Sport Planet – tough times ahead on the rugby field
This week, we look at the international rugby fixtures, including SA versus England, as well as the soccer friendly in honour of Senzo Meyiwa.
Rugby
International
*England versus South Africa, Twickenham Stadium, London, Saturday, November 15.
Much has been made of the Springboks’ shocking loss in their opening match of their four-game end-of-year tour against Ireland. Heyneke Meyer’s charges lacked their normal physical edge and were punished by a determined Irish unit, albeit with some controversial refereeing decisions which went against the Boks.
The Green and Gold will be determined to right the wrongs from their loss, but so too will the Poms, following their desperate 24-21 loss to the mighty All Blacks. With the Boks struggling at Twickenham in recent times, this one is well in the balance.
Kick-off is scheduled for 4.30pm.
My prediction: Boks by less than five.
* France versus Australia, Stade de France, Paris, Saturday, November 15.
It’s fair to say that the Wallabies have had a difficult year on and off the pitch. Australia again finished behind the All Blacks and Springboks in the Rugby Championship, becoming the first of the three Sanzar powerhouses to lose against Argentina in the process. They also conceded the Bledisloe Cup contested by them and the All Blacks.
The Bledisloe loss was then followed by the abrupt resignation of then coach, Ewen McKenzie, whose since been replaced by Michael Cheika. However, the Wallabies seem to have swiftly moved on following their recent routine nail-biting win over Wales. The French are always a tough nut to crack and contests between these two foes hardly ever disappoint.
Kick-off is scheduled for 10pm.
My prediction: Australia by 10.
Football
Afcon Qualifier
* South Africa v Sudan, Moses Mabhida Stadium, Saturday, November 15.
Shakes Mashaba’s troops have been the team to beat in Group A with eight points from four games, while their opponents for Saturday have been the beaten team thus far, with three points from their first four games. Bafana beat the Sudanese 3-0 in the reverse fixture between the two sides and the travellers will need a huge turnaround if an upset is to be on the cards here.
Kick-off is scheduled for 3pm.
My prediction: Bafana 2-0 Sudan.
Friendly in honour of Senzo Meyiwa
* Orlando Pirates Legends versus Manchester United Legends, Ellis Park Stadium, Saturday, November 15.
The Buccaneers will take on a team of former United players in a friendly match in honour of slain goalkeeper Senzo Meyiwa a few hours after Bafana Bafana’s African Cup of Nations clash with Sudan.
United’s team, headlined by midfield maestro Paul Scholes, also includes the likes of Quinton Fortune, Louis Saha and Viv Anderson.
Pirates boast iconic names such as Jerry Sikhosana, Steve Lekoelea, Innocent Chikoya and Marc Batchelor, to name a few.
Kick-off is scheduled for 6pm.
My prediction: Pirates Legends 3-3 United Legends.
Possible scorers for United: Saha, Anderson and Scholes.
Possible scorers for Pirates: Jerry ‘Legs of Thunder’ Sikhosana (brace), Lekoelea. – @SabeloBoksburg
