Bakkies is back
Despite the rampaging performances of Danie Rossouw against France, Bakkies Botha is expected back in the Springbok starting XV against France.
Botha has been out of action since injuring his lower calf while playing for the Bulls against the Crusaders in Christchurch a month ago. He joined the Boks in Port Elizabeth last Monday, but was not considered for the second Test against Scotland.
In his absence, provincial team-mate Rossouw had two outstanding games and was rewarded for his effort in the second Test with the man-of-the-match award.
Despite this, Rossouw will be relegated to the bench, possibly replacing Botha shortly after the restart, if not at the break against France at Newlands on Saturday.
Rossouw’s rise to prominence in the past two Tests will have delighted White immensely. The coach has had to persist with Botha and Victor Matfield as the No 1 pair for much of the last two years, without anyone else really putting up their hand.
The real worry of burn-out existed, but if Rossouw can deliver performances of the quality he did against the Scots against better quality opposition in the Tri-Nations then White will have solved one of his question marks.
For now Rossouw, who has also played on the flank for South Africa, has shown he is a more than able back-up to Botha. And while Botha is the acknowledged enforcer in the Bok set-up, Rossouw is not far behind in the intimidation stakes.
Botha will be key against the French as the Boks need to introduce their world-class players and White has already admitted his team need to raise the bar if they hope to maintain their unbeaten run on home soil.
Rossouw will be perfectly positioned to deliver the knock-out blow in the last quarter after Botha has softened the opposition for the first 50-odd minutes.
By Andrew Hollely
June 19th, 2006 at 11:22 am
well we all saw that at the same time now didnt we
June 19th, 2006 at 11:32 am
Citenzc,
That unfortunate for Burger…….I was hoping he might get injured 1 week out from the WC next yr.
June 19th, 2006 at 12:05 pm
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DANIE FOR 8TH MAN !!!!
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June 19th, 2006 at 2:46 pm
What a load of horseshit!!
Rossouw was our kakkest, most consistent CENTRE in the three tests he has played. He is there ******* up just about every backline move, hovering behind the tight-loose waiting for the glory moment.
Matfield was heavily criticised for not doing enough in the tight phases. If this is the case then Rossouw should be knee-capped for good. He does **** all in the tight-loose exchanges.
Why do you think our ball was so slow on Saturday? Because the forwards were all in the backline instead of cleaning up and recyling the ball!!
Man, I’m pissed at Saturdays kak display!!
June 20th, 2006 at 7:27 am
Sage
I see that you are also one of those that knows **** all about rugby .