Ruining Ruan
23 Aug 2010
South Africa’s spineless coaches destroyed Ruan Pienaar’s Test career.
In the latest issue of SA Rugby magazine, on sale this week, the Springbok utility back vents his frustration at the way he’s been treated.
‘Coaches have been telling me since I was at school that I have all the natural talent in the world, but then they’ve put me on the bench or played me out of position,’ he says. ‘I’ve often thought, are they just telling me I’m talented to keep me happy? Do they really rate me, and if they do, why am I on the bench?’
In the same article, SA Rugby magazine’s Jon Cardinelli analyses Pienaar’s 43-match Test career, which includes just five starts at scrumhalf (his preferred position) and just seven at flyhalf (former Bok technical adviser Eddie Jones believes he could have been the next Stephen Larkham if he’d been given an extended run there).
Also in the new issue:
– Keo looks at what went wrong for the Boks in New Zealand and Australia.
– From 2008 to the end of the Boks’ Tri-Nations tour this year, Bryan Habana had scored only eight tries in 27 matches, compared to 30 in his first 36 Tests from 2004 to 2007. SA Rugby magazine reveals why his try-scoring dip is a result of problems with the Springboks’ attack.
– Bakkies Botha‘s Test career has been marred by incident and bad blood. Has he become a liability to the Boks?
– James O’Connor is worth his weight in gold to the Wallabies. SA Rugby magazine charts his rise to the top, and finds out why he chose rugby union over league.
– Israel Dagg has made a big impression despite having limited Test opportunities for the All Blacks.
– A dual-referee system may do rugby more harm than good, and perhaps the best solution to prevent subjectivity is a move towards simpler laws.
– Francois Hougaard lives his life at breakneck speed. Nothing he does lacks full-on commitment. There are no half measures in his world.
– Solly Tyibilika went from Test to First Division rugby in less than a year and a half. SA Rugby magazine finds out what went wrong.
– Nick Koster believes he can regain the form that saw him selected for the Barbarians in 2008.
– EP Kings director of rugby Alan Solomons on transformation, keeping players in the province, and getting ready for Super Rugby.
– In 1994 Rwanda was a country mired in murder and mayhem. Now their wounds are healing and the nation’s rugby team is at the forefront of the reconciliation.
Click here to subscribe to print edition
Click here to subscribe to digital edition
74 Comments
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23 Aug 2010, 14:12 pm
@Alucard(Alucard)-48:
‘under jake it was direct, physical and it had direction’
Cheer up, says Jake
Bok coach Jake White told South Africans to
cheer up. No one died at Ellis Park on
Saturday.
White, addressing the media in Durban
ahead of Saturday ’s test season opener
against Scotland, said he was surprised at
the vitriol and backlash following the Boks
30-27 win against the World XV.
He acknowledged it was not a good game
of rugby, but he felt the criticism was over
the top.
“I don’t know, it feels like there is a lot
of doom and gloom going around. I don’t know why. It is almost as if someone
has died, said White. “Ellis Park was not a
great spectacle, it was not a great game of
rugby. But sometimes you get those, it
happens from all levels, from under-13
upwards. Not every game can be a great
spectacle, not every game can be all about
tries and running rugby Saturday was just
one of those games that happen every now
and then. ”
White said the fact that the Boks did not
score a try did not mean his team could not
score tries.
“Suddenly everyone is saying that we
cannot score tries, that we only score tries
from intercepts. I think we should hold
perspective, ” said White, who reminded the
media that a Bok team lost the series
against the Lions because they could not
kick goals … not because they could not
score tries.
He said his team would be capable of
scoring tries and creating enough pressure
to get over the line against Scotland.
He said
his side had scored six tries against
Scotland at Murrayfield in 2004, but that he
could not remember the critics being hugely
excited about it.
White’s memory, though, must have taken a
pounding from Tappe Henning’s whistle on
Saturday. When the Boks hammered
Scotland 45-10, playing with just 13 men at
one stage, the necessary plaudits were
delivered.
In the context of the match,
however, it may have seemed subdued
because the result came a week after the
32-16 pounding against England.
White, by all accounts, was defensive when
addressing the media, but if he talks about
perspective, then part of that is the
expectation of the Boks since he took
charge. The rugby public have a right to
demand a certain quality, based on what
the team has shown itself capable of
delivering.
White should not be worried by the
criticism of the 30-27 win against the World
XV. When critics start applauding that kind
of victory, then he should know he (and his
team) are in trouble.
I think maybe the expectations were
just too high before Ellis Park, but it was
never going to be a Uruguay type of game
(the Boks went on the rampage against
Uruguay in the opening match last
season).
White also said inexperience had cost his
team. However, this is a moot point. Those
drafted into the starting team hardly lacked
experience. Gaffie du Toit made his test
debut in 1998, Andre Snyman is one of the
most experienced test backs around, AJ
Venter has played test rugby since 2001,
Wikus van Heerden made his test debut in
2003, Deon Carstens played test rugby in
2002 and Albert van den Berg, Danie
Rossouw and Hanyani Shimange have all
been in his test squad since 2004.
This entry was posted on Monday, June 5th,
2006
23 Aug 2010, 14:48 pm
alucard
Hougaardt situation is comparable,he was also injured for 2 months after 3N with little Test experience in that tim period.only a dismal effort 8 months prior vs Italy in EOYT.But that kid has bigger cahonas than fat lip Ruan could ever have.
23 Aug 2010, 16:57 pm
WE NEED TO TEACH A DIFFERENT BRAND OF RUGBY AT PRIMARY AND AT HIGH SCHOOL. NO.01-15, LIKE THE ALL BLACKS SHOULD BE MOBILE, CATCH THE BALL IN WHICHEVER DIRECTION IT IS THROWN AT WHATEVER SPEED,TACKLE, PASS WHICHEVER DIRECTION, ABILITY TO THINK ON YOUR FEET CAN BE TAUGHT, SIDESTEPPING WOULD BE A BONUS IF SOME RUGBY PLAYERS WERE NOT SO RIGID and hopefully one can be taught to play with passion for a full 80 minutes. STRENGTH AND ENDURENCE CAN BE INCULCATED INTO AN INDIVIDUAL.
THIS GUY, RUAAN PIENNAR COULD AND SHOULD HAVE BEEN OUR NUMBER ONE FLY HALF TEST AFTER TEST, IN TIME HIS KICKING WOULD HAVE IMPROVED AND SOUTH AFRICA’S RUGBY PLAYING STYLE WOULD HAVE CHANGED FOR THE BETTER, WITH A THINKING SCRUMHALF AT HIS SIDE, SOUTH AFRICA WOULD BE THE COMPLETE PACKAGE.
23 Aug 2010, 18:19 pm
@Alucard(Alucard)-49: “He has played in every position except inside centre”.
In plain English, you say it like it is a bad thing.
I view this fact as a massive achievement at international level.
Versatility is a blessing, not a curse.
23 Aug 2010, 18:30 pm
Man can everyone stop sucking Ruan Pienaar’s d.i.c.k?! He always was on the bench because he’s not good enough to make the starting team. End of story. He’s not even that good. GET THE F@#K OVER PIENAAR!!!!!
23 Aug 2010, 18:36 pm
@rugbywriter(rugbywriter)-55: lol
24 Aug 2010, 01:47 am
Pienaar is a top scrum-half who is unfortunate his career coincided with an all time great in his position in Fourie Du Preez. It’s too his credit that he was still talented enough to be capped for his country in another two positions.
5 starts at scrum-half
7 starts at flyhalf
4 starts at full-back
27 sub appearances
6 tries
107 points
and a 70% winning record.
I don’t think he could’ve hoped for much better, if his goal-kicking under pressure was better he could’ve been the long term Bok 10 but it isn’t so he isn’t. Even if he were to retire now he can consider it a good test career but I wouldn’t be surprised to see him in a Bok shirt again once FDP retires.
24 Aug 2010, 01:52 am
@Big Hit(Big Hit)-57: * to his credit
24 Aug 2010, 01:58 am
@Big Hit(Big Hit)-57:
Bad player management………..started by “13-0″ Muir at the Sharks.
24 Aug 2010, 02:53 am
@Big Hit(Big Hit)-57: Spot on. His coaches did think he had all the natural talent in the world, that is why they went to so much effort to accomodate him in the team, despite him never being the no.1 pick in any position.
He says he was unhappy being shifted around positions, but I’m sure he would have even more unhappy if he was permanently benched behind FdP, or even out of the squad altogether behind FdP AND Ricky.
The whinger should take some responsibility for his own career.
- Don’t want to be 2nd scrummy choice behind Kockett at the Sharks? Move franchise.
- Don’t want to learn how to play flyhalf? Then don’t. But then don’t be surprised if you find yourself on the outer, behind a guy happy to play anywhere for his Bok jersey.
24 Aug 2010, 03:04 am
@DonutDunning(DonutDunning)-60:
Confident about the weekend?
24 Aug 2010, 03:33 am
@Slartibartfast(Slartibartfast)-61: Not sure what to make of it yet.
The backs will look more a lot more dangerous with Quade back at 10, but think the forward pack are still lacking too much power.
Ma’afu, Faingaa, Mumm and Brown all look to be punching above their weight at test level.
Will make a big difference to see Alexander, Tatafu, Horwill and Palu back, and Higginbotham in the mix too (he is still a little underdone after his injury).
Saturday’s loss to the ABs will either have steeled the Boks or crushed their spirit.
I am praying it’s the latter
24 Aug 2010, 03:41 am
@DonutDunning(DonutDunning)-62:
Yeah, I am not sure either. The Boks may come up with a big one to restore pride or just fall flat! Will have to see if PDivvie will make any required changes but I expect to see more of Spies and Habana which will NOT improve the team. If Juan Smith is not playing then you will have to back the Wallabies.
What changes are they talking about for the Wallabies, Quade back but what else?
Also, what is the latest on Quade? Did they just leave it all till they get back? Still can’t believe he is even considering it.
24 Aug 2010, 05:28 am
@Slartibartfast(Slartibartfast)-63: No big changes I have heard of. Simmons may replace Mumm starting at lock, Higginbotham may replace Brown at 8, or will at least be on the bench.
The backline will see Giteau move to 12, but other than that unchanged.
I was hoping Deans would stop the O’Connor at wing **** and start one of the wingers flown in (preferably Turner or McCabe), but looks unlikely.
I’m not sure how strongly Quade is considering the offer.
To me it just sounds like a lot of grandstanding from both his manager (to up his ARU offer) and from the NRL (showing they can reverse the tide of League stars heading to Rugby for the big bucks).
Sorry about the slow responses, not getting a lot of free time this morning.
24 Aug 2010, 05:55 am
@DonutDunning(DonutDunning)-64:
Not to worry, I know how irritating it can be when work interferes with blogging! I suppose until the injured players get back it is just about as good as it can get.
They looked okish in their last outing but Quade was sorely missed, he does make the backline cook.
24 Aug 2010, 06:12 am
@Slartibartfast(Slartibartfast)-65: Yeah he just offers that extra X-factor to a solid backline.
Other than their starting playes, all the backs really need now is just some time to develop combinations.
While 15 is Ashley-Cooper’s primary spot, I am looking forward to him getting a long stay in the 13 position (with Mortlock, Ioane and Horne all longterm injuries).
It took him a couple years to develop into a worldclass fullback, and I think he can easily do the same with consistent game time at outside centre.
24 Aug 2010, 06:31 am
@DonutDunning(DonutDunning)-66:
Sheesh, you think Mortlock actually expect to get back into the team at any stage? Is Ioane out till next year or will he be available for the EOYT?
Gits seemed to have got some form back…or should that be understanding of his #10 and looked good again. I agree, they will be a nice backline in 2011!
Any talk of Rodzilla getting back for next year? I hear they call him Rockzilla as he has turned in a more than useful prop overseas.
24 Aug 2010, 06:39 am
@Slartibartfast(Slartibartfast)-67: I think with the Wallabies lack of depth at 13 they would be stupid not to bring Mortlock back once fit, even in just a covering/mentor role.
Ioane looks like he will miss EOYT, another full shoulder Reco on the cards.
Will Chambers is another I hope is fit for the EOYT, has the size and speed to make a worldclass 13 given time.
I know Rodzilla has signed for the Rebels, will be interesting to see how he goes.
I haven’t heard much of him, but if he has developed he would be a welcome addition to the Wallabies to support Robinson and Alexander.
There are a lot of good young props coming through (Daley, Slipper, Kepu) but they look more like prospects for 2015, none are the complete package as yet.
If Giteau moves to 12 who do you think will cover the bench? Would Deans have Barnes and Faingaa there, or will one get the chop from the 22?
24 Aug 2010, 06:44 am
@DonutDunning(DonutDunning)-68: Haven’t heard much of Rod since he left to Europe I meant.
24 Aug 2010, 06:56 am
@DonutDunning(DonutDunning)-68:
Seems Deans like Faingaa but I think he will keep Barnes instead, makes covering 10 and 12 easier…and he can kick.
Mortlock look old and slow before his injury, I just can see him bringing anything more to the team, mentor maybe but not keeping another player out of the squad.
I saw an article on Rodzilla earlier this year where they were singing his praises, if he lost his baby fat and replaced it with a little muscle he should be fine!
24 Aug 2010, 18:11 pm
@DonutDunning(DonutDunning)-69: George Smith is playing very well for Toulon, was their man of the match last Friday.
11 Sep 2010, 04:28 am
A Bok jumper is a privilege, not a right. Get over it, Ruan, you don’t make the starting 15 at that level without injuries to them and yes…maybe Hougaard was selected next. TaGLaYS, b with an itch!
11 Sep 2010, 04:45 am
Don’t be suprised if players come back for this WC. It is going to be bigger than we can imagine, so losing a few is not a drama, the best will come back.
The Ozzies will be very strong if longstanding injured guys return.
Berrick will be good, Vaainga will attractive if the pack doesn’t perform and Mortlock is still unavailable.
Quade Cooper…I’d tell him to sign or FO! As an open side flank, he’s a feast/smorgasbord because he dances sideways. You only have to catch him a couple of times. But he obviously has some smarts.
3 Jan 2011, 21:13 pm
In my opinion I think Francois Hougaard is the best Scrumhalf in the world!!!
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