Hi Everyone,
I'm a long time follower yet don't post much.
Over the years I've seen various posters on here rave on about the next great talent, how they will save the Boks and transform the way they play. This is normally accompanied by a dismissal of every other player in that position and outright anger and denial at any good player performing well who might be an alternative. This is particularly apparent with the 10 position.
I have longed for the Boks to alter the way they play and look as dangerous as the Ab's/Ozzies and every time I've read about this or that player being able to do this I can't but help but be excited. Yet so few have developed into the talent we hoped. Is this just having expectations that are too high?
A list of players at 10 I've seen talked up as 'the saviour' on this site:
1. Ruan Pienaar - When he first came on the scene and couldn't get past Du Preez for 9. Seen as the new Stephen Larkham by Eddie Jones. Inexplicably never really ran when at 10.
2. Morne Steyn - Part of the unstoppable Bulls machine in his youth, his limitations became more apparent playing behind a not so dominant pack.
3. Patrick Lambie - A brilliant Currie Cup final and if we're honest fairly underwhelming since.
4. Sias Ebersohn - Playing fairly nicely for the Force. Might end up a Wallaby but defence has always been a problem.
5. Elton Janties - Definitely the most exciting 10 with ball in hand I've seen for the our Super 15 sides. Had a poor year for the Stormers and never really got confidence back.
6. Johan Goosen - Seen as the most talented of the lot by many, huge boot and running game, frequent injuries and poor defence meant he went down in a lot of people estimation.
7. Handre Pollard - A great JWC on home ground followed by a distinctly ordinary tournament the following year and then a strong third JWC. This kid has talent but how much more will he develop?
I have seen the same claims made of all these players, why should Pollard be any different? Are we all guilty of just depending on hope too much? All of these guys are still playing, 3-7 are still young and developing, do write them off too early?
