Boks will miss ‘The Mule’
1 Oct 2011
JON CARDINELLI writes that Frans Steyn’s tournament-ending injury will impact on the Springboks’ game plan as well as the composition of the match 22.
The Boks were expected to win Pool D, but there were always going to be casualties. Several players hobbled off injured during the course of a Friday’s brutal pool finale, and it was later revealed that Steyn, a player who finished the match, would play no further part in the tournament.
The blow couldn’t have come at a worse time for both player and country. While the Boks squandered a series of attacking opportunities at North Harbour Stadium, they showed signs of the structure and application that won them the World Cup in 2007, as well as a British & Irish Lions series and Tri-Nations in 2009.
Over the course of the pool stage, Steyn has shown himself to be a key ingredient to the winning formula, and on Friday he again contributed two outrageous penalties from inside his own half.
Bok assistant coach Dick Muir said in the build up that Steyn had the X factor. Muir explained his statement by referring to Steyn’s prodigious kicking game. Be it in the tactical- or goal-kicking department, Steyn can swing a game.
His ability to strike the ball further than any one else can be the difference in a tight finish. He weighed in with some booming tactical punts in the first pool match against Wales, and has over the course of four matches kicked some monster penalties from as far as 60m out.
Which other international player, or indeed which other rugby nation, can boast such a weapon in their arsenal?
Sadly, Steyn’s World Cup is over. The Boks will no longer have that cannon of a boot at their disposal, or that versatile player who can excel in several different positions.
Injuries to Jean de Villiers and Butch James forced the selectors to move Steyn to inside centre for the matches against Fiji and Namibia. Steyn impressed as a ball carrier and defender, and managed to make the No 12 jersey his own as the play-offs drew nearer.
His versatility meant that Peter de Villiers could pick five forwards on the bench. Francois Hougaard and Jean de Villiers were the only backline reserves for the Samoa game, because the coaches knew that Steyn could cover flyhalf and fullback in the event of an injury.
Now that he’s out of the picture, they have no such luxury, unless of course they reconsider bringing the underplayed Ruan Pienaar in from the cold.
Regardless of where he played in the quarter-final, Steyn would have, as Muir suggested, offered the Boks that precious little bit extra. The Boks’ game plan is all about playing in the opposition’s half, and they rely heavily on the boots of Fourie du Preez, Morne Steyn and Frans Steyn to win the territorial battle.
The latter player is especially influential when he lines up at 15 and produces those ground-gaining punts. It could be viewed as conceding possession, but it allows the Boks ample opportunity to chase and apply defensive pressure, or contest the opposition lineout if the ball drifts into touch.
If all the players were fit, I would still bank on De Villiers at inside centre and Steyn at fullback. Pat Lambie is the future of Springbok rugby and should be seen as the answer at flyhalf after this World Cup, but at present he lacks the experience to be a success within the Boks’ current World Cup game plan.
As it stands, Lambie will continue at 15 for the remainder of the tournament, while De Villiers will resume his role at 12. The Bok brains trust will need to revise their bench dynamic, and adjust their game plan for the upcoming clash.
While Lambie is a talented kicker, he’s not yet in the class of Frans Steyn. The Boks will miss Steyn’s momentum-shifting qualities, from his ability to nail long-range penalty and drop goals to his raking tactical probes, when they come up against a Wallabies side stacked with players that are as gifted with the boot as they are with ball in hand.
126 Comments
1 Oct 2011, 05:16 am
BrokenDragon
1 Oct 2011, 05:17 am
I hope Pdiv has lost Meisiekind’s mobile number.
1 Oct 2011, 05:23 am
This is just all sorts of bad. Has such a huge effect on our bench dynamic, no place for specialist lock on the bench, Alberts will have to cover Lock and Loose forward. Spies will have to start and three backs on the Bench, FH, Gio, JDJ / Butch and worst of all RP is being considered cause of his versatility. Have this horrible feeling that JDJ and Butch are going to miss out and RP is going to get the nod.
1 Oct 2011, 05:26 am
@francois93(francois93)-3: Furthermore if they select RP, could even mean that Gio loses out and bench ends up as FH, RP and JDJ. All I can say is that Ruan better go to every shrink in NZ if selected and they had all better give him the “you can do it speech” and pills lots of them.
1 Oct 2011, 05:31 am
@francois93(francois93)-4:
Rather Gio on the bench. Then you have:
FH covering sh and wing.
Gio covering fullback
JDJ covering 12 and 13.
Lambie can slot ion at flyhalf if Morne has to go off.
Ruan doesn’t have to come into the equation.
1 Oct 2011, 05:33 am
@francois93(francois93)-4: I hope so, I really hope so.
1 Oct 2011, 05:34 am
thats sad news for Steyn, and SA, has had an excellent RWC.
1 Oct 2011, 05:40 am
@I am a stormer(I am a stormer)-5: I think that they might say with FS down the only other kicking options they have are Butch and RP, think that they will be thinking of a very conservative approach against Wallabies and AB’s and Ruan trumps Butch and Gio, because he can supposedly cover sh, fh, wing and fullback and supposedly kick very well.
I think its b.s once apple crumble pie always apple crumble pie. Lets see what happens.
1 Oct 2011, 05:41 am
@Black Panther(Black Panther)-7: Thanks BP, hope Richie is okay for you guys in the next round.
1 Oct 2011, 05:46 am
@Black Panther(Black Panther)-7:
Seems like that no. 12 jersey is jinxed when in the WC. Just wondering who Pdiv will call up. Looks like he doesn’t even know himself.
1 Oct 2011, 05:47 am
Looks like Aus have lost Drew Mitchell as well, hammy gone , ka’snapp ! against the vodka slurps
1 Oct 2011, 05:49 am
As we would rate Carter as probably our most influential or as some say “best” player, who would SA claim as theirs?
1 Oct 2011, 05:57 am
@KiaKahaNZ(KiaKahaNZ)-12: I would say Schalk Burger on current form. People on here are quick to criticize him, but the amount of work he gets through in a game is just unreal. He is all over the park like the Duracell bunny of old- slamming into rucks, making hard tackles etc.
1 Oct 2011, 05:58 am
The Ruskies have posted 22 so far against the Ockers, great second half. Not that theyre going to win, but hell, its more points than we posted a few weeks ago against the Ockers. Well done Russia. Another minnow success story
1 Oct 2011, 05:58 am
I just hope and pray mc caw recovers from the foot injury.we want to face him in top form.
1 Oct 2011, 06:01 am
@bangkok-bok(bangkok-bok)-13: Yeah, I used to have FdP up there, but I think Shalk seems more important to getting the Boks over the advantage line – sort of like our Kaino., and equally stoic in defense.
On form though I still think FdP can be a game changer for you, more than what Shalk can.
1 Oct 2011, 06:03 am
@Fern is not a stud,he is merely no19(Fern)-15: He’s fine. No point risking him against the Cannucks. Its the same nggly injury he has had all year, so no surprise. But I would also suggest the cartel had to mention some injury status rather just say hes being rested
1 Oct 2011, 06:04 am
@Fern is not a stud,he is merely no19(Fern)-15:
You have to beat Australia first, on the back of your performance last night that won’t be happening.
1 Oct 2011, 06:04 am
Russia have hung in there 2nd half
Not sure what is wrong with oz?
1 Oct 2011, 06:09 am
@I am a stormer(I am a stormer)-10:
it was noticeable watching the HT chat during last pms game in the Bok changing sheds, that Krusty was nowhere to be seen when it came to ‘coaching’ the team or team-talks. It was Gold and Rassie. It seemed to confirm what we’ve suspected all along, that Krusty is really just the spokesperson, the frontman.
A real shame Frans has gone from the Big Stage. Old-school skills, tough nut, has the BMT. Is more than a 1-trick pony but still think he was better at 15 with his howitzer boot, albeit his lack of pace was less exposed at 12.
Hoping its Timotei if the Boks and ABs meet in Semi….
1 Oct 2011, 06:11 am
True NZ I forgot about that.
Sitting on my porch,drinking cuppachino and looking out over the dam:-)
1 Oct 2011, 06:12 am
True NZ I forgot about that.
Sitting on my porch,drinking cuppachino and looking out over the dam.Life in the Republic is sweet as.
1 Oct 2011, 06:21 am
@Black Panther(Black Panther)-7: Good sportsmanship. Thank you.
1 Oct 2011, 06:24 am
Drunk Samoan tweets about ‘racist ref’
Sat, 01 Oct 2011 05:50
Drunken and racist rant! (c) Getty
The Samoan player who compared the World Cup to “slavery” was at the centre of another row on Saturday when he accused a referee of being racist and biased in an expletive-filled Twitter rant.
Centre Eliota Sapolu Fuimaono took to the micro-messaging site with an angry tirade against Welsh referee Nigel Owens and the International Rugby Board after a spiteful Samoa lost 5-13 to South Africa, which ended their quarterfinal hopes.
Owens’ Facebook page was also defaced by irate and offensive messages among more than 300 comments posted by members of the public after the game.
Sapolu Fuimaono, who mentioned that he was drinking at the time of the post and appeared to announce his international retirement, claimed Samoa was the victim of a conspiracy and directed fire at Owens after several other contributors criticised the referee.
“I can understand the hate!! Haha good luck u racist biased prick,” tweeted the 30-year-old Sapolu Fuimaono, who plays for English club Gloucester.
“Get s.a into next round. The plan was obvious. Can’t wait 2 meet irb members in public,” he added.
The comments come after Sapolu Fuimaono was forced to apologise for comparing the World Cup to “slavery”, “apartheid” and even the “holocaust” after Samoa had only a few days to prepare for their key game against Wales, which they lost.
Samoa have also been embroiled in controversy after wing Alesana Tuilagi was heavily fined for wearing the wrong sort of mouthguard, an incident which prompted a minor outcry in New Zealand and various offers to pay the sanction.
Samoa threatened a major upset in Friday’s final pool match against defending champions South Africa, but David Lemi was penalised as they attacked during the second half, and fullback Paul Williams was sent off for striking Springbok flank Heinrich Brüssow in the face..
“wasn’t about world cup today. RWC has been invalidated when they give us half the rest as the rich. It was about us v world champs,” Sapolu Fuimaono tweeted.
“I’m proud to be Samoan! Irb, my bum, kiss it!” he said.
Captain Mahonri Schwalger also criticised the performance of Owens after the game, calling the refereeing “one-way”.
“I thought the ref was pretty hard on us,” he said after the game. “There was a lot of times when they were slowing our ball down and for me it’s got to be fair on us as well and make sure he gives us a chance as well.
“I felt like it was one way, but we can’t change the result, it’s done.”
Owens admitted on Saturday that it was the hardest game he had overseen, but added that he had “no regrets”.
He did not mention the stream of vitriolic messages on his Facebook page.
“That was the hardest game I have ever had to ref. Did my best and no regrets. Will review later,” Owens tweeted.
Samoa’s team manager Matthew Vaea Tagitau, the IRB and tournament organisers were not immediately available for comment about the latest outburst.
But Samoa’s media spokesman Fatu Tauafiafi said the squad was now dispersed with many players heading home, adding that it would be up to the IRB to investigate.
However, he said New Zealand television channel TV3 had raised NZ$10,000 (US$7,600) to pay Tuilagi’s mouthguard fine, while reports said the equipment’s manufacturer had also offered to contribute.
Samoa had stopped short of banning players from Twitter after Fuimaono’s “holocaust” rant, with assistant coach Tom Coventry saying, “we try not to gag anyone”.
1 Oct 2011, 06:26 am
Its time that the IRB bans these Cannibals from rugby! they are a disgrace! They want to pick on Nigel Owens? Why don’t they pick on Bakkies or Danie? They will be moered dik!
1 Oct 2011, 06:35 am
Ah well, if FS is out then turn off TV, unplug from wall, put back in box and sell.
With FS out then Lambie will be next as the opposition will run through the 10/12 channel at will and Lambie will have to tackle a tidal wave and probably get injured.
Then we’ll get Aplon at #15.
Game over.
1 Oct 2011, 06:35 am
@Fern is not a stud,he is merely no19(Fern)-22:
good for you buddy will be a great game next week too early in the tourney for these 2 teams to be meeting
1 Oct 2011, 06:42 am
Mmmm, bummer but we will get through.
Seems the Samoans are not only dirty fcukers but learned well from their cousins the AB’s. They are world class whingers
”Some Samoan players complained after the match about the refereeing of Welshman Nigel Owens and the sense of injustice spilled over for centre Eliota Sapolu Fuimaono who vented his frustrations with an angry tirade on his Twitter site.
Sapolu Fuimaono, who mentioned that he was drinking and appeared to announce his international retirement, claimed Samoa was the victim of a conspiracy and directed fire at Owens after several other contributors criticised the referee.
“I can understand the hate!! Haha good luck u racist biased prick,” tweeted the 30-year-old Sapolu Fuimaono, who plays for English club Gloucester.
“Get s.a into next round. The plan was obvious. Can’t wait 2 meet irb members in public,” he added.”
what is it with tbeing a twit on twitter
1 Oct 2011, 06:43 am
Geez and the minority complex shines through. Bunch of fat mofo’s…..
1 Oct 2011, 06:44 am
minority = inferiority
1 Oct 2011, 06:46 am
Losing Frans Steyn is a catastrophic loss for SA’s World Cup challenge, he had transformed their attacking backplay and of course the value of his 3 point scud missiles goes without saying. They will look that much more one-dimensional without him.
I wouldn’t go so far as to say the Boks can’t win the WC without him but the imo return of Botha becomes that much more important for them, with the loss of attacking impetus Steyn provides they need every edge they can get up front and Botha is a world class lock with a physical edge that is unrivalled in most nations.
I read somewhere Juan Smith is fit again? if true, they should consider putting him in for Spies asap. Imo even a half-fit Smith out of position would contribute more than Spies.
1 Oct 2011, 06:49 am
tragic news this for boks…..really sad man!
1 Oct 2011, 06:51 am
@Big Hit(Big Hit)-31: Good post. You DO know the game.I just wish PdV could read this (and understand it).
1 Oct 2011, 06:55 am
@Big Hit(Big Hit)-31:
Spies was poor
Hey BH
I dont think Juan is fit i wish
I was also not impressed with Victor in 2nd half
1 Oct 2011, 06:56 am
@Sannie Bill Who??iams(Xkreni-WP)-28: I did not hear them complain after FIJI had the short end of decisions in their outing.Bryce was shocking in that game. And Samoa had the inside track.
TO MANY RULES!!. It is time to get the rules right where the umpiring has less influence on the game.A shrill whistle brings instant anticipation in both teams ,as both teams know they are most likely doing something wrong.
1 Oct 2011, 06:57 am
Firstly has anyone thought this might just be a ploy to trick our next opponents? If my memory serves me correctly Bakkies Botha was also written off after his injury and was meant to be at home already? Funny thing is he is still there
If Steyn is injured then this would be my Bok 22 to face Australia in the 1/4 finals…..
15. Patrick Lambie.
14. J.P. Pieterson.
13. Jacque Fourie.
12. Jean De Villiers.
11. Bryan Habana.
10. Morne Steyn.
9. Fourie Du Preez.
8. Pierre Spies.
7. Schalk Burger.
6. Heinrich Brussow.
5. Victor Matfield (vc).
4. Bakkies Botha.
3. C.J. Van Der Linde.
2. John Smit (c).
1. Gurthro Steenkamp.
16. Tendai Mtawarira.
17. Bismark Du Plessis.
18. Danie Rossouw.
19. Willem Alberts.
20. Francois Louw.
21. Francois Hougaard.
22. Gio Aplon.
1 Oct 2011, 07:03 am
@francois93(francois93)-4: Priceless! You can do it speech and pills!
1 Oct 2011, 07:11 am
@ShaunSwindon(Karma-zaf)-36:
You forgot Jannie Dup at 3
CJ covers 1 and 3
1 Oct 2011, 07:12 am
I heared Carter injured himself @ the captain practice …. i doubt for the rest of the tourny
1 Oct 2011, 07:13 am
@grant10(grant10)-32:
Welcome back Grant.
Hope you bought a new Bok jersey.
That other one would be too stinky to wear by now. Even your dog would run away from you.
1 Oct 2011, 07:33 am
@poppa69(p0ppa69)-39:
Looks like it might be.
1 Oct 2011, 07:49 am
Damn… This is not the news we need to wake up to on a saturday morning…
JC… how about actually doing some real work and finding out what the injury is…?
1 Oct 2011, 07:51 am
okay… i did it for you…
he crocked his shoulder…
1 Oct 2011, 08:14 am
@grant10(grant10)-32:
no, its tragic new for frans steyn maybe butnet tragin news for the boks…just a big setback thats all.
jdv will go back to midfield and lambie will play fb.
sa will win thewc.
1 Oct 2011, 08:15 am
Watched the Fiji game live, between them and their booing fans I hope their Island disappears into the Pacific. Same can be said for the dirty Samoans and, by all accounts, these dirty Tongans too.
Get them out of rugby the filthy vermin
1 Oct 2011, 08:21 am
There are maximum 3 games left. That is equal to a Tri-nations tour. At this stage 28 players will be enough. They will keep Frans Steyn in NZ if there is a possibility
he can play the final. They can even replace him with a forward.
If Juan Smith is fit he would have been in the Cheetahs side. The same applies to Andries Bekker.
1 Oct 2011, 08:43 am
@poppa69(p0ppa69)-25: I have to say, I was amazed that Nigel Owens did not card a Samoan
1 Oct 2011, 08:47 am
@optiplay(optiplay)-35: crock – just hold refs accountable. Rules are straight forward. Refs create the problem with inconsistent, one eyed and incompetent officiating. The joke has gone on for way to long.
As for samoa, you just lost a supporter
1 Oct 2011, 08:53 am
@JamesNkomo(JamesNkomo)-48: 100% correct James
Rugby does not need this kind of dirty play or behavior, and this current Samoan team is an insult to their countrymen who have built the game in their country
and Tonga just beat France
1 Oct 2011, 09:10 am
The Samoans have caused great social problems in NZ, as unwanted immigrants, with their violence and mindless sense of self-persecution. Ask any Kiwi how they have ruptured the harmonies of that country.
I will never forgive them for what they did to Frans Steyn.
He was essential if we were to keep our Cup.
1 Oct 2011, 09:24 am
@J.B. Cowper(J.B. Cowper)-50: i sadly did not even see the incident,
so ur saying it was done on purpose?
1 Oct 2011, 09:48 am
@President_of_the_Sharks_rugby_experts(sharks_lover)-51: No. He fell badly in a tackle, that’s all. At least, that’s when he started clutching it and looking uncomfortable.
1 Oct 2011, 09:50 am
Please just leave Wynand at home …
I cannot imagine the SH quarters or semis will become any less physical and seems all the SH sides are loosing players
1 Oct 2011, 09:53 am
Won’t repeat myself here but posted something about this on the Steyn thread.
Anyhow what a massive loss to lose Fransie. Doubt we will win it with the centres we have now. What a pity. Was so worried for injuries yesterday to key players. Though even if we won by one it would be fine as long as we got out of that game injury free.
Should have rested some key players and played the replacements. Probably easy to say that now but we should have.
1 Oct 2011, 09:57 am
@frunobulax(frunobulax)-52: Think it was near the end and Fransie seemed to be at the bottom of a pile of Samoan players. It looked to me as if one of the Samoan players fell on Fransies arm. He was facing up and his arm seem to get flattened there. Think that is where he picked up this injury. Doubt it was on purpose from the Samoan players. Think it was the way Fransie had fallen at the bottom. Then the Samoans falling onto him.
Ag, feel so devasted to read today he is out. Saw him clutching his arm after and was hoping like crazy he was fine.
1 Oct 2011, 09:58 am
As I said on the first thread, I think the out of the box man for man replacement for Frans should be Johan Goosen. Same big boot, flair, solid defensively and Cooper-like on the run. Also he is new and thus unanalised at this stage and can play 10, 12 and 15. Frans version 2.0
1 Oct 2011, 10:03 am
@Derrida(Derrida)-56: As good as Goosen is he can’t just slot into a wc squad buddy. He has only played CC. We have no idea how good or bad he will be at this level.
Sure he has a big boot too but Fransie brings more than that.
Heck feel devastated to read this morning Fransie is flying home injured.
1 Oct 2011, 10:06 am
@Derrida(Derrida)-56: Don’t think Goosen is as big (frame) as Fransie either. When any try to tackle Fransie it takes a few players to do so. So taking a few out of position quick as well.
We will miss him huge. NONE of our replacement centres on tour are in the same class as Frans Steyn. Simply none. With Fransie there I had no fears of Nonu either.
1 Oct 2011, 10:09 am
Fransie, Burger, Bissie, Danie and Brussow. All very strong and powerful players. Takes a few to bring these players down. Out of them Fransie and Bissie probably the strongest for any opposition to tackle.
We have lost a massive weapon with Fransie out.
1 Oct 2011, 10:10 am
@Puma(Puma)-59: Add Alberts there. He too is one powerful player.
1 Oct 2011, 10:12 am
@Puma(Puma)-58: Samoa has soiled the game of Rugby
1 Oct 2011, 10:13 am
@Puma(Puma)-60: and G’Day brudda
1 Oct 2011, 10:15 am
@President_of_the_Sharks_rugby_experts(sharks_lover)-62: Howzit brudda.
Jeez I feel devasted to see Fransie is gonna be flying home. What a huge loss.
We should have played replacements yesterday and saved our key players for the play offs.
How good was Lambie yesterday? Thought he had a great game. Forget what Keo says. Lambie is solid as a rock at fb. Now just hope he don’t pick up a injury as well.
1 Oct 2011, 10:15 am
@Puma(Puma)-63: sorry typo meant – devastated
1 Oct 2011, 10:17 am
@Puma(Puma)-63: agreed bro
Lambie is absolutely brilliant , i dont care what most say negatively about him,
Frans was called fat boy and useless not so long ago by most in here, and now?? his loss could cost us the WC or a chance at winning it
1 Oct 2011, 10:19 am
@President_of_the_Sharks_rugby_experts(sharks_lover)-61: They have and really those thugs should never be allowed to play the game again. Crikey all they wanted to do was hurt us all game long. Thugs.
I have lost all my respect for Samoa. Actually since they hurt A. Joubert in 95 lost respect for them. They still the same dirty bunch of thugs.
The ref was totally useless. Probably the worst reffing in this world cup. He had no clue how to control the off the ball stuff. Barnes on the side was just as useless. Both refs should be dropped totally. Both out of their depth.
How Mark Lawrence never got selected to ref at this world cup is a mystery. Saffa refs are the best. Not cause I am SA but we have the best refs in the world right now.
The only ref from the north that is decent is Clancy. From the sh only the saffa refs.
1 Oct 2011, 10:22 am
@President_of_the_Sharks_rugby_experts(sharks_lover)-65: I know read that what most said about Fransie. Fransie has always been my favourite player. Always. We both had often spoke about him and the loss it would be to Sharks when he left.
He is world class. Lambie was superb yesterday. I take no notice of the idiots that say he is not up to it. He saved our butts yesterday with a brilliant tackle. He is solid at the back. I am happy with him there in this wc.
1 Oct 2011, 10:25 am
@President_of_the_Sharks_rugby_experts(sharks_lover)-65: Without Frans Steyn our chances had dropped considerably. If we get past Oz then Nonu will have a field day with JdJ and JdV. Both teams will be feeling a sigh of relief that Fransie is out.
I prefered Frans at inside centre. Think Frans talent was wasted at FB. He was outstanding at 12.
1 Oct 2011, 10:28 am
@Puma(Puma)-67: very true , i have no respect for them , their whole game plan was to intimidate through foul play,
1 Oct 2011, 10:29 am
68. Puma – either way, wherever you play him, with Frans you win … don’t know if it was deliberate … just a tragedy and the tipping point against our chances; for once Keo’s summary is pinpoint on the money – we’d need Carter to not play to restore our chances – it’s that big
1 Oct 2011, 10:38 am
@J.B. Cowper(J.B. Cowper)-70: Another thing without Fransie, Morne becomes a liability again. Morne played far, far better with Frans at inside centre than with any of our replacements centres.
So without Fransie everything changes again. I had plenty hope with him there against Oz and Nz.
Not sure who they will bring but heck hope it is not WO. He too is just not up to it at all.
1 Oct 2011, 11:46 am
“He weighed in with some booming tactical punts in the first pool match against Wales, and has over the course of four matches kicked some monster penalties from as far as 60m out.”
Exactly THREE clearances against Wales of more than 40m.
Exactly TWO penalties in four matches. Both between the half way line and the 10m line of the opposition. Definitely not 60m.
Jeez man.
1 Oct 2011, 11:57 am
This is bad news!! He is so central to our gameplan of accumulating points. The fact that he can step up from within our own half and nail most penalties is absolutely devastating for the opposition. They know psychologically that they cannot infringe at all, even in the opponents half. I hope he makes a miraculous recovery. Looks like Jean will move to 12 and Butch can cover 12 also, but still Morne doesnt have that kind of range that Frans does. But the future looks rosy, I would love to see a Johan Goosen and Frans Steyn 10-12 axis as the both of them can seemingly kick 60 penalties at will.
As for the Samoan Suipola, what an absolute idiot. I have (had) a lot of respect for the Samoans, but im afraid there certainly was no bias in favour of SA. After all i think the worst decision of the whole game was that the legitimate try that Bismarck scored was not awarded. If Samoa had come back and won, it would not have been fair as that try should have been awarded. Really in a situation like that Nigel Owens should have asked the question “Is there any reason why I cannot award the try, rather than saying “Try yes or no.” The IRB really need to look into this as that could be a travesy of justice going forward!! As for all the late tackles and the numerous high tackles, i thought a Samoan should have been carded far earlier.
1 Oct 2011, 12:09 pm
So the free loaders from the Pacific not only disgrace themselves but also inflict damage on our best centre.
Ban them for their play and for their racist remarks.
1 Oct 2011, 12:33 pm
@goyougoodthing2(goyougoodthing2)-74:
What racist remarks? what did they say?
1 Oct 2011, 12:36 pm
@nama1(nama1)-75: They called the referee, ‘a racist and a pr.ick’ on twitter.
http://www.sport24.co.za/Rugby/RugbyWorldCup2011/Samoan-blasts-racist-ref-20111001
1 Oct 2011, 12:42 pm
@nama1(nama1)-72:
oh dear…
the kicks were not in fromt of the posts……
the guy had a good world cup.
tell me about your issues…
1 Oct 2011, 13:30 pm
These things happen, NZ might be losing carter, fortunately we have depth at centre and Fourie looks much better next to JDV… Still a big blow…
1 Oct 2011, 13:36 pm
@Gunther(gunther)-77:
Great kicks they were.
My issue is with “journalists” who blow up everything the boy does as you can see from the sentence I quoted.
Btw, how is your dad?
1 Oct 2011, 13:37 pm
@Getafix(phil72)-78: JDV is cra.p. GARBAGE
1 Oct 2011, 13:43 pm
Bad headline. Frans might get stripsearched st customs now.
1 Oct 2011, 13:44 pm
Looking forward to JdV making all these dumb tosse rs eat their words.
1 Oct 2011, 13:45 pm
@stormer in a teacup(stormer in a teacup)-82: Not likely. The carthorse is just as useless as habana. a HAS BEEN.
1 Oct 2011, 13:47 pm
Like I said….
1 Oct 2011, 14:20 pm
@goyougoodthing2(goyougoodthing2)-76:
That’s not true. Lies
There was no ‘they’, it was one person.
Stop trying to blow it into some national thing
1 Oct 2011, 14:36 pm
This is a big loss, no doubt.
But let’s still be positive.
You can win a game of poker with several card combinations.
1 Oct 2011, 14:40 pm
@willievz(willievz)-86:
In rugby there is no bluffing, you always have to eventually lay down your hand.
1 Oct 2011, 14:43 pm
And hold your nerve.
1 Oct 2011, 14:46 pm
Chch 87
Disagree.
Rugby is as much a mental game as it is a physical one.
This is why positive journalism and media spin are so important going into a particular fixture.
And positive blogging.
1 Oct 2011, 14:51 pm
Without a big hitter ball carrying wise and collision wide in midfield as well as big boot.we need sumthin different.Maintainance of forward dominance and collision points-Alberts in for Spies.And a bit of guile & speed in backline with-Juan de Jongh at 12,Gio at 15.Boks can still pick 5-2 split as Lambie on bench covers various positions-10-12-15.
Revised backline:
9.Du Preez 10.Morne 11.Habana 12.De Jongh 13.Fourie 14.JPP 15.Aplon
De Villiers will only limit our gameplan even futher.No puch in contact,suspect defender vs powerful runner & not player he once was.
If youngsters like Steyn & to a extent Lambie can play well,why not de Jongh?He has played alongside Fourie,solid defender and has pace and good feet.
No need for a midfield replacement as we still hav de Jongh,JdV and Butch to cover midfield.
1 Oct 2011, 14:52 pm
@chch(chch)-85: ‘They’ are whinging all the way home, regardless of who said it. He should be banned for life, in all forms of rugby, pathetic to say that. Imagine if John Smit said that after his pathetic yellow card.
Half the world would be calling for execution at dawn.
1 Oct 2011, 15:26 pm
having thought more about it….the Boks should just continue to stick to the “plan”
5-2 bench split. Hougaard and Aplon for me. We will just need to chance it and have Pat slot in at 10 and do the kicking if morne is injured. that is how Frans Steyn made his name 4 years ago anyway. Pat appears to have a morne like temperment anyway.
Jean in at 12 and needs to deliver on all the years of promise.
that is the only solution that makes any real sense. no need to start shifting the entire selection process around.
1 Oct 2011, 15:29 pm
@Brigadier Van Zyl(Brigadier Van Zyl)-92: I agree.
1 Oct 2011, 15:32 pm
@Brigadier Van Zyl(Brigadier Van Zyl)-92:
Isn’t it ironic that frans steyn got his chance from a jean devilliers injury picked up 4 years ago in a game against samoa?
1 Oct 2011, 15:37 pm
Personally I feel that Samoa should be questioned by the irb or the ref being questioned withregards to their behavior yesterday. It appears that none are prepared to ask questions because they (samoa)carried the “under dog” sataus.
they were dirty as fck yesterday with way to much shoulder and height in the tackle all game long. Had we have done that there is no doubt we’d have had 2 in the bin before half time.
1 Oct 2011, 15:40 pm
@mshiniwami(mshiniwami)-90:
dejong is hype, I doubt his international or even domestic career will go much further. He has no pass and is limited as a ball carrier. The one trick side step thing is as one dimensional as anything else out there.
really doubt the next bok coach would consider him as a center with the calibre of other players coming through.
1 Oct 2011, 15:42 pm
@Brigadier Van Zyl(Brigadier Van Zyl)-95: Agree again. I’m done with those island cockroaches.
1 Oct 2011, 15:44 pm
@Brigadier Van Zyl(Brigadier Van Zyl)-92: Against Aus I might go with a traditional 4/3 split.
1 Oct 2011, 15:47 pm
@goyougoodthing2(goyougoodthing2)-91:
Yes but if John Smit said that would you run around saying it was the South African team?
1 Oct 2011, 15:54 pm
Fair enought that JdV comes back in at 12, but there must be a contingency for 12 if or when he gets injured. And we better hope Mossie does not get injured.
If JdV gets injured then our options are JdJ, Butch or Lambie at 12. I doubt JdJ will play on the bench because with Rassie’s 5/2 split the backline players will be Hougaard and Pienaar.
I wouldnt be surprised if we land up with Lambie in the centre at some time during the knockouts… I have this sneaking suspicion that JdV will get another knock – I actually think that he is not completely 100% fit either.
1 Oct 2011, 15:55 pm
@TheAgent(TheAgent)-98:
not for me, we can overpower them upfront. They are still suspect as far as I’m concerned. Our 3 extra frontrowers from the bench are a real weapon for us we need to keep utilizinf it. Aplon and Hougaard add enough by themselves.
Only real risk is if Bakkies is good to go or not. Being able to move Danie to the bench would also really be good along with alberts.
1 Oct 2011, 15:58 pm
@TheAgent(TheAgent)-97:
Ja. Like I said before. Let us hope that a tsunami does not wipe them off the face of the earth. They are SUCH lovely people who take defeat in such a humble manner.
@chch(chch)-99:
Shut up.
——-
That’s how Kobus gets the job done.
1 Oct 2011, 15:59 pm
If JdV is not 100% fit then JdJ must start at 12… On Defence he is at least as good as JdV, if not better. His distribution is no worse than De Villiers either. Just not sure how Morne Steyn will play with him… Frans Steyn definitely helped Morne’s game – Morne plays better with Frans Steyn than without him.
1 Oct 2011, 15:59 pm
@Heavens Game(Heavens Game)-100:
yes,actually, Pienaar is probably a better bet than aplon. Lambie is pretty versatile, just inexperienced at this level he could also slot in at 12 with pienaar moving to 15. There’s obviously risk involved now as Frans ticked so many boxes on his own but I would still stick as far as possible to the “plan”
1 Oct 2011, 16:01 pm
select DeJong and we are fcked.
1 Oct 2011, 16:04 pm
We must get rid of vag-man Spies and Titties Smit to have a completely dominant forward pack – now that we effectively have no backline. JdV is past his best and now is a simple basher. He does not have the ability to pass and is a one trick pony compared to Steyn.
1 Oct 2011, 16:05 pm
@Brigadier Van Zyl(Brigadier Van Zyl)-104: A big risk. If it had to be a backline player, who do you reckon? It better not be Jacobs or Olivier.
1 Oct 2011, 16:15 pm
@Brigadier Van Zyl(Brigadier Van Zyl)-101: The only difference between a 5/2 and a 4/3 split against Aus would be CJ. Jannie can play for 80, but then we’ll have Butch there too. The backs will have to put in a lot of tackles, and Butch will help in that regard if needed.
Against Aus I’ll go (if all fit):
Lambie
JP
Fourie
de Villiers
Habana
Steyn
du Preez
Spies
Burger
Brussouw
Bakkies
Matfield
Jannie
Smit
Beast
Bismark
Guthro
Rossouw
Alberts
Hougaard
James
Aplon
1 Oct 2011, 16:20 pm
@TheAgent(TheAgent)-108: But then again, if Jannie has to come off, we’re stuffed. So maybe 5/2 will be better. Tough call.
1 Oct 2011, 16:20 pm
@Kobus Kitty(Kobus Kitty)-106:
in the past few games spies has performed well, don’t let perception cloud judgement. Alberts has been below par as a sub in the past 2 games if we are honest about it.
1 Oct 2011, 17:05 pm
@Kobus Kitty(Kobus Kitty)-102:
get forked
1 Oct 2011, 17:27 pm
Steyn’s boot is not the most important of his game. He brings balance to our backline, doing everything that is so far and away beyond Jean. We finally saw slick distribution, interplay, offloads and powerful carries well over the advantage line. Now we have Jean back, like a deadly disease that refuses to give in. Back to a painfully bland and disfunctional backlplay. He can’t even defend anymore, not that he was ever a brick wall in his channel. Words cannot fathom the level of this disaster. If only New Zealand would lose Carter or Nonu, that would even things up. So very frustrating. Peter finally selects our best 12, by far our best 12, and he gets injured!!
1 Oct 2011, 17:34 pm
@Kobus Kitty(Kobus Kitty)-106: Jean cant bash it up. It’s like a toddler trying to run through a wall. He is so incredibly blunt. He trotted through a massive gap yesterday, but the first defender nailed him easily despite that momentum. He also missed a very important tackle yesterday. Shot out of line and was left several meters behind everyone. Very embarrasing. Jean is no legend. He never was a great player, just an average one that had no competition. Frans should have been our 12 from the start of 2008.
1 Oct 2011, 18:56 pm
Fly Marius Joubert to NZ !!!
Just kidding
1 Oct 2011, 19:45 pm
Just read that Zane will fly out tonight to take Frans Steyns place.
What a massive mistake that is. If we were flying out a fb it should have been Taute or Viljoen. HUGE mistake sending for Zane. He is not up to this level.
How can we replace a world class player like Fransie with a CC at best player like Zane?
Now think we gonna mess with Lambie as well. Making him sit on the bench to cover all 3 positions.
See in the papers Lambie got a 9 out of 10 yesterday. The youngster was outstanding at fb.
1 Oct 2011, 19:50 pm
@Puma(Puma)-115:
At least we have specialist fullback again…
1 Oct 2011, 20:09 pm
@Getafix(phil72)-116: No not Zane buddy. He is just not up to it at this level. Rather Taute or Viljoen. We lose a world class player for at best a CC player. Zane is not great at all. The in-form fb at home is Taute. Viljoen is also great there. Far better than Zane.
Anyhow Lambie had a superb game there on Saturday. Reading the papers and they rated him 9. Got the highest rate out of any of the players.
1 Oct 2011, 20:36 pm
@Puma(Puma)-117:
Got to agree with you- It is probably only window dressing though and Zane will only be acquired to carry tackling bags- cannot see him making the bench in the one game that we have got left in the tournment
1 Oct 2011, 20:46 pm
@Robzim(Robzim)-118: Rob I was so confident we would beat Oz if Fransie was there. We still could though. But please we can’t play Zane. NO-WAY he is just not up to it at this level. Anyhow I will still support our Boks. We still in this and we can beat Oz but with Fransie it would have been a whole lot easier. Not sure how Morne gonna play now either. With Frans there Morne was playing a whole lot better.
Remember we could still be facing Italy.
Who would have thought Tonga to beat France today? So Italy has a chance tomorrow as well.
GO THE AZZURRI…HEHEHE.
1 Oct 2011, 20:50 pm
Okay out of here now.
Catch up tomorrow.
Go the Azzurri….
1 Oct 2011, 21:39 pm
HUGE loss
((
Probably all but kills off our RWC hopes.
But PLEASE keep Ruan AWAY from the field.
1 Oct 2011, 22:39 pm
@Puma(Puma)-119: Morne wasn’t playing better at all, he always plays that well. What you are noticing is the work of a good 12. You cannot expect Morne to do the job of a 10 and a 12, that’s impossible. But now we are back to Jean, a substandard player. Never has he ever been a world class player. It’s pure arrogance to say that he is or ever was the best 12 in the world. Never has he ever played to Fransie’s standards.
1 Oct 2011, 23:10 pm
Breaking News: Dan Carter is out of RWC.
1 Oct 2011, 23:21 pm
Don’t know why this is even an issue. according to this site the Boks are going home after next week. with or without frans.
1 Oct 2011, 23:27 pm
Man, the only time Morne plays rugby is if our pack is going forward or if sub-standard opposition no10. Get that into your heads damnit. Time to give Butch a run and cut Cooper down to size. Our only hope of getting into the semis now that Frans is out !!
2 Oct 2011, 05:23 am
@Alucard(Alucard)-122: You really are a 24 carat D o o s. Your analysis is constantly so ignorant. If you were smart enough to realize this you would be too embarassed to go out in public. You keep beating ( or should that be bleating) the same doff drum.
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