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Fri 11 Nov 2009Smit at hooker as tourists go for broke
RUGBY/IRELAND v SOUTH AFRICA:AS A statement of intent, it was both predictable and impressive. One of the problems with being Six Nations Grand Slam champions is everyone else takes you a little more seriously. Hence, in effect, the world champions have selected their strongest possible side for the finale to their remarkable year at Croke Park tomorrow.
As expected Springbok skipper John Smit has been shifted back to hooker, with Ulster’s BJ Botha starting at tighthead. As Leinster’s CJ van der Linde and Munster’s Jean de Villiers are both promoted to the bench, this makes for three Ireland-based players in the South African 22, which is assuredly a first.
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