Killing Kanko
24 Nov 2010
RYAN VREDE argues that Ryan Kankowski is guilty of letting himself down but appalling management and a patent lack of coaching are mitigating factors.
Just two years ago there was a raging debate about who of Pierre Spies or Ryan Kankowski should start at No 8 for the Springboks. Spies had one of his worst-ever Super Rugby campaigns, while Kankowski shone for the Sharks, prompting widespread calls for his inclusion.
However, Peter de Villiers banked on Spies but told the media that we were ‘blessed’ to have a talent like Kankowski in the wings. ‘There is no difference whether Spies or Kankowski plays,’ he added, ‘they’re equally good.’
Seventeen Test matches into his career and we’re still waiting for Kankowski to replicate his best Super Rugby form on the Test stage. Certainly he hasn’t strengthened his case for a run-on start in the limited opportunities he has received, but the cause of his mediocrity demands closer inspection.
Undoubtedly the Springboks’ pragmatic tactics don’t aid him and is the reason both he and Spies have struggled to assert themselves consistently at Test level. Nowhere was that more evident than against Scotland at Murrayfield on Saturday.
The Springboks began promisingly, playing through phases and attacking the channels around the ruck fringe. Kankowski would often be deployed at third or fourth phase, where he had time and space to attack a depleted defensive line. By utilising him in this manner the Springboks were harnessing his primary strength and extracting the greatest value from him.
Then inexplicably they started to kick away possession. Compounding their problems was the poor execution of those kicks. Kankowski, along with the team’s other primary strike runners, was rendered a virtual spectator for the remainder of the Test.
Furthermore, De Villiers argues that he has invested in Kankowski, but that investment amounts to 609 minutes of a possible 1 360. That seems reasonable for a second-choice eighthman.
However, the picture becomes clearer when you consider that 122 of those minutes were spent at blindside flank, a position he freely concedes he is not suited to, 86 of those minutes were against lowly Italy and those 80 minutes were in the dead-rubber third Test against the British & Irish Lions in 2009. Tests against Wales and Scotland account for a further 215 minutes.
De Villiers’ estimation of the player was further questioned when he selected Joe van Niekerk ahead of him for the Test against Wales in June. Van Niekerk would not be selected again in 2010.
In fact this year Kankowski has suffered most from his coaches’ clear lack of vision and unwavering belief in an off-form Spies.
Barring the Scotland Test on Saturday, he’s started once, at blindside flank against Australia in Perth, and was woeful. Only twice has he played in two successive matches. When announcing his team to play England, De Villiers called Kankowski the Man of the Match against Scotland, but still omitted him from the match 22 for Twickenham.
It’s not just flawed and stifling tactics and a lack of game time that irks. It is also that Kankowski clearly hasn’t been schooled in the the nuances between Super Rugby and Test rugby. His running lines and positional play don’t differ, which is a poor reflection on the Springboks’ coaching staff.
Willem Alberts is De Villiers’ new plaything. When Heinrich Brüssow returns, Kankowski’s international career will stall. The treatment he has received is abominable. A player of his calibre deserves better.
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189 Comments
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24 Nov 2010, 05:35 am
kanko – exciting S14 player, Unfortunately a full time Bok – i don’t think so.
i am not sure any form of management would have given us a different outcome. With th wealth of talant at 6, 7,8 he probably own’t travel to the WC in 2011. The only beneficiary willbe him. Who would want to be part of this embarrasment anyway.
24 Nov 2010, 05:45 am
Its so sad when you think back when everyone was so excited to see him play for the boks. I remember commentators singing is praises during the Super 14 all year before he became a bok. Its been years and just like Pienaar he never got his groove in the national team. Management definitely is part of the reason players like Kanko never reached their potential. An obsession with Spies is another reason.
24 Nov 2010, 05:58 am
If a players needs to be coached to teach him how to pass the ball, pick from a ruck and find a groove in his position he should not be in the team. Willem Alberts got two opportunities to shine and he did. I’m tired of these primadonnas. I thought the primadonnas came from CT now I see its shifted to DBN. Ruan, Frans, Barrit, Kankowski all crying over opportunities many would die for. But hey, a sense of entitlement and victimisation will always flow if their attitudes remains the same. I’m not sure if that’s good for team ethics.
For pure 8th Man play, these are my choices:
- Duane Vermeulen
- Willem Alberts
- Pierre Spies
- Schalk Burger
- Ryan Kankowski
24 Nov 2010, 06:06 am
Is this article saying that the Boks should play a running gameplan to allow Kankowski to shine? Kankowski got 10 hours of rugby time and he still couldn’t shine? Also does is the combination of Kankowski, Smith and Burger better than the combination of Spies, Smith and Burger?
24 Nov 2010, 06:32 am
Kanko like Lambie and Mvovo will be ruined by the clown coach. If you have the proper game plan and tactics in place organised by the best coach for the Boks, things will certainly change.
Right now the Boks have 15 thoroughbreds but what’s the use if their talents are negated by a kick and chase game.
24 Nov 2010, 06:34 am
With his speed, size, skills and flair, he would be great wing. If 18 year old George North from Walls is a great prospect then Kankowski can certainly match him.
24 Nov 2010, 06:35 am
Kanko would be an absolute winner if he played for the AB’s
24 Nov 2010, 06:41 am
What’s interesting is that players like Kanko play rugby league. He has the size and speed to be a brilliant athlete doing exactly what he does for The Sharks but his natural talent for running at speed off third or forth phase ball is not being utilised by this so called coach.
de Villiers simply does not have vision. If he was a real student of the game he’d take the individual players and work towards their strengths. The Kiwis and Aussies do it effectively.
24 Nov 2010, 06:43 am
Kankowski wasn’t ruined be the coach anymore than Gary Botha, Wynand Olivier, Neil de Kock or any other backup Bok was. Gary Botha actually has a much stronger case for complaint, given that two quota hookers who play behind him at provincial level have consistently been picked ahead of him at the Boks. But even so, Bismark would still have been the first choice.
In Kanko’s case there are simply better eighthmen than him at the Boks.
Sorry, but its reality. He shouldn’t even have played against Scotland.
24 Nov 2010, 06:46 am
Correct JC, Kanko is in the same boat as WO … he is a good provincial player and that’s all. Test rugby is not for him.
24 Nov 2010, 07:05 am
Matter of opinion, what ryan gives you on attack (which is debatable) you most definitely lose in the tight, he is never going to clear a ruck for you or be physical enough to carry the ball around the rucks, he is not test match material and with the rise of Alberts and Vermuelen we will see the end of his test career.
24 Nov 2010, 07:16 am
Kankowski was badly treated this year, having to play 7, a position which he has rarely played provincially. However, he has even less mongrel than Spies does. I was shocked to see him chosen against Scotland. He is a flat track bully, who works well when there is go forward ball, onfast fields in open games, but does little to secure that ball, and isn’t particularly strong on defence either.
I am not convinced that it is Snor’s fault that Kankowski hasn’t developed a more aggressive, physical playing style, and I think he was done a diservice to be selected for this tour.
24 Nov 2010, 07:32 am
@stand-off(Braders) : I think it is too late to shift him to wing now, but, more so than Spies, I think he is a natural wing. He has good feet, pace and acceleration and also runs towards space.
Does any-one know where he played at school? Did he ever play in the backline?
24 Nov 2010, 07:42 am
@WOLFMAN21(WOLFMAN21) : how is being asked to try one’s hand at a different position being ‘mistreated’? Keiran Read started as 6 at the Crusaders, now he is arguably the BEST 8 in the world currently.
24 Nov 2010, 07:44 am
You guys cannot be serious with this wing talk. Honestly that must be just a wet dream for you. Kanko is not THAT talented and is not a Jonah Lomu.
24 Nov 2010, 07:46 am
WORKMAN21:
He was at St Andrews College and as far as I know, he was a loosie.
He’d be a great wing. Play him there at S14 and watch the fireworks
24 Nov 2010, 07:47 am
Jean de Villiers was pushed to wing when Jake started. Danie Rossouw was pushed to 8th man. Francois Hougaard was pushed to wing. Habana was moved from 13 to 11. CJ van der Linde was asked to move from 3 to 1. Juan de Jongh was moved from 13 to 12. Ryan moves from 8th man to 7 (blindside) and he cannot adapt???
24 Nov 2010, 07:48 am
@Transformation(Transformation) : Read and Kankowski are different players. Kankowski rarely plays 7 at provincial level (has he ever?) and Kankowski is not adapt at performing the hard graft which is necessary of a 7 at international level.
Thats the whole point – his skill set is limited – great with space, outwide on fast tracks with good ball, terrible in close, doing the physical grunt, as is recquired of a 7, especially at international level, and especially in a Bok side which is struggling to secure ball.
Read had the skills to play 6, Kankowski doesn’t have the skills to play 7.
It isn’t about changing your game plan to match the players, its about choosing the correct players to play your gameplan.
24 Nov 2010, 07:54 am
@WOLFMAN21(WOLFMAN21) : if that is the case then, he can wait for games against the usa & italy because we can’t afford a showpony that only can play when the game is open and he can only prance around…kanko has to improve himself & his game to fit into Bok rugby and not the other way round!
24 Nov 2010, 07:54 am
@RugbyStudent(RugbyStudent) : As already stated, it all depends on the skill set of the players – if they are able to make the transition.
You aren’t going to move Olivier or Januarie to the wing (as was done with Hougaard and de Villiers) because they don’t have the pace. Bakkies isn’t going to go to 8 because he doesn’t have the skills.
Just because some people have transitioned to other positions, doesn’t mean that every-one should be able to, and especially not at the highest level.
Kankowski doesn’t have the skills to play at 7, especially not with Spies at 8, as happened during the Tri-Nations.
Not every positional change works – ask Mark Gerrard, who played at 10 for a couple of games, or Giteau at 9, Donald at 12, Toeva at 13, George Smith at 8, Mortlock at 12, Jorrie Muller any-where on the field etc.
24 Nov 2010, 07:56 am
@Transformation(Transformation) : I agree completely – he was a shocking selection for this tour, and also a shocking selection for the Tri-Nations. His selection, more than that of any other player, illustrates to me that Snor has little idea what he is doing.
24 Nov 2010, 07:56 am
@WOLFMAN21(WOLFMAN21) :
In fact to be honest the blame that PDivvie is getting in this should not be directed at his preference for players but for him not sticking to his gameplan in 2008. He should’ve said, right my style is to play the situation so I’ll pick those players. Now he is stuck with a gameplan that requires loosies to play like their in the tight 5 and are not links in the moves.
24 Nov 2010, 07:57 am
Kanko has never been given a proper opportunity at Test level, and those that say he has are deluding themselves.
Spies was given as much time as he wanted to settle into the squad, and he had any number of nightmare games during that period (debut 49-0 vs Australia kinda says it all). The same can be said for Wynand Olivier and Zane Kirchner. Gary Botha is actually third choice hooker for the Boks, so that comparison cannot be made.
Kanko has not been given the consistency of selection that allows a player to develop into the Test environment. Sure, there are outliers like Steyn (both of them), Alberts, Habana, that seem to possess the ability to simply slot in at Test level and play their game, but these guys are very far from the norm.
Ultimately, it was his bad luck that he was to be selected behind Spies, that happens all the time. However, to say that he does not have the aptitude for Test rugby after not being given the time nor correct management, to be selected out of position and then operate in a game plan contrary to his stengths, is grossly unfair to the player at the very least.
24 Nov 2010, 08:01 am
@BuckRogers(BuckRogers) : He shouldn’t have been selected because his strengths are outweighed by his weaknesses, especially at test level.
His line breaks are irrelevant if, as an eighth man he can’t muscle up in the tight. Same thing goes for Spies, but Spies still offers more in the tight than Kankowski does.
24 Nov 2010, 08:04 am
Kanko performs best when he is linking with a backline. This is something that is NOT going to happen with PD as coach as PDiddy doesn’t even know what a backline is.
For reference sake – Kanko scored the highest player rating when he played at blindside against OZ
Oh and did I mention he owned Mr Spies in the Semi Final of the currie cup and then Duane Vermeulen in the final
24 Nov 2010, 08:05 am
Last comment – I don’t know how you can expect a player to perform when he gets little game time. When was the last time he had two consecutive run-on’s in a row
24 Nov 2010, 08:10 am
I disagree with the assertion that he is not suited to play a tighter role.
If all of the above holds true then why in most critics opinion was he was of our standout players vs Scotland, a game that was
as tight as it comes and didn’t suit his running strengths at all.
Its the lack of coaching in the bok setup, the fact that he is being asked to play in a brand new loose trio, and of course the complete absence of any discernable game plan that are making Kankowski seem out of depth.
And tell me, since when (prior to this tour) has Spies set the world alight in a tighter test match…and has he genuinely set the world alight in test rugby in general??
24 Nov 2010, 08:14 am
@Byron@inhep.com(Byron@inhep.com) : For the Boks? I don’t know – and it doesn’t really bother me all that much.
No player deserves to be selected, or to take 10 games to prove he can make it at the international level.
In my opinion, Kankowski doesn’t have the skills to play number 8 (or 7) at international level, and even if he plays 20 games, he still won’t be as good as Alberts or Vermeulen, or SPies.
24 Nov 2010, 08:18 am
@MacToogie(MacToogie) : And Spies gives your more in the tight?? Come on. Did you watch the semi’s and the final of the CC or even the Scotland game? Kanko got through a lot of tight, hard graft but you probably didn’t see it because the guys doing the hard graft usually goes unnoticed. Kanko has improved greatly in the tight game. having said that I would still prefer Albert over both Spies and Kanko. Kanko’s defense is also miles more effective than Pierre(bounce off me) Spies.
24 Nov 2010, 08:21 am
@pokkel(pokkel) : spot on
24 Nov 2010, 08:21 am
surely if you see someone run with the ball he must be good…
24 Nov 2010, 08:22 am
@Neilster(TNUC EHT) : scotland, tight as they come? hahaha
24 Nov 2010, 08:26 am
@pokkel(pokkel) : did i mention Spies? did i say he is good in the tight or loose? no i didnt, but i do think he is a better option than Kank, but i do believe Vermuelen and Alberts is where our future 8′s lie, Alberts has done more in his limited time on the field this season than Ryan has done in 3 years under Divvy. some guys have what it takes to make an impression at test level, Ryan, so far, has not stepped up.
24 Nov 2010, 08:29 am
Killing Kanko?
Dont tell me some disgruntled cougar has put a hit out on him too?
This practice needs to be discouraged.
24 Nov 2010, 08:30 am
@MacToogie(MacToogie) : Then we agree…mostly. I have always wanted to see what Kanko can do as a 13. I know it will never happen but he has good hands and runs INTO gaps and has more than enough pace.
24 Nov 2010, 08:31 am
@MacToogie(MacToogie) : dont bother…kanko needs a continuous run of tests to prove himself yet thoroughbreds like alberts need 20 minutes
24 Nov 2010, 08:32 am
Kankowski was the standout no 8 in the semi and the final of the currie cup. Of that there is no doubt.
He dominated the Spies and the Bulls in the wet in Durban (not quite like Alberts did but then again no one has dominated a rugby game like he did that day.)
Did Vermuelen even play in the final? That is an honest question, I cant even rememeber him being on the field. I do remember Kankowski making yards all day and then running from the back to release Mvovo down the wing at one stage.
Kankos problem has always been all the momentum and match fitness he’s built up over the season is stopped dead in its tracks when he sits on the bench for a month with the boks while Spies gets tackled back by scrumhalves and fails to make important tackles whilst floating aimlessly in the centres.
Even so, he was my man of the match along with Juan Smith on Saturday.
If he is nothing more than a provincial player as some of you state, fine by me. He can continue dominating ‘test match quality’ no 8s in the S14 and Currie Cup for the Sharks.
No problem.
24 Nov 2010, 08:33 am
Wat sê ‘n bloubul as hy die oggend langs sy meisie wakker word? Goeie more tannie!
24 Nov 2010, 08:33 am
Again it was this website that called for a prgmatic approach through out 2008/2009!!! Now they want running rugby? Jeex guys how does your mouths taste? Because you are surely talking s…
24 Nov 2010, 08:34 am
can’t “entirely” agree with this article …
if you blame management for Kankowski’s Test level performance (or lack there of) …
… then you should also congratulate them for Willem Albert’s awesome performance …
So you can’t be blaming them for one thing and be blinded by the other …
Same with Wynand Olivier … vs Juan de Jongh …
they had plenty of opportunities at Test Level but did not fulfil or transfer their Super Rugby/Currie Cup form onto Test level …
Pierre Spies over Kanko
Juan de Jongh over Wynand Olivier
Take your Test opportunities when they come .. and Treat them like it’s the last time you will get to play Test Rugby …
24 Nov 2010, 08:34 am
@pokkel(pokkel) : then he must play 13 for the sharks not the springboks
24 Nov 2010, 08:35 am
also … Heinrich Brussow even with one hand tied behind his back will be better than Stegman … Eish !!!
24 Nov 2010, 08:36 am
@gunther(gunther) : saffa players and milfs
24 Nov 2010, 08:37 am
@Transformation(Transformation) : haha!
24 Nov 2010, 08:38 am
@Transformation(Transformation) : Agree hundred percent…Kanko is to skinny for test rugby, went and played against Italy, first touch and he was knocked on his backside by a lock and carried off.
Kanko has had enough chances, Spies is bigger, faster and stronger! Why have the same type of player on the bench?
On the bench you want different type players then the starting 15. Spies not working in a certain game then you want an Alberts or Russouw to come on.
I don’t understand Kanko’s inclusion at all as he has never impressed at test level and most of his starts have been against sencond tier international teams!
24 Nov 2010, 08:39 am
@Two Eyed(Two Eyed) :
24 Nov 2010, 08:39 am
@John Galt(John Galt) : Well said sir!
24 Nov 2010, 08:40 am
@Jughead(Jughead) : Yup, Stegman had his shot and failed not by much but the boks have a history of outstanding no 6 flankers and Stegman does not make the cut.
First choice no 6 flankers:
Brussouw
Burger
Flouw
24 Nov 2010, 08:41 am
Kanko and Spies have really not shaped up to the new laws as the Bok team do not play to their strengths and style
24 Nov 2010, 08:41 am
@BreakdownBoy(goodstuff) : Bigger, faster, stronger – you must a bulls fan.
What about seeing space, linking with backline, ability to read a game on defense?
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