This should be as Moz said a very intruiging contest.As with Deon Fourie Kockotts talents were ignoired. Is this a moment when thanks s to that canny Coach mallet is time to set the rcord straight.
I will be surprised if he isnt better than Pienaar. Du Preez too could be edged. we shall see.
NH names will be tested.
Both scrumhalves will be keen to prove a point in the match between the Springboks and World XV at Newlands this Saturday.
Fourie du Preez is the best No 9 in the game (Was the best number 9 - so often no cogniscance is made regarding the march of time). He's already won the World Cup, the Tri-Nations, and a series against the British & Irish Lions.(Yes and all in rthe past. Currently palys in Japan nd is getting on. How good is he NOW - is a bit rusty so will be hard to judge - if still has speed could be fine)
He was one of the stars for the Boks in 2013, and the only challenge for Du Preez from hereon in is to maintain that excellent standard of performance. He is central to the Boks' structures, and yet he can be a devastating force in unstructured play (Best asset is his rugby brain and very quick reactions).
Heyneke Meyer has selected Du Preez on the bench for this fixture, but has confirmed that Ruan Pienaar and Du Preez will share the scrumhalf duties equally, with the latter playing the second half. It's during this period where the Boks may cut loose and rack up some big numbers against the World XV.
Rory Kockott has been one of the most consistent performers in Europe over the past few seasons. Castres have relied upon his aggression in general play, as well as his accuracy in front of goal. No doubt the World XV will look to harness these strengths at Newlands on Saturday,
The odds are against Kockott making a big impression, though. Du Preez is a veteran of 67 Tests, and has outplayed better opponents than Kockott.(Kockott simply has never ah the oportunitities. He isa test class scrummie whn he was here and maybe our best. Very feisrty and strong on the break. We shall see what happens)
The Bok scrumhalf will also have the advantage of playing in a settled side. Kockott will be forced to operate with a team that's short on preparation.
Boks are also short on preparation.
I tip the Boks to win this but want to see a balanced game played. I feel Pienaar 9who has gone totally into his shell. Morne and even Frans as he is today are not threats on attack. Given how much ball we kck away will JP, Hendricks, Haban and Willei see much ball. Perhaps though in the second half we maysee fireworks.
Carl hayman used to be an excellent prop. Could he make a statement for the wee ans. James O'Connor will be desparate to impress. World cup palces are in evderyones minds and the Wolrd 15 palyers as well. Beat the Boks and folk will sit up and take notice.
Some weeks ago I promised my wife I would take her to Kleinmond to spend the week end with her Aunt. So I will not see the game or be able to go to Newlands. I only mention this becaase there is a desparate need for a decent husband role model for the likes of wee cc and rooitwit amongst others. I also know Cloudy would approve as would Becs.
Hacked waaaugh, saSue and JW and also warped DUd of course are not old enough to need such a role model!!!
Beeno a man for the ladies!
By the way where is that other ladies man Seb!!
