South African Rugby

Friday, November 10, 2006

South african "experiential team " against on fire irish

The match tomorrow looks like there is a in form Irish side against an experimental Bok team that is if you can believe what the coaches are telling you.

Eddie O'Sullivan has picked on form players; they have been playing really well for their respective club sides in the Heineken cup.

Meanwhile Jake White is fielding a team that is minus a number of his most experienced players - some being rested and others out injured. Players like of Os du Randt, Victor Matfield, Bakkies Botha, Schalk Burger, Fourie du Preez and Percy Montgomery stayed behind in South Africa.

He will field three newcomers - fullback Bevin Fortuin, along with wings Jaco Pretorius (No.14) and Francois Steyn (No.11) making their debuts.

Then he also named the second oldest Springbok ever, Johan Ackermann and a player who hasn't played any rugby for six months, Juan Smith.

Jack White has been focusing the press answers that this team is his experimental team due to him planning for the world cup and needing some depth for the games next year.


Irish captain Brian O'Driscoll has said that the Irish team has developed over the last couple of years and is confident that the Irish can give give us a good hiding.

"Maybe sides like Ireland go through experiences like that in order to believe you can beat the top sides and play well on a consistent basis. I think we're getting to that place."

"The feel-good factor is definitely there, but we really have to play well if we're going to beat South Africa like we did two years ago. They will be coming here quietly confident as well because, don't forget - they beat Australia and New Zealand in their last two Tri-Nations matches.

"It should make for a great game because it will be two confident sides going toe-to-toe."



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