Planet Rugby Forum

The 100th test between the two nations, and their first game since the 2019 RWC. I'm excited.

Most likely XV?

Moody - Taylor - Lauala
Retallick - S Barrett
Papalii - Savea - Ioane
TJ - B Barrett
Havili - ALB (hopefully?)
Ioane - Reece - J Barrett

with Taukei'aho, Bower, Ofa, Paddy, Jacobsen, Weber, DMac and Jordan on the bench?

Something like that? Not confident with SW, Mo and Snecky missing

I wonder if Reiko has overtaken ALB as preferred centre, ALB has been out for a couple of weeks and Reiko looks the goods.
I know he is not our best attacking winger but like him or not Bridge is great under the highball and is as safe as it gets and a good decision maker.
I wouldn’t be surprised to see a Havili/Ioane midfield with ALB off the bench.

I think Rieko Ioane is due a rest so won't be surprised if he is on the bench or not in the squad if ALB is fit.

Whitelock is a huge loss !

We’ll be ok with BB as long as Jodie takes the kicks .

Man we’ll miss Sneckys pass too .

The Springbok loose forward and midfield defence was poor last night. The Springboks look tired there and seem to lack depth. Erasmus is also missed.

Pakia Pakia wrote: ↑Sun Sep 19, 2021 1:45 am The Springbok loose forward and midfield defence was poor last night. The Springboks look tired there and seem to lack depth. Erasmus is also missed.

I thought they looked unfit.

Ali's Choice wrote: ↑Sun Sep 19, 2021 1:46 am

Pakia Pakia wrote: ↑Sun Sep 19, 2021 1:45 am The Springbok loose forward and midfield defence was poor last night. The Springboks look tired there and seem to lack depth. Erasmus is also missed.

I thought they looked unfit.

I agree. Vermulen in particular. Mostert is a good lock but no blindside. Kolisi was the pick of the loose forwards but even he doesn't seem fully fit.

In contrast the Wallabies overall look arguably the fittest they've been this millennium.

Pakia Pakia wrote: ↑Sun Sep 19, 2021 1:50 am

Ali's Choice wrote: ↑Sun Sep 19, 2021 1:46 am

Pakia Pakia wrote: ↑Sun Sep 19, 2021 1:45 am The Springbok loose forward and midfield defence was poor last night. The Springboks look tired there and seem to lack depth. Erasmus is also missed.

I thought they looked unfit.

I agree. Vermulen in particular. Mostert is a good lock but no blindside. Kolisi was the pick of the loose forwards but even he doesn't seem fully fit.

Big Duane was f**ked. He looks a shadow of his former self and is carrying too much muscle, IMO.

In wonder if not being involved in Super Rugby is starting to impact on South African players?

Maybe but a bunch of them have also had Covid and I wonder if this may have impacted some of them

trapper wrote: ↑Sun Sep 19, 2021 1:39 am I wonder if Reiko has overtaken ALB as preferred centre

Dear god I hope not. Ioane is fantastic on the wing, has the wingers instinct for the outside break or the inside step, and has the requisite pace. He hasn't shown any evidence, to my eyes at least, of improving his distribution or defensive organisation yet to justify continuing at 13.

Ali's Choice wrote: ↑Sun Sep 19, 2021 1:29 am The 100th test between the two nations, and their first game since the 2019 RWC. I'm excited.

That alone should be enough to fire up both teams.

I did wonder if maybe the Boks had one eye on this game when playing Oz. Although you would have thought the first liss to Oz would have caused a refocus if that was the case.

ABs by 25.

Ali's Choice wrote: ↑Sun Sep 19, 2021 1:29 am The 100th test between the two nations, and their first game since the 2019 RWC. I'm excited.

It's also 100 years of rugby between the nations, the first game was in Dunedin in August 1921.

naki wrote: ↑Sun Sep 19, 2021 1:33 am Most likely XV?

Moody - Taylor - Lauala
Retallick - S Barrett
Papalii - Savea - Ioane
TJ - B Barrett
Havili - ALB (hopefully?)
Ioane - Reece - J Barrett

with Taukei'aho, Bower, Ofa, Paddy, Jacobsen, Weber, DMac and Jordan on the bench?

Something like that? Not confident with SW, Mo and Snecky missing

I'd like to see Jordan get a start.

This could potentially be the first pro rugby match that I watch in two years. Maybe.

Ali's Choice wrote: ↑Sun Sep 19, 2021 1:51 am

Pakia Pakia wrote: ↑Sun Sep 19, 2021 1:50 am

Ali's Choice wrote: ↑Sun Sep 19, 2021 1:46 am

Pakia Pakia wrote: ↑Sun Sep 19, 2021 1:45 am The Springbok loose forward and midfield defence was poor last night. The Springboks look tired there and seem to lack depth. Erasmus is also missed.

I thought they looked unfit.

I agree. Vermulen in particular. Mostert is a good lock but no blindside. Kolisi was the pick of the loose forwards but even he doesn't seem fully fit.

Big Duane was f**ked. He looks a shadow of his former self and is carrying too much muscle, IMO.

In wonder if not being involved in Super Rugby is starting to impact on South African players?

Wasn’t he average .

He was always such a consistent threat but seemed completely out of gas .

Tehui wrote: ↑Sun Sep 19, 2021 4:20 am This could potentially be the first pro rugby match that I watch in two years. Maybe.

Go on, give it a crack. I think it will be well worth it.

Ted. wrote: ↑Sun Sep 19, 2021 4:05 am

Ali's Choice wrote: ↑Sun Sep 19, 2021 1:29 am The 100th test between the two nations, and their first game since the 2019 RWC. I'm excited.

It's also 100 years of rugby between the nations, the first game was in Dunedin in August 1921.

On a side note, I see it was the 40th year anniversary of the 3rd ABs v Springboks test of 1981 last week too.

I’m a bit disappointed that the Boks look so shit, I feel like they have failed to keep their end of the bargain and instead of getting a clash of the titans with an uncertain outcome we are getting a game that is lacking a bit of edge.

While it’s still a big test, I think the buildup has lost a bit of lustre and I’m not as worried as I should be. Being worried is half the fun.

trapper wrote: ↑Sun Sep 19, 2021 5:04 am I’m a bit disappointed that the Boks look so shit, I feel like they have failed to keep their end of the bargain and instead of getting a clash of the titans with an uncertain outcome we are getting a game that is lacking a bit of edge.

While it’s still a big test, I think the buildup has lost a bit of lustre and I’m not as worried as I should be. Being worried is half the fun.

Careful. The Mockers Gods have their fingers on the trigger for these sorts of comments.

Looking forward to this game big time.

The only area where we could struggle is at lineout where th Boks have a number of options. We have had to go to the front lately, a low risk option but also low reward.

The mean green machine against the spiritual guardians.

Yep, should be a good 'un. Will be interested to see how the route 1 game plan works against the Boks. If their defense isn't up to it, if the ABs can regularly bend the gain line, it'll be a long night for the Boks.

I expect the Boks to be fired up. I hope the ABs aren't taking them even a little bit lightly.

obelixtim wrote: ↑Sun Sep 19, 2021 3:24 am ABs by 25.

Mockers gods are not fooled.







ABS by 40+

Pakia Pakia wrote: ↑Sun Sep 19, 2021 5:16 am

trapper wrote: ↑Sun Sep 19, 2021 5:04 am I’m a bit disappointed that the Boks look so shit, I feel like they have failed to keep their end of the bargain and instead of getting a clash of the titans with an uncertain outcome we are getting a game that is lacking a bit of edge.

While it’s still a big test, I think the buildup has lost a bit of lustre and I’m not as worried as I should be. Being worried is half the fun.

Careful. The Mockers Gods have their fingers on the trigger for these sorts of comments.

Hell yes! Enough of that sort of talk, Trapper.

Ted. wrote: ↑Sun Sep 19, 2021 6:18 am

Pakia Pakia wrote: ↑Sun Sep 19, 2021 5:16 am

trapper wrote: ↑Sun Sep 19, 2021 5:04 am I’m a bit disappointed that the Boks look so shit, I feel like they have failed to keep their end of the bargain and instead of getting a clash of the titans with an uncertain outcome we are getting a game that is lacking a bit of edge.

While it’s still a big test, I think the buildup has lost a bit of lustre and I’m not as worried as I should be. Being worried is half the fun.

Careful. The Mockers Gods have their fingers on the trigger for these sorts of comments.

Hell yes! Enough of that sort of talk, Trapper.

I don’t think it’s a forgone conclusion, I would have preferred that the Boks were coming into this with a bit of form is all.
Obviously looking forward to this test, it’s been 2 years and no doubt the nerves will kick in later on in the week.

This is going to be a tough one. The Boks looked jaded and confused yesterday and their play-by-numbers game wasn't working and when they tried to change it up it wasn't working either. And that was in the first half that I watched, the second half apparently was worse

Ideally the "A team" should have been rested yesterday to be fresh(er) for the 100th Test, most of the "B team" players haven't played a match in more than a month.

The puppet's team selections aren't working - playing three loosies off the bench didn't make sense when he first did it and still doesn't - and sticking with selections that don't work isn't going to solve anything.

The team needs a bit of a shake up but I don't see the puppet risking it

Ted. wrote: ↑Sun Sep 19, 2021 4:05 am

Ali's Choice wrote: ↑Sun Sep 19, 2021 1:29 am The 100th test between the two nations, and their first game since the 2019 RWC. I'm excited.

It's also 100 years of rugby between the nations, the first game was in Dunedin in August 1921.

And the 100th was due to be in Dunedin with moi in attendance.

trapper wrote: ↑Sun Sep 19, 2021 6:50 am

Ted. wrote: ↑Sun Sep 19, 2021 6:18 am

Pakia Pakia wrote: ↑Sun Sep 19, 2021 5:16 am

trapper wrote: ↑Sun Sep 19, 2021 5:04 am I’m a bit disappointed that the Boks look so shit, I feel like they have failed to keep their end of the bargain and instead of getting a clash of the titans with an uncertain outcome we are getting a game that is lacking a bit of edge.

While it’s still a big test, I think the buildup has lost a bit of lustre and I’m not as worried as I should be. Being worried is half the fun.

Careful. The Mockers Gods have their fingers on the trigger for these sorts of comments.

Hell yes! Enough of that sort of talk, Trapper.

I don’t think it’s a forgone conclusion, I would have preferred that the Boks were coming into this with a bit of form is all.
Obviously looking forward to this test, it’s been 2 years and no doubt the nerves will kick in later on in the week.

I think the Bok camp is in disarray.

The Boks will bring plenty of passion, but it will all be froth and steam.

After the disasters of the last couple of weeks they will have had a huge knock to their confidence. They have a limited game plan and skill level. Passion on its own will not be enough. Physicality won't be enough. Are they fit enough to cope with the speed the ABs will bring to the game? The ABs will match or surpass them in those departments, so what else will they have to offer. If they kick the ball back to the ABs, they'll be run ragged.

The ABs will also be up for this game, and most of the XV will have had a week off. They will be highly motivated to take the RWC champions to the cleaners.

I can see it being a blowout.

Saturday is going to be hot an humid in Townsville, with a maximum of 29 degrees. At 5pm when this match starts it will still be very hot. The AB's should play a high tempo style and look to run the hulking Springbok forwards off their feet. I expect endless injury breaks.

Ali's Choice wrote: ↑Sun Sep 19, 2021 10:18 am Saturday is going to be hot an humid in Townsville, with a maximum of 29 degrees. At 5pm when this match starts it will still be very hot. The AB's should play a high tempo style and look to run the hulking Springbok forwards off their feet. I expect endless injury breaks.

This has to be the biggest concern for the boks. They simply won’t be able to match the ABs in pace or fitness.

I expect the boks to have an unprecedented amount of injuries breaks too.

I am looking forward to the display of superior Polynesian rugby.

Wilson's Toffee wrote: ↑Sun Sep 19, 2021 11:14 am I am looking forward to the display of superior Polynesian rugby.

Given Auckland is the world's largest polynesian city, I will take that as a compliment. Thank you, good sir.

Wilson's Toffee wrote: ↑Sun Sep 19, 2021 11:14 am I am looking forward to the display of superior Polynesian rugby.

New Zealand is in Polynesia.

A strange venue for a game of such numerical significance. Still wish the AB’s had managed to get past England in 2019 so that the 100th game could have been a RWC final, instead it’s in Townsville, not Tokyo! Oh well…

The last few outings have not been great for the Bokke. The All Blacks can play a game that will counter what the Boks do, I don’t think the same is true of the South Africans. There would have to be a major improvement going ahead.

All Blacks should deal with this ok, even counting for the fact that the Springboks always lift against the All Blacks.

mr bungle wrote: ↑Sun Sep 19, 2021 7:40 am

Ted. wrote: ↑Sun Sep 19, 2021 4:05 am

Ali's Choice wrote: ↑Sun Sep 19, 2021 1:29 am The 100th test between the two nations, and their first game since the 2019 RWC. I'm excited.

It's also 100 years of rugby between the nations, the first game was in Dunedin in August 1921.

And the 100th was due to be in Dunedin with moi in attendance.

Bugger!

Jensrsa wrote: ↑Sun Sep 19, 2021 7:31 am This is going to be a tough one. The Boks looked jaded and confused yesterday and their play-by-numbers game wasn't working and when they tried to change it up it wasn't working either. And that was in the first half that I watched, the second half apparently was worse

Ideally the "A team" should have been rested yesterday to be fresh(er) for the 100th Test, most of the "B team" players haven't played a match in more than a month.

The puppet's team selections aren't working - playing three loosies off the bench didn't make sense when he first did it and still doesn't - and sticking with selections that don't work isn't going to solve anything.

The team needs a bit of a shake up but I don't see the puppet risking it

Agree 100%

obelixtim wrote: ↑Sun Sep 19, 2021 10:08 am

trapper wrote: ↑Sun Sep 19, 2021 6:50 am

Ted. wrote: ↑Sun Sep 19, 2021 6:18 am

Pakia Pakia wrote: ↑Sun Sep 19, 2021 5:16 am

trapper wrote: ↑Sun Sep 19, 2021 5:04 am I’m a bit disappointed that the Boks look so shit, I feel like they have failed to keep their end of the bargain and instead of getting a clash of the titans with an uncertain outcome we are getting a game that is lacking a bit of edge.

While it’s still a big test, I think the buildup has lost a bit of lustre and I’m not as worried as I should be. Being worried is half the fun.

Careful. The Mockers Gods have their fingers on the trigger for these sorts of comments.

Hell yes! Enough of that sort of talk, Trapper.

I don’t think it’s a forgone conclusion, I would have preferred that the Boks were coming into this with a bit of form is all.
Obviously looking forward to this test, it’s been 2 years and no doubt the nerves will kick in later on in the week.

I think the Bok camp is in disarray.

The Boks will bring plenty of passion, but it will all be froth and steam.

After the disasters of the last couple of weeks they will have had a huge knock to their confidence. They have a limited game plan and skill level. Passion on its own will not be enough. Physicality won't be enough. Are they fit enough to cope with the speed the ABs will bring to the game? The ABs will match or surpass them in those departments, so what else will they have to offer. If they kick the ball back to the ABs, they'll be run ragged.

The ABs will also be up for this game, and most of the XV will have had a week off. They will be highly motivated to take the RWC champions to the cleaners.

I can see it being a blowout.

I think we are forgetting the Boks rush defence, which is generally excellent with a a habit of causing the ABs issues in attack. Hopeful;ly Foster does not bring out his infamous flat attack as a counter.

I do agree we have to do our best to run them ragged. Will this ref allow them the breaks on a hot day? I think he will. Will it be enough to allow them a breather and frustrating and flustering the ABs? I'm not sure, but certainly hope not.