Right, let's set the record straight. I'm extremely proud of how Rassie has gone about this year. At first I was scratching my head why on earth he made certain selections and why does he insist to have 45 world class players in the team and whether it is even possible. What did transpired is to see a very fit bok team with our favourite cheer leader, Kolisi on the sidelines shouting, they are tired. Normally it would go the other way as a team with 14 men would fade away but this was not the case. Rassie has turned the in game management into an art form and no longer relying on brute force to get the job done. Using Swiss army knife players or more our favourable knives, the Leatherman that is more robust and can help fix your 4x4 in the bush.
He now has win record of 37 out of 51 games. Pushing closer to 74% win record and keeping pace with coaches like Eddie and Farrel win records at their peak.
However, it is Ireland, they seem to have figured out how to defuse Rassie brute force with really intelligent play and equal as big forwards and backs that can keep up with the boks but who also have a far superior attacking play that creates tries, make defences narrow and use their faithful loop pass to the winger outside after they have managed to bunch up the defenders. Why no team actually just keep a winger out wide for that pass is beyond me. It is ripe for an intercept.
Now, let's talk brass tax, this will be the 7th game. If Rassie can crack this nut, he will have an open run with the next 4 games to increase his consecutive win ratio with only England and the All Blacks posing a threat to that in the republic.
We saw the stalwarts come unstuck at Eden park where Rassie switched to the youngsters that lead to a record win against the all blacks.
Come on Rassie, you can do it.
I just wonder if he will picking the donkeys in the midfield like Damian Dud, Jessica Kriel or will he roll the dice and put AE and Moodie along with Sasha in the backline. Hooker, Willemse and Kolbe in the back three to counter the high kicks.
Who will he put in the engine room. Will he opt for Porthen at tightwad and Thomas Du Toit at Loose head and the bring on Wilco and Stenekamp for if and when we lose a lock, again.
In my book, just stick with AE and start with him, that way we don't have to sub the entire pack.
I just hope this game don't get ruined by a card.
Go Rassie, Go Bokke