Is Andre Esterhuisen a forward or back?

I just read an article where they said that they have been working with Andre for 5 months to make him more versatile and get him to play amongst the forwards and even joking the line outs. I know when he was coming up they tried him for a few games at flank but he settled in the centres. Looks like Rassie at it again and I was surprised to see all 3 of Kriel, AE and Dud on the park at the same time. As it transpired, they brought AE on to cover flank.

So looks like we have something cooking right now.

I just looked at his stats and he is now standing at 124kg which is super heavy for a back. I'm still confused why he is not starting at 12. Why would you not have him there

Probably some versatility in the bench bullshit. Bet André is somewhere deep inside wishing he got his test stripes somewhere where he would actually be appreciated for what he brings to the game at 12. DDA had another nothing showing yesterday outside of his grubber for Arendse.

"I just looked at his stats and he is now standing at 124kg which is super heavy for a back. I'm still confused why he is not starting at 12. Why would you not have him there.."

Because the incumbent is better.

"DDA had another nothing showing yesterday outside of his grubber for Arendse."

Nonsense Pakie...he had a fine game...you lot are just begging him to fail at everything...he is better than any other hopeful...AE included.

Outside of the grubber, what did he do to constitute a fine game? I'll even raise you one and say we ignore the three errors he made that killed Bok momentum every time, including a knock on attack in the red zone. So even ignoring those, what did he do?

Here are my thoughts:

Esterhuizen is known for his physicality, power running, and strong defense as a center, which can potentially translate well to the flanker role, especially in terms of ball-carrying and tackling. Rassies move could be aimed at adding extra punch to the breakdown or defensive line, or to exploit certain weaknesses in the opposition.

However, it also carries risks. Positions 6 and 7 require specific skills like high work rate around the field, quick decision-making in open play, and the ability to contest for the ball at the breakdown. If Esterhuizen is less familiar with the nuances of the flank, there might be concerns about his positioning and agility in that role.

Overall, it’s a bold tactical experiment that showcases Rassie’s creative approach to team management. If it worked well, it could open up new possibilities for player versatility; if not, it might highlight the importance of sticking to players' traditional roles.

"Outside of the grubber, what did he do to constitute a fine game?"

Really?, haal af jou oogklappe...DdA and Jesse Kriel is the best midfield combo in the world ATM, both on defence and attack...there is a reason AE was playing flanker last night...

Nee man Draad, jy kan nie net 'n claim maak en nie eers een ding uitwys wat die claim support nie. Dis hoe julle rol met DDA.

"He was fine, he was great"

Okay, what did he do?

"He was great"

Okay, but what specifically did he do to warrant that assessment?

"He is the best in the world"

The grubber was easily the best thing he did.

He also spilled a ball that resulted in a try not being scored, made very little ground when he had the ball. Spilled another ball though not in a try scoring position.

He scored a walk over try in the dying seconds.

That's what I remember about his performance...big ordinary. Harsh to say, but ordinary is actually above what he normally does. So, by his standards, he actually had a decent game.

So, I'd also be interested to know what else he did.

As for the other backs. All the way from MVDB to Sacha, Kolbe, Arendse, Fassi and Kriel...they all had good games. All of them scored higher than DDA. Am I wrong about that?

Rassie Erasmus’s plan to play André Esterhuizen at flank is a deliberate, months-long strategy to create a true “hybrid” player who can cover both backline and forward roles, expanding tactical options for the Springboks1234567. Here are the key details:

1. Hybrid Role Development: The idea was first floated to Esterhuizen about five months ago, and he has since been training with both the forwards and backs. This includes participating in scrumming sessions and lineout drills, preparing him to pack down on the side of the scrum as a flanker during matches123457.
2. Strategic Flexibility: Erasmus’s rationale is to mirror the versatility shown by players like Kwagga Smith, who can cover both flanker and wing. By having Esterhuizen—a powerful, physical centre—able to play as a flanker, the Boks gain the ability to adjust their bench split (forwards/backs) and better manage injury scenarios during games2345.
3. Execution in Matches: The plan was put into action during the Springboks’ 54-7 win over the Barbarians, where Esterhuizen came off the bench and played at flank, surprising many observers who expected him to replace an inside centre. This was not a response to injury, but a premeditated tactical move123456.
4. Player Buy-in: Esterhuizen has embraced the challenge, viewing it as a way to add value to the team and prolong his international career by increasing his selection opportunities. He has stated that adapting to multiple roles is part of evolving as a player, especially as he gets older123457.
5. Coaching Influence: Assistant coach Felix Jones has played a key role in managing Esterhuizen’s workload and development in both positional groups, ensuring he is prepared for the demands of both centre and flank4.
6. Future Implications: Erasmus sees this hybrid approach as a potential game-changer for squad composition and tactical flexibility, particularly as the Springboks build toward major tournaments like the Rugby Championship and the 2027 World Cup134.

In summary, Rassie’s plan is a calculated innovation to increase the Springboks’ adaptability, with Esterhuizen’s size, skill set, and willingness making him the ideal candidate for this new hybrid role12345678.

Roos playing at 12 doesn't seem so crazy now...does it?

I guess Jake schooled the genius.

Agreed Draad de Allende is better than Esterhuizen

Draad, you not gonna answer us then?

You know I don't give you shit unnecessarily.

I'm genuinely interested in the answer and what you saw on Saturday that myself and Pakie didn't.

de Allende was as good as usual on the weekend

As strong as ever taking it up, great kick through to set up the try and a try to cap off a good performance

He is a class act but given his age we need to start looking ahead

In order Willemse / Hooker / David Kriel

@sharkbok... why you asking chatGPT to help you give an opinion?

God that's embarrassing!

Because Shark is not the most astute rugby follower - he is stuck in the dark ages - evidenced by his ignorant take on the du Preez twins

"Nee man Draad, jy kan nie net 'n claim maak en nie eers een ding uitwys wat die claim support nie. Dis hoe julle rol met DDA.

"He was fine, he was great"

Okay, what did he do?

"He was great"

Okay, but what specifically did he do to warrant that assessment?

"He is the best in the world"

I said he was fine, didn't say he was great. You said he did nothing outside the grubber without offering any support...you are doing the same thing you accuse me of...and I didn't say he's the best in the world, I said the DdA/Kriel combo is the best in the world... a subjective opinion, I know but it's difficult to really measure these things.

I didn't see any huge blunders from DdA, he was more than solid in defence, he did the try assist grubber and he scored a somewhat lucky try. I can't find any stats on the game, but given the conditions, I think he had a fine game.

He did have a fine game and that’s a fact

The try could have been scored by a school boy….the grubber was fine. Did he make one meaningful break (Kriel did), a pass that released a player? He also dropped the ball when another easy try was in the offing.

And here’s the thing it was another game playing 12 in a team with forward dominance, Wessels and Fouche aside. He has the world’s best platform at 12 and game after game does nothing with it.

Quite funny, because when you look at literally everybody else in the backs it's easy draw out numerous excellent things they did.

...but with DDA we have to say things like "he carried the ball up well" which basically means that he got the ball and ran at defenders. Then we say things like "he was solid on defence" which means that he made tackles.

That's it. That is the bar for DDA. Make some tackles and run at defenders. Don't worry about making ground, putting anyone into space, making a deceptive offload...none of that. Nothing that you would call well executed by any other backline player.

He has lowered the bar to the point where doing the most simple of all the basics now equates to "a great performance".

Neither Dave nor Draad can pinpoint anything outside of the grubber.

Now, let's do the same exercise with Kolbe, Sacha, Kriel, Fassi, Arendse...

How can you guys not see the difference!?

Also, Chippo...kindly don't criticise VisKop when using Chat when you obviously did the same with this post...the underlying was the only original thing you did there...

"Esterhuizen is known for his physicality, power running, and strong defense as a center, which can potentially translate well to the flanker role, especially in terms of ball-carrying and tackling. Rassies move could be aimed at adding extra punch to the breakdown or defensive line, or to exploit certain weaknesses in the opposition.

However, it also carries risks. Positions 6 and 7 require specific skills like high work rate around the field, quick decision-making in open play, and the ability to contest for the ball at the breakdown. If Esterhuizen is less familiar with the nuances of the flank, there might be concerns about his positioning and agility in that role.

Overall, it’s a bold tactical experiment that showcases Rassie’s creative approach to team management. If it worked well, it could open up new possibilities for player versatility; if not, it might highlight the importance of sticking to players' traditional roles."

You said he did nothing outside the grubber without offering any support...you are doing the same thing you accuse me of

Three errors with attacking ball (botched kick, failure to collect/get away a pass, knock in a scoring position). The head down burrow a few times to make his typical slow meter or two while the defense sets itself again, a few routine passes, no offloads, no breaks, didn't do anything noteworthy outside of the grubber and an unopposed little jog in for a try. Can't even recall any proper challenge at the advantage line gaining some forward momentum like we saw Esterhuizen do all URC.

That's better Pakie...I will have to watch the game again...I know a few of our players fumbled the ball in the match...trying conditions.

I naturally develop affinity for our regulars as they age…even Kriel whose defensive line management is a key ingredient in our competitiveness. I don’t dislike Dud, he seems like a decent relaxed bloke and I’ll always remember him rushing over to JdV when he was badly injured against Wales.

But it’s hard to find anything to be enthusiastic about. Briefly around 2015 he was channeling SBW and offloading. At various times he become a fetcher. And there was the poorly executed year of the tactical kick. But these brighter moments disappear and we are left with tractoring at half pace, the only activity which endures.

Why he stopped offloading, for example, is a mystery. But he’s ideally suited to do it because he is about as strong on his feet as any back. And if he could just step he would be much more effective….but for some reason these obvious things are just lost.

de Allende has been integral to the Bok cause - freakishly strong who is a handful in traffic - the area test 12’s mostly find themselves operating in

He does not offload as he has been instructed to take it up and set up phases - the offload opens up the opportunity for the receiver to get isolated and turned over

DDA's is a very nice chap, I've seen interviews with him, but yeah, 10 years on and I'm still looking for the special in his play. But hey, he's nearing the end of his career and he doesn't select himself and he's been a terrific conversation piece so it is what it is. Who the hell are we going to talk about when he and Mostert and PSDT retires? Who's going to bring the tension and the conflict? Manie? Hee haw.

Next in line are probably Roos, Jurenzo Julius, Wessels, Ruan Nortje, Jayden Hendrikse and Manie

Lets get this straight about Esterhuizen - he is not good nough to play for the Springboks. The problem was that Esterhuien played ibn 22 tests and produced zero in all those tests, There are a number of reasons why Esterhuizen is not a backline player at all and those are -

1. lack of ball sense and skills'
2. pace deficiancy
3. reading of the flow of the game.

Real experts in the game of rugby regularly pick De Allende is the best 12 in World Rugby ay present and Pollard said he is the best 12 he ever played with. I mentioned elsewhere that in a panel discussion between 3 ex- All Blacks it as cleare that they are scared of De Allende as a player in the upcoming NZ tests this year,

In general the problem with Esterhuizen is he is never where te action is and that accounts for his inability to score tries. Ball sense and skils would be a requirement from any bckline player. That is missing from Esterhuizen and that is the reason why Erasmus gave him a chance as a loosie to see whether he can deliver the goods for the Springboks in a position where physical strength is of importance - but in the case of the Dharks he did not prduce the goods either as center or fank forward or the Sharks this year and the same an bes ad of his while playing career,

My frst choice repalcement for De Allende is going to be Willemse - whom I prefer ahead of other potential candidates and also Hooker as second choice, The latter's problem is he is not physical enough to be first choice inside center/

, , ,

SSDD ….. Dda is strong, but definitely not the best 12 in the world!!

He often finds himself in favourable positions that was set up by his team mates , nothing more and nothing less!!

Jesse has become his own player and is original in the way he plays, that is progress….

And I see Draad sittter en Saffolk, still thinks the sun shines out of there backsides…..

Come up with something original for a change, instead of sounding like parrots that just go thru the motions….

Happy BD by the way to our two local parrots!!!

Fuck off Mpower!!!! Bla bla bla bla….

en hoe kon jy Mpower, wat te hell gan Met jou aan???

niks meer en niks minder nie…. Boring boring….. is all I can say…. Duck Tales yeah…..she is the village bicycle, everyone,s had a ride!!

Jeez Mike, I thought your internet downtime would have given you time to come up with some fresh material.

Hello MP. Where were you?

Just tell me why Esterhuizen in 22 test never scored a single try on test level and why he should he be given more opportunities to destroy the backline functioning of the Springboks?

Hi Pakie….. just absent for a while that’s all….. how you guys?? Just a joke DB and Safffolk:)

You guys kinda asked for it…… by still polishing DDA,s asshole and he is not even that good….

The only reason he is there is because Rassie loves his asshole even more…..

he did sweet blow all vs the Baa baas….. it’s over pls just put Damian Willemse in his place….

Poor AE is Not loved but twice the Rugby player DDA is….. DDA is past tense for goodness sake and should be treated accordingly…..

All good MP thanks. As you can see, same old same old on here :)

Yeah Pakie it is…..a good thing in a way and sometimes not so good…..

Hi there Moz and plum, hope all is good…..

and Rooinek must be having some nice French food and wine??

Hi uncle Mike, must be bloody cold in riversdal …..

pull a nice warm blankie over your legs….I see the Italian game will be showed on SABC 2 …. Not bad but only 1 game is a tease….what a pity….

Hi M, all stocked up on the chill pills...take one. ;-) Glad to see you back, regardless of your poor appreciation od our great center pairing...

Jesse is doing well, but DDA is definitely overrated, wouldn’t you say??

…..all good and there is nothing wrong from moving onwards away from DDA……

Natural progress of things and positive progress…..it’s time to move on, is what I am saying…

AE for example is a step in the right direction…..Willemse even better I suppose as AE is stuck in DDA, s shadow because of Rassie Erasmus…..

You go ahead and prescribe your own chill pills thank you very much:)

Mpower

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De Allende ae rated by rugby experts in New Zealand, te UK nd France - so are all those experts stupid in your book and those of some fste experts .

he did sweet blow all vs the Baa baas….. it’s over pls just put Damian Willemse in his place….

The above is common on this site in the case of some members - whn they don't want to see something in matches = they ignore what actually happen - so the B S reign supreme.

Poor AE is Not loved but twice the Rugby player DDA is….. DDA is past tense for goodness sake and should be treated accordingly

Esterhuizen is not a centers arse or perhaps he is - and he did not contriute anything when he came on as flank forwards - So e is not a cente - neither a flank. You claima bove is that his team place De Allende i te position wher eh score trries. A really BS statement. In real rugby games playes are where the action is - people call it ball sense of hich DE Allende has some and Esterhuizen has none.

Another player with ball sense is Willemse - he is ten times a better inside center han Esterhuizen would ever be. So poor St Esterhuizen will not make it into the RC squad - he isa lready 31 years old and never met the norm for selection and as a fringe player he got plenty of game time and in that time he produced one big zero in tests,

.