Tri-Nations: NZ v SA (Sat 22nd 8.35am)

zAbbo

Satruday 22nd July Tri Nations NZ v SA in Wellington (NZ)

Kick Off : 8.35am, coverage begins at 8.30 on Sky Sports 2

This is the 3rd game of the series, and potentially quite important, after SA getting destroyed last week due to a very poor performance. NZ set to rest players and rotate the squad.

Du Preez comes in at SH, with the call on FH left late, probably Butch James (hasnt played for boks in 4 years). SA making a total of 5 changes, I don't think they are a bad team, but have hit very poor form with Van der Westhuyzen having one of the worst games I've ever seen a FH at test standard.

All Blacks making a few changes as well, 4 changes in the backs (Howlett, Hamilton, Tuitupou and Weepu). Also 4 other changes including previous captain Reuben Thorne makes a return at blindside flanker. Anton Oliver for Mealamu as hooker, Neemia Tialata at loosehead prop for Woodcock and Ali Williams at lock in place of Eaton

I'm gonna be bold and predict a SA win, Can't imagine SA being as poor as they were last week(or as poor as they were against France). That and it would open the tri-nations up a bit with an away win for an unfancied sprinkboks.

The big one however is the game next week 29th Aus v NZ in Australia. Just to recap with this 3 game series.

SA have NZ at home twice.
NZ have Aus at home twice.
Aus have SA at home twice.

South Africa: 15 Percy Montgomery, 14 Akona Ndungane, 13 Jaque Fourie, 12 Wynand Olivier, 11 Bryan Habana, 10 Meyer Bosman/Butch James, 9 Fourie du Preez, 8 Jacques Cronjé, 7 Juan Smith, 6 Solly Tyibilika, 4 Victor Matfield, 4 Albert van den Bergh, 3 CJ van der Linde, 2 John Smit (captain), 1 Os du Randt.
Replacements: 16 Danie Coetzee, 17 Eddie Andrews, 18 Johann Muller, 19 Joe van Niekerk, 20 Enrico Januarie, 21 Meyer Bosman/Butch James, 22 Breyton Paulse/JP Pietersen.

New Zealand: 15 Leon MacDonald, 14 Doug Howlett, 13 Mils Muliaina, 12 Sam Tuitupou, 11 Scott Hamilton, 10 Dan Carter, 9 Piri Weepu, 8 Rodney So'oialo, 7 Richie McCaw (captain), 6 Reuben Thorne, 5 Ali Williams, 4 Chris Jack, 3 Carl Hayman, 2 Anton Oliver, 1 Neemia Tialata.
Replacements: 16 Andrew Hore, 17 Greg Somerville, 18 Greg Rawlinson, 19 Chris Masoe, 20 Jimmy Cowan, 21 Luke McAlister, 22 Isaia Toeava.

toomevara

Reckon this one will be fascinating...will prove whether or not, as I suspect, white has lost the SA dressing room. Another big (spineless) defeat and he's finished, alot riding on it.

TarfHead

I hope I'm wrong, but this could a repeat of the 2002 Twickenham game when they ignored the ball and Jannes Labuschagne was sent-off. IMHO SA will be looking for damage limitation.

They've called up Butch James. 'nuff said.

toomevara

Just seen the team, five changes (perhaps a whiff of panic?). Van Der westhuyzen got the chop, no surprise, at least this team should have a little dog about it, I really dont want to see a bok team capitulate in such an uncharacteristic manner again, no good for the rugby-loving soul.

bugler

Can't see it being as big a demolition as last week, but you never know. SA either bomb in the 3N or else win the thing, and it doesn't look like they're going to win it..

NZ by 15-18 points.

zAbbo

Just about to kick off now.....

Cmon SA

zAbbo

Kick - Pressure - Blocked Kick - Try - South Africa

Du Preez with the try.

Percy converts

SA 7 - NZ 0 (17 seconds)

Crash

Keep me informed mate, please

zAbbo

SA give away about 7-8 penalties, 4 of which were kickable and Dan Carter converts. Right at the end of the half, they had the chance to put the ball dead and go into half time 12-7, but didn't find touch, and now its 19-7 to the AB's

Percy has missed 2 peno's as well.

Good game, AB's lacking continuity, what would you expect wth 8 changes.

Jilm

New Zealand 35-17 South Africa FT

New Zealand 35 (19)
Tries: Weepu, McCaw
Cons: Carter 2
Pens: Carter 7

South Africa 17 (7)
Tries: Du Preez, Paulse
Cons: Montgomery 2
Pens: Montgomery

Improved SA performance after last week, especially in defence. It might have been closer if it wasn't for Monty having a mare. Based on this, the tests in SA should be good contests.

zAbbo

Percy had a mare indeed, missing 3-4 peno's and his kicking was generally poor.

Should be interesting as the next 2 games are in SA.

Next week - Aus v NZ, expect a full stength NZ

vorbis

especially since they'll be played at altitude. The Boks need every help they can get at the moment!