Double boost for Boks
7 Nov 2012
RYAN VREDE, in Dublin, writes Jean de Villiers and Francois Louw participated fully in Tuesday’s training session and will start against Ireland on Saturday.
De Villiers was ruled out of the Currie Cup play-offs with a hamstring injury sustained in the Springboks’ final Rugby Championship match in Soweto and has been carefully managed since in the hope that he would recover for the tour opener. The Springboks’ skipper didn’t train fully at Blackrock College RFC on Monday, but participated in a defensive session today, showing no signs of discomfort.
Louw hurt his neck on club duty for Bath a fortnight ago and was sidelined for the clash against London Welsh last weekend, but also appears to have made a full recovery and will start at openside flank, with Marcell Coetzee, who stood in for him in yesterday’s training drills, on the bench as cover.
The formation the Springboks ran this afternoon further indicated that Pat Lambie has trumped Morne Steyn for the starting berth at flyhalf. Lambie is also likely to assume goal-kicking duties ahead of Ruan Pienaar, although the latter is a very competent goal-kicker for his Irish club side Ulster, and will be used if Lambie’s boot betrays him.
Interestingly, Elton Jantjies slotted in at pivot for what was almost certainly the reserves, meaning Steyn is unlikely to make the match 22. This is in keeping with head coach Heyneke Meyer’s belief that Steyn is not the type of impact player he needs.
Hooker Schalk Brits is, and will inject pace, skill and athleticism into the contest when he replaces Adriaan Strauss. With the forecast for fine, cold but largely clear conditions, the stage is set for Brits to impress on his return to Test rugby after a four-year absence.
180 Comments
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7 Nov 2012, 12:51 pm
@Slumtown-94: Yes, but one instance was in the 13 channel. I agree with UFO, JDJ is in great form and a great option at 13.
7 Nov 2012, 12:52 pm
@Slumtown-99: If I recall correctly he has only played Currie Cup games at 13. Is that correct?
7 Nov 2012, 12:53 pm
@mabu-98: exactly – another one being overlooked the whole time is Ebersohn – he has consistently performed at 13. James O Connor and Rob Ebersohn stats in terms of height and weight are identical yet in SA he is considered too small for test rugby. James O connor is one of Australias top players. Go figure.
7 Nov 2012, 12:54 pm
@goodstuff-101: yep i agree. Just saying Houghaard will only come into his own at 13.
7 Nov 2012, 12:54 pm
cant remember – i seem to think he played some Super Rugby there too.
7 Nov 2012, 12:55 pm
@katman-100: I am assuming you are joking, because to take that statement searious would imply that you know the names of drag queens, which is…to say the least…upsetting.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ron_Paul
7 Nov 2012, 12:57 pm
@Slumtown-103: Good point.
7 Nov 2012, 12:57 pm
@goodstuff-106: Don’t worry. I know who Ron Paul is. He’s this guy http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=igQlbesF0zA
7 Nov 2012, 12:58 pm
@goodstuff-93: I reckon he should get a shot at 15 in S15. He has it all and that position could put him in Christian Cullen mould
7 Nov 2012, 12:58 pm
@Sasuke-96: yeah agreed
7 Nov 2012, 13:00 pm
Let’s be honest, last time Hougard showed real x-factor was bits and pieces in this years SR and last year in the 2011 WC against weak 3rd tier rugby nations.
I have not seen any x-factor from him this international season.
I know he has it, but I think HM moving him from SH to wing damaged his confidence.
7 Nov 2012, 13:01 pm
@Slumtown-82: he is too small for centre according to Meyer…
7 Nov 2012, 13:04 pm
@Slumtown-103: one would think the JJ experiment is enough proof that taller players dont always do the job.
7 Nov 2012, 13:05 pm
@Jeraldjay-97:
yeah bud… it is looking that way and if it is I will not be happy but will not take it out on jaco as he does not select himself and has been clear about what he would best like to do…
but heymaker is contradicting himself once more… which is very frustrating… but as you say… let’s wait and have a look-see what team sheet he pins on the board…
@Slumtown-99:
oh okay… missed that you were punting hougie as back up… happy that you would have juan start…
unfortunately for him… hougie’s versatility is hurting his bok career… i would prefer to persist with him at 9 over ruan… give him full backing and let his confidence grow in that position which I believe is his best… but because he is not fully backed by the coach he is too nervous and frenetic when he does play there…
but if not 9 i would always have him on the bench cause he can cover for every single backline position…
7 Nov 2012, 13:06 pm
@katman-108: No, that is a dubbed over Ron Paul.
This is Ron Paul:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6NRONC4WYF0&feature=related
7 Nov 2012, 13:07 pm
@Slumtown-103:
i reckon o connor is THE most talented and complete current rugby player in world rugby…
7 Nov 2012, 13:07 pm
@Transformation-112: Meyer needs to start defining what small is, because Brussow is much stronger than Spies. ive seen Hougard bouncing players on attack at will, nogal.
7 Nov 2012, 13:08 pm
@Slumtown-82: When did Hougaard play 13 for the Bulls?
In any case, there are too much talent at the Bulls for Ludeke / Pine Pienaar to consider playing him there.
7 Nov 2012, 13:09 pm
@ufo-116: Even more than Carter. Thats a tall order!
7 Nov 2012, 13:10 pm
@Transformation-112: read my post 103
7 Nov 2012, 13:10 pm
@goodstuff-111:
agree with that hundred percent… hougie does’t know what is expected of him anymore…
pity… he’s a helluva player and i loved the attitude he used to display play but doesn’t seem to any more…
he should actually come down to cape town… seriously…
7 Nov 2012, 13:11 pm
@willievz-118: cant remember I think last year
7 Nov 2012, 13:12 pm
@mabu-113: yeah and Taute at 13 isnt exactly going too well either.
7 Nov 2012, 13:14 pm
@goodstuff-111: To be honest that is exactly why he hasnt shown x factor – he is being played in the wrong positions. He is a disaster at srumhalf in my opinion. I have yet to see one complete game were he doesnt stuff it up at scrumhalf. He´s ok as a wing for sure but I still believe each player has a unique positino where they excel. Some players are so good they can do well in a number of positions but all have 1 position where they excel. My belief is Houghaards position where he would excel is 13.
7 Nov 2012, 13:15 pm
@KWAGGA ROBERTSE-119:
yeah i know… but that’s my opinion…
if o connor was a kiwi playing behind their forwards he would be a true legend… his kicking may not be as consistent as carter’s… (but neither has carter’s been as consistent as it used to be..) but i reckon he tops carter in everything else except maturity… and as he matures, watch out world…
but aus is also stuffing him from pillar to post so he can’t consistently show what he can do at 10… i’d pick him over cooper, beale, barnes and whoever else… every single time…
7 Nov 2012, 13:15 pm
@ufo-121: Howzit Ufo,
Long time!
I am increasingly viewing Hougaard as a bench player who offers a team more value if he plays the last 25 minutes, be it 9 or 11.
7 Nov 2012, 13:16 pm
@mabu-113: By taller I presume you mean bigger as well. Just think back to to when we won the WC in 2007. We had some farking monsters in that team. Bulls won 3 Super titles feelding big blokes. So to me the size argument holds a certain amount of water unless you crowbar a player into position ala Taute just because of it. Do not agree with that.
7 Nov 2012, 13:18 pm
@ufo-125: Fair comment.
7 Nov 2012, 13:19 pm
@willievz-126: Howzit Willa! I also see him as an impact on the international stage but will still start him at S15 level at 9 and have him work through his kicking issues.
7 Nov 2012, 13:19 pm
@KWAGGA ROBERTSE-127:
Butch at 10 made a huge difference to the overall physicality of our backline and our team. The opposition 10,12 and forwards were very reluctant to attack his channel.
7 Nov 2012, 13:20 pm
@KWAGGA ROBERTSE-129: Hoesit Kwagga,
I think most international teams will start him at 9.
7 Nov 2012, 13:20 pm
Found this in the Times. Fark…
Judging from the Springboks’ last training session, Meyer could spring a few surprises when he announces his team later today. It might have been testing back-up ability, but for long periods during the session, Morne Steyn was the pivot, Zane Kirchner ran at outside centre (a position in which he gained test experience) and surprisingly, Lambie was at fullback throughout the training run. It was generally accepted that Lambie would be in the 10 jumper on Saturday.
Another interesting move was young Jaco Taute on the right wing and JP Pietersen on the left. The two wingers chased the endless up-and-unders that Steyn sent skywards throughout the two-hour session.
The forwards should be as expected, although Willem Alberts was used exclusively as a lock forward towards the latter part of the practice.
It now remains to be seen what Meyer dishes up but the backline could look like this on Saturday:
15 – Lambie; 14 – Taute; 13 – Kirchner; 12 – De Villiers; 11 – JP Pietersen; 10 – Steyn; 9 – Pienaar
Geoff FitzGerald
Dublin
7 Nov 2012, 13:22 pm
@Finfan-132: We’ll know in a little over an hour I guess……
7 Nov 2012, 13:23 pm
@willievz-126:
howzit willie…? yeah indeed…
yeah… i think you’re right, he does offer great value off the bench and his explosiveness off the mark is magnified when he goes on against tired legs… he’s a great little player… will be a pity if he’s never allowed to fulfill his potential…
@KWAGGA ROBERTSE-128:
cheers bud…
7 Nov 2012, 13:23 pm
When ever I think of test matches between Ireland and the Boks their are two games that comes to mind.
1. We played our 100th game against them in our old jersey and shorts without any sponsored branding on them and lost that game. It was Frans Steyn debut.
2. When Paul Honiss told John Smit to talk to his players and then allow the tap kick which lead to a try to win the game.
7 Nov 2012, 13:24 pm
@KWAGGA ROBERTSE-129:
agree with that too…
7 Nov 2012, 13:26 pm
@willievz-118: I remember in 2009 in the currie cup Hougaard playing 13. He might of played there recently but i cant recall when.
7 Nov 2012, 13:27 pm
@Finfan-132: O kak hier kom moeilikeid.
7 Nov 2012, 13:28 pm
@Jeraldjay-135: Jake White was the coach of both those Bok teams.
Jake White’s first test in charge of the Boks was against Ireland, in Bloem, playing in white.
The team he chose was an interesting one:
South Africa: G du Toit; B Paulse, M Joubert, W Julies, H Mentz; J van der Westhuyzen, F du Preez; O Du Randt, J Smit, capt, E Andrews, B Botha, V Matfield, S Burger, P Wannenburg, J Cronje.
Replacements: H Shimange, CJ van der Linde, Q Davids, G Britz, B Conradie, J Fourie, B Russell.
7 Nov 2012, 13:29 pm
@Finfan-132: perhaps a 2nd half backline?
7 Nov 2012, 13:32 pm
@Sasuke-84:
Willie D’upe was one of the 4 du Plessis brothers who played for WP.
7 Nov 2012, 13:32 pm
@ufo-125: Trust me, we’d ruin O’Connor’s career in an instant
He’d be on the bench as there’s no space for him. Never getting ahead of Carter even if he does show better form. Nor Dagg, not big enough to play inside centre, unlikely to displace Smith at outside. Maybe we’d give him a run on the wing once in a while but that’s it. He’d have to get used to being a super sub and he’d make quite a fine one.
But the Blues would love to have him join
Then he could join the ABs in 2016
7 Nov 2012, 13:35 pm
@David-141: oh my bad. before my time
7 Nov 2012, 13:35 pm
@Jeraldjay-135:
@willievz-139:
yeah… wasn’t the centenary game the one where he got the irish backs up saying they weren’t good enough to make his team…? he should of saved us all the embarrassment and just dunked his face in an egg-mayo sandwich…
he also rested quite a few senior players… and then capped two bok captains in one match..
7 Nov 2012, 13:35 pm
People look at players like Lambie, Pienaar, Fransie, Hougaard etc and then think THEY (the “kenners”) know what their best positions are.
Why not ask the player where HE wants to play and let him play there. If he is not good enough in that position to play for the Boks, so be it. Don’t look for another position for the player just to get him into the team.
Hougaard has now proved that he is not good enough at SH to be 1st choice SH neither is he good enough at wing to be 1st choice there. Let him go back to the Bulls now and specialize in one of the positions and when he proves that he is the best in HIS preferred position, let him play for the Boks.
Selecting someone because he has the so called “X-factor” is very subjective and recent performances usually are not taken into account.
If Meyer is serious with only selecting players who showed some form, then Hougaard, Morne and Taute should not be named in his team this afternoon. Alberts should only be named as a bench player. Somehow, I doubt that it will happen that way.
7 Nov 2012, 13:35 pm
@KWAGGA ROBERTSE-127: do you need big or do you need strong players on the field?
7 Nov 2012, 13:36 pm
@Finfan-132:
Farking useless kick-and-chase gameplan.
Bloody dinosaur.
7 Nov 2012, 13:38 pm
@willievz-139:
Yes, when they play in SA it is the only time we play in an alternate strip.
I had a look at the last 4 games played in Ireland and we lost 3 of them. We won the last by a narrow 23-21.
Before then the only other game we lost was in 1965.
7 Nov 2012, 13:39 pm
@gonzo-142:
hehehe…
maybe… but carter does get injured and also needs to be rested sometimes too…
jk gonna take the blues to the playoffs… watch…!
have a bet with Transformation about that… hope you haven’t forgotten Trans…!!
jk shown great maturity, confidence and character by signing up a great management team…
7 Nov 2012, 13:40 pm
@nama1-145:
great post and point…!
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