Max asked:
the logic of Meyer''s selections will either be praised or dismissed based on the result of the first game, is the south african rugby public wrong to be so quick to expect victories from a fairly new team and is the criticism of a largely bull and shark team fair.
Brenden answered:
Max, selections are never likely to please everyone, but given the short time to prepare for the game, it was always going to be the case that Heyneke would go for players he trusted and a style he felt would work in these circumstances. I feel he wants to win the series and will then work on imposing his style of play.
Alister Albrecht asked:
With all rugby players today being true profesionals in their sport. They should be capable of producing quality performances regardless of the conditions. Saying that, who holds the advantage going into Saturdays game should it be "miserable" playing conditions ? Is it 50/50 or would you say England will take a slight advantage going inro the game.
Gavin Rich answered:
England might be a bit fresher as it hasn't been as non-stop for them but they have players in their side that wouldn't make the Springbok team if they still lived in South Africa and that gives me hope.
confusing bull asked:
Hi u''s... Confused with current bok squad and rightly so... But I believe quad nation team will look something like: 15-lambie 14- jp 13-jean 12-fsteyn 11-bryan 10-msten 9- hougi 8-spies/duanne 7-duanne/willem 6-schalk(c) 5-bekker 4-etzebeth 3-wkruger 2-bissy 1- beast... 16-andries 17- coenie 18- jkruger 19-alberts/spies/vermeulen 20-pienaar 21-de jong/aplon 22-basson... Ur thougths?
Brenden answered:
You may be right about the majority and i believe Bekker and Vermeulen will be there when they are fit. De Jongh may come back into it, but one of the four wings will have to be out of form or injured for aplon to be in. Chiliboy may also be a factor there.
GreenBlood asked:
Hi GR & BN,
Hope you guys are well.
1> Having a new Lock combination is quite exciting - especially since Etzebeth & Kruger promise such talent. Do you think it HM is taking a risk by playing 2 rookies in the very first game??
2> Our new "Coachie" has given his reasons behind chosing Kirchner to Lambie - Your thoughts on how this is going to play out?
3> Your pedictions on the series?
Thanks, guys
Brenden answered:
In a way it is and isnt. Both have proved themselves at Super Rugby level and should be up to the challenge, but then again, test rugby does funny things. I'd back both - they are the best in their positions at the moment. I disagree with the whole anti-zane vibe at the moment. He has had a good season and HM has rewarded him for such. Of course it may have made more sense to play Lambie in front of his home crowd, but it isnt like the Sharks were playing him at 15 anyway. Thirdly, I'm hoping for 3-0.
Douglas asked:
Hi guys,
The junior Boks were so poor against Ireland. They had no game plan and were played stupid rugby. Their attitude was most disappointing. It seems that there were a few young players with big heads who expected Ireland to just roll over. The decision-making was dismal. Ireland''s youngsters were a well-organised and cohesive team. Is this a sign of things to come?
Brenden answered:
The Baby Boks were woeful the other night, a combination of poor form, some overzealous kicking and underestimating the opposition. There was a lot of shock over the way they played and rightly so. It has often been the case that Super Rugby players havent done well with the under-20 team as they havent prepared with them, but this has changed. I'm not sure what went wrong but they have a lot of ground to make up if they dont want to be embarrassed by exiting the competition early.
Julian asked:
SA hasn''t produced many loose forward Black African Boks. Siya Kolisi is in my opinion top class and should be in the Bok team. Do you think it''s ironic that Kolisi is missing out when HM could have had (for the first time maybe) a black loose forward on merit? I know you will get lots of questions about potential HM bias against Stormers players. Is Siya a victim here. Also would love a comment on the omission of Brussouw.
Gavin Rich answered:
Siya is here as part of the extended squad so he is getting a taste of the Boks without playing three tough test matches after a taxing Super Rugby season. I am happy with that.
carlo asked:
Hi guys
I read one of the questions posted regarding why Kolisi is not in the squad, and the answer Brenden gave was that is work rate was lower than Marcel''s, how could this be true?? surely the stats are showing something that 99% if the country is missing, i cannot for the life of me understand how Kolis can improve his work rate even more..he is by far the best loosie in the country at the moment..really now i suppose saturday''s test will prove me right..your thoughts
Gavin Rich answered:
I agree with Brenden on that one - the stats do say Marcell is the man.
ash asked:
alberts for kolisi?commmon thats a shocker how do you pick a bloke who has''nt played regularly super rugby and only had one good game against the stormers for kolisi who has been performing consistnely all season showing that he can match up to those big guns!!please take in mind that alberts was''nt effective against the lions which could be worrying for this weeks game
Brenden answered:
Ash, they aren't competing for the same position - Alberts is blindside and Kolisi openside flank. Siya lost out to Marcelle Coetzee
Matthew asked:
Hi
I would just like to know what is the reason that siya kolisi was not included into the bok squad? It cleary cant be the age story as Marcell coetzee was selected??? surely we missing out by not selecting him?? specially against England who play a hard forward dominated game plan????
thank you for your time, i would just like a understanding of the above?
Matthew Owen Davies
Brenden answered:
Matthew, my understanding is that he lost out to Marcel Coetzee and Keegan Daniel for the openside position. Coetzee's stats have been the top of Super Rugby all season and his workrate is immense. Siya is with a group of players at the camp that Heyneke believes will play Bok in the next year. So he isn't out of the picture. He was unlucky to be sure, but he will be there soon enough
maxwax asked:
Good morning and good luck for Saterday big game!
I want to know do you think Spies is having and average year or is that the way the bulls coaches is manage him for the season. there is games he doesn''t even pick the ball up, but in other games he does? so tell us is he on form or is he managed?
Gavin RIch answered:
Juan should be in ahead of Wynand, but for the first time Wynand is playing under the coach who first brought him through, so maybe he deserves a chance. Defeat will be a disaster per the probable public reaction but I think if it happens we should go easy on the coach as he really hasn't had a chance to prepare.
Jeandre asked:
hey Brenden and Gavin i really think the public are going over bored with the team selected. you have too feel sorry for Lambie for not getting a starting selection at 15 but bringing him on as a impact player might just be a good thing and kirchner has been solid for the bulls and everytime kirchner has put on the bok 15 or 13 he was solid and preformed so dont know what is the problem with evryone probly cause he is a bull. when the castle series starts do you think we will see a lot of changes with posible guys like bekker, burger , vermeulen and joe pietersen making the cut?
Gavin Rich answered:
Not Pietersen but the other guys will be phased in during time. I agree everyone is going a bit overboard.
alphonso petersen asked:
Since this is the dawn of a new era for springbok rugby and with the selection of the springbok team for saturdays much anticipated test we can gather the tactics would be kick and chase.I hope this will not be the template for the next 4 years under heynecke as pdiddy was ridiculed for it as being out dated and antiquated style of play which does not have a place in modern day rugby.
Brenden answered:
I think you will see a bit of it on Saturday, as Heyneke believes the old adage of you have to earn your right to go wide. We will bash it up but there is enough speed on the outside that if given the chance will exploit it.
Clint Africa asked:
Hi there,
I am a big stormers supporter and I support the boks as they mean so much to me,I wan''st to happy when the announced the team to take england on,however this is great for my stormers team,HM is the best in the business and when i use logic he only has one week to get the team up and running against a very strong english team,What i want to ask is why is he such a fan of bigger is beter?look at aplon he plays his heart out and always takes down the guys,what about a player like Francious Louw,his playing awesome rugby with the law interpretations and would have done great in this team.What are you thoughts?
Gavin Rich answered:
Francois Louw is playing overseas and when he made that decision he knew he might be missing out on Bok opportunities. Aplon is definitely unlucky. It's a size issue with Heyneke - simple as that.
Jono asked:
Hey guys
Thanks for always adding value and insight to this sport (or should I say religion) that we all love so much.
Diplomacy aside. Straight answer – who’s going to win on Saturday and why?
Brenden answered:
Jono - Boks but it will be close. Have the firepower and will be ready for England, who will play out of their skins as this is their best chance to get a win.
Greig asked:
Hi Gav and Brenden,
What strategy can be we put in place to tackle provincialism on the player selection by coaches? Do players have an legal rights against this?
Gavin Rich answered:
No legal rights for the players - the legal rights are on the side of the coaches in this one - the Saru rules say they get to select the team.
Mitch Millar asked:
When I watch Aussie and NZ teams, they seem to create space by making quick passes and offloads, thus keeping the ball alive, and the keeping the opposition guessing. When SA teams play, we are predictable with our constant giving the ball to a big forward who bashes into the opposition. The opposition know what the SA teams strategy is, so they dont have to expect the unexpected. Why do we keep to this strategy?
Gavin Rich answered:
Because it is the strategy that tends to be the one employed when the Boks are successful.
Adrian asked:
HM says he has picked Kirchner because of combinations. Surely in that case Lambie would fit in better with the two wings at the back as they have played together as a back three before at the world cup. Kirshner wasnt even at the world cup. In my opinion I would not pick Kirschner in my Vodacom Cup team.
Brenden answered:
Adrian, we all have our opinions. Kirchner has been outstanding in the Bulls backline this year and has been a key link in their attacking play. He has deserved his place.
Johann asked:
Hi Gavin & Brenden
Thank you for all your useful insight throught the Q&A''s, Columns an Articles.
Your predictions for the 3 tests against England?
Boks 3-0???
What will happen in Aus and NZ?
Gavin Rich answered:
This isn't sitting on the fence when I say this - the unknown factor is that while I have no doubt the Boks are more talented than England, and the Antipodean teams over their opponents, but the non-stop hard derby rugby is impacting on the southern teams, as it did in the World Cup last year. So we could see the balance of power messed with over the next month.
Skipper asked:
Hi Gav and Brenden. I am a long suffering Lions supporter who is a little saddened by some of the lack of support for the Boks that has manifested itself on the various blogs. We should support the Boks 100%.
Now my question: Can there ever be a better group of fetchers playing together than Bissy/Adriaan, Heinrich amd Coenie? Recon we could also add the mighty Beast to that Mix to.
All the best
Skipper
Brenden answered:
Skipper, we feel for you being a lions fan, but at least they gave something to smile about lol. As for the fetcher, yip the way the game has changed now sees props and hookers turning over more ball and all those names do it well...
Nick asked:
Hi Gavin/Brenden
I don''t buy the "combination" quote HM said about Kirchner at the back over Lambie. Lambie is the better fullback hands down! Is it a Bulls thing or what? Whats your insight?
Brenden answered:
Nick, Zane has had a great season and has been the attacking spark in the Bulls backline. Having said that, Lambie may be seen as a flyhalf by the Bok management - and the Sharks havent exactly been playing him at fullback either.
Casper asked:
Hi Guys !
I really think HM selected the best possible team except maybe for Lambie at 15, but Im sure he''ll make a nice impact of the bench (maybe at 10 even) !
My question is, do you really think HM will change the team much for the RC or can we expect to see Brussow, de Jongh coming back or maybe Frans at fullback with Jean at 12 and JJ (I really rate him) coming in at 13. I think he will have his core with one or two in and out...horses for courses ?
And last... everybody is crying about the Bok squad ! What about the All Black group with Weepu and Nonu ? Really ? They have been pathetic in S15. Your thoughts on that ??
Thanks guys !! Cherio
Gavin Rich answered:
Change will depend on what happens in the next two weeks. Agree with the All Blacks. But Hansen has right to pick on past performance - those guys did win a World Cup for him and Ted.
Jürgen asked:
To Gavin and Brenden. Saturday, will we win or loose? Your opinion please and the main factor contributing to your answer.
Gavin Rich answered:
The South African players always get psyched for England so I think that will be the determining factor. The old colonialism thing. It might be later that Engalnd hit back.
Andre Frauenknecht asked:
Dear Gavin & Brenden
How exciting is it to have some test rugby to look forward to. I am not enjoying the new supper rugby format at all! That said can either of you explain to me how a test on a Tuesday came to be and whether there have been many tests in the working week in the past - for a good 10min of that game I was not sure why SS had a live logo on the top right of the screen. Madness!
Brenden answered:
Andre, totally agree...have a read of my column. A tuesday test after a Saturday game is ridiculous. But the Aussies have paid the price for it.
Scott Kemp asked:
Please explain selection of Zane at Fullback as in no part of his game is he better than Lambie,
Gavin Rich answered:
He is sound under the high ball and has a good field kicking game. Not saying he's better than Lambie at those things, just he does have a presence.
Francisco Pedro asked:
thanks guys for taking some time to answer our questions. i would like to know if there is a possibility that HM will have a plan b ad infinitum because the english might have an answer for plan a.
i am curious about the lions franchise. i still haven''t heard the official report detailing what SARU intend to do next season regarding the EP kings.
with all the hubub about the EP kings being that they want to watch Rugby locally why not play a few sharks home games there? i notice on the area maps that Eastern cape falls in sharks territory.
and lastly i think the feeder area for the lions'' territory is almost non-existent on the map doesn''t leave much room for depth.
Gavin Rich answered:
There could be some interesting developments next few weeks regarding Kings. The Sharks won't want to play in PE, and the PE people won't see them as their team.
Andre asked:
Hi guys
Firstly, Brenden. I appreciated your article on the issue of the greediness of the IRB (read australia) to increase the nr of international and Supperrugby games in spite of the demand on the players. We are already seeing the players breaking down left and right and the quality of the teams suffering as a result. Do you think SARU will ever decide that enough is enough and demand that the number of games are reduced in the interests of the players and rugby in general?
Secondly, Gavin. Undoubtedly Marcell Coetzee is a great talent. Do you not think that it is a bit early for him to start in the bok jearsy though? What about Francois Louw? I believe he is one of SA''s greatests loose forwards.
Gavin Rich answered:
I think Marcell is a special player. If you're good enough you're old enough. I wouldn't mind seeing Francois in the squad though. If Heyneke is right about openside specialists being obsolete then Francois is a better bet to be in the squad than Brussow. But note that I say 'if"...the rest of us still need to be convinced that Heyneke is right. But let's give him a chance.
Gary asked:
Hey guys
Thanks for taking time out to chat with us. My question is what should be done about no South African being in the IRB Commitee? I think it is quite scary that we have no representing us at the IRB. We play a very unique style of rugby traditionally if they take that away from us what will we have.
Kind regards. p.s I''m a stormers supporter, but I am %100 behind the boys on Saturday, Heyneke know what hes doing. I totally trust his judgement.
Brenden answered:
Gary I think it will be taken up and SA will raise its voice on this one, but how long it will take to change will be interesting, and what decisions will be made in our absence...
Burg asked:
Hi guys, just wanted to ask what your thoughts are on Spies at 8?I know he has experience and is Bulls captian, but history shows he''s defensive weaknes and in tight games he disappears. Why can''t a coach teach him to be more committed? The rugby public is''nt stupid and we can see when a player is''nt good enough and becomes a liability in the team.thank you for the oppertunity.
Gavin Rich answered:
Duane Vermeulen will be the Bok No8 when he is fit. And Keegan may well be the No8 before this series is done and dusted.
Clinton asked:
Like Jake White, I think Heyneke Meyer is starting his tenure/era with a blend of fresh "new" players mixed with experienced players. Would you agree? I wish the Boks well on Saturday. Go Bokke!!!!
Brenden answered:
Clinton, yes do agree, and believe there will be a few more that come in for the Castle Rugby Championship
Muaath asked:
Dear Gavin , every commentator and analyst are trying to make excuses for HM selections(maybe because HM is such a likeable guy)I''m actually looking forward to your posts, as you havent said nearly as much compared to the time of P.De V.Also stats prove that Kolisi,De jong,Aplon and Eberhson did much more this year than many of the players chosen.HM , because he was a popular choice by the people i feel his being treated gently by media. Somehow I feel he knows this.
Gavin Rich answered:
I gave Heyneke a hard time when he first started choosing Bulls players and management but when he explained his thinking to me it made sense. That is it. Nothing more than that. Make no mistake, he will get slammed when he makes mistakes and can't justify them.
Morne asked:
How do you rate the Boks'' chances? One thing is for sure, they will be targeting this game as the game to win as things will only get more difficult after Newlands. I think the score is going to closer than most people thnk, but hopefully the Boks will prevail.
Morne answered:
the Boks should always be favourites at home, but the lack of game time together and preparation may count against them against a settled English team. I'd still see them winning this one.
Una asked:
Hi there. Do you think south africans concentrait too much on getting territory, posession and applaing pressure and concentrait too little on what we do with the ball? Is that not perhaps why coaches say we ''dont play rugby''.
Brenden answered:
Una, you have a very good point there and we do tend to lack skills when compared to the All Blacks and Wallabies. But then again, not having the ball in the modern game is sometimes a blessing, as the Stormers have found out, as refs pin you so easily at the breakdown now that attacking rugby suffers.
maxwax asked:
Good morning and good luck for Saterday big game!
I want to know do you think Spies is having and average year or is that the way the bulls coaches is manage him for the season. there is games he doesn''t even pick the ball up, but in other games he does? so tell us is he on form or is he managed?
Gavin Rich answered:
He needs to pick up his form.
Niel Mostert asked:
Hi guys. Would it not be better for Meyer to start with a team he could build with for the next world cup? Can''t see Jean, Bryan etc be part of our future plans. Or is the here and now more important and consistantly creating a winning culture with your available resources irrespective of what the future holds? Go Bokke!!
Brenden answered:
Niel, and if he does and loses, then the public will bay for his head. There is no right way in SA rugby other than winning. If you do, it allows you breathing space to bring in new ideas and players. If you don't everyone wants you fired.
Richard `Paterson asked:
what is the deal with lambie? The most talented player being put on the bench. Why is he being sidelined.Zane has dissapointed every time he put on a springbok jersey. Lambie defensive game is far superior.
Brenden answered:
Richard, the last time Zane played for the Boks he was at 13, out of position v Ireland and did very well. He has had a great season and as i said above, the bok management seem to see Lambie as a flyhalf, and the sharks play him there as well.
Louis asked:
hi
Do you think the no 6,7,8 are the right combination
Brenden answered:
I think it is for now, although Alberts' form has worried me as he has missed a lot of tackles. I'd like to have seen Duanne Vermeulen and perhaps Heinrich Brussow in the mix but Duanne is injured at the moment.
anthony asked:
Gav and Bren
Although I am sure the Boks will win the game against the English: i just have a few suggestions to make:
Would you not rather play Lambie at fullback, kirtchner is by far not the nest fullback in the country, secondly i would bring apron in on the bench and drop as backup, drop Olivier and play de Jong from bench (he can cover both inside and outside) and now id play Brussouw instead of Alberts (I disagree with HK about fetchers not being used: Brussouw has one of the best stats of the game: id drop Flip or Daniels and play Alberts from bench (he is a great impact player and if I''m not mistaken: everyone of his tries has been from reserve). He, Alberts can also cover lock and loose forward: just your thoughts please...
Ps. in my line up not only do I believe its better in terms of rugby skill, but it also fits the quota too.
Brenden answered:
We'd all play our lineups, but the truth is we never have to. you have a few valid points, but now is the time to support the guys this weekend
Mark Struwig asked:
My questions are two-fold. Do you think that the late introduction of Super 15 players in the Junior Bokkie side was too late and had an effect on overall performance and would the same thing probably effect the Boks side in before the England build up?
Brenden answered:
In the Junior Boks it probably played a part, while at the top it will not have so much of an effect.
Matt asked:
Hi Guys!
I am a Bulls and a Heyneke Meyer fan! I agree with most of his selections and to be honest we have to give him the benift of the doubt with the team he has chosen cause they havent played yet! But having said that how can Wynand Olivier be in his team? He never passes the ball so there is no analyisis needed from England all you need to do is tackle him and steal the ball on the ground! Which has happened many times in Superugby! If only Tim Whitehead was fit! and the other is Siya Kolisi! I wanna see this guy play! Imagine if he came off the bench? those poor Poms! I think we will beat the English but they are a good side filled with youngsters! Go Bokke!!!!
Brenden answered:
Matt, we all have selections we dont agree with. Wynand is a coach selection and HM believes in him, having coached him for a long time.
William-John Mathys asked:
What is this crazy obssesion with height and weight ..when the likes of gio,juan ,robert ebersohn etc play week in and week out against the best in the world and perform well..when england boys get whipped every year by our southern hemisphere boys
Brenden answered:
I don't think its an obsession, just realistic. International rugby has no room for error and HM believes players with size and skill are better than those with just skill. Its about winning the collisions as he always says. Gio lost out to the other wingers in the squad who all are in form.
Tumelo asked:
Hi Brenden,
I think the baby boks were too predictable and didn''t have plan B.
Do you think they wil progress through the group?
Which player impressed you the most from the team?
Brenden answered:
Tumelo, the other night was probably not the best night to judge players, but Jan Serfontein and Adendorff both had good games for me. Their task is very tough and they will have to beat England in their final pool game to advance.
Leobokke asked:
Hey guys,
Thanks for the Q&A and here is my big question.
I heard Meyer talking about South African style that suits the South african players....Ive heard so many things about Saffa teams having less skills that everywhere around the world , ive heard Sean Fitzpatrick saying we had to make a move if we do not want to loose our credibility, ive seen the baby boks being completely outplayed while doing a very stereotypical game plan we all know about, This game plan doesnt value the effect of surprise or the X factor...If the other teams can deal with opur physicality then we are always doomed...Isn''t it the time to change our ideas about springbok rugby rather than staying in a tried and tested situation that is not only precarious but is also boring and losing rugby ?
Meyer seems to be blind about it and gosh I know South Africa have skillful players that can challenge the kiwis and aussies...
Gavin Rich answered:
Time will tell. But I would be disappointed if in time Heyneke didn't start to evolve their game.
Ruan asked:
Hey guys! always enjoy reading your articles and i must say this week''s columns were riveting. What''s your opinions on the other two internationals taking place on Saturday. I believe Wales have a great chance, though i can''t see Ireland being able to stop the All Blacks. That team looks scary with all their inform players
Brenden answered:
Both should be quality games, and Wales can beat Australia, especially with just four days since losing to Scotland. Ireland will have their work cut out for them, and cant see them winning. But both should be very entertaining encounters.
Kevin asked:
Brad Barritt will run out for England this week, whilst Wynand Olivier still makes the Bok squads. What message does this send to promising young players like Robert Ebershon and others? Should they leave, because clearly Bok coaches do not pick on form.
Gavin Rich answered:
When Brad left South Africa he wasn't in the Sharks starting team. Wynand is in form - he's always in form at Super Rugby level. This is the first time he gets to play for Heyneke at this level. Let's give him a chance.
Malcolm asked:
Heyneke Meyer stated that he selected Zane Kirchner ahead of Pat Lambie due to Kirchner having established combinations with some of the backs. I imagine he was referring specifically to Hougaard and Morne Steyn. However, Lambie played with the entire backline in the World Cup last year. Now this does not make sense? Also, there seems to be a disagreement between Meyer and Ricardo Loubscher as to which position best suits Lambie. Is this so?
Gavin Rich answered:
What Ricardo said on Tuesday did sound a bit different to what I have heard from Heyneke at other times. Heyneke, at least until a few weeks ago, considered Lambie a fullback. But then he did also say at Umhlanga Rocks after the planning camp that he thought Lambie was a good flyhalf. So we're all guessing at the moment. I just hope they aren't...
Rindie asked:
Gavin - do you have any idea who the new HPM of WP will be and when he will be made known? Also, will guys like Schalk/Nick and Gary be ready for the clash against the Lions? Know that Duane might only be back for play-offs. Do you agree with the style of play it seems HM will be implementing, apparently because it is SA''s strongpoint? Shouldn''t we be moving with the changes happening in world rugby rather than trying the old?
Gavin Rich answered:
I don't think Heyneke wants to tread water - I think you will see the game evolve. Right now though he is under a heck of a lot of pressure as he needs to win a test series against England after just a few days preparation. The last time that happened was 1994 when Ian Mac's team got smashed at Loftus...
caleb asked:
Hi Brenden and Gavin
This is for you both as you both cover the different provincial beats.
Would it have been better to start Keegan Daniel at 8 and Basson at either 14/11?
Seems form wise better choices.
Gavin Rich answered:
Keegan should start but I am not sure Bjorn is an international player. Habana is playing well again, and so is JP.
caleb asked:
Hi Guys
What are your thoughts on the KZN schoolboy rugby scandal with over age players? who is to blame? surely the responsibility lies with the parents and headmasters as the parents knowingly allow this and the Headmasters should be more thorough on who they accept.
Sadly schools arent interested in Academics 1st and Sport second.
Gavin Rich answered:
I have a big problem with all the concentration (from media) on schools rugby. It creates primadonnas and it also puts far too much pressure on very young people. I thought the Maritzburg College captain was going to burst into tears when his team lost to Kearsney last week. He apologised to his school's Old Boys in a way that suggested he had just popped an air balloon and not just lost a rugby match. At that age and level there should be more enjoyment and less silly emphasis on winning. And a lot of so called Old Boys need to live up to that moniker and grow up.
Tauheer Leukes asked:
I would like to know WHY is Raun Pienaar selected, his onthing compared to his father Gysie, he has failed in each position possible since coming on to thr international scene so why pick his useless,maybe because his dad was a bok.
Gavin Rich answered:
Ruan Pienaar playing well overseas and comes closest of SA scrumhalves to replicating the style of play of Fourie du Preez.
thabo asked:
The decision to choose Strauss ahead of chilliboy who happens to be the better thrower of all three hookers leaves me bemused. Also Meyer claims that the inclusion of JJ engelbrecht ahed of juan de Jongh is because the former has been identified as a player with potential whom they are grooming for the future but why at the expense of such a brilliant player who has proved himself at international and Super rugby level, who is also young. And if that is the case why is the impressive Kolisi not afforded a similar opportunity? Bok coaches complain about not having enough players of colour to choose from and yet presented with these options Meyer decides otherwise
Gavin Rich answered:
I think Heyneke sees size and not skin colour. That directs his selections.
Chris Coleskey asked:
Hi guys i disagree with the plan of Heyneke Meyer to use the game plan of the Bulls it has not been so good against teams that like to run the ball.They lost to Blues,Chiefs and Highlanders.So why would we not rather use the game plan of the Stormers?There defence is solid and when they run they run direct at the chanel.Plus they dont kick to much.I think England will enjoy the fact that the boks wil be kicking so much ball to them!Would you guys go with the Bulls game plan?and if no what game plan would you use? Thanks guys
Gavin Rich answered:
Rassie's involvement with the Boks might bring in a bit of Stormers emphasis. Let's watch the game before deciding.
Johan asked:
Question
I realize that everything starts upfront with the forwards and that we need to do the basics well, but I would like to know which area will the boks be targeting and is there any weak points in the English armor?
Gavin Rich answered:
The Boks are going to be physical and bomb the English with high balls at every opportunity. Frans Steyn and the loosies are going to run like mad at the No10/No12 axis. Toby Flood isn't good enough to play Super Rugby.
Jordan asked:
Why is Spies been given the 8.. surely he has not earned that purely on form and performance this season? Do you think he has been gven a last chance card by Meyer or do u think is he very much cemented in Meyers plans for the entire season..? Daniel has out performed him in every aspect.. and having two sharks flankers starting for the boks- would it not make sense to keep that trio?
Gavin Rich answered:
Agree re Spies but experience probably won the day this time.
Chris Coleskey asked:
Hi guys would you agree that maybe Peter Grant is like the ugly step sister in SA rugby.What does the guy have to do to get in a bok team? He kicks well enough,he runs good channels.I know that they like to play guys from the same team together,but by thw same token then they should have played Juan and Jean together at the centers.Who would you guys pick Grant or Steyn? And why?
Gavin Rich answered:
I have never considered him an international flyhalf but just lately he has started to make me think twice. I would have him ahead of Jantjies.
Johan Hattingh asked:
This is a very inexperienced team, especially in the forwards. Do you think we''ll have enough firepower for the English? The loose trio is a problem, we are going to miss Brussow....
Gavin Rich answered:
Because it is England 'gees' and that old colonial thing may carry us through but I agree with your concerns.
caleb asked:
Hi guys
At the bok training the boks did alot of crashing up, as mentioned by Loubcsher. Surprising to not see many if any bombs up in the air.
do you think Frans and Alberts will be crucial this weekend if that is the play?
Lastly who does the Superwrap team comprise of??
Gavin Rich answered:
I think the Superwrap team includes everyone who works on the site but for me. I keep forgetting to make contributions, and as a result of that I think they forgot about me. Yes, Frans and Alberts will be crucial.
Gary asked:
Hi Gavin,I like the look of the Bok squad.On paper they seem to have a nice balanced look to them. I do worry that it appears we will be playing a kick and run game which can be predictable and boring. Do you think this will be Heyneke''s overall stratgey/method for the next 4 years or do you think is he just playing conservative for the all important first series win?
Gavin Rich answered:
If predictable equates to winning then it is not boring. Just ask the Stormers....
Wes asked:
Hi Guys! The big question in the blogs and pubs is that Meyer only seems to have the bash, kick and chase gameplan and his horses for courses comments with big players doing the job, not looking to be clever in the breakdown or setpieces. Do you think that this will work looking at the england team that was announced today?
Brenden answered:
Wes, I think HM is much more astute than that, but hasnt had time with the squad. I dont think he has much choice than to play to the Bok traditional strengths. If the Boks control the collisions they will win, but if they dont they will struggle.
Jean asked:
Hi Gavin,
just want to ask you the question again (from an earlier blog before SR began): Do you still think the Stormers aren''t a happy squad. If I remember correctly, you said ''seems'' and reality in the camp is very different. If that was the case (unhappiness) - care to explain what changed?
Cheers
Gavin Rich answered:
They are definitely a happy squad. I think there was a bit of uncertainty in the beginning as players didn't know where they stood after Rassie left. That has obviously been sorted out. They are playing for each other and they are playing for their coach. No doubt about that. Think Jean is an immense presence as a captain.
Chris Coleskey asked:
Hi guys would you agree that maybe Peter Grant is like the ugly step sister in SA rugby.What does the guy have to do to get in a bok team? He kicks well enough,he runs good channels.I know that they like to play guys from the same team together,but by thw same token then they should have played Juan and Jean together at the centers.Who would you guys pick Grant or Steyn? And why?
Gavin Rich answered:
Steyn.
