Couch Opinions

Later today the Springboks go up against Ireland in their first match of the end of the year tour and it will be interesting to see how the team fairs in the European conditions against arguably the better of the European sides.

Heyneke Meyer has largely stuck with his side that lost to the All Blacks at Soccer City with the exception of PatrIck Lambie being promoted to pivot in the starting lineup. Taking into account the number of injured players, I think that this team looks quite alright. I would however propose a few different selections to the starting lineup. Here they are:

Lwazi Mvovo over Francois Hougaard

This year has not been close to the form that saw him turnout for the Boks under former coach Pieter de Villiers. With that the fact that Hougaard, despite his eagerness to be part and make difference, is not a specialist wing. Therefore I would rather have chosen Mvovo, also taking into account that the European conditions will ask a lot of questions of the player who is not a specialist in his position. Further more Hougaard will todaynplay against Tommy Bowe who has, since coming back from injury, been on fire for his province Ulster.

Juan de Jongh over Jaco Taute

Jaco Taute is a great prospect for the future, but I don’t believe that it should be at outside centre. Rather I’d choose him at fullback. Juan de Jongh brings more experience to the team, and considering the midfield that the Boks will be up against; even without O’Driscoll they will be a handful. Should Taute even once be trapped flat footed, the Boks will be on trouble in defense.

I still feel that the Boks should win by about 4 points, but I will not underestimate this Irish side. They will not be the same team that got thrashed by the All Blacks earlier in the year.