Rather than tell you which sides we think are going to win or lose, we thought we would take a slightly different approach this week.  A preview, of sorts. A discussion. Maybe a debate?

It’s a big weekend for international rugby. North vs South. Given the amount of rugby played throughout the year, the real point of these end of year tours has become a contentious issue of late. The focus, it seems for these end of year tours, is about providing “fringe” players the opportunity to prove themselves. Which is cool. Or is it? Take a look at the Springbok setup. There are key players that really deserve a rest, and for the sake of longevity you feel that this might be necessary. Janie Du Plessis is a good example. Yes, he is injured so he isn’t part of the touring squad but even if he was fit some believe he should have been given a rest regardless. Other names such as De Villiers, Alberts and Habana come to mind as well, these guys surely deserve some downtime.

Another issue has to be how Frans Malherbe comes into the starting XV for Jannie. Coenie Oosthuizen hasn’t really silenced his critics as the backup tight head. Surely this is the tour for him to prove himself? He has been in the mix for a while now and instead of giving him the chance to prove his worth, Meyer has opted to give the 22-year old Malherbe his first Springbok cap. One wonders what kind of message this is sending to Coenie?

There is a return of the old in the backline with JP Pietersen and Jacque Fourie back and in the starting lineup. Good thing or bad thing? Personally, I think it is going to be great to see JP back in the mix again!

Lambie at Fullback? He hasn’t started at 15 all season and although he has had some great performances off the bench for Kirchner it still is somewhat a surprise and rather confusing to understand in what position Meyer sees Lambie playing come World Cup time.

All in all, it is a great squad with some serious depth but it does seem that these tours are more about testing combinations than anything else. Regardless, the atmosphere in Cardiff on Saturday will no doubt be insane and we are backing the Boks against the back to back Six Nations champions. Oh and the Welsh coach, Shaun Edwards, has warned the Springboks to expect blood and thunder in a titanic battle. Really? Blood and Thunder? Bring it on! Interesting fact, the Springboks have played Wales 26 times since 1906 and have only ever lost, once. Put that in your pipe and smoke it Mr Edwards.

In other internationals taking place this weekend, France take on the All Blacks and England host Argentina. The France, All Black matchup looks rather interesting with France picking a rather inexperienced team whilst the All Blacks have named a full strength team. Good luck with that one!

Talking football now, and there are two cracker games in a full weekend of fixtures. Both big ones taking place on Sunday with Spurs hosting Newcastle and Manchester United hosting Arsenal. Spurs are looking solid this season and defensively they have been outstanding with 7 clean sheets from 10 league games so far this season. Newcastle on the other hand have had a slightly more rocky start but still find themselves in the top half and only 6 points off 4th placed Spurs.

Manchester United vs Arsenal fixtures always provide high emotions, maybe less so this time around with the Wenger vs Fergie battle no longer adding fuel to the fire. The Arsenal fans are the happiest they have been in a long time with the Gunners 5-points clear at the top of the table but you feel that if Manchester United are going to make a run at defending their title then it needs to start this weekend at Old Trafford. A home win here will get them firmly back on track.

A good weekend for Sport lies ahead and whether you watching at home nursing a hangover or at the pub with your mates, it should make for great viewing.

As always, our folks over at Betflash have put together the 2ov Sports Multiple for this weekends matches with odds ranging from 5 – 1 to 500 – 1. If the “favourites” win – England, All Blacks, Springboks, Arsenal and Spurs you get 7 – 1 on your money. Why not have a look and get involved?

Happy viewing Jocks, and come on the Boks.

If you haven’t already registered, do so here. It literally takes 2 minutes, just make sure to send through copy of your ID.