*





Manu Tuilagi smashes Tom Williams


Top14 player imposter!


JDV smashed by Benoit August


The Northampton Saints 30m scrum!


Bastareaud huge hit on Rory Lamont


All Blacks skills - Pt 2 In the backyard


Trinh-Duc sets up Harinordoquy try


Wales vs England 1999


Greg Holmes great hit on Francois Louw



Saturday, July 17, 2010

All Blacks make it two out of two as they outclass the Springboks

The All Blacks were too good for the Springboks in New Zealand for the second time running as they came out comfortable 31-17 winners in Wellington earlier today. They scored four tries to two, continuing their great start to the Tri Nations.

The Springboks were once again down to 14 men early on as Danie Rossouw, playing in his 50th Test match, was yellow carded by referee Alain Rolland for his part in a scuffle with Richie McCaw. His side suffered while he was away, conceding two tries but not much more as Dan Carter had a poor night with the boot.

Rossouw came back on to score for the visitors, keeping them in touch at 13-7. Rene Ranger then dived over in the corner on debut, followed by Israel Dagg’s great individual effort that brought up the bonus point for the second week in a row.

Schalk Burger scored later on for the Boks as they played better in the second half but struggled to crack the line. The All Blacks were better in pretty much all departments and the Tri Nations holders will need to look at selection, players out of position, and not losing the ball at the breakdown if they hope to stay in this years tournament.

"It's good to put one performance out there but to back it up tonight, the Boks certainly came to play, it was pretty physical but we stuck to what we wanted to do and to come away with a win we're pretty happy," said McCaw afterwards.

Springbok captain John Smit said it would be again difficult to analyse the game after they were once affected by a sending off early in the match.

"We are looking forward to our first 80 minutes in the Tri Nations where we can judge ourselves on a 15-man effort. You can't afford to lose a man that early and give a team like the All Blacks a good start," he said.

The All Blacks now have a break, while the Springboks head to Brisbane to face the Wallabies.

Are the Springbok seniors getting on a bit, or is it simply selection issues and a lack of fire? For the All Blacks, do you think they'll continue in this form and go on to win the tournament, and who has impressed you most at this stage?


Time: 05:05
Note: Longer highlights will be posted if possible. Specific requests should be posted forum here


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123 Comments:

  • good match, AB's looking good! nice build up to RWC2011!!
    FIRST!

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at July 17, 2010 1:48 pm  

  • why isn't henrich brussow (sorry for spelling) playing anymore? is he injured or just not good enough?

    By Anonymous creggs08, at July 17, 2010 1:52 pm  

  • Well Done All blacks! Infact i am glad this happened this exposed the (easily rectified) weaknesses that are a taboo only due to the shameful history in south Africa I hope soon every one will aknowledge that the best player must be given the chance to rep his country regardless of Race. The first change to be made is that of head coach then things will fall into place. This was no way even a performance fit for the second best team in the world should be much tighter than that not conceding 8 tries to 2 in 2 tests...makes me sad.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at July 17, 2010 2:00 pm  

  • Creggs 08, Heinrich Brussouw is injured.

    Man this ref missed a couple of big ones, the spear tackle on Rene Ranger, the high tackle on Cory Jane and giving a penalty for a big hit on JDV?

    By Anonymous Les Bleus, at July 17, 2010 2:59 pm  

  • The Boks need Brussouw, but they need Juan Smith more.. and Bismarck Du Plessis, and Frans Steyn, but MOST of all, Fourie Du Preez :(

    Alain Rolland had a bit of a shocker.

    Congrats to the All Blacks. Back where they rightly belong - feared by everyone in world rugby.

    By Anonymous Scotsdale, at July 17, 2010 3:28 pm  

  • Great win by the All Blacks. The yellow card was a bit harsh though...

    By Anonymous BlackWave, at July 17, 2010 3:51 pm  

  • The yellow card was harsh? He raked McCaw..

    Anyway funny that Roussow gets yellow after all the Bakkies comotion.. and another lol was seeing Pierre (10.76) Spies getting smoked by Dagg. That was some try.

    By Anonymous H, at July 17, 2010 4:26 pm  

  • absolutely delighted the boks have had it handed to them twice in last 2 matches, the majority of boks fans who have been on this site for past 2 years have shown no grace in victory with all this "my blood is green nonsense" so lets hope we see them being gracious in defeat.

    By Blogger Paul Gormley, at July 17, 2010 4:35 pm  

  • RD,would it be possible to list both teams from 1-15 at the bottom of the intro?i'd be interested to see it,thanks

    By Anonymous Leeners93, at July 17, 2010 4:51 pm  

  • as regards the match,glad to see that attractive,running rugby is prevailing over boring,kick-and-chase rugby.NZ play the game the way it should be played.

    By Anonymous Leeners93, at July 17, 2010 4:53 pm  

  • one thing i forgot to say,i agree that the boks need brussouw back,he would slow down the AB's ruck ball,which is very important when trying to play against them.

    IMO,that is a big reason why NH teams struggle to beat SH teams:their lack of a fetcher.mccaw does it for NZ,SA have brussouw,and Aus have pocock.
    however,france,ireland,england and wales all lack this sort of player,and the SH teams ruck ball is too quick.

    feel free to disagree with me!

    By Anonymous Leeners93, at July 17, 2010 4:59 pm  

  • I can't see the reason for the yellow card though.....isn't it just a light tap to the back with his foot? certainly not something malicious, or am i missing something?

    By Anonymous Jeroz, at July 17, 2010 5:00 pm  

  • Israel Dagg is awesome but where do you put him? on the wing? That would mean the back 3 are all full backs. There wasn't a winger in the AB 22 today at all, what is happening?

    The depth next year should be awesome again. I'd say there will be a bit of rotating in November, they should take a big squad and get 3 mid-week games in.

    By Anonymous olwaka, at July 17, 2010 5:02 pm  

  • The yellow card might have had something to do with the rake across the eyes. It does look a bit harsh. But if DR was an AB I'd be pissed off with him for giving the ref an opportunity to pull out the yellow like that.

    By Anonymous olwaka, at July 17, 2010 5:05 pm  

  • Rolland didn't see the tap on the side of the head, or anything for that matter. Watch where he's looking. In his peripheral vision he probably saw Rossouw lift the leg, and said it was for 'stamping on the player on the ground'.

    Very harsh, considering it was the opening few minutes of a mammoth test match. Just a scuffle. Silly call. It would be interesting to see what happened a few second earlier, but the nz crew chose to play it from there only..

    Boks need to stop turning over ball so easily. And get rid of Ricky 'Ill have fries with that' Januarie.

    Well done to the Kiwis though - fantastic play and deserved win.

    By Anonymous Benson, at July 17, 2010 5:11 pm  

  • This is all fine and dandy, but again, I am extremely worried about peaking issues.

    The RWC is more than a year away. Remember the Boks last year? Remember the 2011 RWC whispers at the time? Look at them now. In the same light, I would not declare that their wheels are falling off. This could well be a cycle that they will recover and peak come next October.

    As for the All Blacks, I would have started battle hardening my green horns from Tri Nations last year.

    Though they are the team I support for the world cup, I cannot help but feel increasingly nervous as the world cup approaches and I keep seeing the "Old Fogeys" (relatively speaking) still getting exclusive playing time.

    Just my humble 2 cents.

    By Anonymous EARugbyFan, at July 17, 2010 5:22 pm  

  • 1.) Alain Rowland: Geez, what the hell was wrong with him? He binned Rossouw for a non event to make a example out of him, then he didn't do the same to Mccaw after repeated warning, and made a bad call on Kirchner's tackle.
    2.) The basics!!: I am sometimes unimpressed by how the ball is allowed to bounce around the ground the tackle area in Test matches. In school, we got fined if a rucker booted the ball away and in the game it cost the Boks a try.
    3.) Game plan: It was all very noble for Smit to defend the game plan not to under mine the coach, but clearly, it is not the one for the Boks. When 3 players have been inspirational in the 2 matches: John Smit (for being omnipresent), Jacque Fourie (being able to smell trouble and came off the line to negate the AB move on a few occasion, and Burgar (again being omnipresent and practically engineered his own try with a nice off load from Bekker) and the margin is still as wide as that (taken into account the points DC dropped from kicks) there must be something wrong about the plan. England could have well stolen the first test against the Auss (undeservedly) had any one English man stood up and done 80% of what Smit did (ok, for argument sake, apart from Palmer). The individual performance simply doesn't add up

    By Blogger vinniechan, at July 17, 2010 5:30 pm  

  • With regard to Brussow, I haven't seen him for a while and not sure about him form.
    Just that the tackling rule in place means winning break down balls can't be a solo effort from tackler anymore so it's hard to judge what he could have done from performance in previous season.

    By Blogger vinniechan, at July 17, 2010 5:31 pm  

  • What a try from Israel Dagg!

    Can't believe the fuss over the Ranger tackle though. He used arms, it was just a good, big hit.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at July 17, 2010 5:54 pm  

  • A few general observations from a neutral observer:

    1 -- Roussow shouldn't have been sent off. Also, that wasnt a shoulder charge by Ranger.

    2 -- Weepu is the ABs best option at halfback by a longshot. And Israel Dagg, good lord, what a talent.

    3 -- This may be heresy around here, but I just don't get the hype about Spies. Maybe he is an animal in the gym, but I'm not seeing it on the pitch. For the 2nd week in a row, Kieran Read completely outplayed him.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at July 17, 2010 6:04 pm  

  • I dont see it often on here, but always on forums, so I'll try start the trend - Thanks RD! Highlights up really quick. Brilliant

    Boks, not so brilliant. Israel Dagg? Brilliant.

    By Anonymous Laz, at July 17, 2010 6:13 pm  

  • How soft is rugby getting, on the international stage of all places.

    After the Ranger hit the commentator started laughing and said "That's ridiculous"... Presumably ridiculous that the ref would even blow for what was clearly a legal challenge... But no, that's not why he's perplexed, the professional commentator actually believes the legal tackle merits a YELLOW CARD.

    Wtf is going on.

    Idiot commentator

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at July 17, 2010 6:18 pm  

  • Ranger tackle was awesome. No need for any sort of disciplinary action.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at July 17, 2010 6:52 pm  

  • This is the worst I have ever seen the South Africa play. Every phase of the game was won by NZ besides the line out. SA needs to step there game up if they want to win the world cup next year. The All blacks look like real contenders to win the world cup. If they don't lose to the French. Also Jimmy Cowan is done as the starting halfback. lol Weepu showed him for what he is.

    By Blogger Hendrick, at July 17, 2010 6:53 pm  

  • This is the worst I have ever seen the South Africa play. Every phase of the game was won by NZ besides the line out. SA needs to step there game up if they want to win the world cup next year. The All blacks look like real contenders to win the world cup. If they don't lose to the French.

    By Blogger Hendrick, at July 17, 2010 6:53 pm  

  • Ranger tackle was a shoulder with no arm wrap. It looked league style, and was clearly dangerous with the pace of the impact. Laughable when you compare the way he spoke to him, and the way he so easily sent off Rossouw for the little scuffle. Consistency is key.

    By Anonymous Bin him, at July 17, 2010 6:56 pm  

  • Isreal Dagg has 2 start for the all blacks against da wallabies, da mans wicked fast and as slippery as an eel, he doesnt even look dt elusive and yet no1 can gt a hand 2 him

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at July 17, 2010 7:20 pm  

  • Man, I guess everyone can be bias, supporters of all nations, but as a neutral it's kind of mind boggling to hear kiwis call that shoulder charge a perfectly legit tackle. Rene moves his right arm a little bit, getting his hand about a foot away from his waist, and does nothing with his left arm, and smashes Zane with his shoulder. Think the ref got it about right.

    By Anonymous Chris G, at July 17, 2010 7:23 pm  

  • PS. Having watched the vid in slow-mo I've seen that he does actually make an effort with his left arm too. So yeah, penalty but not a yellow.

    By Anonymous Chris G, at July 17, 2010 7:26 pm  

  • If I were in someone of the Springboks coaching staff i would pick (if they really don't want to take Frans Steyn):

    15 Terblanche
    14 Aplon
    13 Fourie
    12 De Villiers
    11 Habana
    10 Steyn
    9 Pienaar
    8 Kankowski
    7 Louw
    6 Burger
    5 Bekker
    4 Rossouw
    3 CJ
    2 Smit
    1 Steenkamp

    and:
    Ralepelle (until Bismark recovers), Botha, Matfield, Stegmann, Vermeulen (yes, for now, no Spies!), Kockott, Jantjies.

    Cause:
    - if you don't want to tackle, don't play n. 8
    - if the only thing you can do is catch lineouts, go play basketball
    - you need a 15 who knows what a 15 must do

    For me the only SA player not missed is Juan Smith.
    I think he is talented, highest working rate in world's blindsides, he had problem and wanted to stay away for a while.
    But Frans Louw is equally talented and I hope they continue with him

    By Blogger Madflyhalf, at July 17, 2010 7:45 pm  

  • I watched the game live, and being an All Black supporter, the ref was very inconsistant all game long and looked like an ass. Very enjoyable rugby to watch however. The All Blacks running style is amazing and exposes SA's gameplan of kick and chase for what it really is. Finally, Cowan picked a terrible game to be hurt, because Weepu just took his spot in the starting line-up. Guy gets you on the front foot and doesn't let off the gas the entire time he's in the game.

    By Anonymous Dan, at July 17, 2010 7:48 pm  

  • The commentators whinging was disgraceful. I understand that a little home team bias is normal but his whinging all through the game was highly annoying. Springboks were outplayed by a superior team and blaming the referees decisions for the loss is just stupid.

    By Blogger Unknown, at July 17, 2010 8:20 pm  

  • To me, the big thing here is any psychological advantage the Boks have is now gone. The NZ forward pack has absolutely fronted these last 2 weeks, the Bok forward pack has been emphatically pushed around. Where is the motivation from SA?

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at July 17, 2010 8:58 pm  

  • The Boks being badly beaten twice in a row by NZ (in NZ) fourteen months ahead of the NZ RWC may be just the medicine the team needs. There was complacency in the SA-France and Italian home tests and the "experimental" selections seem have continued against NZ (wtf PDV?). Ruan Pienaar may blow hot & cold but there was far more fluidity to the Bok game once RJ was substituted. Wynand Olivier is another player that just doesn't seem to fire at test level. Bok centre combnation has to be Fourie / De Villiers. Hopefully Frans Steyn can work things out with the SA coaching staff.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at July 17, 2010 9:50 pm  

  • The Boks selections are the main source of the problem. If the Beast's citizenship has been settled then get him back on the pitch, outside of being an excellent prop he's a great ball carrier and a crowd favorite. Bismark du Plessis will be a welcome return and, loyalty aside, would oust Smit from the first 15 all together. They're also desperate for Brussow and Smith to return to the pack. I think Kankowski may have earned a start next week as well; if they need a wing so bad give the #8 jersey to him put Spies out there so JDV can get back into the 12 jersey where he can work his intercept magic. Also Frans Steyn needs to be the full back, his big boot is missed indeed, especially by Morne Steyn who can't do it alone.
    The tried and true Boks, while most are still relatively young, are getting long in the tooth, teams know what to expect from the likes of Burger and co. I believe we'll see Smit and Matfield leave for European money after RWC 2011.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at July 17, 2010 10:16 pm  

  • Rousouw was right to be carded, and he's lucky he wasn't cited. He goes for the guy's eyes when he's sitting on the ground - complete disgrace. It's amazing how often guys (especially Bok players) go for guy's faces and somehow come in contact with their eyes. Remember how they tried to excuse Burger by claiming he was pulling a guy from the ruck during the Lions series - he just happened to grap him by the eye sockets!! Hilarious stuff.

    By Anonymous Brucie, at July 17, 2010 10:46 pm  

  • You see what you want to see, Brucie. If you dislike the Boks, you'll consider that an attack at the eyes. If you're a neutral (or bok fan) you'll probably say he just tapped him on the side of the face, which is what it looked like in HD..

    By Anonymous Laz, at July 17, 2010 11:16 pm  

  • .. and the card was for stamping/trodding/standing on a player on the floor. I fail to see it. it was more like a weak knee, after mccaw had hit or pushed his away. nothing in it.

    By Anonymous Laz, at July 17, 2010 11:18 pm  

  • AB seemed in better shape than boks, so their victory is quite normal.
    that said, the yellow card is very harsh. A small boot on mc caw who perfectly played the "footballer" victim
    A shoulder from an AB should have been sanctionned by a card.

    By Anonymous Flooz, at July 17, 2010 11:22 pm  

  • Great Rugby show! Well done All Blacks - Clever coach, level-headed captain and determined team. As a bok supporter it stings real bad. Time to put the old-timers out of their misery and rope in some young blood. Hartly put up a real fight.

    @ Paul Gormley - My bloed is Groen!

    By Blogger dorp naby, at July 17, 2010 11:47 pm  

  • All the talk of the Ranger tackle - maybe people should be discussing the spear tackle on Ranger. It's a lot more dangerous to throw a guy head-first into the ground than to tackle him hard using both shoulder and enough arms to be legal.

    I watched Burger and others using their shoulders and arms all night, but the whining only starts when there's a great big hit on JDV.

    When no one cares about the spear tackle but whines about a big hit on their boy, you know something's up.

    But then, I guess the first news articles were full of whining about cheating from Peter DV. Maybe it's just a symptom...

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at July 18, 2010 12:46 am  

  • In the All Blacks website, it says Cory Jane has played 16 tests when in fact, this was his 17th test. I hope this gets cleared up soon.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at July 18, 2010 12:56 am  

  • What an absolute embarrassment. Easily the worst SA performance since the infamous 2004 49-0 thrashing by the criminals. The Boks looked slow, off the pace, and unwilling to adapt to Allain Rolland's fucking useless one-eyed interpretations.

    Now excuse me, but it seems we've gone back to the old days of "if it wears green then it's obviously trying to cheat or injure someone". I mean, if Rolland wanted McCaw's babies then why didn't he just bend over and take it?! Imagine if it'd been Burger committing penalties willy-nilly on the 5 metre line? Or Rossouw putting that no-arms hit in (you know, when Rene Ranger forgot he wasn't playing League). They'd both have been off in a flash. Yes the Boks were diabolical, and yes the ABs are showing a class that eluded them last year, but fuck me if we're gonna have one-eyed refs like this we may as well give the Webb Ellis cup to the sheep shaggers now and be done with it. A fair contest would be a fine thing but it seems to be about as rare as tits on fish. And it's still only everybody alive except kiwis and referees that can see that Richie McCaw cheats every game. For some reason they got it into their heads early on in his career that sunlight literally does emanate from his arse and the man can do no wrong.

    On a related note, you can call it home advantage or whatever but you know, refs have eyes (although whether it's two is up for debate) and they can see the big screen. When one incident (presumably with the antagonist always a visiting player) is replayed on the big screen the ref can see it. Yes. The ref can see it, and if he's missed the incident he then not only feels like a chump and under pressure to dish out the punishment later, but his opinion of the legality of the two teams is completely shifted. The Bakkies headbutt is a prime example; replayed 4 times with no showing of Cowan pulling him back off the ball. It's difficult, but something needs to be done.

    As for the Springboks, well funnily enough SA rugby isn't actually in that bad a state! The Super 14 was dominated by SA teams playing the type of rugby the ABs have put on show. For some reason only known to that plonker PdV the Boks keep on with this slow, horrendous kicking game that, as we have all seen, relies literally on ONE player - Fourie du Preez. I have never seen such a poor performance from a bunch of blokes that, 12 months ago, were dishing it out. Ricky Januarie desperately needs that job offer from McDonalds, could anyone help him out so we can see the end of that fat useless prick waddling between rucks? God it was embarrassing to be in the same stadium as that waste of space!

    Actually though, well done to New Zealand. You can only play the team that is put in front of you, and you comprehensively dispatched the world champions (?????) twice in succession, albeit in your own back yard and with refs fresh out of a session in the showers with Princess Richie. It bodes well for 2011, but how many times have we seen the ABs dominate pre-world cup and then, ehem, choke? Oh it would be delicious to have the same recipe of disappointment and national mourning in the land of the long white sheep again next year. ;-) South Africa need to slice and dice; Olivier, Spies, Smit, de Villiers, Kirchner, Januarie, Matfield all need a spell on the naughty step to think about what they've (clearly not!) done, and de Jongh, Aplon, Pienaar, F Steyn, Mtawarira need a run. The lineup against the crooks next week has to change (preferably including the useless "affirmative action" coach). Yes, it's taboo, but as you can see from Kirchner and Januarie and Peter de Villiers, the quota system is still killing SA rugby. Rant over.

    By Anonymous Bokke_2007, at July 18, 2010 1:40 am  

  • All Blacks get 1-2 penalties, then a warning. Boks get cards.

    What's the diffence?

    The ABs kill the game with "rugby plays", that could be subject to interpretation.

    The Boks have a habit (reputation) for making "non-rugby plays", that give the referee little room for interpretation or to give the player the benefit of the doubt.

    McCaw kills ball all the time, but gets the benefit of the doubt 1-2 times, and then "a final warning" (what's this "final" -- Who wants to be a millionaire?)

    Guys like Bakkies commit fouls that have little room for benefit of the doubt and leave the referee little wiggle room.

    Apples and oranges.

    I am a Boks fan, and I just wish that they would understand the difference.

    That said, Ranger's hit should have been a binnable offence. I've seen him make these Butch James-like shots before in S14 -- he throws the shoulder into the player's head -- and should get sanctioned until he corrects his technique.

    By Anonymous cheyanqui, at July 18, 2010 1:41 am  

  • @ Laz

    I'm a neutral (English) and more importantly I hate Richie Mc because he's a massive cheat who seems to get away with anything because of who he is (probably what makes him such a good player, always so close to the laws of the game) but it was definately not a tap to the side of the head. He clearly drags his hand across his face, starting in the eye area. And IMO the ranger tackle was definately a penalty. Arms by his side and no real attempt to tackle. Great game though, some excellent passages of play and both teams looking stronger than anything we have up here in the northen hemisphere at the moment!!

    By Anonymous Jimbo, at July 18, 2010 1:52 am  

  • In my humble, opinion, the best team the Boks have, irrespective of and colour concerns PdV might have


    15 - M Steyn (yes, tired of him kicking from 10 -- MOVE THE BALL IN THE HANDS)
    14 - G. Aplon (hands to this guy)
    13 - Fourie (or this guy)
    12 - JDV (or this guy)
    11 - Habana (or this guy)
    10 - P Grant
    9 - Duvenhage
    8 - Vermuelen
    7 (Blind) - D. Roussouw
    6 (Open) - Burger
    5 - Matfield
    4 - Bekker
    3 - Beast
    2 - Smit
    1 - Mein Kampf
    PACK RES:
    16 - Bj Botha,
    17 - D. Fourie,
    18 - A. van Zyl
    19 - Kanko (over Spies)
    BACK RES:
    20 - R. Pienaar
    21 - Wynand Olivier (and his Mel Gibson Lethal Weapon haircut)
    22 - Kirchner (until Jantjes gets more games back after rehab)

    By Anonymous cheyanqui, at July 18, 2010 1:59 am  

  • Phew, that's one really sore and lacking-in-grace Japie there.

    Yeah, yeah, it's all the ref's fault, McCaw is a cheat (this coming from bite-and-gouge exponents), Ranger's tackle was terrible (the spear was ok though), etc, etc, etc.

    And JDV should be playing 12 because he's an intercept king? So the SA gameplan is based on kicking and intercepts? If that's the case one hardly has to look far for the causes of the last two defeats: Rugby needs to be built on more than high kicks and intercepts.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at July 18, 2010 3:07 am  

  • The following comment amazes me the most....super funny. "This is the worst I have ever seen the South Africa play. Every phase of the game was won by NZ besides the line out. SA needs to step there game up if they want to win the world cup next year. The All blacks look like real contenders to win the world cup. If they don't lose to the French." My view: The Boks don't have to prove anything, they've been there, they've done it and we all know they can do it again which is why the AB's and NZ Media in general 'talk up a storm' when the AB's have to face the Boks. The Boks twice RWC winners, inaugural 1995 and 2007 - Wow! and all this within a space of 12 years? Aussies were RWC winners 1991 and 1999 - one word remarkable. The Boks and their fans in general are the most gracious losers, they give credit where credit is due and they hardly if ever make excuses for losing -like coach PdV said after their disgraceful defeat last week -WE GIVE CREDIT WHERE CREDIT IS DUE and indeed it was a remarkable comeback for the AB's. This week’s game however as much as the AB's outplayed the Boks leaves much to be debated and desired- let’s leave that to the NZ Media to decide, they do it so well after all - only NZ can ever be the best. Maybe the comment should read " AB's needs to step there game up if they want to win the world cup next year." They are getting there, excellent contenders, world class players, no 1 WRank. For AB's and NZ sake I sincerely hope they win the RWC this time around especially since it's being held on home soil - it's been an awful long and daunting wait.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at July 18, 2010 3:47 am  

  • No Anon. (and that's a fairly lazy effort to not even identify yourself) we're not asking for special treatment, just a bit of consistency. When player from any side commits a cynical offense in front of their try line that should be their final (and only - these guys don't have learning difficulties) warning. I have no problem with Burger getting banned for gouging, and Bakkies copping it for a headbutt. The problem arises when one player (e.g. McCaw) gets away with murder in front of his own line TWICE, and after he'd provoked another player into a gentle toe-poke with a sneaky jab. The Boks have a horrible reputation for being dirty players but it's not limited to the green n gold. Gouging and punching are not South African inventions by any means.

    As for being sore, well when your team cops a raping like that it's hard not to be. I don't think grace is lacking however, as I've made it clear that the better team won and it's fine to accept that. Everyone (on both sides) agreed that Rolland had a shocker and on this occasion it happened to favour the ABs (maybe Henry's little "he's the best ref in the world" butt-lick helped). Replay the game in Pretoria and you may find the ref is pressured by the crowd and big screen replays the other way... It's a huge problem in international rugby at the moment, that not only are refs having to learn to interpret all these new laws on the fly, but that some appear to carry preconceived opinions of the nature of the two sides.

    By Anonymous Bokke_2007, at July 18, 2010 3:50 am  

  • Springboks demolished 2weeks in a row.. Lol

    By Anonymous Louis, at July 18, 2010 4:05 am  

  • As an AB fan I'm disappointed that these two test had SA yellow cards because it distracts attention from the fact that the ABs were superior in both tests in pretty much every department and would likely have won them anyway. They always look like they could score from any part of the field, while the Boks kick and chase until they get close then it's through the hands for a forward to barge over, very orthodox and predictable. ABs tackling hard and flooding the breakdown, SA scragging and unfocused. Like any NZer I hate it that we haven't brought home another WC or two and next year will be tough again like any knockout comp is. But I'm always glad that the ABs don't make England's endless "we're rebuilding" excuses during low periods and they don't regard non-WC years as just a build up to the WC. For the All Blacks every test and every series is important to continue a great tradition. In truth I know SA is the same but at the moment the ABs just seem more inspired and determined. But of course the Tri-Nations still has a way to go yet.

    By Anonymous jackson, at July 18, 2010 4:18 am  

  • Awesome display by the ABs

    Burger deserved his try

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at July 18, 2010 4:40 am  

  • @Bokke_2007 excuses excuses, you sound a lot like your coach and captain... Just get on with it and take it like a man.

    By Anonymous 2-0, at July 18, 2010 4:52 am  

  • hahahahaha @ SA, Russow looks like he was trying to make up for getting his arse handed to him by BOD on the Lions tour. Kicking someone on the ground is so South African.

    This was always going to happen, SA are dogshit. They are opportunistic winners, they can't win a game on their own merits! They just kick and wait for mistakes...

    Australia will murder them next weekend, cant wait!

    By Anonymous Justice for Bakkies, at July 18, 2010 5:07 am  

  • Good to hear a bit of non-bias commentary from the Saffas, Ranger attempted to wrap his arms... Thats all that is needed, an attempt. If he chooses to tackle using his shoulder, its his choice.

    If it were up to south africans we would probably wear shoulder pads too!

    Oh wait, the Saffas already do.... LOL

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at July 18, 2010 5:14 am  

  • Anonymous said...
    The Boks and their fans in general are the most gracious losers,

    you obviously don't read rugby365 where the whingeing and paranoia goes on for days when the boks lose. In fact even when they win.

    By Anonymous ur kidding, at July 18, 2010 5:45 am  

  • Holy shit that Israel Dagg try was brilliant.

    That yellow card was a rubbish call, and I think it did put a dent in SA's confidence. Still I'm happy we won it.

    By Anonymous Jeremy, at July 18, 2010 6:34 am  

  • people are all butt hurt about the "no-wrap" Ranger tackle. watch the replay, he does make an attempt. And, JDV is being cited for his spear that didnt get called. at least Rangers hit copped a penalty. JDV will miss at least a week.

    By Anonymous Dan, at July 18, 2010 7:44 am  

  • This why I have a lot of respect for Schalk Burger: "We got outplayed." No blaming the ref, no blaming the travel, none of that; just a simple admission that the better side won both tests.

    The Boks real problem right now is intensity. The ABs looked hungry, their defensive line flew into the ball carrier, and they truly looked ready to score at any time. The guys in the black jersey played like they had something to prove, the guys in the green jersey looked in no hurry to do much of anything.

    Lastly, echoing some earlier comments, where in the hell is Pierre Spies these days? Read was tremendous while Spies was awfully quiet. It's time Kankowski got a start in the No 8 jersey.

    By Blogger Douglas, at July 18, 2010 7:56 am  

  • The reason why many Kiwis are feeling a little relieved right now is that we expected to quite likly lose one or both of these first tests. We were thinking SA was the best team in the world right now, and many of us were even putting money of an All Black loss first up.

    These two games have shown that maybe some of the much-vaunted players in the SA team weren't all we were expecting (e.g. Spies), and that with the right approach the SA team is quite beatable.

    That said, there's still an anticipation that it will be very difficult for the All Blacks or Australia to win in SA this year, hence the crucial nature of bonus point victories in these first two tests.

    By Anonymous Surprise Buttsex, at July 18, 2010 9:09 am  

  • Why does Morne Steyn always go under the radar so much?? the guy is useless, he cant do anything besides kick.. SA need a 10 thats a play maker... Compared to fly halfs of Aus and the ABs he is simply pathetic.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at July 18, 2010 9:15 am  

  • I just re-watched the game on RugbyZone with the Saffa commentary. I like Skinstad, met him once, nic guy. But a rubbish commentator. You expect a level of one-eyedness but his whinging was childish. At half time, you can hear the saffa commentators whinging luck stuck pigs, not realising the sound was still on. They were spewing about Ranger not getting a card. Having watched it again, Rene didn't even lead with the shoulder. They clattered fully front on and chest height. Arms were coming into play. The goal in every tackle is to try get some shoulder behind it. It's somewhat irrelevant where the arms are. This is where rugby league has it right. they celebrate hits with shoulders. So long as its not malicious, late or aimed at the melon, I say bring it on.

    Kirscner was later guilty of a worse tackle on Jane but Skinstad glossed over that with some one-eyedness. To say that Roland was "keeping the AB's ahead" is simple nonsense. Commentators need to some discipline in their whinging. I far prefer the other Yarpie commentator who does S14 but relegated from test matches. He's not without his bias but he's more measured.

    Bok fans that are searching for reasons should resist the old "Richie's a cheat, the refs a cheat, politics, travel, yellow cards" excuses and face the reality that they are, for now, being outclassed across the paddock and from 1 to 15 by a dominant and positive NZ side. Simple as that. You need to get your game plan right.

    I hope the Aussies give the Boks a dusting in Brizzy next week too. And I'm picking the AB's to pip the Boks in SA also. Relishing that contest.

    By Blogger 1powerage, at July 18, 2010 9:28 am  

  • All Blacks would have won the RWC 1995 if they hadn't of been poisoned...FACT. Easily the best side and nearly won it despite 13 of the players spewing all over the field...FACT. A very large amopunt of money was placed on the Boks to win a day before the final by an Asian 'betting' syndicate....FACT.
    1995 Final should be investigated by the IRB but they won't...FACT.

    By Blogger Unknown, at July 18, 2010 9:52 am  

  • why ricky januari is in the squad is beyond me... at the stormers he's second or even third choice..

    By Anonymous Cheis, at July 18, 2010 11:23 am  

  • Jean De Villiers banned for 2 weeks for his spear tackle on Rene Ranger.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at July 18, 2010 11:38 am  

  • just want to get a bokke supporters take on what richie actually does to cheat, there was one particular penalty he got which i am trying to figure out. it was 5 meters from the line when he took down rossouw, he was the tackler, released the player, was on his feet when he went for the ball, released the ball the second he was pushed off his feet and still got penalised. theres many occasions such as this when players get penalised on both sides of the ledger.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at July 18, 2010 11:40 am  

  • Pierre Spies.... "what have you done for us lately?"

    Er.. not much. I'm sure his numbers in the gym have been great.

    Another one who has failed to live up to the hype. In his case, the bigger the hype the greater the failure. Dump him. He's had enough chances.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at July 18, 2010 12:19 pm  

  • in fairness to him,Rolland IS the best referee in the world.every one has a bad day,just ask dan carter ;)

    By Anonymous thats what she, at July 18, 2010 1:32 pm  

  • @David, you're smoking your socks.. FACT.

    @Justice for Bakkies - Jamie Heaslip, knee in the head while a players on the ground. Such an Irish thing to do eh..?


    Bring Back Kanko.

    By Anonymous Benson, at July 18, 2010 1:34 pm  

  • Rolland being the best ref in the world is open to interpretation. Based on this match, he's nowhere close to the top 5. THREE warnings for Richie McCaw. wtf

    By Anonymous Benson, at July 18, 2010 1:43 pm  

  • Bokke-2007 - Do you notice how when the Boks win, any explanations from the other team about referees, interepretations of laws, tiredness and form of the team etc. are just 'whinging'. But when the Boks are hammered (again) there are a million reasons why the Boks aren't reaching their full potential - they are being cheated, their coach is holding them back, their politicians are holding them back - jeez guys, take your beating with some grace like the rest of us. Biggest whingers in world rugby? Is there a cup for that?

    No disrespect intended to the more realistic, less one-eyed Bok fans who post here.

    By Anonymous Jake, at July 18, 2010 2:52 pm  

  • Hey Anon - stop knocking Pierre Spies, he's the best 8 in the world, I know because...the Boks fans told me. That's better evidence than all the stuff he fails to do on the field of play.

    By Anonymous Gav, at July 18, 2010 2:56 pm  

  • great, ABs looking amazing prior 2011.

    judging by prior history they won't make the semis :[

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at July 18, 2010 3:00 pm  

  • I'm a Bok fan, and I'll happily say that Pierre Spies isn't performing. He did turn up in a few of the Tri Nations games last year and was fantastic at times, but in these last two he's been anonymous. Ryan Kankowski made more of an impact when he came on. Give the guy a chance! He's a different kind of player but equally good, if not better.

    It's interesting to see things back to how they used to be - the All Blacks being difficult to beat at home. Lets not forget it's just the start though. If SA had two home games to start with, and pumped the AB's, I doubt anyone would be saying we're in bad shape.

    The actual performances have been disappointing though. Dagg should never have scored that try, and Januarie has been sloppy. On the flipside, Nonu has been lethal and Piri Weepu was outstanding.

    Another scary thought to ponder - Dan Carter had an extremely bad game, and yet they still one easily.

    By Anonymous FrankyH, at July 18, 2010 3:42 pm  

  • @Gav, btw, it's the loud mouthed Bulls fans who told you so, not all the Bok fans ;)

    By Anonymous FrankyH, at July 18, 2010 3:43 pm  

  • @ cock_2007

    You are exactly the reason bokke supporters have such a bad rap.

    If you had been at the game live you would have been like the ones we saw in the bakkies use your head clip trying to fight with the whole stadium haha .... you suck

    By Anonymous feralbushgoat_2007, at July 18, 2010 4:10 pm  

  • Hi Franky - I'm not for one minute suggesting that Spies is not a very good player, just that he's not the best in the world, or even the best in SA! And you are exactly the type of Bok poster here that I do respect.

    By Anonymous Gav, at July 18, 2010 4:15 pm  

  • is kirschner really good enough to play internationals, i'd possibly play joe pieterson. Also Jean De Villiers on the wing, hes out of place

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at July 18, 2010 7:50 pm  

  • Ok, the ref was shocking for this match. Penalty for the Ranger tackle? In the words of Umaga, this isn't tiddlywinks.

    Suprised at how lacklustre the boks back line was and how quiet Spies has been.

    By Anonymous Nick, at July 18, 2010 9:30 pm  

  • @ feralbushgoat. I was at the game live you twat. I live in wellington. Unfortunately that gave me a wonderful view of not only SA being outplayed in every area of the park (most due to terrible team selection and a prehistoric game plan as i've said before), but also of Allain Rolland giving Richie McCaw a good old fashioned rim-job. Have to say it wasn't pleasant at all.

    But it's all good, because by the time the RWC comes round our coach will have had a brain transplant and there'll be a team on the field reflecting the actual form of SA rugby. We shall then arrive in this land of dampness and once again take that little gold trophy back. And I shall enjoy listening to the food poisoning / Wayne Barnes excuses once more. Delicious.

    By Anonymous Bokke_2007, at July 18, 2010 10:23 pm  

  • ^ an embarrassment to Bok fans right there.

    By Anonymous Brucie, at July 18, 2010 11:16 pm  

  • I am an all blacks suporter and i thought
    a) Danie Russouw wouldnt have been sent off if it wasnt McCaw who he "raked"
    b) Rene Rangers hit was great, its hard to get arms around a player when they're going backwards at that speed.
    c) McCaw also should have been binned instead of a final warning. Referees tend to have preconcieved ideas about him, as he is such a huge public figure.
    d) All this hype about Weepu seems premature, i'd like to see him play that well when his team is going backwards.
    e) The All Blacks were awesome, the refereing calls were more than balanced out by Dan Carters off day with the boot

    By Anonymous Gus, at July 19, 2010 1:39 am  

  • Why is it always so dark in NZ stadiums? Can't the poor islanders afford proper flood lights lol..?

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at July 19, 2010 2:31 am  

  • Good lord, some AB fans really do think they are holier-than-thou, accusing Bok fans of exactly the same shit that they're guilty of...time to grow up and dump the self-righteous attitude don't you think boys?

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at July 19, 2010 2:37 am  

  • I expect the All Blacks to remain in dominant form until about one week before the world cup final.

    Chokers......

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at July 19, 2010 2:42 am  

  • ^ FACT: David is a pathetic mama's boy who perpetuates NZ's shitty rep..

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at July 19, 2010 2:48 am  

  • LMAO - Gav, if you as a Kiwi respect the opinion of a Saffer then you are the absolute first...since when have any Kiwis respected anything related to SA? lol..

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at July 19, 2010 2:51 am  

  • Oh god, you dumb Kiwi sacks of shit - only you guys would think that Japie (or 'Yarpie' incorrectly spelt by some typical island inbreds) is an insult to us! It's simply a name, and a very uncommon one nowadays. Might as well refer to you as those 'Mckenzies'...

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at July 19, 2010 3:07 am  

  • Saffa crybabys lol.. stop moaning about 'EVERYTHING'.

    By Anonymous Bobby Brown, at July 19, 2010 3:18 am  

  • That wasn't really much of a shoulder.
    What the hell was Ranger supposed to do, he put on the hit, his arms come round, but the guy gets smashed so hard and flies back so fast that there's no physical way he could have wrapped his arms round.
    I hate the shoulder charge rule, it's ridiculous.
    Half the time it's because the hit was really good, if this hit had been the same but he'd rode it better, there'd be no penalty.
    Soft call.

    By Anonymous Jono, at July 19, 2010 3:46 am  

  • Yarpie isn't meant as an insult, any more than Saffer is. It's like Kiwi or Aussie.
    Allain Rolland is most definatly not a great ref.
    He's a pedant, who's a bit slow to get to play. He's inconsistent and loves his whistle, he's the worst kind of ref.
    He's not the worst in the world, but he's not a good one either.
    The best refs are kiwis, (with the obvious exception of Walsh), and I say that as a non-kiwi.
    The worst (IMO) are the French. unbelievable, they blow the whistle every thirty seconds, and call any kind of good hit as a shoulder or a spear.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at July 19, 2010 4:36 am  

  • The shoulder charge... (not name calling on nationalistic lines)

    Rangers left arm wraps like it should but his right arm (the contact side) is down and turned in... impossible to be attemting to wrap from this position. It was not however the classic cocked weapon shoulder charge you see in league which is very dangerous as you lose control after launch and do not assist in bring the ball carrier to ground safely which is the reason the shoulder charge is banned.

    After all that penalty should be fine, card and/or suspension to harsh.

    Go wallabies next weekend!!!

    By Anonymous Ned2or3, at July 19, 2010 6:06 am  

  • whats with the kirschner bashing from the bokk fans, i thought he was one of your better players, wasnt afraid to have a go and tended to beat a couple every time. infact hes prob more suited to the new zealand style of game rather than kicking at every opportunity.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at July 19, 2010 7:46 am  

  • "It was not however the classic cocked weapon shoulder charge you see in league which is very dangerous"

    What aload of nonsense. Nothing dangerous about the shoulder charge. Speak to pro players, the vast majority want rid of the wrapping rule.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at July 19, 2010 8:56 am  

  • Don't see how shoulder charges are considered dangerous.. I follow the NRL and have seen many shoulder chargers and huge hits.. however no injuries, so to say its dangerous is a load of bull shit.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at July 19, 2010 9:50 am  

  • Another (!) AB supporter here. My thoughts:
    1. The ref had a shocker of a game:
    a: should not have been a yellow card for Roussow, although it did appear that he was going for McCaw's eyes;
    b: disagree with the penalty against Ranger - legitimate tackle;
    c: disagreed with some of the penalties against McCaw, but, seeing as he called them, the ref should have given a yellow card;
    c: missed the Jean de Villiers spear tackle; and
    d: missed the high tackle against Corey Jane.
    2. I thought the AB's were a little flat after last week. They did not play that well, particularly Dan Carter who will not recall that game fondly. Despite that, the AB's still won convincingly which was surprising.
    3. I was disappointed by the Springboks. The Bokkes just did not appear to have any alterantive game plan once the AB's caught the bombed kicks and counter-attacked.

    By Anonymous Roadpig, at July 19, 2010 10:05 am  

  • Interesting read from Chris Rattue (kiwi) of the NZ Herald.

    "The sinbinning of Rossouw was diabolical, the distorting of a major international sporting contest on scant evidence.

    "You'll see more dangerous pushing and shoving in the pie queue. In fact, the pies themselves are probably more dangerous.

    "Rossouw used a hand to flick Richie McCaw, who was sitting on the ground, around the temple and perhaps a little close to the eyes for comfort. What ensued was the letting off of early
    test-match steam, a bit of push and shove with no damage done.

    "McCaw swiped at Rossouw with his forearm. Rossouw responded by shoving a gentle knee in McCaw's direction.

    "Replay of the event shows the knee was not even close to making contact with McCaw's head or body, only McCaw's arm.

    "The All Blacks were clearly superior, on speed alone, and thoroughly deserved their second-test victory, although the lineout reverted to a shambles and they made a fair few mistakes.

    "What can't be ignored, though, is that the All Blacks were given a significant leg up, scoring 10 points while Rossouw was sitting down.

    "Rossouw would have been a big part of the Springboks' early plans to tie up possession and turn the forward battle into trench warfare. He made their first significant tackle, smashing Owen Franks backwards.

    "Moreover, we, the paying public, not to mention the Springboks, deserved an honest contest, and not one altered by a ridiculous yellow card. The All Blacks also deserved to have their
    victory scored in the fairest of conditions.

    "Rolland clearly stated that the yellow card was for kicking, but Rossouw did not use his boot, and did not make any significant contact with his knee.

    By Anonymous Flinto, at July 19, 2010 10:49 am  

  • I have many South African friends and the thing they don't fully understand is that last year the boks dominated the AB's one simple reason.

    The Boks never played a full strength AB's team in 2009. In some cases right at the start of the TN's there were 3-4th tier players in the AB's line up such was the injury crisis they had. I said that two weeks ago in SA and was laughed a out of the bar where we were drinking. The green machine was going to carry on in the same manner. Did they not think that Henry had been plotting this for over 8 months and while he is much maligned he is very experienced at the highest level.

    Also PDV had the stupid idea of visiting NZ during the S14 and telling the media there that the AB's were falling behind and not playing modern rugby. His mouth beats his brains every time. The new tackle release laws took nearly all the advantage the kick and chase game possessed away, but no changes were made to this.

    The Boks looked ponderous and physically well below par. The mind set in SA must change or this could be 3-0 in the other direction this year.

    By Anonymous Captain Hurricane, at July 19, 2010 11:16 am  

  • lol Rossouw thought he was pretty tough until Thorn and Kaino arrived... Iv never seen someone bitch out so quickly. I guess its easy to act tough when its 1 vs 5 and the blokes on the ground.

    By Anonymous Jamie, at July 19, 2010 12:22 pm  

  • @ Cock_2007 you live in Wellington? No wonder you hide behind your cute little nick-name, it must be scary living in this "Land of Dampness".

    Face the facts, you won't win the world cup with the rules the way they are... And you know that.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at July 19, 2010 12:29 pm  

  • Captain Hurricane, the same could be said about SA this year then, no? That's anything but a full strength SA side.

    Granted, they're playing poor rugby, no matter which side were out there. Ricky Januarie is no Fourie Du Preez though. In fact, I think he might have eaten him.

    By Anonymous Scotsdale, at July 19, 2010 12:38 pm  

  • Hi there - England supporter here that had the fortune to watch the match live ina very damp scotland this weekend. I am disappointed by the SA performance (non-yellow card in my opinion for the big fella). However I really would be keen to see the Boks attack the line more effectively and positively. It seems with a surfeit of speed and skill in people like Spies and Habana that this would trouble any team rather than giving it "a big pundy" and hoping the other team makes a mistake. Question is do you think the Boks coach should go? If so who do you replace him with?

    On the AB side an excellent physical performance. Have to admit the leniency Mr. Mccaw gets from refs for consistent non-violent but persistant professional fouling is a trifle frustrating. I think Graham Henry is not playing enough of the young talent early enough for the world cup....still don't get why Hosea Gear does not get a place? Any ideas?

    Also interested to see how the ABs would play when under pressure and not going forward so much. This might put Weepu under significant pressure.

    By Anonymous NiWiTa, at July 19, 2010 2:24 pm  

  • The thing about Spies seems to be that if he's got a couple "no-show" games, people are ready to dismiss all the games he's had that have been pretty awesome prior to that.

    I'm not really a fan of the guy, but give credit where credit is due - he has shown that he can be a terrific no. 8.

    However, the Boks have so much talent to pick from, I think it's right for PdV to sack a player who isn't performing and go with someone who will (ie - start Kankowski and see where that takes you).

    By Anonymous i kan reed gud, at July 19, 2010 2:45 pm  

  • Ok,

    I have just spent bout an hour reading comments. In summary the AB's just played better. If every thing Saffas were complaining about didnt occur, the ABs would have still taken the victory.

    So the Boks lost because the ABs played better.

    By Anonymous Nick, at July 19, 2010 3:18 pm  

  • I'm new to this site and game and I want to know why all the comments seem to be against South Africa? I have admired their passion and patriotism for a long time.
    Thanks

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at July 19, 2010 3:19 pm  

  • ^ because apparently it's fun to knock whoever is at the top, and also because saffas are apparently arrogant and full of themselves. It's a bit like how girls are bitchy in high school, and the unpopular ones hate the pretty girls. Childish really.

    Or it's just because they're an easy target, having won the tri nations, world cup, and super 14 in recent times. I don't see anyone having a go at England, for example..

    Reasons aside, there is a helluva lot of SA bashing at the moment. Not cool. I can visit football forums if I want to hear bitchiness.

    By Anonymous Flinto, at July 19, 2010 3:45 pm  

  • *read

    Plus, everything goes in cycles. If Australia (for example) were to dominate the next few years, everyone will be having a go at them, their weaknesses, and their political history.

    By Anonymous Flinto, at July 19, 2010 3:49 pm  

  • ok thanks Flinto - makes sense! Nothing wrong with a bit of banter. I am from Malta and would love for my team to be targetted one day. Sadly, it seems unlikely.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at July 19, 2010 3:49 pm  

  • Haha just get one of your players to headbutt, stamp, gouge, or punch, in a big match and fans will be calling your team 'dirty Malta' in no time! ;)

    By Anonymous Flinto, at July 19, 2010 4:09 pm  

  • First bad game I've seen Rolland have. He has a pretty much flawless game most of the time. He's got a good eye, good judgement and is good with the players. Don't know what happened tonight.

    I'd want either Alain Rolland or Mark Lawrence to referee the RWC final.

    -KG

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at July 19, 2010 5:48 pm  

  • Alian Rolland is shocking and it would be a disaster if he reffed the WC Final.
    It would be come a turgid penalty fest, becuase he lvoes being the centre of attentiona nd loves blowing his whistle and handing out cards.
    The best ref is the one you barely notice, Rolland is far from that.
    He's a pedant.
    And shoulder charges are not in any way dangerous.
    All tackles are hits with the shoulder and the rule is that a player makes an attempt to use his arms, juts an attempt.
    Ranger did that, and if that were the S14 it would have been applauded as a great hit.
    But you get allain Rolland and look what happens.

    By Anonymous Botha for UN President, at July 20, 2010 1:09 am  

  • Anonymous said...
    I'm new to this site and game and I want to know why all the comments seem to be against South Africa?

    You're new to the game, stick around and it will all make sense eventually. In fact most of the comments against SA on here are in response to their whingeing about absolutely everything whether they win or lose.

    To get a flavour of things the other way, here's something from above you on this same comments page.
    Anonymous said... Oh god, you dumb Kiwi sacks of shit.

    I guess that's one of those "gracious losers" some SA fan mentioned earlier.

    By Anonymous ur kidding, at July 20, 2010 3:19 am  

  • Scotsdale, the Boks injury problems are quite frankly a piss in the ocean compared to what the AB's had last year.

    The Boks guys go on about missing Du Preez and he is a big miss, but look at the guys missing from games against the boks last year and there is no comparison. Carter, Mc Caw, Mils, Smith, Kano, Nonu, Woodcock. It was a pretty sad excuse for an AB's team.

    The one good thing is it gave us a chance to blood some new players and looking at the likes of Read last years mess was a blessing in disguise.

    The problems for the Boks is unless they can force the AB's to playing set piece after set piece I don't see where they can beat them. The line out is a glimmer of hope, but the Boks were nullified in the rolling maul situations.

    The Ab's were faster more physical and I think totally rocked the Boks to the core. Total re think is required and I am not sure PdV is the guy that can do it.

    For the AB's well they are no where near perfect as yet and will have to up their game by at least another 25% if they want to win the world cup. But this team reminds me a little bit of the way England built up for 2003. There is a huge amount of experience there and they are staring to play well as a unit.

    By Anonymous Captain Hurricane, at July 20, 2010 10:29 am  

  • Nah mate, I can also list top missing players that would equal that list, in terms of importance for SA. Bismarck Du Plessis, Beast Mtawarira, Juan Smith, Fourie Du Preez, JP Pietersen, Heinrich Brussouw, Francois Steyn. Those guys are all very important to SA and have been part of valuable combinations. I certainly wouldn't say it's a piss in the ocean..

    By Anonymous Scotsdale, at July 20, 2010 12:06 pm  

  • I don't understand why Boks fans keep talking about Francois Steyn as a "missing first team player", I seen him several times playing a various level and he looks distinctly average. Kirchner seems to offer a lot more. Steyn is a big fat lump with a big boot but precious little else. He won't come near my Springbok first 15.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at July 20, 2010 2:01 pm  

  • ^ Shows what you know

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at July 20, 2010 2:11 pm  

  • Completely agree on Steyn. He's a superboot for sure, but lazy on defense and his workrate has always been questionable. For once, PDV has it right -- the Boks have better options at #15.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at July 20, 2010 6:07 pm  

  • For those of you who do not think shoulder charges are dangerous..

    It is the lack of control!!!! that is the problem

    The number of times in league that these tackles end with the runner injured, concussed or hit high is a much higher percentage.

    AND.... the pros might want the rule changed but they are 1% of the playing population- just imagine the number of these going wrong in 3rd and 4th divisions all around the world each weekend.

    By Anonymous Ned2or3, at July 21, 2010 7:33 am  

  • That first try, check out the length of pass from Carter and Nonu... Pretty impressive. If Mills had let the ball go to Ranger it would have been a try, lucky Nonu finished it off on 2nd phase.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at July 21, 2010 7:57 am  

  • God that hit from Ranger was sick! I wish the Refs knew the rules ;-)

    Unfortunate SA scored from an incorrect call, Juan De Villers picked the gap nicely though.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at July 21, 2010 8:11 am  

  • Well there you go Scotsdale, now you know exactly how we felt last year. Makes even more of a nonsense of PdV's comments about NZ rugby falling behind this year.

    Maybe the same could be said of the Boks now? Oh but no they've got a lot of injuries so the AB's were just lucky.

    The new tackle laws favour positive rugby, the rugby NZ and most of the world want to see. Last year you were better if you didn't have the ball as it was a penalty risk. How many turnover based penalties did Styne get last year in the Durban test, I think it was 8. And under the new regs I think at least 5 of the penalties would have gone the other way for not releasing the player before playing the ball.

    PdV moans now that it is too much in favour of the attacking team. Well Pete stop kicking the ball away and start running with it. That's what is called attacking.

    And to all you Saffas moaning about the ref, the double standards committee have found you guilty. You guys got handed a world cup on a platter because a certain team got on the wrong end of some pretty ropey reffing. Look on the bright side, at least it didn't cost ya a chance at the world cup!

    By Anonymous Captain Hurricane, at July 21, 2010 5:33 pm  

  • I enjoyed that hit. that hit was a show of force. rene i know didnt want to hug him. as for f**k- knuckle attack on cory jane sin-binning for deer meat. Dagg with a full mag - bang,bang,bang,bang,slide boom. try!!!

    By Blogger sdskiwi, at July 21, 2010 8:51 pm  

  • The saffa commentators are always looking for reasons to criticise the ref when they're having a lesson in how to play rugby. Ranger's hit him that hard that he couldnt wrap the arms fully. An im expecting to hear some bollox from the SA coach, trying to say rugby is a contact sport when it comes to gouging AGAIN!

    By Anonymous Alec- Chobham RFC, at July 22, 2010 6:31 pm  

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