Bok team to play All Blacks (Updated again)

The Springbok team to play New Zealand in the second game of the 2007 Tri Nations in Durban on Saturday was announced minutes ago. What do you think?

01. Jacobus Petrus ‘Os’ Du Randt - The big man is unwrapped from the cottonwool as he comes in to replace the injured Gurthro Steenkamp. Will have a tough task against Carl Hayman, arguably the world’s finest scrummager, but Du Randt thrives on these encounters. Look to him for a bit of ‘sagmaak’ in the first half before being replaced by CJ van der Linde. Os plays his 72nd game for the Boks – and probably his final test on home soil.

02. Gary Botha – Botha gets a rare chance to start a test after Bok captain John Smit suffered a hamstring injury last week. His brilliant performances in the Super 14 have elevated him to 2nd in line for the Bok hooker berth, but he faces pressure from the powerful Bismarck Du Plessis who also excelled in this year’s Super 14. Will have his work cut out for him in the scrums where he’ll be facing Anton Oliver. In the lineouts, he has the advantage of throwing in to his Bulls team mates Victor and Bakkies.

03. Brendon James ‘BJ’ Botha – Disappointing game last week in the set pieces, although he was busy around the park. The All Black scrum will be his biggest test to date, and he’ll need to draw on all his strength and technique in his impending battle with the powerful Tony Woodcock.

04. John Philip ‘Bakkies’ Botha – Brilliant first half last week, but needs to sustain the effort for the full 80 on Saturday. A player of his type, who adds mongrel to the pack, is an essential ingredient in getting to the New Zealanders. His power must be applied in spades at the breakdown – hit those rucks Baks!

05. ‘Big’ Victor Matfield (Captain) – The All Blacks’ lineout is one of their only discernable relative weaknesses – especially since most of their first choice locks are not currently available. Vic simply MUST dominate the Kiwis if the Boks are to have any chance at victory. Will be interesting to see how he handles the added pressure of the captaincy, but I have all faith in the big unit. After all, the Bulls won the Super14 under his leadership.

06. Schalk ‘Schalla’ Burger jr – What can you say about Schalla that hasn’t already been said? The man is a machine! Last week’s man of the match is still throwing his body around with scant regard for his physical wellbeing. One of the biggest battles of the game will be his contest with Richie McCaw in the loose.

07. Danie ‘Daniesaur’ Rossouw – named to the side on Thursday after Juan Smith failed to pass a fitness test.

08. Robert ‘Bobby’ Skinstad - Comes in as a last minute replacement for Pierre Spies, who injured his knee in training. Offers valuable playing and captaincy experience. Strengthens the 8-9-10 combination as he plays with Ruan Pienaar and Butch James at the Sharks.

09. Ruan ‘Mr Bean’ Pienaar – Makes his second start in the Bok No 9 jumper after a solid debut last week against the Wallabies. Will have to apply pressure on the Kelleher-Carter channel ala Ricky J in 2005.

10. Robert ‘Butch’ James - Good game last week and great to see him starting to control the game from flyhalf. He obviously does not have the same freedom to dictate the game that Carter has, but he can still make his mark. Good vision to set up Fourie’s try.

11. Jon-Paul Roger ‘JP’ Pietersen – Completely anonymous against Australia, Pietersen needs a big game on Saturday. His Super14 form (leading try scorer in the competition) hasn’t been carried over into the international arena. But let’s have faith. He’s one of those players who can change a game in an instant (similar to Pieter ‘Slap Chips’ Rossouw in his heyday), with his elusive pace being his main weapon of attack..

12. Jean De Villiers – Very inconsistent last week – made some brilliant breaks, but also some shocking mistakes. Needs to up his game and live up to the hype. Let’s see some creative vision Jean! Let’s see some reading of the game situation and adaptability! Some intelligent running lines maybe?

13. Jaque ‘Mossie’ Fourie – Looked to be in injury trouble as he sat out the Bok training session on Tuesday. Obviously just a precautionary measure. If he gets better ball from his inside centre De Villiers on attack, he can be dangerous as he knows how to vary his attacking lines (unlike some of his colleagues). Also needs a huge game on defence against the dangerous All Black backs.

14. Ashwin Willemse – Had a busy performance last week – constantly looking for work and popping up all over the park. Has the strength to be a threat, but his relative lack of pace could be a worry and may be exposed against the All Black speedsters.

15. Percival ‘Monty’ Montgomery – The Bok legend had an outstanding game last week against the Aussies, running from the back and succeeding with all his kicks. He brings stability and experience to the back three, while his counter-attacking game has been turned up a notch or two. Still vulnerable under the high ball though so hopefully he won’t be tested too much on Saturday. Plays in his 85th test – just four behind Joost.

The Replacements:

16. Bismarck Du Plessis
17. CJ van der Linde
18. Johann Muller
19. Pedrie Wannenburg
20. Michael Claassens
21. Wynand Olivier
22. Francois Steyn

Match Details:

Date: Saturday, 23 June
Venue: ABSA Stadium, Durban
Kick-off: 15.00 (13.00 GMT)
Referee: Alain Rolland (Ireland)
Touch judges: Wayne Barnes (England), Simon McDowell (Ireland)
Television match official: Hugh Watkins (Wales)