Defence key to Boks’ success
1 Oct 2012
RYAN VREDE writes that defence, not attack, should be the national obsession.
So much has been said about the Springboks’ attack, many lamenting the impotency thereof up until Saturday when they ran in five tries against Australia at Loftus. However, that attacking performance was rooted in brutal, accurate and disciplined defence that pressured the Wallabies into taking risks, on which the Springboks capitalised.
With defences of elite teams so sophisticated in the modern game, turnovers and penalties forced through a strong tackle fight and breakdown contest is a primary source of points. The Springboks’ potency in these facets of play is highly encouraging.
They had struggled in this regard against Argentina and when facing Australia in Perth, with those opponents consistently bossing the gainline and controlling the flow and tempo of their attacks. The Springboks were regularly made to defend with an unset line, which complicated their task.
There was, however, a dramatic improvement against the All Blacks in Dunedin and against the Wallabies in Pretoria at the weekend. The Blacks looked decidedly ordinary in the face of a highly impressive defensive effort. Both their tries stemmed from individual errors – the first a poorly aimed kick that presented a broken field opportunity and the second through poor defensive positioning from prop Dean Greyling. Australia’s lone try at Loftus came when the Springboks had already sealed the result. They had never seriously threatened the whitewash prior to that.
There are a handful of reasons for the Springboks’ rise. Firstly, the team has had time to learn and understand defence coach John McFarland’s approach. Continuity in selection has aided their cause here as well. There is a growing cohesiveness about every aspect of their defence.
Furthermore, Francois Louw’s inclusion in the starting line-up has been significant. Coach Heyneke Meyer has previously stressed that he believes in the value an opensider brings, but wouldn’t include a specialist whose prowess didn’t extend to effective ball carrying. Louw fits that bill, but his ability to steal or slow the recycle remains his main asset. Eighthman Duane Vermeulen has made important contributions as well, particularly at Loftus. The Springboks’ threat in this regard will be amplified when hooker Bismarck du Plessis recovers from injury.
I understand the importance of the Springboks’ attack improving, but disciplined, pressure defence is what will create the opportunities, often against a scattered line, against the best teams in the game. For this reason I’m encouraged by what I’ve seen from the Springboks in their last two Tests. Defence must be the bedrock upon which they mount their challenge in the coming years.
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101 Comments
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1 Oct 2012, 10:23 am
A sign of a good no10 is the ability to make those around him look good.Goosen will get a lesson in backline facilitation from the master this weekend
1 Oct 2012, 10:26 am
@Doughnut-31:
Not sure about the injuries, but different game against the ABs this Saterday.
Aussie team this last Saterday was a good hit out, but not the real thing. They were at sixes and sevens both personnel wise and all the sideshows with Cooper.
ABs will be the REAL marker of where Boks are at. I am NOT convinced yet, but enjoyed the tries and seeing the Boks looking like a team once again this last Saterday.
ABs different story. On paper the boks should be in with a shout mainly due to the travel factor – i.e. they should have slight advantage. BUT do the Boks have what it takes to step up e.g. absorb the pressure by defending like demons and take their limited scoring chances when they hopefully create them (penalty kicks as well as tries)?
Or is it too early in the teams development?
Going to be awesome to watch, and it is satisfying that it is like that.
1 Oct 2012, 10:26 am
@COUCHCOACH-24: Jean was good in defense but as always shocking with ball in hands…Frans is way better in that aspect
1 Oct 2012, 10:27 am
I haven’t removed any corks yet, and won’t for some while. I still don’t trust Meyer one iota. Someone above (don’t remember who) mentioned sneaking Morne into the 10 jersey for the AB match…..well I too have that feeling (if Goosen’s ankle is iffy). Jantjies needs a damn start – the end. He had 2 touches and was rocking it like AC/DC. I betya Meyer doesn’t ‘trust’ him to start against the AB’s,and if Goosen is kaput, Morne will be reinstated.
If that happens, well I doubt Meyer will survive the aftermath.
Improved performance for sure – but just imagine how far down the line we COULD have been in terms of good & improving performances if the messiah wasn’t as stubborn asfuck…..
Let’s see the match 22 first before anyone celebrates the turning of any corners.
I remain paranoid, even after Saturday’s improved showing. (The players be smoking, nothing wrong with them – but this coach……sneakyanduntrustworthyfucker…and that doesn’t change because his team managed to win a game….)
1 Oct 2012, 10:28 am
@Te Rangatira-51: yep, baptism by fire!
and nonu was revelling in the sweet ball carter was dishing…
1 Oct 2012, 10:30 am
@Te Rangatira-51:
I must give it to yo that Carter is one of the best ever. This Saterday will be fascinating to watch.
I think Carter and McCaw are like the “Warne and McGrath” of rugby. When those two are gone it will certainly be the end of an era for the ABs.
Wonder how they will go after that? Not sure Cruden is the answer – he is not a Carter. And I cannot see anyone with the same aura as Richie coming through.
Will be nice when you guys have your “rebuilding” year
1 Oct 2012, 10:39 am
@Te Rangatira-51: Doubt we will get to see such an all rounded gifted ball player as Carter again in our lifetimes (although never say never I guess). Some say, ahhhhhhh SBW etc etc etc…but in my ‘finest’ players of the professional era thus far – Daniel Carter is No 1.
Of most value, is his ability to make better players of all those around him.
It will be a sad day when he hangs up them boots. Ditto for Richie.
1 Oct 2012, 10:44 am
@The Analyst-56:
Well we won the World Cup without Carter, there is a starter for 10
1 Oct 2012, 10:48 am
Some really good positives to take from the game, but I am still concerned that we get bullied too often at the rucks.
If this Aussie team manage to do this a couple of times on Saturday I am really concerned what the AB’s will manage to do.
1 Oct 2012, 10:52 am
Juan Smit
Schalk Burger
JP Pietersen
Frans Steyn
Bismark Du Plessis
Coenie
Chiliboy Ralapele
1 Oct 2012, 10:52 am
@The Sharks rugby pedigree is packaged as dog food-57:
Agreed, he is a special player, but he also needs good players around him to make a difference.
Look at Ronan O’Gara. If he played for SA he would hold the world record for points scoring without question in my mind.
But he plays for Ireland and despite his points scoring history, he on his has not been enough to elevate the Paddy’s to much more than where they have always been.
1 Oct 2012, 10:53 am
Jassas you okes will never be satisfied hey? If we had lost this game can you imagine what would have been said? Now we win convincingly, and still not good enough? WTF do you okes want? It was always going to be a Australia B / C side.. So I wanted nothing less than what we scored in the end!
Schalk Burger, Bissy, JP Pietersen, Pierre Spies, Kolisi, etc injured players.. so yes we are also short a few guys.. Nevermind!! we needed to get a good win and we did… mission accomplished.. Nowhere did we sudden claim we will beat the AB….
Goosen is the future for my liking! Got the backline going the way steyn will never be able to. F Steyn should be fuulback if Niknaks is injured and move JDJ to 13. KEEP JDV on 12.. he played his best game in a while in his preferred possie..
Mooi bokke!! Now for the Sheepshaggers
1 Oct 2012, 10:56 am
@PissAnt-59: We did fine in NZ when our Backline let us down… So no worries… Will we be able to front up with nothing to play for but pride is the question though?
1 Oct 2012, 10:56 am
This article is probably the worst I have read in ages.
I am sure we will find many articles on this site calling for attack and now that we do … we want defence … REALLY?
1 Oct 2012, 11:01 am
@PissAnt-59: it can be fixed…ball carriage and presentation needs to improve and the ruck technique..it’s not insurmountable stuff that some are making it out to be.
1 Oct 2012, 11:09 am
@Analyst….interesting analogy,you are a clever chap
@Trans…yep,his defence was awesome too
@Pedigree….I’m not sold on Meyer yet either…a cheetah never changes his spots
1 Oct 2012, 11:11 am
@DG-60: schak brits
gio aplon
taute (fullback)
juan de jongh
1 Oct 2012, 11:13 am
@Brads-61: He makes those already good players; BETTER, does Mr Carter.
Agree that a gifted 10 needs class sorrounding him if he is to realise his true potential, but a fellow like Carter IMHO, could make an everage player look good due to his distribution etc. In the same way an uterrly useless 10 can make even the most gifted centres look decidedly average…..
Talk about standing out in a backline….The Argie, Landajo is looking like a gifted fellow. (I’m sure he was one of the Argies who played in the Pampas 15 in our Vodacom Cup tournie here in SA…)I’m hoping the EP Kings are looking at giving a player like him a shot in the S15.
1 Oct 2012, 11:21 am
Transformation – How did Goosen play? How was Taute at 13? NEve saw the game nad youtube only has the hightlights, just the tries. I was impressed with Flos run and eventual setup of Habana for his last try, reminded me of the old skinstad!!!
1 Oct 2012, 11:21 am
@The Sharks rugby pedigree is packaged as dog food-68: there were some nice set-pieces in that argie/nz game…want to see boks slice teams like that!
1 Oct 2012, 11:25 am
I agree partially with Ryan but where did good defence get the Stormers in the Super 15. A approach adopted by the Sharks is the way to go where good defence and go forward by the forwards is accompanied by brilliant attacking play. Where players are taught how to offload in the tackle.
1 Oct 2012, 11:27 am
Pepe #71 – Agree. The Sharks looked the more rounded team this year out of all the SA S15 teams. There late challenge to get to the finals was the best rugby i have ever seen them play!
And i see there style as a blue print for the Boks!!!
1 Oct 2012, 11:33 am
@Transformation-70: Preach it, preach it (in the words of our now missing Sharks friends….)
1 Oct 2012, 11:37 am
First things first: How awesome were the Europeans in the Ryder Cup? Never before has the silencing of that inane YOU ESS AY been more deafening than when Kaymer sunk his par putt on the 18th.
For the better part of three days the Yanks have shown the world that they are, by a massive margin, the world’s worst sports spectators – yes, even worse than the spitting Cape Crusaders – with them booing every European shot and shouting “Go in the water”.
And then suddenly Chicago went all quiet apart from the ole, ole ole of the European fans. Yes, get in the hole indeed, you obnoxious nation of self-important fatties.
1 Oct 2012, 11:37 am
@The Sharks rugby pedigree is packaged as dog food-73:
The demise of the Bullsharks?
1 Oct 2012, 11:38 am
@race of tan-69: the goose was good without being outstanding, good option-taking (could’ve passed instead of going for glory). i also have to watch the game again without the emotions and draught
1 Oct 2012, 11:40 am
@davidv-64: Obviously defence is important but to call it a “national obsession” is ludicrous !! At least we are starting to attack, even though HM and JdV insisted that the Boks did not deviate from the game plan.
1 Oct 2012, 11:40 am
@katman-74:
Never mind the allegation that a European player’s WAG was viciously taunted by USA fans…they stopped short of filing a formal complaint.
Apparently the entire European Ryder Cup team was furious – maybe that is what spurred on the amazing comeback…
1 Oct 2012, 11:43 am
@WP-Forever-78: Really? Didn’t know that. I wouldn’t put it past them at all.
I reckon outside of the States, the support for America in this competition couldn’t be more than 2 or 3%.
1 Oct 2012, 11:47 am
@Pepe-71: ag ryan is just trying to be different and sound unaffected…
what some of us have been crying for is BALANCE!
it is a no brainer that a team’s defence has to be solid but once you have the ball you need to have an EQUALLY well thought-out and effective attacking strategy. the two go together imo!
there’s a reason why a team like the All Blacks use scrums and lineouts as attacking platforms in and above the turnover ball opportunities, we also need to be innovative and build up an arsenal of 1st phase moves that we can switch on and bamboozle the tightest of defences!
1 Oct 2012, 11:47 am
@Transformation-65: No Transie only way it can be fixed if we go back to playing it close to the forwards or change the composition of our loose trio. Our pack and loose trio is just not as mobile as the Ozzies were on Saturday around the park and when we do use our backline like we did on Sat and players get isolated you want some of your forwards in there to help defend the ruck.
I think Ryans got it right in saying that with this composition we need to play a very hard and strict defensive line, put pressure on opposition ball and score off defensive lapses. If we go wide on first phase possession and get isolated we will be annihilated at the breakdown. Just my 2 cents worth
1 Oct 2012, 11:47 am
6 first choice Boks missing F Steyn,S Burger,JP Pietersen,Bismark,Coenie and Juan Smit
1 Oct 2012, 11:49 am
@katman-74: i thought the shots of michael jordan congratulating the european team were nice and the players seemed to appreciate them from His Airness.
1 Oct 2012, 11:49 am
6 first choice Boks missing fransie Steyn, Burger,JP Pietersen,Bismark,Coenie and Juan Smit
1 Oct 2012, 11:53 am
@bananaboy-81: look, i agree that the Boks need to be able to mix it up, play a pick & drive game when say we’re in mid-fied and earn the right to go wide. our support play also needs to improve, the only player i see doing it effectively is bryan habana, he seems to track the ball well and stays on the shoulder of the ball carrier.
it can be fixed!
1 Oct 2012, 11:55 am
@WP-Forever-75: Extinct. Gamefuckingover
1 Oct 2012, 11:55 am
@Transformation-83: Ja, there are exceptions. Some Yanks actually look like decent, good people. But by far the majority of the unwashed masses plodding round the fairways of Medinah this weekend were arrogant, ignorant wankers. Hope the drive home for them was depressing as hell.
1 Oct 2012, 11:56 am
@Te Rangatira-66: I don’t trust the sneakyfucker. Never will, regardless of what he manages to pull out of the fire and improve on going forward. His first months in charge told me all I needed to know about what type of fellow he is……
1 Oct 2012, 12:02 pm
@The Sharks rugby pedigree is packaged as dog food-88: easy! i just want the Boks to win, i don’t care if the coach is aa sneaky as shabir shaik.
1 Oct 2012, 12:04 pm
@The Sharks rugby pedigree is packaged as dog food-88:
Give him a break shark dog food …. time will tell.
I must say that Hansen is a tad to arrogant for my liking. He does not have to do much coaching …. as that was all done by Henry over last 8 years. He is just carrying on with the Richie + Carter show …..
Would love the ABs to get a good klap at Soccer City – just to wipe the arrogant smirk off Hansen’s face …. (not saying it is going to happen, but hey, gotta think on the bright side!).
Then Richie and Carter to leave the set up and see how he goes from there. Would love to see him under a bit of pressure …. and how he responds and what comments he comes up with??
Maybe he can call in Sir Henry as a consultant …. LOL!!
1 Oct 2012, 12:06 pm
dunno If I’ve mentioned this before but:
Look up JAMMY TWANG on you tube. He uploads all the international games in full in great quality.
Word up!
1 Oct 2012, 12:07 pm
@Lorenzo-53:
Pathetic with ball in hands…oh really?
Maybe it is because he did not keep it in his hands, but rather distributed it to his outside backs. He created space with quick passing on more than one occasion. He broke the line to put Pienaar away, but then again, you probably did not see that. You probably like to see a centre all the time who gets the ball with a 20 man overlap but still tries to go it alone. He makes three metres over the advantage line – Hoorah; world class centre in your estimation. Pathetic carthorse in my estimation…whatever.
1 Oct 2012, 12:17 pm
@The Analyst-90: he is hoping that McCheat can last until RWC 2015 and Carter too – I too hope that they stay around long enough to reach the has been stage of development.
1 Oct 2012, 12:46 pm
Saving Private “Ryan Vrede”. Absolute non sense. This is excatly how we have been playing for the last couple of years. Attack Attack
1 Oct 2012, 13:06 pm
@Transformation-85: You’ve hit the nail on the head, if it wasn’t for Habana we would lose a lot more rucks (Hougie also doing his part). I don’t think though tha tyou can satisify the calls for an expansive offloading type game with the current team composition and that the way to play is as Ryan suggests. Nothing wrong with that but realize you will get counter rucked every now and then as we did on Sat. I think we outweighed the Ozzies by about 60 kgs on Saturday. We either have to use that weight as you suggest with punching up the midfield or with ferocious defence. By the way our players go to ground too easily . JDV a prime example, makes some good runs gets isolated and is not able to stay on his feet long enough to allow for the support to get there. The AB’s are able to offload a lot more often as they have the support play and stay upright as long as possible to do so.
1 Oct 2012, 13:10 pm
@bananaboy-95: It is about the support play. You need to have players going with you to offload to.
1 Oct 2012, 13:55 pm
@RL-93: Like fatboy Smit and co!
@stormer in a teacup-96:
They need to really up their conditioning for this…. I think this is part of the HM master plan …
1 Oct 2012, 14:30 pm
Be warned.
On Saturday, Ma’a Nonu will commit an act of thuggery sometime in the first half to take out Johan Goosen.
It may be violent enough to take him out of the game and if not, it will still serve it’s purpose of making the young guy fear playing the All Blacks.
Am I cynical? No.
History has proven that this is the New Zealand Modus Operandi. They took out Brian O’Driscoll is similar fashion and did the same to the John Smit.
Will they get away with it? Heck yes. Always have always will.
1 Oct 2012, 15:22 pm
@stormer in a teacup-96: Precisely and if you spread the play and you don’t have a mobile pack what happens to your support play, it fragments after several phases. Whether we like it or not we do not have a mobile pack.
2 Oct 2012, 03:32 am
@RL-93: Hansen’s still got McCaw and Carter in his A lineup for now but he has Cruden and Cane polishing up nicely as understudies, plus backups such as Barrett, Messam and others as it’s a long way ahead to 2015. Hansen’s not putting all his eggs in one basket, but he’s doing cautious future planning while respecting the nation’s expectation that the ABs must win every test they play. No excuses like “judge me at the RWC” or “we are in a building phase” of “the travel factor” for losing any test, ever.
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