Boks vs Wobblies - Head to Head and Predictions

The anticipation is reaching fever pitch as Eddie, the head coach, has finally unveiled his team selection. Fans are eagerly awaiting the upcoming clash on Saturday, curious to witness the potential of this newly formed squad. With nearly a month of intensive training camp behind them, the players are in fine form, many having enjoyed a six-week break from competitive action.

The atmosphere is charged as the Springboks prepare to take the field on the high veld, and to the delight of local supporters, several Bulls players will be donning the green and gold jerseys.

Let's take a closer look at the starting lineups:

Springboks:

15 - Willie le Roux

14 - Kurt-Lee Arendse

13 - Lukhanyo Am

12 - Andre Esterhuizen

11 - Canan Moodie

10 - Manie Libbok

9 - Cobus Reinach

8 - Duane Vermeulen (c)

7 - Pieter-Steph du Toit

6 - Marco van Staden

5 - Marvin Orie

4 - Jean Kleyn

3 - Frans Malherbe

2 - Bongi Mbonambi

1 - Ox Nche Kittshoff

Replacements:

16 - Joseph Dweba

17 - Tho mas du Toit

18 - Vincent Koch

19 - RG Snyman

20 - Evan Roos

21 - Deon Fourie

22 - Grant Williams

23 - Damian Willemse

Australia:

15 - Tom Wright

14 - Suliasi Vunivalu

13 - Len Ikitau

12 - Reece Hodge

11 - Marika Koroibete

10 - Quade Cooper

9 - Nic White

8 - Rob Valetini

7 - Michael Hooper (c)

6 - Tom Hooper

5 - Will Skelton

4 - Nick Frost

3 - Allan Alaalatoa

2 - David Porecki

1 - James Slipper (c)

Replacements:

16 - Jordan Uelese

17 - Matt Gibbon

18 - Zane Nonggorr

19 - Richie Arnold

20 - Pete Samu

21 - Tate McDermott

22 - Samu Kerevi

23 - Carter

It's worth noting that Australia has included four debutants in their lineup, alongside the experienced Quade Cooper. Eddie and Cooper share a long history, having previously collaborated during their successful tenure at the Reds, where they clinched the Super Rugby title together. This reunion adds an intriguing narrative to the contest.

Now, let's break it down by major groups:

Front Row: With Kitshoff, Bongi, and Frans leading the charge, the Springboks boast one of their strongest front rows. The Australian counterparts are expected to face a significant challenge in this department.

Locks: The return of Will Skelton, who has been a dominant force in France over the past few seasons, adds immense strength to the Australian side. Paired with Orie and Jean Kleyn, the Springboks will face a formidable test. RG Snyman is still working his way back to full fitness after limited game time over the past four years, making his impact an intriguing factor to watch.

Back Row: Tom Hooper makes his debut, standing at an impressive 199cm and weighing 125kg. His inclusion seems aimed at neutralizing the threat posed by Pieter-Steph du Toit and Duane Vermeulen. With the highly skilled Michael Hooper leading the Australian back row, it's difficult to deny their advantage in this area. The Springboks' back row, although powerful, may struggle to match thepace and agility of their Australian counterparts.

Halfbacks (9-10): The matchup between Reinach, Libbok, Cooper, and White promises to be intriguing. South African fans haven't forgotten Whites mustache incident, and the Bulls crowd is likely to give him a hard time. If Libbok can maintain his composure and capitalize on Reinach's pace, it could be a challenging day for the Australians. The Springboks' superior speed might be the key factor in this battle.

Centers (12-13): The combination of Am and Esterhuizen, a duo fans have been yearning for, brings a thrilling prospect to the Springbok midfield. Both players possess exceptional skills, and Esterhuizen has notably improved his distribution abilities. Their ability to draw in defenders should create ample space for Am and Libbok to exploit. While Reece Hodge is an experienced and talented player, Len Ikitau is relatively unknown. The Springboks hold the advantage in terms of size and skill, a rarity when facing an Australian team.

Back Three (11, 14, 15): The introduction of the new Bulls back three, comprising le Roux, Arendse, and Moodie, adds an exciting dynamic to the game. It will be intriguing to witness the guile of le Roux, the elusive footwork of Arendse, and the height and pace of Moodie pitted against the likes of Koroibete, Tom Wright, and the highly anticipated Rugby League convert, Vunivalu. While physically matching up against the Australians might pose a challenge for the Bulls players, le Roux's distribution skills and Arendse's ability to outmaneuver larger opponents offer reassurance. Arendse's success against formidable Fijian players in sevens rugby bodes well for the Springboks.

Excitement is building, especially considering the strength of the Springboks' bench. Roos is expected to make a powerful impact when he takes the field, and RG Snyman's presence will be crucial. Oupa Fourie adds a combative edge towards the end of the match. Grant Williams brings pace to the game, while Damian Willemse eagerly awaits his opportunity to contribute.

In conclusion, the Springboks, led by Libbok, Am, and le Roux, possess the ability to open up the game. The Australians, however, aim to dominate in the forward battle. If the Springboks can turn the tables on their opponents' pack and exert pressure on their back three, it could prove to be a long day for the Australians. It's important not to underestimate their expertise in aerial contests, as they are renowned as the best in the business in that aspect of the game. The stage is set for an enthralling encounter that promises excitement from kickoff to the final whistle.

Boks to win by 14

That’s a strong Australian team with lot’s of experience in key positions. It’s a contest.

Ja, I just wonder if it's another Wales match where the less favourable players get sold down the river. 

That said, my only concern is Duanne and Orie. Other than that, don't think the boks could have fielded a stronger team. 

The will also miss not having Eben on the park, but his in NZ at the moment getting over jet lag. 

I'm also worried about having Dweeb on the bench, last time he gave away a scrum penalty due to a technicality and then couldn't find any of his jumpers. 

Lineouts have become so important these days. You lose the throw and everything implodes. Teams can really punish you. Especially the way the boks play, they use the scrum to get penalties, then drive it down the field where they set themselves up. 

I didn't think that Jones coached Quade, but he did catch him in his debut season in 2007. They finished bottom of the table though. 

The loose trio is highly suspect. Thor is a massive gamble. Van Staden has looked okay the last couple of times I have seen him, but I cannot see him carrying the other two - if Thor fails to fire. Steph is as terrible as ever he was. One of the most consistent Boks for his performances, sadly, they aren't very good. The wings are another soft point. 

The midfield is the strongest we could field in terms of centres, we will see how Am performs after a pretty poor season by his standards last year. If Libbok can't show something with Reinach and those centres, along with Willie, then something is very wrong. 

My prediction is that the Boks will have another lopsided penalty count with mysterious calls and that'll sway the contest. If Erasputin is even remotely cognizant , he'll let Esterhuizen have some front-foot ball for the first time ever in his test career! But can Libbok dictate play? 

Well the only bok World Cup winning coach still involved in the following World Cup, interesting times. Didn't know he had the rare polyangiitis. 

I for one are looking forward to the game. Hope it a good running game and none of this up and under nonsense. 

I'm not sure what to expect from the boks.  I have not been impressed with how the backline has been functioning. Just hope the coaches haven't pigeoned holed Libbok and trying to force him to play like Pollard. The guy should back himself, the boks should adjust their play to complement Manie line break and make sure the ball is retain. Probably also worth noting having Willie on the pitch the can in as the 2nd 10 option if Manie ends up going down a blind Ally. 

Of course I don't expect them to run coast to coast, but given the size of the Australia pack and some of their backs, I would definitely drive the for the corners and get them to turn around a lot. 

I know I'm not a fan of kicking but if the boks can put contestable kicks through and dictate where the ball is played from, making sure the catcher is trapped, forcing the pack to turn around at the high veld, will mean that we can tire them out and allow for the last 20 minute to open up when we have the likes of RG, Roos and Fourie coming on. 

Good start Bokke.

Well so far, both sides are very, very raw at best. Defences are poor, cohesion ball in hand is poor, decision making by both sides is abysmal. 

Try: nicely worked down the side, good hands by Am, great evasive stepping from Curtly to get pass 3 wobblies