Bok props and pack.

Ox and Marx have been nominated as finalists for the IRB Player of the year. Wilco Louw has been devastating at tight head and could have been nominated. These three make up the strongest front row in World rugby.

Then on the bench you could have Steenekamp, Wessels and Du Toit another excellent front row.

I mention this to indicate how we have been effected on this tour by the loss of Ox and Wessels. To be fair Grobelar has been good. Marnus is also good enough to play test rugby.

There was a time a while ago when some thought the scrum. was no longer thst important. How wrong that was.

We have our 21 year old lossehead and what other props. .

But barring injury all six of those mentioned above will be young enough to play in the nest RWC.

I think barring injury our locks will be Eben l, Nortje, Lood, Snyman and possibly one other.

Tremendous tight 5 resources.

We have an abundance of lose forwards. Add in guys like Hanekom, Roos and Tsituka. Hopefully 2026 will see these guys in Bok action.

We have the forwards to set up a, great backline. We have the coach. Will fate smile on us and keep injuries at bay.

If we had given Ox, Marx, Wilco, Eben, RG, Kolisi, PSDT and Wiese 50 starts as a unit - no side would come close to living with them

They would literally destroy everything in front of them

I can’t say I buy into Rassie splitting the power between the starting and bench players but it works, so what do I know

Id just prefer to see the likes of Wilco and RG playing 50 or 60min not 20 or 30

Maybe Rassie thinks the biggest opportunitie lie later in the game. Snyman on form and thinking conventionally would start.

The other point is Rassie is prolonging the live of players. Top players are coming off the benh and this is not seen as a demotion.. This also grows newer players coming in.

There is so much rugby being played these days that having a big squad who can all step up and do the job is essential. Otherwise burnout WILL happen and injuries WILL increase.

Like you I sometimes think Rassie should have done something differently but also like you I have great respect for this extraordinary coach who has achieved so much.

Hoping for a great win later today

Congrats, Beeno...two whole posts where you made your points without feeling the need to put others down.

See, I always knew you had it in you.

It's indeed nuts what stock we have up front...and that is now being matched by the backs. Tell me any team in the world where Arendse, Kolbe, Hooker, Sasja and Willemse wouldn't walk in. Tell me any team that wouldn't give their souls to have AE start at 12 for them.

Good times