'Unstoppable': Ex-All Black midfielder's verdict on new-look Springboks

Ease our suffering in this, our moment of great expectancy,

For we are but humble Springbok supporters,

Gathered in hope, in faith, and in sheer nervousness,

As our boys in green and gold take the field against the mighty Los Pumas.

Yea, admit this good and decent Bok team into thine arms,

In the flock of champions in thine heavenly Rugby World Cup Champions area up there.

And Moab, he laidest down in the land of the Canaanites,

So too may we lay down Los Pumas with righteous tackles and unstoppable tries.

And yea, though the Hindus speak of Karma, I implore you,

Give the Boks a break, O Lord,

Let every bounce of the ball be kind,

Let every ref’s call be just,

And let every kick sail true between the posts.

Baruch Ata, Hallelujah!

The truth is that the ABs have not been well managed of recent and I sense that he and many of the senior players needed a break from the bollocks they had to deal with during the Foster era.

I don’t think the AB tight 5 lived up to the hype. They’ve had their moments but their scrumming, particularly in SA, wasn’t great. Tamaiti Williams, yes he is young and is a big unit, but he was lucky not to have been penalized more against the Boks in both tests.

The ABs will beat England up north - as England is also “building” for something apparently. My guess is two wins against Italy and Wales in next years 6 Nations. And probably a new coach if Borthwick does worse and drops a game to Italy or Wales.

But France and Ireland will be much tougher than even SA who are not playing to their potential, and certainly Australia which are solidly the number 9 team in the world. And actually put up a good fight.

At least we’ve figured out though that BB is the best flyhalf in NZ and will reach 160 caps by the time he plays at the next World Cup just shy of male menopause.

😁

I’m kidding. Relax.

Now that the ABs are building for 2027 - it’s okay to be a sub 70% team (over 6 seasons mind you). And for coaches like Razor (but not Rassie) to lose in the short term to win over the long term.

The NZ public are not that patient. Don’t see it happening.

The only problem I have with all this and the current AB team is that there’s been no gambles taken with bringing in young players.

The only thing more ridiculous than this hypocrisy, I’ll admit, is being an 80 plus % team and blowing QFs in the only tournament that actually matters.

Although I think someone recently suggested that SR and Bledisloe Cups are more important. I can’t keep up.

😁

I’m not convinced about Lolosio and Kellaway though

The latter is a massive defensive liability but good on attack

Their midfield is competent enough but despite the scoreline it was a great first half with the Wallabies the better team and only for some stout ABs defence at the end of the game keeping the gap as it was