Low Key Build Up Continues

Aussie confidence about the game this weekend seems to be riding high at the moment, even for them!  Greg Gowden and Ben Kimber deliver their appraisal of what is likely to happen in the Rugby Heaven video presentation that can be seen by clicking here.  Now, I’m not saying that in the final analysis these boys are wrong, however as it would be a brave man indeed who would pick that this South African team were capable of pulling off a win, or losing by less then 15 points after last week.  However, I did want to say that it would be great if they could pull off a win, and get some competition back into the Tri Nations.  Springbok pride will be hurting, but I agree with Gowden and Kimber that the Africans just aren’t good enough at the breakdown.

Of note is the reference to Butch James’ tackling style, calling him the Venus de Milo of tacklers (ie no arms).  I thought that was rather good, and it remains to be seen what difference Butch can make to this game.  He was, of course, not playing in the last thrashing they took at the hands of the Wallabies.  He has played a part in the pre-match hype already in any event.  Click here for the latest on that.  Perhaps his inclusion, and much hyped defence has been able to get inside the head of Larkham, however I very much doubt it.  That guy is a wonderful player, and very professional.  It is difficult to see him getting caught up in the emotion of pre match hype at this stage of his career.  However, for an interesting article on his thoughts prior to the match, click here.

The Wallabies are being picked to attack the African forwards this week.  Click here for more on that.  I was pleased to see that there was no reference to the Wallaby scrum being involved in this attack, as clearly the Springboks can expect to dominate there, although they have to turn this into go forward and points which they failed to do last time.  They apparently have more confidence in Jutge as a referee to police this area of the game more efficiently than they say was the case in the previous match against the Wallabies.  McIssac and Palu should assist with that endeavour, however attacking the Springbok forwards is never an easy task.

Bring it on I say.  This is the game of the also rans, but let’s hope that something unpredicted might take place this weekend and give things a bit of a shake up.