De Jongh’s small problem

De Jongh’s small problem

15 Nov 2012

RYAN VREDE, in Edinburgh, writes because of his size Juan de Jongh has to be exceptional to force Heyneke Meyer to consider him as a real solution to his outside centre problem.

I wrote at the start of Meyer’s tenure that he is a disciple of size and strength, firm in his belief that a player must have this attribute to be successful in Test rugby.

At the time I cited De Jongh among the players who would struggle to push for a regular starting berth, with Meyer appreciative of his attacking capacity in Super Rugby, but unconvinced that he could replicate his hot-stepping in reduced space and time and consistently dominate the tackle fight on attack and defence in Tests.

De Jongh has, however, got an opportunity to alter his coach’s fairly rigid view, and bid to convince him that he can fill a void Meyer is concerned about going forward. His problem is that he’ll get one shot. As it stands Jaco Taute will be reinstated for the final Test of the tour against England at Twickenham. That is unless De Jongh produces something special against Scotland.

There has been no shortage of suggestions and, at times, accusations that Meyer is a racist for what is perceived to be the sidelining of black players. I’ve worked professionally with him for years, and have never got that impression. That he has a prejudice against smaller players of average ability (in a Test context) is undoubted. De Jongh is one such player. He is capable of feats of brilliance (his try in the Currie Cup final an example) but has not replicated these feats often enough to be considered a must for the Springboks.

In his favour is that he is 24 years old and still has time to grow. Also, Meyer has shown a willingness to have some of his views challenged. By way of example, Ruan Pienaar and Francois Louw have, on the strength of their performances and maturity they’ve exhibited, paved the way for a steadily increasing number of overseas-based players to be involved with the Springboks. Meyer had previously been adamant that he would select his squads from players based in South Africa, unless his hand was forced through injury.

Similarly De Jongh can advance the cause of the smaller backs. He refused to make soaring statements about size, but came across as confident in his ability.

‘I know where I’ve stood with Heyneke from the start. I know what attributes he is looking for from me, but I also know what I need for my game,’ De Jongh said. ‘Everyone has their opinion [on size] but I have an opportunity this weekend to prove people who think I’m too small wrong.’


510 Comments

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  • 301.wnbb: Reply to this comment
    15 Nov 2012, 14:42 pm

    @The Rangerman-298: idiot

  • 302.The Rangerman: Reply to this comment
    15 Nov 2012, 14:42 pm

    @wnbb-297: you shutup too paddy.

    your input should be limited to weather forecasts for dublin.

  • 303.Nikita: Reply to this comment
    15 Nov 2012, 14:43 pm

    @The Rangerman-298:

    You are funny.

  • 304.Finfan: Reply to this comment
    15 Nov 2012, 14:43 pm

    @Nikita-295: A few yes, even a girl child – an they are certainly not from eThekwini.

  • 305.wnbb: Reply to this comment
    15 Nov 2012, 14:44 pm

    @Spiesisworthless1-299: oh yeah,Sadie was also class …and we now know how that panned out. :D

  • 306.Slumtown: Reply to this comment
    15 Nov 2012, 14:44 pm

    @Spiesisworthless1-299: yeah he reminds me of the old school – the Danie Gerber days. Must say Paul Jordaan does a lot of damage for his size too. I dont think centre is a big issue at present. Our real problem areas have now shifted to scrumhalf and fullback in the backline and in the scrum mainly 5 lock and tighthead. if they can get Mujati back in the fold we will be rocking.

  • 307.Nikita: Reply to this comment
    15 Nov 2012, 14:44 pm

    @The Rangerman-302:

    Rather sensitive. Your feminite side.

  • 308.The Rangerman: Reply to this comment
    15 Nov 2012, 14:45 pm

    @Nikita-300: i think you have been scratching your bum before picking your nose.

    stop that, its unhygenic.

  • 309.wnbb: Reply to this comment
    15 Nov 2012, 14:45 pm

    @The Rangerman-302: On the bottle again,squirrel hunter?

  • 310.Slumtown: Reply to this comment
    15 Nov 2012, 14:45 pm

    @Nikita-307: man the truth is we want to see more videos and less comments lol

  • 311.Dawn: Reply to this comment
    15 Nov 2012, 14:46 pm

    This article is actually kuk

    Klomp bollie

  • 312.The Rangerman: Reply to this comment
    15 Nov 2012, 14:46 pm

    @Nikita-303: you are not.

    @Nikita-307: shhh now go pollute somewhere else pseudo keohane employee.

  • 313.Nikita: Reply to this comment
    15 Nov 2012, 14:46 pm

    @The Rangerman-308:

    You can do better than that.

  • 314.wnbb: Reply to this comment
    15 Nov 2012, 14:46 pm

    @The Rangerman-308: You are getting farking boring now ranger.Time to go sleep it off,don’t you think so? :D

  • 315.Dawn: Reply to this comment
    15 Nov 2012, 14:47 pm

    @The Rangerman-308:

    Quiet, you feminite.

  • 316.goodstuff: Reply to this comment
    15 Nov 2012, 14:47 pm

    @The Rangerman-291: No probs, my head was in my bum, lolz

  • 317.The Rangerman: Reply to this comment
    15 Nov 2012, 14:47 pm

    @wnbb-309: not yet.

    you fallen in the guiness factory again?

  • 318.The Sharks rugby pedigree is packaged as dog food: Reply to this comment
    15 Nov 2012, 14:47 pm

    @Spiesisworthless1-299: Must be honest….. I’m not 100% sold on Serfontein yet. Yes, he’s a gifted ball player – but does he offer us anything different – anything at all?
    And funny, I think the Bulls in their usual conservative manner, will play Meisiekind at 12 as starter – yes, Samurai Barbie returns to reclaim her blue/pink jersey early in the season.

  • 319.Dawn: Reply to this comment
    15 Nov 2012, 14:48 pm

    @The Rangerman-312:

    Your turn today.

    Joanne firing line.

  • 320.gunther: Reply to this comment
    15 Nov 2012, 14:48 pm

    @John Galt-252:

    Dont say that.

    Capo doesn’t need any encouragement in that department.

  • 321.Nikita: Reply to this comment
    15 Nov 2012, 14:48 pm

    @The Rangerman-312:

    Oh dear

  • 322.katman: Reply to this comment
    15 Nov 2012, 14:48 pm

    Why all this animosity? Is it something that katman can help mediate?

  • 323.wnbb: Reply to this comment
    15 Nov 2012, 14:52 pm

    @The Sharks rugby pedigree is packaged as dog food-318: I actually pity all decent Bulls fans.They really do have the players,but their union shove coat hangers like Spies,Steyn and Timotei down their throats.

  • 324.John Galt: Reply to this comment
    15 Nov 2012, 14:52 pm

    SA needs a world class 15, 13 and 8 to please come forward.

    That is all I want for Christmas.

  • 325.Finfan: Reply to this comment
    15 Nov 2012, 14:52 pm

    @katman-322: Come on, your racist comment is inappropriate.

  • 326.wnbb: Reply to this comment
    15 Nov 2012, 14:54 pm

    Why are you so infatuated with capo,Gunther Kleinhans?? :D

  • 327.John Galt: Reply to this comment
    15 Nov 2012, 14:55 pm

    @gunther-320:
    My mistake.
    This could end badly for some unsuspecting poodle somewhere. I feel bad already.

  • 328.Finfan: Reply to this comment
    15 Nov 2012, 14:56 pm

    @John Galt-324: Ludik, Jordaan and Daniel.

  • 329.wnbb: Reply to this comment
    15 Nov 2012, 14:58 pm

    @John Galt-324: And probably a book on how to distinguish between your th’s and lh’s. :D

  • 330.xtremebull: Reply to this comment
    15 Nov 2012, 14:59 pm

    if you wanna go world cup then go with this
    15 taute
    14 pietersen
    13 de jong
    12 steyn
    11 rhule
    10 goosen
    9 hougaaard
    8 spiess if form is proven otherwise kankowski
    7 burger (c)
    6 louw
    5 bekker
    4 etzebeth
    3 oosthuizen
    2 du plessis (co v/c)
    1 mtawarira

    16 strauss (co v/c)
    17 cilliers
    18 du plessis
    19 vd merwe
    20 alberts or vermeulen
    21 van zyl
    22 lambie
    23 mapoe

    24 ralepelle
    25 malherbe
    26 kruger
    27 kolisi
    28 vermeulen or alberts
    29 coetzee
    30 reinach
    31 jantjies
    32 mvovo
    If all is fit and on form then we do have selection posers i reckon. Possible 35 ish best players maybe post rwc 2015

  • 331.willievz: Reply to this comment
    15 Nov 2012, 15:02 pm

    Let’s look at this from a different angle.

    Could his “lack” of size actually be used to an advantage in test rugby?

    What about his speed off the mark – he can close down attackers quickly in a rush defense than slower, bulkier chaps.

    What about his low center of gravity in the tackle situation. He is better equipped to support his own bodyweight at a ruck situation.

    Oh, I forgot, he already did these and proved his weight (no pun intended) at the Stormers.

  • 332.gunther: Reply to this comment
    15 Nov 2012, 15:03 pm

    @John Galt-327:

    That sort of thing could get you booted out of Ireland.

    They love their dogs there.

  • 333.Dawn: Reply to this comment
    15 Nov 2012, 15:03 pm

    @Finfan-328:

    Shame man

    Daniel is TOO SMALL for a No 8

    Dont do that to him

  • 334.Spiesisworthless1: Reply to this comment
    15 Nov 2012, 15:04 pm

    @Slumtown-306: Unfortunately our problems go deeper than player selection at the moment with our skills coaching not up to par . Hopefully Heyneke is on the lookout for some quality backup. He’ll need to cut his coaching buddies loose sooner than later.

    @The Sharks rugby pedigree is packaged as dog food-318: We haven’t seen enough of him since his heroics in the junior RWC. Riding the pine at the Bulls while being coached by Pine cant be healthy for his development.

  • 335.goodstuff: Reply to this comment
    15 Nov 2012, 15:04 pm

    @Finfan-328: Suprise suprise. World class? No, no they are not.

    But yes Ludik and Jordaan would be in my team.

  • 336.goodstuff: Reply to this comment
    15 Nov 2012, 15:05 pm

    @xtremebull-330: Habana playing awsome rugby and you drop him? Shame on you.

  • 337.The Sharks rugby pedigree is packaged as dog food: Reply to this comment
    15 Nov 2012, 15:06 pm

    @Finfan-328: Puma?

  • 338.Slumtown: Reply to this comment
    15 Nov 2012, 15:07 pm

    @The Sharks rugby pedigree is packaged as dog food-318: agg please man – kid makes IRB junior payer of the year scores a number of brilliant tries has size and speed and rugby know how in his blood and your not 100% sold on him? What does he have to do – prove he can fly?

  • 339.mikeybrass: Reply to this comment
    15 Nov 2012, 15:07 pm

    @grant10-276: JdJ has dealt with all the AB centres. He can deal with the precious Pommie Pacific import!

  • 340.Finfan: Reply to this comment
    15 Nov 2012, 15:07 pm

    @Dawn-333: Yes, but he is the Cullen of 8′s. Don’t you EVER forget that.

  • 341.Slumtown: Reply to this comment
    15 Nov 2012, 15:08 pm

    @John Galt-324: how about a 5, 3 and 9 to boot?

  • 342.Slumtown: Reply to this comment
    15 Nov 2012, 15:09 pm

    @Spiesisworthless1-334: yeah I well agree with that but a healthy selection policy will go a long way to finding some synergy in the team for a start.

  • 343.goodstuff: Reply to this comment
    15 Nov 2012, 15:09 pm

    @Finfan-340: Cullen scored a bloody load of test tries and was a one man nightmare for the boks, havn’t seen that from Daniel. He is a good SR player but not that level.

  • 344.John Galt: Reply to this comment
    15 Nov 2012, 15:10 pm

    @Slumtown-341:
    Yes. If Santa is very generous he will provide those as well.

  • 345.Finfan: Reply to this comment
    15 Nov 2012, 15:15 pm

    @goodstuff-343: @Slumtown-341: Bresler, Jannie Dup and Reinach.

  • 346.nama1: Reply to this comment
    15 Nov 2012, 15:18 pm

    @Finfan-328:
    Ludik couldn’t even unseat Coetzee as the no. 1 Lions FB.

    Jordaan was totally outplayed by JdJ in the CC final.

    Keegan is a world class ruck wave rider at this stage. (I like Keegan btw)

    Not one of them can be classed “world class” in their positions. Are you mad?

  • 347.wnbb: Reply to this comment
    15 Nov 2012, 15:18 pm

    KD,unfortunately,will never become a regular in a Bok team….if ever selected again.He had his chances and blew it.Let us move on from the KD fiasco.

  • 348.suffer_guy: Reply to this comment
    15 Nov 2012, 15:20 pm

    JDJ het die hele desember om te chow … jy speel nie meer skole rugby ou boetie …. jy speel nou saam met grootmense wat jou baie seer gaan maak! jy ook rhule …

  • 349.wnbb: Reply to this comment
    15 Nov 2012, 15:21 pm

    Ludick was outplayed by both WP fullbacks in the final.World class?Don’t think so.

  • 350.The Sharks rugby pedigree is packaged as dog food: Reply to this comment
    15 Nov 2012, 15:21 pm

    @Slumtown-338: Nope. I want to see him play in a decent backline for the duration of the S15. Gaffie du Toit was also a genius when he was 19….as was Nick Koster and a few others.
    I’m not sold that he is the saviour of the Saffa midfield that many are making him out to be at this stage.
    Am I being unfair wanting to see him play a bit more at Super rugby level before calling him the Midfield Messiah?

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