Rugby Championship 2025: South Africa v Australia

[parkfootyenthusiast2]

You'd think they'd go straight to LSL (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto) for the most like for like switch. Joe seems like he can be stubborn to bench players who excel in that role, and for better or worse Williams has really excelled in a shorter burst off the bench.

I'm also down to throw Toole out there and see if he can mix it up too. We've already done the job and won 1 in SA, I think there's one hell of a response heading our way this weekend, may as well mix it up and see what happens. Particularly if we're without captain H. Give Ross a crack, give the Hooper/McReight/Valetini backrow a whirl. I'd also be down to see what JAS looks like on the wing with Paisami and Len in the centres. Cook us up something special Joe

 

[Heavyd]

Geeze that elite playing group of big name stars in the Springboks line up is starting to age. Almost all their big names will be minimum 35 years+ at RWC. We have seen age is no limit for a few of our aging warriors but not sure you want to go into a RWC campaign with 10 of your starting 15 35+. One to watch over the next few years.

 

[liquor box]

I cant imagine Wilson will be playing on a bung knee...

He will come back to captain the win in Eden Park.

 

[TSR]

Tomthumb. If Edmed becomes the best 10 in the country it will be because Lynagh is retired due to concussion, Lolesio still has back and neck issues, Donno goes to Rugby 360, JOC (James O'Connor) (James O'Connor) retires and Quade Cooper's comeback stalls. Just joking but I personally don't see him becoming our best, trained by Larkham or not.

Sometimes the most important ability is availability.

He does need to get in front of Meredith though.

 

[liquor box]

Not sure we'll see Harry doing and Digby type moves but potentially a more Ray Gun type approach?

 

[Uh huh]

Tomthumb. If Edmed becomes the best 10 in the country it will be because Lynagh is retired due to concussion, Lolesio still has back and neck issues, Donno goes to Rugby 360, JOC (James O'Connor) (James O'Connor) retires and Quade Cooper's comeback stalls. Just joking but I personally don't see him becoming our best, trained by Larkham or not.

Yeah I think the idea that Edmed is going to become a world-beater is about as realistic as the idea that Larkham is some kind of super coach who can mould him into one.

He will, however, be in a vanishingly tiny minority if he goes to Canberra and it doesn't make him a better player. Whatever your thoughts on the Brumbies, when it comes to turning duds into good players and good players into greats, history is well and truly on their side.

 

[The Ghost of Raelene]

View attachment 23151

How does this look like every 3rd grade forward in the country

 

[liquor box]

Yeah I think the idea that Edmed is going to become a world-beater is about as realistic as the idea that Larkham is some kind of super coach who can mould him into one.

He will, however, be in a vanishingly tiny minority if he goes to Canberra and it doesn't make him a better player. Whatever your thoughts on the Brumbies, when it comes to turning duds into good players and good players into greats, history is well and truly on their side.

Duds?

Most of their players have had some talent, usually enough to be in some type of development squad.

They are very good, if not the best at development but they hardly start with duds

 

[The Ghost of Raelene]

Yeah I tend to think the Brumbies pick up players who they know their skill set will improve the side then in turn with results improve the player.

Standards of consistent high performance have also been built there that players meet or get moved on. A player getting 5-10% better due to expectations and training can be the difference between a Test player and a Super Rugby player.

 

[Major Tom]

View attachment 23151

Looks like a toddler concentrating on a shit.

 

[Blue]

Geeze that elite playing group of big name stars in the Springboks line up is starting to age. Almost all their big names will be minimum 35 years+ at RWC. We have seen age is no limit for a few of our aging warriors but not sure you want to go into a RWC campaign with 10 of your starting 15 35+. One to watch over the next few years.

Ok silver lining here. This is the time to find this out.

I'd say the player obviously with a question mark over their heads:
Lood de Jager
Bongi
Kwagga
...and Siya Kolisi
Etzebeth is just a freak. He will keep going. as will PsDT

We can also put a line under the fact that guys like Fassi and Libbok are one dimensional and not up to this level of rugby.

Tactically the boks got this horribly wrong. Going up like that begged for them to go back to type,. Corners. Pressure. Get points.

They were arrogant and naive and thought they were going to keep running through your lot. Rassie admitted as much. An hour in and NO message came from the coaches boks. Where was the scenario planning.

 

[Blue]

MAy I remind some people on here that pre-the Lions series, there were those who rubbished Frost.

Slap yourself. You know who you are.

 

[The Ghost of Raelene]

Fucking oath I was one of them and it was warranted. He’s looked a different player when next to a big brute and he isn’t the main muscle.

 

[Brumby Runner]

Fucking oath I was one of them and it was warranted. He’s looked a different player when next to a big brute and he isn’t the main muscle.

I don't think this is accurate Ghost. I am on record before SR25 got under way as predicting Frosty would give the JEM a big shake this year. And events in all the tests so far would indicate he is on track to be in the running.

Nick has always shown a high level of potential and his form in the later tests last year was good enough for me to make that prediction. I think the combination with Skelton has worked to improve them both this year, but he has looked good all year no matter who he was partnered with in the second row.

 

[The Ghost of Raelene]

I just think he can do more of the athletic stuff when a guy like Skelton is there. LSL (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto) would be a good partner as well. When it’s Frost and Williams it’s a bit too similar to start a game. He’s never poor, but benefits from help like most players.

He’ll definitely be up the top of the tally. His availability is fantastic and his consistency. He may not get 10/10s but he also never goes below a 7.

 

[Yoda]

Fucking oath I was one of them and it was warranted. He’s looked a different player when next to a big brute and he isn’t the main muscle.

Ghost, all punters on here offer their opinions. Many amusing.. but hey it's a forum. A minority know what they are talking about.

 

[The Ghost of Raelene]

That’s the most on brand ‘Yoda’ thing you’ve said.

Said well it was.

 

[Linerunner2023]

Geeze that elite playing group of big name stars in the Springboks line up is starting to age. Almost all their big names will be minimum 35 years+ at RWC. We have seen age is no limit for a few of our aging warriors but not sure you want to go into a RWC campaign with 10 of your starting 15 35+. One to watch over the next few years.

Yes it’s certainly an ageing squad
Keep in mind though they and the ABs had two of the oldest squads are rwc and both were in the final
Boks had 18 guys over 30 and many were mid 30s
ABs had 12 with many of these guys in their mid 30s
Experience does help but I think there certainly only be all the current players over 30 for the boks at rwc 2027
They have allready moved a few on sense 2023 however may need to move more on and bring more guys in before Aus

 

[Major Tom]

I for one never thought he wasn’t good enough for the wallabies. The bloke is 200+cm and can run like the wind. Hes always been a good lineout operator and now he has an elite motor. But he’s not the 2nd rower that belts someone in defence or runs over the top of them in attack. I like that we seem to now understand that now. I agree with previous people having a big bopper next to him allows he to focus on his role. And weve found some balance with Williams on the bench.

 

[Spamnoodle]

Duds?

Most of their players have had some talent, usually enough to be in some type of development squad.

They are very good, if not the best at development but they hardly start with duds

I don't think Edmed is a dud either. By all reports he was quite successful and widely lauded in his NPC stint last year.
Kiwis don't blow smoke up an Aussies arse for laughs.
I expect he'll kick on to better things. Hopefully for Australian rugby they'll be great things!