Pau sign ex-England prop Harry Williams

We weren't talking about that though, we were talking about what type of team should make up that competition.

The obvious format of rugby should be half a dozen to a dozen State matches, a Club Pacific Championship with NZ/Japan and rest of Oceana, that's about 6 to 8 weeks, and then a semi pro comp that it all comes from which runs the whole season. A huge investment requirement that but you know, you have to spend money to make money. But yes, I can even a simple model like that could have facets for and against it's benefit in a country like Australia, which is were they guys on the ground can provide real value.

In case it's never come across before Nick, I'm not a fan of Super Rugby. I'm a fan of the NPC. Do I think some of the purpose behind Super Rugby should be preserved if possible? Yes of course, lots of good things in but it's a soleless competition that misses out on so much more and theres many better ways to combine all the best aspects. You just need money.

Kolbe’s scores a lot more tries on the left. And Moodie’s frame on the kick and chase, contestables could give Reece nightmares.

I just hope it’s not a draw.

I think both sides are going to try gain the upper hand in the kicking game. Will be much like a RWC knockout game. ABs need a win to stay in contention and to retain the freedom cup. Boks need a win to secure the Rc and freedom cup (and make history having last beaten the ABs 4 in a row 75 years ago).

Canan Moodie will start his transition to 13 pretty soon I feel. His 2m frame and defence is well suited there. Watch him today in that 13/14 channel.

The weather in Cape Town looks fine albeit a bit gusty. Shouldn’t be as high a high scoring game so taking and slotting high pressure penalties is going to be on the cards. Hence Pollards cool calm demeanor at 10.

I think the kicking contest is going to decide this match. Both teams put each other under pressure last week albeit at different parts of the game. The boks came into the ascendancy as they kicked longer range kicks onto the back. So Will Jordan’s selection at the back over BB is interesting. I’m not sure Will is as good a tactical kicker as BB, but perhaps they’re expecting more of the same, with Will and Reece launching counter attacks off deep kicks.

But I expect the boks will be launching more contestables with Moodie chasing. Using his close on 2 m frame to pressure Reece and on kick-offs. If this works, can we expect to see BB back on with Tele’a taking Reeces place and Jordan back on 14? Early in the second half.

I think it’s going to be a low scoring game, both defenses will be tighter today. The boks will try and keep the ABs from taking any early lead. Expect them to play to their conservative style in the first half, box kicks. Aggressive defending. Staying in the AB half. The bomb squad will come on earlier if they play this style.

Grant Williams is going to be dangerous today for the ABs. His ability to find and snipe through gaps is stunning. The ABs are going to have to keep an eye on him carefully. Particularly if they’re keeping an eye on multiple big runners coming at them. DDA. Eben. Wiese. Siya. William is due a massive game in the 9 jersey. We haven’t seen him at his best yet. His box kicking this RC has been on point.

Expect to see SFM come in at 12 today for DDA in the second half. DDA is going to go back to his battering ram, flank forward role in the backline.

The ABs ability to score off our mistakes is where they are still so dangerous. And that’s what I’m nervous about. The boks execution this RC hasn’t been perfect. I think Jordan and Reece are going to be waiting for those mistakes. And that’s where I think the ABs can win it. A few quick scores early or late in the game. The boks are going to have to be wide awake and on point.

I’m excited to see where Am fits in today. I miss him and before his untimely injury he was my favorite player in the Bok backline. I expect he may come on at 13, kriel moving to wing and Moodie coming off to boost our backline defence. Moodie could even move to Fullback for Willie.

I can’t wait for this game. Good luck to you kiwis. There’s going to be fireworks today and lots to talk tomorrow that’s for sure!

No jets expected over Cape Town Stadium today. But the DJ has ABBAs greatest hits locked and loaded.