Ireland vs South Africa pre-match talk and squad announcements.

First topic message reminder :

The much anticipated Autumn Iinternationals has arrived and South Africa will begin their three test tour against Ireland on Saturday at Landsdowne road. With a record of only one win in their last four test matches and 3 straight losses between 2004 and 2009, the Springboks would like to continue their resurgence against Ireland and emulate their two point victory of 2010.

But will they be up for an Ireland team who have been just about as disappointing as the Springboks were in 2012.

Ireland who boast wins over Scotland and Italy and a Hard earned draw over France at Stade de France earlier in the year has a disappointing return of 5 losses, 2 wins and 1 draw for the year.

South Africa has not fared much better, with 4 wins, 3 losses and 2 draws for the year.

Both teams will rue lost opportunities during the year where execution and specifically goal kicking have haunted the Springboks in Particular. Their goal kickin records stands at a miserly 55% for the year and will lose you more tests than win.

Ireland will be without their inspirational captain Brian O'Driscoll and South Africa after a long season will bewithout the services of Arguably the best Hooker in world rugby Bismarck du Plessis, the athletic Andries Bekker, talisman Schalk Burger, Pierre Spies, Heinrich Brussow, Johan Goosen, Bryan Habana (yeah I know I am complaining a bit much here), Frans Steyn and Coenie Oosthuizen.

Will this end of season tour be a bridge too far for an injury riddled South African squad or will they be able to overcome an Irish team who hasn't convinced this year.

Likely SA matchday 22.

1. Beast Mtwarira
2. Adriaan Strauss
3. Jannie du Plessis
4. Eben Etzebeth
5. Juandre Kruger (Marco Wentzel)
6. Francois Louw
7. Willem Alberts
8. Duane Vermeulen
9. Ruan Pienaar
10. Patrick Lambie
11. Francois Hougaard
12. Jean de Villiers
13. Jaco Taute
14. JP Pietersen
15. Zane Kirchner

Bench
16. Gurthro Steenkamp
17. Schalk Brits
18. Pat Cilliers
19. Flip v d Merwe
20. Marcelle Coetzee
21. Franco v d Merwe
22. Jan Vermaak
23. Morne Steyn

I'll update if someone provides me a likely Irish matchday 22.

Morgannwg wrote:Where do Ireland get this idea that they almost beat the All Blacks? They almost drew with them in between two obliterations. Anyway, the team looks a bit rag-tag. SA by 10. And good luck.

The TWO OBLITERATIONS were inherent in my total destruction of our version of rugby and our dreadful overall form, Morg. Why does a Welshman forever think an Irishman is gloating when the Irishman is openly naming and shaming the bunk that passes for International level rugby in his own nation?

Now, when the righteous anger of a Welshman soothes - and he realises Wales isn't a target, and when he recovers from the disappointment that Wales isn't the target!!! - we'll get back to the facts:

Apart from Australia's recent attempt, Ireland have been closer to winning against the All Blacks than anyone since that middle game - fact. Another fact is that the SH Championship has taken place in the meantime, and neither SA, AUS or Argentina got as close. You ponder the implications of that as much as you like, Morg - I'll state the facts. DOD likes when I do so and I'm trying to please him a little.

We are crud as an International side and yet we've beaten the side Wales have been trying to beat for quite a while now (Australia) we were obliterated by the All Blacks and yet came so close to them (unlike any side in the SH championship), Wales won the GS and third placed Ireland, playing shyte rugby, scored most tries.

I don't really care what maths you do on that, Morg - I do my own. And thanks for the 'good luck' - through gritted teeth.

SecretFly wrote:

Morgannwg wrote:Where do Ireland get this idea that they almost beat the All Blacks? They almost drew with them in between two obliterations. Anyway, the team looks a bit rag-tag. SA by 10. And good luck.

The TWO OBLITERATIONS were inherent in my total destruction of our version of rugby and our dreadful overall form, Morg. Why does a Welshman forever think an Irishman is gloating when the Irishman is openly naming and shaming the bunk that passes for International level rugby in his own nation?

Now, when the righteous anger of a Welshman soothes - and he realises Wales isn't a target, and when he recovers from the disappointment that Wales isn't the target!!! - we'll get back to the facts:

Apart from Australia's recent attempt, Ireland have been closer to winning against the All Blacks than anyone since that middle game - fact. Another fact is that the SH Championship has taken place in the meantime, and neither SA, AUS or Argentina got as close. You ponder the implications of that as much as you like, Morg - I'll state the facts. DOD likes when I do so and I'm trying to please him a little.

We are crud as an International side and yet we've beaten the side Wales have been trying to beat for quite a while now (Australia) we were obliterated by the All Blacks and yet came so close to them (unlike any side in the SH championship), Wales won the GS and third placed Ireland, playing shyte rugby, scored most tries.

I don't really care what maths you do on that, Morg - I do my own. And thanks for the 'good luck' - through gritted teeth.

8 out of 10..Fly...see you can do it if you want to. I will disagree on only one thing. We are not Crud we are inconsistent....

Thanks DOD - that means a lot to me

DOD wrote:

SecretFly wrote:

Morgannwg wrote:Where do Ireland get this idea that they almost beat the All Blacks? They almost drew with them in between two obliterations. Anyway, the team looks a bit rag-tag. SA by 10. And good luck.

The TWO OBLITERATIONS were inherent in my total destruction of our version of rugby and our dreadful overall form, Morg. Why does a Welshman forever think an Irishman is gloating when the Irishman is openly naming and shaming the bunk that passes for International level rugby in his own nation?

Now, when the righteous anger of a Welshman soothes - and he realises Wales isn't a target, and when he recovers from the disappointment that Wales isn't the target!!! - we'll get back to the facts:

Apart from Australia's recent attempt, Ireland have been closer to winning against the All Blacks than anyone since that middle game - fact. Another fact is that the SH Championship has taken place in the meantime, and neither SA, AUS or Argentina got as close. You ponder the implications of that as much as you like, Morg - I'll state the facts. DOD likes when I do so and I'm trying to please him a little.

We are crud as an International side and yet we've beaten the side Wales have been trying to beat for quite a while now (Australia) we were obliterated by the All Blacks and yet came so close to them (unlike any side in the SH championship), Wales won the GS and third placed Ireland, playing shyte rugby, scored most tries.

I don't really care what maths you do on that, Morg - I do my own. And thanks for the 'good luck' - through gritted teeth.

8 out of 10..Fly...see you can do it if you want to. I will disagree on only one thing. We are not Crud we are inconsistent....

Consistently inconsistent. Fighting for the exact same position, from when Kidney started out - four years ago. Fighting for our 8th place seeding. Again.

Thank God for fortuitous injuries with some and undeniable form in others, or we'd still have ROG and Hayes starting.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZmopROxBnBU

Oh gees I pop out for a few hours and we have a DOD and fly love in ....

If only things could be like this all the time...

www.youtube.com/watch?v=5DmYLrxR0Y8

Yeah, isn't that enough to drive you to drink?

Gibson wrote:

DOD wrote:

SecretFly wrote:

Morgannwg wrote:Where do Ireland get this idea that they almost beat the All Blacks? They almost drew with them in between two obliterations. Anyway, the team looks a bit rag-tag. SA by 10. And good luck.

The TWO OBLITERATIONS were inherent in my total destruction of our version of rugby and our dreadful overall form, Morg. Why does a Welshman forever think an Irishman is gloating when the Irishman is openly naming and shaming the bunk that passes for International level rugby in his own nation?

Now, when the righteous anger of a Welshman soothes - and he realises Wales isn't a target, and when he recovers from the disappointment that Wales isn't the target!!! - we'll get back to the facts:

Apart from Australia's recent attempt, Ireland have been closer to winning against the All Blacks than anyone since that middle game - fact. Another fact is that the SH Championship has taken place in the meantime, and neither SA, AUS or Argentina got as close. You ponder the implications of that as much as you like, Morg - I'll state the facts. DOD likes when I do so and I'm trying to please him a little.

We are crud as an International side and yet we've beaten the side Wales have been trying to beat for quite a while now (Australia) we were obliterated by the All Blacks and yet came so close to them (unlike any side in the SH championship), Wales won the GS and third placed Ireland, playing shyte rugby, scored most tries.

I don't really care what maths you do on that, Morg - I do my own. And thanks for the 'good luck' - through gritted teeth.

8 out of 10..Fly...see you can do it if you want to. I will disagree on only one thing. We are not Crud we are inconsistent....

Consistently inconsistent. Fighting for the exact same position, from when Kidney started out. Fighting for our 8th place seeding. Again.

Thank God for fortuitous injuries with some and undeniable form in others, or we'd still have ROG and Hayes starting.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZmopROxBnBU

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gfzLyPqko8w

Fly visits Gibson

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RDjCqjzbvJY&feature=related

rodders wrote:Oh gees I pop out for a few hours and we have a DOD and fly love in ....

If only things could be like this all the time...

www.youtube.com/watch?v=5DmYLrxR0Y8

Rubbish Rodders I agree with a lot of things Fly says...it just takes him forever to get to the point....

DOD wrote:

Gibson wrote:

DOD wrote:

SecretFly wrote:

Morgannwg wrote:Where do Ireland get this idea that they almost beat the All Blacks? They almost drew with them in between two obliterations. Anyway, the team looks a bit rag-tag. SA by 10. And good luck.

The TWO OBLITERATIONS were inherent in my total destruction of our version of rugby and our dreadful overall form, Morg. Why does a Welshman forever think an Irishman is gloating when the Irishman is openly naming and shaming the bunk that passes for International level rugby in his own nation?

Now, when the righteous anger of a Welshman soothes - and he realises Wales isn't a target, and when he recovers from the disappointment that Wales isn't the target!!! - we'll get back to the facts:

Apart from Australia's recent attempt, Ireland have been closer to winning against the All Blacks than anyone since that middle game - fact. Another fact is that the SH Championship has taken place in the meantime, and neither SA, AUS or Argentina got as close. You ponder the implications of that as much as you like, Morg - I'll state the facts. DOD likes when I do so and I'm trying to please him a little.

We are crud as an International side and yet we've beaten the side Wales have been trying to beat for quite a while now (Australia) we were obliterated by the All Blacks and yet came so close to them (unlike any side in the SH championship), Wales won the GS and third placed Ireland, playing shyte rugby, scored most tries.

I don't really care what maths you do on that, Morg - I do my own. And thanks for the 'good luck' - through gritted teeth.

8 out of 10..Fly...see you can do it if you want to. I will disagree on only one thing. We are not Crud we are inconsistent....

Consistently inconsistent. Fighting for the exact same position, from when Kidney started out. Fighting for our 8th place seeding. Again.

Thank God for fortuitous injuries with some and undeniable form in others, or we'd still have ROG and Hayes starting.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZmopROxBnBU

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gfzLyPqko8w

Fly visits Gibson

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RDjCqjzbvJY&feature=related

"I could be arguing in my spare time"

rodders, don't upset the chilled unified vibe, dude. Relax.... everything's easy!!!!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b-wgIht3roA

yep, that's me - Palin.

Cleese is Sin é

Wouldn't dream of it fly .... Relax buuuddddiieeesss

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HIRGNzVIz6Y

SecretFly wrote:yep, that's me - Palin.

Cleese is Sin é

too true...

Anyone want to talk about the "whisper" positives for this weekend....

1. The backline looks like if it gets enough quick ball that it could cause trouble. The back three look very exciting and even Trimble (I am not his biggest fan) is playing very well.

2. Losing Ferris was a big one for us but I think that Jamie (and his hair) have to step up a bit and he usually pulls one from his hat when the chips are down. I like the balance of the backrow. POM has had a couple of games for Ireland now and having watched him since he was 17 and at every level he has moved onto he improves... he is about ready to find his feet at this level I think he will have a big game as well.

3. The All Lady Boy front row will be strong and a match for the Boks.

4. I like it that he has gone for Kilcoyne and Henderson if you are good enough you are old enough.

There are players who are possibly unlucky and I would like it if he picked Madigan over ROG but I think Sexton will play the full game.

DOD wrote:Anyone want to talk about the "whisper" positives for this weekend....

1. The backline looks like if it gets enough quick ball that it could cause trouble. The back three look very exciting and even Trimble (I am not his biggest fan) is playing very well.

2. Losing Ferris was a big one for us but I think that Jamie (and his hair) have to step up a bit and he usually pulls one from his hat when the chips are down. I like the balance of the backrow. POM has had a couple of games for Ireland now and having watched him since he was 17 and at every level he has moved onto he improves... he is about ready to find his feet at this level I think he will have a big game as well.

3. The All Lady Boy front row will be strong and a match for the Boks.

4. I like it that he has gone for Kilcoyne and Henderson if you are good enough you are old enough.

There are players who are possibly unlucky and I would like it if he picked Madigan over ROG but I think Sexton will play the full game.

I'll go with most all of that Decco. I actually think Deccie picked the right, form team, in the circumstances. Maybe Reddan for Murray and Madigan for ROG... but hey... Just one thing, who de feic is Kilcoyne? Where did he come from? Is he handy? Not joking. Must watch closer.

Kilcoyne = 24. Has taken over from Du Preez as first choice loosehead. Very good scrummager and ball carrier. Similar to Healy.

Didnt appear to be developing that well last year but was a first choice on the A team and B&I team. Has really kicked on this year.

Good stuff. Someone to put it up to Healy. Skuse ignorance. Must keep a close eye on the lad.

DOD wrote:Anyone want to talk about the "whisper" positives for this weekend....

1. The backline looks like if it gets enough quick ball that it could cause trouble. The back three look very exciting and even Trimble (I am not his biggest fan) is playing very well.

2. Losing Ferris was a big one for us but I think that Jamie (and his hair) have to step up a bit and he usually pulls one from his hat when the chips are down. I like the balance of the backrow. POM has had a couple of games for Ireland now and having watched him since he was 17 and at every level he has moved onto he improves... he is about ready to find his feet at this level I think he will have a big game as well.

3. The All Lady Boy front row will be strong and a match for the Boks.

4. I like it that he has gone for Kilcoyne and Henderson if you are good enough you are old enough.

There are players who are possibly unlucky and I would like it if he picked Madigan over ROG but I think Sexton will play the full game.

I'm actually 90% happy with the side. As I said earlier I think Touhy should be in there ahead of McCarthy and would like to have seen Jackson, Madigan or Keatley on the bench ahead of ROG.

Court is in super form but I'm not against looking at other front row options so Kilcoyne is ok with me too.

Happy with the back 3 and that Henry gets the nod at 7. Strauss is better than Cronin so happy with that too. Henderson on the bench is a great shout.

I'm not convinced with the center partnership but didn't expect anything else and its not a great game for a new combination.

I hope some of the guys who missed out will get a chance against the Pumas though.

Who would you put in the centre

Its more likely that players will get a chance in the Fiji game...

I'd like to see Bowe or Trimble get a run in the centre DOD.. not necessarily for this one but going forward. Bowe isn't as fast as he was and I think its a logical move for him but it would be nice to see it tried for Ulster first.

BOD and Earls or even Cave and Earls might have some potential but D'arcy/Earls isn't a great combination I think.

Don't you guys sleep?

Too excited Bilts! What time is it down your way?

Almost 2 AM, but I have an excuse, the cricket test vs OZ starts in 15 minutes

2 AM! .... well its a thursday so the night is young up here!

Australia drew with New Zealand if I remember. How is Ireland's loss in the second test somehow better than that?

You remember wrong Pot Hale All Blacks won all 6 games, comfortably.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YIer_dE9z4c

Glad big Iain isn't playing for the Boks

neilthom7 wrote:You remember wrong Pot Hale All Blacks won all 6 games, comfortably.

http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-union/union-news/kiwis-denied-chance-to-push-for-world-record-20121020-27yyy.html

One of Bledisloe match in Brisbane after the 4 nations........ just say'n and all

Fly did say that apart from the Aussies draw we came closer than anyone in the championship.

It's Friday now and I've decided I couldn't give a shoite who's in the team. Just hope we smash them!

Yep, I feel pretty much the same, we gonna hurt you, we gonna beat you, we gonna eat you (just hope we don't freeze to death)

Haha come on Ireland let's sort out an early blizzard!

geez, I thought helping you lot out with Richard McStrauss would be enough, now you want a blizzard as well.

Next thing you'll be calling Paul Honiss out of retirement to officiate as well.

Biltong wrote:geez, I thought helping you lot out with Risteard Ó Súilleabháin would be enough, now you want a blizzard as well.

Next thing you'll be calling Paul Honiss out of retirement to officiate as well.

Fixed that for ya

So I pronounce Risteard Ó Súilleabháin as Ri ch i r d Mac Stra uss?

yeah pretty much, sure everyone called him Richard for the first year so I'm sure he's used to people making a bags of his name!

BLIZZARDS I TELL YA!

€100 says Strauss scores on his debut!

im having a flutter on strauss first try.

Will he learn the lyrics to Amhran Na BhFiann i wonder...?

Always knew our Risteard ni Straussain would be our No 1. No 2.

I hope he bates 7 bells of shoite out of his cousint tomorrow.

We could have been in a situation where we had 4 Leinster players in the front row for an international test (Hank VDM was called up to the Bok squad this week) with 2 cousins facing eachother.

That would have been a stato's wet dream.

Gibson wrote:Always knew our Risteard ni Straussain would be our No 1. No 2.

I hope he bates 7 bells of shoite out of his cousint tomorrow.

Hmmmm didnt realise he was a girl...although playing for the lady boys might do that to you.

Was hoping nobody would notice that.

Sher Gibbo struggles with English let alone Irish...

I will have you all know Risteard ni Straussain is actually a very old Irish tribal males name which was then adopted for the ladies after they ran out of good names and started stealing mens after the great gender battle of of 2004. I could also be making that all up

I meant that. It was no accident. Well spotted Decco. A complete Ladyboy front-row, plays for Ireland. Ooh how times have changed.

neilthom7 wrote:I will have you all know Risteard ni Straussain is actually a very old Irish tribal males name which was then adopted for the ladies after they ran out of good names and started stealing mens after the great gender battle of of 2004. I could also be making that all up

Ya cant bate a good old Christian Bros education Neil.

Gibson wrote:I meant that. It was no accident. Well spotted Decco. A complete Ladyboy front-row, plays for Ireland. Ooh how times have changed.

A corkman, south african and some other bloke you mean.

A Corkman shown the Leinster Way. 1st task was getting him to eat with a knife & fork. Then, we introduced him to soap and aftershave(Nivea brand). Then, we made an International prop out of him.

Risteardt was much less work. We just thought him to stand up straight, scrummage, throw arrows and tone down that Saffer accent a bit.

Healy was born into it.

No tanks required. Its what we do.

I see SA is getting a lot of flack again over their kicking.

I personally think people should start looking for something else

Kicks per match in the Rugby Championship.

SA 15 ARG 18
SA 25 ARG 26
SA 32 AUS 37
NZ 24 SA 27
SA 19 AUS 20
SA 17 NZ 28

Total kicks for SA 145
Total kicks for opponents 153

Just shows you when there is a myth out there it sticks like #€%^ to a wool blanket.

They have toned down on it now Biltong. They did take the pi$$ for a good while though especially when Boxkick DuPreez was in the team. I wouldnt be surprised if SA use the Garryowen a fair bit v Ireland tomorrow with Zebo at FB.

Ah but Bilt, that Aussie kicking stat is a red herring in that noone can explain why they kicked so much in that game. That was one of the oddest Aussie games you'll ever see, so I'd take the stats as ever, with a pinch of context, but yes, clearly ever SA kick just contributes to the impression that others are not yet tarred with.