The Springboks will return to the Tri-Nations at Newlands on
Saturday. As I said last week if the Boks could keep up a
high tempo throughout the match, they would overcome Argentina.
Nine unanswered tries is emphatic in anyone's book.
This week they entertain the All Blacks in what I believe
is going to be a very close encounter. Having said that I
still take the Springboks to edge it.
The coaching staff have selected a very strong team and while
there are always going to be those who believe that certain
players should be in ahead of others, this is a quality side.
In the return of Fourie Du Preez I believe you will see the
best of Butch James. Du Preez relieves a lot of the kicking
pressure off James and together they form an outstanding
partnership.
A major advantage for the Springboks is going to be their
height in the lineouts with the All Black locks and hooker
coming in for a lot of pressure.
The return of Percy Montgomery at fullback for his record
breaking 100th cap will not only strengthen the kicking game
but add a quality point's scorer to the side.
All in all like any Springboks, All Blacks match-up, this
is one not to be missed.
Jake White speaking to the Mail & Guardian's Mike Trapido
Showing posts with label Pumas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Pumas. Show all posts
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Friday, August 8, 2008
Argentina and a bit about Butch
With tomorrow's Test against Argentina upon us I thought I would share a few of my thoughts on the match with you.
Before I start however, I would like to deal with an item in the comment's section referring to Butch James. In my opinion Butch is undoubtedly the finest defensive flyhalf in the world. With the advent of the new laws allowing the number 8 to break and the backs to stand 5 metres back at scrums, he closes off a channel which forces the opposition to go wide and makes the slide defence much easier to apply.
He is also the ideal partner for Fourie Du Preez particularly when you're playing a kicking game.
The Mandela Tribute Test at the Coca Cola Park in Johannesburg is going to be interesting for a number of reasons. Firstly we have never lost to the Pumas in the previous 12 Tests and it is vital that we keep this record going for as long as we can. Secondly regardless of which players the Pumas have sent, you will always be on the end of a tough uncompromising encounter with these guys. Such is the passion of the Argentinians that they never lie down and accept defeat.
The key battle is going to be fought among the fowards and in particular the front row. In the brothers Mario and Pedro Ledesma they have immense strength and it will be fascinating to see how our guys cope.
In terms of tactics we can expect the Pumas to play a stop-start game which will slow everything down. It is vital that the Springboks maintain a high tempo throughout the game which should provide the recipe for success.
We must also not lose sight of the fact that this game also provides an ideal opportunity, after the three week break, to get our game together ahead of next week's Tri-Nations encounter with the All Blacks.
Let's hope we can give Madiba a fitting birthday present from the Springboks.
Jake White speaking to Mike Trapido of the Mail & Guardian
Before I start however, I would like to deal with an item in the comment's section referring to Butch James. In my opinion Butch is undoubtedly the finest defensive flyhalf in the world. With the advent of the new laws allowing the number 8 to break and the backs to stand 5 metres back at scrums, he closes off a channel which forces the opposition to go wide and makes the slide defence much easier to apply.
He is also the ideal partner for Fourie Du Preez particularly when you're playing a kicking game.
The Mandela Tribute Test at the Coca Cola Park in Johannesburg is going to be interesting for a number of reasons. Firstly we have never lost to the Pumas in the previous 12 Tests and it is vital that we keep this record going for as long as we can. Secondly regardless of which players the Pumas have sent, you will always be on the end of a tough uncompromising encounter with these guys. Such is the passion of the Argentinians that they never lie down and accept defeat.
The key battle is going to be fought among the fowards and in particular the front row. In the brothers Mario and Pedro Ledesma they have immense strength and it will be fascinating to see how our guys cope.
In terms of tactics we can expect the Pumas to play a stop-start game which will slow everything down. It is vital that the Springboks maintain a high tempo throughout the game which should provide the recipe for success.
We must also not lose sight of the fact that this game also provides an ideal opportunity, after the three week break, to get our game together ahead of next week's Tri-Nations encounter with the All Blacks.
Let's hope we can give Madiba a fitting birthday present from the Springboks.
Jake White speaking to Mike Trapido of the Mail & Guardian
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