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Springboks vs France - 2nd Test: 17 June/SA A 16 June

Posted: Sat Jun 10, 2017 9:03 pm
by Jensrsa
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17 June 17h00 SAST | 15h00 UTC

SA A vs French Barbarians: 16 June Moses Mabhida Stadium Durban
16 June 15h00 SAST | 13h00 UTC

Kings Park Durban

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Capacity: 52,000

Weather:
Temp: 22°C
Rain: 0%
Wind: 9 kmh E

Betting best odds (Oddschecker)
South Africa (2/11) 1.18
France (15/4) 4.75

Officials:
Referee Ben O'Keeffe (New Zealand)
Assistant 1 Glen Jackson (New Zealand)
Assistant 2 Angus Gardner (Australia)
TMO Rowan Kitt (England)

SA A vs French BaaBaas:
Referee: Quinton Immelman (South Africa)
Assistant referees: Vusi Msibi (South Africa), Blake Beattie (South Africa)
TMO: Christie du Preez (South Africa)

Springboks:

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World Ranking: 5

Springboks – TBA

SA A to play the French Barbarians
15 Lwazi Mvovo, 14 Ruan Combrinck, 13 Juan de Jongh (c), 12 Harold Vorster, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Lionel Cronjé, 9 Jano Vermaak, 8 Sikhumbuzo Notshe, 7 Ruan Ackermann, 6 Uzair Cassiem, 5 Ruan Botha, 4 Andries Ferreira, 3 Wilco Louw, 2 Franco Marais, 1 Thomas du Toit.
Subs: 16 Ramone Samuels, 17 Ox Nche, 18 Trevor Nyakane, 19 Jason Jenkins, 20 Andisa Ntsila, 21 Dewaldt Duvenage, 22 Fred Zeilinga, 23 Francois Venter.

France:

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World Ranking: 8

France: 15 Scott Spedding, 14 Yoann Huget, 13 Damian Penaud, 12 Gaël Fickou, 11 Virimi Vakatawa, 10 François Trinh-Duc, 9 Baptiste Serin, 8 Louis Picamoles, 7 Kévin Gourdon, 6 Yacouba Camara, 5 Romain Taofifeuna, 4 Yoann Maestri, 3 Rabah Slimani, 2 Guilhem Guirado (captain), 1 Jefferson Poirot
Substitutes: 16 Clément Maynadier, 17 Eddy Ben Arous, 18 Uini Atonio, 19 Julien le Devedec, 20 Bernard le Roux, 21 Antoine Dupont, 22 Jean-Marc Doussain, 23 Nans Ducuing

Barbarians Français: 15 Louis Dupichot, 14 Gabriel Lacroix, 13 Jonathan Danty, 12 Jean-Baptiste Dubié, 11 Arthur Bonneval, 10 Frédéric Michalak (captain), 9 Yann Lesgourgues, 8 Marco Tauleigne, 7 Judicaël Cancoriet, 6 Anthony Jelonch, 5 Arnaud Mela, 4 Alexandre Flanquart, 3 Malik Hamadache, 2 Rémi Bonfils, 1 Khatchik Vartanov.
Replacements: 16 Anthony Etrillard, 17 Clément Ric, 18 Tommy Raynaud, 19 Felix Lambey, 20 Romain Sazy, 21 Jean-Baptiste Pejoine, 22 Anthony Belleau, 23 Clément Poitrenaud.

History:

2017 Series:
SA: 1
France: 0

Overall:
Played: 40
Boks: 23
France: 11
Draw: 6

In SA:
Played: 22
Boks: 11
France: 6
Draw: 5

Last 5 in SA:
Pretoria - 10 Jun 2017: 37014 W
Cape Town - 12 Jun 2010: 42-17 W
Cape Town - 24 Jun 2006: 26-36 L
Port Elizabeth - 25 Jun 2005: 27-13 W
Durban - 18 Jun 2005: 30-30 D
Durban - 23 Jun 2001: 20-15 W

Re: Springboks vs France - 2nd Test: 17 June/SA A 16 June

Posted: Sat Jun 10, 2017 9:08 pm
by Botha Boy
Ah, yes are mad for it now ... enjoy your win Saffers ... very well deserved.

It would be nice to see if the France team can become equal to the some of its parts ... they were very disappointing today.

Re: Springboks vs France - 2nd Test: 17 June/SA A 16 June

Posted: Sat Jun 10, 2017 9:11 pm
by ElementFreak
Referee Ben O'Keeffe (New Zelaand)
Assistant 1 Glen Jackson (New Zealand)
Assistant 2 Angus Gardner (Australia)
TMO Rowan Kitt (England)

Re: Springboks vs France - 2nd Test: 17 June/SA A 16 June

Posted: Sat Jun 10, 2017 9:11 pm
by Jensrsa
Botha Boy wrote:Ah, yes are mad for it now ... enjoy your win Saffers ... very well deserved.

It would be nice to see if the France team can become equal to the some of its parts ... they were very disappointing today.
They will have their Clermont and Toulon players back. Expect a different France team

Re: Springboks vs France - 2nd Test: 17 June/SA A 16 June

Posted: Sat Jun 10, 2017 10:03 pm
by Sards
Looking forward to the real French side. This weekend's team was terrible

Re: Springboks vs France - 2nd Test: 17 June/SA A 16 June

Posted: Sat Jun 10, 2017 10:22 pm
by Jensrsa
Boks should move to 5th in the rankings

Re: Springboks vs France - 2nd Test: 17 June/SA A 16 June

Posted: Sat Jun 10, 2017 10:27 pm
by Jensrsa
Hopefully Durbs will get more than the 29,313 people that was at Loftus to the game on Saturday

Re: Springboks vs France - 2nd Test: 17 June/SA A 16 June

Posted: Sat Jun 10, 2017 10:45 pm
by Jensrsa
Jesse Kriel took a knock to the head in the big win against France and may be forced to miss the second Test in Durban, reports JON CARDINELLI in Pretoria.

Kriel scored a crucial try for the Springboks in the 31st minute of the match at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday. In the second stanza, however, the Bok centre was on the receiving end when Henry Chavancy repelled his attempted tackle and left him prone on the turf.

Kriel tried to get to his feet to rejoin the defensive line. After stumbling twice, he remained on the ground. He was subsequently helped from the field to be assessed for a head injury, and did not return.

After the match, Bok coach Allister Coetzee said that Kriel may have sustained a concussion.

‘I still need to check with the medical team, but it looks like Jesse has a concussion,' he said. 'If that is the case, we will need to go through all the protocols and cognitive testing [to determine his availability for the next Test].’
http://www.sarugbymag.co.za/blog/detail ... n-for-boks

Re: Springboks vs France - 2nd Test: 17 June/SA A 16 June

Posted: Sat Jun 10, 2017 11:04 pm
by Sards
Jensrsa wrote:
Jesse Kriel took a knock to the head in the big win against France and may be forced to miss the second Test in Durban, reports JON CARDINELLI in Pretoria.

Kriel scored a crucial try for the Springboks in the 31st minute of the match at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday. In the second stanza, however, the Bok centre was on the receiving end when Henry Chavancy repelled his attempted tackle and left him prone on the turf.

Kriel tried to get to his feet to rejoin the defensive line. After stumbling twice, he remained on the ground. He was subsequently helped from the field to be assessed for a head injury, and did not return.

After the match, Bok coach Allister Coetzee said that Kriel may have sustained a concussion.

‘I still need to check with the medical team, but it looks like Jesse has a concussion,' he said. 'If that is the case, we will need to go through all the protocols and cognitive testing [to determine his availability for the next Test].’
http://www.sarugbymag.co.za/blog/detail ... n-for-boks
Bad luck for the lad. Hopefully it's nothing serious. Who will be called in?

Re: Springboks vs France - 2nd Test: 17 June/SA A 16 June

Posted: Sat Jun 10, 2017 11:12 pm
by Dork Lard
the next Test's team will be improved because they'll be more comfortable with their surroundings and more engaged into this series and simply will have better players on the field in various places of the xv, all that... but mind you it's still a Test side coached by Guy Noves, the septuagenarian coach who should've retired 5 years ago. You won't find a great difference in the attacking shape or collective ability of this team, no big surprises to be conjured out there next weekend.

Re: Springboks vs France - 2nd Test: 17 June/SA A 16 June

Posted: Sun Jun 11, 2017 12:28 am
by saffer13
Sards wrote:
Jensrsa wrote:
Jesse Kriel took a knock to the head in the big win against France and may be forced to miss the second Test in Durban, reports JON CARDINELLI in Pretoria.

Kriel scored a crucial try for the Springboks in the 31st minute of the match at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday. In the second stanza, however, the Bok centre was on the receiving end when Henry Chavancy repelled his attempted tackle and left him prone on the turf.

Kriel tried to get to his feet to rejoin the defensive line. After stumbling twice, he remained on the ground. He was subsequently helped from the field to be assessed for a head injury, and did not return.

After the match, Bok coach Allister Coetzee said that Kriel may have sustained a concussion.

‘I still need to check with the medical team, but it looks like Jesse has a concussion,' he said. 'If that is the case, we will need to go through all the protocols and cognitive testing [to determine his availability for the next Test].’
http://www.sarugbymag.co.za/blog/detail ... n-for-boks
Bad luck for the lad. Hopefully it's nothing serious. Who will be called in?
Mapoe (if he's recovered from injury) will probably come into consideration and cover from the bench. Frans/Serfontein hopefully start.

Re: Springboks vs France - 2nd Test: 17 June/SA A 16 June

Posted: Sun Jun 11, 2017 12:32 am
by saffer13
While France will get a few players back, the Boks can make a couple selection changes for the positive as well. Definitely a good start, now to keep this momentum.

I'd like to see (but doubt AC will make this many changes):
1. Kitshoff
2. Marx
3. Dreyer
4. Eben
5. Mostert
6. Kriel
7. Kolisi
8. Whiteley

9. Hoohah
10. Jantjies
11. Skosan
12. Frans
13. Serfontein
14. Rhule
15. Coetzee

16. Bongi
17. Coenie
18. Beast
19. PSDT
20. JL duP
21. Cronje
22. Leyds
23. Mapoe

*We need 10 cover though. Frans in an emergency for now I guess.

Re: Springboks vs France - 2nd Test: 17 June/SA A 16 June

Posted: Sun Jun 11, 2017 10:27 am
by Jensrsa
saffer13 wrote:
Sards wrote:
Jensrsa wrote:
Jesse Kriel took a knock to the head in the big win against France and may be forced to miss the second Test in Durban, reports JON CARDINELLI in Pretoria.

Kriel scored a crucial try for the Springboks in the 31st minute of the match at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday. In the second stanza, however, the Bok centre was on the receiving end when Henry Chavancy repelled his attempted tackle and left him prone on the turf.

Kriel tried to get to his feet to rejoin the defensive line. After stumbling twice, he remained on the ground. He was subsequently helped from the field to be assessed for a head injury, and did not return.

After the match, Bok coach Allister Coetzee said that Kriel may have sustained a concussion.

‘I still need to check with the medical team, but it looks like Jesse has a concussion,' he said. 'If that is the case, we will need to go through all the protocols and cognitive testing [to determine his availability for the next Test].’
http://www.sarugbymag.co.za/blog/detail ... n-for-boks
Bad luck for the lad. Hopefully it's nothing serious. Who will be called in?
Mapoe (if he's recovered from injury) will probably come into consideration and cover from the bench. Frans/Serfontein hopefully start.
I suspect the only change might be Frans starting with Jan, if Jesse is out, with Mapoe coming in on the bench. Not sure whether AC will fiddle with the loosies to bring Jaco Kriel in

Re: Springboks vs France - 2nd Test: 17 June/SA A 16 June

Posted: Sun Jun 11, 2017 10:36 am
by Beaver_Shark
I noticed that the French didn't bother with ruck defence on many occasions yesterday (see the Kolisi break which we butchered). That is one area we can really target in this game.

Re: Springboks vs France - 2nd Test: 17 June/SA A 16 June

Posted: Sun Jun 11, 2017 10:49 am
by Sards
Beaver_Shark wrote:I noticed that the French didn't bother with ruck defence on many occasions yesterday (see the Kolisi break which we butchered). That is one area we can really target in this game.
Well spotted . There was hardly a contest here.

Re: Springboks vs France - 2nd Test: 17 June/SA A 16 June

Posted: Sun Jun 11, 2017 12:15 pm
by Dork Lard
Sards wrote:
Beaver_Shark wrote:I noticed that the French didn't bother with ruck defence on many occasions yesterday (see the Kolisi break which we butchered). That is one area we can really target in this game.
Well spotted . There was hardly a contest here.
they were going for the strong defensive curtain. Another problem with that, I believe Noves fearing Saffer power, is the defense was so narrow expecting close encounter impacts - it was the easiest thing in the world to overtake it - with a couple of long skip passes France were undermanned in a second and under pressure just like that, props to SA that identified that quickly (or wanted to play that Lions style, anyways ?? probably that).

Next week:
France will have better items, and you can expect much better defense from them. Trinh-Duc at 10 rather than Plisson is an enormous upgrade there, they'll probably start Toulon man Guirado this time, possibly Slimani (expect your scrum to be pulverized if that's the case). I think they'll have identified Gourdon was much better at back row, and Gourdon-Camarra-with a focused Picamoles is a solid back row on both ends. They should add some beef in the pack with Big Tao at lock, and possibly Clermont man Jedrasiak (bench I'd guess). And expect to see Clermont youth sensation Damian Penaud (which highlight reel I'd posted) to add some punch at midfield.

Re: Springboks vs France - 2nd Test: 17 June/SA A 16 June

Posted: Mon Jun 12, 2017 8:44 am
by Jensrsa
Betting best odds (Oddschecker)

South Africa (2/11) 1.18
France (15/4) 4.75

Re: Springboks vs France - 2nd Test: 17 June/SA A 16 June

Posted: Mon Jun 12, 2017 8:59 am
by assfly
I wonder if we'll see Steyn at 12 and Serfontein at 13, that would be quite exciting.

Re: Springboks vs France - 2nd Test: 17 June/SA A 16 June

Posted: Mon Jun 12, 2017 9:03 am
by handyman
Steyn 12 and Serfontein 13 would be my choice.

Was not happy with Oupa, a lot of promising moves ended with him being tackled. JLDP made a huge difference when he came on.

Re: Springboks vs France - 2nd Test: 17 June/SA A 16 June

Posted: Mon Jun 12, 2017 9:07 am
by assfly
handyman wrote:Was not happy with Oupa, a lot of promising moves ended with him being tackled. JLDP made a huge difference when he came on.
He looks lazy to me. His workrate was poor. JLdP brought so much more intensity to the game when he was on.

Can't say I was impressed with Kolisi either. I would love to see Kriel replace him, but that ain't gonna happen.

Re: Springboks vs France - 2nd Test: 17 June/SA A 16 June

Posted: Mon Jun 12, 2017 9:11 am
by Jensrsa
Seems Jesse's head knock was quite serious so chances are he's out - 12 Frans, 13 Jan

Other change I'd like to see is Jaco in at 6. I don't see AC dropping Kolisi so maybe - 6 Kriel, 7 Kolisi, 8 Warren

Re: Springboks vs France - 2nd Test: 17 June/SA A 16 June

Posted: Mon Jun 12, 2017 9:22 am
by handyman
assfly wrote:
handyman wrote:Was not happy with Oupa, a lot of promising moves ended with him being tackled. JLDP made a huge difference when he came on.
He looks lazy to me. His workrate was poor. JLdP brought so much more intensity to the game when he was on.

Can't say I was impressed with Kolisi either. I would love to see Kriel replace him, but that ain't gonna happen.
Yes agree with you. Guess we have to choose at least one of them, have to be Kolisi. Oupa is just not involved enough, but we saw that last year already.

Re: Springboks vs France - 2nd Test: 17 June/SA A 16 June

Posted: Mon Jun 12, 2017 9:23 am
by handyman
Jensrsa wrote:Seems Jesse's head knock was quite serious so chances are he's out - 12 Frans, 13 Jan

Other change I'd like to see is Jaco in at 6. I don't see AC dropping Kolisi so maybe - 6 Kriel, 7 Kolisi, 8 Warren
With JLDP on the bench for impact. Imagine him and Marx running at the French 8)

Re: Springboks vs France - 2nd Test: 17 June/SA A 16 June

Posted: Mon Jun 12, 2017 9:26 am
by assfly
A couple more cameos from JLdP and we won't be able to keep him on the bench any longer. He reminds me of Willem Alberts (in his early years), Juan Smith or Andre Venter. His tackling just kills the momentum of the attacking side. And when we're playing the All Blacks that's exactly what we need. Would be interesting to see him line up with Duane Vermulen.

Re: Springboks vs France - 2nd Test: 17 June/SA A 16 June

Posted: Mon Jun 12, 2017 9:33 am
by Jensrsa
handyman wrote:
Jensrsa wrote:Seems Jesse's head knock was quite serious so chances are he's out - 12 Frans, 13 Jan

Other change I'd like to see is Jaco in at 6. I don't see AC dropping Kolisi so maybe - 6 Kriel, 7 Kolisi, 8 Warren
With JLDP on the bench for impact. Imagine him and Marx running at the French 8)
He could go 6 Kolisi, 7 JLdP, 8 Whiteley

Re: Springboks vs France - 2nd Test: 17 June/SA A 16 June

Posted: Mon Jun 12, 2017 9:35 am
by Jensrsa
I don't know much about NH rugby or the French. Given the players from Clermont and Toulon probably coming in, where must the Boks be strengthened?

Re: Springboks vs France - 2nd Test: 17 June/SA A 16 June

Posted: Mon Jun 12, 2017 9:36 am
by handyman
assfly wrote:A couple more cameos from JLdP and we won't be able to keep him on the bench any longer. He reminds me of Willem Alberts (in his early years), Juan Smith or Andre Venter. His tackling just kills the momentum of the attacking side. And when we're playing the All Blacks that's exactly what we need. Would be interesting to see him line up with Duane Vermulen.
Agree. Very powerful.

Re: Springboks vs France - 2nd Test: 17 June/SA A 16 June

Posted: Mon Jun 12, 2017 9:46 am
by Sards
JLDP is a beast.......and so strong.

Do not expect him to start gentlemen. There was already pressure regarding transfor0mation numbers before this last test. We have to accept that this will always be a consideration . Not make an issue about it but remember that there are targets that have to be met and discuss inclusions in the side without anger or frustration.

Re: Springboks vs France - 2nd Test: 17 June/SA A 16 June

Posted: Mon Jun 12, 2017 10:11 am
by Jensrsa
Unofficial:
1 New Zealand 94.78
2 England 89.53 -> 89.87
3 Australia 86.35
4 Ireland 84.66
5 (7) South Africa 81.79 -> 82.87
6 Scotland 82.18
7 Wales 81.36
8 (6) France 82.00 -> 80.92
9 Argentina 79.91 -> 79.57

Re: Springboks vs France - 2nd Test: 17 June/SA A 16 June

Posted: Mon Jun 12, 2017 10:17 am
by assfly
Could somebody let World Rugby know that we're ready to have another look at the pools for the 2019 RWC.

Re: Springboks vs France - 2nd Test: 17 June/SA A 16 June

Posted: Mon Jun 12, 2017 10:23 am
by Jensrsa
assfly wrote:Could somebody let World Rugby know that we're ready to have another look at the pools for the 2019 RWC.
:lol:

Won't change anything, 5-8 was in the same band for the draw

Re: Springboks vs France - 2nd Test: 17 June/SA A 16 June

Posted: Mon Jun 12, 2017 11:41 am
by ArnoldVDH
Sards wrote:JLDP is a beast.......and so strong.

Do not expect him to start gentlemen. There was already pressure regarding transfor0mation numbers before this last test. We have to accept that this will always be a consideration . Not make an issue about it but remember that there are targets that have to be met and discuss inclusions in the side without anger or frustration.
Which is why either Jaco Kriel or Du Preez could come in for Oupa AND Mapoe come in for Jessie Kriel instead of Steyn.

Then the percentages haven't changed.

Re: Springboks vs France - 2nd Test: 17 June/SA A 16 June

Posted: Mon Jun 12, 2017 11:45 am
by Sards
ArnoldVDH wrote:
Sards wrote:JLDP is a beast.......and so strong.

Do not expect him to start gentlemen. There was already pressure regarding transfor0mation numbers before this last test. We have to accept that this will always be a consideration . Not make an issue about it but remember that there are targets that have to be met and discuss inclusions in the side without anger or frustration.
Which is why either Jaco Kriel or Du Preez could come in for Oupa AND Mapoe come in for Jessie Kriel instead of Steyn.

Then the percentages haven't changed.
Interesting......except remember we were slightly short beforehand werent we

Re: Springboks vs France - 2nd Test: 17 June/SA A 16 June

Posted: Mon Jun 12, 2017 11:51 am
by ArnoldVDH
Sards wrote:
ArnoldVDH wrote:
Sards wrote:JLDP is a beast.......and so strong.

Do not expect him to start gentlemen. There was already pressure regarding transfor0mation numbers before this last test. We have to accept that this will always be a consideration . Not make an issue about it but remember that there are targets that have to be met and discuss inclusions in the side without anger or frustration.
Which is why either Jaco Kriel or Du Preez could come in for Oupa AND Mapoe come in for Jessie Kriel instead of Steyn.

Then the percentages haven't changed.
Interesting......except remember we were slightly short beforehand werent we
Not sure about that.

Steyn I think hasn't got age on his side. So going with the younger Mapoe option would be better and give us the option to strengthen the back row.

Du Preez is a beast (I'd really prefer Whitely, Kriel and Du Preez but that will never ever happen)

Re: Springboks vs France - 2nd Test: 17 June/SA A 16 June

Posted: Mon Jun 12, 2017 11:59 am
by Sards
ArnoldVDH wrote: Du Preez is a beast (I'd really prefer Whitely, Kriel and Du Preez but that will never ever happen)

Imagine....

Re: Springboks vs France - 2nd Test: 17 June/SA A 16 June

Posted: Mon Jun 12, 2017 12:18 pm
by ox wagon
ArnoldVDH wrote:Steyn I think hasn't got age on his side.
He'll be 32 by the next RWC, which is around the age a lot of the best players peak.

He should start at 12. 13 and wing are his worst positions. Stransky was making excuses for Serfontein during the match, saying the Boks "weren't attacking in his channel", Frans showed this was nonsense.

As soon as he came on he made a huge kick from the Bok 22 to the middle of French 22. The French had no one back to catch it. Selecting Frans, strengthens the kicking/territory game so much it helps the possession/running game also, as the opposition back three have to stand deeper, which opens more space. It also helps carrying in the midfield, which was anonymous before Frans came on. It also helps having a proper exit strategy from the 22, a couple of times the Boks tried tricks that went wrong, a better team would've punished. Much harder to punish a kick from behind your try line, that ends up buried in the opponents 22. It also helps place kicking from range, especially in front of the posts.

If he's available it's stupid not to start him. This has been true for a decade. HM's biggest mistake was not selecting him, paid for it in the RWC semi when Pollard/Le Roux/De Allende couldn't kick the Boks out of their half.

Re: Springboks vs France - 2nd Test: 17 June/SA A 16 June

Posted: Mon Jun 12, 2017 12:25 pm
by ArnoldVDH
ox wagon wrote:
ArnoldVDH wrote:Steyn I think hasn't got age on his side.
He'll be 32 by the next RWC, which is around the age a lot of the best players peak.

He should start at 12. 13 and wing are his worst positions. Stransky was making excuses for Serfontein during the match, saying the Boks "weren't attacking in his channel", Frans showed this was nonsense.

As soon as he came on he made a huge kick from the Bok 22 to the middle of French 22. The French had no one back to catch it. Selecting Frans, strengthens the kicking/territory game so much it helps the possession/running game also, as the opposition back three have to stand deeper, which opens more space. It also helps carrying in the midfield, which was anonymous before Frans came on. It also helps having a proper exit strategy from the 22, a couple of times the Boks tried tricks that went wrong, a better team would've punished. Much harder to punish a kick from behind your try line, that ends up buried in the opponents 22. It also helps place kicking from range, especially in front of the posts.

If he's available it's stupid not to start him. This has been true for a decade. HM's biggest mistake was not selecting him, paid for it in the RWC semi when Pollard/Le Roux/De Allende couldn't kick the Boks out of their half.
Thanks Ox.

Then my question is this? Should the Boks rather have a stronger midfield with Steyn but a weaker back row with Kolisi and Oupa, or rather have a stronger backrow with Kolisi and Du Preez and a midfield with Mapoe that is probably as good if not better at breaking the line but that does not have the kicking option that Steyn brings.

Keeping targets in mind.

I'm probably tempted to go for the latter option.

Re: Springboks vs France - 2nd Test: 17 June/SA A 16 June

Posted: Mon Jun 12, 2017 12:42 pm
by ox wagon
ArnoldVDH wrote:Thanks Ox.

Then my question is this? Should the Boks rather have a stronger midfield with Steyn but a weaker back row with Kolisi and Oupa, or rather have a stronger backrow with Kolisi and Du Preez and a midfield with Mapoe that is probably as good if not better at breaking the line but that does not have the kicking option that Steyn brings.

Keeping targets in mind.

I'm probably tempted to go for the latter option.
They are just targets, and are measured over series, competitions, and the season. In other words the side will look different depending on the quality of the opponent, and a smart coach manages it by exploiting the easiest matches. The easiest games the Boks play are in June, last season AC selected Kolisi in June only. Kolisi has added muscle this season and is playing the best I've seen him from him, still lacks a ground game, seems like more of a blindside. Oupa's game seems to have gone backwards since last season.

All seems a bit besides the point. Mapoe is a better 13 option than Frans. 13 has a much different skill set to 12, something closer to a wing, speed is a big requirement, it's why an old and slow Jean de Villiers at 13 was never going to work. Serfontein didn't do much in the 1st test, Frans showed quite a bit when he came on. Having Frans at 12 adds a lot of direction to the side, gets the team playing in the right parts of the field, takes some pressure off whoever is at 10.

Re: Springboks vs France - 2nd Test: 17 June/SA A 16 June

Posted: Mon Jun 12, 2017 12:43 pm
by Wilson's Toffee
ArnoldVDH wrote:
ox wagon wrote:
ArnoldVDH wrote:Steyn I think hasn't got age on his side.
He'll be 32 by the next RWC, which is around the age a lot of the best players peak.

He should start at 12. 13 and wing are his worst positions. Stransky was making excuses for Serfontein during the match, saying the Boks "weren't attacking in his channel", Frans showed this was nonsense.

As soon as he came on he made a huge kick from the Bok 22 to the middle of French 22. The French had no one back to catch it. Selecting Frans, strengthens the kicking/territory game so much it helps the possession/running game also, as the opposition back three have to stand deeper, which opens more space. It also helps carrying in the midfield, which was anonymous before Frans came on. It also helps having a proper exit strategy from the 22, a couple of times the Boks tried tricks that went wrong, a better team would've punished. Much harder to punish a kick from behind your try line, that ends up buried in the opponents 22. It also helps place kicking from range, especially in front of the posts.

If he's available it's stupid not to start him. This has been true for a decade. HM's biggest mistake was not selecting him, paid for it in the RWC semi when Pollard/Le Roux/De Allende couldn't kick the Boks out of their half.
Thanks Ox.

Then my question is this? Should the Boks rather have a stronger midfield with Steyn but a weaker back row with Kolisi and Oupa, or rather have a stronger backrow with Kolisi and Du Preez and a midfield with Mapoe that is probably as good if not better at breaking the line but that does not have the kicking option that Steyn brings.

Keeping targets in mind.

I'm probably tempted to go for the latter option.

Sweet Jesus. In the name of quotas, we actively ENDORSE weakening the Springbok rugby team.


Edit : Select JLdP, Kriel, Whiteley, Frans Steyn. And Ginger.

Fok this nonsense , pick the strongest team.

Re: Springboks vs France - 2nd Test: 17 June/SA A 16 June

Posted: Mon Jun 12, 2017 12:53 pm
by Jensrsa
INJURY UPDATE: SPRINGBOK CENTRE JESSE KRIEL HAS BEEN RULED OUT OF THE SECOND TEST AGAINST FRANCE.

Kriel, who suffered concussion in the 37-14 win in the first Test against Les Bleus in Johannesburg at the weekend, will have a week of "full rest" and is unavailable for selection for second Test in Durban this coming Saturday.

The good news is that midfielder Lionel Mapoe has completed his final phase of rehabilitation from a hamstring strain, and returns to full fitness on Monday.
http://www.rugby365.com/countries/south ... econd-test