[2014 TRC] South Africa v Argentina in Pretoria (16/08/2014)

[big ginger 8]

Haven't been able to find the Argentina squad for this championship. Any idea if Santiago Cordero is in the team? I like the look of him, even if he's a bit small.

He's not in the squad somewhat surprisingly for me at least.

 

[Jaguares]

Haven't been able to find the Argentina squad for this championship. Any idea if Santiago Cordero is in the team? I like the look of him, even if he's a bit small.

No, he isn't.

Outside backs: Horacio Agulla, Gonzalez Amorosino, Manuel Montero and Joaquin Tuculet.

But Hernandez can play at 15 and Tuculet can play at wing. I think if the Agulla's injury had been more time in advance they would have called to Cordero.

 

[Groundhog]

Apparently Sky Sports is free on Saturday for the first round. Handy out.

 

[SomeOke]

Incredibly keen for this, can't wait for the squad announcement, interested to see what it's going to look like particularly the back line. My heart wants Pollard to start but my head says Sias/Lambie/Goosen/Jantjies have all hurt me before and I should perhaps calm down on my optimism. Also I'm incredibly excited for de Allende, I have a sneaking feeling he will start but if we play with Hougard and Lambie on the bench there should at least be space for him anyway should he not. Hopefully our line-outs can function without Vic!

Even if we have Pienaar, Steyn, de Villiers and Serf (wouldn't be too surprised. and also not that disappointed) at least our outside backs are a pleasure to watch. Hendricks, Habana and le Roux have some real sting in them.

 

[Bada-Bing!]

Likely starting lineup for the Boks:

http://www.theroar.com.au/2014/08/13/damian-de-allende-set-earn-test-debut-pumas/

1. Tendai Mtawarira (186cm, 120kg)
2. Bismarck du Plessis (189cm, 114kg)
3. Frans Malherbe (190cm, 124kg)
4. Eben Etzebeth (205cm, 125kg)
5. Lood de Jager (206cm, 125kg)
6. Francois Louw (190cm, 114kg)
7. Willem Alberts (192cm, 120kg)
8. Duane Vermeulen (193cm, 116kg)

9. Ruan Pienaar (187cm, 90kg)
10. Handre Pollard (189cm, 96kg)
11. Bryan Habana (180cm, 94kg)
12. Jean de Villiers (190cm, 103kg)
13. Damian de Allende (189cm, 105kg)
14. Cornall Hendricks (188cm, 90kg)
15. Willie le Roux (185cm, 90kg)

16. Jannie du Plessis (188cm, 121kg)
17. Gurthro Steenkamp (188cm, 125kg)
18. Adriaan Strauss (184cm, 111kg)
19. Bakkies Botha (203cm, 124kg)
20. Marcell Coetzee (191cm, 109kg)
21. Francois Hougaard (180cm, 93kg)
22. Morne Steyn (184cm, 93kg)
23. Jan Serfontein (187cm 98kg)

 

[TRF_heineken]

Likely starting lineup for the Boks:

http://www.theroar.com.au/2014/08/13/damian-de-allende-set-earn-test-debut-pumas/

1. Tendai Mtawarira (186cm, 120kg)
2. Bismarck du Plessis (189cm, 114kg)
3. Frans Malherbe (190cm, 124kg)
4. Eben Etzebeth (205cm, 125kg)
5. Lood de Jager (206cm, 125kg)
6. Francois Louw (190cm, 114kg)
7. Willem Alberts (192cm, 120kg)
8. Duane Vermeulen (193cm, 116kg)

9. Ruan Pienaar (187cm, 90kg)
10. Handre Pollard (189cm, 96kg)
11. Bryan Habana (180cm, 94kg)
12. Jean de Villiers (190cm, 103kg)
13. Damian de Allende (189cm, 105kg)
14. Cornall Hendricks (188cm, 90kg)
15. Willie le Roux (185cm, 90kg)

16. Jannie du Plessis (188cm, 121kg)
17. Gurthro Steenkamp (188cm, 125kg)
18. Adriaan Strauss (184cm, 111kg)
19. Bakkies Botha (203cm, 124kg)
20. Marcell Coetzee (191cm, 109kg)
21. Francois Hougaard (180cm, 93kg)
22. Morne Steyn (184cm, 93kg)
23. Jan Serfontein (187cm 98kg)

don't you just want to wait an hour and a half when the team will be announced?

 

[Bada-Bing!]

don't you just want to wait an hour and a half when the team will be announced?

Right, did not know the team would be announced so soon. Anyway, will be good to see how this likely team compares to the actual team announced.

 

[TRF_stormer2010]

Likely starting lineup for the Boks:

http://www.theroar.com.au/2014/08/13/damian-de-allende-set-earn-test-debut-pumas/

1. Tendai Mtawarira (186cm, 120kg)
2. Bismarck du Plessis (189cm, 114kg)
3. Frans Malherbe (190cm, 124kg)
4. Eben Etzebeth (205cm, 125kg)
5. Lood de Jager (206cm, 125kg)
6. Francois Louw (190cm, 114kg)
7. Willem Alberts (192cm, 120kg)
8. Duane Vermeulen (193cm, 116kg)

9. Ruan Pienaar (187cm, 90kg)
10. Handre Pollard (189cm, 96kg)
11. Bryan Habana (180cm, 94kg)
12. Jean de Villiers (190cm, 103kg)
13. Damian de Allende (189cm, 105kg)
14. Cornall Hendricks (188cm, 90kg)
15. Willie le Roux (185cm, 90kg)

16. Jannie du Plessis (188cm, 121kg)
17. Gurthro Steenkamp (188cm, 125kg)
18. Adriaan Strauss (184cm, 111kg)
19. Bakkies Botha (203cm, 124kg)
20. Marcell Coetzee (191cm, 109kg)
21. Francois Hougaard (180cm, 93kg)
22. Morne Steyn (184cm, 93kg)
23. Jan Serfontein (187cm 98kg)

Apart from Pienaar that would be ideal!!!

don't you just want to wait an hour and a half when the team will be announced?

Spoil-sport! Not everyone can be as patient you know; some of us live for 'what if' XV's, for the consideration the potentiality of things.

 

[TRF_heineken]

Apart from Pienaar that would be ideal!!!



Spoil-sport! Not everyone can be as patient you know; some of us live for 'what if' XV's, for the consideration the potentiality of things.

Well I'm sitting in anticipation waiting for the team to be announced on SS Blitz... I have my walka in front of me

The Springbok team to face Argentina in Pretoria is:

15. Willie le Roux 15 tests 35 points
14. Cornal Hendricks 3 tests 10 points
13. Damian de Allende 0 tests 0 points
12. Jean de Villiers (captain) 96 tests 125 points
11. Bryan Habana 97 tests 275 points
10. Handré Pollard 1 test 13 points
9. Ruan Pienaar 76 tests 130 points
8. Duane Vermeulen 19 tests 10 points
7. Willem Alberts 32 tests 35 points
6. Francois Louw 30 tests 25 points
5. Lood de Jager 3 tests 10 points
4. Bakkies Botha 79 tests 35 points
3. Jannie du Plessis 54 tests 5 points
2. Bismarck du Plessis (vice-captain) 60 tests 45 points
1. Tendai Mtawarira 55 tests 10 points

Substitutes:
16. Adriaan Strauss 34 tests 25 points
17. Trevor Nyakane 4 tests 5 points
18. Frans Malherbe 2 tests 0 points
19. Eben Etzebeth 23 tests 0 points
20. Marcell Coetzee16 tests 10 points
21. Francois Hougaard 28 tests 20 points
22. Morné Steyn 56 tests 660 points
23. Jan Serfontein 12 tests 5 points

 

[SomeOke]

Awesome team, Heineke Meyer haters gonna hate.

Obviously Pienaar is perhaps less than ideal but Hougard isn't much better, backline is brimming with potential to rip teams apart. Bakkies starting makes sense considering Eben's recent injury. The only other change I would perhaps make is Coetze for Alberts, seeing as Coetze is on better form and Alberts would be great from the bench but to be fair on Alberts he performs really well for the Bokke on a regular basis.

 

[TRF_stormer2010]

I havn't been as happy about a Bok line0up in a while. Sure, it's not ideal but that is mostly due to injuries; Etzebeth and Malherbe on the bench as precautions since Etzebeth in particular is coming off a massive injury lay-off for instance and FdP being injured as another example but man, both Pollard AND De Allende getting starts so early!! Thank you, HM!

And if you take into consideration the guys not chosen here for whatever reason;
Brits, Redelinghuys, PSdT, Matfield, Arno Botha, Juan Smith, FdP, JPP.. yes, things are coming together nicely.

Just that back-up to FdP.. can Pienaar and/or Hougaard come right? Well, they are getting opportunities and I really do believe both are talented and it's just a case of minor changes to their games.. one can only hope!

 

[TRF_heineken]

Awesome team, Heineke Meyer haters gonna hate.

Obviously Pienaar is perhaps less than ideal but Hougard isn't much better, backline is brimming with potential to rip teams apart. Bakkies starting makes sense considering Eben's recent injury. The only other change I would perhaps make is Coetze for Alberts, seeing as Coetze is on better form and Alberts would be great from the bench but to be fair on Alberts he performs really well for the Bokke on a regular basis.

I wouldn't change a thing. I understand why he picked Pienaar ahead of Hougaard.

Also I don't see the merits in picking Coetzee in Albert's place. Marcell is an openside like Flouw.

 

[TRF_stormer2010]

I just realized again we are gonna see both Pollard and De Allende start!!!!! WHooop! With Le Roux and Hendricks there as creative players as well, I reckon the likes of JdV and Habana will shine in a new positive atmosphere.

Just very exciting to see a competent and 'contemporary' back line develop at the back of what is already a quality pack with a lot of depth (though we are still working on the deoth at prop).

 

[Feicarsinn]

Apparently Sky Sports is free on Saturday for the first round. Handy out.

Sound! Do I just need to tune in on my UPC box or is there some other bs to do.

 

[Icemn]

15. Willie le Roux 15 tests 35 points
14. Cornal Hendricks 3 tests 10 points
13. Damian de Allende 0 tests 0 points
12. Jean de Villiers (captain) 96 tests 125 points
11. Chase 97 tests 275 points
10. Handré Pollard 1 test 13 points
9. Kick 76 tests 130 points
8. Stampkar 19 tests 10 points
7. Stampkar 32 tests 35 points
6. Stampkar 30 tests 25 points
5. Stampkar 3 tests 10 points
4. Stampkar 79 tests 35 points
3. Stampkar 54 tests 5 points
2. Stampkar (vice-captain) 60 tests 45 points
1. Stampkar 55 tests 10 points

 

[Imagine]

This is a damn good team, HM really came through with a fresh team sheet. WP SIR!!!!!!!!! My only hope at this point, is that Pienaar hit's the form of his life and really steps up to the challenge of filling the void left by FdP. Because if we don't get good quick ball at the break down and distribute down the line well, we can say goodbye to meaningful run's from our 22 as well anywhere else on the field really. Just out of curiosity, how well are we expecting the scrums to go?

Anyway, this is a great team and I am really looking forward to seeing it in action this Saturday

 

[SomeOke]

15. Willie le Roux 15 tests 35 points
14. Cornal Hendricks 3 tests 10 points
13. Damian de Allende 0 tests 0 points
12. Jean de Villiers (captain) 96 tests 125 points
11. Chase 97 tests 275 points
10. Handré Pollard 1 test 13 points
9. Kick 76 tests 130 points
8. Stampkar 19 tests 10 points
7. Stampkar 32 tests 35 points
6. Stampkar 30 tests 25 points
5. Stampkar 3 tests 10 points
4. Stampkar 79 tests 35 points
3. Stampkar 54 tests 5 points
2. Stampkar (vice-captain) 60 tests 45 points
1. Stampkar 55 tests 10 points

Someone bitter because they jumped ship, and South Africa's really beginning to play some great rugby?

 

[TRF_stormer2010]

15. Willie le Roux 15 tests 35 points
14. Cornal Hendricks 3 tests 10 points
13. Damian de Allende 0 tests 0 points
12. Jean de Villiers (captain) 96 tests 125 points
11. Chase 97 tests 275 points
10. Handré Pollard 1 test 13 points
9. Kick 76 tests 130 points
8. Stampkar 19 tests 10 points
7. Stampkar 32 tests 35 points
6. Stampkar 30 tests 25 points
5. Stampkar 3 tests 10 points
4. Stampkar 79 tests 35 points
3. Stampkar 54 tests 5 points
2. Stampkar (vice-captain) 60 tests 45 points
1. Stampkar 55 tests 10 points

Despite being a little offended and having to keep myself from arguing that there is a lot more to our pack I have to admit that made me LOL, well played, Icemn. +1

This is a damn good team, HM really came through with a fresh team sheet. WP SIR!!!!!!!!! My only hope at this point, is that Pienaar hit's the form of his life and really steps up to the challenge of filling the void left by FdP. Because if we don't get good quick ball at the break down and distribute down the line well, we can say goodbye to meaningful run's from our 22 as well anywhere else on the field really. Just out of curiosity, how well are we expecting the scrums to go?

Anyway, this is a great team and I am really looking forward to seeing it in action this Saturday

Pienaar is the obvious weak link as we've not seen him play at any sort of pace worthy of being called 'pace' in a dark green jersey. Him stepping up too much to hope for? I suppose we'll have to wait and see. I'm just hoping he doesn't butcher it for Pollard and De Allende in these early games for them.

As for the scrums, I simply have no idea. I was thinking Beast and JdP have been looking just plain tired of late but the Argentine tight 5 are missing a few key men so we might get away with it.

On a bit of a side note. 10) Pollard, 13) De Allende... my wife might start watching rugby again because she commented during the one SR game she watched with me that these boys are kinda goodlookin.

 

[big ginger 8]

Pienaar should suit playing with a young 10. He's used to running a young backline that is a pretty damn good one.

 

[Imagine]

Pienaar should suit playing with a young 10. He's used to running a young backline that is a pretty damn good one.

When people refer to him as "Ruan 'the game' Pienaar", it's not because he's well respected.
But on you're point, we all know he plays well for his club, what we don't understand is why he cannot recreate that form or improve on it for the Boks. He is the reverse Nonu!!!!!