Sharks props Beast Mtawarira and BJ Botha have been named in the Springbok team to take on Wales at Loftus this weekend.
The side shows three changes up front, as Victor Matfield also comes in for Andries Bekker. Ricky Januarie comes straight in at scrumhalf in the only change to the back division that played last week.
A number of players will get opportunities off the bench this week. Ryan Kankowski is the loose forward replacement, while Frans Steyn comes in at the expense of Peter Grant in the 21 jersey.
Here is the full team:
15. Conrad JANTJES
14. Tonderai CHAVHANGA
13. Adrian JACOBS
12. Jean DE VILLIERS
11. Bryan HABANA
10. Butch JAMES
9. Ricky JANUARIE
8. Pierre SPIES
7. Juan SMITH
6. Luke WATSON
5. Victor MATFIELD
4. Bakkies BOTHA
3. BJ BOTHA
2. John SMIT (capt)
1. Tendai MTAWARIRA
16. Bismarck DU PLESSIS
17. Gurthrö STEENKAMP
18. Andries BEKKER
19. Ryan KANKOWSKI
20. Bolla CONRADIE
21. Francois STEYN
22. Percy MONTGOMERY
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BOKKE
I reckon the entire bench will be on the field by the 63rd minute
Jirre tog, I carent believe they dropped Mujati. 🙄
Hey but im smaaking the way our bench looks these days, yoh yoh yoh.
Happy with the tight 5.
This is a VERY good team.
Glad that Beast is there and also BJ.
Would’ve prefered Kanko at 8 and maybe Percy at 15.
nice team this…
This is a squad and a half… can’t believe we’re only playing Wales 🙄
Should it be Sharks trio to shore up Bok scrum???
Beast
Smit
BJ
🙄
@wpw (Comment 9) : We don’t wanna jinx it…
@wpw (Comment 9) : Nope, Smit was there last week already
@PJLD (Comment 11) : yes – that’s why I went with Duo!
We gonna take the TN this year!!!
#12
Its always about the Sharks innit it? 🙄
@wpw (Comment 14) : Hence the name ” Sharksworld”… 😆
Only thing is expecting BJ to play the entire 80 mins… bit risky… don’t really want Smittie covering that side?
Otherwise good 22 and boy what a bench… we gots-a-somma depth this year and Mossie and Schalla aren’t back yet…
@blackshark (Comment 15) : You tell them BS!! How are you??
@bryce_in_oz (Comment 16) : Neither is Deon 🙁
@wpw (Comment 14) : Slow on the uptake as ever 🙂
@Me2 (Comment 18) : the list gets longer… gives credence to having a proper ‘A’ side playing real opposition…
I like the look of the team and the bench must be one of the best around
@Pokkel (Comment 21) : you’ve shrunk! 😉
FDP anyone?
Heinke (when he decides to do more than just scrum)
Jannie Dup
JPP
Bok rugby has never been as strong…
@robdylan (Comment 22) : The trout looks bigger when photographed next to my 19 month old daugther…. She way better looking than me anyway..
@ra-cheltjie de’ be-er (Comment 3) :
A little shocked by that as well. Was expecting MAYBE him being dropped to the bench, but he is GONE 😯
Excellent squad very pleased to see Kanko and Steyn on the bench.
On a other note Robd please can we get rid of the smiley with the rolling eyes it frickin irritates me..a very condesending smiley I smaak it buggerall. 😡
so tempted
reckon cj and ruan should be on the bench in place of guthro and bolla, but still a damn fine team. i agree with wpw, we have not looked this strong in every position since i can remember.
hey csb, how is den haag mate? watching in kangaroos this weekend?
@CoffeeShopBok;-) (Comment 26) : I’m not really much of a smiley person at all, but others seem to like em. Hell, one site I know of, all they every seem to do is post smileys. Usually the one that has dog poo in it.
Lowest common denominator humour 😉
Hi all.
Would have liked Ryan to start this week. Much happier with Beast and BJ. Feel sorry for Ruan though to be dropped completely.
Well done PDV. At least we can see some foresight in his squad.
The biggest weakness last week was the scrumming and he’s addressed that this weak. Matfield comes in on his home ground…another sensible decision.
Then bringing Kanko and Steyn on the bench is another very wise choice. This squad gets my approval.
@Villie (Comment 32) : yeah – would’ve liked Kanko to start… other than that, no real complaints from my side. Wales are gonna KAK
@Nessa (Comment 31) : Hi Ness
Consider it “rotated”..rather than dropped! 😛
He will be back for Tri Nations!
@robdylan (Comment 22) : Joke of the day!
@robdylan (Comment 33) :
Spies is one heck of a player…just a pity that both he and Kanko play 8. Either could do damage off the bench, so I don’t have a problem which one starts!
@knersboy (Comment 29) :
Hey Kners,
I replyed to ya the other day on the thread dunno if you got to read it. I’m no longer in Holland and the roos is long gone too now.its called Nelsons..
Howz CT treating you?
@Villie (Comment 34) : Or…rotated now to be dropped in future…
@CoffeeShopBok;-) (Comment 37) : I don’t like to think that you’re not just over the ditch from me anymore 🙁
@Villie (Comment 34) :
Just worried that they are going to ruin Ruan altogether.
@Villie (Comment 36) :
Yes, but if we are taking turns here, then it is Ryan’s turn! 😀
@Nessa (Comment 41) : Ryan will get his turn, of that there is no doubt.
Spies needs the game time and his form is picking up. He’s almost unstoppable when at his best!
@robdylan (Comment 39) :
I’m working on that one..hoping to be back by end of the year doing my dream job..Its taking a bit of time though.
Steyn told PDV that he would prefer to play flyhalf… 🙄
@Charlie (Comment 44) : have you seen who’s playing 13?
@robdylan (Comment 45) :
No – who???? 😉
@Charlie (Comment 44) :
Hello Charlie.
@CoffeeShopBok;-) (Comment 43) : Is that like at Dubai 7’s when KSA gets to do his dream job? 😐
@CoffeeShopBok;-) (Comment 43) : dream job?
@robdylan (Comment 49) :
My dream job would be having no job at all!
@Charlie (Comment 44) :
The nerve of the lad..serious though perhaps its a good thing that he spoke up and requested this at the risk of him being shunted around constantly.
@PJLD (Comment 48) :
That would be nice!
@robdylan (Comment 49) :
A certain unit within the UN that I’v been trying to crack for sometime but its been a little difficult but there is now a bit of light at th end of that tunnel.
@Nessa (Comment 50) :
That would be a wee bit boring for me.
I’m off to select all the Lions players for my fanasty league 😎
@CoffeeShopBok;-) (Comment 37) : i missed it the other day, u know how it goes. still good here in stellies, looking to move though, tired of university salary. probably leave end of year, looks like richards bay at the moment, but quite a few options open so i will see.
and you, where are you now?
@CoffeeShopBok;-) (Comment 52) : I’ll hold thumbs. Let me know if you need a word in someone’s ear 😉
@knersboy (Comment 53) :
Excellent , currently I am in Iraq..till the end of the year more or less.
I’m going to be in CT in August for a week or so if you want to hook up for a quiet beer or 8..
my e-mail is [email protected]
Hallo Everybody…
@CoffeeShopBok;-) (Comment 55) : Good times
@Nessa (Comment 40) : Hi Nessa. As much as I like Ruan, he will just have to play his way back into the team. frankly Bolla was better than Ruan last week. As I said previously, Ruan seems slow and indecisive and doesn’t deserve to be there at the moment.
@Pokkel (Comment 58) : agree.
@Charlie (Comment 56) : stiekuit masse kjend
iraq, jeez dude. will mail u now so u have my mail address, then when u r here we should really hook up, it will be great!
okay, back to work, got some stuff i need to get finished.
Man its just dawned on me but Bok rugby is in a frickin good state..when have we had so many talented players to pick from.This should by all accounts be a extremely good year..can’t wait for the Tri-Nations.
Is there a test being played at Newlands and if so when?
Have not been to a game there in over 10 years.
@Pokkel (Comment 58) :
I am with you there Pokkel – my worry is that Ruan hasn’t really shone since Jake had him warming the bench for the Bokke at the WC. It is switching him from scrummie to fullback to flyhalf that worries me.
@CoffeeShopBok;-) (Comment 61) : next weekend. Against Italy 😉
@CoffeeShopBok;-) (Comment 61) :
There is one on 16 August. SA vs NZ.
Yes Yes Yes…
I like the changes…happy to see that Ricky is starting after the talkks that “Bolla did enough”…yeh right…
Victor did much better that Bekker when he came on…the way Victor just slaps the ball off the top straight into the scrummies hand every signle time…
Good to see the right Zim prop in tha game…our scrums should do a lot better…
Who is the prop that can slot in on both sides? You all made it clear last week that Guthro cannot…so if Beast gets injured we are screwed….unless that will be Smit!???!??! Hope not….
Good to see Steyn and Kanko on the bench….hope Kanko gets a run…
@KSA Shark © (Comment 25) :
KSA did you see you been caughted uped….
@Nessa (Comment 64) :
Thanx Nessa thats the one I’ll target to go and watch whilst over there..PJLD,wpw, Kners you guys up for it..?
@Nessa (Comment 62) : IMO Ruan should go play flyhalf for EVERY game in the Currie Cup and we will have a world class flyhalf come next years Super 14 and perhaps for the boks
@ra-cheltjie de’ be-er (Comment 3) :
Ha-Ha…
Actually I think that PdV pulled a Chevange-JakeWhite on Mujati….LoL
@Pokkel (Comment 68) :
That’s my point exactly – if you aren’t going to play him – rather release him to play CC. It isn’t doing his form any good sitting on the bench.
Apart from the fact that Ruan has been shunted around, I also believe that he has been over coached. Before Jake White he had such vision and he was unpredictable. Certain players including Frans shouldn’t have their talents coached out of them… I would go as far as saying that if they tought to think to much they loose their brilliance
#
@Charlie (Comment 56) : stiekuit masse kjend
Comment 59, posted at 12.06.08 15:06:05 by robdylan
😯 😯 😯
@CoffeeShopBok;-) (Comment 67) :
It’s a pleasure. Wish I could join you guys.
Ruan was never ever consistent throughout an entire season.
He disappears at times in most of the games I’ve seen him play.
@wpw (Comment 74) :
I disagree with you there. Prior to the WC he was playing consistently well for the Sharks.
@wpw (Comment 72) : didn’t you know I’m part cullit?
@wpw (Comment 74) :
Yes cozz he does not play for WP/Stormers…..we know!???!
ruan is confused
lol Rob #76
Well in that case check your mail…
Hmmm
I’ve been meaning to ask you for the footage of the 20 times Mujati was scrummed back in the game you mentioned on Tuesday…
@wpw (Comment 79) : duidelik, mei bru
very good team….bit f a problem at tighthead if BJ gets injured ….should have had CJ on the bench
@Dive Pass (Comment 82) : but Smit can play tight head…
🙄
Gee Rob don’t know why that slipped my mind…good suggestion 😉
@Dive Pass (Comment 84) : I’ll do the thinking around here 😉
Peter Grant, Danie Rossouw, CJ van der Linde and Ruan Pienaar don’t make the 22.
Ryan Kankowski e Franswa Steyn only in the bench.
These SNORBOKS are not my beloved XV.
HO!!!!!!!!!
How are you?
Seeing you reminds me that I owe you an email. 😳
I am away from home for a while and am then going on vacation to South Africa. Am dissappointed because it means i will miss the springbok Saga series AND also not be able to record it because neither myself or Kette will be there to set the recorder. 🙁
@KSA Shark © (Comment 87) :
Okay didn’t mean to be cryptic to those not in the know.
On June 25, Supersport will broadcast the first of 13 episodes on the history of the Boks entitled “Springbok Saga”, it will cover the “Saga” from 1995 until 2007 RWC.
Should be DAMN good to watch, but I will unfortunately miss most of them 👿
Would make for a Nice DVD set though.
C’mon SARU what you say? get it out on DVD as soon as the last episode has been screened?
@KSA Shark © (Comment 88) : when are they being shown KSA ?
@H.O. (Comment 86) : How on Earth are you keeping, old devil? 🙂
@KSA Sharkette (Comment 90) :
I am not sure.
Let me go and check
@KSA Shark © (Comment 92) :
Well it turns out someone at Superrugby has don’t their job.
The Schedule says there is no Rugby broadcast scheduled for the next 14 days. 😯
I just want to throw this out, and is no criticism of the players selected in the 22, but, I think that CJ is a better bet for the bench than Gurthro. I think it is important to have 2 of the three props to be able to play tighthead, if anything happens to BJ, especially early on, we could be in trouble. I think the same thing goes for Kanko to a lesser degree, perhaps Danie is a better bet for the bench because he does cover more positions albeit less effectively. In the same vein, perhaps Ruan is a better bet on the bench than Bolla simply because he covers more positions.
I have actually been thinking a lot lately about selecting match day 22s. Perhaps it is not always best to just select the next best player for the bench. In other words, maybe it is a better idea to have a Schalk Brits coming off the bench at hooker than Bissie who would be more effective starting than off the bench. I could write a lot more on it, but now is not the time or place.
DB
Does it not make sense to select a player who specializes in the position for which he is on the bench?
Steyn can cover 10/12/13 and even 15. Jantjes can play on the wing if a winger gets injured and Percy can play at 13 or 15 or even 10.
We dont need Ruan on the bench. Especially with the form he is currently in.
@wpw (Comment 95) : Good point…we do have sufficient cover without him. Just been thinking that now with tactical substitutions, perhaps the bench should be something other than players that are 2nd best in their position. Does that make sense?
Just thinking that a hooker like Brits, Burden, Kuun, etc, are better playing off the bench, with a big hooker like Liebenberg, Smit, Bissie, etc. starting and softening up the opposition. Then the smaller fast guy comes on with 25 minutes to go and runs them ragged.
What about my comment that perhaps Kanko should probably not be on the bench (I think he should start), rather a more versatile player like Danie, P3, Watson (plays 8 or flank), etc. Just something I have been thinking about. Same thing with the backs, where players like Ruan, Steyn and Monty who can play many positions effectively and can really make things happen when they come on.
I suppose I am looking at this more theoretically, more philosophy of selecting a match day 22. This has changed so much in the last 10 – 15 years.
Eish, tough one.
For example, will you select Danie instead of Johan Muller just cos he can cover both lock and flank? ❓
@wpw (Comment 95) : It has generally been the philosophy to select a player who specializes as backup on the bench, but I think that comes from the day when replacements were only for injury, whereas with tactical substitutions, perhaps one should consider having “bench specialists”. Brent Russell was another example.
@wpw (Comment 99) : Right, or when Schalk comes back, keep Watson on the bench instead of Kanko because he covers all three loose forward positions. I am just starting to believe that one should consider 1 through 22 as individual positions, e.g. 16 is light quick hooker, 17 is prop that can play both sides, 18 is utility 2nd row/loosie, 19 is utility loosie, 20 scrumhalf but can also cover wing or 10, 21 backline utility, 22 backline utility. I can see guys making careers on the bench perhaps.
Perhaps Schalk Brits would be a better 16 for the Boks than Bissie, though when Smit is not available, Bissie would step in, not Brits who would specialize at 16.