Before the Tri-Nations in this year of 2010, in light of Super 14 form and the kiss and cuddle of the warm-up Internationals, talk emanating from the South Africa was that Francois Louw was the man who would make the curse of losing of Heinrich Brussow, into a blessing, as he was the anointed one, the man in form, who was ready to make the scavenging flanker’s role his own.
While it is true that the back three, the back-row in the forward pack can not make serious headway if the Tight Five is getting their “botty” handed to them, which has transpired, especially at ruck and maul time, the loss of Brussow’s work at the breakdown has been starkly apparent, particularly after a serious impact in his first season of International Rugby. In these two Internationals, McCaw has reigned supreme, in combination with numerous deputies, with the result being that the All Blacks have been getting a steady stream of fast ball for the back-line, in contradistinction to the Springboks, with their slow balling resigning them to a stagnating play of one-off runners, combined with stilted back-line play, all taking place behind the gain-line.
What is the solution… and as a New Zealander, should we even care?
Brussow is not a magic bullet, but his impact and style of play certainly is. However, for any bullet to have any impact it needs to be loaded into a working gun, which the South African Tight-Five presently is not. Therefore, the Boks are desperately missing the 2009 edition of Brussow, as this was combined with the 2009 edition of a South African Tight-Five who were armed and dangerous for action, prepared for action, prepared for war. On the other hand, the 2010 edition, in its present expression, seems to prepared for only one thing and that’s a holiday, although given their recent play, some may suggest that this is already a present reality!
The Tri-Nations has only just begun, which is another way of saying there is time for South Africa to turn their past two lethargic displays around, but it will take more than talk, but action, with Brisbane being a good place to start. Although, the Gold Coast is in close proximity!
What say you?
Until Next Time
iamjonnyking
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