Is Josh Strauss better than Ashley Johnson?

Nope.....Johnson should be in the squad....a tough bugger, suited to test rugby.

Its a tough call hey.

As far as i am concerned, Spoes shouldnt eben be in the squad.

JS and AJ are at the top of their game!

JS = fantastic at close quarters, especially on defense. He is also a tough runner to bring down. Put him in a half decent side and you'll see how he'll thrive. Once must remember, he is playing with a shit pack who are often on retreat. AJ on the other hand has a great pack in front of him.

AJ = Destructive runner and good link man. The Cheetahs style of rugga suits his style of play.

Its a tough call... but either way, neither player would let us down.

I really, really don't know what people see in Spoes besides his potential which after 6 seasons of top flight rugby... we see very rarely. In terms of potential, he is light years ahead of any other international number 8. He's as quick as any winger... but he collapses off his feet when he see's a defender near him.

I mean for F sakes... run Spies, run! Make some yards! Thats what I find myself saying every week!

Furthermore, can you remember the last time he made any sort of telling tackle??? NO!

But he just doest have his heart in the right place.

Its such a pity because I really had high hopes when i saw this strapping, flying beast in full flight at school boy level.

Spies will get the nod....and do nothing again.

May as well practice with 14 men during the week.

Nothing personal against Spoes, he seems like a hell of a good oke to have a beer or go to church with... but na, as an international 8th man... hes to sissy for me.

Well 13 really if you include Josh Strauss...

There is that!

 Spoes, is just the poster boy. One of the few bulls forwards that resemble a human being

No the real question is whether Josh is better than Schalk these days and I'd certainly select Josh - great player and the best leader in SA rugby right now. Johnson is solid enough but struggles to make the Cheetahs starting line-up which about sums him up.

Glad to Meyer thinks along my lines at least he knows what he is talking about. I dont see Johnson in the squad and rightly so. The loosies that should be in the squad are Kolisi and Elstadt, not journeyman Johnson, but hardly a surprise that Moz would make the Johnson call - as on the button as ever.

Good call Meyer long may it live

@Saffex...

How does Johnson fit into the "journeyman" category?

Spies is not what you all think. He did edge schalk in the World Cup and had a fine 2009 season for the Boks. He does more work than he is credited for. By no means is he the perfect 8, we do not have one, but he must be in the squad. Strauss is a useless low impact loafer. Johnson is an 8 more in the mould of Cronje and Big Joe. I like those kinds of players. He runs the ball hard and fast and has good distribution in contact. That adds a lot of value at test level and is the one ingredient that is letting Spies down. As for Schalk? I see a future for him at 8 should the right decisions be made. He is not the best 6 or 7, far from it.

For a country so rich in No8s and fwds in general - its interesting debate this.

Josh as a big loosie 115 kg is behind a lot of players eg Alberts, elstadt and jaque Potgieter Duane vermulen. No josh is not going to get in. I would however like to see him play in a better side before concluding on the matter.
I am not sure where ou sapster gets the idea he is a great captain from?