‘Emotional day for Smal’
24 Nov 2009
Eddie Jones believes the technical nous of Ireland’s assistant coaches, Gert Smal and Alan Gaffney, will be a major factor at Croke Park on Saturday.
Smal is no stranger to the Boks, having been their forwards mentor until the end of 2007. He now fulfills the same role with the Irish, and after enjoying World Cup success with his home country, he’s carried that through with Ireland, who won the Six Nations this year.
Smal will come up against the Boks for the first time and his knowledge of one of their greatest assets – the lineout – could be a potential stumbling block for the visitors.
‘Gert’s a meticulous planner,’ Jones told keo.co.za.’ His analysis of the lineout is first class, and he’ll teach that to the Irish players. The Irish pack have always been physical, but he’s given them some added detail.
‘I know he’ll be emotional coaching against the Boks – he’s 100% committed to Ireland, but is a very Bok-orientated guy. He’s also a true professional, so he won’t tell the Irish anything about the Bok players that’s unwarranted.’
The Bok lineout needs to fire if they are to utilise that attacking platform, while Jones believes they should dominate at the breakdown and scrum-time.
‘[Australian fetcher] David Pocock exposed Ireland at the breakdown as he had a free-go. David Wallace, Stephen Ferris and Jamie Heaslip are all ball-carriers, so that’s a potential advantage for Heinrich Brussow, as he won’t really have anyone against him.
‘BJ Botha is the Boks’ strongest tighthead scrummager, and Ireland have one of the weakest European scrums. But the Boks’ biggest Test will come around the paddock in terms of Ireland’s ball movement.’
The hosts rate their chances as they feel they hold sway in the backs. They have world class players in Brian O’Driscoll, Rob Kearney and Tommy Bowe, and Jones believes Gaffney – who he worked with at Saracens – is a man who will know how to exploit any Bok weakness.
The limited Italian centres embarrassed Adi Jacobs for their only try, and O’Driscoll and co will relish going up against a player defending out of his favoured position.
‘They’re an extremely well-coached backline and are tactically sharp,’ said Jones. ‘If Adi plays, they’ll target his outside shoulder, and won’t go outside Jaque Fourie. They’ll be very pin-point in where they attack.
‘Against Australia, they picked out Quade Cooper and put two runners onto him, and O’Driscoll scored. In Ireland’s first-phase plays, the Boks mustn’t over-commit and rush up. They can allow them extra yardage off the first phase so they don’t make a clean break.
‘The whole team mustn’t over-commit to the breakdowns, which the Boks are usually good at. If O’Driscoll gets a sniff of a one on one, he’ll make you pay, so they must have numbers in the defensive line, and spacing must be even.
‘It’s going to be very tight, you can see the Boks are tired – that generally happens to sides after the mental and physical exertion of a Lions series. The Boks might sneak it by three or four points.’
By Grant Ball
334 Comments
Pages: « 1 2 [3] 4 5 6 7 » Show All
24 Nov 2009, 10:05 am
@The Jinxta: Yes sure do Jinxie
Just pleased they not going to start this week 
24 Nov 2009, 10:05 am
@Staal: actually, last year we played without JS after that thorn fellow followed ancient kiwi traditions of taking out the MVP of a touring side.
we all know how that ended dont we?
yes, boks fell to the basement of the 3n.
fast forward to 2009. we won the BIL series with JS at TH. we then went on to make a CLEAN SWEEP of NZ. thats right, 3 nil.
the last time we won 3 in a row was in the 1960’s i think.
if JS had retired, like JW suggested, would we have completed that clean sweep?
hmmm……..
we can debate it endlessly here, but fortunately we dont make the decisions. those are left up to the 3 men who ensured Bok rugby had its best year ever in 2009.
24 Nov 2009, 10:05 am
@Staal:
Lekker né…
24 Nov 2009, 10:06 am
@grant10:
@Puma: On this point we definitely agree!!!
24 Nov 2009, 10:07 am
@Staal: actually, last year we played without JS after that thornthug fellow followed ancient all black traditions of taking out the MVP of a touring side.
we all know how that ended dont we?
yes, boks fell to the bottom of the 3n.
fast forward to 2009. we won the BIL’s series with John at TH. we then went on to make a CLEAN SWEEP of NZ. thats right, 3 nil.
the last time we won 3 in a row against the kiwis was in the 1960’s i think.
if JS had retired, like Jake suggested, would we have completed that clean sweep?
hmmm……..
we can debate it endlessly here, but fortunately we dont make the decisions. those are left up to the 3 men who ensured Bok rugby had its best year ever in 2009.
24 Nov 2009, 10:07 am
@grant10: 91 – Yes, Can you see the their faces if it was a surprise. Thinking Adi going to start and there is Fransie…hehehehehe. Big strong no fear.
Damn what a loss. Always say it. How did we lose such a magnificent talent so young.
24 Nov 2009, 10:07 am
since when does losing 1 test, to france in france, mean that we are on a downward spiral?
the answer is simply: since we have set such high standards by winning everything else we possibly can win in rugby in 2009.
i will be happy if JS reverts to hooker for the ireland game DUE TO INJURY OF BISMARK AND ADRI@AN. but i expect to see him back at TH next year after a nice rest and woe betide the players who underestimate this man.
he will only get better, mark my words.
24 Nov 2009, 10:09 am
@rangerman: Ranger the test we lost against the Ozzies was also as a result of jet lag I believe (now i’ve opened a can of worms). The lads had difficulty adjusting to the timezone in the week between the 2 tests and that affected their performance in Brisbane.
24 Nov 2009, 10:10 am
@rangerman: 101. Spot on Ranger. Agree with you.
Think the last time we beat the ABs 3 times in a row is 1957. I could be wrong but it was sooooooooooooooooo long time back. Far to long to wait. We need to be doing it more often.
24 Nov 2009, 10:11 am
@rangerman: ja…okay
24 Nov 2009, 10:11 am
@grant10:
I wonder if the du plessis brothers have signed their contracts?
24 Nov 2009, 10:12 am
@Puma:
It was in 1949. True…
24 Nov 2009, 10:12 am
francois steyn is over-rated!
24 Nov 2009, 10:12 am
@rangerman: how did smitty do against the italians in the 1 st hour?
24 Nov 2009, 10:14 am
@rangerman: Losing to France was no disgrace they a good team. Our players too are tired and never had a warm up game. Should have played Italy first would have been a better way to start eoyt. Also remember. No – JdV, Fransie, Spies and Juan. If you lose 4 great players it does make a difference to the team.
ABs just lose McCaw and they not the same or not the same without Carter. We lost 4. That was huge.
24 Nov 2009, 10:14 am
@rangerman: Those suggesting that JS should have retired are talking through their proverbials. Every single great team has had the 1 distinguishing factor of having an outstanding leader , think of Fitzy (AB’s), Johnson (England), Gregan (Oz – not that they were as good). Had John retired there is no doubt in my mind that we would have never won the BIL series and the 3N’s but then G10 will tell you that LW would have saved the day.
24 Nov 2009, 10:15 am
@gunther: Gunther it was news a few weeks back already!!! Where have you been
The Dups have renewed their contract with the Sharks till the end of 2010 or 2011. Oh boy now I cannot remember 
24 Nov 2009, 10:15 am
@bananaboy:
I think we were thumped by a better team on the day.
After that defeat much melktert was delivered from SA and that seemed to gee the boys up to klap the AB’s in Hamilton.
Melktert works wonders!
24 Nov 2009, 10:16 am
@The Jinxta: Could be Jinxie. I just know it was way, way back. Before my time.
24 Nov 2009, 10:17 am
@Transformation:
Like his Howitzer kicking??
24 Nov 2009, 10:18 am
@Puma: Talking of Mc Caw, see the ABs are acting responsibly and he has been given an extended holiday to rest and will miss the first 4 weeks of S14. We should do that with John and Matfield if we whant them to play in 2011. Just a thought.
24 Nov 2009, 10:18 am
Bulls will buy Bissie – but hy laaik die see nou te veel.
Vrystaters vergaap hul mos aan so baie water!
24 Nov 2009, 10:19 am
@Puma:
Facts. We beat NZ 4-0 in that 1949 series at home.
24 Nov 2009, 10:20 am
@rangerman:
As I said previously………..if a blind man does not want to see he will remain in the darkness !!!!
On Sat with JS at TH and with Bakkies behind him he was drilled , don’t try and deflect the problem to Wian !!
In the second half and when the changes were made with Smittie to hooker and BJ to TH we had two beanpole locks on , ie Vic and Andries , yet we with these to poor scrumming locks (in alot of bloggers minds) we held our own and even started dominating. This is because a specialist TH was doing his job.
It tells me that JS as a TH is simply not the answer, at hooker he adds value, at TH he is a liability.
But remain in the darkness blindman…..I mean Rangerman !!
24 Nov 2009, 10:21 am
@Staal:
having a warm sea has its advantages 
24 Nov 2009, 10:21 am
@Sharksgirl:
have they acutally signed …. i know they gave their “commitment”….
24 Nov 2009, 10:21 am
@The Jinxta: 60m goal kicks don’t a fullback make!
24 Nov 2009, 10:21 am
@bananaboy: Great post bananaboy. Remember Fitzie was captain of the AB’s first test series win here in SA 1996 and Fitizie was 34 then. (I think) I know John will 33 in 2011. Why can we not have him still be our captain until the next wc?
Without your captain the ship sinks.
After 2011 we will groom a new captain. Think it will be Potties. We can not just throw in a new captain now. Not ever.
John also played the full 80min on Saturday. He has a huge heart and love for the Boks. Will do anything for the team. Play him at TH he goes there. Play him at LH he goes there. Play him at Hooker he goes there. Not many will put up with that but he does. Respect to John.
24 Nov 2009, 10:21 am
@bananaboy: could be man. i do agree that JS did struggle against that little barrel from aus but that was the only pack who managed it imo, both for the tahs and wallabies.
i am not blind, but i do truly believe that bismark is being popped first every time and either beast is not strong enough or the combo of two tall players (JS and the bizness) is not working.
i would like to see beast, adriaan and JS as the front row.
24 Nov 2009, 10:24 am
@The Jinxta: Yes, my father used to tell me about that. I was not born then. When was it that we beat them on their soil. We did beat them in all tests at one stage. Will have to google it.
24 Nov 2009, 10:24 am
@Puma: BJ…CJ….F steyn…..
Biggest losses in SA rugby history
24 Nov 2009, 10:25 am
@The Jinxta:
that is not an argument you are going to win…
24 Nov 2009, 10:26 am
@gunther: they have G..
24 Nov 2009, 10:26 am
@grant10:
Luke ??
24 Nov 2009, 10:28 am
@grant10: i thought JS wasnt the problem, as i have already stated grant.
bismark popped out and castro murdered wian.
@Puma: @bananaboy: seems we are on the same page then guys. nice one.
@justrugby:
bilndman!
so i guess you didnt see the addition of deysel who actually got involved in the 8 man shove then?
lmao, you guys are just so intent on pushing your point that you are uninterested in anything anyone else has to say. tahts fine with me man, if results arent your thing then you and grant just continue to ignore the great year the boks have had and tinker away with your imaginary team.
me? i will continue with my “blind” support of the team that just keeps on delivering.
24 Nov 2009, 10:29 am
@Transformation:
To say he is overrated is a bit over the top. Yes, he may not be Christian Cullen or Mathew Burke or Andre Joubert or H.O. De Villiers but he still adds value and is a very young dude still learning his trade. He needs to sharpen his attacking skills…joining the line etc. But then how many times did Monty join the line? Very little.
Who would you prefer at 15??
24 Nov 2009, 10:29 am
@Sharksgirl: Well just go and see who is playing in the BaaBaas game. We have 9 of our Boks that will play in that game. So damn stupid. We are going to play Ireland with the walking wounded. How they will mangage a another game that means nothing is crazy. They all should just get on the plane and come home after the Ireland game. Yes most should be rested fore the first 3 S14 games. That wont happen though. Unions will want their Boks to play.
These players wont last long if we keep playing them into the ground. ABs know they want McCaw to captain them in the WC 2011 and looking after him. We should be doing the same for our Captain and senior players.
Just pleased that WP. Nel is going to play in that BaaBaa game. He deserved to be on tour with the Dirt Trackers and never got a chance then. So he will get a chance to play in this game. Feel good for him.
24 Nov 2009, 10:30 am
typo meant manage
24 Nov 2009, 10:31 am
@rangerman:
We rejoice in the winning as much if not more than you, we ha€ve had a phenomenal year………but let it not plaster problems which are there, which if fixed can make us even better !!!
That’s all we are trying to say !!
24 Nov 2009, 10:32 am
@Puma:
Go to genslin dot us and check the Springbok Hall of Fame.
All the Boks scores and teams throughout Bok history.
An Ex Saffa living in the USA.
24 Nov 2009, 10:33 am
@grant10: again with cj?
who proved exactly what in his test vs france? that he cant scrum just as many on this site told you?
lmao! wian got murdered vs the italians but no mention is made of that because he was part of “the fs front row that murdered everyone in the cc” (without playing ANY test rugby in the calender year mind you, but OBVIOUSLY cc is just as taxing as test rugby
).
no man, you guys must seriously get a bit real. if you want to push your point of view, all well and good. i have made my points that wian and cj both got killed at LH and you havent even bothered to reply with a counter argument, just “JS is not a 3″ and i have said that Bismark got popped first in EVERY scrum (which by the way, is a consequence of the LH not supporting him properly) but again, JS JS JS………….
pointless.
24 Nov 2009, 10:35 am
Everyone seems to think i have a personal issue with Smit. Snide remarks amongst bloggers….G10 this….G10 that.
FFS i am right here….ask me directly Banana boy if you have anything to say? Thats just manners?
On Smit i have been clear and consistent…never ever a tighthead. The Italians surely the last straw.
For me personally….i believe Smit has enough attributes and gas in the tank to cut it at hooker ….it will cause troubles at the Tank…rest assured ….
Bissy to come on for last 30 minutes….Beast to start at 1…then Smit can cover for Beast….where it is a lot less difficult.
BJ or CJ at 3….perhaps WP nel if he shapes in super 14….
Horses for courses….
I would like Smit to be given the opportunity at hooker to show his value….
Thats my stance Bananaboy…you can cut out the snide remarks now please…this is an adult discussion…not a fight.
24 Nov 2009, 10:35 am
@gunther:
Is it about WINNING the argument? Nah…
24 Nov 2009, 10:35 am
@gunther: Gunther here is the article from Sharksrugby shortened of course ” …the Du Plessis brothers had verbally agreed to renew their Sharks contracts… they have now finally signed said contracts and will definitely be staying with the Sharks for the next two years.
Coach John Plumtree, speaking to the Daily News’ Craig Lewis, was clearly quite pleased that the matter is now settled. “I knew they would sign. They are absolutely world-class players and I’m really keen on carrying on working with them and taking their games to an even higher level. I have a very good relationship with them so it’s absolutely fantastic news.”
Plumtree reckons that although both players are already world class, they still have a fair bit to learn. Jannie, in particular, looks set for an expanded role in the squad as he learns to cover loosehead prop in addition to his accustomed position on the other side of the scrum. Sharksworld has been lead to believe that one of Jannie’s major sticking points was having to compete with the Bok captain for gametime and should he be able to spend some time at loosehead, all of the Sharks’ front row resources could benefit from a reduced workload.
This was posted on 27.10.2009
24 Nov 2009, 10:36 am
@justrugby: ja, better…like the 3n 2008?
what a great year for bok rugby that was!
24 Nov 2009, 10:37 am
@The Jinxta:
Vuishou Visser…lol
kaas van tonder, ertjies bezuidenhout, mof myburgh…some great ones.
24 Nov 2009, 10:38 am
@The Jinxta: Will do so Jinxie.
24 Nov 2009, 10:38 am
@justrugby: and Luke!!
24 Nov 2009, 10:40 am
@rangerman: rangerman…..leave it alone….best we dont discuss this anymore.
24 Nov 2009, 10:41 am
@justrugby:
what happened in the game against leicester when the same prop casto was propping against wian, and smit was not playing?
far as i recall the Bok pack against leicester were doing the foxtrot so quickly backward that fred astaire would’ve been proud.
Pages: « 1 2 [3] 4 5 6 7 » Show All
Have your say
You must be logged in to post a comment.