The Silver Fern

@Smuts said in Springboks v Barbarians:

They both looked bang average. In fairness to Sotutu he was playing in a well beaten pack. But he didn’t seem to take the fight to the boks which is what I’d have expected from a guy playing to prove something to the selectors.

Edit to add that whatever @Mauss saw from Sotutu at the breakdown was too subtle for me. Nothing like another Auckland 8 criticized for being afraid of doing the hard graft, Zinny, getting stuck into the bok pack when they got the upper hand in Joburg in 97 say

I’ll agree that it was probably too subtle to make much of a difference in terms of selection. It just looked, to me, like he was trying to make some small adjustments to his game.

I’ve always interpreted the selectors’ critiques of Sotutu as being an issue of body height, especially around the breakdown and contact. Sotutu has a tendency to stay on his feet as much as he can, even when he’s cleaning the ruck, in order to ‘stay alive’ on attack and remain a viable support option. The problem is that this kind of cleaning can lead to weak shoulders and underpowered cleans.

In the game, I saw a few rucks where Sotutu actually went off his feet (in a good way), making dominant cleans with his shoulder. It might not be anything at all, but I felt like Sotutu has made an effort throughout the SR season to adjust his body height, in trying to be more effective around the attacking breakdown and play a more conventional loose forward-role in those areas.

I don’t think Sotutu is ever going to be a number 8 who revels in the nitty-gritty of Test rugby, and I’m pretty sure he’s not going to become Zinzan Brooke all of a sudden. You select Sotutu for his carrying abilities, lineout work and his unique vision and skills on attack. I think it’s pretty clear now what he does and doesn’t offer.

@Nepia no need to apologize.

The PR on Rassie’s doctorate:

“In addition to his visionary leadership, he has also shown an unwavering commitment to the Sport Transformation Charter – which is included in the Strategic Plan of the Department of Sport and Recreation – that has resulted in a systematic change in the development of talent and skills across the national rugby spectrum.

Erasmus has shown himself to be a nation builder of whom the country can be proud.

“Rassie embodies the principles of resilience, determination and teamwork that we at the North-West University hold dear in our educational mission. His contributions to South Africa, both as a rugby strategist and as a nation builder, serve as a shining example of what can be achieved when passion, dedication and visionary leadership come together. This esteemed recognition is not only well deserved, but also a testament to the remarkable contributions and exceptional impact Rassie has made in the field of sport and innovative sports management,” said Bert Sorgdrager, Council chairperson.

“His commitment to inclusivity and transformation in sport has not only revitalised rugby but has served as a powerful symbol of reconciliation and unity in a nation with a complex history. Under his guidance, the Springboks not only achieved rugby greatness, but also became a unifying force, bringing together people of all backgrounds and beliefs. His emphasis on teamwork, discipline and dedication has resonated far beyond the sports arena, offering life lessons that inspire not only aspiring athletes, but also individuals in their everyday lives. He has meaningfully used his sphere of influence to advocate for social change, fostering an environment in which diversity and inclusivity are celebrated, and differences are seen as strengths rather than weaknesses,” Sorgdrager concluded.”

@OomPB he’s been there since before RWC2023

@Snowy said in Scotland vs Springboks:

@Machpants said in Scotland vs Springboks:

Henry IV.

Macbeth one I know is not so relevant for a time of release

How now, you secret, black, and midnight hags?

A Springbok thread so:

"Is this a dagger which I see before me up Victor Matfield's arm band?"

I beg for justice, which you, Prince, must give. World Rugby banned Bakkies; World Rugby must not live

PSdT deservedly MOTM performance. That try looked like a knock, so was freakish. He had a perfect game. Glad Eben got this. Libbok after a week of critics played well.

There's a bit of historical revision going on in this thread, a sort of Bok to the Future.

No draw option available ?

@Kruse six months is the going rate for doing something more or less everyone else is doing ineffectually (but according to Rugby’s sumptuary etiquette) in a way that is effective but aggravates the pearlclutchers.

And Aussie fans should be delighted if their coach catches 6 hard - every other coach who has, has gone on to win the next RWC.

Sadly, doubt Joe was gaming the subs. Nothing I’ve seen from teams he’s coached suggests he has the nuts and/or diabolical cunning. Which is a shame. Rugby needs a devilishly cunning Aussie team prepared to do whatever it takes to win completely. fuck up the scrum for two decades to win five or six games - of course, sandpaper cricket balls, bowl underarm, sing Waltzing Matilda after the Haka - if it means a single, one point win over Georgia, yes 100%.

Playing in the URC give the big benefit of getting use to the NH refs. Our teams struggled in the first 6 month but had to adopt or die.

Squidge take. My take the boks are looking ominous as fuck

@Bones said in Springboks v Wales (Twickenam):

@MiketheSnow said in Springboks v Wales (Twickenam):

@Bones said in Springboks v Wales (Twickenam):

@MiketheSnow said in Springboks v Wales (Twickenam):

PSDT hand on the floor at nearly every scrum

Haven't watched the video so maybe missing something, but not sure I follow what the issue is unless he's moved to prop?

Perhaps I don’t know the laws

Hands on floor allowed during set up

From engagement, no?

I'd always assumed binding on the opposition is only the front row, never considered flankers weren't allowed their free arm to be on the floor.

Same. Would be odd to penalise that. No advantage achieved if a flanker has his hand on the ground.

@DaGrubster forgive him. He hasn’t had your opportunity to learn the humility that comes with 24 years anguished waiting between drinks.

@Rapido that sounds about right...knew there was some change and figures bandied about...memory ain't what it used to be....

@MajorRage said in RWC Final: All Blacks v Springboks:

And they say kiwis are one eyed about their rugby ….

What sort of a bubble do you live in to think this what EVERYBODY wanted???

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/68166214

To be fair the worst supporters of any country are guilty of this kind of wank speak.

It is a bit surprising it is a player saying it though.

Indeed. Instead they are moral high ground claiming, hard done by kants!

@nostrildamus said in RWC QF: France v South Africa:

@canefan said in RWC QF: France v South Africa:

@nostrildamus said in RWC QF: France v South Africa:

@pakman said in RWC QF: France v South Africa:

Mark Donlon  /  Mar 11  /  The Lineout World Rugby identify FIVE refereeing mistakes from controversial France-South Africa clash World Rugby identify FIVE refereeing mistakes from controversial France-South Africa clash

World Rugby have admitted to five mistakes in the Rugby World Cup quarter-final match between France and South Africa following referee Ben O'Keeffe's

3-2 errors, a card each, nearly balances out?

Do they want go back and run the rule over Wayne Barnes' performance in the 2007 France/ABs match?

I doubt it but would be a popular move by some Kiwis 🙂
Was this WR refereeing report a leak or a public release?

Alleged leak, no proof. Might well be fake

@W32 said in RWC Week 4: Springboks v Tonga:

This reminds me of my first meeting with an Australian. I was in Israel and met a young Australian about my age. This was 30 years ago. When he heard that I was from South Africa, he said “ you’re a racist”
I was shocked and affronted. I guess he didn’t know about what happened to the aborigines in his own country.

Better than being called a sheep fůcker during all of high school. And a Nazi because I'm half German. You got off easy!