Prior to the world cup, people need to remember that players will be participating in the new and somewhat interesting Super 15 format, as well as the Tri-Nations, which we all know is not something to take light heartedly. With this in mind and that the Super 15 starts in February, and due to pre-season training even earlier, combined with the final fixture of the tour only on the 4^th of December, it puts a serious question mark on taking a full strength side to Europe.

It was pretty obvious to see in this year’s Tri-Nations that the Boks were affected by a case of general fatigue, and at times looked somewhat worn out which resulted in some rather lack lustre performances. Hell, I’m not blaming them as playing competitive rugby, whether it is international, Super 14 or provincial rugby does and will take its toll on the players.

When it comes to squad selection for the tour I think the “older” senior players need to be left at home, as one needs to realise that after the world cup players such as John Smit, Victor Matfield, Bakkies Botha (even though I don’t think Bakkies is our best choice at number 4, but thats a whole other debate in itself), Fourie du Preez, Bryan Habana etc. will be move on and probably retire from international rugby shortly after the world cup, as they are getting older and the fact that all the wonderful years that they have served South African rugby are starting to catch up with them. Yes, I do think they have a special role to play at the world cup, but to achieve this they need to be well rested and looked after.

I feel that a combination of some of the lesser experienced, and this does not mean un-experienced, players together with some new, up and coming talent need to represent SA at the end of the year. Players such as Jaque Fourie, Juan Smith, Jean de Villiers, Bismarck du Plessis, the beast, Frans Steyn and Andries Bekker, just to mention a few are more than capable to lead younger players.

SA is blessed with many talented players who will only start to grow and mature when they get given a chance to prove themselves and more importantly learn at an international level.

Players such as Juan de Jongh, Gio Aplon, Francois Hougaard, Francois Louw and Flip van der Merwe have all played at the highest level and did exceptionally well, and one must remember that they are not that experienced when it comes to the amount of test match rugby played, but by watching them you could swear they have been there for much longer than what they really have. With this in mind, surely some of the consistent as well as young talented players from the Currie Cup can do the same, as isn’t that the place where the majority of South African players start off?! Players such as Duane Vermeulen, Pat Lambie, Pieter Louw, Adriaan Fondse, Tiaan Liebennerg, Lwazi Mvovo, Lionel Mapoe, Doppies le Grange, Jano Vermaak and even Peter Grant are all excellent players and you start to wonder when they will get their chance.

Taking nothing away from the teams the Springboks will play on tour as they are all going to be extremely tough on home soil, I still think that the way to go is to take a bag of mixed sweets. A combination of experience and untested talent will be enough to win the grand slam.

It doesn’t mean that the grand slam isn’t important enough for Smitty and his more mature counter parts to go with; instead it kills two birds with one stone. The Boks will go to New Zealand next year with a rested and as ready as ever squad to defend the world champion title and it will give Springbok selectors a chance to see how the Boks can cope without the veterans and to see what would happen if something had to happen to one of them, and more importantly to see if there is someone to fill their shoes.

I would like to thank Michael v.d Walt for this article.

As a nation who has prided themselves with defence ever since I can remember, it seems to me this policy has been thrown out of the window. Why change a winning formula? It won us a world cup 3 years ago…by the way the Springboks have just scored a scintillating try thanks to Victor Matfield, as the hooter sirens for half time. But that’s not the point… the point is we seem to have forgotten how to defend and I can’t understand why. Our line is jagged, there’s a lack of communication and we seem to just not know how to make first time tackles. Surely the only reasonable explanation is the coach? It’s basically the same group of players that won us the world cup. But it doesn’t matter what happens now, it’s too close to next years prestigious world cup for any drastic changes to happen.

So lets move onto the players. Why oh why do we consistently pick players who are out of form? By we of course I mean PdV. With so many young stars shining in this years Currie cup, the bok management have missed a trick so close to the world cup. I can only hope that these young players will be given a chance on the end of year grand slam tour, but by then it might be too late for us. If each Springbok that played in the test match today could look in the mirror and say they gave everything they had, I would be happy. But the problem is they can’t say that because the reality is, there are a few players who just seem to be playing because they were picked, and that for me, is not good enough. It’s an honour to represent your country regardless of the sport, and if these players can’t put everything on the line, then they shouldn’t be playing, full stop.

On a small positive note, and as much as the players let themselves down today, they can be proud of the way they came back to take the lead in the second half. Many teams could have easily laid down and died but we showed great character to win the second half. A couple of weeks ago I wrote about John Smit and how he should hang up his boots. Well his performance today was a slap in the face and he really lifted his game after some heavy criticism lately, his unbelievable one-handed take was a tribute to a much-improved performance.I believe that Smit would have had played a big part in a leadership sense, in forming our comeback.

Today’s result was bitterly disappointing especially now that we will finish last in the tri-nations. But that doesn’t even hurt the most. It’s the manner in which we lost. To be fair to the Aussies they looked physically and mentally better then we did. They looked fitter, their structure was better, they looked to attack from every opportunity and even though we scored three tries, there defence was so much better. This isn’t good enough for the world champions and my hopes are high for PdV to turn things around. Otherwise maybe he should start looking for a new job, but that’s just my opinion. We did so much wrong today but our biggest mistake we made was the basics. Lineouts, scrums, mauls, and all these sorts of things that we normally do so well, we failed to do with precision today. In the last few minutes of the test match when we lost it, we should have rather chosen to kick the ball deep into the Aussies 22 and force them to do all the work, rather then giving away the penalty for a silly infringement. Van de Merwe should have known better. But that’s how test rugby works, sometimes you play well and lose, and sometimes you play badly and win.

To be honest, I’m glad the tri-nations is over for South Africa because I can’t stand watching our beloved Springboks lose again.

After celebrating his 100th test yesterday at The National Stadium, John Smit, arguably one of South Africa’s finest ever captains had one of his darkest hours in his illustrious career. With the Springboks leading 22-17 in the 78th minute, All Blacks skipper Richie McCaw scored a controversial try in the corner to level the scores. After what looked like a forward pass in the build up to McCaw’s try, the referee failed to call the blatant infringement as well as the subsequent try having to go up to the touch judge, for what looked like McCaw’s foot hitting the touchline at the same time he grounded the ball. So much for controversy. Carter missed the conversion to leave the score at 22-22. This left some hope in the hearts of all South Africans that we could still snatch a win.

But alas, heartbreak. Heartbreak for everyone, and especially our captain. The one man who I didn’t want something like this to happen. You see, as mush as John Smit’s form has deteriorated since the 2007 World Cup, he still remains a key figure in the bok setup. He has taken a lot of flack from a lot of people but they don’t realize what goes on behind the scenes, how much work John has put in to be where he is today. But after missing the decisive tackle that handed the All Blacks the famous win yesterday, it breaks myheart to say it, but i think it is time to let John go out with his head held high,and let the youngsters fill his shoes.

After watching Bismarck du Plessis in rampaging form against W.P. yesterday, there is enough evidence to suggest that he is the man to take over the hooker birth. Don’t get me wrong, South Africa is blessed with tremendous hooker talent and the likes of Tiaan Liebenburg, Adriaan Strauss and Gary Botha must be in contention. Oh, let us not forget about the ever present Chiliboy Ralepelle, who somehow makes it into the bok team week in week out, while not even starting for his franchise. That has never and will never make sense to me, I don’t care what colour his skin is.

I must make mention of Francois Hougaard who had an outstanding game at srumhalf yesterday. The boks looked much more calm and controlled with him as their general. He is the new Fourie du Preez in the making and i hope the bok management will nurture him correctly.

But rather then this be about the new and the coming of age, let it be a tribute to our great captain. Through the thick and the thin, John Smit has been always ready to stick his hand up, to be the first to say ‘it was my fault.’ It takes a great man to be able to single out your flaws, it takes a great man to be able to lead a team with so much political influence and it takes a great man to shoulder the responsibility of being Springbok captain with such a cool demeanor. It takes a great man to achieve great things and John has achieved so much. So John Smit,  I salute you.

In the first game of the new season, Man City took on Tottenham, whom many touted to be serious contenders to challenge for the title this season. Tottenham certainly lived up to expectations as they came out all guns blazing and would have won if it wasn’t for the heroics of their goalie Joe Hart. Fabio Capello will surely be scratching his head and wondering why he never gave the youngster a chance in their failed world cup campaign. Man City looked like a team who had never played together before and to be fair to them, they haven’t. Roberto Mancini stated that some of his new signings had only joined the squad the day before their match. But i don’t want to be fair to them, and a team with high ambitions this season, need to start gelling quickly if they are going to get the desired results. If they don’t, you have to wonder how long Mancini will have until their wealthy owners lose patience.

Chelsea once again showed their class in a 6-0 demolition of newly promoted West Brom, with last years top scorer Drogba bagging yet another hat-trick in Chelsea colours. They certainly sent out a clear message to any title rivals that they will once again be up there when the season comes to an end. But in saying that, I believe Chelsea have some serious questions to be answered over their defence. Their backline is lacking some serious pace and against better teams, they will be exposed.

On Sunday, a reinvigorated Liverpool under new manger Roy Hodgeson, took on a Arsenal side without their captain Cesc Fabregas. Arsene Wenger decided to leave world cup star Robin van Persie on the bench along with Walcott and Rosicky and that decision looked like it would backfire after David N’gog scored an absolute belter just before half time. Funnily enough, we were saying just how poor N’gog is before he proved us all wrong. Still, if I were Hodgeson I would seriously look into acquiring another striker to bolster their attacking options. Joe Cole had his dream debut crushed when he was shown a straight red for a tackle they looked ugly but probably only deserved a yellow. If it wasn’t for a comical blunder by the usually solid Pepe Reina, Liverpool would have had the perfect start to the season. Unfortunately for them they had to settle for a draw but things are looking promising. I can’t say the same for Arsenal though, as they looked like they ran out of attacking options and out of idea’s. They were unable to breakdown the strong Liverpool defence and surely it must be a concern for Wenger after last season they so easily scored goals. Maybe with the return of Fabregas, their fortunes will change otherwise it’s going to be a long season for Arsenal fans.

In the final game of the weekend, a masterclass of passing and vision was executed by the man who has had had an illustrious 19 year carear at Old Trafford. The little ginger Paul Scholes, once again demonstrated that he still has plenty left in the tank as he had a hand in two of the three goals in United’s 3-0 win over Newcastle. Dimitar Berbatov scored united’s first goal but in honesty he should have had three and I, like many united fans, hope that now the rust has come off and he will start to convert all the chance to goals. I can only hope. United looked like a polished side and the fact that Wayne Rooney didn’t need to be at his best is a good thing. I’m sure that we will see the Rooney of old very soon.

There were some very interesting results this weekend but I wouldn’t look too far into them. When we hit November we can start making real assessments of teams. For now though, we watch, we laugh, we cry and we criticize but the most important thing we need to do is support, through good times and especially through bad times.

Full list of results from the weekend 14 August:

Wolves 2 – 1 Stoke

Wigan 0 – 4 Blackpool

Tottenham 0 – 0 Man City

Sunderland 2 – 2 Birmingham

Chelsea 6 – 0 West Brom

Bolton 0 – 0 Fulham

Blackburn 1 – 0 Everton

Aston Villa 3 – 0 West Ham

Liverpool 1 – 1 Arsenal

Man Utd 3 – 0 Newcastle

With both managers playing close to full strength teams, it was the English players that most had their eye on. Their failure to pitch up at this years world cup had fans inside Wembley booing at every opportunity. But it was the English who had a big part to play in an entertaining battle, that had Man Utd romping to a 3-1 win. Wayne Rooney was back to his usual brilliant self and it was his brilliant first time ball across the face of the goal that set up Valencia, who raced past the sluggish Ashley Cole, to cooley finish past Hilario. And it was the past master Paul Scholes, who recently admitted to feeling some regret about not coming out of retirement, who showed everyone why Fabio Capello so desperately wanted him back. His cross-field passing accompanied by his frightening visi0n earned him the man of the match award owing to him having a hand in all three goals. Another ageing past master, Edwin van der Sar, who turns 40 next month, had a great match producing some outstanding saves to deny Chelsea.

It was United and their exciting new signing Hernandez, who scored next. But he was lucky with his goal, snatching at a Valencia cross only for the ball to strike him flush in the face before deflecting into the net. Hernandez showed glimpses of his ability, and united fans should be drooling at the prospect of him partnering Rooney. Chelsea responded in the 83rd minute when Kalou pounced on a loose a ball, after Van der Sar saved smartly from a long range Sturridge effort. United put the tie to bed in injury time , when Berbatov scored a sublime log over the hapless Hilario. Berbatov has had an excellent pre-season and i, like many United fans will be hopeful that he takes that form into the season, after his mediocre 12 goals last term was not good enough for many people. Chelsea had their fair of chances and their poor pre-season form must be of a concern to Anchelotti. But im sure when Drogba is fit, along with the magical Michael Essien and Lampard their fortunes will change. They will once again be a force to reckon with this season.

I cannot begin to tell u how excited I am for the current season. What excites me the most is that this season promises to be the most exciting. Man city are building a dream team, Tottenham  have got an extremely talented squad, Liverpool have a new manager in Hodgson and will once again be a big fish, while the usual United, Chelsea and Arsenal will all be vying for top spot. I would have liked to have included Aston Villa in that group, but after the shocking announcement that manager Martin O’Neill had resigned today, im not so sure they will be as good this season as they were last. O’Neill’s retirement came at a time when Villa were looking to break into the top four and I can’t help think that something fishy is going on. I won’t be surprised if O’Neill was announced as manger of a bigger club in the near future. Meanwhile, rumors are circulating that Martin Jol will leave his post to take the reigns at Villa, after turning down the job at Craven Cottage. I love the drama of the premier league.

I expect Blackpool to struggle this season as they will find the pace of the premier league a little too fast for the liking. West Brom will find it tough, as well as Wolves. Im hoping Avram Grant will improve the dissapointing West Ham as i feel they have a good enough squad to be in the top half. Newcastle, returning to the top flight, should produce enough results with their young and extremely talented squad to sustain a respectable position. Im inclined to say fulham are going to struggle compared to their fairytale season last time out. Without their pragmatic manager Hodgson, they will welcome ending between 10th and 14th. Everton will once again be a contender for a top half finish until their small but committed squad will eventually fade away.  Bolton, Blackburn, Stoke, Wigan,Birmingham, Sunderland will fight for the rest of the positions but don’t expect them to roll over and die.

What ever happens I’ll be watching and I’ll have my say.