The Springboks side to take on the Wallabies in Perth has been announced. There are four changes to the run-on fifteen and debutant Adriaan Strauss has been named on the bench.
Adrian Jacobs has been ruled out through injury and his place at outside centre goes to Sharks team-mate Francois Steyn. It will be Steyn’s first international appearance at 13 (his fourth position for the Boks) but he was blooded in the position during the Super 14. Conrad Jantjes comes in at fullback in the only other change to the backline. 90-something test veteran Percy Montgomery falls out of the 22 altogether and coach Peter de Villiers has included five forwards on the bench.
Ruan Pienaar and Peter Grant will occupy the only backline reserve spots.
In the pack, the suspension of Bismarck du Plessis has necessitated the inclusion of Schalk Brits, starting his first test at hooker. Pierre Spies will start at number 8, as Toulon-bound Johann van Niekerk falls out of the squad.
In an intersting move, de Villiers has picked two props amongst his five forward reserves; both Brian Mujati and his schoolmate Tendai Mtawarira will come on in the second half. New boy Strauss is there, with Andries Bekker covering the second row, as usual. Luke Watson also misses out this week, with Sharks loose forward supremo Ryan Kankowski finally cracking the squad, in the number 20 jersey.
Springboks to play Wallabies:
15. Conrad Jantjes
14. JP Pietersen
13. Francois Steyn
12. Jean de Villiers
11. Bryan Habana
10. Butch James
9. Enrico Januarie
8. Pierre Spies
7. Juan Smith
6. Schalk Burger
5. Victor Matfield (captain)
4. Bakkies Botha
3. CJ van der Linde
2. Schalk Brits
1. Gurthro Steenkamp
Reserves:
16. Adriaan Strauss
17. Tendai Mtawarira
18. Brian Mujati
19. Andries Bekker
20. Ryan Kankowski
21. Ruan Pienaar
22. Peter Grant
Tweet
yeah – I think we have the firepower there to take them
Lots of firepower – but why do I have a very uneasy feeling about this game. Must be that Deans factor.
@Salmonoid (Comment 2) : yeah… he’s a good coach all right. His teams tend to coast for 60 and then stuff you properly in the last quarter.
Can I have an extra vote on the POLL so I can vote for Boks and Sharks again? 😆
Good luck to Schalk Brits…and Jantjies…
If we can improve on our perfomance last Saturday, which was great but not our peak, we should be having Kangaroo steak for lunch on saturday.
Do you reckon there could be any truth in the theory that they’re saving Percy’s 100th test for a bigger home crowd? Perhaps SA v NZ in Cape Town?
Not bad. 😀
@blackshark (Comment 4) : log out, clear cookies… 😉
@Superwors (Comment 5) : Would this be his 100th game?
@blackshark (Comment 4) : I vote at least once a day. Not sure if all of them count. But it’s fun.
@robdylan (Comment 7) : Nah, but if he played the Argies the next test he could play for his 100th would be the test in CT against AB’s.
I reckon the dingos are better than the AB’s. More intelligent & better coach.
@ra-cheltjie de’ be-er (Comment 10) :
I dont know about the more intelligent…stupid can have its advantages too, you know? 😉 But you talking coach or players now..?
@I’ce (Rebel With a Cause) (Comment 11) : Both. Intelligent cheating from the dingos. It’s in their genes. 😈
@ra-cheltjie de’ be-er (Comment 12) :
ahhhh – that assumtion would be more correct..
Ok – I need to make my SB picks…you reckon its Valke’s turn this weekend?? 😈 😈
@I’ce (Rebel With a Cause) (Comment 14) : I hope not. 👿
Bokke Bokke Bokke! Would’ve preferred having Perce on the bench, but it still looks good.
@I’ce (Rebel With a Cause) (Comment 14) : Not funny.
At least PdV is consistent, players going overseas have consistently been dropped. First No BJ, now no Joe.
@molly (Comment 17) :
i think it is…
I really like the new logo, well done Rob 💡
hmmmmm, yeah it is a good team but i am a bit worried.
i called joe being dropped the other day when i found out he was heading overseas, as much as i like kanko, i dont see how u can fit spies and him into one 22. joe should be on the bench cos he can cover the entire back row. sure spies can apparently play 6 but i am not comfortable with him there.
if things go wrong in this match with injuries we could be in trouble.
but then again i am not the coach and pdv obviously has a plan. the bench just seems a bit risky to me.
2 props, i dont get it. would also want percy to play, he offers more than we see as someone like JP plays with more confidence if percy is there.
This is a wonderful side , Having doubted the Boks last weekend I’m gonna say the Aussies are in for a long afternoon. Boks by atleast 10 points…The Deans Factor is going to take a while to show in this Aussie team..they have yet to play a game this year with the ELVs.
Im sorry but I did not see what Big Joe did that was so good in the last 2 games..except perhaps for his nicely timed pass to the linesman 😕
Average at best for me..its overdue that Spies and Kanko get a run. Also its good to note that Fluke Watson is not above being dropped..considering he did bugger all except wave he’s arms around when he came on.
hey csb, howzit hanging? i wish wikus was there, he would be the perfect loosy for the bench.
Hey Kners good man..how bout you?
Sadly I don’t think we’ll see Wickus in Green and Gold again 🙁
@I’ce (Rebel With a Cause) (Comment 14) : Just made my SB picks …now psyching myself up for the tougher task of picking my testruggby FL team.I feel like Deans and PdV put together. 😐
Don’t think WP wanna lose 2 in a row…but I bet they didn’t really PLAN to be beaten by the Griquas. 😆 (I bet wpw is researching karma…and can’t wait for the Sharks to travel to Kimberley.
)
Hi people. Just a quick hello!!!!Rob..love the new logo… Good luck to the Sharks this weekend!!!kick some ass 😈 😈 O.k back to work!!!!!!
@blackshark (Comment 26) :
@Reds (Comment 27) :
hey Reds…so its one all… 😈
@Pokkel (Comment 20) : I actually had very little to do with it 😉
Sadly I had to pick the Cheetahs for a win this weekend 😥 but I’ll be shouting my lungs out for the Sharks on Saturday and hope they win.
As far as the Boks are concerned, I like the team,but would have had Percy on the bench at least. I don’t see how Mujati brings anything to the Bok team
@CoffeeShopBok;-) (Comment 25) : yeah, i dont think so either.
@robdylan (Comment 30) : I sure you at least had to approve it…it’s nice and aggro 😈
@I’ce (Rebel With a Cause) (Comment 29) : @I’ce (Rebel With a Cause) (Comment 14) : talking about Superbru, I see you have caused a stir again! poor old Knop!
@Pokkel (Comment 33) : one of our posters sent it to me… Out of the blue! I reckon it’s awesome
@robdylan (Comment 35) : You know some good people, it’s just that Blue bull sign that spoils it a bit…by the way do you have ANY Blue bulls supporters blogging on this site?
@Ragged (Comment 34) :
Geez Raggie – that is a k*k nickname…
From rugby.com.au
What will the result be against the Boks in Perth ?
Wallabies by more than 12 – 12.1%
Wallabies by 1 to 12 – 45.1%
Draw – 1.0%
Boks by 1 to 12 – 35.1%
Boks by more than 12 – 6.7%
Total votes: 701 🙄
@I’ce (Rebel With a Cause) (Comment 37) : I usually spell it with a B instead of a P 👿
@Ragged (Comment 39) :
And i am sure you meant..” 😈 ” and not ” 👿 “…NOT?
@blackshark (Comment 38) : Thanks – Saffas need to get across and vote.
A lot of Sharkies believe we are going to lose vs Cheetahs. Sies man.
@Pokkel (Comment 36) : one or two… they’re still busy reading the April articles
@Ernie (Comment 41) : That’s called being realistic. Will still shout harder than thou. 🙂
@I’ce (Rebel With a Cause) (Comment 40) : Yes i am still getting to grips with the icons, the smilies and the fun you guys have here. I am really worried that I am starting to become a hard core blogger!
@Silver Fox (Comment 43) : I’m expecting a tough game but I think we can come back with a memorable victory…and paint Bloem BLACK!!!
Sharks forever >-^->
@blackshark (Comment 45) :
Your optimism makes me dilliriously gappy…
@blackshark (Comment 45) : problem is… week after week shouting our lungs out, but very little happening on the field. Was like that in the super14 and then the wheels came off. The mind game, that’s it. We are still like a hundred miles off the pace.
@blackshark (Comment 45) : Amen, brother! Sing it loud!
Boland Kavaliers vs
Blue Bulls Wellington 15:00
Griquas vs
Lions Kimberley 15:00
Does anyone know if SS will be showing both ?
Thanks God No.46 is not in the squad.
Pity Snor does not put Grant at losskakel since the beginning seen how he tantalised and bamboozled the Aussies defences during the last Super14.
Snor also is still thinking about the excuses for he dropped Percy.
The latter is the best fullback in the world at the moment but Snor prefers Jantjes…
@H.O. (Comment 50) : it must be a WP thing 😉
@blackshark (Comment 49) : Looks like it’s just The Bulls…
@H.O. (Comment 50) : I think PdV just opted for continuity. Butch is just finding his range with the new rules and stuff so we need to be patient with him. Grant will get his chance and he better take it with both hands.
As for dropping Percy for Conrad…I think it was just an issue of PACE.
Perhaps it’s a risk…but methinks it’s a calculated one.
@robdylan (Comment 51) : 😆
@H.O. (Comment 50) :
Whos 46??? 👿
@I’ce (Rebel With a Cause) (Comment 54) : What’s with the evil face ? It’s Luke…
@H.O. (Comment 50) : Personally I would “raise” Frans Steyn & Ruan Pienaar at fullback/flyhalf(make your choice).Since that is not happening, I tend to think Morne steyn is the next best option. Damn!!!why waste me as selector?
Boland v Bulls & States v Sharks both on Sky. 😎
@I’ce (Rebel With a Cause) (Comment 54) : He he he 😀 😀
@ra-cheltjie de’ be-er (Comment 57) : yeehaaa! And I’m being dragged out to friends on Saturday afternoon 🙁
@robdylan (Comment 59) : You have those?? 😀
@blackshark (Comment 55) :
Geez! Phew!! i thought the bugger had a go at me (post # 46) – LOL – now THAT is what i call a BLONDE moment..
@Silver Fox (Comment 58) :
Hy luigat! Wat lag jy?? 😉
@robdylan (Comment 59) : That’s rough. 😥
@Silver Fox (Comment 60) : my wife does 😉
@I’ce (Rebel With a Cause) (Comment 61) : Wide open spaces…soothing waters…good food…good rugby… no ice…man life could be great!!! 😎
@Silver Fox (Comment 64) :
Shocking newsflash…nothing without ice would be great.. 😎
@robdylan (Comment 59) : Do the “friends” have SKY Sports by any chance?
@blackshark (Comment 66) : no!!!
I’m happy enough with this side….just a pity that Bissie was ludicrously banned! 😡
I think the 5 forwards on the bench is a sign that PDV realises that it’s going to be a titanic forward battle and the Aussies also have a couple of big hitting subs. Probably sensible…especially as our backline guys are extremely versatile!
@Villie (Comment 68) : I have no issues with this side.
I see the Keo-monkeys are up in arms again. Idiots. Don’t they ever learn?
@robdylan (Comment 69) : Really? Who do they have a problem with?
Resting or dropping Monty was inevitable. His kicking wasn’t up to his usual standard last week and Jantjes was good when he came on. Monty still has plenty to offer the Boks and I see him playing a valuable role for the rest of the Tri nations in SA.
Who do the keo monkeys want in the side?
@Villie (Comment 70) : after panning de Villiers for picking Joe, now they want him back
@robdylan (Comment 71) : Jeez…you can’t win with those muppets. Good job they will never coach the Boks!
@Villie (Comment 72) : yup!
@I’ce (Rebel With a Cause) (Comment 54) :
No. 46 is Luke Watson the worts player ever to wear the Bok Jersey.
He was called so after Oregan Hoskins added him with his pencil to last year Jake White’s 45 man selected for the pre-RWC camp
@robdylan (Comment 51) :
Not only a WP thing.
The real fact is that Snor is not a good coach. Full stop.
@H.O. (Comment 75) :
I’ll reserve judgement.
His record at all levels thusfar has been exemplary.
The first test in NZ wasn’t a good start though.
@H.O. (Comment 75) : He has beaten the All Blacks in New Zealand, H.O. Not even Jake White managed to do that. If that doesn’t make him a good coach, then I don’t know what will
@Silver Fox (Comment 56) :
15 Franswa 14 JPP 13 Jaque 12 Jean 11 Bryan 10 Peter 9 Fourie 8 Pierre 7 Juan 6 Schalla 5 Andries 4 Bakkies 3 CJ 2 Bismarck 1 BJ
16 Schalk 17 Beast 18 Victor 19 Kanko 20 Ruan 21 Morné Steyn/Willem de Waal 22 Waylon
Not a bad XV
@VinChainSaw (Comment 76) :
Snor is under huge political pressures.
The fact he puts Luke Watson (kak) in the squad is the proof.
@robdylan (Comment 77) :
Jake did the miracle none expected.
He won the RWC outside our country.
Snor has much to walk and much to prove.
@H.O. (Comment 75) : Full Stop. – sounds so “don’t ask me why”. Is that so?
Cos I’d really like to know your reasons for such a strong statement.
What is a good coach according to H.O ?
@H.O. (Comment 78) : Not bad at all. JPP lacks serious self believe. THAT sounds very Afrikaans, but nevermind, so am I. Only after overcoming that could he become great. Why waste a talent like Ruan on the bench? He will dissapear like Brent Russel. Peter Grant? Adequate.And then there’s a certain Albino quality to that side. 🙁
@H.O. (Comment 79) : from what I’ve seen of Peter, I think he’s his own man prepared to make his own decisions and live or die by them. He’s a rugby man, through and through and for that, he has my respect.
And I also think Luke Watson is kak, just for the record.
@H.O. (Comment 80) :
Jake did the miracle none expected.
None except ME – but then I’m a very optimistic. Honestly I was expecting it.
He won the RWC outside our country
Please note that the only people in the tournament who were not “outside their country” was France…so I’d say the field was level here.
Snor has much to walk and much to prove
Yes he does…just like Deans and every other new coach.
@Silver Fox (Comment 82) : although discussions related to relative melanin content of players are best carried out elsewhere 😉
@robdylan (Comment 83) : Agree on Peter, got enough real enthusiasm at least.
Luke I think are still suffering from a storm in a teacup that he did not ask for. I rate him quite high, though will battle to find a spot with the Bokke. Too much talent walking loose there.
@robdylan (Comment 85) : relative melanin content
😆 Classic!
@robdylan (Comment 85) : Got that! 😳
@blackshark (Comment 81) :
A good coach?
Whoever rejects political and racial pressures and calls players only on meritocratic bases.
Snor is not a good coach for me.
@Silver Fox (Comment 86) : I agree…maybe Luke needs to shine some more in the Super 14 before he can be a serious contender for the Boks. With Schalk back…I’m afraid there’s no place for him.
@blackshark (Comment 84) :
Winning the 1995 RWC on its own soil was seen somewhere like an easy task for Kitch Christie’s XV.
Winning it abroad has a complete different taste.
In fact we had the entire world against us.
And we won it.
@H.O. (Comment 89) : I see…
@robdylan (Comment 83) :
Luke Watson is the kakkest player ever to wear the Bokke jersey.
A shame to put his name in the Rugby books and annuals.
@H.O. (Comment 91) : Again…I don’t think we had it easy in 1995. The opposition was pretty strong. I don’t think a lot of people put their money on us back then. 🙂
@H.O. (Comment 93) : Be fair now!! There are Hilton Lobberts?? 😆
@H.O. (Comment 93) : I believe I’ve seen worse.
Anyway- have you seen any positives or anything else except Luke?
@blackshark (Comment 94) :
Yip blackshark I agree.
Stupid people anyway still think the France’s disallowed try in the semis in Durban was a political (sic) decision by the ref (Derek Bevan BTW the best in the world…) to enable us to go through the final.
Further people worldwide think the All Blacks’ food poisonong two days before the final was the main reason for they lost the rubber at Ellis Park.
Louis Luyt is seen behind the 1995 RWC Boks victory as the man who masterminded the Boks victory well beyond deserving it or not.
Last October we shut the mouths up of the world over.
Hats-off for Jake!
Whether you have read his biography you know what he had to go through during his 4 years at the Boks helm…
@Silver Fox (Comment 95) :
bad and good players are everywhere.
as a lasting WP supporter it’s hard for me to write so on No. 46.
@blackshark (Comment 96) : As a matter of fact yes, I too thought Waylon was a star in the making, but it seems that he has some ways to go. Maybe a chance or two alongside Jean can make him.When Victor does not think his mere appearance are adequate, he should pip Bekker. Kanko’s form are too good for the bench. AND how about this one. Bismarck are way too good for anyone to keep him out.So what about John as loosehead? ❗
@blackshark (Comment 96) :
Positives: we have a huge quantity of very good players. But many of them are lured by foreign money so they tend to get away.
Look at Ross Skeate, Tiaan Liebenberg or François van der Merwe with Die Streeptruie for instance
Negatives: pressures of all kinds that disturb the Bokke group.
The world cup? World Champions? I believe they should have a system somewhat like the CC where the minnows play each other and the winner gets a chance to see if they are making headway. Then the better teams should play twice or even three times against each other and the winner on total points should be World Champions!! It is too easy to have a slip on the day ( like the ABs ).If we could say on such a basis that we are world champs, who could argue?
@Silver Fox (Comment 95) : and Jorrie Muller
@robdylan (Comment 102) : Could be fun to make up a team of the worst players every week. Maybe some of the lads could read it and try for more brains. 😕
@Silver Fox (Comment 99) : It seems as if PdV has made a long-term plan for the 3N.
According to him the backbone for the Aus game was picked a long time ago.
Players like Kanko are probably set to start in the home legs of the comp.
I know the “rotation system” is controversial in all sports…so you guys can be the judges.
No Percy Montgardiney 😯
@Silver Fox (Comment 103) : I am busy building a player rating app as we speak 😉
I guess PdV does not rate MattG’s kicking highly…so he has no need to cover the spaces at the back…
@Silver Fox (Comment 103) : Good idea …
Sharksworld Player of the week – and – Loser of the week type of thing… 😛
Glad to see Tendai on the bench…hope Mujati stays off…if we go backwards against the Aussies in the scrum I’ll have to kill someone….
@robdylan (Comment 106) : For all players? 😯
@Hmmm (Comment 105) : Loooonngg time no.
@robdylan (Comment 106) : As I think, you DO. Watch this space!! 😀 😀
The LIONS could be in 2nd spot after this week!??!
@Hmmm (Comment 109) : I’m afraid we can’t afford to do that.
@blackshark (Comment 110) : no – just Currie Cup at first… and probably just for the Sharks initially. Maybe WP too
@Silver Fox (Comment 111) :
Yeh!??!??!
How you been…what you doing on a Sharks side…I thought it was a hideout for us lame people…where we get to feel a lil kool….
@Hmmm (Comment 113) : Only if the Sharks lose… 🙂
@Hmmm (Comment 116) : That is where lil Icy comes in. 😀
@blackshark (Comment 114) :
Can’t afford to put Mujati on? If so I agree!??!
He went backwards against the Italians…they even pushed us off our ball in one scrum…
@Silver Fox (Comment 118) :
Jip…you got it… 😀
@blackshark (Comment 117) :
If or when? 😉
@blackshark (Comment 117) :
Hey not only that…we need to beat the Griekwas too you know!??! 🙄
@Hmmm (Comment 119) : There’s a little step from Super14 to internationals.Beast took it, Mujati failed.Beast for my money!!
if someone wants to have Currie Cup (Premier Division) stats individual and team for points and tries scored each week please ask robdylan my email address 😯
just don’t talk bad of Die Streeptruie
@Hmmm (Comment 119) : Can’t afford to go backwards… you can interpret that in your own way … 😉
@Hmmm (Comment 122) : Careful there…cos you’re gonna have a very long week if your guys trip against the Griq.
I gave it to Lions on SB but I hope the Griq can extend their winning streak. 😈
blackshark
No need to argue wiff Hmmm. He knows it all.
Mujati is not test quality cos in every game he plays he causes the scrum to go back on his own.
And not just once… +-24 times per game. 🙄
(use the scroll function dude – use the scroll function)
Mujati is an insult to international rugby 😳 😳 😳
The same as No. 46 😯 😯 😯
@wpw (Comment 127) : good advice 😉
@H.O. (Comment 80) :
He’s only had four games dude… give an oke a chance before shooting him down.
By judging him so early on so little means when you eventually judge him in a years time it’ll carry no weight.
@Silver Fox (Comment 123) :
I agree…Tendai played well against Wales…
@VinChainSaw (Comment 130) : 5 games. 4 wins, one away against the All Blacks. And his only loss has been away against the All Blacks.
@H.O. (Comment 124) :
So I should lie?????
@blackshark (Comment 125) :
Especially NOT against the Wallabies…
@blackshark (Comment 126) :
LoL…I know I said as much….
I think you should do it…the team is on a high and they are going to play an intense game after the Griekwas beat WP…
And because of that and the return of JFourie…the LIONS are going to score 4 tries…and a bonus point…
But it is going to be tough cozz the Griekwas have some physical players…if Wayne puts in a few big hits it might disrupt us…
@robdylan (Comment 132) : Terrible record to have Rob 🙄
@Hmmm (Comment 133) :
hmmm
you are free to write whichever you like on the Goats 😉
@VinChainSaw (Comment 130) :
I wisj Mujati all the best for his rugby career.
Anyway I fear for him not being a very good prop.
Perhaps the Boks need a baggagemaster…
wisj=wish
@PJLD (Comment 136) :
Hey rovince jou dingetjie…waar kruip jy weg?
@robdylan (Comment 132) :
Well he has only had 3 caps…
So it is actually 2/3…and was on the field for less than 10 minutes in 1 of those…
@VinChainSaw (Comment 130) :
If backline player for example had such bad games 3 games in a row he would be dropped!??!
If a kicker missed 80% of his kicks (that is a conservative % of the scrums Mujati went backwards in)…he would have been dropped…out of the squad even…And 2 of the games were against poor opposition!??! 4th and 5th ranked props of Italy…
That would be like a 4th best fly-half of a 2nd tier side beating our fly-half or charging down his kicks or tackling him back or intercepting his try a few times in a game…
Would most definitely had been dropped…..
Why are we so lenient with front rowers!??!
Are we that desperate for front rankers!????!
@Hmmm (Comment 142) :
Nobody is expecting him to dominate the world of front rankers…that by all means I am sure everyone will give him more than a year….
But at least not be an embarrassment…so far out of your league against all and any opposition!??!
@Hmmm (Comment 140) : Working brah
@PJLD (Comment 144) :
For a change…and hopefully not for change…
This is like the Crash Test Dummies song, “Hmmmm, mmmmm, mmmmm”
@hellbent (Comment 146) : except there was a point to that song
…and it had more than one verse. 😆
@robdylan (Comment 147) :
Child abuse 👿
@blackshark (Comment 148) :
Once
There was this prop who
Got pushed backwards 24
or 30 times every game and
When
he played for the Boks
He got pushed backwards some more
He couldn’t quite explain it
He’d always just got
Puuuuuushed baaaaack
Hmmmmm hmmmmm hmmmm hmmmm
hmmm hmmmmm hmmmm hmmmmm
Ons kom uit Noorde , Ons kon uit die Suid..
Ons vir jou Suid Afrika !
Song gives me goose bumps!
rob 150 – Repeat ad nauseam
Bwahahahaha. You guys crack me up…
@wpw (Comment 153) :
Oh no!
Who’s gonna put Humpty together again? 😈
I’m not a big Mujati fan, but jeez, he aint the worst prop I’ve seen, and THs are hard to find.
As for PDV, I have no idea how you can call him a bad coach already. I dont agree with all his decisions, but he isn’t wrong all the time.
Big Feet HO is a regular visitor to Reitzworld… U ask me how i know this? he despises 46 as well as PDV. Oh, and ive seen him post there before…
@robdylan (Comment 150) : PML Rob!
The guys who are slating Mujati now will eat their words in a couple of years. The guy is a relative novice as an international tighthead but he is clearly a talent. We saw that in the Super 14. He might not be international quality just yet but if he continues to progress like he has, he certainly will be and sooner rather than later
@wpw (Comment 155) : What is Reitzworld? Is that Keo’s site?
Morning ladies 😎
Mujati is like 23… the fact that he has even played s14 yet is testament to an amazing player for the future.
From The Star
By Jacques van der Westhuyzen
Springbok coach Peter de Villiers achieved something quite remarkable on Thursday at the announcement of his team to take on the Wallabies on Saturday: he shut up an Australian rugby writer good and proper when he was asked whether the Craig Dowd incident of last week was “still burning in the back of his mind”.
De Villiers leaned forward in his chair, gave a wry smile, looked the youngster in the eye and said: “I think you’re at the wrong conference, at the wrong time. That was last week’s news.”
De Villiers was labelled a “puppet” by former All Blacks prop Dowd on the eve of last weekend’s match against New Zealand in Dunedin; a match the Boks won.
“It’s over and done with,” added De Villiers before continuing, “and aren’t there any fresh highlights or something new happening in Australia?
“Why go over the Tasman (Sea) to find something to write about? Let’s leave Craig Dowd.”
Not another word was uttered on the matter at the Press conference, with the said journalist in question sheepishly moving on, red-faced and not knowing where to hide.
Meanwhile, members of the Bok squad, in celebration of former president Nelson Mandela’s 90th birthday, on Thursday night enjoyed cake and wished Madiba all the best for the year ahead.
Happy birthday Pokkel, bstott and MADIBA!
Yes happy bithday to all posters and a special happy 90th to Madiba.
Nandos, never one to miss an opportunity, are offering free meals to anyone 90 and over. 😆
@Salmonoid (Comment 162) : Sweet stuff Nandos…
@blackshark (Comment 160) : Kudos,PdeV!
Prediction from Rugby365
With one out of two so far, confidence is wobbly for it does not get any easier but if the Springboks can really stay humble and focussed as Peter de Villiers has assured us they will be, if they can keep euphoria in check, then we predict that the Boks will beat the Wallabies by more than eight points.
@robdylan (Comment 164) : bulls-eye, wasn’t it ? 😆
@ra-cheltjie de’ be-er (Comment 165) : My prediction on SB is 8 points… go Bokke! 😡
@blackshark (Comment 166) : yeah – awesome stuff
@blackshark (Comment 161) : Thanks for the birthday wishes, taken the day off and going to berg for the weekend,so not much time to chat. happy Birthday to Madiba
@Pokkel (Comment 168) : Happy birthday, pal! Thanks for the support and enjoy the weekend!
@Pokkel (Comment 168) : I was starting to think you were Madiba. 😆
Enjoy the rest of the day mate!!!
@blackshark (Comment 170) : Imagine Madiba sitting in front of his PC blogging 😆
@robdylan (Comment 169) : Thanks Rob. Always nice to come for a chat,even it’s not very productive
@Pokkel (Comment 172) : it is productive – just in a different way 😉
HAPPY Birthday to you, happy brithday to you, HAPPPPYYYYYY BIIIRTTHDAYYYYY, Mister POKKELTJIEEEEEEE, haaaapppyyy Birthdaaayyy tooooo YOUUUUUUUU!!!! *in her sweetest Marrilyn Monroe voice* 😉
@I’ce (Rebel With a Cause) (Comment 174) : I can’t wait for my birthday
@robdylan (Comment 175) :
Its me wife’s birthday today as well.
I wonder what I can ‘give’ her as a gift…
You know you ain’t ‘giving’ a damn thing boet, same drill for you,stay awake and look after the baby while she vang a heavy tiep
@PJLD (Comment 178) :
HAHAHA!!!
happy to your wifey!!!
@PJLD (Comment 178) :
I know.
Pyjama drill se me se %@#* 🙄
@wpw (Comment 177) : let us know if you survive it 😉