Springbokke vs Ireland series

[assfly]

I get worried when the Boks are favourites.

I think this Ireland team has too much talent and is too well-coached to just roll over. I think they'll have something up their sleeve.

But I was right. That was very close, and we were on the end of a couple of 50/50 calls.

[_Os_]

Back to the match.

Wasn't unexpected that the Boks would play with some more width. Bit of an issue stacking Kolisi and Du Toit on the wings though, this is an old AC tactic so we already know he ends up getting shutdown and not having space (removing forwards from the ruck and putting them on the wings = slower ball = no space on the wing), Kolisi is much better used taking off loads from line breaks closer in.

Tony Brown is about the same age as Rassie, but was coached by Rassie in 2008 at the Stomps (Rassie's playing career was quite short), I think what they're going to aim for is simple set moves not multi phase complexity that breaks under pressure, stuff like Kolisi on the wing isn't something a team is going to prepare for (even though it has been used before years ago), I'm expecting innovations like that.
An obvious one given how strong the Bok scrum is, is putting a centre on a flank for an attacking scrum, the eightman/scrumhalf then has the option to offload/pass to the 10 or a backrow on first phase (different set moves for different options), much harder to defend against. The Bulls used to do this a lot, can't remember the centre they did it with, maybe Jan Serfontein who maybe could've been a Bok great but went to France and disappeared.

If enough awkward set moves are added then it becomes much harder for opponents to prepare. It uses the versatility of players Rassie prefers too, so there doesn't need to be a whole new squad to play an entirely different way. Just with those two set moves you could combine them, so Kwagga or Kolisi are stacked on the wing on first phase from an attacking scrum. I'm expecting simple set moves which don't break easily but cumulatively start having an impact larger than the sum of the parts. That's Rassie's style going back to the Cheetahs before he coached Brown.

Ireland were good at the breakdown, got penalised a few times but it mostly worked for them. Ref will be wiser to Irish players coincidently on the ground in front of the ball on the Bok side of the ruck, but that's the main area the Boks have to improve.

[assfly]

The main takeaway for me was how different we played. Like Os says, seeing PSdT flying down the wing was not something we would have done last year. I felt that the added width also left us a bit exposed in the tackle, which is why Ireland got so many easy turnovers (anyone have the final stats for turnovers, I only recall us getting one jackal through Marx).

Overall I think everyone in our team played quite well. It was only Kwagga who probably didn't have his best outing, I'd be inclined to start Roos and get Kwagga off the bench. I though Sous was excellent, his workrate is simply incredible.

Kriel was outstanding again, he really seems to have notched his game to a higher level since being given the 13 jersey.

[boere wors]

The main takeaway for me was how different we played. Like Os says, seeing PSdT flying down the wing was not something we would have done last year. I felt that the added width also left us a bit exposed in the tackle, which is why Ireland got so many easy turnovers (anyone have the final stats for turnovers, I only recall us getting one jackal through Marx).

Overall I think everyone in our team played quite well. It was only Kwagga who probably didn't have his best outing, I'd be inclined to start Roos and get Kwagga off the bench. I though Sous was excellent, his workrate is simply incredible.

Kriel was outstanding again, he really seems to have notched his game to a higher level since being given the 13 jersey.

I am saying that over and over, Kwagga is probably the best impact player in the world, no matter which position he comes on. But starting him at 8 or even 7, as they used to, just doesn’t do the trick. I would also like to see Roos start, bring Kwagga on later.
Sous is the unsung hero of the boks, for years now.

[boere wors]

Kriel has become an outstanding rugby player. He proved us wrong at the RWC, when we were all lamenting Am’s injury. What a tournament he had and now just continues with that form. I watched the boks office podcast with Kriel a couple of weeks after the RWC and was quite impressed, really humble and well spoken guy, proper team man.

[assfly]

Kriel has become an outstanding rugby player. He proved us wrong at the RWC, when we were all lamenting Am’s injury. What a tournament he had and now just continues with that form. I watched the boks office podcast with Kriel a couple of weeks after the RWC and was quite impressed, really humble and well spoken guy, proper team man.

I don't know what Am is going to do to get that jersey back.
I would be inclined to send him back to the Sharks to get some much needed gametime in the Currie Cup.

[boere wors]

Ja was asking that question in the bok thread a couple of weeks ago, who is the incumbent 13 now. On current form, Kriel can’t be dropped. Luxury problem to have. He said it himself in the podcast, him and Am are good friends and pushing themselves.

[OomStruisbaai]

And the issue is that only South Africans seem to think that institutionalised taking the piss out of a beaten opposition is acceptable.

You constantly excuse this type of behaviour by saying things like “ahh it’s our culture to be a bit shit, so what do you expect”.

Yup, definitely me that has an issue

https://x.com/SSRugby/status/1810369524 ... 8YB5w&s=19

[OomStruisbaai]

The main takeaway for me was how different we played. Like Os says, seeing PSdT flying down the wing was not something we would have done last year. I felt that the added width also left us a bit exposed in the tackle, which is why Ireland got so many easy turnovers (anyone have the final stats for turnovers, I only recall us getting one jackal through Marx).

Overall I think everyone in our team played quite well. It was only Kwagga who probably didn't have his best outing, I'd be inclined to start Roos and get Kwagga off the bench. I though Sous was excellent, his workrate is simply incredible.

Kriel was outstanding again, he really seems to have notched his game to a higher level since being given the 13 jersey.

Pollard?

[Sards]

The main takeaway for me was how different we played. Like Os says, seeing PSdT flying down the wing was not something we would have done last year. I felt that the added width also left us a bit exposed in the tackle, which is why Ireland got so many easy turnovers (anyone have the final stats for turnovers, I only recall us getting one jackal through Marx).

Overall I think everyone in our team played quite well. It was only Kwagga who probably didn't have his best outing, I'd be inclined to start Roos and get Kwagga off the bench. I though Sous was excellent, his workrate is simply incredible.

Kriel was outstanding again, he really seems to have notched his game to a higher level since being given the 13 jersey.

Pollard?

Get Libbok in there quickly

[Uncle fester]

Casey and Sheehan out for next game. Sheehan is probably out for a long time.

[Sards]

Casey and Sheehan out for next game. Sheehan is probably out for a long time.

Wow. Huge loss for Ireland

[assfly]

Casey and Sheehan out for next game. Sheehan is probably out for a long time.

What actually happened to Sheehan?

When I saw them strapping his knee, it was clear it was a serious injury. I don't know why so many teams try and make players last by taping them up to the point they can't bend their limbs. Surely those extra few minutes would have only made the injury worse?

Same with Henshaw. He should have gone for a HIA immediately.

[boere wors]

Sheehan has done his ACL. He played on at first.

[boere wors]

Was Henshaw the guy that collided with Kolisi?! That looked like a concussion, he was disorientated, couldnt believe he wasnt sent for an HIA

[assfly]

Was Henshaw the guy that collided with Kolisi?! That looked like a concussion, he was disorientated, couldnt believe he wasnt sent for an HIA

Yes. Clear-cut concussion. We (as in a lot of teams) seem to be regressing at how we apply HIA protocols.

[Biffer]

The Irish appear to have taken it badly

https://www.thejournal.ie/nationals-bot ... 5-Jul2024/

[assfly]

What did Botswana do?

[Uncle fester]

The Irish appear to have taken it badly

https://www.thejournal.ie/nationals-bot ... 5-Jul2024/

Proper order. Vile creatures not suited for civilisation.

[LoveOfTheGame]

The Irish appear to have taken it badly

https://www.thejournal.ie/nationals-bot ... 5-Jul2024/

Proper order. Vile creatures not suited for civilisation.

Wow.

[Blake]

Unchanged Bok team for the second test.

[Sandstorm]

Unchanged Bok team for the second test.

Fair enough. If Pollard kicks straight and Kwagga can catch the ball, we'll be golden.

[Blake]

Unchanged Bok team for the second test.

Fair enough. If Pollard kicks straight and Kwagga can catch the ball, we'll be golden.

Probably want to put the series to bed. Can experiment against Portugal the week after.
Might also be handy to give Pollard and Kwagga opportunity to set things right and shut up their doubters.

Think Rassie might pull Pollard a little earlier this Saturday and give Sasha more time than last week.

[Sards]

As long as Libbok stays away from the pitch when the boks play. Unless Rassie gives him the Portugal game to appease the Cape community who are very vocal about how kak Pollard is on social media. Punting Misbok

[Uncle fester]

The Irish appear to have taken it badly

https://www.thejournal.ie/nationals-bot ... 5-Jul2024/

Proper order. Vile creatures not suited for civilisation.

Wow.

On review, this is probably a bit unfair.












On the good people of Botswana.

[LoveOfTheGame]

Proper order. Vile creatures not suited for civilisation.

Wow.

On review, this is probably a bit unfair.












On the good people of Botswana.

Better.

[Sards]

This week is taking too long. Too much mud slinging and crying taking place. Hopefully will stop after

[Simian]

This week is taking too long. Too much mud slinging and crying taking place. Hopefully will stop after

You’ll feel better soon, I’m sure.

[Sards]

This week is taking too long. Too much mud slinging and crying taking place. Hopefully will stop after

You’ll feel better soon, I’m sure.

I feel scarred by all the anti-jaapie hysteria coming out. We are victims of social media bullying.

[PCPhil]

This week is taking too long. Too much mud slinging and crying taking place. Hopefully will stop after

You’ll feel better soon, I’m sure.

I feel scarred by all the anti-jaapie hysteria coming out. We are victims of social media bullying.

Yes, saffas are known for their delicate nature

[Biffer]

This week is taking too long. Too much mud slinging and crying taking place. Hopefully will stop after

You’ll feel better soon, I’m sure.

I feel scarred by all the anti-jaapie hysteria coming out. We are victims of social media bullying.

I’d say subjects rather than victims

[Sards]

You’ll feel better soon, I’m sure.

I feel scarred by all the anti-jaapie hysteria coming out. We are victims of social media bullying.

Yes, saffas are known for their delicate nature

Indeed. We are a very sensitive and humble nation.

[assfly]

Petero Mahoney dropped to the bench for the second test.

They're in panic mode now.

[bogbunny]

Petero Mahoney dropped to the bench for the second test.

They're in panic mode now.

Any decent officials?

[SaintK]

Petero Mahoney dropped to the bench for the second test.

They're in panic mode now.

Any decent officials?

Hopefully as good as last weeks team of officials

[assfly]

Any decent officials?

They're all decent.

Hopefully the fans of the losing team on Saturday will be decent.

[bogbunny]

Petero Mahoney dropped to the bench for the second test.

They're in panic mode now.

Any decent officials?

Hopefully as good as last weeks team of officials

Top man says no!

[Sards]

Any decent officials?

They're all decent.

Hopefully the fans of the losing team on Saturday will be decent.

Oh I hope so.
My brittle character cannot handle any more Whinging from the world of rugby about the Springboks. The sensible thing would be to throw the match and take the heat off the Springboks for awhile. Problem will be all the gloating. I honestly don't know which is worse.

[Uncle fester]

15. Jamie Osborne (Naas/Leinster)(1)
14. Calvin Nash (Young Munster/Munster)(7)
13. Garry Ringrose (UCD/Leinster)(59)
12. Robbie Henshaw (Buccaneers/Leinster)(73)
11. James Lowe (Leinster)(32)
10. Jack Crowley (Cork Constitution/Munster)(15)
9. Conor Murray (Garryowen/Munster) (117)

1. Andrew Porter (UCD/Leinster)(65)
2. Rónan Kelleher (Lansdowne/Leinster)(32)
3. Tadhg Furlong (Clontarf/Leinster)(77)
4. Joe McCarthy (Dublin University/Leinster)(11)
5. James Ryan (UCD/Leinster)(63)
6. Tadhg Beirne (Lansdowne/Munster)(51)
7. Josh van der Flier (UCD/Leinster)(63)
8. Caelan Doris (St Mary’s College/Leinster)(42)(captain)

Replacements:

16. Rob Herring (Ballynahinch/Ulster)(39)
17. Cian Healy (Clontarf/Leinster)(130)
18. Finlay Bealham (Buccaneers/Connacht)(41)
19. Ryan Baird (Dublin University/Leinster)(21)
20. Peter O’Mahony (Cork Constitution/Munster)(106)
21. Caolin Blade (Galwegians/Connacht)(2)
22. Ciaran Frawley (UCD/Leinster)(5)
23. Stuart McCloskey (Bangor/Ulster)(17).

[Uncle fester]

Aki is dropped completely. Is he injured?