Bluster to test kickers
The skies are clear but a powerful wind blowing the length of the Stadium Toulouse will influence tonight’s crucial kicking contest.
The Springboks celebrated the weather on Thursday, the torrential downpour of Wednesday succeeded by a bout of brilliant sunshine. Friday has been just as pleasant, but the lack of cloud cover has caused the temperature to plummet, and the driving wind is forcing both sets of goalposts to wobble.
John Smit and Victor Matfield spoke during the week about northern hemisphere conditions, and both were in agreement that rain is often the most detrimental element. In tonight’s test, the team that exploits the wind factor will win the territorial battle, and the goal-kickers will also need to adjust when shooting for goal.
The inner city has been abuzz this evening with supporters from both teams. The Saffas are out in numbers, the green and gold jersey covering many a beergut, and those who’ve presumably made their way from London haven’t been shy to brandish a South African flag.
The French supporters that have been incognito for most of this week are also wearing their colours proudly. The Stade Toulousain outlets have finally traded the familiar black strip on display for a national blue one, and where posters of local stars once lined the walls, the France national colours are prominent.
These posters are underscored with the words, “Pret pour le combat”, a message that has also been sent out through the local media. L’Equipe ran a story this morning with a headline referring to this match as the clash of the titans. In a matter of minutes, we’ll see if the physical battle lives up to the hype.
France enjoyed a clamorous reception, and you can bank on the locals providing them support throughout. The Toulouse crowd also gave the South Africans a warm welcome, prompted by the stadium announcer when the world champions came out of the tunnel. Whether the French win or lose, you get the feeling these spectators will enjoy the contest.
By Jon Cardinelli, at Stadium Toulouse
November 13th, 2009 at 8:25 pm
Morne just get them over.
Has done in just as bad weather in NZ.
Go Bokke.
November 13th, 2009 at 8:27 pm
I guess Dupuy will be kicking for France. Depends what mood he’s in really, although he is generally good. Boks up and under game might be affected by the wind but Jacobs should add creativity with ball in hand if the kicking game doesn’t go to plan.
November 13th, 2009 at 9:19 pm
#2 Big Hit: I just hope Jacobs doesn’t try a drop kick again!
November 13th, 2009 at 9:21 pm
wind’s blowing like mal here force 9 – 10 ; had to take hobie’s mast down; coming from the south so must be same down in Toulouse
November 13th, 2009 at 9:23 pm
Oooh! My energy is bubbling and boiling, swirling and expanding, reaching for victory!
November 13th, 2009 at 9:24 pm
I’m in San Diego. I hope I can find a source to watch it on TV.
November 13th, 2009 at 9:26 pm
South Africa loose the 20/20 as once again they can’t calculate properly. Jeez Math is important in schools.
November 13th, 2009 at 9:34 pm
what channel is it on; nothing on sky?
November 13th, 2009 at 9:40 pm
I take it Jake’s book topped up the coffers a bit for Keo to send you to France to cover the match JC?
November 13th, 2009 at 9:44 pm
JB – I just downloaded TV Player Pro v, £30 for 3 years watching tv on pc. I am busy watching Orange sports(French channel) i do hope they are going to show the game LIVE!!
I have a feeling the Boks will get beat tonight. Too much rugby and fatigue will be a major factor, not the players fault. PDV should have got the CC coaches to give the top flight players 3 weeks off after the 3N
November 13th, 2009 at 9:49 pm
Oh my God the national anthem! What just happened?!
November 14th, 2009 at 12:04 am
The studs were too short? The beds were too narrow? The ref was too pedantic? The lawn was too long? The crowd was too noisy? The food was too salty? The French language was too off-putting? The car hooters were too high-pitched? The ref was too biased? The garlic was too strong? The anthem was too off-key? Chabal’s hair was too long? The ref hates South Africans? The cheese was too smelly? The local biltong was probably made from rat flesh? Those blooming accordion players were too French? Those French cigarettes smelled vile enough to be illegal. The ref was unfair?
Oh, did I leave out the ref?
November 14th, 2009 at 12:23 am
#12 TheTackler:
Congratulations on the Boks defeat, Master Bate!
November 14th, 2009 at 12:30 am
#13 Sheriff: That’s Major General Sir Marmaduke Bate VC, DSO and bar to you, soldier. Now, off you go. Those desert lilies need re-digging. Chop,chop!
November 14th, 2009 at 12:35 am
See, I can tell from here what your hobby is. And you only have this one hobby.
November 14th, 2009 at 1:02 am
Those lilies are waiting, soldier… On the double, sonny. Look lively.
November 14th, 2009 at 2:02 am
The Boks came to Toulouse to lose.
Ended up looking like a total Toulouse goose.
If they’d played in Toulon, they might have won in the sun and had some fun ere the day was done.