Meyer must trust his gut
1 Jun 2012
MARK KEOHANE, in his Business Day column, says the Springbok side for the first Test against England pretty much picks itself.
Given the injury situation, Fourie du Preez is the obvious choice to captain the Springboks against England.
Heyneke Meyer has always been emphatic that his captain will be a player he trusts, a player who makes the starting XV, and a player who will give him comfort as he eases his way through his first international head coaching experience.
Meyer has trusted his gut and he should never waver from this. So many coaches have compromised, tried to please a certain province, a certain media or a certain sector of the public, failed and regretted not doing it their way. I hope Meyer stays true to his gut feeling on what represents a match 22 good enough to win without much coaching in the Test opener against England in Durban.
Meyer would have had three training sessions with the match 22 before that first Test. To pick a bunch of young guns would be a recipe for disaster. A coach builds over four years, not in his first week.
Some will argue that Meyer’s selection will be biased and favour the Bulls. Others will argue that it is a conservative selection and some will never be pleased because of his history with the Bulls. I see any selection Meyer makes, based on his comments to the media and several discussions with him in recent months, as the most logical to see off an England challenge that will be dangerous in the first Test but should get easier as the series progresses.
Injuries have ensured Meyer’s ideal XV won’t start and he may well find his ideal XV never starts in the next four years. He won’t be the first Bok coach to experience that kind of frustration. He won’t be the last.
Crucial to the first Test will be the performance of Bismarck du Plessis, Pierre Spies and Willem Alberts. If these experienced players show the necessary application, attitude, physicality and brutality, there will be enough of a platform to fashion a victory.
I am not expecting anything but a workmanlike display in the first Test, with an emphasis on protecting the ball, playing field percentages and attacking the defensive vulnerability of England’s halfback pairing, who ooze talent but aren’t blessed with natural physicality.
I don’t rate England a top-five side. I think their struggle against physical packs like those of Scotland and Italy is more indicative of their limitations than the smashing of an Irish team that lacked the oomph up front to threaten at Twickenham.
SA will produce a decent pack, which will get stronger once internationals like Schalk Burger and Juan Smith return.
Du Preez, given the lack of Test match experience among the forwards, was an obvious choice to calm the nerves and implement a percentages match against England.
The side, on form, pretty much selects itself. Morné Steyn has done more than enough to play the master tactician at flyhalf and while he will always have a defensive issue at Test level it has seldom been exposed because so few teams dominate the Boks physically.
Frans Steyn and Jean de Villiers are formidable in the midfield and Meyer won’t look beyond the experience of Bryan Habana and JP Pietersen on the wings. As the international season unfolds he will tweak in areas like the back three and there will be more of an integration of new faces than a discarding of the old.
Meyer has been consistent that 2012 is about winning Tests and building a winning culture. He will think about 2015 in 2015 and if his selections have been consistent between now and the next World Cup, it will be a squad that rewards form, youth and experience that arrives in England with conviction and not just the hope that came with the reputation of those who failed in New Zealand last year.
I’d start with Pat Lambie at fullback, but Meyer may feel pressured to pick Zane Kirchner because of a lack of black representation in his match 22. It’s an awful situation because Kirchner has played well enough to be picked on merit, as have Juan de Jongh and Chiliboy Ralepelle. But others, who just happen to be white, have also played at a standard that makes a healthy case for inclusion.
Meyer will be a bundle of nerves in his first Test and that is why Du Preez and De Villiers, more than any other players, will be more influential and instrumental in Durban than any of the coaching staff.
Meyer has been very clear that in the first Test he wants to be judged on the win and that the style of play will evolve over the season. Again, it is the most logical of statements that deserves the most logical of acknowledgment from the country’s fanatical support base.
249 Comments
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1 Jun 2012, 15:56 pm
@Transformation(Transformation)-87:
agreed.
i would say all of aplon, joe p and kirchener are better out of hand kickers than lambie is.
but i’m specifying solely on the fb role/position.
1 Jun 2012, 16:01 pm
@houston, we have a problem…(i_love_u_bakkiesbotha)-101: did you see the way aplon hit that line for the “forward pass” try last weekend?
lambie doesn’t possess that kind of gas…you look at boys like andre taylor and kurtley beale who are weapons on attack…lambie is SOLID at best and threatening.
1 Jun 2012, 16:08 pm
@houston, we have a problem…(i_love_u_bakkiesbotha)-101: the All Blacks have a “ricky” situation on their hands
Hansen’s first big call: To axe woeful Weepu
MARK REASON
Last updated 05:00 30/05/2012
OPINION: Steve Hansen’s first big decision as the All Blacks coach is to drop Piri Weepu. It doesn’t matter if the World Cup scrum-half is now marginally slimmer than Homer Simpson. It doesn’t matter if Weepu has met his “targets”. All that matters is the fact that Weepu hasn’t played any decent rugby this year. That is not good enough for an All Black.
1 Jun 2012, 16:15 pm
I look at this article and wonder whether you and Bobby Skinstadt were seperated at birth. How England is written off – defensive vulnerability of halfback pairing, but Morne’s similiar weaknesses are being brushed aside. I see that Heyneke Meyer is also getting all the kudo’s. I’ll keep watching this space.
1 Jun 2012, 16:17 pm
Got to laugh at Keo and his “transformative” agendas…
Got to laugh at his hypocrisy…
Keo the racial equality crusader…
Yet, have a look at Keo TV, have a look at the picture of Happy Smiley faces… 2 Blonde, very white Transvestites, 1 Blonde white Percival, 1 very White poisonous gnome and 1 white Ryan Vrede…
No “ethnic” Black African in sight…
What a farken larf…
Talk about Talking Left and Walking Right…
1 Jun 2012, 16:19 pm
@Transformation(Transformation)-102:
yip, agreed on lambie.
i really like the boy and he is absolutely solid as a player whether its at fh or fb but as the ozzies say ‘he doesn’t have the gas’ for fb and to my mind doees not have the best out of hand kicking either for the type of full back sa rugby wants / and the type of game plan the boks play.
oh what i’d give for a christian cullen type fb to grace the boks.
1 Jun 2012, 16:20 pm
Keo TV obviously has”Transformation”, Cape Town style in mind…. No “refugees” in sight
1 Jun 2012, 16:20 pm
@Transformation(Transformation)-103:
my heart say hansen’s gonna fark the ab’s up.
1 Jun 2012, 16:22 pm
@houston, we have a problem…(i_love_u_bakkiesbotha)-106: Ag, you talking out of your Pink Koei ruminantarsehole man… The only FB that Lambie doesnt match for speed in SA is Aplon… Then again Aplon is a wing too… and as a wing he is not the fastest… Both Mvovo and JPP strip him for pace.
1 Jun 2012, 16:24 pm
@houston, we have a problem…(i_love_u_bakkiesbotha)-108:
hahahahaha why? tl tl tl
1 Jun 2012, 16:26 pm
@Heavens Game(Heavens Game)-109: i don’t know hey, a dash between aplon, mvovo & jpp?
i think jpp would be eating dirt regardless.
1 Jun 2012, 16:29 pm
@Transformation(Transformation)-111: First 10 m JPP might be behind, but I could almost guarantee you at 25m, another gear.
Over 40-50m sprint:
JPP
Daylight
Mvovo
Aplon
Over 10-15
Mvovo
Aplon/JPP
1 Jun 2012, 16:40 pm
Whatever they decide on Lambie’s future must be decided now and in full consultation of him (Lambie) and all his coaches. I think his best position is at 10/12. He is solid enough at 15, but will never be extraordinary.
His current ranking at 10 and 15 is -
15) Aplon, Lambie
10) Goosen, Steyn, Lambie
But he must sit down with Plum and Heyneke and demand clear answers about what they expect from him. He should also make it clear where he sees himself.
1 Jun 2012, 16:46 pm
@houston, we have a problem…(i_love_u_bakkiesbotha)-108:
won’t happen we both know that, besides he’s still got Ted and Waynes phone number just in case
1 Jun 2012, 16:52 pm
@NZINCHINA(NZINCHINA)-114: INTERESTING…
Name changes for Maori, Sevens
1/6/2012 3:00 AM
All Blacks’ name status is to be conferred on the New Zealand Maori and New Zealand Sevens teams in future.
The New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) announced on Friday that the name changes which will see the teams referred to as the Maori All Blacks and the All Blacks Sevens, will come into effect later in the year.
The Sevens will first use the new name when the IRB Sevens circuit begins while the Maori will use their new name on their end of season tour to the Northern Hemisphere.
NZRU chief executive Steve Tew said: “This recognises a commonly held perception the world over, whether it be fans, sports media and, at times, other rugby unions and tournament organisers.
“Both teams already wear a black jersey and the identical silver fern; this name change simply catches up with how many people already see these teams as being linked to the All Blacks.”
The changes would also expand the commercial and partnership opportunities available to the NZRU to provide funding for all levels of the game in New Zealand.
“We need $100million a year to sustain our national game, to produce and retain the best players in the world and to keep making the community game attractive to young players, but opportunities are more limited in New Zealand and the economic climate also makes it very challenging,” Tew said.
More opportunities for international companies to associate with the All Blacks would result with the greater global reach.
“The All Blacks Sevens and Maori All Blacks can do that by flying the All Blacks’ flag virtually around the world throughout the year. They are both wonderful ambassadors for our game,” he said.
“From Las Vegas to Dubai, the Sevens teams plays in more places, more often than the All Blacks.
“The next season extends from October to May and will be longer in coming years as more tournaments are added. As well, the Olympics provides a fantastic new opportunity on the biggest sporting stage in the world,” Tew said.
There would be no greater place to showcase the All Blacks style of rugby to the world that at the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro when Sevens makes its Olympic debut in 2016.
“Likewise with New Zealand Maori. We see them as also carrying the All Blacks’ message around the world. We are now working on securing sponsorship and support to put in place a regular overseas touring programme,” he said.
The definition of an All Black would not change. To be recognised as a capped All Black a player must take the field in a 15-a-side Test match.
“But by taking these steps we can better sustain the game we love, continue to produce winning All Blacks and ensure New Zealand rugby continues to be the powerhouse of world rugby,” Tew said.
1 Jun 2012, 16:54 pm
@Transformation(Transformation)-115:
I see the kiwis lost 31 bar hosting the best world cup ever.
1 Jun 2012, 16:55 pm
HEY
Reyhan aint white
1 Jun 2012, 16:57 pm
NZ finally seeing the All Black light???
1 Jun 2012, 16:58 pm
@The Sharks rugby pedigree is packaged as dog food(The Sharks rugby pedigree is packaged as dog food)-64: Good point
1 Jun 2012, 16:59 pm
@Transformation(Transformation)-115:
smart move, leverage off the biggest name in world rugby and make more money
@the artist formerly known as gunther(gunther)-116:
ok 95 was the best ever happy now
1 Jun 2012, 17:16 pm
stormers to get a klap tomorrow
dawn will try and drown her sorrows with a papsak of outie juice as per usual
1 Jun 2012, 18:08 pm
@Tacitus(Deucalion)-7:
I’ve got a surprise for you when it comes to Kankowski, Deysel and Taute. I know you don’t rate them. But somebody else does.
1 Jun 2012, 18:13 pm
@Transformation(Transformation)-12:
HM rates Lambie as a better 15 than a 10.
1 Jun 2012, 18:36 pm
@IAAS: all well & good then…lambie it will be.
Can’t have the ‘future of SA rugby’ sitting idle now can we?
1 Jun 2012, 18:42 pm
Congrats Mark Keohane. Spoken like the white racist you are.
1 Jun 2012, 18:46 pm
@IAAS(I am a stormer)-123:
I think it is more due to having Steyn and Goosen at 10. He can also fall back on Grant, Jantjies, and so on.
But I can’t speak for the coach.
1 Jun 2012, 18:47 pm
@Transformation(Transformation)-124:
But he did say that Kirchner has the inside track right now as HM reckons he’s played decent rugby so far this season. However, personally I don’t remain a fan. But tomorrow could be a final trial particularly if Aplon has a blinder. And that’s what it’ll come down do.
1 Jun 2012, 18:51 pm
@Big Jack(Big Jack)-126:
HM rates Goosen highly. He’ll get his opportunity on the EOYT or maybe introduce him in the Rugby Championship depending on when he comes back from injury.
1 Jun 2012, 18:56 pm
@IAAS(I am a stormer)-128:
Yes I know. Tried to sign him for Bulls. Hope he can reach the hights we all expect and stay injury free.
1 Jun 2012, 19:07 pm
@Zinto(Zinto)-125:
You are delusional. Keohane exposed the bitter racial problems in Springbok rugby in 2003 while Strooli was in charge. It was the basis for his resignation as communications manager.
1 Jun 2012, 19:20 pm
This is a poor, tired rehashed article. Typical from Keohane. He clearly doesn’t know anything about English rugby. hence the broad comments and lack of detail. For example, England’s defensively vulnerable half-back pairing… Really? Firstly, there is no settled half-back pairing, with Hodgson and Farrell sharing and Flood to come back into the mix at 10, and Lancaster hasn’t settled on Dickson or Youngs with Care to come back into the mix at 9. Of these players only Hodgson is defensively frail.
1 Jun 2012, 19:37 pm
Keohane banged this out in 5 minutes cos he is busy with more important Olympic stuff in London
1 Jun 2012, 19:38 pm
@Zinto(Zinto)-125: howdy Zinto, long time man.
how is the Kwantu Rugby Club doing man? havent seen your lads around for a long time?
1 Jun 2012, 19:47 pm
@Dawn(Dawn)-132: flying business class no doubt.
pointless imo.
economy in the middle of the middle row feels like an emergency exit seat in first class for the dwarf.
1 Jun 2012, 19:55 pm
Indeed business class.
Only the best for the monarch
1 Jun 2012, 19:55 pm
boots and all is such a load of k u k since darren the racist left (unceremoniously).
but watching bobby review the stormers loss was quite simply fantastic.
1 Jun 2012, 19:56 pm
@Dawn(Dawn)-135: athletes to the back!
1 Jun 2012, 20:03 pm
@Dawn(Dawn)-135:
keo flying business class?
as long as he remembers to return the airhostess to the upright position before landing.
1 Jun 2012, 20:09 pm
Where are Joanne and the other girl?
No Keo TV?
1 Jun 2012, 20:10 pm
Carol will be miffed
1 Jun 2012, 20:12 pm
I dont see jpp beating mvovo or aplon in a 60 m dash.
1 Jun 2012, 20:25 pm
@Dawn(Dawn)-140: Carol is already milfed
1 Jun 2012, 21:25 pm
@Dawn(Dawn)-140: hey Angie, spoke to G10 he’s coming to the P.E. pom test…should be good.
1 Jun 2012, 21:30 pm
@Transformation(Transformation)-143:
Just remind him that the bok skipper hasn’t been announced yet. We all know who the last two Bok coaches picked as skipper. And this new one likes to pick his skipper out of the retirees in silver pines.
So you never know.
1 Jun 2012, 21:37 pm
I had an online chat with a couple of England supporters. By the sounds of it they feel relatively confident. This is a very good England side chaps. Don’t be surprised if we see a similar performance from them to what we saw from Wales in the World Cup.
1 Jun 2012, 21:48 pm
@Big Jack(Big Jack)-145:
What I find refreshing about the new Bok coach is that he wants to instill a culture of winning. Where every test is important. Whereas previous Bok coaches also said “judge me on the World Cup.” That god, those days are over. And he wants to win his first test. He always talks about mental toughness. And also about the lack of conditioning of the players – that’ll have to improve. At test level, everyone has to make a step-up. And that includes the coach himself.
1 Jun 2012, 21:54 pm
@IAAS(I am a stormer)-146:
Agree fully. Refreshing to hear those types of comments. England will be tough, make no mistake. The first test especially. If we lose the first, the second and third are must-wins. Then we will need all the mental toughness we can gather.
1 Jun 2012, 22:01 pm
@Big Jack(Big Jack)-147:
Anyway out for the evening. Nice chatting. Last qestion. Remind me, which team do you support?
1 Jun 2012, 22:32 pm
@Tacitus(Deucalion)-7:
Cilliers can play both 1 and 3.He will stay>Dean Greyling will drop out as Coenie & Beast are better LH.And Mvovo will go ahead of JJ Engelbrecht. JP Pietersen covers 11/13 better than he does.And Mvovo is a better winger than JJ.
Amended list to drop out:
Dean Greyling
Ryan Kankowski
Josh Strauss
Jean Deysel
Piet van Zyl
Peter Grant
Elton Jantjies
Akona Ndungane
JJ Engelbrecht
Jaco Taute
1 Jun 2012, 22:45 pm
Bok 30 IMHO
1.Beast,Coenie
2.Bismark,Strauss,Chilliboy
3.Du Plessis,Cilliers
4.Etzebeth,Flip
5.Kruger
6.Brussow,Coetzee
7.Alberts,Stander(Alberts to also cover lock)
8.Spies,Daniel
9.Hougaard,Pienaar,Du Preez
10.M.Steyn
11.Habana,Basson
12.De Villiers,F.Steyn
13.De Jongh,JP(utility cover)
14.Mvovo,Aplon
15.Lambie,Kirchner
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