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The Springboks 2013 fixtures:

June Tests:

· June 8 (Kings Park, Durban): Scotland v Samoa; Springboks v Italy

· June 15 (Mbombela Stadium, Nelspruit): Samoa v Italy; Springboks v Scotland

· June 22 (Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria): Team 3 v Team 4 ; Team 1 v Team 2

The Rugby Championship:

· August 17 (Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein): Springboks v Argentina

· August 24 (Estadio Malvinas Argentinas, Mendoza): Argentina v Springboks

· September 7 (Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane): Australia v Springboks

· September 14 (Eden Park, Auckland): New Zealand v Springboks

· September 28 (Newlands, Cape Town): Springboks v Australia

· October 5 (Ellis Park, Johannesburg): Springboks v New Zealand

NovemberTour:

· November 9 (Murrayfield, Edinburgh): Scotland v Springboks

· November 16 (Millennium Stadium, Cardiff): Wales v Springboks

· November 23 (Venue TBC): France v Springboks

Last test of the year to be against France.........Should be a cracker.

 Thanks Ek, I wonder why the home and away sequence for the RC is the same as last year for the Boks. One should think that it should be swapped around a bit.

Maybe Draad, however logistically I think this is the best solution I don't really have issues with it. they can do it this way all they want.

its going to be a testing year for meyer. to be fair i cant wait to see if he can change his dracionian rugby pattern for a winning one. the last game against the french will be a tough one would have liked it if it was rather the second or first game of the tour

It will be an extremely difficult game that one. End of season v Middle of the Season France...

Don't be surprised if we loose it.

Carpetmuncher

I really am delightedwith you being bavk and also the fact that Ek brought some logic into discussions.   Maybe because of the lack of competitive rugby - everytime you try and posy somethinh fr discussion - it turned into sleeze,

However, as to Sringbok performances in the year to come there are a number of issues to be addressed basially by Meyer himself and also bt SARU:-

*  They must get a decent backline coach

*  The appointment of a proper attack coach must be considered seriously

*   They must get specialists to deal with pecific positional issue - like trying to get Hougaard ovr his problems

Ultimately the above are secondary issues - the key issue remains - and that is player selection.   They must select the best performers that come through in Super 15 and there should not b any holy cows - if an experienced player does not perform - he should not remain in the team based on reputation.

I think there are positive signs that Meyer will react positively - especially since another year of dubious performances could mean his demise as a coach.   Lets hope for the best year possible for the Springboks in 2013.   

"Change his Draconian pattern for a winning one"....Muncher?????  He won 4 of his last 5 tests don't you know? His loss ratio for the year was 25%.  The record was better than 2010 and 2011 with a decimated team. We need some perspective.

Mozart

With due respect  - there were serious deficiencies in performance this year.   We had a draw against Argentina - the first time ever.   We struugked badly against Scottland - who was beaten the very next week nor convincingly by of all teams Togo.   The win against a weakened Irish team was touch and go.

The test series against the POMS exposed some serious deficiencies in the team and that third test draw was the culmination of a series that could have gone either way.   In any event the 1 point win against the POMS at Twickenham was anything - but convoincing.

Matter of fact the margin of victories was way too small to be comfortable about.

All the above indicates that there is a major scope for improvment required and that remains a challenge that gace SA Rugby in general and Meyer in particular.   

Mike I think we need to face the facts. This year might be a better year than last year, however, don't be under the illusion that the boks will dominate......yet.

They will win, but we will have close physical contests. I really don't mind, as long as we win.