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Rugby Union
Rugby World Cup 2023
Impact of no tests in 2020 for SA's RWC 2023 preparations.
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<blockquote data-quote="SupportingOwnBodyWeight" data-source="post: 1090372" data-attributes="member: 85917"><p>Hi</p><p>It is a very interesting point you raise, as it (lack of tests) will also affect the selections this year. Many pundits and viewers in SA would like to see the form players (Roos, Louw, Fassie, Arendse, etc) rewarded with call-ups and proper game time. The URC, and the Currie Cup to some extent, has seen many young players perform really well against (and with) international players. This is not to exclude the added-value brought by the return of many experience stalwarts (Coetsee, F Steyn, M STeyn, Du Plessis brothers, to name a few) ...who should also be in the Springbok setup.</p><p></p><p>Then add 20+ players applying their trade overseas and the overall outlook isn't so bad. In fact, I believe this group of players will be vital in France 2023.</p><p></p><p>With regards to the Springboks not being favourites amongst global rugby pundits and bookmakers, it's nothing new. They were written off in Japan 2019 before and during the RWC and they managed to pioneer their way to glory by winning the Webb Ellis after a defeat in the group stages. They were again underestimated by the B&I Lions with pundits and bookmakers touting the idea of a whitewash on the cards. Boks proved them wrong again. </p><p></p><p>This is not to say the Boks will always prevail when the odds are against them but they certainly enjoy being the "underdogs".</p><p>Back to the effect of not playing much rugby in 2020, particularly at the highest levels, it will certainly have an effect on "development of playing styles/blooding players/building depth/performance levels". All these were sacrificed to win the series, and so, the tried and trusted methods and personnel were used. It must be said, however, that the overseas contingent helped paper over some cracks with regards to lack of gameplay (at any level) experienced by the local players. Similarly in 2019, they were Rassie's Trump cards, as they brought experience and a set of skills suitable to the Bok cause. The Springbok management were spoilt for choice by the end of the World cup, and so too after the Lions series. This time around they are spoilt for choice 18 months before the next RWC which includes the resurgence of the local players (seen in the URC turn around).... so no, ultimately, I don't believe the Boks will suffer too much from that lapse in game time.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="SupportingOwnBodyWeight, post: 1090372, member: 85917"] Hi It is a very interesting point you raise, as it (lack of tests) will also affect the selections this year. Many pundits and viewers in SA would like to see the form players (Roos, Louw, Fassie, Arendse, etc) rewarded with call-ups and proper game time. The URC, and the Currie Cup to some extent, has seen many young players perform really well against (and with) international players. This is not to exclude the added-value brought by the return of many experience stalwarts (Coetsee, F Steyn, M STeyn, Du Plessis brothers, to name a few) ...who should also be in the Springbok setup. Then add 20+ players applying their trade overseas and the overall outlook isn't so bad. In fact, I believe this group of players will be vital in France 2023. With regards to the Springboks not being favourites amongst global rugby pundits and bookmakers, it's nothing new. They were written off in Japan 2019 before and during the RWC and they managed to pioneer their way to glory by winning the Webb Ellis after a defeat in the group stages. They were again underestimated by the B&I Lions with pundits and bookmakers touting the idea of a whitewash on the cards. Boks proved them wrong again. This is not to say the Boks will always prevail when the odds are against them but they certainly enjoy being the "underdogs". Back to the effect of not playing much rugby in 2020, particularly at the highest levels, it will certainly have an effect on "development of playing styles/blooding players/building depth/performance levels". All these were sacrificed to win the series, and so, the tried and trusted methods and personnel were used. It must be said, however, that the overseas contingent helped paper over some cracks with regards to lack of gameplay (at any level) experienced by the local players. Similarly in 2019, they were Rassie's Trump cards, as they brought experience and a set of skills suitable to the Bok cause. The Springbok management were spoilt for choice by the end of the World cup, and so too after the Lions series. This time around they are spoilt for choice 18 months before the next RWC which includes the resurgence of the local players (seen in the URC turn around).... so no, ultimately, I don't believe the Boks will suffer too much from that lapse in game time. [/QUOTE]
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Impact of no tests in 2020 for SA's RWC 2023 preparations.
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