Wales vs South Africa match buildup.

First topic message reminder :

OK boys, this weekend Wales and South Africa will both attempt to begin their Autumn Internationals with a win.

Both teams for different reasons.

Wales will want to build on their Six Nations form of the last two years, they will want to confirm to themselves that the British and Irish Lions tour was won because of their players, and they will want to progress from being Northern Hemisphere kings, to a team that has the ability to beat South Africa, New Zealand and Australia.

In my view, and possibly in the view of their supporters the time is now, it has been a while since Wales has been so dominant in Europe, the only thing missing before they can call themselves world beaters is to take the next step.

How much of it is mental, how much of it is due to the fact that they struggle to put 80 minute performances together I cannot be certain of, but what I do know is they have the ability, sadly it seems Cuthbert and Roberts will not be part of what I deem as the most talented and dangerous backline in Europe. For two reasons I might add, it is the most settled back line in Europe, and also very experienced.

Since the World Cup in 2011, Wales have won 9 of their 10 Six Nations matches, undoubtedly a very good record, however their problem was the seven match losing streak in between the two Six Nations.

South Africa on the other hand, has a new coach, been there for near two full seasons and he has made a difference.

Still not yet consistent, the concern is always how will Meyer ensure that the springboks perform on a consistent basis. In the past 18 months under Heyneke Meyer the boks had their fair share of poor games.

Last year out of the twelve test matches played the springboks managed to win 7 tests, drew 2 and lost three.

Although the three tests they lost were against New Zealand (twice) and Australia, there were a number of other performances that were not up to par. England in the third test at home, Argentina in Mendoza and New Zealand at home, those were poor performances by South Africa.

Although they went through the Autumn internationals unbeaten the were less than convincing.

I suppose the positive out of the performances were even when they played poorly, they managed to be on the right side of the scoreboard most of the time.

Although South Africa has shown improvement this year, the consistency is still under question.

The one aspect of their game that has improved immeasurably is their positive approach to attacking play, looking at the number of tries scored this year in comparison to last year it makes for astounding reading, in 2012 during 12 matches South Africa managed only 23 tries, conceding 16. This year in 9 tests they have managed 39 tries, conceding 18 tries.

Only New Zealand have managed to score regular tries against SA, totalling 15 tries in the last two years, the rest of their opponents only managed 19 tries in 17 matches.

Wales during 2012 managed to score 20 tries in conceding 17 in their 13 matches. During 2013 in their seven tests to date, they managed 11 tries, conceding 7.

If South Africa continues with their positive approach  to attacking plays I believe Wales will be hard pressed, their defence will have to be up to par, there is no doubt Wales will have a positive approach to the game, so from that perspective it should be an entertaining match.

There are some questions over the selections Meyer will make, will he bring Jaque Fourie, JP Pietersen and Bakkies Botha in for the first tour match, which would add significantly to the experience of the team, or will he give debutant Pieter Steph du Toit his first cap?

Of course Willie le Roux and JJ Engelbrecht may yet be inexperienced, but in my view it would be unfair to summarily dismiss them in favour of the old hands.

Wales have a few selection issues as well, who will replace Cuthbert and Roberts, and the ultimate question, will Phillips’ disciplinary record affect his chances for selection?

I still wonder who is the best fly half in Wales.

Come what may, this match should be a tough encounter, will SA prove they have made the step up and show consistency, or will Wales make the next leap towards world domination?

Springbok team for Wales.

The Springbok team to face Wales in Cardiff is:

15. Pat Lambie 29 caps 55 points
14. JP Pietersen 48 caps 70 points
13. Jaque Fourie 69 caps 160 points
12. Jean de Villiers (captain) 93 caps 120 points
11. Bryan Habana 92 caps 265 points
10. Morné Steyn 51 caps 618 points
9. Fourie du Preez 65 caps 70 points
8. Duane Vermeulen 13 caps 5 points
7. Willem Alberts 27 caps 30 points
6. Francois Louw 25 caps 25 points
5. Flip van der Merwe 31 caps 5 points
4. Eben Etzebeth 20 caps 0 points
3. Frans Malberhe 0 caps 0 points
2. Bismarck du Plessis (v-captain) 54 caps 40 points
1. Tendai Mtawarira 50 caps 10 points
Replacements:
16. Adriaan Strauss 30 caps 25 points
17. Gurthrö Steenkamp 46 caps 30 points
18. Coenie Oosthuizen 11 caps 5 points
19. Pieter-Steph du Toit 0 caps 0 points
20. Siya Kolisi 8 caps 0 points
21. Ruan Pienaar 71 caps 130 points
22. JJ Engelbrecht 10 caps 20 points
23. Willie le Roux 9 caps 15 points

Wales team for South Africa
Wales

15 Leigh Halfpenny,
14 George North,
13 Jonathan Davies,
12 Scott Williams,
11 Eli Walker,
10 Rhys Priestland,
9 Mike Phillips,
8 Toby Faletau,
7 Sam Warburton (captain),
6 Dan Lydiate,
5 Alun Wyn Jones,
4 Bradley Davies,
3 Adam Jones,
2 Richard Hibbard,
1 Gethin Jenkins

Substitutes: 16 Ken Owens, 17 Paul James, 18 Scott Andrews, 19 Luke Charteris, 20 Justin Tipuric, 21 Lloyd Williams, 22 James Hook, 23 Liam Williams

Stats dont win games. Points do.

Taylorman wrote:geez that ground is terrible for the stadium quality...its all cut up and not even wet?
did they run out of money?

Isn't the turf still laid on pallets to make it easier to lift for concerts etc? the roots just aren't allowed to knit or grow properly.

You can see lots of squares on the aeriel shots!

wales just not making any penetration.

Scrum not going too badly considering

Big time to get a penalty too

With Steyn off, if this comes to a tight finish, Wales have the kicker

Jeez, Rolland doesn't pish about with the scrum...fairdos.

Wales need to keep the points going now. Credwch bechgyn!

The defending players from both team are putting their hands on the ground beyond the ball and then sliding back to monkey onto the ball.

This was penalised severely in the RC consistently. But not now. Consistency can't be that hard on this one can it?

Mmmm interesting pen but puts Wales right back in it

Ge: i suppose nh and sh is reffed differently.

Love the dude in the wig and pom poms.  Got to be his stag do or birthday...

mystiroakey wrote:NAh taylorman- they basically built a stadium without checking the ground quality.
Millions have been spent on constant improvements -But to no avail.

What you talking about?? Do you know what was there BEFORE the MS??

The roof is the problem. There is no 'ground' there is a solid concrete floor at the stadium.

We all agree that there must be a solution and I am sure one will be found.

Let's try and concentrate on this huge battle ON the field.

Sa have been alot better at the rucks than wales

Cari wrote:Love the dude in the wig and pom poms.  Got to be his stag do or birthday...

Or just the weekend  

tigerleghorn wrote:

Taylorman wrote:geez that ground is terrible for the stadium quality...its all cut up and not even wet?
did they run out of money?

Isn't the turf still laid on pallets to make it easier to lift for concerts etc? the roots just aren't allowed to knit or grow properly.

You can see lots of squares on the aeriel shots!

It will be artificial for the 2015 RWC. most stadiums can deal with laying turf on pallets, but not at the Millennium.

Dodgy welsh ground

Both props off...well, you can't say they weren't warned! Bit of problem for us there...

Gethin could use a break, he will have to play 80

Uncontested scrums?

Lol at the crowd cheering then turned into a boo!

Interesting.

Any decision Rolland makes against Wales regardless is booed to feck. Some still won't forgive him... 

Nice knock on Beast!

Nothing wrong with that!

The BEAST let us off there, didn't look like we knocked it on, but there's a hint of foul play.... No nothing in it from the replay.

Hook knocked on.

come on wales!!

Luckily Lamby misses the DG...is Halfpenny any good at DGs...?

Ah silly penalty there...hopefully it's too far out.

Toby Toby Toby

quite an important kick........hate uncontested

...and it dips! Phew!

Knock on definitely so right not to play advantage. Try went begging there. Uncontested scrums are a bit of a disappointment. What I don't understand is why both props had to go. Usually one is at fault and is Rollaind not taking into account the state of the pitch?

Great defensive passage from Wales. That lifts a side. Now they need their hands on the ball. It's been all SA for the last few minutes.

Just looks like Wales are showing why theyre not getting up for these recently. After a ruthless start the Boks have definitely taken the pressure off and Wales havnt done enough to take advantage of it. Its almost as though theyre simply happy to not be scored against so much....

in saying that...good pressure there...

Wales the more physical - the more powerful team.......knocking the southern softies backwards 

Great defence by Wales there. Tips on for Lydiate. Now we'll see some sexy rugby...

Oh my Jacques Fourie what a touch

Yes ultra, problem is why the heck arnt they clinical the way they can be against England. I have a sinking feeling about this game as if its another carbon copy "v OZ' performance

Oh em gee.

 

Bit of magic there

Oh bollix. Easy try there from a helpful bounce. Sometimes the ball just goes your way.

NO!!!

Oh my days- WTF!

well played hibbard. he looks exhausted

TBH that was awful by Priestland. Skid it into touch!!!

Bugger!   Not sure about that

Nothing you can do about the Bounce of the rugby ball. Nice finishing. Now a test for Wales character...

Great strategic kick from Du Preez but Wales will look at the replay and with two there they'll hang their heads in shame (although some of that will be the adjudicating of the try). That'll hurt Wales and they must fight back now.

quinsforever wrote:well played hibbard. he looks exhausted

He's one of the hardest workers on the pitch. I don't know how he lasts so long sometimes.

Offside no. 13....surely a reffing eff up GE?

why wouldnt the ref ask TMO about offside from the kick on that one?

sorry that was not a lucky bounce at all- that was just poor play by wales..and SA were clinical

That is some driving maul from SA too...I can see them finishing us off for the next 13 minutes.

clearly offside