Meyer to roll the dice in Durban?; Rugby 365

There will be changes to the Springbok team as Heyneke Meyer looks at his options ahead of the World Cup, but how much is he willing to gamble? The last time there was this much uncertainty about a Springbok selection was probably Meyer's first Test in charge against England at Kings Park in 2012, and while the game against Argentina this weekend will be at the same venue there are a completely different set of questions surrounding this team announcement. Although Meyer has always maintained that he does not believe in giving players chances at Springbok level, he is also a meticulous planner who will not want to leave any stone unturned before he names his final 31-man World Cup squad. With just two Tests against Argentina left before the global showpiece in England next month there is an important balance to be struck between World Cup auditions and continuity. After the narrow defeats to Australia and New Zealand there are more than a few players in the current squad who have not yet got an opportunity to show what they can offer, which means that we are likely to see a few different combinations in operation over the next two weeks. Another complicating factor is that there are a number of senior players returning from injury, and the way that they are integrated into the team could be key as Meyer looks to balance the different needs and ambitions of all the players at his disposal. The likes of Jean de Villiers, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Jan Serfontein, Willem Alberts, Marcell Coetzee, Warren Whiteley and Fourie du Preez are back in the mix this week after spells on the sidelines, although the fact that Du Preez sat out training on Tuesday means that his chances of making a comeback at Kings Park are slimmer than the rest. Assistant coach Johan van Graan said that while there have been changes planned, they do not intend to give anything away against the Pumas. "All the players in the squad know exactly where they stand, there will be changes this weekend and there will be a few changes again next weekend. "Obviously it is Test match rugby and we want to win every game and it is about putting points on the board "One or two or two new combinations might feature again this weekend but it is about the 15 guys starting and it is about those 80 minutes. "It is about composure and consistency, we want to play good, attacking, aggressive, decision-making rugby every single weekend. "We respect our opponents, it is about starting at zero this week, doing what we do every single week and about building towards the World Cup but first and foremost we have to perform this weekend," he said. While Meyer does not want to underestimate the threat that the Pumas will pose this weekend, there will undoubtedly be some changes to the team that faced the All Blacks at Ellis Park, the only question is how much he is willing to gamble in their last home game before the World Cup. By Michael de Vries, in Durban

 Meyer has to use these games to get answers & the Pumas are not much of a threat so it is a perfect opportunity.

It depends which Puma side turns up, they can be very threatening when they want to be. Especially with the defensive frailties in the Bok squad. If Damian and Lambie start together, that will allow Argentina quality ball right on the seam and through the midfield. If they get any ki nd of dominance up front that will be very hard to stop. Our speed will be the edge in my opinion. Must be the fastest team in the competition right now.

We'll win this trophy to put in our cabinet...Beeno, Moz and Deserter Fox...at least our cupboard won't be empty Sasuke

 The team will be announced today.  Of the players listed as returnees I think some would be in the starting line-up, while I think De Villiers and Du Toit will likely be on the bench.
Willem Alberts is a waste of space and I do believe that Whiteley is still injured and so is Fourie du Preez.  The latter is unlikely to play in the away game against Argentina as well.  If that be the case, Meyer is likely to send Du Preez and Francois Steyn back to Japan in the hope that they might get some game time before the WC- even if that game time in Japan is meaningless and of two low a standard.   
        

 
The Pumas are a threat to the Proteas.

The All Blacks and the Wallabies thumped them by 20 pts a little earlier.

Then again we too were thumped by the AB and the Wallabies a little earlier so this could be a really close contest.

I'm sure we'll celebrate with tear stained cheeks and tell the world just how "awesome" we are if we win .

Can't wait!!