Bok 23 RC 2014

[TRF_heineken]

I understand, I am just surprised Smith would be used as international second row cover, especially after a long absence. Based on recent form, he is a great addition, but as a flanker.

Furthermore, purely as second row balance, Lewies would make sense, as more of a lineout operator while de Jage/Etzebeth add the power.

I think Alberts and Juan will be used as cover for both lock and Flanker. Lewies could feel hard done by, but Lewies is a no. 4 lock just like Etzebeth, De Jager and Bakkies.

 

[Draggs]

SA is the only country I know of that does 4/5 locks. I just go by skills. Etzebeth, de Jäger, Botha all enforcer types, while Matfield, Lewies, PSdT better in the lineout.

 

[Darwin]

I thought Lewies was the archetypal #5 (loosehead) lock? He's mobile, athletic, and an excellent lineout operator. He has always been playing in the #5 jersey for the Sharks whenever I have seen him, though to be fair I haven't seen him at any other level...

 

[TRF_stormer2010]

I understand, I am just surprised Smith would be used as international second row cover, especially after a long absence. Based on recent form, he is a great addition, but as a flanker.

Furthermore, purely as second row balance, Lewies would make sense, as more of a lineout operator while de Jage/Etzebeth add the power.

Yes, I agree. I feel they could have added both Smith and Lewies to reach 31 which is the current allowed squad size for the RWC so why not use it..

SA is the only country I know of that does 4/5 locks. I just go by skills. Etzebeth, de Jäger, Botha all enforcer types, while Matfield, Lewies, PSdT better in the lineout.

I also don't get it. I suppose it is a side effect of the long standing Botha/Matfield partnership that has almost set in people's minds as a template of sorts.

 

[TRF_heineken]

Yes, I agree. I feel they could have added both Smith and Lewies to reach 31 which is the current allowed squad size for the RWC so why not use it..



I also don't get it. I suppose it is a side effect of the long standing Botha/Matfield partnership that has almost set in people's minds as a template of sorts.

Yeah, but I think that HM would rather pick a more versatile guy than a specialist if he already got a few specialists. And the reports are that Victor will just miss the first test, and then be back, it would be unfair to Lewies to pull him from the Currie Cup, have him miss 2 games for the Sharks, and then not even play for the Bokke. While Juan would just be in the off-season now anyway back in France.

As for the 4/5 lock thing. It has been working for us so I think that is why we stay with that concept. But with that said, it seems that it will soon change with the "hybrids" currently coming through the ranks.

 

[TRF_stormer2010]

Yeah, Both Etzebeth and PSdT are very rounded locks. They'll set a new tone.

In other news, JdV himslef has said he is ready though I havn't been able to find a link and good news is HM as per below looks set to play JdV at 12. He hasn't been as effective at 13 and I'm glad we aren't going to force players into position they don't work in. JdV-De Allende could be a very good combination, with Pollard inside and Le Roux joining the line... wow, if only FdP were fit to unleash these guys.

http://www.planetrugby.com/story/0,25883,3561_9407105,00.html

 

[Draggs]

Yeah, but I think that HM would rather pick a more versatile guy than a specialist if he already got a few specialists. And the reports are that Victor will just miss the first test, and then be back, it would be unfair to Lewies to pull him from the Currie Cup, have him miss 2 games for the Sharks, and then not even play for the Bokke. While Juan would just be in the off-season now anyway back in France.

As for the 4/5 lock thing. It has been working for us so I think that is why we stay with that concept. But with that said, it seems that it will soon change with the "hybrids" currently coming through the ranks.

So Meyer actually really loves the Sharks and doesn't want to hurt us!

 

[Icemn]

TRC will be between AUS and NZ, SA and ARG will be fighting for 3rd and 4th respectively... does anyone know the definition of insanity? its trying the same thing over and over again, expecting a diff outcome... stampkar... boks will be bashing it up again, the only change i see is, instead of one supporting forward there will now be an extra one or two pushing the ball-carried into the opposition's defense... so goodluck...