Rugby videos of tackles, tries, funny incidents and more: Steyn boots Boks to another win over All Blacks

Saturday, August 01, 2009

Steyn boots Boks to another win over All Blacks

The Springboks beat the All Blacks for the second consecutive week as they took Saturday’s Tri Nations match 31-19 in Durban. Morne Steyn once again stepped up as he scored all of the home sides points.

On a day when Jean De Villiers and Bryan Habana both notched up their 50th Test cap, it was John Smit who probably had the most memorable experience, as he broke the record for the most capped Test captain ever.

He overtook George Gregan and Will Carling with his record 60th cap as captain.

Flyhalf on the day Steyn put in another quality performance as he kicked sublimely to help clinch another team milestone, this time the first time since 1976 that a South African side have beaten the All Blacks in a series.

He scored a try, kicked the conversion, and then kicked 8 penalties, missing his ninth attempt on fulltime. The 31 points were the most points ever by a player against the All Blacks. He also got the record for the most points in a Tri Nations match, eclipsing the 29 set by Andrew Mehrtens.

He was humble post match when asked about the performance.

"We were ready for the rain and expected the win to blow, so that wasn’t really a problem. I was a bit disappointed to miss that last kick but happy with the rest of them," he said.

"A lot of credit has to go to the forwards, though. Any No 10 would love to be in a side like this."

New Zealand showed flashes of brilliance at times with their incredible counter-attacking prowess, but their error rate was high and they lacked precision and composure, which cost them dearly.

South Africa now sit firmly on top of the table, with another home match to come, before travelling overseas. They face the Wallabies in Cape Town next week.

Time: 06:44

1st!

By ArranR, at August 01, 2009 8:32 pm
it was quite a shocking game by the All Blacks once again :(

By ArranR, at August 01, 2009 8:32 pm
the AB's were completely outclassed, they never looked like winning at any point, even when they took the lead.

Good Saffer side this, Brussow was immense, totally outplayed McCaw who doesn't look fit imo.

By goodNumber10, at August 01, 2009 9:07 pm
What was that thing on McCaw's cheek? Looked like it had been shaved. yuck. made me wince whenever I saw him lol

Nice to see him getting pinged often though. :)

Boks are looking great.

By Shaft, at August 01, 2009 9:15 pm
ya but there rep will keep them at the 2nd beast team in the world, there just acting out the lions tour next game they will win by a clear mile.

By italian, scottish and english war machine, at August 01, 2009 9:17 pm
The Boks worked the phases by dominance at the breakdown and the All Blacks couldn't deal with it.

Basics done with world class precision.

By bigox, at August 01, 2009 9:31 pm
Anyone else think that if this SA side sort out their backline, they are going to dominate the rugby world for sometime. Everyone is saying how bad the blacks played,however the boks will be the first to say that they are still not 100% (and goodness help any team who gets them when they are at 100%!) I honestly think this Bok side can only get better and better and boy are their forwards brilliant!

By Anonymous, at August 01, 2009 9:35 pm
Bokke - still no.1! Boy am I glad to still be able to say that!!! WOOO HOOOOO!!!

By Anonymous, at August 01, 2009 9:40 pm
i almost feel bad for the all blacks. almost.

By Anonymous, at August 01, 2009 9:47 pm
1st SOUTH AFRICA 90.30
2nd NEW ZEALAND 90.10
3rd AUSTRALIA 86.06
4th IRELAND 83.27

By B, at August 01, 2009 9:58 pm
Massive Fourie.

Massive!

O_O

By Madflyhalf, at August 01, 2009 10:04 pm
Brussow 2- Mccaw - 0

By Anonymous, at August 01, 2009 10:25 pm
Pretty scrappy game, lot of drop balls and loose passing.

By InsideShoulder, at August 01, 2009 10:27 pm
south africa should play all black with autralia beast players then see who wins, that will sort out who the beast team in the world is because that will be a realy hard mach and if they win well thats a statment to hold.

By italian, scottish and english war machine, at August 01, 2009 10:47 pm
The Boks will win!

By Anonymous, at August 01, 2009 11:14 pm
BOKKE! Jacques Fourie - bril just bril!

By Anonymous, at August 01, 2009 11:15 pm
Boks had 2 sin bins and STILL manage to win, I think that this side of BOKS just won't accept anything less than a win - (no matter what) and I think that is what makes them such a good side - that & the fact that they have an AMAZIN captain(from a neutral fan)

By Anonymous, at August 01, 2009 11:18 pm
Firtly, agree that SA are going to rule rugby if they can get the backs more ball. Did Habana recieve 1 pass on the left without having to come off his wing? Fourie yet again confirming why he is in my mind the best outside centre in the game, this coming from an Irish BOD and Stirlo fan.

Secondly, after my tirade against refs, another great reffing preformance from Nigel 'the only gayee in the vill - age' Owens, fair dues to him for coming out in a very physical, testostrone fuelled sport, very few who would. For those who don't know the show Little Britain, don't accuse me of homophobia, just joking.

Thirdly, i think the anger over Burger's short ban are now null and void, I don't think he's gonna get a game again this year.
Brussow was a gaint again. Correct me if I'm wrong SA fans, but Brussow wasn't even in the orginal squad to face the Lions. Only for Burger's injury before 1st test. What a find. To give McCaw a taste of his own meds not once but twice is incredible. The best thing about him is the fact he doesn't fit into the trad SA flanker mould, ie, 6' 4", 19.5 stone and 100m in 10.5secs, he's an out and out grounghog. Thats the beauty of Rugby Union, a position for all shapes and sizes. Openside seems a lost art form as more teams choose ball carrying 7s, although nothing wrong with that. Neil Back, McCaw, George Smith, Waugh, Dusattoir, and now Brussow.

By Huh!! the 3rd, at August 01, 2009 11:26 pm
AN UNINSPIRING SOUTH AFRICAN TEAM!!! GOD ITS TERRIBLE WHEN THE BOKS ARE THE BEST IN THE TRI-NATIONS!!

in my opinion...

By Anonymous, at August 01, 2009 11:28 pm
Agree Anon above (why no name, its not like someone is going to take offence, find where you live and beat you senseless,... although not a bad idea!!), but as long as they win, I don't think they or their fans will care.

By Huh!! the 3rd, at August 01, 2009 11:40 pm
Yeah to thea anon ass above - an unispiring SA team, who are world champs, beaten the lions, beaten the kiwis...list goes on... a SA team who are no 1 in the world and aren't even playing to their full potential - can't wait to go over during the AI's and kick your ass into submission in our unispiring way!!! Aaaaah - that's SO inspiring!!

By Anonymous, at August 02, 2009 12:02 am
BOKKKKKKKEEEEEEEEE!!!!

By Anonymous, at August 02, 2009 12:02 am
All those slagging SA off - all I say is wait,wait wait and see - these boks know that they aren't playing to their true potential (as most open-minded rugby fans on this site have already pointed out - bar the idiots who can't /don't want to see it) For a side who have the RWC, they are doing really,really well...most teams fall apart after wining a World Cup - not this side! (And the scary thing is, they WILL get better) and this from an argie fan!

By Anonymous, at August 02, 2009 12:08 am
HUh the 3rd - don't lie to the poor guy - we do know where he lives!

By Anonymous, at August 02, 2009 12:14 am
wow, NZ really surprised me today, i can't believe they beat Australia 2 weeks ago...GOD I hate SA!!!!!

By Anonymous, at August 02, 2009 12:37 am
Did not enjoy the ref today (why don't we get more SH ref's for the 3N?)

By Anonymous, at August 02, 2009 12:58 am
What a penalty fest, how bad were the All Blacks to give away so many penalties?

Even if the Boks didn't score a try, they'd still win 24-19

By Anonymous, at August 02, 2009 12:58 am
Boks are just too powerful in the forwards - they dominated the game through and through..

By Anonymous, at August 02, 2009 1:01 am
The AB's leave SA with not even a single bonus point...sad,sad times for AB fans like me .. Well played to the boks though, the highlights don't confirm exactly how much you dominated us up front today (which is a good thing from my prespective!)

By Anonymous, at August 02, 2009 1:03 am
SA force the penalty, thats why so many of their points come from kicks and why steyn broke those records. NZ's forwards just seem weak in comparison to SA's, the second row isnt aggressive or skillful, the backrow needs some more grunt and the backs need carter back desperately for a kicking game. the frans steyn factor seemed to scare donald into running the ball way too much. simply the only way to beat the boks team is to get a kicker like hernandez or carter who can null frans steyn out of the game and also have a pack big enough and athletic enough to stop the boks forcing pressure. not a huge fan of their style of play at the moment but winnings all that matters so fair play to them...shame about their c*ntish media

By caucau's no.1 fan, at August 02, 2009 1:07 am
It seems to me that rarely are the team playing the most 'attractive' rugby in the world also the No. 1 team in the world. It happens occasionally I grant you (Welsh teams in the 70s, ABs sometimes) but normally the teams who play with the most flair and imagination also make the most mistakes. I guess it stands to reason - the more risks you take the higher the chances something won't come off.

Anyway, I say this not to slag off the Boks, or indeed anyone, but rather to point out that most fans want their teams to win more than they want their teams to play 'attractive' rugby. That lots of other fans are slagging off the style of the Boks rugby at the moment probably does not concern SA fans one little bit. When England were No. 1 (which seems about three hundred years ago now) I didn't give a damn if all the other nations hated their style of play.

What's more, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, 'attractive' rugby to some is hideous to others.

By Ted, at August 02, 2009 1:45 am
right, so even though morne steyn scored 31 points, he owes so so much to the SA 2nd rows and flankers. they dominated so much at the break-down that even when the ABs got the ball they were under pressure. indiscipline cost NZ simply because they couldn't handle the likes of Botha and Smith.

secondly, the try the boks scored - was donald even thinking abou trying a tackle? he just stood and watched morne jog past him. other than as a kicker hes been poor throughout his career above a super14 level.

to be fair to NZ though, kano's sin-binning was unfair and the penalty just before HT that gave SA 3 points was wrong. rococoko didnt connect with his foot so there was no offside. just a knock-on and half-time. without those 2, who knows?

By nick j, at August 02, 2009 1:56 am
Since when were The All Blacks absolutely muck? I can't believe this from an Irish perspective as well. The one year that they're shockingly bad is the one year we don't play them. We'll just have to beat SA and Australia instead.

By Kearney for tests, at August 02, 2009 2:26 am
Keep dreaming Kearney for tests, not likely to happen, well you might beat oz, but the Boks - NEVER!

By Anonymous, at August 02, 2009 3:02 am
SA made the Blacks look bad and forced them to make errors, I would also drop the ball if I saw the likes of Botha and Spies coming at me..

By Anonymous, at August 02, 2009 3:03 am
Wow, the ref loved his bloody whistle didn't he? Loved the cards too.
What's his problem, is he always so annoying and pedantic?
Cuz I'd actually rather see the the players win the game with their rugby, then with the ref's sometimes quite bizzare interpretations.
I agree that we need mor SH refs for the 3-nations, they let the game get played, unlike the NH refs, who seem to want the focus to be on their reffing performance.
Having said that, I'm not knocking the Boks, they won fair and square, they are the better team.
Just the ref, what a knob head.

By Jon, at August 02, 2009 3:11 am
Aaaarrrggghhh - you have just got to love to hate SA, they are just too damn good at the mo (I'm talking about their forwards) Is there any team who can stop their pack from dominating, ANYONE??

By Anonymous, at August 02, 2009 3:13 am
I thought about commenting on the other thread/video that it was too early to hand over the Tri-nations trophy to SA, but now it seems to me to be more like good foresight.
-Dune

By Anonymous, at August 02, 2009 3:13 am
Jacque Fourie - (I have said this before and I'm going say it again)-what a brilliant player and he never, ever, ever gives up!

By Anonymous, at August 02, 2009 3:21 am
Why do the ref's always have to try to be BIGGER than the game?

By Anonymous, at August 02, 2009 3:24 am
Coming from NH rugby fan, I personally like Nigel Owens as a ref, hes very straight and doesnt mess around. He tells you what he's going to do and then does it. Can't fault that. I guess its more of a NH hemisphere thing to punish all offenses commited with a penalty, which probably didn't sit well in the SH? Still I don't think you can call him a bad ref

By Phil3, at August 02, 2009 4:47 am
Well played BOKKE! I know you have even more from where that came from, can't wait for the Ozzies on SAT! BRING IT ON!!!

By Anonymous, at August 02, 2009 4:54 am
The AB are done, I've noticed over the last couple of years that they can't play structured rugby, it's all run and gun. When a team plays a structured game against them they struggle, and lose their compsure but if you try to run with them your done. And now the Boks have a ball pinching openside just as the "AB" do and he's out played McCaw in both games

By Anonymous, at August 02, 2009 6:28 am
The all blacks were embarresing, what a disgrace to NZ.

By Anonymous, at August 02, 2009 7:10 am
who got man of match?
Fourie?
M. Steyn?
Botha?

I havn't watched the highlights so i'm not sure if it shows you sivivatu's runs.(I watched the whole game). I didn't realise how quick and strong he is, and his sidestep aswell is phenomal. I dont know how many defenders he beat after just his 2 immense runs, but it must be round about 6 or 7 which is unbelievable!

Sivivatu is a player to watch in this NZ side.

Brussow, Fourie and M.Steyn are ones to watch in the SA side. Especially Brussow.

I havn't really seen any players stand out in the AUS side, but 1 to always watch is Gituea.

By ArranR, at August 02, 2009 9:08 am
so in SA next try nations game there going to wear stupid arm bands saying justice for botha after he got yellow carded.

By peteNe, at August 02, 2009 9:51 am
Everyone is complaining about the style of play, anyone notice the amount of rain?? SA rugby is very boring, I mean look at the Super 14, the bulls snuck to a win with some kicks didn't they???

Great day for SA rugby, all the haters are going to be hating for a while to come!

I'll be at the test next week against the wallabies, lets hope the weather is good, although I don't think it matters!

Bokke for the TriNations!!!

By Tim Hulme, at August 02, 2009 10:13 am
These two games kinda put a perspective on the Lions´ narrow losses.

By jorge, at August 02, 2009 10:31 am
hey peteNe. shit your funny....

By Anonymous, at August 02, 2009 11:33 am
ab'S were clearly trying to run it way more than in the first match but didnt really threaten except once or twice

henry should really make up his mind about the halfbacks

By sebastian, at August 02, 2009 12:10 pm
what a mighty performance, the boks are once again on top of world rugby. lions: DOWN, blacks: DOWN, wallabies, you're next.

world cup '11 final: bokke vs france

By Anonymous, at August 02, 2009 12:19 pm
Hey pete - no , it's gana be an armband around your mouth if you don't stop talking bull, it's fans like you who give the rest of us a bad name. Oh, well i guess you would resort to these kind of tactics because your team prob can't beat the Boks at RUGBY so you have to try to bring them down somehow. Go watch a football match and the BOKS will dust off their trophy cabinate.Give credit where it's due, we may not like it but these Boks are damn good! (And this from a neutral fan)

By Anonymous, at August 02, 2009 1:09 pm
I think that if the sun shines in Cape Town on Sat, we are in for an amazing game of rugby - CAN'T WAIT!!! GO BOKS!

By Anonymous, at August 02, 2009 1:12 pm
Does anyone know who the BOKS forward coach is - they should name a bank holiday after him in SA! AMAZING STUFF FROM THE PACK, and they maintained it for the whole match - WOW!

By Anonymous, at August 02, 2009 1:14 pm
Seriously who is the BOKS forward coach????

By Anonymous, at August 02, 2009 1:16 pm
Does the global credit rating of New Zealand drop a letter on Moody's when the All Blacks are going through a dry spell? Certainly many of the people are getting their knickers in a twist right now.

It's quite obvious where the errors lie: line outs, tactical kicking, decision making, selection of untouchables, basic handling and catching high balls. Some of this comes down to confidence and you simply don't select players that aren't living up to expectations. Surely others are chomping at the bit for a crack and if they never get the chance then what's stopping them from hitting the minty highway to the NH? Dropping talented players that are out of form will give them the kick up the arse they require and if they don't respond positively then they are surplus to requirements, simple as.

P.S. I don't buy constantly blaming the coach for ineffective tactics as the players are experienced enough at this stage to call 'em as they see'em. I refer back to the RWC game where anyone with half a brain would have said we're being scr$wed by the ref, drop goal time. Ireland had the guts of 5 mins notice to do so against Wales in GS and duly responded.

By befuddled, at August 02, 2009 1:39 pm
I'm sleeping in my bok jumper for the rest of the week!

By Anonymous, at August 02, 2009 1:45 pm
Ah, AB fans, it's not that bad - i've found a vid of all your best moments to make you feel better:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HZ7iCGYluVU&feature=channel_page

By Anonymous, at August 02, 2009 1:52 pm
Bok Forward Coach is Gary Gold! Doing great job......poor Steve Hanson

By M.A.D., at August 02, 2009 2:03 pm
"Brussow - 100m in 10.5 seconds" - Bullshit, From a flanker? You're saying a man weighing in at near 20 stone is only 0.9 seconds under the great Usain bolt? Whoever timed that man in 100 metres is a fool.

Morne steyn is a quality player, i'll give the Sprinkboks that. they deserved too win, I look forward to seeing the springs sort out their backline, that will be a incredible team.

By Anonymous, at August 02, 2009 2:18 pm
I see what you mean now. I wouldn't really categorise "most" South African flankers as near 20 stone and with a 100 metre time most wingers would be proud of.

my bad.

By Anonymous, at August 02, 2009 2:21 pm
The boks will sort out their backline, give them time. I mean did anyone even watch the S14 Final, how many tries did the bulls score? We now have bulls no.8,9,10,11 and a few more so all I say is WATCH THIS SPACE!

By Anonymous, at August 02, 2009 2:34 pm
Damn - Jacque Fourie is BRILLIANT! His impact is HUGE in every game I watch, he's class!

By Anonymous, at August 02, 2009 2:39 pm
RD do you have any clips of Smitty running out on his 60th or when he left the field? Heard he was given a standing ovation - missed the game so would be good to see a clip!

By Anonymous, at August 02, 2009 2:41 pm
Way too many Anonymous posts here guys and girls. Our requests are simple - use a name or risk having your comment removed.

By GMC, at August 02, 2009 2:46 pm
Anyone know why Owen Frank's boots look the way they do, are they made like that or has he put a great deal of white tape or something on them?
They seem to be very hard to play with...

By Foitor, at August 02, 2009 3:37 pm
The ref was shithouse.
Let the buys play rugby.
If your gonna be a pedantic, annoying ref, at least get the goddamn calls right.
The yellow against Ross was BS, the ball was past the last feet, out , and therefor Ross had all rights to the ball. It shouldn't have even been a penalty, let alone a goddamn yellow card. Seriously, learn the rules.
Du Preez also picked the ball up out of the scrum, under someone's feet, which is illegal.
Don't get me wrong, the Boks were the better side over all, and deserved the win, but I wish I could have sat there as a neutral (I'm not a Saffer or a Kiwi) and enjoyed the game, without a stupid pedantic ref, who apparently doesn't know the rules, ruining it with stupid calls. Honestly, why blow the whistle so much? Half the time there was no offense, the ref just seemed to not be used to a quick game. When it's fast and there's a lot of turnovers, it doesn't mean you have to slow the game down out of habit, cuz you're used to a slow, laborious version of the game. Just keep your goddamn whistle away and let us enjoy the action.

By Jon, at August 02, 2009 3:40 pm
To Jon, I agree 100% mate!

By Anonymous, at August 02, 2009 3:44 pm
great to see Morne playing an immense role for the Boks after not being selected as the original no. 10. still dont uderstand why he wasnt always supposed to be the starting flyhalf.

By Anonymous, at August 02, 2009 4:04 pm
Jon you say that cos your a kiwi, simple as.

By Anonymous, at August 02, 2009 5:13 pm
Bout Morne - some say he's not "runners" type, thats why he was on the bench.

By FEDOR, at August 02, 2009 5:17 pm
ABs No.3 owen franks showed some great scrummaging, nonu had a good game, mccaw tried to lead his team, but they simply couldn't find a way.... sivivatu was crap i dont know, he had a bad day...

By Anonymous, at August 02, 2009 6:15 pm
Jon, its highly debatable whether the ball was out or not, definitely could've gone either way but considering where they were on the pitch and that it wasnt conclusively behind the last foot the decision in my opinion was correct. All blacks were not good on the day and all im hearing is whinging Kiwi's bitter about losing and blaming the ref.

By InsiderShoulder, at August 02, 2009 7:10 pm
I was unfortunate enough to watch the match with the NZ commentary, and my word they can bitch and moan.

It's unbelievable the lengths they go to to try make their side seem hard done by.

They totally contradict themselves too, allll the time. It's just pathetic how one sided they are, to the point of sounding amateur.

Worst part is that they actually believe the drivel that comes out of their mouths.

By FrankyH, at August 02, 2009 7:45 pm
Is Bakkies Botha not the UGLIEST person you've ever seen?

By T, at August 02, 2009 8:24 pm
Nigel Owens is an excellent referee who rarely puts a foot wrong - blame the players if they don't know how to play the game, not the ref.

By Welshman, at August 03, 2009 12:18 am
I'm not a kiwi, I'm an Aussie, completely neutral.
In fact it's better for my side if NZ lose, in terms of winning the tri-nations.
I just hate pedantic, attention whore refs.
Owens needs to keep his bloody whistle in his pocket so I can watch the rugby, rather than him making a show of himself.

By Jon, at August 03, 2009 1:16 am
Jon mate, there's a game you might like where the ref stays out of it completely, have a look at rugby league. There's not much to the game mind, pretty much run into each other over and over. But you will enjoy it, as you said the ref keeps 'his bloody whistle in his pocket'.

By Anonymous, at August 03, 2009 2:07 am
This is just my own ignorance speaking, but when was the last time Francois Steyn made a drop goal?

I know he's almost always got the distance, and he's a great kicker no matter what, but it seems like that last half-dozen SA games I've seen, he's tried only to no avail to score a drop goal...maybe I'm just not remembering right, though.

By Elliot, at August 03, 2009 3:45 am
Also, I just wanted to say that Owens did a great job reffing this. Maybe a couple questionable penalties, but far fewer of those than the times he had the vision to let the game continue where other refs would have blown the whistle.

I've seen bad reffing - even from Nigel Owens, himself - but this was a pretty good performance.

By Elliot, at August 03, 2009 3:49 am
"Jon mate, there's a game you might like where the ref stays out of it completely, have a look at rugby league. There's not much to the game mind, pretty much run into each other over and over. But you will enjoy it, as you said the ref keeps 'his bloody whistle in his pocket'."
Don't patronise me you tosser.
There are good refs and bad ones, Owens is pedantic and sees offences where there are none.

By Jon, at August 03, 2009 4:00 am
Elliot:

Despite him not kicking the goals, I think its encouraged because when a drop goal is kicked dead its a 22 drop out...when basically means the Boks just get the ball kicked back to them and they can restart their attack.

Its a win-win situation. Score or get the ball back and have a chance to score again.

By bigox, at August 03, 2009 4:06 am
"Don't patronise me you tosser.
There are good refs and bad ones, Owens is pedantic and sees offences where there are none."
LOL you sound like a sore loser mate.

By Anonymous, at August 03, 2009 7:23 am
Yeah, cuz I lost???
Lost what? I'm not from NZ, I've already said South africa deserved the win.
It's just the ref I have a problem with. He's crap.

By Jon, at August 03, 2009 8:13 am
I think you're being harsh on the ref.

SA are a fantastic side and the AB's couldn't deal with it, as a result they gave penalties away.

You say the ref didn't let the game flow, what he did was penalise the AB's for not letting the game flow. He said that's illegal and if you do that it's a penalty, they did it, bang 3 points.

I'm not SA or Kiwi it's a completely neutral opinion. Don't blame the ref, he did well and it seems that's all the AB's do when they lose. You should just shake hands and then go back to training and work out how you lost the game.

By Andy, at August 03, 2009 10:57 am
@ Elliot - Steyn's success rate is not very high, because he attempts drop kicks from his own half, and often from tough angles too. But these are often positions where, without much support, he would have booted for territory anyway. So it's worth a shot, considering that it will likely result in a 22 drop-out. When it does come off, it can win matches, as witnessed against Australia in Cape Town 2 years ago.

By Jacques, at August 03, 2009 11:05 am
Hahaha, I'm not a kiwi, it's not sour grapes, I'm an aussie.
Again, the boks were better, they deserved the victory.
The ref was crap, he blew the whistle too much, often for what, imo, didn't deserve any penalty at all.
He kept slowing down a very fast, exciting game with pedantic officiating.
He got crucial calls wrong and seemed to really really want to yellow card some people for some reason.
It was annoying and as a neutral it made it hard to enjoy the game for what it was.
All that aside, it was still a good game, and further evidence that the Boks are probably the best team in the world, and a terrifying proposition at home.

By Jon, at August 03, 2009 11:09 am
I'm not saying you're wrong, Jon, but just for reference, which crucial decisions did you think he got wrong?

I had thought he got a couple of tricky things right, like the obstruction vs. maul scenario, where the ball was passed before the maul formed, effectively making it obstruction.

There was one instance I didn't get, and that was when NZ wheeled the scrum, but the penalty was awarded to SA for NZ apparently backing up in an effort to wheel it...I thought it was a bit unfair to NZ, but a tough one nonetheless.

By dyl, at August 03, 2009 12:01 pm
I think the Boks bear quite some resemblance with the England team that dominated rugby before taking the RWC - nothing fancy, play good rugby, get on the front foot and take all the points on offer (try, drop goal, penatly, any will do)
Havn't seen this kind of back to the basic good rugby for a long time. Still,one player hoarding 31 points in 1 game against the All Blacks is unheard of.

By vinniechan, at August 03, 2009 2:45 pm
Jon, yes I agree that the rack call could have gone either way, but the try where Du preez, picked the ball up, the eighth man was no longer bound to the scrum therefor, no more scrum, which means he was enitled to pick the ball up, that was not bad reffing that was clever understanding of the laws by Du preez, check the rule book. Better yet check out this site, they pretty good at explaining the law's http://www.sareferees.co.za/
By the way I not trying to have a go or anything, just enjoy talking rugby, let me know what you think.

By The Rambling Man, at August 03, 2009 5:25 pm
jon sorry they haven't addressed this weeks game yet, but let me know when they do put it up, what you think.

By The Rambling Man, at August 03, 2009 5:27 pm
What is all this talk about bad refereeing? I mean if someone doesn't throw the ball straight in a lineout, or if they feed their second-rows in a scrum, or they high-tackle someone, is the ref supposed to just let these all go so as not to interrupt the flow of the game? That's bullshit. And Owens is one of the best refs out there.

By Kearney for tests, at August 03, 2009 5:49 pm
"Phil3 said:
Coming from NH rugby fan, I personally like Nigel Owens as a ref, hes very straight and doesnt mess around."

How very wrong you are about him being straight...

By Anonymous, at August 04, 2009 1:09 am
Hey Craig.
I'll agree with you about the scrum thing. I had a closer look and you're probably right, they weren't bound to the scrum, so fair enough, I stand corrected.
In regards to Ross' yellow, even the yellows against SA, it was overzealous.
Owens seemed a step behind the play and rushed to make descisions, several of which I thought were dubious, or plain wrong.
It was just annoying as a neutral, several times the two teams were going hammer and tong with loads of turnovers and counter attacks, and the ref kept blowing for dubious penalties and stopping the flow of the game.
Anyway, enough about the ref, I've gone on enough.
Take nothing away from the Boks, they're an awesome team, best forward pack in rugby.

By Jon, at August 04, 2009 11:36 am
brussow is unreal hes got a serious drive to push the limmits mc caw seems to have lost it

By ybr, at August 04, 2009 11:42 am
All in all, as a neutral - I really enjoyed this game - so,so,so powerful and fast, loved it as it was pure 100% old fashioned rugger, which all true rugby fans love! Well done Boks, you are truely world class and I believe that you haven't even reached your full potential yet! Good luck on Sat and beat those aussies!!!

By Anonymous, at August 04, 2009 12:16 pm
not a a huge fan of steyn to be honest.he is an incredibly boring out-half,even worse than our own ROG.good kicker is about it.nowhere near carter at his best or giteau

By diaduit, at August 04, 2009 1:00 pm
Steyn is very young and he will get better, this is only his 2nd international and to be the top points scorer against the AB's and to break a N3 record is something else. HOWEVER - that being said, any 10 would look that good with a pack like the BOKS...

By Anonymous, at August 04, 2009 3:22 pm
On the Frans Steyn drop goals. I think the rule has to change for over zealous drop kickers. Especially those that have terrible strike ratios. It pisses me off no amount watching it, especially if its my own team doing it, which SA aren't. Don't get me wrong, I love a high pressure Drop goal, Wilko, O'Gara, Jones, Zinzan Brooke and so on, but it is effectively time wasting, continually doing it.

Depending on the field position of the kicker, if he misses then the same rule when the ball goes dead over the line should apply. For example, a miss in the 22 or within the 10m line, then a regular 22 drop out. However, misses from outside this should result in scrum from where ball was kicked. This will discourage Steyn from wasting counter attacks and make sure that if he does drop, then he has to be more accurate. Comments welcome.

By Huh!! the 3rd, at August 04, 2009 3:56 pm
To huh the 3rd.

thats true does get annoying everytime steyn gets a ball no matter were from on the pitch he goes for a drop goal but..

at the same time i do love when people can get them from near impossible angles. does look unreal to watch.

but it sounds like a good rule about the 22 m line!!

By creggs08, at August 04, 2009 3:59 pm
Huh

Sorry that is a rubbish rule! F Styne is a bout the only kicker in the world that does thees long drops so you are in my book only trying to attack 1 player that does it and tbh he is maybe thats maybe only 2 times he tries it in all games.

By Anonymous, at August 04, 2009 5:07 pm
That would basically stop people from ever going for these spectacular long range drop kicks. Which don't happen all that often despite what you say it really is just Steyn who attempts it regularly.

By Anonymous, at August 04, 2009 5:34 pm
Fran Steyn:

I can't see what all the hype is about. He runs into the opposition and gets tackled every time. I haven't seem him sidestep or run through a single player in 5 tests this summer. He doesn't appear to be a powerful tackler or a great passer or ditributor of the ball like a Larkham for example.

Seems like he has been living on those 2 long drop goals v. Australia a couple of years ago.

Oh and he is handsome and has nice hair....

By Unknown, at August 04, 2009 11:49 pm
I have loved have the NH refs reffing the Tri-Nations...because honestly they don't have have favourites when it comes to SA, Oz or NZ....and they have reffed fairly and consistently....when they have missed things or got it wrong (because they are only human and don't have the benefit of wide screen)it has been to both sides.
The New Zealanders are just not used to having their illegal tactics blown up so much.

As for the Frans and Morne going for the drop kicks - I LOVE it!!!! It keeps the opposition on their toes. If it goes over then we get 3 points, and if it doesn't then ball is in their 22...which is great for us. Stop whinging about them, they are as much a part of the game as penalty kicks.

For the short sighted people...when the ball carrier takes a tackle with three or four players of the opposition...he is also taking those 4 guys out of the field of play..... COME ON! guys, rugby is a thinking mans sport...if you don't like tacticle thinking, go watch soccer! Running the ball wide and side stepping all the time didn't do the Kiwis any good. At least the Bokke are capable of adapting...

My blood is GREEN

By Just a Fan, at August 05, 2009 9:47 am
Yes, what he (just a fan) said!!!

By Anonymous, at August 05, 2009 9:58 pm
Actually to anons who replied to me (its obviously not 1 person, 1 can spell and punctuate, the other, meh!!), Hernandz and some of the french players in the TOP14 are much worse offenders than Steyn (isn't he playing in France next season??? aahhh!!). Like I said, I love a drop goal, but try and watch Hernandz for a whole game and you'd feel like vomiting. Arg v Eng in Old Trafford in June a case in point. The amount of great ball that Argentina and Stade Francais lose because of him, its like he has an addiction. At least Morne Steyn has a much better strike ratio than Frans and from same distances.

And also, I was willing ABs to score one right before Half time when they actually had decent possesion in SA 22, but it seems its against their nature (Carter has only 2 DGs in his AB career). They went for the try, fumbled, SA went down other side and took 3 pts going in at the break. Made a hugh difference.

By Huh!! the 3rd, at August 05, 2009 10:39 pm
Brussow you beauty!!

By Cheis, at August 06, 2009 1:29 pm