The last time we played Samoa, Fransie took on the challenge of beating them in terms of physicality. He hurt himself and as a result, our RWC chances. Tomorrow he lines up against the repositioned Manu Tuilagi, another Samoan bruiser. Let's hope Fransie beats him with finesse and doesn't get sucked into the macho thing. The Franse/Jean partnership is one of our new attractions, it would be a shame not to see it deployed in the TN.
Frans has the edge, he manhandled Manu in that test, but agreed - I'd rather see Frans beat him with skill. But Manu is going to target the porous Morne at 10
.....and no doubt the paper tiger Pierrrrre Susspies, who might have to make more than one tackle this time.
His tackling has been fine for some time now
Sure, if you call making one of two attempted tackles in the whole Pom test..... "fine".
Those stats sound suspect. I dont recall him missing any. The man had a good game, but you will never acknowledge that - you dont like and he will never do anything positive in your eyes
I don't like him because he doesn't make a difference. Best thing he did in the last test was win some lineouts. He made a few metres, but got knocked over by the first tackler. And he was awol in defence. A waif, a breeze, he's so ephemeral. He just doesn't matter.
I can't accept his inherent defeatism. He shows no anxiety when we are behind, never raises his game....never commits his body. Give me a trier any day.
Mozart
I agree with you on he Spies issue. His game is not up to standard anymore and any player can be used in the line out play - even a player as small s Daniel when properly supported - so I do not fall for that one. I think that Spies is on borrowed time and would rather want to see a different scenario on the loosies play when the injured players return. I would rather see Alberts played at 8 than Spies and play Burger at 7 than to continue with Spies - which in Super 15 and even in the English test did not peform as a good international number 8.
Let me put it clearly - we have better options than Spies at 8, but that will not happen in the present series against the POMS, but definitely in the Four Nations competition. That is when the final decision on Spies will be made. The only way Spies can overcome the situation would be brilliant performances in the next two tests - but that is highly unlikely in view of the perrformances thus far this year.
Insofar as Francois Steyn is concerned I do think he will outplay Manu - but am also worried about Morne Steyn. The obvious play would be to draw Manu in and pass the ball to Steyn and De Villers efficiently - but the question remains - is Morne able to do that. However, this problem will also be solved when Goosen comes back into contention..
Morne's tackling is adequate. May I remind you that the great Naas Botha never tackled much either. In fact Burmann van Zyl did not want Naas to tackle much in case he got injured.
If that fat boy Manu tries to run at Morne the Bone Crusher (Alberts) needs to flatten him a couple of times and the fat boy will give up very quickly. No Frans also will have his number as sapster says and the oak is probably quaking in his boots right now at the thought of facing Frans. Manu will be managed as was a far more dangerous opponet like Jonah Lomo.
Meyer and Rassie have this one covered.
Kak, Morne is mostly a poor defender, the guy does not front up. Manu is anything but fat, the kid is a monster all 112kg of him
A monster you say? Amazing then that a 31 year old guy bested him last weekend, hey? Jean had the toughest Bok assignment last Saturday and he bested Caliban. So they have shifted poor Manu......no change to be had at 13.
As for Morne his tackling stats for his last test was 7 attempted, 7 made.
Mone makes the tackles - obvioulsy they are not bone jarring ones but he does a job.
The fat boy is going to get thumped sapster, mark my words. 112 kgs you say - of which 100 kg is good old fashined nz/islander lard! Hahahhahahahahaha.
England say they are going to rely on Manu to get them over the advantage line. Well we shall see how well that works.
Mone makes the tackles - obvioulsy they are not bone jarring ones but he does a job.
The fat boy is going to get thumped sapster, mark my words. 112 kgs you say - of which 100 kg is good old fashined nz/islander lard! Hahahhahahahahaha.
England say they are going to rely on Manu to get them over the advantage line. Well we shall see how well that works.
