Two games in Oz and none in NZ? That's a change.
Two games in Oz and none in NZ? That's a change.
I like it ............... next year two in NZ
Will definitely ease the traveling burden.
Still should be home and away each year. Too lopsided the other way.
Yeah. I can't find an explanation for the change in any of the articles I've come across.
@Pakie, the stated reasons for the change in format
https://www.perplexity.ai/search/Why-has-the-_Qpkrq3zSjyZ5qyU3GZtgQ
Thanks SB.
"Still should be home and away each year. Too lopsided the other way."
Have to agree moolaa
18,431 posts
It will be interesting to see how the Bok attack evolves with a specialist backline coach.
Also, how this attack will combine with traditional bok strengths like defence and set pieces.
Saturday, 22 June: South Africa vs Wales (Twickenham, London)
Anything less than 25 points difference is unacceptable. This is a poor Welsh team, and our pack should decimate them. A good warmup match for Ireland.
Saturday, 6 July: South Africa vs Ireland (Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria)
This will be a far more difficult match. It was the last time the Boks lost. Ireland are a very good team, even if they lack x-factor and speed out wide. They are a very good unit, a system that is better than a sum of its parts. They could struggle at Loftus on a hard fast pitch
Saturday, 13 July: South Africa vs Ireland (Kings Park, Durban)
This should be Ireland's best chance of winning in SA on a slower pitch.
Saturday, 20 July: South Africa vs Portugal (Toyota Stadium, Bloemfontein)
A run in the park for the reserves
Saturday, 10 August: Australia vs South Africa (Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane)
The worst Australian team ever, but the Boks struggle in Australia- especially in Brisbane.
A ballerina team could take the Australian pack at present. Boks just needs to keep the error count down and ensure Australia gives away more penalties, and it is toast
If the Boks can win at least one game in Australia, and beat the All Blacks in both home tests- that should be enough to win the 4 Nations. It would be good to go for a clean sweep, and certainly can't count on winning both games against the All Blacks - even at home.
Saturday, 17 August: Australia vs South Africa (Optus Stadium, Perth)
Ditto
Saturday, 31 August: South Africa vs New Zealand (Emirates Airline Park, Johannesburg)
This will be a difficult game, as the All Blacks are an unknown factor. Their game plan is going to be different, as are some of the starters.
The All Blacks have a much better coach - but they do lack experience in the tight five. Their tight five has been struggling for years, and dependent on Retalick being in form and not injured.
The All Blacks know the Boks beat them in the last 2 games, including the biggest victory against the All Blacks in history.
If the Boks can get forward domination early on, it could be a one-sided affair.
Saturday, 7 September: South Africa vs New Zealand (DHL Stadium, Cape Town)
Ditto
Saturday, 21 September: Argentina vs South Africa (Venue TBC)
A good game to rotate the squad, depending on where the Boks are in the tournament.
Saturday, 28 September: South Africa vs Argentina (Mbombela Stadium, Nelspruit)
Ditto
Sunday, 10 November: Scotland vs South Africa (Murrayfield, Edinburgh)
Scotland will be up for the game, given the Boks dumped them out of the World Cup
Saturday, 16 November: England vs South Africa (Twickenham, London)
As with Scotland, Boks knocked England out of the World Cup for the umpteenth time. They will want to start the next 4 years with a victory.
Saturday, 23 November: Wales vs South Africa (Principality Stadium, Cardiff)
Wales may consider this their most important game of the season to build for. This will be a yardstick if they are progressing from their desolate state.