Bokke continue to frustrate…and win

I happened to be in a mate’s car driving past Loftus Versveld after the game against Australia, and what struck me was the sombre attitude of the supporters leaving the heartland of Bulle rugby. I’ve been privileged enough to watch the last two Tests against Australia and France at Newlands, and the difference in mindset between Bok supporters then and now is stark. What has replaced optimism has been cynicism, and a wary eye directed towards the coaching box. What is De Villiers’ ultimate game plan?

Last year, the team could do no wrong as the Springboks swept all before them by playing effective winning rugby (a large departure from eye-catching rugby) and supporters’ attitudes were blissful and extremely positive.

A tweak here and a relentless enemy there — the Blackness — four losses later, the fickleness that’s endemic of South African sports supporters across the board reared its head once more. The Bokke’s fall from grace has been fast, perhaps too judgementally so. However, the team have been their own worst enemies, with their listlessness being the most concerning thing about the away leg this year. Thankfully, with the likes of Francois Hougaard and Juan Smith spreading their commitment cooties at a speed last seen in the 60s and the Free Love era, the team looks like they want it more. That makes a huge difference as those who play competitive sport will till you.

John Smit (sort of fairly), Bryan Habana (he deserved it) and Peter de Villiers (his reputation precedes itself) have been among the targets attacked across the rugby universe — with thanks to the Alternative Rugby Commentary for the term:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cny1i4qyyMo — via the blogosphere and rugby media.

So what have we learnt after that ridiculous (21-7 to the Wallabies after 12 minutes? What the fuck? Who writes this stuff?) rugby match at Loftus:

We are still no closer to knowing what Peter de Villiers’ actual strongest side is — if we actually had all of our players available, do you know who De Villiers would select from 1 to 15? Hopefully PDV and his team know, since I don’t have a clue. Where would Bismarck du Plessis and Heinrich Brussow go?

Drop Habana — Bryan “YOU magazine” Habana once again had a poor match with two of his errors leading directly to Wallaby tries. He needs to figure out what the problem is because right now he is of no use to Springboks playing in the manner he is. Gio Aplon would be far better at the moment.
John Smit must not go to Europe at the end of the year — He is important but just doesn’t seem to be up to the pace at the moment (a simple case of over-playing?). Some time off would do Captain Fantastic some good, mentally and physically. He must play next year so November shouldn’t be the priority.
Juan Smith kicks ass — His return has added an extra layer of fire and brimstone. How was that hand off? Num num num … a round of palm pies to Drew Mitchell.
Jaque Fourie and Jean de Villiers are our best centre combination — We knew that back in 2004, so I’m quite glad to see the PDV remembered last year … how short are our memories?
Frans Steyn is a must — He wasn’t great by any stretch of the imagination and though his fitness is definitely not 100%, he is vital for South Africa’s plans to retain the World Cup next year.
Our defence isn’t up to scratch — South Africa does have the ability to win through their high pressure style, but if the defence doesn’t come to the party, as Australia showed, points will leak quicker than a Pakistani match-fixing scandal. Without a dominant defence (which was shown effective for 76 mins last week), South Africa’s limitations on attack become a chronic problem. We will never be able to outscore our opponents (the best anyway) hence we must be as tight as possible.
The All Blacks are deserving champions — They have played the best rugby and after last week’s epic victory (which the Kiwi media rightly thought to be their best victory of the year), the only thing standing in Graham Henry and Richie McCaw’s way to Valhalla is the William Webb Ellis Trophy.
There is life after Fourie du Preez — With Ruan Pienaar out the picture, Francois Hougaard has grabbed his chance. The longer he is involved the better.
Australia are getting there … beware — Robbie Deans may be under suspicion back in his adopted home, but he has a master plan … no doubt about it. The World Cup will show whether his tenure has been a success or failure. Write them off at your peril.

From the list above, how much didn’t we already suspect? Most if not all of it. It is this frustration, that knowing where the problems are but they still persist, which is eating away at our collective confidence as Springbok supporters. Even for Bloem, victory is not certain (however likely considering the scars left on the Australians who just don’t know how to close out a game). De Villiers and Smit need another victory to set up November, a Grand Slam tour nogal, as an opportunity to blood new players and rest old ones.

This week’s suggested line-up:

1. Jannie du Plessis

2. John Smit

3. Guthro “Tugger” Steenkamp

4. Danie Rossouw

5. Victor Matfield

6. Schalk Burger

7. Juan “Hand of Fury” Smith

8. Ryan “Racehorse” Kankowski

9. Francois Hougaard

10. Morne “Win-A-Game” Steyn (with thanks to Blake Gower)

11. Gio Aplon

12. Jean de Villiers

13. Jaque Fourie

14. JP Pietersen

15. Frans Steyn

Bench:

16. CJ van der Linde

17. Chiliboy Ralepelle

18. Flip van der Merwe

19. Pierre “OutSurance” Spies

20. Jano Vermaak (I wish)

21. Butch “All Shoulder” James

22. Juan de Jongh

Will this team feature? Doubtful. Ricky will be where Jano is (Lions fan admittedly), Spies and Habana to start. If PDV (hence forth a reference to the entire coaching staff, which would look like PDVDMGG otherwise) does otherwise, I’ll eat my pillow casing.

South Africa start as favourites again this week. Not sure about you but I’m quite looking forward to the Bokke being off the radar for a while. Considering the amount of media — and between the good stuff there is a large pile of dreg — we have absorbed from the home fixtures some Currie Cup action and tribal rivalry is just what is needed to settle the stomach. The World Cup can’t get here fast enough.

No matter what happens in City of Roses, this is certain: go for gold, down your drink and Bokke for life (thanks Blake).