It was definitely a tale of two halves. In the first half the Springboks looked comfortable, in control and dangerous. Schalk Burger's try looked to be an indication that it would be a typical Springbok game with the Boks looking to wear out the opposition and secure a comfortable victory.
A "never-say-die" Irish team came out in the second half with a solid defence and secured vital points with the boot. My question is, why did no one tell Morne Steyn that he was very far away from the Highveld!? It was obvious to everyone that the thick air which blanketed Croke Park was keeping Steyn from reaching his usual range.
The Bok lineout was a mess and quite simply the Irish knew what to expect. This was probably a result of lots of video analysis and Gert Smal. The former Bok forwards coach knows Matfield better than most and this proved to be vital.
Why would you take off BJ Botha when the Bok scrum (without Bakkies Botha) was far too powerful for the Irish pack!? When BJ left the field, the difference was clearly evident - bad management Mr Peter de Villiers.
Forget fatigue and forget blaming the ref, the Boks gave a very lacklustre performance and lacked any urgency. This was not due to fatigue, it was due to lack of motivation and bad management. I feel there is a certain complacency creeping into the Bok team and if management do not stamp it out then it will be a real problem!
The Boks are the the World Champions but didn't play like it. No excuses, it just wasn't good enough.
A disappointing ending to a superb season. Well done Ireland.
Showing posts with label Springboks. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Springboks. Show all posts
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Monday, November 2, 2009
2009 End of Year Sringbok Squad
The Springbok squad has been announced and with any squad announcement there are bound to be critics. The main talking points will be BandiseMaku, Heini Adams and Earl Rose's inclusion. Maku plays second fiddle to Derrick Kuun in the Bulls team, Sarel Pretorius surely feel hard done by and Earl has yet to prove he is a consistent performer.
Adrian Strauss has stepped up to the plate to Captain the Cheetahs in Juan Smith's absence and has captained and played exceptionally well, as was showed in the Currie Cup final. Surely his performances has warranted inclusion ahead of Maku?
At scrum half we have plenty of cover in Ruan Pienaar but as an international scrumhalf I cannot see Adams making an impact. Adams is good at Currie Cup and perhaps at Super 14 level, but hopefully he can prove me wrong on the international stage if given a chance.
Earl Rose, rightfully, has plenty of critics and I would rather have seen Lionel Mapoe given a chance with stellar displays on the wing throughout the Cheetahs season.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
What next for Springboks?
After winning everything they could in recent times one would ask where to next for these Springboks?
They have set the standard exceptionally high and anything less than a win in the future will be disappointing for their followers. They do however have room for improvement and this is good news as questions have been raised over whether or not they have peaked to soon before the World Cup.
A major area that needs work is the scrum. Although good enough it is not outstanding and just imagine if the Boks had "the best scrum in the world" added to their arsenal. John Smit and co. need to do some work in this department to make sure that their technique is spot on!
Two other exciting challenges is to find able replacements for Jean de Villiers and Frans Steyn as the pair head off overseas. At inside centre, de Villiers is in a class of his own and to replace him in the Bok side will take some doing. Jacobs and Olivier are great Super 14 players but haven't been in the same class as de Villiers on the international stage. They have lots of work to do if they want to gain the same repertoire as de Villiers. This might sound like a long shot, but I'd keep an eye out for Bradley Barrit. He may yet return to South Africa and make a big claim for the No.12 Bok jumper.
Frans Steyn has matured into the fullback position this season and is the best candidate for the role. As he is still young and full of talent, he would be my bet for the No.15 jersey in 2011. In the interim however we need someone to come in and keep the momentum going. Allowing Pienaar to settle in a position might be an answer but when Steyn returns what do you do with Ruan? Zane Kirchner is also knocking on the door but has to add a lot more to his game to make any real statement.
They have set the standard exceptionally high and anything less than a win in the future will be disappointing for their followers. They do however have room for improvement and this is good news as questions have been raised over whether or not they have peaked to soon before the World Cup.
A major area that needs work is the scrum. Although good enough it is not outstanding and just imagine if the Boks had "the best scrum in the world" added to their arsenal. John Smit and co. need to do some work in this department to make sure that their technique is spot on!
Two other exciting challenges is to find able replacements for Jean de Villiers and Frans Steyn as the pair head off overseas. At inside centre, de Villiers is in a class of his own and to replace him in the Bok side will take some doing. Jacobs and Olivier are great Super 14 players but haven't been in the same class as de Villiers on the international stage. They have lots of work to do if they want to gain the same repertoire as de Villiers. This might sound like a long shot, but I'd keep an eye out for Bradley Barrit. He may yet return to South Africa and make a big claim for the No.12 Bok jumper.
Frans Steyn has matured into the fullback position this season and is the best candidate for the role. As he is still young and full of talent, he would be my bet for the No.15 jersey in 2011. In the interim however we need someone to come in and keep the momentum going. Allowing Pienaar to settle in a position might be an answer but when Steyn returns what do you do with Ruan? Zane Kirchner is also knocking on the door but has to add a lot more to his game to make any real statement.
With the trophies safely in the cabinet, PdV still has his work cut out. It will be an interesting end of year tour as we might unearth another Frans Steyn or Bryan Habana when blooding some new personnel.
The days are now here when it's exciting being a Springbok supporter, savour them!
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Boring Boks score bonus point win
Fourie du Preez made his 50th appearance for the Springboks against Australia in Perth and celebrated in the 'boring' fashion of scoring a try.Du Preez's try was the first of the four that contributed to a bonus point victory for the Springboks. Henry and Deans and all the Australian players who labelled the Springboks boring please issue a public apology.
The simple fact of the matter is that Australia and New Zealand just won't accept that South African sport is currently the world dominating force. Our rugby team is setting the standard and our antipodean friends cannot stand this. Stinks of bad sportsmanship if you ask me.
Australia are the bigger culprits in this saga and the instigator for the All Blacks, Graham Henry, is probably not a fair reflection of New Zealanders anyway. Henry is purely looking for an excuse as to why the All Blacks aren't the all conquering team that they can be. While I have nothing against the Australian people, their sportsmen and women are arrogant sore losers. Australian people are lovely, I have cousins and friends in Australia and have visited the country. The people are great but as for their sports personalities I say, "be humble in victory as in defeat, because karma is a bitch!"
Let's not deter too much from the achievements of the current Springbok team. I believe that the current crop will make up almost the whole all time best Boks.
This is my best ever Boks:
1. Os Du Randt
2. John Smit
3. Cobus Visagie
4. Bakkies Botha
5. Victor Matfield
6. Schalk Burger
7. Juan Smith / Andre Venter
8. Gary Teichmen
9. Fourie du Preez / Joost van der Westhuizen
10 Henry Honiball
11. Bryan Hanaba
12. Jean de Villiers
13. Jacque Fourie
14. James Small / JP Pietersen
15. Percy Montgomery / Andre Joubert
So Henry, next time you label the Boks delete "boring" from your list of options.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Wallabies v Springboks - Perth 2009
5 to 1, changes to the Wallabies team compared to Springboks and also what I think would be the odds of Australia winning on Sat.Don't confuse my confidence with arrogance, you cannot right off any of the top rugby nations, but when you compare recent showings and the amount of changes that the Australians have had to endure compared to the Springboks, you have to concede that the Boks are clear favourites!
As individuals, the players coming in and those swapping positions for Australia definitely have the potential and talent to play top class rugby, but as we all know rugby is a team sport. The Wallaby's have their backs up against the wall which makes them even more dangerous as stranger things have happened, but a win this weekend seems highly unlikely.
The Springboks on the other hand (Darrrren), have the luxury of a fully fit squad with the exception of Danie Russouw who has just overcome an ankle injury and will be rested this weekend. An interesting change for the Boks is Ruan Pienaar starting at fullback ahead of Francois Steyn. Steyn's impending move overseas was surely a motivating factor combined with PdV having half an eye on the end of year tour. For me Pienaar would start at flyhalf and I would put Morne Steyn at fullback, but PdV might be right in keeping Morne at flyhalf and perhaps weening him into the fullback position. The only department where Morne is better than Ruan is at goal kicking time and you don't have to play at flyhalf to kick at poles. As a flyhalf, I still believe Pienaar offers much more on attack and marshalls the backline better.
Finally, I cannot wait to see Schalk Burger come off the bench! I fully agree with Brussow starting ahead of him, but consider yourself in Burger's position. A former IRB Player of the year and Springbok stalwart having been banned for the past 8 weeks. Surely he would want to put in a massive display to resurrect his playing career and reputation? Be afraid Wallabies, be very afraid...
Go Bokke!
For the full teams and chosen write-ups click on the links below:
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Appluading the Legends
When I read on SARugby.com that the Springbok Legends will pay for the IRB fine, I felt a huge sense of satisfaction being a Springbok supporter. This gesture confirms what the Springboks stand for and what they mean to the South African rugby public.
If New Zealand or England or any other national team for that matter were treated the way the Springboks are with regards to citing's and outcome's, there would be massive debates and huge criticisms.
If anyone can give me 1/2 a good reason why Bakkies Botha was cited and banned for his legal cleaning out during the 2nd Lions Test match, then they do not understand the rules of rugby.
I totally agree with Schalk Burger's "eye-gouging" incident. I do believe the player was found NOT guilty of eye-gouging, but found guilty of reckless play around the face area. I do not condone what he did and he deserved his ban as it may have done far more harm than he anticipated with reference to Heinrich Brussow's amazing performances.
The main point is that South African rugby is labelled and the fact that Adam Jones (Lions prop whose shoulder was dislocated due to the Bakkies Botha incident) is adamant that Bakkies did nothing wrong proves the injustice.
To quote Jones, "It was just one of those things that happens in Rugby. Botha shouldn't have been banned for it, nowhere near it." -walesonline.co.uk
So when everything points to the IRB making incorrect judgements, is it coincidence that it always seems to be the Boks that are involved? I think not.
Legends, I applaud you!
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
South Africa's golden genration
What a generation of sportsmen we currently have!South African sport surely has to be applauded for all their achievements over the past few years.
I don't think there is any other country that has as much political interference and as much public pressure as South African spots teams! Yet through all of this we have the No.1 Rugby & Cricket teams in the world!
Yes, the Proteas have become number one by England beating Australia, but the work done to be in the position of taking the number one spot has been the main contributing factor. When a batsman scores a century the score book doesn't say how many times he was dropped and the same can be said for the No.1 ranking, the table will simply read: "1. South Africa". How they got there is all academic.
Before I mention the all-conquering Springboks, we have to mention that Bafana Bafana have had some promising results, showing great potential. We all know that there is soccer talent in South Africa and with the right mental coaching and man management there is no reason why soccer cannot emulate it's cricket and rugby siblings.
Another code in for a quick mention is the Springbok sevens team. They won the world series last season and put in some demolition job performances against highly ranked opposition.
Onto our beloved Springboks. World Cup medals, Super 14 medals, Lions Series medals and unbeaten in the Tri Nations so far - these are just a few of the many accolades the Boks have accumulated over the past few years. I won't go too much into the Springbok team's achievements as they are well documented, but they are by far the most outstanding sporting unit to represent South Africa of late.
When there are so many negatives in our country, the great achievements by our sports men and women gives us something to be extremely proud of. So next time you cross a loud South African be careful not to confuse arrogance with pride!
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
John Smit's Transition
John Smit, a household name in South Africa and a name known to almost everyone who follows rugby globally!
Smit is one of a few elite players to reach legendary status in Springbok rugby and his name will be in the rugby record books for many decades after he retires - let's be honoured that he is still playing!
There are so many articles and media pieces covering his many accolades and achievements, so I won't repeat what has already been well documented.
Instead, I want to discuss whether or not Smit has transitioned into the tighthead prop that South Africa needs. There is no question regarding his leadership skills and because of this he is most certainly needed on the field of play as much and as long as possible. The question that remains is which position best suites Smit and more importantly suites the Springboks?
John Smit "the hooker" is how we first came to know of him on the domestic and international rugby scene. His pedigree is unquestionable as he represented South Africa through the age groups and was captain for many of the teams - rumour has it that he was training with senior Springbok squads at the age of 17.
The interesting bit was that when he reached the senior rugby level, he was converted from prop to hooker and at this early stage adapting proved no obstacle. Smit was never a "flashy" hooker, but he did the basics extremely well and was (and still is) a good scrummager. Although Smit seemed destined to have always been great, Jake White played a big part in is route to becoming the best Springbok captain in history and one of the best the world has seen.
What I like about what White did with the Springbok side is bring back tradition and pride. To do this he introduced a bit of old school structure, camaraderie and discipline. When doing so he needed to select a captain that suited his vision and fitted the mould. In hindsight it was White's foresight that had some critics questioning Smit's selection, but it all paid off with a Rugby World Cup medal.
Like Jake White, Smit had his highs and lows as all rugby players and coaches have, but it was his character, White's belief in him and belief in himself that showed what Springbok rugby was lacking. For the many years before Smit was captain, the Springbok vessel seemed rudderless. Smit gave it direction.
John Smit as a hooker was and still is a top class international. He is mobile, hits the rucks hard and his set-piece play is exceptional! Smit would be the starting hooker in all other international sides bar none.
Enter Peter de Villiers (or P-divvy as some call him) in 2008. It was Bismark du Plessis who continued to impress at hooker and rightfully pushed for first team Springbok selection. This scenario prompted our new head coach to tell John Smit he was no longer required at hooker, but that there was space for him at tighthead prop. I've played in the frontrow my whole life and trust me, a hooker doesn't just slot in at tighthead prop...at any level! Yes Smit had played there in his youth and he is a big strong hooker, but there is more to prop than being big and strong.
Smit took the news like the warrior he is and accepted that in order to be a national sports captain he needed to show faith in his (new) coach and be an example to his team mates and to a country that is often too used to taking a stand when things don't go as wanted. He took the prospect of being South Africa's premier tighthead prop as an exciting new challenge and when it's Smit versus Challenge, Smit usually wins.
John Smit's transition into prop from hooker has been relatively smooth. He has on a few occasions been out-scrummed in his transition period, but this was always against seasoned international opposition props and never has he been dominated throughout an entire game. His new challenge seems to have almost given him a new lease on his rugby life. He seems fresh, hungry for success and eager to be the best, but this time as a tighthead prop.
As a frontranker, Smit's loose play is still of the highest quality. He carries the ball well, puts in solid tackles and his work rate is good. With Bismark at hooker, I do believe that we have the two best international hookers currently in World rugby. They both have different styles but both components are needed for the Springbok machine.
Smit is not yet the best tighthead in world rugby, but...watch this space.
Smit is one of a few elite players to reach legendary status in Springbok rugby and his name will be in the rugby record books for many decades after he retires - let's be honoured that he is still playing!
There are so many articles and media pieces covering his many accolades and achievements, so I won't repeat what has already been well documented.
Instead, I want to discuss whether or not Smit has transitioned into the tighthead prop that South Africa needs. There is no question regarding his leadership skills and because of this he is most certainly needed on the field of play as much and as long as possible. The question that remains is which position best suites Smit and more importantly suites the Springboks?
John Smit "the hooker" is how we first came to know of him on the domestic and international rugby scene. His pedigree is unquestionable as he represented South Africa through the age groups and was captain for many of the teams - rumour has it that he was training with senior Springbok squads at the age of 17.
The interesting bit was that when he reached the senior rugby level, he was converted from prop to hooker and at this early stage adapting proved no obstacle. Smit was never a "flashy" hooker, but he did the basics extremely well and was (and still is) a good scrummager. Although Smit seemed destined to have always been great, Jake White played a big part in is route to becoming the best Springbok captain in history and one of the best the world has seen.
What I like about what White did with the Springbok side is bring back tradition and pride. To do this he introduced a bit of old school structure, camaraderie and discipline. When doing so he needed to select a captain that suited his vision and fitted the mould. In hindsight it was White's foresight that had some critics questioning Smit's selection, but it all paid off with a Rugby World Cup medal.
Like Jake White, Smit had his highs and lows as all rugby players and coaches have, but it was his character, White's belief in him and belief in himself that showed what Springbok rugby was lacking. For the many years before Smit was captain, the Springbok vessel seemed rudderless. Smit gave it direction.
John Smit as a hooker was and still is a top class international. He is mobile, hits the rucks hard and his set-piece play is exceptional! Smit would be the starting hooker in all other international sides bar none.
Enter Peter de Villiers (or P-divvy as some call him) in 2008. It was Bismark du Plessis who continued to impress at hooker and rightfully pushed for first team Springbok selection. This scenario prompted our new head coach to tell John Smit he was no longer required at hooker, but that there was space for him at tighthead prop. I've played in the frontrow my whole life and trust me, a hooker doesn't just slot in at tighthead prop...at any level! Yes Smit had played there in his youth and he is a big strong hooker, but there is more to prop than being big and strong.
Smit took the news like the warrior he is and accepted that in order to be a national sports captain he needed to show faith in his (new) coach and be an example to his team mates and to a country that is often too used to taking a stand when things don't go as wanted. He took the prospect of being South Africa's premier tighthead prop as an exciting new challenge and when it's Smit versus Challenge, Smit usually wins.
John Smit's transition into prop from hooker has been relatively smooth. He has on a few occasions been out-scrummed in his transition period, but this was always against seasoned international opposition props and never has he been dominated throughout an entire game. His new challenge seems to have almost given him a new lease on his rugby life. He seems fresh, hungry for success and eager to be the best, but this time as a tighthead prop.
As a frontranker, Smit's loose play is still of the highest quality. He carries the ball well, puts in solid tackles and his work rate is good. With Bismark at hooker, I do believe that we have the two best international hookers currently in World rugby. They both have different styles but both components are needed for the Springbok machine.
Smit is not yet the best tighthead in world rugby, but...watch this space.
The current state of Springbok rugby
Hello! Thanks for taking time to read! This is my first posting, so here we go...Since the Jake White era there have been many ups and downs for Springbok rugby. In the last 2 years we have witnessed the first black Springbok coach, retiring legends and some record breaking games against England, Australia and most notably the All Blacks (in New Zealand!).
There has been a lot of contrversy surrounding our head coach, Peter de Villiers. I will be the first to admit that I was one of the voices calling for his axing on more than one occassion. However, I have changed my view and no longer believe he is a bad coach, I believe de Villiers possesses the coaching ability but lacks the skills of a press spokesman. Unfortunately for de Villiers his first language is afrikaans, and as many South Africans will tell you some things are best said in afrikaans and kept that way.
While there are still some reservations about our colourful coach, the facts remain that under his tutorship the Springboks have recorded record wins over England at Twickenham and Australia in South Africa, and became the first side in many years to topple the All Blacks on their home turf.
Some people may argue that de Villiers inherited Jake White's team, but on the flip side it was all there to be messed up, with new coaches often changing things around to make their mark. Surely de Villiers has done something right to keep the same captain and core Springbok players together who won the World Cup in 2007? It must've been so tempting to bring in new players, choose a new captain and coach a completely different style of rugby to put his own mark on Springbok rugby. Instead he decided to go with his head and not his heart and chose to build on the foundations already set by White. The result, a Lions Series WIN!
Currently we are 2 games into the Tri Nations with the Australians narrowly losing to the All Blacks in the first and the Springboks dominating the All Blacks in the second to come out deserved victors. The third test match is gearing up to be a colossal battle between the two old foes (South Africa and New Zealand) - a rivalry that dates back to almost being as old as rugby itself! Yes the Springboks recorded a good win in Bloemfontein and the margin should've been much more if not for the off day with the boot for Ruan Pienaar, but you write the All Blacks off at your own peril!
Surely both teams will look for major improvements and Saturday's test match should prove to be highly nerve wrenching. I am not going to be roped into a prediction, but will watch as all Springbok fans and supprters do...with the belief that we can beat any team in the world and the hope that we don't mess it up!
Enjoy the game - GO BOKKE!
p.s. Please feel free to leave comments.
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