TRC2021 - All Blacks v Springboks @ Townsville 25/09

[Derpus]

Gotta say I reckon de Allende is one of the most overrated centres around.

 

[Brumby Runner]

IMO the Boks will simply be run off their feet. Can't see that backline giving the ABs any concern at all. Didn't fire a shot against the Wallabies. ABs by at least 25.

 

[ACT Crusader]

Nail biting or not, 2013 Ellis Park, I still think the best test I have seen in professional era. Had absolutely everything!

Even a stuff up on the team sheet! That was the test where Mealamu was named on the team sheet but Coles started!
One of the great team performances. Kieran Read in beast mode and running like a centre.
Barrett’s chase down and try saver, Messam prominent, 2 AB YC’s, Gear playing like an extra forward.

 

[waiopehu oldboy]

Interesting that SA are starting Smith & going with a 5/3 bench, suggests they're going to take AB on a bit wider than "straight up the guts". But bringing Steyn in? Really? Dude's well past it (& will now probably nail the match-winner from 55m into the wind).

 

[Dan54]

Ones memory of best test will depend on AB or Boks supporter

To be fair , most Bok supporters I spoke to said the same, and even the ref Nigel Owens marked it as one of the best ones he ever reffed.

 

[Derpus]

Interesting that SA are starting Smith & going with a 5/3 bench, suggests they're going to take AB on a bit wider than "straight up the guts". But bringing Steyn in? Really? Dude's well past it (& will now probably nail the match-winner from 55m into the wind).

Look at that mane, though. Majestic.

 

[Dan54]

At least one SA writer has got the Boks to win, and he has his reasons as outlined, among them is that regardless of all else the Boks have best winning percentage of any team against ABs, 40%. Also interesting his take on Wallaby tests etc.

Why I am backing battle-weary Boks to beat the All Blacks

I am backing the Springboks to win against the All Blacks in Townsville on Saturday - and this is why, writes Mark Keohane.

www.keo.co.za

Up to a point I see what he says, Boks will be up for this big time.

 

[waiopehu oldboy]

^ winning % in the pro Era would be somewhat less, I think (I'll look it up after work & post result if zer0 or someone else doesn't beat me to it).

I'm really thinking AB could be walking into a shit storm here, buildup has a Wellington 2018 feel about it, hopefully the players & coaching staff aren't buying into the "boks are toast" narrative.

 

[tragic]

^ winning % in the pro Era would be somewhat less, I think (I'll look it up after work & post result if zer0 or someone else doesn't beat me to it).

I'm really thinking AB could be walking into a shit storm here, buildup has a Wellington 2018 feel about it, hopefully the players & coaching staff aren't buying into the "boks are toast" narrative.

Twice in 7 yrs IIRC - 2014 and 2018.

 

[Derpus]

Isn't twice since 2010 or something diabolical? All this 'our true' rivals bullshit is... bullshit.

 

[Dctarget]

 

[Dctarget]

Pretty bloody good side. I’m excited for this. Initially I wanted NZ to spank SA to justify us always losing badly, but that’s faded and I gotta back the underdog. Doubt it’ll happen but it would be a great spectacle. Just hoping for some good rugby

 

[Dan54]

Like the look of the team, I guessing Papali'i and ALB still not real fit. Bridge obviously in because he tends to be bloody good under high ball, and has played pretty well the last games anyway. Tupaea on bench confirms ALB's status I would think. So I all ecited even if a little nervous.

 

[KiwiM]

Yep that looks the strongest 23 available to play the Boks specifically. Bring it!

 

[waiopehu oldboy]

Happy with the 23 given AL-B & Papalii aren't available, 6. Akira 7. Ardie 8. LJ is a good balance & I like that our back three all have FB experience.

 

[waiopehu oldboy]

In the pro era SA are 15/56 with a draw, all-time 36/99 with four draws.

History of rugby union matches between New Zealand and South Africa - Wikipedia

en.m.wikipedia.org

 

[Derpus]

In the pro era SA are 15/56 with a draw, all-time 36/99 with four draws.

Is that the best overall record anyone has against the evil empire?

 

[waiopehu oldboy]

^ At 36% all-time, comfortably so. Australia are 45/173 (26%) with eight draws, England 8/42 (19%) with one draw, France 12/61 (18%) also with one draw. ESPNscrum have unconscionably killed off StatsGuru & I can't be arsed doing the pre- & pro-era numbers for you lot, Ringinland & Les Frogs right now.

Edit: Lions are 7/41 (17%) with four draws all-time.

 

[Derpus]

Yeah shit we've got some work to do.

 

[waiopehu oldboy]

Got curious so did the pro-era numbers:

South Africa 15/56 (27%), 1 draw
Australia 18/73 (25%), 3 draws
Edit: B&I Lions 1/6 (17%), 1 draw
England 4/24 (17%), 1 draw
France 4/29 (14%), 1 draw