% chance to knock over Australia.
30 Sep 2011, 15:05 pm
@Suspence(Suspence)-58: Aplon?? You’ve got Hougaard (hopefully) covering wing.
30 Sep 2011, 15:05 pm
I think PDV is correct this was perfect prep. We played a side fighting for survival. It was always going to be hard. The Boks did well. i just watched the game again and it was a controlled effort against a rampant side playing to remain in the contest against a side assured of progress. They did enough to win and that for me is the perfect way to play a world cup game.
Well done boys!
30 Sep 2011, 15:06 pm
@Ratel Brussow(Morne Steyn is under-rated)-55:
which ‘confident smirk’ would that be ?
you mean like the ones after the Boks match vs the worst, most talent-depleted, Fiji team ever to have a graced a RWC ?
The Boks, Aussies and French were always going to be the ABs toughest opponents. The only difference is, the Boks havent even played a Tier 1 nation yet and have been beating their chests for weeks already.
The Boks were just kept scoreless for an entire 2ndH of a RWC match against 1 of the sports Tier-2 nations. And yet youre talking ‘smirks’ ?!
30 Sep 2011, 15:08 pm
Do you guys think Lambie played badly today , IMO he impressed me today
30 Sep 2011, 15:08 pm
@stew(stew)-60:
SBW destroyed them? You’re dreaming man. Was completely ineffective against the Stormers, and had an average game against the Springboks that included 2 tries that should’ve been scored, but he was a ball hog.
Stormers defensive record says it all.
I would love to have Frans at 12, but I think it’s more important to have a boot at the back, and I’m confident Jean will be able to do a good job at 12, especially straightening the line which we could use.
It’s a tough choice, but Lambie being inexperienced… not knowing exactly what we’re going to get from him, makes me lean towards Jean at 12 and Frans at 15.
30 Sep 2011, 15:10 pm
@stew(stew)-65:
I thought he did very well with ball in hand. It’s the off the ball things I’d like to see him improve on. He’s got a long future with the Springboks, but not as a starter this year for me.
30 Sep 2011, 15:12 pm
@Black Panther(Black Panther)-64: Exactly my point, listen to yourself – the boks have won 4 from 4 and NZ will have won 4 from 4. What makes you believe the All Blacks have done so much better than the boks? BPs are there for teams who lose. A win is still a win. Are NZ more likely to win now, because they have steam rolled everyone in their pool? I’d argue the opposite. NZ always look great in a WC up untill the match they lose.
P.S. Lets see how far Wales get in this comp shall we.
30 Sep 2011, 15:13 pm
@ Ratel Brussow, I’d have Hougaard on the field and Aplon on the bench
30 Sep 2011, 15:13 pm
@Ratel Brussow(Morne Steyn is under-rated)-59:
Bismark is a very good player, but he looks even extra good when he comes on for john because of smits almost zero impact level … it’s like going from 0 – 100 in one move.
In that case, start with Bismark and sub with chilly if that is really necessary .. atleast keep some intencity than lose most of it.
Give credit where credit is due, the one lineout lose was a good steal by the samoan .. the other, that was just plain poor on the hooker and lock.
Bissey was good in hard brutal game where he did his work in the engin room very well. So yes, not as spectacular as in the last two cameo appearances, but a solid good game .. and his dicipline was good. Him and Brussow gives any team headaches on the ground. So, I’d start with Bissey, and have Chilly as cover … there is enogh good leadership in the team, we don’t need smit there for that reason .. the Wales game being a point, no smit or matfield the last 20 min, and that was when the game was won.
30 Sep 2011, 15:13 pm
@stew(stew)-65: I thought he was brilliant. Positionally, defensively and even a few nice breaks on attack.
30 Sep 2011, 15:13 pm
So its either “a win’s a win, we’re building for the big games” or “beating the Samoans by so small a margin shows the boks are yesterday’s team”.
I don’t understand how the “at win’s a win” crowd don’t find anything of concern in our execution, and our diminished physicality and lack of penetration. Do they think the boks will miraculously produce these qualities when required? I might have thought that before the last couple of years of test matches, but now I think we don’t have that much left in the tank. This wasn’t a case of the boks’ physicality pressurising the Samoans until the dam breaks, this was more a case of the boks battling to hang in there in the 4th qtr. Its still a strong team, but the core of it have played too many games, and the tactics have remained static for too long.
30 Sep 2011, 15:14 pm
@hendrikp(hendrikp)-66: Now you are taking **** – did you watch the games obviously not – go check robbie frueans try on you tube and then talk about the Stormers awesome defensive record – time for you to wake up mate.
JDV has always been overrated in my opinion and i really think his time has come and gone – please play JDV against us in the semis please pretty springboks !!! That is how much i fear Steyn at 12
30 Sep 2011, 15:16 pm
@Paws(Paws)-70: Okay, we’ll just agree to disagree then. John IMO has regained a lot of his form and IMO his leadership was sorely missed this game. He’s not a bench player, but he does bring structure to our setup – something we rely on. Bissie is awesome in the last 20, so whats the problem?
30 Sep 2011, 15:18 pm
@Paws(Paws)-70: Actually, I’m sorry, I think your chilli statement is naive.
Sorry, I do. I don’t think there is a coach in the world that would do that right now.
30 Sep 2011, 15:20 pm
@stew(stew)-73:
Funny that many top rugby analysts often put JdV up there as one of the better 12′s. It’s a very difficult position to play in, which explains why there aren’t many good ones.
You lot back Nonu, but it won’t get you far against a strong defense because he doesn’t have much else to his game, and SBW has had some shockers as well, and they obviously have an issue with him not running at the line hard enough (as he’s always looking to hold the ball up before offloading).
Just because you don’t agree, don’t go telling me to wake up. Lose the arrogance. And don’t pretend JdV is half as bad as you’re making out either. Not long ago many said him and Fourie were the best centre pairing in world rugby.
30 Sep 2011, 15:21 pm
John Smit has lost more line outs at crucial moments for us than any human being who has ever lived or ever will live.
Not only is he non-impact he is actually impact for the other team.
30 Sep 2011, 15:21 pm
@aylen(aylen)-72: Lots to work on. Especially scrum set moves. I’ve never seen such poor use of the space around an attacking scrum. Unforgiveable at international level. Also we need to hold onto the ball more and build pressure and momentum and finally a kicking game is one thing, but bombs are not the only kicks are they?
30 Sep 2011, 15:21 pm
@Ratel Brussow(Morne Steyn is under-rated)-74:
John first half, Bissie coming on just after half-time for me.
I like Bismarck when he’s been watching the game from the sidelines. Seems to get him fired up and he is completely unstoppable after that.
30 Sep 2011, 15:23 pm
@J.B. Cowper(J.B. Cowper)-77:
Yawn.
Not nearly as bad as you make out. Just not as good as Bismarck. Don’t let your dislike blur your vision.
30 Sep 2011, 15:24 pm
@Ratel Brussow(Morne Steyn is under-rated)-74:
I prefer good / very good for 80 min to average for 60 min and then awesome in the last 20 min.
Did you notice our structure went for a ball of sh*t in the second half .. I just wonder what instructions were given at half time.
Matfield is as good a capt as smit, his record at Super and Int level speaks to that .. and then there is du Preeu and Burger, so to me the captaincey is really a none issue.
In all honesty, the Boks have looked lost at sea for most of 2010 and 2011 with smit at the helm .. 9 out of our last 10 TN matches lost under his guidence if I recall.
30 Sep 2011, 15:26 pm
@Ratel Brussow(Morne Steyn is under-rated)-75:
In all honesty I’d have Strauss from the Cheetahs as my second hooker .. but I’m just going with what is there at the momment.
30 Sep 2011, 15:30 pm
@hendrikp(hendrikp)-79: Perfect.
30 Sep 2011, 15:30 pm
@Paws(Paws)-81:
Matfield is a decent captain, but he doesn’t take on the same responsibilities as Smit. Smit is a more natural leader. If I had to pick between him and Bismarck for an entire game, I’d go with Smit simply because I’m one of those who believe that his leadership… his relationship with the players, makes him irreplacable.
Matfield is part of the Old Boys club. He looks after his own. I wouldn’t be surprised if he was one of the guys telling Francois Steyn that he shouldn’t be there ahead of Johan Roets… but he was almost surely part of that group.
Whereas Smit is a genuine professional leader. The type no one can walk away from and not respect.
30 Sep 2011, 15:32 pm
@Paws(Paws)-82:
Chilliboy not do it for you? He had a pretty darn good Super 15, when he wasn’t being forced to rotate with Gary Botha.
But I like Strauss as well. He’s going to be a good 3rd-choice hooker next year, so if there are any injuries we have depth.
30 Sep 2011, 15:56 pm
I agree with Twakkie here….this was as physical game as one will ever encounter. I seriously believe that this physicality will be too much for the Aussies.
The samoans are fast becoming the vuilgat side of rugby…..how much went on off the ball, shoulder tackles,head high and around the neck.
the ref has plenty to answer for, doubt he’ll be around for many more WC games.
Regardless of our second half performance with ball in hand I’m quietly content with what went on out there.
One serious issue is that our outside backs need to stand a little deeper if we are serious about keeping the ball when under the cosh. Morne is left with very few options other than to hoof it when the defence is charging him and 12 and the outside backs are all standing too flat. Making a pass then would be nothing but a hospital pass. The fullback or opposite side winger could even be used a lot more running around the back of our flyhalf helping to distribute the ball or attacking an undefended angle. Also,I thought a lot of our kicks were pretty good but our chasing today was pish.
I’d still start with Smit as 2…bismark brings a lot from the bench and his lineout is still a weakness in his game.
Personally I can’t see jean devilliers making a match 22 if I was coach. Bakkies needs to seriously prove his fitness otherwise I’d leave him out as well. Would be good to have him because Danie Roussow also brings a lot from the bench.
All in all, I think this was a good hit out under very trying circumstances with a pish poor reffing performance. For the record, I don’t think it was a red but a yellow and John’s yellow was in the very worst case senario penalty at most.
One also needs to take into account that this samoan performance was way superior to what they dished up against the welsh particularly as having their 10 back makes a huge difference, he was their best player in my opinion.
30 Sep 2011, 16:00 pm
@Brigadier Van Zyl(Brigadier Van Zyl)-86:
Would like to know exactly how many times Danie Rossouw has knocked on the ball this year in a Springbok jersey.
Personally I like Rossouw as a ball-carrying lock, but I don’t think he’s the right type of lock we need for the starting line-up. He’s too slow in support of the ball-carrier and makes too many mistakes to be starting.
30 Sep 2011, 16:01 pm
I’m out. Have a good afternoon all.
30 Sep 2011, 16:08 pm
@hendrikp(hendrikp)-87:
I agree, Bakkies is better starting for us with danie off the wood.
30 Sep 2011, 16:09 pm
Boks were poor in the 2nd half and could easily have lost this game. As for Samoa are a bloody disgrace to the spirit of the game and the RWC. It pleases me to no end that these pricks are going home. The irony is if they arrived to play rugby they could have won. Good riddence to rubbish. Go Booke
30 Sep 2011, 16:40 pm
@hendrikp(hendrikp)-87:
i Agree.But funny thing is Rossouw is actually very mobile and quicker most of the locks around.His ball skills are excellent in space and his lines as a carrier are very good esp off the shoulder of du Preez with short delayed ball.
but Rossouw is erratic at best,his focus as well as his TECHNIQUE in everything he does is average at best of times. At the collision point he either gets it spot on or horribly wrong.There is no modicum of consistently in him game,even within a 80 min performance.He goes from brilliant to AVERAGE at the drop of a hat.
Great squad member though.
Great team man.
30 Sep 2011, 17:35 pm
Against Oz we’ll go for a 4-3 bench.
It will look like this;
Beast
Bismark
Alberts (reckon Bakkies won’t be fit. He might be risked but i don’t think its worth the trouble)
Alberts/Louw
Hougaard
Lambie
Butch
Starting 15 is easy to pick
Guthro
Smit
Jannie
DR
Victor
HB
Schalla
Spies ( the coach loves to bits. cannot understand why this the case)
FdP (though he had a poor game he will start)
Morne
Habana
JdV
JF
JPP
FS
Chilli, Aplon, Ndungane, Muller, CJ, Ruan and Juan will make it if we have serious injuries going forward otherwise their world cup is as good as over.
I think PdV did not back Aplon enough in the tournament. Aplon deserved to start a game at fullback in this world cup.
30 Sep 2011, 17:36 pm
F Steyn at 12 has been a revelation. Suddenly our wings are seeing some ball after dusting off the cobwebs on their hands (Habana has finally scored a brace of tries) and some people are suggesting Steyn be shipped to fullback?
Lambie has shown that he is MORE than reliable at the back (perhaps the most reliable we have?). He can tackle like a player twice his size, is perfectly reliable and brave under the high ball and often breaks the line. And some people are suggesting that he hit the wood?
JDV and JF were “owned” TWICE by the Crusaders midfield at HOME in CT this year, it takes a kiwi to point that out… what makes Saffas think the same midfield will suddenly ignite in the RWC?
And as for the captaincy issue – today reminded me AGAIN why Matfield should NOT be the Bok captain. You could see the panic in the players’ eyes after the Samoan try, too many players were doing the talking on field (Burger and FDP) and the game plan cried out for an adjustment in the 2nd half which never came. To be honest Bismark has FAR more of an impact as a sub than he has over 80 minutes.
So if the choice is Smit as captain (big tick) and Bismark as sub (big tick) or Matfield as captain (big no no) and Bismark over 80 (still a big tick), then its obvious who I’d start with…
A subs bench of Bismark, Alberts, Hougaard and Rossouw will be very difficult to stop.
For me the big problem is M Steyn at 10 and Spies at 8. The problem is that we have become too reliant on M Steyn’s kicking to win matches. His kicking for poles is excellent, but everything else is below par.
30 Sep 2011, 17:52 pm
@Black Panther
I think most sensible South Africans know that this South African side has had its problems over the last 3 years and many have accepted sub par performances under a poor coach selected for political reasons using a team that has not always been selected on form. I also think most believe that NZ has been the best side for a while now and the results speak for themselves.
There is no doubt that many of the Springbok fans tend to be a little over the top in their support and even confrontational too.
But with the way you are shouting your mouth off, along with a few other kiwi posters here, you are going to feel like a right fool if NZ run into a South African side in a semi who decides to turn it on. South Africa is the one side that can beat you in NZ and the kind of arrogance and bravado you are showing is a little premature.
I too think NZ are favourites and I expect them to win the world cup. But anything can happen on the day and the certainty and glee you find in all this is a little bit pathetic to be honest
30 Sep 2011, 18:05 pm
@wooden spoon(wooden spoon)-93:
Astute commentary. Burger had to step in. Matfield had no passion and did not rally the troops. Schalk was endlessly provoked, but kept it together. Future Bok captain.
30 Sep 2011, 18:27 pm
@Jinx2(Jinx2)-95: I have to agree… no flexibility or vision from Matfield. Once the pressure came on, he retreated into Bulls-rugby mode. After two solid weeks of everyone singing Frans Steyn’s praises for transforming the Bok backline, in the second half it was 20 min before the ball went to him from first phase. It was kick kick kick from M Steyn, INTO THE WIND. It went on for so long I was beginning to think Matfield was punishing Frans for the “Senior BullsJake White was my dad” comment.
30 Sep 2011, 18:31 pm
As for Nigel Owens… if the Boks had pulled a third of what the Samoans got away with we’d have finished the game with 4 men on the field. Their No. 8 alone committed more offences than Bakkies has in his entire international career… and I don’t like Bakkies precisely because he’s a liability in that regard.
30 Sep 2011, 18:31 pm
@frunobulax(frunobulax)-96:
Absolutely. We had the power to boss them, Matfield just lost the hunger.
30 Sep 2011, 18:37 pm
@Jinx2(Jinx2)-95:
spot on bud…
during the one stoppage it was schalk who called the guys together and geed them up… big vic just stood there…
30 Sep 2011, 18:44 pm
@ufo(ufo)-99: It was a demonstration of why Div can’t drop Smit. In the Senior Bulls-dominated leadership John is the only player Victor will defer to, and he has to play diplomat for 60 min to the refs who believe all Boks are thugs. And as retirement looms those Bulls have become harder and harder to control.
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