This clash makes me nervous, I didn't anticipate getting eliminated in the Quarter finals and to think my world cup dream could fall agonisingly close is depressing. I like our chances if its dry, if not, I think we are honestly fucked, the Springboks will play out of their skins if it's raining, if not, we have the edge psychologically, and x-factor players that can pull us over the line. I look at the backrow battle and the battle of the halves as the decider in this one, the Aussie scrum has progressed enough to not get pinged every second scrum, that depends on the referee of course.
Likely sides:
1. Kepu v Mtwarira - Even, Mtwarira in the scrums, Kepu around the field. Steenkamp would be a different story.
2. Moore v Smit - Moore. Every Australian should be praying they play Smit, end of story, the thought of BDP is scary stuff.
3. Alexander v J du Plessis - du Plessis. Alexander is there, but doesn't always seem to be there.
4. Horwill v Matfield - Horwill. Matfield is getting on and a captains knock from Horwill would see him ahead of the veteran. Both will be crucial to their sides performance, Horwill has looked a shadow of his former self and will certainly need to find his feet if Australia is to win.
5. Vickerman v Botha. Botha. Let's hope they don't pick Rossouw, Vickerman has the physicality here, Botha the skill. Rossouw is looking lethal and easily the form lock of the tournament, but with their coach they could go for anything.
6. Elsom v Brussouw. Brussouw. This could go either way, both at their best could determine this entire match. Pocock will factor into this one and need to help Elsom.
7. Pocock v Burger. Pocock. The Australian has the edge here but never write off the veteran, Brussouw will be watching like a hawk. Burger has looked better so far this tournament but he will need to have a superb game to neutralise Pocock.
8. Samo v Spies. Even. Both have x-factor, Samo has been closer to form than Spies. Don't write off the South African though, his barnstorming runs are rare but ruin defences with ease.
9. Genia v Du Preez. Genia. Aussie has this by a mile if he plays his best, Du Preez has looked slow and four years past his prime. If the difference on the field is as great as it appears to be on paper Australia will go a long way to winning this match.
10. Cooper v Steyn. Even. These two won't give each other an inch, Cooper has the x-factor, Steyn has the golden boot, whichever reacts best to the situation and sums up the situation best will win it. Unfortunately Cooper is looking out of touch, will rely on Barnes a great deal to release the pressure.
11. Ioane v TBC (Probably Pietersen). Ioane, x-factor and form give the Australian this by a mile no matter the opposition. His match-fitness is questionable though.
12. Barnes v de Villiers. Even. Both on their day can win it for their side, JDV has fallen out of form and has been forced upon the Boks by the injury to F.Steyn. Barnes is opposite and looks to be coming into form and his kicking will be a great factor in Australia's field position.
13. Ashley-Cooper v Fourie. Fourie. More experienced and easily the form 13 in the world, Fourie is looking like an easy winner in this matchup. Needless to say, AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) is there for a reason, his defence is excellent and I doubt Fourie will be given too much room to move.
14. JOC (James O'Connor) v Aplon. JOC (James O'Connor). Both are up-and-coming players and hold keys to their side, incredible pace and great evasiveness. JOC (James O'Connor)'s kicking will be incredibly important and give him the edge in terms of the match-up.
15. Beale v Lambie. Lambie. On his day, Beale would destroy Lambie, problem is he looks nowhere near where he used to be. Seems to be lacking confidence to attack the line and thus is getting predictable. Lambie on the other side of the coin is hitting form and looks to be the form #15 of the tournament, has great kicking game to compliment his unpredictability in attack.
16. TPN v du Plessis. BDP. We can only hope the Springboks put him on the bench, he is an absolute monster. TPN is showing signs of his 2009 form but there is no more time for stuffing around, he will need to step up now. BDP if he gets on, will destroy tired bodies.
17. Slipper v Steenkamp. Steenkamp. The South African is in great form but seems to have fallen out of favour, perhaps politically. Slipper is coming back from injury but just hasn't looked solid. If Steenkamp starts, expect fireworks in the scrums.
18. Sharpe v Brussouw. Brussouw. Form lock of the tournament, will hopefully get dropped for the return of Botha. Sharpe has looked good but you would have to doubt him against his opposite number.
19. Hodgson v Alberts. Alberts. Noone really knows where Hodgson is at, but we know he is needed on the bench. Hodgson provides solid backup but his test form has been shocking, Alberts has looked impressive so far and could really turn the game. Both will need to make an impact off the bench.
20. Higgenbotham v Louw. Even. Neither look at their best, both sets of fans will be hoping they lift for their teams, Higgenbotham looks unpredictable, Louw looks solid. Toss of the dice this one.
21. Burgess v Hougaard. Hougaard. Purely due to his versatility and form Hougaard is the choice back-up halfback. Burgess has been good since returning and has the ability to re-shape the Australian attack, Hougaard appears to be the super-sub, no one knows where he will come on but expect impact.
22. McCabe v De Jongh. Even. Both have looked good but form and match fitness are questionable, De Jongh will have great impact whilst McCabe will offer solid defence which could be vital in the dying minutes. Watch this space.
I think the Springbok bench is far too strong, add the weather and stadium into the equation and this could potentially be a blow-out. Genia, Moore, Pocock and Cooper will be heavily relied upon but I can't see them holding on for 80. Expect it to be close at half-time, final margin to be about 15 points to the Boks.
