I like the way Bobby Skinstad says the Boks (pronounced like Tocks), he would be hoping for a Boks win I'm sure. Two men that will have a say in that is Quade (10)& Will (9).
The problem the Boks have is that they aren't playing well and more importantly the Australians are improving with every game and have been for the last two years. Form though goes out the window in knock out rugby, thankfully for the Boks since 4 of the last 5 meetings between these two have gone against the Boks. The Tri Nations Champions will wonder if there is a curse on the winners of the tournament in a World Cup year or if that just applies to the All Blacks, they'd like to think the later.
Both teams will know anyone can win today it's just that close. My view is like it always is when you play Australia keep Quade Cooper & Will Genia quiet and you will win, the All Blacks can detest that pair can seriously hurt you, if given the space & time. I know rugby is a team sport but besides Pocock those two have been immense this year and both relish go forward ball.
The Boks have a better tight five and coupled with Heinrich Brussow specifically at the break down I think the Boks do have the upper hand there even with John Smit starting and as a bonus they have Bismarck du Plessis to come on and change things.
Jean de Villiers at inside centre or the loss Francois Steyn is significant for two reason he can kick you 75 metres and turn defense into attack and he is a distributor which Jean just is not more often than not will put that ball under the arm or put his head down and look for the gap and that might prove pivotal in getting the Boks outside backs into the game.
It's true what Carlos Spencer says as an All Black supporter you would prefer a South African win today, but that's easier said than done.
This may well be a defining day in the careers of Robbie Deans and Peter de Villiers infact the last game for the loser I think.
My prediction is rather difficult today but I do feel the Aussies might just edge it but anything can happen today, a moment of magic a Quade side stepping break of the line, a Steyn drop goal, a bounce of the ball and even a Southern Hemisphere referee decision (let's hope not) could swing it either way. As for the points difference at full time uhm ... possibly just a point.
Jade Christopher Bentley Adams (JCBA)
The problem the Boks have is that they aren't playing well and more importantly the Australians are improving with every game and have been for the last two years. Form though goes out the window in knock out rugby, thankfully for the Boks since 4 of the last 5 meetings between these two have gone against the Boks. The Tri Nations Champions will wonder if there is a curse on the winners of the tournament in a World Cup year or if that just applies to the All Blacks, they'd like to think the later.
Both teams will know anyone can win today it's just that close. My view is like it always is when you play Australia keep Quade Cooper & Will Genia quiet and you will win, the All Blacks can detest that pair can seriously hurt you, if given the space & time. I know rugby is a team sport but besides Pocock those two have been immense this year and both relish go forward ball.
The Boks have a better tight five and coupled with Heinrich Brussow specifically at the break down I think the Boks do have the upper hand there even with John Smit starting and as a bonus they have Bismarck du Plessis to come on and change things.
Jean de Villiers at inside centre or the loss Francois Steyn is significant for two reason he can kick you 75 metres and turn defense into attack and he is a distributor which Jean just is not more often than not will put that ball under the arm or put his head down and look for the gap and that might prove pivotal in getting the Boks outside backs into the game.
It's true what Carlos Spencer says as an All Black supporter you would prefer a South African win today, but that's easier said than done.
This may well be a defining day in the careers of Robbie Deans and Peter de Villiers infact the last game for the loser I think.
My prediction is rather difficult today but I do feel the Aussies might just edge it but anything can happen today, a moment of magic a Quade side stepping break of the line, a Steyn drop goal, a bounce of the ball and even a Southern Hemisphere referee decision (let's hope not) could swing it either way. As for the points difference at full time uhm ... possibly just a point.
Jade Christopher Bentley Adams (JCBA)
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