The Rugby Championship

[Grandpa]

I just wanted to see one performance that showed signs that Foster had learnt something... but all I see is the same tactics as I saw 3 and 5 years ago...

I'd love to know what they are being coached to do.. as they remind me of a Ba Bas team that have spent all week in the pub... and not discussed the game once...

[Kiwias]

These okes rabbiting on about how good the All Blacks are and Ireland won because they're just so good, so the Boks will struggle against the ABs...

you clowns just aren't paying attention.

The ABs are a poorly coached side playing dumb rugby. Selections are never settled, combinations barely develop, players are inserted out of position just to be included and the whole set up seems to be a simple case of 'good blokes' picking their mates.

It's been this way since Foster joined the AB set up and the last couple of years of Steve Hansen's tenure showed the weakness growing... once that golden generation of superb players were gone we were left with coaches who didn't know how to coach tactically because they'd grown soft and fat on the back of freakishly talented players.

Aaron Smith will start and within 90 seconds, regardless of field position, he will box kick aimlessly with no attempt to find space. That will set the pattern for the rest of the game with he and Beauden Barrett taking turns at goosey little kicks over the heads of the defensive line and straight down the throats of the back three. Forwards will stand off at the rucks because we still think we can spin the ball wide and move it with speed despite watching a growing list of teams blast us off the ball at every opportunity.

Individual acts of brilliance act to polish the stinking turd that is AB rugby these days and everyone is hypnotised by a line break born out of sheer luck rather than systematic power play drawing the defense inward and creating space.

The Abs might win one of the two... their pride will be smarting and they'll be hungry... but if the Bok ca't walk away from this series as decisive victors then they will have choked miserably.

I have lost count of the number of kicks by BB or ASmith that we never had a realistic chance of regaining due to inadequate chasers.

[Gumboot]

I have lost count of the number of kicks by BB or ASmith that we never had a realistic chance of regaining due to inadequate chasers.

Conversely, pretty much every kick our opposition puts up these days feels contestable. The Boks are gonna have a blast.

[LoveOfTheGame]

These okes rabbiting on about how good the All Blacks are and Ireland won because they're just so good, so the Boks will struggle against the ABs...

you clowns just aren't paying attention.

The ABs are a poorly coached side playing dumb rugby. Selections are never settled, combinations barely develop, players are inserted out of position just to be included and the whole set up seems to be a simple case of 'good blokes' picking their mates.

It's been this way since Foster joined the AB set up and the last couple of years of Steve Hansen's tenure showed the weakness growing... once that golden generation of superb players were gone we were left with coaches who didn't know how to coach tactically because they'd grown soft and fat on the back of freakishly talented players.

Aaron Smith will start and within 90 seconds, regardless of field position, he will box kick aimlessly with no attempt to find space. That will set the pattern for the rest of the game with he and Beauden Barrett taking turns at goosey little kicks over the heads of the defensive line and straight down the throats of the back three. Forwards will stand off at the rucks because we still think we can spin the ball wide and move it with speed despite watching a growing list of teams blast us off the ball at every opportunity.

Individual acts of brilliance act to polish the stinking turd that is AB rugby these days and everyone is hypnotised by a line break born out of sheer luck rather than systematic power play drawing the defense inward and creating space.

The Abs might win one of the two... their pride will be smarting and they'll be hungry... but if the Bok ca't walk away from this series as decisive victors then they will have choked miserably.

You clowns?
Look I get it. You're hurting. Your pride's been dented. The good news is that the AB's are still one of the best sides in the world. The bad news is that other nations are getting better. Right now, Ireland's playing superb rugby. Better than NZ. In fact they've had your number for some time now, so it should not be such a shock to system anymore? I fear the Boks are going to feel the brunt of the AB's frustration next week Saturday. They'll be playing to restore pride in the jersey. They'll be playing for their coach, their captain and for their fans who are all hurting. Big game, pretty excited tbh.

[Grandpa]

These okes rabbiting on about how good the All Blacks are and Ireland won because they're just so good, so the Boks will struggle against the ABs...

you clowns just aren't paying attention.

The ABs are a poorly coached side playing dumb rugby. Selections are never settled, combinations barely develop, players are inserted out of position just to be included and the whole set up seems to be a simple case of 'good blokes' picking their mates.

It's been this way since Foster joined the AB set up and the last couple of years of Steve Hansen's tenure showed the weakness growing... once that golden generation of superb players were gone we were left with coaches who didn't know how to coach tactically because they'd grown soft and fat on the back of freakishly talented players.

Aaron Smith will start and within 90 seconds, regardless of field position, he will box kick aimlessly with no attempt to find space. That will set the pattern for the rest of the game with he and Beauden Barrett taking turns at goosey little kicks over the heads of the defensive line and straight down the throats of the back three. Forwards will stand off at the rucks because we still think we can spin the ball wide and move it with speed despite watching a growing list of teams blast us off the ball at every opportunity.

Individual acts of brilliance act to polish the stinking turd that is AB rugby these days and everyone is hypnotised by a line break born out of sheer luck rather than systematic power play drawing the defense inward and creating space.

The Abs might win one of the two... their pride will be smarting and they'll be hungry... but if the Bok ca't walk away from this series as decisive victors then they will have choked miserably.

You clowns?
Look I get it. You're hurting. Your pride's been dented. The good news is that the AB's are still one of the best sides in the world. The bad news is that other nations are getting better. Right now, Ireland's playing superb rugby. Better than NZ. In fact they've had your number for some time now, so it should not be such a shock to system anymore? I fear the Boks are going to feel the brunt of the AB's frustration next week Saturday. They'll be playing to restore pride in the jersey. They'll be playing for their coach, their captain and for their fans who are all hurting. Big game, pretty excited tbh.

Nah.. even if the All Blacks win.. they'll still be shit... they aren't gonna fix their systemic problems in a few weeks... with the same coach in charge...

[LoveOfTheGame]

These okes rabbiting on about how good the All Blacks are and Ireland won because they're just so good, so the Boks will struggle against the ABs...

you clowns just aren't paying attention.

The ABs are a poorly coached side playing dumb rugby. Selections are never settled, combinations barely develop, players are inserted out of position just to be included and the whole set up seems to be a simple case of 'good blokes' picking their mates.

It's been this way since Foster joined the AB set up and the last couple of years of Steve Hansen's tenure showed the weakness growing... once that golden generation of superb players were gone we were left with coaches who didn't know how to coach tactically because they'd grown soft and fat on the back of freakishly talented players.

Aaron Smith will start and within 90 seconds, regardless of field position, he will box kick aimlessly with no attempt to find space. That will set the pattern for the rest of the game with he and Beauden Barrett taking turns at goosey little kicks over the heads of the defensive line and straight down the throats of the back three. Forwards will stand off at the rucks because we still think we can spin the ball wide and move it with speed despite watching a growing list of teams blast us off the ball at every opportunity.

Individual acts of brilliance act to polish the stinking turd that is AB rugby these days and everyone is hypnotised by a line break born out of sheer luck rather than systematic power play drawing the defense inward and creating space.

The Abs might win one of the two... their pride will be smarting and they'll be hungry... but if the Bok ca't walk away from this series as decisive victors then they will have choked miserably.

You clowns?
Look I get it. You're hurting. Your pride's been dented. The good news is that the AB's are still one of the best sides in the world. The bad news is that other nations are getting better. Right now, Ireland's playing superb rugby. Better than NZ. In fact they've had your number for some time now, so it should not be such a shock to system anymore? I fear the Boks are going to feel the brunt of the AB's frustration next week Saturday. They'll be playing to restore pride in the jersey. They'll be playing for their coach, their captain and for their fans who are all hurting. Big game, pretty excited tbh.

Nah.. even if the All Blacks win.. they'll still be shit... they aren't gonna fix their systemic problems in a few weeks... with the same coach in charge...

Sheez, negative Nelly. You are playing your traditional rivals in their own back yard. Mini series. The challenge is there for the taking.

[LoveOfTheGame]

20 minute red card back in play for the RC..

[Biffer]

20 minute red card back in play for the RC..

SANZAAR quite clearly prioritising spectacle over safety. Tone deaf in the week that 180 former players launched their legal action. Kiwis and Aussies want to bankrupt the game it seems.

[LoveOfTheGame]

20 minute red card back in play for the RC..

SANZAAR quite clearly prioritising spectacle over safety. Tone deaf in the week that 180 former players launched their legal action. Kiwis and Aussies want to bankrupt the game it seems.

Truly boggles the mind.

[Guy Smiley]

20 minute red card back in play for the RC..

SANZAAR quite clearly prioritising spectacle over safety. Tone deaf in the week that 180 former players launched their legal action. Kiwis and Aussies want to bankrupt the game it seems.

20 minute RC rule has bugger all to do with long term change to the game.

Meaningful change would be cutting subs and making replacements strictly injury only.

[Tichtheid]

20 minute red card back in play for the RC..

SANZAAR quite clearly prioritising spectacle over safety. Tone deaf in the week that 180 former players launched their legal action. Kiwis and Aussies want to bankrupt the game it seems.

20 minute RC rule has bugger all to do with long term change to the game.

Meaningful change would be cutting subs and making replacements strictly injury only.

A few supposedly harsh red cards changed behaviour when players challenged for a high ball, having exhausted players trying to make tackles isn't the solution, imo.

[OomStruisbaai]

20 minute red card back in play for the RC..

Awesome. Red card get dished out way to easy.

[OomStruisbaai]

[Ymx]

Take outs from that
- Didn’t seem to be clarity on what they need to do differently v Ireland except some generic responses about being better
- Indicated that the players have to win the game

So they’ve been coached to think they just need to play better, and it’s their fault if they don’t win, not the coaches.

[Ymx]

Springboks normally name their team early don’t they?

[OomStruisbaai]

Yes on teusday morning

[FalseBayFC]

Springboks normally name their team early don’t they?

They do. Its scheduled for 11:45 today SA time. Those in the know are predicting starts for Kurt-Lee Arendse and Malcolm Marx. I'm a bit nervous about fielding a 76kg winger against the ABs but he's highly skilled and a brave defender. Also great under the high ball. You guys won't know much about him unless you've followed the URC.

As usual I'm pessimistic about our chances. That's because I'm a gutless coward with PTSD from decades of disappointment against the Blackness. It will be a huge game if both sides click. I'm expecting an emotional roller coaster.

[JM2K6]

20 minute red card back in play for the RC..

SANZAAR quite clearly prioritising spectacle over safety. Tone deaf in the week that 180 former players launched their legal action. Kiwis and Aussies want to bankrupt the game it seems.

20 minute RC rule has bugger all to do with long term change to the game.

Meaningful change would be cutting subs and making replacements strictly injury only.

Ensuring players are forced to stay on when carrying injury isn't a great idea. Subs are a safety thing as much as anything.

[Grandpa]

SANZAAR quite clearly prioritising spectacle over safety. Tone deaf in the week that 180 former players launched their legal action. Kiwis and Aussies want to bankrupt the game it seems.

20 minute RC rule has bugger all to do with long term change to the game.

Meaningful change would be cutting subs and making replacements strictly injury only.

Ensuring players are forced to stay on when carrying injury isn't a great idea. Subs are a safety thing as much as anything.

Though didn't Guy say subs are for injury replacement only?

[JM2K6]

20 minute RC rule has bugger all to do with long term change to the game.

Meaningful change would be cutting subs and making replacements strictly injury only.

Ensuring players are forced to stay on when carrying injury isn't a great idea. Subs are a safety thing as much as anything.

Though didn't Guy say subs are for injury replacement only?

"Cutting subs" means fewer players available which means more pressure to stay on the pitch.

Also cutting subs literally means less available game time and would be a career changer...

(I guess we're all aware that 'injury only' also increases the temptation to feign injury if a tactical sub needs to be made)

[robmatic]

20 minute RC rule has bugger all to do with long term change to the game.

Meaningful change would be cutting subs and making replacements strictly injury only.

Ensuring players are forced to stay on when carrying injury isn't a great idea. Subs are a safety thing as much as anything.

Though didn't Guy say subs are for injury replacement only?

When both of your props pick up a calf strain after 50 minutes, for example.

[FalseBayFC]

[Guy Smiley]

Ensuring players are forced to stay on when carrying injury isn't a great idea. Subs are a safety thing as much as anything.

Though didn't Guy say subs are for injury replacement only?

"Cutting subs" means fewer players available which means more pressure to stay on the pitch.

Also cutting subs literally means less available game time and would be a career changer...

(I guess we're all aware that 'injury only' also increases the temptation to feign injury if a tactical sub needs to be made)

20 years or so ago, subs weren’t a tactical move in the game. Players were smaller and more suited to running a game out. Since then, benches have grown to accomodate the ‘need’ to bring on fresh battering rams.

Coincidentally, the game has evolved into a clash of defensive lines that is criticised as having lost its charm and spectacle by many including some in here and over the road at Jakes Castle.

My suggestion is that some sort of shift in the size and power of players would be a good thing and that forcing them to train for 80 minutes playing time would be one route towards that. I’m not suggesting this as an overnight change… more as an sort of evolutionary change.

Harking back to the comment about 20 minute RCs…. I’ve come around to not liking the idea and feel SANZAAR is overly worried about entertainment. Thanks Australia for that particular argument… but simply cracking down with penalties isn’t going far enough with regard to action on concussion injuries and a more comprehensive approach is needed.

[Gumboot]

Those in the know are predicting starts for Kurt-Lee Arendse and Malcolm Marx. I'm a bit nervous about fielding a 76kg winger against the ABs but he's highly skilled and a brave defender. Also great under the high ball. You guys won't know much about him unless you've followed the URC.

Yep, I didn't know much about Arendse till I watched a highlights video the other day. He looks a rare talent.

[assfly]

Faf back. We're in for a kick-a-thon, even more than usual.

[Gumboot]

2009 redux. Yay.

[JM2K6]

Though didn't Guy say subs are for injury replacement only?

"Cutting subs" means fewer players available which means more pressure to stay on the pitch.

Also cutting subs literally means less available game time and would be a career changer...

(I guess we're all aware that 'injury only' also increases the temptation to feign injury if a tactical sub needs to be made)

20 years or so ago, subs weren’t a tactical move in the game. Players were smaller and more suited to running a game out. Since then, benches have grown to accomodate the ‘need’ to bring on fresh battering rams.

Coincidentally, the game has evolved into a clash of defensive lines that is criticised as having lost its charm and spectacle by many including some in here and over the road at Jakes Castle.

My suggestion is that some sort of shift in the size and power of players would be a good thing and that forcing them to train for 80 minutes playing time would be one route towards that. I’m not suggesting this as an overnight change… more as an sort of evolutionary change.

Harking back to the comment about 20 minute RCs…. I’ve come around to not liking the idea and feel SANZAAR is overly worried about entertainment. Thanks Australia for that particular argument… but simply cracking down with penalties isn’t going far enough with regard to action on concussion injuries and a more comprehensive approach is needed.

I don't think your timelines match up. 20 years or so ago, teams were making tactical substitutions. Front rowers would often be subbed, players were brought on to change things. Professionalism had already changed things and players were no longer routinely exhausted by half time - it was inevitable they would become fitter and stronger. As for defences, well, that's largely down to the impact of rugby league - THAT Australian side of 1999 was the front runner for it.

The size explosion had an acceleration about ten years ago. The problem is the game promotes it. A game of rugby is easier to win if you're bigger and stronger than your opponent in most areas. And unfortunately, limiting subs will only have a minor impact on that. You might lose a few kilos here or there but players can go the distance quite regularly. Besides, who's going to be more knackered, the 6'8" 130kg guy who smashes into people for 60 minutes, or the smaller players who have to tackle him all day long?

I would've thought that Old Man Joe Marler, a 120kg front rower, playing well over 100 minutes in a high pace semi final before backing it up with 80 minutes in a brutal final the next week, would've taught people a few lessons about how ridiculously fit these guys really are. And I'm sorry but we can't ignore the fact that a drastic change to subs will end a lot of careers. Squads will have to be smaller and players will get less opportunity. That sort of thing has real impact.

If we want players to be smaller, legislate it directly. If you can't change the laws of the game to promote it being faster and to have smaller players be more beneficial, then you have to set size limits.

[FalseBayFC]

Maybe a limit on player minutes per season would be the first quick fix. Bigger squads needed and pressure on team budgets though.

[OomStruisbaai]

[OomStruisbaai]

Maybe a limit on player minutes per season would be the first quick fix. Bigger squads needed and pressure on team budgets though.

Rolling subs like hockey the way forward.

[average joe]

"Cutting subs" means fewer players available which means more pressure to stay on the pitch.

Also cutting subs literally means less available game time and would be a career changer...

(I guess we're all aware that 'injury only' also increases the temptation to feign injury if a tactical sub needs to be made)

20 years or so ago, subs weren’t a tactical move in the game. Players were smaller and more suited to running a game out. Since then, benches have grown to accomodate the ‘need’ to bring on fresh battering rams.

Coincidentally, the game has evolved into a clash of defensive lines that is criticised as having lost its charm and spectacle by many including some in here and over the road at Jakes Castle.

My suggestion is that some sort of shift in the size and power of players would be a good thing and that forcing them to train for 80 minutes playing time would be one route towards that. I’m not suggesting this as an overnight change… more as an sort of evolutionary change.

Harking back to the comment about 20 minute RCs…. I’ve come around to not liking the idea and feel SANZAAR is overly worried about entertainment. Thanks Australia for that particular argument… but simply cracking down with penalties isn’t going far enough with regard to action on concussion injuries and a more comprehensive approach is needed.

I don't think your timelines match up. 20 years or so ago, teams were making tactical substitutions. Front rowers would often be subbed, players were brought on to change things. Professionalism had already changed things and players were no longer routinely exhausted by half time - it was inevitable they would become fitter and stronger. As for defences, well, that's largely down to the impact of rugby league - THAT Australian side of 1999 was the front runner for it.

The size explosion had an acceleration about ten years ago. The problem is the game promotes it. A game of rugby is easier to win if you're bigger and stronger than your opponent in most areas. And unfortunately, limiting subs will only have a minor impact on that. You might lose a few kilos here or there but players can go the distance quite regularly. Besides, who's going to be more knackered, the 6'8" 130kg guy who smashes into people for 60 minutes, or the smaller players who have to tackle him all day long?

I would've thought that Old Man Joe Marler, a 120kg front rower, playing well over 100 minutes in a high pace semi final before backing it up with 80 minutes in a brutal final the next week, would've taught people a few lessons about how ridiculously fit these guys really are. And I'm sorry but we can't ignore the fact that a drastic change to subs will end a lot of careers. Squads will have to be smaller and players will get less opportunity. That sort of thing has real impact.

If we want players to be smaller, legislate it directly. If you can't change the laws of the game to promote it being faster and to have smaller players be more beneficial, then you have to set size limits.

Changing it into a game only for players that is the shape and size "we" want them to be. What's next, no lock's over 2 meter tall?

Just make all the players the same size so we cant differentiate between a prop forward, a 9 and a fullback. It reminds me of something, just not certain what.

[Chilli]

Faf back. We're in for a kick-a-thon, even more than usual.

Does he kick much at his UK Club?

[JM2K6]

20 years or so ago, subs weren’t a tactical move in the game. Players were smaller and more suited to running a game out. Since then, benches have grown to accomodate the ‘need’ to bring on fresh battering rams.

Coincidentally, the game has evolved into a clash of defensive lines that is criticised as having lost its charm and spectacle by many including some in here and over the road at Jakes Castle.

My suggestion is that some sort of shift in the size and power of players would be a good thing and that forcing them to train for 80 minutes playing time would be one route towards that. I’m not suggesting this as an overnight change… more as an sort of evolutionary change.

Harking back to the comment about 20 minute RCs…. I’ve come around to not liking the idea and feel SANZAAR is overly worried about entertainment. Thanks Australia for that particular argument… but simply cracking down with penalties isn’t going far enough with regard to action on concussion injuries and a more comprehensive approach is needed.

I don't think your timelines match up. 20 years or so ago, teams were making tactical substitutions. Front rowers would often be subbed, players were brought on to change things. Professionalism had already changed things and players were no longer routinely exhausted by half time - it was inevitable they would become fitter and stronger. As for defences, well, that's largely down to the impact of rugby league - THAT Australian side of 1999 was the front runner for it.

The size explosion had an acceleration about ten years ago. The problem is the game promotes it. A game of rugby is easier to win if you're bigger and stronger than your opponent in most areas. And unfortunately, limiting subs will only have a minor impact on that. You might lose a few kilos here or there but players can go the distance quite regularly. Besides, who's going to be more knackered, the 6'8" 130kg guy who smashes into people for 60 minutes, or the smaller players who have to tackle him all day long?

I would've thought that Old Man Joe Marler, a 120kg front rower, playing well over 100 minutes in a high pace semi final before backing it up with 80 minutes in a brutal final the next week, would've taught people a few lessons about how ridiculously fit these guys really are. And I'm sorry but we can't ignore the fact that a drastic change to subs will end a lot of careers. Squads will have to be smaller and players will get less opportunity. That sort of thing has real impact.

If we want players to be smaller, legislate it directly. If you can't change the laws of the game to promote it being faster and to have smaller players be more beneficial, then you have to set size limits.

Changing it into a game only for players that is the shape and size "we" want them to be. What's next, no lock's over 2 meter tall?

Just make all the players the same size so we cant differentiate between a prop forward, a 9 and a fullback. It reminds me of something, just not certain what.

Rugby has never been a game for all shapes and sizes at the pro level, which is the level that would be affected by this. You don't see 6ft locks, or 13 stone props, or 21 stone flyhalves. The pro game is a sport for physical freaks, and quite often gigantic physical freaks at that.

[JM2K6]

Faf back. We're in for a kick-a-thon, even more than usual.

Does he kick much at his UK Club?

Yes

[SaintK]

Faf back. We're in for a kick-a-thon, even more than usual.

Does he kick much at his UK Club?

Yes

Wonder if he will for his new Japanese club?

[OomStruisbaai]

So we have this 6/2 split. With all the kicking we can make it a 8 forward bench adding Thomas du Toit and Ox.

[Sards]

Faf back. We're in for a kick-a-thon, even more than usual.

Don't worry. You are in the majority regarding our game plan.
What surprises me is that noone has really dominated it recently except the Aussies. But we know that the Aussies play smart rugby. I reckon Ireland would take us too. They also play smart rugby.
It's not the All Blacks I worry about. It's the Aussies. Although I think the ABs with all their drama could still take one against the boks. It's pretty much the standard recently. Aussies could win the tournament this year if they play their cards right

[assfly]

I don't really enjoy the kick-fest. But we are quite good at it. It's not fun to watch, but so far nobody has had much of an answer for it.

It will be interesting to see how Kurt-Lee plays. He's great with ball in hand, but the Boks will be expecting him to compete in the air more than anything.

[Grandpa]

I don't really enjoy the kick-fest. But we are quite good at it. It's not fun to watch, but so far nobody has had much of an answer for it.

It will be interesting to see how Kurt-Lee plays. He's great with ball in hand, but the Boks will be expecting him to compete in the air more than anything.

You say no one has an answer to it.. but didn't SA lose a few times last year?

[assfly]

You say no one has an answer to it.. but didn't SA lose a few times last year?

Point taken, but it's still won us a world cup, a Lions series and a series against Wales.