This is the silver lining with lots of extra time to prepare for the 4nations and World Cup - especially for a team has only one season of test rugby with a new coach, following 2 years of Coetzee before that....
So this should be a nice prep for getting combinations and set plays.
Actually believe that with the right players and style of play the Boks could give a nice account of themselves. I don't think they'll win it although that would be a nice surprise.
My thoughts exactly Den. We don't have NZ stocks, but we certainly have a good enough pool of players to challenge any team in the world...even NZ. I have said it many times before, but I think our main issues lie in our coaching philosphy and in mental strength. About the only posution we are found a little wanting is at 12. I think Kriel is a good enough 13 to at least render the position satisfactorily covered. Still, we can produce a very strong team with the players we have.
Ja 12 is a worry but getting our defence watertight should be at the every top of our agenda. I think the Kiwis are still ahead of us with the ability to execute with consistency and speed .....that's the major difference. We can match them in the set pieces and with Marx we'll be ok at the ruck.
It really doesn't matter how much time Rassie has available. There is no technology that can transform the incompetent quota we have at 6 ... nor will a crash course in leadership help this fool to lead his side without the aid of the actual leaders around him.
Everyone knows why he's there pretending rugby ... even his team mates.
How can you respect that?
Jantjies is anther chump beyond help.
Then there's the score of elderly pensioners that are undoubtedly planned to do service at this years world cup. Vermeulen and Brits ... and of course Beast.
That's 5 of the 31.
Throw in a midget like Bongi into the mix ... a few quotas on the wing ... and fill the bench with decorations to appease the masses and what we have is another Proteas side coming home early.
It's going to be hilarious to see them, returning home after the pool stages.
Question you have to ask yourself ... will we learn from this.
Our national cricket team has embarrassed us more so than at any time in their history.
The rugby is going to do the same.
Go England.
