A shoe-in for the award?

The following from SARU: Players from the Vodacom Super 14 finalist Bulls and Stormers have unsurprisingly monopolised the nominations in the race for the title of Vodacom Super 14 Player of the Year award, the South African Rugby Union announced on Tuesday.

The 2009 winner, Vodacom Bulls flyhalf Morne Steyn, has again been nominated along with team-mates Fourie du Preez and Gerhard van den Heever. They are joined by the Vodacom Stormers’ lock Andries Bekker and centre Jaque Fourie in the five nominations.

The five polled the most votes among rugby media from a total of 26 players that were nominated.

Steyn set a record of 263 points in a Vodacom Super Rugby season as the Vodacom Bulls won the title for the third time in four seasons.  Van den Heever scored eight tries in the Bulls’ march to the title, while Du Preez, the 2009 SA Rugby Player of the Year, was outstanding once again.

The Vodacom Stormers’ first appearance in a final was reflected in several nominations for their players with lock Andries Bekker and centre Jaque Fourie, who scored seven tries in his debut season with the franchise, garnering enough media votes to be in the running for the award.

Meanwhile the Vodacom Blue Bulls’ last-gasp win in the Vodacom Cup was also reflected in nominations for the competition’s Player of the Year award. Team captain Gerrit-Jan van Velze, fullback Tiger Mangweni and flyhalf Francois Brummer, who kicked the after-the-hooter drop goal against the luckless Vodacom Cheetahs to clinch the R1m first prize, were all among the nominees.

Free State flyhalf Louis Strydom and Sharks No 10 Monty Dumond, who edged the former as the competition’s top scorer, completed the nominations.

The winners of the awards, as well as the rest of the SA Rugby Player of the Year awards, will be announced at the Springbok Banquet on November 2.

The Springboks made a phenomenal start against France at Newlands on Saturday, when they opened the try scoring card in just the second minute of action.

Bryan Habana made the best of a French fumble, brushing off the French defence and offloading to Jaque Fourie, who in turn set it up for Pierre Spies, himself having a lot of work to do, before crossing the chalk for the try.

Less than 6 minutes later, the Springboks set up a maul in French territory, moving the ball towards the touchline, and creating space on the inside. Ricky Januarie drifted inside, popping the ball to Aplon who bounced Maxime Mermoz, stepped Morgan Parra and crossed the line for his first international try, in front of his home crown, and in the process showing why, despite his deminutive size, he deserves to be there.

The Springboks could have scored their 3rd try in the 11th minute, when Ricky Januarie chipped superbly for Kirchner to snatch out of the air, stepping the French defence and making his way towards the French line. Then in true Kirchner style, white line fever ensued and he ignored the the host of Springbok support runners, reaching for the line in the tackle and losing the ball in the process. Luckily for the Springboks, the advantage was being played and the Boks took the 3 points.

11 Minutes gone, and the Springboks were leading 17 – 0. From that point on, it was always going to be difficult for France to come back, and to be honest, the Springboks were too good on the day, whilst the French were nothing better than average, and it never looked as if the French would make any kind of decent comeback. The Highlights will tell you the rest.

My two cents worth:

• John Smit, although suffering from a hamstring injury, is in poor shape at the moment. If he is to lead the Springboks to RWC 2011, which they definitely need him to do, he will have to sort something out soon.
• The home based players were amazing in front of the Newlands faithful. Aplon was full of running and scored some flash tries, but the hero of the night had to be Francois “Flouw” Louw, who did the hard graft, forced 5 turnovers, won a number of penalties and scored a well worked try of his own.
• I’m beginning to sound like a stuck record when I complain about Wynand Olivier’s form in the green and gold. I don’t know what happens to his game, but his defence goes right out the window, and he just isn’t anywhere near the same player he is in Super 14.
• Zane Kirchner once again proved that he isn’t the solution for #15. He screwed up a try with his customary white line fever, and almost gave away another with a deja vu fumble reminiscent of last weeks performance against the Welsh. Ricky Januarie cops a lot of flack in this country. Most of the time it’s warranted, but he was good over the last 2 weekends. One criticism I can make, is that he needs to stop looking around whilst at the base of the breakdown, where he often gets knocked off the ball.

Highlights – Springboks VS France 2010: [WRNrugbynews]

Scorecard:

South Africa: 42

• Tries: Spies, Aplon 2, Steenkamp, Louw
• Conversions: Steyn 3, Pienaar
• Penalties: Steyn 3

France: 17

• Tries: Rougerie, Andreu
• Conversions: Parra, Skrela
• Penalties: Parra

The 2010 Fifa World Cup Soccer kicks off today, and is set to be a monumental success, but soccer isn’t the only sport on this weekend. There are a few matches, of that little game we call rugby, being played. Here are the fixtures and team sheets:

All Blacks VS Ireland:

12 June 2010 19h35 (GMT+12)

All Blacks: 15 Israel Dagg, 14 Cory Jane, 13 Conrad Smith, 12 Benson Stanley, 11 Joe Rokocoko, 10 Daniel Carter, 9 Jimmy Cowan, 8 Kieran Read, 7 Richie McCaw (c), 6 Jerome Kaino, 5 Anthony Boric, 4 Brad Thorn, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Keven Mealamu, 1 Ben Franks.

Replacements: 16 Aled de Malmanche, 17 Neemia Tialata, 18 Sam Whitelock, 19 Victor Vito, 20 Piri Weepu, 21 Aaron Cruden, 22 Zac Guildford.

Ireland: 15 Rob Kearney, 14 Tommy Bowe, 13 Brian O’Driscoll (c), 12 Gordon D’Arcy, 11 Andrew Trimble, 10 Ronan O’Gara, 9 Tomas O’Leary, 8 Jamie Heaslip, 7 David Wallace, 6 John Muldoon, 5 Mick O’Driscoll, 4 Donncha O’Callaghan, 3 John Hayes, 2 Sean Cronin, 1 Cian Healy.

Replacements: 16 John Fogarty, 17 Tony Buckley, 18 Dan Tuohy, 19 Shane Jennings, 20 Eoin Reddan, 21 Jonathan Sexton, 22 Geordan Murphy.

• Date: Saturday 12 June 2010
• Venue: Yarrow Stadium, New Plymouth
• Kick-off: 19h35 (GMT+12)
• Referee: Wayne Barnes (England) 
• Assistant referees: Mark Lawrence (South Africa), James Leckie (Australia) 
• TMO: George Ayoub (Australia)

BSR’ prediction: The All Blacks may not be in their best form ever, but I don’t see Ireland having what it takes to front up to them. All Blacks should take it by atleast 12 points.

Wallabies VS England:

12 June 2010 18h05 AWST (GMT +8)

Wallabies: 15 James O’Connor, 14 Digby Ioane, 13 Rob Horne, 12 Berrick Barnes, 11 Drew Mitchell, 10 Quade Cooper, 9 Luke Burgess, 8 Richard Brown, 7 David Pocock, 6 Rocky Elsom (captain), 5 Nathan Sharpe, 4 Dean Mumm, 3 Salesi Ma’afu, 2 Saia Faingaa, 1 Ben Daley.

Replacements: 16 Huia Edmonds, 17 James Slipper, 18 Mark Chisholm, 19 Matt Hodgson, 20 Will Genia, 21 Peter Hynes, 22 Kurtley Beale.

England: 15 Ben Foden, 14 Mark Cueto, 13 Mike Tindall, 12 Shontayne Hape, 11 Chris Ashton, 10 Toby Flood, 9 Danny Care, 8 Nick Easter, 7 Lewis Moody (captain), 6 Tom Croft, 5 Tom Palmer, 4 Simon Shaw, 3 Dan Cole, 2 Steve Thompson, 1 Tim Payne.

Replacements: 16 George Chuter, 17 David Wilson, 18 Courtney Lawes, 19 James Haskell, 20 Ben Youngs, 21 Jonny Wilkinson, 22 Mathew Tait.

• Date: Saturday 12 June 2010
• Venue: Subiaco Oval, Perth
• Kick-off: 18.05 AWST (GMT+8)
• Expected weather: No clouds and little chance of rain. High of 22°C, low of 5°C
• Referee: Nigel Owens (Wales)
• Assistant referees: Romain Poite (France), Vinny Munro (New Zealand)

BSR’ prediction: England have been bad, really bad, but the squad they are fielding is no joke. Wallabies on the other hand have just come out of a strong Super 14, and played a confidence booster against Fiji last weekend. Wallabies to take it by 12

Springboks VS France

12 June 2010 14h00 (GMT +2)

Springboks: 15 Zane Kirchner, 14 Gio Aplon, 13 Jaque Fourie, 12 Wynand Olivier, 11 Bryan Habana, 10 Morné Steyn, 9 Ricky Januarie, 8 Pierre Spies, 7 François Louw, 6 Schalk Burger, 5 Victor Matfield, 4 Danie Rossouw, 3 BJ Botha, 2 John Smit (captain), 1 Gürthro Steenkamp.

Replacements: 16 Chiliboy Ralepelle, 17 Jannie du Plessis, 18 Flip van der Merwe, 19 Dewald Potgieter, 20 Ruan Pienaar, 21 Juan de Jongh, 22 Jean de Villiers

France: 15 Clement Poitrenaud, 14 Vincent Clerc, 13 David Marty, 12 Maxime Mermoz, 11 Aurélien Rougerie, 10 François Trinh-Duc, 9 Morgan Parra, 8 Julien Bonnaire, 7 Wenceslas Lauret, 6 Thierry Dusautoir (captain), 5 Romain Millo-Chluski, 4 Lionel Nallet, 3 Nicolas Mas, 2 Dimitri Szarzewski, 1 Thomas Domingo.

Replacements: 16 Guilhem Guirado, 17 Jean Baptiste Poux, 18 Julien Pierre, 19 Louis Picamoles, 20 Dimitri Yachvili, 21 David Skrela, 22 Marc Andreu, 23 Luc Ducalcon.

• Date: Saturday 12 June 2010
• Venue: Newlands
• Kick-off: 14h00 (GMT +2)
• Expected weather conditions: Scattered clouds. with a high of 17°C and a northwester of 21 km/h. The possibility of rain in the evening.
• Referee: Bryce Lawrence (New Zealand) 
• Assistant referees: Keith Brown (New Zealand), David Changleng (Scotland)
• TMO: Graham Hughes (England)

BSR’ prediction: The Springboks beat Wales, with a largely under strength team, last wekend. The had a great Super 14, and the team is loaded with experienced Springboks. France on the other hand, are never a walk over. They play the same type of game as the Boks, and have been somewhat of a bogey team for the Boks in recent years. Expect the French to bring it up front. The Springboks should win it at home, by 11 or less.

Argentina VS Scotland:

12 June 2010 15h45 (GMT -3)

Argentina: 15 Martin Rodriguez-Gurruchaga, 14 Lucas Borges, 13 Gonzalo Tiesi, 12 Santiago Fernandez, 11 Horacio Agulla, 10 Felipe Contepomi (captain), 9 Alfredo Lalanne, 8 Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe, 7 Juan Manuel  Leguizamon, 6 Genaro Fessia, 5 Patricio Albacete, 4 Manuel Carizza, 3 Martin Scelzo, 2 Mario Ledesma, 1 Rodrigo Roncero.

Replacements: 16 Agustin Creevy, 17 Marcos Ayerza, 18 Mariano Galarza, 19 Alejandro Campos, 20 Agustin Figuerola, 21 Ignacio Mieres, 22 Lucas Gonzalez-Amorosino.

Scotland: 15 Hugo Southwell, 14 Max Evans, 13 Nick De Luca, 12 Graeme Morrison, 11 Sean Lamont, 10 Dan Parks, 9 Rory Lawson, 8 Johnnie Beattie, 7 John Barclay, 6 Kelly Brown, 5 Alastair Kellock (captain), 4 Jim Hamilton, 3 Moray Low, 2 Ross Ford, 1 Allan Jacobsen

Replacements: 16 Scott Lawson, 17 Geoff Cross, 18 Scott MacLeod, 19 Alasdair Strokosch, 20 Mike Blair, 21 Phil Godman, 22 Jim Thompson

• Date: Saturday12 June 2010
• Venue: José María Fierro, Tucumán
• Kick-off: 15h45 (GMT -3)
• Expected weather: Mostly Cloudy. High: 16°C, low 9°C
• Referee: Dave Pearson (England) 
• Assistant referees: Christophe Berdos (France), Stuart Dickinson (Australia)

BSR’s Prediction: Not having seem much of either team this year, I’m going to stick with a Southern Hemisphere shut out and go with Los Pumas by at least 14.

Viva Bafana Bafana, Viva! Make us proud boys!

The Springboks held their first training session ahead of the France test, at a waterlogged UCT pitch on Tuesday, including a scrum session with legendary Springbok prop, Os du Randt, who has recently been appointed the Sringboks’ scrum coach.

Those of you who couldn’t be there shouldn’t miss out. Here are a few pics of how that unfolded: [Sport24]

Photo by Luke Walker / Gallo Images

The Springboks do some warm up drills

Photo by Luke Walker / Gallo Images

Dick Muir instructs the back line players to ignore what he did with the Lions

Photo by Luke Walker / Gallo Images

Great to see Jean and Jaque reunited. But where will PDV play them?

Photo by Luke Walker / Gallo Images

Will Morne handle the pressure?

Photo by Luke Walker / Gallo Images

Kirchner looking confused. Realistically third in line…

Photo by Luke Walker / Gallo Images

John Smit to make the shift? Worrying times at hooker with Chilliboy

PDV and his assistants have named their Springbok team to face France in a one of match at Newlands this Saturday, 12 June. A number if returning/first choice Springboks have been drafted into the squad after being rested this past weekend, when the Springboks beat Wales 34 – 31 at millenium Stadium, in Cardif

The team announcement sees the return of experienced Springboks: Wynand Olivier, Bryan Habana, Morné Steyn, Pierre Spies, Schalk Burger and Gurthrö Steenkamp.

Jean de Villiers, who missed the Welsh Test because of injury, has been included on the bench, alongside Flip van der Merwe, who will be making his Bok debut should he take to the field.

The inclusion of Flip van der Merwe is due reward for outstanding work during the 2010 Super 14 campaign, but again raises the issue of why Alistair Hargreaves was handed a test cap last week, and excluded this week? It just doesn’t add up.

Springboks vs France: Newlands, Cape Town, Saturday 12 June, 2010

Springbok teamsheet:

15 Zane Kirchner (5 caps)

14 Gio Aplon (1 cap)

13 Jaque Fourie (55 caps)

12 Wynand Olivier (27 caps)

11 Bryan Habana (57 caps)

10 Morné Steyn (12 caps)

9 Ricky Januarie (41 caps)

8 Pierre Spies (28 caps)

7 Francois Louw (1 cap)

6 Schalk Burger (55 caps)

5 Victor Matfield (93 caps)

4 Danie Rossouw (47 caps)

3 BJ Botha (20 caps)

2 John Smit (Capt)  (94 caps)

1 Gurthrö Steenkamp ( 22 caps )

Replacements:

16 Chiliboy Ralepelle (9 caps);  17 Jannie du Plessis (13 caps); 18 Flip van der Merwe (uncapped); 19 Dewald Potgieter (2 caps); 20 Ruan Pienaar (37 caps); 21 Juan de Jongh (1 cap); 22 Jean de Villiers (55 caps)

France teamsheet:

15 Clement Poitrenaud

14 Vincent Clerc

13 David Marty

12 Maxime Mermoz

11 Aurelien Rougerie

10 Francois Trinh-Duc

9 Morgan Parra

8 Julien Bonnaire

7 Wenceslas Lauret

6 Thierry Dusautoir (captain)

5 Romain Millo- Chluski

4 Lionel Nallet

3 Nicolas Mas

2 Dimitri Szarzewski

1 Thomas Domingo.

Replacements: 16 Guilhem Guirado; 17 Jean Baptiste Poux; 18 Julien Pierre; 19 Louis Picamoles; 20 Dimitri Yachvili; 21 David Skrela; 22 Marc Andreu; 23 Luc Ducalcon

Booted out for a much needed break

The Following from Saru: The Springbok selectors have assembled a squad of 27 players for the one-off Test against France at the weekend.

The squad includes 17 players from the match 22 that did duty in the 34-31 victory over Wales in Cardiff last weekend. The excluded players are fullback Frans Steyn, wing Odwa Ndungane, centre Meyer Bosman, No 8 Joe van Niekerk and prop CJ van der Linde.

Butch James, who was withdrawn from the starting XV against Wales for contractual reasons, is retained in the squad as is overseas-based prop BJ Botha.

Nine players have been added to the group – Bakkies Botha, Wynand Olivier, Pierre Spies, Gurthrö Steenkamp, Morné Steyn and Flip van der Merwe of the Vodacom Bulls, Schalk Burger and Bryan Habana of the Vodacom Stormers and Munster’s Jean de Villiers, who was originally selected for the Welsh Test but withdrew with an injured shoulder.

Bulls lock Van der Merwe is the only uncapped player in the squad.

The squad excludes scrumhalf Fourie du Preez, who is to have shoulder surgery on Tuesday.

“Fourie is very important to us but so is his welfare and the time is right for him to sort this injury out,” said coach Peter de Villiers. “We will miss him but it is important that he is available and fit at the world cup next year. We have adequate cover in the scrumhalf position too.”

On the opposition, de Villiers said: “France are the Six Nations champions and they beat us last year so this is a big match. We know they can be dangerous and this will be a tough, tough Test.”

The match 22 to face France at Newlands on Saturday will be named on Tuesday.

Springbok Squad: Bjorn Basson, BJ Botha, Bakkies Botha, Schalk Burger, Juan de Jongh, Jean de Villiers, Jannie du Plessis, Jaque Fourie, Gio Aplon, Bryan Habana, Alistair Hargreaves, Butch James, Ricky Januarie, Ryan Kankowski, Zane Kirchner, Francois Louw, Victor Matfield, Wynand Olivier, Ruan Pienaar, Dewald Potgieter, Chiliboy Ralepelle, Danie Rossouw, John Smit (captain), Pierre Spies, Gurthrö Steenkamp, Morné Steyn, Flip van der Merwe.

A largely experimental Springbok team took on a strong Welsh outfit over the weekend, and came off with a narrow 34 – 31 win, in a bruising game, ten years after the Springboks one and only Welsh defeat.

The Boks were off to a slow start, against a clearly determined Welsh team, who were hungry for, what they thought, would be their best opportunity at a Springbok scalp.

The Welsh had a strong pack and fronted up to the Springboks, who had a tough time getting used to the exceedingly long pause at scrum time. But once they adapted to the referees calls, the Springboks put their scrum hassles aside, and showed the Welsh that they wouldn’t be brushed aside.

Wales started the game well, keeping the Springboks at bay for most of the opening exchanges, kicking a number of penalties, and scoring an intercept try through James Hook, after John Smit was caught in two minds, in mid-field, a place he should never have been in.

The Springboks rallied and came alive after that, realising that they had to start playing with the ball if they were to come off with the win, and avoid recording an embarrassing loss to Wales.

The game had some great contests from both teams. The overall defense was pretty good all round, but it was the Springboks who asked the most questions and came off with a win. Not the best win ever, but a win non the less.

My two cents worth:

• Pause: Pronunciation: \ˈpȯz\ Function: noun; Etymology: Middle English, from Latin pausa, from Greek pausis, from pauein to stop; Date: 15th century : a temporary stop. Somebody should send that to referee, Alan Lewis.
• I felt that it was one of the poorest refereeing displays I have ever seen. The Springbok coaching staff would not have been out of place rehashing the Stormers’ post match complaints from the week before.
• Tom Prydie’s try came from a clear forward pass, right in front of the assistant referee, who chose to ignore it, and advise that the try be awarded.
• When will PDv and his assistants learn that clearing the bench after 60 odd minutes is asking for trouble? Especially in a game with so many inexperienced players and hardly any experienced combinations.
• I am totally against the fact that Alistair Hargreaves took the field, and thus becomes a capped Springbok. There was absolutely no reason for that, and handing out Springbok caps so easily, cheapens it for every player who came before.
• Although Bjorn Basson did well when he took th field, it was also an unnecessary cap. Zane Kirchner is already capped, and could have come on. I’m not convinced that half a season of playing well in Super Rugby, in an underperforming side, warrants Springbok selection.
• That being said, a win is a win, and if we can pull that off with such inexperienced combinations, against such an experienced Welsh outfit, it bades well for Springbok depth.

Wales VS Springboks 2010 Highlights: [tonytai2017]

Scorecard:

South Africa: 34

• Tries: Ndungane, Potgieter, De Jongh
• Conversions: Pienaar 2
• Penalties: Pienaar 4, Steyn

For Wales: 31

• Tries: Hook, Prydie, AW Jones
• Conversions: S Jones 2
• Penalties: S Jones 3
• Drop goals: Hook 1

There may only be three international games being played, but it is sure to be an action packed weekend non the less. Wherever you are watching, I hope the weather is half decent, the braais (bbqs) are ready, and the fridges stocked…. Let’s take a look at the fixtures for 4  -5 June 2010.

Ireland XV VS Barbarians

04 June 2010 19h45 [GMT+1]

Ireland XV: 15 Robert Kearney, 14 Shane Horgan, 13 Gavin Duffy, 12 Fergus McFadden, 11 Andrew Trimble, 10 Ronan O’Gara (captain), 9 Peter Stringer, 8 Chris Henry, 7 Niall Ronan, 6 John Muldoon, 5 Dan Tuohy, 4 Ed O’Donoghue, 3 Tony Buckley, 2 Sean Cronin, 1 Marcus Horan

Replacements: 16 Jerry Flannery, 17 Tom Court, 18 Mick O’Driscoll, 19 David Wallace, 20 Tomas O’Leary, 21 Jonathan Sexton, 22 Paddy Wallace.

Barbarians: 15 Paul Warwick, 14 Cedric Heymans, 13 Casey Laulala, 12 Seru Rabini, 11 David Smith, 10 Brock James, 9 Pierre Mignoni, 8 Xavier Rush (captain), 7 George Smith, 6 Alan Quinlan, 5 Malcolm O’Kelly, 4 Jerome Thion, 3 Census Johnston, 2 Schalk Brits, 1 David Barnes.

Replacements: 16 Benoit August, 17 Julian White, 18 Rodney So’oialo, 19 Martyn Williams, 20 Byron Kelleher, 21 Jean-Baptiste Elissalde, 22 Paul Sackey/Fabrice Estebanez.

• Date: Friday, 04 June 2010
• Venue: Thomond Park
• Kick-off: 19h45 [GMT+1]
• Referee: Romain Poite

Wallabies VS Fiji

05 June 2010 09h40 [GMT]

Australia: 15 Kurtley Beale, 14 Digby Ioane, 13 Rob Horne, 12 Matt Giteau, 11 Adam Ashley-Cooper, 10 Quade Cooper, 9 Luke Burgess, 8 Richard Brown, 7 David Pocock, 6 Rocky Elsom (captain), 5 Nathan Sharpe, 4 Dean Mumm, 3 Salesi Ma’afu, 2 Huia Edmonds, 1 Ben Alexander.

Replacements: 16 Saia Faingaa, 17 Pekahou Cowan, 18 Mark Chisholm, 19 Matt Hodgson, 20 Josh Valentine, 21 Drew Mitchell, 22 James O’Connor.

Fiji: 15 Dan Rawaqa, 14 Jim Nagusa, 13 Saula Radidi, 12 Rupeni Caucaunibuca, 11 Sireli Bobo, 10 Waisea Luveniyali, 9 Emosi Vucago, 8 Jone Qovu, 7 Jim Nakaidawa, 6 Anthony Wise, 5 Dominiko Waqaniburotu, 4 Seko Kalou, 3 Deacon Manu (captain), 2 Talemaitoga Tuapati, 1 Campese Ma’afu.

Replacements: 16 Vili Veikoso, 17 Graham Dewes, 18 Rupeni Nasiga, 19 Samu Bola, 20 Vitori Buatava, 21 Ropate Ratu, 22 Nemani Nadolo.

• Date: Saturday, 05 June 2010
• Venue: Canberra Stadium, Canberra
• Kick-off: 19h40 (09h40 GMT)
• Expected weather: Cloudy. High of 15°C, low of 4°C
• Referee: Peter Fitzgibbon (Ireland)
• Assistant referees: Keith Brown (New Zealand), Vinny Munro (New Zealand)
• TMO: Matt Goddard (Australia)

Wales VS Springboks:

05 June 2010 15h30 [GMT+2]

Wales: 15 Lee Byrne, 14 Leigh Halfpenny, 13 James Hook, 12 Jamie Roberts, 11 Tom Prydie, 10 Stephen Jones, 9 Mike Phillips, 8 Ryan Jones (captain), 7 Sam Warburton, 6 Jonathan Thomas, 5 Deiniol Jones, 4 Bradley Davies, 3 Adam Jones, 2 Matthew Rees, 1 Paul James.

Replacements: 16 Huw Bennett, 17 John Yapp, 18 Alun Wyn Jones, 19 Rob McCusker, 20 Richie Rees, 21 Dan Biggar, 22 Andrew Bishop.

South Africa: 15 Frans Steyn, 14 Gio Aplon, 13 Jaque Fourie, 12 Juan de Jongh, 11 Odwa Ndungane, 10 Ruan Pienaar, 9 Ricky Januarie, 8 Joe van Niekerk, 7 Dewald Potgieter, 6 François Louw, 5 Victor Matfield, 4 Danie Rossouw, 3 BJ Botha, 2 John Smit (captain), 1 CJ van der Linde.

Replacements: 16 Chiliboy Ralepelle, 17 Jannie du Plessis, 18 Alistair Hargreaves, 19 Ryan Kankowski, 20 Meyer Bosman, 21 Zane Kirchner, 22 Bjorn Basson.

• Date: Saturday, 05 June 2010
• Kick-off: 14h30 (13h30 GMT; 15h30 SA time)
• Venue: Millennium Stadium, Cardiff
• Expected weather: Sunny intervals. High of 21°C, low of 11°C
• Referee: Alan Lewis (Ireland)
• Assistant referees: Dave Pearson (England), Robin Goodliffe (England)
• TMO: Jim Yuille (Scotland)

Chomping at the bit

Yesterday we featured the different possibilities for the final Springbok team to face Wales in a one-off test at Millenium Stadium this weekend. The main focus has been whether or not Springbok, Butch James would be allowed to play or not.

It’s been messy to say the least. James has been reported to be in and out (of the squad) more times than a Greenpoint whore. In the end, the bullshit hypocrisy seems to have won, and James has been replaced by Super 14 star, Juan de Jongh.

The following from the Springbok camp:

Uncapped Juan de Jongh has been named in the Springbok team to face Wales in Cardiff on Saturday, replacing Butch James who has been withdrawn because of contractual issues.

The 21-year-old was named in the No 12 jersey when Springbok coach Peter de Villiers confirmed the team at a press conference in Cardiff on Thursday.

“This is almost unbelievable, but it’s an exciting moment for me too,” said De Jongh.

“I feel for Butch, but I must now focus on what the team needs from me on Saturday. It’s good to be playing with experienced players like Ruan and Jaque and my experience playing with Jaque in Vodacom Super 14 will also be a great help.”

Springbok coach Peter de Villiers said he was disappointed at the late change but that it provided a great opportunity for the young centre to prove himself.

“This is a great opportunity for Juan, who has had a fantastic Vodacom Super 14 season. He is a talented player who has held his own in a very tough environment and I have faith in his abilities to make the step up.”

De Jongh is one of three uncapped players from the Vodacom Super 14 finalist Stormers in an otherwise experienced line-up. The other newcomers are wing Gio Aplon and flanker Francois Louw.

Victor Matfield replaces Andries Bekker in the one other change to the starting line-up named on May 22. Zane Kirchner comes on to the bench in place of De Jongh.

James was withdrawn as the Test falls outside the IRB’s designated June “Global Release” window – during which time clubs must release players to their national teams.

SARU hoped to secure the player’s release on Wednesday by virtue of clauses in his contract that allow player release for teams such as the British & Irish Lions and Barbarians. SARU hoped that as no player welfare issue was at stake, James could be similarly released. However Premier Rugby rules prevent the release of players to national unions, except for the final three Saturdays in June.

“SARU, Bath and Butch were all keen to see Butch play but the rule has been strictly enforced,” said Oregan Hoskins, president of the South African Rugby Union (SARU).

“What’s particularly frustrating is that Schalk Brits has just played 33 matches for Saracens and can be released to play for the Barbarians against Ireland this weekend, whereas Butch has played barely a dozen matches this season and he can’t play against Wales.”

Springboks vs Wales – Millennium Stadium, Cardiff, Saturday 5 June, 2010

15. Francois Steyn (Racing Metro) – 36 caps 14. Gio Aplon (Vodacom Stormers) – uncapped 13. Jaque Fourie (Vodacom Stormers) – 54 caps 12. Juan de Jongh (Vodacom Stormers) – uncapped 11. Odwa Ndungane (Sharks) – 6 caps 10. Ruan Pienaar (Sharks) – 36 caps 9. Ricky Januarie (Vodacom Stormers) – 40 caps 8. Joe van Niekerk (Toulon) – 51 caps 7. Dewald Potgieter (Vodacom Bulls) – 1 cap 6. Francois Louw (Vodacom Stormers) – uncapped 5. Victor Matfield (Vodacom Bulls) – 92 caps 4. Danie Rossouw (Vodacom Bulls) – 46 caps 3. BJ Botha (Ulster) – 19 caps 2. John Smit (Sharks, Capt) – 93 caps 1. CJ van der Linde (Leinster) – 58 caps

Reserves: 16. Chiliboy Ralepelle (Vodacom Bulls) – 8 caps 17. Jannie du Plessis (Sharks) – 12 caps 18. Alistair Hargreaves (Sharks) – uncapped 19. Ryan Kankowski (Sharks) – 11 caps 20. Meyer Bosman (Vodacom Cheetahs) – 3 caps 21. Zane Kirchner (Vodacom Bulls) – 4 caps 22. Bjorn Basson (Vodacom Cheetahs) – uncapped

• What do you think of all this?

The Springboks have had a rocky build up to their one-off test against Wales, in Cardiff, this weekend. First Butch James was withdrawn by his English club, Bath, over some bullshit red-tape mumbo jumbo.

Then, Victor Matfield, who is in desperate need of a well deserved break, was flown in as cover for the injured Andries Bekker, who hasn’t quite recovered from his foot injury.

That, coupled with the uncertainty of whether or not Dewald Potgieter and Juan de Jongh will recover in time from their respective injuries, and we have a fruit salad of incidents in the lead up to Saturday’s test.

Throw in the call up of the erratic, kick and hope, Zane Kirchner, as cover for Butch James (God only knows how that works), and you have the cherry on top.

I don’t even want to get into the mind baffling selections of both Chilliboy and Alistair Hargreaves. Yes, I understand Chilliboy is a player of colour, and fits into the process of transformation, but at least Maku has been playing, and has done a decent job when given the chance. As for Hargreaves… Do me a favour! Nuff said

Thankfully John Smit and some other senior Boks are their to settle things down a bit. Granted, John Smit should also be rested, but can you imagine if all this were going on and neither him, nor Matfield were present?

It isn’t all doom and gloom though. The selection of BJ Botha, John Smit and CJ van der Linde in the front row will send shivers down the spine of even the most seasoned opposition. Francois Louw is set to make his much deserved debut on the flank, and Gio Aplon is ready to show Shane Williams that he is the new kid on the block.

A formidable sight - making even the most seasoned opposition KAK themselves

Springbok team, with forced/possible changes:

• Bracketed players representing doubt over fitness.
• / = possible switcheroos due to “unforeseen” circumstances.

15. Francois Steyn (Racing Metro) – 36 caps/Zane Kirchner (Vodacom Bulls) – 4 caps
14. Gio Aplon (Vodacom Stormers) – uncapped
13. Jean de Villiers (Munster) – 55 caps Jaque Fourie (Vodacom Stormers)  – 54 caps
12. Butch James (Bath) – 35 caps/ [Juan de Jongh (Vodacom Stormers) - uncapped]/ Francois Steyn (Racing Metro) – 36 caps/ Meyer Bosman (Vodacom Cheetahs) – 3 caps
11. Odwa Ndungane (Sharks) – 6 caps
10. Ruan Pienaar (Sharks) – 36 caps
9. Ricky Januarie (Vodacom Stormers) – 40 caps
8. Joe van Niekerk (Toulon) – 51 caps/ Ryan Kankowski (Sharks) – 11 caps
7. [Dewald Potgieter (Vodacom Bulls) – 1 cap] Ryan Kankowski (Sharks) – 11 caps/ Joe van Niekerk (Toulon) – 51 caps
6. Francois Louw (Vodacom Stormers) – uncapped
5. Andries Bekker (Vodacom Stormers) – 21 caps Victor Matfield (Vodacom Bulls) – 92 caps
4. Danie Rossouw (Vodacom Bulls) – 46 caps
3. BJ Botha (Ulster) – 19 caps
2. John Smit (Sharks, Capt) – 93 caps
1. CJ van der Linde (Leinster) – 58 caps

Reserves:
16. Chiliboy Ralepelle (Vodacom Bulls) – 8 caps
17. Jannie du Plessis (Sharks) – 12 caps
18. Alistair Hargreaves (Sharks) – uncapped
19. Ryan Kankowski (Sharks) – 11 caps
20. Meyer Bosman (Vodacom Cheetahs) – 3 caps
21. Juan de Jongh (Vodacom Stormers) – uncapped Zane Kirchner (Vodacom Bulls) – 4 caps
22. Bjorn Basson (Vodacom Cheetahs) – uncapped

• Kickoff is Saturday 05 June 2010 at 15h30 [GMT+2]

What are your thoughts on all the politics flying around? How do you see the team selections going? Hand me a beer!