Taute is the backline equivalent of Potgieter

At the start of the international season fans were waxing lyrical about Potgieter. He was so big, so powerful, so relentless....they felt. But the Poms and Bargies lowered his sails without any problems. Big, with no guile, no vision.....presents no problems at test level. Energy is the norm, not a distinguishing feature. So now many of those same fans want him out.

Enter the patched up Taute. He is such a hard runner, so powerful, so determined. Yep. But he also runs dead straight, is of average speed at international level, has no exceptional vision or step. He charges the line and will be put away every time, by even smaller test centres.

What Taute does looks good in the S15, it won't be effective in internationals.

Jordaan is a much more developed youngster at centre and proved he belongs in the S 15 final. At fullback Lambie would be my choice, but I would certainly play Taute ahead of the Woolie Boolie

 hehehe,moz i smell something

I agree with you about Taute, he is good, but I don't think he would make it as a Springbok. As for Fullback, Kirchner is just a fullback, as average as they get. he doesn't do anything wrong specifically, but he also does nothing special...he is just there. Lambie should be starting.

Mozart

In general your comments on issues are correct - and once again you are on the mark here.   The issue is not entirely linked to strength - but to skilfull play.   It is evident that I do not rate Kirchner at all as a fulback - he definitely is poor and should not be in the squad.   However, I do rate Taute highly as a fullback - he played some really top games in that position.   The Springboks cannot go into test series with only one player that could be regarded as a backline cover player for fullback, center and wing replacement during games and I think the answer in this case is Taute and not Engelbrecht.

By the way - Engelbrecht deficiencies in defence was badly exposed in the CC game last Saturday and I do not think he would easily get back into the Springbok squad - despite his Bull credentials. 

In my opinion - Jordaan is first choice - he has the guile and speed required (the latter has to use that since he is smaller in built than the other players, but still very strong)- but I do believe that he will ultimately be the first choice 13 - with Taute as the cover-op.

i dunno what you mean Ek,I only smell the roses. But I noted Dave's comment about JJ's defence at centre.....I mentioned this to Dave, along with Hougaards service, Greylings scrumming etc. Fell on deaf ears. 

I'm glad one of his other favourites Jantjies( "our own version of Quade Cooper") didn't get a run....can you imagine the train smash that would have been!?

Sorry to put a spanner in the works here but I have seen skills exhibted by Taute. A very nice grubber and the ability to step. Able to break a tackle as well. Surprised some think he is a dumb plodder.

As for Potgiete he is not half as bad as some imagine.  Convenient whipping boy for a number of ills methinks.

Beeno

Calm down now - I for one did not say Taute is a dumb plodder - so if you say some people on here, please be more specific.   I clearly said I would prefer him in the Springbok squad and remain of that opinion.   Your support for Potgieter is amazing really - to my mind he has no capacity between his ears and has proven it time and again.   Prefer other loosies to him as a result.

Potgieter woul  no thave been selected but for injuries. However he had a pretty decent game against the Argies that a lobby here didnt notice! Planet rugby I think rated him our best loosie?

Potigeter ahs been called a dumb plodder and that appears to be the consensus opinion apart from a few objectors like myself who think it a hrash assessment. 

Taute like many ot young players needs to prove himself at international level one way or the other. Also needs to settle into a position.

I also rate Jordaan. Du Plessis was also very impressive against the Bulle. However a lot depends on those around you and the game plan.

 Nope centres have centre software......this lad is a fullback. Just like JJ and Hougaard are wings...Pienaar is a scrum half....Alberts a flank....and Smit a hooker. Just don't expect Israel Dagg.