Final B&I Lions Test – post match analysis

Heinrich Brussouw is fast cementing his claim for the #6 jumper
The Springbok lineup for the 3rd and final test match against the B&I Lions was dramatically different to that of the 1st and 2nd test matches, with PDV choosing to give every player in the squad a chance to stake his claim for a spot in the upcoming Tri Nations games. In doing so we missed an opportunity to make history in whitewashing the B&I Lions, I do however think it was fair to give most of the players a run against the B&I Lions, an opportunity that few players get more than once in their careers.
We may have lost the test, it wasn’t all doom and gloom though. I think alot of questions were answered for the likes of PDV and the selection team.
Firstly I was quite disappointed with Wynand Olivier’s performance. It’s no secret that I think Wynand Olivier is a great player, but that something happens to him once he wears the Green and Gold, in that his game goes out the window. After a superb Super 14, Olivier said that he was relishing the idea of getting his first chance in a couple of years to try and secure the Springbok #12 jersey. I think Olivier will be disappointed with his performance on Saturday. Jean De Villiers remains our best #12.
Which brings me to my next point. Jacques Fourie was a revelation in the #13 jersey, again. After spending the last year struggling with injury, then playing second fiddle to an, at the time, in-form Adrian Jacobs. Jacques Fourie has really shown his worth every time he has taken the field in this B&I Lions series. His strong running, all-out pace and direct approach keeps any opposition on their toes. I think Jacques Fourie has shown that he is the best #13 in the country, if not the world at the moment. His extra work at the breakdown was as if we had two Heinrich Brussouws on the field. Lookout for the reunited centre pairing of Jean De Villiers and Jacque Fourie come the Tri Nations. Without a doubt the best centre “pairing” in world rugby. Anything less would be an injustice to the team. Adrian Jacobs will do well injecting that extra energy from the bench for the time being, he is a great player and still has alot to offer the team.
Another question I feel was answered was that Morne Steyn is not our 1st choice flyhalf. Although Morne Steyn is an exceptional kicker of the ball, he lacked command of the backline, not being able to really get them going. Although Ruan Pienaar came on as a replacement scrumhalf, he showed his class as a player. Pienaar might not be the finished product as a flyhalf, but he is good enough to hold his own on the world stage, and in time I feel he will be worth his weight in gold, in the footsteps of the Stephen Larkham, one of the greats of the modern game.
Another replacement that showed he should undoubtedly be the first choice in his position is Francois Steyn. Zane Kirchner showed that he isn’t quite ready for the international game, but by no means should be discarded. Watch this space, I think he will be around for a long time to come. Steyn is an extremely talented rugby player, being one of those extremely rare examples of a player who from the tender age of 19, was ready to play international rugby. His massive boot, one of the biggest in the world, is an asset to the Springboks. His willingness to try things and back himself is one of his best qualities, and I feel he is the exact kind of player that fits into the game-plan that PDV says he wants to play. I hope that the Springbok management select him from overseas, whilst he plays in France at the end of the year.
In a largely disappointing forward pack, Heinrich Brussouw remains the best. I can’t wait to see him show his talents against two of the worlds breakdown superstars, Goerge Smith and Richie McCaw, come the Tri Nations. I’ll put my money on Brussouw holding his own.
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