South African Rugby

Ireland 15-10 South Africa

2009-11-29T16:53:00.004Z

Ireland completed their November internationals games with a 15-10 triumph over South Africa played against a weird backdrop of heavy fog that added to the intensity of the game.

Apart from a brisk Schalk Burger's 16th-minute try and a late assault by prop Tendai Mtawarira, South Africa offered little in attack and made plenty of poor discipline which allowed for sexton to punish each time.The result completed an unbeaten year for Ireland, a sequence spanning 10 matches that has landed Declan Kidney the international Rugby Board coach of the year award.

This was a game that Ireland made less mistakes in helping them add penalty points to the scoreboard but not a try. Well played Ireland.

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Boks VS Lions Results

2009-07-04T20:00:00.001+01:00

South Africa 9-28 Lions 04/07/09 3rd Match

South Africa (6) 9Pens: M Steyn 3
Lions (15) 28Tries S Williams 2, Monye Cons: S Jones 2 Pens: S Jones 3

Second Test Score RSA 28 Lions 25 Full Time

South Africa (5) 28Tries: Pietersen, Habana, Fourie Con: M Steyn 2 Pens: F Steyn, M Steyn 2
Lions (10) 25Tries Kearney Con: S Jones Pens: S Jones 5 Drop-goal: S Jones

Emerging Springboks 13-13 Lions 23/06/09

Emerging Springboks (3) 13Try: Demas Con: De Waal Pens: Rose 2 Lions (10) 13Try: Earls Con: O'Gara Pens: O'Gara, Hook

South Africa 26-21 Lions 20/06/2009

South Africa (19) 26Tries:
Smit, Brussow Cons: Pienaar 2 Pens: Pienaar 3, Steyn
Lions (7) 21
Tries: Croft 2, Phillips Cons: Jones 3

Southern Kings 8-20 Lions 16/06/09

Kings (3) 8Tries: Mbiyozo Pens: Van der Westhuyzen
Lions (3) 20Tries: Monye, penalty Cons: O'Gara 2Pens: O'Gara 2

Western Province 23-26 British Lions 13/06/09

Western Province (12) 23Try: Pietersen Pens: De Waal 4 Drops: De Waal, Pietersen
British and Irish Lions (18) 26 Tries: Bowe, Monye, M Williams Con: Jones Pens: Jones 2, Hook

Sharks 3-39 British Lions 10/06/2009

Sharks (3) 3Pen: Kockott
British and Irish Lions (7) 39 Tries: Mears, Phillips, Fitzgerald, Byrne, Heaslip Cons: O'Gara 3, Hook Pens: O'Gara 2

Free State Cheetahs 24-26 British Lions 06/06/09

Cheetahs (14) 24Tries: Dumas, Du Preez, Uys Cons: Potgieter 2, Strydom Pen: Potgieter
British and Irish Lions (23) 26 Tries: Ferris, Earls Cons: Hook 2 Pens: Hook 3

Golden Lions 10-74 British Lions 03/06/09

Golden Lions (10) 10Tries: Frolick Cons: Pretorius Pens: PretoriusBritish and Irish Lions (39) 74 Tries: Roberts 2, O'Driscoll, Monye 2, Croft, Bowe 2, Hook, Ferris Cons: Jones 6, Hook 3 Pens: Jones 2

Royal XV 25-37 Lions 30/05/2009

Royal XV (18) 25Tries: Koch, Barnes, Roux Cons: Olivier, Viljoen Pens: Olivier 2Lions (10) 37 Tries: Bowe, Byrne, Wyn Jones, O'Gara Cons: O'Gara 4Pens: O'Gara 3

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SA 14 -10 Scotland

2008-11-15T17:27:00.000Z

The Boks came back from 10-0 down at half-time to a 14-10 victory over Scotland in a game where South Africa was asleep in the first half.

Nathan Hines scored the Scotland’s first try at Murrayfield for 14 months to before the Springboks hit back with nine points from Ruan Pienaar and a try from Jaque Fourie.

South Africa started the match well pushing for the line from kick-off and were on the five metre line within two minutes before the first of many sloppy penalty’s, for diving over the top of the maul, allowed Scotland to clear their line.

The Boks also suffered a bit of bad luck early on as hooker Bismark du Plessis limped off after just 5 minutes with what looked like a hamstring injury.

Persistent bad discipline from the Springboks gifted Scotland another chance to take the lead in the 27th minute, when JP Pietersen was penalised for coming in from the side.

With Phil Godman back on the field after a blood bin absence, Parks relinquished the kicking duties and it was a case of third time lucky for the Scots as Godman thumped the ball between the posts to give them the lead.

The second half was a much tougher affair for Scotland thank god ,and for the first twenty minutes the boks had seventy five percent ball possession .

Jean De Villiers was denied only by a try-saving tackle from Hugo Southwell within minutes of the re-start and the Scotland defence was called into action again just seconds later when Conrad Jantjes pushed for the line on the right wing.

Jantjes ended up knocking the ball on but South Africa were already playing the advantage and Pienaar finally got his side off the mark in the 47th minute with his second kick of the afternoon.
Pienaar reduced the deficit further 10 minutes later when Hines failed to roll away from a tackle on Pietersen and the signs were beginning to look worrying for Scotland.

Fourie, Bryan Habana's replacement, received the ball from De Villiers on the left wing and had enough pace to dive over the line. Pienaar missed the conversion though to leave South Africa just the one point in front.

Godman missed another kick at the posts moments later and Pienaar extended the Springboks' lead with his third penalty of the afternoon.

Scotland came back near the closing stages of the game to have a couple of good breaks but we managed to close them down.

South Africa won but it was not a great game ,Scotland went from they are going to get a hiding to managing to hold their own against the Boks.

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20 -15 South Africa Wales

2008-11-08T20:03:00.000Z

South Africa manged to withstand a late onslaught to beat Wales 20-15 in their opening end of year tour at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday.

The Boks with eight of the 2007 World Cup final winning team, scored two tries through Adrian Jacobs and Jean de Villiers, with the excellent Ruan Pienaar hitting two penalties and two conversions for a result that was ultimately far more comfortable than the 20-15 scoreline indicated.

Wales initially struggled to get past the rock solid South African defence and dominance in loose play , failed to cross the Springbok line, Wales did notch up five penalties through debutant Leigh Halfpenny and James Hook.

John Smit said that while it was good to get a win, that their overall performance had not been the one he had looked for ,which it is a bit of understatement they went to sleep in the second half.

"It is always good to get a win on the board. However, we made a mistake in falling back into defensive mode.

"We paid for that. We waited for the game to finish with 15 minutes remaining and it was very frustrating," said Smit.

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Aus:27 SA :15

2008-08-24T22:18:00.000+01:00

What a cock up least we did score some points a bit better than last week’s kiwi game.
Now that we are out and the team was booed of the field we need to ask what is wrong with this World Cup winning team.

“I believe we’re on the right track and the players believe it, too. They just have to get used to it and we will get there.” A great quote from our coach Peter De Villiers.

In the first half , the springboks had four clear point scoring chances, but Juan Smith, Jean de Villiers, Fourie du Preez and JP Pietersenall took turns squandering possession, throwing stray passes and making the wrong calls.

What is frustrating is the Boks got part of the first half right they kicked for corners, defended well the Aussies could not believe their luck that they were ten nil up going into half time. This is where South Africa panicked and played some ridiculous plays making it easier for the Aussies to extend their lead.

They were panic-stricken and again sought to run the ball from ridiculous positions, making things easy for one of the better defenses in the game.

“We’re the Springboks and the world champions. The players are as disappointed as the crowd because this is our job and our passion. That performance was not acceptable.” From Victor Matfield.

Let’s see what happens at Ellis Park

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South Africa ,New Zealand to meet in Durban

2008-08-15T11:15:00.000+01:00

The Boks go in search of back-to-back wins against the kiwis when the sides meet in a huge game in Durban.

The Boks have seldom registered two wins on the trot against the kiwis, but will go into Saturday's match as the favorites following their 30-28 victory in Dunedin on July 12.

While the springboks have won just one in three games in this year's competition, they have all three home matches to come, starting with New Zealand at Newlands.

Peter de Villiers' men have five points from their three outings, while New Zealand head the summit with 10 points, but from four games.
While the springboks will be banking on their home support in the coming three weeks, they will also go into Saturday's contest on a high following the thrashing of Argentina.

The only problem is that the Kiwis destroyed the Aussies in their last game and seem to have got the team selection spot on.
So satisfied was New Zealand coach Graham Henry with that performance he has retained the same side for Saturday's match except for some minor changes on the bench.

We will have to do without Bakkies Botha, who was injured in the Argentina game ,Andries Bekker has taken his place and hopefully he can step up to the challenge.

Another player who is back of the bench is Percy Montgomery who will become the first South African to reach the 100 Test mark as he replaces Conrad Jantjes. There have been some issues with this from our rugby administrators saying Conrad Jantjies should be playing.

South Africa: 15 Percy Montgomery, 14 JP Pietersen, 13 Adrian Jacobs, 12 Jean de Villiers, 11 Bryan Habana, 10 Butch James, 9 Fourie du Preez, 8 Pierre Spies, 7 Juan Smith, 6 Schalk Burger, 5 Victor Matfield, 4 Andries Bekker, 3 CJ van der Linde, 2 Bismarck du Plessis, 1 Tendai Mtawarira.

Replacements: 16 Adriaan Strauss, 17 Brian Mujati, 18 Danie Rossouw, 19 Luke Watson, 20 Enrico Januarie, 21 Francois Steyn, 22 Conrad Jantjes.

New Zealand: 15 Mils Muliaina, 14 Richard Kahui, 13 Conrad Smith, 12 Ma'a Nonu, 11 Sitiveni Sivivatu, 10 Dan Carter, 9 Jimmy Cowan, 8 Rodney So'oialo, 7 Richie McCaw (c), 6 Jerome Kaino, 5 Ali Willliams, 4 Brad Thorn, 3 Greg Somerville, 2 Andrew Hore, 1 Tony Woodcock.

Replacements: 16 Keven Mealamu, 17 John Afoa, 18 Anthony Boric, 19 Adam Thomson, 20 Piri Weepu, 21 Stephen Donald, 22 Isaia Toeava.

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South Africa ,Argentina Preview

2008-08-09T14:02:00.001+01:00

South Africa and Argentina meet again at the Coca-Cola Park as the boks focus on the upcoming home section of the Tri-Nations clash with New Zealand next weekend.

Todays clash has been billed as a rematch between the two 2007 World Cup semi-finalists as the Pumas attempt to gain revenge following the 37-13 defeat.

Argentina coach Santiago Phelan is rebuilding his squad, and is preparing for just his fourth game at the helm since taking over from Marcelo Loffreda.

The Pumas have lost all previous 12 Tests against the Boks ,the biggest area of concern for Phelan is at scrum-half after a recent failure to fill the void left by the retirement of Augustin Pichot last year.

The nation ranked fourth in the IRB world rankings are also without star man Juan Martin Hernandez due to injury - Felipe Contepomi taking up fly-half duties.

Contepomi said: "I believe the Springboks are the best team in the world at the moment, they are the world champions and they have started well in the Tri-Nations”.

"It is an away game for us and you wouldn't choose to play the best team in the world, when most of your players are in the middle of their pre-season, as your first outing under the new rules.

Springbok coach Peter de Villiers has resisted the temptation to make changes as his men look to play their way into form ahead of their Tri-Nations battle with the All Blacks on August 16 ,lets hope there an no injuries the pumas play a physical game.

With Schalk Burger failing to prove his fitness De Villiers has been forced to field a new-look back row unit of Luke Watson, Pierre Spies and Juan Smith.

Conrad Jantjes and Jean de Villiers are included in a Bok’s back-line as Victor Matfield continues captaincy duties amongst a strong South Africa pack.

South Africa:

15 Conrad Jantjes,14 JP Pietersen, 13 Adrian Jacobs, 12 Jean de Villiers, 11 Jongi Nokwe, 10 Butch James; 1 Tendai Mtawarira, 2 Bismarck du Plessis, 3 CJ van der Linde, 4 Bakkies Botha, 5 Victor Matfield (c), 6 Luke Watson, 7 Juan Smith, 8 Pierre Spies, 9 Enrico Januarie.

Replacements: 16 Adriaan Strauss, 17 Brian Mujati, 18 Andries Bekker, 19 Joe van Niekerk, 20 Fourie du Preez, 21 Jaque Fourie, 22 Percy Montgomery.

Argentina: 15 Bernardo Stortoni, 14 José María Núñez Piossek, 13 Federico Martín Aramburu, 12 Miguel Avramovic, 11 Horacio Agulla, 10 Felipe Contepomi (c); 1 Rodrigo Roncero, 2 Mario Ledesma, 3 Pedro Ledesma, 4 Rimas Álvarez Kairelis, 5 Patricio Albacete, 6 Martín Durand, 7 Juan Martín Fernández Lobbe, 8 Juan Manuel Leguizamón, 9 Nicolás Vergallo.

Replacements: 16 Alberto Vernet Basualdo, 17 Marcos Ayerza, 18 Esteban Lozada, 19 Álvaro Galindo, 20 Alfredo Lalanne, 21 Benjamín Urdapilleta, 22 Rafael Carballo.

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16 -9 to the aussies

2008-07-20T17:31:00.000+01:00

Australia had a great start to their Tri-Nations campaign with a 16-9 win over South Africa in Perth on Saturday.

Tries in each half from Lote Tuqiri and captain Stirling Mortlock secured victory for the Wallabies who have won fourth straight under new coach Robbie Deans. They thumped the French last month.

The boks who have played three bruising away matches, were going down to their second defeat of the tournament, coming down to earth after the historic 30-28 win over New Zealand in Dunedin last weekend.

We started well with Francois Steyn kicking a long-range penalty in the sixth minute to put the Boks 3-0 ahead, but proceeded to miss a drop goal and further penalty chance.
Tuqiri's try came against the run of play as he finished off a sweeping move following quick passes from Nathan Sharpe and Matt Giteau.

Australia took a further grip in the opening minutes of the second half as Mortlock powered over.
Giteau missed the conversion but extended the lead to 13-3 with a 51st minute penalty.
But only two minutes later, Mortlock left the field with a suspected concussion after butting heads with Schalk Burger and after Australia gave away a penalty in the scrum, Springboks flyhalf Butch James closed the gap to 13-6.

A further Steyn penalty with just over 10 minutes remaining led to a painful finish, but a Berrick Barnes drop goal in the last bloody minute made sure the Aussies were going to win.

The Boks play their three remaining Tri-Nations matches in South Africa -- the All Blacks in Cape Town on August 16 and then back-to back-matches against the Wallabies on August 23 in Durban and August 30 in Johannesburg.

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New Zealand 28 South Africa 30

2008-07-13T14:58:00.001+01:00

This was a brilliant Tri-Nations match even if you were a neutral supporter this would have been a great game to watch and with the South African win made the game all the better to watch. The Boks had not won at Carisbrook since 1921 and they had gone ten years without a victory on New Zealand soil.

Carter kicked the Kiwis into an early lead before Percy replied. A try on the half-hour from JP Pietersen, following a pick-up off the base of a five-metre scrum by the No 8, Joe van Niekerk, edged South Africa ahead. Butch James dropped a goal before Carter kicked two more penalties to trim South Africa's lead to 17-15.

The All Blacks, although still not as fast in getting numbers to the breakdown and constantly surprised by the huge improvement in the Springboks' scrum from the previous week, scored a try after 55 minutes from Sione Lauaki and Carter converted to make it 22-17.

Two Butch James penalties brought the South Africa back into the game but Matfield's trip to the sin-bin, for a high tackle which the referee had previously warned both teams he would penalize the faulty party ,a sixth penalty

When Carter kicked the Kiwis into a 28-23 lead with just 7 minutes remaining and the Springbok captain, Victor Matfield, in the sin-bin for the rest of the game, it looked like we were screwed. But the Ricky Januarie did his brilliant chip and lucky bounce to give us a much needed second try we were back in the game.

It was a game that had the crowd on the edge of their seats. The Kiwis coach, Graham Henry, not a man to give out compliments, called it "a fabulous game of rugby".

De Villiers said: "I always believed in the players and they put it together today and showed great belief in themselves. They knew they had to up their game and they did that. I was a bit worried when we went down to 14 men but the guys stuck to their guns for a great win. The difference with last week was that we had the ball on the front foot most of the time here."

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Tri Nations Kick Off

2008-07-04T18:06:00.000+01:00

Joe van Niekerk will be playing instead of Pierre Spies or Ryan Kankowski for the No.8 position for the Tri Nations opening game against the Kiwis in Wellington.

Coach Peter de Villiers said: "Joe came back into the Springbok camp after having a brilliant Super 14 and he showed to all of us that he means business. The kiwis have been surprised at our new coach’s selection.

How The Boks Compare

In the front, the All Blacks boast a strong scrum, props Tony Woodcock and Greg Somerville and the Super 14’s hooker Andrew Hore. But the Boks reign supreme in the air, with combination of locks Victor Matfield and Bakkies Botha and captain John Smit’s throws that was under the old rules and with the new rules in (No restrictions on players in the lineout) and the kiwis used to playing them our locks need to get up to speed. The good news is Richie McCaw is out.

In the backline Butch James had an outstanding World Cup year and has been working his magic with Bath, but is up against the famous Dan Carter.

While Jean de Villiers is the form inside centre of world rugby, he will be matched by the menace of Ma’a Nonu, while Conrad Smith has more street smarts and combination than rookie Adrian Jacobs.

The last time we beat the Kiwis in Wellington was in 1998 and I sure they are gunning for us to try make up for the World cup, it is going to be a hard game with crappy weather let’s hope our boys pull it off.

New Zealand: 15 Mils Muliaina, 14 Sitiveni Sivivatu, 13 Conrad Smith, 12 Ma'a Nonu, 11 Rudi Wulf, 10 Dan Carter, 9 Andy Ellis; 1 Tony Woodcock, 2 Andrew Hore, 3 Greg Somerville, 4 Brad Thorn, 5 Ali Williams, 6 Adam Thomson, 7 Rodney So'oialo (capt), 8 Jerome Kaino.Replacements: 16 Keven Mealamu, 17 Neemia Tialata, 18 Anthony Boric, 19 Sione Lauaki, 20 Jimmy Cowan, 21 Stephen Donald, 22 Leon MacDonald.

South Africa: 15 Conrad Jantjes, 14 Odwa Ndungane, 13 Adrian Jacobs, 12 Jean de Villiers, 11 Bryan Habana, 10 Butch James, 9 Ricky Januarie; 1 Gurthro Steenkamp, 2 John Smit (capt) , 3 CJ van der Linde, 4 Bakkies Botha, 5 Victor Matfield, 6 Schalk Burger, 7 Juan Smith, 8 Joe van Niekerk.Replacements: 16 Bismarck du Plessis, 17 Brian Mujati, 18 Andries Bekker, 19 Luke Watson, 20 Bolla Conradie, 21 Francois Steyn, 22 Percy Montgomery

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Wales want a physical game ,bring it on

2008-06-06T22:56:00.000+01:00

Image via Wikipedia Wales captain Ryan Jones believes the welsh team "have a chance to make a statement" when they take on the Boks in the first Test in Bloemfontein on tomorrow."

We did well in the Six Nations, but we drew a line under it pretty quickly. We set some pretty good standards there, but we still have to make sure we have good execution of the simple things, so that we have a platform to play from," he said.

"But we are still in transition. We will certainly find out where we are in two weeks' time. It is as simple as that. It is a chance for us to make a statement on Saturday, individually and collectively. "There is no tougher place in the world to play Test rugby than here.

We will go out and give everything, and play as if it is our last game. We will have to overcome things like the hard fields and altitude."Ryan Jones said they were prepared and look forward too a physical battle, he believed that his pack could match the home side's grunt yeah right .

"I believe we are as good as anything out there. And we will have to be this weekend. We all know that it will be a pretty tough day at the office."

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Show me the money

2008-01-18T09:00:00.000Z

Bryan Habana has been made a offer from French club Bayonne for 400,000 Euros a year this has been the largest offer for a player even by French standards who do seem to have the cash to throw around at the moment.

Other clubs that are in interested is another French club called Toulouse; Bryan is looking at his options nice problem for him to have considering his salary would be tax free.

This will screw up Peter De Villiers hard line attitude to foreign based players playing for the boks, our rugby administrators need to stop living in their ivory tower and face reality that our top players will be poached by clubs with very deep pockets.

South African players who are based overseas are John Smit ,Victor Matfield, Percy Montgomery and Butch James.

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Peter De Villiers our new coach

2008-01-13T19:30:00.000Z

Peter De Villiers made history by being named the first black coach of the Springbok rugby team what he made perfectly clear was that he would pick a south African team based on merit not colour.

De Villiers was the surprise choice of the rugby administrators to succeed Jake White this decision by SARU top dogs was to make sure the future SA rugby team moved away from their current white racial profile.

"The fact that I am the first black coach must end now," peter said to end questions about his colour of skin.

"Players out there must understand they will all stand an equal chance ... If they are good enough, talented enough and work hard enough they will be part of the squad."

Peter De Villiers has been given an initial two-year contract; He led the under-21 South African rugby side to the World Championship final last year (not winning it though) after winning the title in 2005.

Peter has also coached the Emerging Bok team, winning an IRB tournament held in Romania last year.

Wish you luck peter, you will need it ,you just need to beat the Kiwis at home this year and please remember your quote about picking players on merit not colour.

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22-5 to the Barbarians !

2007-12-01T21:58:00.000Z

The boks lost on Saturday with a 22-5 defeat to the Barbarians .The Springboks fielded several top players against the invitational side at Twickenham, including Francois Steyn, Schalk Burger and Bryan Habana but maybe the thought they had already won the game before they got on the field.

The barbarians played one of the better games I have seen for the last couple of years.
Australia's Matt Giteau and retired Wales’s flanker Martyn Williams scored in the first half, with Rocky Elsom adding a third score in the second. Barend Pieterse got South Africa's try in the 35th minute, and his team was denied another touchdown by some amazing defence late in the second half.

The Barbarians fielded a really strong side, starting with six past and present All Blacks and Jason Robinson who was playing his last game

"I didn't know at the start if I'd be able to play," Robinson said "I'm feeling a bit stiff. In the second half, I got a bit of cramp, but who cares now?

We were never in the game,the Barbarians played some amazing running rugby and made sure we did not come back at the end.

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SA Line up for the Barbarians

2007-11-30T19:08:00.000Z

Bismarck Du Plessis will be replacing John Smit in the bok’s line-up against the Barbarians on Saturday after his French club Clermont Auvergne refused to let him play,Johann Muller will be the captain for the game
England hooker Mark Regan is confirmed as captain of the Barbarians there has been a bit of a spat with his English club Bristol over them wanting him to rest for their upcoming games.

Johan Ackermann replaces Bakkies Botha, he injured his ankle against the welsh , JP Pietersen makes way for Akona Ndungane.

South Africa:

15-Ruan Pienaar
14-Akona Ndungane
13-Jaque Fourie
12-Francois Steyn
11-Bryan Habana
10-Andre Pretorius
9-Enrico Januarie
8-Ryan Kankowski
7-Juan Smith
6-Schalk Burger
5-Johan Ackermann
4-Johann Muller
3-Jannie Du Plessis
2-Bismarck Du Plessis
1-CJ Van der Linde.

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SA Lineup for Wales

2007-11-22T20:22:00.000Z

Bok captain John Smit and Bryan Habana are among nine members of the Boks' victorious World Cup final to face Wales in Saturday's game here at the Millennium Stadium.
Although several players are missing from the two game tour South Africa play the Barbarians next Saturday.

JP Pietersen, Jaque Fourie, and Francois Steyn are in the backs and upfront is Schalk Burger and Juan Smith together with Bakkies Botha and prop CJ van der Linde.

In all the team shows six changes and a positional switch from the one that beat the English. Among those missing against Wales will be goal kicking full-back Percy Montgomery, duo Butch James and Fourie du Preez, No 8 Danie Rossouw and Victor Matfield.

Ruan Pieenar takes the injured Montgomery's place with Andre Pretorius and Ricky Januarie providing the new half-back pairing.

Saturday's game will be Jake White's final game in charge of the Boks after four years in charge where he has come under political pressure from the muppet gang.

"I'm not unhappy about it. I'm very content with where we are as a group. The brief was when I took over we wanted to be number one in the world, we wanted to be world champions and I've been lucky enough and privileged enough to be part of that.

Sharks Ryan Kankowski, in line to make his debut on Saturday, is the only player from outside the World Cup squad.

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Fourie is out of the welsh game

2007-11-20T20:05:00.000Z

Fourie du Preez became the latest South Africa player to drop out of the tour of Wales due to a persistent shoulder injury.
Du Preez will now miss Saturday's match against Wales at the Millennium Stadium and the December 1st international against the Barbarians at Twickenham.
Team will be announced tomorrow

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We Won

2007-10-21T14:00:00.000+01:00

South Africa punished England's slack ill-discipline for a tight 15-6 win over the 2003 defending champions in the rugby World Cup final on Saturday.

Percy Montgomery kicked four penalties and 20-year-old centre Francois Steyn stepped up and kicked a great long distance kick to punish the English.

England did hold their own especially in the second half but could not keep the cup thanks god if they had won this game they would have been entitled to keep the cup permanently. They played some brilliant games against Australia and France.

Percy “the hair” Montgomery started his game by kicking his first penalty in the seventh minute when England centre Mathew Tait slipped on the pitch and held on.

Bryan Habana put in a bone-crunching tackle on Paul Sackey on the right wing but did not roll away allowing Wilkinson to kick a tough penalty

Thanks to Lewis Moody he must be feeling sick after a stupid and cynical kick to trip up Butch James, Montgomery levelled the score.

The Boks came close to scoring a try in the closing stages of the first half. The forwards had their drives repelled by England's defensive before the referee awarded the Springboks a penalty, which Montgomery kicked.

A big bone of contention came two minutes after the halftime interval. England's Mark Cueto looked to have touched down in the corner as he was tackled by Danie Rossouw, only for officials to rule that part of his leg, knee was out of play before he grounded the ball, and if you watch the video you can see clearly that his leg was over the line the poms are having a hard time getting used to it but when Martin Johnson said the video referee was right you have to accept the result.

Rather than the try, the referee awarded a penalty, which Wilkinson slotted between the posts
England captain Phil Vickery and fullback Jason Robinson both wobbled off in the second half and Wilkinson missed another drop goal attempt after 71 minutes thank god.

We beat the English at their own game we made less mistakes them and punished them when their bad discipline plays from Moody and Corry.

We clinically took England apart to be World champions for the next four years which is bloody brilliant.

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Bryan in action

2007-10-19T22:12:00.000+01:00

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Here we go

2007-10-19T21:57:00.000+01:00

South Africa’s roadmap has gone to plan so far. Through the side there are settled combinations in virtually every area from one to fifteen, with the selection Francois Steyn at inside centre providing unpredictability and hopefully keep a couple of the English players preoccupied

The Bokkie strengths are well documented: kicking: lineout: tough back row: defence around the fringes and panic inducing blitz defence as they start going through the phases.

England has had a dire couple of years but their belief has been restored ,they don’t know how but enjoying being the underdog what has happened though is Jonny Wilkinson is back to calm the ship plus their new find Andrew Sheridan who took out the Australia pack.

There is talk of Sheridan's illegal method of scrummaging – something about him 'boring in' South Africa need to have a cunning plan for the scrum ,CJ van der Linde who is in the firing line on Saturday.

Our scrums against Argentina were not great but we have the line outs with best in the world Victor Matfield and Bakkies Botha to work their magic.

Fourie Du Preez has made his mark on this tournament for me when he took England apart let’s hope for some surprises this Saturday will just leave you with this quote which made me feel better.

“WALLABY Chris Latham is tipping a 30-point triumph for South Africa in the World Cup final, with "backline speed and skill" rendering Jonny Wilkinson irrelevant.”

South Africa team for Saturday.

· 15 Percy Montgomery
· 14 JP Pietersen
· 13 Jaque Fourie
· 12 Francois Steyn
· 11 Bryan Habana
· 10 Butch James
· 9 Fourie du Preez
· 8 Danie Rossouw
· 7 Juan Smith
· 6 Schalk Burger
· 5 Victor Matfield
· 4 Bakkies Botha
· 3 CJ van der Linde
· 2 John Smit
· 1 Os du Randt

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A South African Handshake

2007-10-19T21:10:00.000+01:00

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Can Steyn step up the pace?

2007-10-19T21:07:00.000+01:00

Steyn has been one of Springboks' coach Jake White's young lions ,he has played in all of the Springboks' matches at the tournament so far, after replacing the injured Jean de Villiers, and has scored a try and a penalty, admits that sometimes he tries White's patience.

"He doesn't come down on me, but I think he wishes he could give me a hiding - but it has been good," said Steyn, who will win his 16th cap on Saturday.
"I like Jake a lot and he gave me a good opportunity and I just hope I can take it with both hands.

As for whether he can outdo England's master of the drop goal Jonny Wilkinson, Steyn, who landed two monster drops in the Tri Nations win over Australia earlier this year, is a bit coy ,he has been fluffing the last couple of games and panicked in the Kiwi Tri-Nations game.

Maybe Steyn will be our surprise for England this Saturday.

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Jannie in action

2007-10-14T22:26:00.000+01:00

Do you remember jannie destroying England in the 1999 World Cup ,Looks like the final will be on on drop goals.

Which player do you think will have the highest tally of drop goals for this final?

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We are in the Final

2007-10-14T21:48:00.000+01:00

The Boks overpowered Argentina 37-13. We led 24-6 at halftime but it was only late in the second half that we came back into the game and made sure there were no surprises.

Two tries in the last 10 minutes of the first half had seemingly put South Africa in control but the Pumas scored just four minutes after restart when Manuel Contepomi crashed over.

The boks scored three first half tries, to halfback Fourie Du Preez, Habana and Danie Roussow.
Du Preeze scored in the seventh minute, intercepting an attacking pass.

Two of these tries came from mistakes from the pumas allowing Habana and Roussow to score, the Pumas have had an amazing world cup tournament but did seem to choke or lose their composure today.

The Argies scored early in the second half going to 24-13 and pressured the bookies favourite on a number of occasions, threatening to get even closer.

However, two Percy Montgomery penalties who the argies were supposed to pressure and disrupt and an classic intercept try to winger Bryan Habana - South Africa's second of the match did the dirty on the Pumas.

Game over Bring on the Poms

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"Vamos Vamos" The Bokkie

2007-10-13T13:58:00.000+01:00

Times have changed Argentina is rated as a genuine world class team lately and the side is packed with quality players such as Juan Martin Hernandez who been labelled "the best player in the world" by Butch James.

We do have Bryan Habana though who hopefully will put in some nice tries even if he does not the argies will have two to three players marking him for the game allowing our boys to play some nice running rugby.

If South Africa plays to the form they showed against England, especially up front they will beat argentine and maybe win the World Cup but if we go into the game thinking it is only Argentina we will be in for a nasty surprise.

This world cup has been great for all the surprises in this tournament what with the first game Argentina, the kiwis and the Aussies out nobody saw that coming especially the bookies.

"You have to respect Argentina. They have done wonders with what they have been given. They are a unique team and do things differently," Jake White thoughts on Argentina he has made just one change, recalling CJ van der Linde, who missed last week's game against Fiji.

Just look at the stats Argentina have never beaten the Boks ,They have been the minows star of the tournamnent and should have a place in either the Tri Nations or the Six Nation's, If the argies were playing any other team I wish them good luck .I am sure is will be a great physical game.

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Dougie has lost the plot

2007-10-10T12:43:00.000+01:00

The Kiwi winger Doug Howlett has been arrested on suspicion of "causing criminal damage "by jumping on two cars outside the Hilton hotel near Heathrow airport.

Dougie trashed two cars by jumping on them ,this is kiwi style for the early exit did happen at three in the morning ,must have been totally trashed.

We are all human but the locals back home are telling him off on his personal website.

"Thats crazy as Doug.What were you thinking?" and "You better have a darn good explanation Mister! "

Dougie has been a very bad boy,classic.

http://www.doughowlett.com/board.html?&no_cache=1&view=single_thread&cat_uid=2&conf_uid=2&thread_uid=826

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Five Minutes of Panic

2007-10-08T10:08:00.000+01:00

Juan Smith and Butch James scored late tries allowing the boks to survive the Fiji backs in full attack mode the final score was 37-20.

The Fijians came back from back from 20-6 ,first half was pretty boring ,but in the second half the coach pep talk must have been inspirational.

Rabeni was sinbined and they scored two amazing tries within five minutes,the first Vilimoni Delasau kicked and outran two South Africans to score ,two minutes later Sireli Bobo scored another one.

We played like idiots for another five minutes and finally slowed the ball down making sure we used the forward strength to control the game, allowing Smith and James to score.

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Fiji to play South Africa

2007-09-29T23:19:00.000+01:00

Fiji gave Wales a great game first time they have beat Wales to get through to the quarter finals against South Africa.

Fiji started with a 25-3 lead in the first half, but Wales, came back hard in the second half with 26 points ,the final fifteen minutes the lead changed three times but Fiji managed to keep the welsh under control.

We are playing USA tomorrow, not much to say about the build up to the game.

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Boks 30 Tonga 25

2007-09-22T19:07:00.000+01:00

The boks reached the quarter-finals but needed to bring all their big names off the bench to see off a dangerous Tonga side , thank god they did that was getting a bit worried.

With his much-changed team trailing 10-7 in the second half, Coach Jake White introduced captain John Smit, Francois Steyn, Bryan Habana, Percy Montgomery, Victor Matfield and Juan Smith, to make sure there were no nasty surprises.

We came back in the second half ,great spurt of tries then we relaxed and they came back ,give them credit they did not give up.

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what a thumping

2007-09-14T23:12:00.000+01:00

South Africa trashed England 36-0 in the World Cup match in Paris to inflict the defending champion's biggest loss in its 30 games at the sport's biggest event. Thank god had the poms chirping us for too long now

JP Pietersen scored two tries for the Springboks at the Stade de France and Juan Smith got the other. Percy Montgomery kicked 18 points as the 1995 world champion posted its fourth straight win over England, vey nice.

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Schalk Ban update

2007-09-13T11:37:00.000+01:00

Schalk Burger has had his World Cup ban, slashed in half - to just two matches.

"This tournament is about playing rugby, not about sitting in tribunals and we are just happy that we can get on with it now," Yeye added.

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England build up to friday

2007-09-13T09:18:00.001+01:00

ENGLAND'S defense is falling to pieces after captain Phil Vickery joined golden boy Jonny Wilkinson on the sidelines.

Vickery was suspended for two matches for tripping USA player Paul Emerick in Sunday's lukewarm 28-10.

And Wilkinson's stand-in, Olly Barkley, is also struggling tobe match fit.

Ag shame man

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Schalk Burger not playing against the poms

2007-09-12T09:27:00.000+01:00

The Boks have suffered a huge blow after losing Schalk Burger for Friday night's showdown with England.

Burger received a four-match on ban on Tuesday night after being cited for a dangerous tackle on Samoa Junior Polu during the Springboks' victory in Paris on Sunday.

It means Burger, who has 48 hours to appeal the decision, will miss games against England, Tonga and the United States.

That does suck the refs are taking a hard line with English player phil vickery also banned.

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South Africa build up to friday

2007-09-11T17:57:00.000+01:00

The Springboks look set to make just one change for their World Cup game against the Poms at the Stade de France on Friday, Francois Steyn replacing injured Jean de Villiers.

However, Coach Jake White said he would not announce the definitive team until at most 48 hours before the match, though; the first team names on the list carry just the one change from the team that walloped Samoa 59-7 on Sunday.

White is playing games with the English on who he is going to select then again the English are using the Wilkinson injury for a bit of confusion.

"There are a couple of things I need to look at. Though the English I must say it is a bit of a shock that (Lawrence) Dallaglio is not in the 22," added White when informed the World Cup winning backrow forward had not been selected.

"They are going to give it all they can."

Steyn has already caught the eye with two stunning drop goals against Australia in a Tri Nations win earlier this year in South Africa but then played a shocking game against the Kiwis.

The only other doubt for South Africa concerns backrow forward Schalk Burger who before Tuesday's team announcement was cited for a dangerous tackle in the Samoa game

"We got a fax telling us that the video showed him tackling a player in the air. But we are confident he will be cleared."

The probable team to face England features two survivors from the 1999 World Cup quarter-final victory over England at the Stade de France - fullback Percy Montgomery - who will equal Joost van der Westhuizen's national record of 89 caps - and prop Os du Randt.

First line-up could be changed.

South Africa
Percy Montgomery;
JP Pietersen
Jaque Fourie
Francois Steyn
Bryan Habana
Butch James
Fourie du Preez
Danie Rossouw
Juan Smith
Schalk Burger;
Victor Matfield
Bakkies Botha
CJ van der Linde
John Smit (capt)
Os du Randt

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SA 59 -7 Samoa

2007-09-11T17:54:00.000+01:00

The Boks sent a clear message to the clash by starting off their campaign with a bang a thumping Samoa 59-7.

The pressure on the Springboks was incredible in the first half; the boys were rattled as they had to contend with not only their opponents but with booing throughout the game from a crowd that rooted for Samoa.

Percy Montgomery and Bryan Habana were key in the game, with their impressive finishing. But it was a brilliant team effort that took the Springboks to this bruising win.

Montgomery opened the scoring for the Springboks with a penalty in the second minute, which calmed the nerves slightly. Montgomery slotted another two penalties in the next few minutes to give the Boks a 9-0 lead.

Samoan outside centre Gavin Williams missed a penalty in the 11th minute but he made up for that with a great try just three minutes later when he managed to burst through a handful of Springbok defenders and cruise to the line and made it look so easy ,the guys were fast asleep on that try.

Not even Springbok scrumhalf Fourie du Preez and physical flank Schalk Burger's great tackling skills could stop the brawny centre from creeping to the line.
With the score at 9-7 the Springboks managed to take control of the game and created several opportunities to extend their lead.
Wing Habana scored the team's first try, taking advantage of Samoa's unorganised defence to dot down. This was followed by other try compliments of Montgomery.

But despite leading 21-7 at the break, Springbok coach Jake White would have felt a little disappointed that his team did not score more tries. The Boks wasted at least three chances to score tries in the first half.

Whatever Jones said to the team at half-time worked because Samoa showed far greater determination in the second half. However, their passion was not enough to stop the Boks from taking control plus the springboks are fitter and that showed in the second half.

They hit top form and showed signs of what they are capable of by running in a few great tries. In the first 15 minutes of the second half, the Springboks ran in three, with Habana and Montgomery each scoring their second of the game. Another went to centre Jaque Fourie.

White might have been criticised for bringing former Australian coach Eddie Jones on board as his technical adviser especially from the aussies.

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Jake wants to stay as coach

2007-09-06T22:03:00.000+01:00

Jake White wants a second term as the Springbok coach, but he arrived in Paris knowing the South African Rugby Union are not thathappy with him and not towing the line.

Only a Springbok World Cup win will influence an administrative mindset that currently believes the Boks need a change of leadership next year.

White who does not have the support of the provincial presidents spoke to the Cape Argus in an interview that he was committed to remaining in South African rugby and that first prize was to continue with the Springboks.

He said that if there was no incentive to stay in South Africa, he would have to look abroad.

"I have a contract until the end of the year and I will see out that contract, which includes Tests against Wales in November.""I would have liked some kind of commitment with regards to 2008 before leaving for the World Cup, and I am disappointed that no progress was made on what my possible role could be after the World Cup," White said."I am grateful for the support I've had in recent months and everyone has pulled in the direction of the Boks to ensure we are in good shape for the World Cup.

SA Rugby managing director Jonathan Stones told the Cape Argus recently ."We will advertise internationally for the Springbok coaching position by the end of September and Jake has been encouraged to apply.

Nice to see the admin chaps are supporting white allowing him to focus just on the world cup and not his exit plan for after the world cup, drive me nuts.

First game of the world cup 2007

2007-09-06T21:54:00.000+01:00

John Smit returns at hooker to captain South Africa almost three months after he injured his hamstring back in June. Apart from the return to fitness of Smit and centre Jean de Villiers, the team has no real surprises. On the wing Pietersen edges the talented Frans Steyn, who finds a spot as impact player on the replacement bench, and an out of sorts Ashwin Willemse.

South Africa's overall record against Samoa: Played 5; Won 5; Points for 257 and points against 58. An average score of 51-12.

Commentators have mentioned Springboks should guard against complacency ahead of their Samoa in Paris on Sunday. The focus of the attention at today's first media conference was the highly anticipated Group A clash next Friday - a match that will in all possibility determine the Group a winners.

The islanders are physical and gave England a run for their money at the 2003 World Cup in Australia.England, on the other hand, takes on the United States before the match against the Springboks.

With injuries no longer a concern, White is expected to unleash the big guns for Sunday's match. Hopefully we do not get too many injuries those Samoan boys are brutal.

South Africa: 15 Percy Montgomery, 14 JP Pietersen, 13 Jaque Fourie, 12 Jean de Villiers, 11 Bryan Habana, 10 Butch James, 9 Fourie du Preez, 8 Danie Rossouw, 7 Juan Smith, 6 Schalk Burger, 5 Victor Matfield, 4 Bakkies Botha, 3 CJ van der Linde, 2 John Smit (c), 1 Os du Randt. Replacements: 16 Bismarck du Plessis, 17 BJ Botha, 18 Johann Muller, 19 Wikus van Heerden, 20 Ricky Januarie, 21 André Pretorius, 22 Francois Steyn.

Date: Sunday, 9 September Venue: Parc des Princes, Paris Kick-off: 16:00 (15:00 BST) Referee: Paul Honiss (New Zealand)

Too many guinness the night before

2007-08-23T18:55:00.000+01:00

South Africa stuttered to a narrow 18-3 win over Irish provincial team Connacht.

The Springboks laboured against the weakest of the four Irish teams who won only four games from 20 in last season's Irish League.

The sole score of the first-half came Butch James playing in the centre to accommodate Ruan Pienaar at flyhalf, fired over a penalty from in front of the posts.

South African wing Ashwin Willemse then crossed for a try four minutes into the second half, during which both sides made a raft of replacements.

Replacement No 8 Jacques Cronje scored South Africa's second try, and Butch James this time made no mistake with a conversion.

South Africa will now face Scotland in Edinburgh on Saturday in their final warm-up game before their opening World Cup clash on September 9 against the bruiser Samoans.
Jack white mentioned that his team struggled to get momentum going and when they did, they failed to finish off their attacks.

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Kiwi New Haka

2007-08-03T22:13:00.000+01:00

classic video ,bring on the world cup

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Boks playing abroad will not be selected

2007-08-03T21:56:00.000+01:00

The President's Council of the South African Rugby Union (SARU) has made an about turn and placed a ban on players taking up contracts abroad. They will no longer be considered for national selection. considering most of our top players will be playing for teams in europe what a bunch of muppets.

It is not the first time that the muppet gang has made uturns on policy ,they have made it clear that players will have to choose between contracts abroad and playing for the Springboks.

"The [President's] Council has made a decision that those [players] who play overseas and don't return to South Africa to play provincial rugby will in future not be eligible to be selected to play for South Africa," SARU CEO Johan Prinsloo said on Thursday.

"This is obviously a major shift, but we made the call.

"They must come back and first play Currie Cup rugby before they can be chosen again. The Council made this decision in the interests of South African rugby," he added.

The latest player to confirm his departure is Western Province flyer Brent Russell, who has signed with english club Saracens.

Other departing players include

Gary Botha (Harlequins)
Percy Montgomery (Perpignan)
Butch James (Bath)
Marius Joubert (Clermont)
Ashwin Willemse (Perpignan)
De Wet Barry (Harlequins)
Victor Matfield (Toulon)
John Smit (Clermont)
Gerrie Britz (Perpignan)
Bobby Skinstad (Perpignan)
Joe van Niekerk (Northampton Saints)
Lawrence Sephaka (Toulon).

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Kiwis take the Tri-Nations 26-12

2007-07-22T13:58:00.000+01:00

Daniel Carter kicked seven penalties around one try to prop Tony Woodcock as New Zealand beat Australia 26-12 to win the Tri-Nations.

Carter kicked four goals in the first half and three in the second and missed only one of eight attempts a huge improvement of the last couple of months to lift the All Blacks over a dogged aussie team.

Stirling Mortlock kicked all of Australia's points with penalties.

The victory clinched the Tri-Nations title for New Zealand for the third straight year, kept the Bledisloe Cup in New Zealand for the sixth year in a row

But cracks are starting to appear in the new zealand pack they ere great in the scrums but line outs could be improved and backline were not providing try scoring opportunities

"Through the whole Tri-Nations, the emphasis was on doing it right," the All Blacks' captain, Richie McCaw, said. "We didn't always do it right but putting a couple of trophies in the cabinet tonight is pretty satisfying."

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Victor signs for Toulon

2007-07-20T09:27:00.000+01:00

The Blue Bulls said on Thursday that their captain Victor Matfield had signed a sixth-month contract with French club Toulon.

Matfield, 30 has played 58 times for South Africa, will join Toulon on Jan. 1.

Matfield would assess his international future following the appointment of a new Springbok coach after the rugby World Cup later this year. Matfield said he hoped to represent South Africa against the British and Irish Lions in 2009.

Toulon have also signed Australia scrumhalf George Gregan and former All Black flyhalf Andrew Mehrtens. Tana Umaga, another former All Black, has been appointed team manager. The frenchies have quite a bit of cash behind them quite a team they are creating might be a bit over the hill.

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Our response to the Haka

2007-07-19T13:13:00.000+01:00

The Sprinboks freaking out from the defeat at the hands of New Zealand, look set to unleash their own version of the All Blacks' famous haka based on an old Zulu war dance.

Springbok coach Jake White said he had asked the rugby authorities about reviving a dance that was last used more than 80 years ago in order to psyche up his players.

“The history books show that the 1926 Springboks performed a Zulu war dance in major matches on their tour,” , “New Zealand have come up with a new haka recently and, quite honestly, I would like to use ours as a challenge to them.”

White revealed that his team have already performed the ritual in the changing room but believes it could have a greater impact on the pitch.

I have done my own informal survey and initial reactions is that it is a bit naff and we are copy cats ,not to sure what I feel about it.

Will they have shields and a assegai maybe parts of old british miltary uniform from the kicking they got at isandalwana.

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Kiwis 33-6 SA

2007-07-15T20:33:00.000+01:00

The All Blacks did beat us but they did not look invincible.

The Kiwi’s took 69 minutes to score a try on Saturday against a Springboks team lacking 20 top players. The All Blacks scored 21 points in the last 11 minutes to give their Tri-Nations victory.

The victory moved New Zealand into a tie for first place with Australia. The two teams meet in the final game of the tournament next Saturday in Auckland.
Until the 69th minute, when the substitute scrum half Brendon Leonard scored a dashing try, the All Blacks had stumbled to a 12-6 lead, due entirely to the goal-kicking of Daniel Carter.

Carter, the fly half, finished with 23 points, including a try in stoppage time, but even his form was not that great which is making the Kiwis nervous.
Late substitutions spurred a charge that restored New Zealand's ascendancy after it fumbled and faffed against a really weak South African team that produced determined but unremarkable defence.

The All Blacks problem is that they have only one more test match - against Australia - before the World Cup starts in France in September. It is likely that few All Blacks will play another match before the world cup kicks off.
Carter remains below par, He was reluctant to attack the Springbok line and preferred to kick the ball, even in promising attacking positions and would have easily added another ten points to the result.

Who knows we might have a realistic chance for this world cup.

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Aus 25 -17 Boks

2007-07-08T21:46:00.000+01:00

Australia won against South Africa 25-17 to move top of the Tri nations table.

The Wallabies, who trailed 17-0 after 15 minutes at Sydney's Stadium, scored 25 unanswered points including tries to Mark Gerrard, Stephen Hoiles and Matt Giteau.

Yesterdays victory, which followed last week's come from behind win over New Zealand, lifted Australia four points clear atop the standings with two matches remaining. The All Blacks would seal a third straight title by winning both home games.

South Africa, missing 20 of its top players, took a 14-0 lead within 10 minutes through converted tries by flanker Wikus Van Heerden and a 50-meter intercept by winger Breyton Paulse nice back flip there breyton. Fly-half Derick Hougaard made it 17-0 before the Wallabies rallied with a Gerrard try and Stirling Mortlock penalty.

No. 8 Hoiles forced his way over at the start of the second half to tie the score before Springboks hooker Gary Botha was sin-binned in the 53rd minute for playing the ball when he was on the floor what a muppet. Two minutes later, Giteau collected Gerrard's chip ahead and the inside center's momentum carried him over the line to make it 25-17.

The match was the last international in Australia for scrum- half George Gregan, 34, and 33-year-old fly-half Stephen Larkham, who are quitting Australian rugby to play in Europe after the World Cup and make some nice cash.

Springboks captain Bob Skinstad will miss next week's game against New Zealand in Christchurch after fracturing a rib in today's match. White said he'll name a new skipper during the week.

We started well ,in the face of the Australians at the beggining but twenty minutes into the game we really lost posses ion and with the two sin bins we could have been slaughtered points wise.

Stirling thoughts on the game

2007-07-07T11:02:00.000+01:00

Stirling Mortlock expects an under-strength South African side to be tough nuts.

Jake White has rested the majority of his main players for the Tri-Nations matches in Australia and New Zealand to prevent any serious injuries ahead of the World Cup in September.

Ruan Pienaar and JP Pietersen are the only players backing up from the Springboks side that downed Australia in Cape Town, and White has been widely criticised for the tactic and caused a debate within Sanzar about the future of SA in the Tri-nations.

Despite the lack of experience Mortlock said the Springboks would have plenty to play

"A lot of their guys have been selected to show their wares at this level and push forward to make the 30-man squad for the World Cup," he said.

"They've got nothing to lose. From our end there has been a little bit of an unsettled preparation this week.

"It's really important from our perspective that we go out there and put on a really polished performance and send out two of our stalwarts in their last home match in fitting fashion."

Mortlock said the Wallabies would have their work cut out containing the "massive" South African forward pack which should concern them what with their scrum not at their best.

" this one in particular is the biggest and most confronting forward pack that we've faced in a number of years, so there's no doubt they'll be trying to utilise that to their advantage."

Captain Bobby Skinstad, who last played for the Springboks in 2003, said his side would be looking to send a message to the Wallabies two months out from the World Cup,This must be strange for Skinstad to go from being on Sky Sports as a comentator to now captaining the team.

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Aussies beat the All Blacks

2007-06-30T13:36:00.000+01:00

Australia came back to beat New Zealand 20-15 today.

The Wallabies scored 14 unanswered points in the second half to beat the kiwis for the first time since 2004 after first-half tries from prop Tony Woodcock and winger Rico Gear had given the Kiwis a 15-6 lead at the break.

Backs Adam Ashley-Cooper and Scott Staniforth scored second-half touchdowns for the Australians as the All Blacks struggled following a sin-bin absence for prop Carl Hayman.

Stirling Mortlock struck two penalties and Matt Giteau two conversions for the Wallabies while Dan Carter hit a conversion and penalty for the All Blacks.

The Aussies are back ,they always seem to get the timing right for the big tournamnets.

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Aussies are pissed

2007-06-25T21:17:00.000+01:00

South African rugby officials defended today the selection of a weakened squad to meet Australia and New Zealand in the next Tri-Nations games .

Australia and New Zealand have criticised South Africa's decision to omit 20 frontline players for the games in Sydney on July 7 and Christchurch a week later. A statement from the South African Rugby Union (Saru) said nine players had been injured in the opening matches against Australia and New Zealand. South Africa beat Australia 22-19 before losing 26-21 to World Cup favourites New Zealand.

"A large number of players were extremely exhausted as a result of a demanding five-week period of test match rugby and an equally demanding Super 14 competition," it said. "A total of nine players are now injured following the New Zealand and Australian matches and, given the status of these coupled with the fatigue of others, it would not have been advisable for management to allow these players to travel to Australasia."

We are not going to beat the all blacks in their home turf so we might as well keep our guys fit for the world cup.

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We were so close

2007-06-25T21:10:00.002+01:00

The Kiwis reasserted their position as favourites for the forthcoming Rugby World Cup with a close 26-21 win away to rivals South Africa in the Tri-Nations.

After a pair of excellent victories over England, overturning Australia and a dominant showing by their sides in the Super 14, the Springboks have assumed the mantle of the All Blacks' closest challengers.

But Graham Henry's side recovered after trailing 21-12 late in the second half to silence the kings park crowd and claim only their second win in their last five attempts in the country.

South Africa dominated the early exchanges, but appeared to have spared the All Blacks as the game headed for half-time with penalties from Percy Montgomery and Ruan Pienaar cancelled out by a pair from Dan Carter.

However in the final minute of the half, flanker Schalk Burger ensured a deserved interval lead for his side and he edged his way over at the back of a trundling driving maul.

An Aaron Mauger drop-goal cut the deficit to two points, but the Leicester-bound centre then saw his attempt to pass out of a tackle lodge in the grateful hands of Butch James who raced in under the posts to extend the lead to 18-9, which was classic.

Montgomery and Carter exchanged penalties, but it seemed the odds on New Zealand ending their 20-year wait for the World Cup in France this autumn were set to lengthen as the game entered the final 12 minutes with the Springboks clutching a healthy nine-point advantage.

A powerhouse break from Rodney So'oialo shot through the South African defence and back row partner Richie McCaw scooped up the loose ball to dot down and start the Springbok nerves rattling.

Carter's successful conversion left his side still two points short of South Africa, but they seized the lead just three minutes later when Leon MacDonald's counterattack was rounded off by winger Joe Rokocoko.
The last twenty minutes was critical and we were not fit enough ,our replacements could not cope with the All Black hype e.g Steyn we were so close but we made more mistakes than the Kiwis and we paid for it.

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South Africa 55 England 22

2007-06-04T09:02:00.000+01:00

Saturday's most revealing snapshot happened in the Bok’s dressing room at half time. England was up 19-17, having just scored a converted interception try from Dan Scarbrough to add to four penalties by Jonny Wilkinson. Instead of panicking and ranting .White delegated responsibility to the players. They accepted the unspoken challenge to get their butts in gear and put in what White described as "our best 10 minutes in the two Tests" to run in three tries and splinter England's resistance.

The 43rd minute try scored by Bakkies Botha was the most ominous, showcasing as it did the rare pace, power and handling skills of the forwards. As for the second of Bryan Habana's two tries, taking his tally against England to five in their last three meetings, there was pure genius in the way he ducked into space and threw a glorious sidestep to leave the debutant Nick Abendanon in a heap of twisted vowels. Pierre Spies, the No 8 with hands the size of dustbin lids, also waltzed over for the first two tries of his Test career in a manner which suggested he may well shatter all Test scoring records for a forward by the time he is finished and what a start he is a real find from this English tour.

For England this series was an unnecessary evil, a sickly damage-limitation exercise. For South Africa, contrary to what Brian Ashton keeps claiming, the legacy has been purely positive. "It's easy for Brian Ashton to say because he didn't lose to South Africa for the last seven years. There are a lot of psychological bonuses for us," insisted White. Bring on September.

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Loftus build up

2007-06-01T14:11:00.000+01:00

I am really going to enjoy the match on Saturday, strange how all rugby playing nations all like to beat England .Having to watch South Africa’s over the past couple of years has been quite painful at times.

England has to put a brave face on and maybe they can put this bug behind them but with South Africa not playing as a team for six months and the SA public enjoying the Super 14 and build up to the world cup.I wonder what the score will be, I am hoping for a 50 point gap to the Springboks which would be awesome.

Team information:

South Africa:

P Montgomery (Sharks); A Ndungane (Bulls), W Olivier (Bulls), J de Villiers (Stormers), B Habana (Bulls); B James (Sharks), R Januarie (Lions); G Steenkamp (Bulls), J Smit (Sharks, capt), C J van der Linde (Cheetahs), B Botha (Bulls), V Matfield (Bulls), S Burger (Stormers), J Smith (Cheetahs), P Spies (Bulls).
Replacements: G Botha (Bulls), D Carstens (Sharks), J Muller (Sharks), B Skinstad (Sharks), R Pienaar (Sharks), F Steyn (Sharks), A Willemse (Lions).

England:

M Brown (Harlequins); J Noon (Newcastle), M Tait (Newcastle), T Flood (Newcastle), D Scarbrough (Saracens); J Wilkinson (Newcastle, capt), A Gomarsall (Harlequins), K Yates (Saracens), M Regan (Bristol), M Stevens (Bath), R Winters (Bristol), A Brown (Gloucester), N Easter (Harlequins), M Lund (Sale Sharks), B Skirving (Saracens).
Replacements: A Titterrell (Sale Sharks), S Turner (Sale Sharks), D Schofield (Sale Sharks), C Jones (Sale Sharks), S Perry (Bristol), A Allen (Gloucester), N Abendanon (Bath).

What do you think the score will be?

South African Rugby homepage

I like this score ,58-10

2007-05-27T22:11:00.000+01:00

We showed no mercy against a second-string England team, crushing the pommes 58-10 nice.

Percy Montgomery kicked 23 points - a record against England - converting all seven tries and adding three penalties on Saturday. The Bok’s easily surpassed their previous best score against England, a 35-9 victory in 1984 in Johannesburg.

The Springboks jumped to a 27-point lead in the first half, and then didn't score from the 39th minute to the 70th, before scoring four late tries.

England, with only star backs Jonny Wilkinson and captain Jason Robinson available from its first-choice lineup, was hit injuries and a stomach virus in the buildup.
The game left England with even more problems ahead of the second test next week in Pretoria bearing in mind the boks have not played together as a team for six months and are quite rusty just think what they are going to be like in Pretoria.

Bryan Habana scored two tries for South Africa and Burger, Ashwin Willemse, Jean de Villiers, François Steyn, and C. J. van der Linde also touched down, nearly everybody had a pop.

James Simpson-Daniel scored England's lone try. Wilkinson kicked the other points with a conversion and a penalty.

"There's two ways we can respond to this," said Brian Ashton, the England coach. "We can either sulk and feel sorry for ourselves all week or start again on Monday."

I would love to be in Pretoria to see the second game.

Thanks to Glorzifen for posting highlights on youtube.

South African Rugby homepage

England plumbers and decorators on show this saturday

2007-05-24T22:24:00.000+01:00

English flyhalf Jonny Wilkinson admitted that he was braced for a punishing tour to South Africa as he joined a severely-depleted England squad.

The squad, which includes five aged world cup winners, also contain seven uncapped players, including six forwards, nicknamed the "plumbers and decorators “in fact the English bookies are giving odds .William Hill rate England as massive underdogs for the first Rugby Union Test against South Africa on Saturday and offer 6/1 for an England victory and 1/12 that the home side are victorious. William Hill is also offering 4/1 that any of England's debutants score a debut try and 5/1 that Andy Farrell scores a try.

"We are going to be hauled out of our comfort zone, but we want to go to South Africa and attack the tour and be positive," said Wilkinson.

"It is about sticking out our chests and being pro-active, rather than just hanging on in there."

Head coach Brian Ashton opted not to select players from Leicester, Wasps or Bath, who all face European finals this weekend, while injuries have sidelined key personnel such as Mike Tindall, Mike Catt and Charlie Hodgson.

The combined effect places added expectancy on players like Wilkinson, whose own injury-plagued career means he has started just three England Tests since the 2003 World Cup final.

England have had a miserable away record with just a solitary victory on the road — against Italy — in 15 months. and now they are whinging about some bug some of the players have got.

The tour will evoke memories of 1998 when an under-strength England squad embarked on a seven-game southern hemisphere expedition in three countries and lost every match. Which was great to watch?

South African Rugby homepage

World Cup 2007 promo video

2007-05-09T23:30:00.000+01:00

South African Rugby homepage

Looking good for the World Cup

2007-05-09T22:11:00.000+01:00

South Africa rugby is peaking at just the right time just months out from the 2007 World Cup in France.

The South African super 14 teams are actualliny winning games on a week by week basis.
The Coastal Sharks won 10 of their 13 Super 14 games to finish on top of the points table for the first time which is great,
while the Northern Bulls jumped from sixth position to second after beating the Queensland Reds 92-3 last Saturday to also host a play-off game.

What is good news is our teams are winning away from home this could be that New Zealand are resting their players in the super 14 to focus on the world cup.

White said this week the performances away from home by the South African sides was crucial to the Sharks and Bulls ending one-two in the points table.

Former Australia coach and Eddie Jones admitted South Africa are on the march. Jones said: “I think they are the only Test side that can consistently beat the All Blacks, particularly with their rushing style of defence.

“They have a good scrum, an outstanding lineout, blinding pace in (Bryan) Habana, strength and power, even invention in the backs. That’s a force for any opponent to be worried about."

South African Rugby homepage

Hectic schedule to build up to world cup

2007-01-31T08:59:00.000Z

South African sports scientist guru Tim Noakes warned that a packed fixture list for the Springbok players for the next couple of months could erode the team's rugby world cup potential.

The Springboks start their 2007 season this weekend with the Super 14 series, followed by domestic tours against England and Samoa, the Tri-Nations series and then the World Cup

Tim Noakes believes the schedule could erase the physical advantage certain key national players gained in the past four months by being withdrawn from last year's Currie Cup series and the year-end tour to the UK. This is what the kiwis have done for their preparation for the world cup.

"The break the Springbok players received will have had benefits," said Noakes. "But it was not long enough. These players should not be playing contact rugby this soon because the international season this year is long. Human beings cannot be expected to sustain such high performance until the World Cup.

Noakes said the decision by the New Zealand Rugby Union to withdraw their most valuable players from first half of the Super 14 was based on scientific measurements and data they had collected over the past few years and he stressed that similar measurement systems should have been implemented in SA. I am sure the English have been mulling this issue over, the Irish have put this issue behind them country first then club and that is why they are the favourites for the Six nations

South African Rugby homepage

Which coach will get the chop

2006-11-18T11:02:00.000Z

Both coaches are getting flak for their decisions they have made in last weeks games and both are trying to keep their jobs. This game will be messy.

Jake white has made ten changes meaning there are plenty of new players or players in new positions just to confuse our players but last week's star back Francois Steyn, is moving from wing to fullback, can expect to field a few high bombs and a barrage of tactical kicks from the English. The other revamped back row of Jacques Cronjé, Pierre Spies and Danie Rossouw - but especially Spies - will have a vital role to perform. You can also look at the under-performing Bok front row - which this week features BJ Botha, John Smit (as captain) and CJ van der Linde.

England has made seven changes to its team as it bids to avoid a record eighth straight defeat.

England's players are only allowed to start in three of the four November Tests. Saturday's match at Twickenham and a second game on Nov. 25 against the Springboks completes its international program. Mark Cueto has recovered well from an ankle injury and replaces right-winger Paul Sackey, and Josh Lewsey takes over from Ben Cohen on the other wing.

Centre Mathew Tait was he the guy that welsh pretty boy Hanson dumped , scrum half Peter Richards, prop Andrew Sheridan, lock Tom Palmer and flanker Joe Worsley come in for Anthony Allen, Shaun Perry, Perry Freshwater, Danny Grewcock and Lewis Moody.

Captain Martin Corry has been moved from blindside flanker to No. 8, while Charlie Hodgson stays at fly half after being taken off for tactical reasons during the 25-18 defeat to Argentina on Saturday.

In two other switches, Jamie Noon moves from outside to inside center and Pat Sanderson has swapped with Corry.

South African Rugby homepage

Beat the springboks or you are fired

2006-11-14T08:10:00.000Z

Andy Robinson has been given two matches to save himself from the sack. With English rugby feeling the humiliation of Saturday's Twickenham defeat by Argentina, Robinson has been told that his future depends on the outcome of the upcoming Tests against South Africa.

The defeat by Argentina represented a new low Argentina had never beaten England before in fortes Twickenham and if they lose against south Africa that will represent a new record for losing matches saying that we need to rearrange our back line and actually use the players talents in the right positions.

Rob Andrew the new English boss has said "There will be a review of the players, coaches, performances and results” .I wonder if White is getting the same chat.

South African Rugby homepage

Ireland 32 South Africa 15 ,Experimental team my arse?

2006-11-12T11:44:00.000Z

Ireland blew South Africa off the pitch with an amazing first-half display of classic running rugby. The experienced Irish side were able to counter pretty much anything and everything that the newbie Springbok team could throw at them plus they had the wind behind them and they made full use of it.

Against all expectations, Ireland beat South Africa here two years ago. This time they started as favourites, but South Africa started well and within seconds found the Irish found themselves under pressure and had to weather some early Springbok attacks. While the Irish prevented a try, they could not quite keep out the Boks. The opening score, a penalty in the fourth minute, stunned the 41,000 crowd.

The Irish backline took no prisoners and showed their experience at running at a opposing team from the south African side it would have been nice to get the basics right e.g. get the tackles right, lineout’s were shocking.

At the end to show the Irish backlines in confidence in throwing the ball around O’Driscoll threw a one handed pass to Hogan which allowed him to score .from our side Bryan Habana finally managed to score a stunning sixty metre try my question is with all the new blood in the Bok team why did we change Habana’s position and take him out of the game we definitely needed his speed.

South african "experiential team " against on fire irish

2006-11-10T15:08:00.000Z

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."

South African Rugby homepage

Back from the graveyard

2006-09-10T14:24:00.000+01:00

South Africa finished their Tri-Nations on a high, following up last weekend's victory over champions New Zealand with a win off 24-16 over Australia at Ellis Park Saturday, every nice can put on the rugby shirt now.

It took a try by Breyton Paulse, to seal the game with eight minutes to go,

They also kept up the South African bogey for the Wallabies, who last won in South Africa in 2000. the first half was not that great ,kicking form both sides was bollocks.Going into the second half after some hard core chats in the changing room the game picked up with Andre Pretorius with a try in the first minute of the second half but the sneaky aussies came straight back with a try.

Bok fly-half Andre Pretorius put a poor first half behind him to put his side into the lead in the first minute of the second half, but it was soon snuffed out as the Australians scored their first try of the match.

Fourie du Preez managed to sneak his way through four defenders to score a try ,the aussies comming back with two penalties from South African mistakes but we sorted that out with Paulse’s try.

South African Rugby homepage

We won ,about time too

2006-09-02T18:35:00.000+01:00

Fly half Andre Pretorius kicked a late penalty to help South Africa to a 21-20 victory over New Zealand
The game was a physical encounter with both teams scoring two tries each and than god Pretorius stepped up to defeat the All Blacks. They were not as intense as last weekend maybe they were scared in Rustenburg I would be. South African rugby team used the line outs to control the game better, going back to basics to control terriotory.the forwards pushed forward with some nice rolling mauls.
Habana managed to score through a intercept to score our first try and Wannenberg our second try.

I can now go back to my local least we have one game to chirp about plus it was a All Black scalp nogal.

South African Rugby homepage

Kiwis afternoon stroll

2006-08-27T20:06:00.000+01:00

New Zealand walked over South Africa 45-26 to maintain their winning series for this Tri-Nations series.

The kiwis managed to score five tries with Daniel Carter kicking another twenty points through. South Africa did start out strong with penalties from Percy and Butch.

The game was messy and the Ref should have cracked down on New Zealand for they wild swings they were landing, Jaque Fourie did score two tries which was something.

To be honest our defense was swak and the All Blacks on form will punish any sloppy play.

South African Rugby homepage

Showdown at Loftus

2006-08-26T11:49:00.000+01:00

There is talk that New Zealand is sending out a B team ,they have made ten changes since they played Australia . The All black coach Graham Henry claims he has put forward the best team to play SA plus he has never won in South Africa which is a scalp he would love to take.

Hopefully our boys can take some Loftus Spirit in to the game and redeem ourselves against the All Blacks ,would help in the pub chirps.

South African Rugby homepage

Frenchies going bossies

2006-07-21T17:05:00.000+01:00

Two French teams laying into each other pretty good.

Last minute changes

2006-07-21T16:29:00.000+01:00

Jake White has made five changes ahead of Saturday's Tri-Nations match against New Zealand.

Fourie du Preez will replacing Ricky Januarie at scrum-half and Meyer Bosman or Butch James will stand in for Jaco van der Westhuyzen at stand-off. te question is who is to be Jack is keeping that one very quiet.

Albert van den Bergh will play instead of Danie Rossouw at lock.

Blind-side flanker Solly Tyibilika and number eight Jacques Cronje are to replace Joe van Niekerk and Pierre Spies.

Butch James arrived in Wellington on Tuesday and coach Jake White says a decision as to who takes the number 10 jersey will depend on how he fits into the squad as well as the match-day weather please Butch take it easy on the sly tackles your reputation will have made you a target with the ref, will be totally screwed if you get sent off.

I suppose we have nothing to lose after last weeks cock up there might be a better game against the kiwis.

South African Rugby homepage

New Zealand Haka,handbags at dawn

2006-07-16T11:46:00.000+01:00

Hopefully this can help out our rugby team ,nice piss take of the Haka.

You Muppets

2006-07-16T11:18:00.000+01:00

South Africa went down to Australia 43-0 ,how shit is that .There was a dodgy ref Paul Honiss but you cannot blame that shocking result all on the ref which he does point out.

"Who am I the scapegoat for this week? Obviously Jake White," said Honiss. "If they're going to point the finger at me then they're obviously not focussing on the right things for next week."

We just played shit what else is there to say ,plus we play New Zealand this weekend hopefully we can come out of that game with some dignity, the Kiwis must be relishing it.

Vat hom Fluffie or whatever is said in the changing rooms to talk up a team we need it.

South African Rugby homepage

Schalk out of action

2006-06-20T22:12:00.000+01:00

Schalk Burger is out of action for up to six months after getting a neck injury during the team's Test against Scotland in Port Elizabeth on saturday.

A scan of revealed nerve root compression and the player will have to undergo an operation,

SA Rugby's website statement said Burger would miss the Test against France in Cape Town on Saturday and most likley the away leg of the tri-nations series, and the tests in novemeber against England and Ireland.

Hurricanes 23-19 win over the Stormers

2006-03-12T21:01:00.001Z

The Hurricanes, scored two tries in the final five minutes, sneaked a late 23-19 win in their Super 14 Round Five match against the Stormers at Newlands on Saturday. The victory allowed the New Zealanders to move back into second place on the standings ,which does suck.

The 'Canes certainly used a get out-of-jail-free card in getting the win over a hapless Stormers team in this game.

The home team will be kicking themselves after yet another defeat at the hands of Australasian teams, especially given the visitors' shocking showing in the line-outs, but the classy tourists just managed to string together enough passes at the right time; even outscoring their hosts by three tries to one in the process.

The Hurricanes tries were scored by skipper Rodney So'oialo, second five-eighth Tane Tu'ipulotu and left-wing Hosea Gear - the last two five-pointers coming in the last final five minutes with the 'Canes 13-19 down - whilst the Stormers scored one try through hooker Schalk Brits, with fly-half Peter Grant adding 14 points through his boot.

Aside from the many mistakes made by both teams, it was all the Stormers in the first 40 minutes as the Men in Black built up a useful 9-3 half-time lead.

Crowd favourite and fit-again Springbok star Jean de Villiers got a plus.

Bulls 23-16 Highlanders

2006-03-12T21:01:00.000Z

The Bulls edged the highlander 23-16 in a pulsating Super 14 Round Five encounter at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria on Saturday. The Bulls outscored the visitors by two tries to one, with the Bulls' extra converted try the difference in the end.

The nartjie boys must have gone ballistic.

Springboks vs World XV

2006-03-09T16:39:00.000Z

The South African Rugby Union has confirmed the match between a World XV and a South African XV on Saturday, 3 June 2006 at the Ellis Park Stadium in Johannesburg.

The SA XV players, with quite a few of the current SA players will play in the official Springbok jersey but this will not be classified as a test so will not be taken too seriously.

From the international side there will be.

Rafial Ibanez
Carlos Spencer
Thomas Castaignede
Justin Marshall
Owen Finegan
Bruce Reihana

Jack White is looking forward to putting the boys up against the best that the world can offer on home ground.Saying that the international players will be flat out playing in their own domestic competitions or recovering from the tournaments it will be interesting to see who they get.

Either way it will be good training for the world cup.

Vat hom fluffie.

World XV to play Springboks

2006-02-21T15:53:00.000Z

A World XV will play the Springboks at Ellis Park in Johannesburg on June 3.

Originally supposed to be held in the UK it is now switched to Ellis Park,

Australian Bob Dwyer will be the coach of the World XV.

Former All Blacks carols Spencer, Justine Marshall and Bruce rein as well as French fullback Thomas chastisement have agreed to participate in the short tour, which includes a match against a Western Province XV on June 10.

It is not confirmed if this game will have test statu,s doubt it looks like a friendly ,who cares if we can hand out a can of “whop-ass” I will be happy.

Super 14 kickoff

2006-01-19T14:27:00.000Z

SA Rugby has announced the teams for super 14

Newboys The Cheetahs will kick start the competition when they play the Blue Bulls in a night match on 10 February in Bloemfontein.

The next day the Cats will square up against the Vodacom Stormers, while Durban-based Sharks are at home against the Chiefs.

The Super 14 squads for 2006 are:

Blue Bulls:
Johan Roets, John Mametsa, Akona Ndungane, Danwell Demas, JP Nel, Rudi Coetzee, Dries Scholtz, Wynand Olivier, Bryan Habana, Trompie Nontshinga, Derick Hougaard, Morne Steyn, Heini Adams, Fourie du Preez, Jacques Cronje, Pedrie Wannenburg, Tim Dlulane, Johan Wasserman, Danie Rossouw, Adriaan Fondse, Victor Matfield, Cliffie Milton, Bakkies Botha, Francois van Schouwenburg, Andries Human, Danie Thiart, Gary Botha, Adriaan Strauss, Jaco Engels, Gurthro Steenkamp.

Cats:
Conrad Jantjes, Earl Rose, Aswhin Willemse, Wylie Human, Grant Esterhuizen, Jaque Fourie, Wayne Julies, Doppies la Grange, Dewey Swartbooi, Jorrie Muller, Tiaan Snyman, Enrico Januarie, Dave von Hoesslin, Russell Winter, Cobus Grobbelaar, Wikus van Heerden, Ernest Joubert, Roland Barnard, Gerhard Vosloo, Gordon Gilfillan, Willem Stolz, Jannes Labushagne, Trevor Hall, Bertus Smith, Daniel Muller, Lucas van Biljon, James van der Walt, Lawrence Sephaka, Pietman van Niekerk.

Cheetahs:
Bevan Fortuin, Gaffie du Toit, Eddie Fredericks, Gavin Passens, Alwyn Hollenbach, Ronnie Cooke, Keith Louwen, Barry Goodes, Vuyani Dlomo, Sinethemba Zweni, Willem de Waal, Meyer Bosman, Michael Claassens, Noel Oelschig, Ryno van der Merwe, Frans Viljoen, Juan Smith, Heinrich Stride, Gareth Krause, Kabamba Floors, Giscard Pieterse, Wayne van Heerden, Corniel van Zyl, CJ van der Linde, Jannie du Plessis, Tiaan Liebenberg, Trevor Leota, Ollie le Roux, Os du Randt, Wian du Preez.

Sharks:
JP Pietersen, Brent Russell, Cedric Mkhize, Grant Rees, Waylon Murray, Adrian Jacobs, Gcobani Bobo, Andries Strauss, Odwa Ndungane, Henno Mentz, Percy Montgomery, Craig Davidson, Sandile Nxumalo, Ruan Pienaar, Jacques Botes, Daniel Farani, Nico Breedt, Warren Britz, Solly Tyibilika, Johann Muller, Albert van den Berg, Johan Ackermann, Steven Sykes, AJ Venter, BJ Botha, Danie Saayman, Skipper Badenhorst, Bismarck du Plessis, Deon Carstens, Brent Moyle.

Stormers:
Werner Greeff, Tonderai Chavhanga, Rayno Benjamin, Egon Seconds, Marius Joubert, Jean de Villiers, De Wet Barry, Jonghi Nokwe, Peter Grant, Naas Olivier, Neil de Kock, Paul Delport, Bolla Conradie, Adri Badenhorst, Justin Melck, Schalk Burger, Hendrik Gerber, Luke Watson, Henk Eksteen, Andries Bekker, Daniel Theron, Gerrie Britz, Ross Skeate, Eddie Andrews, Attie Winter, Schalk Brits, Hanyani Shimange, Huia Edmonds, JD Moller.

South Africa building up to the world cup

2005-12-20T10:42:00.000Z

New Zealand three times, Australia three times, England twice, France at least once and Scotland twice. This is the marathon campaign awaiting the Springboks in 2006, when they will attempt to take their success rate above 70 percent for the first time since Jake White took over as Bok coach hope he hits above that target.

Is 90% asking to much

South African Rugby homepage

S**t the french were good 26 -20 to the frenchies

2005-11-27T19:12:00.000Z

France underlined their growing stature with an elegant 26-20 victory over South Africa at Stade de France in Paris on Saturday. It was performance full of verve and cunning that left the touring Springboks looking decidedly flat-footed

South Africa were, until late in the game, better in the scrums. And they were better in the line-outs. But the French tackled better, protected the ball better at the tackle and contested the tackle more than the Springboks did.

There was also a big difference at halfback where the French had strong, lively, varied, accurate Jean-Baptiste Elissalde at scrum-half and mercurial Frédéric Michalak at fly-half. This was a far more effective pairing than the Springbok rookies of Meyer Bosman and Michael Claassen. Mind you, that the French were much better in the post-tackle contest made life easier for their halves and harder for the South African halves.

John Smit hearing has been postponed this is in respect to him have a pop at the french captain lang arm style .The french captain needed to go into hospital for
a fractured larynx he will be out of action for six weeks ,John I think they are going to throw the book at you.

South African Rugby homepage

For all you speed freaks

2005-11-21T12:25:00.000Z

This link has nothing to do with SA rugby but you can feel the experience of driving a Ferrari at high speed in Paris

http://aoctavio.castpost.com/

Click on Ferrari in Paris, need sound enabled though.

Enjoy

South African Rugby homepage

Kiwis are on fire

2005-11-17T17:15:00.000Z

News coming out is New Zealand has won the rights to hold the 2011 rugby world cup.

If you were a betting man ,New Zealand were the outsiders ,so somebody has made some nice cash on that decision.

12-1 New Zealand
2-5 Japan was the favorite to win
2-1 South Africa

South African Rugby homepage

We have been booted

2005-11-17T16:13:00.000Z

South Africa will not be hosting the 2011 rugby world cup ,now down to New Zealand and Japan ,that really sucks.

The 2011 world cup must be going to Japan ,we shall see.

South African Rugby homepage

The Welsh make 10 changes for the SA game.

2005-11-16T15:54:00.000Z

Dafydd James will win his first Wales cap in 3 years on Saturday after coach Mike Ruddock announced sweeping changes for the clash with South Africa.

James, a 2001 Lion who last appeared for Wales under Steve Hansen in the 2002 defeat to New Zealand, impressed Ruddock after being called into the squad as injury cover.

James, who faces the prospect of trying to keep tabs on South Africa's electric winger Bryan Habana if he can keep up , is amongst 10 changes that Ruddock has made to the first-choice Wales side that was beaten by the All Blacks two weeks ago.

Two of those changes are injury-enforced with James replacing Kevin Morgan and Luke Charteris starting in place of lock Brent Cockbain.

But otherwise Ruddock has performed radical surgery on the side that was beaten 41-3 by the All Blacks. Wales went to grasp a last-minute 11-10 win over Fiji last week.

Lee Byrne starts at fullback with Gareth Thomas moving to outside centre instead of Mark Taylor.

Thomas is partnered in midfield by Sonny Parker, who comes in for Ceri Sweeney, while Lions tourist Gareth Cooper takes over from Mike Phillips at scrumhalf.

Recovered from ankle problem

In the pack, Worcester prop Chris Horsman has recovered from an ankle problem to start ahead of Adam Jones and hooker Rhys Thomas has ousted Mefin Davies what a name , while Lions flanker Martyn Williams returns with Jonathan Thomas slipping to the bench and Colin Charvis moving to the blind-side.

"Our rationale has been to go for a team that has the potential to play the exciting brand of rugby that we associate with the Welsh team and a team that can adopt a strong defensive attitude when the Springboks have the ball," said Ruddock.

"We may have lost a few players to injuries but we believe we have an exceptionally strong team here with a good mix of experienced players and some great young prospects."

Stephen Jones, 28, will become just the 16th Welsh player to win 50 caps when he enters cardiff, while South African captain John Smit will also reach his half-century of appearances for the Springboks.

In announcing his side, Springbok coach Jake White handed a debut at outside-half to 20-year-old Meyer Bosman, who has been likened to Henry Honnibal because of his 6ft 3in, 15st frame yeah right.

Bosman, replacing Andre Pretorius who sustained an ankle injury two weeks ago against the Pumas in Buenos Aires, will be partnered by fellow rookie and Free State team-mate Michael Claassens at scrumhalf.

New halfback combination

Claassens will earn his first start in his fourth Test at Cardiff.

"We've got two flyhalves out and two scrumhalves out, so we've got a new halfback combination which is untested," White said.

"But it's an opportunity for players to put their hands up, so we hope this tour will bring out one or two youngsters and help us prepare for the 2007 World Cup."

White said he was taking nothing for granted despite Wales' performance against New Zealand and Fiji.

"We won't read too much into the Fijian game and we all know that if you get it wrong against the All Blacks and they turn it on they can whack you."

Teams (15-1):

Wales: Lee Byrne (Llanelli ); Dafydd James (Llanelli ), Sonny Parker (Ospreys), Gareth Thomas (Toulouse/FRA, capt), Shane Williams (Ospreys); Stephen Jones (Clermont Auvergne/FRA), Gareth Cooper (Newport-Gwent); Michael Owen (Newport-Gwent), Martyn Williams (Cardiff), Colin Charvis (Newcastle/ENG); Robert Sidoli (Cardiff), Luke Charteris (Newport-Gwent); Duncan Jones (Ospreys), Rhys Thomas (Cardiff), Chris Horsman (Worcester/ENG)

Replacements: Mefin Davies (Gloucester/ENG), Adam Jones (Ospreys), Ian Gough (Newport-Gwent), Jonathon Thomas (Ospreys), Mike Phillips (Cardiff), Ceri Sweeney (Newport-Gwent), Matthew Watkins (Llanelli)

South Africa: Percy Montgomery; Conrad Jantjes, Jaque Fourie, Jean de Villiers, Bryan Habana; Meyer Bosman, Michael Claassens; Jacques Cronje, Juan Smith, Schalk Burger; Bakkies Botha, Victor Matfield; Lawrence Sephaka, John Smit (capt), CJ van der Linde

Replacements: Hanyani Shimange, Os du Randt, Albert van den Berg, Danie Rossouw, Bolla Conradie, De Wet Barry, Brent Russell.

South African Rugby homepage

Wonder what the score will be ?

2005-11-14T16:36:00.000Z

The Welsh are wondering what has happened to their six nations heroes ,looks like they will be getting some extra pain against us followed by the aussies who have everything to prove ,the aussie press must be going ballistic.

"Wales captain Gareth Thomas accepts the struggling Six Nations champions will be written off for their remaining autumn Tests against South Africa and Australia.

Thomas, however, is relishing the challenge of picking his team up by the bootlaces following a record home defeat at New Zealand's hands and a totally unconvincing one-point victory over Fiji.

To compound matters for Wales, they will be shorn of several top players on Saturday when they face the renowned physical power of the Springboks."

South African Rugby homepage

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Wales versus South Africa

2005-11-09T09:41:00.000Z

Defence could be suspect

Coetzee believes Wales do not have a very physical team because of injuries to the main players (at least four first-choice players are nursing long-term injuries).

Their backs are fleet of foot, but quite small, which means their defence could be the creek.

On Saturday, the All Blacks also found gaps in their first line of defence and they battled to match the brute strength and speed of Joe Rokocoko.

That is why there are rumours that De Wet Barry (inside centre), who usually follows the shortest route over the advantage line, could be considered to play against Wales.

Where the Boks want to fall back on a basic game plan, there is no talk whatsoever that the welsh will deviate from their near-Barbarians-style rugby.

Against the All Blacks, they tried to play the ball wide at virtually every opportunity, but more often than not they were stopped behind the advantage line.

Coetzee said Wales played like that in an attempt to get the ball as often as possible to the small, quick players like wing Shane Williams who is very fast.

"Even their forwards, with players like Adam and Duncan Jones, are mobile and they like to carry the ball."

Welsh coach Mike Ruddock did not make any excuses and said this was the way Wales wanted to play,good for him.

South African Rugby homepage

Win rugby tickets for the South Africa Wales game

2005-11-07T11:06:00.000Z

Anybody feeling lucky ,BBC has tickets for the game.Have to live in the UK,based in Brakpan tough luck.

BBC Sport is offering a pair of tickets and first class travel to the game against South Africa.

To be in with a chance of winning, simply answer the following question and send your answer and details to us using the form below.

Which nation did Wales beat to complete their 2005 Grand Slam?

a) England b) Ireland c) Scotland

South African Rugby homepage

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South africa beat Argentina 34-23

2005-11-06T18:12:00.000Z

South Africa outmuscled Argentina in a bollocks match to win 34-23 in Buenos Aires on Saturday. The teams scored three tries each, but the boot of Percy Montgomery sealed the win thank god ,not one of the best matches we have played but saying that wales was taken out by the kiwis 43-3 .The welsh seemed to freeze against the carter factor.If Wales plays a conservative style game against us ,that will be one of the games we should walk.

Bits of paper came floating down onto the field on a sunny afternoon in Buenos Aires. The field was littered with bits of paper and bits and pieces of play in a disjointed match that lacked flow where the focus was on whatever forwards thought they did best.

It became the big maul. I maul, then you maul, then I maul, then you maul.

South Africa lost five line-outs though they have the 'best locks in the world'. The Pumas also lost five.

There was lots and lots of kicking, much of it aimless. Passing the ball was not really an option for the Pumas.

Because South Africa kicked out and badly - three times on the full in the first half - they made good opportunity for Puma mauls.

Watched by Diego Maradonna and the great, first Pumas of 1965, Felipe Contepomi kicked off. He also kicked the first penalty and made two tries in the half was he snorting that is the question.

His first penalty, against John Smit, opened the scoring. Then André Pretorius kicked a penalty from on the half-way line when Ignacio Fernández Lobbe infringed at a maul, and then Percy Montgomery kicked a penalty when Ignacio Fernández Lobbe infringed at a maul, and the score was 6-3 to South Africa. Perhaps they were getting back into the game.

But scrum-half Bolla Conradie took the ball back into his 22 from where he kicked out on the full, thus creating a Puma line-out inside the Springbok 22, encouraging the cohesive locals to maul till flank Agustín Durand broke away, cut inside Bakkies Botha and then, as Conradie brought him to ground, stretched out a long arm to score. 8-6 to Argentina.

Under pressure Pretorius kicked out but hurt his right ankle in doing so. He was helped off and Brent Russell came on in his place. This was only in the 22nd minute.

The Springboks attacked on their left, but Victor Matfield who had an anaemic first half, was penalised. The Pumas tapped and suddenly they were speeding away. Felipe Contepomi raced off and then kicked a long grubber to his left. The ball stopped gently just over the Springbok line near the corner, and tall wing Francisco Leonelli flopped gratefully on it. That made it 13-6 after 24 minutes.

Montgomery kicked another penalty and then the Springboks got a try from a line-out on their left. Os du Randt had a charge, Juan Smith had a run and got a clever pass to his right and found Brett Russell who sent Montgomery running around behind the posts. After 33 minutes the Springboks led 16-13. But the Pumas were not to be outdone.

They mauled from a scrum and just when they seemed to have been thwarted the ball came back to Felipe Contepomi who cut straight forward and found his twin brother who skipped over with much glee for a try which Felipe converted.

That brought the half-time break and the Pumas led 20-16. Was this to be the famous victory of 40 years ago all over? Puma hearts swelled with hopeful pride.

At the break Schalk Burger came on for Solly Tyibilika. Obviously he made a difference with his skill, energy and anticipation.

The Springboks took a lead that was not assailed. From a line-out, Jacques Cronjé charged. The ball came back quickly and Conradie darted ahead. Drawing the fullback he gave to Fourie, who trotted over for the try at the posts. 23-20.

That became 23-20 soon afterwards when Montgomery goaled a penalty.

There was an unpleasant moment just after this. Jean de Villiers forced Lucas Borges into touch and wanted the ball. Borges held onto it. De Villiers again tried to pry it from his grasp. Borges held on and De Villiers shoved him. Borges staggered back over the hoarding and into the soccer moat which was masked by the hoarding. This produced unhappy emotion, especially from the cantankerous Mario Ledesma. The end result was a yellow card for De Villiers and a penalty for the Pumas.

Manuel Contepomi reduced the Springbok lead when he goaled a penalty, but the Springboks were soon battering at the Puma line after fullback Juan Martín Hernández dropped an up-and-under. Burger was just about at the line but the Puma defence held. The referee was playing advantage when Conradie popped a dropped goal over the crossbar. The Springboks led 29-23 and De Villiers came back from his temporary exile.

After several substitutions the Springboks battered ahead with pick and drive. Burger and Albert van den Berg, on for Bakkies Botha, drove well and then Juan Smith picked up and forced his way over in the corner. 34-23.

There were still nine minutes to play but the game petered out with more unpleasant emotion. A good effort from the Argentines but South Africa had the know-how.

Both sides now head for Europe, and both sides know they have to up their game.

Man of the Match: It really is hard to find one. The outstanding player was Schalk Burger, but he played for only half the match. Felipe Contepomi did some wonderful things, creating two tries, but while he, a fly-half, played he just did not let play flow. Our man-of-the-match is tall Juan Smith, who was the best in the line-outs, who tackled and who handled and ran well, creating a try and scoring another.

Villain of the match: One would like to say the over-emotional Mario Ledesma, but really it was Jean de Villiers with his yellow card even though what happened was certainly worse than he had intended.

Moment of the Match: The disappearance of Lucas Borges into the moat with De Villiers and others trying to help him out.

The scorers:

For Argentina:
Tries: Durand, Leonelli, M Contepomi
Con: F Contepomi
Pens: F Contepomi 2

For South Africa:
Tries: Montgomery, Fourie, Smith
Cons: Montgomery 2
Pens: Pretorius, Montgomery 3
DG: Conradie

Yellow card: Jean de Villiers (South Africa, 47)

South African Rugby homepage

Argentina keen to dish out some pain

2005-11-04T09:14:00.000Z

Argentina, the country cousins of world rugby, are desperate to get a look in at one of the major money spinning competitions around the world. Their season is fragmented and most of their players (as many as 24 of the initial 28-man squad for this Test) ply their trade in Europe.

There is seldom talk of them having an extended run as a squad, except for the November window period when the International Rugby Board (IRB) forces clubs to release their players. Their mid-year programme consisted of just two Tests, against Italy, and a rare one-off encounter with the British and Irish Lions.

The Pumas only started preparing for the Test on Tuesday, because their players were still playing club rugby in Europe at the weekend and only arrived back home on Monday.

The South Africans, currently ranked No.2 in the world, had an extended three-month run in June, July and August - Tests against Uruguay, France (two), Australia (four) and New Zealand (two).

And they have been in training (first back in South African and since the weekend in Buenos Aires) for about two weeks.

You don't need to be a 'rocket scientist' the realise the one team will be favourites under these circumstances.

But the Argentineans plan to "gatecrash" the big boys' party. They know that the only way for them to be taken serious and get more regular internationals (a look in at competitions like the Tri-Nations or Six-Nations) would be if they can beat the big guns ... like South Africa.

This is a fact that was acknowledged by Bok coach Jake White this week, when he said that the Pumas will come at his team all guns blazing. He even admitted to being "nervous" - partly because of the fact that the Argentineans pose a serious threat and partly because his team did not live up to expectations on the 2004 year-end tour.

It is that great unknown, the fact that the opposition is targeting you, that makes coaches like White weary ... and he should be.

This Puma side is a far cry from the second-rate selection that the Boks faced in Buenos Aires last year.

And the Bok coach made it clear that this time round the game is approached in the same light as he would for a Test against any of the major countries, like New Zealand, Australia, England or France.

"We don't view this as a warm-up for the European [leg of our] tour," White said.

Bok captain John Smit, who will lead the team onto the field in his 49th Test, echoed similar sentiments and warned that a half-hearted performance will not be good enough against the Pumas.

"Their forwards showed against the British Lions earlier this year how effective their rolling mauls and drives are. If we want to stop that, we won't just have to be well prepared, but our commitment must also be top notch," Smit said.

Smit is spot on with his comment.

The Pumas like it rough and tough and the Boks will have to place a high premium on their physical game in contact situations. They will simply have to dominate up front.

The Argentineans this week kept talking up the South Africans' physical abilities and the fact that the Boks are such a tough bunch. They are clearly preparing for a very brutal encounter.

"We know that the South Africans are faster and stronger, therefore I believe that it will be vital for us to try to surprise them on attack," fly-half Felipe Contepomi said.

"They are a team that play a very physical game in the contact situations. We will have to be more aggressive than they, to be able to prevail."

Contepomi, who plays for the Irish province Leinster, refused to use the lack of preparation time as an excuse.

"This is our opportunity to be measured against one of the top teams in the world. If we can match them on the day, it will be a huge bonus for the Pumas."

Fullback Juan Martin Hernández, who plays his club rugby for Stade Francais, also spoke about the physical threat posed by the Boks and the need to match in that aspect.

"South Africa is a very hard team, that plays with a lot of physical severity, but they are not invincible," Hernández said.

"We are going to put them under on defence and try and turn over the ball at the point of breakdown."

Players to watch:

For Argentina: Scrum-half Agustín Pichot is not just the crucial link between forwards and backs, but he is also the captain. He makes all the crucial decisions and the team's prospects depends on his ability to stay calm under pressure ... which he always do.

For South Africa: Fly-half André Pretorius will need to bring his A-Game to the park. The Springbok forwards will face one of their most physical tests of the year and it will be vital for Pretorius to get his pack going forward, keep the Pumas pinned deep in their own territory and thus limit the risk of those much vaunted mauls.

Head-to-head: Omar Hasan, Mario Ledesma and Rodrigo Roncero (Argentina) versus CJ van der Linde, John Smit and Os du Randt (South Africa). This is one for the front row connoisseurs. Six big brutes going head-to-head in the heat of Buenos Aires. It just so happens this is one of the most crucial aspects of the Pumas' game, where they drain the opposition's energy with their much vaunted 'Bajada' scrum.

Prediction: It is probably going to be much closer than what most Springbok fans would like it to be. South Africa will hold on for a hard-earned win, by less than 10 points.
Sportingodds.com prediction: South Africa by six points.

Previous results:
2004: SA won 39-7 in Buenos Aires
2003: SA won 26-25 in Port Elizabeth
2002: SA won 49-29 in Springs
2000: SA won 37-33 in Buenos Aires
1996: SA won 44-21 in Buenos Aires
1996: SA won 46-15 in Buenos Aires
1994: SA won 46-26 in Johannesburg
1994: SA won 42-22in Port Elizabeth
1993: SA won 52-23 in Buenos Aires
1993: SA won 29-26in Buenos Aires

The teams:

Pumas: 15 Juan Martín Hernández, 14 Lucas Borges, 13 Federico Martín Aramburu, 12 Manuel Contepomi, 11 Francisco Leonelli, 10 Felipe Contepomi, 9 Agustín Pichot (captain), 8 Gonzalo Longo, 7 Agustín Durand, 6 Juan Manuel Leguizamón, 5 Pablo Bouza, 4 Ignacio Fernández Lobbe, 3 Omar Hasan, 2 Mario Ledesma, 1 Rodrigo Roncero.
Replacements: 16 Eusebio Guiñazú, 17 Martín Scelzo, 18 Manuel Carizza, 19 Martín Schusterman, 20 Nicolás Fernández Miranda, 21 Federico Todeschini, 22 Bernardo Stortoni.

South Africa: 15 Percy Montgomery, 14 Conrad Jantjes, 13 Jaque Fourie, 12 Jean de Villiers, 11 Bryan Habana, 10 André Pretorius, 9 Bolla Conradie, 8 Jacques Cronjé, 7 Juan Smith, 6 Solly Tyibilika, 5 Victor Matfield, 4 Bakkies Botha, 3 CJ van der Linde, 2 John Smit (captain), 1 Os du Randt.
Replacements: 16 Hanyani Shimange, 17 Eddie Andrews, 18 Albert van den Berg, 19 Schalk Burger, 20 Michael Claassens, 21 De Wet Barry, 22 Brent Russell.

South Africa Rugby homepage

Argentina picks a strong team for South Africa

2005-11-03T09:55:00.000Z

Argentina coach Marcelo Loffreda picked his strongest available team for the first time this year on Wednesday for the test match against South Africa at the Velez Sarsfield stadium on Saturday.

Several first choice Pumas are missing through injury including wings Jose Nunez Piossek and Hernan Senillosa and forwards Patricio Albacete and Augusto Petrilli for the match, the first of three for Argentina in November.

The Pumas also play Scotland in Edinburgh on December 12 and Italy in Genoa a week later.

Loffreda, however, is spared the problems he had earlier in the season when he fielded a virtual second-string side against the British and Irish Lions in Cardiff in May because clubs would not release his players.

"The situation now is much less problematic," Loffreda said.

The Pumas were also well below strength, including five debutants, when they lost 39-7 the last time they met South Africa in Buenos Aires 11 months ago.

They will be hoping to go one better than in 2003 when they lost 26-25 to the Springboks in Port Elizabeth.

On Saturday, two-thirds of Argentina´s first-choice back row, who were all missing against the Lions, will be playing: number eight Gonzalo Longo and flanker Martin Durand.

Juan Manuel Leguizamon, a raw newcomer who impressed in Cardiff, will stand in again for the absent Lucas Ostiglia.

Team: 15-Juan Martin Hernandez; 14-Lucas Borges, 13-Federico Martin Aramburu, 12-Manuel Contepomi, 11-Francisco Leonelli; 10- Felipe Contepomi, 9-Agustin Pichot (captain); 8-Gonzalo Longo, 7-Martin Durand, 6-Juan Manuel Leguizamon, 5-Pablo Bouza, 4-Ignacio Fernandez Lobbe, 3-Omar Hasan, 2-Mario Ledesma, 1-Rodrigo Roncero.

Replacements: 16-Eusebio Guinazu, 17-Martin Scelzo, 18-Manuel Carizza, 19-Martin Schusterman, 20-Nicolas Fernandez Miranda, 21-Federico Todeschini, 22-Bernardo Stortoni.

South African Rugby homepage

South Africa versus Japan

2005-10-27T13:25:00.000+01:00

It looks like South Africa is up against Japan to host the rugby world cup, South Africa's benefits in hosting the tournament are

The most user-friendly bid is South Africans: there is only an hour’s difference from European time, it held an outstanding World Cup in 1995 and it will have the use of the new facilities in place for the football World Cup of 2010. It is, though, overly dependent on the image created by Franasois Pienaar, its bid leader and World Cup-winning captain of ten years ago, and the IRB cannot but be concerned about the in-house unrest that has seemed endemic in South African rugby over the past year.

South Africa will have support from the Confederation Africaine de Rugby, which has one vote, and it has a continuing relationship with Australia in the shape of the Mandela Cup annual fixture.

Moreover, French links with South Africa have traditionally been strong and, if France was on its side, then the chances are that Italy and the Paris-based federation Internationale de Rugby Amateur, both with one vote, would go with them.

The downside is that the international panel is very aware of our muppet administrator's who might mess up our chances.

Japan is the neutral player compared to South Africa and New Zealand

Japans greatest asset may be its neutrality. If you were a Brit, where would you prefer to go? a rugby administrator said this week. Would you prefer to play in front of a South African or New Zealand crowd, or a Japanese crowd which has no obvious commitment?

The weather would be very warm but England prepared for precisely those conditions before their success in 2003 and although there is eight hours difference, matches played in the evening would be shown during a European afternoon.

I don’t believe the international rugby community can afford to be a private members club if we want to promote the game beyond its traditional strongholds, Ieuan Evans, the former Wales captain, said yesterday, adding his backing to that of Martin Johnson, the former England captain.

Japan will be supported by the one vote of the Asian Rugby Football Union and may expect help from other second-tier unions with voting rights Canada, with whom it is hoping to form a playing alliance, and Argentina. But this vote will turn on the decisions made in London, Paris and Sydney and, for once, rugby’s lip could not be more tightly buttoned.

South Africa Rugby homepage

Microsoft Dynamics pricing

White picks his northern hemisphere tour team

2005-10-24T09:11:00.000+01:00

South Africa coach Jake White named a near full-strength squad on Saturday for next month's three tests against Argentina, Wales and France.

White opted against resting his top players at the end of a long season, sticking to the same group who lost only two out of eight matches against France, Australia and New Zealand earlier this year.

It meant he broke with established practice by naming a squad without any uncapped players, although he did recall fullback Conrad Jantjes after a four-year absence and scrumhalf Bolla Conradie who has not featured this season.

The squad includes International Rugby Board player of the year nominees, wing Bryan Habana and lock Victor Matfield, as well as last year's award recipient Schalk Burger.

Out through injury are flyhalf Jaco van der Westhuyzen, centre Marius Joubert, scrumhalf Enrico Januarie and loose forward Joe van Niekerk.

The 28-man squad is captained by hooker John Smit.

The Springboks play Argentina in Buenos Aires (November 5), Wales in Cardiff (November 19) and France in Paris (November 26).

Squad:

Backs - Percy Montgomery, Conrad Jantjes, Bryan Habana, Tonderai Chavhanga, Wayne Julies, Jaque Fourie, De Wet Barry, Jean de Villiers, Andre Pretorius, Fourie du Preez, Michael Claassens, Bolla Conradie.

Forwards - Jacques Cronje, Juan Smith, Schalk Burger, Solly Tyibilika, Pedrie Wannenburg, Victor Matfield, Bakkies Botha, Albert van den Berg, Danie Rossouw, CJ van der Linde, Lawrence Sephaka, Os du Randt, Eddie Andrews, Hanyani Shimange, Gary Botha, John Smit (captain).

South African Rugby homepage

Very Nice

2005-10-21T12:44:00.000+01:00

This has got nothing to do with south african rugby but who cares swimsuit competitions are my favourite.

South African Rugby homepage

South Africa edging closer to hosting Rugby World Cup

2005-10-18T11:48:00.000+01:00

The news is South Africa has a very good chance to win the rights to host the world cup but the major factor that is holding South Africa back is

"In recent weeks the message from the IRB to South Africa was clear. To win the bid, the country's notoriously Machiavellian rugby administrators will have to be on their best behaviour in the countdown to November 17."

So as usual politics could cock up us winning the hosting rights

those boys piss me off ,anybody got any rotten tomatoes.

South African Rugby homepage

Matfield and Habana nominated for player of the year

2005-09-30T20:03:00.000+01:00

With an emphatic series victory over the British and Irish Lions and a sixth Tri-Nations crown this year, New Zealand are likely to be named the International Rugby Board's team of the year in late
November.

And while they have three players nominated in the Player of the Year category, two Springboks are the favourites to win the award for the second year running for South Africa. Blue Bulls stars Bryan
Habana and Victor Matfield were yesterday nominated alongside All Blacks Richie McCaw, Dan Carter and Tana Umaga for the prestigious Player of the Year award, won by Springbok flanker Schalk Burger last year.

The All Black team and their coach Graham Henry and Wales, winners of the Six Nations title, and their coach Mike Ruddock, have been nominated in the categories team and coach of the year. The awards were won by the 2004 Tri-Nations-winning Springboks and their coach Jake White last season.

While All Blacks captain Umaga may be the leader of the number one ranked team in the world and the sentimental choice to take the award, his form throughout the season wasn't nearly as good as his compatriots, McCaw and Carter. Both enjoyed superb outings against the Lions and were again on top of their game in the Tri-Nations, but individually neither matched the feats of Matfield and Habana.

Simply put, Matfield is the standout lock forward in world rugby. He is unmatched in the lineouts and is one of the more creative second rowers in the game, often linking with the backs and creating opportunities for the men on the outside - men like Habana.

South African Rugby homepage

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DVD recorder

Henson wales silver booted cowboy is out of the running

2005-09-30T19:57:00.000+01:00

GAVIN HENSON has opened up for the first time on the depth of the injury pain and torment he has gone through for the best part of a year after being officially ruled out of the November internationals.

Henson's region The Ospreys confirmed the gloomy news last night by saying the star player would not return to action until the end of November.

By then, Wales' eagerly-awaited autumn games against New Zealand, Fiji, South Africa and Australia will be over.

Henson, it was also confirmed, will also miss the Ospreys' opening Heineken Cup matches against Stade Francais and Clermont.

Henson says he needs to go through a complete eight-week rehabilitation period to finally shake off the groin and hernia problems which have plagued him since last November.

South African Rugby homepage

Stats shows South Africa Rugby are the best

2005-09-24T11:05:00.000+01:00

Cape Town - Granted, the All Blacks took the Tri-Nations title. But the Springboks were the most improved team in an aspect in which they did not do well at all.

A statistical analysis of the tournament published by the IRB shows South Africa gave away the smallest number of penalties in its four matches.

This year, the Wallabies came last - as they did in the actual rugby side of the series.

The average number of penalties against Australia was 11.5 per match, 10.7 against New Zealand and only 9.2 against the Springboks.

To illustrate this even better: in 2004 the Boks had 20% more penalties awarded against them than the Wallabies and 50% more than New Zealand.

More negative

The 2003 figures were even more negative - 50% more than the other two countries. Rudolf Straeuli was the coach in 2003.

Breakpoints were the main causes of penalties and this shows that there is too large a grey area where decisions are more subjective.

Referees from the Northern Hemisphere seemed to be more pedantic and awarded on average three more penalties per game than their southern counterparts.

A final piece of interest from the report: The All Blacks required on average ball possession of 5.7 minutes per try, South Africa required eight minutes and Australia struggled 10.1 minutes per try.

South African Rugby homepage

Blue Bulls take out the coastal boys

2005-09-18T18:17:00.000+01:00

The Blue Bulls left no doubt as to their pedigree and superiority as they trampled a poor Western Province team 39-3 in their Currie Cup Premier Division match at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria on Saturday.

The Bulls outscored WP by five tries to nil in a match that was part Currie Cup and part tribute to Ettienne Botha, the Blue Bull centre recently killed in a motor accident.

This was the first home match for the Blue Bulls since his death, and there was a sombre start - black armbands on the players, both centres wearing No.13, which meant that there was no Ettienne Botha No.12, and then the minute's silence.

After that for the packed stands of Loftus Versfeld, the match became a wake as sombre became gaudy - the waving of the flags and the cheering of the fans as the Blue Bulls took over a match whose final score flattered the men from the Cape. It was actually a one-sided match.

The Blue Bulls not only scored five tries to nil, they also took a full five points from the match. Western Province, so upbeat after thrashing Natal the week before, limped home with nothing but damaged reputations and egos.

When the Blue Bulls scored, Gé Korsten sang an operatic love song. The way things were going at one stage, the famous tenor could have ended the match hoarse. But for some reason there was no flood of tries, which there could well have been, such was the Blue Bulls domination.

The first twenty minutes of the first half did not give a clue to what was going to happen, the methodical suffocation of Western Province.

Western Province started going well though Derick Hougaard tried to score first with a drop goal, but the kick was low and way off target.

Instead when Pedrie Wannenburg was indiscreet at a tackle, Peter Grant goaled from five metres in from touch, an excellent kick. This was just after Zahier Ryland had done his electric eel impersonation. That meant that Western Province led after nine minutes.

They did not score again for 71 minutes, and looked like doing so only once, the only time a try looked on for them. They actually held their lead for another ten minutes.

When Western Province were penalised at a tackle, Hougaard licked his lips and made no mistake with the kick. It was 3-3, and the match looked worthy of such a score.

In this period of the game, Western Province were better at line-outs and much, much better at scrums. The Blue Bulls were better at the tackle. The Blue Bulls did a lot of kicking, Western Province a lot of passing. Passing produced tackles and the Blue Bulls were secure and punishing on defence.

Then came the second 20 minutes of the half. The Blue Bulls tapped penalties and, cutting out Hougaard, charged at Western Province in powerful surges. Anton Leonard tapped a kickable penalty and charged. Stopped he laid the ball back and there was big Danie Rossouw barging at and over De Wet Barry to stretch and score. Hougaard converted. 10-3 to the Blue Bulls.

Western Province were attacking and kicked. Johan Roets, who played magnificently at fullback, caught and hoofed the ball down the touch-line on his right. Akona Ndungane sped in pursuit. The flying wing forced Werner Greeff to step into touch. When Roets wanted to take a quick throw-in, Greeff threw the ball away. Greeff was penalised, and the Blue Bulls tapped and Wannenburg, who had a great game, powered over for the home side's second try. Hougaard converted. 17-3.

A penalty by Hougaard made it 20-3 at half-time. If it had not been for Schalk Burger, the score would have been much bigger - much, much bigger.

When the Blue Bulls were awarded a free kick at a line-out, they did some clever interpassing. Hougaard went left and gave to JP Nel who cut back right and then Roets ran off him in a straight line to carve straight through, past Gaffie du Toit, who did not touch him, for a try at the posts. 27-3.

South African Rugby homepage

Ettienne Botha killed in a car accident

2005-09-07T10:09:00.000+01:00

The Blue Bulls and the South African rugby community suffered a devastating blow on Wednesday when the Bulls' star midfielder Ettienne Botha was killed in a car accident on the N1 highway near Botha Avenue in Centurion, Pretoria.

The Blue Bulls issued a media release in which they confirmed the incident, which happened at around 05.00 local time.

It is reported that Botha lost control of his vehicle and it overturned.

However, police are investigating a case of culpable homicide

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Kiwis are the champs for this year

2005-09-03T19:45:00.000+01:00

The All Blacks won their sixth Tri-Nations title when they beat the Wallabies 34-24 in the final match of the 2005 competition at Eden Park in Auckland on Saturday. The teams scored four tries each, but it was penalties that decided the outcome.

Auckland Action: Howlett lends his hand in defence

The victory was predictable and deserved for the best team in the world, but the performance of the patchwork Wallabies was wholly laudable.

After the match Tana Umaga received the huge Tri-Nations Cup from Jock Hobbs, the chairman of SANZAR, and the even bigger Bledisloe Cup from John Graham and Paul McLean, the union presidents of New Zealand and Australia.

Tribute was paid to George Gregan who earned his 114th cap for his country, equalling the record of Jason Leonard for England. Umaga said of him: "It could not happen to a better man. I can't do half the things he does."

Gregan, who had a splendid match, was cheerful about it all, would not commit to anything future, and said: "They don't get any easier. But I'm still enjoying it."

It was the first time the Wallabies had lost five successive Tests since 1969, a record they did not deserve after this heroic effort from a team cobbled together after a string of injuries.

The match started with the All Blacks on fire in their country's 400th Test.

After a return to the traditional haka, the All Blacks New Zealand started with zeal and zest. They were aggressive in and at the tackle, they were much better at the set pieces, they won the turnovers and they scored the points and led 20-0 after 29 minutes.

The game and the glory looked all theirs.

When Drew Mitchell gathered the first downfield kick after the Wallaby kick-off, the All Blacks thumped into him and forced a turn-over. Off the All Blacks went to the left in attack. Leon MacDonald slid a kick through, but George Smith saved and the All Blacks were penalised.

Again the All Blacks put pressure on the first line-out and the Wallabies knocked on. The first scrum fell down and was reset.

When the All Black chasers forced Mitchell to take the ball into touch, the All Blacks were again on the attack. They drove the maul, Al Baxter was penalised and MacDonald goaled from an acute angle.

Three minutes later the All Blacks got their first try. After Chris Jack had won an Australian line-out the All Blacks went left. Tana Umaga, who had a powerful game, handed off Lote Tuqiri and kept steaming ahead as Wallabies tried to cling to him. Mils Muliaina did well to keep the ball in play. The All Blacks came right and then won the ball at a tackle/ruck close to the Wallaby line. Richie McCaw picked up and plunged round on the left for the try. 8-0 after 17 minutes.

It took another three minutes for their next try, one of exquisite simplicity. Piri Weepu kicked down the right and Doug Howlett got the ball. It went wide to the left where Joe Rokocoko lost the ball diving over the line. But the Wallabies were penalised. Tall Ali Williams arrived and tapped, just at the right upright as he looked at them. He took a long-legged stride and kicked a diagonal kick to his right. There Howlett waited for the ball, caught it and dropped to ground for the delightful try.

MacDonald slid a kick ahead which Mitchell, who spent the night under intense pressure, ran the ball into touch. The All Blacks threw deep and peeled infield. The ball went right to give Howlett an overlap and his second try right in the corner, and it took the television match official to confirm it. MacDonald converted from touch. That made it 20-0 and there were visions of a massacre.

The massacre did not materialise.

In a rare raid into All Black territory the Wallabies won a line-out. Gregan delayed his pass and suddenly Mark Gerrard came cutting back past the outstretched hand of Carl Hayman, clean pass Weepu until he was kicked to ground. He popped a pass to Chisholm who went over in the corner for a try which the TMO confirmed.

That made it 20-5 at half-time.

The second half brought a change to the vision, the change of a great Wallaby reversal, in the fashion of the French in the 1999 RWC semi-final at Twickenham.

At a line-out, Rocky Elsom passed form the height to Gregan who gave the Rogers who gave a short pass inside to Gerrard and the wing cut clean through past Hayman and Howlett to score near the posts. Rogers converted. 20-12 after a minute of the second half.

The All Blacks had a chance when they drove a maul and MacDonald kicked a high diagonal for the wide-lurking Rokocoko, but Clyde Rathbone saved, conceding a five-metre scrum. The Wallabies were hard-pressed to defend, but a chip in hope by Mauger brought the relief of a drop-out.

MacDonald seemed to have plenty of time to kick when Tuqiri came storming up on his inside. The big Fijian charged the kick down, footed ahead and scored a try which it took the TMO unconscionably long to decide on. Rogers converted and it was 20-19 with 33 minutes to play.

The sides started swapping players. Luke McAlister came on for MacDonald, whose fitness was confirmed only on the morning of the match, and John Roe and, fatefully, Matt Dunning came on for the Wallabies.

Three minutes after his arrival Dunning stuck his shoulder late into Mauger, who had just kicked, and conceded a silly, silly penalty which McAlister goaled. 23-19. Three minutes later Dunning was penalised at a scrum, and again McAlister goaled. 26-19. Nathan Sharpe was penalised for an air tackle at a line-out - 'crunching' is the vogue term - and McAlister made it 29-19.

Still the Wallabies were not done. From a line-out after a penalty Gregan again did well and then Rogers made a sweet thing of a pass before Smith forged ahead and gave replacement and debutant Lloyd Johansson an overlap pass and a try in the corner. That was the Wallabies' fourth try. Rogers's conversion hit the upright and bounced away.

There were still ten minutes to play, but the only score in this time belonged to the All Blacks.

Mils Muliaina kicked downfield. It seemed harmless but, as they do better than anybody else, the All Blacks chased. Mitchell knocked on some six metres to Howlett who swooped and gathered. He passed to Ryan, a tackle ruck formed and then Keven Mealamu gave Howlett the pass that gave him his first Test hat-trick.

Man of the match: One would so like to make it George Gregan for all sorts of sentimental reasons and he did have a great game, tackling bravely, passing securely, letting play effectively, but there may just have been players more deserving. Mark Gerrard of Australia made a try and scored a try and defended well. George Smith grew as the Wallaby effort grew and Mat Rogers was great at fly-half, proving just how talented he is. Chris Jack was wonderful till he hurt his ankle and was eventually replaced. Piri Weepu plays with great confidence and competence. Tana Umaga was a giant on defence. Richie McCaw was all over the place with his energy. But our Man of the Match is Doug Howlett of the hat-trick, great on attack and great on defence.

Moment of the Match: The Ali Williams kick across to Howlett for the wing's try, the big lock willl be forced to sink a few beers tonight!

Villain of the Match: The players were well mannered, except for Matt Dunning. His late barge, scrum collapse and intemperate outburst against Ali Williams did not become the tone of the match.

The scorers:

For New Zealand:
Tries: McCaw, Howlett 3
Con: MacDonald
Pens: MacDonald, McAlister 3

For Australia:
Try: Chisholm, Gerrard, Tuqiri, Johansson
Cons: Rogers 2

Come on Australia

2005-09-02T10:03:00.000+01:00

Wallaby captain and scrum-half George Gregan will equal England prop Jason Leonard's record of 114 Test caps for his country and link up with Mat Rogers at fly-half, when he leads Australia onto Eden Park in Saturday's final Tri-Nations Test against New Zealand.

Joining Jason: Gregan dons the gold jersey for the 114th time

Gregan will lead a side with five personnel changes, including three debutants in Alex Kanaar, Lachlan MacKay and Lloyd Johansson, as well five positional changes to the staring lineup from the last Test against South Africa in Perth.

In the second row, Mark Chisholm joins one of two vice captains Nathan Sharpe, in the absence of the injured Daniel Vickerman, with Kanaar coming into the reserves, while George Smith will start at No.8, linking up with Phil Waugh and Rocky Elsom in the back row and John Roe returning to the bench.

With Rogers starting at fly-half for the first time, newly named vice captain, Morgan Turinui will start at inside centre, with Clyde Rathbone at outside and Lote Tuqiri, Mark Gerrard and Drew Mitchell making up the back three.

Reserve inside back Lachlan MacKay has been selected in the Wallaby 22 for the first time, as well as utility back Lloyd Johansson, while hooker Adam Freier has been named in the Test team for the first time this year.

Wallaby coach Eddie Jones says with four new players, and blokes in new positions the enthusiasm at training has been fantastic.

"The blokes have worked really hard over the last five days and have come together well," said Jones.

"There's been plenty of enthusiasm and add that to George [Gregan] equaling Leonard's record and you have a pretty good combination of experience and youth."

With regular No.10s Stephen Larkham, Matt Giteau and Elton Flatley all unavailable due to injury, Jones says Rogers is the right player to start at fly-half.

"It was a tough decision between Matty Rogers and Lachie MacKay at fly-half, but we believe Mat has the passing and kicking skills we need to start the game, and he can also take the ball to the line," said Jones.

"Lachie and Lloyd Johansson have both worked hard since joining the squad in camp last week and are ready to play Test rugby."

The Wallabies will depart Coffs Harbour for Auckland on Thursday, and will finalise preparations for Saturday's Test with a training run at Eden Park on Friday.

Australia: 15 Drew Mitchell, 14 Mark Gerrard, 13 Clyde Rathbone, 12 Morgan Turinui (vice-captain), 11 Lote Tuqiri, 10 Mat Rogers, 9 George Gregan (captain), 8 George Smith, 7 Phil Waugh, 6 Rocky Elsom, 5 Nathan Sharpe (vice-captain), 4 Mark Chisholm, 3 Al Baxter, 2 Brendan Cannon, 1 Bill Young.
Replacements: 16 Adam Freier, 17 Matt Dunning, 18 Alex Kanaar, 19 John Roe, 20 Chris Whitaker, 21 Lachlan MacKay, 22 Lloyd Johansson

South Africa has to work a bit of magic in Dunedin

2005-08-24T09:29:00.000+01:00

Dunedin, New Zealand - More than just the All Blacks, it's the Carisbrook hoodoo that looms large between the Springboks and their mission to complete historic back-to-back Tri-Nations rugby series victories here on Saturday.

Carisbrook is know as the "House of Pain" with just cause - the visiting side rarely wins - and in South Africa's case they have never won here in the 84 years that teams from the republic have been coming to New Zealand.

Seven years

It's also seven years since they last won a Test anywhere in New Zealand.

"We're not coming here with any false illusions," Springbok coach Jake White said on Wednesday as he shored up the defensive qualities of his side with one enforced change for Saturday's Test against the All Blacks.

"We know we've never won in New Zealand in Dunedin ever since 1921. I think the last time we won here was in 1998 in Wellington," he said.

With Breyton Paulse suspended for three weeks, inside centre Jean de Villiers has been moved to his former position on the wing allowing the return of tough tackling DeWet Barry in midfield.

It is the only change from the starting line-up which has won all three of South Africa's Tri-Nations matches so far this season and put them one win away from consecutive Tri-Nations titles for the first time.

Defence has been the Springboks strong point this year and despite having their frontline broken 14 times in the first Test against the All Blacks they conceded only one try in the 22-16 victory.

Horses-for-courses

The recall of the 27-year-old Barry, who appeared to be out of favour this season, was a horses-for-courses choice for White who said he was not prepared to risk blooding someone younger.

"With 35 Test caps his experience will be needed. It's going to be a bit slower at Carisbrook at 19:30 in the evening, it won't be as open and that obviously suits the style we're going to play."

While this South Africa team knows about rewriting history, their win over Australia last week in Perth was the first time in two years the visiting team has won a Tri-Nations match, White was not prepared to forecast a repeat against the All Blacks.

"It's got nothing to do with what happened last week and the week before. This is the last 80 minutes we have of Tri-Nations rugby (this year) and we've got to make sure we give ourselves a chance." he said.

"The All Blacks are the best side. They've got a great record. They've won the Tri-Nations more than Australia and South Africa and we're looking at it like that."

South Africa:

Percy Montgomery, Jean de Villiers, Jacque Fourie, De Wet Barry, Bryan Habana, Andre Pretorius, Enrico Januarie, Joe van Niekerk, Juan Smith, Schalk Burger, Victor Matfield, Bakkies Botha, CJ van der Linde, John Smit (captain), Os du Randt.

Reserves: Hanyani Shimage, Eddie Andrews, Albert van den Berg, Jacques Cronje, Fourie du Preez, Jaco van der Westhuyzen, Marius Joubert.

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Howlett called back for action against South Africa

2005-08-21T18:42:00.000+01:00

Veteran All Black wing Doug Howlett has been recalled to the All Black squad, as they prepare to play the Springboks at Carisbrook in Dunedin on Saturday, a match which will probably decide the winner of the Tri-Nations.

Howlett, who has played 47 Tests for New Zealand, replaces Sitiveni Sivivatu who has a knee injury.

Graham Henry, the All Black coach, said: "Doug is a top-class player. His reaction to not being selected initially for the Tri-Nations has been exceptionally professional on and off the field."

Sivivatu is close to return from a knee injury picked up during training in South Africa, but Henry wants him to prove his fitness by playing at provincial level before he comes back into the Test environment.

Howlett is the only change to the 26-man All Black squad.

The All Blacks have 26 players in their squad, with Sivivatu and fly-half Dan Carter absent due to injury.

"We are happy with our options at 10," noted Henry.

Scrumhalf Kevin Senio stays with the squad as cover for the injured Byron Kelleher, who is recovering from concussion. Kelleher is also with the squad, but his availability is subject to further medical assessment.

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Paulse will not be playing against the kiwi's

2005-08-21T15:00:00.000+01:00

Perth - Springbok wing Breyton Paulse was banned for three weeks on Sunday for kicking an opponent during South Africa's 22-19 Tri-Nations rugby Test win over Australia.

A tribunal found Paulse guilty of kicking Australian prop Al Baxter with minutes left in the match at Subiaco Oval in Perth. Baxter suffered a facial graze, the tribunal heard.

Paulse was cited by the independent citing commissioner. The incident was not seen by the referee or the touch judges but was caught by television match coverage.

Paulse told the judicial committee he had lashed out at Baxter, but did so due to frustration at being held illegally and without any intention to inflict injury.

He said the contact was to the shoulder or upper neck area, but Baxter claimed the kick struck him just below his right eye.

Paulse will not be eligible to play for the Springboks in their potentially title-deciding match against New Zealand in Dunedin next weekend.