From Eire to Alba – Next stop Scotland
Springbok captain Jean de Villiers against Scotland at Murrayfield, 2008. Photo by Getty Images.
Morgan Piek – This past Saturday South Africa faced the Irish at the AVIVA Stadium in Dublin. Despite many believing a victory over the proud Irish would be a walk in the park, it was always going to be easier said than done. Including Saturdays win over the Irish, South Africa have only won two of their last five games in Ireland.
It took plenty of character, guts, determination and a few strong words at half time for the South Africans to walk away victors on Saturday. Unfortunately, as with every game the Springboks played this year, there was no visible game plan.
When the team was announced last weekend one had to look no further then the loose-trio to see that the Springboks would be playing more than likely be playing “stamp kar” rugby. As good as Willem Alberts, Francois Louw and Duane Vermeulen are, one has to ask whether or not they are the right combination. Vermeulen and Alberts play the same kind of rugby, although Vermeulen adds the extra benefit of being able to scavenge the ball on the deck. However, one can never question the quality of Willem Alberts as player, his commitment and ball carrying ability.
With the heavier European fields a player such as Marcell Coetzee or Keegan Daniel may have been better suited. Both are more creative players and add somewhat of an x-factor. Francois Louw has become an outstanding player and invaluable to the Springboks in the absence of the injured Heinrich Brussow.
It was great to have Pat Lambie starting at flyhalf against the Irish; however, Lambie looked a little out of his depth. For the first forty odd minutes the normally flamboyant and creative Sharks flyhalf seemed not to be on the park at all. In fact, it looked as if Morné Steyn was playing. In the second half Lambie started having more of an impact on the game and the backline started to function a little better. Maybe one can put it down to nerves, after all Lambie has been warming the bench all season.
Lambie should be given another chance to play against the Scots this coming weekend. Having said that, it’s imperative Lambie play his natural game.
The Springboks really need to focus on their discipline which is less than desirable. Springbok captain Jean de Villiers admitted after the game that they took a while to adjust to the referee. This is the professional era and using that excuse is not very professional. We all know who Wayne Barnes is and we all know that he is one strictest referee’s in world rugby. The late Doc Craven famously quoted “Play the game in such a manner that the referee cannot have an influence on it”.
Overall the Springboks we not horrendous against the Irish on Saturday and it was a good, solid start to their End of Year Tour. A few changes should be made for the Test against Scotland. The All Blacks taught a very spirited Scottish outfit another lesson in Rugby on Sunday afternoon. The All Blacks came out with speed and creativity to totally dominate the Scots after twenty minutes. Heyneke Meyer should have taken notice of the New Zealanders performance.
It might be a good option to move Jaco Taute back to his natural position at fullback and give Zane Kirchner a rest. Bring Juan de Jongh in at outside centre to pair up with his Stormers team mate and captain Jean de Villiers. Lwazi Mvovo should be given an opportunity at left wing as well, with Francois Hougaard on the bench as backup halfback or wing.
Depending on the weather is Edinburgh not much has to change in the forwards department apart from Marcell Coetzee in for Alberts and Heinke van der Merwe given a starting role. Van der Merwe proved what a powerful scrummager he is. Despite the Scottish tighthead Geoff Ross scoring a try on Sunday, Euan Murray should be back for the Scots because the game is not on a Sunday. Murray is by far the superior scrummager of the two.
The Scottish lock pairing of Richie Grey and Jim Hamilton who are 2,07m and 2,04m tall respectively will be a forced to be reckoned with. Eben Etzebeth and Juandré Kruger will have their work cut out for them. However, Eben Etzebeth is Eben Etzebeth and any opponent of the young Capetonian will have to play their heart out to dominate him.
Many felt Adriaan Strauss should been substituted by the more flamboyant Schalk Brits, there is no doubt Adriaan Strauss has quickly developed into one of the world finest hookers currently playing the game. Strauss adds invaluable leadership to the pack as well.
The Springboks should notch up their second victory on the road this coming Saturday and the Springboks will be well aware of the fact that the last time the All Blacks trashed the Scots at Murrayfield; they beat the Boks the following week.
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