A lesson or two from the Boks
THE just-ended Rugby World Cup had its fair share of drama and talking points.
For fans, the sport managed to get the final it wanted, with defending champions South Africa (Springboks) taking on New Zealand’s All Blacks, record winners of the tournament.
One thing that stood out for me — besides the majestic performances, nail-biting finishes and general level of performance — was the game awareness and use of the bench by the Springboks.
Often, when teams select their sides, they have their strongest players and then some alternates.
South Africa always have a very clear game plan and make sure every member of their squad, whether starting or not, is in the picture.
The team lines up with the subs bench, well aware that they can be called in at any time, even in the first half.
During the course of the World Cup, and even at the last World Cup in 2019, the strategy paid off.
The substitutes are called “The Bomb Squad”, and over the last six years or so, they have been as effective as any bomb can be.
They have laid waste to many favourites (England), home teams (France) and fellow comrades from the Southern Hemisphere (Australia and Argentina).
Against England in the semi-final, for example, the increased tempo brought on by the changes made by coach Jacques Nienaber and his director of rugby Rassie Erasmus pushed the Springboks to come from nine points behind after 69 minutes to win the game by a point with two minutes to go.
There are some interesting lessons in there.
Commitment will bring results
The South African rugby team shows a lot of commitment. The sport is played across the country and the national association ensures there are facilities, equipment and personnel for each school, even in townships. The country’s provincial franchise system allows schools to link up with the provincial teams and get technical support.
The end result is a nationwide talent pool overseen by trained and experienced coaches, scouts and administrators, who are always on the lookout for new talent.
Rugby is leading in diversity
Rugby has always been viewed as a white sport in South Africa, but now, even without emphasis on quotas and other legislative issues, the sport is gaining a diverse look. The number of black players across disciplines, including the Sevens, is a sign of a sport appealing to and bringing in all races. The World Cup team even featured a player of Indian origin. This is indeed breaking new ground.
The Springbok team has changed from the 2019 outfit, but the way the new players have blended with experienced ones has been seamless. The Springboks’ way of play is encouraged and has been emulated even at
BACK-TO-BACK half-centuries by Sikandar Raza have left the Chevrons in firm control of their five-match Twenty20 series against Namibia.
They could clinch the series with a victory this afternoon when the two sides meet in the fourth of the five-match series at Wanderers Cricket Ground in Windhoek.
Coach Dave Houghton is using the series as part of the Chevrons’ preparations for next month’s ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier, which Namibia will also host.
The visitors stuttered to an embarrassing seven-wicket loss in the opener.
It was Namibia’s third straight victory over Test-playing Zimbabwe.
As they sought to avoid another embarrassing defeat, the side turned to its veterans, and Raza stepped up to the plate.
The 37-year-old began his account with an unbeaten 82 runs, which gave the Chevrons the all-important win during the second match on Wednesday.
The innings also saw the talisman make history, as his half-century knock featured nine sixes — the highest number by a Zimbabwean batter.
He then added another half-century (52 junior school level. When school teams have games, they base their play on the Springboks style. This means players can easily fit into the squad.
Once in a while, rare talent will come through, but the team has gained a reputation for quick, big forwards who can scrummage and are good at retaining possession. This template is carried through all the structures and the results are plain to see.
Of Fifteens and Sevens
The current Springbok side features players who have also played Sevens rugby, for example, Kwagga Smith. This makes the South African pack deadly without the ball. They can move very quickly and cover ground, unlike most teams whose packs are less mobile.
Knowing there are equally capable replacements on the bench means the pack can play at full tilt in the knowledge that they do not necessarily have to go for the full match.
It is like a cheat code.
The Springboks have shown what can be achieved with a clear plan and commitment to it. Some will say the sport is well-funded and heavily backed by corporates.
I believe it goes beyond that.
The look on the Springbok players’ faces when their national anthem is played shows that each and every one of them, even the ones starting on the bench, know that they have a role to play and a duty to serve.
It is a strategy worth learning from.