Veteran backs fill a Bok gap
SPRINGBOK backline coach Ricardo Loubscher believes the back division needs to deliver more.
The newly formed partnership of Damian de Allende and Jesse Kriel has thrown an interesting spanner in the works with regard to Jean de Villiers’ recovery and imminent return on Saturday in Durban.
Argentina is not renowned for imposing backs, which could provide the captain with the best opportunity of easing himself back into Test action.
Experience and the inability to close out games is one of the reasons why the Boks need the likes of De Villiers back and Loubscher is also excited with Fourie du Preez’s improving fitness, even though it leaves a selection conundrum with Ruan Pienaar showing a streak of excellent form that is not normally associated with him.
“In terms of World Cup experience, it is important to have De Villiers back. If you look at the last two games, in the last 20 minutes you need the experienced guys and you need cool heads so it is nice to have him back. It was also nice to see that he got some game time,” Loubscher said.
“Du Preez looked very good in training yesterday and he’s a worldclass player, so we don’t have to elaborate about him in terms of what he brings to the table. He also adds to the leadership table.”
Whether the Boks have a licence to thrill will be seen in their team announcement today and with Argentina having the worst defensive record in the Rugby Cham- pionship, it is fair to say the Boks will look to have more than a fair crack at the Pumas.
The South Americans, though, are clearly not very interested in the tournament as their preparations are bent on getting past the World Cup pool stages, where they are likely to meet one of France, Ireland or Italy.
While Loubscher agreed the Springboks have left a lot of tries on the field, there is an element of danger to them that has not been seen in some time through the new midfield pairing.
It has not been tested in the monotonous grind of Test rugby in between World Cup years but Loubscher feels they could improve their accuracy in their execution.
When the Boks have decided to cut up defences, they have looked very impressive.
Not even Frans Steyn’s unfortunate absence will dim their attacking flame.
“If you look at the last two Test matches, we are not happy with our execution in terms of taking our opportunities. That is a work in progress for us and I hope that over the weekend, we can go out with the same attacking mindset and create opportunities that we can finish.
“From a backs point of view, that will be a focus point for us,” Loubscher said.
“If you look at Frans’s experience, it is a big loss but we have enough depth in terms of our centres with Jesse, Damian, Jean and Jan Serfontein.
“They are all exciting and have been waiting for their opportunities. Frans is a big loss but it creates an opportunity for the other guys.”