Desperate times: Bok flyhalf shortage
FROM an overflowing flyhalf cupboard in 2012, when Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer used four pivots, the current situation with the international season looming is more desperate.
Pat Lambie is out for at least six months with a torn biceps and Cheetahs flyhalf Johan Goosen is nursing yet another injury, albeit a minor wrist niggle. Both featured prominently and successfully in 2012 after Morne Steyn fell out of favour and Elton Jantjies was used only as a backup.
Goosen is struggling for form and this week was spotted in France, reportedly pursuing overseas options. Clearly he is not focused entirely on the here and now.
Morne Steyn is already in France, playing club rugby at Stade Francais, but his form has been erratic. Yet he remains the favourite for the Bok jersey, as his growing knowledge of northern hemisphere conditions could be vital at the World Cup in England next September.
But, in the short term, two unlikely candidates for the Bok No 10 jersey have risen — Marnitz Boshoff from the Lions and Frans Steyn at the Sharks.
The latter is no stranger to the Bok setup, having already racked up 53 caps at the age of 26 — five of them at flyhalf.
Frans Steyn’s handful of outings as Bok flyhalf were mediocre, but Steyn circa 2014 is a different player. For one, his goal-kicking is consistently accurate and his tactical play and decision-making have matured. He is a serious contender for flyhalf, especially as Bok skipper Jean de Villiers is almost guaranteed the inside centre berth.
But Boshoff is a more natural fit in the crucial position. He has that rare trait where he appears to have extra time on the ball. The Lions have won three of their first five games and Boshoff has been central to all those wins.
He has already scored 107 points from 23 penalties, 10 conversions and a staggering six drop goals. The art of dropping a goal is one that can win a tight World Cup game in difficult conditions.
Jonny Wilkinson, Jannie de Beer, Stephen Larkham and Joel Stransky dropped crucial goals on the game’s biggest stage and, if nothing else, Boshoff is displaying the same calm temper- ament and quality technique to do the same.
“There is no doubt that Boshoff is an excellent kicker of the ball,” former World Cup-winner and Bok flyhalf Hennie le Roux said.
“But at test level, especially in the way it’s played these days, it’s about proving your worth in every facet of the game. The modern flyhalf needs to tackle like a flank and still have the tactical awareness that the position has always required.
“If you have one weakness the opposition will identify it and exploit it. Boshoff needs some specialised coaching on attack.
“But other than that, he has the right demeanour and doesn’t shy away from contact. He’s an allround player with a high skill base that will shortly make him a realistic Bok contender.”