No champagne for Boks
9 Sep 2006
Springbok coach Jake White wore the face of a relieved man after watching his team pull off a hard-fought win over the Wallabies at Ellis Park on Saturday afternoon.
White was far from elated at the Boks second win in a week as much hard work lies ahead if they are to build on their recent form in the next 12 months leading up to the Rugby World Cup.
There were no big smiles, but rather the stern look of introspection that comes with the realisation that they are far from good enough – at this stage – to threaten at the World Cup in France next year.
“It’s been a difficult time and again as I’ve said before we are thankful to everybody for putting in the effort. The captain has been under pressure so again, you know there is a lot to be learnt out of what we have achieved in the last two weeks,” White told reporters.
White and captain John Smit, who both attended the post match press conference, looked like they were in serious need of a break. It has been a Tri-Nations campaign that has taken much out of the players and management.
“Anyone who has ever been involved with this team will tell you that it is difficult once you get into a downward spiral. If you look at history what usually happens is players fall apart and the whole thing goes pearshaped so again just the way the management and everyone has stuck to their task deserves to be complimented.”
“At the end of three weeks of playing New Zealand, New Zealand, Australia and then to score 21 points in the second half of the last game, again just shows the step up we have made in the last two weeks.”
Smit has led from the front in the home leg and has been able to take a lot away from the experience in the Tri-Nations this year.
“It has certainly been educational,†he said. “We started the Tri-Nations in a terrible way and when we were overseas I would lie in bed sometimes and think: ‘this could all go terribly wrong’â€.
“But in the next year when we are facing challenges, we will have a lot of perspective and will be able to think back to how well we did to get out of the five-game slump.”
By Andrew Hollely, at Ellis Park Stadium
42 Comments
9 Sep 2006, 19:13 pm
Cheers Bokke!!!
9 Sep 2006, 19:14 pm
Here we go again. Let there be no misapprehension about this game. It may have been a win on paper but it was a very poor game from SA. Sadly it does nothing to allay the serious suspicions that Jake White has run out of ideas and has reached the limit of his abilities in terms of adaptation to circumstances and devising an appropriate game structure for the Boks.
I said last week that the win against New Zeeland will only be of use if the Boks could continue and build upon what appeared to be a positive an attacking running game. I also expressed doubts about what happened against the All Blacks had indeed have been born of a pre-planned game strategy. In effect I was suggesting that it what transpired in that game had little to do with constructive planning by White but was primarily a result of enforced changes wrought by injuries and an inadvertent result of how the game developed on the day. Sadly this suspicion was vindicated today.
The Boks went straight back to the old tried and tested, and predictable “kick-and-subdue†structure. Throughout most if this match against Australia the Boks and surprisingly, Pretorius, went back to this old disease of retreating to the “laager†and kicking the skin off the ball. Gone was the positive approach of building a platform and then attacking from there, moving the ball wide when and if possible.
This game may have been won, but the win came from attacks that arose out of broken play and superb efforts from a few individuals such as Pierre Spies, Breyton Paulse and Fourie du Preez (about whom I would have to say I had doubts over the last several weeks).
However if this win, such as it was , is to be used as a vindication of Jake White’s tactical nous and abilities of adaptation then we are all more deluded than before. (And that comes from a long time apologist for Jake White!)
The shocking issue here was the absolute absence of any discernable game plan – and let nobody try to claim that the game strategy was disrupted by Australia in some way or the other, or the that the ref was poor (he certainly made his usual quota of mistakes, but equally so for both sides); or that the injury list; or the quota system was to blame.
The truth is plain and clear, sadly Jake White has run out of ideas, and what is even of greater concern, is incapable of admitting these failures and weaknesses. In short he has indeed reached his point of dysfunction (Peter Principle).
That is not to say that we have the staff to replace him forthwith, for both Muir and Erasmus are still learning their business and would be done a great disservice if coerced into this role at this premature stage. SA Rugby and the public at large would be well advised to allow them the time to learn the ropes and cut their teeth in the Super 14 and prepare for the next world cup (if we qualify- that is… And yes that is a possibility!).
But there are possible remedies: The first is that Jake White simply cannot be allowed to live in an Ivory Tower of self–delusion. We have a small team of selectors who are both entitled and franchised to apply influence upon the incumbent coach and indeed overrule his follies on selection policies. Moreover the SA team’s abysmal record over the last year should entitle the SARB to seriously question his game strategies (as they have tried to do in a typically inefficient way by their “conference of mentorsâ€).
I believe that White is seriously flawed but that his obvious shortcomings can still be alleviated and even rectified if he is reigned in and forced to face reality. As I had mentioned before: Some humility form his side and recognition of his own shortcoming would go a long way towards salvaging something from that World Cup I am quite convinced that this is the only means through which SA could avoid serious and permanent embarrassment and ignominy in next year’s world cup.
9 Sep 2006, 19:16 pm
I apologise to anyone who may have read my post 3 times but I feel that this is the only way to reach enough serious SA Rugby supporters to get a momentum going to apply pressure where it is due!
9 Sep 2006, 19:41 pm
Cyberscamp, when I see a long post like yours, I don’t feel I want to read it all. As for John Smit, hopefully he won’t be part of the setup next year. He is past his “sell by” date and moves like an overweight Bulls prop.
9 Sep 2006, 20:00 pm
Cyber,
Jake somehow listened to the advice the ex bok coaches and Naas gave him 2 weeks ago.
Imagine how dificult his job is , being stuck with 2 assistant coaches with this type of record..
Gert Small chased away by WP after he destroyed them to the laughing stock of SA rugby
Alistair Coetzee backline coach of the Cats, look at the differance since he left.
Todays game we tried to expand a bit , the players was trying to play more expansive but the confidence in the fellow players will only come after the fear of losing is achieved. Keep in mind we were in a sad state facing the prospect of the worst losing streak ever.
Give Jake a experienced ex bok bacline coach like Gysie, Helgaart or Muir and you will see the differance
9 Sep 2006, 20:03 pm
Yeah but Gomer Pile Smit actually did well for today and deserves his pay-cheque, but then again when one is about to be fired or else, remarkable things happen. It just proves Jake Whites long term strategy to stick with his homeboy crew and captain was seriously flawed and has further highlighted the immmense comfort zone Smit cruises in.
Because of the blinkers on Jake White, Smit has never had the need to dig deep within himself like he has today. He should refund all his pay cheques bar this one!!!
9 Sep 2006, 20:04 pm
cyberscamp
Good post but don’t over do the manic posting on every thread. Trust that the right bunch will see it and read it. The harder you try the more it pisses people off even if you have something useful to say. Some then find what’s wrong in you and you lose a potential ally.
Chill…and be still. The law of enough always wins the race. It’s effortless.
9 Sep 2006, 20:20 pm
# 2
Don’t read them long ‘uns. Figure you can get Keo to publish that sort of ‘stuff’ as an article.
He’s also hell bent on using hammer and nails on the new marble tiles in the bath room.
9 Sep 2006, 20:24 pm
So has Jake secured his job? Can he learn from his mistakes? Can he win the world cup?
I think so. He predicted this to be the toughest year since he has taken over that is the bad news. The good news is he still has time to make the right decisions.
He has to look objectively at his squad … there is no room for favourites when you are competing to win the RWC. It is every players dream to wear the Bok jersey and win the RWC. Make an announcement Jake and say that there are world cup places up for grabs then see how players will react.
He has to modernise his defence … the team with the best defences win world cups great attacking teams like the AB’s do not win world cups . Our players are more comfortable with the slide defence but there are times when the press defence can be introduced and should be used. Jake you have to bring in a defensive specialist coach to work on this aspect of play.
He needs to bring in an analyst … Jake needs someone like Rassie to come in and add some input. With this man on board I cannot see us being out thought by anyone or any team.
Do this Jake and we can win the RWC’07
9 Sep 2006, 20:28 pm
Sarky # 8
I don’t mind long ones as long as it speaks sense and doesn’t try too hard by being cut and pasted all over the shop. Cyberscamp we can hear you broer. I’ve made the same mistake myself. Much of a good chirp gets lost in over cooking the point.
9 Sep 2006, 20:29 pm
Jinx #7, thanks for the well intended and sage advice. Indeed I myself do hold the art of understatement applicable in general life. However getting concepts accross through using “mass” media requires the technique of broadcasting. And yes one does run the risk of repetition – but in this case that has to be taken. We have but one November tour left then next year’s Tri-Nations (including warm-ups) and thereafter the World Cup! The time to point out false complanency is now and not when the horse has bolted. So please take the message up if you agree with it in principle. Since I now ply my trades in the UK (where I am also a paid part-time but minor league rugby coach) I have no direct input into the SA rugby scene anymore – but does not mean I do not care!
9 Sep 2006, 20:33 pm
Thanks to you too Sarky, all well meant I am sure – only I hope that this is not just about chirping. I approach this more like canvassing – i.e. drumming up a beat that may just reach the ears of those who do not want to hear!
9 Sep 2006, 20:40 pm
Cyber # 11
I understand. I think what I’m learning is that we can scream and shout all we can sometimes and it still doesn’t fulfil our expectations. Things sometimes change so slowly with those that fear change and the unknown. I need to leave Jake alone now and allow whatever to be. I owe it to myself and my girlfriend. Some battles take along time to resolve and I can’t be part of all peoples life lessons as I have mine to focus on. I think trust that things will unfold and be revealed as things go along. You and I have said our say and the only way for the new to come is to detach from outcomes and watch Liverpool play a game of football. But I get your point. Moenie warrie nie.
9 Sep 2006, 20:51 pm
despite a dark year for the boks, there are some positives. There are some players injured that are forgotten, for now. I think we can put an impressive squad together bar injuries. in no particular combination:
1 Os/Guthro
2 JS/ Chiiliboy (Schalk & Botha too small)
3 CJ/BJ/Jannie dup
4 Bakkies/good young locks coming through
5 Matfield/good young locks coming through
6 Burger(hopefully)Spies/Scholtz
7 Juan Smith/AJ/
8 Diack(on front foot?)/Wannenburg
9 Fourie/Pienaar/Claasen/Januarie/Vermaak
10 Petoors/Bosman/James/Francois Steyn
11 Ludik/Habana/Burden
12 Jean/Barritt/Waylon Murray
13 Jaque/Olivier/uys/Jonker
14 Paulse/Aplon/Odwa
15 Roets/JP?Fortuin
and more I am sure!! I think we can put agood squad together. The question is can the selectors, and politicians??
9 Sep 2006, 20:57 pm
you forgot Luke!
9 Sep 2006, 21:06 pm
Luke who?? just kidding Luke is a gr8t CC player,just like Rayno vd merwe, and kababmba, but you need more for test rugby!!
i did omit Big joe though Sorry chap
9 Sep 2006, 21:17 pm
Get off the Luke bandwagon and show me ONE game where he has played well enough to warant a call up. If he gets called up before Floors or Botes, I for one will be very surprised.
The weak link in the Springbok team is John Smit really, I think he is SO uninspirational its incredible. His yawn factor is awesome. Give the captaincy to someone thats not so robotic and give his position to Schalk Brits (and I say this even though I am a shark supporter)
9 Sep 2006, 21:22 pm
No way!!
Schalk is just too small for an international hooker. Uli was one of a kind!!
there are other good hookers around. Strauss, Bismark dup, Once again Test rugby isn’t the CC!!
smell the roses!!
9 Sep 2006, 21:31 pm
The test team is picked from players who perform in the currie cup where else must they prove themselves?
9 Sep 2006, 21:32 pm
Eva what about Derrick Hougaart
9 Sep 2006, 21:33 pm
CYBERSCAMP !
I appreciate your passion and feeling ,but dont you think that its to late to change a coach 1 year out from the world cup .
Remember in 99 we would have made the final if Stephan Larkham did not sink that last minute drop goal in extra time in the semi final . We all know that Aus went on to win the cup .My point is rugby is a strange game .Do we really want to go to the world cup as favourites or unbeaten for 19 games .Think about it .If we can build on these two games and have a good end of the year tour we half way there .
9 Sep 2006, 21:44 pm
For Jake its all about protecting his job.Selecting a reserve hooker that he gave 2 minutes game time in 6 tests.Smith is a tired man it shows,but selecting Gary Botha or Brits that should rightfully be there he refused to do. He is safe in his job because he have the captain in his pocket or vice-versa and the full support of Mackintosh the selector.Throw in Chilliboy to please the ANC and there you have it.What i have seen of Chilliboy is a lot of potential and it is a pity that he is been treated like this.But i also feel sorry for those who should be in the bok team but is not because their presence will be a threat to the captaincy of Smith and eventually Rallepele.
9 Sep 2006, 21:48 pm
“the team with the best defences win world cups great attacking teams like the AB’s do not win world cups”
Incorrect. The ’87 and ’91 cups were won by attacking teams, with only so-so defences. The ’99 and ’03 teams were well-balanced, with good attack as well as defence. Only the ’95 team was truly defensive (and came within an ace of losing to both France and NZ, good attacking teams).
It is true that a team like NZ in ’03 which only has attack generally comes a cropper. But then, the same can be said for teams that only have defence.
9 Sep 2006, 21:56 pm
nope,no champers,no klippies,heck not even a bottle of energade fr these clowns!
they should all be made to drink water.
to have the all blacks winning the tri nations before the boks played a home match n anger is a disgrace!
but as we all know a performance clause of joke wits is up for review soon and he should be slashed on the spot!
give rassie and **** a go!
they way rassie out thaught wp yesterday was sublime.the guy has coaching skills and vision way beyond his young coaching years
9 Sep 2006, 22:45 pm
Springbok tries are all opportunistic – never from a well-executed move. The backline hardly ever runs like the Ozzies and All Blacks do.
9 Sep 2006, 23:11 pm
Quite a good thread, this one! I won’t spoil it with any of the usual goading and needling because everything that needs to be said has appeared already. A fine effort by Jinx and Scamp in particular!
The Boks played well to win and, for once, looked as if they were not sitting defensively on the cushion of a nervously small lead in the final quarter and merely waiting for that siren to sound. That’s something different and long overdue!
9 Sep 2006, 23:15 pm
so…tackler,you think the all blacks have a chance of lifting the cup next year…erm the world cup that is?
10 Sep 2006, 04:37 am
I think that this year has been better for us than for the other two. You learn nothing from winning. The Boks have had to spend a lot of time doing soul searching and looking for ways to play even better.
The other two teams were playing so well that they never developed at all. Now they have ended the season with nothing but question marks over their abilities.
The Boks have discovered that they can pass. They have a flyhalf with a brain and a few good young men to energize the squad. The very best teams are always the epitome of heterogeny. There are old guys like like Os, Percy & Breyton (Who all make up for pathetic assistant coaches) to help guide young stars like; JP, BJ, Spies & Wynand.
I feel hope. Not confidence, just hope.
At last.
10 Sep 2006, 06:13 am
#19 Ever heard of the Super 14, Akers1? And that’s where Luke has failed to perform. Plays the occasional half-decent game in a Currie Cup robbed of Test players.
Jake has made mistakes but credit where it’s due. He’s been spot in in his assessment of Luke Watson. For now, at least.
10 Sep 2006, 07:58 am
Jake is and was always the right man for the job. All those naysayers, please back off now and get behind our national team and its coach
10 Sep 2006, 09:09 am
CJ ,Jake admited that the input of the comitee of ex coaches and Naas gave him insight, i say it made him think again. There is no one better than him now but that doesnt give him the right to make Springbok rugby his little experiment in life.
Some of his stuborn acts the last few years all showed up , and thats why most of us critisize him so much
10 Sep 2006, 11:33 am
Joe
And I guess that is where Cronje, Wannenburg,Solly,Rossouw and company ran rings around their opposite numbers. Luke was still better than all these dinosauars.Burger and Jean Smit are the only others who have any class
10 Sep 2006, 11:40 am
Luke fired nothing but blanks right thru the 2006 S14.
10 Sep 2006, 11:55 am
John Smit gets a lot of criticism for his play: not all of it unwarrented, but his positive contributions seem to be ignored.
People tend to credit Matfield for our line-out successes, but Smit `s throwing has played a huge role in that success. When last did the Springboks win ALL their own throw-ins? Against the top teams?
Smit`s contributions to the line-out has been HUGE!!
10 Sep 2006, 12:48 pm
The Tackler, please take your provinsial glasses off and see the real issue. The issue is that South African rugby is quite strong but for some unknown reason JW refuses to select the strongest team. Luke Watson has played well all year up until the last 3 weeks so for you to question his ability just shows you, that you are a typical example of what is wrong in SA rugby. Luke Watson is not the only unlucky one. There is also Kamba Floors which had a storming game on Friday night and both of them would add value to the SA side. We won the last two games but let me tell you, we would have been better off in the long term if we lost them, since that would have been the end of JW and hopefully the start of a coach that can see the bigger picture and choose the right and best players in the country.
10 Sep 2006, 13:11 pm
Smits contribution is much more than that Badger. I would really like to see the forwards tackle stats in the last 4 tri games. Smit has tackled everything that came near him and was really good in this department. He also adds a lot to our scrum. In short, he’s not flash – he just does the basics of a number two really well.
Oh, and just for all those one eyed bulls guys calling for Botha: Snimange made him look very ordinary and overrated when the Bulls played WP. Perhaps once more vindicating a much maligned White selection. SOmewhat similar too everyone panning Jake when he said Ndungane did not have the pace for internationals; well he doesn’t does he?
10 Sep 2006, 14:01 pm
Does that mean shimange is better than smit?
10 Sep 2006, 15:00 pm
Ndungane does not have enough allround ability, presence or speed!! Thats actually the problem. I would rather have a retreaded centre with slightly less pace but great ability ie JDV,Jaque etc
10 Sep 2006, 15:32 pm
Oh, but I’d love some.
11 Sep 2006, 09:17 am
hahahahaha .. “smit had led from the front” .. the only time that useless lump of lard leads from the front is in the food que. Weak captain that does not deserve his place in the bok team. Is there anybody in sa rugby who tackels worse than that clown.
11 Sep 2006, 10:15 am
Barney needs a break alright! He has become a revolving door on defence lately!
Joking aside the result of the match was never in doubt and had the distinct feel of a nothing test match, which is not surprising considering that it was a nothing test match!
Also, I’d love to know what the definition of “sold-out” is to those at SA Rugby?
11 Sep 2006, 10:21 am
cyber ,your postings are spot on and agree with your views
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