Boks the undisputed best
A hard-fought 32-29 victory in Hamilton allowed John Smit’s Springboks to add the Tri-Nations crown to their impressive list of achievements.
The Kiwis whinged after the 2007 World Cup win. They believed the Boks weren’t the best in the world and thus undeserving of the world title. By weight of 2008 results, they had a point as the All Blacks retained the Tri-Nations.
At the Waikato Stadium this Saturday, however, their superiority was confirmed.
This All Blacks have been average to mediocre for some time, and even superboy Dan Carter failed to lift their performance. The result marks New Zealand’s third defeat to South Africa in 2009. There should be no question about whom has the wood on whom.
The two changes to the Springbok side made a world of difference. Awarded a penalty 65m out, Smit handed the ball to a supremely confident Frans Steyn. It seemed an impossible task, but the young fullback’s outrageous attempt cleared the crossbar by millimetres.
Steyn proved this was no fluke when he sunk another from inside his own half to claim a 6-3 lead for the Boks, and a further 53-m monster after 26 minutes when the visitors shot to a 19-9 advantage.
Schalk Burger, in for Juan Smith after the blindside failed a late fitness test, worked hard in tandem with Heinrich Brussow. The Boks effected a number of turnovers when the All Blacks were on attack, a massive improvement on their showing in Brisbane. Although the Boks conceded a few penalties of their own, they clearly emerged victors in this department.
The scrum continues to be a worry and Smit struggled in his one-on-one with loosehead Tony Woodcock. Fortunately the All Blacks’ eight rarely applied pressure as a unit.
The hosts were hopeless at the lineout, Andrew Hore having a nightmare with his feeds. Victor Matfield pinched three of the All Blacks’ throws, one which led to the try of Fourie du Preez.
Du Preez was back to his best, those little probes and big high-bombs always finding their mark. It was the garryowen following Matfield’s steal that created sufficient pressure on recipient Joe Rokocoko.
Du Preez chased his own kick to force the error, and in providing support, Mils Muliaina only succeeded in knocking the ball towards Bakkies Botha. The big lock surged before being brought to turf, and in the next phase, Du Preez sniped and scored.
Halfback partner Morne Steyn also had a memorable night, slotting a great drop goal and converting each penalty and conversion opportunity. His line kicking was equally superb, and he made good on his promise to clear even when his pack were under pressure.
Opposite number Carter battled behind a losing pack. He kicked all seven goalable opportunities to surpass 900 points in Tests, but never made the desired impact whether kicking for territory or feeding the backs. He was better in the second half, but by then, the hosts were playing catch up.
The Boks started the second half well while the All Blacks grew more desperate. They attempted to shift the ball after a rare lineout win, but Jean de Villiers read the play beautifully to intercept and score under the posts.
The hosts cancelled this score seven minutes later when replacement Isaia Toeava stepped the Bok defence and freed up Sitiveni Sivivatu. Carter kicked the conversion to leave the All Blacks just 10 points shy with 23 minutes to play.
South Africa began to show signs of fatigue in the latter stages, and fortunately for the visitors the All Blacks’ botched several opportunities. Carter threw a forward pass to an unmarked support player and Ma’a Nonu knocked on from a subsequent attack.
The Boks also turned over a prime opportunity for the All Blacks when Smit won a penalty at the scrum. Richie McCaw’s decision to pass up a kick for goal had backfired.
Carter was handed another chance to close the gap and this time McCaw pointed to the posts. Somehow the All Blacks had fought back to see the score at 29-22.
Burger left the field with what looked a serious shoulder injury, but the defence continued to scramble madly. When South Africa did receive possession they hacked the ball deep into New Zealand territory, and eventually this pressure produced a kickable penalty.
Morne Steyn kept his cool and bisected the posts from a difficult angle. In the remaining eight minutes, the hosts threw everything they had at the Bok defence, and a cross-kick by Carter found McCaw unmarked. The All Blacks’ flyhalf slotted the conversion to make for a dramatic final minute of play.
Carter attempted another cross-kick after the hosts had done well to play themselves into a favourable position. The ball drifted into touch and the visitors held on to secure their third Tri-Nations title and second win in New Zealand in 11 years.
By Jon Cardinelli
September 12th, 2009 at 11:20 am
Boknaai!!!
September 12th, 2009 at 11:21 am
I’ll take that
September 12th, 2009 at 11:21 am
even Mr MCcaw said he had no empathy for Smit.Mr MCcaw was given a lesson on being a captain
September 12th, 2009 at 11:23 am
yay yay yay, damn good game too. abs were much better at the breakdown, i thought our scrums were good in the second half.
September 12th, 2009 at 11:24 am
Frans Steyn, John Smit & Schalk Burger take a bow … you have proved many a so-called expert on this site WRONG!!!!
Dear Tackler and all the other South Africans so vociferously always supporting the All Blacks … sorry guys that’s the world cup, tri-nations, super 14 and 7’s.
September 12th, 2009 at 11:25 am
#4 Knersboy: just have to find a negative
September 12th, 2009 at 11:26 am
Anyone seen Tackler yet? hahah.
September 12th, 2009 at 11:27 am
My nerves are shot but well played boks
September 12th, 2009 at 11:27 am
Well done sir john smit! Wat a legend, and he’s still getting better!
The ref kept them in the game, and if it wasnt for dan superhuman carter we would have hammered them!
September 12th, 2009 at 11:30 am
ALL HAIL PDV’S BOKKETEAS:
- IRB Player of the Year: Fourie Du Preez
- IRB Team of the Year: Bokketeas
- IRB Coach of the Year: PdV
Well done!
September 12th, 2009 at 11:31 am
Well done Boks and supporters.
Consecutive WC, 3N, sevens and S14 champs and all well deserved.
Hands down, you’re the best in the world!
I hope we can meet your challenge better next year.
Enjoy and congratulations.
September 12th, 2009 at 11:32 am
“250. saffa_guy :
May 30th, 2009 at 7:25 pm
#240 Hurricane:
Me prediction for this year:
Barring significant injury this will be a golden year for the Bokketeas and South African rugby overall:
1. Super 14 title
2. 7’s World Series Title
3. Lions series win
4. Trinations outright win
5. Successfull EOYT tour
6. Overall at least 70% win ratio for the Bokketeas”
Yep, we on track. World’s #1 rugby nation
Our finest era ever!
September 12th, 2009 at 11:34 am
“The scrum continues to be a worry and Smit struggled in his one-on-one with loosehead Tony Woodcock.”
JC, did you write this match report before or after the match?
September 12th, 2009 at 11:34 am
#6 kevin w: far from it, i am complimenting the abs who were worthy opponents.
September 12th, 2009 at 11:34 am
Oh yes brother II !!!!!!!!!!!!
September 12th, 2009 at 11:35 am
#13 Thucydides: yeah my thoughts exactly, i thought our scrum was better than theirs in the second half.
September 12th, 2009 at 11:35 am
#7 Esoteric: tackler’s off down to the lake to feed the ducks, at least they’ll be glad to see him
September 12th, 2009 at 11:36 am
The all blacks is Pieter de Villiers *****
September 12th, 2009 at 11:36 am
Consecutive=simultaneous.
But you get my point.
Well done again.
First time beating us three tests in one year since 1949.
September 12th, 2009 at 11:38 am
#11 Another Kiwi in Oz: Gracious of you thanks!
Pity that ex-Saffa will pitch soon and sour everything…
Congrads to the boys and for those of you not stuck at work please go and celebrate. HARD!
September 12th, 2009 at 11:38 am
Steyn and De Villiers are going to be huge loss for the Boks!
September 12th, 2009 at 11:39 am
pdv stats for games played in nz. played 3, won 2. not too damn shabby eh.
September 12th, 2009 at 11:39 am
JC give the All blacks their due respect tehy very nealry beat us !!!1
but nonetheless WELL DONE BOKKKKE!!!!!!!!!!
p.s JDv intercept king
September 12th, 2009 at 11:40 am
My blood is green!
September 12th, 2009 at 11:40 am
#17 Big Hit: Hahahah, funny ******* :p
September 12th, 2009 at 11:40 am
#19 Another Kiwi in Oz: thanks … but you forgot that we have the 7’s series title as well.
September 12th, 2009 at 11:41 am
“The scrum continues to be a worry and Smit struggled in his one-on-one with loosehead Tony Woodcock. Fortunately the All Blacks’ eight rarely applied pressure as a unit.”
What?
September 12th, 2009 at 11:41 am
BIG HIT: How do you see the two teams South Africa and New Zealand placed for RWC 2011? Of course there is a couple of years to go but SA and NZ both have worries about key positions that they need to fill before that tournament.
September 12th, 2009 at 11:41 am
#26 kevin w: my mistake, sorry
September 12th, 2009 at 11:42 am
Im proud of Graham Henry today (tonight their time!)
Very gracious in defeat!
Could have gone either way, but happy we’re on the right side of a close game!
What a special moment for SA Rugby today, 12 Sep 2009!!!!
September 12th, 2009 at 11:43 am
#28 Esoteric:The Aussies seem to be building a really good young team and could be the team to beat by then.
September 12th, 2009 at 11:43 am
Jon smit was awesome
September 12th, 2009 at 11:43 am
JC , you and a few of your fellow journo’s need to seriously go ask for your school fees back
John Smit struggled?? good god you must be the only moron that thought this.
seriously dude . your knowledge of what happens ion the scrums is a round F*ing ZERO
September 12th, 2009 at 11:44 am
#30 Sheriff:
We’re in a special era for SA rugby
Stronger than ever
September 12th, 2009 at 11:44 am
Hats off to the Kiwi’s, fracking close!
Now go beat those convicts into the ground! Next week I’m behind the Blacks 110%!
September 12th, 2009 at 11:44 am
#28 Esoteric: depends on retirements for SA and NH players returning for both sides I think.
September 12th, 2009 at 11:44 am
The Boks thoroughly deserved the win — on NZ soil too — and their third 3N title. No doubt about it. Congratulations all round.
September 12th, 2009 at 11:45 am
Bismark was fantastic
Those steals are unbelievable
September 12th, 2009 at 11:45 am
#11 Another Kiwi in Oz: K thx bai,we are the rugby gods,nay, the term ‘gods’ is an insult to us. We are way more powerful. Simply unbeatable.
September 12th, 2009 at 11:46 am
#33 sharks_lover: agree mate, as I said on the other thread, performance-wise this is John Smit’s finest hour. I actually wouldn’t blame him if he retired now and went out on the top.
September 12th, 2009 at 11:47 am
John Smit = legend
Du Preez = best 9 in the world
Victor + Bakkies = Irreplacable
Schalk = showed why he needs to be in the starting 15
Jean = we going to miss him
Fourie = best defensive 13 in world rugby
Frans Steyn = made all the difference today
September 12th, 2009 at 11:47 am
#37 TheTackler: Good on you Tackler
September 12th, 2009 at 11:47 am
This week the AB’s were playing to end up first; next week they will be playing not to come last. Tough tournament this.
September 12th, 2009 at 11:49 am
#29 kevin w:
I forgot Lions, huge year for you guys.
Now just enjoy it and don’t analyze away too much at future possibilities.
Sing, dance, drink whatever.
The record books are closed now for another year.
Makes next weeks game sort of lame now ‘for pride.’
September 12th, 2009 at 11:50 am
#38 Saffa_Guy: President Of The PdV Supporters Club: Fully agreed … he was a machine … and I’m not a complete fan of him … today he was plain awesome AND controlled himself …
September 12th, 2009 at 11:50 am
#31 kevin w: Kevin I’d be in firm agreement with you there – I think that NZ were, to a degree, fortunate to come away with their win over Aus a few weeks ago.
We will see what the next Au-NZ test holds. I think that the sky is the limit for Australia, they have a solid base which they can work off in the sense that they have a young team. Their scrum – much maligned in the past, is now a factor that cannot be ignored in world rugby.
Australia play very clever rugby – what they lack in physical ability (although they have picked up in this dept) they make up for in tactics, they are a very clever side.
The fact that they’ve won and were the first team to do so, two rugby world cups is testament to their ability – ignore them at your peril.
September 12th, 2009 at 11:51 am
#37 TheTackler: well said tackles, heck of a game.
September 12th, 2009 at 11:52 am
#13 Thucydides:
No kidding! Sometimes I wonder if JC watched the match at all. Terrible, terrible analysis, game in and game out.
Boks had the ascendancy at the breakdown? I don’t think so.
Smit struggled with Woodcock? I don’t think so.
Carter struggled behind a losing pack? I don’t think so.
These articles are embarrassing. We’re supposed to know our rugby in South Africa.
September 12th, 2009 at 11:53 am
#39 BlueBlood: what a terrible comment.
September 12th, 2009 at 11:53 am
how is saw it
15 steyn 9
14 odwa 7,5
13 JF 8
12 inter king 8
11 habs 8
10 MS 7,5
09 FD 8,5
08 spies 8
07 mighty hulk 8
06 brussouw 8
05 matfield 8,5
04 bakkies 8
03 capt courages 9
02 bismark 8,5
01 beast8
no reserve really polayed long enough for a rating , but kanko did look good for the time he was on
September 12th, 2009 at 11:53 am
#37 TheTackler: Kudos to you Tackler for being a good sport.
September 12th, 2009 at 11:55 am
#34 Saffa_Guy: President Of The PdV Supporters Club:
The bad news for other nations is that the more successful the Boks are, the more the younger players want to play for the Boks!
What a special moment for Peter de Villiers!
2nd win in NZ against NZ!
Those predictions of yours pretty spot on! Well done mate!
September 12th, 2009 at 11:56 am
The sad thing is that Paddy and the boys will probably reckon the match was a advertisement for rugby, overlooking the obvious weaknesses in the officiating system that gifted the AB’s 16 points and made a close game out of it
September 12th, 2009 at 11:56 am
i really found it hard to name a MOM
as a team the boks were brilliant
i just felt FS was rock solid at the back and defended like a trojan
and smitty was brilliant and what a hit on the all black lock
September 12th, 2009 at 11:57 am
#11 Another Kiwi in Oz:
Well said mate, thanks!!!
September 12th, 2009 at 11:59 am
I was just hoping and praying that the ref will not influence the outcome.
Thought some of his decisions in 1st half very very shaky.
In the end, rugby was the winner!!!
September 12th, 2009 at 12:00 pm
Respect to you tackler.
September 12th, 2009 at 12:00 pm
#55 Sheriff:
Yeah I thought the ref helped keep the AB’s in the game with a couple of very strict calls.
September 12th, 2009 at 12:01 pm
#53 sharks_lover: Frans Steyn
September 12th, 2009 at 12:01 pm
I hope that the SA media saw the tribute that SKY paid to John Smit after the game.
Its amazing that he is only really appreciated outside of SA.
September 12th, 2009 at 12:03 pm
i also thought so kev…. but who was official MOM??
September 12th, 2009 at 12:05 pm
#52 Sheriff:
Yep, we are ripe for growth
Eagerly await the day we able to pick from 10 million rabid supporters
Will be fearsome
September 12th, 2009 at 12:05 pm
Pdv will become the greatest bok coach in history.long live king!
September 12th, 2009 at 12:05 pm
Congratulations. Deserved winners not only of the game, but the Tri Nations. There is no doubt that currently the Boks are the best side in the world.
Hopefully next year we may give you a better fight! But for now, the Boks are supreme.
September 12th, 2009 at 12:05 pm
#59 BULLET: Sorry I missed it as my ‘net feed cut out… can you please describe?
September 12th, 2009 at 12:08 pm
Has any one seen that big fat chop they call thetackler?Na wont see him for a while. Ha ha what a joke, three in a row what a damn disgrace. First thing is first fire the three wise men.
September 12th, 2009 at 12:08 pm
Boy has the journalism on keow gone backwards. JC, maybe to Wogga Wogga gazette next boet.
Vark what a tight game at the end. Carter’s place kicking was superlative, out of hand less good. Nice cross to McCaw. I wish the Boks would kick for the corners and back their lineout rather than those up and unders. How good for the keow muppet scorned of Schalk Burger, John Smit, even JdV and Frans Steyn to have such a solid game. Whew, how we needed that JdV intercept.
Absolute key was the ref. At this level a very unbalanced penalty count is just unlikely as both teams are so cohesive, good and know the rules so well. When the count is unbalanced the ref has slipped into looking at one team only.
I imagine we won’t see much of Poep69 and WankerNathan for a while. Nice one Tickles, must have been sore to type that.
September 12th, 2009 at 12:09 pm
Apologies to Burger for doubting him, he did a fine job in Juan’s absence. Great work by John Smit – what a legend!
September 12th, 2009 at 12:10 pm
#57 Sonito: he wasnt strict he was skelm.in the past those cheating refs would cost us the game by one or 2 points but now this team is so good even the ref is struggling to make a difference
September 12th, 2009 at 12:10 pm
GO BOKKE! I love you all but today I am especially loving Frans, Morne, Jean and John! YAY!!!
September 12th, 2009 at 12:10 pm
#65 pompies:
You owe tackles an apology there – he posted earlier in this thread congratulating Boks.
Good on ya Tackler
September 12th, 2009 at 12:11 pm
#37 TheTackler: I take back what I said then.
September 12th, 2009 at 12:11 pm
Mates
Im off to buy some celebratory biltong and droë wors!!!
Who knows even a new Bok jumper?!!!!!!!
September 12th, 2009 at 12:12 pm
OK what’s next for us … Bafana beats Brazil for the football WC next year!
September 12th, 2009 at 12:12 pm
Esoteric,
They showed a 1 minute clip of his tackles, carries & scrums in this game with the caption “CAPTAIN CORAGEOUS” at the bottom while the commentators were describing him as the heart and soul of the team.
September 12th, 2009 at 12:13 pm
#67 rich1: yep Schalk played well for 55/60 minutes, you could see he didn’t have full 80 minute test match fitness yet but against that background it was a pretty effort he put in.
September 12th, 2009 at 12:14 pm
#75 Big Hit: *pretty good
September 12th, 2009 at 12:15 pm
It was awesome to see how committed every single player was … watching Beast chase down the All Black’s backline players was great!
September 12th, 2009 at 12:15 pm
#74 BULLET: Cheers for that, it is the characteristic I admire most about the Kiwis (been living here for five years) is that they give credit where it’s due. Very good sports I must say.
September 12th, 2009 at 12:17 pm
#37 Turned to jelly have we? what a pathetic reply to all the garbage you have spewed on this blog over the years and now you come up with the congratulations ****, you are one big joke boet end of story you and that rubbish team of yours, lol.
September 12th, 2009 at 12:19 pm
#33 sharks_lover: Ha ha ha ha. Great chirp, that can easily apply to every clown that “writes” for this site.
September 12th, 2009 at 12:25 pm
#11 Another Kiwi in Oz: Mate, you sound like a very cool dude. Big up
September 12th, 2009 at 12:25 pm
#73 kevin w:
First the Proteas to win the ICC Champs trophy…
September 12th, 2009 at 12:26 pm
#70 Yip that’s typical of thetacklers to come out all sweet and apologetic when all has turned against him. An apology my butt. Tackler we will meet again next year boet and it could be the same old story, but hey you never Know your luck.
September 12th, 2009 at 12:27 pm
#12 Saffa_Guy: President Of The PdV Supporters Club: Nice one dude !!
September 12th, 2009 at 12:29 pm
#37 TheTackler: So is it still every 10 years or now an annual event ??
September 12th, 2009 at 12:30 pm
The adrenalin is still pumping through my veins…
Absolutely amazing
September 12th, 2009 at 12:32 pm
Up yours John Key! You eggs smeared all over your face along with a bit of kak!
September 12th, 2009 at 12:32 pm
#73 kevin w: Proteas to claim their first ever silverware !!
The ICC Champs Trophy.
They need to make a statement and bury all their previous chokes at silverware.
September 12th, 2009 at 12:33 pm
#85 The All Blacks have always been a four more years team but it seems to have gone a wee bit pear shaped with the tri nations as well lol.
September 12th, 2009 at 12:36 pm
This year’s IRB awards are going to be interesting. Springboks team of the year and PdV coach of the year must be a done deal. Player of the year? Smit? FdP? M Steyn? Brussow?
It must be a South African as well..
September 12th, 2009 at 12:40 pm
#90 siener:
I’d love to be a fly on the wall in IRB headquarters when someone mentions that
There’s no question whatsoever PDV and Boks are the only contenders for coach and team of the year, but will the IRB be big enough to admit it or will they desperately dream up another contender and try to justify the decision?
September 12th, 2009 at 12:48 pm
#91 rich1: I’m sure Outer Mongolia were undefeated this season. Their coach SURELY deserves the title?
Boks should get the Citing Commissioner’s Just The Roll Of The Dice Fair Play Award for the number of infringements against them that have gone disgracefully unpunished this year.
September 12th, 2009 at 12:51 pm
“The scrum continues to be a worry and Smit struggled in his one-on-one with loosehead Tony Woodcock.”
What a load of horse excrement.
September 12th, 2009 at 12:51 pm
#90 siener: FDP in all likelihood, up against BOD. I’d say FDP has it in the bag.
September 12th, 2009 at 12:57 pm
#93 YoMama: Agree give Smit credit where it is due. All this scrum talk now must surely be exposed. Aussies pulling the wool over everyones eyes at scrum time.
September 12th, 2009 at 12:59 pm
Proper National leaders are busy trying to find answers to global warming and War in Iraq, the New Zealand Prime minister is busy dreaming of his useless team “thumping” our World Champions.
John Key, cover your face in shame! I guess you can’t trust politicians, they LIE, and that is what he did, HE LIED… He said the All Blacks would thump us, what a liar… I wouldn’t vote for him in the next election.
The man can’t be trusted, what a liar.
Ja, we will clean sweep the IRB awards.
September 12th, 2009 at 12:59 pm
#94 Big Hit: Please FDPs biggest rivals come from Morne and Ratel. BOD!!! Surely you should realise which hemisphere rugby is played in?
September 12th, 2009 at 1:02 pm
Good test match and thoroughly enjoyable clash of styles.
Boks thoroughly deserved the win today and with it the Tri Nations title. Yet another win on NZ soil. It’s becoming a habit.
Boks are the currently the clear best team in the SH, and in all likelihood, the world (unless something shocking has happened in NH rugby that idon’t know about).
Well done to John Smit, great captain and a man who just demands respect. Well done the Bok players for a standout year. And well done to the Bok coaches, who really have taken this Bok team to a higher level since the world cup win in 2007.
Commiserations to the ABs and their fans. I thought Henry’s quotes post-match were very sincere and spoke volumes of his respect for this Springbok team.
Enjoy this win and the title Bok fans. your team have earned the right for you.
September 12th, 2009 at 1:02 pm
Played, guys. Excellent performance from both teams. Both teams applying and withstanding pressure and some excellent execution as well. A true test match and a great way for the Boks to clinch the trinations. Kudos to the ABs for the the fantastic fightback that took the game itelf down to the wire.
September 12th, 2009 at 1:03 pm
#96 Kobus Kitty:
You always know when a politician is lying – his lips move
September 12th, 2009 at 1:04 pm
#97 Ratel Brussow (MSIUR): This year is your year for sure. It will go down in history as the finest for the Boks in the professional era, superceding the Mallet world record equalling run in 97/98.
September 12th, 2009 at 1:07 pm
#98 stodders:
Thats right PdV promised 30-40% improvement on the dour style prior to 2007 and he’s delivered, hook line and sinker, this team is ten fold more complete than the one dimensional one that won the WC.. no two ways about it. PdV is actually the man.. and don’t any these nay sayers around here forget it.
He’s done what no other coach could dream of since readmission, won the 3N without default 5 out 6 games, only one loss and a true undisputed No.1 ranking.
The spirit and comitted camaraderie in this side possbetter now than its ever been for some time yet. True ‘winning ways’ rugby of the highest complete calibre indeed.
September 12th, 2009 at 1:10 pm
#102 skopskiet: Can’t diasgree with you there Skop, although, I still think there are areas of their game that the Boks will know they can improve on, especially their fitness in the last 20 mins.
The Boks are currently the most ruthless team in world rugby. And there’s no bigger compliment that can be given to them IMO.
September 12th, 2009 at 1:14 pm
We really can say we are the best! No brag – just fact!! It’s great!
So that must make PdV the best coach!! He beat the Majestic McGeechan, Brilliant Deans and Honourable Henry…!!
Pieter MUST get the IRB Coach of the Year! The Boks the Team of the Year! FdP the Player of the Year! And Brussow the Newcomer of the Year!
Lekker lekker lekker!!!
September 12th, 2009 at 1:16 pm
#104 ufo: Without a doubt. PdV is a shoe in for coach of the year.
Unless you agree with Keo and his cribes? If you do, John Smit will be collecting it on behalf of his coach
September 12th, 2009 at 1:18 pm
#103 stodders:
Thing is… that’s just what they are saying themselves… there’s lots of room for improvement! Awesome thought!!
September 12th, 2009 at 1:20 pm
#105 stodders:
:LOL: …
Yeah… right…!!
September 12th, 2009 at 1:24 pm
farking smilies
September 12th, 2009 at 1:24 pm
#105 stodders:
Shoo in
Yup, those who said PdV had won nothing yet will now have to come out and say well done. He’s won all the trophies on offer this year
September 12th, 2009 at 1:30 pm
Awesome game and result. Well done bokke!!! We never doubted you.
Fitness is our biggest issue atm and has been the reason for the close finishing games as well as last weeks defeat … it is because of the extra intensity of the first 60, but it needs to be a 80min intense game for 2011 … actually they need to be fit enough for a 100 min game and that should be the target. We cannot try “hang on” for the last 20 … opposition knows this and changes their gameplan to target it.
It’s awesome to know we can still improve!
Brilliant game to capt – making early digs eat their own pie, and the entire team really.
Kudo’s to PdV for fielding Frans against pressure, and thank goodness Ruan was FINALLY taken off ! … see the difference?!!!
The difference is this : Ruan on today and Frans off = AB win. Same as last week (Ruan = Aus win) … we cannot afford to “carry” a half-baked player. End of Story.
Total Rugby domination:
RWC Champions
Lions Tour
Tri-Nations
Super 14
Super 7’s World Champions
That’s never been done before
AMAZING GUYS !!!
September 12th, 2009 at 1:35 pm
Definitely no losers there today (AB fans may disagree tho)
All Blacks = awesome
Springboks = awesome
Test match = bloody great viewing
There IS something to do in Hamilton. They play great rugby there.
September 12th, 2009 at 1:45 pm
#110 TheBoksAreBack: Really cant see a place for RP in the team he is not the best in any of the positions he plays and does not look commited to the cause I also think he is actually a bit scared of the phisicality.
September 12th, 2009 at 2:06 pm
Great win by the Boks! well done to the whole team and a great year of rugby so far! lets hope the end of year tour can continie with this enthusiasim
Skoppie…give it a rest mate, you are bordering on arrogant, yes the coach deserves the accolades for the results achieved so far, but remember it’s the team that deserves the most praise, indivual players who have believed in themselves, persevered and focused on playing better rugby…how about some praise for Du preez, bakkies, bizmark, habana, beast and the rest???
September 12th, 2009 at 2:08 pm
#101 stodders: still a bit early for that, yes world champions etc, but compared to the opposition faced by the 97/98 team, still a way to go..
September 12th, 2009 at 2:14 pm
#114 BuckT: Fair enough mate. Prob went a bit overboard. But this Bok team has won more trophies than the 97/98 team did. As to which team is better, that is entirely subjective. In terms of which team is more successful, this team wins hands down.
September 12th, 2009 at 2:16 pm
#104 ufo: Not a chance the Boks will clean house at the IRB awards. Not if the stiffs at the IRB have something to say about it. But the Boks do deserve all those accolades. They are, without a doubt, the best there is…
September 12th, 2009 at 2:23 pm
Geluk Pieter, ironies die stadion wat ons amper 30jaar gewag het om in te speel, oor “APARTHEID” en my ******** maaitjies bring ons apartheids vlag saam stadion toe.
September 12th, 2009 at 2:25 pm
#111 The_Green_Machine_is_a_Mean_Machine:
Now, now Greeny……………don’t go trying to make me like You………..I already do…
September 12th, 2009 at 2:53 pm
My favourite thing about this team is Bakkies!
Even though I like all the players in the team, the best part for me is having him in the team. As the camera shot moves on with the game and bakkies is maybe not in picture, you have this satisfying comfort that somewhere on that field he is searching for people’s fears.
I don’t think one can fully appreciate his game on a television. The best is to be at a stadium to check up on him when he is not in picture. What a bliksem!
I hope the management take Flip van der Merwe with on the EOYT. He is the next man in line in the bakkies mould imo.
September 12th, 2009 at 5:01 pm
The Greatest!
September 12th, 2009 at 7:27 pm
#117 cane:
*embarrassed*
You’re going to lose next week though.
In my humble objective opinion
September 12th, 2009 at 7:52 pm
Salute to the AB’s – what a rugby nation! – for the entire match I did’nt once think we were safe. And so it came to pass – well, almost.
September 12th, 2009 at 7:55 pm
#116 mozez22:
Best supportng act at the IRB Oscars will be – Paddy “the silent assassin” O’ Brian.
September 12th, 2009 at 7:58 pm
Well done the Springboks,
Seemed like the only chance of the ABs to get parity now is to bring back the followings; Olo Brown, Dowd, Hayman, Fitz, Ian Jones, Gary Wheatton, Buck Shelford, Kronfeld, the Brooks Bros, Jerry Collins, Marshall, Bunce and Little, Cullen, Kirwan, Jeff Wilson or their clones, nothing else will work!
This Polinesian imports kill the ABs, simple, number of fumbles and dropped balls yesterday by Sivivatu, Nonu and Rocococo combined – all Polinesian imports – was 14!!!
Those guys dance the war dance all right but are crapping in their shorts seeing a hit comes at them while carry the ball!
September 12th, 2009 at 8:05 pm
#113 BuckT:
Anybody could see AGAIN yesterday the PdV is not connected to the wires, only Muir and Gold
The reality is that the odds those two Ex Rohdesians understand PdV high pitch bastardized English during a Test’s excitement is pretty slim
So who calls the shots then?
September 12th, 2009 at 8:24 pm
Well done Boks what else to say, top team in the world that’s confirmed again. For All Blacks back to the drawing board.
There is always the next year just remember, folks.
Until then enjoy deserved celebrations.
September 12th, 2009 at 8:47 pm
#110 TheBoksAreBack: A WEE BIT HARSH ON ruan, he is a scrummie, asked to play at flyhalf, asked to play at fullback, for the honour to play for your country he would proberly havew played at prop if asked, but how well ? Dont blame him foe being chosen out of position!!!
September 12th, 2009 at 10:44 pm
I wish I had a cigar
September 13th, 2009 at 3:00 am
Finally, Finally a game of rugby that was real and everything we expect from two of the best teams we have on this planet.
The Boks have proven their mettle, undisputed Lords of the Paddock this year and one of the most deserving performances to finish on..brillant, tactically superior, courageous and one minded. Congratulations to the Boks and great effort All Blacks for one of the best games i have had the pleasure to watch. I couldnt have been happier with the outcome( outside of the AB’s winning), as I have always said I like to see a great fair game all round.
The reffing for the most part was fair but as much as I hate to admit it Kieran Read should have been yellow carded for that shoulder hit on Habana, that is the sort of **** which does cost games.
A great year for the Boks- you guys stood tall when it counted the most. You’re number one and deservedly so.
September 13th, 2009 at 4:33 am
#113 BuckT: I think Skop-poep is secretly in love with Pdv…perhaps he is his love-child…could Skop-poep in fact be Earl Rose in disguise?!
September 13th, 2009 at 4:24 pm
Congratulations South Africa. I don’t usually post on Keo but feel compelled to acknowledge the achievement of the Springboks in winning the game and the Tri Nations. No doubting that currently the Boks are the best side in the world.
Big ups also (with a few exceptions!!) to the Bok supporters for being such sporting winners. Enjoy, enjoy, enjoy…
We’ll be back next year and hopefully do better, but for now, it’s your time in the sun.
WELL DONE!!
September 13th, 2009 at 4:29 pm
#128 captain fantail: wooden spoon for Henry’s ABs next week?
September 13th, 2009 at 9:00 pm
#131 Big Hit: Yes you would like that!! All Blacks will deal to the Wallabies and aim for four zip in Bledisloe. Watch this space……
September 15th, 2009 at 3:29 am
#131 Big Hit: No
September 15th, 2009 at 5:02 am
#131 Big Hit: still living vicariously through other teams beating the ABs BH
that you take so much delight in another countries team beating us is really a sad reflection mate, be nice if your team stood up to the challenge occasionally..
should be a cracker against the Wobblies, and a loss may help us get rid of GH, though I have been calling for that since 07…