PdV sticks with Smitty
6 Oct 2011
John Smit has been reinstated as the starting hooker and captain for Sunday’s World Cup quarter-final against the Wallabies.
De Villiers started Bismarck du Plessis in the last pool match against Samoa, and it was rumoured that he would continue to play a bigger role in the knockout matches. But with Thursday’s team announcement, De Villiers stuck to the original script, favouring the man he made a promise to in 2008. Smit will start ahead of Du Plessis because De Villiers believes that the former is an indispensable leader.
Du Plessis has been named on the bench, but the Boks could certainly use his particular skill set in a game of this nature. More mobile and aggressive than Smit, he also possesses a strong breakdown game and is known to make the odd steal off the deck. Against the Wallabies, you’d want players of this ilk on the park from minute one.
It is also false to claim that the Boks don’t have the leadership outside of Smit to see them through a knockout match. Victor Matfield has captained the Bulls to three Super Rugby titles over the last four years, and has led the Boks admirably when Smit has been unavailable.
Matfield will play alongside Danie Rossouw in this match, as regular second row partner Bakkies Botha is unlikely to recover from injury. Beast Mtawarira is left out of the match 22, with Gurthro Steenkamp starting at loosehead prop. Other changes to the side that fronted Samoa see Jean de Villiers replacing the injured Frans Steyn at inside centre.
The Bok coach has also reverted to a traditional four-three split on the bench. There is still no sign of Johann Muller, and Willem Alberts will cover lock once again.
Francois Hougaard will cover several backline positions, and Butch James will give the team an alternative flyhalf option if Morne Steyn and the Boks’ one dimensional game plan doesn’t come off. Like the benching of Du Plessis, it’s a selection the coach will soon regret, as James’s skills are tailor made for this type of opposition.
The Boks have spoken about playing a forward-oriented game, but someone like Gio Aplon will lend them attacking impetus in the final quarter. Aplon has been used sparingly in this tournament, but will provide the Boks’ with a lively running option against what should be a tiring Aussie defence.
Again, the team may have been better served if Aplon was selected to start rather than ride the bench. Like Du Plessis and James, he has the ability to influence the outcome of a match and ideally these sort of players should be playing a greater role rather than a bit part in a do-or-die fixture.
Springboks – 15. Pat Lambie, 14. JP Pietersen, 13. Jaque Fourie, 12. Jean de Villiers, 11. Bryan Habana, 10. Morné Steyn, 9. Fourie du Preez, 8. Pierre Spies, 7. Schalk Burger, 6. Heinrich Brüssow, 5. Victor Matfield, 4. Danie Rossouw, 3. Jannie du Plessis, 2. John Smit (c), 1. Gurthrö Steenkamp.
Subs: 16. Bismarck du Plessis, 17. CJ van der Linde, 18. Willem Alberts, 19. Francois Louw, 20. Francois Hougaard, 21. Butch James, 22. Gio Aplon.
486 Comments
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6 Oct 2011, 00:49 am
@Heavens Game(Heavens Game)-397: This is a bit of a non-sensical debate tho. Mine is bigger than yours type. What is imperative for the next Bok coach is a “overall” performance parameter. No way we should stumble our way from 1 WC to the next anymore. Here’s hoping SA Rugby gets it right this time
6 Oct 2011, 00:55 am
HG
That’s nt entirely true,SA didn’t lose 99 semi only due to that drop goal.In fact Matt Burke added another penalty and they won 27-21.deserved winners and not like a “last minute win” or freaky win etc. They controlled extra time & Macqueen outcoached Mallett.
Simple
6 Oct 2011, 01:00 am
@mshiniwami(mshiniwami)-398: This is deflection. And you have your facts wrong. It seems Rassie hired Nienaber, by the way. See my earlier post of an interview with Nienaber.
Dippy’s win/loss record despite winning in NZ against a Carterless All Blacks is barely 60% prior to this world cup and slightly inferior to Jake White’s.
60% for the Boks is AVERAGE.
A
6 Oct 2011, 01:00 am
HG could not lambaste WP coaches and WP rugby based strategy enough the past 2 years and now suddenly Rassie and Nienaber are God’s gifts to SA rugby
Same with Mallet a WP coach with WP rugby blood running through his veins.. and he’s the bees knees wrt SA rugby credential suddenly…
PdV has always wanted to surround himself with only the best technical know how and ability.. all the others chickened out that he opened his hand too they all slapped him in the face.. Rassie didn’t and Nienaber followed suit though Nienaber initially refused too.
White without Jones was a disaster and even we didn’t meet ANY decent rugby nation en route to WC final in 2007 White would have lost without Jones showing him the ropes ahead of the comp and carrying him through it when under the whip…
Mallet had the best rugby team on the planet in 99 and should have won that watered down comp hands down had he not blown it..
So far PdV is 4 from 4 this WC campaign and his win ratio in international rugby surpasses ALL other coaches in equal strength vs strength comparison barring Christie and maybe Mallet who inherited Carel Dup’s team and also had lesser competitive opposition than we have today. Especially from NH sides.
If Boks win this thing against the odds of playing an out of condition and passenger Smit along with passengers FdP and Spies.. then you can definitely lift your hat and bow in obeisance to the greatest rugby coach the Boks have ever seen .. if not and Aussie or NZ bundle us out the next 2 games.. well then he was just another mediocre SA coach like all the others before him.. barring Christie and to some extent Mallet perhaps.
6 Oct 2011, 01:01 am
@TahRoo(TahRoo)-399: Sounds about right. I’m hoping that the heat we put on will be too much for you guys upfront. There was signs in Durbs that it was but for the idiotic change to move JS to TH. And there is also the fact that most of your fwds have played non stop rugby since February. Let’s just hope for our sake everyone’s onboard with Nienaber’s system as theamount of gamebreakers in your team can even make forward dominace irrelevant. Ireland showed that. Eventhough they dominated upfront they still had to tackle well to snatch it.
6 Oct 2011, 01:02 am
@mshiniwami(mshiniwami)-398: This is deflection. And you have your facts wrong. It seems Rassie hired Nienaber, by the way. See my earlier post of an interview with Nienaber.
Dippy’s win/loss record despite winning in NZ against a Carterless All Blacks is barely 60% prior to this world cup and slightly inferior to Jake White’s.
60% for the Boks is AVERAGE.
And Dippy has won no WC yet, which at least Jake White did, never mind how lucky he might have been.
Keep deflecting chum.
6 Oct 2011, 01:03 am
@Heavens Game(Heavens Game)-403: Nope his win loss ratio vs top 6 rugby nations is WAY better than White… can’t you even read simple arithmetic?
6 Oct 2011, 01:04 am
@TheTackler(TheTackler)-400: You’de have to think the Welsh are looking the most likely.
Can’t think of mnay Union fans who would begrudge the Welsh picking up Bill.
If it has to go North, then the Welsh above all others.
6 Oct 2011, 01:05 am
Nighty night. Battle commences again tomorrow with all you lying fibbing Dippy, D.ick and Gold apologists.
Thank goodness Rassie and Nienaber might lead the Boks to glory. If they don’t nobody else will… Except for Barney of course.
6 Oct 2011, 01:12 am
@TahRoo(TahRoo)-408: Gatland is too much of a pain in the *** for mine to sit comfortably with that. Only way a NH team wins it is if you guys make it to the final. I know our record of late not too flash agains them either but those are more freakish results than anyhing else. NH packs seem to have your number. I might be wrong.They have no chance against the AB’s and to a lesser extent the Boks imo
6 Oct 2011, 01:15 am
@UptheGuts(UptheGuts)-410: I could probably handle the Irish winning it.
6 Oct 2011, 01:16 am
What about a freakish France to knock out England this weekend – wouldn’t that be excellent.
6 Oct 2011, 01:22 am
@BillMcConnell(BillMcConnell)-412: 50/50 imo. The 2 teams with the most sideshows at this WC. France the admittedly the more serious as it goes directly against the team dynamic when team and coach goes head2head. I wouldv’e given France an outside to upset whoever they meet in the final but not anymore. They’are all at sea
6 Oct 2011, 01:23 am
@UptheGuts(UptheGuts)-411: I have issues with every side. I want my side to win, but at this stage that appears unlikely.
Not a massive fan of the Boks, but i do appreciate they have to work with some pretty restrictive systems. Quota systems and the like.
You have to feel for the AB’s who really are the benchmark between WC. If their supporters weren’t such w@nkers, particularly with this feeling that its their God given right to win the thing, then I’d be happy to see them lift it.
The poms can p1ss off, and after the Paddy’s put us on the wrong side of the draw I really don’t want them to win.
That leaves the Welsh, French and the Argies. Argies have no chance. French are too unpredictable.
last man standing.
6 Oct 2011, 01:26 am
I love this site – and I’m talking about the posts as much as the columns. Nowhere else I have found have as many column inches dedicated to rugby and there are true followers willing to put a little punch into their posts. Regular contributors seem to be characters as well. But boys, Botha out, the Mule out, Smit starting – its starting to look a little bleak (or should I say gold!).
6 Oct 2011, 01:30 am
@TahRoo(TahRoo)-414: But the Irish hardly ever get into a pissing contest with anyone. And surely you can appreciate what they were able to achieve against your team? The result notwithstanding
Gatland will be insufferable if they win it. Then I’d rather let you guys have the honour of winning it 3 times
6 Oct 2011, 01:30 am
So the Chief Entertainer has gone?
The performance against Samoa must have been too much for JS who in all likelihood vetoed the Beast out of the match 22, the likeable prop did his best fakes to avoid any tackles, rucks or clean ups
I reckoned with Cooper plaing at 10 for Aus, the Boks have reasonabe task to beat them
6 Oct 2011, 01:37 am
@BillMcConnell(BillMcConnell)-415: FS out probably the only real concern although I would’ve loved to have Bakkies there. Smit starting not a big deal. Don’t believe everything you read on here or elsewhere. Sounds like you’re reaching…Better hope Higgenbotham makes it into your starting 15. He’s got mongrel and the cahoonas to go with it. Barnes would be glad Bakkies is not there tho. Remember Bakkies tackling him outside the TV screen 2 years ago? Alberts might remind him of that. Gonna be a cracker
6 Oct 2011, 01:37 am
I’ve had a few comments quoting Morne’s tackling stats against Samoa citing that as proof the guy is no weak link. I’m certain the Wallabies will target that 10 channel and attempt to drag the Bok centres out of line. They have a thing about charging up to get to quick hit on – especially JdV. As for the Boks, any opportunity to rumble Genia will be open season but I also think they’ll target Cooper while he’s standing at 15 in defense. If they can isolate him on counter he’s liable to do anything – like throw it straight to a Bok with the line open!
6 Oct 2011, 01:42 am
@UptheGuts(UptheGuts)-416: I like the Irish supporters. The fairer *** more to the point.
Does that count for something?
First team to 3 would be great. To do it across the ditch, in the lesser cousins backyard would be outstanding.
Some great ball carriers in that Irish side, but I reckon the Welsh will squeak this one. Bit more muscle in the contact area, and some big lads across the backline
Roberts and North have been standouts.
6 Oct 2011, 01:44 am
@UptheGuts(UptheGuts)-418: I do remember Bakkies monstering Barnes and it was an awesome site. But I think the Wallabies will take some confidence that he is out – he is one of 6 players that does have a positive record against us. But I’m hearing Barnes starting from bench anyway with McCabe at 12. As for Higgs, don’t know – I’m assuming they’ll start with the same back row as Sydney and Durban – Rocky, Samo and Pocock.
6 Oct 2011, 01:46 am
@BillMcConnell(BillMcConnell)-419: JDV is our trump card. Very predictable crash ball exponent.
The bloke was designed for league.
For me thats the only area I feel we dominate. That inside channel through Steyn, and knowing tat once it reaches JDV it’s going no further. Easy to defend.
6 Oct 2011, 01:47 am
@UptheGuts(UptheGuts)-413: France beating anyone at the point would be an upset – they’re going in against England with the same side that lost to Tonga! Still if there’s an upset anywhere this weekend that will be it. No chance Argies against the Blacks, and the other two matches you could argue there would be no upset – all four have claims.
6 Oct 2011, 01:48 am
@BillMcConnell(BillMcConnell)-415:
Don’t worry,
We’ve just purged the last quota among the forward, we are ready!
Bakkie’s overrated, hasn’t played much since 2009, Styen is a huge loss, true, but the omission of Giteau and the new ‘Hip Hop’ tattoo culture that crapped into the Wallabies camp with Cooper, Genia and few others, more than outweigh Styen’s departure!
6 Oct 2011, 01:49 am
@BillMcConnell(BillMcConnell)-421: Mccabe’s as predictable as JDV.
We need to start with the best 12 available and thats barnsey. Not only does he take the ball to the line and offload both sides, he also takes some pressure off Cooper.
With barnes at 12, Cooper can go at the line, knowing that if he gets wrapped up the recyled ball can get hoofed into the corners.
Mccabe couldn’t kick himself out of a wet paper bag.
6 Oct 2011, 01:51 am
@TahRoo(TahRoo)-422: I’ve always said the reason why we upset the Boks more than any other team bar the Blacks (in terms of winning) is because their game plan is predicable and completely suited to the way we want to play. Structured attack requires structured defending and Wallaby teams, going back to Muggleton as defensive coach, have always had that. You get a team that upsets that (ABs) and our defensive structures can be found wanting. And the reverse is true – Boks always relied on structured defending line which doesn’t cater well for “play wants in front of you” ethos. With the likes of Beale, Cooper, O’Connor and Ioane in the backline setting a pattern to stop them is fairly redundant.
6 Oct 2011, 01:53 am
@TahRoo(TahRoo)-425: Couldn’t agree more with you re Barnes but for some reason Deans has it that McCabe is more “direct” and they want that to straighten the line play for the others to run their own patterns. For frigs sake, Barnes grew up a leaguie – he can be as direct as you want and he’s also probably the best tackler in the back line we have.
6 Oct 2011, 01:54 am
@BillMcConnell(BillMcConnell)-421: That trio is geared for a fast game. Not gonna happen if the Boks monster you upfront. Barnes to start is an absolute must to give Cooper another option outside him.
@TahRoo(TahRoo)-422: I couldn’t agree more. Why I feel FS such a big loss. But I’m hoping. In saying that, McCabe a crashball specialist himself
6 Oct 2011, 01:57 am
Anyway I’m out. Cheers.
6 Oct 2011, 01:59 am
@BillMcConnell(BillMcConnell)-426: With the loss of Steyn they will return to what they know. One out Rugby, with the ball punted high.
Having said that I’m still not convinced our pretty boys can attack from depth against the umbrella defence. The saffers are defending up and in, which does leave space out wide, however the lads keep looking for the switch ball back inside. Hopefully we will see something different this week-end.
Turn the Bok pack around, and run the ball left and right, should see a tiring pack.
problem is they have an awesome bench to bring on when that happens.
6 Oct 2011, 02:00 am
@Hondo(Hondo)-424: Hip Hop culture – there’s something new to cling to.
6 Oct 2011, 02:01 am
if we get knocked out on Sunday or next week, i think we can’t exactly call PdV a failure, cause he had one exceptional year and won the B&I series, which is a big deal. but i agree with Skop, a mediocre coach and not much more.
6 Oct 2011, 02:05 am
@TahRoo(TahRoo)-430: Returning to what they know is good for us. We know how to play them at that game. If we can recycle the ball quickly on attack the “up and in” defense can be used to get their centres out of line. A disjointed backline is what we’re after – so long as we can hold on to the ball and don’t get too carried away. And turning the Bok pack around – yes. They need to be made to run, in every direction except forward, as much as possible. I have a feeling (hoping) the Pocock will give Brussouw a lesson this weekend and anything less than parity for the Boks on this front they will struggle big time.
6 Oct 2011, 02:07 am
@fantasticbarnsmell(fantasticbarnsmell)-432: Your man will need to come up with something new for this weekend to prove himself. So far he has shown little in the way of being able to adapt and play various game plans. The Wallabies have the wood on the Boks in recent times because that unchanging style. PdV will need to pull something out of the cupboard.
6 Oct 2011, 02:12 am
With Bakkie out, the Boks have no cover at lock because Muller is obviously not match fit, and with PdV openly recognised The Beast and Chiliboi a waste, the Boks might have depth problems!
With the projected wet, windy conditions Styen will have to place his kicks inside the 40m line and be spot on at that, that means the forwards will have to play some rugby for a change to get him there
6 Oct 2011, 02:24 am
This game seems set up for the Boks to lose, perhaps the conditions will save them.
6 Oct 2011, 02:42 am
@Big Hit(Big Hit)-436: As one of your Bok supports said – the occasion will also have its say.
6 Oct 2011, 02:52 am
@BillMcConnell(BillMcConnell)-437: may the best team win (and beat the ABs in the semi
)
6 Oct 2011, 03:18 am
@Big Hit(Big Hit)-438: Agreed
6 Oct 2011, 03:44 am
What the fok is this sh-it?
Why oh WHY does John Smit refuse to step down? His selfishness has ruined Bismarck’s world cup. du Plessis is in the prime of his life, he won’t be as good ever in his career again. Thanks John. The annoying thing is, Smit doesn’t give a rats arse if the Boks are knocked out. He has his humble loser speech already written out and he has practiced it in front of the mirror 100 times. He has purely done this in an attempt to end his career as the most capped Bok.
Then there is Pierre “perty mouth” Spies. Wow! Spies must give a good BJ to still be making the team. Thanks Spies for your contribution to the Boks, because of you Burger and Brussow have to make twice as many tackles. You mangina.
Botha out is a huge loss, Danie ALWAYS gets the ball ripped/knocks on – especially against the convicts.
And lastly, where the hell is the Beast? What a joke.
Boks will be playing with 5 forwards for 60 minutes. Well done PdV.
6 Oct 2011, 04:13 am
regardless of the selection. This is do or die. Lets get behind the sidee and as long as we shut down Genia – we should win this comfortiblyy.
Will Genia is ourr greatest threatt. Ben Alexander and Kepu must be bendt overr by our tight5 t denie Geniaa Good Ball.
The Chokers without Carter willl not win the WC.
The Frenchh will makee the final.
6 Oct 2011, 04:14 am
Argentinaa will beat the Chokers. I saidd it first.
6 Oct 2011, 04:27 am
@greatest13gerber(greatest13gerber)-442:
Oz to beat the Overrated
6 Oct 2011, 05:28 am
@TahRoo(TahRoo)-414: What a joke Aussies think the sun shines outta their asses always:)
6 Oct 2011, 05:30 am
@greatest13gerber(greatest13gerber)-442: Your in dreamland they won’t win even with the B-team.
6 Oct 2011, 05:55 am
Where is the logic in leaving Beast out of the starting 15? He is as good if not better scrummager than Guthro and also has a loose forward’s pace. Leaving Beast out of the 22, Bismarck, Hougaard and Alberts out of the starting 15 is pathetic. It is wet weather rugby. What the f-uck is Spies going to do in the wet? He can’t even get go forward in the dry. He’ll be driven back and concede penalty after penalty.
Moronic. I hope Smit and the three clowns are sjamboked by our rap-ist president.
6 Oct 2011, 05:56 am
@Kobus Kitty(Kobus Kitty)-446:
As if he would care anyway. He just wants to move the Springbok emblem to the arse cheek of the pants.
6 Oct 2011, 06:30 am
I have a bad feeling that there are just too much injuries in this squad now to really challenge for this World Cup now.
6 Oct 2011, 06:42 am
@mako(mako)-62: BWAHAHAHAHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
6 Oct 2011, 06:46 am
John Smit is a fat greedy pig who’ll go down as the slug that ruined our chances.
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