With calm heads required, but not at the expense of energy and enthusiasm, Tank Lanning takes a stab at which of the old guard Heyneke Meyer will take to the World Cup in his Sport24 column this week.
Tank Lanning
Righto, so based on the win in BA, all the Boks need to do to win the World Cup is have a firecracker inserted where the sun don’t shine, play more of a territory based game than a ball in hand one, don’t miss any kicks at goal, and be assigned competent referees willing to call a game as they see it rather than on perception.
The team and management control the first two factors, Messrs Lambie and Pollard can work on the third, but I am afraid there is more chance of me succumbing to anorexia than the 4th factor coming to fruition.
No doubt something Heyneke Meyer will ponder deeply when finalising the composition of his World Cup squad, set to be announced next Friday in Durban. Just exactly how many of the “Old guard” that are currently crocked will he risk accommodating in order to maintain calm when all things around them are collapsing?
Given Meyer’s “eggs in one basket” selection policy during his tenure, and his now public call to go back to a “Springbok rugby” game plan for the tournament, I would not be surprised to see all of them in the 31 man squad, but perhaps a quick gander at said “Ou ballies”:
Victor Matfield: Not currently crocked, but more masking tape needed to keep him in one piece than ever. One has to wonder how many paths have been blocked by the decision to bring him back, but this bed is now well and truly laid. He must go to the World Cup, and to be fair, he still adds massive value to the Bok lineout.
Francois Louw: No brainer. Will be well and truly over his injury in time for the start of the tournament. Class act as a fetcher, which the Boks must employ.
Jean de Villiers: Biggest call of them all. Current skipper and legend of the game. But he has been out the game for a very long time, and did not exactly cover himself in glory in the Durban loss to the Pumas. If not a First XV starter, or even 23 man squad member, his being in the UK might be disruptive. Could play the Bob Skinstad role of 2007, though, and with Damien de Allende just a smidgen off his game, De Villiers could be a masterstroke at inside centre with Jesse Kriel. Selection poser that would be keeping me from sleep if I was Meyer.
Fourie du Preez: We have seen the impact he makes on the side, even after being away from the game for long periods. Pending medical advice on the injury, a no brainer, especially given that he will be one of three scrumhalves in the squad.
Frans Steyn: That massive boot (and frame) could well sway Meyer. But for me, he comes with too much disruptive history, be it of his own or SARU’s accord. Looks like he carries the weight of the world on his shoulders. The Boks have moved on.
Morne Steyn: Definitely looks a better player for his stint in France, but in Pat Lambie and Handre Pollard, the Boks are very well served at flyhalf. Together with Elton Janties, a good option to have at home should the injury curse strike.
Duane Vermeulen: By all accounts, will be ready for that third pool game against Scotland. Hugely risky to bring a player recovering from neck surgery straight back into World Cup rugby. And will impact on the squad composition. But if ever there was a player worth risking something for, it is this man. Pending medical advice, I would risk it.
Willem Alberts: By all accounts, suffering a lower back the equivalent of an 80 year old which needs constant nurturing and management. Did get through 60 minutes on the weekend though, and at his best, is one of the best ball carriers in the game, something so very vital to the Meyer game plan. As long as Heinrich Brussow can also make the squad, I would risk Alberts.
Jannie du Plessis: Came under massive fire prior to his injury, but that faction has gone extremely quiet having seen the Boks without him at tighthead prop. Break will have done him good. No brainer selection.
All World Cup winning coaches will tell you how key experience is to a campaign. Not at the expense of keeping the energy, enthusiasm, and “Vibe” high throughout the tournament though. Some key calls to be made between now and the 28th.
Good summary. I would take JdeV even if only as an impact player. This man still has that something. He is the John Smit of this RWC.
Agree Frans S will be lucky to go as will Morne S (but I am sure he will be on the flight)
Not long to wait I believe they announce on the 28th,
Shot Dave. Not sure that Smit/Bismarck scenario worked so well in 2011. Something that could happen again with De Villiers. Word from WP is that they were not that unhappy to see him head upward …
With tears in my eyes please don’t bring Frans Steyn back.
Plenty said about those oldies but there are several other weak links.
If it were my call I’d drop Willie le Roux. Way to risky for a must win game. He doesn’t just confuse the opponents but his own team members as well.
Habana is also past it. He an individualist. Plenty other talent to take his place.
Ruan Pienaar. What is he doing in the team? He has never truly performed at Bok level.
The Bok culture seems to be so good at breaking down new talent until they are useless, while retaining the oldies that give conservative coaches comfort. You can see form players crumbling in front of your eyes due to selection (and substitution) policies.
If the Boks want to get ahead they need a progressive coaching team that has the fortitude to improve their man management and succession planning
Thanks Joe. Agree re Frans. As do I agree re Habana. I would have Le Roux on the wing in place of Habana and either Lambie or Kriel at the back. It is also the only place I might play Frans. That boot is a monumental asset.
Also think you point re sticking with the oldies while breaking down (rather than building) new talent has some merit. If Meyer is back for 4 more years, his mandate HAS to be to broaden the base and carry on with that hint of a game we saw against the Aussies and AB’s in SA last month …
Tank you said it before on Think Tank, it has to be one or the other anything in between is the game we saw at Kingspark. Either old toppies and kicking from base or young talent and energy running from base. For me it is deiced the game plan then the player selection is obvious.
And please dont play players out of position, they play where they played SR15.