Butch still Boks’ best bet
15 Jun 2011
JON CARDINELLI says Butch James has made a statement since returning to South Africa and one bad tackle hasn’t changed the fact that he remains the Springboks’ strongest flyhalf option.
James has featured in just five games for the Lions since leaving English club Bath, and his impact as a leader and innovator has been profound. He did well in tandem with Elton Jantjies at the crucial 10-12 axis, and when asked to assume the pivot responsibilities, he so nearly orchestrated a great upset over his former Sharks team-mates.
The Lions led the Sharks 30-9 after 60 minutes, but a late rally by the visitors saw the game ending in a dramatic draw. The Sharks scored a converted try through Pat Lambie before James was sin-binned for a dangerous tackle, and seven more points while they enjoyed a numerical advantage.
Another converted try levelled the scores, and so the Lions’ dream of ending a poor season on a winning note was crushed.
Much has been said in the aftermath about James costing the Lions the game. Some have even gone as far to say it’s a mark of things to come if the aggressive No 10 goes to the World Cup.
Those who are quick to judge James’s yellow card as the turning point conveniently forget that the Lions conceded tries either side of his sanction. They also choose to ignore James’s late drop-goal attempt that was charged down by Bismarck du Plessis.
Would James have been so harshly criticised had Du Plessis been a yard slower, and that kick had bisected the posts? Would there be such ridiculous statements about his tackling style costing the Boks’ in big games, or would those self-same pundits be praising him and touting him to win the World Cup in a similar fashion?
Kicking has long been perceived as James’s weakness, even though he’s averaged 83% as a goal-kicker for South Africa. On Saturday, he challenged that perception again by slotting six from six, some from extremely difficult field positions.
James’s attacking skills and bruising defence have been evident during his five-match stint with the Lions, but his kicking and overall game management have been equally impressive. He will be afforded starting opportunities in the coming Tri-Nations, and if he can build on his performances in the Super Rugby tournament, he will force Peter de Villiers to reconsider the decision to stick with Morne Steyn.
Both Steyn and James will go to the World Cup, with utility players like Ruan Pienaar and young Lambie providing further flyhalf options. The Boks will need a flyhalf who can play according to the situation, in other words, somebody who is equally capable of kicking for territory or bringing the backline into the game.
Steyn’s limitations were laid to bare in the Boks’ 2010 Tri-Nations campaign, and the Bulls have struggled on attack in 2011. Steyn kicked the cover off the ball in the Bulls’ most recent game against the Stormers as part of a specific game plan. These tactics won’t work against an All Blacks or Wallabies back three who have the tactical kicking ability as well as the counter-attacking means to hurt the Boks.
Selecting a first-choice flyhalf comes down to who offers the team more options in the big matches. The Boks will have a relatively easy ride through to the World Cup quarter-finals, and you’d back them to overcome Ireland in that fixture. Who then is the best No 10 to lead the charge when the Boks take on the All Blacks in the semis?
The argument that James was a poor kicker was flawed to begin with, and his recent performances for the Lions have put that myth to rest. Outside of his kicking, he will offer a sound defensive option and unleash a Bok backline that has been shackled for too long.
And for those who are worried about his tackling, just remember what an important role he played as a defender at the 2007 World Cup. James will be one of the Boks’ greatest assets at the tournament in New Zealand rather a perceived liability.
352 Comments
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15 Jun 2011, 05:42 am
Will the DRAGON’S knees hold up long enough? If so he is an obvious choice.
15 Jun 2011, 06:21 am
Just compare the Lions first game against the Sharks to the second one. Butch was easily MOM before the yellow and to be honest I don’t how Lambie got that award, because his magic only started against the 14 and when the Lions was back to 15 the momentum was with the Sharks.
15 Jun 2011, 06:27 am
I’ve never been a massive Butch fan but if he is playing well his experience will help. My concern is we need a good blend of youth if we sticking with the 2007 RWC old ballies. Experienced centres paired with young gun wings is the way to go in my opinion. Drop Habana for Basson
15 Jun 2011, 06:34 am
Butchie for the world cup. Lambie post the world cup.
15 Jun 2011, 06:36 am
Butch is a must for the WC, he brings a ruggered edge to the no 10 and also has some deft little touches. Still a bit of a headhunter tho……
15 Jun 2011, 06:42 am
I wasn’t a big fan initially but I must say he’s stood up to be counted, HOWEVER…he can’t have it all to himself. Him and Lambie need to be rotated throughout the tri nations and we can get a better idea of where Lambie’s at because personally I think Lambie offers more and has had to play next to possibly the worst midfield in the comp. Relying on Mr Metal knees is foolish.
15 Jun 2011, 06:53 am
Another JC article punting for players to replace incumbent Bulls Boks?
15 Jun 2011, 06:57 am
If I was a selector I’d take Morne and Butch to the RWC and play Morne in the big pressure games, and Butch against the opposition likely to try and knock players out cold…and we have at least 2 pool games against such opposition. We need to pick a team capable of beating those guys but dispensable in a way, as we are likely to see some head hunting during those games. Mark my words.
15 Jun 2011, 07:04 am
James is and gas to be the bok No.10!, for too long we’ve put up with this nonsense up and under from captain one dimensional stein, sure if we need to butch can kick and he will have the assistance if fourie du preez so I really think he is our best bet for flyhalf, but attacks the gain line well and ain’t scared of anyone, combining hi with fourie Jean and Jacques shows a backline of 2007 and we know that they will defend like trojans, add francious at 15 and 2 youthful wingers like aplon and mvovo who also attack and defend as well as any NZ or AUS back 3 and every team in the WC will fear us, back players on form and we’ll keep the trophy! Butch will make sa proud and he’ll dismantle somebody while he’s at it, can’t wait to watch it
15 Jun 2011, 07:06 am
@seabiscuit(seabiscuit)-9:
Gas?! Like in farting along?
15 Jun 2011, 07:21 am
Well he certainly showed last Saturday that the no 10 chanel is well guarded and he isnt worried about puttin in the big hits – like his attitude
15 Jun 2011, 07:44 am
Butch was very good against the Sharks. But come world cup time I want a flyhalf who kicks at 100%. Morne.
15 Jun 2011, 07:47 am
5 games without an injury…must be a record for butcher…
15 Jun 2011, 07:58 am
Butch was a mediocre flyhalf when at the top of his game, and he’s nowhere near that now in his dotage.
15 Jun 2011, 08:00 am
@TheTackler(TheTackler)-14:
You mean when he won a world cup winners medal? My colored friend, he was the best flyhalf in 2007.
15 Jun 2011, 08:03 am
Interesting…
Ricky Januarie’s move to France could potentially pave the way for Francois Hougaard to play for the Stormers next season. – Sport24
15 Jun 2011, 08:04 am
There are quite a few Doubting Doris’s that feel the veterans should all leave en masse…..and I will say it yet again…it’s the veterans that will see the Boks through to retaining the RWC.
15 Jun 2011, 08:05 am
@Kobus Kitty(Kobus Kitty)-12:
Another veteran that most bloggers are vilifying…yet he can win games on his own.
15 Jun 2011, 08:11 am
@ufo(ufo)-16:
Is he going over to play at prop or hooker?
15 Jun 2011, 08:13 am
Butch by far the best 10 for Boks imo.
M Steyn brings a 1 dimension game that will kill our chances
15 Jun 2011, 08:19 am
@Great White Shark(Predawn)-18: Can also lose them…
He is still my no.1 flyhalf for the WC with steyn coming on at the death, around 60 or 70 min, to make those all-important kicks if that becomes necessary. I love his attitude and, despite the penalties, the fact that on defense he can honestly make any opposition player his b**ch on any given day.
15 Jun 2011, 08:20 am
@Kobus Kitty(Kobus Kitty)-12: Butch won the kicking duel this last weekend. Steyn missed some sitters against the Stormers. When it comes to kicking one needs to look at the facts. Simple.
15 Jun 2011, 08:21 am
No problems with Butch @ 10
We are blessed with so much talent in almost every position. It’s all going to come down to combinations and form, come WC time. Use the Tri-Nations to try some new combo’s and increase our depth:
LH: Gurthro, Beast, Coenie, and Dean Greyling
HKR: Bismarck, Strauss, Smit, Ralepelle
TH: Jannie, Eugene van Staden, Werner Kruger, WP Nel
Locks: Bakkies, Elstadt, Vic, Bekker
Flanks: Brussow, Burger, Juan, Johnson, Strauss, Louw, Potgieter
8th: Vermeulen, Spies, Whiteley
SH: F du P, Pienaar, Hougaard
FH: Butch, Lambie, Steyn
Centre: JdV, Fourie, Strauss, Olivier, Hollenbach, JdJ
Wings: Basson, Habana, JPP, Mvovo, Mjekevu, Aplon
FB: Viljoen, Steyn, Taute
15 Jun 2011, 08:23 am
My first choice would be Morne Steyn – he has the coolest temprament in big matches and his kicking is superb. He´s imprved a lot on attack and defense lately.
Second up Butch for experience and mongrel and also a decent kicking optiion.
Lambie should go as fullback backup to Frans Steyn so should not be excluded by any means. This young guy can handle the pressure as well and always makes a difference every match. If Ruaan Pienaar somehow makes it into the squad as well we will have 4 options for flyhalf with Butch able to cover 12, Lambie able to cover 12 and 15 and Ruaan able to cover 9 and 15. Its almost the entire backline covered by 4 players – add in Houghaard who can cover 9/ 11/ 13/ 14 and the entire backline is covered by 5 players leaving the other 9 backline choices to be more specialist.
Lots of options – if you inlcude these they also cover more than one position – Aplon 11/14/15, Juan de Jongh 12/13, Frans Steyn 12/15.
15 Jun 2011, 08:29 am
@Cheetah 4 Eva(Cheetah 4 Eva)-23:
2 – Smit and Chilli no but Schalk Brits and Deon Fourie yes
3 Also Brian Mujati and possibly BJ Botha
4 and 5 you are totally leaving out one of the best in Danie Rossouw and Anton van Zyl too
8 I´d put Josh Strauss there
9 Sarel Pretorius? and you call yourself CHeetah4 ever?
10 possibly Sias Ebersohn too
13 Ebersohn?
14 Johann Sadie
Otherwise I agree
15 Jun 2011, 08:35 am
@XV(XV)-22:
Does Steyn usually miss any? No. He kicked a record 45+ consecutive kicks on the international stage last year. (A record)
15 Jun 2011, 08:40 am
@Slumtown(Slumtown)-25:
I have never rated Brits. To me Strauss is the best option. Accurate at the lineouts, and a very busy unit in the loose. Bismarck a physical presence, but sloopy in the lineouts .
Mujati, is been talked about, but he hasn’t been tested against the best of the SH
Agree, Danie would slot in as utility forward. Lock, and flank
Agree, Josh at 7 or 8
Sarel is a brilliant attacking player, but I dunno if he will fit in with the Boks pattern.
Both Ebersohn’s have stepped up to the plate, and are the future, no need to rush them in and possibly destroy their careers
Ditto Sadie.
15 Jun 2011, 08:49 am
@Kobus Kitty(Kobus Kitty)-26: And we lost a very good portion of those games…
Kicking is important but so is actually playing and going forward. He’s just not in the same class as Butch or even Lambie in that regard. If Butch is kicking reasonably well, let him start and Steyn on the bench in case kicking becomes the end all of the game.
15 Jun 2011, 08:55 am
How much does Butch pay this website for promoting him? I don’t even think Butch’s mother thinks he is as good as you guys claim him to be.
Solid player? Sure. Experience? Sure. Saviour of Springbok rugby and plante earth? Maybe not.
15 Jun 2011, 08:59 am
I like Butch, if his knees holds up, he must be on that plane to NZ
15 Jun 2011, 09:02 am
have the boks ever beaten the kiwis with butch at flyhalf?
neither have we ever beaten the ozzies away with butch at 10.
steyn has done both.
oh…and he holds ever superrugby record on offer for a 10.
one dimentional?
well, not as much as jon suurbek cardenellis journolism.
15 Jun 2011, 09:03 am
JC I tend to agree with you, especially considering that JDV and JF are earmarked as the midfielders.
The latter part of my statement is key here – combinations.
The fact that Butch attacks from closer to the gain line and can distribute and run straight in limited space will necessarily allow JDV to be more effective as he has less space to make up – because the opposition rush has less chance to catch him behind the advantage line.
The M.Steyn / JDV axis is the primary reason why we can’t score tries. And I disagree with bloggers who believe this is due to M.Steyn – give me a JDJ next to him and you will see an immediate difference.
15 Jun 2011, 09:07 am
@willievz(willievz)-32:
only center in sa that passes is meyer bosman.
never seen the hype withregards to jean de villiers.
15 Jun 2011, 09:12 am
Butch looks the part
Lambie’s hair is too pouffey namby pamby kiss-me-curls cherub anglelic. Needs to be roughed up a bit.
Lambie looks like he belongs in a stained glass window holding a harp.
Cut ‘n paste that
15 Jun 2011, 09:18 am
@Brigadier Van Zyl(Brigadier Van Zyl)-33:
I appreciate the fact that there are different types of inside centers who can fulfil a specific role on attack.
And to be honest, I don’t prefer a particular type on attack, as long as you select the right flyhalf to complement his game.
On defense – well, the 12 is often the first supporting player to arrive at the ruck (particularly on a rush) and often makes the first tackle on the ABs in a drift as their 13 takes the ball into collision on first phase.
Bosman is a player I have always rated, lots of versatility, but they do not utilise him efficiently at the Sharks. For a passing centre to come to the party you need a flyhalf that stands neither to deep nor to flat (which he has) but he is often asked to collide with defenses on first phase and then offload a-la SBW instead of looking for a pass on his inside and outside before colliding, which he does very well.
I would also have liked the Sharks to split their attacking lines more often with Lambie on one side of the ruck and Bosman on the other.
15 Jun 2011, 09:34 am
Not a bad call. He is no weaker than any of the other flyhalves we`ve got and he is the sort of guy that can rattle the opposition with his tough approach. Steyn kicks too much.
15 Jun 2011, 09:34 am
Butch has to start, with Morne on the bench for close games where we might need to tighten things up, play a percentage/territorial game and keep the three-pointers ticking over. But someone in the Bok set-up has to make it clear to him that any disciplinary indiscretions will mean it’s the end of his World Cup – we simply can’t afford to be restricted to 14-man play in any World Cup match. Perhaps this is where John Smit, famed for his ability as a leader and influencer in any team he plays in, will come to the fore and have a word…
15 Jun 2011, 09:35 am
@strepies(strepies)-36:
Carter kicks more than Steyn.
The difference is that Carter plays percentage rugby, while Steyn engages in the kick-chase.
It is all about playing the situation.
15 Jun 2011, 09:39 am
Butch has gone from Kak to improved… but in the land of Mediocrity this is excellent. The twat is three leagues below Elton Jantjies and the idiots can’t see it. Elton should take him aside and assist him with his tackling technique.. Elton might as well help on the coaching side of things if they are not going to take him to the world cup. We might as well get all the black stars on the coaching panels to assist with their less abled white counterparts who will be going to the world cup
15 Jun 2011, 09:39 am
Got to go.. but suck on that for a while
15 Jun 2011, 10:06 am
Butch should be in the squad and rotated on a horses for courses policy, have him in for games against the big boys from Figi and Samoa. Morne and Butch for RWC.
15 Jun 2011, 10:29 am
@Ace11(Ace11)-28:
We didn’t lose those games because of Morne Steyn.
Why then did we dominate so easily in 2009 with him there? Think about it. 2010 side was missing the majority of the Tri-nations 2009 side.
Boks were missing 8-10 starting players from 2009 Tri-Nations in 2010. I’ll name them if you want.
@Brigadier Van Zyl(Brigadier Van Zyl)-31:
“have the boks ever beaten the kiwis with butch at flyhalf?”
Yes….
15 Jun 2011, 10:34 am
BullDog15 – I agree. Right now Morne Steyn and Btuch James should be the RWC 10s. The Boks will also have Ruan Pienaar as another option, remember at RWC2007 RP was a super sub.
Lambie will be Bok 10 post RWC behind Morne Steyn still the No1 10!!
15 Jun 2011, 10:49 am
@Kobus Kitty(Kobus Kitty)-42: using the missing players excuse? Im sure you and Big Hit must have fun between the sheets planning your defensive strategies… I wonder which one of you is baaas though?
shame, in 2009 NZ wree missing many key players too, but you cant seem to grasp that simple fact..
heres another fact for you
In 2007, the ABs beat the WC winning bok side in SA during the 3Ns…
15 Jun 2011, 10:57 am
@foreverrugga(foreverrugga)-41:
The wrong way round. Morne Steyn would be a better bet against the PI nations because in that case we want a tight, controlled, forward dominated game where we take all points on offer. So kick and chase will probably be the call. Morne won’t shrug the tackles and is _not_ a hothead so less likely to do something stupid when the hard/high hits come in.
Butch is more tactically astute so important for the more difficult games where we will benefit from all the options he brings.
15 Jun 2011, 10:58 am
Brigadier Van Zyl – Interesting point. We have never beaten the ABs with Butch at 10. However 3N 2007 we were beating the ABs comfortabley with Butch at 10 and then he had to leave the field and F Steyn slotted in at 10 and we lost in the last 10 minutes, if Btuch had stayed i am sure we would have beaten the ABs well!!
I still think Butch & Steyn are the Bok flyhalves for the RWC. M Steyn has alot of experiencebehind him now!!! After years of terrible kicking flyhalves it is a comfort having a great kicking flyhalf like M Steyn!
15 Jun 2011, 11:00 am
poppa69 – We were beating the ABs comfortably with 10 minutes to go and then Btuch had to leave the field with F Steyn slotting in at flyhalf and everything went pear shaped!!!
15 Jun 2011, 11:01 am
Butch played 10 in Dunedin 2008. And was central to that victory from a tactical perspective.
@poppa69(poppa69)-44: Here’s another fact for you – you did not win the WC in 2007.
15 Jun 2011, 11:04 am
@Kobus Kitty(Kobus Kitty)-15: He was mediocre then, and he’s sub-mediocre now.
15 Jun 2011, 11:06 am
@Number15(Number15)-45: I think if faced with big boys from those teams they might focus on our inside channel and steam roll Steyn. I’ve seen him being run over before. Would rather have him against Wales and Nam.
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