EOYT Pt 4: 1pm Sco v Jap, Ita v Uru | 3.15pm Eng v SA | 5.30p Wal v Aus | 8p Fra v NZ | Sun 2.15p Ire v Arg

[Grandpa]

It looks strong until 11.

Maybe front row need a performance they are capable of.

Mid field meh.

Back row good, aside from Bridge who hopefully makes amends for that disaster start he had.

Cane looked a bit off the pace against Italy, so will be interesting to see how he goes...

[PCPhil]

New Zealand have lost two in a row five times since 2000, in around 250 tests

(I was surprised at how many games they've played)

Thanks for this buddy

Well clearly just looking at the stats. No way is it going to happen this weekend. No sir-reee. Not a cat in hells chance in a million years.

[Marylandolorian]

- FFS. These hooker selections get crazier. Okay, we can debate whether Marchand is no1: he probably is because he's the only one who throws straight, often enough. But to exclude Chat (think he is recovered from injury) or Bourgarit in favour of Mauvaka or an unheard of Barlot...... v the friggin' ABs......
- Atonio.
- Woki at lock again. Farcical. Only out of position in order that Gathie can keep Jelonch in the team because he's clearly no Aldritt. At least Tao has gone and a proper lump starts in the 2nd row.
- As expected, Macalou was only ever getting one chance before being ejected forever.
- Backline is at least balanced again with Danty being a suitable substitute for Vakatawa (albeit a pen machine one) BUT Ntamack over Jalibert is a bitter irony for Jalibert i.e. he is dropped due to a malfunctioning backline that largely malfunctioned precisely because Ntamack played at 12 the last 2 games. By that thought process, Ntamack would have been incentivised to play as badly as possible.

ABs by plenty with Aldritt, Dupont, Fickou and Villiere having to do all the breakdown/turnover work for Fra.

Bourgarit is an excellent hooker but he’s not regular with the throws, I like Mauvaka, don’t know Barlot

Woki never plays second roe with Bordeaux, let see what he can do … against the ABs he’s very athletic but no experience in 4, maybe they think he can be an Etoje.

Macalou officially has a foot injury, not sure they’ll give him an other chance as we have a lot of choices now.

Jalibert/Ntamak tough call, I also hope that Jaminet stays for 80mn as it will be an other nightmare for MJ if he has to go be 15 again. ( loser from all these pépites : Jalibert)

France by 4

[Sards]

The overall sentiment is that the boks are going to dominate set piece and defend to the death and in the face out wide. And are going to kick everything . Either from scrumhalf or 10 or 15.
We have overcome Wales and Scotland and you wonder how the English are going to approach this match. Eddie has thought he had the answer in the past and here he is again.

[sturginho]

Italy:
15 Edoardo PADOVANI (Benetton Rugby, 29 caps)
14 Pierre BRUNO (Zebre Parma, esordiente)
13 Juan Ignacio BREX (Benetton Rugby, 7 caps)
12 Luca MORISI (Benetton Rugby, 35 caps)
11 Montanna IOANE (Benetton Rugby, 8 caps)
10 Paolo GARBISI (Montpellier, 12 caps)
9 Callum BRALEY (Benetton Rugby, 11 caps)
8 Abraham STEYN (Benetton Rugby, 45 caps)
7 Michele LAMARO (Benetton Rugby, 9 caps) – capitano
6 Sebastian NEGRI (Benetton Rugby, 35 caps)
5 Federico RUZZA (Benetton Rugby, 24 caps)
4 Marco FUSER (Newcastle Falcons, 35 caps)
3 Ivan NEMER (Benetton Ruby, 2 caps)
2 Luca BIGI (Zebre Parma 39 caps)
1 Danilo FISCHETTI (Zebre Parma, 14 caps)

A disposizione
16 Epalahame FAIVA (Benetton Rugby, esordiente)
17 Cherif TRAORE’ (Benetton Rugby, 11 caps)
18 Pietro CECCARELLI (Brive, 16 caps)
19 David SISI (Zebre Parma, 17 caps)
20 Giovanni LICATA (Zebre Parma, 12 caps)
21 Alessandro FUSCO (Fiamme Oro Rugby/Zebre Parma, 1 cap)
22 Carlo CANNA (Zebre Parma, 53 caps)
23 Ratuva TAVUYARA (Benetton Rugby, esordiente)

Uruguay:

15 Silva
14 Favaro
13 Arcos Perez
12 Freitas
11 Mieres

10 Etcheverry
9 Inciarte

8 Diana
7 Civetta
6 Ardao
5 Leindekar
4 Dosantos
3 Arbelo
2 Kessler
1 Sanguinetti

A disposizione:
16 Gattas
17 Peculo
18 Benitez
19 Magno
20 Lamanna

21 Ormaechea
22 Vinals
23 Alonso

[Gumboot]

Nice avatar!

Cheers, he's a stone statue I bumped into decades ago.

1. Joe Moody (56)
2. Dane Coles (79)
3. Nepo Laulala (39)
4. Brodie Retallick (91)
5. Samuel Whitelock (131) – captain
6. Akira Ioane (12)
7. Sam Cane (76)
8. Ardie Savea (59)
9. Aaron Smith (101)
10. Richie Mo’unga (31)
11. George Bridge (18)
12. Quinn Tupaea (6)
13. Rieko Ioane (46)
14. Will Jordan (12)
15. Jordie Barrett (35)

16. Samisoni Taukei’aho (8)
17. George Bower (10)
18. Ofa Tuungafasi (43)
19. Tupou Vaa’i (10)
20. Shannon Frizell (16)
21. Brad Weber (16)
22. Damian McKenzie (39)
23. David Havili (14)

Great to have Nugget back, and very happy with Cane starting.

Not that keen on Bridge tbh, but if Ennor's the alternative...would've preferred Reece to either of them.

And how does Havili even make the reserves after his appalling recent form?

[weegie01]

Scotland team to face Japan in the 2021 Autumn Nations Series at BT Murrayfield, live on Amazon Prime – kick-off 1pm.

15. Stuart Hogg – Exeter Chiefs - (Captain) – 87 caps

14. Darcy Graham – Edinburgh Rugby – 21 caps
13. Chris Harris – Gloucester Rugby – 30 caps
12. Sam Johnson – Glasgow Warriors – 20 caps
11. Duhan van der Merwe – Worcester Warriors – 12 caps

10. Finn Russell – Racing 92 - (Vice-Captain) – 57 caps
9. Ali Price – Glasgow Warriors – 45 caps

1. Jamie Bhatti – Glasgow Warriors – 21 caps
2. George Turner – Glasgow Warriors - 19 caps
3. Zander Fagerson – Glasgow Warriors – 41 caps
4. Scott Cummings – Glasgow Warriors – 20 caps
5. Grant Gilchrist – Edinburgh Rugby – 47 caps
6. Jamie Ritchie – Edinburgh Rugby - (Vice-Captain) – 30 caps
7. Hamish Watson – Edinburgh Rugby – 44 caps
8. Josh Bayliss – Bath Rugby – 1 cap

Replacements
16. Stuart McInally – Edinburgh Rugby 42 caps
17. Pierre Schoeman – Edinburgh Rugby – 3 caps
18. Javan Sebastian – Scarlets – Uncapped
19. Sam Skinner – Exeter Chiefs – 14 caps
20. Dylan Richardson – Cell C Sharks - Uncapped
21. Matt Fagerson – Glasgow Warriors – 16 caps
22. George Horne – Glasgow Warriors – 16 caps
23. Blair Kinghorn – Edinburgh Rugby – 27 caps

When Bhatti broke through he took to international rugby as the manner born. Then went backwards at a rate of knots before having a recent return to form. However, I can only think he is starting over Schoeman as the Japanese are not expected to trouble us at the scrum. If they do, Javan Sebastian is not who I want to see coming on.

What is unusual for a Scotland fan as ancient as I is I can look at that list and think of players I'd rather see playing than those picked, but I am not disappointed with those picked. We may still be be trailing the best, but we are no longer in the position that half the team are duffers, as are the backups to the other half.

[Kiwias]

Another backrow combination!!!

Foz chose Ioane, Papali'i, Savea for the three matches vs Australia this year but in the nine matches since then, he has never had the same backrow.He has used the same player in two matches in a row in the same position only three times.

[OomStruisbaai]

Dylan Richardson making his debut for Scotland. Another talent gone

[FalseBayFC]

Dylan Richardson making his debut for Scotland. Another talent gone

Well he's still a Sharks boy. I hope he does well. I'm over the bitterness and disappointment about losing him. He's still a bit green for Test rugby but I guess Japan is a good match to blood him.

[assfly]

Really looking forward to watching rugby instead of talking about refs and inquests.

I'm worried about England. If Smith comes out firing, we could be up against a very different beast than we've played all year. I actually wish Farrell was there as it would be a bit more predictable.

[Slick]

Well I’ve never wanted England to win a test match as much as this one before

Crossing my fingers it’s to a last minute horrendous reffing decision

[Sards]

Really looking forward to watching rugby instead of talking about refs and inquests.

This.....exhausting tbh.....but sadly our national past time

[Sards]

Well I’ve never wanted England to win a test match as much as this one before

Crossing my fingers it’s to a last minute horrendous reffing decision

You do realise that the Springbok supporters will call for a boycott of all further Springbok involvement this year.......if it comes to that

[OomStruisbaai]

Well I’ve never wanted England to win a test match as much as this one before

Crossing my fingers it’s to a last minute horrendous reffing decision

You do realise that the Springbok supporters will call for a boycott of all further Springbok involvement this year.......if it comes to that

Kak man. We can take a loss on the chin and move on. We are not bad losers like the BiL supporters on this board. Moaning and bitching like spoiled brats.

[Slick]

Well I’ve never wanted England to win a test match as much as this one before

Crossing my fingers it’s to a last minute horrendous reffing decision

You do realise that the Springbok supporters will call for a boycott of all further Springbok involvement this year.......if it comes to that

Kak man. We can take a loss on the chin and move on. We are not bad losers like the BiL supporters on this board. Moaning and bitching like spoiled brats.

That’s a take, I guess

[SaintK]

Well I’ve never wanted England to win a test match as much as this one before

Crossing my fingers it’s to a last minute horrendous reffing decision

You do realise that the Springbok supporters will call for a boycott of all further Springbok involvement this year.......if it comes to that

Kak man. We can take a loss on the chin and move on. We are not bad losers like the BiL supporters on this board. Moaning and bitching like spoiled brats.

Says the biggest whiner on this bored
We moved on from the sorry shit show that was the Lions tour months ago yet for some reason you raise it what seems like every other day

[Paddington Bear]

Well I’ve never wanted England to win a test match as much as this one before

Crossing my fingers it’s to a last minute horrendous reffing decision

You do realise that the Springbok supporters will call for a boycott of all further Springbok involvement this year.......if it comes to that

Kak man. We can take a loss on the chin and move on. We are not bad losers like the BiL supporters on this board. Moaning and bitching like spoiled brats.

For Christmas this year all I want is for us to win courtesy of a controversial decision tomorrow and watch the outrage flow.

[Tichtheid]

Autumn Internationals Week 4

First off, the following fixtures will be shown on the World Rugby site, and they will be available to watch afterwards, even the most fevered rugby fans will not be found wanting for action.

20 November.

Brazil v Kenya (3rd/4th place play-off Stellenbosch Challenge, Men's) Markotter Field, Stellenbosch – 10:00 GMT)

Zimbabwe v Namibia (Final Stellenbosch Challenge, Men's) Markotter Field, Stellenbosch – 12:00 GMT)

Russia v Chile (Men's) Yug Sports Stadium, Sochi – 12:00 GMT

Georgia v Fiji (Men's) Estadio El Deleite, Aranjuez – 14:30 GMT

Italy v Uruguay 1pm GMT

Uruguay have qualified for RWC '23 as Americas 1, however they fell to Romania last week. Italy did better than most commentators thought they would against the might of the All Blacks but a loss against Argentina will mean they will be looking to make amends. Italy are currently ranked 14 against Uruguay's 17, the visitors will not be overawed but I expect the home team to win.


Scotland v Japan 1pm GMT

Scotland were over powered last week by a very good Spring Bok side, it would have been understandable if many of those players were stood down but Toonie has gone for a strong selection as he welcomes Scott Cummings back into the second row. There is rotation on the loosehead side with Schoeman and Bhatti swapping the starting jersey and there will be new caps in the large shape of Scarlets' Javan Sebastian and Dylan Richardson from the Sharks (not the Sale ones) will come for his debut in the back row.
Japan haven't had the best results, losing heavily in Dublin and beating Portugal by 13, these results suggest this is not the Japan of the last RWC.
Scotland to win.


England v South Africa 3:15 GMT

South Africa will be after a full house from their three fixtures in November, they have selected a strong side, you know what's coming, it's dealing with it that is the problem.
Rodd, Blamire, Sinkler, Dolly, Marler and Stuart will be under the microscope, it's a well-known fact of life that you don't out-Bok the Boks, so unless England can run South Africa around and keep away from set pieces, one would think this is only going to go one way, which is counter-intuitive when talking about England.
Elsewhere Marcus Smith will be looking to sprinkle a bit of fairy dust on the Battle of the Orcs going on in front of him, he can turn to his own Orc outside him in the formidable shape of Manu Tuilagi.
De Allende and Am are a very good midfield partnership, this is a tough game to call because Twickenham is a difficult place to go to play rugby.
I'm going to go for a very tight away win here, less than 7. Unless England's pack end up as roadkill, like Scotland's, then it will be a bigger margin, the Boks will be well up for this.


Wales v Australia. 5:30 GMT

Wales have had a mixed series, putting out a B team against New Zealanders is never a good idea but their hand was forced due to the international window agreements. They were five points short of South Africa and overcame the all singing and dancing (and big hitting) Fijians.
Australia have had also had a mixed run of results, after downing the World Champions as a highlight of their year they beat Argentina twice but lost to Scotland and were thumped by England.
Tupo being back will help their scrum, but they will be without skipper and talisman Michael Hooper, which kind of cancels out AWJ missing from the Welsh boilerhouse.
Wales at home is never a team to bet against, even with a relatively unfamiliar midfield.
Another tough call, but I'm going for a home win here.



France v New Zealand 8pm GMT.

New Zealand don't often lose two in a row. They did last year, but it's only happened five times since 2000 in around 250 tests (I was surprised at how many they'd played tbh. but then they do tend to play almost all the games possible at the world cup as well as the RC and tours).
Fabien Galthie has chosen partnerships for this match, Dupont and Ntmack at half backs and Danty will join his erstwhile colleague Fickou in the midfield, which means Jalibert drops to the bench.
Elsewhere there are changes with Mauvaka coming in to the front row with Willemse joining Woki in the locking positions
Is this rearranging deck chairs on the Titanic?
I don't think the current iteration of the All Blacks present as an insurmountable problem as before, but they are still the All Blacks.
The Abs side hasn't been announced yet, so just for fun I'll call this a draw.



Ireland v Argentina Sunday 21st 2:15pm GMT

Ireland were HUGE last week, that was a top end performance full of fire, commitment, cool heads in the heat of the battle and extraordinary focus. That is what it takes to beat the top teams and Ireland had it all.
Can they back it up this week?
At the time of writing the teams have not been published, but everything points to a home win, for me they have been the most impressive team over the series so far and the only problem they may face is injuries, which will only serve to open the door for more Leinster players to make the step up to international level, the gits.

A comfortable home win

[OomStruisbaai]

Autumn Internationals Week 4

First off, the following fixtures will be shown on the World Rugby site, and they will be available to watch afterwards, even the most fevered rugby fans will not be found wanting for action.

20 November.

Brazil v Kenya (3rd/4th place play-off Stellenbosch Challenge, Men's) Markotter Field, Stellenbosch – 10:00 GMT)

Zimbabwe v Namibia (Final Stellenbosch Challenge, Men's) Markotter Field, Stellenbosch – 12:00 GMT)

Russia v Chile (Men's) Yug Sports Stadium, Sochi – 12:00 GMT

Georgia v Fiji (Men's) Estadio El Deleite, Aranjuez – 14:30 GMT

Italy v Uruguay 1pm GMT

Uruguay have qualified for RWC '23 as Americas 1, however they fell to Romania last week. Italy did better than most commentators thought they would against the might of the All Blacks but a loss against Argentina will mean they will be looking to make amends. Italy are currently ranked 14 against Uruguay's 17, the visitors will not be overawed but I expect the home team to win.


Scotland v Japan 1pm GMT

Scotland were over powered last week by a very good Spring Bok side, it would have been understandable if many of those players were stood down but Toonie has gone for a strong selection as he welcomes Scott Cummings back into the second row. There is rotation on the loosehead side with Schoeman and Bhatti swapping the starting jersey and there will be new caps in the large shape of Scarlets' Javan Sebastian and Dylan Richardson from the Sharks (not the Sale ones) will come for his debut in the back row.
Japan haven't had the best results, losing heavily in Dublin and beating Portugal by 13, these results suggest this is not the Japan of the last RWC.
Scotland to win.


England v South Africa 3:15 GMT

South Africa will be after a full house from their three fixtures in November, they have selected a strong side, you know what's coming, it's dealing with it that is the problem.
Rodd, Blamire, Sinkler, Dolly, Marler and Stuart will be under the microscope, it's a well-known fact of life that you don't out-Bok the Boks, so unless England can run South Africa around and keep away from set pieces, one would think this is only going to go one way, which is counter-intuitive when talking about England.
Elsewhere Marcus Smith will be looking to sprinkle a bit of fairy dust on the Battle of the Orcs going on in front of him, he can turn to his own Orc outside him in the formidable shape of Manu Tuilagi.
De Allende and Am are a very good midfield partnership, this is a tough game to call because Twickenham is a difficult place to go to play rugby.
I'm going to go for a very tight away win here, less than 7. Unless England's pack end up as roadkill, like Scotland's, then it will be a bigger margin, the Boks will be well up for this.


Wales v Australia. 5:30 GMT

Wales have had a mixed series, putting out a B team against New Zealanders is never a good idea but their hand was forced due to the international window agreements. They were five points short of South Africa and overcame the all singing and dancing (and big hitting) Fijians.
Australia have had also had a mixed run of results, after downing the World Champions as a highlight of their year they beat Argentina twice but lost to Scotland and were thumped by England.
Tupo being back will help their scrum, but they will be without skipper and talisman Michael Hooper, which kind of cancels out AWJ missing from the Welsh boilerhouse.
Wales at home is never a team to bet against, even with a relatively unfamiliar midfield.
Another tough call, but I'm going for a home win here.



France v New Zealand 8pm GMT.

New Zealand don't often lose two in a row. They did last year, but it's only happened five times since 2000 in around 250 tests (I was surprised at how many they'd played tbh. but then they do tend to play almost all the games possible at the world cup as well as the RC and tours).
Fabien Galthie has chosen partnerships for this match, Dupont and Ntmack at half backs and Danty will join his erstwhile colleague Fickou in the midfield, which means Jalibert drops to the bench.
Elsewhere there are changes with Mauvaka coming in to the front row with Willemse joining Woki in the locking positions
Is this rearranging deck chairs on the Titanic?
I don't think the current iteration of the All Blacks present as an insurmountable problem as before, but they are still the All Blacks.
The Abs side hasn't been announced yet, so just for fun I'll call this a draw.



Ireland v Argentina Sunday 21st 2:15pm GMT

Ireland were HUGE last week, that was a top end performance full of fire, commitment, cool heads in the heat of the battle and extraordinary focus. That is what it takes to beat the top teams and Ireland had it all.
Can they back it up this week?
At the time of writing the teams have not been published, but everything points to a home win, for me they have been the most impressive team over the series so far and the only problem they may face is injuries, which will only serve to open the door for more Leinster players to make the step up to international level, the gits.

A comfortable home win

No way the Bokke and All Blacks can win. One test to far.

[NeilOJism]

Well I’ve never wanted England to win a test match as much as this one before

Crossing my fingers it’s to a last minute horrendous reffing decision

You do realise that the Springbok supporters will call for a boycott of all further Springbok involvement this year.......if it comes to that

Kak man. We can take a loss on the chin and move on. We are not bad losers like the BiL supporters on this board. Moaning and bitching like spoiled brats.

Coupla garies of what he dropped, please!

Bookmark this response for when you’ve finally come down and the walls have stopped breathing, so you damage-limit this whole “I have neither the slightest grip on, nor recollection of, reality” schtick:

1. The only BiL supporter moaning at the time was about Gatland and his tactical / selectorial inferiority to The Razzer. Prefixing every sentence with “I’m telling you, eh?” or “What you must do..” doesn’t, despite your best efforts, afford your delusions any authority or grounding in objective reality, I’m afraid

2. Given Wristo Razzo’s unprecedented public dumping on the very soul of rugby, accusing our mob of moaning is the very definition of the potjie calling the ketel Cape Coloured

3. (For Sards) If SA / Radgie Erratic really decide to double down on this paranoid approach to officialdom, and take your ball home, refusing to come out and play, the rest of us will just let you, and with some relief after the initial sadness. It really won’t be the “vok jou” moment where the penny drops for the whole of the rest of the rugby world and we realise, too late, what we’ve lost. Sadder still, it won’t be that for you either. SA will have simply decided that it’s not a Rugby Country any more, which is something I never thought could happen to a once great one. I’m hopeful that there are enough genuine Rugby People in the Rainbow Nation to stop this happening, even if they have to distract the incumbent budgies with some beads and a mirror so they may effect a coup

I really should follow my own advice and stop engaging with trolls or cretins on this, so am oot.

[Paddington Bear]

Italy - Uruguay
Italy have been reasonable by their own low standards this autumn. Comfortable win.
Scotland - Japan
Hopefully Japan will be better than they were in Dublin. Can't see them getting too close
England - SA
Think this will be close. We ought to be deadly as and when we have the ball. Let's show some confidence - England by 5.
Wales - Australia
Pivac is a fraud, try winning the game without a red card or complete bullshit. Aussies aren't as bad as people say and if they manage not to put a shoulder in the face ought to take this one.
France - NZ
People overreact to France being average against Georgia. I think they take this one.
Ireland - Argentina
Closer than anticipated with Ireland feeling a bit after the Lord Mayor's show but they'll hold on.

[sockwithaticket]

You do realise that the Springbok supporters will call for a boycott of all further Springbok involvement this year.......if it comes to that

Kak man. We can take a loss on the chin and move on. We are not bad losers like the BiL supporters on this board. Moaning and bitching like spoiled brats.

For Christmas this year all I want is for us to win courtesy of a controversial decision tomorrow and watch the outrage flow.

It would be delicious.

[OomStruisbaai]

Kak man. We can take a loss on the chin and move on. We are not bad losers like the BiL supporters on this board. Moaning and bitching like spoiled brats.

For Christmas this year all I want is for us to win courtesy of a controversial decision tomorrow and watch the outrage flow.

It would be delicious.

You can start celebrate your Christmas. No way the Springbokke will win tomorrow.

[PCPhil]

What I hope for is that we don’t get the ridiculous,”and so it begins,” armchair screaming at the ref on judgment call decisions by one eyed “it’s so unfair boo-hoo fans”.

If you don’t like your ref then go and buy another one.

[SaintK]

What I hope for is that we don’t get the ridiculous,”and so it begins,” armchair screaming at the ref on judgment call decisions by one eyed “it’s so unfair boo-hoo fans”.

If you don’t like your ref then go and buy another one.

Isn't Andrew Brace the ref tomorrow?

[JM2K6]

Well I’ve never wanted England to win a test match as much as this one before

Crossing my fingers it’s to a last minute horrendous reffing decision

You do realise that the Springbok supporters will call for a boycott of all further Springbok involvement this year.......if it comes to that

Kak man. We can take a loss on the chin and move on. We are not bad losers like the BiL supporters on this board. Moaning and bitching like spoiled brats.

Ah yes, I remember how SA fans and management took the first Test loss on the chin

cough

[Plim]

For Christmas this year all I want is for us to win courtesy of a controversial decision tomorrow and watch the outrage flow.

It would be delicious.

You can start celebrate your Christmas. No way the Springbokke will win tomorrow.

SA will win.

It will be a very unattractive game - for which blame will rest equally on both teams and their coaches. But scrums and aerial kick-chase will dictate play, and SA will dominate scrums and win the kicking game. Lineouts shaded by SA.

If England try to get creative they will fark it up big time and revert to ineffective boshing and panicky kicking. I predict at least three English Garryowens going vertical or backwards.

In the end quite comfortable for SA.

[OomStruisbaai]

You do realise that the Springbok supporters will call for a boycott of all further Springbok involvement this year.......if it comes to that

Kak man. We can take a loss on the chin and move on. We are not bad losers like the BiL supporters on this board. Moaning and bitching like spoiled brats.

Ah yes, I remember how SA fans and management took the first Test loss on the chin

cough

Don't count me in. I have big respect for the BiL. You are the one that bitch like Anon and flounce to PR

[JM2K6]

Kak man. We can take a loss on the chin and move on. We are not bad losers like the BiL supporters on this board. Moaning and bitching like spoiled brats.

Ah yes, I remember how SA fans and management took the first Test loss on the chin

cough

Don't count me in. I have big respect for the BiL. You are the one that bitch like Anon and flounce to PR

As far as I know, Anon has never posted on this board, and I have no idea who flounced to PR. And the only bitching I did was about the dire standard of the rugby from both teams and Gatland's cowardly approach.

[Grandpa]

Nice avatar!

Cheers, he's a stone statue I bumped into decades ago.

1. Joe Moody (56)
2. Dane Coles (79)
3. Nepo Laulala (39)
4. Brodie Retallick (91)
5. Samuel Whitelock (131) – captain
6. Akira Ioane (12)
7. Sam Cane (76)
8. Ardie Savea (59)
9. Aaron Smith (101)
10. Richie Mo’unga (31)
11. George Bridge (18)
12. Quinn Tupaea (6)
13. Rieko Ioane (46)
14. Will Jordan (12)
15. Jordie Barrett (35)

16. Samisoni Taukei’aho (8)
17. George Bower (10)
18. Ofa Tuungafasi (43)
19. Tupou Vaa’i (10)
20. Shannon Frizell (16)
21. Brad Weber (16)
22. Damian McKenzie (39)
23. David Havili (14)

Great to have Nugget back, and very happy with Cane starting.

Not that keen on Bridge tbh, but if Ennor's the alternative...would've preferred Reece to either of them.

And how does Havili even make the reserves after his appalling recent form?

Papalii and Blackadder not considered. I feel for Sotutu and Jacobson having Frizzell picked ahead of them.

Bridge is lucky. Havilii lucky. Hope QT has a big game... and hope the forwards take the breakdown more seriously. Especially the tight five..

[Slick]

You do realise that the Springbok supporters will call for a boycott of all further Springbok involvement this year.......if it comes to that

Kak man. We can take a loss on the chin and move on. We are not bad losers like the BiL supporters on this board. Moaning and bitching like spoiled brats.

Ah yes, I remember how SA fans and management took the first Test loss on the chin

cough

Yes, and months later still doing a tremendous job

[OomStruisbaai]

Kak man. We can take a loss on the chin and move on. We are not bad losers like the BiL supporters on this board. Moaning and bitching like spoiled brats.

Ah yes, I remember how SA fans and management took the first Test loss on the chin

cough

Yes, and months later still doing a tremendous job

Go back after the BiL 1st test win.

The Boks lost....its the refs fault

That's Keo and his likes.

Die game is oor, ons het verloor.

We lost the first one against the better team on the day, there are many reasons.

The biggest one is we lost the aerial battle. Itoje was immense,

The Lions look hungry and wanted it more.

Let's give them credit and hope our lot learn some valuable lessons.

A week is a long time in rugby.

We are fortunate to see the Lions play against our beloved Springbokke.

Bring on the 2nd test.

[FalseBayFC]

OK time to leave the controversies behind and focus on the matches. Here's the Bok team photo ahead of tomorrows match. Hoping for an attractive game with no bullshit. May the best team win. I predict Boks by 5-10.

FEkxI5RXwAMwcuX.jpg (524.34 KiB) Viewed 775 times

[Slick]

Ah yes, I remember how SA fans and management took the first Test loss on the chin

cough

Yes, and months later still doing a tremendous job

Go back after the BiL 1st test win.

The Boks lost....its the refs fault

That's Keo and his likes.

Die game is oor, ons het verloor.

We lost the first one against the better team on the day, there are many reasons.

The biggest one is we lost the aerial battle. Itoje was immense,

The Lions look hungry and wanted it more.

Let's give them credit and hope our lot learn some valuable lessons.

A week is a long time in rugby.

We are fortunate to see the Lions play against our beloved Springbokke.

Bring on the 2nd test.

Didn’t realise you meant just the bored. Yes, with the exception of handyman, chilli and a couple of others, most of the SA bordies we’re good value, I’d say the same about the BiL supporters. There was quite a bit of emotion on both sides but few went full retard

[Blake]

Really looking forward to watching rugby instead of talking about refs and inquests.

I'm worried about England. If Smith comes out firing, we could be up against a very different beast than we've played all year. I actually wish Farrell was there as it would be a bit more predictable.

I’m also worried, but for a different reason. Yes Smith is amazing for Harlequins, but for that style to translate to international level, you need players around you that can build on that. It’s like Elton Jantjies at the Lions vs Elton Jantjies at the Boks. Not quite the same player in the different environments.

My worry is that England have the tools to take away or at least limit our main weapons. Their scrum is quite good, Itoje can be a menace at the lineout and breakdown, Stewart is great under the high ball. They have the tools to take away a lot of our weapons. Question is we are going to allow them to.

[PCPhil]

Ire v NZ was the biggest clash last week.
There are 2 this week. Eng v Sa and France v NZ.

I for one will be stocked up on beer, refusing cooking duties and swearing at the telly (but not the ref, okay).

[OomStruisbaai]

I'll watch the England Bok test but really dunno if I'll make the France vs All Blacks test IF the Bokke are lucky at HQ.

[Sandstorm]

I'll watch the England Bok test but really dunno if I'll make the France vs All Blacks test IF the Bokke are lucky at HQ.

Stay off the tables, Oom

[sockwithaticket]

Really looking forward to watching rugby instead of talking about refs and inquests.

I'm worried about England. If Smith comes out firing, we could be up against a very different beast than we've played all year. I actually wish Farrell was there as it would be a bit more predictable.

I’m also worried, but for a different reason. Yes Smith is amazing for Harlequins, but for that style to translate to international level, you need players around you that can build on that. It’s like Elton Jantjies at the Lions vs Elton Jantjies at the Boks. Not quite the same player in the different environments.

My worry is that England have the tools to take away or at least limit our main weapons. Their scrum is quite good, Itoje can be a menace at the lineout and breakdown, Stewart is great under the high ball. They have the tools to take away a lot of our weapons. Question is we are going to allow them to.

A better version of our scrum came seriously second best to you at the world cup. if this lot hold their own, let alone take away your scrum as a weapon, my flabber will be well and truly gasted.