Bok wrecking ball
20 Aug 2008
Schalk Burger is a rugby phenomenon, but what makes him the player he is?
In the latest issue of SA Rugby magazine, Jake White, Richie McCaw, Rudolf Straeuli, Derick Coetzee and Henning Gericke all offer unique insights into arguably the greatest Springbok of all-time by explaining exactly what sets him apart from the rest.
White, during a detailed discussion, reveals that Burger “averages 21 tackles per game – seven more than the average for an elite international flank. He’s got great ball skills, an unbelievable feel for the game in the sense that his running lines are so good that he gets into excellent positions long before the opposition even realise he’s there.”
McCaw says, “He just flies in [to the rucks]. Every time you play against him, he’s everywhere. His work rate is amazing.”
In a revealing Q&A, we also ask Schalk if opensiders are born or made, what he defines as failure, if he’s received offers from overseas clubs and if he misses having Jake around.
Also in the new issue of SAR:
– The Springbok scrum no longer strikes fear into their opponents. Former Springbok front rankers John Allan and Guy Kebble explain why
– BJ Botha was a shock omission from the Boks’ Tri-Nations squad, but the tighthead prop, who 
recently signed for ulster, believes he can force his way back
– Player depth remains a top priority but South Africa can no longer afford to neglect the development of local coaches. SA Rugby magazine investigates Saru’s plan to implement a new coaching programme in 2009
– The increased involvement of the TMO has been the most hotly debated point of this year’s Absa Currie Cup. SA Rugby magazine assesses the positives and negatives of the system
– Craven Week is supposed to be a festival of South African schoolboy rugby where winning isn’t a matter of life or death. but for a group of determined talent scouts, it’s merely an opportunity to snap up the next 
Frans Steyn or John Smit. SA Rugby magazine finds out how a respected talent scout goes about his job, and how others, with less integrity, will do almost anything to get that important signature
– At just 19, Robert Ebersohn has already lent the Free State Cheetahs backline some much needed attacking flair this season
– Last year, a disillusioned Gcobani Bobo was released by the Sharks to play for the Springbok Sevens team. Now he’s an automatic selection for the Stormers, captaining Western Province, back in the Bok set-up and revelling in his amazing change of fortune
– Former Springbok flyhalf Gerald Bosch has played a major role in the development of Wallabies utility back Berrick Barnes
– Outside centre has been an All Blacks weakness since Tana Umaga retired at the end of 2005. But the problem of who to play there has finally been solved by the emergence of Conrad Smith
– Andre Pretorius’s career has been plagued by leg injuries, especially during the last four years. The latest setback came when he played for the Boks against the Barbarians last year, limping off the Twickenham turf after 33 minutes with a crocked foot. The Lions flyhalf has not played in a match since, yet despite calls for him to retire, he believes he will have a big 2009 season
– SA Rugby magazine is on sale from Wednesday, 20 August. To subscribe, e-mail subscriptions@hsm.co.za or phone (021) 416-0141.
667 Comments
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20 Aug 2008, 10:31 am
Subscription Driving Dragons!
20 Aug 2008, 10:31 am
Finally, Been looking around for the mag since Monday
20 Aug 2008, 10:35 am
Then they play him as a fetcher.
20 Aug 2008, 10:36 am
Is Andre Pretoruis still alive???
20 Aug 2008, 10:42 am
#4 Pompa: Probably got injured climbing out the bath this morning (if he wasn’t already injured from jumping into bed lastnight)
20 Aug 2008, 10:44 am
Schalk you legend!
20 Aug 2008, 10:44 am
#3 FrenklyMuDeah: Schalk Burger is currently the most over rated flanker in the world. All this hype is based on media’s vison of him…much ala Bob Skinstadt. We all see him miss a lot of first time tackles or bouncing off players ‘cos he wants to hurt the guy and make an impact. He should play the man less and the ball more…THEN he will be truly great…hurting other players is not an art form. How many times do you see him fly into the maul with what impact on the GAME…nada.
20 Aug 2008, 10:50 am
#7 MightyQuin: 100% agree. In fact, I’ll add to that – he never ever passes. That’s why we always lose possession when he goes on a run…
20 Aug 2008, 10:52 am
guys, cmon.
the AB’s only scored 5 points with burger on the field. 14 points after he left.
ask the greats like jerry collins and richie mccaw what they think of schalk.
20 Aug 2008, 10:52 am
#7 MightyQuin:
Agreed, Schalk is completely off the boil. And I’m not convicened its entire his form – I think Snor might be forcing him into these situations.
Sad, I never thought I’d be calling Schalk overrated. Great player – but has lost that midas touch
20 Aug 2008, 10:54 am
#7 MightyQuin:
#8 King Shark:
I actually cannot believe you guys, Schalk is a legend and is used correctly in the Bok set up. He is expected to do too much. He is blamed for our breakdowns woes, but he is the only one competing! Like Jake said, losing Schalk is like losing 3 players. His value is only truly recognised when he is not there. Remember 2006? Remember how the Stormers campaign went pear-shaped when Schalk got injured this year?
The man is legend and a freak of nature, you fickle fans have such short memories
20 Aug 2008, 10:55 am
Schalk is still the best. Richie thumbles around in his shadow!
20 Aug 2008, 10:55 am
#9 rangerman:
Exactly… 5 points when Schalk was on, 14 points when he went off
20 Aug 2008, 10:55 am
#8 King Shark: So right…I forgot about that fact…he never runs into gaps and then passes…always shoulder down and charge…and do you think the oponents don’t know that by now? So always gangtackle him…second guy goes for the ball and it’s over.
20 Aug 2008, 10:56 am
#11 Dazzler: No, he is currently ****. As is Juan and Butch and Fourie and Percy and CJ and Vic and Jantjes. Fire their asses.
20 Aug 2008, 10:56 am
#14 MightyQuin: Exactly!
20 Aug 2008, 10:56 am
#10 Richie_7:
How has he lost his Midas touch? One average game where he was outnumbered at the breakdown due to the non-support of his team mates, and now he is overrated?
You are forgetting the 2 games in NZ just a few weeks where he mauled the AB’s, over 20 tackles each game. Like i say you guys have incredibly short memories
20 Aug 2008, 10:57 am
Has anybody noticed how many time Juan Smith is involved in off the ball incidents? Was watching the game again last night, there must have been 3 or 4 times in different replays where you see him pushing players in the background.
Juan never used to be like this, but since the WC he seems frustrated
20 Aug 2008, 10:58 am
#15 King Shark:
Read post 17.. .one average game (average by his standards only) and he is now ****?
The best part is, Schalk will no doubt shove your words back down your throat in the next game
20 Aug 2008, 10:59 am
#18 Richie_7:
Put it into perspective. When Schalk is putting in 20 tackles a game his turnovers go down because he doesn’t show up at the breakdowns. When his turnovers go up, his tackles go down.
Go ahead and check on those stats.
20 Aug 2008, 10:59 am
#12 McSchalkBurger: Schalk is good, ritchie is great. Last year Schalk was great but I go back to my earlier comment, he’s being played out of position. He is not a fetcher. Ritchie is awesome on the ground and quick turnaround Schalk is a bit lumbering. Schlk for 8th man, Brussouw fetch, Juan blind side and we have a team. Kanko on bench with Rossouw covers open game and tight game.
20 Aug 2008, 10:59 am
#13 Dazzler: That is purely coincedence…we can read stats to fit any situation. Those 14 points were going to be scored anyway…we were throwing wide and desperate the last 15 minutes.
20 Aug 2008, 10:59 am
#19 Dazzler:
Well I hope he does shove my words down my throat, but until then you are once again overrating him
20 Aug 2008, 11:00 am
#7 MightyQuin: what? It’s like criticising the Pope for being Catholic. We shouldn’t get carried away: Schalk IS the epitome of SA rugby. He’s got it all. Just ask the opposition players and they’ll tell you what they think of him. A tireless worker; tackles with a vengeance; simply one of the best. What a strange world it is when we question the power, technique and mindset of those who are better than the rest. Any time RSA wants to give the Schalk away, the Wallas will take him with open arms. I always respect someone who constantly displays the commitment that SB shows.
20 Aug 2008, 11:01 am
#20 Richie_7:
Perhaps, but Schalk cannot be expected to do the job of 5 men at the breakdown!
Richie steals the ball, but the other forwards do the hard work in creating the opportunity for him to do so. Our forwards do not
20 Aug 2008, 11:05 am
#22 MightyQuin:
So then how do you explain 2006 when he was out with his neck injury as opposed to 2007 when we became World Champs… Coincedence as well? Jake White doesnt think so, and I feel that maybe, just maybe, he has more knowledge of the players and team than you do
20 Aug 2008, 11:05 am
#24 Old Griquas 14 in Sydney: If he goes to Az or AB’s you will see hoe THEY change him into a great player…now he is Jack-of-all Trades…Master of None What exactly is his job on the field? As soon as we have clarity on that…we can make a clear and proper judgement.
20 Aug 2008, 11:05 am
#25 Dazzler:
Precisely, and if you read my first post I mentioned that I don’t think it’s his form, but rather the gameplan. For Schalk to be effective the tight five need to wake up and start doing their jobs. Standing in the backline is not a tight fives primary focus
20 Aug 2008, 11:07 am
#21 FrenklyMuDeah: There is no such thing as a fetcher anymore, like there is no such thing as a traditional no.8 anymore. It’s the modern era of a quick lose trio. It just so happens that schalk is always at the ball.
He’s not out of his position. He’s been playing there for 4 years!!!!!!!!! Why would you want to take him out now? He’s the worlds best and there are a whole country to vow for it.
endo complendo!!
20 Aug 2008, 11:08 am
#26 Dazzler: Surely you jest? WTF does his injury and the WC have to do with each other? We won the WC cup ‘cos AB’s and OZ choked and we hade an eazy road…NOT ‘cos Schalk played. He plays dumb rugby…Richie plays clever rugby…simple as that.
20 Aug 2008, 11:08 am
#28 Richie_7:
100% agreed. The breakdown cannot be blamed on one player. Even if Richie was playing for us on Saturday he would also have been dominated. Its tough when you are attempting to slow the ball down or make a steal and your tight 5 has to run from the centre position to assist you….
20 Aug 2008, 11:09 am
#29 McSchalkBurger:
Aus and NZ seem to believe in a “fetcher” role, and last time I checked the Waugh,Smith, and McCaw were having a field day against the boks at ruck time.
Perhaps SA needs to change their point of view regarding fetcher
20 Aug 2008, 11:09 am
#30 MightyQuin:
Jake White attributes a large part of the dismal year of 2006 to Schalk not being avalaible…
20 Aug 2008, 11:10 am
#29 McSchalkBurger: Always at the ball…what exactly does that mean…and help? He must HAVE the ball or TAKE it away…I ask again: What is his exact job/mandate on the field? I would love to hear what you guys think.
20 Aug 2008, 11:11 am
#33 Dazzler: Easy cop-out…based on all the hype around Schalk…and Jake knew that a comment like that would remove focus for the REAL reasons for 2006…
20 Aug 2008, 11:13 am
#33 Dazzler: You left out the word “conveniently”.
20 Aug 2008, 11:13 am
#32 Richie_7: We despratle need to change our view…you are so right. Thsi BS about us not needing a fetcher…well, well, well..look what’s happening now with out one…especially with ELV’s…we’re in the k@k…watch Saturday…Barnes and Giteau counter rucking our loosie ( count 1) off the ball…
20 Aug 2008, 11:13 am
#35 MightyQuin:
He made the comment in hindsight, not at the time. So it wasn’t an excuse
20 Aug 2008, 11:14 am
#31 Dazzler:
Yeah, thats why I see so many bloggers saying stuff like “Schalk will be back to his best on Saturday against Aus” when they make no mention of the tight five and whether or not they’ll actually do any work at the breakdown. Subbing Schalk was also not good for his confidence, and I think he might be feeling the pressure this week.
Schalks primary focus should be the breakdown and either stealing ball or slowing it down for the opposition. Making 20 tackles a game means the other team is carrying the ball a lot more. I’d much rather see Schalk making 10 tackles a game and 10 turnovers meaning SA robbed the opposition of ball. Without the ball you cannot score points, it’s Schalks job to get the Boks that ball
20 Aug 2008, 11:14 am
Mighty quin: is that a rhetorical question? Schalk takes, makes and rapes everything. He’s a very good alrounder…tackles, runs, rucks…etc. What would you like me to call him?
20 Aug 2008, 11:14 am
#36 katman: Thanx Katman…I should have been sharp enough to include that into my reply…we are on same page though!
20 Aug 2008, 11:17 am
#40 McSchalkBurger: Are you his agent…or…hey…is this Schalk himself? Come on…stop blindly idolising this guy…he doesn’t take anything…raping players? sheeze that’s what the game is about? AB’s and Oz play THE BALL…we play the man…and what is the result? WE loose.
20 Aug 2008, 11:18 am
#38 Dazzler: Whats the difference?
20 Aug 2008, 11:21 am
Schalk is far from the classic flank, but his contribution is invaluable.
20 Aug 2008, 11:23 am
#42 MightyQuin: Schalk plays the ball!! The rest of his team plays the man! Schalk does exactly what Richie does, but apart from that, Richie always had support like collins and rodney.
Put schalk in a team like NZ and he’ll do better than Mccaw.
20 Aug 2008, 11:24 am
#44 PissAnt: ag shurrup, what do you know, dont you start with your PdV defending again!
20 Aug 2008, 11:24 am
Anyone watching recent Lions or Bulls games would see what a true fetcher does.
Grobbelaar and Stegman (and, to a certain extent, Brussouw) are the George Smiths of their respective teams. Their main focus is to anticipate which tackle situations they can get to in time to possibly effect a turn-over. They make it their goal to be the third guest at the party (after tacklee and tackler), spread ‘em wide (their legs, that is) and zero in on the ball, using their considerable upper body strength and grappling abilities to wrench the ball from the poor sod lying on the ground, who is trying his damnest to figure out just how long constitutes “holding on”. And once in every three or four attempts it pays off for them and it’s turn-over time.
That’s what it means to be an openside flank. Not a half-hulk, half tasmanian devil who only knows one game and that is to act like a Bull in his china’s shop.
Don’t get me wrong, I like Schalk and I think he adds value. But not as a fetcher.
20 Aug 2008, 11:25 am
#46 rangerman:
Nah not today, I see he is not a hot topic.
#47 katman:
Why has Grobbelaar then have one of the lowest turn-over stats in the S14?
20 Aug 2008, 11:26 am
#47 katman:
Agree with you completely. For me Grobbelaar has no equal in SA when it comes to the fetching game
20 Aug 2008, 11:27 am
#48 PissAnt:
Because PissAnt, you be an effective fetcher you need your tight five to be doing their jobs. On Saturday we all saw how ineffective Schalk is when his locks are standing around in the backline
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