Steering the Bok ship....365's view

9 Francois Hougaard:
He is one of the most dangerous players in the world at the moment and if he is held back or shifted to the wing it would be a shame as he has the potential to make a serious impact at Test level.

10 Morne Steyn:
Apart from the crucial fact that he has an esablished and successful combination with Hougaard, he  has unleashed an impressive Bulls backline this season and given his unmatched goal-kicking abilities he deserves to get the nod.

Bench:

20 Ruan Pienaar:
His experience could prove vital, and with his good recent form he could provide both an impact and an assured presence on the park at the end of the match.

Pretty obvious really I suppose, but it's good to see a consensus building for the best solution. My only concerns would be Morne's occasional kicking lapses this year. His defensive issues were largely overcome in his 6 out of 6 tackling performance against big Aussie loosies who targeted him in the RWCQF. I think he is missing a trick in trying the occasional surprise run.....but he is getting more fluid by the year.

Hougaard is a phenom......but will be targeted as a starting TN scrummie. He is enough of a competitor to prevail, but I think there may be some rough patches. Pienaar is an excellent back up. Having Hougaard also puts more of the tactical kicking burden on the flyhalf, making the selection of Morne a cinch.

For as long as Morne is at 10, the Boks will not move up the rankings

Agree with your comment Saffex about Morne, sadly we have a kicking machine that does have some good strengths around his defence and does pass accordingly. However, is it enough to unleash what we have always known but never seen....A Bok back line able to compete and destroy the very best ....you know who im talking about........................................

 Yep, Meyer will hopefully wake up to this fact sooner than later and when he does, we will never see Morne at 10 for the Boks again.......I look forward to that day. Finding so much positive in such a bog ordinary player is beyond comprehension. Hell, lets pick a guy because he can kick for poles - how bloody pathetically short sighted and conservative can you get - its typical SA though........time to wake up and get with the new

Well there is nothing new about your posting Dave....it's the same boring message. The old guys are useless, the new guys are world beaters and if the coaches only had your brains they would see it. And those who disagree are idiots.

Pompous, impolite junk. Try a bit of modesty for heaven sake....or a new idea to break the tedium.

Yeah Moz. You're right about Morne missing a trick by not mixing it up and occasionally running the ball rather than passing or kicking possession away. Last year, at the RWC, he ran the ball with some success (albeit against lesser teams) and often scythed through a hole unmolested especially when Franna was running in support.  I think Franna provides Morne with more opportunities to run the ball than he currently has with Olivier. I still think Morne is the best exponent of SA's traditional game. Goosen is more suited to the Australasian style of rugby and the Bokke dont have the systems in place (ie moblie, ball playing, ball carrying, ball passing tight five, dynamic backline etc,etc,etc) to take full advantage of the skill set Goosen offers.  Lambie is the happy medium, possessing attributes which are immediately applicable to both styles of rugby which may help HM if he intends SA'n rugby to progress beyond the flyhalf

As you say, Hougaard is a no brainer as the Bokke scrum half. He is a sniping, nuggety, flambouyant and decisive ball player. He occupies the opposite end of the scrumhalf spectrum compared with the conservative, conventional and traditional game offered by Pienaar. The Bokke will be well served by having both players in the squad. Both playing styles can be potently exploited by a compotent coach. Sadly (IMO) Sarel isnt even in the mix of potential Bokke scrum halves.  For varieties sake (and because Sarel is just a less effective copy of Hougaard) HM will probably select Pienaar or a player in the same traditional, conservative mould.   From what I've read, Pienaar has had a stellar year with Ulster so his name should be in the mix come selection time. Is Du Preez's name still being bandied about as a possible Bokke SH? I hope not!

Nukefree - I have to agree with about 50% of what you say - but the problem still lies with the style of play.   Originally SA was the top expenent of ten man rugby - the rest of the backline was there for decoration purposes or for defence.  Under these circumstances the role of the flyhalf and scrumhalf was to "high kick and charge".   However, this technique has been taken up by NewZealand and Australia and they have refined and developed a more complete system - with greater variety of play.  They use both the kicking technique and comprehensive back line play on a more efficient basis.

I am afraid that unless we grow with the game and master all facets comprehensively - we would go backwards and not forwards in the development of our game plan.   Morne Steyn was good as a kicking flyhalf - although he is really not the best "high kick and charge" exponent of the game.   His kicks are normally too long and not chargeable and when he has to kick the ball out to secuire a movement away from his 25 - he would not kick the ball out and give the opponents a chance to "run at them".   

In essence I believe that we should move on past the Morne stage and go for players with a more comprehensive approach and capabilities that you would find in Morne.   That is why I am a great believer  in Lambie and Goosen.   Morne's way of play is past tense - end of story.     

 Moffie, a little suggestion.......go take a long hard look in the mirror before pointing fingers at me. I'll be polite and just say I can smell the hypocrisy from here

 I've been more impressed with Morne this year than in any other - Goosen looks a rare talent and probably should've got the nod if he stayed injury free, but in his absence I'd imagine most S'Afircans would be comfortable with Morne running the cutter, unless your a fat bald insecure 'lawyer' who lives deep in the rear end of Essex.

That said I'd imagine most S'African's would be stoked with Lambie also, both bring different qualities, but HM will go with what he knows I guess.  As an AB supporter I'd rather face the Boks with Lambie that Morne...just.

 Essex????

Why would I be insecure Al?

Probably the same reason you search for acceptance on a board where 75% of the members think you're a complete tube.

 Acceptance on a rugby messageboard? Al I know you profess to be a Kiwi, but dont act like one. But you are right, I strive for love and acceptance on here, what do I need to do to win you over?

 Don't go full retard Dave...might be a bit of a stretch for you.

 So if I called you a c**t would that be a strecth Al?

I love it when you completely lose it Dave...makes you look so lame.

 So vulgar humour not doing it for you either. There is no winning with you is there. Pray there cant be a Mrs Al or is it Mr? 

Does your train of thought have a caboose Pork Chop?

 Al this has been going some, do you want my direct dial?

Up the medication Dave

 Ah I'm starting to win you back, I sense concern there Al, am I getting warm?

 Dave dangling from a string, my work here is done, have the last word Dave then go and tell your wife and kids how you won an argument on the Internet.

 Damn it Al that hostility is back......enjoy Corrie and sleep tight

@ poi e. LOL! Classic bro!

Dumb kiwi's united is it?