Whiteley ‘one of the world’s best’
COACH GIVES GLOWING RECOMMENDATION With Vermeulen out, Boks face poser of which two flankers to unleash against the French.
Warren Whiteley has evolved so much as a topclass No 8 that he must be rated as one of the best in his position around, believes Springbok forward coach Johann van Graan.
Van Graan, the longest serving member of the Bok coaching staff, has worked with new Bok skipper Whiteley since he made his first strides as an international player back in 2014.
“Warren has improved so much and I rate him as one of the top No 8s in the world,” said Van Graan ahead of the first French Test at Loftus on Saturday.
“There’s stuff about Warren that people don’t see, the energy he puts into the mauls, the metres that he runs, the metres that he covers on the training pitch,” he said. “And more importantly the speed at which he manages it.”
With Duane Vermeulen ruled out of the entire series due to a shoulder injury, Van Graan said it was vital to find the right mix in the back row.
While Siya Kolisi and Oupa Mohoje could be named today as the two flankers, Van Graan said they have great quality in the squad.
The biggest questions remains how Jaco Kriel and Jean-Luc du Preez will be utilised.
“Oupa has carried the ball very well the last few weeks, while Jean-Luc is an explicit player.
“It’s great after you spent a few weeks with a player to see how he uses his feet, dominate contact, while Jaco is great in the wider channels,” said Van Graan.
“But it doesn’t matter which combination takes to the field because I’m very excited about the players in the group.”
Van Graan said Vermeulen’s mere presence in the group has increased the excitement.
“It was great to see Duane again, he brought a great deal of energy to the side. It’s fortunately coach Allister’s decision who to replace him with, but we have some great loose forwards.”
Van Graan said the most important ingredient is to strike a good balance in the loose trio.
“One has to determine who can jump, who can pack down at eight, who are your ball-carriers and who are your stealers, who can defend well and who can play for 80 minutes.”