The Rugby Championship - W1 - 8 July : SA v Aus / Arg v NZ

[JM2K6]

Is Vermeulen still up to the task of being a starting 8 for the Boks? Not really seen much of him.

A bit long in the tooth now. Hugely influential as a leader and defensive coordinator ion the field, but I bit of a liability in open play nowadays. Doesn't get around the park like he used to and tries to make up for it by picking a couple of key moments on the match to make an impact. Still a strong ball carrier, but also not the freight train he was 5-6 years ago.

Makes sense to take him to France as a squad player, but it's a little hard to justify his inclusion in the match day 23 for the playoff matches IMO. Running 2 squads, I guess it makes sense for him to lead the for the Aussie encounter with Roos (the heir apparent according to some) on the bench.

Cheers

[assfly]

I agree with Blake. I don't think he was at his best with Ulster or the Bulls before that.

It'll take a big effort to unseat Wiese as the incumbent. If Roos could avoid being a doos then he has potential to push for the 8 jersey.

[OomStruisbaai]

Is Vermeulen still up to the task of being a starting 8 for the Boks? Not really seen much of him.

A bit long in the tooth now. Hugely influential as a leader and defensive coordinator on the field, but a bit of a liability in open play nowadays. Doesn't get around the park like he used to and tries to make up for it by picking a couple of key moments on the match to make an impact. Still a strong ball carrier, but also not the freight train he was 5-6 years ago.

Makes sense to take him to France as a squad player, but it's a little hard to justify his inclusion in the match day 23 for the playoff matches IMO. Running 2 squads, I guess it makes sense for him to lead the for the Aussie encounter with Roos (the heir apparent according to some) on the bench.

We can ask the Ulster fans. The bit I saw him play for them he was good enough. Not only as player but also as leader. He will be important against the Wallabies creating turn overs. Add now Kitsie and I am more at ease with Hooper around.

[average joe]

They have three oopers now. Not going to be easy.

[Blake]

We can ask the Ulster fans. The bit I saw him play for them he was good enough. Not only as player but also as leader. He will be important against the Wallabies creating turn overs. Add now Kitsie and I am more at ease with Hooper around.

He is still a beast at the breakdown for sure, just doesn't get to as many as quickly as he used to, but when he does, he is still a mennace. With him, Kitshoff and Fourie on the bench we will hopefully be able to contain Hooper yes.

Worried about the ref if I'm being honest. We haven't been playing Super Rugby rucks, so hope we can adjust quickly.

[Blake]

It'll take a big effort to unseat Wiese as the incumbent. If Roos could avoid being a doos then he has potential to push for the 8 jersey.

Ja, I think Wiese has cemented his spot now as the No8 starter. He's been brilliant for Leiscter and after a slow start had a couple of solid Bok outings as well.

Roos has a whiff of Spies about him. I've been disappointed in his outings this year even taking into consideration his return from injury. He just hasn't been very good and his attitude on the field stinks. Hope I'm wrong and he matures under Vermeulen's mentorship and exposure to the Bok setup, but as things stand right now he doesn't make the cut to go to France in my opinion.

Wiese, Vermeulen and Elrich Louw are all ahead of him as far as I am concerned. And then we had Kwagga in a pinch.
If Jean-Luc du Preez has a blinder against NZ and Roos has a shocker, he might even drop another peg.

[Sandstorm]

It'll take a big effort to unseat Wiese as the incumbent. If Roos could avoid being a doos then he has potential to push for the 8 jersey.

Ja, I think Wiese has cemented his spot now as the No8 starter. He's been brilliant for Leiscter and after a slow start had a couple of solid Bok outings as well.

Roos has a whiff of Spies about him. I've been disappointed in his outings this year even taking into consideration his return from injury. He just hasn't been very good and his attitude on the field stinks. Hope I'm wrong and he matures under Vermeulen's mentorship and exposure to the Bok setup, but as things stand right now he doesn't make the cut to go to France in my opinion.

Wiese, Vermeulen and Elrich Louw are all ahead of him as far as I am concerned. And then we had Kwagga in a pinch.
If Jean-Luc du Preez has a blinder against NZ and Roos has a shocker, he might even drop another peg.

I don't think I've seen Roos pass the ball. Ever.
Just boshes into the oppo forwards. Goes no-where. Couple that with his bad attitude and he's the most limited Bok forward since Danie Roussouw.

[Guy Smiley]

Fozzie’s named DMac to start at 10, BB at 15 and Jordie at 12….

. We’re really doing this folks.

[Blake]

I don't think I've seen Roos pass the ball. Ever.
Just boshes into the oppo forwards. Goes no-where. Couple that with his bad attitude and he's the most limited Bok forward since Danie Roussouw.

Yep, that's been my opinion of him as well. Biceps and aggro, but not much else. Seems to try and run over every opposition player when he gets the ball. Limited ground game, no linking game, just bosh bosh bosh...and then gets turned over because he didn't have support.

Yes he had a break-out URC season in 2022, but now that he is getting marked, he is toothless.
Not on this hype train at all I'm afraid. Still a lot of work for him to do, starting with attitude.

[OomStruisbaai]

However Libbok is the key. Hope he have a blinder. Would love to see him put AE and our speedy backs in space plus kick well.

[OomStruisbaai]

It will be a good test to see what the URC have brought into our game.

[Blake]

However Libbok is the key. Hope he have a blinder. Would love to see him put AE and our speedy backs in space plus kick well.

Libbok is key. We are playing one of the most exciting, paced and lethal Bok backlines that I can recall and it’s going to be up to Libbok to unlock it.

If he fires, we are going to make a serious statement of intent heading into RWC2023. If he shits the bed, like he did in the URC final, we are going to be all panic stations realising we are fucked at 10 without Pollard.

[Gumboot]

All Blacks: Beauden Barrett, Emoni Narawa, Rieko Ioane, Jordie Barrett, Caleb Clarke, Damian McKenzie, Aaron Smith, Ardie Savea, Sam Cane (captain), Shannon Frizell, Josh Lord, Scott Barrett, Tyrel Lomax, Dane Coles, Ethan de Groot.
Reserves: Codie Taylor, Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Nepo Laulala, Tupou Vaa’i, Dalton Papali’i, Finlay Christie, Richie Mo’unga, Braydon Ennor.

[convoluted]

Coles as starting hooker in that volatile atmosphere!
What could possibly go wrong?

[Ymx]

All Blacks match-day 23 (Test caps in brackets) * debutant


1. Ethan de Groot (13)
2. Dane Coles (84)
3. Tyrel Lomax (23)
4. Scott Barrett (58)
5. Josh Lord (2)
6. Shannon Frizell (22)
7. Sam Cane (captain – 86)
8. Ardie Savea (70)
9. Aaron Smith (114)
10. Damian McKenzie (40)
11. Caleb Clarke (15)
12. Jordie Barrett (48)
13. Rieko Ioane (59)
14. Emoni Narawa *
15. Beauden Barrett (112)

16. Codie Taylor (76)
17. Ofa Tu’ungafasi (50)
18. Nepo Laulala (45)
19. Tupou Vaa’i (18)
20. Dalton Papali’i (22)
21. Finlay Christie (14)
22. Richie Mo’unga (44)
23. Braydon Ennor (6)

[Ymx]

Fozzie’s named DMac to start at 10, BB at 15 and Jordie at 12….

. We’re really doing this folks.

Why Foster again?

He will bring R Mo, and keep the other two and call it the
Tri-pivot.

[Ymx]

Oh fuck. I’ve just realised he’s gone full Barrett.

You never go full Barrett !!

[OomStruisbaai]

All Blacks match-day 23 (Test caps in brackets) * debutant


1. Ethan de Groot (13)
2. Dane Coles (84)
3. Tyrel Lomax (23)
4. Scott Barrett (58)
5. Josh Lord (2)
6. Shannon Frizell (22)
7. Sam Cane (captain – 86)
8. Ardie Savea (70)
9. Aaron Smith (114)
10. Damian McKenzie (40)
11. Caleb Clarke (15)
12. Jordie Barrett (48)
13. Rieko Ioane (59)
14. Emoni Narawa *
15. Beauden Barrett (112)

16. Codie Taylor (76)
17. Ofa Tu’ungafasi (50)
18. Nepo Laulala (45)
19. Tupou Vaa’i (18)
20. Dalton Papali’i (22)
21. Finlay Christie (14)
22. Richie Mo’unga (44)
23. Braydon Ennor (6)

Looks weak

[Ymx]

Aussie team

Wallabies:
1. James Slipper (co),
2. David Porecki,
3. Allan Alaalatoa,
4. Nick Frost,
5. Will Skelton,
6. Tom Hooper,
7. Michael Hooper (co),
8. Rob Valetini,

9. Nic White,
10. Quade Cooper,
11. Marika Koroibete,
12. Reece Hodge,
13. Len Ikitau,
14. Suliasi Vunivalu,
15. Tom Wright.


Res: Jordan Uelese, Matt Gibbon, Zane Nonggorr, Richie Arnold, Pete Samu, Tate McDermott, Samu Kerevi, Carter Gordon.

[Ymx]

Argies

[Ymx]

All team links added to OP.

I’ve just realised I’m actually in plane and travelling this day, so will miss the first game, and possibly start of AB one.

[Kiwias]

Fozzie’s named DMac to start at 10, BB at 15 and Jordie at 12….

. We’re really doing this folks.

I checked the calendar on waking up and seeing this team. Sadly, today is not 1 April.

[Guy Smiley]

I started shaking my head so long ago over Fozzie and his 'good bloke' selection policies that I've developed a Hindu accent.

[Gumboot]

I'm excited about McKenzie starting at 10. He's in great form, and although he's only played two tests at 10, they were both comfortable wins to the ABs.

[Jim Lahey]

Is Vermeulen still up to the task of being a starting 8 for the Boks? Not really seen much of him.

A bit long in the tooth now. Hugely influential as a leader and defensive coordinator on the field, but a bit of a liability in open play nowadays. Doesn't get around the park like he used to and tries to make up for it by picking a couple of key moments on the match to make an impact. Still a strong ball carrier, but also not the freight train he was 5-6 years ago.

Makes sense to take him to France as a squad player, but it's a little hard to justify his inclusion in the match day 23 for the playoff matches IMO. Running 2 squads, I guess it makes sense for him to lead the for the Aussie encounter with Roos (the heir apparent according to some) on the bench.

We can ask the Ulster fans. The bit I saw him play for them he was good enough. Not only as player but also as leader. He will be important against the Wallabies creating turn overs. Add now Kitsie and I am more at ease with Hooper around.

He had some big moments in games(mainly defensively) but he's been playing in a shit pack all year. Controlled our maul defence and won some big turnovers. But not a lot in terms of carrying.

He looked gassed 2 years ago at international level so I don't think its a wise selection.

[OomStruisbaai]

A bit long in the tooth now. Hugely influential as a leader and defensive coordinator on the field, but a bit of a liability in open play nowadays. Doesn't get around the park like he used to and tries to make up for it by picking a couple of key moments on the match to make an impact. Still a strong ball carrier, but also not the freight train he was 5-6 years ago.

Makes sense to take him to France as a squad player, but it's a little hard to justify his inclusion in the match day 23 for the playoff matches IMO. Running 2 squads, I guess it makes sense for him to lead the for the Aussie encounter with Roos (the heir apparent according to some) on the bench.

We can ask the Ulster fans. The bit I saw him play for them he was good enough. Not only as player but also as leader. He will be important against the Wallabies creating turn overs. Add now Kitsie and I am more at ease with Hooper around.

He had some big moments in games(mainly defensively) but he's been playing in a shit pack all year. Controlled our maul defence and won some big turnovers. But not a lot in terms of carrying.

He looked gassed 2 years ago at international level so I don't think its a wise selection.

We need his leadership even with Kolisi. 50 minutes from him will be enough, bring up Roos and Fourie and they'll create havoc from the bench.

[OomStruisbaai]

I'm excited about McKenzie starting at 10. He's in great form, and although he's only played two tests at 10, they were both comfortable wins to the ABs.

DMac has always been one of my favorite players. I know the Cantabs want Richie but you are spoiled to have them plus BB in 10.

[Sards]

Any nation feeling confident this weekend

[Sandstorm]

Any nation feeling confident this weekend

First games of the season are always a mess, nail-biters all around I think.

[Blake]

First games of the season are always a mess, nail-biters all around I think.

I concur. I'm hoping the Bok backline clicks, but realistically it is very unlikely.

[Certain Navigator]

I'm excited about McKenzie starting at 10. He's in great form, and although he's only played two tests at 10, they were both comfortable wins to the ABs.

DMac has always been one of my favorite players. I know the Cantabs want Richie but you are spoiled to have them plus BB in 10.

Sadly, BB's presence has become a malign one. Not his fault, it's just that Foster keeps picking him.

As for McKenzie, while his control at 10 did improve a bit towards the end of the season, all his best form was at 15. Which is where he should be playing, instead of BB. If Jordan is a day-to-day proposition, McKenzie might well need to be the starter at fullback come RWC time. Meanwhile, Foster is wasting time playing him at 10 when everybody already knows he can do a job there if required.

[Gumboot]

As for McKenzie, while his control at 10 did improve a bit towards the end of the season, all his best form was at 15.

Really? So the Chiefs got to 10-0 with McKenzie at 10 but he should've been at 15 all along? OK...

[Ymx]

Anything but a whitewash by the boks is a choke.

Ben Smith Journalist

[OomStruisbaai]

Ben Smith is trolling like usual.

[bok_viking]

The pre game party

[OomStruisbaai]

The pre game party

pasop vir die charge office coffee!

[bok_viking]

The pre game party

pasop vir die charge office coffee!

Haha sal probeer. They want to get the people drunk. Castle is not even selling Light beers today

[Sards]

Watching at a mates place. Oh vok. I can already feel a hangover developing. He takes his drinking seriously...going to gin and tonic it for safety.....

[OomStruisbaai]

Loftus is beautiful

[C69]

Any links?