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
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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.
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