In much the same fashion, Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus will have to ask some tough questions when putting his backline together for the Rugby World Cup later this season.
Rassie Erasmus and his coaching staff will have just four Test matches to settle on a final World Cup squad and get the backline purring.
Either way you cut it, you are damned if you do and damned if you don’t. I imagine the final selection (especially for the World Cup squad) is a similar situation to a high stake’s poker game, take the gamble and go all in or play it safe and hope that your superior opponent makes a mistake somewhere down the road.
Every coach going to the World Cup will believe he has the foresight regarding selection; however, Erasmus’ immediate concern is to ensure a balanced backline is chosen.
A key ingredient will be finding a backline that fires more than it doesn’t.
Erasmus seems to favour an Elton Jantjies and Handre Pollard 10 and 12 combination, which facilitates having dual play makers on the field.
The Boks’ offensive game needs every possible ability to get its rhythm as quickly as possible.
This is especially pertinent considering the weather conditions in Japan and the way the Springboks have struggled to find a balance to their attack.
Erasmus’ cerebral tactician Faf De Klerk will form the base of his backline, De Klerk has grown into an exceptional player and tactician, whist never losing his ability is to break around rucks and create plays from nothing.
His tactical kicking has improved immeasurably, and he is arguably South Africa’s most important player in the back’s division going to the World Cup.
With Aphiwe Dyanti, Sbu Nkhosi as last season’s incumbents and the sensational form of Makazola Mapimpi and Roscoe Specman, the Boks are blessed with wings of the highest order.
There finishing ability is without question, the only one that remains is how the Boks find a way to get them with ball in hand while they still have space to attack.
The crucial choice in often deciding that is your outside centre, Jesse Kriel has been in good form of late and his finishing ability is superb.
However, Lukhanyo Am’s form and most critically his decision-making has made him my standout Super Rugby player from a South African perspective.
So many of the Sharks tries came from his ability to read the play and choose correctly, which has seen the Sharks look enterprising in an otherwise dour season.
Finally Willie Le Roux as the experienced incumbent will marshal the attack from fullback, another player with great game breaking ability and once again a player able to create offensive play around.
He and Faf De Klerk have combined impressively during Erasmus’ time in charge and when the Boks have looked impressive and assured when these two are producing their best offensive plays.
I would dearly love to be a fly on the wall when Rassie Erasmus goes through his selection debates with his staff.
Some pundits and fans argue you should be playing your best team every time you take the field, while others argue you should be experimenting (I use that word loosely) with different players and combinations.
From my personal perspective I would just like to see a Bok backline using more refined offensive tactics than the usual blunt offerings.
Smiggle Jiggle
Roar Guru
I think if B.Smith is out, Barret would be the best FB they have. He can also slot into 10 if needed. Either way, they are going to have one hell of a backline.
taylorman
Roar Guru
Four, almost five out of seven with no real tournament test winning form as starters? Like the optimism but theyre not going to defend this title with so many newbies. And no Reiko? Smith, Barrett, Crotty or ALB, Goodhue, Reiko, BSmith with maybe Bridge as the bolter?
sayWhat
Roar Rookie
Tongue in cheek - if we have to use him give him the first 10 minutes, instead of the last 10 where the AB's will finish you off - seen that movie a few times :(
Harry Jones
Expert
Fine w him at backup 10. But not starting.
Harry Jones
Expert
Papier-Pollard-de Allende-Am-Dyantyi-Nkosi-le Roux (Faf-Elton-Kriel).
Rugby wizard
Guest
If he is injury free he will definitely be in,according too BDP injury prevented playing for Boks 2018. Last 20 minutes from BDP off the bench could be vital in closing out games,I can see a vital steal in the dying moments. The squad Rassie will put together judging by the depth its probably debateable if it will be there best ever team but in terms of squad strength probably will be the best going into a RWC.
Kiwikrs
Roar Rookie
Wow really? BDP used to be one of my favourite players but I can't imagine him being World Cup standard anymore. Surely Marx has him?! Unless it's a Mealamu type mentor role in the squad/rotation hooker to give Marx a breather
Rugby wizard
Guest
He is 32 Bismark Du plessis will be in as well,Rassie made it clear going too a RWC with a experienced world cup hooker is a must.
Rugby wizard
Guest
I love this backline,however I feel its important too have that secondary fullback as a wing so Kolbe on the wing. Am or Kriel that's a tough choice for Rassie as is Reinach or Faf. Reinach had been in superb form and made the dream team.
Paulo
Roar Rookie
42?
Smiggle Jiggle
Roar Guru
My pick for the AB's if I could. This is given that Ben Smith is not fit. If fit, he takes Barret's place, and Barret becomes the super sub. A.Smith - best passer and links the forwards with the backs excellent Mounga - best 10 in the comp, runs hard at the line, and has the best vision Bridge - speed machine, but his defence is why I pick him ALB - Best 12 in the comp. Goodhue - best 13 in the comp Reece - bolter for the 14. His record speaks for itself Barret - Still think he was the best fullback until he got moved to 10.
Isaac Buatava
Roar Pro
Super super impressed with the young stormers half back Herschel Jantjies.
Kiwikrs
Roar Rookie
What about moving Kriel in one to 12?
Kiwikrs
Roar Rookie
9. Faf 10. Pollard 11. Ryan to 12. De All ends 13. Mapoe 14. Mapimpi 15. Le Roux Willemse should surely be on the bench providing 10/15 cover
Oblonsky‘s Other Pun
Roar Guru
He’s a bit fat now haha. Could be too old, but 12 isn’t a position requiring heaps of speed I suppose.
Kiwikrs
Roar Rookie
Is Steyn a bit old now? I admit to not have followed him or his form since he left SR
Jonty Shonty
Roar Pro
With those stats the poor dude gets some serious traffic in every game
Jonty Shonty
Roar Pro
It's not too bad, hey!? Steyn at 12 would bring experience and a well rounded skillset. I'd have Kolbe, Nkosi or Mapimpi ahead of Specman though.
Jonty Shonty
Roar Pro
Cheers Brandon! Willie and Faf are probably our two most important back line players. Willie in particular when he gets into first receiver. With him at 15 providing the creativity, I’d start Handre at 10 and De Allende at 12. It’s way more solid. I feel Elton has a place on the bench though. I’d also have Kriel on the bench covering all the outside back positions, so Am at 13. Cheslin Kolbe is a must for me too.
sayWhat
Roar Rookie
I have a bad feeling they will pick Elton anyway, how many chances does he get?...