Xavi
The above clearly state a very positive indication of how De Klerk defend. Often enough mention is made of his high missed tackles and his tendency to cause penalties being caused by him.
That is seen in a wider context as well. A good defender with a high attempted tackle count are bound to miss more tackles than a low tackle count player and the same is true in the case of penalties as well.
One has to find a balance in such a case. I think that Faf is our top scrummie at present and even though I think he lives dangerously and feel like breaking my TV screen when things go awry - I think the positives far outweigh the negatives. He is a fighter and will take on any player irrespective of size.
I agree Mike. Faf is that type of player. He plays on the edge, that will lead to mistakes from time to time, but also moments of magic. Just on the AB test specifically. It was obvious that the Boks game plan revolved around a rush defense..to the extreme. It was that Bok pressure and the limited time the AB's had as a result, that led to many of the their mistakes. In other words, our pressure made them play badly. With Faf taking it even further, as high intensity players like him do, he was bound to miss the odd tackle. The very nature of a rush defense means you are approaching your opponent at a high pace, which inevitably makes it a little easier for your opponent to step you. It is simple really, the faster you are moving, the more difficult it is to change direction. I think it is important to note that any player Faf tackles carries a significant size and weight advantage. So his tackle stats should always be read with that in mind.
Faf was magnificent and could also have been man of the match.
Given that we were fine at scum time and fine at lineout time our lack of territory and possession must be analysed and addressed. Usually we win both these areas. Why the very poor stats in both.
Faf is a proactive quick thinker. We haven't had a 9 who can sum up play so quickly since Du Preez. He also applies immense pressure. One of the Puma tries in the second test should never have been, Faf tackled them. So quickly hey fumbled the ball backwards outside the Bok 22. It diffused pressure right on our line. The speed he brings in immense. He is a faster Januarie in many respects.
Nice Post Xavi!
