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document.write("USER COMMENTS >");
document.write("
snor is a god given talent
");
document.write("good in ways #### in others
could have hammered these ####s
this is so stupid
####ing dumb coach
got no respect for ur opposition
lions to win this one
. disappointed");
document.write("this is a very very strong team here ...
");
document.write("This looks like a very interesting team. can't wait to see how Jaque Fourie gets on with Wynand and Morne. this looks like a truly great backline. what a good bunch of players we have in this country, good selections, great to give some of the other players a run too. Let them prove what they have!
. Brownsuit");
document.write("Pass the ball to Nokwe!!!!!!
");
document.write("Interesting team....hope the new guys take this opportunity with both hands and do us all proud!!! Go Bokke!!!. London Bok Supporter");
document.write("Brilliant team
");
document.write("Brilliant decison cant wait to see the match!!!. Ric");
document.write("Like it
");
document.write("Good Selection for the final test. Give some of the less experienced guys a run while still keeping some experience on the bench. We saw in the RWC that a replacement players were well short of international experience so I welcome this type of mover personally. I like the look of this side. They should be able to handle the Lions. Really like the Centre Pairing. . Slimer");
document.write("Most sensible thing PdV has done all year
");
document.write("I do like it!
Good to see Sykes on the bench - hope he gets some game time. Centre pair wil destroy Lions back-line.
PLeased to see Habana getting some R&R with Nokwe a descent replacement.
Lets hope Kanko passes - would like to see him at flank as experiment (have Kanko, Spies & Brussouw as our loose trio perhaps).
All in all - a solid team that should easily walk the Lions.
Chilliboy I still believe is a special talent that needs to be nurtured!
Looking forward to the 3-0 whitewash!!
. JayB");
document.write("Good selections
");
document.write("At least we will now be able to evaluate all these other players. I don't think it weakens the team too much. My main concern is that it would be a whole new backline and they might take time to gel. . Mac");
document.write("I Like it!!!
");
document.write("nice one, mix it up a bit PDV, all those players deserve thier shot, and are all pretty good, some just Lacking in experience, which is exactly why they need to be played.. GB");
document.write("3-0
");
document.write("Good side - gonna hammer the whigning Lions!. Gus");
document.write("strong bench!!
");
document.write("i like to see exciting, talented youngsters get a chance, but more against italy/argentina etc.
we have not found our best form yet and now pdv has gone and made 10 changes. i love s.a rugby, but must admit im a bit embarrased by this coach!. ");
document.write("Good team
");
document.write("It's a good team, and I am glad they are giving the other Boks a change aswell. Glad that Earl Rose is not in, they can can Deon Carstens aswell but besides him I think we are going to be proud on the Boks again! . Saay");
document.write("Can't win test matches based on charity..
");
document.write("Sorry - but have to look at history and say that this test will be lost. You can't make such a bug change and expect to win.
I think it's a strong team but the Lions will be amped. A real pitty - Would've loved to make it a white wash:((((((((. Da Man");
document.write("Team Selection
");
document.write("Well done Peter de Villiers there is hope for you yet. I STILL DON'T UNDERSTAND WHERE YOU GOT EARL ROSE FROM. WHAT JUSTIFIED HIS ORIGINAL SELECTION TO THE SQUAD? . Bok Supporter From Kommetjie");
document.write("good side
");
document.write("I think this is a very exciting team, I would however have opted for 3 backs on the bench. Other wise still think this team will take the Lions!. Boomer");
document.write("Nice one snor....
");
document.write("c'mon boys YOU CAN DO IT, good team, hope we see more running rugby. JPS. ");
document.write("Inexperienced back 3
");
document.write("I am pleased with Kirchner being picked - he's deserved it. But with him making his debut, I would've kept the experience of habana and JP on the wings.
Otherwise an interesting team.... Jono");
document.write("give credit where it is due
");
document.write("Div has made a complete tit of himself over the last few weeks, but this is a good team selection and big up to him for picking Kirchner and Wynand Olivier, form players from the S14, although I would have rested Du Preez and played Kockott. Bit worried about the hooker position as well but they also have a weakened front row so it should be ok. May just be another great test match! Good luck to both sides, hope its another cracker and the Boks pull through.. chris");
document.write("Dynamite Loosies
");
document.write("I think Kankowski and Brussouw really deserve a chance and they will be exciting to watch as long as Kankowski not too rusty. Great centre combination!!!!!!!!!! Pity BoD couldn't make it to the party. I think this will be a very different match this weekend and will be alot more open and hopefully running rugby will be on show? Look forward to see what testicle lovers the Lions will put on the field this weekend. . Spence");
document.write("Good side
");
document.write("I can't wait for this game. A lot of changes but stoked to see these guys get a run. I just hope we haven't weakened our scrum.
Stoked to see Kanko back in the fold.
Olivier and Fourie are going to create havoc.
Good luck to the Boks, may they paint the history books Green and Gold with a glorious whitewash.
Bokke Forever.. Troll ");
document.write("Can't wait ;-)
");
document.write("I hope to see Nokwe outrun them down the touch line, getting goose bumps just thinking about it..this team could really perform very well together..Kirchner has been good but he is my only concern ish... Dave");
document.write("@JPS
");
document.write("With Morne at 10 do you think there will be more running? I hope so but have my doubts. I'm hoping for a good game where we don't notice the ref.... Sam");
document.write("WHO cares if we lose?? these guys need game time!!
");
document.write("The centre pairing could be even stronger...still not a bad team...Kirshner may crack though..... Iron Mike");
document.write("politics
");
document.write("Very good side!!
except for the guy who benched for the bulls.....gonna be a close game. Johann");
document.write("Might just be me...
");
document.write("but I haven't notice Juan Smith on the field at all, would have liked to see Potgieter get a run. JPS. ");
document.write("Team for Third Test
");
document.write("Good match-day 22! Half time: Du Plessis on for Ralaphela, Pienaar on for Kirchner, F. Steyn on for Olivier and Olivier to wing in place of Nokwe(weak defensively). 60 mins Spies on to give Smith a break on the blindside and if Boks are winning easily change both props with Matfield taking over as skipper. Squad will miss Botha. I honestly thought he'd do something stupid like play Rose, but he has realised SA Rugby Spectators know what they want! Can't wait to see this starting 9, 10, 12, 13 combination. Please Bokke, keep it clean, hard, but clean! . Pat");
document.write("At Last
");
document.write("Good squad. Apart from the two wingers I think that this back line is better than the one that started in the first two tests. I do feel sorry for Vickery if he starts. Beast is gonna annihilate him. Loose trio with Brussow will be very difficult to stop. I wonder if this was old snorre who decided on this squad or Oregan Hoskins?. Netbaas");
document.write("Strong team
");
document.write("I don't think this team is weakend much by the changes. I definitely can't wait to see the centres perform, I think their 2 form centres in SA at the moment. Its good that players like habana and bakkies(involuntarily) get a bit of a break. Can only bode well for the tri-nations. Would like to see the bulls 8,9,10,12 combination in the tri-nations.. Louis");
document.write("Go easy on them boys
");
document.write("Are the boks going to play soft rugby so that they dont get cited for clearing out the rucks? Can the boks tackle or are they playing touch rugby? Anyway even tho this is a second bok side, I hope they shut these whining poms up once and for all. Cant wait to see the back of them.. dingbat");
document.write(" Nice one
");
document.write("I hope they can let this lot play for a full 60 minutes. I dont think the lions will win this one. Then SA can boast two A teams just before the Tri-nations and Graham Henry and Robbie 'Wily'Deans will have their work cut out for them. BOKKE TO WIN.
HOPE JAN WILL BE AT THE GAME.. Edward");
document.write("Beast exposed
");
document.write("The Beast is a very good loose head but
he will not scrum Vickery(if selected)
like he did in Durban. That was a combined
effort from Bismarck, Beast and Bakkies.
If Vickery is selected he is going to get his
revenge. . Ben");
document.write("All about combinations !!!!!!!!!!!
");
document.write("In 2005/2006 Graham Henry had 2 All Black teams,and the French as well. Neither of them won the world cup, but during the 2006/2007 both teams were pretty sucessful, especially the All Blacks losing only 2 games in two years. Altough 2 squads of players, Dan Carter and Richie McCaw was always in the starting 15.
Look at the Boks; John Smit, Matfield and Du Preez brilliant combination !!!!!!
Boks to win defnitely !!! Why!!!! Diffrent Players !!!! Leaders amongest them !!!!!
Well done PDV !!!!!!!
GO BOKKE !!!!!!!. Piet Bull");
document.write("quiet
");
document.write("why are people complaining? isnt this the team that everyone has been begging the gaffer to play? minus a few changes obviously. think lions will win by law of averages...one has to swing their way. j");
document.write("Refund?
");
document.write("This isn't a bad team, but we all know that it isn't our best team. Surely the paying public(R1000) deserves to see the best team? Wonder how all the sponsors feel. Surely everybody wants to see a return on their investments...
. Bevin");
document.write("Scrum time
");
document.write("Div when its uncontested scrums re-place the hooker and loose head with the speed freaks? this should be logic?. Pierre");
document.write("@dingbat
");
document.write("You're not a rugby player are you? The 2 tests have been great! If this isn't good enough for you what do you want? The press constantly writes cr#p to sell a story and only idiots like you believe it. The players respect each other & the Lions have a great history and place in SA rugby - where did the Curry Cup comes from? The tour has been great and enjoyed by all rugby players & will help the Boks in the tri-nations preparation.. Sam");
document.write("Good thinking
");
document.write("The \"new\" lads will be hungry to make a point in what would otherwise have been a dead rubber - why do I have a sneaky suspicion the Boks are going to win big on Saturday? Ellis Park also always helps, of course!. Ian");
document.write("3 front rowers on the bench?
");
document.write(". Mark");
document.write("MR ROSE
");
document.write("Good team, will be interesting. Glad to see PDV with stood the pressure to include ROSE. Bill(bok supporter)");
document.write("Lions-tours are overated!
");
document.write("Just remember Beast waisted that Vickery-guy with Bismarch next to him. With Cilliboy I don't know... Lets give them a change... Go make it hard - let they never forget this one!
May this be the last Lions-tour ever, because they are overated.
Just think of a Southern Hemisphere team:
1 Beast
2 Bismarck
3 Smit
4 Botha
5 Ross
6 Smit
7 Machaw
8 Spies
9 Du Preez
10 Gitau
11 Siwiwato
12 Nonu
13 Fourie
14 Habana
15 Muliaina
. ");
document.write("I agree
");
document.write("Great team!
And after they game they all #### the queen!. ");
document.write("player by player - tell me where did we weaken the side...
");
document.write("15 Zane Kirchner - Not Stronger/Weaker
14 Odwa Ndungane - Weaker
13 Jaque Fourie - Stronger
12 Wynand Olivier - Stronger
11 Jongi Nokwe - Weaker
10 Morné Steyn - Stronger
9 Fourie du Preez
8 Ryan Kankowski - Not Stronger/Weaker
7 Juan Smith
6 Heinrich Brüssow - Stronger
5 Victor Matfield
4 Johann Muller - Weaker
3 John Smit (captain)
2 Chiliboy Ralepelle - Weaker
1 Tendai Mtawarira
But all in all a good team.. would like to have seen Deysel to replace Smith Tho.. Go Bokke.... Styx");
document.write("Div is such a Twat!
");
document.write("I think this is quite disrespectful towards the lions, lions supporters and bok supporters. To answer Div's question, the team is weaker at fullback, rightwing, leftwing, inside centre, eighthman, lock and hooker.. Dr Spaceman");
document.write("Bok team
");
document.write("I think it'll be a cracker of a game with this side, the backline looks good, just worry about Kirchner, Olivier, & Kankowski at test level!?
Looking forward to a good game, maybe a few punch ups as well...Watch out for an all English Front row...they like to through there weight around!
CJ . CJ");
document.write("Smart move
");
document.write("Please don't whinge about the team, leave that to the English. We have a Tri-Nations around the corner, and frankly, this is not a bad team, there were calls for Kirchner & Olivier pre-tournament, now you have it, who exactly are you guys worried about in the team selection? bottom-line is: the Lions tour has been won. . Francois uk");
document.write("Good depth for Tri Nations
");
document.write("I think this will give the entire squad of players a chance to see what the pressure will be like for the tri-nations. We must remember that most of the Lions are either injured or crying in their rooms. Saturday's game is going to be another epic test - SA to win by 5 or more points. We have a good blend of players and will be interesting to see how they play together. COME ON BOKS!!!!!!! Jon Doe seems to be a bit quiet now......... Turbo20");
document.write("Great team
");
document.write("I'm so excited for game. That backline is mouth watering.Would have liked to see habana next to kirch though.He needs more tries to get his confidence back to when he was playing at his best.
Not a fan of ndungane at all but so so so happy to see that selfish out of form jean dvl has been left out.Can't remember last time he had a good game for boks.2006 maybe.Had a terrible year with stormers.
Its crazy how much depth we have though.This side is just as good as last week. Ims. Jannie");
document.write("Interesting...
");
document.write("I think this looks like quite an interesting/strong selection. The only part that significantly weakens the team is the wings.
The centre pairing is as good or better than Jacobs/deVilliers, Kirchner has an opportunity here to make the no.15 slot his own and based on Morne Steyn's recent performances I think Pienaar has a lot to worry about.
Loose forwards: we just have so much depth in quality here we could even have found a replacement for Smith too. (Potgieter)
Chilliboy is coming back into form and in any case we'll have Bismark on the bench, so happy there.
Pienaar and Steyn on the bench give good cover across the backline for any unexpected injuries and Steyn might even get a late run at centre which I'm sure he'd enjoy.
I'm looking forward to this. This selection is no disrespect to the Lions, it just shows that great depth of talent we have!
Bring it on!
. MacPikey");
document.write("great selections, but...
");
document.write("not so sure about kirshner or chiliboy. Contra PDV, this IS a weaker team without Bismarck and Francois Steyn.. stevo");
document.write("Changes
");
document.write("The Lions will be making a lot of changes too just wait and see.
This is to be expected after such tough tests, there's no disrespect in this selection.. MacPikey");
document.write("reserve side
");
document.write("They should offer a partial refund to those poor suckers that have paid a fortune to watch a full strength Bok team.It's a disgrace that players are capped to make them feel good.A test side should always consist of the best available 15 and this certainly isn't.The one cosolation is the coach will have to answer if we lose and that will be entertaining!. wade");
document.write("I like it!
");
document.write("Centers on S14 form at last! Kirchner only non capped player. Only hassle is they may not have played enough in the past few weeks/months. Nice look to the reserves as well.. Jawellnofine");
document.write("no excuses
");
document.write("Interesting team, hope they gel, and given the 9,10,12 combo they most likely will. Just hope Chilli boy can take the heat at scrum time and support his props.
What I really like about the team though is that, if we beat or thrash the lions, they can't complain about their injured players not being present, as we are fielding even more \"official\" 2nd choices than them.
go bokke, I hope you hit them even harder than in the last games, legally though as always ;). deutsche_bob");
document.write("Snor not out for the count just yet
");
document.write("I have been very disappointed with snor this year and last and have blasted him regularly but finally he put together a well planned team for the weekend.So here comes something I thought I would never be able to say \"Well done snor\"
If our back line gels and it should with Fourie,Morne and Wynand this will be a proper thrashing and if it doesn't gel then we should still win.My only worry is Nokwe's defense and general ball handling skill's but we will have enough cover.
For those who are worried about Zane I would say don't be he's the future of that position anyway with Steyn going to France this will be a good time to have your debut not something to be done in the Tri-nations.I'm also glad Chilliboy will get a chance.
This game will end in tears for the cubs having been well beaten id say some
thing like 38 - 18.
P.S. Just hear their excuses after this game!!!
. loftus");
document.write("Not bad at all.
");
document.write(" Should be some exciting combinations to watch. This should make the final test interesting, as our full strength team would make it a very one-sided match.
Often critisized PdV, but great team gesture, by giving all the guys game time.. Republik of Natal");
document.write("Kankowski
");
document.write("Finally they have given the country's form number 8 a shot. He outplayed Spies in their battle in the S14 and played well for the last 24 months. Cant beleive they had donkey Rossouw ahead of him. Lets just hope that Defnite proves me and many others right and hopefully we can see a loose forward trio of Brussouw, Spies at 7 and Defnite at 8. Still disappointed to see the overrated bulls second stringer Chiliboy being given a run...the bok jersey is not a charity and shouldnt be dished out to anyone...same goes for Kirschner. am I the only one who remembers Terblanches scintilating form??? all in all a decent side, good to see M.Steyn and Olivier getting a deserved run. I think we will dominate the Lions at the breakdown more now with the god like Brussouw and the more effective (in terms of the breakdown point) Kankowski
-The Kill. ");
document.write("Look at this: Lions 4 - Boks 11
");
document.write("
Rob Kearney # 15 Zane Kischner
Ugo Monye # 14 Odwa
Tommy Bowe 13 Fourie#
Riki Flutey 12 Olivier#
Shane Williams 11 Nokwe#
Stephen Jones 10 Morne Steyn#
Mike Phillips 9 Fourie Du Preez#
Jamie Heaslip 8 Kainkofski#
Martyn Williams# 7 Juan Smith
Joe Worsley 6 Heinriech Brussouw#
Paul O'Connell 5 Matfield#
Simon Shaw# 4 Muller
Phil Vickery 3 Smit#
Matthew Rees# 2 Cilliboy
Andrew Sheridan 1 Beast#
Replacements: 16 Ross Ford, 17 John Hayes, 18 Alun-Wyn Jones, 19 David Wallace, 20 Tom Croft, 21 Harry Ellis, 22 James Hook.
. ");
document.write("Bok Team
");
document.write("Niiiiicccceeee!!. Carlos");
document.write("Bok Couch
");
document.write("I hear our couch has been hospitalized suffering from acute case of Aphtae epizooticae? Cheers. Pierre");
document.write("possibly a smart move...
");
document.write("I don't think its a bad move at all, giving these players a run at the (let's be honest) now weakened lions. We need to give them some experience in big games which will be invaluable for the long tri-nations ahead.
I think the right players have been rewarded for their super 14 form and it will be ineteresting to see how all these combinations work. I agree its a pity deysel didn't get a chance or even potgieter because they really stood out for the emerging boks. that said i do think spies needs more game time at the highest level so he will be a good sub for kanko.
i agree that the back three will be severely tested, but once again we are looking for depth because eventually habana, JP, and or steyn will get injured.
AND MOST IMPORTANTLY there is no Rose in that line-up. maybe there is a god?. neat-n-tidy");
document.write("A great team for a great game
");
document.write("Well done PDV - you have answered your critics and played some of the players combinations the Bok public have been crying out for. I for one am super-amped to see this team play. There is no disrespect to the Lions for fielding this team - it is full of SA stars and lets hope they perform this weekend. In particular i am keen to see the centres perform as well as some blistering runs from Nokwe on the wing. I hope Kirchner a bit more awake than he was in the E-Boks game. Good luck boys!. PJS");
document.write("@pierre
");
document.write("Couch?. .");
document.write("Best B team in the world
");
document.write("which other country could make 10 changes and still be so strong....I would have loved to see the old centre combo of fourie and de villiers, with class on his inside and outside we would see why last year he was regarded as the worlds best 12.
I would have left Steyn at 15 where i think he needs some time, but considering he hasnt played 15 since 07 i think he has been brilliant. Id bring Wynand and Zane off the bench . KP");
document.write("Selection
");
document.write("I'm happy with the team. Good safety net on the bench. Glad to see Chiliboy there. Expecting him to play his heart out as he always does.
One thing is sure, we're going to see a lot of high balls on the two wings, but I think Steyn and Du Preez will cover there.. CheeseHead");
document.write("PDV missing a screw or 2
");
document.write("Not a bad team, but they have not played together as a team before, therefore it is a weaker team.
Man by man, some of the replacements are weaker such as FB, both wings, lock, 8th man, hooker.
PDV think before you talk. Peole are not fooled like you think, by your silly comments.
. VivaLeBok");
document.write("POMS
");
document.write("Should be a good game fairly close I reckon like the other two tests.
Please stop calling the Lions POMS in the A Pome is a person from mother england.
In the first test we had 1 english player and the second we had two. Irish are not british and not a Pome. Welsh & Scots are Brtish but not POME either.
Please get it right!!!!!!!!!!. Red Monster");
document.write("@The Kill.
");
document.write("Give me break! Pierre Spies had a storming super14 season, go talk kak on some other website. Kankowski had a pretty average Super14, and that's being kind.. Louis");
document.write("Nokwe
");
document.write("If the Lions thought Habana and JP were quick - welcome to mega speed. Nokwe to leave a wake behind him!!
. Edward");
document.write("@VivaLeBok
");
document.write("I wouldn't say they are weaker. Just different type of players. The forwards are just as strong. My only concerns are the wings. Nokwe knows where the try line is, and with Fourie on his inside, he will surely get plenty opportunities to go for it. . CheeseHead");
document.write("Bok Team
");
document.write("VERY stoked Kanko finally getting a run... All in all not a bad team. The centre pairing of Fourie and Olivier should also be very effective.. O'Hara");
document.write("PDV will now be more popular locally, but Lions will slate him more for this
");
document.write("I have never read comments on any article that are so positive before.... well done PDV, you scored a whole bag of browny points.
For those complaining its a weaker team and want a refund... they are all springboks and most are lucky to not have started the first test, also if you such an avid supporter, surely you want to see the new talent having a run??
Good move to keep Fourie at the middle of it all, especially with Morne his partner in the S14 which will provide the glue for the rest of the team.
My main concern is the back 3, would be nice to see some support for Kirchner from Habana, but glad to see Nokwe and Ndungane.. but I prefer Akona based on his form this season... and plays with Kirchner with the bulls.
Finally PDV - Thank you, common sense has prevailed.. BokbeF0k");
document.write("slightly stronger side
");
document.write("while the back 3 are weaker, improvements in centre and flyhalf will more than offset.. forwards tade weaker with no bismark but i think this side will score a good few tries.. thank god jacobs & januarie is gone !!! woot woot. jh");
document.write("PDV
");
document.write("I think the PDV abuse needs to stop now. He does not have a bad record for the boks. I do not agree with him all the time but I believe he is a brave man to take the Springbok post.. His persecution FROM both both SHem and NHem would break most... . Toby");
document.write("Give me a break
");
document.write(". Green Lion");
document.write("Give me a break
");
document.write("The headline reads 'Boks' to make 10 changes. You'd swear you were challenging the Lion' Best to play with one hand tied behind your back.
The Lions squad has been decimated by injury.
Any victory on either side will be pyrrhic. Green Lion");
document.write("Changes
");
document.write("7 changes for the Lions just like I predicted and those changes have mostly been forced on them. Our changes are mostly down to our coaches decisions.
I reckon with so many changes on both sides, neaither side will have had time to gel and it could get quite s###### but it might also open up the game a bit and make for a good spectacle.
Looking forward to another collosal game!
Check this out:
http://sportblogs.24.com/ViewBlog.aspx?blogid=fdbfeafe-2a13-4be0-9c78-2bd92108de10. MacPikey");
document.write("Changes
");
document.write("Leave the dot off the end of the url
http://sportblogs.24.com/ViewBlog.aspx?blogid=fdbfeafe-2a13-4be0-9c78-2bd92108de10. MacPikey");
document.write("@ The Kill
");
document.write("Are you by any cance related to PDV? I see that you also missed the S14 this year, pity, you would have seen why Pierre Spies was one of the form no 8's!! If you didn't miss the S14 you would also have seen Stef Terblanche losing the game for the Sharks against the Waratahs. Kankowski did not even play as well as Luke Watson in the S14. Give the team a fair chance without trying to ridicule some of the players who was selected. Wonderful to see that these players in the squad are getting their deserved chance, hope this team gore the B&I team to make it 3 love.
GO BOKKE!!
. Stormvoel");
document.write("Cape Town Supporter
");
document.write("Test tickets : R1,600
Flight tickets from Cape Town : R1,500, as there were no test in Cape Town.
Accomodation, rental car : R1,300
Seeing a B side team : Not fair to the thousands of fans paying allot to see the Boks playing their best team against a team only touring once in 12 years. If this was the last game in a Tri Nations it is another matter beacause you can watch the Boks again the following year.
Super 14 is there to give players game time. You dont prove anything if you change the total backline, it does not prove that the new players can gel with the core players. Yes give Morne a chance but see if he can play with Jean and Adi(first choice senters). Play Kirchner but see if he can play along with Habana and JP(first choice wings). . Thyskas");
document.write("Team selection for Saturday 04 July
");
document.write("well done coach on an outstanding selection. the pivot position is in very capable hands. as a die hard shark i feel that Mr Steyn will do 10 justice. Zane has been rewarded for an outstanding S14 and welcome back Wynand. as for Kankowski, i just KNOW you'll be the man behind the oven. Heinrich is here to stay and we just need Jean Dysel now. but overall i think we'll f@#%k those kittens up.. Mario May");
document.write("2 too many changes
");
document.write("I think we do not loose much in most positions besides the wings and hooker.
Chillyboy has had game time and should have stayed on the bench. He is currently way off where Bismark is. In fact there is no need for him in any 22 as Smith can cover hooker. Nothing against him as a player he is just surplus to requirements an is taking the place of a utility back or forward.
I think div is being overly charitable to the wings. There is a clear gulf in class between the first and second choice wings. He maybe should have just give one of them a go.
. Lester");
document.write("@ Green Lion
");
document.write("I agree with you mate. The Lions have had several key players injured & unfortunately most Saffa underestimate BoD's skill & playmakig ability (although he's a tool).
The loss of Jones & Williams are huge. O'Gara is a liability not an asset.
This so-called 2nd string Bok team is in no way a weaker team. Aside from Bakkies at lock & Habana I do not see where this team has been weakened?!!
Our mid-field is far superior with Oliver & Jaques. Kirchner was the in-form full back of S14. Kanko is not a mark on Spies but had a great S14 & is a good #8 (Spies is in a league above the rest). Chilliboy was a great impact player in the S14 & was a crucial part of the breakdown war with the Chiefs!
So lets not take anything away from this team - it is a stronger team than the weakened Lions squad & I think is will not be as close as the last 2.
. JayB");
document.write("To the Weaker/Stronger dude
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document.write("Olivier will never be better than de Villiers - he has proven as much in a green jersey - quite simply no X-factor. So that \"stronger\" comment is dodgy at best. Div/Fourie has always been our best starting centre pairing and with the threat that Roberts/BoD offered (and delivered on) in the 1st 2 tests, PDV missed a massive opportunity.
Nokwe can more than hold his own, and arguably performed better than Habana in a far poorer performing team. (Habana has only recently found some of his form.)
Kankowski is, as long as my #### faces the ground, not weaker than Spies - better tackle count, better running lines - you name it. Spies LOOKS impressive - but he didn't scare any Lions. Kanko is a stealth bomber..... Blaze");
document.write("@blaze
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document.write("I also think JdV is our best centre, but you have to agree that he's been pretty damn average for most of the Super14 and the last 2 tests. He is obviously carrying a niggle. Nokwe is only good when you pass him the ball in space. Habana is a good defender,good under the high ball and he gets interception tries. Just speed is not enough. Spies' tackling was very good in the Lions tests.. Louis");
document.write("@Thyskas
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document.write("Yes surely, you have worthless tickets now. Tell you what. I will give you R500 each. Deal?. CheeseHead");
document.write("interesting!
");
document.write("i think just changing the centers and putting morne at flyhalf and zane at full back would have been enough, lets see how this goes though!. Ryan");
document.write("BOKCENTERCOMBO
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document.write("The best center combination in years - at least two specialists, inside - and out..De Villiers was never and never will be an inside center, he's an outside center - he has no explosiveness. AD is an inside center, he has the explosive ability but dogged defence lacking. Both these 2 now selected...I'm just DISSAPOINTED BOD and Jamie will not be on the pitch and my condolences to the 2 Lion substitute centers. . JJ");
document.write("Beast vs Vickery
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document.write("Mark my words the Beast will not outscrum Vickery, any bets on that ????. Paul");
document.write("JayB.....what a week this is turning out to be...!
");
document.write("Thats probably only the 2nd time I find myself nodding in agreement at your posts, and the sun's been shining all week here....!!
Dont think this team is necessarily weaker, and on a couple of points, think it could turn out to be a successful experiment team!
1. Finally get to see the Bulls 9-10-12 axis for the Boks!
2. Kirchner in at the back is a good move, especially with Akona on the wing (Think he's been better than JP in S14), but again would have liked to have seen the Bulls' back 3! Nokwe is quick but can't defend.
3. Would love to see Spies play on the flank, see if he could feed off Kankowski, who I think has better vision as No.8
4. Wynand finally given a chance, would be good to see him play with Fourie for a half, then team him up with Adi..?
Good move PDV lets see what happens!!. Godders");
document.write("Good, balanced selection
");
document.write("Not too shabby!. Martin");
document.write("not bad
");
document.write("but is Nokwe a good defender? . Bruno");
document.write("Why?
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document.write("Not happy about the changes on the wings and front row. I understand that players need game time but the national side is not where you need to prove yourself that is why we have the curry cup and super 14.
Otherwise I am looking forward to a very interesting game and a huge win for the BOKKE!! . T-Bone");
document.write("@ Bruno
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document.write("His defence is not at Bok wing level yet but what he lacks there, he has is raw speed. Sivivatu is a shocking defender but his strike power makes up for it.
Nokwe has the speed, this is his opportunity to learn the other facets from Habana, JP and co.. Edward");
document.write("Steroids ? ....... Spies
");
document.write("Old steroids is too dumb to feel the after effects of a knock on his head , shoulda played Kanko from day one he has everything Spies does'nt have including n brain . . Sean ");
document.write("It's not really 10 \"changes\"
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document.write("Whilst there are 10 changes on paper from the starting line up, 3 of these would have happened anyway through injury and suspension. Fourie and Olivier have been picked on form - and we have all been calling for them - the other 2 have been very ordinary this series and were lucky to get 2 tests. Same for Pienaar, he has essentially been dropped, not rested.
That leaves 4 real changes / players rested:
15 Zane Kirchner - really pleased to see him get a chance. we have no real depth in this position at present and at the beginning of the series there were comments in the media and on this blog suggesting JP may play there. Good selection.
14 Odwa Ndungane - JP has not been at his imperious best this series and I don't think this weakens the team giving Odwa a run. Arguably not a necessary change.
11 Jongi Nokwe - BH needs a rest. He did have an injury earlier in the season and could probably benefit from a few weeks or R&R, although also not a necessary change. Really looking forward to seeing him with ball in hand!
2 Chiliboy - maybe needs some game time, although very sorry to not see Bismark starting. Somebody needs to keep Sheridan in his place and Bismark has been fantastic this series.
All in all, I think a good selection from Snor. Win this Test and it gives us a platform to take to the Tri Nations. Obviously losing this would bring into question our depth, but the players getting their chance now is still better than throwing them in at Sydney or Auckland later this year.
I still think we win and win well.
. JimBokUK");
document.write("@ Sean
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document.write("Kanko isn't as quick as Spies nor as strong but he has better distribution/handeling skills and possibly work rate.
The Lions forwards would have won most collisions against Kanko.. Edward");
document.write("Boks to win by 15 points
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document.write("This is a very interesting team.The boks are going to win b 15 points.The guys in the starting 15 deserve to get a run before the tri-nations.What will happen if we pick up alot of injuries in the tri-nations and we played 90% of the same team that played last week? we would have subs who havent had game time! Someone commented that making all these changes is disrespectful to the lions.What a load of rubbish!! We have already won the series,and have selected a team just slightly weaker than one from the past two weeks.The sa coaching staff are looking at the bigger picture,the tri nations cup!!! I am so sick of some(not all)so called SA supporters bringing down our players and saying\" this is a weak team\" etc etc....Please pack your bags,move overseas and go support some else.We dont need supporters like you.Getting back to the game, I think the first half will be close, but we will gel in the 2nd half and really run amok.It is great to have so much rugby talent and depth in this country. GO BOKKE!!!!. ");
document.write("bulls
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document.write("i suppose the bulls supporters just love this backline. so with the bulls having more players in the team we are expecting quite a big victory margin. NOT!!!! lol. andre");
document.write("Anyone notice how Pierre Spies snuffed out at source
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document.write("This guy is not so super natural after this series. Both number 8's seem to cancel each other out. He didn't do half the damage that was promised by Bok supporters. Think this series has identified how to neutralise him. He was tied into the tight game around the scrum, Heaslip stopped him at source. What he did do which inadvertently won the game was wallop straight into O'gara like a train. O'gara was seeing stars while he got mowed down again for the try before doing the now infamous garryowen! In summary all hype, no delivery from Spies...Juan smith and Brussow out-shined him. Not surprised he's benched!. vic");
document.write("@Paul
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document.write("I bet you he will fold Vickery in half again. Why do you think they have only one prop replacement on the bench? They are hoping for uncontested scrums again. . CheeseHead");
document.write("RE: Spies
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document.write("I must have seen two different games. Spies had a brilliant second test. Go watch again how many tackles he made. Spies and Kankowski play different games. Not weaker or better, just different. Kankowski plays much wider than Spies and you can therefore expect the boks to play much wider too. We will see more of the back-line in action. . CheeseHead");
document.write("@cheesehead
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document.write("No question about his defence you were spot on, it was top drawer. There was alot of hype (from Sky Sports as well as SA fans) about his go forward potential. Personally I didn't see any of it in either test. Maybe it was strategy (if not over hype) but if you have a cannon why not shoot it then? I'll keep an eye on the Tri-Nations, it may well change my opinion.... vic");
document.write("@ CheeseHead
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document.write("The Boks will not play \"wide\" just because Kankowski is playing.
How about Kankowski follows the Boks game plan or gets off the field.. Edward");
document.write("What a pleasant surprise
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document.write("Good one Snor! Talk less and do more nice rugby moves like this one and you may go far.
Andre, let me guess. You are always the only laughing at your own jokes hey? Do you think anyone else gets your jokes? I doubt it.. Eben");
document.write("Depth and it shows
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document.write("To be honest this shows the great amount of depth we have in SA. The only problem I would have would be Nokwe in for Habana- Nokwe had a good season but not as good as Odwa, which justifies him taking over from JP.
To all you tools who say we are going to get smashed I beg to differ! There are too many guys to name in this squad who should be starting anyway over other people. Witht he amount of depth we currently have I sometimes wish it was a 30 man game instead of a 15!
The lions are also \"understrenghted\" dont forget- the difference is that our \"second string\" could very easily put a full strength wallaby or NZ side away.
LOVING SA RUGBY AT THE MOMENT! long may it continue!. Lowrie");
document.write("Red Monster!!!!!!
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document.write("Message for the RED MONSTER!
I agree. Taking into account the fact that there were very few Englishmen playing for the Lions in both Tests, you should not be refered to as POMS. However, I have lost the respect I always had for the Welsh and Irish players. They have proven themselves to be a bunch of HIPPOCRATES and even bigger WHINERS AND CRY BABIES than the \"real Poms\". . Lonewolf");
document.write("Sean...Spies....Kankowski
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document.write("Sean...your comments about Pierre Spies clearly shows that you are a Shark Supporter, a bad loser and just a plain old dumb#####bonehead!!!!!Spies is in a class of his own. Kankowski is good and will bring his own strenghts to the game. As long as he sticks to his role and plays for the team. Not for himself, like he usually does.. Lonewolf");
document.write("TO ALL WHO THINK HE MADE A COCKUP OF THIS ONE
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document.write("Hi all. I am probably the biggest anti PDV fan ther is in South Africa, he is a total poepol. But if i look at this team none of these players that has come into the running team has had a bad Super 14. If we give our wings enough space I can promice you no matter how fast any of there backs are none of them is going to catch Nokwe. For once PDV has actually made use of that grey matter between his ears & made a decent decision. Pieter (SHARK FOR LIFE) BOK FOR LIFE. PIETER LABUSCHAGNE (SHARK FOR LIFE)BOK FOR LIKFE");
document.write("Great Selection
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document.write("Yes.
Great selection.
I see PDV finally is going for a side that will go out and win convincingly.
Its a pity, I was enjoying the close contests.
. Sweeney");
document.write("Weak links in the team
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document.write("Odwa \"Cannot catch a ball\" Ndungane, Johan \"Tjankbalie\" Muller and Juan \"Klou soos ### aan die bal\" Smith. The whole of the S14, Odwa managed to knock on more balls than any other player, and now he is in the team. Tjankbalie very overrated, would have picked Steven Sykes ahead of him, Juan also very overrated, he disappeared in the first 2 test, would have replcaed him with either Jean Deysel or Dewald Potgieter.. Blou");
document.write("SPIES COMMENTS
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document.write("SPIES IS BRILLIANT, HE WOULD BE IN ANY WORLD 15 TEAM. STRONG,FAST,GOOD DEFENCE...AND I MYSELF MUST HAVE BEEN WATCHING ANOTHER GAME ON SATURDAY, COZ SPIES PLAYED GOOD RUGBY. DONT GET ME WRONG KANKOWSKI IS A GREAT PLAYER BUTT SPIES IS BETTER.
THIS BOKKE TEAM LOOKS EXCITING. IM HAPPY ABOUT THE CENTER COMBINATION, THEY ARE AT THE MOMENT THE BEST IN THE COUNTRY, AND WITH MORNE AT FLYHALF - HE IS A ALROUND PLAYER,BRILLIANT. I WOULD HAVE PUT DEYSEL IN FOR JUAN. BUT MAYEBE 10 CHANGES CALLS FOR A BIT OF EXPERIENCE SOMEWHERE IN THE SIDE. . maverick");
document.write("Kankowski Fans!!!!!!!!!!!
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document.write("All I'm going to say about the Kankowski/Spies debate is..... Watch the super 14 game between the Bulls and the Sharks.. Spies killed Kankowski. If you dont agree watch is again... Oh and P.S. Check out the amount of tries scored by these two players/meters gained and turn overs won... Spies is at this stage A LOT BETTER then Kankowski... . Steff");
document.write("SAM
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document.write("What are you on about you retard?????????
Did the press make it up that Bakkies has been banned for NOTHING??????? It's a fact you tit. Wake up!!. dingbat");
document.write("@Edward
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document.write("That is not what I meant. I reckon PdV has a different game plan for Saturday, even though he says they are going to stick to the same plan, and Kankowski fits in well with the new game plan. I still prefer Spies ahead of Kankowski, but we are very fortunate to have at least two great number 8's. . CheeseHead");
document.write("SPIES vs KANKO: THE COMPARISON
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document.write("I'm Irish so I'd like to think I'm writing from a neutral position. How can any of you say Spies is quicker than Kanko? Is that a joke? Spies is quick, don't get me wrong, but I remember SHARKS vs CHEETAHS this year, when Jongi Nokwe made a break (JN proven as the fastest back in South African rugby) and Kankowski caught up to him and held on (even though JN scored). Kankowski has the explosive and agile speed that a heavier Spies doesn't.
I saw the long run Spies had to score the try a few months ago, but he had a lot of space on the counter attack. I don't think he could find holes in the line like Kanko can. I'm a huge fan of Kanko as a leading player of the modern game: what does he have that Spies doesn't?
1. Cat like agility and reactions.
2. Vision and anticipation beyond what most 'physical No. 8's' have.
3. 10 kgs less than Spies, which I think is a plus. Spies looks intimidating which obviously attracts the people who can't see deeper than that. Kanko is into the rucks faster and has a higher tackle count, if you look at the 2009 Super 14 statistics per game.
4. Speed. He's faster than spies, no question about it.
Go Lions.. Timmy O'Donoghue");
document.write("Spies v Kanko
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document.write("Timmy O'Donoghue maybe you Brits should buy Kanko if he's faster than Jonghi!! What utter #### some people can sprout. Not any of Spies's detractors could have watched s14 or the tests. 2nd test Pierre alone with brute force kept 4 BIL guys off the ball so that Brussow could steal it!! no other forward in view. As for stats about tackles made, speed to breakdown points - can only surmise it comes from those books that is manufactured in rolls! It was made clear by everyone concerned that Bryan,JP Pierre et alle are being rested for the 3nations. But just in case Kanko doesn't make the grade, which he hasn't in the past year, Pierre is on the bench! Luke Watson was a better no 8 than Kanko in the last year. Pity SA don't have rugby schools where the game can be made understood to the uninitiated. Still - great Bok team - hope we can whitewash the bleachbones with an almighty KLAP. Stormvoel. stormvoel");
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