How to pick a silver fern

The Springboks have put themselves in a great position to reach yet another milestone in world rugby history. By beating the all-blacks this Saturday they become first team in about a decade to record back to back wins against the New Zealanders.

South Africa have momentum and confidence on their side, whilst the Kiwis have resilience, wet weather experience and a few game breakers who could easily upset the apple cart at the weekend.

The Springbok pack completely dominated in the first test – which put SA top of the log – lineouts, tackle ball and scrumming where all equaled if not bested by arguably the best tight five in the world at the moment and in Heinrich Brusouw they have the best openside fetcher on form in the world – a terrier of epic proportions and the find of the year. Add to this the enormous amount of caps amassed by John Smit's Boks over the past 6 years.

The backlines are where things start to become hazy. Both backlines possess amazing players capable of some of the best tries you'll ever see, but maybe because of the way the game has gone since it became professional, backlines (and wings) are seeing very little ball for large parts of the game. The only way to get better is to practice and without sufficient ball backlines will be rusty which accounted for the slue of handling errors we saw last week. 10 by the Boks and 9 by the all blacks is far too many for an international match on a dry and windless high veld evening.

Mornre Steyn will be eager, as he gets a start this week, to make up for his pitiful attapempt on Conrad Smith which lead to the no. 13 getting over for a try that never should have been. Steyn's kicking will take centre stage this Saturday as it looks likely to rain.

Nothing to lose and everything too gain for the Boks makes this one a humdinger. New Zealand have the lads and minerals to pull off an upset, so please folks I implore you: enjoy.

SGR

Could this be the best team in Springbok history?

With 14 of the Springbok match day squad holding World Cup winners medals, this could well be the best Bok team in recent years. The 22 man squad contains a total of 754 test caps (which averages out to around 34 caps per person). This includes Brian Habanna and Jean DeVilliers who will be awarded their 50th cap as well as John Smit (85 caps) who will break the world record of most matches as test captain with his 60th appearance in that role.

On top of that, on paper the three least experienced players in the team Heinrick Brussow(5 caps), Morne Steyn (4 caps) and Tendai "the Beast" Mtawarira (14 caps) have proven to be Bok stars in their own right. The Beast has taken 2 Super 14 seasons and one and a half Springboks seasons to make himself a household name, any Springbok supporter would be a lier if they said they had not screamed BEAST at the T.V screen atleast once in the last 18 months. Heinrick Brussow took his chance against the B&I Lions when Burger was banned and has proven to the world that he is a contender for Richie Mcaws title as best open side in the world. Last but not least, Morne Steyn, I can hear all the B&I Lions fans across the globe shudder at the name. Steyn has waited in the wings, playing his best rugby in the 2009 Super 14 for the Bulls. He got his chance in the second test against the B&I Lions, in his first match he stopped Ugo Monye scoring what could have been a match winning try. In the second test with the air of a seasoned veteran, slotted a 50 meter penalty to win the series.

When you add the world class combinations of Bakkies and Victor(lock), Jaque and Jean(center), Fourie and M Steyn(half-back), Smith and Brussow(flanks) and of course Brian and JP(wings) you can start to see the winning formula. To that I must add that Frans Steyn has started to silence his critics by settling well in his position at fullback, and the formidable sight of Bismark, Smit and the Beast in the front row is enough to frighten any opposition coach. Spies too has played some cracking rugby in his time and I'm sure his best is still to come.

The bench is shaping up too, Ricky Januarie, Jannie Du Plessis, Dannie Rossouw and Wynand Olivier hold world cup winners medals and the later two holding Super 14 winners medals. The rest is made up of Chiliboy Ralepelle, Andries Bekker and Adi Jacobs, who can complain about having a former Springboks captain (Ralepelle), the proven campaigner (Jacobs) and the rising star (Bekker) in the mix?

However the only way this team will prove themselves to be the best Bok squad in history will be to win the 2009 Tri-Nations. While the campaign has started well, there is still a long way to go, and it continues this weekend with a possible record second consecutive home win over the All Blacks.

The Springbok team is (Test caps in brackets):
15. Frans Steyn (31)
14. JP Pietersen (27)
13. Jaque Fourie (46)
12. Jean de Villiers (49)
11. Bryan Habana (49)
10. Morné Steyn (4)
9. Fourie du Preez (47)
8. Pierre Spies (23)
7. Juan Smith (58)
6. Heinrich Brüssow (5)
5. Victor Matfield (84)
4. Bakkies Botha (58)
3. John Smit (85) – Captain
2. Bismarck du Plessis (25)
1. Tendai Mtawarira (14)

Reserves:
16. Chiliboy Ralepelle (5)
17. Jannie du Plessis (8)
18. Andries Bekker (15)
19. Danie Rossouw (39)
20. Ricky Januarie (36)
21. Adi Jacobs (23)
22. Wynand Olivier (23)

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Springboks Team to face the All Blacks

Springbok team:

Frans Steyn, JP Pietersen, Jaque Fourie, Jean de Villiers, Bryan Habana, Morne Steyn, Fourie du Preez, Pierre Spies, Juan Smith, Heinrich Brussow, Victor Matfield, Bakkies Botha, John Smit (captain), Bismarck du Plessis, Tendai Mtawarira.

Reserves: Chiliboy Ralepelle, Jannie du Plessis, Andries Bekker, Danie Rossouw, Ricky Januarie, Adi Jacobs, Wynand Olivier.

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Campaign for Rugby 7's at the Olympics

This is the official video that was released by the IRB in the campaign to make rugby an Olympic sport once again. Support the cause at: www.olympic-rugby.org


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Olivier recalled as back up to the "Smash and Dash" combination of Fourie and DeVilliers.

The moment that every green and gold blooded South African has been waiting for (since the opening match of the 2007 RWC against Samoa where DeVilliers tore his bicep) is just around the corner, the Smash and Dash combination of Jaque Fourie and Jean DeVilliers is reborn this Saturday. At their peak, these two phenomenal centers were arguable as significant to the Springbok back line as Victor Matfeild and Bakkie Botha are to the Boks pack.
The inform Olivier was recalled to the Boks squad this week to replace the injured Adi Jacobs, thus allowing Fourie to reclaim his rightful place along side DeVilliers in the Bok center. Jacobs has been struggling with a groin injury throughout the winter internationals against the Lions. As I'm sure most would agree, we now have the top three centers in South Africa playing for the Boks. While there are still some people who doubt Oliveir, his current form speaks for itself. Adi Jacobs has played well over the last 12 months while Fourie has been recovering from a series of injuries, but now that the Golden Lions star player is back, he MUST start along side DeVilliers. Without the finishing skills of Fourie, we may well have lost the second test against the Lions and perhaps even the series.

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Springbok Team to play New Zealand this weekend

Springbok team: Francois Steyn, JP Pietersen, Jaque Fourie, Jean de Villiers, Bryan Habana, Ruan Pienaar, Fourie du Preez, Pierre Spies, Juan Smith, Heinrich Brussow, Victor Matfield, Bakkies Botha, <>John Smit (captain), Bismarck du Plessis, Tendai Mtawarira.

Reserves: Chiliboy Ralepelle, Jannie du Plessis, Danie Rossouw, Ryan Kankowski, Ricky Januarie, Morne Steyn, Wynand Olivier.

Currie Cup Results: Week 2

18 July: Bulls 30 - 22 Western Province
18 July: Griquas 36 - 11 Leopards
18 July: Lions 31 - 22 Cheetahs
17 July: Sharks 46 - 10 Boland

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George Smith Reaches 100 test Caps for Australia

Today George Smith reached the milestone of 100 test caps as a Wallabie. Since his debut in 2000 against France, Smith has played with all the ferocity and skill that is expected of an international flanker. He is the most capped Australian forward and the first flanker to reach 100 test caps in world history. He spent the 2008 season captaining the Brumbies through the Super 14 and captained the Wallabies on numerous occasion.

From the team at Rugby Window, we all take our hats off to you George, hope to see you in many more matches to come.

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All-Blacks edge past Wallabies

The 2009 Tri-Nations kicked off with the first of the Bledisloe Cup matches. This match was a credit to how close this years competition promises to be, with the on form Wallabies fronting up to the All-Blacks in Auckland. Australia got off to a flying start with Barnes crossing the try line in the first 5 minutes of the match, completing a well worked team try. With the wind behind them the Wallabies continued to dominate of the first 25 minutes, with Gitteau slotting two penalties to make the lead 13-3. The first half was a struggle for New Zealand with many of their top players being starved of game time due to injury. The line out was not functioning correctly loosing two of their throw in's during the first half. After a rusty first 30 minutes from the All-Black captain, Richie McCaw, he clawed back some credibility by scoring the only New Zealand try to go into the break 13-10. This set up a great second half, in the 45 minute the All-Black coaching staff started bringing on the subs and this proved to be the difference. With the wind behind him Stephan Donald kicked four penalties to Giteaus one which left the final score at 22-16 to the All-Blacks. This game was massively physical, with George Smith and Wycliffe Paulu doing some great work on the ground for Australia. Jarome Kayno and Rodney Soalo stood out for New Zealand. As the great All-Black Tano Umange once said about the Tri-Nations; "well it isn't tiddly winks". This Tri-Nations could the the hardest and closest competition in years.

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Springbok Squad to play the All-Blacks this weekend

Springbok squad:

Forwards: Andries Bekker (Western Province), Bakkies Botha (Blue Bulls), Heinrich Brüssow (Free State Cheetahs), Bismarck du Plessis (Sharks), Jannie du Plessis (Sharks), Ryan Kankowski (Sharks), Victor Matfield (Blue Bulls), Tendai Mtawarira (Sharks), Chiliboy Ralepelle (Blue Bulls), Danie Rossouw (Blue Bulls), John Smit (Sharks - captain) Juan Smith (Free State Cheetahs), Pierre Spies (Blue Bulls)

Backs: Jean de Villiers (Western Province), Fourie du Preez (Blue Bulls), Jaque Fourie (Lions), Bryan Habana (Blue Bulls), Adi Jacobs (Sharks), Ricky Januarie (Western Province), Ruan Pienaar (Sharks). JP Pietersen (Sharks), Frans Steyn (Sharks), Morné Steyn (Blue Bulls).

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Weekend Currie Cup Results:

11	Vodacom Western Province	29 - 15	Sharks	Newlands Stadium, Cape Town
11	Vodacom Blue Bulls	19 - 13	Xerox Lions	Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria
10	Vodacom Free State Cheetahs	18 - 28	GWK Griquas	Vodacom Park, Bloemfontein
10	Boland	26 - 18	Platinum Leopards	Boland Stadium, Wellington

Quote of the Week:

"Currie Cup rugby is traditionally not a competition about fairies and princesses, its about hard men and we see that in the opening minutes of this match..."

(the great...) Bob Skinstad
Western Province vs Sharks 11/07/2009

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Western Province VS KZN Sharks: Preveiw

The 2009 Currie Cup has begun! Saturday afternoon sees two giants of South African rugby go head to head in a battle that could very well set the tone for the season to come. WP have a point to prove after 8 long years of Currie Cup drought, while the defending champs the Sharks will look to start the grueling task of retaining the most coveted domestic prize. The Sharks 22 include 7 current Springboks and have strength across the park, their only weakness being at the flyhalf position where rookie Guy Cronje will have to front up against the formidable Springbok Peter Grant and the resurgent force of Emerging Bok Willem de Waal.

Star All-Black lock Chris Jack will make his Currie Cup debut in this match, does this mark the beginning of SA Rugby fulfilling its potential for creating truly professional (in every sense of the word) rugby in South Africa? Where we can afford to import some great international players to help boost struggling provinces. This weekend marks the return to top flight rugby for Hanyani Shimange. The once understudy to Springbok captain John Smit and second choice Springbok hooker for two years, fell off the raidar when Jake White dropped him before the 2007 RWC in France. Now he is back in the provincial fold and lets hope he stays there, where he belongs. Im sure every blue blooded Province supporter will agree that they could use another Tri-Nations winner in the ranks and this forgotten Bok journeyman may just be back with vengeance.

When looking at the team sheets, one cannot help but feel that the Sharks outfit may be too much for a developing Western Province. However WP's Springboks (Grant, Januarie, Watson, Liebenberg, Shimange and Chavange), Emerging Boks (Newman and de Waal), the Fijian Flier Sireli Naqelevuki and of course All-Black Chris Jack must not be underestimated. WP's great rugby pedigree may just make a come back this year.

KO: 17:05 (C.A.T)
Newlands Stadium Cape Town

Squads

Sharks: Stefan Terblanche; Odwa Ndungane, Andries Strauss, Riaan Swanepoel, Luzuko Vulindlu; Guy Cronje, Rory Kockott; Keegan Daniel, Jean Deysel, Jacques Botes, Johann Muller (capt), Steven Sykes, Jannie du Plessis, Craig Burden, Deon Carstens. Reserves: Skipper Badenhorst, Patric Cilliers, Albert van den Berg, Justin Downey/Ryan Kankowski, Charl McLeod, Monty Dumond, Chris Jordaan.

Western Province: Joe Pietersen, Frikkie Welsh, Morgan Newman, Peter Grant, Sireli Naqelevuki, Willem De Waal, Ricky Januarie, Luke Watson (capt), Pieter Louw, Pieter Myburgh, Anton Van Zyl, Chris Jack, Brok Harris, Tiaan Liebenberg, Wicus Blaauw. Reserves: Hanyani Shimange, JD Moller, De Kock Steenkamp, Deon Fourie, Dewaldt Duvenage, Juan De Jongh, Tonderai Chavhanga.

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Tri-Nations Fixtures 2009 (all kickoff times are local)

July 18
New Zealand v Australia
Auckland
19:35

July 25
South Africa v New Zealand
Bloemfontein
15:00

Aug 1
South Africa v New Zealand
Durban
15:00

Aug 8
South Africa v Australia
Cape Town
15:00

Aug 22
Australia v New Zealand
Sydney
20:05

Aug 29
Australia v South Africa
Perth Perth 18:05

Sept 5
Australia v South Africa
Brisbane
20:05

Sept 12
New Zealand v South Africa
Hamilton
19:35

Sept 19
New Zealand v Australia
Wellington
19:35

Nokwe not a team player...?

Jongi Nokwe has been left out of the Cheetahs squad that will face the Griquas this weekend in Bloemfontein. After his average performance against the British and Irish Lions in the 3rd test, Nokwe has been dropped by Cheetahs head coach, this is hard to believe as he is one of the stars of the struggling outfit. While his defense in questionable at best, his attacking mind and incredible finishing skill will surely be missed this weekend. If the game goes down to the wire, Nokwes absence may be vital. News from the Cheetahs camp is that Lionel Mapoe will be starting on the left wing in place of the "lazy" Nokwe. The coaches believe that Jongi has not spent enough time with the squad because of national duties, despite other provinces starting their Bok players with the same period of absence. Could this be the beginning of the end of Nokwe's career as a cheetah? With teams like WP and Lions in need of a couple more world class players to buff up their back lines, who knows where this Cheetah will end up.

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Currie Cup openning weekend fixtures: And so it begins...

The first week of the 2009 Currie Cup sees two of South Africa's Big derby matches. Last years winners, the Sharks vs Western Province in Cape Town and last years runner up the Blue Bulls vs the Golden Lions at Loftus Versfeld. These battles of titanic proportion will undoubtedly set the tone for the season to come, with Province and the Lions having points to prove against their formidable opponents. Other games this weekend include; Cheetahs vs the Griquas in Bloemfontein and the Platinum Leopards start their lives in the premier division in Wellington against the Boland Cavaliers. This should be a great weekend of classic clashes so have a beer and enjoy.

Currie Cup Fixtures this weekend:

Friday:
15:30 Cavaliers vs Sharks
19:10 Cheetahs vs Griquas
Saturday:
15:00 Bulls vs Lions
17:05 WP vs Sharks

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IRB not happy with Bok protest

The IRB will charged the South African Board with misconduct after the players "justice" protest against the citing of Bakkies Botha during last weekends Lions Test match. Lead but John Smit, the players wore arm bands with the words "justice" written on them. This protest was also worn be coach Peter de Villiers and the players not involved in the match.

"The International Rugby Board (IRB) takes the view that such an act demonstrates a clear disregard of the disciplinary process and does so in a manner which brings, or has the potential to bring, the game into disrepute," (IRB statement)

An independent third party will undergo and investigation into the offense to see if the South African Rugby Board can be charged.

More information will follow...

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Freestate Cheetahs unlikely to hold onto Nokwe

It is obvious that Jongi Nokwe's market value has risen in the last 12 months after his 4 try debut in last years Tri-Nations record win over Australia and culminated in a starting spot on the left wing against the British and Irish Lions. Jongi posses' immense pace and a good understanding of the wing position. He will have a good future in the green and gold but the question is, will he stay in Freestate?

The Cheetahs will not be able to keep Nokwe if he asks for more money, however coach Naka Drotske believes that the close relationship between Nokwe and assistant coach Hawies Fourie may be enough to make him stay. It is not known which clubs have made offers to the Cheetah of Freestate, but he will have to stay put until his contract runs out at the end of this years Currie Cup.


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Bulls 9, 10, 12 for Boks?

We still see it in the forums and on the chat feed: Maak al die Bulle Bokke!!!. We laugh, but maybe they have a point...

With the series won and 12 years of bragging rights regained, do the South Africans now reward form? With the bulls domination in the Super 14 do we not now reward those players who have played the best rugby consistently over the past few months with an opportunity that comes around once in a career.

Du Preez at scrumhalf, Morne Steyn at Flyhalf and Wynand Olivier at 12 were one of the best combinations, if not the best, in the toughest provincial competition in the world. Olivier was in great form for the bulls and would definitely not let the Boks down at inside centre he has also played a lot of (successful) rugby outside of Steyn and Du Preez; can you imagine if they click in the final test against the British and Irish Lions? We could see the kind of scintillating rugby we saw in the semis and finals of the Super 14.


Jaque Fourie should be back at outside center, after he showed that he is one of the deadliest finishers in the world with his match winning try against the Lions last Saturday. It would also be a good occasion to give Zane Kirchner his first test, with Steyn as insurance on thee bench, it would be wise to give him some game time before a long and grueling tri-nations series. If Frans Steyn gets injured the Boks will be in a slight bit of trouble without an understudy.

The forwards should stay the same, with thee exception of Brussow and Muller, who come in for Schalk Burger and Bakkies Botha respectively. Both are out for foul play int the second test in Pretoria. With the possible inclusion Chilliboy Rallapelle being a step towards a well rounded and match squad for the tri-nations starting in just a few weeks time.

Whatever the selectors decide the third test should still be a tough outing for the world champions and a 3-0 scoreline will be the only thing on their minds. Expect more running rugby this weekend and maybe a few more tries...till Saturday: peace and enjoy!

sgr

Peter de Villiers; the George Bush of world rugby?!

Here is an article published by sarugby.com which has a list of de Villiers-isms (quotes that the Boks coach has made during his tenure)

The Peter de Villiers Quote Hall of Fame:

"If we want to eye-gouge any Lions we will go down to the bushveld like we do and eye- gouge them there." - In the wake of the Schalk Burger incident Peter reverts to bush analogies.

"If we are going on like this, why don't we go to the nearest ballet shop, get some tutus and get a dancing shop going? There will be no eye-gouging, no tackling, no nothing and we will enjoy it."- And to think Saru had to send out a press release to clear up that they didn't condone eye-gouging and statements were mis-interpreted!

"What we try to tell them is when you point your finger into the sky, don't concentrate on the finger because you'll miss all the heavenly glory out there. Concentrate on the heavenly glory you can bring and make yourselves so fulfilled."- Umm.. Yes quite!

"There's little difference between winning and losing, except you feel better after winning."- Simple really.

The same people who threw their robes on the ground when Jesus rode on a donkey were the same people who crowned him and hit him with sticks, and were the same people who said afterwards how we shouldn't have done that, he's the son of God. So that's exactly what we do. You have to look at history as repeating itself. And I'm not saying that I'm God."- Well we're glad we cleared that one up.

"The small things like judicial hearing will not take away the fact that we won. Nelson Mandela and FW de Klerk won the Nobel Peace Prize. No matter what they did wrong in their lives, no one can take away the fact that they won it."- All in a day really - comparing Schalk Burger & Bakkies Botha to FW & Madiba

"I'm a God-given talent, I'm the best I can ever be. So what you think doesn't bother me. I know what I am and I don't give a damn."- Peter has a little go at the media

"What I learned in South Africa is, if you take your car to a garage and the owner is black or a black man, and they mess it up, you never go back to that garage. If the owner is white, you say ag, sorry, they made a mistake and you go back again. This is how some people live their lives in this country."- Peter seems to be defending Ricky Januarie ahead of the second Lions Test, but then doesn't pick him. Panic Mechanic? (thanks to Deon1980 and supersport).

"Ja, you know. Morgan Newman has been in form his whole life." (unsubstantiated!)- From Villian - "My favourite P Divvy quote, was when he was asked why Morgan Newman was picked for the SA XV against Namibia".

http://www.sarugby.com/

http://www.sarugby.com/news/News/article/sid=11775.html

French center attempts suicide

The 20 year old French centre Mathieau Bastareaud attempted to end his life by jumping off a bridge into the River Seine in Paris. Bastareaud has reportedly been struggling with a psychological problem after lying about being beaten up on the streets of Wellington during the recent French tour of New Zealand. The young superstar has been having treatment for his condition in a Paris hospital, the doctors believe that he is finds it difficult to cope with the constant scrutiny that comes with being an international athlete.

From the Team at Rugby Window, we would like to send out our best wishes to the French Powerhouse. I'm sure every rugby fan, no matter where their loyalties lie, would love to see the incredible Bastareaud charging up the French center for many years to come.

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Peter de Villiers makes 10 changes to Boks side ahead of 3rd Lions Test

Bok coach Peter de Villiers has shown his confidence in the strength and depth of South African rugby by ringing 10 changes to the Springboks starting line up ahead of the final test against the British and Irish Lions.

de Villiers decision has been met with some uncertainty by the public, but after winning the series in the second test last week who can blame him for trying out some of his bench warmers.
The new look Boks side includes Super 14 hero's Ryan Kankowski, Zane Kirshner and Jongie Nokwe. Former Boks superstars Jaque Fourie, Wynand Olivier, Johann Muller and the new found star Heindrich Brussow also get their chance to start. The Lion tamer Morne' Steyne will start his first test match after shattering the hopes and dreams of Lion supporters everywhere courtesy of Ronan O'Gara.

Springboks Team for 3rd Test:

15 Zane Kirchner, 14 Odwa Ndungane, 13 Jaque Fourie, 12 Wynand Olivier, 11 Jongi Nokwe, 10 Morné Steyn, 9 Fourie du Preez, 8 Ryan Kankowski, 7 Juan Smith, 6 Heinrich Brussow, 5 Victor Matfield, 4 Johann Muller, 3 John Smit, 2 Chiliboy Ralepelle, 1 Tendai Mtawarira.

Replacements: 16 Bismarck du Plessis, 17 Guthro Steenkamp, 18 Dean Carstens, 19 Steven Sykes, 20 Pierre Spies, 21 Ruan Pienaar, 22 Frans Steyn

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Wallabies anounce their squad for the Tri-Nations

The 2009 Tri-Nations will see the three best rugby nations in the world go head to head. With New Zealand having a poor start to the season against France, Australia smashing both the Azzuri and the French and South Africa sealing their victory over the lions in last weeks second test, this years Tri-Nations could be a belter.

Wallabie coach Robbie Deans is the first to anounce his Squad for the up comming Tri-Nations and Bledisloe cup matches.

Australia squad:

Backs: Adam Ashley-Cooper, Berrick Barnes, Luke Burgess, Quade Cooper, Ryan Cross, Will Genia, Matt Giteau, Peter Hynes, Drew Mitchell, Stirling Mortlock (captain), James O'Connor, Timana Tahu, Lachie Turner.

Forwards: Ben Alexander, Al Baxter, Richard Brown, Pek Cowan, Rocky Elsom, Matt Hodgson, James Horwill, Peter Kimlin, Stephen Moore, Dean Mumm, Wycliff Palu, David Pocock, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Benn Robinson, Nathan Sharpe, George Smith, Phil Waugh.

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Tuqiri axed by Austrailian Rugby Union

The Fijian born Australian rugby superstar has had his contract with the ARU terminated with immediate effect. The ARU say that the matter is subject to legal proceedings. Loti, who started his career in the NRL has made 67 international appearances and scored 30 trys for the Wallabies. For the first time in five years the iconic figure of Loti Tuqiri will not be included in the Tri-Nations. He has not made a start in the Gold and Green in 2009 but he surely wont be gone for long. Updates will follow as and when we receive further information.

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O'Driscoll sends himself home

Brian O'Driscoll starts the long flight home a week early after his frankly dangerous "tackle" (with no arms) on Dannie Russouw which left both of the players concussed. It is a wonder how he is has not been cited for this, seeing as the Springbok Lock Bakkies Botha got cited for rucking.

O'Driscoll said that the 2009 Lions Tour was a "highlight of his career" being undefeated in the first 6 warm up games (well done Brian) and getting out muscled by an all round better team in the Springboks. However any result would have been better than that of his last Lions tour which saw him brutally injured early on in the first test.

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