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, 11:08 am
@willievz(willievz)-48: heres another fact for you, we won the WC in 87… so your assumption that the ABs have never won one is way off the mark.. and I know, SA werent there… do you know why SA wrent there?
heres another fact for you Willie
your old guard peaked in 2009, and they are slowly but surely falling off the pace… Im so glad you guys are relying on them though… makes my7 heart warm to think your old guard wont get past Ireland in the 1/4s…
15 Jun 2011, 11:18 am
01. Beast
02. Bissie
03. Jannie
04. Rossouw
05. Bekker
06. Brussouw
07. Smith (c)
08. Big Joe
09. Du Preez (just ahead of Pretorius)
10. Butch
11. Basson
12. De Jongh
13. Fourie
14. JPP
15. F. Steyn
16. Mujati
17. Smit
18. Matfield
19. Burger
20. Alberts
21. Pienaar
22. De Villiers
And the WC is coming back home.
15 Jun 2011, 11:29 am
When asked about Butch, Jake White described him as the best defensive FH in the world. That was shortly after he said defense wins world cups. And shortly before he won the world cup.
Tactically Butch was a nightmare for opposition as part of the bok rush defence. The centres coming up quickly would force their flyhalf to risk an outside pass or face Butch (and Schalk). That pressurises
15 Jun 2011, 11:33 am
(to finish
… that pressurises their 9, 10, 12, leading to turnovers, fumbles, intercepts et al.
Key part of the JW doctrine of winning through defence.
For those that watched Butch at Bath there is little doubt that he’s a legit choice for bok FH in 2011.
15 Jun 2011, 11:36 am
@poppa69(poppa69)-51:
Why does that make your heart warm? If you won’t like SA then why are you here posting on a site filled with SA supporters?
15 Jun 2011, 11:39 am
@foreverrugga(foreverrugga)-50:
Too shallow a view. That won’t be a big problem if we are getting front foot ball, which we should be. SA will only have a problem if they disrespect the old mantra of earning the right to go wide and try to play too loose a game early. Steyn is the man to keep it controlled and tight while forwards grind them down. Bring Butch on later for some game time and hard contact, but save him for when we need him.
15 Jun 2011, 11:40 am
@Number15(Number15)-55: someones got to keep you arrogant b@stards on your toes..
15 Jun 2011, 11:45 am
@poppa69(poppa69)-44:
McCaw and Carter are your only real main stays. All the rest are replaceable bone headed meat.
So that means in 09, you were only missing Carter for the two games. He came back in the 3rd and made no difference.
@race of tan(race of tan)-47:
100%. 20 year old F Steyn came on and gave the game away. Boks dominated for 70 minutes and were heading for an easy win.
Face facts Poppa, Abs of 07 are a disgrace. Dan Carter crying… a grown man… crying over losing is just embarrassing.
SA world cups: 2
NZ World Cups: 0
15 Jun 2011, 11:47 am
What utter garbage. I suppose the systems in place under Dorkvilliers has no meaning? Never have our backline fired under the Dork. Blaming indovidual players is stupid. Just like blaming habana when no other wing has ever been successful under the Dork. Face facts butch will make no difference .we’ll get kicked out all the same because we have no system in place that could win the world cup again. thats why we’ve been playing like chumps for four years. get real.
15 Jun 2011, 11:47 am
@Kobus Kitty(Kobus Kitty)-58: speaking of bone headed meat, Hi kobus… the fact they had to play a lock in his first test is just one example, but Id never expect you to approach the situation fairly…
its in your upbringing to appear superior, when in fact your the complete opposite…
15 Jun 2011, 11:48 am
@poppa69(poppa69)-57:
Oh right, you get a rise from insulting people and seeing them react, I forgot. Do you do it in real life too or just behind the keyboard?
You do have a point about arrogance, I sometimes cringe when after one good game, or a S100 trophy the ‘fans’ come out. However, on the plus side, we never painted a plane green in preparation for a RWC win.
15 Jun 2011, 11:49 am
@Kobus Kitty(Kobus Kitty)-58: a new zealander that has grasp of the facts? bwahaahahahahaa!!!
15 Jun 2011, 11:50 am
@Blitzbok(Blitzbok)-62: How about that warm up against Canada in 07? They were losing at HT!! hehehe
15 Jun 2011, 11:50 am
@Kobus Kitty(Kobus Kitty)-58: KKK, the ABs have one world cup..
your father and his father and their superior views on human inequality and the resulting filth that brought meant the rest of the world RIGHTLY banned you racist mofos from competing, not our fault..
if you guys had half a shred of human decency you would have been invited in 87, but I just have to read your posts and IO realise SA hasnt moved on AT ALL from those very dark days..
WC’s
SA 2
NZ 1
3Ns
NZ 10
SA 2 or 3…
lets hiope you guys dont get to face Scotland at this years WC, we know how you guys travel against them too…
15 Jun 2011, 11:53 am
@Blitzbok(Blitzbok)-62: I think Ive grasped 1987 spot on the money… dont you?
15 Jun 2011, 11:54 am
@poppa69(poppa69)-64:
“I just have to read your posts and IO realise SA hasnt moved on AT ALL from those very dark days”
I guess SAns should aspire to be like you, where you can pass judgement on 40 million people based on a few comments in a blog. Inspiring stuff.
15 Jun 2011, 11:55 am
@poppa69(poppa69)-64: The molly-cuddled losers from Mudd Island. Land of the sheep molesters! NZ 47 penalties to a yellow card. South africa 5 to a yellow. Nz get the laws changed to suit their needs twice! (ie engineer a WC win! bwahahaha), have refs apologize for penalizing the cheating scums foul play (excusinf FIVE spear tackles in recent years!). Yes 10 TNs, and how much money to ensure they got it? Nz are the IRBs bum-boys. Accept the facts!
15 Jun 2011, 11:55 am
@Number15(Number15)-66: mate, Ive had my culture denigrated here often by plenty of people, so cry all you like…
15 Jun 2011, 11:57 am
@Blitzbok(Blitzbok)-67: SA 5 penalties to a yellow?
thats because you are bully boy neanderthals who dont have a brain … as the import of so many foreign coaches can attest too..
lets face it, the 07 WC should have Eddie Jones name engraved on it, not SA’s…
15 Jun 2011, 11:57 am
@poppa69(poppa69)-68:
Then they’re fools, and you join them. I don’t think I’m the one crying.
15 Jun 2011, 11:57 am
My picks for the weekend
Highlanders
Force
Chiefs
Canes
Brumbies
Bulls
Stormers
15 Jun 2011, 12:00 pm
@poppa69(poppa69)-69: Not so. 47 to a yellow for NZ tells me that they get away with murder. And it’s true, the secret to their success. SA get the flak but NZ are untouchable. how else could McCaw win the IRB POTY award after not having ONE adequate test that year? bwahahahahah!!! cheats, scum. Cowards.
15 Jun 2011, 12:02 pm
@Blitzbok(Blitzbok)-72: yeah I know, we should stop the SA refs from reffing our games, but then I guess theyre all on the take anyway, like Hansie, surely there cant be one honest person left in SA…?
15 Jun 2011, 12:03 pm
@coma(coma)-52: You have your 12 out of position at 15 and your luggage boy at 12. Need to rethink that, as well as P!ssmark at 2. Those weaknesses are too severe to retain the WC.
15 Jun 2011, 12:03 pm
@poppa69(poppa69)-69: Haters gonna hate.
15 Jun 2011, 12:04 pm
@poppa69(poppa69)-73: Definitely not in nZ either! sober up you chump. Why are you even here if SA is so krap and NZ so good? get lost chump!
15 Jun 2011, 12:08 pm
@Blitzbok(Blitzbok)-76: where have I said NZ is so good?
bwahahaha maybe thats just your own little insecurities chump…
15 Jun 2011, 12:10 pm
poppa69 – I apoligze for all this recists beloney. Come guys let keep this to rugga, the best sport in the universe.
The problem with the ABs is there is far too much pressure placed on them to win the RWC, again this year the ABs are clear favourites to win it again!!
I think Henry’s idea of playing his best each game is a good idea as it will focus all the players to play well so as to keep their place in the run on side and will get their focus off winning the RWC!!
As for the Boks. We don’t have a good coach or any outisde help this time to help us retain the cup. Boks will reach the semis no doubt, Ireland always barf at RWCs and then get kicked out.
We the Boks will be far too one dimensional come RWC time!!
15 Jun 2011, 12:13 pm
@race of tan(race of tan)-78: no need to apologise at all mate…
15 Jun 2011, 12:14 pm
@race of tan(race of tan)-78: racist? can i not defend my country? This ******* comes here mouthing off about us, but you call ME the racist. Take poppas d!ck out your mouth, then cone talk to me you *****.
15 Jun 2011, 12:15 pm
Butch James and Ruan Pienaar have both been playing well in European conditions. Experience that could come in in handy during the world cup. Knock out rugby on a wet and windy September evening in Auckland or Wellington will not be very pretty but Butch and Ruan will be good options – if not starting then on the bench to help close tight games out.
15 Jun 2011, 12:17 pm
@Blitzbok(Blitzbok)-80
bwahahahahah
bwahahahahaha
bwahahahahaha
lmfao… look at your comments about my country, then go away and think about it for quite a while, it obviously gets lost on you.. eish!
15 Jun 2011, 12:17 pm
@The_Don(The_Don)-81: only problem is that the Dork wil play Ruan at hooker, Butch at 8 and Smit driving the team bus. What a chop.
15 Jun 2011, 12:19 pm
@Blitzbok(Blitzbok)-83: lol
15 Jun 2011, 12:20 pm
@poppa69(poppa69)-82: no, im sick and tired of your NZ azzholes come on SA sites acting holier than thou. Im sick of your nations arrogance and the way you guys always start **** here. I have read many of your comments about South Africa and it’e people. You are nothing but but trash, at least have the balls to admit the facts openly.
15 Jun 2011, 12:22 pm
@Blitzbok(Blitzbok)-76: I’ve fallen for responding to Poppa on a number of occassions. It’s a waste of time in the end. He is just a Kiwi imitating a Whinging Pommie needing a case of immodium.
15 Jun 2011, 12:26 pm
@Blitzbok(Blitzbok)-85: and I have read many more times the utter **** about NZ on this very site, even if it is a SA site theres no need for it..
I notice you tolerate all thats said about NZ dont you? one only has to look at your reference to sheep and so forth… what, now you cant handle it when I stand up to you? bwahahahahahahaah
face it, if people on this very site were to show some respect to the international visitors, they might get that respect returned.. novel thought I know..
15 Jun 2011, 12:28 pm
@poppa69(poppa69)-87: Respect is earned and you have never earned it. And no, you aren’t representative.
Over and out.
15 Jun 2011, 12:28 pm
poppa’s just “returning serve”
15 Jun 2011, 12:28 pm
@poppa69(poppa69)-87: back to your gutter little rat! Get lost. Your not wanted or needed here. Leopards with leopards, rats with rats. Mudd Island you go.
15 Jun 2011, 12:29 pm
@Michael(mikeybrass)-88: what would you know about respect Michael?
run along now…
15 Jun 2011, 12:31 pm
@Blitzbok(Blitzbok)-90: dont mention rats, they eat babies in townships over there dont they?
that that should happen in this modern age says more than I EVER could..
15 Jun 2011, 12:32 pm
@poppa69(poppa69)-92: You heard it here folks, taking a swipe at impoverish blacks. how low can you get.
15 Jun 2011, 12:36 pm
@Blitzbok(Blitzbok)-93: Ignore him. I used to think Skop was the one mad in the head. This one is looney tunes.
15 Jun 2011, 12:37 pm
@Blitzbok(Blitzbok)-93: you really dont have a brain do you? trying to turn it all racial..
Im actually having a swipe at the affluent people that allow this type of thing to happen, like yourself.. how you can allow people to live in townships for a start is absolutely appallling, considering the natural assets your country has…
I can see your clutching now, the act of a desperate man…
15 Jun 2011, 12:37 pm
“Butch still Boks best bet”—- REALLY!!!?
Because the Lions are the favourite 2nd team of the Breezer bubble and Butch is the permissible latest faddy favourite, and because the Stormers have no flyhalf of note does not mean the Bulls, Sharks or even Free State dont.
Morne Steyn?
Lambie?
Jantjies? (Needs to sort his naughtiness)?
HELLLOOO – OOO!!!? Anybody awake in Stormer land…
You dumfks!
15 Jun 2011, 12:51 pm
@Blitzbok(Blitzbok)-80:
Nowhere did Race of Tan call YOU racist.
He was trying to get this thread back on track.
15 Jun 2011, 12:54 pm
@Blitzbok(Blitzbok)-85:
” im sick and tired of your (sic) NZ azzholes come on SA sites acting holier than thou. Im sick of your nations arrogance and the way you guys always start **** here…………………..”
Then F*** Off, cause we certainly aren’t going to.
8)
15 Jun 2011, 12:55 pm
@poppa69(poppa69)-95:
I take it you’ve done your time of charity work in Africa then if you’re throwing those sort of comments around?
15 Jun 2011, 12:58 pm
@Number15(Number15)-99: not in Africa no, Im not affluent enough to be able to afford that… but I do my share where I can..
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