@Smuts said in Springboks:
That makes no sense.
And he's no Ben Smith from accounts.You’re right. Unfair to compare Willie to Smith with his solitary RWC trophy
If by that logic Sam Whitelock is twice the player Victor Matfield could ever be, I'd almost let you have that one.
7 days later
1 month later
It's like the Onion on mass shootings in USA.
'No Way to Prevent This,' Says Only Nation Where This Regularly Happens
Shocked, say the Saffers, as the only team with repetitive positive drug test. I mean, the team looks like normal athletes amiright?
This is good listen and the book Guns & Needles well worth the read
The Old Foe have arrived in Auckland.
19 days later
The bok transition into different players and tactics seems to be going well. Pleased that rassie had the guts to make big changes after the loss at Eden park. The mindset seems to be more of moving forward from what worked in the past, to what will work for the next World Cup. The two Argie games will be a potential banana skin for a team on a high, so that will be telling as well.
@W32 said in Springboks:
The bok transition into different players and tactics seems to be going well. Pleased that rassie had the guts to make big changes after the loss at Eden park. The mindset seems to be more of moving forward from what worked in the past, to what will work for the next World Cup. The two Argie games will be a potential banana skin for a team on a high, so that will be telling as well.
The Bok defence will be seriously tested by what is probably the best backline in the competition. The Argentinian scrum and lineout isn’t a match on their loose forwards and backline though. So if Boks gain ascendancy at the set piece and neutralise the Pumas back row, they will go a long way to winning.
I think the second test at Twickenham is the biggest potential banana skin. The bright lights of the city can be distracting 
The Springboks will only start on thursday preparing. Fassi and Lood will be out. They cant afford banana slips, should be full of confidense. Luckily they play the last game last and will know what needs to be done.
@W32 said in Springboks:
The bok transition into different players and tactics seems to be going well. Pleased that rassie had the guts to make big changes after the loss at Eden park. The mindset seems to be more of moving forward from what worked in the past, to what will work for the next World Cup. The two Argie games will be a potential banana skin for a team on a high, so that will be telling as well.
It's an interesting one because I believe the Boks have had the players to start playing a more expansive style for a few years now. Despite what many have trumpeted, I think they've done so well in spite of their conservative game plan, not because of it.
@Mr-Fish said in Springboks:
@W32 said in Springboks:
The bok transition into different players and tactics seems to be going well. Pleased that rassie had the guts to make big changes after the loss at Eden park. The mindset seems to be more of moving forward from what worked in the past, to what will work for the next World Cup. The two Argie games will be a potential banana skin for a team on a high, so that will be telling as well.
It's an interesting one because I believe the Boks have had the players to start playing a more expansive style for a few years now. Despite what many have trumpeted, I think they've done so well in spite of their conservative game plan, not because of it.
I’ve always thought this as well. Traditionally the boks ran the ball. I think a series of terrible coaches after the 95 WC and political BS stuffed up the team and led to a circling of the wagons and loss of confidence that got into the psyche of SA rugby. Many have negative views on rassie, but he has given his life to this team and country, and has brought back the belief that has allowed our team to thrive. He has in spades what many other coaches lack - and it’s not professionalism, it’s unshakable belief in his players and what SA rugby should be.
I read the headline and thought Damien had decided that after destroying the All Blacks, there is nothing more to accomplish.
@MiketheSnow said in Springboks:
You’ll shit on them
Twice
Let's see. Albornoz is fit again, and he is a baller 
Will be interesting to see Rassie's team for Durban. Surely he will start with Willemse in 15 (Fassi injured), Hooker (he can play 13 aswell), Libbok or Pollard (one on the bench). Suppose he will try and keep it tight vs the Pumas.
Thought I should post this. Griquas, non URC province winning the Currie Cup against the Lions at Ellispark. First time they done this since the days of Piet Visagie and Mannetjies Roux. The end whistle has gone when the TMO called a penalty for Griquas and they nail the penalty to win by 2. No stars in that team, just a young up and coming x Bolander Piet Bergh who coach them well.
Griquas and the Stormers have an player agreement. Most of this players will be useful in the URC.
Just had a look at the squads Rassie has been selecting this year.
He’s fielded 46 players thru 9 matches.
27 are local URC team players, and 19 are foreign based players.
Quite a few foreign players; but it seems to work well.
I’d say it allows flexibility in selections, both short, and long term.
The current set up in SA pro rugby looks good.
The 4 local URC teams give them a taste of top Euro rugby. Not just of other URC teams but also through the EC, the top French and English teams.
And a foreign based legion he can call on.
The Springboks were awesome again. Can anyone stop this formidable team winning a third World Cup in a row?
@sparky said in Springboks:
The Springboks were awesome again. Can anyone stop this formidable team winning a third World Cup in a row?
As it stands today, only themselves.
@sparky said in Springboks:
@W32 Maybe a really fired up full strength French team? With a lot of luck......
It’s going to be a great game. Concern is the boks are going to peak a year before the WC
@sparky said in Springboks:
The Springboks were awesome again. Can anyone stop this formidable team winning a third World Cup in a row?
Um… yes? They got thumped by an average Oz at home a month ago and a fairly average AB team stopped them two games ago.
But the World Cup is two years away. What matters now is demolishing opposition scrums, sharpening the bok attack and bringing through youngsters whilst continuing to win games. Bonus points for leaving emotional scars that can be reopened in future tests.
@sparky said in Springboks:
@W32 Maybe a really fired up full strength French team? With a lot of luck......
We will know more after the November internationals. Both teams will be eyeing that game.
France have as much firepower as the Boks. Boks stronger in the scrum, but I’d say France edge the lineout. Backrows are incredibly strong in both teams. France run off Dupont at 9, SA have SFM and Libbock pulling strings at 10. Both teams have good centre combos (Boks may edge this), but the back 3 match ups are insane.
When France get a roll on at home in front of a partisan French crowd, they play like the Boks did today.
So I don’t think luck will be the deciding factor when these two teams meet in November 
️.
