houston_11 says...

After all the complaints about SA "resting" players, which I myself took part in, I have to say I'm starting to favour them for this match. The make or break will be the combinations in Australia's backline - namely McCabe and Phipps/Phibbs (can't remember his name).

Regardless it's not going to be a walk in the park - would be great to see Brüssow play but I really want to see him at the World Cup to get a match up with Pocock!

Posted 13:13 13th July 2011

bloemboy says...

I actually like the look of the squad that is going across. I think that the manpower available on this trip will be making Robbie Deans a worried man at the moment. there is a sense of unpredictability about this team. The biggest concern for me will be the defensive structure through the centres and wings. Without a top class fullback to manage that structure and read the gaps, we could leak a few. This is where guys like Brussouw, Johnson and Alberts will have to collectively put in a massive defensive sweeper role against the Aussies. On the other hand, our own backline has quite alot of attacking flair. Pity Sarel Pretorius isnt there to have really sucked in the Aussie Loosies and then spread the ball.

Posted 06:06 13th July 2011

JayStarr says...

If Heinrich Brussouw can play, and he plays like he did against the Waratahs when he came back for the Cheetahs, then Australia's got a game on their hands..! That was without a doubt the best game by any fetcher in the tournament. He took the ball off them like candy from a baby...

And if Coenie is fit, he'll be a force coming off the bench! Especially with the Wallabies looking a bit thin in their reserve front rows...

I think it's at the very least going to be a very interesting game! If they can emulate the previous "weakened" team from 2007 - who led 17-0 at one stage - they'll do well, cause these guys won't lose a lead like that..!

Posted 18:23 12th July 2011