The Springbok team to face Ireland has been announced. Deon Stegmann is the only debutant in the team, and will start in the 6 jersey. Should Jean de Villiers not pass a late fitness test, Pat Lambie will join Stegmann as the second new Springbok.
The backline makes for interesting reading as Aplon is played in the fullback position, with regular fullback Zane Kirchner filling the outside centre jersey, completely out of position. Should Jean de Villiers be fit, he will partner Kirchner on the inside. If not, we will see a brand new centre pairing with Pat Lambie on the inside of Kirchner. The wings are a mix of the old and the new, with Bjorn Basson taking the 14 jersey, and Bryan Habana taking his regular spot. Morne Steyn is at his pivot position, and will be partnered by the Tiger Woods of rugby, Ruan Pienaar in the halfbacks.
As mentioned, Stegmann will make his debut in the 6 jersey and will join Juna Smith and Pierre Spies in the loosies. The tight five are the expected combinations of Bulls locks and Sharks front row.
On the bench we see Chiliboy and CJ van der Linde covering the front row, with the other Bulls lock Flip van der Merwe covering the locks. Willem Alberts, if fit, could make his debut from the bench, if not, another Shark in Keegan Daniel might finally get his turn. Francois Hougaard will cover the scrumhalf position from the bench, along with the only fit centre in the squad, Adi Jacobs. The last jersey will either go to Pat Lambie, should Jean de Villiers be fit, or to another Shark debutant, Lwazi Mvovo.
The team:
15. Gio Aplon
14. Bjorn Basson
13. Zane Kirchner
12. Jean de Villiers / Pat Lambie
11. Bryan Habana
10. Morne Steyn
9. Ruan Pienaar
8. Pierre Spies
7. Juan Smith
6. Deon Stegmann
5. Victor Matfield (Captain)
4. Bakkies Botha
3. Jannie du Plessis
2. Bismarck du Plessis
1. Beast Mtawarira
Replacements:
16. Chiliboy Ralepelle
17. CJ van der Linde
18. Flip van der Merwe
19. Willem Alberts / Keegan Daniel
20. Francois Hougaard
21. Adi Jacobs
22. Pat Lambie/ Lwazi Mvovo
Wow, can’t wait to see the comments for this.
Keegan being cheated
no kanko, not even on the bench.
am I just biased and do not see how spies is better.
choice of crusty at 13 really boggles the mind.
I guess Aplon and Basson do not need to worry about doing anything wrong – they will hardly see the ball.
how the frik do you put kirchner (who sucks ass at his normal position) AT CENTER!!!!!????
@rekinek (Comment 3) : I’ve said this a few times, but I think Spies and Kanko offer the same. Very similar players, whereas Alberts (if he’s fit) will bring a completely different game type.
@jessi (Comment 5) : think about it – can he suck more at centre
Good luck Bokke !
@rekinek (Comment 3) : The argument of whether Kanko/Spies should start is valid, having them both in the same 22 is another thing.
I’m hoping, later on, that Alberts starts with kanko/spies on the bench. Alberts will beat them down and Kanko will come on and run them ragged.
p.s. Obviously, in my dream situation it’d be Vermeulen instead, but I’ve conceded that for now.
Mistake having Zane on at outside centre.
Stegmann will do fine but Keegan has been outstanding this CC.
Surprised to see no Kanko not even on the bench.
@molly (Comment 6) : agreed. the sharks loosies always look better with a basher be it alberts or deysel.
but my question is if spies and kanko are so similar why is spies preferred. they both tend to disappear in tight games and both have a speed. Kanko also can be very physical so why always spies. i do not know what he has what kanko doesn’t. and this is a serious question on my part.
@molly (Comment 9) : I have no problem with Alberst ahead of Kanko on the bench. I have a BIG problem with Spies being anywhere near the 22 when Kanko isn’t in it.
Sharks loose trio is the best in the land. Should be starting with Keegan/Smith/Kanko and have Alberts on the bench. Stegmann and Spies can “complement each other” by holding matching tackle bags.
not sure how you justify Sideshow Bob in an unfamiliar position against Jacobs who has played more than 30 tests there…
You guys KNOW Div has his favourites… Spies being one of them.
Also, and Rob I said this on twitter. The Bulls have had a good rest, the Sharks just came off two rather bruising encounters. Let them take it easier this week and then have a proper go next week.
@robdylan (Comment 13) : adi played little rugby so I reckon bench is not a bad place for him, but in the circumstances that you have centres crisis he should definately start and crusty to cover from the bench if there is injury (if there is really no other center option).
as I said mind boggles – must be Dicky’s idea.
@molly (Comment 14) : good point. However this is probably the most difficult test on tour considering the opponent and also you need a good start.
Just hoping that Kirchner remember to pass the ball when needed
@rekinek (Comment 16) : yup… but I don’t think that big a difference is going to come from Kanko/Keegan. Spies and Stegman offer around the same, where we’re gonna get broken is at centre.
Its still a very formiddable pack.
@molly there are no bruised sharks players.. i just see broken bulls and wp players- they’re the ones who got smashed in the semi’s and final… ‘nough said
What is really cool is that no one has noticed that Bismarck is starting ahead of Chilliboy, Div is a little flex then.
@Charlie (Comment 17) : Hope so too
Shit back line, I guess if lambie played creating space from deep Kirchner could maybe have half a chance of not choking….but bok back line with steyn takes the ball up flat…no space for outside backs…play lambie at 10 risk it!!! Or lambie 12 pienaar 10 jean 13…back 3 will be making havoc! Our forwards will create forward ball…and ireland is going to want to stop us from creating space on the outside…a another reason why I want hougie 9 to create space around the rucks….that’s that my sharkworld friends…we are heading to a bad place, this weekend called mediocre coaching…how is this creating experience for the world cup—has desperation written all over it!!! Pdv u tosser…
@molly (Comment 18) : though you can argue that sharks are high on confidence now.
but I guess even though we would love it you cannot just put sharks XV into boks jerseys
look at the front though. the resting theory was not exactly applied here. Though mind you not much of a choice here either.
Could this be a hoax to throw the Irish off?
according to sa rugby mag, jean is out… meaning lambie will start. dont think thats a bright idea, oh bugger
@BoerSeun (Comment 22) : agreed, why do we even have a coach?? what crap
@molly (Comment 20) :
you see on this site this would be called common sense and btw bissie was the first choice last year, wasn’t he.
i think Chilliboy proved a lot of critics wrong but still not the same league as bismarck me thinks. though if he manages to stay injury free – who knows.
Not even to mention Stegman!!!! No daniel!!! Wtf!!!and then spies no alberts….just crazy!!! Maybe the rest have done the bulls well…maybe they are back to business, laying out dated game will still come off in northern hemisphere…
@molly (Comment 20) : That is no surprise seeing as Bissie is the best hooker in the country at the moment. Chili is maybe 4 or 5th.
other thing that dicky must like is that alberts can play lock and eightman as well.
@BoerSeun (Comment 22) : dude, it smacks of desperation, cause we’re desperate, with 4 key injuries at centre we’re low on quality/options…
Zane is not the greatest option, but he was at the original camp, unlike anyone else we could’ve called up. I still would’ve started Adi WAY ahead, but anyway, I’m sure there’s a plan here, and the gamble could pay off quite well.
@BoerSeun (Comment 22) : Your backline is way better than Pdiv’s excuse for a backline. This match will be sad.
It looks like its gonna be ALOT of kicking from Steyn, don’t think we need to worry about Kirchner not passing. Forwards will get us into a good position… drop goal.
Sideshow Bob might just surprise the hell out of us. Whoever plays, we can simply take a cold one from the fridge and wish then good luck.
@Letgo (Comment 32) : ja, and if JdV is injured, then who at 13? Why move TWG12 to 13 for a greenhorn? There isn’t much logic in that either.
PdV’s done alright with what he’s got.
And please, Pienaar at 10? Why on earth, he’s been playing so well at 9 in Ireland, and has stated over and over again he doesn’t want to play 10. We’ve got Morne on a record amount of successful kicks… but lets bring in someone who misses them quite a bit.
Alrighty then!!
I hope Div’s sake this experiment works.
Not too worried about Kirchner at 13. I’m more concerned about Stegmann making his test debut even though he has had hardly any rugby since the S14.
@wpw (Comment 36) : I’m equally worried about both
Ohh fookit!!
How the blue fart does Stegman make it? What’s wrong with Adi? Just decided my prediction for the Boks game, pffft.
… I have to vent… PDV you €¥&%£¥€$ idiot!!!
Stegman and Kirchner???
Bloody hell! Here comes a hiding!!!
I’m gonna be different here ..this can work.
Sure selections could be according to mainstream thinking but how are we to know whats going on on the ground.
I agree with a comment made Kanko obviously has had 2 tough weeks already and they were tough make no mistake let him rest.
Krusty you have my backing , good luck and make us proud.
Whats the worst that can happen Zane doesn’t gel and we bring on a fresh Adi.
If Jean is fit does that mean Mvovo drops out ..? if so not happy bout that.
We need Alberts fit for this match ..
BOKKE !!!!!!!!!!!!!
@CoffeeShopBok;-) (Comment 41) : I like your attitude.
At the risk of getting killed on the site here is my 2 cents worth I think Krusty will be fine at outside centre Why? his man on man defence is good and I think he will turn out to be like Oupa except faster and with BOD there Krusty will stop him Steggers is the hard call but we do need a fetcher and have someone playing to the ball. My concern is Morne I think he has gone off the boil and is not quite the same player as he was when FDP was at 9
In the circumstances I think the chosen side is the best one we could muster. It would be great if Pat starts but I will be happy if JDV starts I have a problem with too many new caps starting at one time Letting Pat and Alberts/Keegan start from the bench is better and their time will come
This side can beat this Irish side
I hope this turns out to be a stroke of genius, but I highly doubt it.
Good luck boys.
Go Bokke!!
Your @Fattmann (Comment 43)and your @wpw (Comment 45) attitude ROCKS as well.
@molly (Comment 46) : Just been on the Cape Rugby websites all 3 of them
cant believe the vitriol on there I wonder what they are going to say when we win on Saturday. It will be yes we were lucky or Ireland played badly or some other kind of cr*p
I think Adi is fit enough to play but rusty and it would be wrong to start him Let him build up the confidence and he will be fine
Boks by 8
@wpw (Comment 45) : Wes its good to be on the same side for once
@Fattmann (Comment 48) :
2 fat men on the same side of the see-saw… I sense a disturbance in the Force…
@Fattmann (Comment 47) : Its a gamble, people just need to realise that. I think the only MASSIVE concern is Kirchner, sure Keegan is unlucky, but having Stegman in his place isn’t the biggest deal in the world.
One player out of 15, thats not a bad turnover, and considering what options we have at 13…
Holding thumbs for the Boks.
Big Fish doesn’t have any friends!!
Yeah fattmann. For once we agree!
I think we can pull this one off.
@Fattmann (Comment 43) : but it would be somewhat unfair to throw Pat in the deep in the pivotal position plus neither him nor Ruan are like metronom kickers.
@wpw (Comment 51) : it’s quite usual in his profession
Wow the clown at 13……
Habana,why because what he could do?and have not done in a while.
Adi,really WTH.Should have been Mvovo
Spies,why?
Deon Stegman.why?
From now on they should just announce 21 players because Chilliboy is the first choice in the team,WHY?
P Divvy needs to stop it. How many careers is he going to ruin? Would have loved to have Lambie @ 10 play for the Springbok team when it’s at full strength. I have faith in Lambie but the guys on either side of him are no good (that’s if JDV doesn’t make it). Why play Ruan when we need a fouth loose forward in the form of Hougaard (tackled like crazy in the CC semi-final)?
ZK at 13 is going to be an inspiration or a disaster… I think the latter:-*
If this team wins against Ireland then Ireland is useless. I have no confidence and I’m starting to get annoyed by players getting selected just because they’ve been there before. These are the players that will mess it up again.
@Letgo (Comment 58) : amen
@Big Fish (Comment 49) :
Difficult call to make on SB . . .
See Irish are favourites by 3 . . .
Which way to go?
Except for Spies ( or according to his form off late maybe I should just call him stick ) our forwards will be solid I think.
Our centre combination however . . .
Having said that, the Sharks proved last week you don`t need stars at centre, just solid defense. Will Crusty be solid though?
@Original Champion (Comment 61) :
To be honest, 13 and 15 are actually similar positions. My gripe is more that I think Kirchner is mediocre.
Holy crap!
I didn’t see this last night…. This is my first view of the team.
Comon, Stegman? Kirchner?
What are you smoking Pdiv?
I have got the perfect new nick for PDiv…….
HILDA….. from 7de laan….. With her (his) strange combinations, and it ends up that she(he) is the only one liking it….. Because it leaves a shit taste in everybody elses mouth.
Please tell me it is not true that the Sharks will be moving to the Moses stadium. DO NOT WANT TO MOVE FROM KINGS PARK THE HOME OF THE SHARKS!!!!!! Season ticket holder
STEGMANN!!!!!!!!!!!! WTF!!!!!!!!!!!!!! He wasn’t even the 1st choice to tour.