@FrontRowRugbyXV Another big difference is that SA played long distance away matches against AU and NZ. NZ and AU is like Joburg to Cape Town. The biggest problem though was and still is AU or NZ refs in SA-AU/NZ games. The 50-50’s, 75-25’s go against SA.
@bensmithrugby 2003 was the height of transformation in SA. That’s done now. This is a new SA without the need for a quota system anymore. SA is stronger now than when they ruled the rugby world prior to the isolation years.
@mark_keohane@Springboks On a serious note, Cheslin should move to the centres, or stop side stepping opponent wings. In rugby, wings were never supposed to step. Perhaps WR can mandate ankle boots if he does it again on the wings.
@CliftonvilleRd@PlanetRugby SA will just put 3x PSDTs in the front row. Good luck in open play…Weak teams frequently infringe in the scrums deliberately. So naive to argue that it is just weakness.
@PlanetRugby It’s naive to assume that weakness is the only problem in scrums. Weak teams will just game the system…Rugby is about to go broke with stupid changes.
@EmilyMaher11084@Oldsuliansrfc The world was a much different place back then. Social media was not yet what it is today. Today there is no objective truth or underlying set of values. It is not just Saffas that take things too far online, they have a much bigger population than NZ so naturally make more noise
@ChalynRugby Genuine Q, what’s the obsession with not playing 80 mins? Is it supporting teams with no depth, do not understand biology, don’t get strategy, dynamic game plan, a problem with just being smart in general? Fossil thinking? Sacha at his worst still sells the game better than most!
@bensmithrugby Steve Hansen never had to work with a transitioning rugby community with political selection pressures. Prior to the abolishment of apartheid, SA had a positive H2H against every country. It takes 20-30 years to stand up a new rugby superpower. SA is now stronger than ever!
@mark_keohane@BlueBullsRugby@Springboks I won’t be renewing my URC subscription next year. This tournament has serious integrity issues. The bias is clear and obvious, not just in this case. The refereeing is corrupt at best.
@rugbyworldcup Been following rugby for 50 years, and have never seen any player like Naas Botha. He is the first name on any team I would pick. Dan at 12 in that same team for me. Dan was great all round, but Naas was a single person match winning strategic genius.
@RassieRugby why not just play Willie at 10? DW at 15, Manie as replacement 10. Backline versatility through GW, CK, KLA and Willie. AE and LA in the centres. It would strengthen our defense and attack, with vision, distribution and speed in the right areas.