What a game awaits us next weekend

by kiakahaaotearoa Sun 30 Sep 2012, 2:08 am

First topic message reminder :

Well I was harsh on the ABs last week but I stand by many of the comments I made. The ABs looked shaky for the first 15 minutes and Argentina looked sharp. They took a well deserved try but then NZ came back pretty much straight away.

Suddenly the handling was good and the ball was protected well. NZ shifted the Argentinians round the field and the gaps opened. It was a good all-round performance and senior players like Carter, Nonu, McCaw, Read were excellent and the young players like Savea, Smith and Romano and Retallick also contributed.

So now NZ has the rugby championship. But a humdinger of a match looks to be on the cards because SA looked ominous today and so much so that there was talk of them still being able to win the championship. That's how good they looked with Goosen in for Steyn. Their senior players like Habana also had great games and their confidence is high. NZ needed this match I feel where their attack finally clicked to go into the match with the right frame of mind. Argentina will look at the scoreboard tonight and feel they played better than the Wallabies but suffered a bigger loss.

It just goes to show if the AB attack does click, then they can put away good sides. SA will be pleased to see though when you keep possession there are gaps in the AB line. Argentina made a few line breaks but there wasn't enough variety in their attack to ask further questions of the AB defence. Hernandez just didn't take the ball in hand to the line but if SA can retain possession, they will be better adept at finding those gaps.

Conditions will be good in Soweto and though it is at high altitude, the ABs will relish a hard ground and good weather to get their backs into the game. What they'll need to do though is lay the platform in the forwards. McCaw was outstanding tonight and he will hopefully benefit from only playing 60 minutes of this match.

Sadly for SA supporters the championship is not on the line but these two teams don't need further motivation to win. It's the traditional foe and finally Meyer is picking a side that can get the best out of this Bok side. Hopefully next weekend we see a match where both sides are at their peak and we see a good game that befits two teams of this stature. We haven't really had much vintage rugby in this year's 4N where defence has dominated. If we can end the championship on a high with what looms to be a great matchup then so much the better. I for one can't wait because I love the games where a win seems a very difficult prospect before and during the match. SA are at home at altitude and the ABs don't win too many games there. So they are in the driving seat but SA will also be wary that NZ finally clicked on attack tonight and looked useful. Argentina and Australia will be an intriguing match as well but there seems a lot of expectation to this match. I hope it'll be a cracker and whoever wins had to work really hard for it. kia kaha

by Taylorman Tue 02 Oct 2012, 5:53 am

fair enough...in that case they're hot faves. I just hope we can upset the odds... Whistle

by emack2 Tue 02 Oct 2012, 6:15 am

No matter how good or bad The Boks are always expect them to win at home especially on the High veldt.At full strength all the top 3 SH sides would expect to win at home.THAT is the measure of this contest and always has been,when you consider.Boks have won 6/10 at home of the last 10 thats 60%,in the old days it would have been 3/4 or 75%.No excuses the travel factor alone in the 4Ns is the REASON not excuse for home team wins.Compare that with the stats of Away wins in NZ by any side.33 since 1903 out of at least a couple of hundred matches by ALL teams and that the ABs have won 49% of there matches in the Republic.Whoever wins it won`t change the status quo one match at a time it is nearly always a 50/50 bet in SA.

by **Biltong** Tue 02 Oct 2012, 7:15 am

Some news.

Frans Steyn is out for the rest of the year, his ankle has fragments of bone that is continuously imperding him, they will operate to remove the fragments of bone.

Coenie Oosthuizen has a continuous neck problem after his neck operation and will see a specialist.

Zane Kirchner has a hip injury (when AAC did that suicide tackle) and will only be assessed later the week.

The reason why Goosen struggled with his kicking is still the bruising on his heel that is planted when he kicks, so doubt he will be doing any kicking this weekend.

Jaques Potgieter has an abdominal strain and has been ruled out, Arno Botha replaces him.

“The main injury news from the week is Frans Steyn. As you know he injured his ankle in training on Monday at Loftus. After doing a lot of scans and seeing a few specialists, we found he has quite a lot of ‘loose bodies’ in the joints – pieces of bone that have broken off over time and move in and out of the joint.

"The problem is that every now and then one of those pieces of bone gets hinged in the joint and it’s very painful.

“We’ve made a decision in terms of Frans’s long-term career to go in and clean that out. He will have that done on Wednesday but unfortunately it will mean he will be out for three months. It means we will lose him for the end of year tour, which is not ideal.

“But Frans is still a youngster and he has at least another 60 tests in him if we manage him properly. That’s why we decided to do it now.

"He will have a proper pre-season and go into Super Rugby in good shape. It’s a tough decision but in terms of his long-term career it’s the right thing to do.”

Coenie Oosthuizen will fly to Durban with Dr Roberts on Tuesday to see a neurosurgeon for a second opinion on his neck injury.

Oosthuizen was forced to withdraw from the Bok team to face Australia last week because of a worry over his neck and the neurosurgeon, who has operated on the likes of Bismarck and Jannie du Plessis before, will make a final call whether he will be able to return to action.

“The big one from the game is Zane Kirchner, who has a hip pointer (bruise). It was actually from the tackle from Adam Ashley-Cooper (which knocked Ashley-Cooper out).

“Johan Goosen still has that bruised heel, he went into the game with the heel, and was fine running, but had a problem when planting his foot.

We always knew he may be a little sore in the game, that’s why we made the decision early on to change the kicker.”

I suspect the run on team will be similar to last weekend, but expect Flip v d Merwe to start in place of Eben etzebeth and perhaps Lambie will get his shot at 1 in place of Kirchner.

by nganboy Tue 02 Oct 2012, 7:19 am

Crikey Biltong
At that injury rate if NZ don't win it will be another AB flop. Now you're trying to stuff up my excuses. Good thing McCaw and Carter will be injured.

by **Biltong** Tue 02 Oct 2012, 8:02 am

Nganboy, I don't think it is a negative to lose frans. He hasn't been at his absolute best, but then we won't know what he will do next to Goosen yet.

Coenie is the biggest problem in my view, he is a monster in the loose and more effective than Jannie or Beast.

For now it is more important for me that Goosen, Taute, Lambie, Habana, Hougaard, Eben, and the loosies perform as we need them to convince Meyer to move into a new era.

If we lose because of the injuries, we lose.

But I am slowly beginning to beleive of the Star injured players the only ones that should come back is Burger, Bismarck, JP Pietersen and Frans Steyn.

When you look at the front row, Beast and Jannie isn't brilliant Scrummagers, but decent enough, Coenie Oosthuizen makes a positive addition, so we short one more international class prop.

Hookers with Bismarck and Strauss is sorted.

Our locks are sorted except for I would like to see Anton Bresler get a shot.

Our back row is settling, just need Burger back.

Half back is our biggest problem.

Flyhalf we have Goosen and Jantjies, and hopefully Morne Stays far away.

Centers we need J d Villiers to make way for the youngsters soon, but with Taute (who might be used at fullback more if Jordaan gets his shot), Frans we are getting there.

Wings are good with JP and Habana, and Hougaard as back up.

Fullback maybe Taute and Lambie.

So it isn't necessarily a bad thing, the injuries forced Meyer to bring lots of new players and exciting youngsters in and I hate to think what would have happened if there were no injuries, we might not have progressed as much.

You have to take your hat off to these youngsters that came through, we were luckier than OZ in that ours are starting to work, theirs haven't really.

by anotherworldofpain Tue 02 Oct 2012, 8:09 am

I think there is an element that SA see this as a great chance to redeem a few years of hurt with a heroic win over rugby world champions and rugby championship champions new zealand.

But from a New Zealand perspective I'm not sure the same motivation will exist. We saw Kapo O Pango come out last week. Argentina got the respect of the "big match" psychologically and I'm not sure the ABs are likely to summon that level a second week in the row with the competition already dusted and the trophy back in NZ.

It may be an encouraging win for SA should they pinch it, against whatever team is named, but ultimately it may feel a little hollow, and of the "moral" variety.

by **Biltong** Tue 02 Oct 2012, 8:14 am

AWOP, beleive me when I tell you, if we win it goes on our record, if they win it goes on their record, nothing moral about it.

We don't do moral victories.

by Taylorman Tue 02 Oct 2012, 8:47 am

that's right, and from the AB camp they've immediately reset their goals after securing the title. First is to win the inaugural 4N version of the event by winning every match and (from the AB site) looking at becoming the fifth All Blacks side to go through the tournament unbeaten (and sixth team overall outside the 1998 Springboks), while becoming the second side to go through a six-match edition without tasting defeat.

The All Blacks have also conceded just 50 points, so if they can keep the Springboks to less than three points, they will break the all-time record, while they are on track to roughly (unless the Springboks run rampant) to break the six-match defensive record by roughly 40 points.

So that sort of a read will be more than enough to motivate this bok side, particularly at this point in time with the subtle but very effective changes they've made. They will also want to have the final say until next year.

Nope, nothing but full on for this one that's for sure.

by emack2 Tue 02 Oct 2012, 11:42 am

I have read some rubbish on this site,but really people making the statements should know better.EVERY Bok versus All Blacks matters,NO way will a weakened be fielded.The Boks Steyn excepted are talking mostly bruised bodies,smoke and mirrors.AllBlacks are saying Romano and Conrad Smith needed stitching and have bruising to blood injuries but expected to start.To lose both them especially Romano as there is no back up Lock available would be more devastating.Goosen may have some troubles too with Nonu steaming
down his channel.Assuming his bruised heel lets him start which of course it will, both sides will be fired up.

by **Biltong** Tue 02 Oct 2012, 11:43 am

Alan, from what I understand the heel only bothers him when he kicks, it is the one he plants.

by disneychilly Tue 02 Oct 2012, 12:10 pm

Could benefit NZ that's for sure with Frans Steyn out and Goosen not kicking. Means that the 60m bombs are taken out of the equation. Carter's hit them from 60 so that's handy as well.

Hansen should have the ABs absolutely fizzing for that one. The record and going through the RC unbeaten is more than enough motivation as well as it being our greatest foe. The only losing record NZ have is against SA in SA-and in Jozi it's not great reading. Agree with Alan-dead rubber my @rse. SA share that record too so they'll be desperate to stop us.

NZ got quick ruck ball from a side as physical as SA on Saturday. Now they've got a better idea of how to combat that. The start's important though. Haven't started that well recently.

Can't wait!

by **Biltong** Tue 02 Oct 2012, 12:14 pm

Well I am nervous, nauseous, got cramps, excited and tense at the same time. The importance of this game cannot be underestimated, win with the New guy and Meyer will have his confrimation that we need to step into the light, lose and it is fifty/fifty, lose badly and enter Morne Steyn for another 3 years.

It is like the birth of my son all over every time we play the All Blacks (apart from when we send those second string stuff who has no chance of winning).

I will be sick in my stomach until the match is over and then hopefully more relieved than happy if we do win.

Glad I am not 24 anymore, then rugby ruled my life. Whistle

by kiakahaaotearoa Tue 02 Oct 2012, 12:39 pm

Only problem is Biltong you have a son who's playing and it's worse on the sideline as a spectator. When you play the nerves come before the match but on the field adrenaline kicks in.

I don't know why but a team with Morné Steyn in it just didn't do it for me in Dunedin. There were nerves obviously and there was rage whilst I was watching the match. But I wasn't up for the match. Even though SA should've won that match really, we had it too easy to get back into the game and take it.

But it's definitely a case of the butterflies this week. SA have a much better blend and look to have that all important variety on attack. It's not wholesale changes. I don't expect SA will entertain a running game, especially seeing how Argentina fared last weekend doing that. They'll be their typical belligerent selves but armed with a blend of subtlety that M Steyn can't provide.

by anotherworldofpain Tue 02 Oct 2012, 12:40 pm

It's an interesting situation.

I remember a few years back Graham Henry derided Australia for "letting England out their box".

There is a parallel here: a nervous coach struggling for the courage to take SA in the new direction.

If NZ put away SA handsomely, they can box them in for another year at least, but lose and the Genie could spring out and that could spell disaster for everyone else...

by **Biltong** Tue 02 Oct 2012, 12:53 pm

Well, that is what us Saffers are hoping for.

Isn't there a song about a genie in a bottle?

by anotherworldofpain Tue 02 Oct 2012, 1:02 pm

Biltong wrote:Well, that is what us Saffers are hoping for.

Isn't there a song about a genie in a bottle?

There's a depressing Roger Waters dirge about a Genie in a bottle, but I hesitate to call it a song.

But I still dream of Genie...

by disneychilly Tue 02 Oct 2012, 2:09 pm

There's a Christina Aguilera song of the same name too. I recommend watching the video with earmuffs and binoculars.

I don't care how handsome or ugly the win is AWOP. This is the Boks in Africa. At altitude. Will take a one pointer thanks.

I've got the same butterflies as Biltong haha. Don't have any kids to march out on the field to do me proud though!

by Taylorman Tue 02 Oct 2012, 3:43 pm

Do agree with meyer with this one in that the ab defence will be the biggest obstacle for SA. The ABs will be wanting to knock any thought of a SA attack out of the equation in the hope that they revert to type, keep them on the back foot, back doing the things they know how to handle.

They know any momentum gained from the SA pack will hurt NZ if the backs are allowed to capitalise on it, so they'll aim to get right up into goosen and jdv from the start and cut them off, mow them down, whatever it takes.

by disneychilly Tue 02 Oct 2012, 4:06 pm

One thing's for sure, Goosen won't get the ride he got in the weekend. Kiwis see unpredictability as a danger and look to cut it off at source. Expect the 9 to get harried and the ABs to use a rush on occasion to get to him. They were pretty fired up and won the physical battle last week. So they know they can do it against SA which is pretty important.

Again Carter is huge for us. He ran last week too-ominous for SA if they don't win the forwards battle. Parity will be enough with his class and Smith's pass. Just need to keep our discipline.

by bluestonevedder Tue 02 Oct 2012, 4:16 pm

Heck of a promotion for Arno Botha. He impressed me greatly during last year's JRWC. What's your take on him Biltong?

by Taylorman Tue 02 Oct 2012, 4:19 pm

Yeah this match has a different feel to it with the SA changes. If we take our focus off the SA pack enough that could bite us as well. Goosen needs to get his options right and direct play more than he did last week where he seemed to go with the flow, happy in just keeping the momentum going.

He's the obvious target but I think he'll hold up ok.

Its early in the week but not often SA and NZ meet after both coming off big wins, something this format has thrown up, and its bringing a bigger edge to this match.

by kiakahaaotearoa Tue 02 Oct 2012, 5:19 pm

Too true Taylorman. The old format had a team usually resting while the other two played. A trip from Argentina to SA is way easier than one from NZ so travel is negated to some extent as well.

Really this round the teams facing one another are in similar positions. SA and NZ go in with their tails up and confident of victory and Australia and Argentina were humbled and will want to make amends. They're going to be good games to watch for different reasons. What's clear is that none is lacking any motivation.

by anotherworldofpain Tue 02 Oct 2012, 7:38 pm

Who remembers that epic back in 2000 when SA pipped NZ 46-40 at Ellis Park when both teams left their defences at home?

I wonder if this weekend might yield something similarly. SA with their re-discovered attacking nous, giant ball carriers smashing holes and Habana back to top form. NZ on the other hand, championship secured and probably looking to blow off some steam and not really under anything but manufactured pressure...

by Taylorman Tue 02 Oct 2012, 8:15 pm

Maybe, I've still a few doubts about the Oz team that faced them. It wasnt just injuries, the team was in disarray, probably mentally as well, a couple out of position and even worse on field injuries during the game- they just werent in any position to compete on an even par basis.

Not taking away from SA as regardless they played their best game by far despite the Oz misfortunes. But the two results- thrashings- need to be taken into context. NZ faced a fired up Argie side at home that had genuine thoughts and reasons to think they could win. They didnt have the injury issues and were as prepared as they could probably be.

To expect sudden changes in key personnel and tactics to compete let alone be successful against an AB side who has rejected everything thrown at them all year. A team that has been slowly building, winning without really clicking into the higher gears until last weekend and looking to adding some icing to a very good year with this, the most difficult test of the year.

I could be wrong but I don't think Oz did SA any favours last weekend. Its provided the ABs with all the motivation they need and they really look prepared in every respect. To say SA wont get the time and space they were afforded last week is probably an understatement.

But this all just adds to the fascination of this match and so annoying its not for the title in some respects.

by anotherworldofpain Tue 02 Oct 2012, 8:23 pm

Yeah Taylorman, SA are an injury to Goosen and Lambie away from the same mess as Australia if you ask me.

by disneychilly Tue 02 Oct 2012, 9:11 pm

No way AWOP. SA has way more depth than Australia. NZ is the only country with the same depth as the Boks.

Sometimes putting pressure on yourself is good-it provides motivation to get better. This is the hardest game of the year. If NZ are to get the record it's fitting it comes with the hardest challenge for the ABs: Africa and altitude.

by anotherworldofpain Tue 02 Oct 2012, 9:23 pm

Can't they just skip over it? and go to Scotland? Then a quick tour through Spain, Portugal, Italy, Moldova, Croatia, Ukraine, Poland, Russia, Germany??

That's what Sir Clive Woodward would have done!

by aucklandlaurie Tue 02 Oct 2012, 9:24 pm

disneychilly wrote:No way AWOP. SA has way more depth than Australia. NZ is the only country with the same depth as the Boks.

Sometimes putting pressure on yourself is good-it provides motivation to get better. This is the hardest game of the year. If NZ are to get the record it's fitting it comes with the hardest challenge for the ABs: Africa and altitude.

Ah... A man of wisdom. and in turn South Africa will lift for this one.

by Taylorman Tue 02 Oct 2012, 10:27 pm

Yeah I was just showing the flip side of the coin. At face value SA dont look to have the side to do it based on performances to date but the unpredictability factor (aside from the away/ altitude / presences of Lions / tigers and assegai as Disney points out) adds a lot of spice. Hopefully its a match like the last Soweto one (including the ending of course Whistle

)

Good thing about the current streak is it also contains the entirity of the World cup, Bledisloe, Rugby championship titles (theres one more isnt there?) and now possible the RC sweep... Pity its not a grand slam tour...

...wishful thinking...? Tumbleweed

by aucklandlaurie Tue 02 Oct 2012, 10:57 pm

taylorman

I wasnt thinking so much about the flip side of the coin, but rather the likes of Flip van der Merwe and a number of his mates, who I thought must have personally been been proud of their personal performances and will look to build on that for the ABs.

by Taylorman Wed 03 Oct 2012, 12:32 am

Yes there'll be those guys who are finally getting a chance out to prove a point- as happened last week. If Lambie starts ahead of Kirchner (who suffered a hip injury from AAC's head!...ouch) then Goosen, Lambie, Hougaard, Habana is a good mix. Add JP Petierson to that and theres some serious go foward talent.

I see the Goosen talk has aleady started:

http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/all-blacks/7762643/All-Blacks-plan-to-expose-youngster-Goosen

Talk of targetting him in the same way as Steyn won't be as effective but it might have the effect of putting him off the rest of his game. He will have the memory of Nonu flattening him in Dunedin so theres an obvious repeat of that dose to be expected.

He didnt flow at 10 as much as Id thought he would last week but he didnt shy off either. It just looks like familiarity with it all is all hes missing- the pace, the environment etc. This week will be a big day for him thats for sure.

by emack2 Wed 03 Oct 2012, 1:10 am

Hi,its just a lot of talk for the benefit of the papers sound bytes etc.the serious analysis with the video techs.IF a coach says he`s going to play one way expect him to change it.Goosen is a very promising 10,but is young an inexperienced at this level.Ruan Pianaar was running the show with his tactical kicking skills.The Boks ar`nt going to kick down the throats of players like Jane and Dagg.There set piece is good but the Scrum isn`t up to Puma standards and there are usually few of those anyway.Lineout/Maul is good but theABs have worked out the mauls defence.They also have excellent all round defence whether blitz or drift.The Line out is good providing the Hookers get the trowing right.Breakdown this week expect them committing more numbers hitting the Rucks.I would expect the AB`s to achieve at least parity up front,given that they have the backs to finish the job.I am always wary of the Boks at home but
this week I reckon it is to close to call.The side that want as it most will win it is as simple as that.The Boks win was very good BUT the constant injury toll and players having to improvise make it impossible to really judge.The ABs tho not really clicking have at least managed to consistently find the means to win bring it on.

by Taylorman Wed 03 Oct 2012, 2:26 am

My my Alan...a close match in SA at altitude in your terms must equal a comfortable win by the AB's by anyone else's surely... Wink

yeah its all talk but its good talk I reckon. SA have an exciting look about it even if not for right now, certainly in the next couple of years and certainly in time for England 2015 (which I know you'll be attending Alan... Yahoo

)

Certainly feels different than other SA matches...probably because Steyn is nowhere to be seen... Hug

by emack2 Wed 03 Oct 2012, 7:58 am

Look,BEHIND YOU Very Happy

by Taylorman Wed 03 Oct 2012, 8:05 am

Ha ha...team been named has it? Steyn in? Yehoo!

by **Biltong** Wed 03 Oct 2012, 8:21 am

former All Black flyhalf and discarded Lions backline coach Carlos Spencer has predicted the World Champions will “destroy” the Boks this weekend in their Castle Rugby Championship clash at FNB Stadium.

Spencer, who was fired as Lions backline coach, told Fairfax Media that the World Champions will put matters back into perspective this weekend with a match that will bring Bok fans crashing down to earth.

The former All Black believes Australia were so bad in their five-try defeat at the hands of the Boks at Loftus that the All Blacks would show the Boks just how out of touch with reality they are.

"The Springboks obviously needed a good win but the Aussie weren't great. I think the All Blacks will destroy them this week," Spencer said.

"It will be a big confidence booster for the Springboks. There was a lot of pressure on them over here in terms of their last couple of efforts. They played some good rugby at times and didn't kick away as much ball as they had previously. That's definitely a step in the right direction for them.

"But they are going to come up against a better defence this week. If they can hold the ball for long periods and not kick it away they'll be in with a chance, but the All Blacks will be too good for them."

Spencer believes the fact the All Blacks have claimed the Rugby Championship already will allow them to play with a freedom seldom seen and will lift the tension of the occasion and motivate them more.

by Taylorman Wed 03 Oct 2012, 8:36 am

Saw that one yesterday biltong. Looks a tinge of sour grapes after his dumping but unlike mitchell its not like spencer to carry a gripe. As flawed as he was spectacular he usually knows his stuff. Strange he's come out like that, particularly when he's settled in SA and now job hunting...

by anotherworldofpain Wed 03 Oct 2012, 9:13 am

Biltong wrote:
former All Black flyhalf and discarded Lions backline coach Carlos Spencer has predicted the World Champions will “destroy” the Boks this weekend in their Castle Rugby Championship clash at FNB Stadium.

Spencer, who was fired as Lions backline coach, told Fairfax Media that the World Champions will put matters back into perspective this weekend with a match that will bring Bok fans crashing down to earth.

The former All Black believes Australia were so bad in their five-try defeat at the hands of the Boks at Loftus that the All Blacks would show the Boks just how out of touch with reality they are.

"The Springboks obviously needed a good win but the Aussie weren't great. I think the All Blacks will destroy them this week," Spencer said.

"It will be a big confidence booster for the Springboks. There was a lot of pressure on them over here in terms of their last couple of efforts. They played some good rugby at times and didn't kick away as much ball as they had previously. That's definitely a step in the right direction for them.

"But they are going to come up against a better defence this week. If they can hold the ball for long periods and not kick it away they'll be in with a chance, but the All Blacks will be too good for them."

Spencer believes the fact the All Blacks have claimed the Rugby Championship already will allow them to play with a freedom seldom seen and will lift the tension of the occasion and motivate them more.

Well it is certainly one possible outcome.

by aucklandlaurie Wed 03 Oct 2012, 9:20 am

Just been listening to Andy Haden and Kevin Putt, who both felt that you couldnt take too much from the Australia V south Africa game because the Wallabies were so bad.

by Taylorman Wed 03 Oct 2012, 9:59 am

Yes that's the concern for this week. Hard to tell what the result means for this match.

by anotherworldofpain Wed 03 Oct 2012, 11:19 am

Of course if SA beat NZ by more than they beat AUS by, what would that mean then? If AUS were "so bad" ??

by kiakahaaotearoa Wed 03 Oct 2012, 12:29 pm

It would mean SA were so good and we should all sh!t ourselves for the lead up to the 2015. Such would the impact be of such a defeat.

Then again, NZ is a team that has a remarkable knack of overcoming bitter disappointment with sweet revenge the following match the previous victorious side against the ABs meet. Not always but regularly so. NZ in 2010 against SA, NZ after most defeats to France. They're bad losers in every sense. They don't like to make a habit of it.

SA won't care how many they win by on Saturday. They just want the win and the psychological boost that comes from it, not to mention seals the path Meyer is now forging rather than making it come to a dirt end and going back to the Morné Steyn dirt track with their tail between their legs.

by Taylorman Wed 03 Oct 2012, 7:41 pm

Well its true about NZ coming back. Lose or otherwise we always manage away back to the top. Were very rarely off the top perch for long. It seems the further we get into the pro era the more regularly we are at the top.
That's why I just will never agree with this phrase- 'we'll never beat NZ at their own game'

That holds the key to knocking them off. For as long as teams continue to play their own game, the statement also holds true. So if they'll never top us at either their own or our game does it mean they never will? Yet one of those options they refuse to even attempt. Weird logic. Yet we see clear evidence of coaches taking our game to other sides doing the same.

by Mr Fishpaste Wed 03 Oct 2012, 9:31 pm

While it is true that AUS were weakened through considerable injury dispruption, one can still take from that match the fact that the Boks now have (or have the makings of) a team that can capitalise on its own forward dominance, and/or the oppositions weakness. This was patently not the case in Dunedin.....

by Taylorman Wed 03 Oct 2012, 10:16 pm

Mr Fishpaste wrote:While it is true that AUS were weakened through considerable injury dispruption, one can still take from that match the fact that the Boks now have (or have the makings of) a team that can capitalise on its own forward dominance, and/or the oppositions weakness. This was patently not the case in Dunedin.....

True Mr Fishpaste...though theyve actually had that team since 2010...they just havnt selected it until now... thumbsup

by aucklandlaurie Thu 04 Oct 2012, 7:19 am

AB team for the weekend:

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=10838403

by kiakahaaotearoa Thu 04 Oct 2012, 9:50 am

Interesting to see Gear in for Savea. Is Hansen weary of Savea being peppered with high kicks or is he giving Gear the message, this is how Savea played last week so that's the benchmark for this weekend? Ben Smith gets dropped equally for some impressive cameo appearances lately and Tamati Ellison gets a go. Is this getting in practice for the autumn tour. Romano makes way for Retallick because his face doesn't have stitches but to be honest I'm keen to see the impact Romano has on the game when he comes on.

So no real shocks but Hansen seems to be trying to widen the net to see where the fringe players stand in the overall scheme of things.

by Mr Fishpaste Thu 04 Oct 2012, 12:16 pm

Taylorman wrote:
Mr Fishpaste wrote:While it is true that AUS were weakened through considerable injury dispruption, one can still take from that match the fact that the Boks now have (or have the makings of) a team that can capitalise on its own forward dominance, and/or the oppositions weakness. This was patently not the case in Dunedin.....

True Mr Fishpaste...though theyve actually had that team since 2010...they just havnt selected it until now...

Alas!

by yappysnap Fri 05 Oct 2012, 1:12 pm

I'll just throw it out there that I thought Louw was exceptional at 6 for the Boks on the weekend, I think he'll stand up well against the NZ loose forwards.

by anotherworldofpain Fri 05 Oct 2012, 1:19 pm

kiakahaaotearoa wrote:Interesting to see Gear in for Savea. Is Hansen weary of Savea being peppered with high kicks or is he giving Gear the message, this is how Savea played last week so that's the benchmark for this weekend? Ben Smith gets dropped equally for some impressive cameo appearances lately and Tamati Ellison gets a go. Is this getting in practice for the autumn tour. Romano makes way for Retallick because his face doesn't have stitches but to be honest I'm keen to see the impact Romano has on the game when he comes on.

So no real shocks but Hansen seems to be trying to widen the net to see where the fringe players stand in the overall scheme of things.

Savea is hesitant. He seems to linger for a moment and is not instinctual enough. He needs to defeat this reluctance to react, because his reaction time is currently the difference that is holding him back. Look at his performance in Argentina. He got the ball early and in space, and with good support. His instinct was to go for it. But something stopped him. He hesitated, then put up an awful kick. All the time you see this hesitancy. He needs to believe in himself and that he will make the right choice immediately. Right now he is too frightened of making a mistake. He just needs to relax and get stuck in, and back himself.

Surely the choice isn't on aerial skills, but Gear is rank as well.

by Sponsored content