From Last Word on Rugby, Scott Hornell
Plenty of intrigue surrounds this traditional South Africa v New Zealand (RSAvNZL) Rugby Championship battle in Durban. Teams at either end of the rugby-spectrum: the All Blacks claiming the Championship (TRC) and the Springboks with only two wins.
The starting line-ups were a big talking point, with the All Blacks side named today, ahead of the hosts. The key focus has been on the short turnaround from Argentina (travel/recovery) and whether players might be rested; as Malakai Fekitoa and Aaron Smith were. It turned out that all leading players were named in Steve Hansen’s team for the sixth, and final TRC match.
15. Ben Smith
14. Israel Dagg
13. Anton Lienert-Brown
12. Ryan Crotty
11. Waisake Naholo
10. Beauden Barrett
9. TJ Perenara
8. Kieran Read (c)
7. Matt Todd
6. Jerome Kaino
5. Sam Whitelock
4. Brodie Retallick
3. Owen Franks
2. Dane Coles
1. Joe Moody
Reserves:
16. Codie Taylor
17. Wyatt Crockett
18. Charlie Faumuina
19. Liam Squire
20. Ardie Savea
21. Tawera Kerr-Barlow
22. Lima Sopoaga
23. George Moala
Four key changes
The selectors have not swung the blade, as they did in Buenos Aires, with four key changes made. Jerome Kaino, fit again after a shoulder complaint, resumes his blindside flanker role. Partnering him will be the returning Matt Todd.
The Crusaders openside will partner his Super Rugby team mate Kieran Read, in his first start for several years. One of the form loosies, he supplants Ardie Savea; who falls to the bench. Liam Squire too, will sit on the bench with Elliot Dixon not required.
Sam Whitelock returns from the bench to starting lock, as Squire will act as lock cover. That is a good use of use height, and probably will see Kaino play the full 80 minutes.
Naholo returns to challenge Springboks
The fourth change is on the left wing. Highlanders star Waisake Naholo has overcome a hamstring injury, to replace Julian Savea. A straight swap, with Savea left out of the 23, George Moala entering the bench selection above Damian McKenzie.
Lima Sopoaga retains his status as the second-pick first five, after a fair outing in Argentina. Unable to push Beauden Barrett, the All Black coaches refrain from resting the Super Rugby final ‘Man of the Match’ to combat the expected African pressure.
And pressure will be applied in spades by the Springboks. The traditional battle brings the best out in that side, who managed a win over Australia last weekend. They will be ready for a ‘pitched battle’ as they face the best side in the world.
____________________________________________________________________
One name missing from All Blacks Side Named
The headlines should read ‘All Blacks side named’ but unfortunately, an indiscretion by halfback Aaron Smith was a major distraction that ‘somehow’ overshadowed the starting XV announcement.
The statement from New Zealand Rugby reads ‘matter of fact’. The revered player was suspended for the Durban match after [what is being called] a tryst in a disabled public toilet at Christchurch Airport in September.
Smith will face a misconduct hearing on his return to New Zealand, in that he has failed to meet the standards that New Zealand Rugby and the public expect of players. And the high level of public attention is what has ultimately played it’s part in this PR shambles. The public incident is another blow to the reputation of the organisation, and the sport.
Rugby takes a battering
While the team on the field are performing; about to challenge South Africa, about to equal the All Blacks all-time sequence of wins (17) and are reigning World Champions. It should be good news. Without equivocation, it isn’t.
Aaron Smith adds to the litany of issues–Losi Filipo, the Chiefs stripper saga, Aaron Cruden missing a departure due to a late night–the list could go on. Although that is not painting all rugby with the same brush, but the public opinion has soured lately.
And the organisation that governs the sport must also improve it’s game. The lethargic reaction to many issues has been magnified through public examination. Not only do they have to meet high standards; as mentioned in the Aaron Smith statement, but the body that supports the players and unions, must also improve.
All Blacks Side Named for South Africa Test
The Springboks will bring a hard, confrontational match to the All Blacks, no doubt. They will still feel the pain of only two wins from five starts–a poor return. The hosts must improve. They need to show progression, a game plan that could take the All Blacks to the limit.
With the visitors ‘possibly’ suffering from internal shellshock from the Smith fallout, is this a good time to attack? Definitely. Will it affect the New Zealand team? Most likely not. They are a professional side, well coached, motivated to continue a winning trend and to make it a ‘clean sweep’ of the South African team.
Aside from the external controversy, all systems are go for an All Black performance in Durban. No matter the issue, the machine is still ticking over…..and that is not good news for the Springboks.
“Main Photo:”
