The conservative point of view is a choice between Lambie and Morne Steyn. Boshoff is a newer version of the kicking flyhalf. Potgieter has matured into a complete flyhalf. And then there is Goosen.
Whoever we choose will succeed or fail because of their reaction to pressure. So here's my take.
I think Morne won't cave, he has been there before. But he also won't be a dynamic player in general play....more a safe pair of hands.
Lambie is much the same player, maybe a little better in defence, but he hasn't proven he can make the pressure kicks...periodically he hasn't.
Boshoff is a blue collar choice...a tough guy. But does he provide enough of an increment to choose him over the much more experienced Steyn?
Potgieter has had some great moments and has forced himself into contention. But at the end of the day, would NZ choose him....would Australia? I think he might be a third of fourth choice....can we win with a deficit at 10?
Then there is Goosen. He showed his pace a week ago in making a great cover tackle. He hasn't done much with the ball and the Cheetahs have looked no better with him at the helm vs Watts. But he has landed some big kicks. In the final analysis his fragility is a factor and I just can't see him being a settled pivot in a RWC final. More of a last 20 minutes option if we need to throw caution to the winds.
That leaves Fransie.....the closest thing we have to Honiball or James....but with a huge boot. A player who lends physicality that suits the Boks and has the nerve for the big moment. I see Frans as the only player who could be an effective ball carrier and a defensive factor.
So frankly I'm bemused why we don't grasp this alternative to the pure kicking flyhalf....an option we get without losing, in fact enhancing, the kicking.
My long range pick is Frans with Goosen on the bench.


