Uh-oh . . . DumbAss is masking his rugby ignorance by posting ChatGPT opinions rather than his own . . . and neither one knows that Duane Vermeulen has retired.
This could get very tiresome very quickly!
Uh-oh . . . DumbAss is masking his rugby ignorance by posting ChatGPT opinions rather than his own . . . and neither one knows that Duane Vermeulen has retired.
This could get very tiresome very quickly!
Sic you really are a pathetic fellow.
Looks like even Chat Gpt Hasn’t found a proper replacement for Duane yet. Interesting choices here.
"Interesting choices here."
Mpower, I'm not trying to be
All I am saying is that Chat gpt is making interesting choices. I do know that most of his first choice players is not first choice anymore.
Most of the First choice players is on the bench. I think DA knows this to and put it on here, for interest sake.
So forgetting AI for a sec, who would be your shortlist for #8?
ChatGPT will readily admit it doesn't use data within the last year or two which might explain why it's still picking the retired Duane Vermeulen, but stop defaulting to AI like
DumbAss and tell us who is your pick?
Hanekom first choice. Wiese and Elrigh Louw Runner up.
Ok, that's more like reality.
Thanks.
But then there is also Roos and Francke Horn….i think Dave would say Roos at 8 but I like Roos at 6. With my Runner up choice, I am putting Francke Horn down to. Elrigh is versatile, but better at 7 I would say.
I would also like to pick Evan Roos in the same back row as Camerom Hanekom (assuming Roos recovers his form of a year ago) but I'm not going to compromise on the nation-building qualities of Siya Kolisi so unless Rassie playes PSdT as a lock, there's only room for one.
Here's ChatGPT's selection:
That system is a joke if Hanekom is not included in the options at 8. Also it’s Dan du Preez that plays at 8 not JL. As for Vermeulen having retired well that says it all
Mapimpi ahead of Arendse is a joke as is Ox ahead of Kitshoff presently given Kitshoff is not playing and Ox is probably the best loosehead in the game right now
Powder puff ahead of RG is insulting
Willemse not in the starting side is a joke
Nyakane on the bench - he is history as is Reinach
Devil's Advocate
Rugby Legend
5791 posts
Im very impressed .... seriously impressed actually
I saw Mpowers team post for the EOYT and I decided to ask ChatGPT this question below.
"Given how successful the Springboks have been over the last few years, and your ability to analyse all the stats available for each playing position, what current Springbok players would you select to play in your team, if your life depended on it, and provide the reasons why"
I have to say, for me, it's very hard to disagree with this team selection, and whilst I initially thought that I would rather have Kwagga coming off the bench and not starting, I have also previously mentioned and pushed to see Kwagga start, because he offers so much physically and gains so many turnovers, especially for his size, but that would possibly mean Siya / Fourie / V-S coming on later to replace him and I am not sure if he would be as impactful as kwagga is when he usually comes on so late in the game, so I am actually quite happy to start Kwagga, just to try it out.
I also questioned the DDA selection, but as much as I have really disliked his play for a while, he does seem to have improved over the last few games, so I'll give him the credit he is due.
Then we have the selection of Duane, who as we know has retired, but I don't think up until the last update, ChatGPT knew this
This team, including the replacements is bloody solid.
This was the reply I got:
If I had to choose a Springbok team and my life depended on it, I'd go for a mix of experience, consistency, and X-factor players who have proven themselves in key moments. Here’s my selection, based on their form over the last few years:
1. Loosehead Prop: Steven Kitshoff
Kitshoff is an immovable force in the scrum and a solid player around the park. His work rate and tackling are exceptional, plus he’s consistently strong in set pieces. His experience and aggression give him the edge over most looseheads in the game.
2. Hooker: Malcolm Marx
Marx is not just a beast in the scrum and lineout; his turnover ability at the breakdown is world-class. He’s a strong ball carrier and often adds massive impact when the team needs it. His size and power make him a nightmare for any opposition.
3. Tighthead Prop: Frans Malherbe
Malherbe is arguably one of the best scrummagers in the world. His technique in the tight phases is immaculate, and he brings a calming presence to the front row. Not the flashiest player, but his consistency and reliability make him crucial.
4. Lock: Eben Etzebeth
Etzebeth is a physical and mental enforcer. His athleticism and aggression, combined with his ability to dominate in the lineout and collisions, make him one of the top locks globally. His leadership and imposing figure set the tone for the pack.
5. Lock: Franco Mostert
Mostert is an absolute workhorse. He covers an incredible amount of ground and is equally efficient in defense and carrying the ball. His lineout ability, along with his tireless work ethic, makes him the perfect partner to Etzebeth.
6. Blindside Flanker: Pieter-Steph Du Toit
Du Toit is the engine of the team. His tackling, work rate, and leadership are immense, and he's always in the thick of the action. His ability to be everywhere on the field while maintaining high standards in defense and breakdown work is unmatched.
7. Openside Flanker: Kwagga Smith
Smith’s dynamism and versatility offer something unique to the Springboks. He’s quick, incredibly strong for his size, and has the heart of a lion. His ability to play across multiple positions and adapt in high-pressure situations makes him an asset.
8. Number 8: Duane Vermeulen
Despite his age, Vermeulen’s experience and rugby IQ remain invaluable. His leadership on and off the field, his brutal physicality, and his ability to dominate in both attack and defense make him the perfect player for a do-or-die game.
9. Scrumhalf: Faf de Klerk
De Klerk is a world-class disruptor. His sniping runs, energy, and quick service from the base of the ruck can change the tempo of the game. His defensive work rate, especially against much bigger players, also adds another layer of security.
10. Flyhalf: Handré Pollard
Pollard’s game management, reliable boot, and calm demeanor under pressure make him my pick. He’s solid in defense, has a great tactical kicking game, and can control a game with his passing and decision-making.
11. Left Wing: Makazole Mapimpi
Mapimpi’s pace and finishing ability are second to none. He’s consistently lethal with ball in hand, and his work off the ball, especially in defense, has improved dramatically over the years. You need someone who can score tries out of nowhere, and Mapimpi delivers.
12. Inside Centre: Damian de Allende
De Allende is a physical presence in the midfield and has the ability to crash through defenders or offload in the tackle. His defense is rock-solid, and his decision-making in high-pressure games is dependable. He’s an excellent carrier and sets the platform for others.
13. Outside Centre: Lukhanyo Am
Am is an incredible reader of the game, and his defense is possibly the best among centers in the world. His ability to intercept passes and shut down attacking threats is uncanny. He’s also very creative on attack, with sharp distribution and tactical awareness.
14. Right Wing: Cheslin Kolbe
Kolbe’s footwork is unrivaled, and his ability to break tackles and create something from nothing is legendary. Despite his smaller frame, he’s fearless on defense and under the high ball. Kolbe is a game-changer who can swing a match in a single moment of brilliance.
15. Fullback: Willie le Roux
Le Roux’s experience and rugby intelligence are vital in the back three. He acts as a second playmaker, has an excellent tactical kicking game, and his vision often sets up tries. His ability to read the game and provide an extra layer of security in the backfield is invaluable.
Impact Players (Bench):
17. Ox Nché – Dynamic in open play and a strong scrummager to relieve Kitshoff.
18. Trevor Nyakane – A versatile front-rower who can cover both sides of the scrum and bring fresh legs.
19. RG Snyman – His physicality and mobility make him a fantastic replacement lock.
20. Jasper Wiese – A strong ball carrier who offers an explosive impact from the bench.
21. Cobus Reinach – Fast and sharp, he can speed up the game if needed.
22. Damian Willemse – Versatile across the backline, Willemse can cover multiple positions and brings flair.
23. Kurt-Lee Arendse – His pace and agility can exploit tiring defenses late in the game.
Why these players?