Teams for Tri Nations round 4: Springboks vs Wallabies

Here are the teams for the Tri Nations clash between the Springboks and Wallabies in Cape Town on 8th August 2009.

Springbok team

The only change to the Springbok team is that fit-again Ruan Pienaar comes back into the squad for Wynand Olivier, having recovered from an injury sustained in round 2. Morne Steyn has been rewarded for an excellent game last week by retaining his place in the starting lineup.

15. Frans Steyn
14. JP Pietersen
13. Jaque Fourie
12. Jean de Villiers
11. Bryan Habana
10. Morné Steyn
9. Fourie du Preez
8. Pierre Spies
7. Juan Smith
6. Heinrich Brüssow
5. Victor Matfield
4. Bakkies Botha
3. John Smit (captain)
2. Bismarck du Plessis
1. Tendai "Beast" Mtawarira

Replacements: Chiliboy Ralepelle, Jannie du Plessis, Andries Bekker, Danie Rossouw, Ricky Januarie, Ruan Pienaar, Adi Jacobs

Wallabies team

The Wallabies also retain the same starting lineup from their previous match, with one change on the bench: Peter Hynes in for Phil Waugh. To be honest, with the way Heinrich Brussow has been playing at the breakdown, I'm a bit surprised they've left Waugh out - he could have provided cover in case George Smith gets injured (or as part of a fetcher "double team" which they've employed in the past).

15. Adam Ashley-Cooper
14. Lachie Turner
13. Stirling Mortlock (captain)
12. Berrick Barnes
11. Drew Mitchell
10. Matt Giteau
9. Luke Burgess
8. Wycliff Palu
7. George Smith
6. Richard Brown
5. Nathan Sharpe
4. James Horwill
3. Al Baxter
2. Stephen Moore
1. Benn Robinson

Replacements: Tatafu Polota-Nau, Ben Alexander, Dean Mumm, David Pocock, Will Genia, Peter Hynes, James O'Connor

Match Preview

This should be another fascinating clash. The Springboks deservedly start as favourites after back-to-back wins over the All Blacks, but despite the Wallabies poor record playing in South Africa, they are a serious threat. I thought they had the beating of the All Blacks in the opening game, even though they ended up losing, and I expect they'll be very competitive again today. The Springbok backline defence has looked a bit fragile this season, and if anyone can exploit that, this Australian team can. Of course, a lot depends on the quality and quantity of ball their forwards can provide, and the Springboks look to have the advantage in this area.

The Boks will also have to be spot-on if they employ their kick-and-chase game again - the Wallabies are very good in the air and can be dangerous on counter-attack.

Kick-off is at 4pm GMT (5pm SA time).

Tri Nations round 3: Springboks 31 - 19 All Blacks

The All Blacks were once again comprehensively outplayed in yesterday's round three Tri Nations encounter with the Springboks in Durban. While the Kiwis looked dangerous with the ball in hand, they were once again let down by indiscipline and numerous basic errors which robbed them of any momentum. The Springboks' superior tactical game also meant the majority of the game was played in the All Blacks half, so even when they did get their hands on the ball, the Springboks were able to scramble their defence and neutralise the attack.

Springbok records

In contrast to the All Black woes, it was a game of records for the Springboks. John Smit became the most-capped test captain of all time after leading his team for the 60th time, and is fast approaching the status of a legend of the game. His influence has undoubtedly had a lot to do with all that the Springboks have achieved over the last few seasons.

Another player who wrote his way into the record books was Morne Steyn, who scored all his team's points, and in so doing became the highest individual points scorer in a Tri Nations match. Not bad for a player who many critics have been saying is one dimensional! Steyn was once again impeccable with his goal-kicking, missing only one of ten attempts. But he was also good on attack and solid in defence - in fact, apart from one kickoff which went directly into touch, I don't think he put a foot wrong all day. After an excellent Super 14, he has successfully broken into test rugby and shown that he can cut it at the highest level.

Also worth a mention is new boy Heinrich Brussouw, who has been particularly impressive since making his international debut for the Emerging Springboks against the British Lions a few weeks ago. He has had a lot to do with South Africa's dominance at the breakdown, and is going to make it very difficult for the coach to leave him out when Schalk Burger becomes available to play again.

All Blacks not out of it

The All Blacks will be disappointed with their performances in South Africa, and will have to face the inevitable media frenzy when they get back home. But it's too soon to write them off in the competition - the points table is still "on serve", as it were, and the Springboks and Wallabies still have their main overseas leg to come. The other advantage the All Blacks have is a three week break until their next match on 22nd August, then another three weeks before the next on 12th September - time for them to regroup, review their game plan, and possibly bring in some fresh blood (Dan Carter, anyone?). And in between they have South Africa and Australia knocking the stuffing out of each other.

Still anyone's tournament

The Springboks are in pole position to take the tournament at the moment, but in my opinion, the All Blacks' "ordinariness" simply opens up the tournament, meaning it could come down to bonus points in the final analysis, depending how the chips fall. The Wallabies are certainly in with a good chance themselves - remember they dominated the first half of their match against the All Blacks.

I for one am expecting this tournament to go right down to the wire.