Blue
Andrew Slack (58)
Super Rugby still not done but time to start speculating over HM's selections.
Against England HM said he would pick the players that will win the series for him and look to the future in the RC. I still don't expect too many changes. Will he reward form? We'll see.
The big question marks for me are in positions: 5, 8, 9, 10 and 15.
5: Logic would suggest Bekker if he is fit but he was very loose in the Sharks game and played a very lazy game. He did not look fit. I would like the see Kruger start and allow Bekker to play himself into form. He is the preferred player but simply not in form right now. And he needs to get off the wing.
8. HM has been quoted about his admiration for Kankowski. Based on the guy's form in the last few weeks there is no way he can't pick him. This should be the beginning of the end for Spies. Kanko has added a hard edge to his game.
9. Hougaard has not shown enough of an all round game to be a world class 9. He is a great impact player and can do freakish things but he makes too many mistakes and his kicking is not up to scratch. Who else? I have no idea. Pienaar is probably the best option until someone else shows promise. I like the Cheetah 9 but it may be too early for him.
10. BIG PROBLEM. Steyn has completely lost it. I think he has been shown up so many times that it has killed his confidence. Once his kicking goes he falls apart. The future is Goosen who I think is out for the year? Grant's kicking game has been very poor in the second half of Super Rugby season so he is no chance. HM sees Lambie as a 15. We are going to be stuck with Steyn and is foresee a disastrous RC Champs for the Boks as a result. There is nobody else right now. We're farqued.
15. Lambie might not be fit in time then what? Kirchner is so bloody limited. The option is F Steyn but his potency is at 12. If he moves to 15 itr opens the door for de Jongh at 13. I like Joe Pietersen but he missed two up and unders badly against the Sharks, both because he could not get up high enough. HM would have made a note of that so I think he is no chance. Aplon is not a test level 15, no matter what people in the Cape think. He would be on my bench though covering wing and 15.
The other questions are whether Vermeulen and Burger will feature? Probably later on in the competition but HM won't rush them back.
We also have a problem at bench prop if Oosthuizen is not fit. He is our only real class option when it comes to props who can scum both sides.
Other guys who might get a look in includes Kolisi. He had a poor game against the Sharks and the way Keegan Daniel is going Kolisi might not get a chance. Daniel is likely to be on the bench for the Boks. HE deserves it 100%
And Brussow? He will be lucky to make a squad but I believe he has too much class to discard. He will probably play a blinder if he gets the opportunity but will HM give him one?
Some big Q's.
Against England HM said he would pick the players that will win the series for him and look to the future in the RC. I still don't expect too many changes. Will he reward form? We'll see.
The big question marks for me are in positions: 5, 8, 9, 10 and 15.
5: Logic would suggest Bekker if he is fit but he was very loose in the Sharks game and played a very lazy game. He did not look fit. I would like the see Kruger start and allow Bekker to play himself into form. He is the preferred player but simply not in form right now. And he needs to get off the wing.
8. HM has been quoted about his admiration for Kankowski. Based on the guy's form in the last few weeks there is no way he can't pick him. This should be the beginning of the end for Spies. Kanko has added a hard edge to his game.
9. Hougaard has not shown enough of an all round game to be a world class 9. He is a great impact player and can do freakish things but he makes too many mistakes and his kicking is not up to scratch. Who else? I have no idea. Pienaar is probably the best option until someone else shows promise. I like the Cheetah 9 but it may be too early for him.
10. BIG PROBLEM. Steyn has completely lost it. I think he has been shown up so many times that it has killed his confidence. Once his kicking goes he falls apart. The future is Goosen who I think is out for the year? Grant's kicking game has been very poor in the second half of Super Rugby season so he is no chance. HM sees Lambie as a 15. We are going to be stuck with Steyn and is foresee a disastrous RC Champs for the Boks as a result. There is nobody else right now. We're farqued.
15. Lambie might not be fit in time then what? Kirchner is so bloody limited. The option is F Steyn but his potency is at 12. If he moves to 15 itr opens the door for de Jongh at 13. I like Joe Pietersen but he missed two up and unders badly against the Sharks, both because he could not get up high enough. HM would have made a note of that so I think he is no chance. Aplon is not a test level 15, no matter what people in the Cape think. He would be on my bench though covering wing and 15.
The other questions are whether Vermeulen and Burger will feature? Probably later on in the competition but HM won't rush them back.
We also have a problem at bench prop if Oosthuizen is not fit. He is our only real class option when it comes to props who can scum both sides.
Other guys who might get a look in includes Kolisi. He had a poor game against the Sharks and the way Keegan Daniel is going Kolisi might not get a chance. Daniel is likely to be on the bench for the Boks. HE deserves it 100%
And Brussow? He will be lucky to make a squad but I believe he has too much class to discard. He will probably play a blinder if he gets the opportunity but will HM give him one?
Some big Q's.
