NPR

Gumboot wrote: ↑Tue Sep 03, 2024 7:12 am I'll sort this post out when I have a bit more time, and there's some game info available...

Assuming the Boks side will be named soon?

Feel free to post any useful details and I'll update this OP, cheers.

OomStruisbaai wrote: ↑Tue Sep 03, 2024 2:14 pm Referee: Matthew Carley (RFU)
Assistant Referees: Andrew Brace (IRFU), Jordan Way (RA)
TMO: Ian Tempest (RFU)

OomStruisbaai wrote: ↑Tue Sep 03, 2024 3:59 pm Libbok and Kitshoff back in Bok group

Blake wrote: ↑Tue Sep 03, 2024 6:10 pm

OomStruisbaai wrote: ↑Tue Sep 03, 2024 3:59 pm Libbok and Kitshoff back in Bok group

You think it’s for this Saturday’s squad, or more likely for a recall against the Argies?

Blake wrote: ↑Wed Sep 04, 2024 8:29 am It's interesting and could explain why there has been such a delay in announcing the team, but I have to be honest that I'd be very disappointed if any of Kitshoff, Moerat or Libbok made it into Saturday's 23. I'm cool with all 3 starting against the Argies, but against NZ I feel like Steenekamp was fine (and had some strong carries in the loose), Nortje was excellent Pollard is a nice stable option.

I'm not convinced Kitshoff is in peak form, I've never been a massive fan of Moerat and while I support and like Libbok, SFM has really seized on his opportunities and is a great blend of all the best bits of Libbok and Pollard in one player. If SFM gets injured in the match or has a off day, I'd rather bring in Iceman and grind out a boring win than flaky Libbok and make it a lottery.

handyman wrote: ↑Wed Sep 04, 2024 8:44 am

Blake wrote: ↑Wed Sep 04, 2024 8:29 am It's interesting and could explain why there has been such a delay in announcing the team, but I have to be honest that I'd be very disappointed if any of Kitshoff, Moerat or Libbok made it into Saturday's 23. I'm cool with all 3 starting against the Argies, but against NZ I feel like Steenekamp was fine (and had some strong carries in the loose), Nortje was excellent Pollard is a nice stable option.

I'm not convinced Kitshoff is in peak form, I've never been a massive fan of Moerat and while I support and like Libbok, SFM has really seized on his opportunities and is a great blend of all the best bits of Libbok and Pollard in one player. If SFM gets injured in the match or has a off day, I'd rather bring in Iceman and grind out a boring win than flaky Libbok and make it a lottery.

Yeah agree with that. Kitsie might be a bit of pace.

Blake wrote: ↑Wed Sep 04, 2024 8:29 am It's interesting and could explain why there has been such a delay in announcing the team, but I have to be honest that I'd be very disappointed if any of Kitshoff, Moerat or Libbok made it into Saturday's 23. I'm cool with all 3 starting against the Argies, but against NZ I feel like Steenekamp was fine (and had some strong carries in the loose), Nortje was excellent Pollard is a nice stable option.

I'm not convinced Kitshoff is in peak form, I've never been a massive fan of Moerat and while I support and like Libbok, SFM has really seized on his opportunities and is a great blend of all the best bits of Libbok and Pollard in one player. If SFM gets injured in the match or has a off day, I'd rather bring in Iceman and grind out a boring win than flaky Libbok and make it a lottery.

boere wors wrote: ↑Wed Sep 04, 2024 9:52 am Kitsy has been terrible at the RWC and obviously afterwards in Ireland as well. Why is he even in contention for the boks?!

bok_viking wrote: ↑Wed Sep 04, 2024 9:57 am

Blake wrote: ↑Wed Sep 04, 2024 8:29 am It's interesting and could explain why there has been such a delay in announcing the team, but I have to be honest that I'd be very disappointed if any of Kitshoff, Moerat or Libbok made it into Saturday's 23. I'm cool with all 3 starting against the Argies, but against NZ I feel like Steenekamp was fine (and had some strong carries in the loose), Nortje was excellent Pollard is a nice stable option.

I'm not convinced Kitshoff is in peak form, I've never been a massive fan of Moerat and while I support and like Libbok, SFM has really seized on his opportunities and is a great blend of all the best bits of Libbok and Pollard in one player. If SFM gets injured in the match or has a off day, I'd rather bring in Iceman and grind out a boring win than flaky Libbok and make it a lottery.

I fully agree on this, I do not think Kitshoff is in the right form and ready to be back in the bok squad, he did not look like he was in great form playing for WP on the weekend. For me Libbok is always going to be a risk, you never know if you will get a world beating performance or a 1/10 performance from him on the day. I said before that he seems to be another Jantjies that turns out fantastic performances for his franchise when the pressure is not very high but can't string a few good performances for the boks together, his mind seems to go when he makes a mistake early on in the game. Moerat just does not seem to have the "mongrel" across the park, decent in lineouts but always appear to lack intensity in the open play. I feel there are several younger locks in SA that have better potential than Moerat at this stage.

Sards wrote: ↑Wed Sep 04, 2024 10:01 am

bok_viking wrote: ↑Wed Sep 04, 2024 9:57 am

Blake wrote: ↑Wed Sep 04, 2024 8:29 am It's interesting and could explain why there has been such a delay in announcing the team, but I have to be honest that I'd be very disappointed if any of Kitshoff, Moerat or Libbok made it into Saturday's 23. I'm cool with all 3 starting against the Argies, but against NZ I feel like Steenekamp was fine (and had some strong carries in the loose), Nortje was excellent Pollard is a nice stable option.

I'm not convinced Kitshoff is in peak form, I've never been a massive fan of Moerat and while I support and like Libbok, SFM has really seized on his opportunities and is a great blend of all the best bits of Libbok and Pollard in one player. If SFM gets injured in the match or has a off day, I'd rather bring in Iceman and grind out a boring win than flaky Libbok and make it a lottery.

I fully agree on this, I do not think Kitshoff is in the right form and ready to be back in the bok squad, he did not look like he was in great form playing for WP on the weekend. For me Libbok is always going to be a risk, you never know if you will get a world beating performance or a 1/10 performance from him on the day. I said before that he seems to be another Jantjies that turns out fantastic performances for his franchise when the pressure is not very high but can't string a few good performances for the boks together, his mind seems to go when he makes a mistake early on in the game. Moerat just does not seem to have the "mongrel" across the park, decent in lineouts but always appear to lack intensity in the open play. I feel there are several younger locks in SA that have better potential than Moerat at this stage.

Moerat has a lock partner at the Stormers who is in very good form and thrice the player Moerat is since he moved from the Sharks. The only reason Moerat is there ahead of him is because Rassie is pleasing the Cape Crusaders brigade.

Human alluded that Springbok prop Steven Kitshoff might beef up the front row this week.

The double World Cup winner has not featured in the Springboks’ Test this year after he picked up a knee injury while playing for Ulster in April.

The loosehead has played for Western Province in the Currie Cup on two occasions.

Although Kitshoff’s lack of game time could be a concern, Human said the fact that he will play at his home ground in Cape Town is a factor when it comes to selection.

“Kitsie has only been back for two games now and I had a close look at his game for Western Province [against the Pumas on Sunday] – they had a good win,” said Human.

“We are looking at all the options and we will consider the fact that it is also his home ground that we are playing at this weekend.

“It will influence our selection and playing in front of his home crowd, he’s from here; it can be a thing that we think about.”

He added: “He will be a valuable asset if he is 100 percent fit to play on this level.”

_Os_ wrote: ↑Wed Sep 04, 2024 10:31 am My pick:

Kitshoff, Am, Mapimpi, Le Roux all coming back in. Libbok won't be in the 23, Pollard could be starting. This match would've been planned to have a stronger 23 than Ellis Park, it's a two match series meaning the one they would've planned for more to prevent the other side winning the series is the second test. Bringing about 5 top experience players in fresh is a big advantage.

Sards wrote: ↑Wed Sep 04, 2024 9:20 am

handyman wrote: ↑Wed Sep 04, 2024 8:44 am

Blake wrote: ↑Wed Sep 04, 2024 8:29 am It's interesting and could explain why there has been such a delay in announcing the team, but I have to be honest that I'd be very disappointed if any of Kitshoff, Moerat or Libbok made it into Saturday's 23. I'm cool with all 3 starting against the Argies, but against NZ I feel like Steenekamp was fine (and had some strong carries in the loose), Nortje was excellent Pollard is a nice stable option.

I'm not convinced Kitshoff is in peak form, I've never been a massive fan of Moerat and while I support and like Libbok, SFM has really seized on his opportunities and is a great blend of all the best bits of Libbok and Pollard in one player. If SFM gets injured in the match or has a off day, I'd rather bring in Iceman and grind out a boring win than flaky Libbok and make it a lottery.

Yeah agree with that. Kitsie might be a bit of pace.

Kittsy struggled against a Sharks Currie Cup scrum.
He really is becoming a spent force.
I am not comfortable with Moerat anywhere near the ABs. His work rate is very low and he misses a lot of tackles 50 percent. And he has no influence going forward...According to the analysis of his international matches

Gumboot wrote: ↑Thu Sep 05, 2024 5:11 am Blackadder and Clarke are both injured.

Perenara and Beauden back to the bench. Hopefully they can bring some much-needed impact when they come on.

Papali'i is fit but missed selection. Sititi starting at blindside is interesting. I think Finau's fit, but he's been dropped again... not good.

Massive test for Ratima...

Gumboot wrote: ↑Thu Sep 05, 2024 5:28 am Savea 190cm, Cane 189, Sititi 187 - have we ever started such a short backrow?

Moral Dilemma wrote: ↑Thu Sep 05, 2024 6:08 am

Gumboot wrote: ↑Thu Sep 05, 2024 5:28 am Savea 190cm, Cane 189, Sititi 187 - have we ever started such a short backrow?

Zinny, Kronfeld, and Iceman, instantly springs to mind.

Kiwias wrote: ↑Thu Sep 05, 2024 6:14 am I am interested to see how Sititi performs at this level and really pleased with Jordan at 15 and BB on the bench. Luckily, neither Bok wing is very tall so our lack of height there should not be a problem.

Guy Smiley wrote: ↑Thu Sep 05, 2024 6:11 am Nice to see you here, MD

BB's days have to be numbered. Love is in the squad along with Plummer. I know the ABs is not a development arena, but there is some personnel to bring into the game and sooner is better than later when we think of ages and RWC cycles.

Gumboot wrote: ↑Thu Sep 05, 2024 6:13 am

Moral Dilemma wrote: ↑Thu Sep 05, 2024 6:08 am

Gumboot wrote: ↑Thu Sep 05, 2024 5:28 am Savea 190cm, Cane 189, Sititi 187 - have we ever started such a short backrow?

Zinny, Kronfeld, and Iceman, instantly springs to mind.

Jeez, didn't realise those guys were so short! Mind you, Iceman had springs in his heels, and they played mostly in the pre-lifting days.