Well, this game will be very interesting in my opinion.
On one hand, both teams have had a great June series. I'd say based on thje June series, there is not much in it between the teams. I can't see this being a repeat of last year because both Dan Carter and Richie McCaw are back and on form, while SA have lost Fourie du Preez. While SA have an advantage at the lineout, I back a Woodcock/Ben Franks scrum to better the South African's scrum. The loose forwards will be interesting. South Africa have plenty of depth in the loose forwards and a comination of Burger, Lowe and Spies looks impressive. New Zealand would be best off with starting Vito, McCaw and Ried which is a pretty decent combo, and both McCaw and Ried and in great form, so I think it will come down to how well Vito performs. It's not as much of a gap between the loose forwards as several SA believe, however while the quality of the loose forwards is simular, SA does seem to have a bit more depth atm. NZ shoiuld only hope Liam Messam does not get much time on the field, as he is a messy player.
For the first time in a while, I'd say NZ have an advantage over SA at scrum half, with du Preez done, I'll take Jimmy over Ricky, although I do rate Ricky highly.
The best rugby battle on the day will be DANIEL CARTER vs MORNE STEYN. This will be one hell of a match up, as Carter has found some form again, while Steyn is also firing. This will be the best Tri Nations contest I think I've ever seen.
In the wings, I'd say NZ is perhaps a little bit more lucky, although Aplon is in hot form and Habana is Habana. I think if NZ have Joe Rokocoko and Cory Jane on the the wings then we'll be fine, but Hosea Gear would have made NZ a brilliant attacking team.
In the centres, I like Nonu and Smith over any other centre combination, however a de Jongh and Fourie would be good. I don't think de Villiers is still as lethal as he once was, so I'd make the change.
At fullback, you could pick Israel Dagg, Mils or Cory Jane and still do better than Kirshner. NZ has too much talent in the back 3, that just to pick them is hard enough, but Kirshner is going to put up a load of up-and-unders, which Mils and Jane can field all day.
Anyway, I'll say AB's to win by 7 points, but who knows, maybe this South African confidence will produce a great win.
That is my very messy thoughts on the upcoming game.
P.S How can you say something is a very good prediction before the game has been played? lol.
