[2025 TRC} New Zealand v South Africa - 13/9/2025

[OllyM97]

Wasn't going to post this thread for a couple of days but Rassie has gone early with his team and it's certainly interesting.

A lot of SA fans are up in arms about this team - I actually really like it tbh. I think it's a bold, brave selection and it has much more attacking potential than last week. I would have picked this kind of team for Eden Park. I also think the bench has a lot more impact than Saturday's did. The only thing I would question here is Kolisi still being in the side - he's been on the periphery of things for quite a few test matches now and he's not been as dynamic as he is when he's at his best in terms of ball-carrying. I would have dropped Kolisi and kept Etzebeth in the side in that leadership role.

 

[mdaclarke]

From watching the Boks, the only change I would make is swapping Pollard for Libbok. Libbok is not consistent enough in the big moments.

 

[rN_X]

I like this team. Full of nice combos. 11. Hooker and 15. Fassi. 10. Sasha and 12. Willemse. Grant and Libbok been playing as a combo most of the season with the boks. Should Esterhuizen come in on 12 that form another Sharks combo. Then Sasha. Willemse and Fassi can also do some openfield kicking.

Also good exposure for some young fellows. Big chance for Sasha to push for the 10 jersey amd Fassi for 15. My big worry is Moodie at 13. Sometimes he seem a bit lost.

 

[Alex Anghel]

All Blacks 23.

 

[miccloarch]

All Blacks 23.

Debut for Carter finally!

And Hotham straight in as well.

Dmac at 15 is a good call too.

Bold selections, I like it.

 

[AngloScotsHybrid]

Wasn't going to post this thread for a couple of days but Rassie has gone early with his team and it's certainly interesting.
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A lot of SA fans are up in arms about this team - I actually really like it tbh. I think it's a bold, brave selection and it has much more attacking potential than last week. I would have picked this kind of team for Eden Park. I also think the bench has a lot more impact than Saturday's did. The only thing I would question here is Kolisi still being in the side - he's been on the periphery of things for quite a few test matches now and he's not been as dynamic as he is when he's at his best in terms of ball-carrying. I would have dropped Kolisi and kept Etzebeth in the side in that leadership role.

Are Etzebeth and Pollard injured?

 

[rN_X]

Are Etzebeth and Pollard injured?

No. Being rotated.

 

[ChicagoKid]

No. Being rotated.

I feel very confident about this game. Last week, I didn't love the makeup of our loosies, but Jasper brings such a hard edge.

I expect him to have a monumental game.

 

[Leonormous Boozer]

Stop that Jordie, it's too good.

 

[Ragey Erasmus]

The fact Ethan Hooker isn't a hooker is so disappointing.

 

[Leonormous Boozer]

That was class too.

 

[TRF_Olyy]

Every time the commentary mentions "Carter" for the ABs I'm like

 

[Leonormous Boozer]

SA targeting those passes. Just missed one 10mins ago.

 

[TRF_Olyy]

Libbok coming on is such a cheat code for the opposition

 

[TRF_Olyy]

What is happening to the bok players - was their training this week just getting workmen to bash them with sledgehammers

 

[ChicagoKid]

Boks are playing 5% too fast. Compose yourself.

 

[ChicagoKid]

The NZ production is a low-grade French show. Just hire a few Americans if you want a production.

 

[Leonormous Boozer]

What is happening to the bok players - was their training this week just getting workmen to bash them with sledgehammers

If SA had Ross Byrne, they'd go far.

Edit: changed Byrne to cut deeper.

 

[TRF_Olyy]

Wheels have fully come off for the ABs

 

[Leonormous Boozer]

Wheels have fully come off for the ABs

Yeah, totally void of ideas today. SA had their number from the start and picked them off.