Taking Rugby 365 ratings, Aus averaged 6.2....the Boks averaged 6.1. Which in an odd way is logical and makes one feel better about the consistency of these ratings.
Drill down a bit further and we find the Bok pack averaged 6.5 to Oz's 5.7.
The Bok Backs averaged only 5.6 to Oz's 6.7, making the Bok backline the lowest rated unit on the park.
So it's logical to ask whether any changes at all should be made to the pack....and whether the backs need to be revamped.
Starting with the pack I would say only hooker is in question, even though the Beast had a truly forgettable outing. Should we start with Bismarck? Based on that late steal one would say yes, except for one thing. Strauss was brought back in large part to improve scrumming and he did. We had our best scrums with Strauss on the park. So I would be tempted to stay the with the formula....Strauss to start and Bismarck to come on after 50 minutes. Leave the rest alone.
In the backs Step showed the same tentativeness in bringing up the line, but he made his tackles. It's a horribly weak choice for 13, but we have none better on tour. The wings, Willie and Jean pick themselves. So it all comes down to the half backs.
Morne lost the test yesterday, just as much as he won the test in Salta. But it was a huge mistake. The kind of mistake that leaves an odd feeling of injustice if it is just papered over. So I would be bold here ( I agree with my mate Pakie) and bring back Pollard. This is a low probabality win, but the low probablity gets enhanced a bit with more running clout.
Oddly I think Morne's mistake will help Pollard feel more like the man if chosen....before it seemed like he was being given a chance against weaker opponents. And that will also help his cause.
Then if you are choosing Pollard, why not put in his Bools mate Hougaard and double down on a more aggressive approach. Pienaar is a safe pair of hands, but against the ABs we need some edge. So I would do Pollard and Hougaard and nothing more.
