Preview: England vs Springboks

Preview: England vs Springboks

23 Nov 2012

RYAN VREDE, in London, analyses the key match-ups and picks the winner of the Test at Twickenham.

It shouldn’t be this way, but I sense the result of this Test will determine, in the minds of most, whether the Springboks’ season has been a success or failure. If, based on Heyneke Meyer’s standard, the Springboks want to be the best in the world, consistent victories over their benchmark, the All Blacks, represent the standard they must strive towards. And, having lost twice to the world champions this season, the outcome of this match is of relative irrelevance in the broader picture.

What a win will achieve is the stated goal of a tour sweep and indeed a significant step forward for this young and inexperienced team. The injury crisis they are enduring has been played down, but it would be grossly unfair to measure them against a standard they can be expected to achieve with a fully fit squad (as some have done). That said, I believe even the current group are superior to their embattled opponents across most key areas.

The Springboks have shown nothing on this tour to suggest they will replicate the comprehensive win they achieved here under Peter de Villiers a couple of years ago. Their kick-chase method has been lamented but statistics show it to have largely been successful in gaining the territory they seek. The sterility of their attack in the red zone is the real point of concern, with a high error rate further undermining their cause.

Of course the potential exists for something to click and for them to find a level of precision in their attack they’ve only exhibited at Loftus against Australia. However, the greater likelihood is for the Springboks to accumulate points gradually through the boot of Pat Lambie. For this to happen it is imperative that they are dominant at the gainline, forcing penalties in kickable positions. The responsibility will be on their primary strike runners to sustain their efforts through 80 minutes in this regard. They were excellent in patches over the last fortnight and when they’ve buzzed the Springboks have looked a force of note. Furthermore, if they can set up the rolling maul in good positions, England will have no response to the Springboks’ main attacking weapon.

England have shown themselves capable of contesting this facet of play well, stifling their opponents’ momentum. They’ve spoken all week about the level of physicality that will be required to blunt the Springboks, and how the visitors fare in the early exchanges will set the tone for the rest of the match.

They certainly have fronted defensively, conceding two tries on tour despite defending for touching 80 minutes (two halves when the opposition has been completely dominant). England will play a similar pattern to the Springboks, kicking deep and hoping to ‘play’ further up the pitch. The scrum will be an area they target, especially after the Springboks’ struggles in this facet of play against Scotland. If they gain dominance here, it will aid their cause to break down the tourists’ granitic defence. Similarly if they elevate their gainline play from their showing last week to boss the Boks, and create the time and space for Manu Tuilagi that Meyer so fears.

It would be a show of immense mettle if the Springboks produce a telling rebuttal to that examination. Many of the players are at the last hurdle of the longest season of their careers and a clutch of them have been carefully nursed through this week. It is critical that Meyer uses his bench intelligently, being sharp in his decisions in when to hook those who are struggling. I’ve watched from the stands as some of his charges have laboured on well after they’ve been spent, but England has the quality of player to exploit defensive vulnerabilities in a manner none of their previous tour opponents could.

I don’t believe it’ll be comprehensive, but I do think the Springboks will rouse themselves for the win.

VREDE’S CALL: Springboks by 6


271 Comments

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  • 201.cane: Reply to this comment
    23 Nov 2012, 13:17 pm

    @SIumtown-191:

    I agree …………………………………………………….I am not perfect.
    I don’t even try to be.

    But in this case, even the so called victim, said there was no case to answer.

    BUT NO……………………………….you Okes smell blood, and you circle like Jackels (sic).

  • 202.ufo: Reply to this comment
    23 Nov 2012, 13:19 pm

    @Sasuke-197:

    :wink:

  • 203.Heavens Game: Reply to this comment
    23 Nov 2012, 13:19 pm

    Appropriate punishment for the Ginger Sheepshagger…

    Line Adam against a wall…

    Then shoot him dead…

    One less Ginger Sheepshagger…

  • 204.Heavens Game: Reply to this comment
    23 Nov 2012, 13:19 pm

    @Heavens Game-203: Problem solved…

  • 205.i_love_u_bakkiesbotha: Reply to this comment
    23 Nov 2012, 13:20 pm

    @SIumtown-198:
    yip, and was an ‘inexplicable moment of madness’.. the likes of which ‘runs contrary to the every fibre and strand of all decent sport loving kiwis’…

    you must remember that more than anything, he is and has always been ‘a top bloke’… in a land of good decent blokes.

    he just wouldn’t do that… its not in him…

  • 206.gonzo: Reply to this comment
    23 Nov 2012, 13:20 pm

    @katman-200: That’s the problem, no one grew a set of balls. I guarantee he won’t get more then 2-3 weeks. Which means what, he missed the England match and we have to play Vito instead?

  • 207.i_love_u_bakkiesbotha: Reply to this comment
    23 Nov 2012, 13:22 pm

    i mean…. if Adam says he didn’t do it….

  • 208.cane: Reply to this comment
    23 Nov 2012, 13:23 pm

    @SIumtown-198:

    Adam is 30 years old. (give or take a yr).

    And this was his first ever meeting with an IRB Judicial Official.

    The Jock doesn’t even recall the RACKING of his cranium.

    Cut Adam some slack………………………………………………………..FFS.

    ;)

  • 209.cane: Reply to this comment
    23 Nov 2012, 13:24 pm

    @i_love_u_bakkiesbotha-207:

    EXACTLY bakkies. Exactly.

  • 210.i_love_u_bakkiesbotha: Reply to this comment
    23 Nov 2012, 13:25 pm

    @gonzo-206:
    no, it means a possible game changing and history altering precedent has been set, in which nz is actually fairly sanctioned for foul and dangerous play.

    the setting of such a precedent might finally open up the worms nest that is nz rugby.

  • 211.katman: Reply to this comment
    23 Nov 2012, 13:25 pm

    @gonzo-206: Listen, I don’t think it was the most horrendous act every committed on a rugby field. If I were the judge, jury and executioner, I would have given him 4 weeks and a slap around the ears. But one week was a joke.

  • 212.i_love_u_bakkiesbotha: Reply to this comment
    23 Nov 2012, 13:26 pm

    @cane-209:
    can i get a hallelujah

  • 213.katman: Reply to this comment
    23 Nov 2012, 13:28 pm

    @cane-208: Well, he deserved a citing a few years ago for the way in which he hit the deck when Rory Kockott slapped him lightly on the cheek. Certainly dodged a bullet there.

  • 214.Heavens Game: Reply to this comment
    23 Nov 2012, 13:28 pm

    And if one green bottle should accidentally fall…

    Shoot the farker…

    Put it down… Out of its misery

  • 215.cane: Reply to this comment
    23 Nov 2012, 13:29 pm

    Anyway,
    This is a Thread …………………………..supposingly……………………………Previewing : England vs Springboks.

    How the fark did you Okes hijack it into an anti Kiwi tirade?

  • 216.cane: Reply to this comment
    23 Nov 2012, 13:32 pm

    @katman-213:

    I never said he was perfect jackalman.

    Only that he has been Judged already. And by a Neutral.

  • 217.SIumtown: Reply to this comment
    23 Nov 2012, 13:35 pm

    Heans Game is here. Im outta here.

    Got no time for racist idiots.

    Later peeps.

  • 218.gonzo: Reply to this comment
    23 Nov 2012, 13:36 pm

    @i_love_u_bakkiesbotha-210: I doubt it. If anything it’ll highlight how mismanaged the IRB is. Hopefully it forces them to review the process and become consistent so guys like Greyling, Rougerie, and Thompson get what they deserve. Time will tell

  • 219.Yetirat: Reply to this comment
    23 Nov 2012, 13:36 pm

    Lets not play games here. We know what works to get the Boks gee’d up for these big ones at Twickers – 30 mins of pictures and footage showing slain ******** at the hands of Poms during the Boer War. That’s all they need.

  • 220.Yetirat: Reply to this comment
    23 Nov 2012, 13:37 pm

    ******** = ********

    Test: Frenchman

  • 221.cane: Reply to this comment
    23 Nov 2012, 13:43 pm

    @Yetirat-220:

    Try again yeti.

  • 222.Heavens Game: Reply to this comment
    23 Nov 2012, 13:44 pm

    @SIumtown-217: Seriaas? :lol:

    Go get a life while you at it…

  • 223.Gtown: Reply to this comment
    23 Nov 2012, 13:51 pm

    I’ll be at twickenham this weekend rocking my brand new 2007 world cup bokke scarf. £7 of ebay and it’s the real deal canterbury thing!

    This is my first bokke test, and I’m literally wetting my pants.

    therest of me will be wet thanks to the predicted torrential downpours expected for the whole game :(

  • 224.katman: Reply to this comment
    23 Nov 2012, 13:57 pm

    @Gtown-223: Hah, enjoy this one. It’s going to be a bruiser. And don’t take sht from those pasty mud-islanders. It is your duty to remind them of the laws of the game, of the referee’s mistakes and of the misery that is their damp existence.

  • 225.ryecatcher: Reply to this comment
    23 Nov 2012, 13:58 pm

    @nama1-163: Sorry Pal.Meant to copy you when you came on.Was1976

  • 226.ryecatcher: Reply to this comment
    23 Nov 2012, 14:00 pm

    @nama1-163: He will shine

  • 227.nortierd: Reply to this comment
    23 Nov 2012, 14:05 pm

    @Gtown-223:
    Great stuff
    Enjoy every moment

  • 228.cane: Reply to this comment
    23 Nov 2012, 14:05 pm

    @Gtown-223:

    Enjoy Gtown enjoy.

    ;)

  • 229.ufo: Reply to this comment
    23 Nov 2012, 14:06 pm

    @Gtown-223:

    cool stuff bud…

    enjoy it…!!

  • 230.cane: Reply to this comment
    23 Nov 2012, 14:07 pm

    @nortierd-227:

    I may as well have left that last post to you.

    ;)

  • 231.Gtown: Reply to this comment
    23 Nov 2012, 14:07 pm

    @katman-224: thanks bru…

    …apparently springboks really like nibbling on rose petals…

  • 232.ryecatcher: Reply to this comment
    23 Nov 2012, 14:08 pm

    @BrumbiesBoy-178: LOPL No offense
    taken

  • 233.The Sharks rugby pedigree is packaged as dog food: Reply to this comment
    23 Nov 2012, 14:15 pm

    @cane-215: Just add water :) With a dash of Bakkies….

  • 234.ryecatcher: Reply to this comment
    23 Nov 2012, 14:16 pm

    @ryecatcher-232: LOPL = LOL
    Weak brain cells at work.

  • 235.The Sharks rugby pedigree is packaged as dog food: Reply to this comment
    23 Nov 2012, 14:16 pm

    @Gtown-223: Enjoy!!!!!

  • 236.Gtown: Reply to this comment
    23 Nov 2012, 14:17 pm

    @nortierd-227: @cane-228: @ufo-229:
    thanks y’all!

  • 237.The Sharks rugby pedigree is packaged as dog food: Reply to this comment
    23 Nov 2012, 14:18 pm

    @ryecatcher-234: I greeted you on the Carter thread, but let me say Hi again :)
    Friday afternoon blues seem to have hit one and all ;)

  • 238.Gtown: Reply to this comment
    23 Nov 2012, 14:23 pm

    @The Sharks rugby pedigree is packaged as dog food-235: and you!

    We’re going to be sitting in the middle of the English supporters as I got the tickets from a card carrying England supporter mate who can’t make it. So look out for 2 ous, one heavily tattooed (my chommie) and one with a brand new 2007 world cup Springbok scarf!

  • 239.The Sharks rugby pedigree is packaged as dog food: Reply to this comment
    23 Nov 2012, 14:30 pm

    @Gtown-238: You’ll be stuck in the middle of about 800 guys wearing brand new 2003 England World Cup scarves :)
    It should be unreal. Twickenham is a really special place to watch rugga…..Goosebump stuff.
    Earplugs are necessary if ‘Swing Low’ irritates you in any way/shape or form.

    Hopefully the Boks don’t give the crowd much reason to sing :)

  • 240.i_love_u_bakkiesbotha: Reply to this comment
    23 Nov 2012, 14:32 pm

    @gonzo-218:
    i could live with that.

    could you..?..

  • 241.ryecatcher: Reply to this comment
    23 Nov 2012, 14:34 pm

    @The Sharks rugby pedigree is packaged as dog food-237: Hello Pedigreed Lady.Received your previous greeting.Thanks.England talking themselves up big time for tomorrow.
    I feel my age.Will visit the dark side tonight.Skop and others
    dominating Hougaardt site.Clever people.I mean that.Skop is very well read.

  • 242.The Sharks rugby pedigree is packaged as dog food: Reply to this comment
    23 Nov 2012, 14:39 pm

    @ryecatcher-241: England always talk themselves up :) Whether it’s soccer/rugby/cricket/bowls or polo….. Their national psyche is something else my friend.
    Skop is super intelligent, very few can deny that.
    What confuses people is the litany of runtcnuts/fckadillyfacefcuks/pisswillies…..

  • 243.charo: Reply to this comment
    23 Nov 2012, 14:48 pm

    only problem with twickenham, as opposed to milleneum or murrayfield, one has to walk for bloody miles to find a decent pub afterwards.
    and, to make it worse, one is normally surrounded by pasty poms – and mounted police (probably to prevent one from altering the outlook of said poms)

  • 244.ryecatcher: Reply to this comment
    23 Nov 2012, 15:11 pm

    @i_love_u_bakkiesbotha-240: Hi Bakkies.How are you.?I used to greet you as “old Cynic’ which I imagined
    was a rough term of affection acceptable between men. And then
    I researched the word.The main proponent off this philosophy
    was a guy called Diogenes of Sinopes.Between annoying Alexander
    the Great and Plato he woul

    1.Walk through the streets of Athens with a lighted lamp held aloft
    even though it was broad daylight,proclaiming that he w as looking
    for a honest man.
    2.Barked in public
    3 Urinated on people who insulted him.
    4 Masturbated in public.

    So will not greet you in tyhis manner again.
    BTW I dig him.Total eccentric.How dull life be if we were all clones of each other.

  • 245.i_love_u_bakkiesbotha: Reply to this comment
    23 Nov 2012, 15:19 pm

    @ryecatcher-244:
    :lol:

    hi rye, i’m good thank you and how are you?
    diogenes sounds like my kind of guy for sure haha and if anything i have sought to consistently hold a light up to ‘these silly kiwis’ in broad daylight in the hope of finding an honest man :lol:

    please, no offense taken at all although i cant say i’m about to start urinating on kiwis or publically masturbating at the prospect of them getting their just desserts :lol:

    yes agreed, variety more than anything is the spice of life and when all put together puts the taste in the human soup that we are haha

  • 246.CoachPete: Reply to this comment
    23 Nov 2012, 21:58 pm

    I dont care how the boks win I dont care by how much
    Just beat England :)

  • 247.nortierd: Reply to this comment
    23 Nov 2012, 22:11 pm

    @CoachPete-246:
    Agreed
    One good thing about the Boks this year is that it has been fairly easy to predict their outcomes and get close to their scores on Superbru (except for the 2 draws that is)

  • 248.papashanga: Reply to this comment
    24 Nov 2012, 14:09 pm

    It’s raining in Twickenham and has been for some time.

  • 249.carol: Reply to this comment
    24 Nov 2012, 14:37 pm

    COME ON ENGLAND !!

  • 250.carol: Reply to this comment
    24 Nov 2012, 14:37 pm

    COME ON ENGLAND :-)

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Keo.co.za has always promoted uncensored views, but has never tolerated racist or crass outbursts. Come on guys and girls. If you can't moderate yourselves or each other then I am going to be forced to regulate the posts and enforce a registration process for comments. The choice is yours.

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