[2014 TRC] South Africa v Australia in Cape Town (27/09/2014)

[iINDOMINUSxx]

So are we looking at..

1 Mtawarira
2 Strauss
3 Du Plessis*
4 Etzebeth
5 Matfield*
6 Coetzee*
7 Burger*
8 Vermeulen
9 Hougaard*
10 Pollard
11 Habana
12 De Villiers
13 Serfontein*
14 Hendricks
15 Le Roux

* 6 players where we don't have our 1st choice. Injuries are starting to take it's toll. Still think we have a good enough starting XV. Critical for me will be will our tight five stand up (ATM either way off form or not 1st choice) and how will Hougaard play.

16 Du Plessis
17 Vd Merwe
18 De Jager
19 Whiteley
20 Reinach
21 Steyn/Lambie?
22 JPP/Lambie/De Allende?
23 Nyakane

do i see, Whitely ? thats about time south africa call's him up, really good player

 

[TRF_stormer2010]

do i see, Whitely ? thats about time south africa call's him up, really good player

Your eyes don't decieve you. In fact he toured with the Bokke and played 30 solid minutes against NZ when F Louw went down. Not quite as effective without the space at test level but it's early days yet and he might still catch the eye. I'd like to see him get involved playing a roaming 8 role from deep like Read and like he does for the Lions. Not sure that whether he'd be afforded the opportunity to play his own game. I've seen it touted that Vermeulen should be moved to blind side and Whiteley play at 8 but TBH I can't see it being wise what with Vermeulen being as effective at 8 as he has been for 2 years now on a consistent basis and the fact that Whiteley simply won't have the space in Rugby Championship games he does playing SR for the Lions; he either has to find his way given the circumstances and make a spot his own or move out again when Alberts and Louw are fit again.

 

[TRF_stormer2010]

Looks like Teboho Mohoje is set to start as blind side. It shouldn't be surprising seeing as he was in the squad ahead of Juan Smith and Warren Whiteley who botha leap frogged him. It is surprising though in the sense that Burger or Whiteley isn't starting seeing as that was the trend (so you'd think Mohoje was there as HM's usual development player). In related news, Nizaam Carr, Seabelo Senatla and Lizo Gqoboka are training with the Bokke this week while in Cape Town.

All players having shown good potential. The inclusion of these players leads me to question the whole racial quota thing in SA sport again. I mean, undoubtably these players have shown potential and are being rewarded but I have some questions; are they being rushed in and being set up? They undoutably have talent but many are questioning their inclusion and this is where the quota system has its main flaw IMO; these players are probably wondering whether they are included because of their rugby or their skin colour. It's just a difficult situation the politicians have forced on us. We see more and more talented black players come through every year. Naturally. All the quota system does is undermine those players IMO by putting question marks over their heads.

http://www.sport24.co.za/Rugby/RugbyChampionship/Oupa-set-for-Bok-start-20140922

http://ewn.co.za/2014/09/22/Carr-Senatla-and-Gqoboka-to-work-with-Boks

 

[TRF_heineken]

Looks like Teboho Mohoje is set to start as blind side. It shouldn't be surprising seeing as he was in the squad ahead of Juan Smith and Warren Whiteley who botha leap frogged him. It is surprising though in the sense that Burger or Whiteley isn't starting seeing as that was the trend (so you'd think Mohoje was there as HM's usual development player). In related news, Nizaam Carr, Seabelo Senatla and Lizo Gqoboka are training with the Bokke this week while in Cape Town.

All players having shown good potential. The inclusion of these players leads me to question the whole racial quota thing in SA sport again. I mean, undoubtably these players have shown potential and are being rewarded but I have some questions; are they being rushed in and being set up? They undoutably have talent but many are questioning their inclusion and this is where the quota system has its main flaw IMO; these players are probably wondering whether they are included because of their rugby or their skin colour. It's just a difficult situation the politicians have forced on us. We see more and more talented black players come through every year. Naturally. All the quota system does is undermine those players IMO by putting question marks over their heads.

http://www.sport24.co.za/Rugby/RugbyChampionship/Oupa-set-for-Bok-start-20140922

http://ewn.co.za/2014/09/22/Carr-Senatla-and-Gqoboka-to-work-with-Boks

1. I wouldn't read too much into an article about guessing who will start on Saturday. The team only started their preparation yesterday, and from one session you couldn't really make a calculated guess. But with that said Mohoje would be the obvious choice if Coetzee moves to openside.

2. They have been invited to practice with the Boks. Jesse Kriel and Tera Mtembu was invited earlier in the year too. They are prospective Springboks, and it makes sense in them visiting the Boks, but that doesn't mean they will soon feature. take Carr for example. Mtembu and Mohoje and Kolisi is ahead of him in the pecking order, so it's unlikely he'd get a chance unless all 3 of them are injured...

 

[TRF_stormer2010]

1. I wouldn't read too much into an article about guessing who will start on Saturday. The team only started their preparation yesterday, and from one session you couldn't really make a calculated guess. But with that said Mohoje would be the obvious choice if Coetzee moves to openside.

2. They have been invited to practice with the Boks. Jesse Kriel and Tera Mtembu was invited earlier in the year too. They are prospective Springboks, and it makes sense in them visiting the Boks, but that doesn't mean they will soon feature. take Carr for example. Mtembu and Mohoje and Kolisi is ahead of him in the pecking order, so it's unlikely he'd get a chance unless all 3 of them are injured...

Well, yes, I know. I just thought I'd bring Mohoje up as a point of discussion. The others are there as part of exposing future talent to the setup, yes and will probably not feature soon considering the positions they play are well stocked apart from Senatla; we are not as well stocked at wing IMO. My point was that black players are comingthrough naturally so no need to force the issue and raise question marks over their inclusion.

Senatla should be getting back to fitness for WP. I can't wait to see him lift that CC trophy and have a storming SR next year. I fully expect him to take over from Habana post RWC 2015.

 

[TRF_heineken]

Well, yes, I know. I just thought I'd bring Mohoje up as a point of discussion. The others are there as part of exposing future talent to the setup, yes and will probably not feature soon considering the positions they play are well stocked apart from Senatla; we are not as well stocked at wing IMO. My point was that black players are comingthrough naturally so no need to force the issue and raise question marks over their inclusion.

Senatla should be getting back to fitness for WP. I can't wait to see him lift that CC trophy and have a storming SR next year. I fully expect him to take over from Habana post RWC 2015.

I personally have no issue with sending guys to train with the Boks. Me personally would send a lot more guys to the Bok-camp. It's a way to show them where they could be one day if they keep on performing. Some sort of incentive for the youngsters. And if it will aid in shutting up the ANC and whoever else, then send more Black guys there, why not?

As for Senatla, his pace is something to admire, and his switch between XV and 7's looks so easy. He is definitely someone I see in a bok jersey one day. he just needs to limit his injuries, and work a bit on his defence.

 

[TRF_heineken]

Hey Conrad

Please edit you OP... Nigel Owens is the referee for this match.

 

[Icemn]

I personally have no issue with sending guys to train with the Boks. Me personally would send a lot more guys to the Bok-camp. It's a way to show them where they could be one day if they keep on performing. Some sort of incentive for the youngsters. And if it will aid in shutting up the ANC and whoever else, then send more Black guys there, why not?

As for Senatla, his pace is something to admire, and his switch between XV and 7's looks so easy. He is definitely someone I see in a bok jersey one day. he just needs to limit his injuries, and work a bit on his defence.

ya show them where they can one day play... that is if they played for the bulls and are well known to stampkar mentality and tactics... then yes, one day they can...

but if they want to play an expansive game, rather not... you creating false hope...

 

[Jaguares]

Hey Conrad

Please edit you OP... Nigel Owens is the referee for this match.

 

[TRF_stormer2010]

I am happy with Owens. Generally the scrum is less of a lotto with him than most referees. I wonder if we might see line-ups today what with tomorrow being a public holiday in SA?

 

[TRF_heineken]

I am happy with Owens. Generally the scrum is less of a lotto with him than most referees. I wonder if we might see line-ups today what with tomorrow being a public holiday in SA?

Nope

I watched Blitz this morning before work, and Matthew Pierce was at the Bok-camp yesterday and he said that HM will only announce his team on Wednesday.

 

[Jaguares]

Oupa Mohoje is set to start at blindside flank for the Springboks against the Wallabies.

Probable Springboks XV:

15 Willie le Roux
14 Cornal Hendricks
13 Jan Serfontein
12 Jean de Villiers (c)
11 Bryan Habana
10 Handré Pollard
9 Francois Hougaard
8 Duane Vermeulen
7 Oupa Mohoje
6 Marcell Coetzee
5 Victor Matfield
4 Eben Etzebeth
3 Jannie du Plessis
2 Adriaan Strauss
1 Beast Mtawarira

http://www.sarugbymag.co.za/blog/details/mohoje-on-track-to-start-for-springboks

 

[TRF_heineken]

Springbok Team announced:

1. Beast Mtawarira
2. Adriaan Strauss
3. Jannie Du Plessis
4. Eben Etzebeth
5. Victor Matfield
6. Marcel Coetzee
7. Teboho "Oupa" Mohoje
8. Duane Vermeulen

9. Francois Hougaard
10. Handre Pollard
11. Bryan Habana
12. Jean De Villiers
13. Jan Serfontein
14. Cornal Hendricks
15. Willie Le Roux

16. Bismarck Du Plessis
17. Trevor Nyakane
18. Marcel van der Merwe
19. Bakkies Botha
20. Schalk Burger
21. Cobus Reinach
22. Pat Lambie
23. JP Pietersen

 

[Big Ewis]

well no real surprises in the starting XV I mean...wait what - a black loose forward for the Boks ??...ohhhhh and he's got a cool little nickname and all
Second time now they use Bizmok off the bench. Resting him or trusting Strauss more ? And ah I see the ever peaceful Bakkies Botha will be playing, so Boudjellal can rest this weekend knowing he's at least in activity...

Would be surprised to see the Wallabies win, I reiterate. But then again, they're better than in recent years. I think I said by 10+, will wait for the AUS lineup and decide again..

 

[Darwin]

well no real surprises in the starting XV I mean...wait what - a black loose forward for the Boks ??...ohhhhh and he's got a cool little nickname and all
Second time now they use Bizmok off the bench. Resting him or trusting Strauss more ? And ah I see the ever peaceful Bakkies Botha will be playing, so Boudjellal can rest this weekend knowing he's at least in activity...

Would be surprised to see the Wallabies win, I reiterate. But then again, they're better than in recent years. I think I said by 10+, will wait for the AUS lineup and decide again..

I think it will be the 3rd time in a row now. It does appear that the South African selectors trust Strauss a bit more - du Plessis certainly didn't take his chance off the bench against the AB's (the lineout went downhill quickly once he came on). I do believe South Africa are missing du Plessis's physicality in both attack and defense though, especially with Alberts still missing....

 

[TRF_stormer2010]

Springbok Team announced:

1. Beast Mtawarira
2. Adriaan Strauss
3. Jannie Du Plessis
4. Eben Etzebeth
5. Victor Matfield
6. Marcel Coetzee
7. Teboho "Oupa" Mohoje
8. Duane Vermeulen

9. Francois Hougaard
10. Handre Pollard
11. Bryan Habana
12. Jean De Villiers
13. Jan Serfontein
14. Cornal Hendricks
15. Willie Le Roux

16. Bismarck Du Plessis
17. Trevor Nyakane
18. Marcel van der Merwe
19. Bakkies Botha
20. Schalk Burger
21. Cobus Reinach
22. Pat Lambie
23. JP Pietersen

No real surprises apart from Oupa (Old-father; Grandpa for the non-Afrikaans speaking) but I am willing to give the guy a go; certainly a lot more potential than Burger at this stage (looking at age here) even if I think Burger is the better player as is.
I agree with Darwin above that we are missing Bismarck in general play though I assume he is struggling at line-out in practice as well? Maybe? Strauss is more consistent but just doesn't bring the presence Bissie does. With our injuries in the front row and 2nd row I suppose keeping the old heads isn't oo bad..

well no real surprises in the starting XV I mean...wait what - a black loose forward for the Boks ??...ohhhhh and he's got a cool little nickname and all
Second time now they use Bizmok off the bench. Resting him or trusting Strauss more ? And ah I see the ever peaceful Bakkies Botha will be playing, so Boudjellal can rest this weekend knowing he's at least in activity...

Would be surprised to see the Wallabies win, I reiterate. But then again, they're better than in recent years. I think I said by 10+, will wait for the AUS lineup and decide again..

The history books is certainly against them. Last time they won in Cape Town the likes of Lynagh and Eales were jogging out for them. That type of class is arguably missing in this Aus siede ATM.

 

[TRF_heineken]

well no real surprises in the starting XV I mean...wait what - a black loose forward for the Boks ??...ohhhhh and he's got a cool little nickname and all
Second time now they use Bizmok off the bench. Resting him or trusting Strauss more ? And ah I see the ever peaceful Bakkies Botha will be playing, so Boudjellal can rest this weekend knowing he's at least in activity...

Would be surprised to see the Wallabies win, I reiterate. But then again, they're better than in recent years. I think I said by 10+, will wait for the AUS lineup and decide again..

This is not the first time there will be a a black loose forward in the Bok team: Siya Kolisi, Tim Dlulane and Solly Tyibilika have all played for the Boks in the loose trio positions.

I think it will be the 3rd time in a row now. It does appear that the South African selectors trust Strauss a bit more - du Plessis certainly didn't take his chance off the bench against the AB's (the lineout went downhill quickly once he came on). I do believe South Africa are missing du Plessis's physicality in both attack and defense though, especially with Alberts still missing....

Indeed the 3rd time. Strauss has been more on form recently than Bismarck, and Strauss has been better at the lineouts too.

I like the team a lot.

And that bench is sure to provide extra sparks!

 

[TRF_stormer2010]

I'm hoping that bench provides extra sparks rather than just poor line-out throw ins. But, yes, I'd like to see Reinach and MvdM get some time. Very dynamic players those two.

 

[Big Ewis]

This is not the first time there will be a a black loose forward in the Bok team: Siya Kolisi, Tim Dlulane and Solly Tyibilika have all played for the Boks in the loose trio positions.

buhh..hehh...I'm not interested in knowing their names !! Give me their awesome nicknames !!!!! ..Please.

 

[TRF_heineken]

So Stormer, what is the weather like down there in the Cape?

Will Saturday be the Cape of Good Hope or the Cape of Storms??