[2025 TRC] South Africa v Australia - 16/8/2025

[OllyM97]

I don’t think they will win, but it definitely felt like the Wallabies got something going in tests 2 and 3 against the Lions. I’d at least like to see them continue in that vein and ask some questions of the Springboks here. Btw, if you have a back line with Williams, Libbok, Esterhuizen and Fassi in it and people think it’s “average”, that tells me you’re going pretty good. SA to win, something like 32-22 - Aussie will be competitive in this one.

 

[dirty harry]

I don't think they will win, but it definitely felt like the Wallabies got something going in tests 2 and 3 against the Lions. I'd at least like to see them continue in that vein and ask some questions of the Springboks here. Btw, if you have a back line with Williams, Libbok, Esterhuizen and Fassi in it and people think it's "average", that tells me you're going pretty good. SA to win, something like 32-22 - Aussie will be competitive in this one.

I dont think its an average backline in general, but very few of them would compete in a world team if we are being honest, the half backs especially, good players who have flaws and havnt reached the ceiling of their predecessors.

They been bit part players, both in their late 20s and have what 40 caps between them?

Don't get me wrong, exciting players, but let's be honest I could play 9 for this SA pack and look ok.

I just think they are a step down in what SA are used too.

Did Nick White ever reverse his retirement decision after?

 

[LeinsterMan (NotTigsMan)]

JOC!!

 

[TRF_Olyy]

That halfback pairing during the Lions and they'd have won the series

 

[dirty harry]

JOC!!

Shame Valetini didn't make it...

Aus need a fast start, and the half backs to play smart.

Little worried about the experience of that centre pairing, and not fully sold on the wingers yet, but fingers crossed.

 

[LeinsterMan (NotTigsMan)]

Gonna watch JOC highlights tonight

 

[Rinkadink]

This has been doing the rounds lately. Team 5 is a bit greener and weaker, and some positions drop off in team 4… but I'd say the front row of team 4 is stronger than team 3.


View attachment 24332

That's actually insane. Love it.

Also shows how little the likes of England rotate and hand out experience with caps barring a few clusters of positions. SA just do so much right and it's led from the top down.

 

[ChicagoKid]

Excited for the test. How’s the weather looking?

Looks like a chance of rain this evening? This Bok team is built for a dry track, so I hope it stays that way.

 

[saulan]

Excited for the test. How's the weather looking?

Looks like a chance of rain this evening? This Bok team is built for a dry track, so I hope it stays that way.

Rain is unlikely. Should be a cool 15-17 degrees with cloud cover.

 

[saulan]

Well… about the no rain…

 

[dirty harry]

I was half way through saying if Aus want to compete they cant make unforced errors... when Wright ****** that up lol

 

[TRF_Olyy]

I thought under the new rules seatbelt tackles that don't hit the head or neck were play on

 

[dirty harry]

I thought under the new rules seatbelt tackles that don't hit the head or neck were play on

Just had the same convo...

Us locks are the biggest victims in rugby

 

[dirty harry]

O conner has had a really poor start...

 

[ChicagoKid]

Oz look exhausted.

 

[TRF_Olyy]

Yeah, this should be the last Lions tour

 

[ChicagoKid]

Several Oz forwards won’t make it to halftime.

 

[LeinsterMan (NotTigsMan)]

Aus just looked undercooked and tired at the same time

 

[Dutchgeo88]

South Africa on another level

 

[ChicagoKid]

Fatigue makes a coward of all men.