Springboks vs Wallabies - Prediction

I do not think this is going to be a tight game at all. I reckon the Springboks have to much fire power up front with Eben Etzebeth returning for Flip van der Merwe and partnering the very skillful Andries Bekker. Johann Goosen makes his run on debut and should get the skillful backline players on his outside going like a V8 engine. I expect an open running game filled with excitement.

The Aussies have opted to play Curtley Beale at ten to give them some attacking prowess and Berrick Barnes finds himself at fullback. I wonder if the Quade Cooper rant during the week will have an effect on the team as they look pretty thin without the services of robust loose forward, Scott Higginbotham with the latter picking up an injury on Thursday and looks unlikely to feature on the bench. A replacement hasn't been named.

Prediction: Springboks by atleast 20.

The teams:

Springboks: 15 Zane Kirchner, 14 Bryan Habana, 13 Jaco Taute, 12 Jean de Villiers (captain), 11 Francois Hougaard, 10 Johan Goosen, 9 Ruan Pienaar, 8 Duane Vermeulen, 7 Willem Alberts, 6 Francois Louw, 5 Andries Bekker, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Jannie du Plessis, 2 Adriaan Strauss, 1 Tendai Mtawarira.

Super subs: 16 Tiaan Liebenberg, 17 Pat Cilliers, 18 Flip van der Merwe, 19 Marcell Coetzee, 20 Elton Jantjies, 21 Juan de Jongh, 22 Pat Lambie.

Wallabies: 15 Berrick Barnes, 14 Dominic Shipperley, 13 Adam Ashley-Cooper, 12 Pat McCabe, 11 Digby Ioane, 10 Kurtley Beale, 9 Nick Phipps, 8 Radike Samo, 7 Michael Hooper, 6 Dave Dennis, 5 Nathan Sharpe
(captain), 4 Kane Douglas, 3 Ben Alexander, 2 Tatafu Polota Nau, 1 Benn Robinson.

Super subs: 16 Saia Fainga'a, 17 James
Slipper, 18 Rob Simmons, 19 Scott Higginbotham, 20 Liam Gill, 21 Brett Sheehan, 22 Anthony Fainga'a.

Date: Saturday, September 29
Kick-off: 17.00 SA Time
Venue: Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria
Expected weather: Clear with a high of
21°C, dropping to 10°C  and no rain - a
beautiful spring day on the Highveld, great
for rugby.
Referee: Alain Rolland (Ireland)
Assistant referees: Romain Poite (France),
Greg Garner (England)
TMO: Shaun Veldsman (South Africa)

Steyn, Oosthuizen Fails Fitness Tests

Frans Steyn and Coenie Oosthuizen failed late fitness tests and will not take part in the test against Australia at Loftus Versfeld.

Jaco Taute will make his Springbok debut at outside centre and captain Jean de Villiers moves to his prefered inside centre position.

Pat Cilliers replaces Coenie Oosthuizen on the bench.

Watch out for my previews a bit later.

Till then

Barry-Jo

Springbok Team vs Australia - 29 September 2012

The Bok team to face Australia was announced with a couple of bolters. Johann Goosen gets his run-on debut replacing under fire Morné Steyn, who is left out of the match 22 all together. Jaco Taute is in brackets with Frans Steyn if the latter fails a late fitness test. Pat Lambie, unfortunately stil finds himself warming the bench. Eben Etzebeth returns and joins up with his Stormers partner Andries Bekker, who swops places with Flip van der Merwe. Juandre Kruger falls out all together.

Springbok side to face Australia:

15 Zane Kirchner, 14 Bryan Habana, 13 Jean De Villiers (c), 12 Francois Steyn/Jaco Taute, 11 Francois Hougaard,10 Johann Goosen, 9 Ruan Pienaar, 8 Duane Vermeulen, 7 Willem Alberts, 6 Francois Louw,5 Andries Bekker, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Jannie Du Plessis, 2 Adrian Strauss, 1 Beast Mtawarira.

Super Subs: 16 Tiaan Liebenberg, 17 Coenie Oosthuizen, 18 Flip Van der Merwe, 19 Marcell Coetzee, 20 Elton Jantjies, 21 Jaco Taute/Juan De Jongh, 22 Patrick Lambie

The Winning Bok Side

I recently read a very interesting article on www.rugby365.com where Jan de Koning picks his Springbok side that could beat any side in the world. You can read the full article at http://www.rugby365.com/article/49694-tweaks-that-can-make-boks-winners

I really like his team, but would make a couple of tweaks of my own. Firstly I would move captain Jean de Villiers to his prefered and devasting inside centre position as he is battling on attack at the moment. Frans Steyn will always find a place in my side, but I would move him to fullback, where I beleive he has more venom. I would play Juan de Jongh next to the captain as he gives us n bit more on attack and knowing Jean de Villiers so well on defence. Willie Le Roux finds a spot on the bench as he has impressed in SupeRugby and Currie Cup and will add a extra dimension on attack later in the game. The rest of the backline picks itself. Patrick Lambie unfortunately still finds a frustrating spot on the bench.

In the pack, I would recall Heinrich Brussouw as I believe he is the best fetcher in the world. I am not fond of the overseas based players and therefore would release Francois Louw to play for Bath in the Premiership. Eben Etzebeth replaces Flip van der Merwe who doesn't feature in the match 22.

That is my team in a nutshell and combined with Heyneke Meyer's game plan I believe we could take anyone in the world.

Please feel free to comment on both teams. I Would love to hear from you guys.

Jan de Koning's starting XV: 15 Pat Lambie, 14 Bryan Habana, 13 Jean de Villiers (captain), 12 Frans Steyn, 11 François Hougaard, 10 Johann Goosen, 9 Ruan Pienaar, 8 Duane Vermeulen, 7 Willem Alberts, 6 François Louw, 5 Juandré Kruger, 4 Flip van der Merwe, 3 Jannie du Plessis, 2 Adriaan Strauss, 1 Tendai Mtawarira.
Replacements: 16 Tiaan Liebenberg, 17 Coenie Oosthuizen, 18 Andries Bekker, 19 Marcell Coetzee, 20 Elton Jantjies, 21 Juan de Jongh, 22 Willie le Roux.

My Starting Lineup: 15 Francois Steyn, 14 Bryan Habana, 13 Juan de Jongh, 12 Jean de Villiers (captain), 11 Francois Hougaard, 10 Johann Goosen, 9 Ruan Pienaar, 8 Duane Vermeulen, 7 Willem Alberts, 6 Heinrich Brussouw, 5 Juandré Kruger, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Jannie du Plessis, 2 Adriaan Strauss, 1 Tendai Mtawarira.
Super Subs: 16 Tiaan Liebenberg, 17 Coenie Oosthuizen, 18 Andries Bekker, 19 Marcell Coetzee, 20 Morne Steyn, 21 Willie Le Roux, 22 Patrick Lambie.

Have a blessed weekend everyone!!!

Barry-Jo

All Blacks vs Springboks - Preview

As awesome as what the All Blacks are, they have always been vulnerable against a "gekweste Springbok span." Expect the Boks to come out firing to give the fans at home something to cheer about. All in all the All Blacks do look more blessed across the park, but I reckon the Boks will put up a spirited fight. The Springboks need a win to ensure the Championship stays open.

Prediction:

Once again a brave one and I am going with my hart on this one. Springboks to sneak it by 1-3 points.

The Teams

New Zealand: 15 Israel Dagg, 14 Cory Jane, 13 Conrad Smith, 12 Ma'a Nonu, 11 Julian Savea, 10 Aaron Cruden, 9 Piri Weepu, 8 Kieran Read, 7 Richie McCaw (captain), 6 Liam Messam, 5 Sam Whitelock, 4 Luke Romano, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Andrew Hore, 1 Tony Woodcock.

Super Subs: 16 Keven Mealamu, 17 Charlie Faumuina, 18 Brodie Retallick, 19 Victor Vito, 20 Aaron Smith, 21 Beauden Barrett, 22 Tamati Ellison.

South Africa: 15 Zane Kirchner, 14 Bryan Habana, 13 Jean de Villiers (captain), 12 Frans Steyn, 11 François Hougaard, 10 Morné Steyn, 9 Ruan Pienaar, 8 Duane Vermeulen, 7 Willem Alberts, 6 François Louw, 5 Juandré Kruger, 4 Flip van der Merwe, 3 Jannie du Plessis, 2 Adriaan Strauss, 1 Tendai Mtawarira.

Super Subs: 16 Tiaan Liebenberg, 17 Dean Greyling, 18 Andries Bekker, 19 Marcell Coetzee, 20 Johan Goosen, 21 Juan de Jongh, 22 Pat Lambie.

Date: Saturday, September 15
Kick-off: 19.35 local time (09.35 SA time; 07.35 GMT)
Venue: Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin
Expected weather: The closed roof suggests a match undamaged by climate.
Referee: George Clancy (Ireland)
Assistant referees: Romain Poite (France) James Leckie (Australia)
TMO: Vinny Munro at New Zealand)

Wallabies vs Pumas - Preview

Expect the Argies trying to disrupt the Wallabies at the brake down and give them extra slow ball. The Aussies without the fire power of genia needs Quade Cooper to spark. I think the Pumas should own the weak Aussie pack with captain Fernandez Lobbe and impressive lock Albecete leading from the front. In all I think it is going to be an extreamely tight game, but I predict that the Pumas will fly back to their South American homes with a victory.

Prediction:

It is a brave one, but Argentina by 3-5 points.

Teams:
Australia: 15 Berrick Barnes, 14 Dominic Shipperley, 13 Adam Ashley-Cooper, 12 Pat McCabe, 11 Digby Ioane, 10 Quade Cooper, 9 Nick Phipps, 8 Radike Samo, 7 Michael Hooper, 6 Dave Dennis, 5 Nathan Sharpe (captain), 4 Kane Douglas, 3 Ben Alexander, 2 Tatafu Polota-Nau, 1 Benn Robinson

Super Subs: 16 Saia Fainga'a, 17 James Slipper, 18 Scott Higginbotham, 19 Liam Gill, 20 Brett Sheehan, 21 Anthony Fainga'a, 22 Kurtley Beale.

Argentina: 15 Lucas Gonzalez Amorosino, 14 Gonzalo Camacho, 13 Marcelo Bosch, 12 Santiago Fernandez, 11 Horacio Agulla, 10
Juan Martin Hernandez, 9 Martin Landajo, 8 Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe (captain), 7 Juan Manuel Leguizamon, 6 Julio Farias Cabello, 5 Patricio Albacete, 4 Manuel Carizza, 3 Juan Figallo, 2 Eusebio Guinazu, 1 Rodrigo Roncero.

Super Subs: 16 Agustin Creevy, 17 Juan Pablo Orlandi, 18 Leonardo Senatore, 19 Toms Leonardi, 20 Nicolas Vergallo, 21 Martin Rodriguez, 22 Juan Imhoff.

Date: Saturday, September 15
Venue: Skilled Park, Gold Coast
Kick-off: 20.00 AEST; 10.00 GMT
Expected weather: Mostly sunny. 20k/ph south easterly wind.
High of 21, low of 12
Referee: Wayne Barnes (England)
Assistant referees: Nigel Owens (Wales), Glen Jackson (New Zealand)
TMO: Matt Goddard (Australia)

Springbok Player Ratings

The Springboks failed to deliver and slumped to their first defeat under new coach Heyneke Meyer as they went down 26-19 to their Aussie counterparts. The Springboks looked composed in the first half and jogged into the change room leading 13-6. The wheels however came off after the break and couldn't pull the deficit back in the end.

I rate Springboks.

Springboks:
15. Zane Kirchner:
Was solid at the back, kicked well and chased well and was reliable on defense. One of his better games in the Bok jersey. 7/10.
14. Bryan Habana:
Was influential on attack and was all over the park. Had extreamly high work rate and capped it off with a superb try. 7/10.
13. Jean de Villiers (captain):
Had a quiet game. Solid on defense. Had limited chances on attack. Thought he should have gone for the 3 points in the end and chase the win. 5/10.
12. Francois Steyn:
Solid game. Was good on defense and attack. Kicked two monstrous penalties that kept the Boks in the game. 7/10.
11. Francois Hougaard:
Had a decent game on the wing. Chasing hard and his cover defense was good. Thought he could have looked for more work. 6/10.
10. Morné Steyn:
He was good on defense and showed some promise with ball in hand, but lost the ball in contact to often. Missed a penalty at posts which cost them in the end. 5/10.
9. Ruan Pienaar:
His service was crisp and his cover defense was good and kicked really well. He should ask more questions around the fringes. 6/10.
8. Duane Vermeulen:
Was solid in his debut. Made his tackles and caused a couple of turnovers. Could be a little bit more involved with ball in hand. 7/10.
7. Willem Alberts:
Was monstrous on defense, cleaned out well and carried the ball strongly. 7/10.
6. Marcell Coetzee:
Had a quite game to his standards. Made his tackles, hit the rucks and carried strongly. 6/10.
5. Juandré Kruger:
Marshalled the lineouts fantastically and wasn't shy in putting his body on the line. Hit the rucks very hard and I thought he was the best Bok on the field. 8/10.
4. Eben Etzebeth:
Carried well, made some big hits and cleaned out well. Was good in the lineouts. 6/10.
3. Jannie du Plessis:
Was solid in the scrums and defended and cleaned well. 6/10
2. Adriaan Strauss:
Found his jumpers with every put in and worked very hard. I don't think he was fully fit. 6/10.
1. Tendai Mtawarira:
Worked very hard at scrum time and his defense was solid. Got a silly yellow card that cost him a point. 5/10.

Replacements:
16. Tiaan Liebenberg:
On for Adriaan Strauss. Missed some lineouts and didn't have enough time to impose himself properly. 5/10.
17. Patric Cilliers:
On for Tendai Mtawarira. Battled a bit at scrum time, but was very effective in the loose. 6/10.
18.Flip van der Merwe:
On for Eben Etzebeth. Was very quiet and lost a couple of lineouts. 5/10.
19 Francois Louw:
Was a mennace at the brakedown as soon as he came on for Marcell Coetzee and didn't look out of place. 6/10.
20. Johan Goosen:
On for Morne Steyn. Was sharp on attack, looked composed and was very effective in organising the backline. Surely he should get a chance to show what he can do from the start. 7/10.
21: Patrick Lambie:
On for Zane Kirchner. Was solid at the back and although Kirchner had a solid game today should get a starting role. 6/10.
22: Lwazi Mvovo:
On for Bryan Habana. Made a crucial mistake on attack when passing for his skipper instead of holding on to the ball, but otherwise had a sollid performance. 6/10.

It was a shocking second half performance from the Boks and should up their game if they want to trounce the inform All Blacks.

Till later!!!
Barry-Jo

Vermeulen gets debut, Goosen on bench

Stormers and Western Province No 8 Duane Vermeulen will finally make his Springbok debut against Australia in Perth on Saturday, in South Africa’s third Test in The Castle Rugby Championship for 2012. Add to that, Toyota Free State Cheetahs flyhalf Johan Goosen has been selected as part of the super subs and will earn his first Springbok cap if he gets game time at Paterson’s Stadium. Adriaan Strauss has been included at hooker after coming through a a greuling series of fitness tests, but he has until Friday to fully shake off his knee injury.

Vermeulen’s inclusion at no 8 is one of five changes from the starting team that played Argentina in Mendoza on August 25. There are two positional changes, with Francois Hougaard moving from scrumhalf to left wing and Willem Alberts shifting from No 8 to flank. Apart from Vermeulen, lock Juandré Kruger gets a recall, while Ruan Pienaar will start his first Test of 2012 at scrumhalf. There are further two changes to the bench with Francois Louw and Lwazi Mvovo finding spots amongst the super subs.

“We’ve decided to put Duane straight into the starting team because he is a classic No 8, a position we’ve lacked in since Pierre Spies got injured and Ryan Kankowski moved to Japan,” said Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer at the team announcement in Perth on Wednesday. “I’ve always admired the way Duane plays rugby and he’s fitted in very well the past week. He would’ve been a Springbok years ago if it had not been for injuries and it’s great to finally see him selected. The same goes for Johan, who in my mind can become one of the great flyhalves in world rugby. I’ve been very impressed with his work ethic and attitude since he joined the squad on Thursday in Johannesburg and we will keep on managing him carefully over the next few weeks.”

Commenting on the other changes to the team, Meyer said: “Ruan brings a more tactical approach to scrumhalf, while I’ve always been impressed with Francois at wing. At lock we’ve decided to go for Juandré as he plays more to the ball. Juandré and Eben played well as a combination in the June Tests against England. And by including Francois on the bench, we have a specialist opensider, but also a versatile loose forward that brings a bit more balance to our back row mix.”

Springbok team to face Australia:

15. Zane Kirchner, 14 Bryan Habana, 13 Jean de Villiers (captain), 12 Frans Steyn, 11 Francois Hougaard, 10 Morné Steyn, 9 Ruan Pienaar, 8 Duane Vermeulen, 7 Willem Alberts, 6 Marcell Coetzee, 5 Juandre Kruger, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Jannie du Plessis, 2 Adriaan Strauss, 1 Beast Mtawarira.

Super Subs: 16 Tiaan Liebenberg, 17 Pat Cilliers, 18 Flip van der Merwe, 19 Francois Louw, 20 Johan Goosen, 21 Patrick Lambie, 22 Lwazi Mvovo

Watch out for my predictions later in the week!!!

Have super blessed day!!!

Regards
Barry-Jo