Clash at Suncorp Stadium

The buildup to the game this weekend has focussed on the relatvie strength of the forward packs for each side. While the South Africans certainly have the edge, they normally do have a forward pack that is considerably heavier than the opposition. However, they still regularly lose. The question is, can the Aussies get enough ball to let their classy backline shine? The answer will decide the fate of the game.

However, the comments in the lead up to the game have been amusing. Jeremey Paul has waded in in this article by suggesting that the forward pack has more talent than any other while he had been playing. Say what? No Owen Finnegan or any of the other world beaters they produced even rate? I think that is going a bit far mate. However, at least he goes on to say that it is good for the youngsters to get knocked around a bit before the World Cup. He's right, and if you are a fan of rotating selection policies you have to agree. However, the problem is it may not help them that much for the match this weekend. The South Africans must be salivating at the prospect of buckling the Aussie front row.

However, their last outing against France must call into question some of the posturing of the Africans this week. They got creamed by the French in their last outing up front, and that team was no great shakes in the forward department. The Aussie front row is new, and inexperienced, however they will have played these bokes in Super 14 so it will be interesting to see how that goes. Scrum would have to go in the favour of the Africans after the performance last week, and the troubles of last year. The effect of this in the game will unfold on Saturday night, however it is a good attacking platform to have. Click here to read the Aussie take on the matter.

The lineout should be fairly even with Mattfield up against Nathan Sharpe and Daniel Vickerman. The Aussies have also changed the loose forward trio bringing in Fava and switching Smith to play the whole game at nmber 7. You'd have to wonder why that has taken so long. Smith is world class and can hold his own in any game. Seems that there is plenty of reason for him to play well if this article is correct. Perhaps he wont have to worry about holding his own, the Africans might do that for him. At least his hair anyway. It's often the retaliation that is seen by the officials so he may not be well advised to react to it if it does happen. His comments here.

Somewhat unsurprisingly the Aussies are predicting that it will come down to the quality of the respective back lines, and I would have to agree - barring a complete collapse of forward resistance. For a good summary from the Rugby Heaven crew, click here. The inexperienced South African winger will be tried on by Tuqiri, click here for that article.

The Australians have the edge in the backline, and I think their class will shine out, and win the day. However, I have no great confidence in that and would not put any money on this match. Also Aussie have not lost to Africa at Suncorp since the 70's, and it is hard to see that record falling this weekend. Enjoy the game, and remeber, keep thos ecomments coming!