Why do I get the feeling that NZ have been waiting for this and will be totally up for the Boks this weekend.
South Africa have not earned the right to think that they are better than NZ and now comes the time.
Not that it is going to be easy - I think the Boks will be up for this to - But NZ will be a bit to good I am afraid.
Forward dominance does not mean very much when playing NZ so most of the Springboks strengths are negated against this side.
QS, I agree the ABs have been targeting the Boks all year and this has entered into their planning for game and player development and especially player rotation . That's why players like Retallick have been rested. As you said though, it's going to be a tough couple of games. The Boks can't catch or pass the ball but they still make for an interesting opponent
Winning the 4 nations, being first in the IRB ratings, and winning the world cup in the same year is considered as being the best team in the world- at least by world rugby themselves.
However, the Boks of 2021 have certainly dropped a beat from the 2019 edition. The 2019 Bok team would have thrashed the current edition.
England's form also dropped after the world cup finishing last in the 5 nations in 2020 . Eddie Jones is doing a major clear-out routine of players, and even coaches to rebuild for the next world cup.
The midfield is the biggest concern for the Boks, with no player to replace the out-of-form Delande. The midfield is where Australia beat the Boks, with Kerevi and co carving up the Bok defense.
New Zealand was not in top form in 2019, and many players were stale, or past their best. The All Blacks also looked poor to average in 2020, but they now seem to be getting back into top form.
2019 Boks weren't much better than today . You're all straining to avoid the truth.
Got to disagree Aug, 2019 Boks were not a bad side at all.
This year is a different story, can only comment on the last 2 tests as they are the only ones I have watched and they went from shit to more shit which really surprised me after that first narrow loss I was expecting a backlash but all we got was a whimper.
Can't see the wee Bokkies winning this week (bet beenshit is trawling the TV guide in hope there is a tennis match on so he can miss the game) but its the wee bokkies against the mighty AB's so if there is any game your lot will get up for its this one. Never write off the wee Bokkies when they are facing us
Thanks Sader, you seem to have more respect for this Bok team than some of the fickle fans...I'm hoping for a good show by our boys...hope they sort out whatever is wrong between their ears.
Respect is earned. Not simply given.
It was earned, you just completely missed it...
Neither have we Plum, we only got to play the hopeless Wobblies once, at least you got 2 home RC games.
And Paps we are not at full strength, no Sam Whitelock, Aaron Smith or Mo'unga three of our very best
Latest news by the hand-wringing journos is that Papallii and ALB still have injuries. Oh, don't forget Cane is still not available so we are selecting second and third string players at 7. So there is a fairly long list of players that are not available or who may not be available but the Boks also have a few players who are not available. Par for the course.
Plum Comments - Well, this is a nothing RC anyway. Considering the Bok are playing none of their tough games on home soil.
New Zealand have only played 1 in NZ.
Plum - Are you a sow loser - I think you may need to grow up.
Yes the Springboks are going through a rough patch and the BL tour and the Pumas test did nothing to show that they have regained their mojo.
But that coupled with political directives and financial offers has surely resulted in the loss of upcoming young players who are plying their skills in the UK, Japan and France.
For example the RSA Rand is worth C$ 0.11 on a good day so you can understand why the players are looking elsewhere for more than one reason.
I short the field is very limited when it comes to options open to young players (White) to earn a place as a Springbok and at the same time secure their future once they retire from playing.
Not making excuses but NZ, Aussie and English cricket and Japan, Scotland, Ireland, Canadian , USA and English rugby have all benefited from SA players whilst SA cricket and rugby to a degree have declined dramatically.
Take the local rugby Currie Cup rugby team winners getting thumped by an Italian team in a rugby final, unheard of in history.
But enjoy the games this W/E because whatever happens the Aussies are not going to win the tournament nor are the Springboks.
Keep up your hopes perhaps one day your Australian team might once again win the Ellis World Cup.
