Can the Boks get the win?
September 5, 2012 in International, Rugby, Rugby Championship, Springboks
Forget about the Rugby Championship. By the Springboks not getting the full 10 points….or even just the 8 for that matter, against Argentina, and the All Blacks demolishing the Aussies, New Zealand has all but engraved their names on the inaugural Rugby Championship cup.
Team Meyer should now just focus on the bigger picture and not be concerned about winning the tournament.Rather build towards to end of year tour and get the pieces of the puzzle in place.
He should also perhaps forget about his statement about winning every match, and rather re-look at his approach to the game and what personnel he requires to deliver consistent winning performances over the long run. I know this is what he seems to be doing, picking personnel for the kick and chase, bulldozer game, but I don’t even think he has the right personnel in his side even for that game to be effective.
Morne’s kicking is wayward and he doesn’t create space for our back-line to operate. Blame the forwards, blame the scrummie. Fact is, if we look at Dan Carter, his forwards do not always dominate but he almost always gets his back-line away. He dictates. Unlike Steyn, who reacts to situations, a player like Carter creates his teams opportunities when there is seemingly nothing on. Something I’ve seen players like Lambie and Goosen do.
I do recall during last year’s tri nations, when the Springboks sent a toned down squad down under (because the key players were injured – remember?) that when Lambie came onto the field, the Springboks suddenly looked like a side that could be dangerous and in a space of 10 minutes, 2 tries were scored by the Boks. But too little too late, I’m afraid.
During the Super Rugby and Currie Cup it was quite telling what difference Goosen made to the Cheetahs side. If you could not spot the difference, then you didn’t watch the games. It is really like comparing a Ferrari to an Opel Kadet 1986 model. His decision making is spot on, he creates something from nothing on regular occasions, he can play under the pressure of a retreating pack and then there is the little bonus of a deadly accurate boot within ranges of 22 to 60 metres depending on air pressure. And as much as I am glad for his inclusion in the Bok group, I am still quite concerned that it will be too early since his return from injury, having had very little chance (in fact almost 50 minutes) to rebuild his confidence and match fitness before stepping up onto Test match rugby.
The other player I have a concern with is Zideshow Kirchner. Really, he physical likeness to the cartoon character’s image isn’t all that makes the name so apt. He really is just there to do his job, which he probably does perfect according to Meyer’s liking, but he offers nothing more than a full back who can round off an easy try or catch up & unders under a moderate amount of pressure. Patrick Lambie and Jaco Taute are both players who are dynamic in their attack, solid in defense and with a certain amount of X- factor.
Moving Ruan Pienaar to scrumhalf after he solidified his game at there during his stint in Europe is wise and will perhaps make Morne Steyn look to be in better form than he currently is, something that I won’t mind as long as we win, but it might also just sugar coat the problem we have at 10. If we do have the delight of seeing Goosen play off the bench and he manages the shrug off the injury and match fitness concerns, our eyes will be opened to a whole new world of Springbok Rugby which we probably have not seen since…well….ever?
But I do have a concern about whether Goosen will be physically and mentally ready for this game, and I would question Meyer’s motives if he plays Goosen if he is not ready. If he has an off day, it will be all the defense Meyer needs for his continued selection of Morne Steyn. Meyer’s comments about being impressed with Goosen, does give some sort off confidence that it will not be the case though, stating: “The same goes for Johan (Goosen), who in my mind can become one of the great flyhalves in world rugby. I’ve been very impressed with his work ethic and attitude since he joined the squad on Thursday in Johannesburg and we will keep on managing him carefully over the next few weeks.”
Duane’s selection at nr 8 is a no-brainer and even though doubts existed that he may not be ready due to his long injury lay off and not having a complete 80 minutes since, I am confident that he will step up to the plate and be the player we all know he is. Juandre Kruger is also a welcome return in place of a “disgraceful” Bekker, although some suggestions are that he just doesn’t seem to be able to shake off his back injury.
Can the Springboks beat the Aussies this weekend?
Well, considering it’s in Perth, where a large amount of South Africans live and who are always quite vocal in their support for SA teams at this venue; considering David Pocock won’t play, which leaves a bit of a gap in terms of Australia’s openside play (not writing off Hooper but Pocock is just class!); considering there will be no Bryce Lawrence officiating the match, (although Nigel Owens on his day can be quite atrocious as well if we recall the RWC2011 match against Samoa) and considering that players like Jean, Beast, Jannie, Frans, Morne, Hougie, Ruan, Bryan and Alberts might be eager for some payback for last year’s untimely World Cup exit, I do think we can beat the Aussies.
I won’t write off the Aussies. They played pretty decent Rugby for their 22-0 loss against New Zealand in a game where the All Blacks were just rampant. But if there is any chance for redemption of Mendoza, this is their most likely chance. And with the inclusion of Pienaar, Vermeulen and Kruger, I think we do have sufficient personnel in place to pull it off. Add Lambie to that mix, and in future a fit and experienced Goosen, we may just be able to beat the All Blacks again….but for now, the Rugby Championship is over, and we should rather look at each game at a time, building towards a rewarding End of year Tour.
Wally said on September 10, 2012
If PDV was clown, then what does that make Heyneke(k)?
stop licking his ass
Met uysh said on September 10, 2012
And whose ass do you suggest I’m licking?
WAYNE said on September 6, 2012
I AGREE WITH MOST OF WHAT YOU’RE SAYING,HM’S SQUAD SELECTION STILL BUGS ME BUT WITH THE NEW INCLUSIONS,IT SEEMS SLIGHTLY BETTER,RUAN ON THE OTHER HAND…I DON’T TRUST THAT GUY.TO BE HONEST THE LAST TIME I SAW RUAN HAVE A GOOD GAME WERE WHEN HE CAME ON THE SCENE FOR THE SHARKS.HE NEVER CONVINCED ME IN THE BOK JUMPER,OVERSEAS YEAR OR NOT,I THINK WE HAVE A BETTER SRUMHALF IN SAREL OR MY PERSONEL FAVOURITE RORY KOCKETT(NOW PLAYING OVERSEAS).STEYN ON FULLBACK AND J DJONGH AT CENTER.WHY DO YOU TAKE A PLAYER AWAY FROM HIS PROVINCIAL TEAM TO NOT EVEN BE ON THE BENCH.
Met uysh said on September 6, 2012
Sarel is an interesting little player. He absolutely shines for the Cheetahs, but he disappeared during his stint at the Waratahs this season. His defense is quite dodgy but he is brilliant on attack.
Ruan’s had a sterling season overseas and I believe the Boks will benefit from his experience. His decision making to me will be far more accurate than Hougaard’s, but don’t scream too much at Ruan when he kicks. That is the coach’s instructions.
He’s been a bit hot and cold over time though, but he is the sort of player that needs to settle in a position, and his preferred position is scrumhalf. I believe he will do his selection justice. If he doesn’t…well, it can’t be worse than Mendoza….
REM said on September 5, 2012
Lambie…..kan ek al tjank?
I think that Zane can win the Currie Cup….I hate him sorry,….ok they wont win the CC..
GEN DE LA REY said on September 6, 2012
I feel your pain but the more I think about it the more I feel the Sharks are at least partially to blame for Lambie’s situation.
He started at 10 then moved to 15.
And if you are honest he did not set the world alight when he played against Eng. (before he got injured)
Not did he play to well for the Sharks when returning from injury.
Don’t get me wrong I think he is WC and if alowed to spesialize in one position he will be great.
It is stupid of HM not to give him any game time the longer he sits on the bench the more rusty he will become.
Met uysh said on September 6, 2012
Lambie did more in the few minutes he replaced Sideshow Zane than he did his entire time on the field this year for the Boks. Lambie didn’t set the world alight in the one test he started, but neither have Zane. With Lambie we at least know what he can do. We’ve seen it. Zane, we know what he can do as well. We’ve seen the limitations of his ability and Lambie’s form and potential far outweighs Zane’s. There is just no comparisson. And I’d rather have a flyhalf at full back than an idiot who has no idea what to do with the ball other than kick an up and under.
GEN DE LA REY said on September 5, 2012
It is maybe unfair to compare MS with DC. DC is prob the best FH ever.
BUT agree he will have to sort out his service and create more space for his backline.
Ofcoarse MS biggest problem this season has been his goal kicking.
As for Lambie his biggest problem is that the Sharks is F@cking him up. Just like they did to Fransie. Then his FB then FH then IC. The boy can’t get any form.
And for Goosen hope he makes his debute in the right situation. With not to much presure on him.
Met uysh said on September 5, 2012
Agree that the Sharks may mess around Lambie too much, but to Lambie’s credit he’s always stepped up and performed brilliantly every time. It should be seen as a positive attribute rather than a risk for Meyer. Like Hougie who playes wing and scrummie….
Jacques said on September 5, 2012
Just because the Sharks use Lambie at various positions doesnt mean they f@cking him up,its rather a case of utilising his natural born talent by any means necessary. If i had a choice, i would have Lambie anywhere on the field as long as he is there. He is young and smaller than most but come on, the impact he made in the world cup and almost every game since has been impeccable.
GEN DE LA REY said on September 6, 2012
Can’t say I agree.
Lambie could have been a World Class FH ot FB by now but because he is consistanly shifted he is a brilliant rugby player but not yet a master of any position.
The same could be said about Pienaar and Frans pre going to Europe.
Lambie is beter than Zane but Lambie was really rusty and out of form the last few games he played for the Sharks. Ludick looked a lot better than him.
I just feel if HM isn’t intend on using him why not let him play CC to regain some form?
But then the Sharks will prob play him 10 again??
Met uysh said on September 6, 2012
Maybe that’s what Heyneke is afraid of….
Sorry but Lambie’s last few games is no reason not to give him game time in the Bok jersey at FB or FH. Why is he then even on the farking bench if Meyer is not interested in playing him? No excuse for Meyer not giving Lambie game time. None whatsoever.
GEN DE LA REY said on September 6, 2012
Agree with that. HM should atleast give him some time on the field otherwise he will just get more rusty.
DtheM said on September 6, 2012
De La Rey, thats a load of rubbish. And if you want proof, why dont you have a look at Larkham who started as a fullback and made his debut at 10 in a trinations test no less. Or how about Giteau, starting at scrumhalf, then centre before playing brilliantly at 10…or Carter starting at 12, or muliaina at 13 before switching to fullback…or barnes, or cooper, or beale or toeava or kahui or jane or nonu or ashley-cooper or ioane or gerrard or roff or mortlock or ellison or ben smith…every one of them has played multiple positions for their country and province, and none of them made their debut in the position they now occupy for their country.
Being able to play in multiple positions makes you a better player; if you’ve played centre or wing you know where to pass when you play inside that position; if you play fullback you improve your positioning, center your tackling, etc. The fact that we feel our players cant play multiple positions is an indication of their lack of ability and most importantly adaptability. Habana became a good wing because he played so much at 13; he was used to running hard and straight and anticipating the pass, looking for the gap; jacque fourie was such a good 13 because of his time at 11 and 15; he learnt to join the line at the best possible moment. I think it should be almost mandatory for our players to be good in at least 2 positions; after all, what would be do in a WC semi if we lost our fullback and only had a centre to bring on? With your mentality we’d be stuffed; the aussie’s and kiwi’s would barely feel it. If we’d kept that mentality monty would never have been our leading points scorer, habana never our leading try scorer, nor fourie second on that list
Charles Townsend said on September 5, 2012
Good post, but I still think a bit more credit can to Argentina, back when we go re-admitted we were sort of whipping boys against NZ and Aus but we build and that is what the Argies are doing, just wikipedia them and see the for the first 30 years it was mostly “foreigners” making up the team. Maybe Morne should let loose he was never just a kicking flyhalf
Met uysh said on September 5, 2012
Yup, credit to Argentina. They were unlucky to come away with a draw against us and totally outplayed us. They played smarter Rugby and were more eager to win than us. It will be interesting to watch how they do against the All Black juggernaut. I’m waiting in anticipation to see the squad for this qeekend to see how much the AB’s respect the Argies.
Gareth said on September 5, 2012
Lambie @ 15. I don’t think he is really fly-half material.
I think our centres are currently overrated. Everyone blames MS for not getting the backline away, but call me cynical, we just don’t have a Sonny Bill, Israel Dagg, Hosea Gear, Cory Jane in our team. Dan Carter is brilliant, but the players around him make him brilliant as well.
But here’s hoping for some great rugby this weekend! I also want to see us play some dynamic rugby…Like the Stormers against my poor Bulls this past weekend.
Met uysh said on September 5, 2012
I don’t think our centres are overrated. I just don’t think they are as brilliant as what we had when Jean and Jaque were a settled combination.They will gel soon, but then, we don’t have much proper centre stocks at the moment. To me this cannot be the reason for Steyn not letting the backline loose. His default when under pressure is to kick.
Also, I don’t entirely blame MS. Yes, his form is not good. But I do blame HM for the game plan he employs and the team selections he makes.
Jacques said on September 5, 2012
Have you guys been watching the last few Currie Cup games or what? Not good stock of centers, really? What about Paul Jordaan, JJ Engelbrecht, Jan Serfontein or will you say they are too young? Goosen is 19 years old. Jean d Vil is still a class act but he is 31 or 32 so his time is almost upon him so why not bring in youngsters as mentioned above even if its just for 10-20 mins should the game and of couse the coach allow it.
And I saw the Bulls vs Stormers and the Sharks vs Cheetahs making one of the biggest comebacks and in both games the centers played pivotal roles in victory, not to mention Keagan Daniel who pretty much plays like a center but with the forwards. He injects creativity IF the team and coach allow it. Just as Plumtree said, the Sharks game plan allows Keagan to be who he is and that is a true natural talent …
Met uysh said on September 5, 2012
Paul Jordaan seems quite talented and I look forward to seeing more of him. JJ Engelbrecht probably has talent but isn’t ready yet. Same with Serfontein. Both still has to put some mileage on the clock ito exposure to Super Rugby before you can measure them against the Springbok pairing and it’s really difficult to judge players on their Currie Cup form without the country’s Springboks as opposed to player’s Super Rugby form against the SH’s best.
H&P said on September 5, 2012
You can’t really read too much into CC form, the standard is not great,
saying that we have some talented youngsters but they are nowhere near test match material….yet
Hanjo said on September 5, 2012
Gareth, I disagree, while we don’t have a SBW, Habana is better than Dagg, Jane or Gear. – while Frans on his day is one of the best all round backs in Rugby today. – I also think Lambie be our Dagg, but he isn’t being used…I also don’t think our centres are overrated, Jean is lightning quick and if given just a hin of space, can be devastating.
for me our issue is our backline playing way too deep, nullifying any good ball we might have, seeing us attacking laterally behind the advantage line. – It all starts with Morne almost permanently ‘in the pocket’
Labach Tanai said on September 5, 2012
“Fact is, if we look at Dan Carter, his forwards do not always dominate but he almost always gets his back-line away.”
But Uysh,
Ask yourself:
How many Bulls caps does Dan have?
You see,
That is why Morne is still way better!
Met uysh said on September 5, 2012
Lol!
The Green Man said on September 5, 2012
Hell I am excited about Goosen’s inclusion. I know there is a lot of concern about it being too soon after his injury but I, naturally, don’t agree. I view this in the same light as I do Graeme Smith being made Captain of the Proteas when he was. He will rise to the challenge! I don’t think he needs time to ‘rebuild’ his confidence. Think about it this way … if you were shown the faith of selection to the Boks so soon after injury would you be lacking in confidence? And what better confidence boost do you need?
Then, just to touch on what gertbloues said, even if Goosen does have an absolute shocker of a game (big IF) I don’t believe it will suddenly ruin his career. I believe, as I always have, that this youngster is made of sterner stuff. Gawie was a “ballet dancer” in comparison
guntz27 said on September 5, 2012
Me too, I just think its too soon after the injury! But it would be nice if he (Goosen) kicks a long range penalty for us to win!
Met uysh said on September 5, 2012
Hope you are right GM. The confidence I refer to is not the confidence in his own ability, its the confidence that his injury is something of the past. Sometimes there’s always this niggling feeling when you play after an injury that you don’t want to push yourself too hard in fear of repeating the injury. I take Duane as an example, he got smoothed into the Currie Cup with 40 or so minutes vs Griekwas, 60 or so against the Lions, before he really felt himself again. A full 80 would have been ideal but I think Duane will be OK. Goosen didn’t have a proper game yet since return from injury.
I agree he is made of stern stuff and hope he will show no semblance of injury concerns.
Hanjo said on September 5, 2012
imagine if we were behind by a few(lets say 7) with Goosen on, and the ball gets to him with a giant overlap on his outside players waiting in anticipation for the ball, literally screaming for it…and he decides to boot it out, like he did against the Crusaders earlier this year? wouldn’t that be great
Met uysh said on September 5, 2012
Lol! I didn’t see that game, but I get your point.
To me, Goosen is the future at FH though, and Lambie at 15. Well, in fact, Lambie should have been the present at 15!
Hanjo said on September 5, 2012
I’m just messing around. I would play Lambie, Elton, Goosen, Sias, Riaan Smit, Grant, Catrakilis, Fouche, Ruan Pienaar or even Earl Rose rather than Morne atm, he is simply playing too deep, taking away any attacking ability our backline might have.
gertbloues said on September 5, 2012
On the up side. If HM finally sorted out the mess at forwards, it will definitely make Morne look good. But it can also set the table for Goosen to also be able make a good test debut whenever that happens.
This will help Goosen, if he is up to it, to gradually make the number ten jersey his.
If we cant get the ascendency at the forwards and Goosen is sent in, he might have a horrible start to his test career which might ruin it forever.
guntz27 said on September 5, 2012
This is the best team for a while now. Really think its a good enough team to win. Just need Lambie at 15.
Hopefully Morne doesnt have a crap game
Met uysh said on September 5, 2012
Agree, Lambie at 15 would have been ideal.
Jacques said on September 5, 2012
Lambie would have been the perfect fit for this game and any other for that matter. Zane Kirchner doesnt belong there. Yes, he plays the no15 role HM needs, but its not what the team needs and its not what the future of SA Rugby needs.
I dont normally like the Aussie commentators but I do love their bluntness and the fact that they pretty much say it how it is and when it comes down to HM and his selection and ideas, I hope they have something to say …
Met uysh said on September 5, 2012
Will be interesting listening to their commentary on Saturday. Will also like to watch Reunion this week! I don’t think we get the Aussie show here?
Baylion said on September 5, 2012
Interesting comments from Michael Hooper:
Hooper is bracing himself for a physical battering from the bigger-bodied Springboks.
“I guess when you’re going for a turnover or putting your head in the breakdown, they come in flying,” Hooper told a media scrum on Wednesday.
“But in saying that, you’ve got a bit of an opportunity, a bit of a window to force a turnover, because they are bigger blokes.
“They probably will be a step or two [slower] than if they were playing a traditional No.7.
“There’s opportunities there, but you’ve got to be prepared to be belted.”
Hanjo said on September 5, 2012
Hooper is a real top player – imo he will be everywhere, and if we remain sloppy at the breakdowns like we were against Argentina (on our own ball) , we might pay dearly…The Aussies are great on attack, luckily the threat is slightly limited with O’Connor injured. – I hope the changes work, but I’m not yet ready to believe in the gameplan and the mindset behind the team.
Met uysh said on September 5, 2012
Neither do I believe in the game plan. Maybe the team just got it wrong from Meyer. I mean, it is quite a complex plan that they need to study for for ages. I mean, all the Bok camps before the England series, the Bok camps before the current series and Goosen needing 3 weeks to learn it…
Met uysh said on September 5, 2012
What Hooper is saying is true. And I think he knows the players well enough to know how much “belting” he can take…….
Baylion said on September 5, 2012
With a Northern Hemisphere ref Michael Hooper might get away with more “illegal” tactics than a SH ref would have allowed and that can cost us.
If Mornetjie is on form with the boot for a change penalties might win us the game but statistically we are in for a loss:
Of our last tests against the Aussies we lost six from seven with Morne playing and three from three win Ruan Pienaar playing.
Just saying.
Met uysh said on September 5, 2012
Lucky for us, Pienaar is playing….good omen?
scipio said on September 6, 2012
Looking at those statistics we can safely say we have a 40% chance of winning.
Pienaar = 3/3
Morne = 1/7
1+3=4
3+7=10
4/10 = 40%