Door still open for Matfield The Springboks have taken giant strides in 2013 but are still missing a world-class No 5 option, writes JON CARDINELLI. Listening to Heyneke Meyer talk at the team hotel in Paris on Sunday morning, its clear to me that the Boks feel theyve laid a good base from which to launch their 2015 World Cup campaign. A record of 10 from 12 in 2013 doesnt quite tell the whole story, as the Boks were beaten by the All Blacks twice, but theres no denying that they are in a stronger position now than they were at this time last year. The Boks havent changed their game plan, theyve simply started to execute it better. The Boks have always had the forwards to dominate opponents and theyve always had the back division capable of punishing the best defences. Whats changed in 2013 is that a player like Willie le Roux has acted as a catalyst. Suddenly the likes of Jean de Villiers, Bryan Habana and JP Pietersen have a new lease on life. Weaknesses have been turned into strengths. Here we are talking about the scrum and breakdown. The Boks have exceeded every expectation at the scrums. Theyve bossed the much-vaunted New Zealand pack in this facet, and the rise of youngsters such as Frans Malherbe and Coenie Oosthuizen has been encouraging to see. AREAS OF CONCERN But while there is cause to celebrate, there is also much to improve. Meyer didnt waste much time pointing out the Boks perennial failings and how these need to be addressed before the 2014 season. The kicking game hasnt been nearly accurate enough, and while Flip van der Merwe has operated as an adequate stop-gap, he is not a world beater at No 5. At this stage, neither is Pieter-Steph du Toit. Its the norm for South African supporters to call for the next big thing, and there was an outcry when Meyer used Du Toit sparingly on the recent tour to the northern hemisphere. But the fact remains that Du Toit is new to the role of managing the lineouts. Its a key position in terms of the Boks game plan, and is usually occupied by one of the teams strongest personalities and leaders. Du Toit is not there yet. Meyer hopes that one day Du Toit will have the experience to complement his patent talent, but right now there is still too much doubt whether Du Toit should start at No 5 in 2014 or even at the 2015 World Cup. Meyer feels time is short and that World Cup is almost upon us. The 2014 season will be an important one for the Boks, They will need to make a further statement of intent in the Rugby Championship, and Meyer knows that he cant hide behind any excuses that his team is still in a developmental stage. That time is over. Van der Merwe will provide the Boks with a solid if not spectacular option in 2014, but the reality is that he is also learning the position after playing most of his career at No 4. And with Victor Matfield returning to Super Rugby next year, Van der Merwe is likely to revert to the No 4 role at the Bulls, with Matfield donning the No 5 jersey. There are no guarantees that Matfield will make a successful comeback, but the opportunity is certainly there to be seized. Du Toit is still too green to command the Boks most important set piece, and Van der Merwe lacks the athleticism to be as effective as Matfield was in his pomp. Meyer will be satisfied that a number of boxes were ticked in 2013. But as he readily admits, time is running out to find a lineout commander who can take the Boks to the next level.
Posted on: Mon, 25 Nov 2013 08:34:17 +0000
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