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There comes a time when it is necessary to take a step back to enable you to take two steps forward.
The reality is South African rugby over the past decade has stagnated to the point where the core of experienced professional players in South Africa have attained a certain mindset of how the game needs to be played. Player power in the previous four years under Peter de Villiers has only further stifled creative backplay and attacking rugby.
With Heyneke Meyer now firmly in the coaching role and having seen what the youngsters can do and more importantly the limitations of his senior players, this might now be the time for some home truths.
Although lacking in experience the young guns have made their mark and proved that they do belong at the international level for the most part, sadly the time has come for more of the experienced players to be put to pasture.
Not for the lack of quality, but for the need to instill a new culture and skill level into Springbok rugby it is time to say goodbye to Morne Steyn, Jean de Villiers, Ruan Pienar and Zane Kirchner. They have served SA rugby well, but South Africa simply won’t move forward or develop a new culture or skillset unless Meyer becomes “brave.”
Meyer has confirmed that his players have carte blanche to play what is in front of them, but the reality is when they have played under strict game plans and tactics for the past 8 years, no matter how hard they try, it is very unlikely that they will be able to meet the skill levels required for the type of game necessary to score tries.
There are youngsters in South Africa who are not yet influenced by stifling game plans and rigidly structured patterns of play which debilitates creativity and a hunger for attacking flair.
Raymond Rhule is carving up defences back home, Paul Jordaan is showing a willingness to create space for his support runners, JP Pietersen is in the form of his life, Habana is looking for work all over the field, Patrick Lambie is a flair player, Goosen and Jantjies both have the vision and talent to become great fly halves, Jaco Taute is strong and fast, Willie le Roux has singlehandedly kept Griquas in the race for a semi final spot, Frans Steyn always seems to keep the backline in the game.
The point I am trying to make is that these youngsters have a different culture, a different methodology to how they want to play the game and with senior players like Habana, Pietersen and Steyn, the necessary experience to calmly lead defence and attack.
I think Meyer has achieved a lot during his first eight tests with his forward pack. They have the necessary physicality and required skills to lead the back line into battle, but all their hard work is for nought if they aren’t rewarded by their backs.
Not every coach can use the World Cup during his tenure as the ultimate goal, when you look at the Wallabies, they had Bob Dwyer who after two stints in the early 80’s and then returning in 1988 took them to World Cup glory, Sir Graham Henry did the same with the All Blacks after an eight year stint. Hence my thinking Australia should stick with Robbie Deans until the 2015 Rugby World Cup, but that is a debate for another day.
Heyneke Meyer should make his goal and responsibility to bring through these young players and mould a team not only for the future, but create a new culture and mindset of how South Africa will play the game.
If he is astute, he will approach SARU now and share his vision of a new era for Springbok rugby and convince them of the steps necessary to alter the methodology of SA rugby.
Sadly, as history has shown, no Springbok coach ever gets reappointed. You get your four years and hang on for the ride, hoping your employers don’t interfere too much during your tenure.
South Africa will not become the best team in the world unless they have a paradigm shift, those who believe we have only one strength and that is our forwards are selling each and every one of our talented backs short.
In my view that is a disgrace.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.