I think the Welsh have a team that can push the Boks but they over estimate themselves , as being part of a Lions squad that beat a very weak Australian side. So I think its a great big bubble they live in, one filled with thin air and dreams
The Springboks on the other hand , after a pretty good Championship where they showed growth seem to be testing their formula by changing things up. So do we have cracks in the armour ?
what else have i missed here ?
I agree with our kick off flaw , where as i disagree about breakdowns as we have upped the ante . Our Kick offs have become a soft spot and an area to attack us, as the Kiwis did so very well. But we have in my opinion started to overtake the Kiwis as turn over specialists. With regards to defence , we have been better but the selection we see turning up on saturday will be probably our best defensive side we have put out in a very long while.
I agree with your closing lines.
Three things worry me about the Boks
1) A new tighthead in Malherbe, who frankly hasn't looked that hot since his return from injury. We could see the Boks folding at scrum time and they never play well when that happens.
2) The talk of winning not being the only thing on the tour....whereas Wales are revved up and see this as their big chance to capture a second Bok scalp.
3) Five changes in the Ellis Park team...even if you like them, that's a lot of change.
JP and Fourie have never shirked their responsibilty for the Boks, and i dont believe they will start now. Another board member commented on JP's lack of pace, well JP may not have the out and out pace but he is brilliant when he cuts back into the midfield and creates overlaps for speedy guys like Bryan to exploit.
This isnt our quickest side but its a very intelligent one.
