Rugby Championship Match Thread - Sat 2nd - SA v NZ / Arg v Aus

[Ymx]

NZ team link
viewtopic.php?f=2&t=1619&p=142337#p142337

V
SA team link
viewtopic.php?f=2&t=1619&p=142046#p142046


Aus team link
TBC
V
Arg team link
TBC


Times in BST




here is the link

https://www.rugbypass.com/the-rugby-cha ... s-results/

Match official appointments:
South Africa v Australia (CBUS Super Stadium, Gold Coast)
Date: Sunday, 12 September
Referee: Luke Pearce (RFU)
Assistant Referee 1: Damon Murphy (RA)
Assistant Referee 2: Jordan Way (RA)
TMO: Matthew Carley (RFU)
Australia v South Africa (Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane)
Date: Saturday, 18 September
Referee: Matthew Carley (RFU)
Assistant Referee 1: Luke Pearce (RFU)
Assistant Referee 2: Graham Cooper (RA)
TMO: Brett Cronan (RA)
New Zealand v South Africa (Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Townsville)
Date: Saturday, 25 September
Referee: Luke Pearce (RFU)
Assistant Referee 1: Jaco Peyper (SARU)
Assistant Referee 2: Angus Gardner (RA)
TMO: Damon Murphy (RA)
South Africa v New Zealand (CBUS Super Stadium, Gold Coast)
Date: Saturday, 2 October
Referee: Matthew Carley (RFU)
Assistant Referee 1: Damon Murphy (RA)
Assistant Referee 2: Angus Gardner (RA)
TMO: James Leckie (RA)

[Sandstorm]

Covid rampant in SA. Boks v Argies, then the following week they are back in Argentina. Then they both fly down under.

Looks risky for all the players avoiding positive tests. Hope they all stay healthy.

[OomStruisbaai]

Covid rampant in SA. Boks v Argies, then the following week they are back in Argentina. Then they both fly down under.

Looks risky for all the players avoiding positive tests. Hope they all stay healthy.

They play both tests in PE.

[Sandstorm]

Covid rampant in SA. Boks v Argies, then the following week they are back in Argentina. Then they both fly down under.

Looks risky for all the players avoiding positive tests. Hope they all stay healthy.

They play both tests in PE.

Phew

[Ymx]

Have friends currently in PE. Is it not too bad there?

Or is it more you’re saying it’s not as bad as they both avoid Argentina trip.

[FalseBayFC]

Have friends currently in PE. Is it not too bad there?

Or is it more you’re saying it’s not as bad as they both avoid Argentina trip.

The main hotspots right now are Gauteng (JHB) and Cape Town. PE not so much right now. Have the squads been vaxxed?

[Blake]

Covid rampant in SA. Boks v Argies, then the following week they are back in Argentina. Then they both fly down under.

Looks risky for all the players avoiding positive tests. Hope they all stay healthy.

They play both tests in PE.

Weird schedule, but understandable given Covid.

I think we play both games against the Argies at home, both Wallaby tests in Australia, and then two away games against NZ. Tough tour for the Boks.

[OomStruisbaai]

Have friends currently in PE. Is it not too bad there?

Or is it more you’re saying it’s not as bad as they both avoid Argentina trip.

SA Rugbymag

SA Rugby announced on Monday that the two Tests against Los Pumas will be played on consecutive weekends straight after the Lions series and are scheduled for 14 and 21 August, with both kicking off at 5:05pm at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.

The last time the Boks played in Nelson Mandela Bay was on 29 September 2018, when they beat Australia by 23-12 in the penultimate round of the Castle Lager Rugby Championship.

“We are very grateful to Argentina for having agreed to play their home match against the Boks in the Rugby Championship here in South Africa,” said Jurie Roux, CEO of SA Rugby.

“Unfortunately, there is little prospect that spectators will be allowed to attend matches, but we are pleased to be returning to the Eastern Cape for these important Tests.

“They mark our return to the Castle Lager Rugby Championship, and we’re excited to resume competition with Argentina, Australia and New Zealand after missing out in 2020, when we were due to defend the title.”

Argentina’s last visit to the Friendly City was in 2017, when the Boks scored four tries in a comprehensive 37-15 win.

“Because of all the health and safety and logistical considerations that come with Covid-19, we decided to minimise the risks and reduce the logistical challenges by playing both Tests in one city and venue,” said Roux.

“We will work with the Eastern Province Rugby Union on delivering a safe and enjoyable experience for the teams in a world-class facility.”

The Springboks have a very good record at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, having won five and drawn one of their six matches at the venue.

Following the Boks’ two Tests in Nelson Mandela Bay, they are set to depart to Australia for two clashes with the Wallabies, in Sydney and Brisbane, before transferring to New Zealand to face the All Blacks in Dunedin and Auckland on four consecutive weekends in September and October.

Due to the latest travel restrictions put in place by the New Zealand government, Sanzaar announced last Friday that it was reviewing options for the match schedule for the Rugby Championship.

[OomStruisbaai]

Springbok squad:

Forwards

Thomas du Toit, Steven Kitshoff, Vincent Koch, Wilco Louw, Frans Malherbe, Ox Nché, Trevor Nyakane, Joseph Dweba, Johan Grobbelaar, Malcolm Marx, Bongi Mbonambi, Lood de Jager, Eben Etzebeth, Nicolaas Janse van Rensburg, Franco Mostert, Marvin Orie, RG Snyman, Siya Kolisi, Kwagga Smith, Marco van Staden, Duane Vermeulen, Jasper Wiese, Dan du Preez, Rynhardt Elstadt.


Backs

Faf de Klerk, Jaden Hendrikse, Herschel Jantjies, Cobus Reinach, Elton Jantjies, Handré Pollard, Morné Steyn, Lukhanyo Am, Damian de Allende, Jesse Kriel, Aphelele Fassi, Cheslin Kolbe, Willie le Roux, Makazole Mapimpi, Sbu Nkosi, Rosko Specman, Damian Willemse, Frans Steyn.

Lock RG Snyman will rejoin the squad during the week

[TheNatalShark]

Kriel, Fassi and Nkosi are going to need some game time. Must be frustrating not being able to release the SA players to provinces to get some.

[assfly]

Although we should be giving maximum respect to Argentina, I'd be pleased to see a few changes to the team for this. Definitely an opportunity to give some of the fringe players a run they desperately need.

[boere wors]

Kriel, Fassi and Nkosi are going to need some game time. Must be frustrating not being able to release the SA players to provinces to get some.

Thomas du toit, wilco louw, orie, dan du preez, Herschel, Elton, frans steyn

[Sards]

This All Blacks team of the past few years has hardly been looking like the ABs in the great years. Definitely very vulnerable. I think they currently fear us more than we do them. Should be good for at least 1 victory against them. The rest should be nothing more than stepping stones to the cup.
Considering the lack of high intensity competition.

[Grandpa]

This All Blacks team of the past few years has hardly been looking like the ABs in the great years. Definitely very vulnerable. I think they currently fear us more than we do them. Should be good for at least 1 victory against them. The rest should be nothing more than stepping stones to the cup.
Considering the lack of high intensity competition.

I agree.. make hay while the sun shines... SA should be able to go on a long winning streak against them now... it's been too long.

[Gumboot]

This All Blacks team of the past few years has hardly been looking like the ABs in the great years. Definitely very vulnerable. I think they currently fear us more than we do them. Should be good for at least 1 victory against them. The rest should be nothing more than stepping stones to the cup.
Considering the lack of high intensity competition.

I agree.. make hay while the sun shines... SA should be able to go on a long winning streak against them now... it's been too long.

Yep, should be a walk in the park.

Or a crawl, depending on how many water boys they decide to play.

[Ymx]

It was close to 60 minute halves in the lions matches.

[OomStruisbaai]

Bok team to be announced today

[Chilli]

After watching the weekends rugby [granted the Pumas didn't pay] I can't see NZ not winning this by a[nother] country mile.

[Sards]

It was close to 60 minute halves in the lions matches.

We are unfit. We need to catch out breathe

[OomStruisbaai]

After watching the weekends rugby [granted the Pumas didn't pay] I can't see NZ not winning this by a[nother] country mile.

dunno most of the Wallabies.

The Boks will strangle them.

[handyman]

Nienaber will have to go more expansive against NZ. I'm not too worried about it, we had the ability to move the ball, so I'm sure we will be able to do it again. We have the players at the back to do it.

We need to think hard about 8. Are we going to persevere with Wiese, knowing that he's a youngster and making his debut or are we going to go somewhere else for Vermeulen's understudy?

[assfly]

[assfly]

Interesting team. Pack looks good, but I would have probably rested Eben. I would have given van Staden the 7 jersey ahead of Kwagga, but I hope he get's a good run anyway.

Backline looks a bit more disjointed. Would have preferred to have seen Fassi at 15 and Willemse at 12, but glad they're both getting a start.

[Chilli]

Are we not overplaying Eben?

5 pages of Sards gushing about Fassi.

[Sandstorm]

10-12-13 is gash. I REALLY hope we hoof everything because those 3 donkey's can't run a cake stall at a fat camp.

[handyman]

Did not expect that many changes. Wow. I guess it's a long season and we need to keep players fresh and everyone interested.

I'm just a tiny bit worried that Argentina pitch up with intent when they see we're not playing our strongest team against them.

[assfly]

Did not expect that many changes. Wow. I guess it's a long season and we need to keep players fresh and everyone interested.

I'm just a tiny bit worried that Argentina pitch up with intent when they see we're not playing our strongest team against them.

Will be interesting to see what team they put out. And how many of them are survivors from the game against the ABs last year.

[Sandstorm]

Did not expect that many changes. Wow. I guess it's a long season and we need to keep players fresh and everyone interested.

I'm just a tiny bit worried that Argentina pitch up with intent when they see we're not playing our strongest team against them.

Will be interesting to see what team they put out. And how many of them are survivors from the game against the ABs last year.

Argentina have an easy winning strategy here: attack the 10-12 channel and offload. Turnstyle Elton, Fat Frans and Big Girl's Jessie will be left floundering.

Argies by 14

[assfly]

Argies by 14

True to form, Boks to lose their first game of the competition and then go on to win the damn thing.

[boere wors]

Interesting team. Pack looks good, but I would have probably rested Eben. I would have given van Staden the 7 jersey ahead of Kwagga, but I hope he get's a good run anyway.

Backline looks a bit more disjointed. Would have preferred to have seen Fassi at 15 and Willemse at 12, but glad they're both getting a start.

Totally agree with all your points. Van Staden starting at 7. And Eben certainly needs a rest, NJvR needs game time. Looking forward to Dan du Preez getting a chance. And yes, Willemse 12, Fassi 15. Frans Steyn to the wing then

[Sards]

Interesting team. Pack looks good, but I would have probably rested Eben. I would have given van Staden the 7 jersey ahead of Kwagga, but I hope he get's a good run anyway.

Backline looks a bit more disjointed. Would have preferred to have seen Fassi at 15 and Willemse at 12, but glad they're both getting a start.

Totally agree with all your points. Van Staden starting at 7. And Eben certainly needs a rest, NJvR needs game time. Looking forward to Dan du Preez getting a chance. And yes, Willemse 12, Fassi 15. Frans Steyn to the wing then

Have no idea why they bring Willemse on as a 12 substitute for Lions and then play him at 15....when there is a more than cabable Fassi at 15.......and so many capable wings .....completely at a loss.......obviously they don't trust Willemse to start at 12...?

Oh Fuck...Rassie really is vokking with Fassi's career

The good news is a ball in hand type of side....

[OomStruisbaai]

Are we not overplaying Eben?

5 pages of Sards gushing about Fassi.

It started.

[Chilli]

Are we not overplaying Eben?

5 pages of Sards gushing about Fassi.

It started.

Add another 5 pages of Ox gushing about the return of Frans

[Chilli]

That could be a very decent front row.

Is Deck chair injured?

[Sards]

Actually quite excited about this side for Argentina.
Finally a team that will play ball in hand . Elton is probably the best we have to execute it...

it could be magnificent ti watch or a train smash.
I am hoping to see some good running rugby.

[handyman]

Actually quite excited about this side for Argentina.
Finally a team that will play ball in hand . Elton is probably the best we have to execute it...

it could be magnificent ti watch or a train smash.
I am hoping to see some good running rugby.

I'm not expecting fireworks. It seldom works well if you throw together a bunch of players who haven't played together for years.

[Ymx]

We got any match day teams for the first match announced yet?

Assume we are due shortly for NZ and Aus.

[OomStruisbaai]

Springbokke

[Ymx]

Yeah. That was announced quite early wasn’t it. I always had in my mind, Thursday normally being the announcement day before a Sat match.

[Gumboot]

1. George Bower (4)
2. Codie Taylor (59)
3. Nepo Laulala (32)
4. Brodie Retallick (84)
5. Samuel Whitelock (126) - captain
6. Akira Ioane (5)
7. Dalton Papalii (6)
8. Ardie Savea (51)
9. Aaron Smith (100)

10. Richie Mo’unga (25)
11. Sevu Reece (11)
12. David Havili (6)
13. Rieko Ioane (38)
14. Will Jordan (5)
15. Damian McKenzie (31)

16. Samisoni Taukei’aho (2)
17. Karl Tu’inukuafe (19)
18. Angus Ta’avao (17)
19. Scott Barrett (42)
20. Luke Jacobson (6)
21. TJ Perenara (69)
22. Beauden Barrett (92)
23. Jordie Barrett (26)

Same starting pack as Bled 1.

Lienert-Brown's out with a crook knee. Assume Coles still has a calf issue.