1 214m above sea level - you do the math

One can’t help but  think that the Springboks have a pretty good chance of wrapping up the series at Loftus tomorrow. Now again, I don’t want to talk out of turn, but to think that the B&I Lions can cut it at altitude is a bit far fetched.

Like John Smit said in yesterday’s Cape Times, “They will discover the difference when their lungs start burning”

South Africa is in the unique position of having the countries stronghold of rugby situated at altitude, roughly 1 214m above sea level, and hopefully tomorrow we will exploit that advantage against the B&I Lions.

Can the locals fans outshine the tourists?

Loftus is also one of the only stadiums in the world were the local support might be able to outshine the B&I Lions support when it comes to dressing up or wearing team colours. Lets hope the Bulls supporters all have their Springbok gear on tomorrow.

I’m a bit worried about referee Christophe  Berdos after last weeks TMO fiasco. The B&I Lions may be at an advantage this week with the Northern Hemisphere referee and his interpretation of the laws, especially at the breakdown. I do however feel that the Loftus factor of playing at altitude will outweigh this though.

I feel a bit sorry for Heinrich Brussow after a great showing in last weeks test. It was clear for all to see that the turnaround started once he left the field. I have stated before that I’m a big fan of Schalk Burger, but I feel it would have been better to introduce him from the bench this week, especially after such a long lay off. It is his 50th test cap though, so I do understand. Let’s hope Brussouw gets a decent amount of time on the field to poach the B&I Lions ball once fatigue starts hitting them hard.

Another factor that I feel will influence the game is the number of Bulls players on the team sheet:

• Victor Matfield
• Bakkies Botha
• Pierre Spies
• Fourie Du Preez
• Brian Habana
• Morne Steyn
• Danie Rossouw
• Chiliboy Ralepelle

Majority of them either senior players in the Springbok squad, or game breakers. One has to think that Morne Steyn will take the field with some time left to play. Will we see more of those long range drop-goals to seal the game, and effectively the series?

Adi Jacobs, as good as he is, was uncharacteristically shown up on defence last week. I think he can feel lucky to be starting again this week. I would have liked to have seen Jacques Fourie starting next to Jean De Villiers this week to rekindle that tested centre combination. I stand by what I have said before about Wynand Olivier not performing to his full potential when wearing the Green and Gold jumper, but perhaps it would have been best to include him on the team sheet for this weeks game at Loftus.

Love him or hate him, you know Francois Steyn is going to fancy himself to have a few long range attempts. Personally he is one of the players I’m most excited to see in tomorrows game. I feel he did quite well last week, with one of two minor kinks here and there. Let’s hope he’s ironed those out though.

I’d put my money on the Boks kickers targeting the young B&I Lions #11, Luke Fitzgerald, see how he handles those high kicks. No matter what story the B&I Lions try to spin, altitude is a whole other ball game.

I’m going to be bold and say Springboks 37 – 17 B&I Lions. Kickoff is at 15h00 SA time for those of you who still just don’t get it. Go Bokke!