Meyer must invest in Louw
18 Sep 2012
JON CARDINELLI writes the past two Tests have shown why South Africa needs a loose forward all-rounder like Francois Louw in the starting mix.
What do Louw, Richie McCaw and David Pocock all have in common? The answer is: Not one thing, but many.
They may differ in terms of the level of competency across the various facets of forward play, but the common denominator is that all three men are not out-and-out specialists. They’re not limited to a ball-stealing or ball-slowing role at the breakdown.
Forget the tag of fetcher, it’s a label that’s far too simplified. A modern-day openside must possess the necessary size and skill to be a good lineout option, ball-carrier, and momentum-stalling defender. Above and beyond that, he should have the ability to manipulate the flow of the game through his exploits at the breakdown.
Louw meets Heyneke Meyer’s loose forward criteria in that he is a ‘momentum gatherer as well as a momentum-stopper’. Meyer spoke of these criteria during the England series, but where the Bok coach got it wrong was in his back-row selections for those three Tests and much of the Rugby Championship.
Between Marcell Coetzee, Willem Alberts, Jacques Potgieter and Pierre Spies, there was not one player capable of playing that fetcher’s role, and thus there was no balance in the Boks’ approach. The absence of such a specialised skill was later exposed in games against Argentina and Australia.
Having a player like Louw in the starting line-up gives the Boks more options. He has the ability to play to the ball, and also meets Meyer’s criteria of what’s required of a Test loose forward. This was clear in last week’s Test in Dunedin, where Louw carried and defended powerfully, but also added that X-factor element at the breakdown.
Louw has long been considered an excellent fetcher, his performance in the 2010 Super 14 leading to his first Test cap. As the laws have changed and the responsibilities of an openside have changed, Louw has been forced to improve his game in other aspects of forward play. Louw can offer more than an out-and-out breakdown specialist like Heinrich Brüssow as a ball-carrier, physical defender, and lineout option.
In short, he’s the kind of player you need if you hope to enjoy sustained success against the All Blacks and Wallabies.
It took a string of loose-forward injuries for Louw to receive this opportunity, as Meyer has been reluctant to field players who are competing in overseas competitions. However, it has become increasingly evident over the past two years that there is no South African openside based locally or abroad that is in the same hybrid category.
The All Blacks have McCaw and the Wallabies have Pocock. Coaches build game plans around these players. It is something for Meyer to consider as he reassesses his playing strategy ahead of the home leg of the Rugby Championship, and the end-of-year tour.
It was unfair to expect great Test performances from Louw in Perth and Dunedin considering the last time he was involved was at the 2011 World Cup. And yet, the 27-year-old delivered when he started against the All Blacks. With more time to settle, with Meyer’s backing and assurance that he is more than just a stop-gap measure, Louw could become an important and game-shaping member of the Bok side.
I’m not suggesting that Meyer should completely dispense with promising youngsters like Coetzee. The 21-year-old flanker has impressed as an individual this season but that Bok back row has lacked balance whenever he has started.
There may come a time when Coetzee is ready to play a hybrid role and when he has fully developed the skill-set to do so, but at this point Louw is the complete package and must be backed.
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18 Sep 2012, 16:19 pm
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Lambie rested for Loftus?
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by Brenden Nel 18 September 2012, 15:30
Is Springbok utility back Pat Lambie being groomed for a surprise appearance in the starting line-up at Loftus Versfeld against Australia?
The Bok management released five players to play Currie Cup, but froze all 22 of the players that did duty against New Zealand in Dunedin last weekend.
While the likes of Craig Burden (The Sharks), Frans Malherbe (DHL Western Province), Jacques Potgieter (Vodacom Blue Bulls), Jano Vermaak (Vodacom Blue Bulls) and Lwazi Mvovo (The Sharks) have all been released to their provinces to play in this weekend’s domestic matches, there still lingers a question mark over the fortune of Lambie.
The Bok utility back has had precious little time to play and it would have been a consideration to release him to play for the Sharks this weekend to make sure he is sharp.
But with the Bok management being consistent in their outlook, and not releasing anyone in the match 22, Lambie will enjoy another week’s rest before the team re-assembles on Sunday in Johannesburg to prepare for the Loftus test.
There is a hope of a bigger role in the team’s fortunes, especially after the failings of Morne Steyn at flyhalf.
While Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer is not one to attack players in public, he is known to be disappointed in Steyn’s performance and has spoken about having to consider some “hard choices” ahead of the Loftus test, with Johan Goosen’s elevation to the flyhalf spot the favourite among both fans and media alike.
The Bok management are contemplating changes to the starting line-up and it is likely that some of the players on the bench are being spared action this weekend to ensure they pick up no injuries ahead of next weekend.
A clearer picture will emerge after this weekend’s Currie Cup games when the team is announced by Saru, with some injured players likely to be ready for action once again.
The Bok selectors will have to decide whether to recall Coenie Oosthuizen, who is expected to return to action this weekend for the Toyota Cheetahs, while Heinrich Brussow’s form warrants a relook at his situation as well.
Flyhalf Elton Jantjies continues to perform well at Currie Cup level, and there is an outside chance a big strong runner like Jaco Taute may also receive a call-up.
Winger Bjorn Basson is also fit again and will be looking to regain his spot in the national team, as is Sharks winger JP Pietersen. Banned lock Eben Etzebeth will have served his suspension and is also available for selection.
However, with players like Bismarck du Plessis, Siya Kolisi, Chiliboy Ralepelle, Schalk Burger and Pierre Spies all injured and others like Gurthro Steenkamp and Ryan Kankowski unavailable, there is not much room to move for the Bok management.
Thoughts of Fourie du Preez’s imminent recall from Japan seem to have taken a dent as Du Preez picked up an injury over the weekend playing for his club Suntory and it is uncertain what his status is.
The sixth player that was not part of the match 22 in Dunedin, Pat Cilliers (MTN Golden Lions), is currently injured and not available for selection this weekend.
The squad will convene in Johannesburg on Sunday evening to start preparations for the tests against Australia and New Zealand
18 Sep 2012, 16:24 pm
FDP imminent recall from Japan??
18 Sep 2012, 16:27 pm
Brendan Nel seems to have the inside track for info …
18 Sep 2012, 16:27 pm
@grant10-302: what about JPP’s thumb?
18 Sep 2012, 16:34 pm
@Transformation-304: Not sure my man….would be great to get him back in the mix
18 Sep 2012, 16:36 pm
@Transformation-289:
You think we have a chance with the “seniors” in the back line?
There is a case to be made for blooding the “juniors” against the AB at home if the seniors fail to produce against the Aussies.
Listening to an interview with Meyer at the airport when they arrived yesterday, it is clear that the same team will start next weekend bar maybe Etzebeth coming back.
He was adamant that the game plan was “100% the right one,” “that criticism on Zane is unfair” and that Morne “played well.”
So, if they fail against the Aussies again, why would you want to select them against the All Blacks? Why not give Goosen/Jantjies, JdJ, Lambie, Mvovo and even Jano a starting spot…or at least play Hougaard at SH and put Vermaak on the bench then. We know exactly what we have in Morne, Frans (JdV is captain and won’t be dropped), Kirchner and Pienaar/Hougaard (SH) and Hougaard at wing…and it ain’t much going by their performances over the last five weeks.
I can’t see how that changes will weaken the side that much if at all.
18 Sep 2012, 16:37 pm
@grant10-301: Morne Steyn and sideshow Bob will not be axed – all we can do is hope for them to be booooooed when they run on and off the field and/or whenever they touch the ball. Then only will Heineken get the message
18 Sep 2012, 16:40 pm
@grant10-302: is that genuine? he must be out of his mind if he’s going to pick a player from the Japanese league.
18 Sep 2012, 16:40 pm
Based on the above:
Beast
Strauss
JD Du Plesis
Ysterbeth
Kruger
Flouw
Alberts
Vermeulen
Pienaar
M Steyn
Habana
F Steyn
JDV
JP
Kirchner
Or will we see a miracle, only one bulls player (J Kruger, only bulls player worth his spot) in a bok team at Loftus?
18 Sep 2012, 16:45 pm
“Thoughts of Fourie du Preez’s imminent recall from Japan seem to have taken a dent …”
Now that’s one way of building up the confidence of the scrum halfs in your squad. Just tell them, “If you don’t perform well, I’ll bring back FdP from Japan.”
NOT!!!!
The last good match he had in a Bok jersey was in 2009 already. Time to let go Heyneke Meyer!!!
Jeez, what’s up with this FdP story coming up again and again. Can’t the man just come out and publicly announce his retirement from international rugby.
18 Sep 2012, 16:57 pm
@nama1-310: Meyer has a pathetic denial complex, he still thinks it’s 2008, and that the whole PDV era never happened, he still thinks FDP, Bakkies, Matfield, M Steyn are the pillers of his bok game plan.
Better wake up HM!
18 Sep 2012, 16:58 pm
I think R Pienaar, M Steyn , J Kruger, fLIPPIE and Kirchner will get axed….
18 Sep 2012, 17:00 pm
I reckon Lambie at 15 and Goose at 10 a definite….
18 Sep 2012, 17:06 pm
@grant10-313: That would make very happy.
18 Sep 2012, 17:06 pm
@grant10-313: Who knows what the oke is thinking.
18 Sep 2012, 17:22 pm
@grant10-313:
Meyer said that Zane has done well. Zane fits the game plan and he also thinks that criticism of Zane is unfair.
Zane is a sure starter.
I also think that Morne will start because the game against the Aussies will be at his home ground and in front of his home fans.
18 Sep 2012, 17:35 pm
HM will know the M Steyn gamble will a bridge too far for most fans…..those that are still hoping and praying he will see the light will no longer be in a neutral camp if he persistds with M Steyn….
I also believe he will add Brussow to the squad now that he has seen the value of a genuine opensider….
18 Sep 2012, 17:37 pm
@nama1-316:
Surely Meyer is not totaly stupid Nama?
I think he may be prepared to go more expansive now he believes Boks can beat the 2 powerhouses……
Perhaps I am being too optimistic….
18 Sep 2012, 17:50 pm
What is a better way to unwind from a serious day at work than to irritate the delinquents who love simply to go round and round in circles season after season achieving nothing?
It is after all still September(and may it never end) rugby that I live for no matter the season.
Does ‘arme’ Meyer know that it is a bad idea to invest in Louw for his uncle, Jan Pickard(jnr.), is a case study in fraud – tax evasion of millions to be exact- check the legal case to confirm.
18 Sep 2012, 17:53 pm
@grant10-312:
No way he will axe Kruger and flip.
One of them will partner Estebeth.
18 Sep 2012, 18:09 pm
Ashley Johnson is a very high quality player too. He needs to be considered.
Of all the South African loose forwards, Johnson has the most mongrel.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s-KxGkBBJ6s
18 Sep 2012, 18:34 pm
IT’S KEEGAN DANIEL FOLKS!!!! DANIEL D-A-N-I-E-L not *DANIEL___S*…
after seeing HG get his captain’s name wrong I cracked. sorry.
on this meyer/selection topic… this is the way I see it:
Meyer: Morné, jy kry nou ‘n kans tot die einde van die away leg. As jy nog steeds kak is dan moet jy maar gaan currie cup speel en tyd met jou laaitie spandeer.
Morné: ja oom.
It sorta kinda is OK in that, if said scenario is anywhere near the truth, Meyer is a man of his word. double edged sword in that his word cost us 2 games!! (once again said scenario etc.)
I personally at this moment in time right now currently would like to see some young guns starting.
18 Sep 2012, 18:55 pm
@nama1-316: IN total agreement.Zane has been doing what’s been asked of him.He is following the game plan right to the T.Morne is also following it,but where he fails is in the goal-kicking department.If he kicked everything on Saturday Meyer would not feel the pressure to replace him.He still might select him rrespective of the outcry from bok supporters to get rid of him.I am more worried with Hougie at 11,because he doesn’t fit into this kick and chase game plan.He can’t execute it well due to physical shortcomings.The return of JPP and Basson will see the continuation of this game plan unfortunately.
18 Sep 2012, 19:30 pm
@gunther-320: Van der Merwe alongside Etzebeth is a physical combo if the former can maintain his level of performance from the weekend.
18 Sep 2012, 19:34 pm
Imagine for a moment that Morne Steyn was still the 90% kicker that he has been virtually his entire career.
Imagine Bryan Habana had not put down a pass with the tryline at his mercy in the fifth minute of Saturday evening’s game.
Imagine Deon Greyling had taken up tiddlywinks instead of rugby.
By my estimation, the Boks left 25+ points on the park on Saturday evening. If 50% of these opportunities had been taken, this weekend past’s clash would have had an entirely different complexion.
Heyneke Meyer has been much maligned on electing to play what is perceived as an anachronistic gameplan. However, can a gameplan that yielded so many opportunities against the number one team in the world trulybe considered out-dated? Or is there a still space for a forward-orientated, kick-and-chase game in the “modern” era?
Place yourself in his shoes for a moment. You realise that the opponents you will play most often are the All Blacks and Wallabies, both teams that play a wide game (the Wallabies at every opportunity, the All Blacks after a few phases and usually off setpiece ball). What’s your plan to engineer a win? Do you follow a gameplan that your opponents devised (i.e. try beat your opponents at their own game)? Or do you develop your own gameplan?
Considering that the wide game is part of the DNA of Union in New Zealand and Australia, I would think it would be obvious that Wallaby and All Black teams are very familiar with defending against opponents putting width on the ball at pace. Understandably, he decided to pursue a different tack.
Against the Wallabies:
-The Wallabies pack (rightly or wrongly) are perceived to be substandard compared to other top tier teams.
-The Wallabies backline in recent year is comprised of relatively small though quick players.
A Bok plan against the Wallabies should be orientated in creating as many attacking setpieces in Wallabies territory as possible and running big ball carriers through the gold backline. A kick and chase game plan would get the Boks into the right areas of the park to look to force a mistake from the Wallabies. However, I would argue that the gameplan should be modified to kicking the ball out and dead against Beale and co. and have Bekker and co. look to disrupt lineouts or Francois Steyn dominate a tackle (forcing a knock-on or penalty).
Against the All Blacks:
- The All Blacks seem vulnerable to rolling mauls, as evidenced on Saturday and against Los Pumas. This argues for kicking close to the touchline, limiting the fielding player’s angle of clearance -which is possible with a quick chase- and setting up attacking lineouts.
- The Boks defence was generally able to contain the All Blacks back three. Consider how much ball was kicked onto the likes of Dagg, Savea and Jane. Then consider that only one try (Dagg’s opening try) was scored from the glut of possession handed to the most potent back three in world rugby. It is also worth noting that around eight shots at goal were manufactured by kicking onto the All Black back three. Had Morne Steyn kicked like an international quality flyhalf, Steve Hansen would have cause for some soul searching come Sunday morning.
I feel that Heyneke Meyer’s thinking in adopting an “outdated” gameplan actually makes sense. As evidenced against the All Blacks on Saturday, it does yield the opportunities to reap dividends on the scoreboard. His failure in my opinion is in his selection:
1. Flyhalf. The gameplan adopted by Heyneke Meyer is orientated on manufacturing shots on goal. For it to succeed, these opportunities need to be converted into points. After seven games to prove his class, I think he can drop Morne with a clear conscience. Selecting a goal-kicker who can’t kick goals makes no sense. If memory serves, Johan Goosen can kick ‘em from 55 metres out, get him off the pine and into the starting line-up. Alternatively, what does Elton Jantjies have to do to gain selection for the Boks? I understand he is an accomplished goal-kicker, and I was very impressed with the way he managed the Lions backline during the Super season. Either of those two would be preferable to a non-performing Morne.
2. Locks and fetchers. The gameplan he is trying to implement centres around creating opportunities from kicks. This means having locks that can steal opposition ball at the lineout (ala Victor Matfield) or a fetcher who can win “holding-on” penalties if the full back gets sacked in possession. Currently, the Boks are playing Bekker who hasn’t delivered a steal for the Boks as yet and Meyer has elected to leave Brussow at home. Francois Louw, in my opinion, made enough of a contribution to warrant a relook at the “no-fetcher” policy. And surely Victor Matfield can be convinced to help out with the technical lineout work?
3. Full back. Zane Kirchener delivers a solid performance at fullback. He’s safe under the high ball and gets fair distance on his clearances. However, he is prone to placing nothing up-and-unders that don’t achieve the goals of the gameplan. I think Kirchener either needs to be coached into adding a line-kick to his repertoire or a new fullback needs to be found. I enjoy Lambie’s running instincts, and I think he could grow into a great fullback for the Republic…but he’s going to need a lot more than 5-10 minutes in a lost game to grow his ability.
I liked Kirchener’s option for a drop-goal in the match. Popping over the odd three points from a failed clearance makes opposing players less adventurous in their approach to clearing, going for a sure out rather than distance. Meyer could think about moving Francois Steyn to 15, Jean de Villiers to 12 and JP Pietersen to 13. This setup would probably compliment the gameplan better than the current setup.
From a southern hemisphere point of view, there can be few arguments that the gameplan Heyneke Meyer is looking to adopt is not particularly attractive. However, the lack of aesthetic appeal should not blinker our appreciation of its effectiveness and feasibility as a counter to the dominance of the All Black style of playing the game.
18 Sep 2012, 19:40 pm
flo to play back up to brussow …. brussow can single handedly win a game for you also works as a better mix with the rest of loose trio we’ve got good 7 and 8′s
18 Sep 2012, 20:04 pm
@bago7-325:
It’s not acceptable to base you’re accumulation of points on another teams mistakes.
18 Sep 2012, 21:33 pm
@ 325 bago7
very good post there.. valid points..and once again it boils down to “execution over innovation”.
19 Sep 2012, 04:05 am
BRUSSOW is 100 times better than Louw. Seriously these kind of articles by idiot rugby journalists make me despair.
JON CARDINELLI should be fired from Keos
19 Sep 2012, 04:56 am
@Boksarenumber1-329: Yes, but you are also forgetting what criteria Meyer uses for selection. Its physical attributes first, skill second. As Flow is tall, he can be a lineout option, therefore he fits the gameplan, Brusow is short, he does not, even though Brussow is an amazing fetcher. Completely stupid yes, but that is the Meyer way……
19 Sep 2012, 14:04 pm
@bago7-325: Awesome post and I agree 100% about the “what ifs” and the 25 points left out there!
HM and JdV speak of “inexperience” but it was the experienced players who left the Boks down (apart form Greyling’s unbelievable effort)! Morne, Habana, Kirchner botched tries and kicks.
Frans took 2 Loooong attempts, and one just went under. Those are always 50-50s and should be seen as a bonus. Morne’s kicks are bread and butter and that is his job
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