Why the Kings deserve a shot at Super Rugby

The Super Kings will play Super Rugby next year. This was the decision made by SARU about which South African franchises to include in next year’s Super Rugby competition. I won’t go into the details but as I understand it the Lions (who finished last in the South African conference) drop out in 2013 and have a chance to reclaim a spot in 2014 in a promotion/relegation series of matches.

The vast majority of South African rugby fans will not be happy at this decision, but as I come from the Eastern Cape I understand the reasoning behind it. I had an interesting conversation speaking to Peter Wilkinson (ex-Transvaal fullback) who played in the amateur days of rugby and who played against the British & Irish Lions. He told me that back then Eastern Province were the team to beat. He also told me how when rugby started to turn professional talented players from the Eastern Cape were lured away to more lucrative pay benefits in the bigger cities thus diminishing the standard of rugby in the Eastern Cape.

For decades now we have seen many fantastic players playing Currie Cup, Super Rugby and International rugby who hail from the Eastern Cape region but play for other regions. Eastern Cape schools consistently find themselves in the top 10 in South Africa every year! Grey High in PE has produced their fair share of South African sportsmen.

I don’t expect the Kings to make a huge impact in their first season as Super Rugby is a massive step up from First Division rugby. However, with some wise player recruitment and a bit of ingenuity the Super Kings could well surprise their critics with one or two big upsets. For the Kings, the focus will be more about competing and being competitive than winning the competition.

When they first started out, the Western Force did not have the fire power or players that they now have. Although they aren’t setting the world alight, it gave the Australian selectors a wider base to choose from and they have produced some really talented players for the Wallabies. None more so than current skipper David Pocock.

In my humble opinion, this is a positive move for South African rugby. I would urge you to be patient and give the Kings a chance to develop. The Lions have had a decent chance to excel in the international competition and have come up short. It’s time for another region to try stake their claim.

Time to shine!

With every team announcement comes some form of criticism. Everyone has their opinion about who should and shouldn’t be in the team. The South African team to face Argentina are no different with some selections very pleasing and others leaving you to ponder.


There won’t be many who will argue with the all Sharks front row of Beast Mtawarira, Bismark du Plessis and Jannie du Plessis. They are aggressive, mobile and know each other well. The lock pairing of Andries Bekker and Eben Etzebeth will also not be a massive talking point as both players have what it takes to get the job done both as individuals and as a unit.

The loose forwards selected for this match will bring in some debate, but in my opinion it is the form combination in South Africa and all three players deserve their chance. With so many top class South African loose forwards out injured or unavailable it is actually unbelievable that the Boks can manage to field such a strong combination. I echo the sentiment that Marcell Coetzee is the find of the season and Willem Alberts is a massive weapon on any team. Keegan Daniel has a great opportunity to prove his doubters wrong and prove that he has a place in international rugby.

One of my major concerns lies at scrumhalf and fly half. While I have no doubt about the talent and skill that Francois Hougaard and Morne Steyn possess, their form of late has been under par. While I understand that players have dips in form, a Test match is not a place to regain it. Let’s hope they have rectified the aspects that have been hampering them and regained the form that is needed to help the Springboks progress.

The centre combination of Frans Steyn and Jean de Villiers is a solid pairing and I don’t think we’ve seen the full potential of this duo just yet.

On the wings, Habana and Mvovo, provide electrifying pace and are deadly finishers. They both have a knack for finding the try line and will be expected to close down the Argentinean speedsters.

Zane Kirchner is extremely fortunate to find himself as the starting fullback for the Springboks. Hopefully I get to eat my words, but there are many better fullbacks in South Africa playing Currie Cup rugby. Even though Pat Lambie has only recently recovered from injury he is still a better player than Kirchner at 15. In fact, on form, Louis Ludik and Gio Aplon are extremely unlucky not to make the squad.

The bench selected for Saturday is an exciting one. Expect Pienaar and Lambie to make an impact when utilised, they are rare talents and have natural rugby instinct.

My conclusion is that the Springboks have a highly talented side with lots of potential. There are some fantastic youngsters and some proven match winners in a side that is full of passion. Let’s hope they can pull it together!

SPRINGBOK TEAM: Zane Kirchner, Bryan Habana, Jean de Villiers (captain), Frans Steyn, Lwazi Mvovo, Morne Steyn, Francois Hougaard, Keegan Daniel, Willem Alberts, Marcell Coetzee, Andries Bekker, Eben Etzebeth, Jannie du Plessis, Bismarck du Plessis, Tendai Mtawarira.

Replacements: Adriaan Strauss, Pat Cilliers, Flip van der Merwe, Jacques Potgieter, Ruan Pienaar, Pat Lambie, JJ Engelbrecht

A Fresh Start

The Rugby Championship kicks off this weekend with plenty of anticipation. Argentina finally finds themselves in a regular international competition and this can only bode well for them. The top three nations who have dominated world rugby for the past two decades close a chapter and say goodbye to the Tri Nations. New Zealand, Australia and South Africa have all enjoyed great rivalries throughout the history of the Tri Nations, but even they will admit that it is a breath of fresh air with the inclusion of Argentina into The Rugby Championship.

Argentina brings in a new challenge. They are very physical with strong emphasis on their scrummaging and mauling. The Puma's also have a backline who can rival the French with flair and imagination. Unfortunately for them, they find themselves up against opposition with a lot more experience in tough competitions, but I expect them to cause upsets along the way. As time goes by, there is no reason why they cannot find themselves consistently in the top 5 nations of world rugby.

Australia has a fairly settled side with some promising youngsters. The lack of depth in Australian rugby hasn't been too much of an Achilles heel for them in the past and I don't expect it to be one going forward. The Wallabies are a proud rugby team and they are very good at playing to their strengths. Come the end of the season they'll be there or thereabouts.


Current world champions, New Zealand, are an incredibly well moulded team. They possess star players in almost every position and have match winners littered all over the field. With Richie McCaw and Dan Carter still playing some fantastic rugby they will be hard to beat. It will however be interesting to see just how they (and Australia for that matter) cope with the additional travel to Argentina. The All Blacks are the team to beat.


South Africa finds themselves in a new competition with a new coach, new management and new players. While they haven't had the best track record in the Tri Nations, they have an opportunity to set the record straight in this new competition. I expect the Springboks to put in a strong challenge, but if they are to win this competition then they will have be consistent and astute.


All in all, I am looking forward to a great new competition. There is nothing better than international rugby and with the top 3 teams competing in The Rugby Championship it makes for a mouth-watering affair!


As always...Go Bokke!

The Telling Point

The Springboks play their last match before the Rugby World cup in Port Elizabeth on Saturday. The general mood amongst the South African rugby public is one of concern for the National team because of results in 2010 and the recent Tri Nations matches. There are many critics eager to point fingers and blame coaches, selectors and players, but the personnel (barring player injury) won’t change before the World Cup kicks off.

While results have been far from pleasing this year, the message from the Springbok camp was that focus remained primarily on performances and preparation for the World Cup. The Springboks’ disastrous away leg of the Tri Nations was just that - disastrous - but it was nowhere near the full strength team that will be representing South Africa at the World Cup. So we can forget about reading into those matches. This leaves us only one match to analyse and take anything from.

Despite the loss, last weekend’s performance by the Springboks was encouraging in my humble opinion. To put it into context, Australia fielded a team full of players on form and with plenty of match time under their belts. In contrast, South Africa had a team packed with players who where well short of game time and combinations who hadn’t played together in years. The Boks started extremely well but despite the vast experience faded in the last half hour as match fitness took its toll.

What was really pleasing was the ability of the Springboks to make line breaks and create try-scoring opportunities against a very well organised Australian defence. The difference between winning and losing that match was that the Boks weren’t able to capitalise and convert pressure into points – an aspect I suspect will be corrected as players start to gain momentum and game time.

The defensive system employed last year was diabolical, but against a backline as exciting and dangerous as the Wallabies possess, the Springboks held fairly firm in last weekend’s encounter. Improvements have been made and should continue to occur with each match.

This all brings us to this weekend’s encounter against a “weakened” All Blacks team. Make no mistake, if you look at the players that the All Black selectors have selected there is nothing weak about them. It will be a tough Test match in Port Elizabeth, but I have confidence that the Boks will do the job – they have to.

Boks by 5.

Check Point 11 March 2011

With Super Rugby in Round 4 it makes interesting reading with a World Cup on the horizon. The leading South African side is the Sharks with their dynamic style of play, while the defending champion Bulls are struggling to gather any momentum.

The Stormers seemingly look to still be working things out but once they do I think we could be in for some good performances by the men from the Cape.

The Lions and Cheetahs are in a similar position where they have some fantastic talents in their ranks and good ideas from a good coaching staff. When it comes to execution, however, they lack the finishing touch. As the competition progresses I wouldn’t be too surprised if these bottom dwellers manage to overturn some of the big boys in their quest for Super Rugby kudos.

There are a few South African players who have made an impact already which gives the South African rugby public something to be talking about. Jaco Taute is one of the players who has impressed for the Lions at fullback. Watching the young No.15 play reminds me of the great Andre Joubert. Taute is definitely one to watch for the future and I wouldn’t be surprised if he is snatched up by the one of the bigger unions.

With Morne Steyn off the boil, it is promising to see Peter Grant and Patrick Lambie looking good for the Stormers and Sharks respectively. Some might say that Grant has been unlucky not to be given an extended run for the Boks, but this might just be his year to make it count. Lambie was last season’s South African sensation but the Super Rugby competition will test him out even further – so far so good.

The last two players worth a mention are massive assets in the Boks setup and it is great to see them playing again and playing well. When these two players are on form there is no one in the world that would rival them. Oh how we missed Fourie du Preez while he was out injured. The general at the back of the scrum is in a class of his own and it is great for South African rugby that he is back playing again after an injury layoff.

The standout South African player so far in this year’s Super Rugby competition has to be Bismark du Plessis in my mind. He holds the scrum together well, his lineout throwing is solid but his biggest contribution to date is how he goes about his open play. He is fearless in attack and defence. He takes the ball up carrying two or three defenders with him and is like a fourth loose forward in defence.

With these two stalwarts returning to form and some promising fringe players playing well, Springbok rugby looks to be on the right track for the Rugby World Cup.

Buffel Steenkamp

The role of the loosehead prop from initially only having to be a solid scrummager and sturdy lineout lifter has evolved dramatically over the years. The modern day No.1 now needs to be able to run with the ball, make pop passes, score tries and even take the odd gap!

Os du Randt for many years was the rock in the Springbok tight five. He was a great scrummager, fantastic lineout support and carried the ball up strongly. Although Os had age against him near the end of his career, he still maintained good fitness and got around the park to hit rucks with good effect.

When Os retired many looked to a young Gurthro Steenkamp as the perfect replacement. Young Gurthro was big, scrummed well and was handy with ball in hand too. Unfortunately, a series of injuries and lack of form saw him fall out of the Bok fold while Tendai “Beast” Mtawarira took the opportunity with both hands.

One man’s loss is another one’s gain and when the South African government decided to turn the tables and not allow the Beast to be selected for the Springboks on grounds that he was not a South African National, the door opened once again for Steenkamp.

After a stellar Super 14 for the Bulls, the massive front ranker had some people wondering if he could transfer those same performances onto the Test arena. He did. Steenkamp is by far this season’s Springbok player of the year. This year he proved to the world that he is an outstanding scrummager, defends extremely well for a man his size and runs like a buffalo with ball in hand.

This season saw Steenkamp establish himself as a World Class loosehead. With the Beast also a top class No.1, one sometimes wishes that one of them was a tighthead.

The maturity shown by Steenkamp this season is one shining light in all the gloom produced by the Springbok performances this year.

Keep up the good work Gurthro!

de Villiers - Shape up or Ship out!

As Springbok supporters, we find ourselves at the end of a frustrating 2010 Tri Nations and the Springboks are seriously in need of a major overhaul.

I do not for a minute believe that we need to make wholesale changes to the squad of players we currently have. We have the players who possess the skill, talent and passion to beat any team in the world and everyone knows that. It is how we manage these players and design our tactical play that is the fundamental disparity between the current management team and their predecessors.

Since the present Bok management took over in 2008, we have not seen any significant changes in the Springbok game play. Tactics remained largely the same and when we did try to alter our game and it didn’t work, we resorted back to what we knew under Jake White.

The All Blacks and Wallabies are the most astute rugby nations in the world and it is no secret that to beat the best you need to study the best. They did and our attacking strategy based on our kicking game was measured and found wanting. Our rush defensive system was measured and was found wanting. All this points to our management incumbent being found wanting.

Jake White took Springbok rugby to new heights in terms of management. Looking from the outside in and from feedback from players quoted in the media, he created an atmosphere that oozed World Class. His professionalism towards studying of opposition and tactical play was a welcome new found characteristic of Springbok rugby and by the 2007 World Cup he and his management had worked out specific tactics for every team and player.

Unfortunately, three years after Whites departure it seems that this is no longer a facet we can be proud of as Springbok supporters. Our management team seems like they lack the ability, creativity and vision for the job.

Our world class players were given sand to build a house with when the old foundations were found to be unstable. If de Villiers is to resurrect Springbok dominance in time for the World Cup he needs to change his approach be it by shifting his views, bringing in someone else or letting go because he has run out of ideas.

To create a talking point, Springbok coaches have been fired for less and I’m sure a guy like Alistair Coetzee would fulfil the quota desire and the coaching role to everyone’s satisfaction.

Testing times for Boks

After a poor away leg to Australasia, the defence of the Tri Nations champions tag is out of reach for the all conquering Springboks. A lot of questions have been asked, and players and management have come under immense scrutiny of late because of 3 poor matches.

Head coach Peter de Villiers has chosen to stick with the tried and tested players – who many feel need a break – and it may be of dire consequence if the team does not perform to the high standards expected from a country that is so laden with exceptional talent and such gargantuan potential.

If the Boks do not win all their home games there will be huge unrest amongst the South African rugby public. If not the players, then surely the coach will be scrutinised for it is he who selects the team, formulates the game plan and is ultimately responsible for the results.

Players do not select themselves - the selection panel do, with the final decision lying with the head coach. For this reason I do not entirely blame Ricky January if he is selected to start and does not play up to standard. Let’s take his case as an example. When selected he is obviously playing the best that he knows how, but if it’s not up to standard then the responsibility lies with Peter de Villiers. To clarify what I mean, it’s one thing to back your players and another to accept that you are responsible for their well being. If the writing is on the wall that Ricky is over the hill (and there are many indicating factors), then surely for the player’s well being the coach should allow or at least guide the player so that he can make a dignified exit from the Springbok fold. Ricky isn't the only player that might fall into this category, Wynand Oliver also needs to have a sit down and a think.

With the current day professionalism of the sport, this does not mean that the player is totally relieved of his responsibilities as an ambassador of our beloved country. As a player, as difficult as a decision it might be, there comes a time when stepping down is the right thing to do.

How will you remember Percy Montgomery and Os du Randt in 10 years time? Both these legendary stalwarts could have stayed on to seek a British and Irish Lions winner’s medal, except they realised that Springbok rugby was bigger than any individual and they chose their dignified exit.

Sticking to the subject and current affairs, if all doesn’t go to plan the next few weeks might see some players considering the dignified exit sooner than they would’ve anticipated. My biggest fear is for John Smit and Victor Matfield. Arguably the best Captain and Lock the world has seen have their fate balancing on a knife’s edge after some disappointing form in New Zealand and Australia. A rest would’ve done them and the Springboks a world of good. I do believe that they can still contribute meaningfully to Springbok rugby but they need to be managed like Os du Randt was under Jake White.

Let’s hope that Saturday is the turning point as far as recent results go.

Boks by 3.

Eastern Cape Rugby

For a long time the Eastern Cape was the dominant sporting force in both Cricket and Rugby in South Africa. In the 90’s EP and Border Cricket had some outstanding players who represented the National team, including legends Dave Richardson and Kepler Wessels - who captained the Proteas. From that era, the region seemed to slip in stature and results for a few years but has recently found the glory it always had the potential of fulfilling by lifting a few of South Africa’s most coveted domestic competition trophies.

There has always been a rich rugby talent pool in the Eastern Cape and many Eastern Cape schools produce outstanding players only for them to be picked up by the bigger unions when they showcase their skills at Craven week level.

The most pleasing aspect for the transformation junkie is that the amount of Black rugby players coming through the ranks in the Eastern Cape is far greater than any other part of the country. Not only are there more Black players playing the game in this region but the standard of play by South Africa’s ethnic majority is higher in this region than in other parts of the country.

But rugby isn’t about race and there are also some outstanding White, Coloured and Asian players running around the rugby fields of Grey, Dale, Selbourne, St Andrews and the like. The Eastern Cape is basically a hotbed of Rugby talent and should be supported by the powers that be to set up the correct structures that can take the region back to the heights it once reached.

It is pleasing to know that SARU is initiating some momentum and all signs point to a Springbok v All Black 2011 Tri Nations Test Match.

Port Elizabeth and East London have some of the finest rugby fans in South Africa and have a lot of avid diehard supporters. The new stadium in Port Elizabeth is of world class standard and should be aptly used for world class events.

Like its sporting sister code, let’s hope Rugby in this region can replicate the recent successes of Cricket and bring some pride back to the Eastern Cape rugby fraternity!

A few top players with links to the region:

Mike Catt, Rassie Erasmus, Andre Vos, Deon Kayser, Danie Gerber, Joe van Niekerk, Ricardo Loubscher, Brent Russell, Gavin Cowley, Garth Wright, Luke Watson, Deon Stegman to name a few.

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.

The Beast is back…in contention!

Tendai “Beast” Mtawarira is now a naturalised South African after being granted South African citizenship. This means that the man who annihilated Phil Vickery in the British and Irish Lions Series is back in contention for Springbok selection.

“This is very gratifying news indeed and thanks to much hard work that has been going on behind the scenes over the past few months,” said Mr Oregan Hoskins, president of the South African Rugby Union.

“I’d like to personally thank Minister Dlamini-Zuma for her intervention to assist in this matter. It had long been the Beast’s desire to become naturalised and he has had to endure some difficult times in recent months. He is now eligible for selection should he fit into the plans of the coach and national selectors.”

The Beast’s availability brings a welcome conundrum for Peter de Villiers and he stands a good chance of making the squad for the Tri Nations series. Gurthro Steenkamp will probably keep the No.1 jumper as he has been the form loosehead in South Africa this season.

Knowing that there is real competition in the form of the Beast will bring out the best in Steenkamp and this is a great scenario for the Springboks.

The Springbok squad for the away-leg of the Vodacom Tri-Nations will be named by Mr Hoskins and Springbok head coach Peter de Villiers on Saturday evening. It will be broadcast live on SuperSport 1.

The Overseas Based Fan

There has been so much written about the overseas based player, but what about the overseas based FAN!? Does the overseas based fan have the same bragging rights as the fans back home in South Africa? Are the fans in South Africa more eligible to shout for the Boks than those based overseas? Here’s a look at what it’s like supporting the Boks from abroad…

Living abroad is fun, exciting and lonely all at the same time. Having a base of friends that come from South Africa helps, but even braais, boerewors, biltong and a £1.40 can of Crème Soda doesn’t help when you’re really missing home!

The recent FIFA World Cup in South Africa has been televised every single day in the UK and has put South Africa on the map! Seeing home on TV every day brings both pride and longing. Proud that your beautiful country is being showcased and longing to be home so that you can soak up the atmosphere with your family and friends.

Unfortunately Bafana Bafana, with as much progress as they have made under Carlos Alberto Parreira, are not our most dominant sporting force. When you mention “South African sports” and “world beaters” in the same sentence, only one sporting code and name springs to mind - Rugby and the Springboks.

The Springboks are more than just a national rugby team. They are a brand and an identity, and take the hopes of a nation on to the field of play in every match. None more so than the hopes, pride and identity of the many South Africans living abroad who revel in the camaraderie, friendship and pride of being South African when the Boks play!

Fewer days are better than when you are kitted out in Green and Gold after watching the Boks beat the opposition at Murrayfield, the Millennium Stadium or Twickenham. When you wear your team’s colours, you not only show support for them but are representing your country as a fan. Your behaviour in losing and in winning counts towards the image of the Boks.

On a recent visit to the Millennium Stadium to watch the Boks vs Wales, just before half time the Boks found themselves trailing 16 -3. A welsh lady turned to me and said, “You know you’re still going to win.”

Either this was pure negativity from the Welsh or immense respect for the World Champions - I’d like to think it’s the latter, either way she was right. The Springboks are the most dominant force in World Rugby at the moment although our Kiwi neighbours would argue otherwise. The Tri Nations is sure to settle that debate.

As a Bok fan and a South African living in the UK, I can safely say that the end of year tour is highly anticipated by the many Saffers living here. It will bring a time to celebrate being South African and in a small way it will be a time to feel at home again!

Bad Brad represents England

Brad Barritt has been rewarded for a good season with the Saracens with an England call up and many might see him as being a traitor, but you can’t blame him.

It would have taken a lot to replace Jean de Villiers at inside centre and Barritt is just another unlucky player to be plying his trade in the same era as the current crop of Bok superstars.

Good luck Brad, you’re going to need it if you play against the Springboks.

England team to face the NZ Maori’s:

15 Delon Armitage (London Irish)
14 David Strettle (Harlequins)
13 Mathew Tait (Sale Sharks)
12 Brad Barritt (Saracens)11 Chris Ashton (Northampton Saints)
10 Charlie Hodgson (Sale Sharks)
9 Danny Care (Harlequins)
1 David Flatman (Bath Rugby)
2 George Chuter (Leicester Tigers)
3 Paul Doran-Jones (Gloucester Rugby)
4 David Attwood (Gloucester Rugby)
5 Geoff Parling (Leicester Tigers)
6 Chris Robshaw (Harlequins) CAPTAIN
7 Steffon Armitage (London Irish)
8 Phil Dowson (Northampton Saints)

REPLACEMENTS

16 Rob Webber (London Wasps)
17 Dan Cole (Leicester Tigers)
18 Dan Ward-Smith (London Wasps)
19 James Haskell (Stade Francais)
20 Ben Youngs (Leicester Tigers)
21 Shane Geragthy (Northampton Saints)
22 Ben Foden (Northampton Saints)