SA vs Tonga

[BokMagic]

The Sringboks, fresh from a win over their pool A rivals England, take on the high-flying Tongans, fresh from their first victory in 7 tests against Samoa. Both sides will be on a high following their results in the previous round, and let`s get one thing straight right from the outset- it will be a tough, physical and bruising encounter.

Haven`t seen the official Bok squad yet, but from the reports seen earlier, it seems like there will be as much as 11 changes from the starting lineup that faced England, with Ruan Piennar looking a likely starter at 15, and Albert vd Bergh a likely blindside flanker starter. But all will depend on the calf injury sustained by lock Johann Muller in training- if he recovers in time for the match, Albert`ll be on the flank, otherwise Albert`ll be in the locks, with Danie Rossouw coming in at flank.

As per usual, predictions and team sheets please.

 

[Boggle]

Well as far as team sheets go.

Team: Ruan Pienaar, JP Pietersen, Wynand Olivier, Wayne Julies, Ashwin Willemse, Andre Pretorius, Ricky Januarie, 8. Bob Skinstad (captain),Danie Rossouw, Wikus van Heerden, Albert van den Berg, Bakkies Botha, CJ van der Linde, Gary Botha, Gurthro Steenkamp. Reserves: John Smit, BJ Botha, Victor Matfield, Juan Smith, Frans Steyn, Bryan Habana, Percy Montgomery

So White will be using Danie at lock for a change (I suppose he had to with Johan Muller getting injured).

Basically it's the second string side with a bunch of old hands on the bench to back them up if things go a bit awry, I also read that White might want to try Schalk Burger out at #8 at some stage, obviously not this weekend.

Percy Montgomery will also definitely play in this match according to White, and with it he will get his 90th cap for the Boks, another match another record for SA's golden son. He was sharing 89 caps with Joost last week.

 

[Bull]

SA by 20+

 

[jaco]

The Boks by +30

 

[Beavis]

Hopefully the so called B team can hve a good match and win by 40+

 

[BokMagic]

What do you guys make of the front row? Probably the most mobile front row in Bok history, but is it such a good idea to take on the Tongans, who by all accounts dominated up front to set up their win over Samoa, with that front row?

Fine, I accept that Sir Os needs a break. The diesel tractor`s done 350,000km`s already, and only has so much left. And no problem at all with Guthro coming in for him. I also accept that we need to give another hooker some game time should injury hit Smittie, but surely the more physical Bismarck would`ve beefed up the scrum, and added valuable bulk to the drives and the mauls, rather than Boha`s extra flair?

And at tighthead, I still maintain that BJ`s a much stronger scrummager than CJ, who spcialises in those impact-player tries on the left wing. And especially in light of Sheridan having destroyed BJ in the England game, I`d have thought BJ needs this game to sort out one or 2 little technical ****les, and get the confidence up.

Still going for a Bok win by 30+ though.

 

[ws4life]

Jus a quik question for the Tonganz, wat happend to Seti Kiole. He is definatly the best winger they got available and he hasnt even made the bench for any of tongaz games. Wats up with that?? is he injured?

 

[T.Rugby]

i have no idea, hes definetly a major power source and is very quick, imo he or aisea havili kaufusi should be in for tevita tu'ifua....either seti kiole is injured or he is being left for the england game where he will be used probably against jason robinson or something?? i dunno



SA by 20....Tonga too put up a good fight though, use up the last remaining gas in the tank

 

[wasps4eva]

South Africa are clear favourites for this game but Tonga should be fired up from their last two wins.

Prediction: South Africa 32-6 Tonga

 

[hamo]

SA (B) by 50+

 

[Mehrtsisagod]

Good work so far by Tonga

Just 7-3 behind at half time. That will teach South Africa to put on 2nd stringers. I think they might start clearing their bench now.

 

[Hinch]

10-7 to Tonga! Caused South Africa to sub on FIVE of their first team at once, including Smit and Habana. Their fly half has been TERRIBLE, yet Montgomery stays on the bench.

Russouw was stretchered off, I hope he's okay.

 

[Mehrtsisagod]

SA 27-15 Tonga 9 minutes to go.

Too bad Tonga let in those 2 tries.

 

[Mehrtsisagod]

Damn it's too bad that it was those tries that cost them but at least they got a bonus point out of it. Really puts the pressure on England now.

 

[Hinch]

Damn it's too bad that it was those tries that cost them but at least they got a bonus point out of it. Really puts the pressure on England now.
[/b]

I can't belieev how close they came. If that last kick was just a little more to the left...

I am VERY impressed with what Tonga achieved.

 

[Bull]

What a nail biting match, the Tongans can be proud. The Boks performance speaks for it self. BUT what about some of the refs decisions? The tmo aswell for allowing that try when you can clearly see the guys foot touched the line first.

 

[llanelliscarlets]

i disagree i thought that try was more than fair, i though it was a split second thing, but imo the tmo got it spot on!!

well done tonga!!

 

[el_tk]

Yeah that was definitely a try.

That was a hell of match though, once SA pulled ahead I didn't think Tonga would have it in them to come back but they played some nice rugby and got some reward.

 

[Fa'atau82]

Maasive performance from Tonga. Look out England.. England may have eliminated Samoa, but Tonga now fly the flag for the Pacific.. and i'm behind them all the way.

Lets go Tonga!

 

[bruno]

Tonga were great again! What a performance! I'm really looking forward to their game against England.