Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Courageous Wallabies beat the Springboks in Durban
The Wallabies got a massive boost towards their Tri Nations and Rugby World Cup ambitions as they beat the Springboks 14-9 in Durban on Saturday, causing panic stations for the home side, who had picked a strong team.
Defense was a huge feature of the Wallabies play, as they took a leaf out of the All Blacks book and upped the intensity as both sides smashed into each other, causing some massive collisions. What it showed is that while they've always been a tremendously talented side, these Wallabies have what it takes in the physical stakes too.
The Springboks on the other side, having picked close to their strongest side possible, look rusty, with not much time left to get things together before heading off to New Zealand for the World Cup. There are also concerns over the state of John Smit, with it looking as though he will miss the test against the All Blacks.
Wallaby coach Robbie Deans was more than satisfied with the win, and their prep going forward.
"In terms of preparation there's no doubt it's great. We played against the most experienced Bok side tonight on their home soil and their current World Cup selection, essentially," he said.
"I was proud of the resilience we showed. We created opportunities and didn't finish them. It would have been easy for the group to go into decline but they stuck at it, they were good in the contact and I believe we deserved the result."
Springbok coach Peter De Villiers felt that the Boks were in it and shouldn't be too concerned with the result, saying that they only lost it on the scoreboard.
"We controlled the game in the first half, but it just shows that if you don't take the chances that come your way, it is very difficult. Then again, you expect experienced guys to convert their efforts into points," he said.
The Springboks take on the All Blacks in Port Elizabeth on Saturday.
There's been a slight change to the normal flow of things on here, but highlights and clips from the rest of the weekend's matches will be posted soon.
Time: 05:00
Posted at 3:03 pm | 55 comments
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Posted in Tri Nations 2011
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Viewing 55 comments
Anonymous August 16, 2011 3:51 pm
sure be hard to find any highlights from this match
Anonymous August 16, 2011 4:07 pm
SA are the single most boring team in the world to watch. Italy and Scotland are seriously more entertaining.
gf August 16, 2011 4:25 pm
Pierre Spies is dated.. time for Vermeulen. Fantastic you can lift a car but that doesn't make a world class 8. Brussow's match fitness is very evident and got found out wanting a few times in the backline.
Anonymous August 16, 2011 4:43 pm
Silly coments so far...
The game was pretty entertaining actually.
Spies had his best game in a long time and Brussouw was clearly still World Class.
Boring? How many teams have their prop making 40m down a touchline - twice? Admittedly, Beast could have passed on both occasions but it was brilliant to watch.
This Springbok side should not be written off. Aussies are clearly in the mix, especially given their draw. The only have to beat England to make the final. Easy.
The game was pretty entertaining actually.
Spies had his best game in a long time and Brussouw was clearly still World Class.
Boring? How many teams have their prop making 40m down a touchline - twice? Admittedly, Beast could have passed on both occasions but it was brilliant to watch.
This Springbok side should not be written off. Aussies are clearly in the mix, especially given their draw. The only have to beat England to make the final. Easy.
Reality August 16, 2011 5:06 pm
^ Actually I would consider your comment to be quite silly. I watched only the second half, thank God, and it was dreadfully boring. Even Australia's try wasn't particularly exciting. The crowd were just silent as well. Hopefully that was just a once-off match. Please, enough of your silly comments.
Anonymous August 16, 2011 5:17 pm
anon @ August 16, 2011 6:43 PM
The game was boring. what are you talking about? ok Beast made a break or two, he was never going to score. south africa are so boring to watch. they're like the Italy of the southern hemi but more boring and with more talent
The game was boring. what are you talking about? ok Beast made a break or two, he was never going to score. south africa are so boring to watch. they're like the Italy of the southern hemi but more boring and with more talent
Anonymous August 16, 2011 6:40 pm
boring game. england can beat both of them but not if we play like we did last weekend that was dire!! SA r probably the most boring team in rugby!! and the aussies on their day can be a great side but they r very inconsistent!!
Ben Bell August 16, 2011 6:42 pm
Well I didn't think it was boring, just a little frustrating with all the butter fingers. As a Wallabies supporter, I'm really excited about the Word cup. Please please please just beat the Poms and I will be happy. They've knocked us out of 3 of the last 4 world cups. I think our boys will rise to the occasion. On the other hand the Kiwis will too and they're at home...
bloodfya August 16, 2011 6:42 pm
Well, A more controlled performance by the Boks with no points to show for it, and lots of rust. hopfully the pool stages will let us come out on top and shake off the rust- maybe we might peak too late but we do look like we are on the rise?? (boring, minimal risk rugby- still not winning ... might need to change that) . it will be a tough, very physical, pool no doubt.
Some Possitives,
1) spies looks better than he has in a long time.
2) brussow made a big difference but needs to be out there longer-hope he stays fit and injury free. (I think with alberts back in the squad he makes a much bigger impact than deysel)
3) Defensive structure is getting much better but not perfect yet.
4) set pieces and scrums looked better (with smit at hooker and not at prop) but next week with smit on the bench will be a true indicator of the bok scrum.
Austrailia also played a very good second half with some very good counter rucks and tackles (A. Fianga in particular looked much better than AAC), Oconner is dangerous as always.
I would still not underestimate the Boks who generally are very hard to beat in a world cup.
Some Possitives,
1) spies looks better than he has in a long time.
2) brussow made a big difference but needs to be out there longer-hope he stays fit and injury free. (I think with alberts back in the squad he makes a much bigger impact than deysel)
3) Defensive structure is getting much better but not perfect yet.
4) set pieces and scrums looked better (with smit at hooker and not at prop) but next week with smit on the bench will be a true indicator of the bok scrum.
Austrailia also played a very good second half with some very good counter rucks and tackles (A. Fianga in particular looked much better than AAC), Oconner is dangerous as always.
I would still not underestimate the Boks who generally are very hard to beat in a world cup.
Anonymous August 16, 2011 7:15 pm
Fucking hell, the only thing worse than the monotonous energy sapping commentary was the boks performance... Both teams looked pitiful actually. Considering they are ok at the end of their season they should at least be a bit more switched on. But there seemed to be just as many handling errors as the NH teams and they have just started again!!!
It was by far the most draining boring game I have watched in a long time.
NZ is going to rape both these teams!
It was by far the most draining boring game I have watched in a long time.
NZ is going to rape both these teams!
Anonymous August 16, 2011 7:18 pm
^^^ NZ don't rape anyone. They just poke them in the bumholes! (As is tradition in that part of the world!)
Anonymous August 16, 2011 7:24 pm
I hate to be the person to bring the ref up, but he had a dreadful night. He was unbelievably inconsistent, letting slide incidents and penalising the oposing team for the same iinfringment about 5 second later.. Also he seemed to be really quick at calling a ball held up, especially this one time before half time when the aussies were within a couple meters of the try line and the ref gave them about 2 seconds to clear the ball before calling for a scrum and thus half-time..
However, at least he was terrible on both sides and didnt seem to favour either team too badly..
However, at least he was terrible on both sides and didnt seem to favour either team too badly..
Anonymous August 16, 2011 7:30 pm
@ bloodfya
SA scrum looked better? Did you see the scrums in the video? Beast getting penalised because of his poor body position and then the last scrum in the clip, where OZ pushed Sa back at least 5 meters?
SA scrum looked better? Did you see the scrums in the video? Beast getting penalised because of his poor body position and then the last scrum in the clip, where OZ pushed Sa back at least 5 meters?
Anonymous August 16, 2011 7:35 pm
Oh dear. Saffa bashing time!!! Back to back World cup wins. You heard it here first
moddeur August 16, 2011 7:48 pm
I don't understand what's boring about the way that any highly-ranked team plays? I'll take a 6-3 match any time over a 43-27. It's not because you don't score that you don't create yourself opportunities. If you're up against a good defense, you won't go through, it's as simple as that. And defending is as great to watch as attacking. note: maybe I'm saying this because I'm biased, playing as a forward in my team
bloodfya August 16, 2011 7:52 pm
The video only reflected 2 scrums... as per the actual game - early on spies had lots of space breaking off the back because of solid scrums... As I said before, looks better than it did for the away leg, not perfect yet...
I am also considering that the crusaders scrum/front row demolished the front rows of the sharks, stormers and bulls this year but the sharks front row with a bulls second row is a much more stable combination. (any thoughts???)
with regard to these two scrums 1) Penalty could have gone either way- watched the game on Fox sports and Aussie commentators agreed that that decision could have gone both ways- 2) the second scrum all the loose forwards were not engaged since they were anticipating an attacking genea/ cooper combo - (good move by AUS)
3) with regard to the consistency of the scrum stability, with du Plessis X2 and beast it will be better + the bulls locks and alberts/brussow/spies.
on a completely unrelated tangent I just noticed that the all blacks schedule (Victory dependant) has them playing all but 2 games (Japan & Canada) at Auckland- with the semis scheduled for the other top teams at wellington. That sucks for supporters in New Zealand. (I know Christchurch would have been a choice venue too but they are really trying to pump up ticket sales by doing this??) Also given the record that the Ab's have at Auckland I would be very surprised if they manage to lose this world cup....
I am also considering that the crusaders scrum/front row demolished the front rows of the sharks, stormers and bulls this year but the sharks front row with a bulls second row is a much more stable combination. (any thoughts???)
with regard to these two scrums 1) Penalty could have gone either way- watched the game on Fox sports and Aussie commentators agreed that that decision could have gone both ways- 2) the second scrum all the loose forwards were not engaged since they were anticipating an attacking genea/ cooper combo - (good move by AUS)
3) with regard to the consistency of the scrum stability, with du Plessis X2 and beast it will be better + the bulls locks and alberts/brussow/spies.
on a completely unrelated tangent I just noticed that the all blacks schedule (Victory dependant) has them playing all but 2 games (Japan & Canada) at Auckland- with the semis scheduled for the other top teams at wellington. That sucks for supporters in New Zealand. (I know Christchurch would have been a choice venue too but they are really trying to pump up ticket sales by doing this??) Also given the record that the Ab's have at Auckland I would be very surprised if they manage to lose this world cup....
bloodfya August 16, 2011 8:00 pm
* sorry, beast is a replacement - Steenkamp starts this weekend
JG August 16, 2011 8:49 pm
Anon Said "NZ don't rape anyone. They just poke them in the bumholes!"
Don't knock it till you've tried it.
Don't knock it till you've tried it.
gf August 16, 2011 9:35 pm
Anonymous @ 6:43pm
Brussow got done by JOC and KB.. and almost by Genia, what I'm saying is with match fitness he can be better. Spies had an ok game (1 line break?) but still not worthy of this continuous call up to the SA squad..
Brussow got done by JOC and KB.. and almost by Genia, what I'm saying is with match fitness he can be better. Spies had an ok game (1 line break?) but still not worthy of this continuous call up to the SA squad..
Anonymous August 16, 2011 9:45 pm
Brussow is a great player and an out and out fetcher, but he almost broke his ankles @ 2:51!
Bokke_2007 August 16, 2011 9:49 pm
....South Africa are still world champions.....*sniff*
Anonymous August 16, 2011 9:50 pm
"Springbok coach Peter De Villiers felt that the Boks were in it and shouldn't be too concerned with the result, saying that they only lost it on the scoreboard."
LOL. The scoreboard is where it matters.
LOL. The scoreboard is where it matters.
themull August 16, 2011 10:26 pm
Neutral fan here, and I enjoyed the game quiet a lot...SA looked well considering they were up against a very good Aussie side and hadn't played together in a while...
Given current form Ireland will find it very hard to beat Aus in their pool game (not impossible but a big ask if they don't improve their set piece play in particular)...
I see the South Africans simply being too physical for the Welsh in their pool game....
Given current form Ireland will find it very hard to beat Aus in their pool game (not impossible but a big ask if they don't improve their set piece play in particular)...
I see the South Africans simply being too physical for the Welsh in their pool game....
Anonymous August 16, 2011 10:40 pm
SA to physical in the scrum? wales will shag them in the scrum.
The Green Mafia August 16, 2011 10:46 pm
@ bloodfya
I have to agree a bit with anon, albeit for some specific reasons.
I think you are right in the tri-nations, but the world cup front row is sort of already defined. Bismark du Plessis is THE hooker in the world, but Pete The Clown made John Smit the Bok captain, and seriously, having him at hooker, even though he isn't in the top3 sa hooker list, is the lesser of two evils. God forbid the three stooges put him at prop, he isnt even in the top8 sa prop list. Bottomline you're kind of screwed, keeping in mind that since you still don't have a world class pure loosehead, any injury in the front row (well, Divvy's first choice hooker getting injured would actually be a blessing) would create some troubles. The Cheetahs front rowers should have been given a chance a while ago, to ensure more depth.
And, of course, these two examples in the video happened between SA, the traditional scrum to copy and AUS, the scrum who is traditionally targeted. Unless the bokke pick up the slack, I don't think their scrum will be able to help them against teams like New Zealand or England (when in a good day). And SA really needs to be on the front foot, what with the inability to attack and the recent weakness not only on the defensive strategy, but also on individual defence (yes, this means YOU, messrs Habana and Morne). Shame because I allways liked SA's in your face, bonecrunching defence, and it's good for rugby that all teams play their best in the WC.
Well, since Portugal isn't in the WC (it would be kinda great if I could fix the WC for them to win, the odds would be like 1:10 000), I'll support the next best thing, New Zealand
I have to agree a bit with anon, albeit for some specific reasons.
I think you are right in the tri-nations, but the world cup front row is sort of already defined. Bismark du Plessis is THE hooker in the world, but Pete The Clown made John Smit the Bok captain, and seriously, having him at hooker, even though he isn't in the top3 sa hooker list, is the lesser of two evils. God forbid the three stooges put him at prop, he isnt even in the top8 sa prop list. Bottomline you're kind of screwed, keeping in mind that since you still don't have a world class pure loosehead, any injury in the front row (well, Divvy's first choice hooker getting injured would actually be a blessing) would create some troubles. The Cheetahs front rowers should have been given a chance a while ago, to ensure more depth.
And, of course, these two examples in the video happened between SA, the traditional scrum to copy and AUS, the scrum who is traditionally targeted. Unless the bokke pick up the slack, I don't think their scrum will be able to help them against teams like New Zealand or England (when in a good day). And SA really needs to be on the front foot, what with the inability to attack and the recent weakness not only on the defensive strategy, but also on individual defence (yes, this means YOU, messrs Habana and Morne). Shame because I allways liked SA's in your face, bonecrunching defence, and it's good for rugby that all teams play their best in the WC.
Well, since Portugal isn't in the WC (it would be kinda great if I could fix the WC for them to win, the odds would be like 1:10 000), I'll support the next best thing, New Zealand
N August 16, 2011 11:27 pm
Not a classic match, too many dropped balls in attack (if Aus had hung on to the ball more they would have won by ten or twenty points more - they were far, far more dangerous on attack but kept dropping it at the crucial moments).
But as an Aussie I'm reasonably happy with it, it's always a big result when you win away from home in South Africa. And considering this was South Africa's best team, the one they'll be starting with at the WC, it's a very good result.
Australia's defence was excellent, the Saffers never really looked like scoring. The Aussie set piece was also excellent, shaded the line-out and by the end of the game they were bossing the scrums (though Smit going to tight head obviously helped alot). But even before that, the scrum was holding up well.
If Aus can just start making those final passes stick, they will be extremely hard to beat at the World Cup.
South Africa looked like a team stuck in 2007. The game has changed and kick-chase-bash isn't cutting it anymore. No doubt their clown of a coach is holding them back. They are still very dangerous, some great players, and if you don't stand up physically they can just bash teams into submission, but they have no attacking edge, nothing to match Aus, and definalty not enough to match a full strength NZ.
Also, Bryce Lawrence had an absolute joke of a game. Terrible display of reffing, utterly abysmal.
Summed up in particular when the Aussies had the ball 1 metre out from SA's try line, right on half time. The ball was in the ruck about ten seconds, Pocock had a hold of it, it was securley in Australia's hands and Pocock was about to make a run from the base of the ruck, potentially scoring the try against a desperatley scrambling SA defence. Lawrence blows his whistle, says Australia's ball, scrum, then goes, oh wait it's half time. Half over. Pocock just walked over with the ball in his arms and stood there looking at Lawrence, like "WTF?"
But as an Aussie I'm reasonably happy with it, it's always a big result when you win away from home in South Africa. And considering this was South Africa's best team, the one they'll be starting with at the WC, it's a very good result.
Australia's defence was excellent, the Saffers never really looked like scoring. The Aussie set piece was also excellent, shaded the line-out and by the end of the game they were bossing the scrums (though Smit going to tight head obviously helped alot). But even before that, the scrum was holding up well.
If Aus can just start making those final passes stick, they will be extremely hard to beat at the World Cup.
South Africa looked like a team stuck in 2007. The game has changed and kick-chase-bash isn't cutting it anymore. No doubt their clown of a coach is holding them back. They are still very dangerous, some great players, and if you don't stand up physically they can just bash teams into submission, but they have no attacking edge, nothing to match Aus, and definalty not enough to match a full strength NZ.
Also, Bryce Lawrence had an absolute joke of a game. Terrible display of reffing, utterly abysmal.
Summed up in particular when the Aussies had the ball 1 metre out from SA's try line, right on half time. The ball was in the ruck about ten seconds, Pocock had a hold of it, it was securley in Australia's hands and Pocock was about to make a run from the base of the ruck, potentially scoring the try against a desperatley scrambling SA defence. Lawrence blows his whistle, says Australia's ball, scrum, then goes, oh wait it's half time. Half over. Pocock just walked over with the ball in his arms and stood there looking at Lawrence, like "WTF?"
Anonymous August 17, 2011 12:07 am
""Springbok coach Peter De Villiers felt that the Boks were in it and shouldn't be too concerned with the result, saying that they only lost it on the scoreboard."
LOL. The scoreboard is where it matters."
Not to south africa.. you see the SA v scotland game, or sa v saracens etc... it doesnt matter about the scoreboard unless SA have more points...
Hope they suffer from severe bum pokery from the NZ'ers
LOL. The scoreboard is where it matters."
Not to south africa.. you see the SA v scotland game, or sa v saracens etc... it doesnt matter about the scoreboard unless SA have more points...
Hope they suffer from severe bum pokery from the NZ'ers
bloodfya August 17, 2011 1:16 am
I know that PDV will play smit and that our team is quite old- some injuries might be a God send but this world cup- as important as it is might be what we need to get rid of that coach. I agree that the cheetah's front row deserves a shot as does their scrumhalf. strauss ahead of ralapelle any day.
The AB's are also bringing a relatively seasoned team who are just much better. Mils for example.
Anyway I do think that SA will put up a much more clinical performance in the next few weeks.
The 2007 world cup tactics worked well when implemented well- and they were not very boring. (all SA games except the final had 2 or 3+ tries) I guess we will see now that we are implementing more of a kicking flyhalf (steyn) than a running one (james)
If you look at say carter who is a great kicker, better playmaker and distributor. He does not often take the drop goal route which makes new zealand a very exciting team to watch. cooper is similar when he is on song but he does try to take the points more frequently.
we will see in the future,
The AB's are also bringing a relatively seasoned team who are just much better. Mils for example.
Anyway I do think that SA will put up a much more clinical performance in the next few weeks.
The 2007 world cup tactics worked well when implemented well- and they were not very boring. (all SA games except the final had 2 or 3+ tries) I guess we will see now that we are implementing more of a kicking flyhalf (steyn) than a running one (james)
If you look at say carter who is a great kicker, better playmaker and distributor. He does not often take the drop goal route which makes new zealand a very exciting team to watch. cooper is similar when he is on song but he does try to take the points more frequently.
we will see in the future,
N August 17, 2011 1:44 am
blodfya, the tactics of 2007 DID work... in 2007.
The game has changed in the four years since. You MUST have a good runing game now. You CANNOT be succesful without a quality running game now. You cannot get away with a game based entirely on defence, kicking and a solid set-piece (thank christ too, the 2007 WC final was appalling and mind numbing).
South Africa needs to evolve with the game. And if you had a half decent coach, that's what SA would do.
The game has changed in the four years since. You MUST have a good runing game now. You CANNOT be succesful without a quality running game now. You cannot get away with a game based entirely on defence, kicking and a solid set-piece (thank christ too, the 2007 WC final was appalling and mind numbing).
South Africa needs to evolve with the game. And if you had a half decent coach, that's what SA would do.
Kristofer August 17, 2011 3:19 am
I dont even remember the last time south africa won a game.. lol
Anonymous August 17, 2011 3:21 am
That would be last November when they beat England.
Anonymous August 17, 2011 4:35 am
Pretty woeful highlights RD, I watched this game and while it was probably the least impressive tri nations game in two seasons there was still a lot more then what was presented. On a positive note that game probably would have been seen as amazing in 07, 08, 09. Anyway glad for Australia, the Bokkes are on Struggle Street, that team has not progressed since 07.
Also Bryce Lawrence is so hot and cold with his reffing, its as if he has a good game then needs a shit one to balance it out.
Also Bryce Lawrence is so hot and cold with his reffing, its as if he has a good game then needs a shit one to balance it out.
Anonymous August 17, 2011 7:22 am
If you watched the game and saw the stats, you'd notice that Australia kicked more ball out of hand than the 'boks did. So I frankly don't buy the "the boks are boring", "kick and chase" criticism. That is just sour grapes.
I don't see any team that has the depth of skill and power that the Springboks have. They may not have a Dan Carter but they have three guys who are 5% off Dan Carter's performance and that goes for most positions on the field.
Many of the other teams' fortunes at the RWC will depend on individuals coming off on the day. Carter, Cooper, Wilkinson - these are guys who can turn a game on their own. South Africa's fortunes will depend on getting all the bits to work together. Unfortunately, they lack game time as a unit. If they do get it together, the average talent in this team is enough to knock over any other team at the RWC. Let's not forget that they've won 50% of the tournaments they've played in.
I don't see any team that has the depth of skill and power that the Springboks have. They may not have a Dan Carter but they have three guys who are 5% off Dan Carter's performance and that goes for most positions on the field.
Many of the other teams' fortunes at the RWC will depend on individuals coming off on the day. Carter, Cooper, Wilkinson - these are guys who can turn a game on their own. South Africa's fortunes will depend on getting all the bits to work together. Unfortunately, they lack game time as a unit. If they do get it together, the average talent in this team is enough to knock over any other team at the RWC. Let's not forget that they've won 50% of the tournaments they've played in.
Anonymous August 17, 2011 9:43 am
This thread has made me angry and I have just lumped on SA to win the tournament at 7/1.
Either way, I'll be happy. If we win, we win. If we lose, our coach can f*ck off. Perfect :)
Either way, I'll be happy. If we win, we win. If we lose, our coach can f*ck off. Perfect :)
Anonymous August 17, 2011 10:36 am
"That would be last November when they beat England."
Was that before or after they got beaten by scotland?
"So I frankly don't buy the "the boks are boring", "kick and chase" criticism. That is just sour grapes."
You don't have to buy it, we're handing it out free... not many people said "the boks are boring" most people said this entire game was boring... but in reality the boks lost....therefore during this abysmally boring game they provided LESS entertainment by losing... so technically the boks were boring...
As for sour grapes?!?!? what exactly would I be jealous about? they haven't won a game is months and they look tired, dogged, and really just down on their luck...not much to be jealous about
Was that before or after they got beaten by scotland?
"So I frankly don't buy the "the boks are boring", "kick and chase" criticism. That is just sour grapes."
You don't have to buy it, we're handing it out free... not many people said "the boks are boring" most people said this entire game was boring... but in reality the boks lost....therefore during this abysmally boring game they provided LESS entertainment by losing... so technically the boks were boring...
As for sour grapes?!?!? what exactly would I be jealous about? they haven't won a game is months and they look tired, dogged, and really just down on their luck...not much to be jealous about
Anonymous August 17, 2011 10:50 am
It's good to see that all the whining from down under about changing the rules every year has made rugby such a thrilling entertaining spectactle.
Snorrrrrrrrrrrrre, zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.
RIP rugby.
Snorrrrrrrrrrrrre, zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.
RIP rugby.
Von August 17, 2011 11:21 am
Giteau out of Australia world cup squad - WTF?
http://www.espnscrum.com/australia/rugby/story/146405.html
http://www.espnscrum.com/australia/rugby/story/146405.html
Anonymous August 17, 2011 12:05 pm
"Was that before or after they got beaten by scotland?"
That would be after, also after they beat Wales and Italy. 3 out of 4 on that tour. And considering they are world champs, beat the lions and won the tri-nations a couple years ago, it's pretty funny how you think they are so terrible, because they've had a bad 12 months. It happens, that's sport, teams win and lose in cycles usually.
The way you talk, you'd have to be an All Blacks fan, because there isn't a single other team with the same success as South Africa in the last four years. If you are a fan of a European team, you couldn't possibly be gloating, considering the poor preformance of every European team in history in comparison. It's almost an insult to South Africa to even be compared to a European team when you consider South Africa's success over the years.
"If you watched the game and saw the stats, you'd notice that Australia kicked more ball out of hand than the 'boks did. So I frankly don't buy the "the boks are boring", "kick and chase" criticism. That is just sour grapes."
It's not really about the amount of kicking. It's about what Australia and NZ do with the ball when they have it, and what SA do. SA aren't playing with any flair. They aren't particularly dangerous with ball in hand. For the most part they just play a simple power game, which is the kind of rugby that worked a couple years ago, but hasn't been very succesful the last two years.
If SA go into this WC expecting to win playing like they did in 2007, they will be dissapointed. They need to chance their arm more, especially on the counter. They have great players who are more than capable, but their strategy is old fashioned, and their coach is a moron.
They'll more than likely stuff any European teams they face, of course, but will lose to NZ or Aus if/when they face them.
That would be after, also after they beat Wales and Italy. 3 out of 4 on that tour. And considering they are world champs, beat the lions and won the tri-nations a couple years ago, it's pretty funny how you think they are so terrible, because they've had a bad 12 months. It happens, that's sport, teams win and lose in cycles usually.
The way you talk, you'd have to be an All Blacks fan, because there isn't a single other team with the same success as South Africa in the last four years. If you are a fan of a European team, you couldn't possibly be gloating, considering the poor preformance of every European team in history in comparison. It's almost an insult to South Africa to even be compared to a European team when you consider South Africa's success over the years.
"If you watched the game and saw the stats, you'd notice that Australia kicked more ball out of hand than the 'boks did. So I frankly don't buy the "the boks are boring", "kick and chase" criticism. That is just sour grapes."
It's not really about the amount of kicking. It's about what Australia and NZ do with the ball when they have it, and what SA do. SA aren't playing with any flair. They aren't particularly dangerous with ball in hand. For the most part they just play a simple power game, which is the kind of rugby that worked a couple years ago, but hasn't been very succesful the last two years.
If SA go into this WC expecting to win playing like they did in 2007, they will be dissapointed. They need to chance their arm more, especially on the counter. They have great players who are more than capable, but their strategy is old fashioned, and their coach is a moron.
They'll more than likely stuff any European teams they face, of course, but will lose to NZ or Aus if/when they face them.
Anonymous August 17, 2011 12:28 pm
Von, he hasn't really played well since 2009.
Cooper is a much better player, and Barnes is these days too.
Cooper is a better attacking player in every way.
Barnes is more dependable and a much better defender.
Also, Gitaeu's attitude has been poor since Deans came on board. He was part of the old guard, which has largely been cleared out by Deans. They don't get along.
It's one thing that he doesn't see eye to eye with Deans, but to not get along with the coach AND not be playing well, he deserves to get dumped from the team.
Not many people in Aus are dissapointed.
Cooper is a much better player, and Barnes is these days too.
Cooper is a better attacking player in every way.
Barnes is more dependable and a much better defender.
Also, Gitaeu's attitude has been poor since Deans came on board. He was part of the old guard, which has largely been cleared out by Deans. They don't get along.
It's one thing that he doesn't see eye to eye with Deans, but to not get along with the coach AND not be playing well, he deserves to get dumped from the team.
Not many people in Aus are dissapointed.
bloodfya August 17, 2011 1:29 pm
N, I agree that the 07 tactics worked back in 2007, maybe even upto 2009- my point was that at the time it was not boring to watch.
Most teams adapted and can handle that game plan so SA does need to be able to bring something new yet distinctly south African- we are not New Zealand or Australia but we do have a good team.
It irks me during the last trinations particularly when Habana came off his defensive line
wanting an intercept and let in about 3 or 4 tries by not playing defense...
Now, (2011) teams with a solid running game/counter attack from broken play have been more successful but I dont think this will be the case in the later stages of the world cup.
The thing with world cups is that everything is about managed risk, take the points when possible and manage the game..
Defenses typically wins world cups with a strong set pieces to set up penalties and slot points.. Boring but effective if executed correctly.
I am optimistic that SA will get it right come the knockout stages since all the players have the talent and when working as a team we do quite well. Also the inclusion of the Stormers defensive coordinator provides some much needed rigidity to the structure of defense and scrambling defense.
Additionally, the decision making- in big matches- by dupreez, matfield and Co, is second to none. (if they are at the top of their game which seems that they are getting better.)
NZ's Achilles heel IMO is that they demolish every team in the pool stages and try all their set moves on lesser opposition.. then when they come up against strong/ unpredictable opposition in the knockout stages the defensive structures are generally in place to account for all the options they have. (any thoughts)
Most teams adapted and can handle that game plan so SA does need to be able to bring something new yet distinctly south African- we are not New Zealand or Australia but we do have a good team.
It irks me during the last trinations particularly when Habana came off his defensive line
wanting an intercept and let in about 3 or 4 tries by not playing defense...
Now, (2011) teams with a solid running game/counter attack from broken play have been more successful but I dont think this will be the case in the later stages of the world cup.
The thing with world cups is that everything is about managed risk, take the points when possible and manage the game..
Defenses typically wins world cups with a strong set pieces to set up penalties and slot points.. Boring but effective if executed correctly.
I am optimistic that SA will get it right come the knockout stages since all the players have the talent and when working as a team we do quite well. Also the inclusion of the Stormers defensive coordinator provides some much needed rigidity to the structure of defense and scrambling defense.
Additionally, the decision making- in big matches- by dupreez, matfield and Co, is second to none. (if they are at the top of their game which seems that they are getting better.)
NZ's Achilles heel IMO is that they demolish every team in the pool stages and try all their set moves on lesser opposition.. then when they come up against strong/ unpredictable opposition in the knockout stages the defensive structures are generally in place to account for all the options they have. (any thoughts)
Douglas August 17, 2011 1:41 pm
Elsom looked quite average. His form has been a real problem late, Deans has to be concerned.
Anonymous August 17, 2011 5:24 pm
"That would be after, also after they beat Wales and Italy. 3 out of 4 on that tour. And considering they are world champs, beat the lions and won the tri-nations a couple years ago, it's pretty funny how you think they are so terrible, because they've had a bad 12 months. It happens, that's sport, teams win and lose in cycles usually."
OMG?!??! they beat ITALY?!?!? AND WALES?!??!?! fuck guys, we all need to pull out of the Rugby World Cup 2011 because South Africa in the Autumn tests beat ENGLAND, WALES AND ITALY!!!! Shit, I don't even know why we should spend so much hosting it, we might as well put the money towards getting the cup inscribed with South Africa 2011 instead! I mean, they are CLEARLY going to win it after beating Italy...
As for the Lions! WOW, what a whitewash!!!! I mean to win by 5 points in the first test, 3 points in the second test and to lose the final test by 19 points shows a real drive by SA, they have got it this year guys! they whitwashed the lions and beat italy!
I mean take England they won the rwc in 2003, so how can they be terrible!??!?
You pull out these results that happened 2 years ago like they mean that SA are on top of the world!
We are all talking about THIS GAME, THIS TOURNAMENT, and the build up to the RUGBY WORLD CUP 2011... not 2007, not 2009....2011! So do yourself a favour and switch on!
This game was dire and SA was truly boring playing a typical England type of forwards dominating rugby... ZZZZZZzzzzzz
OMG?!??! they beat ITALY?!?!? AND WALES?!??!?! fuck guys, we all need to pull out of the Rugby World Cup 2011 because South Africa in the Autumn tests beat ENGLAND, WALES AND ITALY!!!! Shit, I don't even know why we should spend so much hosting it, we might as well put the money towards getting the cup inscribed with South Africa 2011 instead! I mean, they are CLEARLY going to win it after beating Italy...
As for the Lions! WOW, what a whitewash!!!! I mean to win by 5 points in the first test, 3 points in the second test and to lose the final test by 19 points shows a real drive by SA, they have got it this year guys! they whitwashed the lions and beat italy!
I mean take England they won the rwc in 2003, so how can they be terrible!??!?
You pull out these results that happened 2 years ago like they mean that SA are on top of the world!
We are all talking about THIS GAME, THIS TOURNAMENT, and the build up to the RUGBY WORLD CUP 2011... not 2007, not 2009....2011! So do yourself a favour and switch on!
This game was dire and SA was truly boring playing a typical England type of forwards dominating rugby... ZZZZZZzzzzzz
bloodfya August 17, 2011 6:39 pm
@ Annon,
it was ireland, not italy..
Regardless your point is valid and I for one dont think that SA is on "top of the world", yes we have a proud history and have a pretty good record over the past few years.
I just think that SA will not give up the title without a fight.. and i anticipate a great world cup
it was ireland, not italy..
Regardless your point is valid and I for one dont think that SA is on "top of the world", yes we have a proud history and have a pretty good record over the past few years.
I just think that SA will not give up the title without a fight.. and i anticipate a great world cup
Anonymous August 18, 2011 12:32 am
Australian World Cup squad announced :
Backs - Kurtley Beale, James O'Connor, Drew Mitchell, Digby Ioane, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Rob Horne, Pat McCabe, Anthony Faingaa, Berrick Barnes, Quade Cooper, Nick Phipps, Luke Burgess, Will Genia.
Forwards - Ben McCalman, Radike Samo, Wycliff Palu, David Pocock, Rocky Elsom, Scott Higginbotham, James Horwill (capt), Rob Simmons, Nathan Sharpe, Dan Vickerman, Ben Alexander, Sekope Kepu, James Slipper, Salesi Ma'afu, Stephen Moore, Saia Faingaa, Tatafu Polota-Nau.
Backs - Kurtley Beale, James O'Connor, Drew Mitchell, Digby Ioane, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Rob Horne, Pat McCabe, Anthony Faingaa, Berrick Barnes, Quade Cooper, Nick Phipps, Luke Burgess, Will Genia.
Forwards - Ben McCalman, Radike Samo, Wycliff Palu, David Pocock, Rocky Elsom, Scott Higginbotham, James Horwill (capt), Rob Simmons, Nathan Sharpe, Dan Vickerman, Ben Alexander, Sekope Kepu, James Slipper, Salesi Ma'afu, Stephen Moore, Saia Faingaa, Tatafu Polota-Nau.
Antfarm August 18, 2011 8:07 am
I've kept a copy of this game for those sleepless nights, the perfect way to send me off to dreamysleepsvilleland.
Like a previous poster said, it's a good job the rules get changed every year by those down under, they've made modern rugby such a wonderful attacking thrillbusting sport that everyone is flocking to see and this game is a perfect example of those fantastic rule changes in action.
Like a previous poster said, it's a good job the rules get changed every year by those down under, they've made modern rugby such a wonderful attacking thrillbusting sport that everyone is flocking to see and this game is a perfect example of those fantastic rule changes in action.
Anonymous August 18, 2011 10:17 am
Hmm anyone know where i can get a metal chastity belt that perhaps isn't metal... I am heading to new zealand for the world cup, and I know how these guys are notorious for being bum pokers! so I want some protection from that... however I can't have metal pants as when i go through security it will attract attention and i might end up getting a cavity "bum poke" search...
Any ideas?
Any ideas?
moddeur August 18, 2011 12:41 pm
Hum, that's a bit of a strange comment, the one on the "boring" aspect of a game like this ...
Personally, in low-scoring games, I'm busy looking at every tackle, every position of every man in the line, in a ruck.
Perhaps some people should really be watching basketball, maybe they like it with a lot of dazzle and bright lights? NH rugby is neither boring nor fascinating, it's just rugby.
Personally, in low-scoring games, I'm busy looking at every tackle, every position of every man in the line, in a ruck.
Perhaps some people should really be watching basketball, maybe they like it with a lot of dazzle and bright lights? NH rugby is neither boring nor fascinating, it's just rugby.
Anonymous August 18, 2011 1:14 pm
Im with Moddeur, just because a game is low scoring, it does not mean that bodies are not put on the line, in fact low scoring games are inevitably harder and more gruelling games because neither side wants to give an inch!
of course, that is not the case in this low scoring bullshit boring ball dropping ass dirty saffa playing game!
of course, that is not the case in this low scoring bullshit boring ball dropping ass dirty saffa playing game!
Anonymous August 19, 2011 5:21 am
One boring game, get over you plonkers. One boring game in two seasons of Tri Nations isnt bad..just the way it panned out.
Anonymous August 19, 2011 9:05 am
Lol, nah watching SA get dicked last year was pretty boring too... or at least it would have been had i not been laughing so damn hard and spamming RD at the same time about it!
Weaddurlink August 22, 2011 3:38 am
Rugby World Cup Schedule and Qualifiers details here
Rugby World Cup 2011 Schedule
Rugby World Cup 2011 Dates
Rugby World Cup 2011 Schedule
Rugby World Cup 2011 Dates
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