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

[OomStruisbaai]

BTW, does anyone know why the Boks team was named so early? I thought they had until 48 hours before kick off?

Maybe they thought the game was today?

Apparently this coach has named his teams early before?

Rassie use to leave it late. Not Nienaber. Probably not much to study beforehand.

[assfly]

Wiese cleared.

I thought that had a ban written all over it. As usual, no consistency in these sort of decisions.

[handyman]

Wiese cleared.

I thought that had a ban written all over it. As usual, no consistency in these sort of decisions.

These sort of decisions?

[assfly]

These sort of decisions?

Citings for head contact. Based on recent precedents, I would have thought he would have been gone for a few weeks.

[Sandstorm]

Wiese cleared.

I thought that had a ban written all over it. As usual, no consistency in these sort of decisions.

This is why team was named early. Be 100% sure Wiese didn’t play.

[assfly]

This is why team was named early. Be 100% sure Wiese didn’t play.

Every cloud!

[Chilli]

Yep, this is exactly the kind of backs-against-the-wall game the Boks always lift for.

So the 3 of us are i agreement then? Boks by 5!

Yep. final result 5-0... a suffocating masterclass... and the first international rugby match where the 11, 12, 13, 14 and 15 don't touch the ball once, but were still on the winning side...

That or with two opensides SA run the arses off the All Blacks winning by 40-3...

Can't make up my mind...

Not to be too technical but........................ 5-0 will be a win to the All Blacks as they are the home side and there have their score posted first.


Same as your 40-3 post.

I do agree that either of those wins would be nice though.

[Chilli]

Yep, this is exactly the kind of backs-against-the-wall game the Boks always lift for.

So the 3 of us are i agreement then? Boks by 5!

Have to disagree, 5 points seems like an improbably small margin.

So by 6 then? Two penalties, one off a ruck and the other a scrum?

[OomStruisbaai]

When we beat the All Blacks, its usually our in the face defense that get to them and they try that fancy off loads to the Springboks. The longer it stay close the more they get frustrated and throw that 50/50 off loads.

But then they can change that score board in minutes like at the WC. It have to be 80 minutes of non stop defense.

Pollard usually play his best against the All Blacks.

[handyman]

When we beat the All Blacks, its usually our in the face defense that get to them and they try that fancy off loads to the Springboks. The longer it stay close the more they get frustrated and throw that 50/50 off loads.

Our first time tackles need to be spot on. One slip and the all blacks are gone.

[Grandpa]

When we beat the All Blacks, its usually our in the face defense that get to them and they try that fancy off loads to the Springboks. The longer it stay close the more they get frustrated and throw that 50/50 off loads.

But then they can change that score board in minutes like at the WC. It have to be 80 minutes of non stop defense.

Pollard usually play his best against the All Blacks.

Looking at the 3 wins in isolation going back to around 2010...

20 August 2011 - 18-5 to SA - Pre-World Cup, NZ sent a B-side over and SA barely got out of their own half all match. Was indeed a defensive master class with Morne kicking all the points...

4 October 2014 - 27-25 to SA - Last minute Lamb penalty to win the match. But that game was quite an open affair with both sides running the ball a lot.

15 September 2018 - 34-36 to SA - In NZ. NZ scored two tries early and then SA came roaring back with some fantastic rugby to win a thrilling match.

So really it's not necessarily tight defensive matches that SA win against NZ.. it's when they really have a go and catch NZ by surprise...

[OomStruisbaai]

When we beat the All Blacks, its usually our in the face defense that get to them and they try that fancy off loads to the Springboks. The longer it stay close the more they get frustrated and throw that 50/50 off loads.

But then they can change that score board in minutes like at the WC. It have to be 80 minutes of non stop defense.

Pollard usually play his best against the All Blacks.

Looking at the 3 wins in isolation going back to around 2010...

20 August 2011 - 18-5 to SA - Pre-World Cup, NZ sent a B-side over and SA barely got out of their own half all match. Was indeed a defensive master class with Morne kicking all the points...

4 October 2014 - 27-25 to SA - Last minute Lamb penalty to win the match. But that game was quite an open affair with both sides running the ball a lot.

15 September 2018 - 34-36 to SA - In NZ. NZ scored two tries early and then SA came roaring back with some fantastic rugby to win a thrilling match.

So really it's not necessarily tight defensive matches that SA win against NZ.. it's when they really have a go and catch NZ by surprise...

2019 the draw in NZ? Think Herschell score right at the end.

[OomStruisbaai]

Vermeulen our senior states man

S24

Duane Vermeulen isn't denying the broader rugby community its right to celebrate the historic occasion that will be the Springboks' 100th Test against the All Blacks this weekend, but it's definitely not something he and his team-mates are focused on.
The veteran No 8 would rather prefer to view the showdown in Townsville as simply a must-win encounter to stay in the Rugby Championship hunt, an opportunity to overturn the side's poor form from the past fortnight.

Nostalgia, he believes, is for historians and authors.

"From our side, we have to view the game as just another Test match," said Vermeulen.
"We're playing New Zealand and yes, the bookies and historians will tell you that we're playing our 100th Test against the All Blacks.
"Whatever the occasion is, that's for people who write books about this stuff. That's not what we're concentrating on."

Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber says criticism over the team's two poor performances against the Wallabies are embraced, not shunned.
"We want to compete in this championship. Obviously, everyone wants to win it," said the business-like loose forward.

"For us, it's about prepping for New Zealand, playing against them and giving it our best. We want to be a better team than we were the last two weeks. We want to improve and hopefully that's what we can achieve."

[Grandpa]

When we beat the All Blacks, its usually our in the face defense that get to them and they try that fancy off loads to the Springboks. The longer it stay close the more they get frustrated and throw that 50/50 off loads.

But then they can change that score board in minutes like at the WC. It have to be 80 minutes of non stop defense.

Pollard usually play his best against the All Blacks.

Looking at the 3 wins in isolation going back to around 2010...

20 August 2011 - 18-5 to SA - Pre-World Cup, NZ sent a B-side over and SA barely got out of their own half all match. Was indeed a defensive master class with Morne kicking all the points...

4 October 2014 - 27-25 to SA - Last minute Lamb penalty to win the match. But that game was quite an open affair with both sides running the ball a lot.

15 September 2018 - 34-36 to SA - In NZ. NZ scored two tries early and then SA came roaring back with some fantastic rugby to win a thrilling match.

So really it's not necessarily tight defensive matches that SA win against NZ.. it's when they really have a go and catch NZ by surprise...

2019 the draw in NZ? Think Herschell score right at the end.

A draw isn't a win...

But the gist is.... I am most scared of SA when they have a go... if they play conservatively I am pretty confident NZ will win...

Now they'll win playing exactly that way...

[OomStruisbaai]

The Paarl Gim boys usually perform against the All Blacks Marius Joubert, Jean de Villiers (the All Black live to pass to him). Saturday it will be Handre Pollard. He scored twice on debut against them.

[OomStruisbaai]

Look like Plumtree is very successful as coach in NZ. Maybe the Sharks would want him back.

[Jimmy Smallsteps]

Look like Plumtree is very successful as coach in NZ. Maybe the Sharks would want him back.

It's hard to identify who's really pulling the strings when there are about five of them. Foster would probably claim it but I would find that very dubious.

[OomStruisbaai]

How did the Sharks lost such a good coach?

[Sards]

How did the Sharks lost such a good coach?

You should join your captain and half the team and support the Sharks because you are so obsessed with them

[Ymx]

ABs should be announced in a half dozen hours hopefully

[Sards]

ABs should be announced in a half dozen hours hopefully

Surprised it's so late

[Ymx]

Usually Thursday around midday NZ time.

Shall rely on gumboot or another kiwi in NZ to post it up.

[Chilli]

Sad, but true.

[Gumboot]

Usually Thursday around midday NZ time.

Shall rely on gumboot or another kiwi in NZ to post it up.

It was 1.30pm NZT last week.

[Grandpa]

I'll be surprised if it's far off this,...

Jordie Barrett, Will Jordan, Anton Lienert-Brown, David Havili, Rieko Ioane, Beauden Barrett, TJ Perenara, Ardie Savea (c), Dalton Papalii, Akira Ioane, Scott Barrett, Brodie Retallick, Nepo Laulala, Codie Taylor, Joe Moody.

[Gumboot]

I'll be surprised if it's far off this,...

Jordie Barrett, Will Jordan, Anton Lienert-Brown, David Havili, Rieko Ioane, Beauden Barrett, TJ Perenara, Ardie Savea (c), Dalton Papalii, Akira Ioane, Scott Barrett, Brodie Retallick, Nepo Laulala, Codie Taylor, Joe Moody.

Yep, no idea if ALB's fit though. I wouldn't mind Reece and Jacobson starting with Jordan and Papalii on the bench. Also I'm concerned about Laulala and wonder if they might be tempted to start Ofa.

[Certain Navigator]

I'll be surprised if it's far off this,...

Jordie Barrett, Will Jordan, Anton Lienert-Brown, David Havili, Rieko Ioane, Beauden Barrett, TJ Perenara, Ardie Savea (c), Dalton Papalii, Akira Ioane, Scott Barrett, Brodie Retallick, Nepo Laulala, Codie Taylor, Joe Moody.

Much will depend on whether ALB and Papalii are considered fit to play.

[Grandpa]

If ALB unfit then Rieko to 13 and Bridge to wing (high ball expert)?

I also have concerns over Laulala, but they seem to like him...

[Grandpa]

I'll be surprised if it's far off this,...

Jordie Barrett, Will Jordan, Anton Lienert-Brown, David Havili, Rieko Ioane, Beauden Barrett, TJ Perenara, Ardie Savea (c), Dalton Papalii, Akira Ioane, Scott Barrett, Brodie Retallick, Nepo Laulala, Codie Taylor, Joe Moody.

Much will depend on whether ALB and Papalii are considered fit to play.

What was wrong with Papalii?

[Gumboot]

1. Joe Moody (52 caps)
2. Codie Taylor (62)
3. Nepo Laulala (35)
4. Brodie Retallick (87)
5. Scott Barrett (46)
6. Akira Ioane (8)
7. Ardie Savea (54) – captain
8. Luke Jacobson (9)

9. TJ Perenara (73)
10. Beauden Barrett (96)
11. George Bridge (15)
12. David Havili (9)
13. Rieko Ioane (42)
14. Will Jordan (8)
15. Jordie Barrett (30)


16. Samisoni Taukei’aho (6), 17. Karl Tu’inukuafe (22), 18. Ofa Tuungafasi (40), 19. Patrick Tuipulotu (39), 20. Ethan Blackadder (5), 21. Brad Weber (12), 22. Damian McKenzie (35), 23. Quinn Tupaea (3)

[Gumboot]

Very happy that Jacobson has the start and Ardie's back in his best position. Not sure how much of that's down to Papalii's injury, but that's a well balanced backrow for mine.

Interesting that Tupaea's on the bench in ALB's absence, but I guess they already have plenty of guys who can play wing so Reece is surplus to requirements.

[Kiwias]

It looks like a well-balanced team and I'm glad to see Bridge and Jordan on the wings. I thought Vaa'i might grab the bench spot ahead of PT.

[Gumboot]

It looks like a well-balanced team and I'm glad to see Bridge and Jordan on the wings. I thought Vaa'i might grab the bench spot ahead of PT.

Yeah I was hoping they'd prefer Vaa'i as well. Guess they're going for size and experience over talent.

[Kiwias]

It looks like a well-balanced team and I'm glad to see Bridge and Jordan on the wings. I thought Vaa'i might grab the bench spot ahead of PT.

Yeah I was hoping they'd prefer Vaa'i as well. Guess they're going for size and experience over talent.

I hesitate to suggest that this is PT's last chance as he seems to be a permanent resident in the Last Chance Saloon.

[Gumboot]

It looks like a well-balanced team and I'm glad to see Bridge and Jordan on the wings. I thought Vaa'i might grab the bench spot ahead of PT.

Yeah I was hoping they'd prefer Vaa'i as well. Guess they're going for size and experience over talent.

I hesitate to suggest that this is PT's last chance as he seems to be a permanent resident in the Last Chance Saloon.

I just can't see him coming off the bench and making a real impact on proceedings. Could see Vaa'i doing it though.

[Kiwias]

Yeah I was hoping they'd prefer Vaa'i as well. Guess they're going for size and experience over talent.

I hesitate to suggest that this is PT's last chance as he seems to be a permanent resident in the Last Chance Saloon.

I just can't see him coming off the bench and making a real impact on proceedings. Could see Vaa'i doing it though.

Yep. Fresh legs of a very mobile, athletic player like Vaa'i would have a big impact.

[Certain Navigator]

Very happy that Jacobson has the start and Ardie's back in his best position. Not sure how much of that's down to Papalii's injury, but that's a well balanced backrow for mine.

Interesting that Tupaea's on the bench in ALB's absence, but I guess they already have plenty of guys who can play wing so Reece is surplus to requirements.

Is the loose forward balance really any better than before? Replacing Papalii with Jacobson is like-for-like. The problem of having both Savea and Ioane in the same mix persists.

There's not much cover for wing — only Ioane (don't say J Barrett) — but I guess that's greater than the cover at 12, which presumably is why Tupaea's got the nod. Interestingly, there are five candidates to cover 15!

[Gumboot]

Very happy that Jacobson has the start and Ardie's back in his best position. Not sure how much of that's down to Papalii's injury, but that's a well balanced backrow for mine.

Interesting that Tupaea's on the bench in ALB's absence, but I guess they already have plenty of guys who can play wing so Reece is surplus to requirements.

Is the loose forward balance really any better than before? Replacing Papalii with Jacobson is like-for-like. The problem of having both Savea and Ioane in the same mix persists.

I rate Jacobson highly and like Ardie being back at openside. Thought Papalii was carrying a niggle, but not sure. What's the problem with Ardie and Akira in the same mix?

[handyman]

I don't think Nienaber and Kolisi will have a problem getting the Boks up for this game. The issue is to make sure we have controlled aggression and can keep it up for the whole match.

I not sure we will be able to do that. The first 20 minutes is going to be brutal though.

[Ymx]

1. Joe Moody (52 caps)
2. Codie Taylor (62)
3. Nepo Laulala (35)
4. Brodie Retallick (87)
5. Scott Barrett (46)
6. Akira Ioane (8)
7. Ardie Savea (54) – captain
8. Luke Jacobson (9)

9. TJ Perenara (73)
10. Beauden Barrett (96)
11. George Bridge (15)
12. David Havili (9)
13. Rieko Ioane (42)
14. Will Jordan (8)
15. Jordie Barrett (30)


16. Samisoni Taukei’aho (6), 17. Karl Tu’inukuafe (22), 18. Ofa Tuungafasi (40), 19. Patrick Tuipulotu (39), 20. Ethan Blackadder (5), 21. Brad Weber (12), 22. Damian McKenzie (35), 23. Quinn Tupaea (3)

That’s virtually the team you or another picked wasn’t it? With the ALB out option.