Springbokke next 4 years to 2027

[boere wors]

The boks are in desperate need for rejuvination. We won't go anywhere with last years rabble in 2022. Let alone 2023. We won't even make it out of our group with these oupas...

We are definitely in need of rejuvenation. But that ship has sailed. It's possible to blame Covid as we lost a year of test matches, but I'm not sure they would have blooded many new players anyway.

As fans we just have to hope that our usual suspects are able to maintain form for the next 18 months. But there are a few players on the wrong side of 30 that I think it's a bridge too far, and there are other players who haven't hit the same form we saw in 2019, including our captain.

Spot on.
They blamed covid for last year, which was acceptable, i guess. But this year no more. Bring in the hungry young guys!
Rassie talked about how the fact that they were a rather young team in 2019 contributed massively to them winning the thing by being able to keep the intensity high during mid week training. Especially in contrast to his experiences with the 2011 RWC squad. History repeating now...

[OomStruisbaai]

This year will be the test if the older players can keep it up. Our season has changed to nH. Playing TRC in our off season.

[average joe]

A question here for the informed. Who in the springbok squad would be considered "oupas" and to far off for 2023?

[assfly]

A question here for the informed. Who in the springbok squad would be considered "oupas" and to far off for 2023?

Duane is the main talking point. But I heard he was outstanding for Ulster last weekend. He'll be 36 next year.
The other is Frans Steyn. Hardly playing any rugby at the moment, so will be interesting to see if he gets a run against Wales. He'll be 35.

The rest of the squad are actually quote young. PSdT will be 30, Kolisi 31, Eben 31, Malherbe 32, Bongi 32, Willie 32.

[average joe]

So 2 players out of a squad of 32? Willie is actually 32 this year so is Elton but even if you add them it's still insignificant. All the rest besides those four are 30 and younger. So this "oupas" claim seems to be a cover up for something ells then. Perhaps personal bias which is fine but then why then not just say so.

[assfly]

So 2 players out of a squad of 32? Willie is actually 32 this year so is Elton but even if you add them it's still insignificant. All the rest besides those four are 30 and younger. So this "oupas" claim seems to be a cover up for something ells then. Perhaps personal bias which is fine but then why then not just say so.

Age and form have a close correlation. If you look at Duane, he's definitely lost a bit of pace but can still put in match-winning performances. But can he keep that up for the next 18 months? If he can't, or he gets injured, we haven't built much depth at 8 to replace him (I'm personally still not sold on Wiese).

Nothing to do with bias. I'll support whoever Rassie and JN select, but I'm just nervous that we haven't built much depth. I'm happy to be proved wrong.

[FalseBayFC]

2015 AB RWC winning team had 35 year old McCaw, Meleamu - 36, Conrad Smith - 35, Carter - 34, Woodcock - 34, Nonu-33. Admittedly all GOAT-level players.

Apart from Duane and Frans, our guys are spring chickens. I do have my doubts about them making it though. But if they're fit and in form then they have to be in the squad.

[OomStruisbaai]

Myself are more worried about our gameplan then the selection. Would like to see more running rugby.

[average joe]

So 2 players out of a squad of 32? Willie is actually 32 this year so is Elton but even if you add them it's still insignificant. All the rest besides those four are 30 and younger. So this "oupas" claim seems to be a cover up for something ells then. Perhaps personal bias which is fine but then why then not just say so.

Age and form have a close correlation. If you look at Duane, he's definitely lost a bit of pace but can still put in match-winning performances. But can he keep that up for the next 18 months? If he can't, or he gets injured, we haven't built much depth at 8 to replace him (I'm personally still not sold on Wiese).

Nothing to do with bias. I'll support whoever Rassie and JN select, but I'm just nervous that we haven't built much depth. I'm happy to be proved wrong.

I have my doubts about Duane going to the next WC. There were retirement rumours doing the rounds even before the Lions series. It's plausible that the coaches have convinced him to stay on though. Perhaps more in a mentorship roll ala Schalk Brits. I personally don't like Wiese, he's a loose canon and a card risk. That guy just reminds me to much of Dean Greyling.

But I'm not the coach and I'm sure they are more informed. Anyhows, we have ample talented loose forwards that can make the step up when necessary.

[assfly]

I have my doubts about Duane going to the next WC. There were retirement rumours doing the rounds even before the Lions series. It's plausible that the coaches have convinced him to stay on though. Perhaps more in a mentorship roll ala Schalk Brits. I personally don't like Wiese, he's a loose canon and a card risk. That guy just reminds me to much of Dean Greyling.

But I'm not the coach and I'm sure they are more informed. Anyhows, we have ample talented loose forwards that can make the step up when necessary.

Agreed on all of that. I'm just curious if any of these talented loose forwards will ever get an opportunity between now and the RWC.

[average joe]

I have my doubts about Duane going to the next WC. There were retirement rumours doing the rounds even before the Lions series. It's plausible that the coaches have convinced him to stay on though. Perhaps more in a mentorship roll ala Schalk Brits. I personally don't like Wiese, he's a loose canon and a card risk. That guy just reminds me to much of Dean Greyling.

But I'm not the coach and I'm sure they are more informed. Anyhows, we have ample talented loose forwards that can make the step up when necessary.

Agreed on all of that. I'm just curious if any of these talented loose forwards will ever get an opportunity between now and the RWC.

Why should they? Players have been blooded in WC before.

[assfly]

Why should they? Players have been blooded in WC before.

In case we need them. What if Pollard and Elton are injured before the RWC? Wouldn't you prefer the backup to have a handful of caps behind him before playing in a RWC?

Anyway, we're going around in circles. That's just my opinion and I hope we don't have any issues with key players between now and then.

[average joe]

We're bound to have injuries sooner or later. It happens all the time in rugby but I trust that the coaches have already planed for such an eventuality. I'm sure they've identified the next player of the conveyer and he's been on the alignment camps. Cap's in hand is a small matter if you ask me. Having the talent necessary , being physically fit for propose and buying into the ethos should be the main things to focus on.

[OomStruisbaai]

They'll have to have a big squad for TRC in July to Sept. . It's in our off season.

[average joe]

Yes, allot of rugby before the next WC. On that note I've managed to secure tickets for the Wales test on Loftus. I know it's just Wales but I'm really excited. Not been to a live match since my uncle passed.

[OomStruisbaai]

Never been to DHL Cape Town Stadium. Dis n sonde.

[boere wors]

Oupa for me isnt only related to age in this context... the 2015 ABs are abit of an outlier, but in general in sports it is extremely hard to defend a big title. Look at soccer for example, most of the trophy holders from 4 years before didnt even make the pool stages in the last 25 years or so, despite bring the main favorites at the start of the tournament. Our current players are all RWC and Lions Series Winners. There really is nothing more for them to achieve. Which for me is a worry. I would like to see young and hungry players brought into the mix. I am happy to be proven wrong though and the current lot wins back to back titles next year.

[average joe]

I've been to a few grounds around the country but never for a Springbok test. I've always believed the best seat is at home. Going with some friends who are scared of their wifes and wanted a boys outing tough. I'm pretty sure it's more about "die groot gesuip" than the rugby for some of them

[assfly]

So no Cobus, RG or Nkosi for the Wales series.

[bok_viking]

Yes, allot of rugby before the next WC. On that note I've managed to secure tickets for the Wales test on Loftus. I know it's just Wales but I'm really excited. Not been to a live match since my uncle passed.

I will be at that Loftus game too. First Bok live game for me for quite some years. Looking forward to it.

[OomStruisbaai]

Ryno Elstadt ready to rumble for Springbokke

Toulouse’s South African loose forward Rynhardt Elstadt said his recent spell on the sidelines has made him hungrier than ever to play for the Springboks before Saturday’s rerun of last season’s Top 14 and European Champions Cup finals at home with La Rochelle.

Elstadt, 32, last featured for the Boks in July’s opening Test loss to the British and Irish Lions before missing seven months of action due to an ankle injury suffered in training afterwards.

“It 100 percent has made me more hungry to play for South Africa. I only got a bit of a taste of it. I only played 18 minutes in that first Test and you can’t do much in 18 minutes,” he told AFP on Thursday.

“So to show that I’m really competitive and I really want to see if I can make a difference in the 2023 Rugby World Cup, if it’s possible, to see if we can defend our title to the very end,” he added.

The former Stormers flank returned to the field with his French club in February and has been in brief contact with Springboks head coach Jacques Nienaber about July’s three Tests with Wales.

“It’s still early days for the July series coming up. We’ve been in touch just to see how I’m doing, if my ankle is all good am I physically and mentally all good,” he said.

“There hasn’t been any official squad announcement, we’ll see what happens with that,” he added.

This weekend, Elstadt’s focus will be on maintaining Toulouse’s push for the play-offs with just three games of the regular season remaining as well as next weekend’s Champions Cup quarterfinal with Munster.

The record 21-time French champions sit in the sixth and final spot for the end of season knock-outs and welcome back world player of the year Antoine Dupont and Romain Ntamack to the squad after they were rested for Saturday’s loss at Toulon.

“It makes a huge difference to a team to have a nine and 10 that dictate a match. We missed them last week,” Elstadt said.

“They will get going and push through until the end of the season and see if we can get through both play-offs,” he added.

Leyds ‘big threat’
At a sold-out Le Stadium on Saturday, Elstadt is set to face fellow former Stormer in wing Dillyn Leyds, who has already equalled his try tally from last year with nine touchdowns for La Rochelle in all competitions this term.

“I played with Dillyn for a couple of seasons. He’s a brilliant player. He is in some good form this season,” Elstadt said of the 10-times capped Springbok.

“In South Africa he was seen in the shadows and now he’s a really good wing in France. He’s a big threat,” he added.

Elsewhere in the French top-flight this weekend, leaders Montpellier will look to bounce back at Lyon after defeat to Bordeaux-Begles, bottom side Biarritz will be relegated no matter their result with Castres if 13th-placed Perpignan pick up a point at home to Brive.

[OomStruisbaai]

Roos and Senatla included in Bok camp in Cape Town from Sunday to Thursday.

[OomStruisbaai]

The measurement will be the two home tests against the old foe. If we beat them in both tests, we'll be we'll set for the tests up north.

Springboks Test Schedule 2022

Castle Lager Incoming Series fixtures (kick-off times TBC):
Saturday, 2 July: Springboks v Wales – Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria
Saturday, 9 July: Springboks v Wales – Toyota Stadium, Bloemfontein
Saturday, 16 July: Springboks v Wales – DHL Stadium, Cape Town

Castle Lager Rugby Championship fixtures (kick-off times TBC):
Saturday, 6 August: Springboks v New Zealand – Mbombela Stadium, Nelspruit
Saturday, 13 August: Springboks v New Zealand – Emirates Airline Park, Johannesburg
Saturday, 27 August: Australia v Springboks – venue TBC
Saturday, 3 September: Australia v Springboks – venue TBC
Saturday, 17 September: Argentina v Springboks – Vélez Sarsfield, Buenos Aires
Saturday, 24 September: Springboks v Argentina – Hollywoodbets Kings Park, Durban

5 Nov – Ireland vs South Africa - Aviva Stadium, Dublin
12 Nov – France vs South Africa - Stade Vélodrome, Marseille
19 Nov – Italy vs South Africa
26 Nov – England vs South Africa - Twickenham Stadium, London

Suppose 3 losses acceptable?

Venue for the Wallabies tests are Perthfontein & Sydney

[assfly]

AE was part of the Bok re-alignment camp in the UK. Glad to see he's back in the picture.

[FalseBayFC]

AE was part of the Bok re-alignment camp in the UK. Glad to see he's back in the picture.

Absolutely. He and DDA must be the top two 12s in the world right now.

[average joe]

[FalseBayFC]

RHVR confirmed signed with the Sharks now. Him and Am will be some partnership! Now we need a flyhalf.

[FalseBayFC]

RJVR is probably no 3 on the inside centre depth chart. Maybe sharing that position with Jan Serfontein. Burger Odendaal and Cornal Hendricks also in the wings.

[OomStruisbaai]

RJVR is probably no 3 on the inside centre depth chart. Maybe sharing that position with Jan Serfontein. Burger Odendaal and Cornal Hendricks also in the wings.

Stamp karre.

[assfly]

Nice signing for the Sharks, some much needed timber in the 12 jersey. Although it must be said Marius Louw has put in some serious shifts in the last few weeks, his defence has been outstanding.

[FalseBayFC]

RJVR is probably no 3 on the inside centre depth chart. Maybe sharing that position with Jan Serfontein. Burger Odendaal and Cornal Hendricks also in the wings.

Stamp karre.

No ways. Ysterhuizen is a brilliant all round footballer as are Odendaal and Hendricks. In fact all 6 are anything but pure crashballers. Esterhuizen has amazing vision and skills.

[FalseBayFC]

Nice signing for the Sharks, some much needed timber in the 12 jersey. Although it must be said Marius Louw has put in some serious shifts in the last few weeks, his defence has been outstanding.

He's been a stalwart. Off to replace Odendaal at the Lions. Hopefully the money from playing in Europe will help with player retention and acquisition. Teams like Cheetahs and Lions will also benefit when useful players like Marius Louw get offloaded.

[Sards]

Nice signing for the Sharks, some much needed timber in the 12 jersey. Although it must be said Marius Louw has put in some serious shifts in the last few weeks, his defence has been outstanding.

He's been a stalwart. Off to replace Odendaal at the Lions. Hopefully the money from playing in Europe will help with player retention and acquisition. Teams like Cheetahs and Lions will also benefit when useful players like Marius Louw get offloaded.

The Sharks need to fill 3 teams.
With a little bit of intermingling. The Bulls are set to play as many of their URC players in the CC to keep them sharp. I reckon JW really really wants the CC title. The Bulls certainly have the players for two teams. 3 is going to be a stretch. Coaches are calling for bigger squads to cope. Sharks have kept CC and URC separate. As have WP. As a coach you have to start thinking about 3 competitions . Louw will grow in the URC. As he adjusts. I think the Sharks must stop offloading players and plan ahead

[FalseBayFC]

Nice signing for the Sharks, some much needed timber in the 12 jersey. Although it must be said Marius Louw has put in some serious shifts in the last few weeks, his defence has been outstanding.

He's been a stalwart. Off to replace Odendaal at the Lions. Hopefully the money from playing in Europe will help with player retention and acquisition. Teams like Cheetahs and Lions will also benefit when useful players like Marius Louw get offloaded.

The Sharks need to fill 3 teams.
With a little bit of intermingling. The Bulls are set to play as many of their URC players in the CC to keep them sharp. I reckon JW really really wants the CC title. The Bulls certainly have the players for two teams. 3 is going to be a stretch. Coaches are calling for bigger squads to cope. Sharks have kept CC and URC separate. As have WP. As a coach you have to start thinking about 3 competitions . Louw will grow in the URC. As he adjusts. I think the Sharks must stop offloading players and plan ahead

This is where the money can start to trickle down to unions like Griquas, Pumas and Boland. The URC can borrow players from these teams and afford to make it very financially worthwhile. Willie Engelbrecht, Eddie Fouche etc would easily make the step up. Likewise out of form, developing players from the URC teams could be loaned out to bolster the smaller unions. I know that this is currently happening but more money from NH tournaments could go far in strengthening more than just the big 4.

[FalseBayFC]

And back to the thread topic. I believe Adre Smith -24yo from the Stormers and Ruben Schoeman -26yo from the Lions are now firmly on the Springboks lock depth chart top 10.

[OomStruisbaai]

He's been a stalwart. Off to replace Odendaal at the Lions. Hopefully the money from playing in Europe will help with player retention and acquisition. Teams like Cheetahs and Lions will also benefit when useful players like Marius Louw get offloaded.

The Sharks need to fill 3 teams.
With a little bit of intermingling. The Bulls are set to play as many of their URC players in the CC to keep them sharp. I reckon JW really really wants the CC title. The Bulls certainly have the players for two teams. 3 is going to be a stretch. Coaches are calling for bigger squads to cope. Sharks have kept CC and URC separate. As have WP. As a coach you have to start thinking about 3 competitions . Louw will grow in the URC. As he adjusts. I think the Sharks must stop offloading players and plan ahead

This is where the money can start to trickle down to unions like Griquas, Pumas and Boland. The URC can borrow players from these teams and afford to make it very financially worthwhile. Willie Engelbrecht, Eddie Fouche etc would easily make the step up. Likewise out of form, developing players from the URC teams could be loaned out to bolster the smaller unions. I know that this is currently happening but more money from NH tournaments could go far in strengthening more than just the big 4.

Won't be possible with the CC running the same time. Those players are contracted by the smaller unions for the CC.

[FalseBayFC]

The Sharks need to fill 3 teams.
With a little bit of intermingling. The Bulls are set to play as many of their URC players in the CC to keep them sharp. I reckon JW really really wants the CC title. The Bulls certainly have the players for two teams. 3 is going to be a stretch. Coaches are calling for bigger squads to cope. Sharks have kept CC and URC separate. As have WP. As a coach you have to start thinking about 3 competitions . Louw will grow in the URC. As he adjusts. I think the Sharks must stop offloading players and plan ahead

This is where the money can start to trickle down to unions like Griquas, Pumas and Boland. The URC can borrow players from these teams and afford to make it very financially worthwhile. Willie Engelbrecht, Eddie Fouche etc would easily make the step up. Likewise out of form, developing players from the URC teams could be loaned out to bolster the smaller unions. I know that this is currently happening but more money from NH tournaments could go far in strengthening more than just the big 4.

Won't be possible with the CC running the same time. Those players are contracted by the smaller unions for the CC.

Currie Cup First Division and Varsity cup should be moved into April, May, June or later. Solves the problem and provides almost year round rugby.

[FalseBayFC]

And back to the thread topic. In my opinion, Morne van der Berg and Paul de Wet are now no. 3 and 4 behind Faf and Jaco in the no.9 depth chart. Jaden Hendricks, Hershelle Jantjies, Embrose Papier and to a lesser extent Grant Williams need to go back to scrumhalf school and perfect the basics. They are all huge talents but distribution and accuracy are the keystones of scrumhalf play. Too many mistakes at 9 from these guys.

[OomStruisbaai]

Agree on the CC. It will be nice if they run it while TRC is going on.

[OomStruisbaai]

And back to the thread topic. In my opinion, Morne van der Berg and Paul de Wet are now no. 3 and 4 behind Faf and Jaco in the no.9 depth chart. Jaden Hendricks, Hershelle Jantjies, Embrose Papier and to a lesser extent Grant Williams need to go back to scrumhalf school and perfect the basics. They are all huge talents but distribution and accuracy are the keystones of scrumhalf play. Too many mistakes at 9 from these guys.

We can discuss this as much as you like. fact is they wont change their squad or gameplan.