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Jean warns against tip-tackle focus
Jean de Villiers has warned that attacking players may start milking penalties if there is an exaggerated emphasis on eliminating the so-called “tip tackle” from rugby.
The Springbok back is serving a suspension of two weeks for his dangerous tackle on All Black player Rene Ranger in the Boks’ recent 17-31 defeat in Wellington.
De Villiers’s tackle on Ranger was a transgression of law 10.4 (j) and is therefore viewed in the same light as a spear tackle. However, the footage shows that De Villiers could do nothing to prevent Ranger’s fall.
“Ranger actually had more control over the situation than me,” said the Bok.
“The situation will develop where the ball-carrier can milk a penalty by falling in a certain way. They will have to think about this. You still want to see the physical component of rugby remain intact.”
De Villiers has only had one yellow card for repeated infringements in his 60 tests.
That counted in his favour and his suspension of two weeks was one less than the three weeks prescribed by the International Rugby Board (IRB).
The same applies to Wallaby flyhalf Quade Cooper, whose appeal against his suspension for a similar offence was dismissed on Wednesday. Cooper will therefore miss two Tri-Nations tests against the All Blacks.
While De Villiers is not openly criticising his suspension, he was surprised that his tackle and the one by Cooper were viewed in a similar light.
According to a SANZAR press release, the comparison was made by New Zealand judicial officer Bruce Squire.
“I am despondent about the comparison with Quade because you could see the intent with him,” said De Villiers.
“My question to the judicial officer was ‘what should I have done differently?’ He could not tell me.
“They got a letter from the IRB stating that these kinds of tackles (where both an opponent’s legs are lifted off the ground) must be eradicated. The view is that players should be coached to tackle differently.”
De Villiers, 29, admits he has not played well for the Boks this year. However, he has played out of position at wing and outside centre.
“I did not think I would be involved again so quickly. I’m happy about the opportunities even if they were at wing and outside centre,” he said.
“I have not played good rugby, but I hope I get a chance at inside centre again to show that I’m good enough.
“I knew I would have to fight for my place at inside centre. When you are given the opportunity of playing for South Africa, you play where you are picked.”
Jaque Fourie is not available for the Boks’ next match against the All Blacks on August 21 because of his four-week suspension. That may mean that De Villiers will have to play outside centre again.
“I am more comfortable at outside centre than wing. It’s closer to where I want to be!”
