Slugso says:
Once again, a great atmosphere at The Cake Tin last night. The Bok fans are so colourful and noisy it was like a home game for them again (North Shore’s match will be!) ... but the Fijian fans an supporters were hugely visible too, just a shame their team didn’t really get to show their style more.I have to say last night’s games have really turned this World Cup on its head. Australia’s loss to Ireland (see Ferdy’s post) has kncked the wind out of the Wallabies’ sails and restored some pride to the Northern teams ... and means Australia will proably meet the Boks in a quarter-final.
So what of the Boks? Well, they may have fielded a slightly tweaked XV but they really announced their presence last night. The defence was huge ... bigger than a Fijian No. 8! They never let Fiji get quick ball or even any real line breaks ... first and maybe second tackles nailed them, and stopped any Fijian Sevens Rugby. The game was probably quite 50/50 in terms of the numbers, but South Africa were superbly clinical when they had the ball - they really converted their scoring opportunities.
They showed more determination to attack last night -was this the difference of having Frans Steyn at 12 maybe? Man, no disrespect to Morne Steyn (who to be fair got a try and hit thr line more last night than recently) ... but what could a Bok inside back combo of du Preez, Lambie, Frans Steyn & Fourie do? Would be awesome.
I think they have the players to really go all the way: JP Pietersen was a rock, Danie Rossouw a deserved MOTM, Hougaard is a game-changer ... it goes on. I see them as a huge favourite now, though Samoa could still be a banana skin. However, if Samoa were to beat Wales then the Boks may wheel out a 3rd XV on that game.
Bokke! Bokke! Bokke!
PS Can someone get Jacques Fourie onside ;-)
2 comments:
Morne Steyn scoring a try! But let's put this in context, it was against Fiji. (I only say this because I'm worried).
Why do bloody Fourie Du Preez and Schalk Burger have to bloody well be perfectly uninjured now?! Why o why is P-divvy FINALLY realising that Bismarck (a name in itself of epic bad omens) Du Plessis is the number one hooker.
Gulp. Worried. Bugger and shit.
SA looked good. But I'm still going to stick by my 'they were only playing Fiji' stance.
One golden blessing. By the looks of things, either they're going to have to knock Oz out, or vice versa. Just glad it won't be us.
BTW. Talking about us. Watching the replay of the ABs V Japan as I type. The men in black look so unhappy, nervous and worred. Colin Slade - a rabbit in the headlights. They need to find some joy. This isn't 1991. Please guys, you are at the world cup in your own country. We support you. If you don't win, we're not going to shoot you. We're still going to love you. Have faith, and smile more.
Guys, loving your work almost as much as the RWC! Sure you'll want me to point out in the politest way possible that you may have left the Wales teamsheet in for this one though...
Keep it up though, mammoth effort infographic-ing all the games.
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