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 
️.
@Smuts said in Springboks:
@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.
To negate the Boks, you need to stand up to the scrum pressure, neutralise their aerial game, kick more intelligently, make your tackles and force them to make that additional pass/offload and don’t give away penalties that allow them territory. Oh, and take your chances and make them feel the scoreboard pressure. Basically, the blueprint is what the Wallabies executed at Ellis Park this year.
The Boks have played brilliantly in the last 2 games, but the blueprint to beat them is there. It is the blueprint to beat most teams 
Is it easy? No. But in a World Cup, it only takes one perfectly executed gameplan to derail 4 years of prep 
.
I see some Bok fans are already calling for the 2027 trophy to be given early. I know this is a vocal minority, but the thing that may ultimately trip the Boks up is having too many choices and Rassie being too cute (the Guardiola syndrome) or the players believing the hype from big wins and freezing when someone punches them in the nose on the day when they forget that wins need to be earned.
Failing that, I believe Bryce Lawrence is being brought out of retirement
@sparky said in Springboks:
@W32 Maybe a really fired up full strength French team? With a lot of luck......
The Boks should be #1 or #2 contenders at RWC but I'm actually more worried about the French than the Boks at the next RWC. I think the French could be formidable. The Boks still have some pressure points but should thank the ABs for giving them that extra shot of confidence.
And Argentina, they generally fade after the first 3-4 scrappy games. Maybe depth or conditioning.
@sparky said in Springboks:
The Springboks were awesome again. Can anyone stop this formidable team winning a third World Cup in a row?
It's not for two years.
I seem to recall other premature predictions failing to come to pass.
@booboo said in Springboks:
I seem to recall other premature predictions failing to come to pass.
This is every night with the wife.
@stodders said in Springboks:
@Smuts said in Springboks:
@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.
To negate the Boks, you need to stand up to the scrum pressure, neutralise their aerial game, kick more intelligently, make your tackles and force them to make that additional pass/offload and don’t give away penalties that allow them territory. Oh, and take your chances and make them feel the scoreboard pressure. Basically, the blueprint is what the Wallabies executed at Ellis Park this year.
The Boks have played brilliantly in the last 2 games, but the blueprint to beat them is there. It is the blueprint to beat most teams
Is it easy? No. But in a World Cup, it only takes one perfectly executed gameplan to derail 4 years of prep
I see some Bok fans are already calling for the 2027 trophy to be given early. I know this is a vocal minority, but the thing that may ultimately trip the Boks up is having too many choices and Rassie being too cute (the Guardiola syndrome) or the players believing the hype from big wins and freezing when someone punches them in the nose on the day when they forget that wins need to be earned.
Failing that, I believe Bryce Lawrence is being brought out of retirement
I know a lot of bok supporters think Bryce cheated that day ,
He was well known for having shit performances well before that game , he was actually being consistent that day .
@kiwiinmelb said in Springboks:
@stodders said in Springboks:
@Smuts said in Springboks:
@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.
To negate the Boks, you need to stand up to the scrum pressure, neutralise their aerial game, kick more intelligently, make your tackles and force them to make that additional pass/offload and don’t give away penalties that allow them territory. Oh, and take your chances and make them feel the scoreboard pressure. Basically, the blueprint is what the Wallabies executed at Ellis Park this year.
The Boks have played brilliantly in the last 2 games, but the blueprint to beat them is there. It is the blueprint to beat most teams
Is it easy? No. But in a World Cup, it only takes one perfectly executed gameplan to derail 4 years of prep
I see some Bok fans are already calling for the 2027 trophy to be given early. I know this is a vocal minority, but the thing that may ultimately trip the Boks up is having too many choices and Rassie being too cute (the Guardiola syndrome) or the players believing the hype from big wins and freezing when someone punches them in the nose on the day when they forget that wins need to be earned.
Failing that, I believe Bryce Lawrence is being brought out of retirement
I know a lot of bok supporters think Bryce cheated that day ,
He was well known for having shit performances well before that game , he was actually being consistent that day .
Consistently shit, yes
@stodders said in Springboks:
@kiwiinmelb said in Springboks:
@stodders said in Springboks:
@Smuts said in Springboks:
@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.
To negate the Boks, you need to stand up to the scrum pressure, neutralise their aerial game, kick more intelligently, make your tackles and force them to make that additional pass/offload and don’t give away penalties that allow them territory. Oh, and take your chances and make them feel the scoreboard pressure. Basically, the blueprint is what the Wallabies executed at Ellis Park this year.
The Boks have played brilliantly in the last 2 games, but the blueprint to beat them is there. It is the blueprint to beat most teams
Is it easy? No. But in a World Cup, it only takes one perfectly executed gameplan to derail 4 years of prep
I see some Bok fans are already calling for the 2027 trophy to be given early. I know this is a vocal minority, but the thing that may ultimately trip the Boks up is having too many choices and Rassie being too cute (the Guardiola syndrome) or the players believing the hype from big wins and freezing when someone punches them in the nose on the day when they forget that wins need to be earned.
Failing that, I believe Bryce Lawrence is being brought out of retirement
I know a lot of bok supporters think Bryce cheated that day ,
He was well known for having shit performances well before that game , he was actually being consistent that day .
Consistently shit, yes
I think you mean “too unbiased”
@OomPB said in Springboks:
@stodders November tests are at France and Ireland home venues. If they cant beat the Boks at home, they will find it more difficult to do on a neutral venue in Australia.
Or they are peaking for 2027 and Tony Brown has the Boks peaking between world cups like an old school Kiwi