Springbok Team Talk/Gossip/Rumours Thread

Emperor1989

Big day for the Boks

South Africa: 15 Willie le Roux, 14 Cornal Hendricks, 13 Jan Serfontein, 12 Jean de Villiers (c), 11 Bryan Habana, 10 Handrè Pollard, 9 Francois Hougaard, 8 Duane Vermeulen, 7 Tebo Mohoje, 6 Marcell Coetzee, 5 Victor Matfield, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Jannie du Plessis, 2 Adriaan Strauss, 1 Tendai Mtawarira
Replacements: 16 Bismarck du Plessis, 17 Trevor Nyakane, 18 Marcel van der Merwe, 19 Bakkies Botha, 20 Schalk Burger, 21 Cobus Reinach, 22 Pat Lambie, 23 JP Pietersen

A defining day for Meyer tenure. All the boys are back JPP, Bakkies and Burger. There is simply no excuse for a full 80 minute job on Australia. A win and a convincing win will only do. Its time for this team to finally put together a display that they can be proud of at home.

Big congrats to Tebo Mohoje on his debut for the Springboks today....a lot written about him unfairly. Time to shine!!!

Emperor1989

Poor enough display yesterday but got the result in the end. Pollard didn't use enough boot and play field position when the Boks were going backwards. Burger has a huge display when he came on and really got go forward momentum.

They need to up big time for next week, young Serfontein had another very good game. Matfield offers nothing in the loose and it a passenger in general play unfortuntely.

Emperor1989

South Africa: 15 Willie le Roux, 14 Cornal Hendricks, 13 Jan Serfontein, 12 Jean de Villiers (c), 11 Bryan Habana, 10 Handrè Pollard, 9 Francois Hougaard, 8 Duane Vermeulen/Schalk Burger, 7 Tebo Mohoje, 6 Marcell Coetzee, 5 Victor Matfield, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Jannie du Plessis, 2 Bismarck du Plessis, 1 Tendai Mtawarira.
Replacements: 16 Adriaan Strauss, 17 Trevor Nyakane, 18 Marcel van der Merwe, 19 Bakkies Botha, 20 Schalk Burger/Warren Whiteley, 21 Cobus Reinach, 22 Pat Lambie, 23 JP Pietersen.

Massive test match, Joost to lead out the Boks at the famed Ellis Park. I expect this game to be the game of the tournament like last year which was one of the greatest sporting occasions I have ever watched.

To the pitch, Vermeulen needs to start with Burger coming on for Mohoje after 50 mins. Pollard needs to kick a little bit more and take the pressure off when the Boks are plugging no where in there second half. Its a huge game....for the World Cup, win here and momentum will be building heading into the Autumn. Lose and its another season at Static.

Emperor1989

Finally a win vs the All Blacks and it couldn't have come at a more important time.

I put up a de brief tomorrow but for the moment that in it lets celebrate an epic victory in what was another fantastic game of rugby. They really have provided great entertainment these 2 teams

Emperor1989

Well after such a enjoying result its time to look forward to the Autumn

Front Row

First off lets get going with the Hookers. Bismark has looked out of form this year and he proved it with some halpless displays especially in NZ, thankfully Strauss has been excellent and really deserves to nail down his position at number 2. You will struggle to find a person that is more complementary of Bismark as a player at his best he is truly one of the greatest hookers this game will ever see but this year he has lacked the bite and directness that made his a fan favorite. Well stocked here with Brits performing well at June.

The props is a concern, the beast had his best game at the weekend in some time, carrying powerfully and really being a player he should be all the time. His heart concern is a worry especially as he only lasts around 50 mins these days before he is subbed off. The other Du Plessis really is out on his feet, he needs a long rest and really should be put out to pasture until pre season next year the autumn tests are surely a step too far. He can be a corner stone of the pack next year but he needs rest and he has been ran into the ground since 2011. Du Toit, Van Der Merve, Nyanke, Cooenie all players that need significant game time in November. Malherbe and Cillers are always on the injury list and its a shame as Malherbe in particular could start even if Du Plessis is fully fit.

Second Rows

Matfield has been superb in the lineout and has lasted 80 mins which is remarkable for his age. However his effort around the pitch is of that a 37 year old, however Meyer loves him and unlikely to be dropped, if this is the case I think they should take him off after 60 mins. Etzebeth has been fantastic considering his lack of fitness and lack of game time since his injury, he hasn't been at his best and its remarkable that the Boks have done so well this season with the second underperforming around the paddock and the props also likewise. There is huge upside in this pack going forward if they can rest and rotate there key men. Botha didn't show much but Lood De Yager has and he should be in the 22 instead of Bakkies. Still waiting on the second coming Peiter Steph du Toit. Ideally I see Meyer picking Etzebeth, Du Toit and Matfield.

BackRow

Reader of my posts will know how much I rate Duane Vermulen, there is no more to be said. IRB Player of the year. Marcell Coetzee is also a youngster I have raved about and boy has he turned good, he has been sensational in the past 2 matches, carrying huge amounts of ball and leading all tackle stats by a huge margin, if he keeps this form up Flouw will struggle to get back into the 22 for my money. Mohoje played very well, he is a big unit, looked very secure at lineout and in the tackle area and secured one crucial turnover.....he has huge upside Meyer was spot on. Burger was immense against Australia and with Alberts still to come back in and with Du Toit also possibly lined up at 6 the area of Springbok rugby which is also at its deepest is Backrow.

Scrumhalfs,
Houghaard is made for that type of rugby on Saturday he simply does not suit the slow pondering style of the Bulls and the Boks. He looks twice the player and his passing is much more crisper. Obviously Du Preez will always start but Houghaard put up his hand to warm the bench.

Outhalf

The Morne Steyn era is over, Pollard to start and Lambie to ride it out for the last 20. Future looks bright and with Goosen still their for selection the once bare cupboard is now stacked. Lambie kick on Saturday may jump start his career on the path it looked likely to take. Pollard has been amazing.

Centers

JDV has led with gusto in defense and he really is a true gentleman but the real find of this Championship has been the former IRB Player of the Year Jan Serfontein. Brutally tough in defense and strong in attack, he has nailed down his position at 13. De Allendre would be exciting and hopefully he is given a run for the Autumn to add further depth. JJ Englebrecht has fallen off the map I wonder what will happen him? as with Jacque Fourie a possible comeback.

Wings

Habana has looked right back at his best. Hendricks looked very good going forward but defensively he has questions to answer, not huge questions as he a slight enough chap but just needs to make more of his tackles first up. JPP could go well after his hiatus in Japan. Would like to see more depth at wing, with aging wingers a few injury and it looks rather bare.

Full Back


Le Roux has been okay this year, hasn't been at his best but again he has been run into the ground and needs a rest. But where is the backup? there is plenty of squad places up for grabs. Lambie covers 15 but boy he ain't half the player back there.

WTO

Fairplay to you E1989. Apologies, but I can't remember whether you have any actual ties to SA, or have just adopted them along the way? You certainly keep your tabs on their players. I can't see past an Eng v SA or NZ RWC final, noting NZ's ability to implode of course. I'm sure the organisers would love an Eng v NZ match, with Eng triumphing. From a neutral perspective it's a pity NZ & SA are on the same side of the draw. And I hope Ireland don't lose to France in pool - a 1/4 v NZ and a semi v SA just to reach the final...if JS pulled that off, greatest Irish coach ever.

Journeyman_1

Emperor1989 wrote: »

Centers

JDV has led with gusto in defense and he really is a true gentleman but the real find of this Championship has been the former IRB Player of the Year Jan Serfontein. Brutally tough in defense and strong in attack, he has nailed down his position at 13. De Allendre would be exciting and hopefully he is given a run for the Autumn to add further depth. JJ Englebrecht has fallen off the map I wonder what will happen him? as with Jacque Fourie a possible comeback.

I just posted my thoughts on the RC in the other thread, but I don't think you read there?

Anyway, I was wondering about Serfontein and Englebrecht, and I though Serf was more a 12 traditionally and Englebrecht was a 13? Can you clear that up for me. Did Englebrecht have a poor SVX?

matthew8

JJ Engelbrecht has played very poorly in Super Rugby. I'd like to see Juan De Jongh for the Springboks in Autumn, he has had an unbelievable Currie Cup. Cheslin Kolbe has been another standout for Western Province and might be a good back up for Willie. Going against these players is size with JdJ 5'9 and Kolbe 5'6, and Heyneke Meyer known for liking a bit of size, though both have bulk.

Emperor1989

WTO wrote: »

Fairplay to you E1989. Apologies, but I can't remember whether you have any actual ties to SA, or have just adopted them along the way? You certainly keep your tabs on their players. I can't see past an Eng v SA or NZ RWC final, noting NZ's ability to implode of course. I'm sure the organisers would love an Eng v NZ match, with Eng triumphing. From a neutral perspective it's a pity NZ & SA are on the same side of the draw. And I hope Ireland don't lose to France in pool - a 1/4 v NZ and a semi v SA just to reach the final...if JS pulled that off, greatest Irish coach ever.

No ties to South Africa what so ever, I started this thread because I believe a new era of South African rugby was upon us and of course some of my favorite players are Boks.

Emperor1989

Journeyman_1 wrote: »

I just posted my thoughts on the RC in the other thread, but I don't think you read there?

Anyway, I was wondering about Serfontein and Englebrecht, and I though Serf was more a 12 traditionally and Englebrecht was a 13? Can you clear that up for me. Did Englebrecht have a poor SVX?

Serfontein plays 12 with the Bulls and would be viewed more as a 12 last year but he has shown he as actually more effective at 13. JJ Englebrecht had a okay year this year, he wasn't a joke by any means but has completely fallen out of favour. He played okay last year. Damien De Allendre is the next big thing in the center's for the backs. A huge man reminds me a lot of Jamie Roberts with more pace.

Emperor1989

matthew8 wrote: »

JJ Engelbrecht has played very poorly in Super Rugby. I'd like to see Juan De Jongh for the Springboks in Autumn, he has had an unbelievable Currie Cup. Cheslin Kolbe has been another standout for Western Province and might be a good back up for Willie. Going against these players is size with JdJ 5'9 and Kolbe 5'6, and Heyneke Meyer known for liking a bit of size, though both have bulk.

Size is a huge problem.....huge problem for these players.

Emperor1989

The following Springboks and players who have been involved with the national team will not be considered for selection due to injury: Marcel, van der Merwe, Fourie du Preez, Schalk Brits, Callie Visagie, Frans Malherbe, Flip van der Merwe, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Francois Louw, Siya Kolisi, Arno Botha, Pierre Spies and Willem Alberts, who could come into consideration at a later stage during the tour.

That is one massive injury list......hopefully Nizaam Carr will get his opportunity to tour he has been awesome for Western Provence this year and again will be another of the promising African back rows to rightfully get a shot. Kolbe is another bolter from the Stomers who rightfully deserves a place in the squad ahead of the likes of Kirchner and it happens he is African too.

Its great to see some of these young african players push into the reckoning for the Springboks...they haven't been given anything on the a plate and with Hendricks, Mohoje, Beast, Kolbe, Habana, Carr, Kolisi there is a good chance this race quota may not even become an issue because the players are good enough as is rather than been rewarded due to stupid politics.

damianmcr

Pity they didnt include Pienaar on that list. I think hes back soon. Will he be called up?

George Hook

damianmcr wrote: »

Pity they didnt include Pienaar on that list. I think hes back soon. Will he be called up?

Maybe, Meyer seems to like him but he is not popular amongst the fans in South Africa because he is far to slow to get the ball away from the base of rucks in their view.
He knows what Pienaar can do anyway I'd like him to give Cobus Reinach a run out.

Emperor1989

George Hook wrote: »

Maybe, Meyer seems to like him but he is not popular amongst the fans in South Africa because he is far to slow to get the ball away from the base of rucks in their view.
He knows what Pienaar can do anyway I'd like him to give Cobus Reinach a run out.

Not sure on Pienaar.....he will miss 2 of the games for sure. He might make the end of the tour but ideally we want to see Reinach get a run out with Houghaard.

Emperor1989

Irish match is coming up quickly now. I can't see how this Irish team can win. We need our full deck to have a good shout of turning over the Boks.

Healy and Sean O Brien are huge losses. Our scrum could have given the Boks a good go but now with Ross injured a lot it looking like its going to be a long afternoon at set piece.

The only saving grace is if he doesn't pick Pollard and goes with Steyn at 10........

Heaslip vs Vermeulen is a battle I am really looking forward to.

Tox56

Emperor1989 wrote: »

Irish match is coming up quickly now. I can't see how this Irish team can win. We need our full deck to have a good shout of turning over the Boks.

Healy and Sean O Brien are huge losses. Our scrum could have given the Boks a good go but now with Ross injured a lot it looking like its going to be a long afternoon at set piece.

The only saving grace is if he doesn't pick Pollard and goes with Steyn at 10........

Heaslip vs Vermeulen is a battle I am really looking forward to.

Yeah don't have much optimism about this from an Ireland POV, missing Healy and O'Brien against the Boks of all teams is a massive blow, not to mention a new 13 will need to be blooded. Maybe if Murray and Sexton completely dominate the game we will have a chance

George Hook

Tox56 wrote: »

Yeah don't have much optimism about this from an Ireland POV, missing Healy and O'Brien against the Boks of all teams is a massive blow, not to mention a new 13 will need to be blooded. Maybe if Murray and Sexton completely dominate the game we will have a chance

It might turn out much the same as the Ulster vs Toulon match. They'll win the collisions and much of the breakdown battle with a better scrum than us. I'm expecting us to lose unless Joe has some really good plays up his sleeve or if we play the way we did agaisnt NZ last year.

Emperor1989

South Africa squad:

Bakkies Botha (Toulon, France) - Lock, 83 Test caps
Schalk Burger (Suntory, Japan) - Loose forward, 73 Test caps
Nizaam Carr (Western Province) - Loose forward, uncapped
Marcell Coetzee (Sharks) - Loose forward, 22 Test caps
Robbie Coetzee (Golden Lions) - Hooker, uncapped
Damian De Allende (Western Province) - Centre / Wing, 2 Test caps
Lodewyk de Jager (FS Cheetahs) - Lock, 7 Test caps
Jean de Villiers (captain, Western Province) - Centre, 102 Test caps
Bismarck du Plessis (Sharks) - Hooker, 66 Test caps
Jannie du Plessis (Sharks) - Prop, 60 Test caps
Eben Etzebeth (Western Province) - Lock, 29 Test caps
Johan Goosen (Racing Metro, France) - Fullback / Flyhalf, 5 Test caps
Bryan Habana (Toulon, France) - Wing, 103 Test caps
Cornal Hendricks (FS Cheetahs) - Wing, 9 Test caps
Francois Hougaard (Blue Bulls) - Scrumhalf, 32 Test caps
Jaco Kriel (Golden Lions) - Loose forward, uncapped
Patrick Lambie (Sharks) - Flyhalf / Fullback, 36 Test caps
Willie le Roux (FS Cheetahs) - Fullback / Wing, 21 Test caps
Victor Matfield (Blue Bulls) - Lock, 117 Test caps
Teboho "Oupa" Mohoje (FS Cheetahs) - Loose forward, 3 Test caps
Tendai Mtawarira (Sharks) - Prop, 61 Test caps
Lwazi Mvovo (Sharks) - Wing, 9 Test caps
Trevor Nyakane (FS Cheetahs) - Prop, 9 Test caps
Coenie Oosthuizen (FS Cheetahs) - Prop, 17 Test caps
Ruan Pienaar (Ulster, N Ireland) - Scrumhalf, 80 Test caps
JP Pietersen (Panasonic, Japan) - Centre / Wing, 56 Test caps
Handré Pollard (Blue Bulls) - Flyhalf, 6 Test caps
Julian Redelinghuys (Golden Lions) - Prop, uncapped
Cobus Reinach (Sharks) - Scrumhalf, 2 Test caps
Seabelo Senatla (SA Sevens / WP) - Wing, uncapped
Jan Serfontein (Blue Bulls) - Centre, 16 Test caps
Gurthrö Steenkamp (Toulouse, France) - Prop, 52 Test caps
Morné Steyn (Stade Francais, France) - Flyhalf, 59 Test caps
Adriaan Strauss (FS Cheetahs) - Hooker, 40 Test caps
Duane Vermeulen (Western Province) - No 8, 25 Test caps
Warren Whiteley (Golden Lions) - Loose forward, 2 Test caps

Pienaar looks like he will be picked. 5 uncapped players in the squad....delighted to see Nizaam Carr in there. Goosen and Osty also return. Don't know really anything about the Lions players to be honest. Senatla is a brilliant 7s player.

George Hook

Whiteley is good player.
Sigh.. Steenkamp again.
Good to see Damian De Allende and Lodewyk de Jager
Lions apparently had the best scrum in the currie cup this seasons so good to see some of them there.

Can't wait for Senatla to get a run out.

Emperor1989

George Hook wrote: »

Whiteley is good player.
Sigh.. Steenkamp again.
Good to see Damian De Allende and Lodewyk de Jager
Lions apparently had the best scrum in the currie cup this seasons so good to see some of them there.

Can't wait for Senatla to get a run out.

I am not as down on the Steenkamp selection as most....the scrum is creaking and he is a very expierenced operator going into a Winter campaign in the northern hemisphere. Ideally without injuries the young lads will be there but they have lost 2 of the young stand out props to injury this year.

thomond2006

Resident SA fans, what is your first choice 15/23 out of that squad?

Emperor1989

thomond2006 wrote: »

Resident SA fans, what is your first choice 15/23 out of that squad?

Best XV

1. Beast
2. Strauss
3. JDP
4. Etzebeth
5. Matfield
6. Coetzee
7. Mohoje
8. Vermulen
9. Hogharrd
10. Pollard
11. Habana
12. JDV
13. Serfontein
14. Hendricks
15. Wille Le Roux
16. Bismark
17. Coonie Osty
18. Nyanke
19. De Jager
20. Burger
21. Reinarch
22. Lambie
23. JP Pieterson

George Hook

thomond2006 wrote: »

Resident SA fans, what is your first choice 15/23 out of that squad?

Might be a little hard to say, I don't know if Meyer will pick his strongest or will instead use the match to experiment.

Might be interesting to see who he picks at 13.

The reason being is that Serfontein was maybe 2nd choice going into the RC, until De Allende picked up an injury. De Allende had played really well in the Super Rugby up until then and we didn't really get to see much of him on the international stage. So not sure what his form is like at the moment.

Serfontien played really well in the RC but he normally plays inside centre... and when SA were defending Serfontien defended in the 12 position rather than 13 where he was playing in attack.

Swiwi.

I think it's a disgrace Juan De Jongh misses out again. That guy should head overseas to a lucrative contract. Heck, if he wants to come to Chch we'd take him.

Emperor1989

Waiting with baited breath for team selection.

I think it will be the same team that faced NZ in the last test.....altho I would love to see a few debuts.

bilston

Emperor1989 wrote: »

altho I would love to see a few debuts.

So would the rest of us!

Emperor1989

Pienaar out of the tour thank god!

sydthebeat

Emperor1989 wrote: »

Pienaar out of the tour thank god!

What do you think of vermaak?

bilston

Emperor1989 wrote: »

Pienaar out of the tour thank god!

Charming.

I'm glad too. He can concentrate on playing for a side that actually appreciate him.