Tri Nations - Game 2

[ozbash]

Lock Victor Matfield will captain a Springboks team with just two changes to face the All Blacks in Sunday's (NZT) Tri-Nations rugby test at Absa Stadium.


Matfield was confirmed as the 52nd Springboks captain by coach Jake White yesterday after regular skipper John Smit was ruled out with a hamstring strain.
The changes from last weekend's 22-19 win over the Wallabies in the tournament opener were Gary Botha in for Smit and veteran prop Os du Randt, recalled for his final test on home soil in place of Gurthro Steenkamp.
Reserve hooker Bismarck du Plessis was the only uncapped player included.
Flanker Juan Smith was included subject to fitness after suffering a thigh injury in the bruising Wallabies test in Cape Town, their fourth consecutive victory at home this year.
White said Matfield was a clear choice as captain, and rubbished reports this week that former skipper Bob Skinstad was a chance to lead the side. Skinstad was available but missed selection.
Matfield has already proved his captaincy credentials this year, leading the Bulls to their first Super 14 title last month with victory over the Sharks in the final in Durban.
Smit's injury ends a record run of 46 consecutive tests for the Springboks, 42 of them as captain. It was uncertain how long Smit would be out for, with South African reports yesterday saying the injury may rule him out for the entire Tri-Nations.
Wing Bryan Habana and halfback Fourie du Preez weren't considered because of injury.
Assistant coach Gert Smal said yesterday the test against the All Blacks was "every South African boy's dream". It is also their last test on home soil before the World Cup.
Smal admitted the Wallabies test had taken a toll on his players.
"Much more than what we expected. It was probably one of the Wallabies' best defensive efforts in the past four years that we've played them," Smal said.
"The All Blacks are always a very physical side. If you want to beat them you have to match them physically otherwise you don't stand a chance.'

South Africa: Percy Montgomery, Ashwin Willemse, Jaque Fourie, Jean de Villiers, JP Pietersen, Butch James, Ruan Pienaar, Pierre Spies, Juan Smith, Schalk Burger, Victor Matfield (captain), Bakkies Botha, BJ Botha, Gary Botha, Os du Randt. Reserves: Bismarck du Plessis, CJ van der Linde, Johann Muller, Danie Rossouw, Michael Claassens, Wynand Olivier, Francois Steyn.

 

[ozbash]

If anyone has to plonk a steadying hand on Greg Rawlinson's shoulder on Sunday morning it will be Troy Flavell.

Flavell, who captained the Blues and will call the lineouts when the All Blacks meet the Springboks at Durban's Absa Stadium, knows Rawlinson's game as well as anyone.

Although the pair have played together in the Super 14, this weekend's test against South Africa will be the first time they have locked a scrum at international level.

Flavell has noticed his share of changes in Durban-born Rawlinson in recent seasons, and says he is now more relaxed in the build-up to big matches.

"I don't think he's changed his prep, but he's definitely loosened up in the way he approaches the games," Flavell said.

There is plenty riding on this fixture for the two locks.

While Rawlinson is only likely to be in the squad until Chris Jack returns from paternity leave and Keith Robinson and Ali Williams bounce back from injury, a top performance from Flavell would cement a World Cup spot.

Although previously viewed as a blindside flanker at test level, Flavell now sees himself as being a genuine locking option for the All Blacks. "I took the advice of the selectors and so forth last year and they wanted to see me in the locking role.

"And that has swayed my skill base I guess."

Flavell and Rawlinson will need to use all their tricks to combat Victor Matfield and Bakkies Botha on Sunday morning. When they last faced off against each other at Loftus Versfeld, the Bulls pairing were on the winning side when the Bulls downed the Blues 40-19.

 

[Twizzle]

should be a good game this and an indication of where both teams are at in the WC preparation

 

[lockyno1]

All Blacks by 30

 

[Thomas]

South Africa by 2 in another close one, I reckon.

 

[gunnamatta bay]

Hope they bash the crap out of each other.

 

[ozbash]

Springboks v All Blacks Sunday at 1am at Absa Stadium, Durban

The Tri Nations is underway in exciting fashion thanks to a proud Wallabies display in the opener that leaves this weekend's showdown between the 'Boks and All Blacks poised with an intriguing air of uncertainty.

After South Africa's unconvincing come-from-behind Houdini act, aka the Francois Steyn get-out-of-jail card, last weekend in Cape Town two things are certain:

1. This weekend will be brutally physical encounter where no quarter will be expected and none will be offered.
2. The All Blacks will (quietly) take significant encouragement from the 'Boks stuttering, unimaginative and lacklustre attacking performance.

Post-match in the South African changing rooms last weekend a South African TV station revealed Springbok coach Jake White lauding his side's last gasp win as "the type of performance that wins World Cups." White went on to tell his troops that they had just proven that they had the form to win the World Cup.

Now, disregarding the feverish wave of excitement currently rising from South African rugby public, this writer thinks White would have a hard time convincing Australasian fans that two desperate long range drop goals in the last ten minutes from a mercurial teenage talent is evidence of World Cup winning class.

As always success this Sunday in Durban will be largely determined by the side that gains the ascendancy in the close range, tight exchanges - where every metre of turf gained is invaluable and every dominant tackle takes a toll.

Australia and South Africa 'duked it out' in gripping fashion last weekend but it has to be said that while the 'Boks finished with bragging rights courtesy of the 22-19 scoreline, a 'points countback' for moral victories won between the white lines would go in favour of the Wallabies. The yellow and green visitors rendered the Springboks' clear possession dominance almost irrelevant with a remarkable defensive effort and embarrassed the home side with a more inventive and incisive attack that made far better use of their meagre scraps.

The Wallaby pack couldn't quite match the powerful South African eight blow-for-blow but it refused to be put to the sword. The All Blacks possess more speed, skill and athleticism amongst their 22 this weekend than our trans-Tasman rivals - whether they have more brute force to impart remains to be seen.

The home side rightly believes it has the psychological upper hand due to the dearth of wins by New Zealand sides in the Republic during this year's Super 14. A return of only one (the Crusaders over the mediocre Cheetahs) win made completely irrelevant by a host of New Zealand losses that included two resounding semifinal defeats dished out to the two most dominant franchises in Southern Hemisphere rugby: the Blues and Crusaders.

There are 11 players from those two humbled New Zealand powerhouses in the All Blacks match 22 as opposed to 14 players from the two South African franchises that contested this year's final.

All Blacks coach Graham Henry has named a predictable starting XV with the main talking points being the enforced selection of third cab off the rank lock Troy Flavell and the call up of Junior All Blacks lock Greg Rawlinson. Unquestionably South Africa will consider this pairing a potential weak link in the All Black armoury against the twin Bulls' colossus' of Matfield and Botha.

Other talking points include the potentially underdone Mils Muliaina starting ahead of Leon MacDonald at fullback, Isaia Toeava getting the nod of coaching confidence at centre and Anton Oliver's scrumaging excellence has seen him nudge Keven Mealamu onto the bench.

Oliver's is probably the most intriguing selection and potentially one that could place further pressure on an All Black lineout that is already assured of blow torch attention. The dynamic ball carrying presence of Mealamu is however brilliantly suited to an impact substitute role and Oliver will bring respected leadership qualities and resolute competitiveness to the ferocious early tight exchanges.

Springbok management has highlighted the inspirational figure of first five Daniel Carter as a target of special attention. But this is a reality that this magical talent faces in every test match and not a prospect that will faze him unduly. His Springbok opposite Butch James has a reputation for pushing the realms of physicality to the limit and captain Victor Matfield has been known to employ dubious tackling techniques on five eighth opponents; passions may erupt should either of this pair overstep the bounds of legitimate aggression.

Jake White has made four injury enforced changes to the 22 that defeated Australia. Most significantly Bulls hooker Gary Botha replaces the injured John Smit - White's favoured captain and an inspirational figure for the home side. Veteran loosehead Os du Randt has also replaced Gurthro Steenkamp as the 'Bok front row is further disrupted. In the loose forwards the home side has lost both hard running No 8 Pierre Spies and athletic openside Juan Smith. Back from the outer after three years colourful Sharks No 8 Bobby Skinstad will pack down in place of Spies and Bulls flanker Dannie Rossouw fills the breach at No 7. The loss of Smith is most significant as Rossouw lacks the explosiveness and skill factor of his younger more inventive rival.

The 'Boks may have an edge in the brawn stakes but the All Blacks first choice front row of Hayman, Oliver and Woodcock aren't considered the world's current premier scrumaging trio without good reason - South Africa may rue the absence of Smith and Steenkamp. The breakdown and lineout will be where the All Blacks will be tested most and expatriate South African turned All Black Greg Rawlinson will need to be at the very top of his game if the visitors are to set the platform their backline will need in order to make inroads - none amongst the All Black's pack can afford a poor day at work.

Lineout accuracy and physical ascendancy at the breakdown will be crucial on Sunday. The All Blacks have been the foremost exponents of counter-rucking and turnover craftiness in recent seasons, in this year's Super 14 South African rugby showed it had reversed this New Zealand dominance with a new level of physical intensity on home soil. The All Blacks must weather the early storm and match fire with fire through out; last weekend the Wallabies weathered an early Springbok storm and went into halftime with the lead. If the All Blacks can do the same, then they will go on to win.

Prediction: All Blacks by 7 or less.

New Zealand: 15.Mils Muliaina, 14.Sitiveni Sivivatu, 13.Isaia Toeava, 12.Aaron Mauger, 11.Joe Rokocoko, 10.Daniel Carter, 9.Byron Kelleher, 8.Rodney So'oialo, 7.Richie McCaw (capt), 6.Jerry Collins, 5.Greg Rawlinson, 4.Troy Flavell, 3.Carl Hayman, 2.Anton Oliver, 1.Tony Woodcock. Res: 16.Keven Mealamu, 17.Neemia Tialata, 18.Ross Filipo, 19.Chris Masoe, 20.Piri Weepu, 21.Luke McAlister, 22.Leon MacDonald.

South Africa: 15.Percy Montgomery, 14.Ashwin Willemse, 13.Jaque Fourie, 12.Jean de Villiers, 11.JP Pietersen, 10.Butch James, 9.Ruan Pienaar, 8.Bobby Skinstad, 7.Danie Rossouw, 6.Schalk Burger, 5.Victor Matfield (capt), 4.Bakkies Botha, 3.BJ Botha, 2.Gary Botha, 1.Os du Randt. Res: 16.Bismarck du Plessis, 17.CJ van der Linde, 18.Johann Muller, 19.Pedrie Wannenburg, 20.Michael Claassens, 21.Wynand Olivier, 22.Francois Steyn.

Source: ONE Sport

 

[bayrep]

It will be a tight game toss of a coin at this stage, AB locks will be targeted so you may see a stop start game form the Boks trying to exploit that weakness.

 

[Iafeta]

Seth Afreka by 4

 

[Iafeta]

The All Blacks are coming home from nowhere right at the moment.

But that said, Dan Carter's put in his worst ever international performance. He's been absolutely dreadful. His performance tonight harks back to the great performances of Walter Little as All Black #10.

 

[SpaceMonkey]

AB bench was the difference in the end I reckon. Carter was average, hardly terrible though. Great game by the AB loosies with McCaw having his best game this year and our scrum dominated. Kudos to our lineout too for holding their own after the 1st 20 min.

 

[kia ora storm]

McCaw and Sooialo were awesome...totally dominant in the rucks.

Watch out Wallabie because Carter does not have 2 bad games in a row.

The Boks came out fired up but need to realise that one half does not make a game and the AB's will destroy any team that cannot match their intensity over 80 mins.

I cannot see the Wallabies being able to match the AB's forwards particularly in the loosies and front row.

 

[ozbash]

in effect, that was our first 'real' hit out of this current season and it was great to see.

the loosies were magnificent and our 3rd pick locks didnt go too bad either.
the AB,s wore them down, you could see the boks start to pack it in the last 15 mins and the rest was inevitable.

carter missed a few kicks but he wont miss them again this year.

Look out aussie, the boys have had their warm up and will mean bussiness next weekend.

 

[Manu Vatuvei]

Classic international rugby. Saffie cheap shots left right and centre, and no sign of the mythical "knock on" and "forward pass" rules. Great stuff.

 

[Thomas]

I reckon the Saffas were shown up as being a team with a pretty good Plan A, but no Plan B.

What do they do when they can't bludgeon the opposition into submission? Nothing.

All bodes towards a pretty good game this weekend.

Go Aussies!

 

[Rovelli]

The All Blacks are coming home from nowhere right at the moment.

But that said, Dan Carter's put in his worst ever international performance. He's been absolutely dreadful. His performance tonight harks back to the great performances of Walter Little as All Black #10.

DC kicked poorly, but he misses 3 penalty kicks and we still win.

 

[kia ora storm]

IMO the AB's will soak up the pressure in the first 20 mins this week and then up the ante.

George Smith and Waugh will match McCaw for the first half but the power of Sooialo and Collins will give the AB's too much territorial advantage to see Smith as any type of threat.

Mauger and Toeava will target Mortlock and I can see the AB bench coming on in the last 20 and increasing the dominance - Weepu will probe for gaps and Mealamu will be right on his shoulder.

Bring it on...

 

[JJ]

I hope Heyman plays - Dunning's been talking it up big time since the Wallaby pack held it's own against the Boks - the scrums will be a great watch

 

[ozbash]

yea, should be a good match up..

hows this for desperation,, www.stuff

Australia's best known rugby league player, Andrew Johns, yesterday answered an SOS to cure the Wallabies' kicking woes before Saturday night's Bledisloe Cup Test at the MCG.


Johns, who came close to crossing codes in 2004, was a surprise arrival at the training session at Xavier College in Melbourne yesterday, where he gave advice to the team's key kickers.

Johns spent time with injured fullback Chris Latham, five-eighth Stephen Larkham, inside-centre Matt Giteau and utility Julian Huxley, demonstrating techniques for various kicks - in particular a torpedo bomb.

Although Wallabies team officials last night attempted to downplay Johns's appearance, it was still a well-planned trip. His airfare from Sydney was paid by the Australian Rugby Union. He attended yesterday's team meetings, and then he appeared at training wearing a pair of Wallabies shorts.

Coach John Connolly was reticent to discuss the Johns visit, except to say that the league great had been invited by the team and that his involvement had been well received by the players.

However, Connolly did concede that his team's kicking ability was considerably short of international standard and needed to improve dramatically before the World Cup. All too often recently, the Wallabies have been handicapped by erratic kicking. Adding to the problem is that the team does not have a specialist kicking coach this season.

"It is an area we really have to improve on, because it has cost us a few times," Connolly said.

Yesterday was the second time this season Johns had been sighted at a Wallabies session, having also attended a team practice in Sydney several weeks ago.

 

[Thomas]

Sounds fair to me.

One of the best rugby league players of all time hands out some advice on an aspect of his play that was second to none.

Can't see any harm done by it.