Argentina - SA Second Test

A critical analysis of what to expect on Saturday is required - with special reference to performance by certain players is necessary.    Indications are that it would be a very wet day and that would have a serious impact on the outcome - the weather being a great leveller in respect of the final outcome.

Kirchner - he will be peppered with high balls - his greatest weakness.   Last Saturday the one ball kicked at him where the ball was contested - he lost the ball.   One negative in our game plan.   A number of backline moves -  where he came into the backline - was destroyed by him trying to play crash ball rugby.   His defence is also questionable - so a weak link in the Springbok set up.

Mvovo - played a reasonable game on Saturday - but was replaced by Hougaard, who was very good at wing - after being average as a scrummie.   Mvovo's one weakness is his handling of high balls kicked at him - which could be a problem on Saturday.   Likely to be replaced by Hougaard early in the game.

Francois Steyn - Many of the Argentinian players played with or against him in France and know his play well.  He clearly was the worst player in the Springbok set-up in the first test.   Likely to be weak again on Saturday and this can be a serious problem.

Morne Steyn - Wet conditions may result in a reversal of his play to the type of play in the PE test and kicking could be back as the preferred option - especially in view of the potential sub-par performance of Francois Steyn.    His kicking game in the first test was better than in PE.

Hougaard in PE in wet conditions was poor - if repeated likely to be replaced early and moved to the wing.

Daniel was weak in the first test and his replacement by Alberts as number 8 is an improvement.

Potgieter is clueless and nothing much can be expected from him.

Strauss looked good in the first test - but for ball retention that should be improved.

Other than Lambie and Pienaar and with the possible exception of Cilliers - the bench looks weak.   Liebenberg has the potential to give away too many penalties - which could impact on the outcome of the game should he be brought on.

In general I think - despite the criticism of certain players - the Springboks will win the test - but the margin of victory will be circa 6 to 9 points.   The problem cases mentioned could lead to replacement of some of the players - which could have a major impact on the outcome of the game.  

Mike you say it will be wet and that does bother me as we are not grea twet weather exponents. The Argies strenght is in their pack and will maul all day!

However I am hoping for a further improvement in the Boks. The pack looks pretty good ven though not the bes twe could field. I am not as pessimistic re Potgieter as some here. He is a good forward and still finding his feet. Prefer him to Daniel who wisely is on the bench where he may actually thrive.

I agree withyou re Hougarrd. I think if we see once more Pienaar adding zip to the backline and Hougaard shining on the wing afgain we could see a permanent shift perhaps taking place. However perhaps meyer reall ywants to be sure hougaard is not the bes toption at scrumhalf before throwong in the towel. He no doubt hopes to couch him right so perhaps the change is some games away yet?

Frans Steyn. I noted some time ago he was looking a bit overweight. Meyer must just work his case and fire him up - he has what it takes I believe. In that last test he had to tackle the Argie wing running back down the touchline. He showed there was not too much wrong with his pace when he cracked it on. Steyn has a nice step and skills. - lets see them Frans! They also need to use him for some long range kicks and get him ready to fulfill this role.

This test will be harder but our boys will be have improved. So we will win.

Good luck to Tiaan you deserve a Bok cap having played so well for so long.  I would play Strauss against Oz and Tiaan against the abs. Burden could be considered for the bench against Oz particulary the second test against them when we have properly assesed matters. 

Beeno

I did take note of the case of Francois Steyn you are referring to.- the ball was passed to a player outside of Steyn and then kicked along the line.   Steyn had at least a two meter advantage over the running wing of the Argentinians - but he got to the ball after the Argenitan wing got to the vall abd kocked it ou of play.

Kirchner was nowhere in the picture and there was no covering player that could help in this case.

Let me be plain on this one.   I am a greart admirer of Francois Steyn - since the first day I saw him play at full back for the Sharks.   I was surprised to see in real life how tall he is - but in 2008 he was built in proportion to his height.   He had all the right credentials and physical attributes and was a success as inside center in the 2007 WC - despite the fact that he did miss a crucial tackle that could have affected the outcome if the POMS managed to score that one try in the corner. 

However, when he went to France something changed and he is not as slim, strong and fast as he used to be.   In France he played as a typical crash ball center - I watched a number of games he played in there with interest and a sense of disappointment.   No real finesse like he used to have.   He put on weight and slowed down quite a bit.   I agree with you about the need for positive coaching in his case and hope he receovers to play at the level of achievement before he went to France.

Hope my view of him improves as he gets back to playing rugby - maybe too much eating whilst on honeymoon and not playing for the Sgharks in the latter stages of the Super 15 series added to the problem.;)   

"Potgieter is clueless and nothing much can be expected from him."

There's nothing anyone can say or add to the above.....your statement is basically honest, flat and final.

Mike it is strange how he has not developed or even maintained his early standard of play after experiencing all that French flair we hear about. Hopefully as he gets a high level of competition he will get motivated to up his game. Meyer needs to work his case!!

Potgieter Denny is being trashed unreasonably. He is not as bad as some make out. Lets see how he goes on Saturday.