Zane vs Dagg *
Dagg wins this one hands done, he possesses both a good kicking game, excellent in the air and has pace and agility to burn Zane
* Habana vs Savea
Habana is carrying a slight niggle, Savea played well in the Super 15 for the canes and a good finisher. Habana haven’t finished his last 3 test matches and may carrying an injury into the game. Will still give it to Habana
De Villiers vs Smith *
Smith has been for some time one of the most dangerous 13’s in the game. Not the biggest but by far one of the smartest in terms of running angles. Jean has proven to be competent but as in the super 15 he has missed crucial tackles that resulted in a direct tries. Smith takes this one
Frans Steyn vs Nonu *
Nonu has been busy and have been great in stepping and beating players, whilst still finding the backs outside of him. Steyn in the other hand distribution has been minimum and have made some really poor passing decisions. Been use largely as a battering ram. On paper I would go for Steyn but in the current team environment and form, Nonu takes this one
Morne Steyn vs Cruden *
Cruden had a shocker last week and it showed that the Achilles heal for the all blacks is that if you can put pressure on their flyhalf, they tend to be less effective in the backs, although Morne hasn’t been better with poor kicking and decision*making. Cruden takes this one
* Hougaard vs Jane *
Jane is a classic winger, slick finisher, and great in the air and has pace to burn. Hougaard is good in tight quarters and has an extremely high work rate, but is being wasted on the wing. Would be my choice at 9 if it weren’t for the boks conservative game plan. To close to call, even
* Pienaar vs Weepu
Weepu has been lambasted all season by the blues for his lack of fitness but the all blacks have stuck with him. Weepu had a solid outing and seem to get the all blacks moving in the right direction. Pienaar has been solid with a good all round game. Close one but have to give it to Pienaar.
Vermeulen vs Read *
Vermeulen had a solid start in his first cap considering he only had 2 currie games after 4 months out with injury. Read is currently one of the top 8’s in the world but Vermeulen can push him close. Vermeulen has showed what makes him so good, great in taking contact and off loading in the tackle but still not fit enough. Read takes this one
Alberts vs Messam *
Pound for pound Alberts is bigger and can be a real handful in stopping but as with the other big boks loose forwards, at this level, all that the defense needs to do is to gang up and take the big boys high and low as there are no threat in off loading in the tackle. Messam has pace and ball skills and has been a great performer in Super 15 over the years. Alberts has been some what quiet Messam takes this one.
Louw vs McCaw (Cheater) *
Louw might be fresh but his lone ranger role, as fetcher won’t make much of an impact. McCaw has the street smarts and never seems to be losing form. McCaw takes this one.
Kruger vs Whitelock *
Both locks are still finding their way around the international scene and neither have set the super 15 alight, although Whitelock has performed really well for the crusaders. Kruger has been average at best and this one should go to Whitelock
Van der Merwe vs Romano *
Van der Merwe has failed to live up to his potential after his debut season in 2009 and have since become a liability giving away poor penalties at crucial times. Romano has done well for the crusaders and should take this one
Du Plessis vs Woodcock *
Woodcock has been around the block for some time now and has been at the heart of the all black scrum. Du Plessis whent off injured last week and one wonder whether he will last the full game. Du Plessis also gave away some crucial penalties during scrum time. Woodcock takes this one
* Strauss vs Mealamu
Struass has been impressive all season with his carries and throwing, not bad. Mealamu has been somewhat quiet. Strauss takes this one
Beast vs Franks *
Franks has a really menacing streak and is always up for contact and a scrap. Beast for me has been hanging back far too much rather than getting stuck in. His scrumming has been quite poor to. Franks takes this one
