Autumn Series Week 3: SCO vs RSA, ITA vs ARG, IRE vs NZ, ENG vs AUS, FRA vs GEO, WAL vs FIJI

[Slick]

Have a feeling we are going to take a beating tomorrow, just not sure we can compete for long enough with a few key positions missing the number 1.

Scotland 13 - 27 SA

I'd love it if that was the case, but the Scots are just so damn clever.
I think you will have parity in the scrum and then you have a bunch of tricksy lineout moves, Finn Russel doing mad shit to bamboozle the defense, and Hoggs counter attacks...I dunno.
I'm not as confident as I'd like to be going into the match. I'm expecting a win, but I also think the Boks are going to have to work VERY hard for it. The are going to be tested in a lot of areas where they might have become a little complacent.

Perfect day for rugby forecast- dry, sunny, no wind, 11C - so I hope we do throw it about a bit. I suspect we won’t be allowed to though

[Tichtheid]

Have a feeling we are going to take a beating tomorrow, just not sure we can compete for long enough with a few key positions missing the number 1.

Scotland 13 - 27 SA

Ach away wi ye, mun, we'll run the big beasts around until they're honking up their breakfasts, then we'll get McLean dancing his way through tired defenders.

Scotland by 4.

More realistically, we have to be operating at pretty near 100% in every facet to stand a chance. We have to lock out the scrum on their ball and keep solid on our own, secure our own lineball and defend against their maul.
Losing Watson as a starter means we have to rely heavily on Jamie Ritchie, he will have to have the game of his life top keep us in it.

It's nothing new in rugby, but it's all about the speed of possession, if we can get enough quick ball to keep their stifling defence at bay we have the firepower to score. In return we have to be miserly with our own defence and give nothing away, and we have to be especially careful with penalties at the breakdown, they will kick to touch and expect to launch attacks all day if they get the chance.

[Blake]

That's great news about the weather!

Earlier in the week I saw somewhere somebody was saying wet and muddy, so I got a bit worried, but if that forecast holds it could turn out to be a cracker.
Jantjies x2 will be key for the Boks. If the forwards can protect them and they don't have complete implosions, I think we'll have you.
But if you can successfully target them and get them to make mistakes the Boks will be under a lot of pressure for this match.

[clydecloggie]

Have a feeling we are going to take a beating tomorrow, just not sure we can compete for long enough with a few key positions missing the number 1.

Scotland 13 - 27 SA

Ach away wi ye, mun, we'll run the big beasts around until they're honking up their breakfasts, then we'll get McLean dancing his way through tired defenders.

Scotland by 4.

More realistically, we have to be operating at pretty near 100% in every facet to stand a chance. We have to lock out the scrum on their ball and keep solid on our own, secure our own lineball and defend against their maul.
Losing Watson as a starter means we have to rely heavily on Jamie Ritchie, he will have to have the game of his life top keep us in it.

It's nothing new in rugby, but it's all about the speed of possession, if we can get enough quick ball to keep their stifling defence at bay we have the firepower to score. In return we have to be miserly with our own defence and give nothing away, and we have to be especially careful with penalties at the breakdown, they will kick to touch and expect to launch attacks all day if they get the chance.

The Price/Russell/Hogg game management will have to be spot on. Excellent kicking game putting pressure on SA with every single kick. My worry is that SA will then abandon their own kicking game, truck it up, wear out Scotland's defence through their bizarre physicality and canter home in the final quarter. So the Scottish kick chase will have to secure ball more often than not, or there need to be multiple 50/22s, to turn the SA defence inside out, score enough for a 15-20 point lead and then hold on like a cliffhanger near the end.

Either an all-time classic, Scotland by 6, or a predictable beef-vs-spam mismatch, SA by 13.

Alternatively, something rotten like a 6-3 result.

[boere wors]

That's great news about the weather!

Earlier in the week I saw somewhere somebody was saying wet and muddy, so I got a bit worried, but if that forecast holds it could turn out to be a cracker.
Jantjies x2 will be key for the Boks. If the forwards can protect them and they don't have complete implosions, I think we'll have you.
But if you can successfully target them and get them to make mistakes the Boks will be under a lot of pressure for this match.

Ja that was me Well, that was what the weather app said at that time, now it says 11°C, cloudy/broken cloudy, westerly breeze 5kts and 20% chance of rain, fair weather for Scotland this time of year I would say...

[Gumboot]

Your avatar has vanished!

Got tired of impersonating my brother.

I miss him...

First sketch...we were reeling around my living room off our faces...no idea how his ear ended up so big...

Spoiler

Show

[Slick]

That's great news about the weather!

Earlier in the week I saw somewhere somebody was saying wet and muddy, so I got a bit worried, but if that forecast holds it could turn out to be a cracker.
Jantjies x2 will be key for the Boks. If the forwards can protect them and they don't have complete implosions, I think we'll have you.
But if you can successfully target them and get them to make mistakes the Boks will be under a lot of pressure for this match.

Ja that was me Well, that was what the weather app said at that time, now it says 11°C, cloudy/broken cloudy, westerly breeze 5kts and 20% chance of rain, fair weather for Scotland this time of year I would say...

Tropical.

I’m holding out for Elton having an absolute nightmare

[Grandpa]

Got tired of impersonating my brother.

I miss him...

First sketch...we were reeling around my living room off our faces...no idea how his ear ended up so big...

Spoiler

Show

That's pretty impressive... I had no idea you drew that?

Do you do self portraits?

[boere wors]

That's great news about the weather!

Earlier in the week I saw somewhere somebody was saying wet and muddy, so I got a bit worried, but if that forecast holds it could turn out to be a cracker.
Jantjies x2 will be key for the Boks. If the forwards can protect them and they don't have complete implosions, I think we'll have you.
But if you can successfully target them and get them to make mistakes the Boks will be under a lot of pressure for this match.

Ja that was me Well, that was what the weather app said at that time, now it says 11°C, cloudy/broken cloudy, westerly breeze 5kts and 20% chance of rain, fair weather for Scotland this time of year I would say...

Tropical.

I’m holding out for Elton having an absolute nightmare

a dry pitch favors your style of play more than ours these days... going to be a fine test match, looking forward to it. Elton will be a bit under the spotlight, problem is the ball he will get from Herschel, which will probably cause his nigthmare

[weegie01]

A fairly surprising statistic (at least to me) is that Scotland are heavier in both starting the backs and forwards. No clue about the subs.

https://www.scottishrugbyblog.co.uk/202 ... -to-heads/

[Grandpa]

Irish might need a replacement...

[Torquemada 1420]

That's great news about the weather!

Earlier in the week I saw somewhere somebody was saying wet and muddy, so I got a bit worried, but if that forecast holds it could turn out to be a cracker.
Jantjies x2 will be key for the Boks. If the forwards can protect them and they don't have complete implosions, I think we'll have you.
But if you can successfully target them and get them to make mistakes the Boks will be under a lot of pressure for this match.

Eh? Good conditions will favour the Scots. Rain and a mudheap and SA will have a significant advantage.

[Blake]

A fairly surprising statistic (at least to me) is that Scotland are heavier in both starting the backs and forwards. No clue about the subs.

https://www.scottishrugbyblog.co.uk/202 ... -to-heads/

Yeah, I'm always a bit skeptical about players' published weight stats. I think there is a lot of fudging happening in those numbers as there is really no incentive to be truthful.
Light players afraid of getting targeted as a weakness might embellish their height or weight a bit, and forwards like to undersell their actual weight.

That being said, the Boks are a lot leaner in the pack since the Jake White days of fielding a 1 ton pack against the Aussies, and our backs have also scaled down a lot. The only exceptions being De Allende and Frans Steyn who is basically a dinosaur now

Our scary forward persona is working for us though; and I like it.

[OomStruisbaai]

That's great news about the weather!

Earlier in the week I saw somewhere somebody was saying wet and muddy, so I got a bit worried, but if that forecast holds it could turn out to be a cracker.
Jantjies x2 will be key for the Boks. If the forwards can protect them and they don't have complete implosions, I think we'll have you.
But if you can successfully target them and get them to make mistakes the Boks will be under a lot of pressure for this match.

Eh? Good conditions will favour the Scots. Rain and a mudheap and SA will have a significant advantage.

Maybe with Pollard. Won't work with Junkies kick passes.

[Blake]

That's great news about the weather!

Earlier in the week I saw somewhere somebody was saying wet and muddy, so I got a bit worried, but if that forecast holds it could turn out to be a cracker.
Jantjies x2 will be key for the Boks. If the forwards can protect them and they don't have complete implosions, I think we'll have you.
But if you can successfully target them and get them to make mistakes the Boks will be under a lot of pressure for this match.

Eh? Good conditions will favour the Scots. Rain and a mudheap and SA will have a significant advantage.

We don't have a long range kicker starting with Pollard and Steyn on the bench. Le Roux and both Jantjieses lack distance, so if it was wet, muddy, windy kicking affair for territorial gain, I think the Scots might have had the edge. I'm not expecting the Boks to run the ball, but the 30m up and under strategy will suit us just fine on prime conditions.

That being said, good conditions will make Russel and Hogg more threatening no doubt about it.

[boere wors]

That's great news about the weather!

Earlier in the week I saw somewhere somebody was saying wet and muddy, so I got a bit worried, but if that forecast holds it could turn out to be a cracker.
Jantjies x2 will be key for the Boks. If the forwards can protect them and they don't have complete implosions, I think we'll have you.
But if you can successfully target them and get them to make mistakes the Boks will be under a lot of pressure for this match.

Eh? Good conditions will favour the Scots. Rain and a mudheap and SA will have a significant advantage.

We don't have a long range kicker starting with Pollard and Steyn on the bench. Le Roux and both Jantjieses lack distance, so if it was wet, muddy, windy kicking affair for territorial gain, I think the Scots might have had the edge. I'm not expecting the Boks to run the ball, but the 30m up and under strategy will suit us just fine on prime conditions.

That being said, good conditions will make Russel and Hogg more threatening no doubt about it.

Pollard has a pop boot, he makes 20m on line kicks and misses 90% of long range conversions. Elton kicks further. Nevertheless, dry weather suits Elton/Herschel/Willies game as well as Price/Russel/Hoggs, hence we are hopefully in for a fine test

[Chilli]

Have a feeling we are going to take a beating tomorrow, just not sure we can compete for long enough with a few key positions missing the number 1.

Scotland 13 - 27 SA

I'd love it if that was the case, but the Scots are just so damn clever.
I think you will have parity in the scrum and then you have a bunch of tricksy lineout moves, Finn Russel doing mad shit to bamboozle the defense, and Hoggs counter attacks...I dunno.
I'm not as confident as I'd like to be going into the match. I'm expecting a win, but I also think the Boks are going to have to work VERY hard for it. The are going to be tested in a lot of areas where they might have become a little complacent.

Yeah, the Scots bamboozled the Aussies last week. And we all know that the Aussies are clever rugby players.
Just think what they'll do to the Boks, who aren't known as the brightest.

[Slick]

Have a feeling we are going to take a beating tomorrow, just not sure we can compete for long enough with a few key positions missing the number 1.

Scotland 13 - 27 SA

I'd love it if that was the case, but the Scots are just so damn clever.
I think you will have parity in the scrum and then you have a bunch of tricksy lineout moves, Finn Russel doing mad shit to bamboozle the defense, and Hoggs counter attacks...I dunno.
I'm not as confident as I'd like to be going into the match. I'm expecting a win, but I also think the Boks are going to have to work VERY hard for it. The are going to be tested in a lot of areas where they might have become a little complacent.

Yeah, the Scots bamboozled the Aussies last week. And we all know that the Aussies are clever rugby players.
Just think what they'll do to the Boks, who aren't known as the brightest.

Doesn't bear thinking about

[SaintK]

Have a feeling we are going to take a beating tomorrow, just not sure we can compete for long enough with a few key positions missing the number 1.

Scotland 13 - 27 SA

I'd love it if that was the case, but the Scots are just so damn clever.
I think you will have parity in the scrum and then you have a bunch of tricksy lineout moves, Finn Russel doing mad shit to bamboozle the defense, and Hoggs counter attacks...I dunno.
I'm not as confident as I'd like to be going into the match. I'm expecting a win, but I also think the Boks are going to have to work VERY hard for it. The are going to be tested in a lot of areas where they might have become a little complacent.

Yeah, the Scots bamboozled the Aussies last week. And we all know that the Aussies are clever rugby players.
Just think what they'll do to the Boks, who aren't known as the brightest.

Saffas by 12

[weegie01]

Have a feeling we are going to take a beating tomorrow, just not sure we can compete for long enough with a few key positions missing the number 1.

Scotland 13 - 27 SA

I'd love it if that was the case, but the Scots are just so damn clever.
I think you will have parity in the scrum and then you have a bunch of tricksy lineout moves, Finn Russel doing mad shit to bamboozle the defense, and Hoggs counter attacks...I dunno.
I'm not as confident as I'd like to be going into the match. I'm expecting a win, but I also think the Boks are going to have to work VERY hard for it. The are going to be tested in a lot of areas where they might have become a little complacent.

Yeah, the Scots bamboozled the Aussies last week. And we all know that the Aussies are clever rugby players.
Just think what they'll do to the Boks, who aren't known as the brightest.

No one is being fooled here.

[SaintK]

So:
Arg by 11
S Africa by 12
AB's by 11
Japan by 23
Eng by 13
Fra by 33
Wales by 24

[Ymx]

Irish might need a replacement...

Oh, any further news as to who?

[PCPhil]

I'd love it if that was the case, but the Scots are just so damn clever.
I think you will have parity in the scrum and then you have a bunch of tricksy lineout moves, Finn Russel doing mad shit to bamboozle the defense, and Hoggs counter attacks...I dunno.
I'm not as confident as I'd like to be going into the match. I'm expecting a win, but I also think the Boks are going to have to work VERY hard for it. The are going to be tested in a lot of areas where they might have become a little complacent.

Yeah, the Scots bamboozled the Aussies last week. And we all know that the Aussies are clever rugby players.
Just think what they'll do to the Boks, who aren't known as the brightest.

No one is being fooled here.

A lot could hinge on whether good Hogg or his Sunday league doppelgänger is playing.

[OomStruisbaai]

Bok team approved by FW de Klerk

Siya Kolisi 'proud' of having nine players of colour in Springbok starting XV
By Ashfak Mohamed Time of article published 1h ago


Cape Town – There may be a record nine players of colour in the Springbok starting line-up for Saturday’s Test against Scotland, but captain Siya Kolisi says the transformation of the team is about so much more than numbers.

Kolisi, Lukhanyo Am, Damian de Allende, Makazole Mapimpi, Elton Jantjies, Herschel Jantjies, Trevor Nyakane, Bongi Mbonambi and Ox Nché are all in the starting XV.


Then-coach Rassie Erasmus chose eight black players in the run-on side in 2019 for a clash against Australia at Ellis Park, while there were three more players of colour on the bench that day.

ALSO READ: Are Scotland favourites against the Boks? ‘That’s one way of looking at it,’ smiles Townsend

For Kolisi, the major factor about the transformation of the current Bok group is the support that the players receive from the coaching staff, which started when Rassie Erasmus took charge in 2018 and made Kolisi the captain.
“If you know a guy is not good at high balls, Coach Stick is there, and he works with the guys over and over until a guy becomes good at it. You don’t drop him just because he’s good at it – maybe he is good at many other things. So, I really love that.

“Now we can speak as players – we’ve got a platform, and can be ourselves. I love that. So, it’s not only in the numbers… it’s actually also the way everything (is done).

“Yes, I’m the captain of the team, and everybody sees that on the outside. But on the inside, there are many leaders, and each and every guy has a role to play. I love that because everybody has a voice. Whenever we step on the field, on the high balls, it will be (Aphelele) Fassi, or (Makazole) Mapimpi or Jesse (Kriel), and everybody has a role to play.”

Kolisi added that director of rugby Erasmus has also inculcated a hard edge amongst the players.

“Transformation is not only happening just because of numbers. First of all, the guys are good enough. But also, we are growing as sportsmen and also growing as leaders,” he said.

”The one thing that Coach Rassie has taught us is that we as South Africans are very humble people. We are sorry… If we make a mistake, we say sorry. We are not brave on the field. We don’t walk with confidence. We always shy away (from everything).

ALSO READ: ’Ox’ Nché fired up for Springboks’ ‘beast’ of a showdown against Scotland

“He’s told us we are world champions. We’ve worked so hard to get to where we are, and we must be able to be bold on the field. If you are confident that the call is with you, speak up and play with confidence on the field, which we see so many teams doing.

“We are not where we want to be, but I really believe we are moving in the right direction. I didn’t know that (about the numbers), but that is really huge, and people don’t really talk about it when it’s going well. It’s only when it’s not happening.

“So, I’m really proud of that, and hopefully we can get better and better with form and guys playing and getting opportunities.”

[FalseBayFC]

19 year old Frans Steyn making a debut vs Ireland. Look how young Paul o' Connell looks in this picture.

[fishfoodie]

Irish might need a replacement...

Oh, any further news as to who?

It's not been disclosed yet; they're doing more testing, as you'd expect; but rumor is we've called up another hooker to the squad.

[fishfoodie]

Everyone given the all clear; after two subsequent negative tests.

[Ymx]

Everyone given the all clear; after two subsequent negative tests.

Good news!

[fishfoodie]

Everyone given the all clear; after two subsequent negative tests.

Good news!

Absolutely !


...


but; if any of the Irish players are coughing; ... the New Zealand defenders should keep their distance

[Gumboot]

Ireland have dodged a potential COVID-19 disrupment for Sunday's test against the All Blacks in Dublin, after a false positive test in their camp.

https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/sport/20 ... clash.html

Phew! Can't be too careful when it comes to disrupments.

[Ymx]

Everyone given the all clear; after two subsequent negative tests.

Good news!

Absolutely !


...


but; if any of the Irish players are coughing; ... the New Zealand defenders should keep their distance

Crafty mind games by the Irish!!

[fishfoodie]

Good news!

Absolutely !


...


but; if any of the Irish players are coughing; ... the New Zealand defenders should keep their distance

Crafty mind games by the Irish!!

Hey. Hey !

It's because we love you so much; we're taking such extraordinary measures to protect your players.

The IRFU spent a fortune on the sheep dip apparatus; to disinfect your players before kickoff. Sure their eyes will sting a bit; but that's how you know it's working & they've had a special; Non-Caloric, Silicon based disinfectant, that the ball can be cleaned with before all NZ set pieces.

Oh & don't worry about the lazers during kicks; that's just more special measures to zap those nasty virii

[Grandpa]

Absolutely !


...


but; if any of the Irish players are coughing; ... the New Zealand defenders should keep their distance

Crafty mind games by the Irish!!

Hey. Hey !

It's because we love you so much; we're taking such extraordinary measures to protect your players.

The IRFU spent a fortune on the sheep dip apparatus; to disinfect your players before kickoff. Sure their eyes will sting a bit; but that's how you know it's working & they've had a special; Non-Caloric, Silicon based disinfectant, that the ball can be cleaned with before all NZ set pieces.

Oh & don't worry about the lazers during kicks; that's just more special measures to zap those nasty virii

Best the All Blacks play with masks as well...

[OomStruisbaai]

Have a feeling we are going to take a beating tomorrow, just not sure we can compete for long enough with a few key positions missing the number 1.

Scotland 13 - 27 SA

I'd love it if that was the case, but the Scots are just so damn clever.
I think you will have parity in the scrum and then you have a bunch of tricksy lineout moves, Finn Russel doing mad shit to bamboozle the defense, and Hoggs counter attacks...I dunno.
I'm not as confident as I'd like to be going into the match. I'm expecting a win, but I also think the Boks are going to have to work VERY hard for it. The are going to be tested in a lot of areas where they might have become a little complacent.

Yeah, the Scots bamboozled the Aussies last week. And we all know that the Aussies are clever rugby players.
Just think what they'll do to the Boks, who aren't known as the brightest.

Match day and I am worried.. Mind you Scots are a humble rugby nation.

[OomStruisbaai]

So:
Scots by 8
Irish by 7
Eng by 15

[Enzedder]

So:
Scots by 8
Irish by 7
Eng by 15

NH reigns supreme you reckon?

[Chilli]

I'd love it if that was the case, but the Scots are just so damn clever.
I think you will have parity in the scrum and then you have a bunch of tricksy lineout moves, Finn Russel doing mad shit to bamboozle the defense, and Hoggs counter attacks...I dunno.
I'm not as confident as I'd like to be going into the match. I'm expecting a win, but I also think the Boks are going to have to work VERY hard for it. The are going to be tested in a lot of areas where they might have become a little complacent.

Yeah, the Scots bamboozled the Aussies last week. And we all know that the Aussies are clever rugby players.
Just think what they'll do to the Boks, who aren't known as the brightest.

Match day and I am worried.. Mind you Scots are a humble rugby nation.

They, with their clever coach, will be to intelligent for us.

Scotland by 5

[Slick]

Yeah, the Scots bamboozled the Aussies last week. And we all know that the Aussies are clever rugby players.
Just think what they'll do to the Boks, who aren't known as the brightest.

Match day and I am worried.. Mind you Scots are a humble rugby nation.

They, with their clever coach, will be to intelligent for us.

Scotland by 5

I’m beginning to think we should maybe just have a pub quiz instead.

Anyway, enjoy the match all, I’m off for a spot of brunch in a moment before the stroll to Murrayfield.

[OomStruisbaai]

So:
Scots by 8
Irish by 7
Eng by 15

NH reigns supreme you reckon?

Yep. We are going down on a black Saturday.

[dkm57]

So:
Scots by 8
Irish by 7
Eng by 15

NH reigns supreme you reckon?

Yep. We are going down on a black Saturday.

The mocker gods are not that easily fooled. Should be tight games NH0-SH3