Selections highlight flawed system
1 Nov 2009
Several tour selections reiterate a sad truth that Peter de Villiers and the Currie Cup coaches aren’t on the same wavelength.
De Villiers has defended the selection of Earl Rose time and again, choosing to ignore the player’s inconsistent offerings in the Super 14 and Currie Cup. He’s rather blamed the Lions’ coaching staff for not giving Rose more opportunities at flyhalf, where De Villiers feels Rose is best.
Chiliboy Ralepelle will tour with the Springboks this November despite playing understudy – when he was fit – to Derick Kuun for the better part of 2009. Bandise Maku is one behind Ralepelle in the Bulls’ hooker queue, but bizarrely has also made De Villiers’ 37-man touring party.
Adriaan Strauss and Tiaan Liebenberg have enjoyed fantastic seasons for the Cheetahs and WP respectively, and have also been involved with the Boks before. It would have made more sense to take these players on tour, as they wouldn’t let the Boks down if Bismarck du Plessis succumbed to injury.
For De Villiers to say Maku has made the touring squad on merit is an interesting statement, as it suggests neither form nor game time in the domestic and Super 14 tournaments are pre-requisites for national selection. Maku is talented and deserves to play at Super 14 and Currie Cup level, but what has he done in those tournaments to deserve elevation to the national squad?
Maku’s selection may be justified if there weren’t other players performing, but that just isn’t the case. It could be justified if Liebenberg (27) and Strauss (23) were on the wrong side of 30, but that isn’t the case either.
Rose is the classic example of a De Villiers favourite keeping a more deserving candidate out of the national set-up. There are other backline players that deserved to tour, WP’s Peter Grant as well as the Cheetahs’ Lionel Mapoe just two that come to mind. In the case of Grant, the tour would provide an alternative flyhalf the opportunity to gain game time so that if Morne Steyn broke down, he would slot in seamlessly. In the case of Mapoe, it would provide an up-and-coming youngster the opportunity to take the next step. Unlike Maku and Rose, Mapoe has earned the right to be there through his consistent performances in the Currie Cup.
There are other players that will feel frustrated. WP flanks Duane Vermeulen and Francois Louw have been outstanding this season, as has Province loosehead Wicus Blaauw. The young flankers would have benefited immensely from a tour experience, but instead De Villiers has opted for Griquas’ Davon Raubenheimer. Instead of Blaauw or other impressive young props like WP Nel and Coenie Oosthuizen, De Villiers has gone for Gurthro Steenkamp, a player that was embarrassed at scrum time in the Currie Cup final.
The decision to take a perfectly good loosehead in Heinke van der Merwe and switch him to tighthead is also ludicrous. Why not give this promising player from the Cheetahs a go? If Os du Randt feels Nel is national prospect, why aren’t the national selectors taking that suggestion to heart?
It’s hard to have faith in De Villiers’ masterplan to defend the Boks’ world title when it’s clear his view differs from that of the Currie Cup coaches. When Ruan Pienaar went back to the Sharks, they played him at No 9, even though De Villiers wants him to get game time at 10 and 15. The Lions prefer to use Rose at fullback or off the bench, while Ralepelle and Maku are regular bench warmers at the Bulls. One way or another, it’s not a healthy situation for Springbok rugby.
De Villiers and the respective coaches need to iron out their communication problems and work toward a common goal. It’s no use to the Boks if a South African side wins the Super 14 or Currie Cup without the starting players De Villiers plans to utilise at Test level.
By Jon Cardinelli
503 Comments
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1 Nov 2009, 21:52 pm
#397 sharks_lover:
USA rugby = no brains no money no coaches
Watch out for China
1 Nov 2009, 21:53 pm
#399 Robzim:
Hi Rob Hoezit
Yes we see whats happening here.
1 Nov 2009, 21:55 pm
#401 CoachPete: Howzit Coach, Just logged on quick to say Hi. How you doing mate? Did you get to see the CC final?
What you think of the Bok Selections?
Some crazy ones. Thought some were a sure bet to make it but never.
1 Nov 2009, 21:55 pm
#395 grant10:
Dont forget with have M steyn and that means points onthe board so French test may be a close one, but i think a bok win
1 Nov 2009, 21:56 pm
#400 nama1: it’s surprising as I always thought he was a straight-laced sort of character, never believed the rumours before. Guess where there’s smoke there’s fire. Hopefully he can move on from it.
1 Nov 2009, 21:57 pm
#402 CoachPete: Coach Hiya – Puma and I have been watching you from ‘The Other Side’…..
How are things with you, long time no speak…?
1 Nov 2009, 21:57 pm
#403 Puma:
Hi Mate
yes I did
Pity cheetahs could not pull it off.
Once again it was M steyn and Fdp.
I am disappointed in the squad
1 Nov 2009, 21:59 pm
#406 carol:
Hi there Beautiful
I am fine Hope you are been well looked after by the boys.
Nice to see you. Your rugby knowledge is excelent these days.
1 Nov 2009, 21:59 pm
pete i think again if the usa put their mind to it rugby there could be top of the world
they have a shitload of huge fast talent , only problem isd rugby isnt in the blood
another one is russia and georgia
1 Nov 2009, 21:59 pm
#402 CoachPete:
Howzit coach,
Could u watch the final from the USA?
Did u see Hammies are the SA club champs?
Robin still going strongly at the surfing?
I am so p@ssed of with the selected team, these guys are really determined to chase players away it seems.
1 Nov 2009, 22:00 pm
OK Grant,Rob, Big Hit, Nama, Sharkie, Soda, David – Have we got to be so ruddy serious all night or shall I just slink off?
1 Nov 2009, 22:01 pm
#403 Puma:
yeah like hooker , wing lock center maybe and prop
1 Nov 2009, 22:03 pm
carol strip for us and run nekke through the room
1 Nov 2009, 22:03 pm
#407 CoachPete: Yes some should really have made it. I am too disappinted in with some selections.
Some will eventually leave if they never get selected.
Think PdV has to be under pressure to select some players. Just cannot understand why he left out some players that really, really should have made that squad.
1 Nov 2009, 22:03 pm
meant disappointed
1 Nov 2009, 22:03 pm
#410 Robzim:
yes to Final I get to see all the rugby
I read about my old club
Rob is still going strong with surfing but a bit gut vol
1 Nov 2009, 22:03 pm
#408 CoachPete: So good to see you here Coach, all is well with me thanks….
I have some great rugby coming up Wales v AB’s next weekend for a start….Love going to Cardiff, great atmosphere there.
Still prefer the South African rugby to ours though!!
1 Nov 2009, 22:04 pm
#411 carol:
Hi, OK maybe we should just relax a bit, it is only a stupid game I guess.
Congratulations with the win.
btw, how is Stormer doing or is he now called Bloues or Blues?
1 Nov 2009, 22:04 pm
#411 carol:
Hi Carol, I’d forgotten that Jeremy Clarkson would have been a neighbour of yours. It couldn’t be so boring there.
1 Nov 2009, 22:06 pm
#413 sharks_lover</ OK……..
1 Nov 2009, 22:06 pm
#405 Big Hit:
Everybody thought that about Hansie too until the paw-paw hit the fan.
He did apologise and ask for forgiveness for his actions. He is working it out with his wife and hopes to keep his family together.
1 Nov 2009, 22:06 pm
#417 carol:
Should that not read ” you still prefer south africans full stop
1 Nov 2009, 22:08 pm
#308 SodaJoe: why compare Rose with Mapoe, does Mapoe play full-back?
I don’t really understand the reaction to the Rose selection, he is looking more and more comfortable at 15 and in the Sharks/Lions game was arguably the best player on the field.
1 Nov 2009, 22:08 pm
#420 carol: lol @ OK
1 Nov 2009, 22:09 pm
#418 Robzim:
And earl Rose is just in the squad for moral so the others can laugh at him at practice
1 Nov 2009, 22:09 pm
#418 Robzim: Hi Rob, Stormer is still Stormer – His real name is Ashagan but he will always be Stormer to me.
Blue Bull is a **** name for a horse!!
So the surf was rubbish and you watched The Bulls instead!!
You have to be glad that so many of the bulls boys are Boks, you will love them in the next few weeks again!!
1 Nov 2009, 22:09 pm
#421 nama1: yeah, guess you just never know. Hope he does hold it together, never nice to see a family break up.
1 Nov 2009, 22:10 pm
#424 sharks_lover: …..You blinked and missed me…………..!!!!!!!!!!
1 Nov 2009, 22:10 pm
#421 nama1:
Yeah, the Sunday papers were full value today with all the gossiping.
I saw that Minki is also getting a divorce – apparently her husband saw some SMS’s to Greame.
If he has not got his hands full already as it is??
1 Nov 2009, 22:10 pm
#423 Big Hit:
i know you want us to lose some games, but earl Rose ???????
Come BH
1 Nov 2009, 22:12 pm
#412 CoachPete: Coach, Mapoe should have got selected even if he has signed for the 7′s should have bought him out of it.
Sykes, Deysel, Alberts, Vermeulen and J. Pietersen from WP should have been selected. Also H. Adams is 30 now should have selected Vermaak or even Kockott. Think Ruan going to play from the bench and cover 15, 10 and 9. Not fair on him.
Why Rose is there is a mystery.
The biggest shock was not seeing Mapoe making it. Shame he had such a good season. Should have been going on tour.
Watch out for Mvovo from the Sharks. I rate him before Odwa too.
1 Nov 2009, 22:12 pm
OK Lady and okies, I am off Nice to see you all
Cheers
1 Nov 2009, 22:12 pm
#419 David: Jeremy Clarkson has not yet invited us to dinner!! I am still waiting!!
He is in the David Cameron, Pop Star, Old Money Cotswold Celeb crowd! We are humble farming neighbours!!
1 Nov 2009, 22:12 pm
#428 carol: lol
1 Nov 2009, 22:13 pm
take muh blinkers off again??
1 Nov 2009, 22:13 pm
#431 Puma:
yes I agree with all of that
And IMO J Pietersen is best 15 in Sa rugby
1 Nov 2009, 22:13 pm
#430 CoachPete: I only saw him a couple of times in the CC but he played very well. Admittedly he was shocking in the S14 but it takes time to adapt to full-back. I guess Joe Pietersen may have been a better pick but tis not wise to question the wee maestro
1 Nov 2009, 22:14 pm
#422 CoachPete: Coach I just ADORE South Africans full stop….
Good Night and have a great week, lovely to see you here again!!
1 Nov 2009, 22:14 pm
cheers tc mate ^5
1 Nov 2009, 22:14 pm
#376 grant10:
In a perfect world we might see the following scenario:
1. the Dirttrackers beat Leicester;
2. the Testboks as they played in the 3N beat the Frogs (Pottie on bench as loosie cover),and
3. the Dirttrackers beat Saracens,
AND THEN PDV ELECTS TO DO THE FOLLOWING:
Against Italy- (starters first)
15. Kirchner/Ruan Pienaar
14. JPP
13. J de Jongh/J Fourie
12. W Olivier
11. Habana
10. M Steyn
9. F Hougaard/FdP
8. P Spies
7. D Potgieter/S. Burger
6. H Brussouw
5. A Bekker/V. Matfield
4. B Botha
3. J. Smit/J.du Plessis
2. Chilli/Bismarck
1. Beast
Play J Smit and Bekker for 50 minutes and then sub them simultaneously with Matfield taking over captaincy- rest of subs, injury only. So you rest some Testboks,and against Ireland:
15. Ruan Pienaar/Z. Kirchner
14. JPP
13. J.Fourie/J de Jongh
12. W. Olivier
11. B. Habana
10. M. Steyn
9. FdP/F. Hougaard
8. P. Spies
7. S.Burger/D. Potgieter (approx 50/30 min split, or as injury dictates)
6. H. Brussouw
5. V. Matfield/A. Bekker
4. B. Botha
3. J. Smit/J. du Plessis
2. Bismarck/Chilli
1. Beast
I believe that this is the best-balanced 22 that can be picked from the 37, and we blood 4 youngsters(Kirchner, Hougaard, de Jongh and Potgieter) in two tests at minimum risk.
1 Nov 2009, 22:14 pm
BH
Who do you think the Tigers and Sarries will rest for the midweek games? I can’t see them risking their premier players for what is basically a friendly.
1 Nov 2009, 22:14 pm
#425 CoachPete:
Yeah, or that piece of magic that he comes up with every one out of 10 games. Just not enough.
I honestly do not know what more he must do to prove that is not an international quality player.
1 Nov 2009, 22:15 pm
#438 carol: cuzz we are so adorable
1 Nov 2009, 22:16 pm
#436 CoachPete: He is right now. He should have got selected.
I would still have selected Frans Steyn even if he is playing overseas. Well that how it goes I suppose.
Cheers Coach. Good to catch up again.
1 Nov 2009, 22:16 pm
#429 Robzim: Is this Minki Van Der Vesthazen, I have no idea who she is but Jim T and I thought she had a brilliant name!!
1 Nov 2009, 22:17 pm
#435 sharks_lover: …………..WHOOSSSHHHH………..
1 Nov 2009, 22:17 pm
#443 sharks_lover: Yip…
1 Nov 2009, 22:18 pm
#426 carol:
I “surfed” earlier and did watch the game – bulls were OK, at least they have one world class player in Bryan Habanna.
He really stood out, lovely person as well, made a good career move also
1 Nov 2009, 22:19 pm
OK – Back to solid rugby boys…
I’m off……Mwahhhhh…have a great week!
1 Nov 2009, 22:20 pm
Watch this Viljoen kid thats one selection Pdv got right he’s best Fb in country maybe as good or perhaps better than F. Steyn, fearless, big boot, plenty gas. Better than Kirchner and Ruan at 15 even better than Terblanche. Adams an Ok call too, Vermaak injured and Kockott a no no. Adams is best distributor off the back of the scrum we have. S. Pretorius is next in line not Vermaak or Kockott.
The poor selections were actually J. Du Plessis and Rose and Ndungane and Kanko, those were the weak selections. Adams, Raubenheimer, Johnson, Hargreaves, nothing wrong.
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