Scrumhalf Faf sticking to the plan

AT FIRST it was an audible grunt, then as the first half progressed it became more visceral, turning into a cacophony of disdain.

It was much the same on social media, echoing the derision of a packed Pirates Rugby Club. You’d expect it was like that elsewhere – in homes where the braai was being stoked, in bars where the beer taps were running dry on a fine Sunday afternoon, and at clubs like these where pundits and fans alike congregated to voice their displeasure, hands on their heads as they did so.

For you see, scrumhalf Faf de Klerk had just executed another box-kick – his 39th kick-from-hand of the competition – against Japan in the Springboks’ quarter-final match-up, much to the contempt of just about every South African.

It is clear that the former Lions man is sticking to the plan as outlined by coach Rassie Erasmus. Admittedly, it is often infuriating to watch, but here the stats do not lie.

The Boks are this World Cup’s leading point scorers with 211 points. They have also scored the most tries with 30 and have effected the most turnovers in the tournament – 37 of them – if you are keeping count.

Clearly, the stratagem is working, however frustrating it might be.

De Klerk gets a lot of flak for sticking to this game plan, as if he is its chief architect, and there is a majority belief that he should not be in the Bok 23, with many calling on he-whowould-be-king, Herschel Jantjies, to replace him.

I would argue that this is wrong. De Klerk is still the first choice scrummie. He sticks to the plan and plays with pace and vigour, while he defends like a Trojan and brings stability and calm to the breakdown.

His experience will be key to a Bok victory.

Jantjies will have his time in the future, but for now leave Faf alone.