To understand Fourie du Preez, you have to understand there are two versions of him. The pre-2009 version and the more recent laid back version who enjoys fashion, modern cultures and quality family time.
At 1.82 metres and 92 kilograms the previous version of Fourie was arguably one of the best halfbacks in world rugby.
His ability to control matches via his box kick, knowing when to set his back line away, how to cover the inadequacies of his fly half, when to make a break on the blindside and lead his team, were characteristics that came so natural. He executed the elements of his game without fuss, in fact you hardly noticed him as his tactics and execution were near flawless.
But then came the shoulder injury in 2009, and a period of recovery that saw him exit the international stage after the 2011 Rugby World Cup for the experience of a lifetime in Japan playing for the club Santori.
At the time the 62-capped Fourie du Preez was ready to start a new chapter in his life, and after relentless pursuit by Heyneke Meyer, Du Preez returned to the international arena and will no doubt be Meyer’s first choice halfback. For the sake of the South African public, Meyer will be hoping Fourie du Preez has one more 2009 in him during the 2015 Rugby World Cup.
Capped 80 times for his country, Ruan Pienaar knows the Northern Hemisphere conditions better than any other Southern Hemisphere halfback. Since 2010 Pienaar has played 87 matches for Irish team Ulster and has become highly revered in Europe. Often under appreciated by his fellow countrymen, but always praised by the Irish, Pienaar is a shoe-in because his experience in Europe is invaluable to Heyneke Meyer.
Pienaar is also a very versatile player capable of playing anywhere in the backline, most notably at halfback and flyhalf.
Pienaar is a master at controlling and managing a game plan, perhaps all the years in Ireland and adverse conditions has moulded him into the ultimate player for a coach with a plan. He will hardly ever deviate from such a plan, and it is this meticulous planning and insistence on structure that has Meyer excited, and perhaps not so much the South African public who expects fast crisp service at the back of the ruck.
I do suspect though that finals rugby in the World Cup will require more structure than open exciting rugby and in this Meyer will depend on Ruan Pienaar to deliver.
The selection of the third choice halfback is currently under a cloud of uncertainty, injury to PIenaar and Fourie du Preez meant Heyneke Meyer had no choice in selecting less experienced players during 2014 and the truth of the matter is that Meyer struggled to find the next Du Preez in either Cobus Reinach or Francois Hougaard.
Hougaard is a natural ball player, he is not a kicking halfback, and no amount of coaching is going to make him a kicking halfback. More known for his tenacious defence, hard running and unpredictable play, Hougaard has already been capped 35 times, the fact that 14 of those Tests were at wing would suggest his natural abilities with ball in hand and his tough defensive attitude would make him more suited in the back three.
Reinach is an exciting player, but truth be told, I think he is too unpredictable and too exciting for a Rugby World Cup in Europe. The old adage of playing what is in front of you is very much a Reinach trait. Nothing Reinach does is pre-planned, predictable or in line with a structured game plan, for us as supporters this is what we are yearning for in the Springbok nine jersey, a new fresh attitude towards play behind the ruck and scrum.
Reinach’s late father was once the South African record holder for the 400m, and it is clear none of that pace is lost on his son. Reinach has the ability to hit the blind side, run at incredible pace, has a decent pass, average kick and is a solid defender. But it is his vision and eye for a gap that makes him a fan favourite.
Sadly, for Meyer control is as much a requirement of his game plan as the requirement that his halfbacks must possess the necessary skills to execute with the boot.
As discussed, both Hougaard and Reinach lack the fundamental skills Meyer requires from his halfbacks, they do not control matches in the manner Meyer wants and they do not possess educated boots. Hougaard struggles in wet weather and in my view is a wing that can play halfback, while Reinach is a new generation player, wanting to excite and make an individual mark in every match.
Who will be Meyer’s third choice halfback is anyone’s guess at this stage. The reality is whomever Meyer selects as third choice is only going to be used sparingly, neither of is likely to see much game time. If that is the case then Hougaard for his ability to be a back-up wing would make more sense.
I don't think the Springbok hierarchy ever considered him, they were too busy sucking up to Fourie du Preez and Pienaar
AussieBokkie
Guest
Pienaar will be the back-up halfback, so I think I speak for 49.999999 South Africans when I say "God please make Du Preez fit enough to last the whole World Cup. One of the greatest losses to Bok rugby in recent years is Rory Kockett. Cannot believe the heirarchy let him go.
RobC
Roar Guru
And that was day, was also election day for Qld
Firstxv
Guest
See Biltong...you need to write your articles when you're sleeping...
RollAway7
Guest
Great addition to the series biltong, I was waiting for this one. I think by now we both know we don't always agree and though I agree with you on evolving the bok game I also don't think now is the time. DP15 can top DP09, he is always super fit and will take pressure off Pollard, allowing him to play his natural attacking game. My father always says Du Preeze gives the 10 an extra 0.8 seconds to make the play. A flat standing Pollard accepting crisp clean passes from Du Preeze at the right time will split any defence. Many have fallen since his departure, the bulls, Morne Steyn and too some degree the boks. Against the All blacks our chances go up when he is at nine. A few international coaches have mentioned its like having a coach on the ground when Du Preeze plays. He is a master at reading the game and if he is still fast and fit should be first choice. I wish that he could play the second halve of super rugby. If I could pick one old bloke Du Preeze would be it. Pienaar should never put on the green jersey again. He is super slow, it like watching someone play in slow motion, this might do well at club level but we will never break international defence with Pienaar taking ages to reach the ruck, more time to read the play and even more time for the pass to reach Pollard. Pollard will get sacked standing that flat with captain slow at 9.
RollAway7
Guest
You have issues NB
RollAway7
Guest
Don't feed the trolls Harry!!
Harry Jones
Expert
BB has diluted some of his "clean house" thoughts for this series because he is now addressing what WILL LIKELY happen instead of WHAT COULD HAVE HAPPENED IF MEYER HAD BLOODED AND TESTED REINACH as well as he did Pollard, Lood, Serfontein, etc.
Kia Kaha
Roar Guru
Perhaps time difference was a factor. Most people in Oz are sleeping when Biltong is awake. Maybe that's when the article came into print and accounts for the delay. I for one will refer back to these articles when the World Cup rolls around as I'm hoping for a SA NZ semi final and will relish a Bok's views on who faces up against us. Thanks BB. Been away for a bit and will probably continue to be for a while. That might cheer you up NB. ;)
superba
Guest
It always holds my interest . Keep them coming Biltong.!!!
RobC
Roar Guru
The Axe. He should have his own sub-statue next to the King. Just one look at the guy, and you can only imagine the number of bar fights and onfield skirmishes he's finished. Not the Gavin Allen assassin type. But the look of a no-nonsense brawler who'll take care of things.
Daz
Guest
Haha no Zulu. Campbell Dewes, otherwise known as "Zulu" was not a man to be trifled with. He was Trevor "the axe' Gillmeister's protector when he first started playing for Norths RLFC. One of the first questions "the axe" had to satisfy supporters with a good answer to was " can yer fight?" "Win the fight and you'll win the game."
stuff happens
Guest
Some comments here about BB's articles . Well I'm not a Saffa & I like them. I've also learned that BB is basically an 'out with the old & in with the new' supporter & I sometimes agree with that. As far as halfbacks go I don't know how well Du Preez is playing & I don't think we'll know how good he is now until the 'Boks start squad training. I agree with your comments on Pienaar but I think in some ways he's just too slow. There is a welcome move towards fast halfbacks with quick passes like Smith & Phipps. Pienaar is not as pedestrian as Phillips in Wales whom Gatland still has in his squad, but he struggles to inject pace & urgency. I think Reinach is a find, an exciting option, & no doubt will spend much time on those box kicks this season!
RobC
Roar Guru
No Zulu/Natal? Duane merely needs to man-stare the ref for a hombre-a-hombre psychic connection
Harry Jones
Expert
Ja. Eben might get a rest which is good. Played many Tests in a row. Not sure about Thor's diplomacy w ref. :) Storners pack looked great in 1H. Bulls looked rampant (Sarries Second XV). Looking for Pretoria-Cape T to reassert dominance over SA rugby.
RobC
Roar Guru
Aardvark snouted the Poms. Scrums not so good though Almost all the points scored by Sth Africans. On both sides
RobC
Roar Guru
Captain Duain seems to have survived, though Eben hit on the chest. If it isnt a cracked rib, he should be fine.
Harry Jones
Expert
It's like a Meyer Doctrine
Te Rangatira
Guest
At the end of the day...if the Bok pack go well...then whoever plays hb should be ok...the only thing I have trouble trying to fathom is this SA reliance on the half back to be the general and steer the team....it should be the first five imo....
Harry Jones
Expert
Marcel vd M too