Jake stuffing up Bulls Backline players

When I looked at the squad of the bulls for this year, my eyes lid up with the potential backline stars that they have on their books. But, 5 games in and none of the players I thought that would feature, featured properly. 

I also recall when Jake was the bok coach, a player with the name of Jaco Pretorius was tearing backlines into ribbons. Many people called for his selection at 13. Back then we had Marius Joubert was also a great 13, but lost form and picked up a lot of injuries. But, Jake just put Pretorius on the wing. Why on earth would he do that what your best strike weapon. In an interview with Jaco, he said the Jake told him that if you play off phase play, but the 3rd phase you would end up in the 13 channel. Unfortunately that is not true. The only opportunity a 13 has to break the line and not take up space is off set-play or counter attack from a kick or a turn over. The rest in nonsicle. 

In the end, he got a few caps but never featured for the boks at 13 nor was he ever able to get that form back. Also injuries and loss of confidence. 

Now, looking at the bulls Backline. 

9. Zack Burger

10. Goosen / Smith / Steyn

11. Arendse

12. Vorster

13. Simalane 

14. Nkosi

15. Moodie / Kriel

Simalane has been moved around to 15, 11 but not played a single game at 13. Apparently want to build versatility. The guys is 24, we need him to play 13 to take over from Am, and should have been in the boks squad already. 

Moodie, apparently he is a 13 too, but been popping on the wing and full back. 

Arendse, been covering wing and full back, but that is okay. He is very much like Kolbe to me. 

Goosen, started at 15, but probably because of him coming back from injury. 

Kriel, this guy looks really solid, tall, fast and have strength, but not bulky enough for a 12. Been featuring at 12 for 4 games already. 

Then the geriatrics

Mapoe, Hendriks who seems to be featuring in a lot of games. 

I know that the season is long, but surely the youngsters should get a proper crack and allow them settle rather than playing musical chairs. 

I would work on Simalane defence over anything. Henco van Wyk is benefiting hugely from having Jacque Fourie as the defensive coach

Hard to extrapolate with absolute confidence a coach's past success to his current expected performance. However in 2007 Jake acquired Eddie Jones' service as a backline coach thereby admitting his shortcomings as a backline coach.

Other than  Du Plessis in 1997 none of the coaches were actually any good when it came to backline usage and play under Mallet basically succeeded based on players identified by Du Plessis and lasted until those players had to be replaced. 

I myself is somewhat disappointed in Erasmus and Nienaber.   In  2019 they came as near as possible to a good and effective backline - but over-dependence on especially Pollard and the scrummies was a danger sign ignored by them.   When Pollard went off form - maybe due to injuries - the system of backline play suffered.   There were no effective replacement policies for backline players art all.           

Ja, I have to agree with both of you. Du Plessis, played a high risk brand of rugby, but it backfired and he lost his job and a lions series. That said, Mallet did benefit from his selections. 

Agree that Jake had to bring Eddie in. I don't think we would have won the World Cup without Eddie. We have to give credit to Jake for recognising his short comings. 

I would maybe try to bring in some NZ or Aussie backline coaches to help with attack and backline play. 

I know Carlos Spencer coached the lions, but he had to much hype and not a real coach. 

Again, wish they would bring Swys back

Our backline players are subjected to counter strikers, defenders and high ball chasers and the the odd bash bash bash. 

Am is the only one with passing skills, Hendrikse is good too