Wow, Carter only makes things happen that is right in front of him...did you watch the game vs Ireland and Wales...like at all? He was a master class, I'm sure I wouldn't be alone when I say it was the best performance from a fly half this year.
I'd be interested in hearing how you rate Victor Vito, Brad Thorn, Sam Whitelock, Ma'a Nonu, (I know how you rate Conrad Smith) and Joe Rokocoko.
The Super 14 seems to have given South Africa huge confidence, but I think it has to be pointed out, the best talent from South Africa was arguably devided amongst two teams, the Bulls and the Stormers with a combined 20 springboks between them. New Zealand however has key All Blacks spread almost equally amongst four teams eg Blues, Crusaders, Hurricanes and Chiefs. Also players obviously step up much more for the All Blacks. I'm not saying we will defenitly win, however I think many South Africans are over confident.
Bekker and Matfield are class, and at the moment I'd say they are the best two locks in the world. However I rate Brad Thorn as a close third, over Bakkies. I think Sam Whitelock is obviously showing his class. Yes South Africa have the best line out, but I think the advantage will be slight, and NZ should win most of our ball. AB's have a better scrum, especially now Tialata is gone. Woodcock and Franks are awsome and Mealamu played a great game. In the loose forwards I don't think there is much between them at all, certainly not a big advantage. I rate Victor Vito as an outstanding blindside but prefer him at #8, and rest assured, Spies will have no speed or size advantage over Victor Vito, both being 110kgs and Speis only having half an inch on Vito. Speis does have more experience to be fair, but I think if Vito finds his feet in the international level, there will be no advantage at all. At openside, I'll take McCaw over Burger, as would most I think. Both are good players, but McCaw is the best. Jerome Kaino just came off his best form from S14 and will not have any real problems with physicality. That being said, I think Lowe is looking like class and may have a small advantage. If Ried is played at 8, then I'd rate him as one of the on form 8's in world rugby, and has been on great form for NZ lately, and that says alot considering I hated him when he started. Him being the only back up openside is a scary notion though. The strength in SA's loose forwards is depth, and with Messam as a back up blind side, there could well be some chances for SA to dominate if injuries come into it.
I think if NZ's backs are firing, than we'll win. The problem is, I think SA have a good enough defensive game to close down a lot of attack, it will take something special to break the line. If de Jongh is playing 12, I'll be interested to see how he will contain Ma'a Nonu. I think Carter has a better running game and I'd argue he is more creative than Steyn by a fair bit. Steyn has a very good kicking game and plays a much more structured role, which I think suits SA. I've already said I think Steyn vs Carter will be one of the greatest battles in rugby history.
Any way as I've said, I predict an AB win by 7 points, I'll go with 25-32. I could well be wrong, and am sure it will be a great two games.