The answer was asked previously and I gave my comments already. However, there was one thing I left out and that was the question of team selection for the Springboks.
In previous postings I pointed out deficiencies in respect of the team and squad as selected by Meyer and I want to return to that selection - that in effect was reflected in performance in the Wallabies game. I previously pointed out that there are a variety of problems that indicates deficiencies in he team itself. Those are the following:-
* The one-dimensional Morne Steyn. The problem basically remain his poor passing game and deficient kicking game out of hand. As long as he is in the team we will have problems in proper functioning of our backline - but Meyer will never admit that one.
* The functioning of our back row. That remains a problem - they do not play as a unit and the main problem remains their immobility. They do not support each other when carrying the ball and gifted 5 penalties to the Aussies today. It Is relatively easy to clear up that problem - when a player amongst the forwards carries the ball at least one other player should be near enough to ensure that the ball carrier do not get isolated. That never happens because of the immobility of the loosies. Much has been said about the so-called power play of the loosies - yet when it comes to ball carrying the average gain per carry is only + 2,2 meters - not really worth their while if the fact is added that in the so-called power play issue resulted in five penalties. There need to be a change in our loosie combination before we will be really a good functioning unit.
* We cannot go into WC without a strong lock and loosie ombination that can ensure that we can secure line-out balls - we cannot depend only on one line-out jumper like we do at present.
* The prop situation is basically unacceptable and needs urgent review. The scrumming today was a joke in bad taste.
Meyer seems to have problems in dealing with selection and constantly comes up with players that cannot meet requirements. I would say the following is urgently needed:-
* Playing a better flyhalf - I think that the one-dimensional Steyn has shown his limitations clearly already. Lambie would be a better proposition as e is a more dynamic player and can vary play - somethinh Steyn is incapable of.
* The present loosie combination is totally untenable. Because of injury to Arno Botha we are stuck with to of the present lot. I would replace Alberts forthwith - we do not need a slow and immobile loosie with serious mobility deficiencies. I think Labuschagne is the one player that is always there to protect ball carriers and ensure that carriers can place the ball without the threat of turnovers and penalties - in fact that is one of his strongest points in his games - the others being his line-out ball recovery and effective and strong tackling. When Arno Botha gets back - he should take over the no 8 position.
* We do not need problem cases like Kruger and Van der Merwe at lock. I would think that the better option is to bring in Pieter-Steph du Toit as a lock and forget about Flip and Kruger. The problem is the third lock position - but Elstadt may be an option.
* It is time to forget about Du Plessis and Steenkamp as props - they are way past their sell-by date. Consideration should be given to Malherbe as the tight head starter for the EOYT and then consider one of the present franchise players to be on the bench. Although Beast did not have a great scrumming game today - he is still my first choice as a loose head - with Oosthuizen as back up.
The Springbok team has the potential to be the top team in the world - but not with the present impediments - as mentioned above - weakening it.
