The final insult

29 Aug 2008

The Springboks are expecting gracious favour from Lady Luck, God and the Highveld hoodoo but none of these intangibles will be enough to prevent another historic Australian win.

Slim chances of re-entering the Tri-Nations race evaporated with the capitulation at Kings Park, and there’s been subsequent talk about how this Ellis Park fixture is an opportunity to regain some pride. But what if the Boks fall to Australia on the Highveld for the first time since 1963? That would be the final insult. It would complete the plummet from champs to chumps in less than 10 months.

Keo.co.za looks at several reasons why Robbie Deans’s tourists will head back Down Under on a high.

BATTERY TAKES IT’S TOLL
Another week, another casualty. It’s a phrase that be will used to describe the Boks’ 2008 Tri-Nations campaign in years to come (as well as a few less-than-kind adjectives). The disaster in Durban cost South Africa another first-choice winger in JP Pietersen, a loss that comes just a week after Bryan Habana bowed out with a hamstring tear. CJ van der Linde has been banned for four weeks and will also be missed in a tight clash. For a side that’s already struggling, it’s almost unfair to expect the reserves to gel with the incumbents, let alone provide gamewinning touches.

The Aussies’ appeal of Rocky Elsom’s ban proved successful allowing the blindsider to hold onto his starting position. The Wallabies midfield looks no less formidable with Timana Tahu replacing the injured Berrick Barnes. The tourists may have lost lock Dan Vickerman but it is the hosts who are the more depleted and deflated outfit.

KICKING CHAOS
While it’s tempting to get stuck into those less-than-kind adjectives and phrases, it’s best to look at Peter de Villiers’s own errant slurs when it comes to tactical kicking. De Villiers assumed the Aussies had an inferior tactical kicking game ahead of that Kings Park Test, but Matt Giteau went on to break the Boks with his well-weighted chips behind the defence. Aside from Tahu, every member of the visiting backline has a healthy boot and the back three is strengthened in this area by the return of Adam Ashley-Cooper.

De Villiers has ignored last week’s result and picked two wingers not known for their kicking prowess, ditto the centres. Conrad Jantjes has the goods, but has failed to deliver in this vein in 2008, and the same goes for Butch James and Fourie du Preez. Why wasn’t Percy Montgomery selected for a match that is bound to see plenty of tactical kicking? A back three of Montgomery, Jantjes and Jongi Nokwe provides more balance in this regard.

BREAKDOWN WAUGH
Rumour has it he’s been locked in a dark cellar for seven days and fed on nothing but small scraps of meat, but Deans has finally decided to unleash the rabid force that is Phil Waugh. George Smith earns a break ahead of the Wallabies’ more important fixture in Brisbane, and so Waugh gets an opportunity to show the new coach what he can do with a start.

The problem with the South African back row is their failure to fire as a unit, and the persistence with Pierre Spies and the axing of Joe van Niekerk could prove costly. Elsom’s beat the law and you’d expect him to produce another big performance at the tackle point, and watch out for another prominent breakdown beast in Tatafu Polota-Nau.

SET-PIECE SCRAP
The scrumming was a positive for the Boks last week, but the problems at lineout time cannot be ignored. There was talk about the Aussie jumpers encroaching on the Boks’ side, but you’d expect experienced players like Victor Matfield and Juan Smith to rise above this sort of pressure. Hugh McMeniman and Elsom will look to spoil South African ball and James Horwill is one of the most underrated players in the Aussie side. They’ll miss Vickerman, but another bumbling Bok showing in this area will make their jobs a whole lot easier.

Prediction: It’ll be a sad end to a disappointing tournament for the world champions. Although they’ve been hit by numerous injuries, they will lament their own mistakes and perhaps finally admit that the current approach is flawed. Australia by 5.

Springboks – 15 Conrad Jantjes, 14 Odwa Ndungane, 13 Adrian Jacobs, 12 Jean de Villiers, 11 Jongi Nokwe, 10 Butch James, 9 Fourie du Preez, 8 Pierre Spies, 7 Juan Smith, 6 Schalk Burger, 5 Victor Matfield (c), 4 Andries Bekker, 3 Brian Mujati, 2 Bismarck du Plessis, 1 Beast Mtawarira.
Subs: 16 Adriaan Strauss, 17 Jannie du Plessis, 18 Danie Rossouw, 19 Luke Watson, 20 Ricky Januarie, 21 Ruan Pienaar, 22 Percy Montgomery.

Australia - 15. Adam Ashley-Cooper, 14. Peter Hynes, 13. Stirling Mortlock (c), 12. Timana Tahu, 11. Lote Tuqiri, 10. Matt Giteau, 9. Sam Cordingley, 8. Wycliff Palu, 7. Phil Waugh, 6. Rocky Elsom, 5. Hugh McMeniman, 4. James Horwill, 3. Matt Dunning, 2. Tatafu Polota-Nau, 1. Benn Robinson
Subs: 16. Stephen Moore, 17. Al Baxter, 18. Dean Mumm, 19. George Smith, 20. Brett Sheehan, 21. Ryan Cross, 22. Drew Mitchell.

By Jon Cardinelli



1,238 Comments

Pages: « 1 2 3 [4] 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 … 25 » Show All

  • 151.superBul: Reply to this comment
    29 Aug 2008, 06:34 am

    #125 AB: More / morning i think its not about the Boks but how much more can the Aussies still improve , i think Deans is far from the way he really wants the Aussies to play. So i think the only thing that can beat the Aussies is the Aussies themself. Deans knows all about a great win % and he is not going to give it up easily, the Boks will have to play out of thier skins.

    Anyway i dont expect them to fail. The Aussie problem lies in next weeks game, they also have a mental problem with the ABs. Thats my oppinion and i took the risk in picking the Aus in SuperBru.

  • 152.AB: Reply to this comment
    29 Aug 2008, 06:36 am

    #151 superBul: I have lost so many points on SB the last two games I might as well risk a Bok win ;-)

  • 153.AB: Reply to this comment
    29 Aug 2008, 06:36 am

    #151 superBul: Jammer, more ou maat!

  • 154.Koos: Reply to this comment
    29 Aug 2008, 06:39 am

    #149 Die Dier: Lekker slaap Dier, het jy al ooit ‘n britse Koos gesien?

    #151 superBul: More superB, only reason I picked the Boks is that I don’t think the Wobblies will come out at full blast for fear of injuries. Maar die Bokke kan dalk steeds ‘n manier vind om te verloor.

  • 155.Koos: Reply to this comment
    29 Aug 2008, 06:40 am

    #152 AB: gedink ek pick die Wobblies, so wen ek altwee kante toe…

  • 156.AB: Reply to this comment
    29 Aug 2008, 06:45 am

    #155 Koos: Ja jy is heel moontlik reg, die groot geheim is om jou hart uit die picks uit te haal! Dit was my ondergang.

  • 157.Koos: Reply to this comment
    29 Aug 2008, 06:49 am

    #156 AB: Ag AB, ek pick nou al inverskillende kompitisies vir ‘n paar jaar en sukkel steeds.

  • 158.superBul: Reply to this comment
    29 Aug 2008, 06:52 am

    #154 Koos: Ek kan nie sien dat die Aussies sal terughou saterdag nie as hulle wen sal hulle 3 log punte voor die ABs wees en as hulle nog boonop 4 driee druk 4. Dan het hulle net nodig om met minder as 8 te verloor en 4 driee druk teen die ABs. Ek weet dit is n groot taak maar ek sal eerder teen die All Blacks wil speel volgende week terwyl ek voor hulle op die log is.

  • 159.poppa69: Reply to this comment
    29 Aug 2008, 06:55 am

    #133 Bolski: all these people that want Eddie Jones for coach haha.. by all means get him, then you will have a scrum like the wobblies…

    Look what he did with the Reds, you really want that for SA rugby ???

  • 160.Boerboel: Reply to this comment
    29 Aug 2008, 06:55 am

    Goeie more menere (dit is nou Koos, AB en SuperBul), net gou inloer voordat ek die verkeer aandurf Kaapstad se kant toe, in die reën.

  • 161.Koos: Reply to this comment
    29 Aug 2008, 06:57 am

    #158 superBul: Hulle het ‘n week af super, speel eers oor 2 naweke hier.Sal wel sien, die ander kant is ook, Deans lyk nie na die tipe wat ‘n game sal gooi of lig opvat nie…

  • 162.bryce_in_oz: Reply to this comment
    29 Aug 2008, 06:58 am

    #159 poppa69:

    Nobody but the AJT (anti jake tunnelvision) brigade want EJ as coach… but his input would certainly be much needed…

  • 163.Sniper: Reply to this comment
    29 Aug 2008, 06:58 am

    #156 AB: #159 poppa69: Morning mates! I don’t talk rugby anymore – only greet acquaintances!

  • 164.AB: Reply to this comment
    29 Aug 2008, 06:58 am

    #160 Boerboel: More! In die slegste weer bly die Kaap maar n lekker plek!

  • 165.Boerboel: Reply to this comment
    29 Aug 2008, 06:58 am

    #160 Boerboel: Sorry, the good morning is to everybody, the menere are Koos, Superbul and AB.

  • 166.Sniper: Reply to this comment
    29 Aug 2008, 06:59 am

    #165 Boerboel: More hondman!

  • 167.AB: Reply to this comment
    29 Aug 2008, 06:59 am

    #163 Sniper: Hi Snipes! We are set for another beautifull day here in Bulls Country!

  • 168.Sniper: Reply to this comment
    29 Aug 2008, 07:00 am

    #164 AB: en die son skyn in Pretoria.

  • 169.Koos: Reply to this comment
    29 Aug 2008, 07:00 am

    #160 Boerboel: More Boerboel, sien lekwar goor weer oppad da na julle toe, hulle praat van 7m golwe, sneeu en sulke akkies!

  • 170.klingon_x: Reply to this comment
    29 Aug 2008, 07:01 am

    It is encouraging to see Keo and quacks calling an Aussie win but I have a crappy feeling in my butt this time they might just be right.

  • 171.poppa69: Reply to this comment
    29 Aug 2008, 07:01 am

    #163 Sniper: morning Snipes …

    #162 bryce_in_oz: I honestly dont think his input would help much… hes riding the coat tails of his limited involvement with last years side …

  • 172.Sniper: Reply to this comment
    29 Aug 2008, 07:02 am

    #167 AB: Oh we live in the mecca of the world. Beautiful weather, intelligent people, stunning women, wonderful Rugby team – and the alarm went off and I woke up! Some are correct though.

  • 173.Sniper: Reply to this comment
    29 Aug 2008, 07:02 am

    #171 poppa69: Poppa what’s up mate!

  • 174.Boerboel: Reply to this comment
    29 Aug 2008, 07:03 am

    #169 Koos: Netso, en ek is veronderstel om op Robben Eiland ‘n draai te gaan maak. Boot sal nooit 7m deinings aanpak nie, hulle skrik al vir 5m.

  • 175.Sniper: Reply to this comment
    29 Aug 2008, 07:03 am

    #170 klingon_x: :lol: was confused for a minute.

  • 176.Boerboel: Reply to this comment
    29 Aug 2008, 07:04 am

    #172 Sniper: Like “Beautiful weather, stunning women, wonderful Rugby team” are true

  • 177.poppa69: Reply to this comment
    29 Aug 2008, 07:04 am

    #173 Sniper: getting ready for work mate , 12 hour nightshift approaching …

  • 178.AB: Reply to this comment
    29 Aug 2008, 07:04 am

    #172 Sniper: LOL yip its like paradise! But I am off to work for a change, doing interviews from eight to about 5 this afternoon. So you guys enjoy will speak tonight with the CC.

  • 179.Disa: Reply to this comment
    29 Aug 2008, 07:05 am

    #174 Boerboel: Hoe loop die snoek die jaar in die Kaap?

  • 180.ansie: Reply to this comment
    29 Aug 2008, 07:05 am

    #157 Koos: Koos, het jy opgelet dat die PDV ondersteuners en hul samereisigers in die laaste tyd tjoepstil geword het?

    Ek wonder wat hulle reaksie gaan wees as (of liewer wanneer) ons moreaand weereens ons gat*e sien. En, as die gode ons goedgesind is (en die maanlig skyn en die sterre vonkel) en ons wen, sal hulle dit seker beskryf as die begin van die opswaai. Ek verwag ‘n baie depressing naweek.

    Indien ek betyds by die huis aankom, gaan die wedstryd saam met my tuinjong kyk. Die laatie kom van die Baai en is rugby mal. Maar hy dink PDV is ‘n aap en die manier waarop hy dit se laat my skater. Ai, lekker by die Kaap.

  • 181.Disa: Reply to this comment
    29 Aug 2008, 07:05 am

    #170 klingon_x: Where is the faith Klingon

  • 182.Sniper: Reply to this comment
    29 Aug 2008, 07:05 am

    #177 poppa69: It’s tough being on the other side of the world mate!

  • 183.Boerboel: Reply to this comment
    29 Aug 2008, 07:06 am

    #179 Disa: Bakkie vragte vol

  • 184.Disa: Reply to this comment
    29 Aug 2008, 07:06 am

    #180 ansie: Nee gaan check op die Jake White blog van gister, Skopskiet het nog 2 maatjies bygekry. ai my ai

  • 185.Koos: Reply to this comment
    29 Aug 2008, 07:06 am

    #174 Boerboel: Wat, moet jy jou parrool offisier gaan sien?

  • 186.poppa69: Reply to this comment
    29 Aug 2008, 07:06 am

    #170 klingon_x: well Keo and them have not got one prediction right yet… in more likelihood they will be wrong again .. :lol:

  • 187.ansie: Reply to this comment
    29 Aug 2008, 07:07 am

    #170 klingon_x: I’m with you Klingon.

  • 188.poppa69: Reply to this comment
    29 Aug 2008, 07:07 am

    #182 Sniper: nah its good mate, will spend the night on here , with no boss or coworkers around, gotta love it…

  • 189.Boerboel: Reply to this comment
    29 Aug 2008, 07:08 am

    #185 Koos: ja, en sommer die hawe regmaak

  • 190.Sniper: Reply to this comment
    29 Aug 2008, 07:08 am

    #178 AB: Cheers mate!

  • 191.ansie: Reply to this comment
    29 Aug 2008, 07:08 am

    #184 Disa: Wat gaan met Skop dan aan? Hoekom k*k hy alewig almal uit? Waarom is die ou dan so boos?

  • 192.Disa: Reply to this comment
    29 Aug 2008, 07:09 am

    #183 Boerboel: Ai dis goed, is so lus vir n snoek oor die kole smaak my ek kan in my broek skuit. Met so n lekker appelkoos, garlic butter, suurlemoen en n sopie brandewyn sousie waarmee jy hom smeer terwyl hy braai op die velkant. Moet maar tevrede wees met die geblikte snoek wat ek koop by die SA shop

  • 193.Sniper: Reply to this comment
    29 Aug 2008, 07:09 am

    #188 poppa69: When the cat’s away the mice will play! Well at least you can blogg all night then.

  • 194.Koos: Reply to this comment
    29 Aug 2008, 07:10 am

    #184 Disa: Disa, kan jy my bietjie daai adres gooi, ek kon vroeer die week nie inkom nie en nou het ek hom verloor…stuur sommer aan na die Koos adres, hier haal hulle dit mos af!

  • 195.Sniper: Reply to this comment
    29 Aug 2008, 07:10 am

    #191 ansie: Hy is ‘n baie eensame ou! Soek vrinne.

  • 196.ansie: Reply to this comment
    29 Aug 2008, 07:10 am

    #192 Disa: Waar woon jy Disa?

  • 197.poppa69: Reply to this comment
    29 Aug 2008, 07:11 am

    #193 Sniper: yes mate… its just who do I argue, fight, laugh, flirt, stir ?? so many choices :-D

  • 198.ansie: Reply to this comment
    29 Aug 2008, 07:11 am

    #195 Sniper: How to make friends and influence people……..kak hulle uit!!!!

  • 199.Boerboel: Reply to this comment
    29 Aug 2008, 07:12 am

    #191 ansie: Ek het al lekker laat aand geselsies met Skoppie gehad. Ignoreer sy monologues, verander die onderwerp en gesels lekker.

    OK, enjoy the day, I’m off to work, only 1/2 day though, it is Friday!!

  • 200.bryce_in_oz: Reply to this comment
    29 Aug 2008, 07:12 am

    #177 poppa69:

    Gigolo?

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