Libbok is too big a defensive liability to consider starting with Pollard fit. Especially given you want to play the most passive 12 in world rugby next to him. That's one big revolving door.
Libbok is too big a defensive liability to consider starting with Pollard fit. Especially given you want to play the most passive 12 in world rugby next to him. That's one big revolving door.
Kriel is the more dangerous attacker. Am tends to crab, though he has a very good offload. We haven't seen as much of it the past three seasons. I trust Am more on defence, but he hasn't had the best time of it the past couple of seasons. Part of that is structural. I don't think we have a solid set of options right now, other than Esterhuizen at 12. The ability to field a specialist 12. It's a toss up, and I'd favour Kriel because of how the Boks are going to play. We don't offload, we don't break the line, we run at space and exploit defensive lapses. We need speed, and Kriel is a very direct runner with a heck of a punch in contact. He will suit the way Erasmus has chosen to play more than Am. If we were playing a modern game with more sophistication that rewards players with good decision making and skills, with a well-rounded lineup, then Am would get the nod every time. We are just going to have to ride out the Erasmus model as best as we can, and hope that we can sneak through to the final. This is what you all wanted, so, you have got to back in with what he has done.
Passive 12 my arse - that has to be one of the most ignorant rugby comments I’ve have read in a while
"Libbok is too big a defensive liability to consider starting."
Rassie, just do the opposite of what Doos XL says and this RWC will be ours!
To say that Libbok is equal to or better than Pollard physically is one of the most ignorant things one can say. I do stress, one of the most ignorant things, as there was a fellow who proclaimed Notshe to be the all time great Bok.
Oh wow - listen to Doos - this takes the cake
Kriel is the more dangerous attacker
Rugby ignorance of the highest order - case closed on fucking Doos
I have now heard it all, along with Kwagga being our most valuable player
Doos send us a frame by frame of Kriel being the more dangerous attacker than Am - pretty please
That team looks good Saffex. I also think Moodie should be on the wing if AM is at 13.
Having 2 small wingers is not great for competing on the high ball - even considering how good both Kolbe and Ardense are in the air. Moodie is very good under the high ball, and he is taller.
Moodie reminds me of Israel Falou how he jumps and wins the space in the air.
Yeah with Moodie on the wing it gives us cover at 13 if need be
I don't like the idea of Am starting. Give the guy a break. How do you not play for months and then get thrown into the cauldron of a test against a top side. Put him on the bench.
That said we are far away from the action and the Bok coaches will be better placed to make a call.
The decision on who to play at center will be a tough one.
Pollard though looks ready to start. Another tricky call. Will Libok make his kicks.
Is a rejuvenated Reinach a better bet than Williams.
Pity that Willie is not in the match 23.
Apart from these issues which are hard to call Dave has the correct team.
The team that will be chosen:
Willemse
Kolbe
Kriel
Dud Allende
Arendse
Pollard
Faf
Malherbe
Bongi
Kitshoff
Etzebeth
Mostert
Kolisi
Dud Toit
Wiese.
Well Beeno think about it - Pollard had been out of rugby for much longer than Am, then played 30 min for Leicester before his start against Tonga
These incumbent players have little to prove - the coaches know them so well so if they look good in training there is no reason not to select them.
We could start Moodie at 13 with Am on the bench which would be at the expense of Esterhuizen with Arendse on the wing but I prefer my side selected
My side can beat France without a doubt as there are no limitations - play Kriel at 13 and we lose attacking clout and good option taking
I’d definitely start Am
28,000 posts
Kriel has done a job defensively but offered nothing on attack
Rassie and co need to be brave and bring Am in to start straight away .
My side moving forward would be:
15. Willemse
14. Kolbe
13. Am
12. de Allende
11. Moodie
10. Libbok
9. Faf
1. Kitshoff
2. Bongi
3. Malherbe
4. Etzebeth
5. RG Snyman
6. Kolisi
7. PSDT
8. Wiese
16. Fourie 17. Ox 18. Nyakane 19. Kleyn 20. Kwagga 21. Williams 22. Pollard 23. Esterhuizen