Warming up the valves in the old television (metaphorically of course) in preparation for this morning's Springbok/All Black clash.
Whatever the outcome, it will be a sad day for Eben Etzebeth...
The Springboks have confirmed that centurion Eben Eztebeth will still lead the side against the All Blacks in Auckland despite losing his father earlier this week.
After being named as the stand-in skipper for the injured Siya Kolisi, the towering lock got news of his father’s passing. Etzebeth was said to be extremely close to his father and his participation in this weekend’s clash was thrown in doubt.
The veteran Springbok was described as very emotional this week but trained at the captain’s run and the South Africans confirmed he will play to AFP.
Ready to play
His confirmed participation is a huge boost for the Springboks who have come to rely heavily on the world-class second-row since his debut in 2012.
The Test against the old foe, the All Blacks has set up as a decider for the truncated 2023 Rugby Championship.
All Blacks skipper Sam Cane acknowledged what has been a difficult week and offered condolences to the South African on behalf of the team.
It’s been a pretty tough week for him and his family. As a team, we send our condolences to the Etzebeth family,” Cane told reporters.
“It must be pretty tough for him being on the other side of the world.
“We’ll see each other at the coin toss and then do battle on the field.”
As they did in 2019, the Springboks decided to split their squad by sending some players to New Zealand earlier and playing a mixed team against Australia.
It is not often that ones sits watching big hulking Joe Marler talking to his therapist on Sky Sports about his depression at 06:30 on a Saturday morning. Actually in other ways it seems appropriate, and is very revealing about the human psyche and interesting in all of that, not least for one who has suffered from depression. I hope the bloke overcomes his demons.
Just pulled my ZA underpants over my head and eyes to block out the spectacle of this awful Springbok display thus far. All that said the All Blacks are on fire.
A bit of honour restored. We are still in this game.
The observer of fools in military south and north...
Just pulled my ZA underpants over my head and eyes to block out the spectacle of this awful Springbok display thus far. All that said the All Blacks are on fire.
A bit of honour restored. We are still in this game.
Nope, we are well and truly buggered. Well done the All Blacks...
The observer of fools in military south and north...
Eddie Jones lost his temper during Australia’s narrow defeat by Argentina, slamming his headset into the desk in his coaching box. FULL-TIME: Australia 31-34 Argentina
The former England head coach did so during the second half of Australia’s loss in Sydney as his wait for a first victory since returning for a second stint with the Wallabies goes on, with his side denied in excruciating fashion by Juan Martín González’s match-winning try in the 79th minute.
Argentina were also the opponent when Jones famously lost his cool on camera while coaching England in 2017.
This will have been a sweet victory for Michael Cheika, his first in Australia over his old side with Argentina and another win over his old mate from Randwick. Before last November, Jones led their respective head-to-head 8-0. Now Cheika has won the last two meetings, against England at Twickenham and over the Wallabies in Sydney.
Seeing as the Pumas have won away against, Australia, Kiwis and England in the last few months, it was a good performance, due to load shedding had to go to a local bar to watch the match
Seeing as the Pumas have won away against, Australia, Kiwis and England in the last few months, it was a good performance, due to load shedding had to go to a local bar to watch the match
The sacrifices you make Woody are to be commended.