Bismark and The Beast - devestating duo

This Saturday is D-day for the Springboks. With the 1st test against the B&I Lions kicking off at 15h00 local time. We have spent the last few weeks making our Bok selections for the crucial opening test match. This week we are highlighting on the Springbok front row. Now, I’m not going to pretend like I know a hell of a lot that goes on between the battle of the big men in the front row, so I’m going to keep it short and sweet.

One of the most iconic players over the last few years has to be the man they call ‘BEEEAAAST’, his name ringing out at stadiums around the world whenever he touches the ball, clears a ruck, or makes a devastating tackle. I must admit, I am a big fan of the powerhouse that is ‘The Beast’, so much so that my fierce Jack Russel is named after him. The Beasts strength is an asset to any team. His leg pumping run down the touch line, dragging a Bulls player behind him, during the Bulls vs Sharks game, is just another testament to this mans enormous strength.

#1 is Tendai ‘BEEEAAAST’ Mtawarira.

Anyone who has seen Bismark’s work rate knows he is amongst one of the best in the business. His quality as a hooker, mobility and work rate around the field much necessitating the shift of John Smit from hooker to tighthead. My only problem with Bismark’s game at the moment is his increasingly kak hands. Handling being something he can easily rectify though, he has to be the 1st choice hooker.

#2 is Bismak Du Plessis

There has been alot of debate this year with the ‘conversion’ of John Smit from hooker to tighthead. , but from what I saw during the Sharks VS Highlanders game, we should be okay (see link above from 2min12). Anyone who has stood next to John Smit knows just what a huge unit of a man he is. I am fully confident that he can match up to any scrum our boys will encounter.

#3 is John Smit

Below are 2 short clips I recorded during a scrum session at UCT before last year’s November tour. Excuse the bad quality, it was recorded with my very kak 2 megapixel phone. John Smit is packing down at tighthead, with the rest of the front row as I selected. I don’t see anything wrong with the technique in these.

Heinke van der Merwe is perhaps unlucky to have picked up a long term injury, ruling him out of the rest of the season. Although, I feel he needs to improve his work rate around the field, he is one of the strongest scrummagers in the game.

Jannie Du Plessis is perhaps another unlucky player, not to have made the squad. Brian Mujati hasn’t performed anywhere close to his potential to warrant selection, and I’ve stuck with my policy of not including overseas based players for this tournament.

I am however a little surprised at the inclusion of Deon Carstens in the squad, not having made enough of an impact to warrant selection in my opinion.

My selections:

1. Tendai Mtawarira

2. Bismak Du Plessis

3. John Smit (c)