Tri Nations Game 4 South Africa v Australia - Saturday 13 August 2011 - 3N2011

[PaarlBok]

Why would Jake feel bitter??

Blue, did you find it interesting that all the walkie talkie communication was done by Dick Muir?? With the Clown sitting off to the side, I know it has been suggested many times before, but that might be pretty reflective of the coaching setup one might think?

Jake White is now in Eddie Jones mood when Eddie was help Jake White with the Boks. To be reeaaallly honest, I am pretty sure Jake White wont have done anything different to what we see at the moment from Snor. Smit would have been his captain with the regular old age homers plus we may have never discovered Brussouw with Jakey. Snor even have Derick Coetzee his right hand in 2007 when it came to conditioning and fitness.

 

[tranquility]

When I watched the replay of this game, it dawned on me that Pat McCabe is now a core element and contributor in this backline. I know it has been suggested before, but certainly in my eyes and from what I can guess Robbie's too, McCabe is ahead of AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) in the backline pecking order. I love it when a young bloke steps up and really grabs his opportunity, in the same way that Pocock and Genia and co did a few years back, and AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) before them. Great stuff.

Also, someone mentioned earlier in the thread that we now have more depth than ever, and isn't great too have all this competition for places. This is not a co-coincidence, this is what Robbie has created by blooding players and having faith and making tough decisions. All those Robbie haters out there, I think you better start getting careful with your words, because I think we are on the cusp of doing something really great with this group.

Robbie, you always did, and still have my vote.

 

[Beefcake]

The bitter irony is George Smith saw the writing on the wall that young Lazarus Pocock's rising form and freakish ability to pinch breakdown ball, that it was time to move on while still at the top.

But now with the changed law interpretation at the breakdown and the neutralisation of dominant fetchers in the modern game, George's linking game and skill set is now more relevant to the game then Pocock's.

I'm not saying George would be taking Pocock's spot if he was still around today, as Pocock's involvement in the tackle contest and breakdown are frankly astounding, sometimes it seems like there are two of him out there, but if they were both 23, it would be very interesting as to who would be wearing the #7 jersey.

Smith wily craft vs Pocock brute resistance. What i admired about GSmith was his cloak and dagger game, he was an extra back in the forwards and extra forward in backs, revolutionised the position and i do have sum love for Pocock, his resolute presence, u know he snaffles that pill like its viagra but when hes nullified or rather checked like in Auckland by McCaw, hes left with an impotent running game.

Which leads me to Beau Robinson, hes the dirty scoundrel from the wild wild west. Offer the same resilience not brute strength, gets knocked over like a bottletop, but relentless nonetheless and when the opportunity presents has handy passing and running game to open the game, has the true makings of domesticated jackal.

Hope he is included...