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.

pete (buachaill on eirne) wrote:

Biltong wrote:

pete (buachaill on eirne) wrote:I think those Stats are a little warped relating to the All Blacks in all fairness Bilt. How many of their kicks were little grubbers or chip kicks which are an offensive weapon rather than long punts (which NZ do do too)

pete, not the point mate.

I have been supplying these stats for the past 2 seasons, showing SA isn't the only team kicking, the little chips you are talking about was kess than a handfull in two of those matches.

We scored the scond most tries in the Rugby championship, twice as many as OZ and Argentina, in the summer tours we ran the most yardage from kick returns.

I can rack up the facts and figures all night long as I analyse them after every series or competition, simply because I am trying to see whether we are moving in the right direction.

Yet the perception doesn't change.

i am not advocating that we aren't kicking, I am advocating everyone employs the kick.

Great post.
I do think the Blacks employ a range of different kicks compared to other teams in the world but I understand the point. Maybe the Boks have been unfairly labelled.

I'd love to know what percentages of passes from scrumhalf go to a forward, what percentage of passes from flyhalf go to a forward and how many phases involve 3 or more passes. not arguing your point I'd just be interested to know.

Biltong mate,
The facts are well on your side. Myths eh? Who'd ave em?

Enjoy the game tomorrow Sir. I am going to see it in an Aussie pub, in the Dam, with an out-and-out Saffer IBM'er. Twill be grand. His Russian GF is bringin her sister along.

Believe.

I doubt there will be no humble pie in here Rodders. Unfortunately they were set up at a buffet and Mike Ross ate them all- how else do you think he got to be 127kg? Bless him.

Notch wrote:What the hell is the Welsh guys problem?

Maybe its just because he's Welsh? Is that not enough to deal with already?

Jeesus Notch, and you have a Masters an all. Man. I dunno. I just dunno. All that intellect. And no sensitivity.

http://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/kidneys-reluctant-revolution-3287074.html

i liked this

I am out tomorrow during the match at work and I get home about half 7 or so and will be watching the game then, my flatmates think they are watching x-factor instead of me watching the rugby bless them. Don't they realise this isn't a democracy

Gibson wrote:

pete (buachaill on eirne) wrote:

Biltong wrote:

pete (buachaill on eirne) wrote:I think those Stats are a little warped relating to the All Blacks in all fairness Bilt. How many of their kicks were little grubbers or chip kicks which are an offensive weapon rather than long punts (which NZ do do too)

pete, not the point mate.

I have been supplying these stats for the past 2 seasons, showing SA isn't the only team kicking, the little chips you are talking about was kess than a handfull in two of those matches.

We scored the scond most tries in the Rugby championship, twice as many as OZ and Argentina, in the summer tours we ran the most yardage from kick returns.

I can rack up the facts and figures all night long as I analyse them after every series or competition, simply because I am trying to see whether we are moving in the right direction.

Yet the perception doesn't change.

i am not advocating that we aren't kicking, I am advocating everyone employs the kick.

Great post.
I do think the Blacks employ a range of different kicks compared to other teams in the world but I understand the point. Maybe the Boks have been unfairly labelled.

I'd love to know what percentages of passes from scrumhalf go to a forward, what percentage of passes from flyhalf go to a forward and how many phases involve 3 or more passes. not arguing your point I'd just be interested to know.

Biltong mate,
The facts are well on your side. Myths eh? Who'd ave em?

Enjoy the game tomorrow Sir. I am going to see it in an Aussie pub, in the Dam, with an out-and-out Saffer IBM'er. Twill be grand. His Russian GF is bringin her sister along.

Believe.

Gibson wrote:
Biltong mate,
The facts are well on your side. Myths eh? Who'd ave em?

Enjoy the game tomorrow Sir. I am going to see it in an Aussie pub, in the Dam, with an out-and-out Saffer IBM'er. Twill be grand. His Russian GF is bringin her sister along.

Believe.

Come Gibbo, sit with me and let's chat as men do. I'll regale you a tale of the Ukrainian girl I was 'seeing' whilst a student in the halcyon days of yore. She had a forehead on her that you could see from space, and a set of teeth that a beaver would mock. Oh you naughty beaver, your jealously at her love of wood doth not move me. My friends would begin sentences with 'I don't want to be racist but....' and then proceed to trundle along the low road. Well my friends, I had the last laugh, and what mirth it was. Mind you, I'd swap the mirth for girth if I could. 'Tear down this wall', I cried. A metaphorical wall of course. My housemates could hear very well without my bedroom Hasselhoffing looking for freedom. An enjoyable time was had by all.

Posted by Irishhoneymonster.

"I think it boils down to the pack and quick ball to the backs."

Someone get this guy into a coaching role.


Honestly, the game is that simple. Ask NZ.

Gibson wrote:

Hookisms and Hyperbole wrote:

Gibson wrote:
Biltong mate,
The facts are well on your side. Myths eh? Who'd ave em?

Enjoy the game tomorrow Sir. I am going to see it in an Aussie pub, in the Dam, with an out-and-out Saffer IBM'er. Twill be grand. His Russian GF is bringin her sister along.

Believe.

Come Gibbo, sit with me and let's chat as men do. I'll regale you a tale of the Ukrainian girl I was 'seeing' whilst a student in the halcyon days of yore. She had a forehead on her that you could see from space, and a set of teeth that a beaver would mock. Oh you naughty beaver, your jealously at her love of wood doth not move me. My friends would begin sentences with 'I don't want to be racist but....' and then proceed to trundle along the low road. Well my friends, I had the last laugh, and what mirth it was. Mind you, I'd swap the mirth for girth if I could. 'Tear down this wall', I cried. A metaphorical wall of course. My housemates could hear very well without my bedroom Hasselhoffing looking for freedom. An enjoyable time was had by all.

How old are you Hook? Is there perchance any innocence left to corrupt at all?

If there's not, I'm not a bit interested.

Anyway, these long-range relationships never tend to work out, I find. Best be honest at this stage.

I've broken far too many virtual mental hearts in my time. In anyways. What else can I say dude?

This is for you Babe. Its hard-core porn for those in the know.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a8jXr1_GyuU

Gibbo I'm that that glorious age where I'm old enough to know better, but young enough to care not a jot. It was many moons ago and I'm feeling rather wistful. You see women are like supporting Ireland Gibbo. If you have low expectations and don't care about how a performance looks then you will rarely be disappointed. If you get too full of yourself after a few decent performances you end up in the QUB student's union having your face licked by a girl roughly the same size as Mike Ross only less attractive. And ginger.

Far be it from me to offer any advice on how to woo this young Russian lady may I suggest you take a gander at this,
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=96s-VXldymI

Historically accurate and some of those moves can only impress the eastern European ladies.

Hookisms and Hyperbole wrote:

Gibson wrote:

Hookisms and Hyperbole wrote:

Gibson wrote:
Biltong mate,
The facts are well on your side. Myths eh? Who'd ave em?

Enjoy the game tomorrow Sir. I am going to see it in an Aussie pub, in the Dam, with an out-and-out Saffer IBM'er. Twill be grand. His Russian GF is bringin her sister along.

Believe.

Come Gibbo, sit with me and let's chat as men do. I'll regale you a tale of the Ukrainian girl I was 'seeing' whilst a student in the halcyon days of yore. She had a forehead on her that you could see from space, and a set of teeth that a beaver would mock. Oh you naughty beaver, your jealously at her love of wood doth not move me. My friends would begin sentences with 'I don't want to be racist but....' and then proceed to trundle along the low road. Well my friends, I had the last laugh, and what mirth it was. Mind you, I'd swap the mirth for girth if I could. 'Tear down this wall', I cried. A metaphorical wall of course. My housemates could hear very well without my bedroom Hasselhoffing looking for freedom. An enjoyable time was had by all.

How old are you Hook? Is there perchance any innocence left to corrupt at all?

If there's not, I'm not a bit interested.

Anyway, these long-range relationships never tend to work out, I find. Best be honest at this stage.

I've broken far too many virtual mental hearts in my time. In anyways. What else can I say dude?

This is for you Babe. Its hard-core porn for those in the know.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a8jXr1_GyuU

Gibbo I'm that that glorious age where I'm old enough to know better, but young enough to care not a jot. It was many moons ago and I'm feeling rather wistful. You see women are like supporting Ireland Gibbo. If you have low expectations and don't care about how a performance looks then you will rarely be disappointed. If you get too full of yourself after a few decent performances you end up in the QUB student's union having your face licked by a girl roughly the same size as Mike Ross only less attractive. And ginger.

Far be it from me to offer any advice on how to woo this young Russian lady may I suggest you take a gander at this,
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=96s-VXldymI

Historically accurate and some of those moves can only impress the eastern European ladies.

Ahhaaa! Rasputin. That will have her under my very Spell, in the Last Chance Tranny Bar. Genius.

I must note this down. I bid you goodnight good Sir. And tanks ja.

Mon Ireland! We need this.

Believe.

I am going to go for an Ireland win by 5 to 10 points today. Just feel that Kidney has picked a good side to match those pesky Saffers.

I've gone SA by 15. Here in ireland we need an urgent nephrectomy. Kidney is destroying this Irish side piece by piece. Need change now.

Willser, hows you?

Sure now, Kidney has got a very solid team today. Could be close

I really don't see the point anymore billy. Irish rugby is in a rotten state at the moment. Now don't get me wrong that ain't all down to Kidney, but he has had his chance and we haven't moved forward. Time to move on.

I'll still be cheering on Ireland this evening but I hope to be drinking for a good hour beforehand to null the pain.

Dont forget Willy, Kidney does have this nack of getting his tactics spot on against the SH sides (excluding the first and third tests this summer against the AB's).

Ireland will win today............. BELIEVE

Beast is out.

Really? Thats bad news for the Saffers

Afternoon all.


Today's Times has an ex-England player (not one I'd ever heard of) calling for the Haka to be banned on their main editorial page.

Sigh.

CJ Van Der Linde or Pat Cilliers could replace him. I'm surprised to see VD Linde in the Boks squad.

That old chestnut again Pete. I love the HAKA and long may it continue.

Not bad replacements to have though Profitus...

Pete C (Kiwireddevil) wrote:Afternoon all.


Today's Times has an ex-England player (not one I'd ever heard of) calling for the Haka to be banned on their main editorial page.

Sigh.

Oops, meant to post that in the Pub thread. Sorry all

So you can get drunk on virtual beer Pete. I'm there.

Pete C (Kiwireddevil) wrote:Afternoon all.


Today's Times has an ex-England player (not one I'd ever heard of) calling for the Haka to be banned on their main editorial page.

Sigh.

Don't worry, the Boks won't do their Haka then...

SUFTIM

Pete C (Kiwireddevil) wrote:

Pete C (Kiwireddevil) wrote:Afternoon all.


Today's Times has an ex-England player (not one I'd ever heard of) calling for the Haka to be banned on their main editorial page.

Sigh.

Oops, meant to post that in the Pub thread. Sorry all

The Times (being a Murdoch enterprise) is a subscription site. A quote (or at least a Newsnight 'naming') would be helpful.

Richard Strauss a Saffa starting for Ireland!
Michael Bent a kiwi benching for Ireland!
Ireland wearing black for a rugby game!

Has the can of worms been opened yet!?

Does that mean Hank VDM to the bench?

Sure does Mickado

It does actually.

So that would be 2 Leinster props starting. 2 benching and a former leinster prop starting. Must be a first...?

Don't forget the leinster hooker and his cousin starting opposite each other are they going to have scrums these teams or just family meetings lol

The only downside to International rugby on the BBC is that John Inverdale is on.

As it gets closer to the game I think Ireland could be in with a decent shout.

The breakdown should be interesting. Ireland are good there and if they play at tempo and accuracy then it could turn into a good match.

In with a shout profitus? Ireland will win mate

It's Declan Kidneys Ireland. We'll most likely be awful but we might be brilliant.

You really think that Ireland will win? I wish I had your optimism. I think they'll be all over the place.

Whats good about this is no more looking to BOD or POC to do anything, waiting for them to dig us out of a hole. The players need to do it themselves.

Kidney will get the tactics right today, he generally does against the Aussies and Saffers

If we beat the Boks are we sorted for ranking points or does it still hinge on the Argentina game?

greytiger wrote:

Pete C (Kiwireddevil) wrote:

Pete C (Kiwireddevil) wrote:Afternoon all.


Today's Times has an ex-England player (not one I'd ever heard of) calling for the Haka to be banned on their main editorial page.

Sigh.

Oops, meant to post that in the Pub thread. Sorry all

The Times (being a Murdoch enterprise) is a subscription site. A quote (or at least a Newsnight 'naming') would be helpful.

Greytiger
It was Alistair Hignell, played FB for England back in the dat - 1970s I think. Hasd done a fwe rugby related opinion pieces in the Time recently

Golden wrote:If we beat the Boks are we sorted for ranking points or does it still hinge on the Argentina game?

Ireland should be sorted but if they lose then they must beat the Puma's.

With Beast out as well our team now looks decidedly 2nd string.

No Beast, Bismarck, Andries Bekker, Schalk Burger, Pierre Spies, Johan Goosen, Frans Steyn and Habana.

That is 8 first choice players out.

Bloody pathetic.

Biltong wrote:With Beast out as well our team now looks decidedly 2nd string.

No Beast, Bismarck, Andries Bekker, Schalk Burger, Pierre Spies, Johan Goosen, Frans Steyn and Habana.

That is 8 first choice players out.

Bloody pathetic.

I wont complain about the team you send out Biltong

Yeah Biltong it's a weak looking Saffa side alright. Once we let Best, O'Connell, Ferris, O'Brien, O'Driscoll and Kearney at 'em you won't stand a chance.

Biltong wrote:With Beast out as well our team now looks decidedly 2nd string.

No Beast, Bismarck, Andries Bekker, Schalk Burger, Pierre Spies, Johan Goosen, Frans Steyn and Habana.

That is 8 first choice players out.

Bloody pathetic.

We are missing plenty of players too, so its pretty even .

I haven't read all 12 pages of posts on here, but

When Ireland fetch up against SA, it brings memories flooding back of my first ever international rugby match. Having spent six years at boarding school I was not going to miss any match. So January 1970 I went to see Ireland v South Africa in Lansdown Road.

Some memories:

A month or so before the game there was a meeting in a lecture theatre in UCD on whether or not Ireland should play (this was the apartheid era). The main speaker was Kadar Asmal, lecturer in TCD, founder of the Irish Anti-Apartheid moverment and future Education Minister in SA (I believe). I went along to the meeting and when the main acts had finished a guy behind me put his hand up and asked if he could address the students and explain why he would play if chosen. I turned to the chap beside me and asked who this guy was "He's Fergus Slattery. Plays flanker and is on the probables team for the trials. Hhas a very high opinion of himself, thinks he is God's gift to rugby, but he is really rubbish." As I watched Slatts career blossom, I frequently recalled this dismissive assessment of the man and concluded that not everyone who follows a sport can make decent assessments of the players.

2 Ireland drew 8-8. As I left LR, at that stage I had never seen Ireland lose an international match (it didn't last).

3 Going to a game is very different to watching on tv. I loved the old Lansdown Road (haven't been to the new one and am not sure if I really want to go).

4 Chalked up watching FS in his first game. The start of a personal memory bank of rugby moments.

5 Ever since then I have always believed that Ireland can beat SA. I think they will do it today. Why? Well I think there are a lot of players who have not played their best in the Ireland shirt for some time. IN the stands to day will be one Warren Gatland having his forst look. They will not have many opportunities to impress and will have to take this one to persuade WG to, at least, pencil their name in.

Question.

What do you guys reckon will be the first words spoken at the first scrum?

Showing your age there Kia my dear

Biltong wrote:Question.

What do you guys reckon will be the first words spoken at the first scrum?

I see what you are doing here you cheeky scamp

Strauss to Strauss.

WHADDUP CUS'

Did you hear Shane Horgan on Chris Henry not playing in his 'natural position'. Sure he's only been the form 7 in provincial rugby for the better part of 18 months. The southern media really hasn't a clue.