RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP: Tough Ask of South Africa

15.09.2012
South Africa v New Zealand in Dunedin (Rugby Championship)

Venue: Forsyth Barr Stadium

Referee: George Clancy (Ireland)

Preview
South Africa come into this test rugby match under all sorts of pressure. The team has a disappointing record since Meyer took over as coach. The style of rugby he is coaching is also coming into question. The kick-and-chase tactics appear very out dated. The players he is choosing to carry out this plan are sadly out of form, namely Mornie Steyn and fullback Kirchner.

New Zealand has far less pressure. Yes Daniel Carter is still unavailable due to injury but Aaron Cruden is growing in experience and confidence everytime he plays. The only worry is that this team has yet to produce the rugby they are capable of. Against Argentina they were rocked by the aggression of their defence. Eventually their play-wide plan succeeded and the tries came.

New Zealand should win but as always the Springbox are a fearsome foe especially up front. New Zealand will win the game out wide. If they click I cannot see South Africa getting remotely near the Kiwis.

Last Five Encounters
20.08.2011 South Africa 18-5 in Port Elizabeth (Tri Nations)
30.07.2011 New Zealand 40-7 in Wellington (Tri Nations)
21.08.2010 New Zealand 29-22 in Johannesburg (Tri Nations)
17.07.2010 New Zealand 31-17 in Wellington (Tri Nations)
10.07.2010 New Zealand 21-12 in Auckland (Tri Nations)

New Zealand Last Five P 5, W 5
08.09.2012 v Argentina W 21-5 in Wellington (Rugby Championship)
25.08.2012 v Australia W 22-0 in Auckland (Bledisloe Cup; Rugby Champ.)18.08.2012 v Australia W 27-19 in Sydney (Bledisoe Cup; Rugby Champ.)23.06.2012 v Ireland W 60-0 in Hamilton
16.06.2012 v Ireland W 22-19 in Christchurch

New Zealand has won it’s last 13 rugby test matches.

South Africa Last Five P 5, W 2, D 2, L 1
08.09.2012 v Australia L 19-26 in Perth (Rugby Championship)
25.08.2012 v Argentina D 16-16 in Mendoza (Rugby Championship)
18.08.2012 v Argentina W 27-6 in Capetwon (Rugby Championship)
23.06.2012 v England D 14-14 in Port Elizabeth
16.06.2012 v England W 36-27 in Johannesburg

GWC Rugby Rankings
World Table: New Zealand 1st, South Africa 4th

IRB Ranking Points
New Zealand 92.43, South Africa 84.20

Prediction: New Zealand to click and win by 24 points

Teams

New Zealand
15 Israel Dagg, 14 Cory Jane, 13 Conrad Smith, 12 Ma'a Nonu, 11 Julian Savea, 10 Aaron Cruden, 9 Piri Weepu, 8 Kieran Read, 7 Richie McCaw (Capt.), 6 Liam Messam, 5 Samuel Whitelock, 4 Luke Romano, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Andrew Hore, 1 Tony Woodcock
Replacements
16 Keven Mealamu, 17 Charles Faumuina, 18 Brodie Retallick, 19 Victor Vito, 20 Aaron Smith, 21 Beauden Barrett, 22 Tamati Ellison.
Head Coach: Steve Hansen

South Africa
15 Zane Kirchner, 14 Bryan Habana, 13 Jean de Villiers (Capt), 12 Francois Steyn, 11 Francois Hougaard, 10 Morne Steyn, 9 Ruan Pienaar, 8 Duane Vermeulen, 7 Willem Alberts, 6 Francois Louw, 5 Juandre Kruger, 4 Flip van der Merwe, 3 Jannie du Plessis, 2 Adriaan Strauss, 1 Tendai Mtawarira.
Replacements
16 Tiaan Liebenberg, 17 Dean Greyling, 18 Andries Bekker, 19 Marcell Coetzee, 20 Johan Goosen, 21 Juan de Jongh, 22 Patrick Lambie.
Head Coach: Heyneke Meyer