Springbok squad announced for the Rugby Championship.

by **Biltong** Sat 04 Aug 2012, 5:51 pm

The Springbok selectors on Saturday included five uncapped players in a 30-man Springbok squad for the inaugural Castle Rugby Championship.

The DHL Stormers loose forward, Siya Kolisi, and MTN Lions prop, Pat Cilliers, join JJ Engelbrecht (centre/wing), Elton Jantjies (flyhalf) and Jano Vermaak (scrumhalf), who were all part of the Springbok squad for the June series against England, but did not make an appearance.

Cilliers is rewarded for his good form during the Vodacom Super Rugby competition for the MTN Lions. He is a specialist tighthead prop, but can also play on the loosehead side of the scrum. The question may arise whether this is a reactionary move by Meyer to ensure Cilliers remains in South Africa.

“It is important for us to build continuity in our squad, which is why we did not make too many changes,” said Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer.

Heyneke Meyer

“It’s a big challenge, playing six Tests against the best teams in the world in eight weeks and we now have to ensure we improve on how we played against England”

“It’s still early days for this team, but we are excited about what lies ahead in a brand-new competition that promises to be very testing.”

Players not considered due to injuries:
Bjorn Basson, Juan Smith, Schalk Burger, Heinrich Brüssow, Bandise Maku and Coenie Oosthuizen.

Jaco Taute, Johan Goosen and Duane Vermeulen are still considered to be part of Meyer’s plans.

Two further players who were part of the squad in the series against England, Wynand Olivier and Ryan Kankowski, have signed contracts to play their rugby in Japan and were also not considered.

The Springbok squad is:

Props: Pat Cilliers, Tendai Mtawarira, Jannie du Plessis, Dean Greyling
Hookers: Adriaan Strauss, Bismarck du Plessis, Chiliboy Ralapelle
Locks: Flip van der Merwe, Andries Bekker, Eben Etzebeth, Juandre Kruger
Backrow: Willem Alberts, Marcell Coetzee, Keegan Daniel, Jacques Potgieter, Pierre Spies, Siya Kolisi
Halfbacks: Ruan Pienaar, Francois Hougaard, Jano Vermaak
Fly halves: Elton Jantjies, Morne Steyn
Midfield: Jean de Villiers, Francois Steyn, JJ Engelbrecht
Back three: Bryan Habana, Zane Kirchner, Patrick Lambie, Lwazi Mvovo, JP Pietersen.

My opinion.

The players in red are very lucky to be in the squad.

Our problem is going to be at fly half, I would think Meyer's intentions are to use Lambie at 15, which means Morne Steyn is his first choice 10.

I would have preferred Bresler over Flip van der Merwe.

by anotherworldofpain Sat 04 Aug 2012, 6:58 pm

You get the moderator pen out for Meyer! I love it!

by emack2 Sun 05 Aug 2012, 1:22 am

What does Peter Grant have to do to get in that squad pay Susie to Give Morne Steyn some dodgy shellfish?Pity about Kankowski leaving Spies is a great athlete but Number 8 he ain`t.See several injured like Vermulen may make squad later.Juan Smith sadly looks like he may never play again last reports I heard.Burger unlikely before back end of 4Ns at best Brousow appears to be a Bok Richard Kahui a walking sick note.STILL any Bok side is formidable you mock them at your peril.

by Taylorman Sun 05 Aug 2012, 2:04 am

Back row is impressive other than spies who I've never understood.

"I'll pick him just one more time" Steyns inability to spark a backline or offer anything in attack will result in test losses. Its just how many meyer and SA in general are prepared to lose before they do something. The sxv has surely made it clear than crunch matches are won by scoring real points as well as having a tight defence. To have half of that isn't enough.

by anotherworldofpain Sun 05 Aug 2012, 9:28 am

Spies to me look like a great player out of position. But I can't understand what position he should be playing. Maybe he is a 6? Or maybe a 12?

by Mr Fishpaste Sun 05 Aug 2012, 2:56 pm

anotherworldofpain wrote:Spies to me look like a great player out of position. But I can't understand what position he should be playing. Maybe he is a 6? Or maybe a 12?

He should be the Bok's Gym Instructor...that's about it.

by Mr Fishpaste Sun 05 Aug 2012, 2:57 pm

Agree with Biltong on your assessment and red-pen stuff (although I would add Potgieter: He did very little against England)

Agree with Emack on Grant. He's a conservative player like Steyn, only he does it better! So if you're going to be conservative....

by Rory_Gallagher Sun 05 Aug 2012, 3:04 pm

I hope Meyer doesn't try and move Alberts to second row in a similar fashion to the Sharks. He doesn't look nearly as effective there, his big menacing runs in open play are sorely missed when he is playing at lock.

by Rory_Gallagher Sun 05 Aug 2012, 3:04 pm

Also, who is the 12 that played in the final for the Sharks? Jordaan? He looked very dangerous indeed.

by Mr Fishpaste Sun 05 Aug 2012, 3:05 pm

Yes, Jordaan is the guy, and he's only 20!

by Rory_Gallagher Sun 05 Aug 2012, 3:09 pm

I would like to see more from him, he can play 10 as well apparently. SA are certainly not short of quality 10s anyway.

by **Biltong** Sun 05 Aug 2012, 4:48 pm

Agree with MrFishpaste on Potgieter but didn't want so sound totally anti-bull. Also agree about Grant, he is conservative but a better player than Morne

Agree with Rory on Jordaan and Alberts

by **Biltong** Mon 06 Aug 2012, 8:53 am

Courtesy Supersport.

He wasn’t selected into the 30-man Springbok squad for the Argentina leg that starts the competition, but Ryan Kankowski might yet get to play in The Castle Rugby Championship.

Although Kankowski has signed a six-month deal to play club rugby in Japan, the Sharks No 8 was a surprise omission from the squad as it was assumed that he would still be available. It turns out he may be, and Meyer told journalists at the squad announcement press conference in Worcester that he is working on having Kankowski available to play.

“It’s a tricky situation for us. I did look at Ryan and I think he is probably playing the best rugby of his life,” said Meyer.

“We spoke to Ryan, and it was just quite difficult for him to be selected right now. So he wasn’t selected for this test series (against Argentina), but we spoke this morning and we are still in contact, and hopefully he will be available going forward.”

Further good news is that Meyer is also still holding out hope that Fourie du Preez will be available once his new season with his Japanese club starts. Du Preez was Meyer’s choice as team captain until the scrumhalf was forced through undisclosed reasons to make himself unavailable for the recent series against England.

With Francois Hougaard struggling at stages of the England series to replicate the tactical kicking accuracy that Meyer considers so important and which is a Du Preez strength, the former Bulls star will considerably boost the confidence of the Boks should he be called up for the later legs of The Rugby Championship.

The Springboks kick off their campaign against Argentina in Cape Town on 18 August before flying to Mendoza to play the return game a week later.

They then fly to Australasia to play Australia and New Zealand and it is then that Meyer will be hoping to have Kankowski and Du Preez in the mix.

If not by then, expect them to play in the home leg at the end of September/beginning October.

Other players who might also feature later in the competition include Stormers No 8 Duane Vermeulen, who is expected to return to the field after an absence for injury during the early stages of Western Province’s Currie Cup campaign. Coenie Oosthuizen, Johan Goosen and Jaco Taute could feature in the home leg if they prove their fitness in time.

The squad named at the weekend generally reflects Meyer’s determination to continue with the path that he had struck out on at the start of the England series, with the non-selection of inform Charl McLeod a clear indication that Meyer is not going to be brought into the off-load based game that has served the Sharks so well towards the end of the Super Rugby season.

He is set to continue with Hougaard and Morne Steyn as his halfback pairing against Argentina, although there is a good chance that Hougaard might make way for either Ruan Pienaar or Du Preez if he does not show a sharp upward curve in his ability to effectively execute a tactical kicking strategy.

“What’s important, and I saw it again with the Sharks in the Super Rugby final, is that you need a No 9 and a No 10 who can kick tactically and control the game. Morne hasn’t played to the best of his ability and the same for Francois, but that is something to work on. I thought hard about the halfbacks, but you do need some continuity.

“I’ve always believed as a coach that it is your job to improve a player through coaching as it is counter-productive to just pick a different player every week. You need continuity. The players know they have to step up to the plate and that I wasn’t happy with their performances (against England).

What the hell is his obsession with Fourie du Preez?

by Taylorman Mon 06 Aug 2012, 9:11 am

Hmmm. Agree. A fourie du preez m steyne partnering by the time they get here.

Can feel the boots shaking already.

And he had three tests to get steyn right through 'coaching, and not choosing another player' and he got no better?

by **Ozzy3213** Mon 06 Aug 2012, 9:17 am

That from Meyer does not sound good for the evolution of South African rugby. So much talent there coming through, yet it appears that Meyer is intent on a limited game plan with the same old faces, rather than embracing the younger guns coming through and playing to their strengths.

by formerly known as Sam Mon 06 Aug 2012, 9:40 am

" thought hard about the halfbacks, but you do need some continuity.

“I’ve always believed as a coach that it is your job to improve a player through coaching as it is counter-productive to just pick a different player every week. You need continuity. The players know they have to step up to the plate and that I wasn’t happy with their performances (against England)."

That sounds more like the half backs are in the last chance saloon. Given that Hougaard is the young up and comer at 9 and both Lambie and Jantjies are included in the squad I wouldn't say Meyer is ignoring the younger players he just seems to be taking his sweet time in terms of squad evolution. Personally I'd go for Pienaar and Lambie at 9/10 but there you go.

by Sgt_Pooly Mon 06 Aug 2012, 11:41 am

Hougaard/Steyn just didn't seem to work against England, I'd be surprised if Meyer persisted with that pairing.

If he's looking to play the power/tactical game you'd assume he's go for Pienaar/Steyn. I really like Lambie but with him playing most of his rugby at 15 can you really expect him to be fully effective at 10?

How Vermaak get's in that squad is beyond me.

I hope I'm wrong but I can see SA struggling against NZ & Aus.

by bluestonevedder Mon 06 Aug 2012, 11:52 am

Biltong, how's Brussow getting on? Think there will be a place for him when he's fully fit again? Coetzee certainly seems to be the real deal.

by **Biltong** Mon 06 Aug 2012, 11:54 am

Meyer has now said he gives Hougaard and Steyn the two tests against Argentina to prove themselves and he BELIEVES he can coach them into form.

What absolute hogwash, he first said Steyn has the rest of the Super XV to play himself into form, now he says another two tests and is trying to bring back Fourie du Preez.

This is beginning to look like 2008-2011 all over again.

Before you know it there will be clandestine meeting s under candellit dinners trying to get Matfield and Bakkies back.

Damn it man, if these guys are your heroes, get a bloody poster for you bar at home, or put it behind you bedroom door.

by **Biltong** Mon 06 Aug 2012, 11:56 am

bluestonevedder wrote:Biltong, how's Brussow getting on? Think there will be a place for him when he's fully fit again? Coetzee certainly seems to be the real deal.

Blustone I don't know mate, Meyer is talking with a forked tongue, it seems he gives players hope and then does something else, the reality it seems is you need to wear the pale blue jumper of the Bulls to get first choice.

by Sgt_Pooly Mon 06 Aug 2012, 12:06 pm

I think you could really get targeted at the breakdown Bek.

I know the general thought was that BdP etc would be enough but England outplayed you here (something which in previous tests has not happened for us) and against the step up in quality of McCaw & Pocock things could be tough.

There's always room for power but Alberts, Spies & Coetzee were a little similar to be effective for me.

by **Biltong** Mon 06 Aug 2012, 12:14 pm

Yes and no.

In the third test we were outplayed at the breakdown as Potgieter replacing Alberts reduced our physicality a lot.

in the first two tests we did well when we kept the intensity. Pockock cannot be at every ruck, it isn't possible, yes he is a great pilfirer but he knows when there is an opportunity to pilfer.

Versuco Stats tells me Pocock made 19 pilfers for the Super XV season, an Australian website tells me he made 9.

Either way, that is roughly one per game. Sure the true measure of a Pocock is n how many rucks he can slow down.

Too be honest, I a not too bothered about him. Any pilferer are only as good as what his oppposition allows him to be, if Meyer is intent on playing the old way, but improve on execution and intensity, Pocock can be negated enough.

by formerly known as Sam Mon 06 Aug 2012, 2:03 pm

Biltong, I think Wales tried to taget Pocock in the tackle. If Pocock is making the tackle then he's going to struggle to compete for the ball. First 20 mins of the game just get the big lads, Bismark, Jannie and, Alberts, all running at him. Once he's got through tackling that lot he won't be feeling quite so energetic and the Boks can move the ball around a little bit more easily. Targeting him off of first phase ball for the tackle and then looking to move the ball wider is another good option.

by **Biltong** Mon 06 Aug 2012, 2:07 pm

Absolutely Sam, also when you run onto him and he is the tackler, with your support arriving at the ruck, he will be at the boottom of it most the time as well.

by bluestonevedder Mon 06 Aug 2012, 2:16 pm

formerly known as Sam wrote:Biltong, I think Wales tried to taget Pocock in the tackle. If Pocock is making the tackle then he's going to struggle to compete for the ball. First 20 mins of the game just get the big lads, Bismark, Jannie and, Alberts, all running at him. Once he's got through tackling that lot he won't be feeling quite so energetic and the Boks can move the ball around a little bit more easily. Targeting him off of first phase ball for the tackle and then looking to move the ball wider is another good option.

I'm not too sure about that. Pocock is unbelievably quick at tackling to ground, getting up, releasing and competing. His speed off the ground back to his feet is pretty incredible- it's almost one fluid motion. Check out some of his videos on youtube and you'll see him competing for so much ball after completing a tackle.

I think the best chance to beat him is firstly: avoid running into him and forcing him to make the tackle, and secondly: use the first clearout to remove him from the ruck vicinity before he has a chance to get over the ball. The timing will have to be pretty accurate to get to him and take him out, but I reckon this is the easiest way to completely nullify him. He'll be out of the game.

by formerly known as Sam Mon 06 Aug 2012, 2:25 pm

I'm not too sure about that. Pocock is unbelievably quick at tackling to ground, getting up, releasing and competing.

If the support is there then there is nothing he can do about it. With the likes of the du Plessis brothers and Alberts hitting him he isn't going to be putting them to ground on his terms and by the time he's back up the Boks support should be securing the ruck and looking to move the ball. By avoiding him you are giving him range to dive in and out of rucks, slowing them down a second here and there and trying to get his hands in for that tell tale turnover. No, smash him hard and smash him good.

by bluestonevedder Mon 06 Aug 2012, 2:33 pm

formerly known as Sam wrote:
I'm not too sure about that. Pocock is unbelievably quick at tackling to ground, getting up, releasing and competing.

If the support is there then there is nothing he can do about it. With the likes of the du Plessis brothers and Alberts hitting him he isn't going to be putting them to ground on his terms and by the time he's back up the Boks support should be securing the ruck and looking to move the ball. By avoiding him you are giving him range to dive in and out of rucks, slowing them down a second here and there and trying to get his hands in for that tell tale turnover. No, smash him hard and smash him good.

I'm not so sure Sam! He is so quick back onto his feet, and then he's immediately in position to perfectly compete for the ball. He is close to immovable once he's positioned over the ball. If the first support player focused on taking Pocock out of the ruck vicinity, removing him for the few seconds while a ruck forms, by the laws of the game he cannot then compete for the ball. In essence, his most potent skill is rendered useless, and he has no chance to even attempt to compete.

Anyway, I guess it's down to the coaches and players how they decide to overcome it! Eitherway, if they don't prepare for him he's going to be a real thorn in their side.

by formerly known as Sam Mon 06 Aug 2012, 3:21 pm

It's easier to attack a ruck from the shoulder of the tackling player than it is from the tackle. For starters you are already on your feet.

Anyway, I guess it's down to the coaches and players how they decide to overcome it! Eitherway, if they don't prepare for him he's going to be a real thorn in their side.

Definitely agree with that.

by **Biltong** Mon 06 Aug 2012, 3:28 pm

JP Pietersen is out, he has broken his thumb.

How much more bad luck can we have, our most on form springbok out of the Rugby Championship.

by Rory_Gallagher Mon 06 Aug 2012, 5:30 pm

That really sucks. Seriously, Pieterson has been my one of my favourite players to watch this season. Is he out for the entire Championship then?

by Sgt_Pooly Mon 06 Aug 2012, 5:31 pm

Burger ruled out for the year at least too

by Rory_Gallagher Mon 06 Aug 2012, 5:34 pm

Bluestone - Brussow was out of form this season from what I had seen, until the latter stage of the Super 15. Some of his recent games for the Cheetahs have been exceptional. I think it is because he added a bit more variety to his game, which he needs to nowadays IMO. He scored an unbelievable individual try recently which I didn't think he was capable of scoring. He needs to play a bigger role as a link man if he wants to get his 6 shirt back, which he is clearly capable of doing.

by Rory_Gallagher Mon 06 Aug 2012, 5:35 pm

Sgt_Pooly wrote:Burger ruled out for the year at least too

A year?? Why? Shocked

by Sgt_Pooly Mon 06 Aug 2012, 5:38 pm

Agree on Bruss Rory, he was outstanding towards the end of the S15 and just looks much fitter for having a good run of games. Just doesn't seem to be Meyer's type of player though......he can play for England if he wants.

Burger knee injury still as bad after time off apparently, they need to decide on surgery but out till end of year at least.

by Rory_Gallagher Mon 06 Aug 2012, 5:47 pm

That is awful news. Seriously, I think he would have been captain when he returned.

So that is two of their best back row out, their best back out, and a coach who persists with an 8-9-10 axis that is clearly not working. It is time for Meyer to look at new exciting combinations for the future, specifically in the back row, at halfback and in the centres.

He really could not ask for more talented players in those positions either, so he should not mess this up.

by Rory_Gallagher Mon 06 Aug 2012, 5:55 pm

For the Championship, I would pick these combinations:

In the back row (depending on whether Vermeulen is back or not):

6) Coetzee
7) Alberts
8) Vermeulen

19) Brussow

That is one scary back row, despite missing their two top players there.

At half back:

9) Pienaar
10) Lambie

A very attack minded partnership. Might be a bit riskier than Hougaard-Steyn but it will certainly create more opportunities to score tries.

I am not really sure who Meyer should go with in the centres. The U20s JWC player of the year (I won't attempt to spell his name) is probably too young this time round, the young 12 for the Sharks Jordaan again is possibly too young, and if Lambie played 10, Steyn would likely play at 15. De Villiers is the safe option of course.

by Sgt_Pooly Mon 06 Aug 2012, 5:59 pm

I'm not a huge fan of Coetzee, surprised other players aren't ahead of him tbh, big fan of Vermeulen though.

Lambie playing FB all season could really hinder him for SA, Goosen and Jantes seem hot on his heels.

by Rory_Gallagher Mon 06 Aug 2012, 6:04 pm

Really, why are you not a fan of Coetzee? I think he looks like a star in the making.

I personally don't like Lambie at 15, he needs to play 10 or possibly 12 IMO.

by **Biltong** Mon 06 Aug 2012, 6:05 pm

I can tell you from what Meyer has said in interviews, Hougaard and Steyn gets the first two tests to prove themselves.

He will not drop Spies, he has a poster of Spies in his bedroom.

This is almost inked in as his team.

Beast
Bismarck
Jannie
Etzebeth
Kruger
Coetzee
Alberts
Spies
Hougaard
Steyn
Habana
Steyn
De villiers
JJ Engelbrecht
Kirchner

by **Ozzy3213** Mon 06 Aug 2012, 6:10 pm

It's a good team Biltong, but there is so much more talent available than that.

by Rory_Gallagher Mon 06 Aug 2012, 6:10 pm

He is really missing out big time with that team IMO. Would he not even start Lambie? I didn't think Lambie had a great final, but he had returned from injury and again I don't think he is as good at 15 as he is at 10.

How would you feel about Frans Steyn playing 15 again Bil? If I recall correctly, you much prefer him at 12.

by **Biltong** Mon 06 Aug 2012, 6:13 pm

Ozzy, not a good team if you consider what is out there.

Rory, he must play 12, I on't want to see him anywhere else.

by Rory_Gallagher Mon 06 Aug 2012, 6:16 pm

Why is that? His offloading game? He is probably best at 12, but if Lambie were to play 10 and Steyn played 12, who would SA play at 15? I don't rate Kirchner that highly to be honest.

by **Biltong** Mon 06 Aug 2012, 6:18 pm

I really would have liked Meyer to have taken a chance against Argentina.

I would have liked to see a team like this, even if it may have seemed risky. It is Argentina's first series, they don't know what to expect from this, and we have a very good record over them, take a risk.

Beast
Bismarck
Jannie
Etzebeth
Bekker
Coetzee
Alberts
Kankowski
Hougaard
Lambie
Habana
Frans
Jordaan
Ludick
Aplon

If JP was available I would have put Ludick at 15 and JP at 14

Now that will be an exciting backline

by **Ozzy3213** Mon 06 Aug 2012, 6:19 pm

9. Hougaard
10. Lambie
11. Habana
12. Steyn
13. de Jongh
14. JP Pieteren
15. Joe Pietersen/Jaco Taute

would be the backline I would go with if I were in charge of the South African national team.

by **Ozzy3213** Mon 06 Aug 2012, 6:20 pm

Jordaan looks a real talent Biltong, but I would ease him in from the bench.

by **Biltong** Mon 06 Aug 2012, 6:22 pm

Rory_Gallagher wrote:Why is that? His offloading game? He is probably best at 12, but if Lambie were to play 10 and Steyn played 12, who would SA play at 15? I don't rate Kirchner that highly to be honest.

He has made more offloads in tackles than any 12 we have had since a young chap by the name of Ettiene Botha who's career was sadly cut short by his premature death and he never got to play Springbok rugby.

Steyn gets over the advantage line, he has played ten before so he has the vision and ability to play a second 5/8position at twelve, two of our tries vs England came from him skip passing over JDV out wide.

His defence is strong and he can also kick well.

by **Biltong** Mon 06 Aug 2012, 6:23 pm

Ozzy3213 wrote:Jordaan looks a real talent Biltong, but I would ease him in from the bench.

I know Ozzy, but we have been easing players around for far too long, we need to be bold every now and then.

I firmly believe Argentina is the time to do it.

by **Ozzy3213** Mon 06 Aug 2012, 6:24 pm

biltongbek wrote:
Ozzy3213 wrote:Jordaan looks a real talent Biltong, but I would ease him in from the bench.
I know Ozzy, but we have been easing players around for far too long, we need to be bold every now and then.

I firmly believe Argentina is the time to do it.

The thing is I don't think he is better than JdJ at this stage, which is why I would go with the Stormers man.

by **Biltong** Mon 06 Aug 2012, 6:25 pm

Ozzy3213 wrote:9. Hougaard
10. Lambie
11. Habana
12. Steyn
13. de Jongh
14. JP Pieteren
15. Joe Pietersen/Jaco Taute

would be the backline I would go with if I were in charge of the South African national team.

Ozzy, problem with your backline is de Jongh doesn't pass, JP and Taute is injured and Joe Pietersen folds under pressure.

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