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Opinionated Rugby Commentary - by Fans for Fans
Spill what you really think about events in the rugby world.
Springboks Win a Good Result for All 9 views
21 August 2011 by deep
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Massive South African defense and a dead-eye boot from Steyn fire a massive warning shot over the bows of red hot RWC favourites.
Looking Ahead
Once again the losing side didn't score the points I thought they should have, rather than the winning side giving a dominant performance. I also saw the presence of a northern hemisphere ref adding to the ABs dilemma, plus he had an off game.
The real point is that South Africa have gelled right on cue, proving to themselves and the world that on their day they can beat any team on the planet, and that they're ready to do so. Next stop RWC.
New Zealand on the other hand, had a massive wake-up call. As a Kiwi I far prefer to see this result now and not in the RWC final (or quarter or semi for that matter!) It's a shame the McCaw and Carter show weren't around to experience it, because it's exactly what they'll need to beat if they want to smell the sweet taste of success.
France, England, Australia and South Africa are all sides that have the potential to derail the All Blacks campaign. If the NZ crew don't convert opportunities like they created today, then they won't win.
Player Analysis
Morne Steyn put in a man of the match performance, and showed the steady maturity that is needed to guide a side to victory. He's never going to set a backline alight, but his tactical precision and unerring goal kicking are the kind of things that decide the big matches.
The midfield pairing of Fourie and De Filliers is world class, while John Smit may be lucky to survive as his game just isn't what it used to be. Otherwise the Springbok team performed to expectation, which was generally a high level.
It was the New Zealand side that was out to learn in this game, and I think a few answers were found.
Sadly I see it likely Toeava will be one to miss out, the final telling blow being that his hands still let him down at crucial moments. The winners will be the the likes of Sivivatu and Gilford who also create gaps through being proactively busy, and are reliable finishers. Cory Jane may have a battle to keep in with Dagg showing strong promise - a tough call there. It might also be that Gear misses out, not because he's done anything wrong, just that he doesn't create as much as the others.
I'm still out to lunch on SBW. He had a full game to prove himself today. There were a couple of nice offloads and defence was solid, but the telling blow is that he was rarely seen in support, feeding off opportunity created by others. Whereas Kahui was hungry, making breaks and bullocking runs including his try, backed by intense defence.
Slade was out of his depth - not surprising after such little rugby this season. If he's our best backup for Carter then I'm worried. I think he's there because his style of play suits the AB pattern rather than because he's an outstanding individual. Is there no other decent first-five in NZ?
Ali Williams is still making too many soft mistakes, but seems to be improving with every game. His size gives an edge that will ensure he stays.
Well, we can all now wait for the team lists to be read out. Let's see how the guys in charge see it.
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