Springbokke next 4 years to 2027

[Lemoentjie]

That'll be shame if it's only three. It's usually four plus the occasional game against the Barbarians.

The fourth match is always a fuckup, because it's outside the test window and we lose access to our European-based players.

I miss Bok rugby as much as anybody but I'd rather them not play any games where we would not have our best players available.

How is it different for other nations.

They have agreements with the national team. So even if a Wales player has a club team game outside the test window, the WRU (who controls the Welsh club teams) will force the clubs to let him play in the national team. Whereas the SARU cannot force Sale to release Bok players outside of the test window unless it's specified in their contract (which Sale would never agree to).

[FalseBayFC]

Been watching clips of Jesse Kriel in Japan this year and his Bok games. The guy is absolutely lethal. Him and Hendricks have to be in the mix for the Lions tour. I would put in the top 6 centres in the world at the mo. He's also only 27 years old.

[FalseBayFC]

As replacements for Am and Doogie who are first choice.

[boere wors]

Kriel seems to be in good form, but to be fair, who doesn't look lethal there?! But ja, we are quite bolstered in the centres, DDA and Am first choice, although Am needs to find his 2019 form again. Hendricks and Kriel more than competent backup, and I would also look at Serfontein, the guy is playing great Rugby in Montpellier.
What surprises me is that anybody would seriously consider Damien at 10 as backup for Pollard. He is not performing or let alone even playing there for WP and would be eaten alive by the Lions. I would be more confident to have Kolbe at flyhalf, at least he's been doing so for his club and excelled, even nailes his kicks. I'm somewhat sorry for Willemse, he has not lived up to the expectation so far. He is a great talent and still a youngster, but imo he is in desperate need for a change in environment to fulfill his potential. He should go to France and become a star player there in a couple of seasons.

[handyman]

Been watching clips of Jesse Kriel in Japan this year and his Bok games. The guy is absolutely lethal. Him and Hendricks have to be in the mix for the Lions tour. I would put in the top 6 centres in the world at the mo. He's also only 27 years old.

Jesse Kriel has all the physical attributes, but for me he is not an intelligent player.

[Chilli]

Kriel seems to be in good form, but to be fair, who doesn't look lethal there?! But ja, we are quite bolstered in the centres, DDA and Am first choice, although Am needs to find his 2019 form again. Hendricks and Kriel more than competent backup, and I would also look at Serfontein, the guy is playing great Rugby in Montpellier.
What surprises me is that anybody would seriously consider Damien at 10 as backup for Pollard. He is not performing or let alone even playing there for WP and would be eaten alive by the Lions. I would be more confident to have Kolbe at flyhalf, at least he's been doing so for his club and excelled, even nailes his kicks. I'm somewhat sorry for Willemse, he has not lived up to the expectation so far. He is a great talent and still a youngster, but imo he is in desperate need for a change in environment to fulfill his potential. He should go to France and become a star player there in a couple of seasons.

A very sensible post Sards.

[Chilli]

Been watching clips of Jesse Kriel in Japan this year and his Bok games. The guy is absolutely lethal. Him and Hendricks have to be in the mix for the Lions tour. I would put in the top 6 centres in the world at the mo. He's also only 27 years old.

Jesse Kriel has all the physical attributes, but for me he is not an intelligent player.

This

[FalseBayFC]

Jesse Kriel debuted and scored tries against the All Blacks at age 21. He played in backlines coached by Heyneke Meyer, Nollis Marais and Fran's Ludeke. These guys would make Danie Gerber look like Joe Gillingham. Take a look at Kriel's test highlights, only Kolbe has shown more X factor than Jesse.

[Sards]

The fourth match is always a fuckup, because it's outside the test window and we lose access to our European-based players.

I miss Bok rugby as much as anybody but I'd rather them not play any games where we would not have our best players available.

How is it different for other nations.

They have agreements with the national team. So even if a Wales player has a club team game outside the test window, the WRU (who controls the Welsh club teams) will force the clubs to let him play in the national team. Whereas the SARU cannot force Sale to release Bok players outside of the test window unless it's specified in their contract (which Sale would never agree to).

My word but SARU is a toothless little biatch. Absolutely no loyalty to the country.

[Fangle]

Contracts are meant to be adhered to. But maybe not in your line of business.

[Sards]

Contracts are meant to be adhered to. But maybe not in your line of business.

The terms of the contract should be structured differently and enforced to protect our players from this predicament. A little bit of imagination and this could be structured to benefit the national team. And don't imagine that it would make our players less desirable abroad. Our boys have done us proud.

Just curious. What line of business do I run that is not ethical. I find that comment quite insulting and worthy of a ban. You have attacked my professional integrity.

[Fangle]

Contracts are meant to be adhered to. But maybe not in your line of business.

The terms of the contract should be structured differently and enforced to protect our players from this predicament. A little bit of imagination and this could be structured to benefit the national team. And don't imagine that it would make our players less desirable abroad. Our boys have done us proud.

Just curious. What line of business do I run that is not ethical. I find that comment quite insulting and worthy of a ban. You have attacked my professional integrity.

I expect that you have good contracts that you live up to, because you are a good businessman, which is why I’m surprised that you seemed to expect different from rugby ones. But you’ve clarified that.

[boere wors]

Kriel seems to be in good form, but to be fair, who doesn't look lethal there?! But ja, we are quite bolstered in the centres, DDA and Am first choice, although Am needs to find his 2019 form again. Hendricks and Kriel more than competent backup, and I would also look at Serfontein, the guy is playing great Rugby in Montpellier.
What surprises me is that anybody would seriously consider Damien at 10 as backup for Pollard. He is not performing or let alone even playing there for WP and would be eaten alive by the Lions. I would be more confident to have Kolbe at flyhalf, at least he's been doing so for his club and excelled, even nailes his kicks. I'm somewhat sorry for Willemse, he has not lived up to the expectation so far. He is a great talent and still a youngster, but imo he is in desperate need for a change in environment to fulfill his potential. He should go to France and become a star player there in a couple of seasons.

A very sensible post Sards.

[Sards]

Contracts are meant to be adhered to. But maybe not in your line of business.

The terms of the contract should be structured differently and enforced to protect our players from this predicament. A little bit of imagination and this could be structured to benefit the national team. And don't imagine that it would make our players less desirable abroad. Our boys have done us proud.

Just curious. What line of business do I run that is not ethical. I find that comment quite insulting and worthy of a ban. You have attacked my professional integrity.

I expect that you have good contracts that you live up to, because you are a good businessman, which is why I’m surprised that you seemed to expect different from rugby ones. But you’ve clarified that.

I let a lot slide from you Fangle.
I work hard. I pride myself on my integrity. My wife is the most honest person I know. Will not even lie to protect me. Be careful .

[Fangle]

Sards, I have always admired your business ability and innovation. I think that one has to be honest and true there. But I don’t admire your trolling and that confuses me.

You say you aren’t an empath meaning you don’t care about other people. For instance, if Blake’s mate or my wife would have died from Covid, you might give a condescending shrug but not express sympathy. I, on he other hand, want people to get on with each other and all to be successful, which of course includes you.

[Cartman]

Just look at these two teams dreamt up by keo and his mates, fck me
https://www.sarugbymag.co.za/springboks ... nst-lions/

[Sards]

Just look at these two teams dreamt up by keo and his mates, fck me
https://www.sarugbymag.co.za/springboks ... nst-lions/

Laughable. Have no idea how Willemse always pops up in these things.

[OomStruisbaai]

Just look at these two teams dreamt up by keo and his mates, fck me
https://www.sarugbymag.co.za/springboks ... nst-lions/

Trolling lately from Windhoek.

[OomStruisbaai]

After yesterday matches.

Only changes in the squad will be Fassi, Ox and Marco van Staden.

[FalseBayFC]

After yesterday matches.

Only changes in the squad will be Fassi, Ox and Marco van Staden.

Agreed. Also Pollard played for the first time yesterday. Pray that he stays fit.

https://www.iol.co.za/sport/rugby/inter ... 6a9c59ba6a

[Sards]

After yesterday matches.

Only changes in the squad will be Fassi, Ox and Marco van Staden.

Agreed. Also Pollard played for the first time yesterday. Pray that he stays fit.

https://www.iol.co.za/sport/rugby/inter ... 6a9c59ba6a

They can drop the dead weight like Willemse and include a hooker.

[Sards]

Reniel Hugo.......

[assfly]

Any news on when the Bok squad is being announced.

The Lions squad is being announced on Thursday, so it's a small advantage to us to see who they are going with. Their back row, 9/10 axis and centre pairings will be of key interest.

[assfly]

Two tests against Georgia confirmed for July.

The series mark the first time Georgia will tour South Africa, while the two Tests are also the first time the two countries will meet again since their only previous clash, at the 2003 Rugby World Cup in Australia.

It means Jacques Nienaber will make his debut as Springbok head coach on the weekend of 2/3 July, with the second clash set for one week later on the weekend of 9/10 July. SA Rugby will confirm the exact dates, venues and kick-off times in due course.

Rassie Erasmus, Director of Rugby, welcomed the World Rugby July Test schedule and said the two-Test series against Georgia offered the Springboks a very good opportunity to prepare for the much-anticipated Castle Lager Lions Series.

“Nothing beats a full-blooded international to test your skill set, readiness and ability under pressure, and we are delighted to have this opportunity before the Lions series,” said Erasmus.

“Jacques (Nienaber), his coaching staff and management have been working around the clock to get the team as well prepared as possible, and the Georgia series is a much-needed opportunity after such a long and unforeseen interruption due to the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Last year, Nienaber was named as Springbok head coach, but the worldwide pandemic has prevented the Rugby World Cup champions from playing any Test matches since 2 November 2019, when they defeated England in the final in Japan.

“The confirmation of the Georgian Tests, and the announcement of the British & Irish Lions squad last week have caused a lot of excitement and I am sure it will lift the spirit of the players – we can now accelerate our preparations for our return to Test rugby,” said Nienaber.

Pretty sub-standard preparation for a Lions tour.

[FalseBayFC]

Two tests against Georgia confirmed for July.

The series mark the first time Georgia will tour South Africa, while the two Tests are also the first time the two countries will meet again since their only previous clash, at the 2003 Rugby World Cup in Australia.

It means Jacques Nienaber will make his debut as Springbok head coach on the weekend of 2/3 July, with the second clash set for one week later on the weekend of 9/10 July. SA Rugby will confirm the exact dates, venues and kick-off times in due course.

Rassie Erasmus, Director of Rugby, welcomed the World Rugby July Test schedule and said the two-Test series against Georgia offered the Springboks a very good opportunity to prepare for the much-anticipated Castle Lager Lions Series.

“Nothing beats a full-blooded international to test your skill set, readiness and ability under pressure, and we are delighted to have this opportunity before the Lions series,” said Erasmus.

“Jacques (Nienaber), his coaching staff and management have been working around the clock to get the team as well prepared as possible, and the Georgia series is a much-needed opportunity after such a long and unforeseen interruption due to the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Last year, Nienaber was named as Springbok head coach, but the worldwide pandemic has prevented the Rugby World Cup champions from playing any Test matches since 2 November 2019, when they defeated England in the final in Japan.

“The confirmation of the Georgian Tests, and the announcement of the British & Irish Lions squad last week have caused a lot of excitement and I am sure it will lift the spirit of the players – we can now accelerate our preparations for our return to Test rugby,” said Nienaber.

Pretty sub-standard preparation for a Lions tour.

I reckon our starting XV have enough rugby in them and know each other well enough to overcome that. Biggest threat to our campaign is injuries between now and then. The lions still have a ton of great players to call on if they have any injuries between now and the tour. Our depth is a concern.

[Blake]

I reckon our starting XV have enough rugby in them and know each other well enough to overcome that. Biggest threat to our campaign is injuries between now and then. The lions still have a ton of great players to call on if they have any injuries between now and the tour. Our depth is a concern.

Indeed. We need some time together as a team to gel, sure, but I don't think we will be trying anything fundamentally different than in 2019.
It's just about brushing off the rust.

Injuries are a concern sure, but really only in a couple of positions I feel; flyhalf being the biggest concern. If Pollard goes down, we are in a bit of a bind.

Forwards we have decent depth everywhere. Outside backs I'm also comfortable. Scrumhalf we have Faf, Jantjies and Reinach. Centers we have depth, but not a lot of time together and given our defensive focus might be a weakness in terms of communication and interplay. We have a decent pool of players in DDA, AE, Frans Steyn, Am, Hendricks etc, all with caps, but not a lot of time together.

[FalseBayFC]

I reckon our starting XV have enough rugby in them and know each other well enough to overcome that. Biggest threat to our campaign is injuries between now and then. The lions still have a ton of great players to call on if they have any injuries between now and the tour. Our depth is a concern.

Indeed. We need some time together as a team to gel, sure, but I don't think we will be trying anything fundamentally different than in 2019.
It's just about brushing off the rust.

Injuries are a concern sure, but really only in a couple of positions I feel; flyhalf being the biggest concern. If Pollard goes down, we are in a bit of a bind.

Forwards we have decent depth everywhere. Outside backs I'm also comfortable. Scrumhalf we have Faf, Jantjies and Reinach. Centers we have depth, but not a lot of time together and given our defensive focus might be a weakness in terms of communication and interplay. We have a decent pool of players in DDA, AE, Frans Steyn, Am, Hendricks etc, all with caps, but not a lot of time together.

And the Lions have never played together so there's that. If Pollard goes down we have to play Morne who I feel would go well.

[assfly]

I admire your optimism lads, but the rugby I've been watching in the NH the last few weeks has been incredibly good. These guys have been playing meaningful and extremely competitive rugby since October, including two national competitions (Autumn Nations Cup and Six Nations). A lot of the Lions players toured in 2017 and a lot play together at provincial level too. And they will have warm up games against our unions before the tests even start.

Now look at the dross we have been subject to since Super Covid Unblocked started in October.

Sorry to play devil's advocate, but I think we're in a spot of bother. I hope I am 100% wrong.

[Lemoentjie]

I'm interested to hear your XVs for the 1st Lions test.

Personally I think there is quite an issue with all Lions players having played ~10 test matches in the last 12 months, while the Boks haven't played any.

1.5 years is such a long time in rugby where each season forces new innovation and changes.

[Sards]

I admire your optimism lads, but the rugby I've been watching in the NH the last few weeks has been incredibly good. These guys have been playing meaningful and extremely competitive rugby since October, including two national competitions (Autumn Nations Cup and Six Nations). A lot of the Lions players toured in 2017 and a lot play together at provincial level too. And they will have warm up games against our unions before the tests even start.

Now look at the dross we have been subject to since Super Covid Unblocked started in October.

Sorry to play devil's advocate, but I think we're in a spot of bother. I hope I am 100% wrong.

Day and night. New coach that has never played a game or coached the boks to a game....

Very concerned

[Blake]

I admire your optimism lads, but the rugby I've been watching in the NH the last few weeks has been incredibly good. These guys have been playing meaningful and extremely competitive rugby since October, including two national competitions (Autumn Nations Cup and Six Nations). A lot of the Lions players toured in 2017 and a lot play together at provincial level too. And they will have warm up games against our unions before the tests even start.

Now look at the dross we have been subject to since Super Covid Unblocked started in October.

Sorry to play devil's advocate, but I think we're in a spot of bother. I hope I am 100% wrong.

Oh, don't get me wrong. I think the Lions will be very strong. They will trounce the Super Rugby franchises in their warmups.

Boks games will be tigher. The only saving grace (for me at least) is that most of our key players will also be battle hardened by European seasons.
It's only about a quarter of our core squad that have been playing in our substandard local tournaments:

Kitshhoff, Bongi and Malherbe are about the only part of the Stormers setup that have been performing and have been dominant.
All the locks are abroad.
Duane and Kolisi are local. PSdT just back from injury; but I wouldn't be surprised if Nienaber calls up one or both of the Du Preez twins; or another SA loosie from Europe.
Faf and Reinach in Europe. Jantjies home.
Pollard coming back from injury, but playing in Europe. Beyond him Morne might get the nod, which is problematic as he will be new to the new Bok setup, but at least he is reliable.
Centers are all abroad, only Am is home. Frans Steyn too I guess.
Outside backs are mixed bag. Willie and Kolbe in Europe. Nkosi and Mapimpi at the Sharks.

So yeah, mixed bag of battle hardened and "rested" Boks for the tour. Hopefully some alignment camps, conditioning programs and warm-up matches will get them competitive.

[Blake]

I'm interested to hear your XVs for the 1st Lions test.

Personally I think there is quite an issue with all Lions players having played ~10 test matches in the last 12 months, while the Boks haven't played any.

1.5 years is such a long time in rugby where each season forces new innovation and changes.

Depends on injuries, but I'd stick as close as possible to the RWC final team, with replacements for Beast and Flouw who have retired.

Nyakane or Thomas du Toit seem to be the obvious choices, with Nche and Gqoboka bubbling under. I wouldn't blood a prop against the Lions though. Might be risky.
For Flouw's replacement I'd ideally look for another strong fetcher type player. Giving Marco van Staden a cap off the bench would be my choice. I like both the Du Preez twins, but I'd rather they play blindside flank and/or No8 and keep a better balanced backrow. Vermeulen will probably retire after the Lions series and that should open up a jersey for one of them.

[Sards]

Ben Smith reckons we are far from the best team in the world. Especially with no games and a 50 percent win rate before the RWC....and losing to NZ at the RWC

[Sards]

I'm interested to hear your XVs for the 1st Lions test.

Personally I think there is quite an issue with all Lions players having played ~10 test matches in the last 12 months, while the Boks haven't played any.

1.5 years is such a long time in rugby where each season forces new innovation and changes.

Depends on injuries, but I'd stick as close as possible to the RWC final team, with replacements for Beast and Flouw who have retired.

Nyakane or Thomas du Toit seem to be the obvious choices, with Nche and Gqoboka bubbling under. I wouldn't blood a prop against the Lions though. Might be risky.
For Flouw's replacement I'd ideally look for another strong fetcher type player. Giving Marco van Staden a cap off the bench would be my choice. I like both the Du Preez twins, but I'd rather they play blindside flank and/or No8 and keep a better balanced backrow. Vermeulen will probably retire after the Lions series and that should open up a jersey for one of them.

I would start afresh. Best time to do it....but you know that the topples all want to play the BILs

[Blake]

I would start afresh. Best time to do it....but you know that the topples all want to play the BILs

Post your troll team so we can all have a laugh.

Let's throw away all the time and effort and caps that have been invested in a World Cup winning team that know the systems and coaches and gameplans and have been checked up on and checked in with for the last 16 months and try an unproven team, unfamiliar with the tactics and game-plans with a new coach and see if we can get something out of them in 4 weeks. What could possibly go wrong.

[Sards]

I would start afresh. Best time to do it....but you know that the topples all want to play the BILs

Post your troll team so we can all have a laugh.

Let's throw away all the time and effort and caps that have been invested in a World Cup winning team that know the systems and coaches and gameplans and have been checked up on and checked in with for the last 16 months and try an unproven team, unfamiliar with the tactics and game-plans with a new coach and see if we can get something out of them in 4 weeks. What could possibly go wrong.

Do you honestly think the boks have a chance. Unless Rassie does the actual coaching supervision. Dude I think you are mistaken. Read what Ben Smith had to say.

[Lemoentjie]

Yes I broadly agree with that. Continuity is best, especially when you're short of test-level match practice.

I wouldn't read too much into what Ben Smith says. Remember that Rassie only took over very recently before the RWC, and the Boks actually won the pre-RWC rugby championship in its own right. And the year before, it was a quite good rugby championship too.

[Blake]

Another thing that I think counts in our favour, is that the Boks perform best when we are underdogs.
Give us an enemy. A mountain to climb. Dare us.

When we are on top, we become complacent. Lazy.

It's why I have so much respect for the All Blacks, the way they can motivate themselves by using themselves as the yardstick.
We haven't been able to do that in a LOOOOOOONG time.

If we'd gone into the Lions Series as heavy favourites I would've bet against us for the First Test at least.
But now, Nienaber and Rassie have all the ammunition they need get this group motivated and get their tails up.

We are going in under-cooked, under-prepared and underdogs with a new coach. The more media articles come out between now and the first test writing us off, the better

[assfly]

At least there will only be a handful of Lions fans, if any. Sad, but whatever helps the Boks as we're up against like like you say.

[Blake]

At least there will only be a handful of Lions fans, if any. Sad, but whatever helps the Boks as we're up against like like you say.

Yes and no. I think playing against the Lions is such a unique experience as a player, that they will be massively disappointed.
I know as a fan, attending the second test at Loftus in 2009 was the best rugby experience of my life. It really is something else when your home stadium is sold out and half of the crowd is cheering for the opposition.
I can only imagine what it's like for a player.

I recently watched the All Blacks "All or Nothing" series on Amazon which featured the 2017 Lions Tour and some of the NZ players interviewed also remarked on that.
It really makes the Lions Tour stand out as something special in their careers.