Time to freshen up!

After each of the first three Springbok Tri Nations matches everyone, including myself, has been writing and asking questions about how bad the matches were from players to management to game plan. The finger pointing surely must end somewhere, but knowing ourselves like we do, we won’t stop until we start winning and winning convincingly.

After our first Tri Nations match this year against the All Blacks, I wrote an article called “Is the Bok Ship sinking?” where I asked some concerning questions and got criticised heavily for my supposed negativity. Although no finger pointing was done, I hit a nerve among the avid Bok fans as the questions being asked could surely not be valid! Up until then the Bok machine was unstoppable with only a few minor blips since 2007. After the first defeat to NZ, surely the mighty juggernaut just had a bad day at the office? Three games later, three similar results later and those critics are now asking the same questions.

I am not about to say “told you so” nor am I seeking reprisal, what I really want to point out is that the early warning signs were there and yet we as fans built ourselves and our team up for 2 more big weekends of Tri Nations triumphs only to be let down like a fat kid in a fake candy store.

Now that the Boks are where they are, let’s try to be positive and look ahead to see what we can possibly look forward to. There are still 3 Tri Nations matches left for the Boks to gain some experience and momentum. New Zealand are now looking like the favourites to regain the Tri Nations crown and Australia have some exciting talent in their young ranks. Everyone supporting South Africa will now settle for 2nd place, but let’s look at the bigger picture.

A big question we should ask is, “Is Jake White remembered for the terrible year he had with the Boks in 2006?” The answer is a categorical NO. The reason is because he learnt from his mistakes. He realised that things weren’t going well and he learnt from his players and took advice from outsiders. The word in the Springbok camp now should be FRESH. Let’s get some fresh ideas and some fresh players in. Give the older journeymen a rest like Jake White did with Os du Randt. John Smit, Victor Matfield, Schalk Burger and Pierre Spies all need a rest. They need to forget about rugby for a good few months to renew their hunger.

Let’s speak to our Super 14 finalists and see if the brains at the Stormers and Bulls can share some ideas to bring onto the Test arena.

Let’s bring in the talent knocking on the door and if they perform well then this will only be good for the Springboks on the whole. Added pressure on the experienced guys will only bring out the best in them or be the cue to retire – either result is good for Bok rugby.

The younger guys deserve to know that they have a chance and the experienced guys need to be kept on their toes and not become complacent. No one should be guaranteed a place at next year’s World Cup – bar none.

Is Springbok rugby is disarray? No.

Is Springbok rugby in need of massive changes? No.

Is the Bok ship sinking? NO.

Can the Boks FRESHEN things up? YES.

My squad for the home leg of the Tri Nations:

Forwards:

Tendai Mtawarira, Gurthro Steenkamp, CJ vd Linde, BJ Botha, Chilliboy Ralepelle, Gary Botha, Danie Russouw, Flip vd Merwe, Steven Sykes, Juan Smith, Jean Deysel, Francois Louw, Dewald Potgieter, Ryan Kankowski, Duane Vermuelen. (15)

Backs:

Ruan Pienaar, Dewaldt Duvenhage, Butch James, Morne Steyn, Juan de Jongh, Jacque Fourie, Jean de Villiers, Bryan Habana, Francois Hougaard, Bjorn Basson, Gerhard vd Merwe, Francois Steyn, Gio Aplon. (13)

Boks change nine

The Springbok match 22 to face Australia in a Vodacom Tri-Nations Test at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane on Saturday shows nine changes to the one that went down 17-31 against New Zealand in Wellington last week.

There are four changes in the run-on XV and a further five on the reserves bench.

Amongst the backs, Gio Aplon, who was on the bench in Wellington, starts in place of the suspended Jean de Villiers on the right wing and Ruan Pienaar is promoted to the starting line-up in place of Ricky Januarie at scrumhalf.

Up front, BJ Botha starts ahead of CJ van der Linde at tighthead prop, whilst Ryan Kankowski is preferred to Francois Louw at flank.

Van der Linde, who was cleared to play on Tuesday morning after receiving a knock to the shoulder last week, moves to the bench. Further changes here include lock Flip van der Merwe in place of the injured Andries Bekker, Dewald Potgieter as cover for loose forward, Francois Hougaard in place of Pienaar and Juan de Jongh replacing the promoted Aplon.

Januarie and Louw fall out of the match 22.

Speaking at a Press Conference on Tuesday, Springbok coach Peter de Villiers said he had based the selection on the expected match conditions at Suncorp Stadium.

"Statistics show that Suncorp has the fastest playing surface in the Vodacom Super 14 and we have to be prepared for a faster game," he said.

"We have two tough games behind us, but if we stick to our structures and use our opportunities I believe this team is capable of getting a result."

De Villiers added he expected a physical onslaught from the Wallabies at the weekend.

The Springbok team is:

15 Zane Kirchner (Vodacom Bulls) – 9 caps

14 Gio Aplon (Vodacom Stormers) – 6 caps

13 Jaque Fourie (Vodacom Stormers) – 59 caps

12 Wynand Oliver (Vodacom Bulls) – 31 caps

11 Bryan Habana (Vodacom Stormers) – 62 caps

10 Morné Steyn (Vodacom Bulls) – 17 caps

9 Ruan Pienaar (The Sharks) – 42 caps

8 Pierre Spies (Vodacom Bulls) – 33 caps

7 Ryan Kankowski (The Sharks) – 14 caps

6 Schalk Burger (Vodacom Stormers) – 59 caps

5 Victor Matfield (Vodacom Bulls) – 97 caps

4 Danie Rossouw (Vodacom Bulls) – 50 caps

3 BJ Botha (Ulster) – 24 caps

2 John Smit (The Sharks, captain) – 98

1 Gurthrö Steenkamp (Vodacom Bulls) – 27 caps

Reserves

16 Chiliboy Ralepelle (Vodacom Bulls) – 14 caps

17 CJ van der Linde (Vodacom Cheetahs) – 61 caps

18 Flip van der Merwe (Vodacom Bulls) – 2 caps

19 Dewald Potgieter (Vodacom Bulls) – 5 caps

20 Francois Hougaard (Vodacom Bulls) – 1 cap

21 Butch James (Bath) – 39 caps

22 Juan de Jongh (Vodacom Stormers) – 4 caps

Issued by SARU Communications

Is the Ship sinking?

To some people, it might seem premature and hasty to suggest after one bad match that the Springbok machine is becoming obsolete. The truth however, is that South African rugby fans demand and deserve a respectable display from their heroes in green and gold. I’ve always said that it’s not the fact the that the Springboks lose that makes us bitterly disappointed, it’s the manner in which they lose that leaves us feeling physically ill.

Saturday’s display brought back memories of times when the Springboks were the whipping boys of the Tri Nations. Times when our players seemed to give up, times when our leaders went missing and times when we hoped we’d win rather than knew we could.

When all goes well and you are winning, it’s easy to smooth over any problems and to the naked eye everything can be perceived to be going well. Pieter de Villiers took over Jake White’s squad landing the dream job of looking after the World Champions. Since then de Villiers has had a mixed bag of results and a year out from the World Cup the jury is still out. As much as the players back up the coach and proclaim their faith in him, his elementary public attitude and affectionate broadcasts towards his counterparts contributes negatively to the team atmosphere with the players watching their self proclaimed leader hang himself.

However, de Villiers isn’t the only suspect in this potentially ill fated saga. John Smit for all he’s worth showed signs of concern when he had to fall back on Victor Matfield for a decision on whether to go for poles or a touch finder during the match against New Zealand this past Saturday. If our World Cup winning captain doesn’t have faith in his decision making then how can he expect the rest of the players to? To further fracture his leadership trust he publicly stated his disappointment in Bakkies Botha’s head butting incident without backing the player’s abilities and positive influence on his team mates which is imperative in a team dynamic.

So the question begs, “Is the ship sinking?”

The Springboks looked complacent and disjointed in their opening Tri Nations match of 2010. It’s not that we don’t have the quality players or the experience needed, but what we seemed to lack enormously was direction. Pieter de Villiers and John Smit need to stand up and be responsible for this team. Snor needs to bite his lip and give the South African rugby fraternity the results they rightfully deserve and Smitty needs to be the player and leader we all know he is capable of being.

There is still over 12 months before the World Cup and this weekend in Wellington can be a step in the right direction.

Why de Villiers should pick de Villiers

One of the big failings on Saturday was playing Jean de Villiers at wing. A playmaker of his ability is not only wasted but playing out of position against a world class winger in position is always asking for trouble.

Just like de Villiers was outplayed on the wing by Joe Rokocoko, I’m sure Rokocoko would be masterfully outplayed by de Villiers if he had to line up opposite Jean in the No.12 jersey.

Wynand Olivier for all his heroics and great Super 14 still has many pundits wondering why he is selected ahead of de Villiers for the Boks. While Olivier’s stats show that he made an immense number of tackles on Saturday he offered nothing on attack. The one moment that de Villiers did decide to join the midfield from the wing, we came oh so near to scoring!

Fourie and de Villiers have a great partnership and it is the most exciting combination we can field. I’m sorry Wynand, but Jean is just in a totally different class. When Jaque Fourie made a break in All Black territory in the second half, while he was being tackled he looked inside to find…no one. Had de Villiers been positioned at 12 this would have been a certain try.

De Villiers and Fourie are the best combination in the Springbok midfield, period. And when you’re playing against a tried and tested combination of Nonu and Smith, there is no time to hand out test caps for good performances in the Super 14. If that’s the case then Januarie shouldn’t have started for the Boks.

Every player needs to step up this coming weekend, but we can only help ourselves by playing the correct combinations. Bring in Pienaar at scrumhalf and play our best combination in the midfield.

My backline for Saturday:

9. Pienaar

10. Steyn

11. Habana

12. De Villiers

13. Fourie

14. Aplon (or Hougaard)

15. Kirchner

Having a Loose Head

The Loosehead Prop position in rugby is the second most important position after the Tighthead Prop in my humble opinion. Besides scrum time, the Props’ work and importance go relatively unnoticed to the average rugby fan.

Comparing playing on the left side of the scrum to right side shows a huge difference. Propping is not all about brute strength and power, there is a lot of technique involved and often experience counts more than anything which is why we typically see props peaking in their early 30’s.

The legendary Os du Randt once said that to be good on both sides of the scrum is to set yourself up for a place on the substitutes bench – du Randt has won two World Cup winners medals.

In 2007, the Springboks were a settled side and 99% of the rugby public could name Jake White’s starting XV. When Os decided to retire after Rugby World Cup 2007, the big question on everyone’s lips was: “Who will take over from Os?”

Three years ago it was a young Gurthro Steenkamp that was making waves in the Os’ wake. He was young, talented, powerful and could scrum really well! Although not the finished article, Steenkamp had all the qualities to take over from du Randt. Unfortunately, Steenkamp’s initial path to success was hampered by injury.

The other player earmarked to fill the Loosehead position was CJ van der Linde. It was at tighthead that van der Linde won his World Cup winners medal, but with BJ Botha in the realms returning from injury on the Tighthead side, it was a feasible option. Van der Linde, however, decided to make some money playing overseas and didn’t really get an opportunity to establish himself at Loosehead for the Boks because of this.

In 2008 the main objective was to fill the void left by Os. In 2008 Zimbabwean born, Tendai “Beast” Mtawarira reinvented the Loosehead prop as we know it.In 2008 South African rugby fans developed a new chant: “BEEEEAST”.

Beast was strong, scrummed extremely well and had ball skills and speed like no other prop. The international rugby world had gotten used to the Hooker being a 4th Loose Forward, South Africa now had a 5th!

The Beast established himself as the starting No.1 and held this spot until the beginning of 2010 when the South African government stepped in to take legal action against SA Rugby if they selected him, as he was not a South African National.

After a stellar 2010 Super 14 campaign with the championship winning Bulls, Gurthro Steenkamp was given a second opportunity to stake his claim for the No.1 jumper in the June internationals. He performed outstandingly and literally sent Martin Castrogiovanni – who many rate as the best TIghthead scrummager currently in world rugby - to the stands with injured ribs.

With the Beast now back in contention, as he has been granted South African citizenship, South Africa possesses the two brightest talents in the Loosehead position.

On current form, Gurthro retains the starting spot but he can’t rest on his laurels with the BEEEAST biting at his heels.

BOTHA AND ROSSOUW FIT AND IN MATCH 22 FOR ALL BLACK CLASH

Locks Bakkies Botha and Danie Rossouw have both been declared fit and included in the Springbok match 22 to face the All Blacks in the opening fixture of the 2010 Vodacom Tri-Nations at Eden Park in New Zealand on Saturday.

Botha, who is in the starting XV, has recovered from a hamstring strain whilst Rossouw, who is amongst the reserves, is over the hip flexor injury that kept him out of the previous Test against Italy in East London almost two weeks ago.

The starting XV for Saturday’s clash shows three changes from the one that started the second Test against Italy. Zane Kirchner returns at fullback in place of Gio Aplon, Wynand Olivier replaces Juan de Jongh at inside centre and Victor Matfield resumes his familiar role in place of Andries Bekker after being rested.

Aplon and Bekker move to the bench with Bekker replacing Flip van der Merwe and Rossouw preferred to Dewald Potgieter. Four bench players from East London have been retained – Chiliboy Ralepelle, BJ Botha, Ruan Pienaar and Butch James. De Jongh falls out of the match 22.
Coach Peter de Villiers said it had been a difficult selections to make.

“All of the players in the group are fit and available so there we some tough choices to make but we are putting a very strong team out there”.

De Villiers told a press conference at the team hotel today that his team was looking ahead and that last year’s results over the All Blacks did not matter. The Boks beat their traditional foe three times during the 2009 competition.

“If you look backwards you will go backwards. Last year’s results are in the past and we face a new challenge on Saturday. It will be tough but we expect it to be as it always is against the All Blacks”.
The Springboks’ perceived psychological edge over their opponents in the lineouts has received prominent coverage in the media in New Zealand this week and vice-captain Victor Matfield was asked for an opinion during the media session.

“It is always an area that we will target against any opponent but we will be looking to contest and get a few steals early on to maybe sow a bit of doubt in their minds. The lineout is one of our strengths but we have to be good in all departments against the All Blacks because they are a great team. You don’t just pitch up here and expect a win, you have to work for it and I am looking forward to a fantastic contest,” Matfield said.

The selection sees Jean de Villiers retained on the wing with Wynand Olivier partnering Jaque Fourie in midfield. Asked about the combination, Fourie said he was looking forward to playing with Olivier.

“He is a great player and had a great Super 14 and I think we will go well. It is not only about the midfield partnership though but about how we can bring the wings and the fullback into play too,” Fourie said.

Number eight Pierre Spies said he expected a tough battle amongst the loose forwards. He added the new Springbok combination including Schalk Burger and Francois Louw was developing well.
“We are fortunate in South Africa that we do not have a shortage of good loose forwards. Francois has come into the side and has done well and the three of us are working well together,” Spies said.

Springboks:

15 Zane Kirchner,14 Jean de Villiers,13 Jaque Fourie,12 Wynand Olivier,11 Bryan Habana,10 Morne Steyn,9 Ricky Januarie,8 Pierre Spies,7 Francois Louw,6 Schalk Burger,5 Victor Matfield,4 Bakkies Botha,3 Jannie du Plessis,2 John Smit (capt) 1 Gurthro Steenkamp.

Reserves: 16 Chiliboy Ralepelle,17 BJ Botha,18 Andries Bekker,19 Danie Rossouw,20 Ruan Pienaar, 21 Butch James, 22 Gio Aplon

With thanks to SARU Communications

All Black team to face Springboks

All Blacks Coach Graham Henry and his Assistant Coaches Steve Hansen and Wayne Smith have named their team for the opening Test of the Investec Tri Nations against South Africa at Eden Park, Auckland, on Saturday 10 July.

Starting XV:
1. Tony Woodcock (63)
2. Keven Mealamu (74)
3. Owen Franks (12)
4. Brad Thorn (40)
5. Tom Donnelly (7)
6. Jerome Kaino (27)
7. Richie McCaw – captain (83)
8. Kieran Read (19)
9. Jimmy Cowan (36)
10. Daniel Carter (69)
11. Josevata Rokocoko (62)
12. Ma’a Nonu (46)
13. Conrad Smith (35)
14. Cory Jane (15)
15. Mils Muliaina (83)

Reserves:
16. Corey Flynn (7)
17. Ben Franks (2)
18. Samuel Whitelock (3)
19. Liam Messam (3)
20. Piri Weepu (37)
21. Aaron Cruden (3)
22. Richard Kahui (10)

Number of Test caps in brackets

Steering the Ship

The other day an American friend of mine was discussing American Football and describing why he loves the sport. His main point was how an American Football match was defined in only a few short seconds. He said, “The main reason why I love American Football is because the Quarter Back has only has a few seconds in which to make a decision which can entirely shift the whole match.”

I looked at him and said, “You’ve just described the importance of a Flyhalf in a rugby match!”

Matt Giteau is a little genius at Flyhalf for the Wallabies. He has a good rugby brain, quick feet and good distribution. He also has a solid defence considering that he isn’t the biggest of rugby players. While Australia have a young exciting backline with loads of potential, Giteau’s downfall is that he plays rugby behind a mediocre forward pack. Quite a few teams around the world would love to have a Giteau steering the ship but unless the Australian forwards can find some dominance I’m afraid he will find himself more frustrated than in charge.

New Zealand, although seemingly unsure of their real starting XV, generally have a decent forward pack. They are perhaps a bit light in the international experience department but have a pack that can compete. With Dan Carter back in the fold and looking as dangerous as ever, the All Blacks can look to mount a serious attack for Tri Nations glory. Carter is the best Flyhalf of his generation and when he is inform he is untouchable! Nullify the supply of quality ball to Carter and even the very best have trouble on the back foot as he has previously shown.

South Africa always seems to produce sound Flyhalves. Over the years the Springboks have typically produced two types of Flyhalves. Type number one seems to be able to kick the ball miles, provide solid defence and standard distribution where type number two seems to possess great vision, great distribution and good organisation but lacks the kicking game that is so important to the way the Springboks play.

When Morne Steyn stepped up to kick the winning points against the British and Irish Lions in 2009 to stamp his name in history he was still classified as flyhalf type number one. Over the past year he has showed a marked improvement in his running game and distribution. Steyn is slowing evolving into what the Boks need at Rugby World Cup 2011 and it feels as if he is headed in the right direction.

Behind the best forward pack in world rugby, Steyn has a great opportunity in this Tri Nations to show the world why his name can bracketed in the same group as Giteau and Carter.