The madness as to Loosie play

The SA team since 2012 suffered from a series of loose forward combinations who could -

*   not do breakdown ball protection and recovery;

*   were seriously pace deficient or were too clumsy to do even the basic functions of loosies; and 

*   in the main seriously deficient in defense in games.

In that  rotten set-up Vermeulen stood out - he was pace-deficient as well - but not as clumsy as the foolish Meyer's other selections (Alberts and Louw) and unlike the latter 2 at least had a higher work rate.   There was even a myth that because Matfiield after his retirement was useless as a lock and Tight 5 player - Meyer had no choice other than to pick Alberts - slow as a carthorse and effectively no loosie at all - as a player to off-set Matfield's deficiencies.

Be it as it may the loosie situation as well as the flyhalf deficiency with Morne Steyn were the main areas of deficiency in the Springbok team over the six years I mentioned.

Realizing he has a major problem and the need for strengthening the loosie situation Erasmus tried to get the Lions and Stormers to use Mostert and Du Toit as blind side loosies - with mixed success and only Du Toit showing he could make the shift.   He also brought in Vermeulen at 8 - which worked in two tests and the latter already said he is not available for the RC after a very feeble effort in the third test.   The other alternative he tried was the Du Preez twins - known to have butter fingers in ball handling and slow and clumsy as well.   The two looks like they would not be able to make the step up to test level either.

The fact is that Kolisi is a seriously deficient loosie and the problem is that he is a political choice without meeting the basic requirement as a loosie.   However, I do not think there is anything Erasmus can do under the circumstances.  However, Kolisi is no worse than Louw was as a loosie - at least he has some more pace than Louw ever had.  So we are stuck with Kolisi as opensider. 

So where to with the other two positions.   Vermeulen  said he is not available for the RC and may not be even on the EOYT=   That will mean he has only had three tests before the start of the RWC in 2019.   He is injured again - something which happened regularly since 2015 - and is consequently not a reliable selection.    Meyer was mad to select  a string of player for the 2015 RWC who did not really play rugby for up to 15 months prior to the RWC and most failed misably or could not be used - and I do not think Erasmus would like Meyer empty out the hospital wards in picking his squad.

So we are stuck with a non-functioning 6 and have to try and off-set that deficiency in selecting really good 7's and 8's.   That leaves the following for consideration:-

No 8

So where to now?   Whiteley will be back soon - he may be the answer at 8, but is a player who is good on franchise level and unproven in tests.  I think in the RC Erasmus will try him out at 8 and if he does meet requirements the debate will be unnecessary.   However, I have a nagging doubt about that one.

If it does not work out the next option would be Du Toit at 8.   He has very little experience in that position - but has all the qualities to play there. A high work rate, good ball sense, ball skills and pace.      The third alternative would be to play  Labusschagne in that position.  He is the best loosie in SA as to ball protection and recovery and has ball sense and pace as well.   His recent games for the Sunwolves proved that as well and he captained the team when they were doing much better than before.

The last option would be to play one of the Du Toit brothers in that position - but I doubt whether other than bulk - they can bring anything to the side.

Blindside flank

Here the same names as mentioned above will have to be considered.   I would say that the selection should be Labuschagne at 7

There is a problem here - if Du Toit is out as a lock - who should be considered as locks.   In the RC my suggestion would be Etzebeth, Schickerling and Mostert - Etzebeth, De Jager and Schickerling in the EOYT. 

Our back row issue is the same as what we currently have in our mid field.

We have better options available ... but they tend to be smaller than what we want, so we end up enduring the bigger talentless chumps instead.

It's a sad state of affairs.

Franscois Venter should have been brought in at 13. Odendaal is a much better prospect at 12. They are both intelligent players and would have secured our midfield nicely.

I would take brains over brawn any day.