Considering the result of the 1st Test and considering where SA stands in preparation for the Tri-Nations (and next year’s World Cup), what would constitute a “CLEVER” or “ASTUTE” Run-on Springbok Team for the 2nd Azuri Test.
To make this decision, one needs to look at a few things, namely:
- Where the shortcommings were in the 1st Test
- Where there is still doubt about the best player in a certain position, one needs to test one to three players out NOW.
- Where there is doubt about depth in positions, those need to be identified and players need to be tried there.
- Where a certain player’s match-fitness is in doubt those players need to get an extended run.
- In positions where players are starting in situations where they do not have considerable Bokke experience, they will require more experience.
- Selecting a Team with definate continuity requirements.
- Select Specialists in positions rather than Utility Players.
- Play more Southern South African players due to the fact that Test 2 is down at coastal level.
So exactly where were the shortcommings in Test No 1?
The effort was disjointed and I perceive that the team never really gelled as a unit, mostly ascribable to an unsettled midfield. So rectify Item No 1 by playing a settled MIDFIELD COMBINATION, that being Juan de Jongh and Jaque Fourie.
In addition it is time to try out the Ruan Pienaar (No 9) and Morné Steyn (No 10) together combination as a halfback pairing, we’ve seen what Ricky and Morné do together, time for change.
Play Schalk Burger, Francois Louw and Pierre Spies together as a combination to go forward to the Tri-Nations and get them combining like clockwork, balance in the backrow is of premium concern.
Who do we utilize where there is doubt who the best possible player in a specific position is?
The positions where we’re not sure, whether the best candidates are indeed already identified are: Hooker, Tighthead Prop, Scrumhalf, Inside Centre.
Hooker: I would start with Gary Botha at hooker with Tiaan Liebenberg on the bench and let them play a full half each.
Tighthead Prop: I would experiment with Werner Kruger on at Tighthead Prop with CJ van der Linde on the bench in case the experiment goes wrong and to cover an injured loosehead.
Scrumhalf: I would play Ruan Pienaar at his preferred position of scrumhalf, next to his Primary School mate Morné Steyn to see how they gel and what the backline look like when they provide ball to the rest of the backline, but I would put a scrumhalf on the bench in case of injury.
Inside Centre: I would play Juan de Jongh at inside centre for 1 half and either Jean de Villiers or Wynand Olivier for a full 2nd half, but with the best Flyhalf and Outside Centre available (Morné & Jaque), then see who fits in best and shapes best.
Testing depth in positions?
This actually goes hand in hand with the previous Item, where Tighthead Prop depth is tested and developed, using someone like Werner kruger, but maybe due to the more urgent nature of testing Inside Centres, I would hold back on rotating to another Outside Centre and only play Jaque Fourie there for this coming Test.
Match Fitness in doubt?
Typical examples are those of Bakkies Botha and the 2 half injured players, Schalk Burger and John Smit.
I would play Bakkies to get more match fitness at No 4 and have someone like Flip van der Merwe on the bench to develop depth in this position.
In addition, Schalk Burger should slot back into the familiar No 6 Flanker, but John Smit’s hamstring tear is of such a nature that he maybe needs an additional week’s rest…. as well as considering that hookers need to be tried as per Item 2.
Players starting without too much Springbok experience?
Zane Kirchner, Gio Aplon, Juan de Jongh, Francois Louw and possibly Dewald Potgieter need more Bokke time, for confidence and for finding their exact niche within the team… continue playing them there, let them fine-tune their efforts and cement their places.
Continuity and combinations?
A team with tried and trusted combinations need to be selected to ensure a well balanced and effective team.
Specialist players in positions?
The facination with Utility Springboks MUST come to an end, I believe that a GOOD SPECIALIST is better than a VERY GOOD UTILITY PLAYER.
More Southern South Africans?
The Items above have really taken care of this fact already, alternatively this criteria is less important than the other selection criteria as detailed in the other Items above.
Having considered the above, If I were coach, I would select the following Springbok Team and Replacements:
15. Zane Kirchner
14. Gio Aplon
13. Jaque Fourie
12. Juan de Jongh / Jean de Villiers – each to play a full half
11. Bjorn Basson / Bryan Habana on bench, only to come on in case of injury
10. Morné Steyn
9. Ruan Pienaar / Ricky Januarie on bench only to come on in case of injury to Ruan or Morné (Ruan moving to flyhalf)
8. Pierre Spies
7. Francois Louw / Dewald Potgieter
6. Schalk Burger
5. Andries Bekker
4. Bakkies Botha / Flip van der Merwe
3. Werner Kruger / CJ van der Linde on bench for tighthead insurance or to cover loosehead injury
2. Gary Botha / Tiaan Liebenberg – each to play a full half
1. Gurthro Steenkamp
I suppose one covers all possibilities with this combination, have the necessary insurance and backup, do not play token players and only play in form performers from this season. One should learn valuable lessons from these experiments without sacrificing continuity and team dynamics.
What do YOU think… blast me with your wisdom… or lack thereof!
@Superbul @BlouBaard
JA, truie is klaar soos suigstokkies weggegee.
Ek weet die punt van die draad is om te sê wat jou keuse sou wees onder die omstandighede, om min of meer te probeer skat wat die span sal wees vir die naweek. Maar die spanne is wat ek sou kies as ek afrigter was, en wat ek nogsteeds dink gekies moet word onder die “omstandighede”. Laas jaar se groep wat die Drie Nasies gewen het was nie “verteenwoordigend” nie. Die groep is ook nie. Bafana is ook nie. Ek dink net ons moet hierdie rassedebat laat staan. Daar’s in elkgeval nie n kwota nie, of hoe?
Rakend die punt vd draad; wie weet. Dit kan baie onvoorspelbaar wees en hulle het al gewys dat die eksperimente meestal nie veel sin maak nie. So ek sal nie eens probeer nie. Maar ons sal moet wag en kyk wat die groep sal wees voorentoe. Ek dink Pieter sal goed doen om laas jaar se Drie Nasies kampioene min of meer so te hou, met Heinrich en nuwe toepassings en al.
Nag almal.
PdV has already given during his interviews some indicators of his selection policies.
1) For the tri nations it will be the strongest team.
2) He intends resting players when not playing tri-nations.
3) He has already a group of about 45 players for the world cup
4) He will identify players that will be part of a mentorship (eg Hargreaves)
5) He will identify players for Bok teams post 2011
6) There will be players to cover more than one position
Using above criteria, to identify the forwards are easy:
1) Beast and Gurthro
2) John Smit, Bismarck, Cilliboy and Maku
3) Jannie Dup, BJ Botha and CJ (also loose head)
4) Bakkies, Danie and Flip
5) Victor, Bekker and Hargreaves
6) Burger, Brussouw and Louw
7) Juan Smith, Potgieter and possibly Deysel
8) Spies and Kankowski.
For me the biggest short coming in this group is a young tight head.
I have my doubts about Hargreaves. He still may be a surprise.
The backs on the other hand is not so clearcut:
9) Fourie dP, Ricky and Hougaard
10) Morne, Butch and Ruan
11) Habana, Nokwe
12) de Villiers, de Jong and Olivier
13) Fourie and Adi Jacobs (do not forget him)
14) Petersen and Aplon
15) Steyn, Kirchner and Basson
He just may bring Lambie in as one for the future. Wings and another outside center may be surprises. Otherwise all these players are currently all in the system.
From News 24:
Flip van der Merwe, Alistair Hargreaves and Bandise Maku were also not on the flight to East London, suggesting they won’t be involved on Saturday.
Clever selection means to me rest your top players, just like the Bulls.
@ dWeePer:
Just look at Graham Henrys 2007 coaching plan and spot the similarities.
I hope he sees the pitfalls.
Have your settled team
Identify your 1st choice players and give them the confidence.
Forget the mad idea that you have 45 players 100% equal in strenght, ability , experience and BMT, no team ever had it.
I only browsed through the article quickly.
Loosehead?
With CJ and Guthro we are covered – one is playing the best rugby of his life and the other an experienced and capped Bok. If Beast’s shit is sorted we have three looseheads well capable of performing at test level not to mention John who can effectively cover loosehead. No need for change or experimentation there.
Hooker?
John is back there, Bismarck is our number 2 and currently injured but will be back – Chili had two very good outings in 120 minutes of rugby and is well capable of being number 3 if needed.
Tighthead?
No big fan of Jannie but with him and BJ we are not in trouble there.
Locks?
Vic, Danie, Bakkies, Bekker, Flip – no worries
Loosies?
Juan still needs to come back, and then I can rattle off names who are all very capable – no worries there.
Scrummy?
FDP is our first choice, Januarie was piss-poor in the last test but had a decent 160 minutes against Wales and France – stronger opposition. With Ruan covering the utility role again no worries there.
Flyhalf?
Morne is his brilliant self, Ruan as utility again and Butch is also back in the fold it seems – experienced campaigner.
Inside center?
Jean, Wynand, De Jongh – covered
Outside center?
Only position I believe we are in shit – just Mossie but a fit and experienced Adi could provide sufficient back up.
Wings?
Lots of injuries at the moment but when all fit – Habs, JPP, Nokwe, Mapoe, Gio, Basson, etc.
Fullback?
Zane and Frans – Gio to cover.
I see no real need in bringing in rookies at this stage.
Combo’s are important as is game time, so I agree in giving Ruan, Butch, Kanko, Pottas et all another 80 minutes this weekend.
Play with your loosies, 9 to 13.
Team:
1. CJ
2. Chili
3. BJ
4. Bakkies
5. Andries
6. Pottas
7. Louw
8. Kanko
9. Pienaar
10. Butch
11. Basson
12. Jean
13. De Jongh
14. Aplon
15. Kirchner
Only problem here is no captain, so most likely you will see John start, Chili on the bench.
16. John
17. Jannie
18. Flip
19. Spies
20. Schalk
21. Januarie
22. Wynand
Wynand could also well start with Jean on the bench.
Point is, I see no need to bring in any uncapped players still.
As for selecting cleverly.
Look no further than the Bulls bluepring in bringing in youngsters into combinations with experienced campaigners to guide them.
PDV learned his lesson in the last B&I test of 2009, do not select inexperienced combinations.
I keep on forgetting things I wanted to say…
There is a difference between player depth (position) and depth in combinations…
IN rugby, a coach should develop depth in combinations rather than player depth into a specific position.
It puts a whole new perspective on selections.
I think we as fans forget this in wanting to pick the ‘in-form’ players all the time to provide cover in depth in positions rather than looking at the importance of the combinations they operate in.
6 Primary Combo’s in rugby:
Front row
Locks
Loosies
9 & 10
Centers
Back three
3 Secondary Combo’s
Tight 5
Inside Backs
Outside Backs
@ Bluebeard: I agree with your hooker combination on this. Maku must get a run and Chiliboy needs more game time, tough for Tiaan, but he is the quoata victime this year. Gary Botha, we know what we’ve got and if we are ever in a fix, they can call him up, he knows the combinations that he works with (ie lineouts) he can work with any props. I wouldnt play him, it would just be too much.
For tighthead, we have BJ and Jannie…its enough.
Pretty much the rest I dont have a problem with what GBS says…I would like to see Kankowski get game time, because he will be in the squad for the tri-nations, so they should start with him.
@ Bluebeard: You underate Schalk Burger…I would make him one of my first selections for any Bok team.
The only other thing I have to say on this, is that combinations should be played…guys who play well together in S14 will perform well at International level too…its just the linking between the positions where a bit of game time together is needed, eg flyhalf to centre, backrow, who will do what, fullback coming into the line, centres with wings.
My best team in SA at the moment (notwithstanding injuries)
1 Beast-Gurthro
2 Barney-Bismarck
3 BJ-Jannie
4 Bakkies- Hennie Bekkers little boy
5 Victor- Flippie vd Merwes little boy
6 Schalk- Slangkos
7 Juan- Steggman
8 Pierre Spies’s little boy- Tino Kankowski’s little boy
9 FDP- Ruan
10 Morne- Peter Grant
11 Bryan- (his replacement at N Tvl, I forget his name)
12 Jean- de Jongh
13 Mossie- (there isnt a good backup who is world class)
14 JP- Aplon
15 Frans- Stefan
@ 4man:
Yip pretty much my team too. Though still would like to see Deysel get a chance at 7 2nd to Juan. Stegmann at 6 2nd behind Schalk.
Never mind the difference between PdV and Frans Steyn, he should have stuck with Frans for these 3 games at FB. Still think FS should be our FB for the world cup next year. Now probably wont be. PdV should put rugby first and forget about their what ever the problem between player and coach is.
43@ 4man:
You forgot to say “Gysie’s little boy” when you mentioned Ruan
And I think you mistook Bekker as a Now 4 lock… and Flip as a No 5 lock……….. eishhhhhhhh
@ 4man: Also I would have Zane as 2nd to Frans Steyn at FB for the WC. Next year Stefan will be too slow there.
@ grootblousmile: Yip, just had another look at 4mans team. Flip for 4 or Danie for 4 2nd behind Bakkies. Bekker for 2nd behind Victor at 5
46@ Puma:
Zane played well on Saturday!
@ grootblousmile:48
gbs, I have visitors here so never got to watch the rugby at all. DAMN!! I have these soccer mad visitors here so we watched the soccer. Can you imagine me watching soccer instead of the rugby? Well only cause I had visitors and this is the world cup. Also cause we only played Italy I said okay watch the damn soccer…..hehehe.
Must say I am enjoying the soccer more than I thought I would. I know almost nothing about it but with them around I am enjoying it. They leave on Saturday off to do some bush holiday. So will have my tv back for myself again…. 😀
49@ Puma:
To be honest, I am now tired of the Soccer, will watch Bafana Bafana playing against France and maybe the semi’s and the Final…. by then I would have had my fill of soccer!
How was your Father’s Day… did the children spoil the OLD MAN a bit?
@ grootblousmile:50 – Gbs, I am really enjoying the soccer vibe. It is awesome. Especially when the Dutch were here last week. WE had a sea of ORANGE here on the beach front. The whole beach front was full of Dutch supporters. They are awesome fun. Cause there were so many of them they had their very own fan park. We have a massive fan park on South Beach but they had their own on North Beach with a huge stage and band. Everything was spoken in Dutch not English. I understoon most of it. Joined in the fun with all the Dutch. Spoke to so many of them. Think there are about 30 000 thousand of their supporters here. Massive support for soccer in their country. They enjoy the soccer as much as we enjoy our rugby.
All headed off for Cape Town on Sunday. Think they will top their pool and play their round 16 game back here in Durbs. Good for our city as their are so much of them it brings a great vibe but also plenty cash to our city with so many supporters.
This is the world cup we will never ever have it again. So enjoying it a lot and making the most of it. Going to the Portugal/Brazil game on Friday. Really looking forward to it. I know so little about the game but enjoying the vibe and learning quick about some of the rules of soccer. Well not that quick but learning…..hahaha.
I am looking forward to the Tri-Nations. Us playing Italy is no big deal. For me anyway. Was surprised we never beat them by a lot more though. Never saw the game so can’t tell how we played.
@ grootblousmile: Yep I noticed about Gysies little boy later. I deliberately left Danie Rossouw, because he is a genuine utility forward except for front row. Flippie and Bekker, should learn the other position.
@ grootblousmile: nah he didnt, he played average…he didnt do anything wrong or stupid though, must give him that.
@ Puma:
Puma, ask your European mates to use my co to plan their bush trips…check it out http://www.africaunlimitedtours.com
@ 4man:54 – Will check it out but they are all booked already. My Scots mates that come every year. Should have had more over but some canceled cause of the very steep air-fares. Have a couple over this time.
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