Davids happy to step out from Jantjies’ shadow
RETAIN The Beast. Don’t change a thing – that is the expert opinion of former Springbok loosehead prop Robbie Kempson regarding the growing challenge of in-form Steven Kitshoff towards incumbent Tendai Mtawarira.
Kempson, himself a veteran of 37 Tests in the No 1 jersey for the Boks, was candid in his answer to a question of whether Bok coach Allister Coetzee should persist with Mtawarira or call on Kitshoff, who has been sensational in his impact off the bench in recent Tests.
“If you had asked me three months ago, I would have said that the Beast should be put out to pasture but he has obviously had a shake-up and I think he is playing his best rugby since that unforgettable series he had against the British and Irish Lions in 2009 (when he gave England prop Phil Vickery a hiding in the set scrums),” said Kempson, who is also a television pundit.
“I thought The Beast was finished but he is very much rejuvenated and he is anchoring the Springbok scrum,” Kempson said of the 32-yearold, 93 Test veteran.
“I am taking nothing away from how well Steven (Kitshoff) is playing off the bench, and that is great because the form of players like him off the bench are giving the Boks a big impact in the last quarter, and it nearly pulled off the win in Perth (drawn 23-23).
“But for now I would not change the recipe, especially ahead of such a big Test against the All Blacks. It is currently working at loosehead prop. I would not have thought as much a few months ago but The Beast is pulling finger and Kitshoff is literally throwing his weight around when he comes on.”
Kempson reiterates that he thought Mtawarira’s career had run its course, but he says the former Zimbabwean should be given a pat on the back for his renewed hunger.
“He has proved me wrong. He has really upped his game and I think it would be crazy to change the current front row scenario,” Kempson said.
“The Beast has shown he is still hungry for the jersey and then you have a Kitshoff coming on and making a huge impact in all facets of the game. The recipe is working right now. Don’t change it,” Kempson said.
The 43-year-old Kempson said that he had spoken at length with Mtawarira about his career when Kempson was doing media coverage of the Boks’ match against Argentina in Salta.
“He admitted that he was very despondent last year but that the whole environment had changed this year, and he wants to be part of the Boks going forward,” Kempson said.
“He said the team spirit this year between last year was like a ‘grand canyon’ and that it has reinvigorated him and he wants to push on and contribute what he can to the Boks,” Kempson said.
“The Beast said he has not been as positive about the Boks since the tenure of Peter de Villiers when in 2009 the Boks beat the British and Irish Lions and the All Blacks three matches in a row.”
Meanwhile the Bok management have confirmed flanker Jaco Kriel is on his way home after a scan confirmed that he has suffered a serious shoulder injury.
No replacement will be called up as the coaching staff feel they have sufficient loose forward cover, and Sharks flank Jean-Luc du Preez is the favourite to replace Kriel in the starting line-up. MANY up and coming players, with plenty to prove, will scoff at the idea that the Currie Cup is dead; that there is no place for it in the current rugby landscape. One of them is Lions No 10 Ashlon Davids.
The 24-year-old pivot is enjoying a fine time for Swys de Bruin’s team in the competition and is hoping the chance he’s been given will pay off in the long run ... or even as early as next year.
The Malmesbury-born No 10 has had to bide his time in Joburg since joining the union a few years ago. Springbok flyhalf Elton Jantjies has been the first choice for some time, while behind him Marnitz Boshoff (before his move overseas and then to the Bulls) and Jaco van der Walt prevented Davids from getting a proper look-in.
But he’s been given an opportunity in recent weeks and shown he could well be in the running for a spot in De Bruin’s Super Rugby squad next year. “Ja, that’s what I’m hoping for,” said Davids yesterday.
“It’s been a bit frustrating over the last few years, having to cover for scrumhalf and fullback as well, so I’m happy that the new coaching team are backing me properly at 10.”
Davids’ versatility has seen him move around a few positions, but it’s at flyhalf where he is most comfortable. And you can see he is thriving in the No 10 jersey, at times looking very much like the man who’s kept him out of Super Rugby – Jantjies.
“We’re good friends and have a strong relationship,” said Davids. “He’s helped me quite a bit, especially when it comes to things like game management. I like the way he plays, and the way he goes about his business is exactly how I see the role of the flyhalf.”
After a fairly rocky start to the Currie Cup campaign, the Lions are back in the mix after registering back-to back wins against the Pumas and Griquas and find themselves in fourth spot going into this weekend’s fixture. They face the Bulls, who’re now coached by their former boss, John Mitchell.
“It was tough getting into routine and understanding everything after Super Rugby. Players came into the squad, others left, and we got a new head coach,” said Davids. “But we’ve got a second chance and I think we’re now on the right track.
“The Bulls though will be a big test. It’s always fun playing against them and with Mitchell now in charge they’re sure to test us in several departments. They’ve changed their style quite a lot in recent times and like to throw the ball around, too, so we’re in for a big game.”
De Bruin is expected to announce his team tomorrow for Saturday’s match, which kicks off at 5.15pm.