@ Mike
Not even referring to the game in England. The 2012 June series. Willem was man of the match first game and was a thorn in England's side all game. Big runs for some good metres gained but more importantly, softening them up and tying defenders up whilst tiring them out.
Second test, another huge game. Rewarded with an early try and he was again a thorn in their side.
Third test, Alberts a noteable ommision and replaced by Potgieter. Drawn test. We went backwars. First week we put 22 against them, second week 36 and now a 1 try draw a piece draw. We missed the physical presence of Alberts let me tell you that. He was our biggest weapon against England. With Spies at no 8 and not Vermuelen, we needed a guy like Alberts.
Mike, you issue with Alberts is in your head man. He is a damn fine player. I do agree, he does lack a yard of pace and for that reason he may be better suited to lock but he is a must in the Bok setup. There is a reason the Sharks are a much better team with him around and why the coaches at the Sharks and Boks sweat over him if he has a niggle. Very good player.
Let me let you in on a little secret. Willem will get fitter if we continue playing a running game. He was caught off guard at Ellis park as it was a running game and its in the tight stuff where Willem shows his true value. Yes, he is not fast in comparison to other loosies out there but other loosies are nowhere near as imposing as him. Had the Boks played to their usual game plan where we keep it tight and suffocate a team out of it, Willem would have been a key man. We didnt. We played a free flowing and loose game and that does not require Willem. 1 in Vermuelen is enough. We were carrying way too much bulk in that test match to execute that game plan! Dont say Willem had a shit game as he is a shit player. The game plan did not suit him. Its like taking a monster truck to a f1 race!
Heavy fields up noth and Willem will produce the goods!
