I remember JDJ try vs waratahs (semi final @ Newlands) i think he stepped through, passed, between and around 4 x defenders on route to the tryline

hard dry pitch v cold wet muddy pitches

Interesting that you go for speed against Aus/NZ and for brawn against the Europeans.

It is misinterpreted as a player that necessarily has to pass the ball.

Sometimes a creative player can create opportunities by going into contact smartly, such as attacking his immediate oppononent on his outside (weakest shoulder). Someone like JDJ can step off both feet and can attack the weakest shoulder effectively most of the time, which forms the basis for a quick ruck ball on his team’s second phase.

Midfielders should focus on making the right decision given the situation – not only to run, pass, kick, etc, but WHERE and HOW to run, pass, kick. This sounds obvious, but I think we often overlook this.

And, as I’ve said before, there is a difference between passing and distribution. Nonu is a prime example of a 12 not reknowned for his passing, but his distribution (especially to close channels) is top-nodge, simply because of his awareness, good running lines and the fact that he looks for support play.

Maybe we should find a definition for distribution too – I am on record for saying this probably involves passing most of the time, but that would mean distributing the ball. You can, however, also distribute PLAY by making smart decisions.

Then again I would have I different backline if I played 6N teams same as my loose trio

loosies vs AU/NZ/ Wales

Kanko
Brussouw
Daniel
Kolosi
Coetzee
Stander
Alberts

Loosies vs N6 teams (excluding Wales) and Argentina

Vermuelen
Burger
Alberts
Strausse
Coetzee
Juan Smith

Same here. I just switched Aplon and JP as the latter has not played fullback for 6 years now.

Aplon, IMO, is no fullback. He does not have the kicking game.

OK fair point…….JDV stays, but i always rated Aplon as a wing with raw pace and JP as a 15 that looks for work as a 3rd center or 3rd wing……but thats just me

Yeah, you’re right. It is easy to stun the opposition with F Steyn in your backline. S hit, all he has to do is pass the ball and I will be stunned! Why do you want to select the best attacking outside backs if they are never going to see the ball from set phases? Steyn donners into the opposition at first phase and the forwards line up at flyhalf during the ensuing phases. That is why the majority of people first want to know about the defensive strength of your backline because that is all that backline players are asked to do in SA. Centres defend and clear the rucks while Spies parades around like a little girl on a playground and Jannie checks is mop on the big screen while lining up in the first channel.

hehehe…

damn predictive text… catches me waaay too often…

one GAME at a time…

quite right bud…

which is why i emphasised the IFs and qualified it with SHOULD we get there… certainly not taking it for granted as our injury list is a concern and the expected returns not happening…

AND we have a tough game against the Lions with lots to prove…

so very definitely one gas at a time for me…

A lot of water needs to run into the ocean.

Let’s take it game by game, and focus on maintaining the winning formula.