JDV is a good example – he is a naturally gifted distributor, offloader and creative genius, but he plays under specific instructions. The reason is primarily to ensure the first phase breakdown does not occur out of reach of our (usually) slower and heavier pack. But after second phase (the phase in which the 12 is usually not involved in), meaning on third and subsequent phases, we have lacked serious variation in our offensive game since the late 1990s. The 12 appears to crashball it up repeatedly when joining the play instead of passing to inside strike runners, for instance.

Particularly alarming was their distribution of the ball when in contact – it was usually knocked forward in an attempt to get it away to supporting players, or supporting players just simply ran the wrong line and thumbled the ball themselves. There were a definite lack of continuity in phase play and ruck ball presentation.

Eddie Jones played a big role in rectifying the abovementioned concern before RWC 2007.

I agree with Alucard’s post that the national coaching methods employed have significantly curtailed the potency of our 12s regarding decision making. I would like to add to that though – the problem is not necessarily a macro-one on the highest level, but rather at grassroots and primary school level.

The one-dimensional coaching styles that trickle down from franchise level to primary school level have obvious implications for the development of player vision and anticipation on the park. And in most cases, especially in non-urban areas and away from quality coaching infrastructure, the school rugby coaches are simply not equipped to teach kids the basics of the game. The result is that the young boerseuns simply use their brute force to punch holes in defense.

In contrast, the backline players in Aus and NZ get taught a basket of skills rather than a positional skills set, hence their versatility and, in addition, their willingness to migrate from position to position if required (think Giteau vs Ruan Pienaar, for instance).

South Africa does not possess the coaching personnel to play an expansive game. That is simple fact, we have the players, but the coaches CAN’T do it. Do you remember what happened when de Villiers and Muir tried? Or when Coetzee tried? Or Viljoen? But throw two Aussies in the mix and the Sharks and Bulls changed. Granted Roussouw has done a great job for the Bulls, but is unproven at test level. Coaching is the issue, it’s always been the issue. What Jake did was use what was available to him, remember, he never chose his coaching team, and was never allowed to choose his best XV, he stated so. He took the Boks back to their traditional strengths and, to date, built the most versatile and potent Bok squad on attack over the last eleven years, and with the best defence of the modern era. That’s nothing to be sniffed at, given that the current coach has a far larger, probably twice as large, pool of quality players. And another crux to your argument is that Jake unearthed the best attacking centre pairing the Boks have had in the last 14 or so years. Whilst de Villiers bumbles around in the dark getting it mostly wrong.

Pieter Muller was an example of an outstanding creative player who became nothing else than a bulldozer in midfield. But that was because our second phase required him to suck in two or three fringe defenders to open up space on third and fourth phase.

Same with JDV actually…

Currently the best in the world. Do you understand what currently means? Should I slap that thick forehead of yours to get it working?

Now you listen to me, rugby players in the professional era are inherently thick. They may be good athletes but their brain capacity is nowhere near a graduate like myself. They would not be able to understand the game of rugby on such a deep level like I and many other South African fans would. We are done here. This is not a popularity contest.

hehe…….yeah right!

@whatever(whatever)-167:
Yep,it will be interesting

Not in the spirit of this fine game.

Good man!

Dude, I’m going to the game with my partner, who is a Kiwi, could make for an interesting evening depending on who wins….

Can you feel it? The Tri-nations is on your doorstep.Indulge boet.

@Groot Gees(Groot Gees)-163:
Why thank you.
But if NZ lose i will be blaming the ref

Hehe, I think the trolls are out big time at the moment………you based in Wellington? Going to the game next Sat?