Structure, territory, defence, and discipline. These will be the core values of Heyneke Meyer’s Springbok team that will make their first assault on the Rugby Championship.
The squad has been selected and the die has been cast; as many have said before “don’t expect anything different from the Springboks”.
There is no doubt that South Africa will rely on their forward pack to execute line outs and scrums competently enough to challenge any of the three opponents they will face.
Over the past four years Matfield and Botha have been the supremos at line out time and Juandre Kruger, Andries Bekker and Eben Etzebeth will endeavor to continue the line out legacy left behind by South Africa’s most experienced line out pairing, Matfield and Botha.
The du Plessis brothers and Beast Mtwarira have combined into a solid if not spectacular front row with enough experience and competency to gain at least parity in most situations.
Coetzee, Alberts and Spies form a new look back row, but it is the youth factor, the energy and enthusiasm they bring that will a new dimension to the ‘Boks’ back row play.
Ruan Pienaar, Francois Hougaard and Morne Steyn will aim to win the territorial game. They will feed pockets of forwards taking the direct route, kick the up and unders for Habana and co. to chase, putting backs under pressure and feeding off their mistakes.
Be sure that Morne Steyn and Frans Steyn will use every opportunity to kick at goal, accumulating points divisible by three.
On defense you can expect the back line players to rush up and in, in an attempt to cut the ball off in the midfield, preventing the ball from going wide to the dangerous finishers on the outside.
The Springboks will effectively use three methods of attacking the opponents goal-line, but they will employ the line out as their primary source of first phase attack.
Be it at the maul or the back of the line out, setting big runners into channel one, setting up one ruck after another, only going wide when the opportunity presents itself. Don’t expect any maverick moves but rather direct running through the middle.
If, and only if, outside their 22, can you expect counter attacks from opposition mistakes, but the most obvious method of attack will be the use of hard direct running, building relentless pressure on the defensive line’s midfield, either resulting in defensive lapses that would yield the odd try or penalty.
So we all knew that, didn’t we? What will be different then? How will Meyer change the effectiveness of such a well known game plan?
Few will argue that the Springboks lacked execution, intensity and hunger over the past few years of Pieter de Villiers’ tenure, you only need to look at the results of the Springboks since the victorious British and Irish Lions series and the Tri Nations series in 2009.
In the period since the 2009 Tri Nations and the Tri Nations of 2011, South Africa only won 10 of 21 tests, their poorest win ratio for nearly a decade.
This is testament to a team that was poorly coached, players who were kept for too long, simply going through the motions and failing to adapt to a game that needed fresh ideas and younger players who would renew the hunger necessary to succeed on the world stage.
Therein lies the biggest difference of the Springboks 2012: they will be better coached, you can bet your bottom dollar execution will improve tenfold, you can expect their intensity to increase exponentially and you can expect them to be hungry.
If you believed they were physical before, you have a surprise coming!
The forwards will not only be more mobile, they will be faster, more intense and hunt like a pack of wolves being denied a prey for far too long, Meyer will unleash a different type of animal onto unsuspecting prey, hitting them harder, more frequently and faster than ever before.
Opponents will know what is coming, but will they be able to man up to a revitalised intensity and pace not seen from a Springbok pack for many, many years?
In Beast, Bismarck, Jannie, Bekker, Etsebeth, Alberts, Coetzee and Spies you have one of the most mobile packs in world rugby. There is pace, raw power and a willingness to run at the opposition, but there is more, a willingness to look for the support player and a willingness to offload.
Hougaard is not in the mould of Fourie du Preez, he is more unpredictable, stronger, faster.
Morne Steyn is at last chance saloon, if he doesn’t succeed against Argentina, there may very well be a new pivot come Australia and New Zealand.
Frans Steyn is one of the most experienced 25 year old internationals around, at over 100 kg, a siege gun boot, the strength of a forward and an ability to get to the gain line with an ability to feed the support runner, he is a danger man against anyone.
Jean de Villiers may not be the best distributor, in fact I believe that to be his only weakness, but in defense and on attack still as good as anyone.
JP Pietersen will be sorely missed by the Springboks, currently one of the form players in the world there is really no replacement in his class, but Habana is looking hungry, Lambie needs some game time, and Argentina will be all he needs to regain confidence and form.
You now know what’s coming, but will you be able to handle it?
Ben S
Roar Guru
Sure, I agree. I hope it doesn't rain. If it was to be dry I think SA would really give Argentina a beating.
Tigranes
Guest
Theres nowhere else on the Roar which mentions this, but it looks like the Lions will no longer be competing in Super Rugby, and will be replaced by the Southern Kings from next year. I think this is a pretty silly move. It means that Johannesburg no longer has representation in Super Rugby. Johannesburg is the economic hub of the country. Results might not have gone the way of the Lions, but their crowds weren't too bad this year. In addition, a large number of people move to JHB from Cape Town and Durban, and these supporters boost Lions crowds heaps. I know the Bulls are an hours drive away, but Pretoria is a separate city and culture to Johannesburg...although I guess this gives the Bulls the chance to expand their market and supporter base.
Suzy Poison
Guest
I too would have preferred Kolisi. But I can see Meyer’s logic. He is going for combinations. Sharks front row, Stormers Lock pairing, Sharks Loosies, Bulls halfbacks. And I wonder when J.P Pietersen comes back from injury, I suspect long term Meyer will want him at Outside Centre. That means another Sharks combination forming for the future.
Uncle Oswald
Guest
Good piece, Biltongbek, thanks. Very pleased to see that the SA-perspective is finding space here on The Roar. I look forward to seeing more. Excellent input from the majority of posters also - nice to see talk focusing on rugby. My take is the same as most of the other guys: temporary team, not too many options (both tactically and personnel-wise) for Heyneke at this stage, like the fact that Sharks trio, Stromers lock pairing and front-row combo have been kept intact, good also to see the youngsters on the wood. Keegan will, I am sure, do well enough. Can't see him being a starter once Duane is up-and-running, though. I'm curious to see what Pienaar can do if he gets some time - he's a a real confidence player and I hope he can get his head-space right. Looking forward to a good, tight game.
dcnz
Guest
great article thank you. its great to get more insight into the Bok scene, because, as you guys say, alot of the rugby writing over there is kak... If you are an AB man you dnnt mind losing the odd test in SA because they are so fierce and competitive in front of the Bokke crowd! I think one of the best victories for the All Blacks was the 19-nil win in 2008. Richie looked exhausted at the end of that match, in which DC probably scored his best try for ABs, and you could tell it meant a lot to achieve that result. Then in 2009, you zipped us 3-nil. Imagine the Bokke team if they had Broussow, Alberts, JP, Juan Smith, Goosen, Ezbets playing in unison.....i hope we get to see that. There is plenty of talent in SA!
thanks mate, let's hold thumbs things turn out OK.
Ben S
Roar Guru
True Kolisi isn't that big, but it's going to be wet, which means a lot of tight rugby, and Kolisi is much better over the ball than Daniels, and Argentina don't have any pilferers.
I wrote this before the team was selected. On the selections itself, I agree Daniels is light and was manhandled by the English, but remember that was without Alberts, Kolisi would be a risk on debut, he isn't much bigger than Daniels. When an international team has lost 5 backrowers to injury and then you have the likes of Kankowski, Johnson and Francois Louw all having moved oversease the reality is the cupboard are going to look a little bare. Vermeulen is not far far away from recovery though. I agree about Mvovo, but his general positional play is a concern, he isn't a player that likes to go back, one thing he did improve on this year was his workrate and perhaps that is the reason why his positional play lacks a bit. I see Meyer has pit Mvovo at 14 and not 11, I think that is purely to have JDV next to him to direct the young man.
AussieBokkie
Roar Rookie
by rarely happens I meant I rarely agree 100% with anybody regarding Springbok rugby, not you personally mate haha
tubby
Guest
anyone know how francois luuow is doing? He was ready to take over a boks jersey before he left for ?europe. Would be nice to see him and vermuelen stalking together again. Apart from steyen the biggest problem in this teasm is mvovo. Not shown anything other than pace, never creates his own oppotunities. If it's wet his strengths are not as useful and his handling under the high ball questionable.
AussieBokkie
Roar Rookie
Great article bru! I agree with everything you said, and that rarely happens. If only Kirchner made way for Lambie and Steyn for Goosen then I wouldn't have any real problems with the selected team for this Saturday. Meyer may be a bity conservative but I'm just stoked we have a significantly better coaching staff than what PdV and his losers offered! Keep up the good articles mate. Cheers
Ben S
Roar Guru
Agree re paragraph 1, although I think Argentina will threaten SA in a different way than England did. Big fan of Juan Smith - great player. I just don't see the point in Daniel for this game? He's played well in Super rugby, but he got tossed about against England, and England didn't even field a big pack. I, like you, would have gone for somebody like Kolisi as Argentina don't employ traditional fetchers. That said, Daniel's opposite man, Fernandez Lobbe, isn't the biggest man about, or the most punishing carrier, so maybe the Boks won't lose out. If Steyn is on form then I can't see Hernandez matching him. I think Hernandez is a 15 and not a 10. JPP Pietersen will be a big loss, especially if Hernandez kicks aimlessly.
Suzy Poison
Guest
Agree, not sure about Mvovo under the high ball in wet weather. But I think if the Boks get into trouble, Meyer has the option to will bring on Pienaar and Lambie early. Also Meyer has said, the English did expose the Boks under the high ball, and he has concentrated on making sure his players have the fitness, to get back in time, to chase kicks. The Boks at training also concentrated on defending quick taps after Ben Young caught them napping a few times. So it sounds like at least Meyer is learning on the job, and the hard fought English series was a good learning experience for the team. At least the Boks are making the right noises? Agree as well on your thoughts about Keegan. I don’t think Keegan Danial is really a wet weather player either. Too lightweight against the big Argentinian forwards. Would have selected Siya Kolisi and had Alberts at 8. Meyer has indicated that when Vermeulen returns, after he gets a run in Currie Cup, this weekend, Keegan will drop right out of the 22. But like you correctly have said Ben, this would a rather slow loose trio. Boks are really missing Juan Smith, a very underrated player. The Argentinians have selected a Prop as a Hooker, so it’s not secret where they aim to attack. Be interesting how Pat Cilliers goes, if he gets his first cap, against the bajada? It will be a right old arm wrestle in the rain, with a lots of kicking, I am sure. I also agree about Morne, look I really wish the Boks had the talent the Aussies have in this position. When all fit, they have four options, Beale, O’Conner, Cooper and Barnes. The Boks pretty much only have Morne, and Goosen when he returns to fitness. Jantjies and Grant don’t inspire confidence. Morne might surprise, however. Word on the street is, he has been attacking the gain-line, much more than usual, at training. We can only live in hope.
peterlala
Guest
biltongbek, great report. Your final sentence -- You now know what’s coming, but will you be able to handle it? -- could also read, "You know the plan, but can the Boks deliver." I hope so. In fact, the whole rugby world would love -- and hate -- to see the Boks back to their brutal best. The old gambling saw, "Never bet against a champion", may mean Morne Steyn will enjoy drinking at the Last Chance Saloon. For that reason, i'm backing him.
Shungmao
Guest
I'm intrigued to see the front row battle, I personally haven't been that convinced with sharks front 3. The Beast has come off second best during the super rugby series quite a few times and Janine is just plain unpredictable . I think SA will win it comfortably, I think the pace of the games and fitness of the super rugby nations is the big concern for the Pumas but I'm glad they are part of the comp.
mania
Guest
biltongbek - i feel for PDV. he loves SA and the boks and really wanted to be the one to re-introduce running rugby back. he gave it his all but didnt have the cajones to stand up to the players. def SARU's fault but for me the real blame lies with playerPower. they were the ones thinking they were bigger than boks rugby and came up with the gameplan. habana (or JPP, fSteyn, JDV, jFourie) obviously wasnt part of that group because he never saw ball. cant believe that the senior players that mutineed were all forwards and they just cut the backs out of attack. not only that but 2009 the kicking game worked because AB's had a crap back 3 (mils was injured for part of 2009), this gameplan beat the AB's but not many other countries that season. 2010 AB's countered this gameplan but still the boks persisted with it. that was the fault of the playerPower think tank
nickoldschool
Roar Guru
Its a transition side that we have this w-e as there are too many key injuries so it will be hard to rate Meyer as a coach. JP and Joe Pietersen, Goosen are the 3 most creative backs in SA rugby and are out. The backrow is impressive on paper but is untested as a trio at this level. I actually think it wont be a walk in the park against the Pumas. Good to see Roncero is doing a Sharpe for the love of the jersey. Just realising now what a chance it is for the sanzar nations to have the Pumas in their comp! It does bring a level of uncertainty we had lost in the last few years; the Pumas are unlikely to win the comp but they can make you lose it. Great vociferous crowds will also add some spice. 15 Zane Kirchner, 14 Lwazi Mvovo, 13 Jean de Villiers (c), 12 Frans Steyn, 11 Bryan Habana, 10 Morné Steyn, 9 Francois Hougaard, 8 Keegan Daniel, 7 Willem Alberts, 6 Marcell Coetzee, 5 Andries Bekker, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Jannie du Plessis, 2 Bismarck du Plessis, 1 Beast Mtawarira bench: 16 Adriaan Strauss, 17 Pat Cilliers, 18 Flip van der Merwe, 19 Jacques Potgieter, 20 Ruan Pienaar, 21 Pat Lambie, 22 JJ Engelbrecht
All true, but he was the coach and could have broken up the player power, the blame though lies with SARU. They put him in that position.
mania
Guest
agree biltongbek , PDV was weak. but he tried. anyone who would put himself in that position to be a political target with all the backstabbing and infighting that happens in SA rugby must love the boks and SA. everyone knows that he wasnt ready and his appointment was all smoke and mirrors. but the fact remains that he had a plan that we only saw a fraction of and that plan was expansive running rugby. had the boks kept at it from 2008 onwards they'd be a lot further ahead now in running rugby team work. its PDV's fault that he let the players take over. but its the players fault for coming up with a gameplan that effectively cut out 6 backs from any offensive moves. the players imo are more to blame as they kept smit in the 2 jersey. they insisted onsticking with the kicking game. they decided who should be in the team. PDV let himself become a puppet but blame should also sit with the playerPower pulling the strings.
Mania, sorry mate, but PDV was the coach, the player power that were there was because he was to weak to lead. Do you think Henry would have allowed it?