First time we have had three “ses ” in a Bok team ….Arendse, Willemse and Hendrikse. Five years of Harrassmiss’ conservatism has finally caught up with us…..not a great Bok team. Exposing Kolbe to a barrage of high balls is a sure way of injuring our most dangerous back.
If Willemse gets injured, their is no back up kicker on the bench, with a 6/2 split.
Faff will cover flyhalf and scrumhalf presumably, so maybe he is the back up kicker.
(or Kolbe can also kick).
Kolbe is excellent under the high ball, despite being short.
Jessy Kriel is a one dimensional cart horse. Strong, but limited brain capacity.
Fourie is an over the hill geriatric that isn't even a has been at test level.
The Spring bokses
So two hookers in the bomb squad, how does that help? It is going to be wet, not a place for steppers. The Irish love their Gaelic football and I'm expect a lot of pin point kicks. We saw how effective the Irish teams have been with those kicks. Leinster obliterated the bulls with their kick pass. It is in their DNA to kick pass.
Willie and Faf as backup. Who will play centre?
At least our best front row is starting. Not Bongi or Ox, which is a relieve
Kwagga and Deon are very similar players. Don't see what value they can add.
it would have have been exactly 6 weeks since the Japan based boks last played in any game.
Kriel, De Allende, Marx, Lood, PSDT
6 Starters that might not be match fit. Would have loved if they at least had 2 full games under their belts. However, they must be well rested.
Then, the likes of Kolisi, Kittshoff, Bongi, Malherbe, Etzebeth, Willemse, Arendse and Hendrikse have all been well managed during the URC. So expecting them to fire.
Wiese might have played too much at this point. So why not cover 8 or will kwagga cover?
Another 3 Japan based players on the bench. Will have to see whether they can have an impact.
I think only half this squad is match ready.
So will give Ireland this win
SA rugby will have to make a deal with Japan rugby clubs that would allow players to play 4 to 6 URC games and train with them in their off season.
So guys like Marx and Kwagga could train with the Lions, take 2 weeks off, train for 2 weeks and then play 2 URC matches before November games. Come back in April, play another 2 to 4 games and then be match fit for the Rugby Championship
.
Kolbe has played many games at fullback, so I expect he will be good.
He is a better defender than Willie Leroux and arguably a better kicker as well. Leroux will enter the game in the 2nd half when it starts to open up more to bring in his passing game.
Kolbe may go to wing at that point, or possibly even flyhalf.
Although it looks like Willemse will play at 10 for the whole match. What is the point in bringing on Faff or moving Kolbe to 10?
Kolbe is definitely versatile enough to make a success @ 15 + you have Arendse that would make Quite a good Combo...but Preferred, leave him @ 14...... that is where he truly shines and injury is a Valid Point.....Roos instead of Fourie....Kriel better show something of his better past, otherwise his Selection would just be a Big Fat Fuck you to all the other inform centres.....but ok it's back to R&N standard Program and Intresting would be to see, how the NH Teams will counter act that....it,s sink or Swim Time for R&N...Let the games begin!!!
I am not happy with the team - especially the fact that there is no back-up goal kicker in the team and Willemse is not a star in that regard. I think it hints that Le Roux is on the way out and that a quest is underway to find another fullback.
In essence I think there are some experimenting going on at present and that will continue throughout the November tests. We will see some real changes in backline players every test in the series. The main experimenting will be in the full back, center and flyhalf positions - with only De Allende and Willemse being secure selections - whether at 12 or 13 in the case of De Allende and Willemse in full back, center or flyhalf positions. .
I think the boks game plan will backfire massively this weekend. So it doesn't look like that they are intent on actually playing the ball, more of, around the corner, bash bash bash.
Then, Nienaber explained that the reason for Kwagga and Fourie is to slow the Irish pace down, but they are both on the bench. Then, we have Kolbe and Arendse, great steppers and counter attackers. So the whole game will be centre around the last 20 min. Hope for a few turn overs to score a try.
Yet, no recognise 10 which is probably the top 3 position to cover. Where as, Manie knows the Irish players, had great success against them and have been exposed to playing in Ireland and in the wet.
Have to agree that they have had so many 9's going through the system but yet hardly any flyhavles.
Will the give some of the guys just 1 test against Italy off the bench?
I would definitely had Jason Jenkins on the bench, to cover 4,5 + 6. Kwagga and Roos.
Just imagine these 3 come on.
Then Manie, to come on in the last 20, most accurate goal kicker right now. If the game is tough then bring him on.
very one dimensional thinking
Great quota team. Again.
It starts to show. Big time.
