Smit, Jacobs feel the heat
21 Nov 2009
John Smit and Adi Jacobs were the big losers in keo.co.za’s Bok player ratings.
15. Zane Kirchner (6)
Continues to blow hot and cold at Test level, but kicked well out of hand.
14. JP Pietersen (5)
Was all but anonymous apart from one kick-and-chase in the last minute of the game.
13. Jaque Fourie (8)
Named the official Man of the Match. Made a couple of strong runs in the first quarter before scoring a simple try after good work from Bryan Habana. Solid on defence.
12. Adi Jacobs (4)
Got over the advantage line a couple of times early on, but was embarrassed on defence when Sergio Parisse ran straight over him. His failure to hold his line also resulted in Italy’s try and he threw a poor pass behind Fourie that allowed Italy to get back inside Bok territory.
11. Bryan Habana (8)
Scored an easy try after Ryan Kankowksi’s break, and played a key role in both Fourie and Fourie du Preez’s tries. Looked for work when the ball didn’t come his way and was good defensively.
10. Morné Steyn (5)
Had an average day with the boot, missing two first-half penalties and a conversion before finding his radar in the second half. His pin-point up-and-unders put Italy under pressure but he missed one kick for touch.
9. Fourie du Preez (8)
Rounded off a good Bok try in the second half that all but sealed the win and then sent Wynand Olivier over late in the game. His tactical kicking was, as usual, superb.
8. Ryan Kankowski (7)
Made the step inside and offload that sent Habana away for his try and was good in the loose, although he could have made more of a contribution at scrum time.
7. Danie Rossouw (7)
Had a quiet first half, knocking on inside Italy’s 22 when the Boks were on the attack. Made far more of an impact in the second, giving a brilliant under-the-arm pass that led to Du Preez’s try. Like Kankowski, he could have scrummed a bit harder rather than hanging off on occasion.
6. Heinrich Brüssow (8)
Was his usual self at the breakdown, making a crucial steal in the second quarter when Alessandro Zanni broke away from a scrum and was tackled just short of the Bok tryline.
5. Andries Bekker (7)
A solid lineout option for the Boks and competed well on Italy’s ball, stealing one against the throw. Made his presence felt in the loose, too.
4. Bakkies Botha (6)
A quiet game by his high standards.
3. John Smit (4)
Was outscrummed badly on four occasions (he popped out twice) and was mercifully moved to hooker when BJ Botha came on in the second half.
2. Adriaan Strauss (7)
Threw accurately at the lineouts and made a good contribution in the loose, but struggled at scrum time along with Smit and Wian du Preez.
1. Wian du Preez (6)
The Test debutant held his own against the highly-rated Martin Castrogiovanni (who was replaced at half-time) apart from one poor scrum, but went backwards twice in the second half.
Substitutes:
16. Beast Mtawarira (6)
The Bok scrum looked solid when he was on the park, although his arrival did coincide with that of BJ Botha.
17. BJ Botha (8)
Made an immediate impact when he was brought on in the second half, with the Bok scrum walking Italy backwards on one occasion. Surely he has to be a regular part of the Bok squad in 2010?
18. Victor Matfield (7)
Did well at lineout time after coming on for Botha, but nothing special.
19. Jean Deysel (7)
Gave a strong performance after replacing Kankowski.
20. Francois Hougaard (-)
Not on long enough to be rated.
21. Ruan Pienaar (6)
Made a good run with his first touch, but didn’t do much after that.
22. Wynand Olivier (7)
Scored his first Test try and did enough to put pressure on Jacobs.
By Simon Borchardt
157 Comments
21 Nov 2009, 17:59 pm
Jeepers, Simon… did Adi Jacobs steal your boyfriend or something?
21 Nov 2009, 18:02 pm
Jacobs was ****.
Will Snor finally understand that you need a tighthead prop on the field?
21 Nov 2009, 18:02 pm
WO 7. Come on that was not even a legal try
21 Nov 2009, 18:03 pm
i recall parisse running over fourie in the opening quarter too…no mention of that, but as expected highlighted when it happened to adi
21 Nov 2009, 18:03 pm
#3 Charlie: remember WO started with 6 points for not being Adi Jacobs. Just like Adi started with -5 and had to work his way up.
So actually it was Jacobs 9, Olivier 1
21 Nov 2009, 18:04 pm
So how many times was WO **** as a test 12. I would say 25 tests
21 Nov 2009, 18:06 pm
and how does bakkies get a 6?????? he was more anonymous than pietersen and played for 50 minutes! but i suppose he’s “bakkies the enforcer” so he’s never allowed to have a bad game right
21 Nov 2009, 18:08 pm
Simon got it just about right.
21 Nov 2009, 18:10 pm
and it’s amateur rugby journalism of the worst kind to take anything away from smit at 2 and beast at 1 when BJ came on…a scrum involves 8 men working as a COMBINATION and granted BJ made the difference but thats coz they jelled. rather have beasts workrate round the field combined with smit and BJ as wian didn’t do anything special in the setpiece and certainly is nowhere near beast in terms of the loose.
21 Nov 2009, 18:12 pm
Jacobs was poor, but Smit was nowhere near as bad as a 4!
I hope Deysel starts at 7 against the Irish; with Brussouw at 6 and Roussouw at 8.
My side for next weekend, provided Burger and du Plessis are fit would be:
1.Mtawarira
2.Smit
3.Botha
4.Botha
5.Matfield
6.Brussouw
7.Deysel
8.Roussouw
9.du Preez
10.Steyn
11.Habana
12.Olivier
13.Fourie
14.Pietersen
15.Kirchener
16.Strauss/du Plessis
17.du Preez
18.Bekker
19.Burger
20.Kankowski
21.Pienaar
22.Jacobs
Tempted to leave Strauss there anyway, whether Bis is fit or not – he definitely needs a break…
21 Nov 2009, 18:13 pm
#8 Kronung: I’m back. Want to chat about Adi?
21 Nov 2009, 18:14 pm
I’m a big fan of Jacobs, but his confidence is shot at the moment. Meisiekind was good, so for now we should start with him.
Bissie’s injury has definitely opened the door for Smit to make a comepback at hooker. BJ’s return was impressive.
Steyn and FdP weren’t great and kicked too much, but they are still miles ahead of the alternatives.
21 Nov 2009, 18:14 pm
#5 robdylan: I like Adi and I back him, but he did have a poor game today.
21 Nov 2009, 18:14 pm
Adi was off his game and has been for some time. I think WO is a shoe in for the Ireland game. Smit (at 2), BJ and Beast looked as close to a front 3 I have seen this year.
21 Nov 2009, 18:15 pm
#10 SimiJan: Very nice team. Maybe Deysel on the planks?
21 Nov 2009, 18:16 pm
D u think Smit wil have a problem at 2?
21 Nov 2009, 18:17 pm
#11 kwas: Not particularity. But go for it. I’ll stick around.
Share with us your incredible insight, please do.
21 Nov 2009, 18:19 pm
#4 flanka: True. Smit will get pressure for saying that people criticising PdV are just racist. Effectively he will now be viewed as a “darkie lover” And Adi who never gets support from his slower team mates must take the blame as the other players of colour performed too good to criticise… “Got to criticise someone” God-forbid its the “All white” pack that went back so badly against Italy
21 Nov 2009, 18:20 pm
#9 flanka: Agreed. They were a very good front row for the Sharks in recent seasons.
I have a feeling Cobus Visagie may have been right about Bismarck du Plessis at scrum time. If we’re really desperate to keep Bis on the field, maybe put him at 7 while Juan Smith is out? Good ball carrier, good on the ground… Just a thought.
21 Nov 2009, 18:20 pm
#12 siener: Mesiekind is a great player.
But in truth he came on with a major turnaround in the scrum and after the Azzuri had played their heart out for 70 minutes.
Would have liked to see him on earlier.
Adi doesn’t deserve to be dropped yet.
21 Nov 2009, 18:25 pm
#10 SimiJan: Good team! Only problem I wouldn’t even have Jacobs on the bench. His defense is a joke. Put De Jonge on the bench.
21 Nov 2009, 18:25 pm
#5 robdylan: You cannot, without biased or favouritism, respectfully say you believe Jacobs performance deserved a “9″. Yes, he did one or two things well, but he is not the answer at 12. He is not strong defensively. He is not strong at taking up a crash ball. He has his moments of creativity, but is not as effective at 12, as he was last year at 13.
21 Nov 2009, 18:26 pm
#16 Q: No.
#18 RaynoG: He didn’t say all criticism of PdV was racist, he just said a lot of the unfounded stuff was merely racism. I’m not a PdV fan, based on what I’ve heard him say and what I’ve read in certain interview’s in Keo’s magazine. I don’t think he’s incompetent as a coach – he appears to be a very good man manager – but a lot of the stuff he says is frustrating and I don’t think he’s the BEST man for the job. Not because of his skin colour…
21 Nov 2009, 18:27 pm
#19 SimiJan: Not a bad thought actually…i’ve always thought bissie doesnt have the optimum body shape of a 2….and playing him as an extra looseforward in the danie roussouw mould isnt a bad idea
21 Nov 2009, 18:29 pm
#21 U.R. Soles: I think de Jongh has the potential to be better than Jacobs, he’s definitely more solid. But there is a pecking order, and you don’t just throw and untested guy into the fire against Ireland (unless that guy is Frans Steyn).
21 Nov 2009, 18:31 pm
Adi is like Kanko….if the game is loose and we on the front foot he’s brilliant. We miss JDV. BIG TIME.
21 Nov 2009, 18:32 pm
Adi is simply not the physical presence needed at international level
He would be a good choice as sub IF we are dominating but you cant choose a sub on the basis of IFS
He has to go, he’s our weak link (not our only one though) and he passes against teams like Italy (didn’t pass today though) but won’t against Ireland
21 Nov 2009, 18:32 pm
#24 flanka:
Bismark on the flank. Not a bad idea. And he can obviously cover hooker.
Maybe the Sharks should give it a go.
21 Nov 2009, 18:32 pm
So a few good minutes for WO makes him the incumbent Bok 12 ?
21 Nov 2009, 18:33 pm
#27 The_Green_Machine_is_a_Mean_Machine:
Spot on.
21 Nov 2009, 18:33 pm
#18 RaynoG: Honestly guys, to say that people critisising Jacobs is purely motivated by racism is uncalled for. Your comments shows more racist intend than others opinions on Jacobs play.
21 Nov 2009, 18:35 pm
#29 Charlie:
Defs not… but at least he is a 12. Adi is an outside center through and through.
21 Nov 2009, 18:38 pm
#28 CenturionShark (aka LondonShark): it’s worth a try…in a perfect world imagine a sharks pack with beast, smit and BJ plus bissie, deysel and kankowski completing a looseforward trio…one can only dream
21 Nov 2009, 18:40 pm
#31 fsjakes: def think adi had an average game….but i think the point being made is wynand came on when the momentum had drastically changed and only had 1 or 2 touches one of which was an easy run in after du preez did all the hard yards….
21 Nov 2009, 18:41 pm
#31 fsjakes: Hear hear!
#28 CenturionShark (aka LondonShark): Thank you
Haha, sorry, I’m a credit hog :$
21 Nov 2009, 18:50 pm
#34 flanka: Wynand didn’t completely oust Jacobs from the starting lineup based on that performance, but Jacobs is not the answer at 12. I was hoping he would be, for the Sharks’ sake – but he truly isn’t.
I’m a bit biased here, but I’d love to have seen Barritt start at 12 today. He’s exactly what we need at 12; a great defender and defensive organiser, big, solid, strong and the perfect instrument to put Habana and Fourie into space. Maybe give Peter Grant a shot there if Barritt doesn’t want to come back – adds another kicker in absence of Francois Steyn too…
21 Nov 2009, 18:52 pm
Gunther…rangerman…ratel Brussow…sharks lover….sharks girl….any damn shark….
Grant 10 rests his case
21 Nov 2009, 18:55 pm
#25 Simijan
I watched Fransie in his club game vs Stade France. Not bad although fluffed a penalty. Easy to spot on as he is the size of their forwards only taller .Looks like a wild animal with beard and moustache and untidy hair. Not far from Chabal..
And I got the impresion he has put a bit on weight ( too much French chocolate perhaps) or maybe it,s because of that awful Racing kit ( sort of pyjama).
21 Nov 2009, 18:56 pm
#23 SimiJan: Not sure what more “the right man for the job” has to do. I’ve always supported Jake (even when Oz hammered us 49-0) because Im a rugby supporter not a colour supporter.
As for Adi’s rating my comments refers to keo’s small-mindedness. Our scrum when back fast against Italy but no mention because it was an “all white” pack. Beast would’ve got a 2 out of 10 and all the blame (according to keo) had he started the match… But thats the way life goes. I reckon we’ll smash Ireland next weekend
21 Nov 2009, 18:58 pm
#34 flanka: I will agree with you that one can’t say WO had a better game than Jacobs (the one played 60 minutes and the one 20).
But, I think people’s critism of Adi’s play in the two tests is fair. I think it has been shown that he is limited as a 12. He will not make the same impact at 12, as he did at 13. He has the creative ability, but not the defensive and ball carrying ability. I also think some of his dicision making has been bad, especially the moments he had decided to run into two three defenders with the ball under one arm.
I think people’s critism of Wynand on this tour has been fair. In honesty he hasn’t had the greatest of games for the dirst trackers. He is however a regular 12 and I think giving him an opportunity (seeing that he is the only other option at 12 on tour) in starting 15 will be good. Then this debate can be put to rest once and for all.
All I want to ask is, can we please not make this a debate on RACISM! Wether for or against WO or AJ. Some people rate the one player, some the other.
21 Nov 2009, 18:58 pm
#10 SimiJan: Agree 100%
21 Nov 2009, 18:59 pm
#37 grant10: Grant, I think you can finally rest your case! Your point has been proven!
21 Nov 2009, 19:00 pm
Simple question:
If Adi was white….would he have been a Bok on current form?
21 Nov 2009, 19:01 pm
#42 fsjakes: Thanks mate
21 Nov 2009, 19:03 pm
If you were going to replace Adi, and we shouldn’t yet, then why would you not bring Mesiekind in. Doesn’t make sense.
Adi is keeping him out and in replacing Adi you don’t even look at him?
21 Nov 2009, 19:10 pm
#43 The_Green_Machine_is_a_Mean_Machine: No. But he would have made it based on his past form. He is a very good player indeed.
One swallow does not the summer make. You don’t toss players out after one or two average games.
Adi has earned our respect and support, even in the bad times!!
To top it all he is a real gentleman.
21 Nov 2009, 19:12 pm
Heinrich da little napoleon brussow da form player at da moment. Nd guys stop dis racism, quota, whose better or nt.WE WON DAMMIT.WE WON.NXA.
21 Nov 2009, 19:14 pm
Congratulations Bokke. Not too convincing but a win at last.
Just a question on the front row. Did the fact that the two props were fresh against a tired Italy front row maybe play a role in SA’s good scrummaging in the last 20 min?
#43 The_Green_Machine_is_a_Mean_Machine:
Simple answer: Yes.
PdV does not like to discard players he believes in. See Jannie Dup. He would have been in the match 22 but for his injury. Don’t make it about race as somebody already asked.
21 Nov 2009, 19:15 pm
I didn’t see Adi do anything that weak that he deserves being dropped for WO, Wo got the benefit of a perfect situation with Matfield getting up at back of line out to feed FdP who offloaded to WO, anyone running that line would have found the try line after that move.
Jacobs is reading the play more like a 13 than a 12 because its his natural game so he gets into isolationist situations, otherwise I didn’t see him have such a poor game that he deserves being dropped for WO, its still the better way to go to start M.Steyn and Jacobs, and finish with Pienaar and WO.
21 Nov 2009, 19:23 pm
Jacobs will be @ 12 against Ireland
21 Nov 2009, 19:26 pm
#48 nama1:
I know what you’re saying but I don’t look at him in the light of his race
Frankly I would have preferred de Jongh there today instead of him
BUT I think on current form he is there not for his form (past or present) but to make up the “quota numbers”
And anyone on here who thinks PdV is not pressured to choose “representatively” is lost
Btw, Danie’s pass = legendary
21 Nov 2009, 19:26 pm
Funny how we only concentrate on Adi’s “average” game while nothing is said about the average game that JS, Bakkies and Morne had.
21 Nov 2009, 19:33 pm
Nama1, well who else to blame then Adi Jacobs
21 Nov 2009, 19:33 pm
#51 The_Green_Machine_is_a_Mean_Machine:
Sorry, can’t agree with you re Adi being in the team to make up quote numbers. With Habana, JPP, Kirchner also in the starting line up and Beast on the bench there would be enough “quotas” in the team. PdV could have dropped Adi, if he wanted to, and there would have been no problem.
21 Nov 2009, 19:34 pm
Not thebest game we’ve ever played against Italy but we pulled it together nicely at the end. There are a ton of positives though that come from this game. If PDV is even a slightly good coach, a few (positive) changes should be made. When Smit first moved to tighthead he was just starting to pick up momentum at hooker after an evrage 2006/07 season. The arguement was that he is only good at hooker. Our scrum has been horrible, and as he goes to hooker and BJ comes on we start to dominate. I know that this isn’t the only factor, but it plays a big part. It should also now be clear that Jacobs does not belong in the team. I’m sure alot of people will agree that he is one of the worst players to ever wear a Springbok jersey. Yes Fourie got owned by Parisse too, but he made up for it later and scored a try. Jacobs later conceded a try. But anyway, back to those positive changes:
BJ Botha needs to permanently be in the team.
Smit should no longer play tighthead.
Bekker is a good line-out option.
Deysel has a very bright future.
Kankowski is excellent (I agree he did play terribly in Tolouse)
du Preez is the best SH in the world
We need to find a back up for Morne, he can’t get every kick over every game.
Jacobs has got to go!!!
Kirchner needs to play more Super 14.
My Team for Against Ireland (If the injured guys are fit):
1. Wiaan du Preez
2. Bismarck du Plessis
3. BJ Botha
4. Bakkies Botha
5. Victor Matfield
6. Heinrich Brussow
7. Schalk Burger
8. Kankowski (Obviously Spies won’t be fit – He’s in SA)
9. Fourie du Preez
10. Morne Steyn
11. Bryan Habana
12. Wynand Olivier
13. Jaques Fourie
14. JP Pietersen
15.Zane Kirchner
16. John Smit
17. Beast
18. Andries Bekker/Rossouw
19. Jean Deysel
20. Frans Hougaard
21. Meyer Bosman (Seriously Pienaar is a joke)
22. Juan de Jongh
HOWEVER, IF IT WERE UP TO ME, I WOULDN’T HAVE AN OVERSEAS POLICY AND MY TEAM WOULD BE AS FOLLOWS
1. Wiaan
2. Bismarck
3. BJ
4. Bakkies
5. Matfield
6. Brussow
7. Burger
8. Knako (Still considering Spies injured)
9. du Preez
10. Morne Steyn
11. Bryan Habana
12. JDV
13. Jaques Fourie
14. JP Pietersen
15. Stefan Terblanche
16. John Smit
17. Beast/CJ
18. Bekker/Rosouw
19. Deysel/Potgieter
20. Jano Vermaak
21. Brent Russel (He’s playing incredibly for Clermont)
22. Frans Steyn
21 Nov 2009, 19:35 pm
#51 The_Green_Machine_is_a_Mean_Machine:
That was a good pass by Danie. Actually did not know he possesses that kind of skills.
21 Nov 2009, 19:36 pm
#52 nama1:
What about JPP?
Was he not average either?
Yet no-one mentions him either
Face it, all you precious “kampvegters”, those who dislike Adi dislike him because he’s soft **** and not because he’s not white
21 Nov 2009, 19:36 pm
Brent Russell’s to small for test rugby
21 Nov 2009, 19:39 pm
Big diference when BJ came on and JS moved to hooker. I wish PdV would stop messing around with the front row, he is not showing it the respect it deserves and now we have real issues at scrum time. You can’t just swop frontrankers around and make do. Specialists are required in each position. Nice to see Heinke but it was the wrong time to pick him. He should have been picked in 2007 when he was destroying all and sundery in the CC and S14. I still think he a great future for the Boks. I also would like to have seen Willem Alberts on tour. I really think he could have made an impact given the chance.
21 Nov 2009, 19:40 pm
#55 rugbywriter:
“…he is one of the worst players to ever wear a Springbok jersey.”
Don’t you think that’s a bit harsh. what about his performances in the Bok jersey last year?
21 Nov 2009, 19:47 pm
#57 The_Green_Machine_is_a_Mean_Machine:
Yes. Why not discuss him either?
I just think it will be better if everybody who had a poor or average game would be discussed instead of concentrating only on one player, in this case Adi.
I’m sure that his colour has nothing to do with a lot of people’s opinion of him but I’m equally sure that a lot of bloggers on this site’s opinion of him is based on his skin colour. Sad, but true.
21 Nov 2009, 19:50 pm
Look I think Adi had an average game. I think Keo.co.za need us to post in the forums and generate advertising income. What better way than to stir up some controversy. PDV is rather boring these days as he is not saying much. Think about it, bring some race into it voila you get a couple of hundred posts. Since when have we ever selected players on the basis of performance against Italy. No disrespect meant to Italy.
21 Nov 2009, 19:51 pm
Nama1, it is sad but so true, seems like nothing in SA Rugby since unity
21 Nov 2009, 19:54 pm
Keo needs to satisfy Jake White in trying to prove that he was the ultimate Bok coach up to now, a favour my buddy always comes in handy
21 Nov 2009, 19:57 pm
As usual Simon has this entire ratings thing honky. This is what I saw:
15. Zane = 7- His best game in the green and gold Good positionally and under the high ball and his kicking out of hand was, to say the least, a lot better. I Liked him starting to jump into thre backline a bit more, and as always he tackled well.
14. JPP = 5- Somewhat anonymous by his standards, but to be fair it was one of those games where all the play went the other way. Would’ve liked him to take on his opponent in that last play of the game.
13. Mossie = 7- Classy, and I liked vision and searching for work. Defence solid as always.
12. Adi = 4- He is not a 12. End of story. Defensively naive and powderpuff on the attack. His channel is a weak point in our backline. And that is being kind. Time for him to go and boost his retirement fund somewhere in France if they’ll have him.
11. Habana = 7- He looked rejuvenated and sharp. Had me worried for a couple of games lately, but welcome back Brian.
10. Morne Steyn = 5- Vollie has had two iffy outings of late. Dunno whether our harder fields might suit his play better. Solid but no great shakes. Needs to work on those kicks as well- from the tee and out of hand not up to his usual high standards.
9. FdP = 7- Back to his usual level again. Great options and support play.
8. Kanko = 5- Great run in the beginning leading to Habanas try, but that is where it ended. Struggled behind the scrum again, although he did do better than vs France, but he is slightly out of his depth up north.
7. Danie Rossouw = 4- Hugely anomymous at 7, slightly better at 8, when he suddenly seemed to gain a bit of vigour. If it hadn’t been for that flick below the arm to Mossie that lead to FdP’s try, he would’ve got a 3 from me.
6. Brussow. = 8- His usual high standard, and saved a certain try with his steal on the tryline in the first half. He has made the 6 jersey his own on this tour IMHO, although I have noticed that he tends to tackle less and focus more on his fetching role nowadays. I’ll pick him first and then the rest.
5. Andries Bekker = 6- I like what I’ve seen from this guy recently. Looking more and more like Victor’s successor.
4. Bakkies Botha = 4- A couple of good cleans and a tackle or two, but not up to his usual best. Maybe the heavier fields and too much rugby is taking its toll. But he’ll be back!
3. John Smit 5- As TH and 7 as hooker, with a couple of nice throw-ins into lineouts and solid in the center of the scrum. For me he has definitely returned to his best position. Sorry Bissie, but it was plain for all to see.
2. Adriaan Strauss = 6- His usual classy performance, but sadly he will probably be the big loser in the greater scheme of things with Smit’s showing at 2 in the scrums tonight.
1. Wian du Preez = 5- Commendable first outing. mAde a couple of nice tackles up front and did his bit in the tight loose.
16. Beast = 6- Looked good in the scrums. Still seems to shirk his duty a little in the tight loose . Will have to work on it.
17. BJ Botha = 7- I like it, I like it. Much greater impact on our scrummaging than I have seen, but it could be down to fresh legs on both sides of the scrum and John Smit’s impact as scrummaging hooker. He must play Ireland.
18. Victor Matfield = 6- Steady without being spectacular. Maybe the half on the bench which allowed him to watch Andries Bekkers game did him some good. But still my man.
19. Jean Deysel = 6- his first game, but I expected more. I’ve had to listen ad nauseum at how great this guy is as a ball carrier (something which I have failed to see of late), but there was nothing of that in evidence tonight. He made one tackle and two cleans and an attempted steal on the ground, but that was it. Too early to say whether he had any impact in the scrums, but all in all he was uninspiring. I actually had him as a 5, but my wife begged me to be lenient on him, so I’ve obliged because vI know what’s good for me.
20. Francois Hougard. = 6- I rate this guy as the next best thing to FdP, although he was actually on too short to form a decent and honest opinion, but it is probably a fair reflection of his tour, and if my wife can turn my arm on Deysel, i can allow myself a little leeway on Hougie.
21. Ruan Pienaar = 4-On for too short tonight, and obviously he is talented, but he has had a miserable tour. PdV should have a talk with this guy, ask him where he wants to play, send him back to the Sharks and instruct them to give him as much playing time there as possible, for his own sake.
22.Wynand Olivier = 6- Showed again why I rate him highly and why it is a shame that PdV hasn’t given him a fair shake. This guy is good on defence, the best attacking 12 we have and can only improve with more gametime.
Given all that, here is my team for Ireland.
15. Zane
14. JPP
13. Jaques Fourie
12. Wynand Olivier
11. Habana
10. Morne Steyn
9. FdPMove to lock for Bakkies
8. Danie Rossouw- to lock after 60 minutes, Pottie on
7. Schalk Burger- Deysel on in second half.
6. Brussow
5. Matfield
4. Bakkies Botha- off after 50 minutes
3. John Smit
2. Bismarck du Pleassis
1. Wian du Preez
16. BJ Botha
17. Beast
18. Andries Bekker
19. Dewald Potgieter
20. Jean Deysel
21. Ruan Pienaar
22. Francois Hougard
21 Nov 2009, 20:05 pm
#55 rugbywriter:
When the Sharks (Muir) brought Jacobs in for Barritt the 2008 Super14 Smi it was pretty clear it wasn’t about rugby.
Nothing has changed since, even last week many here were still singing the imposter’s praises, well, I guess we all have our own opinion?
21 Nov 2009, 20:08 pm
#65 catleya:
Apart from your rating of Hougard, I have to agree with you here.
21 Nov 2009, 20:08 pm
Lets be honest:
Adi is a good player when on form and when he has good front foot ball (i.e at times last year).
This year his form has been poor, his deficiencies on defense (yes, he does have them, it’s obvious) have been shown up.
At this stage he doesnt deserve to have the starting 12 spot.
Olivier has been in great form this year, and has show glimpses (today, and last week) of why he was one of the best 12′s (with Nonu) in the Super 14 this year
21 Nov 2009, 20:10 pm
Soory- Typo Not FdP, Danie to lock for Bakkies
21 Nov 2009, 20:14 pm
#66 Hondo:
I’m waiting for your post informing us of all the missed tackles, bad running lines, running away from support, conceding turn overs etc. by Adi or did you not have a chance to watch a replay of the match yet? Be sure to note the minutes that he made the mistakes.
21 Nov 2009, 20:17 pm
#68 WP_:
Apart from scoring his first try in 26 test matches, what else did WO do?
21 Nov 2009, 20:18 pm
#61 nama1:
Yeah he seems to be an easy target
Tbh he had his chances this year, at the Sharks and Boks and tend to get embarrassed when he’s off his game
No supporter wants to see a Bok embarrased i guess
21 Nov 2009, 20:18 pm
#68 WP_:
Not sure WP
Addi was let go from the Bulls in 2004 or 2005 on the ground of a total lack of defence, nothing changed since.
The Bulls brought on Wayene Julies to replace him on their roster, both had Boks colours already by then.
Since Julies’ defence was never a good one, you can do the logics yourself.
21 Nov 2009, 20:20 pm
did anyone see stephen jones try vs the pumas today? reminiscent of o garas try against the boks when the ref told smit to talk to the team.excatly the same at the millenium stadium ,stephen jones just tapped and ran into the corner when the argies were in an a huddle .
refs need to sharpen up their acts , they having a bit too much say in the outcome of rugby games these days
21 Nov 2009, 20:22 pm
#71 nama
Clearly you dont like the guy. All I said is that he showed ‘glimpses’.
Nothing major just like more energy and purpose in running with the ball plus more dominant in the tackle
21 Nov 2009, 20:23 pm
#70 nama1:
Is it really so difficult to concede that Jacobs had a bad game today? He left his channel when Italy scored their first try, and had Parisse run over him. Has no physical presence in defense. Isn’t this obvious?
21 Nov 2009, 20:24 pm
This is rubbish. Zane Kirchner was a 5 max, and Adi Jacobs was a 3. Made that useless pass, was **** in defence – should have held his line and gon ran over like a squirrel.
Kankowski??? You’ve got to be joking. Give him a 5 – only because of that step fo the first try. Was terrible in the scrums and in the loose. Danie also overrated.
And giving Smit a 4 for the entire game is wrong. He was excellent back at hooker and made some telling tackles. 6 at the very least.
Was very impressed with young Deysel – and with BJ back the scrums looked great. What people might miss is the fact that this was more due to Smit being back in his place at no.2.
And Ruan Pienaar needs to get back some confidence in the Super 14.
21 Nov 2009, 20:24 pm
#70 nama1:
Not yet!
As I said, I’ll pass judgement only after reviwing the tape, however, what I saw hardly contradicted my views of Jacobs’ defence
Look, he is not the worst attacking centres to play for the Boks, but:
1. There are better, far better
2. Against the better test sides his defence is a liability
He is still there though?
21 Nov 2009, 20:26 pm
Yeah Hondo. That’s a good point. Fact is you cant have a Bok 12 who is weak on defence. He chances should be running/have run out by now.
21 Nov 2009, 20:29 pm
#67 nama1: Remember he’s a youngster at 20, with huge potential to work with, and impotantly, because he is verstile, he brings a nice balance to the bench, allowing a 5/2 split and if Smit for now can cope with TH first half/hooker second half, it allows us 2 props and two loosies on the bench. And if the bench is expanded to 23 as we hear, we can have 2 props, 2 locks and 2 loosies there. All we need now is to find ourselves a kicking utility back/*** flyhalf/fullback as well, then we are sorted, because I think everyone can see Ruan is not quite making it there.
Another thing, based on what we have seen on this tour:
1. Danie Rossouw will only see 2011 as lock sub for Bakkies if he makes it.
2. Scalk Burger will battle to make 2011.
3. Bakkies will battle to make it there if not propperly managed.
4. Victor has a better shot but he too needs to be wrapped in cottonwool.
5. Others I don’t see there are Gurthro, Jannie duP, Chilliboy, Adi Jacobs and Ruan Pienaar.
6. Good news though, with tonight’s performance John Smit will most certainly be there if he can play a split TH/Hooker role and gets some rest here and there.
21 Nov 2009, 20:36 pm
#75 WP_:
WP
We try to talk facts here, nothing to do with a personal preference.
I am not the only one who tries to find out why Jacobs is in the team but Barritt, Bosman Meyers, Oliver or even Riaan Swanepoel are out?
I also try to understand why he didn’t play for the Boks from 2002 to 2008 if he is so good?
he played against the Poms in that 3:53 shameful defeat but he wasn’t alone there.
21 Nov 2009, 20:37 pm
#76 Brokenhats:
I refer you to my post 61.
Adi did not have a good game today. There, I said it. Satisfied?
However, he was not the only one and I don’t see them being discussed.
#75 WP_:
I actually quite liked him when he came onto the scene after Ettiene Botha’s untimely death. Predicted back then that he would become a Bok. He just has not step up to the plate in all the chances that he has been given. What is it now, 26 test matches? By now he should have cemented his place in the starting line up, especially with JdV gone. He did not.
21 Nov 2009, 20:39 pm
I must state that John Smit is a hooker and by nio measn should we ever confuse him in the future as a tighthead please.
My team to face Ireland…..
15. Zane Kirschner.
14. J.P. Pieterson.
13. Jacques Fourie.
12. Wynand Olivier.
11. Bryan Habana.
10. Morne Steyn.
9. Fourie DuPreez.
8. Danie Roussow.
7. Jean Deysel.
6. Heinrich Brussow.
5. Victor Matfield.
4. Bakkies Botha.
3. B.J. Botha.
2. John Smit (c).
1. C.J. VanDerLinde / Beast Mtawarira.
16. Beast Mtawarira / Wian DuPreez.
17. Bismark DuPlessis / Adriaan Strauss.
18. Andries Bekker.
19. Schalk Burger / Ryan Kankowski.
20. Ruan Pienaar.
21. Adrian Jacobs.
22. Riaan Viljoen.
21 Nov 2009, 20:40 pm
#79 WP_:
More so when he is behind a non defensive 9-10 pair, geez, imagine what BOD will do if presented with FDP, Styen and Jacobs’ channel?
We all saw what BOD and Robertson did to him in the 2nd B&ILs Test in Pretoria, it doesn’t get worse than that?
21 Nov 2009, 20:43 pm
81 Hondo
I know, I was just suggesting that nama didnt enjoy WO.
I’m aware objectivity and level headedness when analysing players is vital, and I displayed this in post 68.
Why didnt Adi play from 2002 to 2008, there were better players around, as there are now, only difference is the coach.
21 Nov 2009, 20:44 pm
Last word on the Adi Jacobs line. I was at Toulouse last weekend to see the game. The French targeted his channel constantly, obvioulsy for a reason ie. he can’t tackle at international level. Even the French crowd were having a cackle at him. Not his fault that he is continualy chosen for the national side, but our side is always the worse for it. JdV should always play no mater where he plays his club rugby.
SA (with 1st choice players only) forever!!!
21 Nov 2009, 20:46 pm
Firstly, I don’t think the attack on Adi has anything to do with race. Kanko had to endure just as much criticism.
Secondly, I pray that PdV sees the light and includes BJ in his plans for 2011. What a difference it made when we had a specialist tighthead and Smit back in his position. Was beautiful to watch that scrum just gain momentum.
Thirdly, Deysel is a definite option to start against Ireland. He is strong on defense, always moves forward in a tackle, and works hard around the park. Move Danie to 8 and start Deysel at 7. Kanko isn’t impressing right now.
21 Nov 2009, 20:46 pm
#82 nama1:
Mama,
Jacobs had been a Bok in 2001 already,
Yah, it’s hard to believe!
He scooped 10 Boks caps by 2005 (when Botha was killed), it’s not that we talk about an unnown quantity!
Yet, he still cannot pass to his right legally, it always goes forward, he gets away with it though.
21 Nov 2009, 20:47 pm
#80 catleya:
I just feel that you should rate him on his performance on the day and not his potential. You inference that his rating is “a fair reflection of his tour” is mind boggling if you think about his performances in the midweek team. You should have at
“he was actually on too short to form a decent and honest opinion”
21 Nov 2009, 20:49 pm
#82 nama1:
There is a focus on Jacobs because his initial selection at 12 was controvertial, and he needed a big game today. He didn’t deliver. This isn’t exactly the first time a player has been singled out after a poor performance, and I’d say that Jacobs was the worst player in the backline today.
21 Nov 2009, 20:49 pm
#82 nama1: What you fail to understand is that this wasn’t a one-off poor performance by Adi – it’s been an ongoing pattern throughout the season. There are obvious deficiencies in his game which have been exposed time and again.
21 Nov 2009, 20:49 pm
#89 nama1:
should have stopped at
21 Nov 2009, 20:51 pm
#85 WP_:
It all goes back to the Super14 Semi finals in 2008
Why wad Adi selected at 12 after 2 seasons on the bench and Barritt was dropped?
I mean a rugby proper reason?
Not too late to have Barritt back but that not gonna happened.
21 Nov 2009, 20:52 pm
Hondo
I worry for next week against BOD if adi starts
21 Nov 2009, 20:55 pm
Hondo you must test your eyes, pass to right always forward
21 Nov 2009, 20:59 pm
BOD will think he’s in heaven, running right over Adi everytime. He was one of the better defenders against France, but this game he was back to his usual game.
21 Nov 2009, 21:00 pm
#89 nama1:
The rating above is inflated and it came conspiciously too early IMO
It might have dictated to poor Simon.
For instance BJ and the Beast already faced a worn down Italian front row, what’s made BJ scoring 8?
Kanko’s rating is grossly inflated
Ratings of Kirshner, JP and AJ are all upped by 1 point and that’s significant at a low rating
21 Nov 2009, 21:07 pm
#97 Hondo:
I was referring to Catleya’s rating of the players in his post 65.
#96 Hier kom die bokke:
Nonu was supposed to do that last year. He never did.
21 Nov 2009, 21:16 pm
#94 WP_:
He will rest assured
Or
The Beast will start, a bigger worry even
21 Nov 2009, 21:23 pm
Guys,
And now that the innitial euporia of the win is over let’s get real. This was lowly Italy, with the worst flyhalf in the world as we speak and pretty much nothing better outside him to speak of.
So don’t let our emotions run away here.
1. I believe Smitty won’t last a full 80 at hooker. He has changed his conditioning to suit that required for a TH, so it would be unfair to expect that from him. And we need him on the foeld for 80 minutes against Ireland, so I say let him prop at TH the first half and then switch to hooker. It also has a very positive effect on the composition of out bench and keeps Bissie in the fray.
2. Also let Wian play a half. Then we hit them with BJ, Barney and the Beast.
3. I am very glad Deysel got a run and would even start him ahead of Schalla at 7, but I believe Kanko has burnt his Bok clutch and we should probably start with Danie and give Pottie a run off the bench. This guy, in spite of his detractors, is pure class and deserves it.
We are going to end up making tackle upon tackle upon tackle, and this is no longer either Schalk or Danie’s strong suit.
21 Nov 2009, 21:24 pm
Hondo
Beast with Smit and BJ will not be so bad, I dont think.
21 Nov 2009, 21:25 pm
#98 nama1:
It’s not much better
Wiam held on nicely against the mother of all THS currently on offer at test rugby, to put his score at 5?!
Kirshner scored 7?! makes me wonder
Habana: the ball now has to pass via Adi Jacobs which is bad enough, then Fourie not usually releases the ball on tackle, Hab produces miracles with very little!!!
The Beast scored 6, WOW, should have faced Castrogiovanni then, imagine! LOL
21 Nov 2009, 21:32 pm
#101 WP_:
Sure,
That after the match was 60 minutes or so old and Castro G gone
Smit imptoved at Hooker but what if he started there? he wasn’t even acceptable at No. 3 first 50 minutes.
The Beast will be reinstated for Ireland and Adi might be dropped, the Irish scrum is not bad but not as good as the French so the Beast might survive for another day
21 Nov 2009, 21:41 pm
Castro came back on when Beast came on…
Beast held his own… I think JS will do well starting at 2.
WO must start at 12
21 Nov 2009, 21:48 pm
#103 Hondo:
When Beast and BJ came on, one of the Italian props went down and Castro came back on. Scrum looked pretty impressive with Beast, Smit and BJ. I think it was in the first scrum that they came off worse in the hit and still managed to regain control and shove the Italians back.
21 Nov 2009, 22:12 pm
NEWSFLASH…the beast is boning Hondo’s woman stukkend!
21 Nov 2009, 22:17 pm
I’d keep the team very much the same. BUT include BJ in starting line up & I’d move Smit back to hooker, and bring on Bissie half way through.
21 Nov 2009, 22:20 pm
Funny how most of Adi’s fans are a-holes.
21 Nov 2009, 22:23 pm
Ja thanx and a PDV supporter
21 Nov 2009, 22:35 pm
#108 Die_Valk:
What’s up with this comment, Valkman?
21 Nov 2009, 22:35 pm
Just saw the Italian try, that was of an obstruction by 13 taking out Morne Steyn
21 Nov 2009, 22:41 pm
#110 nama1:
Just read through the first 50 comments. Amusing stuff.
Kirschner a 7???
Wian did as well as can be expected with Smittie at 3.
What a pass from Russouw!
And that hit from Chabal against Samoa…
21 Nov 2009, 22:42 pm
I’m all for Juan de Jong. Looks a great prospect.
21 Nov 2009, 22:44 pm
When people can’t admit that a player messed up you should never take them seriously.
21 Nov 2009, 22:45 pm
#111 Charlie: Yeah, but the SuperSport crew didn’t want to sound like whingers. Not that it matters, but the entire build up to that try should never have occured – Habana kept that ball in play, it should never have been an Italian line-out. That TJ who reffed the Sarries game is either clueless or doesn’t like us much.
For the first time in a long, long time I actually agreed with Owen “Rightly So” Nkumane. It’s so rare that he speaks sense. Keep it up Owen, it’s a nice change!
21 Nov 2009, 22:49 pm
The same happened last week with the French try that was not legal
21 Nov 2009, 22:55 pm
i will begrudgingly admit that 2 of my favourite players didn’t play well tonight.
adi jacobs – out of position in my estimation – is a 13 through and through.
ryan kankowski – there justrugby – i said it … lol
kanko is more suited to an open game when the forwards are on top. pity he went off before we really turned on the pressure – he would have excelled
21 Nov 2009, 22:58 pm
We should not be dropping Jacobs yet. Just like Jake, PDV needs to build a team that he has faith in and have faith in him. That said, I do believe Jacobs is best as an impact player.
I have no concerns about Jacobs next week. BoD will not tear him up at all. Jacobs struggles with big guys in his channel not with slippery people. Besides, if BoD makes a break, he will not be able to do anything with it, unless he is 10 meters out. In some ways it is good that side target Adi, it takes the pressure off Morne & allows the cover more time to get across.
For the life of me, I can’t understand why JF doesn’t take on the crash ball role. He is better suited for it & does it so often, just not off first phase…
As for the rest, I think Kanko will have some more confidence from this game & should be on the bench for the Irish as they game is likely to open up in the last 30 minutes.
I don’t think the Irish front row is nearly as impressive as the last two we have faced so we can hopefully focus on the full 8 man performance.
21 Nov 2009, 23:00 pm
#117 charo:
He showded glimpses of what he is capable of, needs a huge S14 to re-establish himself !!
21 Nov 2009, 23:10 pm
#119 justrugby:
yes, seems to have lost confidence.
mind you, spies has improved to such a degree it’s hard for any other 8th man to even consider having a chance.
was never a fan before but the guy is now a phenomenal player
21 Nov 2009, 23:29 pm
My 2 cents worth: G10 was right Bj at 3 JS at 2. Could not believe it is the same scrum. AJ/JF understanding not there yet. Simon’s 4 is merely to create comment or he is just plain dof. How FDP got 8 with a number of wild passes is beyond me. One break is equal to 8 FFS get real. HB truly phenomenal. JD a shoe in for 7. DR at 8 with RK off wood. DR pass to JF down left flank just pure magic. These are the sort of touches that lead to tries, the sort of touches Spies can only dream of. JF was there in support and his running lines are that of a wing. I actually thought BH deserved the MOM. MS was off his kicking best but I think that has to do with not playing with the Gilbert ball. Let’s hope that PDV saw these moments above and select correctly then I say bring on the Irish.
21 Nov 2009, 23:35 pm
I cant wait to see which players PdV picks for next weeks game against Ireland
21 Nov 2009, 23:39 pm
#102 Hondo: he did face him… and we all know what happened. 3-1 to Beast
21 Nov 2009, 23:42 pm
#104 WP_: he did more than hold his own…just ask his team mates, Smit, JP & Brussouw…they were cheering and clapping as the Beast bested Castro
21 Nov 2009, 23:48 pm
Its amazing how the scrums all went against the NH teams after the Dickenson fiasco… Did all the refs opt out of the “agreement” on interpretation… BTW the agreement: Call it for the weaker team and make a few thousand for the bookies
21 Nov 2009, 23:56 pm
The scrum is a system of pressure or forces with the point being at TH… If your TH fail the system fails with the pressure then transfered to the LH next and ultimatley the whole scrum collapses… Castro did well in the Leicester game because Jannie Failed rather than Steenkamp..
22 Nov 2009, 00:35 am
Jacobs is kak
22 Nov 2009, 01:08 am
Here’s my problem with these ratings:
I don’t care who you are but unless you’re a blade of grass in Italy there is no way you can judge who was contributing more at any particular time at the scrums. So to say Kankowski and Russouw were’nt contributing is stupid and daft because there’s no way of knowing.
Why are these guys being graded as if they were playing a Tri-nations match? A bit of leniancy should be applied for this tour. This site is beggining to bore me.
And this “hop on the BJ Botha band wagon” thing is starting to piss me off.
22 Nov 2009, 02:25 am
#127 Balletjies:
Jy’s seker maar dronk. Ons vergewe jou.
22 Nov 2009, 04:15 am
Refrence to the Italian front row as being worn down by the time BJ and Beast came on is only partly true. Their big number 3 had been off the park since half-time and so had had a rest. Their is obviously a synergy with the old sharks front three being reunited. I recall watching those three play against the Waratahs, one of the strongest scrums around, and Beast,Smit and BJ held their own in the scrums. I think Deysel at 7 and Danie at 8 are also more inclined to keep their heads down and push at scrum time than Kanko at 8. That helps too.
On the subject of 8th men, the one player who played well and was highly visible behind a consistently losing pack in the super 14 two years ago was Joe v Niekerk – he looked good even behind a pack that was losing all the time, don’t think kanko or spies manage that – they tend to disappear when the pack is being walloped.
22 Nov 2009, 04:52 am
Adi Jacobs is powderpuff.
“Best bok player against France” they said last week…please!
Try to think of one good thing this guys done – ever. And he’s had a lot of chances by now. I’m not talking about a bustling little run that looks promising for a second and then ends in a turn over (as they do more often than not). When has the promising move by Jacobs actually ended in something substantial? He’s small and he’s not fast. And we haven’t even gone into his defensice weakness.
Check out Jacobs’ role in the try conceded in the CC semi-final by the Sharks – he literally stood still as the ball bobbled about after Pienaars loose pass and was a revolving door for the Cheetah player who did go for the ball.
Where’s the controversy guys? Oh yes! And he’s ‘creative’ too I hear. What a joke…
If he gets selected again against Ireland – and PDV’s love is blind so he probably will – it won’t be no joke seeing BOD rip him to shreds…
Adi Jacobs – powderpuff
22 Nov 2009, 06:47 am
#131 lungburner:
Sadly, your correct observation is not going to make any effect, Jon C. or Simon B. wrote 3 timees last week that Adi was brilliant, you may bet that 95% here said the same!
Adi turned over the ball 5 times against France, I lost counts how many time the French ran thru him, he is pretty good in faking tackles ala Paulse
I wouldn’t bother with his performance against the Italians because I don’t hold them a viable Test opposition but from what I watched on and off, Adi was Adi: missed, faked, turned over, didn’t pass the ball timely.
22 Nov 2009, 08:15 am
#132 Hondo: “faking tackles ala Paulse”???? it’s clear from the way you talk that you’ve never played top level, possibly even club level rugby before….how does a player fake tackles? why would a player WANT to fake tackles??? And though Paulse never took anyone backwards in the tackle he had very solid defence for his size. You’re a cancer on this blog and I for one see straight through your racist **** and so did many others when you gave yourself away by that “white forwards” comment a few days ago
22 Nov 2009, 08:18 am
I must say WO needs to start next week, Adi has been given his chance and it’s only fair WO gets his since neither are really ‘incumbents’
22 Nov 2009, 08:45 am
#134 flanka: WO hasn’t been good in the club games but JDV wasn’t much better before that. Inside centre is the real problem position for SA.
22 Nov 2009, 09:08 am
Dude. Breytie is one of the legends of SA rugby!
How dare you disrespect him… He was a small guy but he held his own on defence and was a better all round defender that adi will ever be or ever has been
22 Nov 2009, 09:50 am
#136 WP_: here here
22 Nov 2009, 09:53 am
#135 Big Hit: yeah adi and WO are really there on default simply coz there’s nobody any better playing local rugby….but JDV has a pretty short contract and holds a mortgage on the 12 jersey. we just have to take it on the chin the same way NZ did when Carter went on his “sabatical”
22 Nov 2009, 09:55 am
#133 flanka: hondo is pietman’s illegitimate son. The b@stard!
22 Nov 2009, 10:06 am
#138 flanka: JDV had his moments but the Bok backine never looked great even when he was there. There’s a problem with the attack.
22 Nov 2009, 10:18 am
#136 WP_: errrm no, there were long periods in his career when his defence went awol.
22 Nov 2009, 10:19 am
I must say that Bekker is developing into a class lock. His international experience is starting to show. Now we need to keep blooding other locks.
22 Nov 2009, 11:27 am
CANADIAN VIAGRA IS DA BEST!
22 Nov 2009, 11:50 am
#143 Cal:
I take it “CALLETJIE” awoke from a Rip van Winkel kind of sleep last night.
22 Nov 2009, 11:51 am
Can we have ex-rugby players give ratings?
And no not the ones quoted in Rapport please.
22 Nov 2009, 12:28 pm
Adi can and will handle BOD
Adi has problems handling big and strong-running players
Bod is great but he’s hardly physical
Adi or WO, both will do fine vs Ireland
22 Nov 2009, 13:13 pm
#146 The_Green_Machine_is_a_Mean_Machine:
Look at the 63rd minute of the 2nd B&ILs Test in Pretoria
You’ll see how BOD and Robertson ran thru Adi as if he was a transparent media
22 Nov 2009, 14:00 pm
Well Jacobs not the only one in the BIL series that it happened to but nothing said, what I do like about Adi’s character is no matter the negative side from the media and the public he just go on with playing
22 Nov 2009, 14:15 pm
Wow that Raynog arsehole has the rock of Gibraltar on his shoulder.
22 Nov 2009, 15:07 pm
118. The Bill, let’s not underestimate BOD, one of the best players of the last decade, and still an incredible force.
I think Adi can play, but not at 12 at this level. A 12 needs to have the option of crashing for one, which Adi doesn’t.
I was impressed with Danie on the weekend, as always he was reliable. I also think JP gets an unfair wrap, it’s mentioned that Henidrich made that steal near our line, but there’s no mention of the ‘anonymous’ JP yet again making a try saving tackle
22 Nov 2009, 15:15 pm
Bok 2007 is a **** from gibraltor
22 Nov 2009, 19:02 pm
Adi has not been good since last year, when he was unstoppable. W.Olivier is definately the next best option after JDV in SA right now. He is a 12 with experience and has played internationally before in that position. I remember him having quite a descent game against England in 2005. He is also one of the top centers in the S14 this season just gone..
23 Nov 2009, 07:03 am
The future of the bok scrum is JS at hooker and Bj at tight head. I did not understand the contrast of ability, but I do now. Bussie must fight it out with JS. Jacobs is not a 12, he can play well at 13 but not better than JF and “prince charming” shoul take the no 12 spot.
I also vote Danie Rassouw as 8 and Deysel at 7.
23 Nov 2009, 07:27 am
@153: I am with you 100% with you. How well did Deysel and Brussow combine. And the scrum was 100% better as soon as BJ came on and JS moved to Hooker! HOpe Plummers was watching and entices BJ back to Durbs!
23 Nov 2009, 07:28 am
What has happened to the arrows that link the reply to a particular post?
23 Nov 2009, 08:05 am
i hope that pdv is learning from his bad decision selections
23 Nov 2009, 09:18 am
Yep Adi has had enough chances, I dont rate WO that highly at intl level but against Darcy and BOD you needs a solid 12 and 13. And thats what you get with WO and JF.
Kanko should only play in SH in S14, he is too weak in the tight. We will be better of starting Deysel, Brussow and Danie. Put Johnson on the bench with Shalk.
The Front row we all saw what needs to happen with BJ, JS and Beast. Bring on bissie and move JS to TH later. Well done Bekker, he and BB combined well and looked ok when Vic came on with the heavier front row and danie at 8.
All so simple, Zane slowly filling Frans boots but why not draft Frans in anyway to cover 10-15 ???
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