Mntboy

In a recent interview he claims that he feels 23 and essentially inferred that he is as fit as he needs to be. Let's hope that is indeed the case. Fully agree with you regarding our bowling stock pile. In KG, Ngidi and Olivier we have a very talented group of quicks with the MSL showing that Nortje, Sipamla and Pongolo all have ability to do well as well. Where I feel we lack is in batting talent. At least ito Red ball cricket. Far too many are great at the shorter formats but wholly inconsistent at Long form cricket. And that's based on a nonchalant following of our domestic stuff.

Which is why l pointed to Mark Nicholas' view on Steyn. For me there's very little doubt as to Steyn's abilities and what he can do when on song. Clearly not on song as yet and I hope he'll get there soon. Based on the recent interview I read he certainly has the desire for playing for the Proteas for a while still. And also if he doesn't then it's still worth it to have him in the squad mentoring the new/young guys and helping KG shoulder the responsibility of being the leader of the pack.

He is the best bowler I've seen ever and Mark Nicholas, who played and captained Malcolm Marshall reckons he (Steyn) is the best there's been. Perhaps ever. Even at 80% he is still better than most at a 100%.

I am hoping he finds his form and confidence as the series goes on. As Juan pointed out his fitness has in general been exceptional and he managed to get through the entire MSL without incident. I think a lot of us misunderstood the seriousness of the injury he picked up in Aus. The doctor thought he had been in a motor accident apparently. The road to fitness for him has been a long one. If he can get his form back it'd be hard to not pick him.

Chuffed for Duanne Olivier. Fantastic bowling from him!

Based on what evidence? Surely at the very least Dale deserves this series to show that he still is the class act we all know him to be.

I think 500 is definitely Dale's aim. If he can stay fit and keep getting his wickets at his incredible strike rate then it should be a big possibility for him to get there. He is an incredible class act.

Merry Christmas to you guys as well.

@corniel_seddon Posting a mixed bag of stuff. Some work, some ride, some nature and just odds and ends.

[emoji23][emoji23][emoji23][emoji23] That's a lot of photos. Fortunately for us it usually brings a smile to our face! Always enjoy the Spring Classics ones, in particular those from RVV and PR!

That would be an interesting one. However far more interesting, I think, would be what percentage of Cav's posts are made up of photos of the various races he comments on. Those photos also certianly helps his post count along rather nicely!

Agreed. We really should make the quarters fairly easily but whether it'll be via the "High" road or the "Low" road is what'll be determined by our match against the AB's. Pool C though looks a right nightmare. A lot of tough matches in that Pool and it's not easy to make a prediction as to which teams will make it to the quarters.

20 Teams, 4 Groups of 5, 1 Group of Death and at some point it'll be 2 teams battling for the one trophy and title we all want.

And they are second in the world at it at the moment!

Actually it's worse. Rugby Union is behind Rugby League then Soccer and then Aussie Rules in ascending order. Read an article in which the writer showed that Union only had a third of the participants that Soccer has over a given weekend. Also the interest in Union is really low and they are being out done ito marketing by the other winter sports. Rugby Australia's choice of copying ourselves and New Zealand ito a national domestic league was also heavily criticised along with the lack of support for the clubs that have traditionally brought the talent forward. It almost sounded like the Aussies are in greater strife than what we are.

I have a very hard time supporting Aus as a team tbh although I enjoy the skill of some in their team. As bad as we have been during 2016 and 2017 and as inconsistent as we've been this year the Aussies have been worse imho. In some ways I feel for Cheika. Aside from Folau Hooper and Pocock he doesn't have any genuine world class players in his squad. Hard to build a world class team without world class talent. That said there does need to be a change of some kind in the coaching group of Aus. Not sure if Cheika needs to be let go or if a change is required wrt the assistant coaches but even if they do make such changes they still have a mountain to climb to get their team competitive.

ESPN Scrum agrees with you gents as do I. Felt rather frustrated for much of the second half at the Boks and their lack of play. The only mitigating factor being the lack of possession and teritory they throughout the match. That said last year we would've lost this one badly and it's a credit to them that they found a way to hang in and win. Hopefully they'll be more switched on and focused for the next match against a resurgent Scotland. We will need to be as they will be on a high from their very good win against Fiji. Also chuffed with Wales beating Aus even though it was a seriously scrappy and error strewn match. Halfpenny missing two kicks also a bit unusual and made the match more tense than it should've been for the Welsh.

Mmmm wonder if G's comments extends to Froome as well?????

Ons sit in sak en as terwyl ons ons groot verlies probeer verwerk.

We ended up winning by 120 runs. Very funny matches so far this series. Both bowling units doing all right but neither batting unit clicking in any way. I think Steyn's 60 is the highest score for the series so far. Let's hope for a better performance in the 3rd and final ODI.

Didn't read the comments but ja quite a few Kiwis seem to be of the belief that they were under par but there are those who also acknowledge that we were better on the day.

Another New Zealand perspective on Saturday's win. https://i.stuff.co.nz/sport/opinion/107167131/mark-reason-how-the-springboks-bashed-up-the-all-blacks

Thoughtful article from Jim Kayes. http://www.allblacks.com/News/33079/blaming-barrett-is-too-easy-kayes

If not for a phone call yesterday from my scooter mechanic (needed a brake replacement) I might've missed this match as well and gone for a ride. Saw some highlights post the Aussie Argie game and we put them under serious pressure after a slowish start. It was a really really good contest with exceptional skills from both sides. Both teams brutal on any error from the opposition. A fantastic match.

Was wondering when you were going to give us your opinion! I actually remembered that post. That was posted, what in 2016??? Or thereabouts. As an aside we all owe Mark Keohane an apology. Apparently he had all right about us beating the AB's this year and we had it all wrong. This one apology I am happy to make: Sorry for doubting you Keo!