Brendon goes astray here a few times but never fear I will point out the error of his ways!
Ex Supersport
Springbok supporters have every right to feel disenchanted after an underwhelming end-of-year tour. However, I believe the European sojourn can prove a blessing in disguise if lessons are learned. (As suggested by Beeno)
The Springboks followed the stock-standard approach that has famously worked for them in the past but this time they were found wanting. Their game deficiencies were exposed for all to see.
The above approach is underpinned by coming off nine, driving the lineout and kicking high balls.(So we paly a pap lock to help drive the lineouts, wee oupa - no Louw and Alberts, scrummies unlike Du Preez)
However, the challenge now facing the Springbok management team is that all three of the aforementioned methods are being nullified at this moment. The Springbok weapons of mass destruction were deactivated on their northern tour this November, which should raise a red flag.
Wales, in particular, prevented South Africa’s momentum from channel one by hitting the ball-carrier’s legs. It was clearly a preordained plan from Wales to get off the line hard and deliberately target runner’s legs. Even if you’re Eben Etzebeth, you can’t go anywhere without your two pegs!
Secondly, the driven lineout is potentially not as effective a weapon going forward because a rule adaption (Orchestrated no doubt by the PAP kiwis) has allowed teams to stand off it and, in the process, neutralise the tactical ploy.
Furthermore, in the past, much of the Boks’ best play revolved around kicking high balls and contesting in the air. This was because, when possession was won back, it presented broken-field situations from which to attack and opportunities to get in-behind the opposition defence.
However, as evidenced against Wales at the Millennium Stadium, the high-ball policy and contesting the ball in the air is no longer as effective a tactic as before. This is due to the fact that there’s been a definite referee directive to protect the defending player in the air. Cornal Hendricks did absolutely nothing wrong when he contested with Leigh Halfpenny, and yet was penalised and yellow-carded.(I NOTE THE OZZIE GUY TOOK OUT THE IRISH PLAYER IN THE AIR BUT IT WAS ONLY A PENALTY AWARDED BY THE NZ REF!!!!! TYPICAL!!!!)
Owing to the above, I would argue that the Springboks now have to start thinking differently because they aren’t going to win the 2015 World Cup in England by pushing the repeat button.(HANG ON THERE BRENDON MEYER IS GETTING DU PREEZ BACK AND ALSO KIRCHNER AND PROBABLY MORNE TO DO SOME GREAT ATCTICAL KICKING!!)
One of the Springboks’ greatest strengths has been their ability to physically dominate their opponents but in the modern professional era this is a thing of the past ( iS IT REALLY OR IS IT BECAUSE THEY PALYT THE PAPEST LOCK EVER SEEN PLAYING INTERNATIONAL RUGBY AND PAP OUPA AS WELL - YOUCAN EXPECT TO DOMIANTE WITH TWO SUCH PLAYERS IN THE MIX!!!). Even Italy – the perennial whipping boys of the Six Nations – stood their ground owing to improved strength and conditioning.
The Springboks find themselves in uncharted territory. Previously, driving the lineouts, kicking high balls and running hard off nine to create momentum from which to play, always worked wonders.
But not anymore, which is why I believe it’s now time for the Boks to start thinking outside the box.
This is not a case of the coach telling the players just to perform their skills better, because if you’re running hard off nine and the opposition tackle your legs, you can’t jump over them. Similarly, you can’t tell the referee you had your eye on the ball, if you made contact with the player in the air.
I believe that one shouldn’t criticise Heyneke Meyer because, by and large, these curveballs weren’t there before the tour (NONSENSE!!!). As such, one should see the points of learning as a blessing because the Boks simply weren’t going to be competitive in the World Cup if they headed down the self-same path.
In order for the Springboks to prove successful going forward, a change of plan is required. And when plotting potential solutions, each area outlined above has to be examined in isolation.
Heyneke has proved receptive in the past, and has already adapted his style of play by keeping the ball in hand more and selecting the likes of Willie le Roux and Cobus Reinach, who boast the X-factor. (PLEASE NOTE DR MOZZZZZ)
However, Heyneke has to bring more players on board that offer something different to the team.
DE JONGH DESERVES A STAB AT CENTRE
With the current dearth in the midfield, I would advocate Juan de Jongh’s Springbok selection.(YOU HAVE TO BE JOKING THE GUY HAS FLOPPED REPEATEDLY AT INTERNATIONAL LEVEL AND HIS DISTRIBUTION IS PUTRID)
In my opinion, the Western Province Currie Cup-winning captain, who offers leadership ability, an electrifying change of pace and fleet-footedness, could add value to the Springbok setup.
Jaque Fourie is not the answer going forward. The 31-year-old has made it clear that he no longer wants to play for South Africa and to beg a player to avail himself for the Springboks is absurd.
Meanwhile, the injury to Jean de Villiers is a huge pity, as he will go down in my book as one of the greatest Springboks of all time (agreed). Jean has bounced back each time injury has struck and is a credit to the game but there’s no denying that his latest is a significant injury that will require intense rehab.
Realistically, the Boks may have to plan for the World Cup without their talismanic skipper in mind.
The honest selection issue at centre is that Frans Steyn needs to return and play at 12 for the Boks. Steyn is a genuinely world-class player and, somewhere along the line, SA Rugby officials have to sit down with the player to clear the air and settle the dispute for the good of South African rugby.(was is the word brendon. he has been very poor over the last few years!!!!!)
Should Fourie be begged to make a Bok comeback or would you prefer De Jongh to fill the breach? (Neither PLEASE. Allende should be tried)
An off day for Brendon. He doesnt understand why the Bok pack is as pap as it is right now. Notas pap as the wee abs for sure but roughly ona par with England - menaing still belwo Bok standards.
Bringing back De Jong and Frans. heavens the guy must have had one too many!!!
I agine a backline of :
Du Preez, Morne, Habana, Frans, De Jong JP and Willie. Is this where we are heading.
Its a nightmare!
