So last weekend didnt go anything like i wanted it to. Believe it or not I was all green and gold man. Before I carry on though, i think the powers that be are going a bit over the top with this Tip tackle thing. A spear tackle is one thing but none of those 3 tackles that people got sanctioned for deserved further punishment especially if they received a yellow card during play. I am honestly bummed that the ABs wont have the opportunity to face Quade Cooper this weekend and next. There was no malice involved in any of the 3 tackles...anyway moving along
Last weekends game was again one of those days. The Wallabies played with passion that carried them beyond their ability as a playing unit. That side is a side for the future and i think they are about 14 mths from their full potential and i see them right up there if not the last man standing in 2011, no jokes. But they werent as good as the Boks made them look last weekend. Mind you past the first game I dont think the ABs are as good as people are saying, not just yet. Last weekend once again the green and gold failed to pitch man. I dont think that any team or professional plaer ever dons their national or team jersey not caring about losing. Its never an option, well unless you are the French football team. So i dont think its a matter of the guys not caring, but once again its a mental thing. The heart just isnt there. I dont think its entirely a coaching thing either, ok maybe a little. The guys just seemed clueless when they had ball in hand, first option is always to hoof it, and thats symptomatic of SA rugby in general, bar the Stormers this year, who tried to play a balanced game. Once again man, Barney's just not cut out for it anymore, Victor is doing what he has to do, but i think he needs time on the bench along with Bryan and Pierre. People are ranting and raving abuot Schalla, but as hard working as he is the man is a misguided missile, which takes away from his effectiveness. But its not all doom and gloom. SA has the biggest talent pool to choose from. I just wish they would write off this tri nations and grow some balletjies. Blood some youngsters. You saw the urgency and excitement that players like Hougaard, De Jongh and Chilliboy brought when they were introduced. Im loving the fact that Elton Jantjes has been introduced at no 10 for the lions against the Bulls, big game but thats a coach showing some gonads cos the kid is all class!
Speaking about Chiliboy, if i had to be honest with myself i dont think the selectors believe him to be the Bok no 2 hooker at the moment, which is sad because why waste his time on the bench. Lets be honest if John had to be injured, because thats the only way he will be removed from the side it seems, they will most probably call in Gary Botha ahead of starting Chiliboy, unless ofcourse its against Italy or some other random team. So i say let him go and get regular game time. I think he should leave the Bulls too, because i see his career going the same way as my good man Hanyani's where he spends most of the time collecting splinters in his bum!! I like Ruan, but sheesh was he average?! I havent heard any vociferous calls for him not to ever ever ever be the Bok no 9 again...go figure...
BJs yellow card was rather harsh in my view but i guess he shouldnt have put himself in that position to start off with, because its not like he was pushed, he just plopped over by himself...
This weekends game should be interesting. Once again i see the scrums being a reset-a-thon, so the Ausies can get some parity. The major contest will be in the loose trio. The breakdowns are going to be trench warfare and with all the bad press that he has been getting of late, i see Richie getting a yellow card. In the backs, i am pretty darn bummed that the powers that be in their infinite wisdom have seen it fit to include Jimmy ahead of Piri, but i guess they want someone to nullify Genias little breaks around the base of the scrum, because we all know Jimmy is a good defender. The ABs backs v Quade would have been superb man, but those fools who cite have robbed us of that, but Gits, will definitely have a point to prove
Both backs have ball runners, Nonu will have a tough time against Barnes cos that skinny bra can tackle. Im looking forward to both backs using the ball. Also looking for the introduction of Izzy Dagg.
A massive point of interest will be the effectiveness of Pocock and McCaw at the breakdowns. Once again i see Richie coming in for some special attention from the Ausies. Jerome and Rocky will also be massive in the forward exchanges. On paper the loose trio of the ABs should get the better of the Ausies, but that only marginally and only because i see Read as a better player than Brown currently.
A few weeks ago we werent speaking about Oz as a force in this tri nations, look at them now. Its all about faith and belief in oneself and i guess progressive tactics, something i fear this current Bok team has been found wanting of this year thus far. but i am not concerned, they will put up a better showing.
imagine this Bok team:
15 Zane (shining star in the Boks backs so far)
14 Gio
13 Jean (Jacques is banned)
12 Juan
11 Basson/Hougaard
10 Steyn
9 Hougaard/Pienaar
8 Kanko/Watson(yes Luke he has more heart and ability than anyone i am seeing at the moment)
7 Potgieter/Flouw
6 Juan/Jean
5 Andries
4 Flip
3 BJ
2 Chiliboy/Liebenberg
1 Guthro
Outta here, happy viewing all, i'm sure this weekend will be less frustrating than the previous weeks, cos shaiza it was painful for me too last weekend
Lata
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