Be wary of French flair
by Paki's Corner | 13 November 2009 (05:35)
"A lot of people think I bite my wife and kick the kids, but I'm really a very different person off the pitch to the player I am on it.” – classic quote from the Springbok enforcer Bakkies Botha.
South Africa arrived in Toulouse a few days ago, and can expect an absolute cracker of a match on Friday night. French rugby means many things – to me it’s passion, physicality and flair. They also bring that unpredictability which saw them knock-out the champion All Blacks from at least two World Cups.
Since the year 2000, these two great nations have met on 8 occasions. South Africa has only won 2 of these, there has been one draw, and the French have stormed to 5 victories.
This game is set to be very close, with only a few points separating the sides.
As far as the Springbok team looks, we will see what effect losing legendary centre Jean de Villiers will have on the backline. His role in defence was massive, he was outstanding with ball in hand, and of course who can forget those interceptions!
I think Adi Jacobs was excellent in the Tri Nations two seasons ago, but is perhaps out of match practice these days. For me that would definitely be a weakness in the side. Fullback Frans Steyn will be missed because of his kicking abilities, but I think Zane Kirchner will do ok.
In the forwards I see that my previous article of ‘Brussow vs. Burger’ doesn’t really matter as both number 6 flankers are in the team. Schalk Burger will actually be effective against the French who will be very confrontational, and the Springboks will need that Hulk presence. Brussow gets the blindside flank role and should enjoy another big outing. Ryan Kankowski might not be as big and strong as Pierre Spies, but has the ability to find holes in the opposition defence.
The rest of the Springbok team is tried and tested, having stormed the Tri Nations series. Interestingly there are only two backs in the reserves, which is very rare in today’s game. Ruan Pienaar can cover 9 and 10, but let’s hope there are not two injuries in the half backs! Peter de Villiers has a whole Cheetahs front row on the bench, just in case the Leicester pack returns…
Speaking of that match, I luckily only managed to find the last 2 minutes on some bootleg online website. The English commentator irritated me more than a David Campese column (just friendly banter Campo)!
He was going on and on about how the British Lions could not beat the Springboks, how Australia and New Zealand could not beat the Springboks, and now a second string Leicester have finally done it!
Did anyone tell the commentator that the mid-week team is called the Dirt Trackers, and normally only fields a couple of Springboks. I would not be watching test rugby if Earl Rose was the starting fullback (even though he did enjoy his best game yet).
Congratulations to Leicester on playing a great game, but let’s be realistic here, they beat a good Currie Cup side.
Lastly, only in South Africa would you have an issue with the Sports Minister (Makhenkesi Stofile) claiming that Zimbabwean-born prop Tendai Mtawarira hasn’t got permission to play for the Springboks. I know all about presenting documentation to play for a foreign country, but once you have been capped, you have clearly submitted the correct paperwork to the IRB. Anyway, just a day in the life of being South African for the Beast!
Meanwhile here in America, all the best to the USA Eagles as they take on Uruguay away in Montevideo this weekend in the 2011 Rugby World Cup Qualifiers!
The Frogs legs await…
Dallen
Dallen Stanford played 54 matches for the USA 7s team throughout his career spanning from 2006 to 2009, including 13 IRB 7s tournament appearances. To read other articles by the South African visit http://ur7s.com/members/dallenstanford and www.pakiscorner.com.
