I am both a fervent AB supporter but also a realist. If you did a combined AB-Bok match-day 23, right now it would be at least 75% Boks. This current Bok squad is tremendous and lots of continuity and also fresh faces. The ABs are more in transition, including a brand new coaching group for the first time in more than a decade. Many of the ABs have never toured South Africa either. I am expecting some more on-field innovation from Rassie to attempt to throw the ABs who have recently shown a degree of fragility. Having said that, AB/Bok games are always epic. Bring it on.
I was 23 in '95....Needless to say, seeing Francios Pienaar in the backing looking for work blew my socks off. After extra time and whistle- I was legless...no Uber..had to call from a payphone for my mom to pick me up. She was disgusted by my state i was in 😂
@@jamesgilliland9489 YOUR creator's name. Hindus, Buddhists, pagans etc wouldn't take exception. I was careful to use lower case. Why so judgemental, if that's what the Bible teaches... #Just saying. I'm not here to defend your feelings.
You are a Great Ambassador for South African Rugby, and a Great Ambassador for South Africa on the whole. Thanks for the Great Content as always 🙏🏻💪🏻🇿🇦
can agree with you Mbongi MUST start to sow the seeds of doubt amongst the AB’s…simple : somehow when both him and Ox is on the park, one feels hugely ‘safer’ in the matter at hand‼️💫 🪖
@@HerbalTee69 very unlikely given your conservative culture and the fright Razor got two weeks ago where he got a clear message honeymoon over. Though you are correct- certainly have the arsenal to do it.
If you go back to 2021, 22 and early 23, you'll remember that Jaden was given a lot of chances with the view to take over from Faf as the starting 9. Taking him to the World Cup just after an injury was Rassie's way of letting him know he was still in his plans. Also, he's literally just recovered from injury and been included. When he's fully fit, he is the best 9 in South Africa, hands down. He's quick around the rucks, and can spot a gap. And if you need him to keep it conservative and execute box kicks all day, he can adapt. One of the smartest 9s around. He deserves a lot more respect.
That's hyperbole. You could throw about 5 of our other #9's in there and it would be difficult to rank any above the next ... and none of them would be ahead of Faf.
Don't agree at all. The two Hendrikse brothers are not of Bok material. I'm also not quite comfortable with Williams ... way too slow behind the pack. Even Faf's natural game has been damaged by the Boks' game plan in latter years. The Faf and Elton from their Lions days would today have been excellent (at the time Graham Henry called them the best halfback pairing in the world). Of all our current 9s, only Reinach can be compared to the best 9s in the world. Any of Faf, Williams, Hendrikse or Vd Berg in Du Pont's league?
Looking forward to welcoming you back Tim. Love this program. Your picks are spot on i think so it will be down to the strategy and tactics on the day. We are going to need mobility and fronting up for the first 30 min of the game and if things go well we can start to play a more expansive game. Over my 68 years I have seen the best games against the All Backs when we dominate up front and run at them. Turnover will be critical as the ABs always sail very close to the wind in the lose. They have a lot of smarts in this area of the game and we are going to have to beat them to the punch. That is my 5 cents worth, I just love the game and cannot wait for the whistle to blow at Ellis Park. Enjoy your stay and the rugby. Cheers.
I think we’re 2 years away from being back to being a really competitive AB side. We’ll push the Boks but I think they’re going to be too strong for us this year. So long as we’re genuinely competitive I’ll be reasonably satisfied.
Brilliant rugby channel, lets not forget Am, the man had a good game against the Wannabees and created plays. With a 6 2 split difficult to choose but should be considered.
Agreed...only change.Bongi will start and Marx to make impact from the bench.Bongi is consistent in finding his jumpers and settling the team at the start. 2nd Test, weather dependant.Sacha will start. But with Rassie a surprise is always around the corner.
Considering Rassie's gone 7-1 split for his last two games against the ABs, he'd definitely go at least a 6-2. I suspect he might go with Dixon as the lock cover, and Louw as the extra loose forward. Dixon's more physical in his work rate, and thats where Rassie likes to target ABs, even more so after seeing the success the Pumas had in the set piece against them
Tim you experienced the very best of South Africa. I have been privileged to visit various Parks and never get tired of being out there. Hope you can bring your family
I believe esterhuize had an amazing game in that worldcup warmup games vs nz, he carried so well putting massive pressure on NZ backline making their tackles
Come on Razor, give us your best. The tradition and history of games between us, demands your best. You do have some local support. Will it be enough though ? I doubt it. Go Bokke ! "Hulle weet nie, wat ons weet nie."
“It doesn’t get bigger than ABs vs Boks” not just in world rugby but in SA households. Some friends challenge the fact that my two black terriers wear their AB jerseys and I wear green and gold! The Scotties just love that kit and are very keen when scrums feature on tv. For them it genuinely is the ABs or nothing! Pollard for Ellis Park would make me happy, and if Eben, Siya and Pieter Stef are there, all’s right in my world.
…excellent going here Tim Yes, something totally different when the Bokke and All Blacks go to battle on the green Park Going to be breathtaking, make no mistake‼️💫🥂 👊🔥 🪖
Are you not just a little bit concerned about the potential for torrential rain in Cape Town on game day? While by all accounts, the weather was worse in Perth than in Auckland, the ABs still handled the ball waaaay better than the Boks for the most part. I know that it was probably a monetary decision, but it still seems like an unnecessary gamble. 👀
@@mikhailswartz not really, because the AB handling was coming off the back of a dominant forward pack producing front-foot ball, which was the difference for the ABs between Wellington and Eden Park. When the Argentinian forwards finally turned up in the second half at Eden Park, they drew the half 7-7. The only thing i am concerned about is that, if the Boks win at Ellis Park, that they drop off in intensity in the second test.
How many cities in the world did you visit to make that claim? By the way, I don't know about you, but that giant toilet that they call Cape Town Stadium, is an eyesore. It really distracts from the natural beauty of the Cape. Every time I see an aerial view of Cape Town, I cringe. It is hands down the ugliest stadium in the country. Worst part of it, you can't miss it. It is like a giant zit on someone's face.
Wow amazing depth to choose from, just watch the U18 junior boks whack England and there is some serious talent coming through, what a time to be a bok fan
That's pretty much spot on regarding the team I'd select too. Rassie just mustn't mess around with PSTD at lock (or playing anyone else out of position for that matter). What a team!
Hey Tim, yep, it's a long "laas". With Afrikaans the rules are set in stone, unlike English, where we pronounce the same syllable differently etc. So one "a" is always short, 2 is long. It's the same with all vowels eg: - kas is pronounced "kus", as in "bus" (means a small cupboard) - kaas is "kaas", as in "pass" (means cheese) - met is "met" (means with) - meet is "meet," but not the English ee - it's as in "beer" (means to measure) - rok is like Vincent "Koch", as in "la coq au vin" (means dress). There isn't really an equivalent Eng pronunciation - it's like saying "walk" very fast, lol. It's the same "o" as in our and your beloved "biltong". English people here pronounce it like the English "tong/long/wrong", but an Afrikaner will look at you funny if you say it that way 😅 - rook is like "Lood de Jager", as in "poor" (means smoke) Here endeth the lesson ha ha! Gonna be a tough game, that's for sure, We beat a very weak Aus side by 20-odd (admittedly leaving about 10 points on the table), and NZ beat a better Arg side by more.
Tim, I think that, barring injuries in training, the squad will look pretty much as you suggested - with one or two possible changes: 1) Starting with Kitshoff, and finishing with Ox - because Ox & Bongi are of similar height and Malherbe's height is not an ideal match, as well as because you want to maximise the time that Marx is on against the ABs. 2) Starting with the younger half-back combo as you suggested - because Cobus & Handre can cover at least 2 positions each while the same can be said for most of the starting backline. and this is a long shot, but 3) (whisper it) Canaan Moodie on instead of Kolbe! - to provide a point of difference in the wings.
As a Jock onlooker, I think PSdT is wasted (wrong word but I'm sure all you blokes will know what I mean) at lock. I mean, look at what he does as a wing forward, it's absurd how good he is. Nortje to start in 2nd row with Etzebeth. Are you assuming Kolbe goes to SH if Williams gets a knock and Moody on as the replacement wing?. Might still prefer a back-up SH on the bench but for me the starting SH is Reinach or Faf. Anyway, can't wait for the games.
@johnure2064 too many options. I'd like to see the 7ft PsdT harrassing the 5ft Damien McKenzie all match as he tries to run and distribute the ball. Allende is a ball hog and rarely passes whereas Kriel is a great 13 who distributes the ball to the pacey wingers. Boks with too much depth
As a SAFA, this is the only fixture that makes me anxious. No matter how good I think the Springboks are, I have never been confident going in to play against NZ. They are just better than us but we always find a way to beat them.
Nope, Sacha with his attempts to catch a ball with one hand in order to "show off" will cost us. He has a lot of talent, but it is not the Sacha show. There is no place for show boating in the Springbok team. He can do that BS at the Stormers, I'm not a Stormers fan, so I don't care. He also needs to work on his tactical kicking. It was bad in both games against Australia. Another aspect of his game that needs work is his passing. He needs to stop passing the ball at someone's head. Lucky for him, PSDT could get that ball under control in time to go over for his try. Willie had to juggle with that horrible pass from Sacha, which left him with that brain fart of trying to go inside for the try. If Sacha passed earlier, and the pass was not almost over Willie's head, who knows, maybe we would have scored a try after all?
I think you nailed it if he Go 6 2 split. However the performance of ABs at Ellis park in the last 10 years he might revert to a similar game plan against France in the QF and go 5 3 with Sasha starting and Grant Pollard Am or Libbok on. The bench. Pragmatic approach has last win them a game in 2014 at ellispark
I agree with your back line however I would shuffle the forward position. PSDT start at 5 as I think he will end his career at 5 and I believe Ben J Dixon has played his way into that 7 jersey, with him and PSDT you have 2 massive tackling machines to destroy NZ. I think Marco will be on the bench with Kwagga and RG is probably the best impact locks in the world. So there’s my slight changes
Glad you rate Ben-Jason so highly : he most certainly deserves it, and by moving PSDT, you get it right❗️Only way to have both on the Park for max firing power combined. I’ve a feeling NOBODY is going to beat Dixon’s work rate…❓🥂
@@kobusdutoitbosman6240 I cannot believe how well he has flourished in the green and gold. Some people just fit that shirt like a glove, I believe he and PSDT will destroy any team with their work rate. What a combination to have on the park.
I think your team is on point Tim.. We need experience,. We will see the new bloods later. We're going into war here, the thing with Nz is one mistake ,we blink, score is 7/ 35Nz ,😢🤣
He also loves us following his channel... he knows what it is good for his wallet. Tim clearly supported Ireland against the Boks, if you didn't notice you maybe should learn to pay closer attention. 🧐
@@Alias-gy3tz south africans and negativism!! i'm reading down the comments i'm finding really unnecessary jibes, rebukes. can you all just chill for once??!!
Great choices Tim. No Faf! That's okay, we need a new no. 9 to step in (for what it's worth) One more thing Tim, the first time I left a comment on your channel, you commented back. It was during the world cup. I felt chuffed that you had responded. Keep on interacting with your subscribers, it's appreciated. And makes you feel like a friend. The countdown for your 2nd SA trip this year begins. And 200 000 subscribers must be your new goal.
I am so so happy for Janse Van Rensburg! Not just because he's quality and i rate him highly, but also it means there are 2 old Affies in the squad, in Snyman and him. Really hope he plays against the All Blacks for a bit.
I'm with you on the side for Ellis Park particularly on the half-backs. Rassie likes to have options from the bench and Williams and Sacha give cover for the entire backline. If they start, he'll need to have a 5/3 bench split.
I think your Team is spot on. Only change is that Bongi will start at 2, He may opt to start with Nortje at lock and have Snyman on the bench for later impact. With a 6/2 split which i believe he will do, it makes sense to have Williams on the bench to cover 9, 11,and 14, and Sacha to cover 10, 12, and 15. I think the only surprise may be if he decides to pick Jayden Hendrikse to start.
That squad has insane depth, except for the #8 position where the standards are not as high as some other sides in world rugby ... maybe at #9 too without Faf. I think Rassie will start with Sacha and have a full go at the Tony Brown gameplan from the outset, but be ready to pivot and bring Handre on early ... similar to what he did in the RWC against France. Also gives him a proper assessment of Sacha's BMT. Grant will come off the bench because of his multi-role flexibility more than anything else, but I'd also prefer to see his speed used early in the game alongside Sacha.
Tim your pronounsation of the Afrikaans names is spot on mate. Well done. Thaks for such a neutral and positive commentary of The Springboks. Its sad there was so much negative comments re The Boks at RWC23 in the media. Scrummies no doubts Reinach Start and Williams. No 10 Flyhalf Sassa start and Pollard. Please keep Le Roux out please with all due respect. Fassi man easy choice. your team must say excellent. Kind of spot on except for Le Rouw. I have nothig against Le Rouw but time for new blood.
Good side, would have Van Staden in place of Nortjie, we have enough cover at lock, by moving PTSD/Dixon, Fassie is a big call so good in the air and pace, but Willie experience, big calls to make
What I find interesting about the SA options is that in many positions, I feel there are some players that are specialist bench players. Quaga is an obvious one in the back row, but I think Grant Williams is becoming an impact bench player as well. The speed and agility he brings in the late game against tired bodies counts for a lot. I also get the sense that that is Manie's short term future as well. These sort of players aford Rassie the option of doing his 6-2 and 7-1 splits.
I agree with your squad selection about 95%, I think you have it spot on the money, there is just a few things I believe will probably influence the squad that is different from yours, but that's from knowing the Ellis Park and altitude factors. at hooker, it will most likely be the other way around Bongi instead of Marx starting, reason being Marx is a better impact player and ball fetcher which is one of the key ingredients in gaining those second half penalties. RG Snyman and Ruan nortjie I feel will most likely also swap, the reason being is similar to the bongi, marx reasoning, RG brings that offload game and impact and energy from the bench in the second half. The rest of the line up in the starting 15 I think you have it spot on, As although I rate Fassi very highly in such an important game as against the All Blacks, WIllie Le Roux's tactical kicking game will be massively needed for the match. The only other change I think will most likely be is on the bench, I doubt ben jason dixon will get the nod above Elreigh Louw for the bench spot, I could be wrong but I think Elreigh will most likely be on the bench for the back row cover. The reasoning for these changes compared to yours to what Rassie will most likely pick is because of where they are playing, at altitude and Games at Altitude usually become a bit more free flowing and open due to the thin air hitting the players those last 20 mins, and with the bench and players like Sacha FM and Williams and RG snyman, Malcolm Marx will be more suited for a hard hitting quick pace second half to play the AB's off their feet, because more than likely the conditions will be perfect for running rugby and we can unleash our new attacking strategy against the AB's, which we saw glimpses of and couldn't witness fully in the torrential rains last weekend.
Call me silly but considering how bloody dangers the All Blacks are I suspect Rassie could go with a 7-1 split on the bench to try and destroy them physically. I think if we can get the upper hand in terms of the physicality, Tony Brown's influence could finish the job as the game wears on
The bench split has a lot to say of what the 23 would look like. I would start with FM and have Polly as replacement. But having FM on the bench does allow versatility across 9,10 or 15. Kolbe could play at wing, 9 centre, full back.... Wouldn't surprise me to see him at hooker in the scrums. I reckon thd best teams of the future are those who have the to specialist players but who also have the variaty in the positions they may move to in a plan b situation. I can't wait to see the 2 match day 23s next week. Keep em coming Tim. Excellent work! When do you arrive in SA?
Great squad with awesome depth. I would sprinkle a few newbies into the match day squad. My 23 would be: 1. Ox 2. Bongi 3. Frans 4. Etzebeth 5. PSDT (he is on fire and could play flyhalf and would be fantastic) 6. Siya 7. Dixon 8. Jasper 9. Reinach 10. Sacha 11. Kurt-Lee 12. De Allende 13. Jesse 14. Cheslin 15. Willie 16. Marx 17. Steenekamp 18. Koch 19. RG 20. Ruan Nortje 21. Kwagga 22. Grant Williams 23. Pollard
When picking the Bok team, bear in mind the AB's have massive support in CT, there's a huge coloured fan following! This factor may tip the outcome! I would say, this is a game the Boks must win! We need to totally break the AB dominance for the Boks to be true champions!
With so much talent at his disposal, and much more injured and waiting to go, Rassie should consider making up 2 different teams. One playing on the first & third Saturdays of the month and the the other team playing the even Saturdays. The only way to be fair to all these fantastic players
Thinking out of the "Egg"~box... Manie at 10. Handre at 12. Willie at 11 or 14. And Sacha at 15. To counter DMac & the Bauden - brothers. 4 Playmakers versus 3. Throw in Canan, Chessie, Kurt-Lee, and Grant somewhere. I predict havoc. Watch this space. It is gonna be Epic. O, and Tim... I'm still trying to reach out to you - if you wanna interview Deon; when you're in Town. The Cape of Good Hope, that is.
Last week his arm was in a sling watching... a bit dodgy to pick him anymore. He's a wmquick thinker, reads tge game, great sight of thier field...but age and opposition have figured him out now. Agreed
Good analysis, and I think you’ve picked Rassie’s team, though I like your instinct to swap the 9s and 10s. I’d also be inclined to give Lukhanyo Am a run out as the 13, though Kriel’s form has been very good this year….but that’s still a low-risk option.
Is it just me or are we missing Edwill Van Der Merwe? He seems like such a quick player on his feet and it would be a mistake to quickly forget about this guy. Such an awesome player. Would be a shame if not given another shot.
I think Sasha fm will go at it from the first whistle Tim. I think Rassie will want to spook the all blacks with one or two early starters to suprise them
I think Grant Williams has a specific role within the Springboks. With a 6/2 split on the bench he covers as replacement 9 and an option on the wing. Rumour has it he is the fastest in the Sharks squad over a short distance. This is why he won't start unless the Boks go 5/3 on the bench I believe.
Take a look at Jan Hendrick Wessels highlights footage of high school rugby at Grey. He played both tight and loosehead and lock and can also play flank.
My prediction is: 1. Ox 2. Bongi 3. Frans 4. Eben 5. Salmaan 6. Siya 7. Pieter-Steph 8. Elrigh 9. Cobus 10. Sacha 11. Kurt-Lee 12. Damian 13. Jesse 14. Cheslin 15. Willie Made this prediction before hearing yours. I would like to see Aphelele start tbh