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
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