Waylon in the wilderness
3 Nov 2009
In 2007, Waylon Murray was arguably the best South African outside centre in the Super 14. Now he’s not even on the Springbok radar. What’s happened to one of the most promising young players in the land?
I’m not suggesting that Murray should have been in the Springbok squad named on Saturday. I’m merely trying to establish how a player goes from being amongst the southern hemisphere’s elite, to being in the international wilderness in the space of two years.
His selection wouldn’t have been meritorious, as he hasn’t scaled the heights he did in 2007 since returning from a lengthy injury lay-off earlier this year, and if that was the standard he needed to attain then to break into the squad, he should be playing better than that now given the increased competition for places.
That’s the ideal, although coach Peter de Villiers has lowered the bar through a couple of perplexing selections which suggested that form or game time wasn’t a primary criteria when deciding on the composition of his squad.
Murray has neither had the form nor game time to have justified his inclusion, but if De Villiers gambled on players who were yet to prove their aptitude at Super Rugby level, let alone on the international stage, why not take a proven performer, despite his lack of game time?
However, that’s a futile argument to have now. The more pertinent question is why have the Sharks’ coaching staff lost faith in Murray?
Keo.co.za’s information from an impeccable source is that before the Currie Cup semi-final they told Murray that his form was not good enough to warrant a starting berth, and that they felt he hadn’t recovered from injury.
Prior to that there had been tension building between the parties. The writing was on the wall for Murray when they started utilising him as a wing in late 2008. Admittedly, Springbok coach Peter de Villiers’ preference for Adi Jacobs at outside centre placed pressure on the Sharks’ coaching staff to run Jacobs regularly in that position, forcing Murray wide and ultimately out of the side. But it was shoddy treatment for a player who had been central to their charge to the Super 14 final just a year earlier.
It wouldn’t be the first time a key player was frozen out at the Sharks. Brad Barritt, who had formed a formidable midfield partnership with Murray in the aforementioned campaign, left for Saracens in late 2008. Barritt was liberal in his praise of the Sharks upon his departure, but privately he was known to be deeply frustrated at the fact that Jacobs was preferred to him for the Super 14 semi-final, this after a series of outstanding performances, not least of all a stellar effort against the Chiefs, which secured their play-off berth. Furthermore, it was made clear to Barritt that Frans Steyn would be preferred in the position in 2009.
The knee injury Murray had struggled with since the latter part of the 2008 season certainly didn’t aid his cause to re-establish himself as one of the premier 13s in South Africa, but neither did the sudden and inexplicable loss of faith from his coaching staff.
Murray has told me he hopes to represent the Springboks at the 2011 World Cup, but to realise that goal he has to be playing regularly, and his prospects in that regard are bleak at the Sharks.
His contract with the Durban franchise expires at the end of the Super 14, and already there has been strong interest in his services, particularly from the Bulls. If there aren’t already, there are sure to be European suitors expressing interest as word circulates that one of the country’s most gifted midfielders is on the market.
Murray isn’t closed to the idea of playing abroad at some stage of his career, but still has a strong desire to re-establish himself with the Sharks and force his way into the national reckoning by excelling for them. If he fails to do this, it would be in his, and the country’s best interests, that he gains regular game time at another South African franchise.
He cannot be allowed to cast in his lot with a European, Australian or, heaven forbid, Japanese franchise, effectively ruling him out of contention for Springbok selection.
A player doesn’t go from being world-class to bad in the space of two years. Murray is a wonderfully gifted player who must be invested in.
By Ryan Vrede
67 Comments
3 Nov 2009, 08:33 am
Og, Shame
I actually wouldn’t mind if he replaced Adi Jacobs in the Boks squad
Best description suits him is the definition by David Campese of Will Carling, saying: “he runs around like a castrated bull”
3 Nov 2009, 08:35 am
Go make some money overseas. PDV have already decided on his team for the 1011 WC.
3 Nov 2009, 08:42 am
“waylon in the wilderness” is he like nacho libre? Lol
3 Nov 2009, 08:42 am
Come to the Lions. You’ll get an opportunity to work with your mentor and you’ll be the first choice centre now that Jaque Fourie is heading to the Cape.
3 Nov 2009, 08:47 am
“keo.co.za’s impeccable sources”…what imbecile would want to be a source for ryan vrede?
3 Nov 2009, 08:51 am
slow news day
3 Nov 2009, 08:52 am
Ryan, your bleating on Waylon’s behalf ignores the fact that Adi Jacobs took his starting berth due to better form – every time Adi came on as a sub in 07 and 08, he made a huge impact. Adi’s form has waned a bit, but Waylon has been injured for most of the last year (or more?) and as much as I like the guy, he has not played his best rugby since coming back from injury. He now has an opportunity to use the next four months to get himself into condition and stake his claim. If he’s better than Jacobs, I’m sure he’ll get picked. I just wish this guy would realise how big and fast he is, and start running hard and straight. Even at his best, he never really took on opposition midfields with hard, physical running, and I’d like to see him develop that aggression.
3 Nov 2009, 08:55 am
Murray has had a couple of opportunities throught the years. Time to look for someone that can play consistent I suspect.
3 Nov 2009, 09:00 am
What happened to Waylon?
Well apart from injuries a quality inside center happened to Waylon.
The Sharks loss of faith in Barritt saw a massive loss in form in Murray.
Outside backs are made by quality inside backs…
The Sharks have struggled here, and so too it seems Murray.
3 Nov 2009, 09:06 am
Does Murray not have a decent agent? The Lions just lost Jacque Fourie and will need a good 13. Problem solved!
3 Nov 2009, 09:12 am
#2 Andre_WP:
“PDV have already decided on his team for the 1011 WC.”
2011 wc by the way!As a matter of interest how did you come to this conclusion?
3 Nov 2009, 09:13 am
murray can’t flourish with rubbish like strauss playing next to him…
3 Nov 2009, 09:16 am
#12 Transformation: now that is true. strauss has to be the worst 12 playing in the Currie Cup right now. He’s got absolutely nothing. Don’t get me started on this muppet….
3 Nov 2009, 09:16 am
Why Adi Jacobs is on this tour is puzzling ( Age must be a consideration now that the Boks are building) … He has lost his position in the starting XV to the inform Fourie and surely it would of been better to bring a youngster in or are we likely to see a Jacobs / Fourie in combination for the test matches ?
3 Nov 2009, 09:17 am
IMO the Olivier/ Fourie combination must be given another shot
3 Nov 2009, 09:23 am
#13 toughnrumble: Or me
3 Nov 2009, 09:28 am
#15 stew: yer WO is in the same mould as JDV,hard runner , hard defender
3 Nov 2009, 09:35 am
I rated Murray until one match in which Wynand Olivier completely outclassed him.
Playing Adi ‘Quota’ Jacobs at is an insult to someone with the class of Wynand Olivier. The guy was the best back, nevermind 12, in this years Super 14. He will walk into any team on the planet (except possibly one with JdeV in) and yet he is not expected to start.
I wish Adi would man up like Charl Langeveldt and admit that he isn’t the best. But I don’t blame him; you have to take what you’re given. I blame Snor.
3 Nov 2009, 09:38 am
Come to the Lions, son. Their star is rising. Now is a good time to hop aboard.
3 Nov 2009, 09:42 am
#18 Ubuhle Celebrities:
“The guy was the best back, nevermind 12, in this years Super 14. He will walk into any team on the planet (except possibly one with JdeV in) and yet he is not expected to start.”
You cant be serious…..with centers like Barnes,Nonu, you have to be kidding me!
3 Nov 2009, 09:48 am
#13 toughnrumble: oookaaaayyy TnR, remind me not to mention strauss again
doppies made him look stupid.
3 Nov 2009, 09:49 am
This article sounds like a lawyer arguing that someone else is to blame for his clients failure ala Jacobs….tsk tsk
Also, I dont think the Sharks would play Jacobs if they thought Waylon was better than him.
3 Nov 2009, 09:59 am
He should go to the bulls!
3 Nov 2009, 10:04 am
#18 Ubuhle Celebrities: oh come on now, jacobs was top try scorer for the boks last year, he was second to only jdv in the Player of the Year polls, the kiwis were raving about him the whole s14, he played well in the initial stages of the season but faded with the rest of the sharks backline that was forced to play with frans steyn @ pivot.
Last year pdv persisted with habana, spies when they were hondk@k in terms of form! Consistency!
3 Nov 2009, 10:07 am
#4 Jozi: Poor guy, what on earth is he going to do at the lions. He needs to advance his career, not destroy it! We’ve got space for him at the Bulls. Our only weak link is another Lions-never-been, Waylon can replace him.
3 Nov 2009, 10:10 am
Back in 2007 he played his best rugby. Back in 2007 I rated him as player with too little talent to be an international player. He is simply to slow of the mark, thereby signaling his intention too early. Then easily to defend against.
3 Nov 2009, 10:12 am
#24 Transformation: The diffirence is that both Habana and Spies are pure class. You can bank on a recovery in form. The only in-form no.12 at this stage is Olivier. If you do not want to pick him due to “quotas” then Jean de Jongh must be given a run. Adi might have been decent in the past, but we can do better.
3 Nov 2009, 10:14 am
#23 mxhosa:
owu mntakwe2,Akhonto?
3 Nov 2009, 10:30 am
#25 Beast: Hahahaha…The Lions are on their way up mate and no I’m not singing the seasonal Western Province chorus of “watch us this season.”
We’ve been in the gutter for far too long and now is the time for the sleeping giant to awaken. Wylon can either come to the Lions where he can really establish himself as a quality player working with a good coach who also happens to be the backline coach of the bokke or he can go across the Jukskei and sing liefling while munching on his biltong and work with Frans Ludeke
I know which one I’d choose. 
3 Nov 2009, 10:38 am
I’ve never said Adi Jacobs is a bad player. He is a very good player; his handling skills are great so is his awareness of space. I like the guy and the way he plays.
But he is not in the same league as WO, JdeV or JF. These guys are seriously the best in the world. Only a one-eyed anti-Bull would say that WO was not brilliant in the Super 14. Independently he was rated as the best Super 14 centre by Supersport, Skysports & Fox sports after the Tournament. Check that if you want to. Murray Mexted, revered All-Black, said
“this guy could walk into any side in the world” after a match between the Bulls and a NZ team in NZ. WO stats in terms of 1) metres gained, 2) ball retained and unexpectedly 3) turnovers in the tackle were the best of any back in this years Super14. Check that as well if you like.
First Snor wanted to replace JF with Adi then JdeV and now WO has to make way for Adi. There is without a doubt an agenda here.
3 Nov 2009, 10:47 am
#27 Beast: this whole “class & form” business is the biggest ruse ever sold to the rugby public! Imo. When has Meisekind ever been regarded “class” (to borrow a term)?…jake gave him plenty of chances & he didn’t grab them.
Pdv didn’t pick adi for quotas or bcoz he was in form, he believed he had the ability to play @ that level & adi didn’t dissappoint him, now why must he suddenly lose that confidence in the guy when it wasn’t muir or plumtree that brought out the best out of adi? Juan de jongh is a youngster with talent, he will get his chance and if he proves his aptitude @ Test level, the better for the bokke.
3 Nov 2009, 10:50 am
Imo … Adi is in Januaries class. I can see De Jongh lifting him vinnig.
3 Nov 2009, 10:52 am
Waylon will be back. Needs to keep working on his handling but there is talent there. Him and Brad Barrit combined really well.
3 Nov 2009, 10:53 am
Ok – cheers. I’m out.
Gaan GROOT!
3 Nov 2009, 10:56 am
Waylon must just learn to pass the ball and he will be a regular again. Adi has bulked up and lost so much pace that he should really be a impact player only.
3 Nov 2009, 10:58 am
#34 Staal: Cheers….what do you suggest I should eat for lunch?
3 Nov 2009, 10:58 am
Please never compare JDV and WO.
WO is about as creative as a dump truck. Good for tight rugby but certainly not capable of unlocking defences like JDV.
Problem is Adi Jacobs has the ability to unlock defences, runs great lines, fantastic hands, great offloads but when it comes to a tight game he goes missing.
3 Nov 2009, 11:26 am
#37 Oubaas2009:
I’ll tell you who I would like on the international stage. Not Jacobs. The guy is a liability. The welsh are still raving about the way Roberts made him his b*tch!
3 Nov 2009, 11:29 am
Great article ryan. Such a shame he has gone to waste. We suppose to be nurturing our talented players of colour. Instead it’s wasted on players such as earl rose. Pdv obviously has hidden agenda there. Even though i still believe j fourie is our number one outside,frankly i think calling adi jacobs a player of colour and not a merited selection is ludicrous. After what he contributed last year i think its a slap in his face. The same applies to Wyland. I think the man is talented i really hope **** muir takes note of his occlusion and puts in a bid. The lions could use him!
3 Nov 2009, 11:32 am
#39 last movement:
No thanks. Lions needs a real outside centre. They discovered Habana, there must be more like him in jhb.
3 Nov 2009, 11:37 am
#37 Oubaas2009: lmao…dankie oubaas! Some blue bull fans like to blow **** out of proportion…
compare adi’s season for the boks last year with meisiekind’s s14 season this year & tell me if you have an overwhelming argument 4 WO to be given the spot WAY ahead of adi?
Olivier has been silent all along, but has his spot @ the blue bulls ever been threatened, was he ever relegated to being an impact player? Even a showpony like spies if you give him time & multiple chances.
3 Nov 2009, 11:41 am
Waylon Murray – lose weight, take on the opposition every “more a while than once” – and leave the Shark tank for Lions and you’ll be a star my son!!! Adi Jacobs – guys like him are few e.g. Slap Chips, Robbie Fleck – they could create something out of nothing. They were vilified and called selfish, problem is, their team mates were too “slow” to read them and offer support.
PDV has an eye for talent and gave the boy faith in his abilities and the payback was there – defence an all!
3 Nov 2009, 11:46 am
#42 MANDINGO:
3 Nov 2009, 11:52 am
Cool Name hey Charlie! I thought It was pretty original too!! & that’s all I’m willing to divulge at this stage!!
3 Nov 2009, 11:59 am
WO made Adi his B*tch in their S14 clash in durbs.
3 Nov 2009, 12:13 pm
The sharks should have played adi at 12 and murray at 13.
murray played even wing for them.
Just show the hidden agenda of provincial coaches
3 Nov 2009, 12:15 pm
#42
Could not agree with you more. Correct.
if you learn how to play of adi you will score. he creates a lot of space for his players
3 Nov 2009, 12:16 pm
Murray has been overhyped. He put in one decent S14 season and now he’s world-class? Nonsense. Look at how a player fares in their second and third seasons before singing their praises. He’s been found out, just like Kirchner has.
Jacobs is past his sell-by date. He’s had a dreadful season. He looks like he needs to take a full year off from rugby.
3 Nov 2009, 12:16 pm
he’s got all the atributes, but he needs to assert himself, to start putting his body on the line and taking the ball up and breaking the line, in short he needs to stand out rather than blend in, as he’s done so far, needs some self-belief to take it to the next level.
3 Nov 2009, 12:23 pm
Real pathetic underhanded jibe by Vrede on Adi, who richly deserved his spot at the time. In any event, I rate Waylon highly and would be absolutely extatic should he decide to further his career with the Bulls and partner Meisiekind. Could develop into something spectacular. Now only if we could sign BJ Botha at th, Ludeke and the blue bulls rugby fraternitx; are you listening!
3 Nov 2009, 12:29 pm
#48 Sidewinder:
3 Nov 2009, 12:33 pm
#50 Pot Blou Gevaar: Nothing new, the Keo clan forms part of Jake White’s empire, just trying to impress the boss
3 Nov 2009, 12:48 pm
this is whati have been asking ? where is waylon
3 Nov 2009, 13:13 pm
adi will play at 12 for sharks next season, at behest of springbok management. the sharks won’t mind because they’re thin in the department, paving the way for murray to return at 13.
unless of course adi has a nightmare at 12 against france/ireland. then its back to square one
3 Nov 2009, 13:28 pm
“A player doesn’t go from being world-class to bad in the space of two years”
What an interesting remark about a chap that excelled for one year. I didn’t think a player should be considered to be called “World-Class” after one season of good rugby.
If that is the case there is a number of world-class players not making their team. Why did his coaching staff loose faith in him? He has not reached the level of play to make him the best of the players that is selectable. Simple as that
3 Nov 2009, 13:30 pm
‘impeccable source’,probably one of those one million durban prostitutes.ryan loves these shady characters.
3 Nov 2009, 13:43 pm
Bwahahahaha ja….neh. These journos cop a fair amount from the bloggers. Come on boys up your game you’re dealing with a mature, intelligent and discerning audience/readership.
3 Nov 2009, 14:12 pm
People that think WO is not a creative player cannot be taken seriously. The guy is a midfield genius. Anyone with a brain and elementary rugby knowledge can see that!
3 Nov 2009, 14:18 pm
Murray, if you want to become a star and a RWC Bok then you know what to do … become a Lion.
3 Nov 2009, 14:41 pm
Murray a world class player?
Really now Ryan!
3 Nov 2009, 15:40 pm
but in the end it comes down to provinces needing to do what is best for them not in the end the springboks because the fans want to see wins not springboks in a team that lose
3 Nov 2009, 17:35 pm
The Lions should try sign Murray. Useful player. Strong runner
3 Nov 2009, 18:24 pm
Look who played on his inside, Bradley Barret. Without Barret, he would not have made the bok side
3 Nov 2009, 20:25 pm
Send the man to the Lions (Willa did intimate this).
He is a very good rugby player, nice upright head, good feet, not bad distribution. When he had his pace he was great.
Doppies takes a lot of pressure off his 13 too, like Bradley Barrett.
3 Nov 2009, 20:49 pm
Agree, murray is a great prospect, but has been unlucky with injuries. Don’t worry Waylon your time will come. By the wat inaccurate reporting, Francois Steyn kept Barrit out of that S14 semi.
4 Nov 2009, 01:05 am
The loss of Barrit was immense to SA – he had the X factor.
Murray also has it, but he has let his standards drop. I am sure the Bulls cconditioning systems will ruk him right…
4 Nov 2009, 04:47 am
South Africa does not manage players as it should. We rely on the provinces to do so. We have to manage our stars at a national level.
Percy and Stephan go to Europe and return as better players. We think that the development and coaching stops at a certain level. A player should always be developed and coached throughout his career. The great Matfield applies this in his game. Always doing something new and innovative.
Murray is a sympton of a system that requires a few adjustments. Barrit is another example!
Saying that, we are now reaping the rewards of system implementation a few years ago!
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