Rugby Championship Match Thread - Sat 2nd - SA v NZ / Arg v Aus

[Enzedder]

Predictably that was a stop-start muddled up game but enough touches there to get the points. Players not taking golden opportunities is a worry though

[Certain Navigator]

I think SA will be fine. Lots of kicking to the ABs back 3 should be just the ticket.

I know what you mean, but high kicks to a back 3 of Ioane, Reece and McKenzie wouldn't be the worst tactic. Not that I expect that to be the ABs back 3.

[Sards]

I think SA will be fine. Lots of kicking to the ABs back 3 should be just the ticket.

I know what you mean, but high kicks to a back 3 of Ioane, Reece and McKenzie wouldn't be the worst tactic. Not that I expect that to be the ABs back 3.

Be careful what you wish for . This team has only been coached one way....its that way or the highway for the Springboks

[Monkey Magic]

Looks like nearly every saffa has migrated here from planet rugby.

How hopeful are you guys feeling this week, is there hope of a backlash or was that expected after last week?

For the all blacks, will be interesting see what back three we go with, not sure ioane is great under the high ball, but jordie and Jordan should be ok. Will need another big shift from Akira and hopefully perenara and BB can jeep the boks moving around.

Did find it I interesting that the wallabies had that much respect for the lineout and disregard for the bok counter to just keep hoofing it down the middle if the field

[OomStruisbaai]

Looks like nearly every saffa has migrated here from planet rugby.

Yes we did, at the moment we want to migrate from earth.



I'll be happy if the Springbokke earn a bit respect with a good performance against the All Blacks.

They usually do against the All Blacks.

[assfly]

How hopeful are you guys feeling this week, is there hope of a backlash or was that expected after last week?

Yesterday was supposed to be the backlash from the previous week!

I think we have added motivation, but a lot will depend on the team we pick. But I'm not feeling optimistic at all.

[Chilli]

Jan de Koning rates the South African players!

15 Willie le Roux
He fell off tackles and was guilty of poor execution, while his kicking game was not as good as it should have been. He looked a frustrated player.
4/10

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14 Sibusiso Nkosi
His hands were not as secure as normal and looked nervous. His kick chasing was better and he was fearless in the air. Like most of his teammates he slipped a few tackles.
5/10

13 Lukhanyo Am
A very quiet day at the office, certainly by his standards. Had limited chances on attack and scored the Boks’ only try, but also slipped a few tackles.
5/10

12 Damian de Allende
Was certainly the most productive backline player in the Bok side, the go-to player for getting his team over the advantage line. His 50-odd carry metres were the best for the SA team. Made all his tackles – one of few players who did not miss any.
6/10

11 Makazole Mapimpi
The ball did come his way on occasion and he looked to provide some spark. However, found the Aussie defence too much and made some errors of judgement.
5/10

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10 Handré Pollard
Missed the tackle that resulted in first Wallaby try and then slipped a few more. One brilliant 50-22 kick and His kicking at goal was more accurate than last week. However., he is looking badly out of sorts and his execution was poor.
3/10

9 Francois de Klerk
Conceded an early penalty conceded hen he got his timing wrong and then getting yellow-carded in the ninth-minute and cost his team 12 points (two tries). His kicking game was acceptable at times and a sublime grubber resulted in Lukhanyo Am’s try. However, indecision cost his team.
2/10

8 Duane Vermeulen
Made a valiant effort to inject himself into the game, but still way of from the form he showed in 2019. Looked ponderous at times and also missed tackles.
4/10

7 Francois Mostert
You simply can’t fault his effort, but simply missed too many tackles, conceding penalties and seemed uncomfortable with playing on the flank.
4/10

6 Siyamthanda Kolisi (captain)
Made a crucial try-saving tackle early in the match and was the Boks’ most productive defender – missing just one tackle. Unfortunately he was seagulling a bit too often and his execution not the best.
5/10

5 Marvin Orie
He did bring stability in the line-outs, but did very little outside of the set pieces – making just one tackle.
4/10

4 Eben Etzebeth
Conceded penalty for crawling and then another tackle penalty in quick succession. Made all his tackles, a rarity for the Boks in this game, and also won a turnover. SA’s best forward.
6/10

3 Frans Malherbe
Made his tackles and solid in the scrums. However, there was nothing spectacular – just doing the basics.
5/10

2 Mbongeni Mbonambi
His workrate was not good and missed several tackles. At least his work ate the set pieces was solid.
4/10

1 Trevor Nyakane
His hands let him down at times and his workrate outside the set pieces was disappointing.
4/10

Replacements:

16 Malcolm Marx (on for Mbonambi, 46th min)
No impact whatsoever. Had a few ineffective carries and made some mistakes – conceding two turnovers.
3/10

17 Steven Kitshoff (on for Nyakane twice – 25th min for HIA & 46th min)
Had a handful of carries, without real impact. Otherwise, a very quiet day at the office, making just one tackle.
3/10

18 Vincent Koch (on for Malherbe, 46th min)
Was a bit more productive on defence and had two decent carries.
5/10

19 Marco van Staden (on for Kolisi, 70th min)
Not enough time to be rated.

20 Albertus Smith (on for Orie, 46th min)
Tried hard without making much of an impact. Made all his tackles.
5/10

21 Jasper Wiese (on for Vermeulen twice – 33 for HIA & 70th min)
Had his moments in two cameos, but ended up being yellow carded in the end)
3/10

22 Herschel Jantjies (on for De Klerk, 63rd min)
Went from bad to worse in the No.9 channel. He didn’t provide the spark that was required, made poor decisions and his hands let him down.
2/10

23 Damian Willemse
Unused.

Not pretty reading at all.

I wonder if it is a happy camp.......there might be problems

[sorCrer]

Jan de Koning rates the South African players!

15 Willie le Roux
He fell off tackles and was guilty of poor execution, while his kicking game was not as good as it should have been. He looked a frustrated player.
4/10

ADVERTISEMENT

14 Sibusiso Nkosi
His hands were not as secure as normal and looked nervous. His kick chasing was better and he was fearless in the air. Like most of his teammates he slipped a few tackles.
5/10

13 Lukhanyo Am
A very quiet day at the office, certainly by his standards. Had limited chances on attack and scored the Boks’ only try, but also slipped a few tackles.
5/10

12 Damian de Allende
Was certainly the most productive backline player in the Bok side, the go-to player for getting his team over the advantage line. His 50-odd carry metres were the best for the SA team. Made all his tackles – one of few players who did not miss any.
6/10

11 Makazole Mapimpi
The ball did come his way on occasion and he looked to provide some spark. However, found the Aussie defence too much and made some errors of judgement.
5/10

ADVERTISEMENT

10 Handré Pollard
Missed the tackle that resulted in first Wallaby try and then slipped a few more. One brilliant 50-22 kick and His kicking at goal was more accurate than last week. However., he is looking badly out of sorts and his execution was poor.
3/10

9 Francois de Klerk
Conceded an early penalty conceded hen he got his timing wrong and then getting yellow-carded in the ninth-minute and cost his team 12 points (two tries). His kicking game was acceptable at times and a sublime grubber resulted in Lukhanyo Am’s try. However, indecision cost his team.
2/10

8 Duane Vermeulen
Made a valiant effort to inject himself into the game, but still way of from the form he showed in 2019. Looked ponderous at times and also missed tackles.
4/10

7 Francois Mostert
You simply can’t fault his effort, but simply missed too many tackles, conceding penalties and seemed uncomfortable with playing on the flank.
4/10

6 Siyamthanda Kolisi (captain)
Made a crucial try-saving tackle early in the match and was the Boks’ most productive defender – missing just one tackle. Unfortunately he was seagulling a bit too often and his execution not the best.
5/10

5 Marvin Orie
He did bring stability in the line-outs, but did very little outside of the set pieces – making just one tackle.
4/10

4 Eben Etzebeth
Conceded penalty for crawling and then another tackle penalty in quick succession. Made all his tackles, a rarity for the Boks in this game, and also won a turnover. SA’s best forward.
6/10

3 Frans Malherbe
Made his tackles and solid in the scrums. However, there was nothing spectacular – just doing the basics.
5/10

2 Mbongeni Mbonambi
His workrate was not good and missed several tackles. At least his work ate the set pieces was solid.
4/10

1 Trevor Nyakane
His hands let him down at times and his workrate outside the set pieces was disappointing.
4/10

Replacements:

16 Malcolm Marx (on for Mbonambi, 46th min)
No impact whatsoever. Had a few ineffective carries and made some mistakes – conceding two turnovers.
3/10

17 Steven Kitshoff (on for Nyakane twice – 25th min for HIA & 46th min)
Had a handful of carries, without real impact. Otherwise, a very quiet day at the office, making just one tackle.
3/10

18 Vincent Koch (on for Malherbe, 46th min)
Was a bit more productive on defence and had two decent carries.
5/10

19 Marco van Staden (on for Kolisi, 70th min)
Not enough time to be rated.

20 Albertus Smith (on for Orie, 46th min)
Tried hard without making much of an impact. Made all his tackles.
5/10

21 Jasper Wiese (on for Vermeulen twice – 33 for HIA & 70th min)
Had his moments in two cameos, but ended up being yellow carded in the end)
3/10

22 Herschel Jantjies (on for De Klerk, 63rd min)
Went from bad to worse in the No.9 channel. He didn’t provide the spark that was required, made poor decisions and his hands let him down.
2/10

23 Damian Willemse
Unused.

Not pretty reading at all.

I wonder if it is a happy camp.......there might be problems

Willie always looks like a frustrated player.

There are definitely issues.

[Sards]

Just watched the last 20. FMe but Herschel is rubbish. Tits for hands...him and Faf can just vokkof now.

Our scrum is not dominant anymore. Time to retire some old hands and get some new blood in that want to play with the ball . Besides. Our rolling mauls don't work with Kitshoff so why bother.

Wiese can also vokkof. He is average to mediocre.

Pollard kicks far too deep. No way we can contest those. He needs to spend time learning from Bosch how to execute that and tackles. Sadly there is only Goosen to fill in but that option needs to be investigated.

We need backs on the bench that can change the game and not just warm the bench. With a 6 - 2 split we never even got 1 reserve onto the field.

[FalseBayFC]

Jan de Koning rates the South African players!

15 Willie le Roux
He fell off tackles and was guilty of poor execution, while his kicking game was not as good as it should have been. He looked a frustrated player.
4/10

ADVERTISEMENT

14 Sibusiso Nkosi
His hands were not as secure as normal and looked nervous. His kick chasing was better and he was fearless in the air. Like most of his teammates he slipped a few tackles.
5/10

13 Lukhanyo Am
A very quiet day at the office, certainly by his standards. Had limited chances on attack and scored the Boks’ only try, but also slipped a few tackles.
5/10

12 Damian de Allende
Was certainly the most productive backline player in the Bok side, the go-to player for getting his team over the advantage line. His 50-odd carry metres were the best for the SA team. Made all his tackles – one of few players who did not miss any.
6/10

11 Makazole Mapimpi
The ball did come his way on occasion and he looked to provide some spark. However, found the Aussie defence too much and made some errors of judgement.
5/10

ADVERTISEMENT

10 Handré Pollard
Missed the tackle that resulted in first Wallaby try and then slipped a few more. One brilliant 50-22 kick and His kicking at goal was more accurate than last week. However., he is looking badly out of sorts and his execution was poor.
3/10

9 Francois de Klerk
Conceded an early penalty conceded hen he got his timing wrong and then getting yellow-carded in the ninth-minute and cost his team 12 points (two tries). His kicking game was acceptable at times and a sublime grubber resulted in Lukhanyo Am’s try. However, indecision cost his team.
2/10

8 Duane Vermeulen
Made a valiant effort to inject himself into the game, but still way of from the form he showed in 2019. Looked ponderous at times and also missed tackles.
4/10

7 Francois Mostert
You simply can’t fault his effort, but simply missed too many tackles, conceding penalties and seemed uncomfortable with playing on the flank.
4/10

6 Siyamthanda Kolisi (captain)
Made a crucial try-saving tackle early in the match and was the Boks’ most productive defender – missing just one tackle. Unfortunately he was seagulling a bit too often and his execution not the best.
5/10

5 Marvin Orie
He did bring stability in the line-outs, but did very little outside of the set pieces – making just one tackle.
4/10

4 Eben Etzebeth
Conceded penalty for crawling and then another tackle penalty in quick succession. Made all his tackles, a rarity for the Boks in this game, and also won a turnover. SA’s best forward.
6/10

3 Frans Malherbe
Made his tackles and solid in the scrums. However, there was nothing spectacular – just doing the basics.
5/10

2 Mbongeni Mbonambi
His workrate was not good and missed several tackles. At least his work ate the set pieces was solid.
4/10

1 Trevor Nyakane
His hands let him down at times and his workrate outside the set pieces was disappointing.
4/10

Replacements:

16 Malcolm Marx (on for Mbonambi, 46th min)
No impact whatsoever. Had a few ineffective carries and made some mistakes – conceding two turnovers.
3/10

17 Steven Kitshoff (on for Nyakane twice – 25th min for HIA & 46th min)
Had a handful of carries, without real impact. Otherwise, a very quiet day at the office, making just one tackle.
3/10

18 Vincent Koch (on for Malherbe, 46th min)
Was a bit more productive on defence and had two decent carries.
5/10

19 Marco van Staden (on for Kolisi, 70th min)
Not enough time to be rated.

20 Albertus Smith (on for Orie, 46th min)
Tried hard without making much of an impact. Made all his tackles.
5/10

21 Jasper Wiese (on for Vermeulen twice – 33 for HIA & 70th min)
Had his moments in two cameos, but ended up being yellow carded in the end)
3/10

22 Herschel Jantjies (on for De Klerk, 63rd min)
Went from bad to worse in the No.9 channel. He didn’t provide the spark that was required, made poor decisions and his hands let him down.
2/10

23 Damian Willemse
Unused.

Not pretty reading at all.

I wonder if it is a happy camp.......there might be problems

Willie always looks like a frustrated player.

There are definitely issues.

I wasn't that disappointed with yesterday's effort. I've been bleating about our tactical direction for a while now and the match showed some intent to vary the approach. What we should have done is start the process in the tests against Argentina. A couple of lucky bounces could have seen both these tests won, not that we deserve it though.

I don't see a need to abandon our traditional game entirely but we do need to start adding variation to our approach. Also highlights how badly we miss PSDT and Cheslin. The team just doesn't look the same without them.

[Chilli]

Just watched the last 20. FMe but Herschel is rubbish. Tits for hands...him and Faf can just vokkof now.

Our scrum is not dominant anymore. Time to retire some old hands and get some new blood in that want to play with the ball . Besides. Our rolling mauls don't work with Kitshoff so why bother.

Wiese can also vokkof. He is average to mediocre.

Pollard kicks far too deep. No way we can contest those. He needs to spend time learning from Bosch how to execute that and tackles. Sadly there is only Goosen to fill in but that option needs to be investigated.

We need backs on the bench that can change the game and not just warm the bench. With a 6 - 2 split we never even got 1 reserve onto the field.

Honestly Sards fuck off with your Bosch comments.
He is shitter than shit.

[Sards]

Just watched the last 20. FMe but Herschel is rubbish. Tits for hands...him and Faf can just vokkof now.

Our scrum is not dominant anymore. Time to retire some old hands and get some new blood in that want to play with the ball . Besides. Our rolling mauls don't work with Kitshoff so why bother.

Wiese can also vokkof. He is average to mediocre.

Pollard kicks far too deep. No way we can contest those. He needs to spend time learning from Bosch how to execute that and tackles. Sadly there is only Goosen to fill in but that option needs to be investigated.

We need backs on the bench that can change the game and not just warm the bench. With a 6 - 2 split we never even got 1 reserve onto the field.

Honestly Sards fuck off with your Bosch comments.
He is shitter than shit.

Joke dude.....

Highlighting how bad our options are

But the point stands

Pollard kicks too deep and low on his kickoffs....its never a contest....if you are using this tactic on attack

[Sards]

With a 6 to 2 split you can't have reserves that are shitter than the starters who are having a shit day....they must make an impact at least

[PCPhil]

I think SA will be fine. Lots of kicking to the ABs back 3 should be just the ticket.

I know what you mean, but high kicks to a back 3 of Ioane, Reece and McKenzie wouldn't be the worst tactic. Not that I expect that to be the ABs back 3.

Thinks ‘Was this too subtle. Is this being considered as a valid tactic to employ……?’

[Monkey Magic]

How hopeful are you guys feeling this week, is there hope of a backlash or was that expected after last week?

Yesterday was supposed to be the backlash from the previous week!

I think we have added motivation, but a lot will depend on the team we pick. But I'm not feeling optimistic at all.

Feel your pain those were two pretty average performances against Australia. Guess you can hope they've been focused on this match too much and will fire up.

It's also possible bubble life has got to them so they can't bring the level of intensity they need on game day.

[Kiwias]

Who will be our squad for this match?

1 Moody
2 Taylor
3 Laulala
4 Barrett
5 Retallick
6 A Ioane
7 Savea
8 Jacobson

9 TJP
10 BB
11 R Ioane
12 Havili
13 ALB (R Ioane if ALB is still not available)
14 Jordan
15 J Barrett

16. Taukei'aho
17. Tu'inukuafe
18. Tu'ungafasi
19. Vaa'i (tempted to take PT but he has failed to come through on too many occasions)
20. Blackadder
21. Weber
22. McKenzie
23. George Bridge

[Ymx]

Who will be our squad for this match?

1 Moody
2 Taylor
3 Laulala
4 Barrett
5 Retallick
6 A Ioane
7 Savea
8 Jacobson

9 TJP
10 BB
11 R Ioane
12 Havili
13 ALB (R Ioane if ALB is still not available)
14 Jordan
15 J Barrett

16. Taukei'aho
17. Tu'inukuafe
18. Tu'ungafasi
19. Vaa'i (tempted to take PT but he has failed to come through on too many occasions)
20. Blackadder
21. Weber
22. McKenzie
23. George Bridge

I think that looks probably spot on. I wonder if McKenzie might start FB, though it’s probably going to be Jordie.

It does worry with that critical mass of Barrett’s, another red card is on its way.

[assfly]

My team for the weekend:

1: Ox
2: Debwa
3: Louw
4. Eben
5: Orie
6: Kolisi
7: Elstadt
8: du Preez
9: Reinach
10: Elton
11: Mapimpi
12: Steyn
13: Kriel
14: Specman
15: Fassi

[Chilli]

My team for the weekend:

1: Ox
2: Debwa
3: Louw
4. Eben
5: Orie
6: Kolisi
7: Elstadt
8: du Preez
9: Reinach
10: Elton
11: Mapimpi
12: Steyn
13: Kriel
14: Specman
15: Fassi

They can't do much worse than the team that Ra$$Naber will pick.......and coach

[OomStruisbaai]

My team for the weekend:

1: Ox
2: Debwa
3: Louw
4. Eben
5: Orie
6: Kolisi
7: Elstadt
8: du Preez
9: Reinach
10: Elton
11: Mapimpi
12: Steyn
13: Kriel
14: Specman
15: Fassi

I would start Kolbey for Mampimpi and Morne for Elton.

[assfly]

It's actually a terrible team

But I figure why not just go for it.

[FalseBayFC]

My team for the weekend:

1: Ox
2: Debwa
3: Louw
4. Eben
5: Orie
6: Kolisi
7: Elstadt
8: du Preez
9: Reinach
10: Elton
11: Mapimpi
12: Steyn
13: Kriel
14: Specman
15: Fassi

I would start Kolbey for Mampimpi and Morne for Elton.

Ox Nche would have done well against the Aussies. He has the explosiveness and leg drive they were showing against us. He also runs good lines and offloads. Our big units seemed to just run two strides and then maybe make a couple of metres in contact. That kind of predictability allows the oppo to commit more defenders to the ball carrier.

[Gumboot]

This would be mine:

15. Jordie
14. Reece
13. ALB (Rieko if he's out)
12. Havili
11. Rieko (Bridge if ALB's out)
10. Beauden
9. Perenara

8. Savea (c)
7. Papalii
6. Akira
5. Scooter
4. BBBR
3. Laulala
2. Taylor
1. Moody

16. Taukei'aho, 17. Karl, 18. Ofa, 19. Vaa'i, 20. Jacobson, 21. Weber, 22. DMac, 23. Jordan

[OomStruisbaai]

It's actually a terrible team

But I figure why not just go for it.

Nah, the players will be fresh and motivated. That back three want ball and freedom to attack. If they can keep it reasonable , bring the bom squad in to finish it off.

[Sandstorm]

It's actually a terrible team

But I figure why not just go for it.

Nah, the players will be fresh and motivated. That back three want ball and freedom to attack. If they can keep it reasonable , bring the bom squad in to finish it off.

I assume we’re playing Canada on Saturday?

[assfly]

Nah, the players will be fresh and motivated. That back three want ball and freedom to attack. If they can keep it reasonable , bring the bom squad in to finish it off.

I'd like to think that some fresh changes will bring a renewed energy into the team. Especially for certain players who can be told that they now have the opportunity to play their way into the regular Bok team.

And let's have a proper bomb squad, rather than the damp squib we've been seeing lately.

[Sards]

https://rugbyonslaught.com/eye-gouge-cl ... pringboks/

[Gumboot]

Didn't look good at the time. Why put his hand down onto Quade's face when the ball was long gone?

[Chilli]

Didn't look good at the time. Why put his hand down onto Quade's face when the ball was long gone?

It was a push.

[Chilli]

My team for the weekend:

1: Ox
2: Debwa
3: Louw
4. Eben
5: Orie
6: Kolisi
7: Elstadt
8: du Preez
9: Reinach
10: Elton
11: Mapimpi
12: Steyn
13: Kriel
14: Specman
15: Fassi

I see that the resident Lions Loon is demanding Junkies at 10 and Pollard at 12

[OomStruisbaai]

Morne and Frans Steyn will be very good starters against the All Blacks.

[sorCrer]

My team for the weekend:

1: Ox
2: Debwa
3: Louw
4. Eben
5: Orie
6: Kolisi
7: Elstadt
8: du Preez
9: Reinach
10: Elton
11: Mapimpi
12: Steyn
13: Kriel
14: Specman
15: Fassi

I see that the resident Lions Loon is demanding Junkies at 10 and Pollard at 12

[Sards]

Didn't look good at the time. Why put his hand down onto Quade's face when the ball was long gone?

It was a push.

He had a second go at it......

[Gumboot]

Didn't look good at the time. Why put his hand down onto Quade's face when the ball was long gone?

It was a push.

A push, or a rake...either way, it was very naughty.

[Chilli]

Didn't look good at the time. Why put his hand down onto Quade's face when the ball was long gone?

It was a push.

He had a second go at it......

Well, Quade is grabbing his groin.

[OomStruisbaai]

100th test info
S24

- It is, rather neatly, 100 years since the two countries started facing each other. The first meeting was on 13 August 1921 when the New Zealanders won 13-5 in Dunedin.
- In the preceding 99 Tests between the teams, the All Blacks have won 59 and the Springboks 36. They have drawn 4 times.

- Broken into pre-isolation and post-isolation eras, South Africa's win record becomes stark in its contrast. Between 1921 and 1992, the Boks played 37 Tests against the All Blacks and won 20, their opponents claiming 15 victories. However, from 1992 onwards, the Boks have only won 16 of 62 Tests, the All Blacks generally romping to 44 wins.
- Despite that record, the Springboks still boast the best winning percentage of all opponents against the All Blacks - 36.4%
- Both the Springboks' heaviest Test defeats in the pre- and post-isolation eras have been at the hands of the All Blacks. From 1891 to 1992, their biggest loss was the 3-20 defeat in Auckland in 1965. From 1992, it was the 57-0 massacre of Albany in 2017. That result was is also the All Blacks' biggest win over the Boks.
- In contrast, the Boks' biggest win over the All Blacks remains the 17-0 victory at Kingsmead all the way back in 1928.
- The most points the Springboks have scored in a Test against the All Blacks is in the 46-40 win at Ellis Park in 2000.
- They also scored their most tries in a match against the New Zealanders in that Test - six (two for Robbie Fleck, two for Werner Swanepoel, one each for Thinus Delport and Chester Williams)

- Morne Steyn holds the honour of the Springbok who's scored the most individuals points in a match against the All Blacks - he scored all 31 points in 2009's 31-19 victory at King's Park.
- Steyn also holds the all-time record for most career points by a Springbok against the All Blacks - 139 between 2009 and 2021.
- The All Blacks' current player with the most career points against the Springboks is Beauden Barrett with 102 points. (Dan Carter holds the all-time record of 255). Handre Pollard boasts 96 points.
- The only pre-isolation player to boast more than 40 career points between the two countries is Naas Botha, who scored 44 points.
- Two Springboks have scored hat-tricks against the All Blacks - Ray Mordt in 1981 and Marius Joubert in 2004. No All Black player has scored more than two tries in a match.
- Christian Cullen is the leading career try-scorer for New Zealand against the Springboks with 10. Bryan Habana is South Africa's record holder with 8.

- Only one post-isolation Bok coach holds a positive win record against the All Blacks - Nick Mallett with 57% (4 wins from 7). Peter de Villiers has the most victories over the All Blacks (5 from 11).

[Sards]

Mains’ swipe at the Springboks comes following their two straight Test defeats by the Wallabies in Gold Coast and Brisbane, respectively.

“I think there’s four or five players in that team that simply are not up to Test level, and I think you’ll see that the All Blacks’ three-quarters will run riot against them,” Mains told Stuff on Monday.

“The centre and the two wings look simply just not good enough to be playing at that level. And, I’d have some questions over one or two of their forwards, too. It’s all very well they have big strong props, but boy, they’ve got to be mobile.

“They just don’t have the cattle the moment, the world-class players there to actually do a lot about it.

“South Africa, sure they had the Tests against the Lions but they didn’t have that really tough Super Rugby programme that brings players up to a level where you either make it or you don’t.

“It’s a bit of a war of attrition, Super Rugby, but it certainly leaves the players in really good condition.”

[Gumboot]

Huge occasion. Such a great rivalry, and history proves you can never write off a wounded Springboks side. I'll be delighted if we manage to win by a single point. Bring it!

[Sards]

Mains’ swipe at the Springboks comes following their two straight Test defeats by the Wallabies in Gold Coast and Brisbane, respectively.

“I think there’s four or five players in that team that simply are not up to Test level, and I think you’ll see that the All Blacks’ three-quarters will run riot against them,” Mains told Stuff on Monday.

“The centre and the two wings look simply just not good enough to be playing at that level. And, I’d have some questions over one or two of their forwards, too. It’s all very well they have big strong props, but boy, they’ve got to be mobile.

“They just don’t have the cattle the moment, the world-class players there to actually do a lot about it.

“South Africa, sure they had the Tests against the Lions but they didn’t have that really tough Super Rugby programme that brings players up to a level where you either make it or you don’t.

“It’s a bit of a war of attrition, Super Rugby, but it certainly leaves the players in really good condition.”

Anyone figure out which centre he is talking about......
And the forwards..?

the wings are self explanatory.....both of them


btw....I agree re no Superrugby being a huge influence

[Chilli]

Huge occasion. Such a great rivalry, and history proves you can never write off a wounded Springboks side. I'll be delighted if we manage to win by a single point. Bring it!

Hopefully we bring our A game and beat the Al Blacks.