CLclevermike
Coach57,555 posts
CLclevermikeCoach57,555 posts
10 Apr 2016, 11:16#1
I was on the lookout for a couple of players specifically - namely Thompson at flyhalf and Dan Du Plessis in particular - since the Stormers backline is a mess.
Matter of fact I was impressed by Dan du Plessis andafter yesterdays performances in the Super Rugby game I would select the following backline for the Stormers:-
15 Cheslyn Kolbe14 Kobus van Wyk13 Dan du Preez12 Damian de Allende11 Juan de Jongh10 Jean-Luc du Plessis 9 Nic Groom
I would put Schreuder, Thompson and Kotze/Zas on the bench.
My problem is that De Jongh really is too small to be a center and is a very poor passer of balls, However, the counter is he is a weak kicker of balls - but on average I would prefer to see him on the wing rather than in a center position.
DBDbDraad
Captain26,388 posts
DBDbDraadCaptain26,388 posts
10 Apr 2016, 15:44#2
Mike, De Jongh seems to play better rugby this year. I agree that he's no world beater, but he is better than you normally gives him credit for...interesting that you would still pick him at wing. I actually like him at 12.
10 Apr 2016, 18:54#3
Agreed Draad.
De Jongh isn't a wing.
He has a nasty step and is relatively strong in the upper body ... that would be wasted out wide.
I do not rate him as a possible test player but he's a quality centre an d makes a difference when selected there.
CLclevermike
Coach57,555 posts
CLclevermikeCoach57,555 posts
10 Apr 2016, 19:46#4
Draad
De Jongh is physically too small to be a center with the result that over the last three years he consistently statistically had he highest missed tackle ratio of all SA centers, That is why I distrust his defense - especially against the physically bigger centers in other teams.
The problem is that although at times difficult to tackle - he cannot really make telling line breaks and balls often dies with him or are even turned over by opponents.
He also has a problem with passing balls and tends to make forward or inaccurate passes.
He has pace and should be a top class player when he can operate at pace nd he would have more space on the wing than at center.