World Cup Positional Depth - Prop

Prop

I think we’ll take 2 each for either side and 2 who can pack down on both sides of the scrum.

1)

Definitely on the plane:  Kitshoff, Beast

2 fantastic props who you can hang your hat on, Beast has been there and seen it all and he’s an experienced head, Kitshoff is a great player and arguably the best in his best in the world.

3) Definitely on the plane:  Malherbe                    

Not necessarily that I agree although I think he’s a very good prop, but Rassie has shown that Frans seems to be his go to so he’s on the plane.

The Contenders: Wilco Louw, Vincent Koch

A lot will depend on how Koch goes today, it’s a toss up.

The swing props

No one definitely on the plane but a few contenders

Tank Du Toit, Nyakane, Coenie

All can pack down on both sides of the scrum, each has their own strengths. Tank is a mountain and has serious strength, Nyakane is safe as houses scrum time and Coenie is by far the best in general play – it’s all up for grabs and the EOYT and early tests next year. I think two of these will go.


These are purely my opinion, what are yours?

Kitshoff, Malherbe, Beast, Du Toit, Koch, Nyakane. 

I think that's our best bet. I'm very impressed with Kits. Malherbe has come along nicely. A very accurate player. I was a little disappointed with what I gleaned from Wilco. Maybe I'm missing something, just seemed underwhelming and struggled a bit against the Wallabies. 

That seems to be OK - but the situation with World cup squads are their need to be 3Tightheads and 3 Loose-heads.  I am fairly satisfied with the Tight-head situation - but insofar as loose-heads are concerned I am not sure about the situation. 

Beast at 33 years of age seems to be in decline and I would not call him a certainty.  Erasmus would realize this and may start looking for other props.   The Super Rugby series next year may give an idea of where he is going.   He may ask the Bulls to move Nyakane to 1  and use him at loose-head and do the same with Du Toit, while considering players like Nche as well.

The player under thread seems to be Louw at Tight-head - he will have to pick up his game on both test level and Super Rugby level if he wishes to qualify.   His performances on test and Super Rugby level this leaves some serious question marks as to his performance.    

Beast has been solid. He had a couple of quiet games, nothing to suggest age is creeping up on him. If you compare him to his 2008 self, he has hardly aged at all. In fact, he looks in even better shape and just as youthful. Remarkable. I'd merely give him a rest period. I am absolutely confident he'll be ready for a World Cup campaign. 

AO

Dream on

No dreams required. Where has he been as poor as you say? 

His scrumming has been average to poor in recent games.  I am not saying he would not make it - but if he fails in Super rugby there will be a need for alternatives.