NPR

OomStruisbaai wrote: Tue Aug 24, 2021 4:20 am

Grandpa wrote: Mon Aug 23, 2021 11:03 pm

Ymx wrote: Mon Aug 23, 2021 10:15 pm

I don’t know we have any Aussies here to get any reaction on that mate.

But I peeked at PR for a look and there’s a dedicated ugly shit fighting thread on it. Everyone doubling down as you’d expect.

SA and Argentina looking on bemused....

I am still upset the 100th test now in Australia. That should be in NZ or SA

OomStruisbaai wrote: Tue Aug 24, 2021 4:20 am I am still upset the 100th test now in Australia. That should be in NZ or SA

Blake wrote: Tue Aug 24, 2021 7:40 am

OomStruisbaai wrote: Tue Aug 24, 2021 4:20 am I am still upset the 100th test now in Australia. That should be in NZ or SA

Meh. As long as it's played, and it's played in a stadium with fans, I'm happy.

Kinda cool it's at a neutral venue IMO.

assfly wrote: Tue Aug 24, 2021 4:48 am I like the idea of the double-headers. But that four tough weekends coming up, squad depth is going to be tested.

Assuming there will be crowds in the stadiums?

handyman wrote: Tue Aug 24, 2021 8:59 am

assfly wrote: Tue Aug 24, 2021 4:48 am I like the idea of the double-headers. But that four tough weekends coming up, squad depth is going to be tested.

Assuming there will be crowds in the stadiums?

2 and a half weeks to build up points with the wife.

OomStruisbaai wrote: Tue Aug 24, 2021 10:07 am

handyman wrote: Tue Aug 24, 2021 8:59 am

assfly wrote: Tue Aug 24, 2021 4:48 am I like the idea of the double-headers. But that four tough weekends coming up, squad depth is going to be tested.

Assuming there will be crowds in the stadiums?

2 and a half weeks to build up points with the wife.

I dont need that. My Mrs dance with me on table after a good Bok win. She love rugby and sport. Walk line with me, supporting the kids. We never miss one game of them playing.

Sards wrote: Tue Aug 24, 2021 4:35 am

OomStruisbaai wrote: Tue Aug 24, 2021 4:20 am

Grandpa wrote: Mon Aug 23, 2021 11:03 pm

SA and Argentina looking on bemused....

I am still upset the 100th test now in Australia. That should be in NZ or SA

You were one of those telling The ABs to vokkof we are happy up north. Deal with it.

Me , I would prefer to play the ABs a few times a year and their Provincial sides any day....

Its just the supporters of those Unions that get buttvokked year in and year out by the Kiwis that are swinging dicks......

Well you got your wish.....Scrumming and mauling the North to death.....Box kick heaven....deal with it....

OomStruisbaai wrote: Tue Aug 24, 2021 10:07 am

handyman wrote: Tue Aug 24, 2021 8:59 am

assfly wrote: Tue Aug 24, 2021 4:48 am I like the idea of the double-headers. But that four tough weekends coming up, squad depth is going to be tested.

Assuming there will be crowds in the stadiums?

2 and a half weeks to build up points with the wife.

I dont need that. My Mrs dance with me on table after a good Bok win. She love rugby and sport. Walk line with me, supporting the kids. We never miss one game of them playing.

OomStruisbaai wrote: Tue Aug 24, 2021 10:07 am

handyman wrote: Tue Aug 24, 2021 8:59 am

assfly wrote: Tue Aug 24, 2021 4:48 am I like the idea of the double-headers. But that four tough weekends coming up, squad depth is going to be tested.

Assuming there will be crowds in the stadiums?

2 and a half weeks to build up points with the wife.

I dont need that. My Mrs dance with me on table after a good Bok win. She love rugby and sport. Walk line with me, supporting the kids. We never miss one game of them playing.

Chilli wrote: Tue Aug 24, 2021 10:29 am

OomStruisbaai wrote: Tue Aug 24, 2021 10:07 am

handyman wrote: Tue Aug 24, 2021 8:59 am

2 and a half weeks to build up points with the wife.

I dont need that. My Mrs dance with me on table after a good Bok win. She love rugby and sport. Walk line with me, supporting the kids. We never miss one game of them playing.

That was your wife in the video?

handyman wrote: Tue Aug 24, 2021 10:20 am

OomStruisbaai wrote: Tue Aug 24, 2021 10:07 am

handyman wrote: Tue Aug 24, 2021 8:59 am

2 and a half weeks to build up points with the wife.

I dont need that. My Mrs dance with me on table after a good Bok win. She love rugby and sport. Walk line with me, supporting the kids. We never miss one game of them playing.

Having youngsters makes a big difference oompie.

assfly wrote: Tue Aug 24, 2021 4:48 am I like the idea of the double-headers. But that four tough weekends coming up, squad depth is going to be tested.

Assuming there will be crowds in the stadiums?

ueensland sport minister Stirling Hinchliffe said the Palaszczuk Government had worked quickly with Sanzaar to put in place strict quarantine requirements for the 2021 Rugby Championship matches to go ahead in the state.
"The four international rugby doubleheaders to be played in Queensland will take place under non-negotiable Covid-safe conditions for the safety of players and spectators," Hinchliffe said.
"Queensland's chief health officer has insisted on stringent bio-security measures for the eight matches to be played in front of spectators at Suncorp Stadium, Cbus on the Gold Coast and Townsville's Queensland Country Bank Stadium.
"Although there's plenty for Rugby fans in Queensland to be excited about, I want to make it clear the cost of relocating and quarantine for the remainder of the 2021 Rugby Championship is at the expense of Sanzaar.
"While the relocation of the 2021 championship is a bonus for rugby-loving Queenslanders, we know this tournament will also be a bitter-sweet experience.

Although there's plenty for Rugby fans in Queensland to be excited about, I want to make it clear the cost of relocating and quarantine for the remainder of the 2021 Rugby Championship is at the expense of Sanzaar.

"While the relocation of the 2021 championship is a bonus for rugby-loving Queenslanders, we know this tournament will also be a bitter-sweet experience.

Ymx wrote: Tue Aug 24, 2021 1:58 pm I’m not sure I’ve ever heard such enthusiasm from a host

Although there's plenty for Rugby fans in Queensland to be excited about, I want to make it clear the cost of relocating and quarantine for the remainder of the 2021 Rugby Championship is at the expense of Sanzaar.

"While the relocation of the 2021 championship is a bonus for rugby-loving Queenslanders, we know this tournament will also be a bitter-sweet experience.

The most pressing issue will arise in Townsville on September 25, where the All Blacks and Springboks will duel for the 100th time.

In non-pandemic times, the highly anticipated match could have drawn a sold-out crowd at Eden Park or Ellis Park. But the impact of the COVID-19 border closures has meant the game will be staged in the unusual location of north Queensland, at Townsville’s new 25,000-seat Queensland Country Bank Stadium. Suncorp Stadium was booked for NRL finals on that weekend.

Four Queensland double-headers will keep The Rugby Championship in the southern hemisphere.
Four Queensland double-headers will keep The Rugby Championship in the southern hemisphere.CREDIT:GETTY

RA chief executive Andy Marinos told reporters on Tuesday that the home team in each of the eight matches to be played in Queensland would have their kick-off time tweaked to suit broadcasters in their country.

“Whilst they are all double-headers, there are certain games that are home games for South Africa and certain games that are home games for Argentina and New Zealand and Australia,” Marinos said.

“We have to balance that, in terms of the kick-off times so it hits those markets outside of Australasia at a reasonable time.”

Given the centenary Test is an All Blacks home game, the perfect kick off time for New Zealand viewers would be 5pm AEST.

SA Rugby has confirmed that the Springboks will depart for Queensland, Australia on Thursday to complete their Rugby Championship schedule

OomStruisbaai wrote: Tue Aug 24, 2021 6:15 pm S24

SA Rugby has confirmed that the Springboks will depart for Queensland, Australia on Thursday to complete their Rugby Championship schedule

Enzedder wrote: Wed Aug 25, 2021 6:45 am

OomStruisbaai wrote: Tue Aug 24, 2021 6:15 pm S24

SA Rugby has confirmed that the Springboks will depart for Queensland, Australia on Thursday to complete their Rugby Championship schedule

It's great that its happening - finally

OomStruisbaai wrote: Tue Aug 24, 2021 10:10 am

Sards wrote: Tue Aug 24, 2021 4:35 am

OomStruisbaai wrote: Tue Aug 24, 2021 4:20 am
I am still upset the 100th test now in Australia. That should be in NZ or SA

You were one of those telling The ABs to vokkof we are happy up north. Deal with it.

Me , I would prefer to play the ABs a few times a year and their Provincial sides any day....

Its just the supporters of those Unions that get buttvokked year in and year out by the Kiwis that are swinging dicks......

Well you got your wish.....Scrumming and mauling the North to death.....Box kick heaven....deal with it....

I was bitter after they kick us out Superrugby.

Still think long tours between the Bokke and All Blacks will be big money spinners

Jethro wrote: Wed Aug 25, 2021 6:58 am Would love to see 5 test series, with a bunch of provincial games for the dirt trackers. Maybe every couple of years?

assfly wrote: Wed Aug 25, 2021 7:13 am

Jethro wrote: Wed Aug 25, 2021 6:58 am Would love to see 5 test series, with a bunch of provincial games for the dirt trackers. Maybe every couple of years?

Most Bok fans would love to see this, but after the Lions tour I don't think our provincial teams will really be a worthwhile test for an international team. Not unless agreement is reached to release some of the Bok players for the games.

Sards wrote: Wed Aug 25, 2021 7:27 am I think the problem is Covid...its too risky to let the players into another enviroment when they are sticking to strict protocols.....but yeah...when its eased off I definitely want to see the boks back in their provincial sides against other sides midweek teams....but I think he means the Springboks dirttrackers that are not getting into the first team.....that would be juicy to watch.....

Sards wrote: Wed Aug 25, 2021 7:27 am

assfly wrote: Wed Aug 25, 2021 7:13 am

Jethro wrote: Wed Aug 25, 2021 6:58 am Would love to see 5 test series, with a bunch of provincial games for the dirt trackers. Maybe every couple of years?

Most Bok fans would love to see this, but after the Lions tour I don't think our provincial teams will really be a worthwhile test for an international team. Not unless agreement is reached to release some of the Bok players for the games.

I think the problem is Covid...its too risky to let the players into another enviroment when they are sticking to strict protocols.....but yeah...when its eased off I definitely want to see the boks back in their provincial sides against other sides midweek teams....but I think he means the Springboks dirttrackers that are not getting into the first team.....that would be juicy to watch.....

OomStruisbaai wrote: Wed Aug 25, 2021 7:32 am Yep Covid vok everything. Dirt tracker touring teams need to play Griquas in Kimberley, Pumas in Nelspruit with full house crowds. Those teams in the old days were the real test. Like Springbokke against North Harbour or Northlands. Players mixing with the locals.

assfly wrote: Wed Aug 25, 2021 7:13 am

Jethro wrote: Wed Aug 25, 2021 6:58 am Would love to see 5 test series, with a bunch of provincial games for the dirt trackers. Maybe every couple of years?

Most Bok fans would love to see this, but after the Lions tour I don't think our provincial teams will really be a worthwhile test for an international team. Not unless agreement is reached to release some of the Bok players for the games.

Blake wrote: Wed Aug 25, 2021 7:43 am

assfly wrote: Wed Aug 25, 2021 7:13 am

Jethro wrote: Wed Aug 25, 2021 6:58 am Would love to see 5 test series, with a bunch of provincial games for the dirt trackers. Maybe every couple of years?

Most Bok fans would love to see this, but after the Lions tour I don't think our provincial teams will really be a worthwhile test for an international team. Not unless agreement is reached to release some of the Bok players for the games.

A. No national coach will risk his players for meaningless dirt-tracker matches.
B. It'll take more than just a handful of Boks to be released. In the future 60-70% of the Bok team will be based overseas.

Blake wrote: Wed Aug 25, 2021 7:43 am A. No national coach will risk his players for meaningless dirt-tracker matches.
B. It'll take more than just a handful of Boks to be released. In the future 60-70% of the Bok team will be based overseas.

assfly wrote: Wed Aug 25, 2021 7:49 am

Blake wrote: Wed Aug 25, 2021 7:43 am A. No national coach will risk his players for meaningless dirt-tracker matches.
B. It'll take more than just a handful of Boks to be released. In the future 60-70% of the Bok team will be based overseas.

That's the key word, unfortunately.

Sards wrote: Wed Aug 25, 2021 7:51 am No its not....I remember provincial games that included Springboks....they were always a huge occassion.

assfly wrote: Wed Aug 25, 2021 7:54 am

Sards wrote: Wed Aug 25, 2021 7:51 am No its not....I remember provincial games that included Springboks....they were always a huge occassion.

I'm just talking about how it is, not how I'd like it to be.

But the way rugby is going, there is no room for tour matches against provincial teams if they are just going to end up as cricket scores.

Sards wrote: Wed Aug 25, 2021 7:57 am Agreed completely...which is why the Boks should be released for Provincial matches....We are mollycoddling our players currently because of Covid...but I can imagine how badly they would love to get back into their Provincial teams against International sides....

assfly wrote: Wed Aug 25, 2021 8:01 am

Sards wrote: Wed Aug 25, 2021 7:57 am Agreed completely...which is why the Boks should be released for Provincial matches....We are mollycoddling our players currently because of Covid...but I can imagine how badly they would love to get back into their Provincial teams against International sides....

Given the calender of international rugby, I can only see the Bok squad sizes staying as large as they are.

But given our entry into the URC, long term I hope we can afford to hang on to our talent instead of losing it overseas so quickly.

Sards wrote: Wed Aug 25, 2021 8:04 am Bulls and Sharks have deep pockets so no problem there....Its the rest that will struggle.....unless SARU steps in and finances half the players salaries as they are doing for specific players....but apparantly that only happens if its a development player......So.......its going to be a struggle

assfly wrote: Wed Aug 25, 2021 8:09 am

Sards wrote: Wed Aug 25, 2021 8:04 am Bulls and Sharks have deep pockets so no problem there....Its the rest that will struggle.....unless SARU steps in and finances half the players salaries as they are doing for specific players....but apparantly that only happens if its a development player......So.......its going to be a struggle

We could have done with those deep pockets a couple of years ago, and held on to the du Preez brothers, Vermeulen, Akker, Estherhuizen. Still don't think we've really recovered from losing them.

Sards wrote: Wed Aug 25, 2021 7:48 am

Blake wrote: Wed Aug 25, 2021 7:43 am

assfly wrote: Wed Aug 25, 2021 7:13 am

Most Bok fans would love to see this, but after the Lions tour I don't think our provincial teams will really be a worthwhile test for an international team. Not unless agreement is reached to release some of the Bok players for the games.

A. No national coach will risk his players for meaningless dirt-tracker matches.
B. It'll take more than just a handful of Boks to be released. In the future 60-70% of the Bok team will be based overseas.

You cant throw a blanket around the boks and make a statement like that......For eg.....lets look at all the Sharks players contracted to the Sharks that could be released.......Ox, Tank , Fassi, Mapimpi, Hendricks, Grant , Nkosi , Bongi , Siya ...have I missed anyone.....?
Those players alone would seriously bolster our side in a dirttracker game.......You are talking for Unions that do not have depth......Thats not the Fault of those that do.
And you may still be too young to understand the Pride that goes into a full provincial sifde facing an international team...I havent forgotten...thats the heartbeat of being a supporter

Blake wrote: Wed Aug 25, 2021 9:29 am

Sards wrote: Wed Aug 25, 2021 7:48 am

Blake wrote: Wed Aug 25, 2021 7:43 am

A. No national coach will risk his players for meaningless dirt-tracker matches.
B. It'll take more than just a handful of Boks to be released. In the future 60-70% of the Bok team will be based overseas.

You cant throw a blanket around the boks and make a statement like that......For eg.....lets look at all the Sharks players contracted to the Sharks that could be released.......Ox, Tank , Fassi, Mapimpi, Hendricks, Grant , Nkosi , Bongi , Siya ...have I missed anyone.....?
Those players alone would seriously bolster our side in a dirttracker game.......You are talking for Unions that do not have depth......Thats not the Fault of those that do.
And you may still be too young to understand the Pride that goes into a full provincial sifde facing an international team...I havent forgotten...thats the heartbeat of being a supporter

Okay, so 6. One more than a hand full. I stand corrected.

I remember the Provincial sides of of the Lions Tour in 2009 and 1997 you old coot. They were not glamorous. They were often dirty affairs where substandard provincial players used their one opportunity to play against international legends to try and injure them through dirty play ahead of the test matches. There was the odd championship team stacked with stars that made up the bulk of the Bok squad, that managed to claim a scalp, but for the most part it was one-way traffic.

Similar when we went to the NH on end-of-year tours and played Swansea and Llanelli and Cardiff on Wednesday nights. Cricket scores for the most part, with the odd team here and there beating the Boks and claiming their stuffed Springbok head. That is the only tradition I really miss, having the Boks second stringers play midweek games defending the Springbok head, moreso than touring teams playing against our local provincial sides.

Sards wrote: Wed Aug 25, 2021 9:41 am Bollocks they went out to injure players...rugby is a hard game...injuries happen
You don't remember famous victories by provincial sides,,,?

Blake wrote: Wed Aug 25, 2021 10:00 am

Sards wrote: Wed Aug 25, 2021 9:41 am Bollocks they went out to injure players...rugby is a hard game...injuries happen
You don't remember famous victories by provincial sides,,,?

Yep; good clean fun!
I'm sure the Lions were keen to play against the mighty Mpumalanga Pumas.



The Lions get very little out of these matches. They get injuries and they give the Boks video material to analyse.
At best the cobbled together team gets some cohesion; but they would be better off playing 3 weekends against a SA u21, Emerging Boks and SA A team before the 3 tests.

None really come to mind no. I remember the Bulls beat the Lions in 1997; but that is about it. The most famous one I guess is Munster beating a touring All Black side in the 1970s.
Honestly, only the players will likely remember those matches; for many it would be the highlight of their career.