This is the just about the best Bok team they could put out apart from injuries, suspensions, players in France, failed exorcisms, those detained for reasons of insanity and jail inmates. Francois Hougaard at 9 is my main worry – he’s a really good player – but it’s a big ask for a part timer ina specialist role. And big bad Jimmy Cowan is going to be all over him like a rash. A Kockott or a Duvenage has limitations, but has at least played against Cowen and Carter. Aplon is also a bit of a worry too, dynamite on attack but he’s short and could struggle under the high balls.
The All Blacks look typically savagely efficient but they aren’t ten foot tall, and they didn’t look too flash against Australia in the last match, especially in the second half. But in the form they’re in I glumly have to admit it’s unlikely the Boks are going to beat them. All Blacks by 10.
Boks: 15. Gio Aplon, 14. JP Pietersen, 13. Juan de Jongh, 12. Jean de Villiers, 11. Bryan Habana, 10. Morne Steyn, 9. Francois Hougaard, 8. Pierre Spies, 7. Juan Smith, 6. Schalk Burger, 5. Victor Matfield, 4. Flip van der Merwe, 3. Jannie du Plessis, 2. John Smit, 1. Gurthro Steenkamp
Bench: 16. Chiliboy Ralepelle, 17. CJ van der Linde, 18. Danie Rossouw, 19. Francois Louw, 20. Ricky Januarie, 21. Butch James, 22. Wynand Olivier
All Blacks: 15 Mils Muliaina, 14 Cory Jane, 13 Conrad Smith, 12 Ma'a Nonu, 11 Joe Rokocoko, 10 Daniel Carter, 9 Jimmy Cowan, 8 Kieran Read, 7 Richie McCaw (c), 6 Jerome Kaino, 5 Tom Donnelly, 4 Brad Thorn, 3 Ben Franks, 2 Keven Mealamu, 1 Tony Woodcock.
Bench: 16 Corey Flynn, 17 John Afoa, 18 Samuel Whitelock, 19 Victor Vito, 20 Piri Weepu, 21 Aaron Cruden, 22 Israel Dagg.
I caught a look at the new Ireland jersey in Lifestyle Sports at Dundrum, rubbing shoulders with the rich and famous like you do on a Tuesday night. The lable says it‘s blue curacao- new navy. I don’t think the graphic quite does it justice, my languages aren’t great, is curacao Portuguese for baby grower blue maybe?
I’m heading off on Friday to see the Leinster/Wasps match – I see Luke Fitzgerald is back, that’s great for Irish rugby.
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