The kick off for arguably the biggest game of the World Cup so far, although the Cockerel and Kiwi supporters may disagree, is less than a few hours away. About time to express long held concerns regarding some of the selection choices by the Springbok brain trust. No, fear not am not going to jump on the 7-1 substitutes split hysteria bandwagon. That has been covered by so many outlets with various differing views.

From the outset the selection of only 2 specialist hookers for the World Cup squad was an odd one to me as there are various different skills required rom a hooker that can take years to hone. Ability to scrum and in particular strong scrumaging, accurate line out throwing, mobility around the field in attack and defence, not to mention the ability to act as a fourth loose forward at times slowing down or stealing opposition possession at the breakdown.

It was thus even more alarming when the news filtered through of the loss of Malcolm Marx due to injury picked up in training according to the reports. For me when he is at his best he is surely in line to be considered one of the best, if not the best, hookers in the world. While the loss may not have been felt against Romania I feel that his unavailability could be a big hindrance to the Boks progressing deep into the tournament, even more so considering who replaced him in the squad – Handre Pollard.

The loss of Marx means quite a disruption to the plans for the big games regarding the front row as it seemed like they had settled into 2 definite units for the front row – the taller one which included Marx and the shorter one which includes Mbonambi. This disruption could leave the packs a little less powered as looking at the physics of it I think, all other things being equal, the shorter front rowers can get under the opposition at scrum time and get the upper hand. Also think that having the front rowers of a relatively similar height is conducive to better scrummaging from them.

While it seemed to be an ‘open secret’ that at some point Handre Pollard would make his way to France as an injury replacement am perplexed they brought Pollard in for Marx. I get the argument that they are possibly a bit concerned about Manie Libbok’s kicking for points accuracy but the rest of his game is very good and there are others in the team who can take over the kicking. It doesn’t always have to be the Number 10 that does the kicking – as wee Greig Laidlaw showed for all those years for Scotland.

Pollard has been out injured for a number of months and as far as I can gather played a good cameo off the bench in the second half for Leicester last Friday night. However, don’t think the opposition was that strong, and he also ended up with a yellow card late on so didn’t even finish the game. Not sure what the yellow card was for as this aspect has not seem to have been reported too widely by the South African media. Given this situation it would be quite an achievement in the Boks go far in this World Cup.

Have to caveat all above by mentioning that I have never coached a rugby team and it is a long time since I played the game and even then it was not at a high level. Guess us supporters need to trust that the coaching staff know what they are doing and hope that in the end this move pans out less of being a gamble but more a genius one.

Would be delighted to be proven wrong and hope the Springboks take the William Web Ellis trophy back to sunny South Africa at the conclusion of the tournament in France.

Talking of very good hookers; Ireland have two whose quality is right up there with Malcom Marx. Ronan Kelleher wears the starting jersey and then they have the incredibly talented Dan Sheehan to turn to on the bench. If these two are firing on all cylinders then the Boks hooker decisions could be exposed tonight.

Hopefully the referee will be strong tonight as it will be hard enough as it is for the Boks to win. Even harder if he is soft on Ireland’s love of playing gridiron – tackling and obstructing players well away from rucks, as well as their fascination with the choke tackle.

As far as tonight’s game goes from what I have seen thus far of the World Cup both France and Ireland have looked strong contenders. I know Ireland haven’t faced the top teams yet but they can only play what is in front of them and think they are also looking a very talented and well-coached squad. Am hoping for a Springboks win tonight for the Boks sake as well as for Scotland as think that would leave destiny in reaching quarter finals in Scotland’s hands. Could be wrong but feel if Ireland beat the Boks then even if Scotland beat them in their final group match it may not be enough to get out of the group.