‘A’ side throws up Bok contenders for emergencies
MAN FOR ALL SEASONS: Spaniard and World No 2 Rafael Nadal goes into Wimbledon — starting on July 3 — motivated after claiming his 10th Roland Garros title last Sunday THE French Barbarians made rugby look like an enjoyable pastime on Friday evening at the Moses Mabhida Stadium and South Africa “A” did their best to play along.
Unlike last year’s humbling at the hands of the far more serious England Saxons, Johann Ackermann’s side was able to keep up with the pace of the game while finding that extra gear towards the end of the game.
With the Springbok side a relatively green one, this and Friday’s second match, serve as a Springbok audition in the event of inevitable injuries. At 30 he may have lost a bit of pace, but the spatial awareness and the newly found confidence under the high ball makes him another fullback candidate. He flourished in the position when Jake White moved him there and seems to be enjoying life in the last line of defence. His two tries are also a sign his finishing powers haven’t waned. In hindsight, a correct call by Allister Coetzee to let him play in the South Africa A side was rewarded by a solid performance as a reminder that there’s depth. While clearly in need of more game time, which he’ll get with the Lions set for the Super Rugby play-offs, the cobwebs will be shaken off. There also was the deft chip that led to Harold Vorster’s try that showcased his all-round packaging as a player. Questions were asked of his defensive capabilities and he responded positively but also seemed to carry the air of a player who may not represent the national side in the near future.
With only 19 tests due to injuries and questionable selection decisions by former coach Heyneke Meyer, De Jongh is well off the 30-cap mark needed by overseas players to play for the Boks.
He’ll be moving to London Wasps at the end of the Super Rugby season Ross Cronje may need to start looking behind him as Vermaak rolled back the years with a display that harked back to his days at the Lions.
The service was crisp, so was the kicking and the defence was tigerish, even by the scrumhalf’s standards.
Having done his time overseas Vermaak is now the complete package and at some point must add to the three Bok caps he earned in 2012 and 2013 even though he’s 32. Once he finds his best position in the back row, he will also add to the debate about South Africa’s burgeoning crop of loose forwards.
Currently, franchise teammate Teboho Mohoje and Sharks upstart Jean-luc du Preez are the talk of the country, but solid and physical displays like last night means he cannot easily disappear from any conversation.
The queue is long but at some point he’ll force himself to the front. It was an odd night for piano-shifters and Nyakane had one of those nights where he scrummed well in one instance and not so well in the other. With the inconsistencies in terms of
Cassiem will also add to the debate about South Africa’s burgeoning crop of loose forwards
how scrums are officiated, it’s a tough life being a frontrower but they’re judged on their primary work. Harold Vorster’s excellence meant Venter made a later than possible bow and didn’t do too badly. However, he will need to do more than just the basics well to upset the centre applecart lengthened by Frans Steyn’s return. Sikhumbuzo Notshe Franco Marais Harold Vorster Andisa Ntsila Makazole Mapimpi