Jean de Villiers continued to be nursed as the Springboks began the buildup to Saturday’s test against Wales in Cardiff on Monday, but the chances are good that the most experienced centre in the squad will take his place at the Millennium Stadium.
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The Western Province star was doubtful for most of last week with a groin injury sustained in the Currie Cup final. His status as a starter was only confirmed last Friday, the day before the opening match of the tour against Ireland at the Aviva Stadium.
It looks like it could be like that again this week, with De Villiers sitting out training on Monday morning. However, team doctor Craig Roberts seemed optimistic that De Villiers will be fit for selection on Tuesday and will be ready to take the field against Wales.
De Villiers came off after an hour of the 23-21 win over Ireland, and coach Peter de Villiers said at the post-match press conference that the groin injury had been aggravated. However, if there was any aggravation of De Villiers’s condition, Roberts didn’t seem to think it was that bad.
“The plan was always to play Jean for just 60 minutes and he didn’t train today because he is still stiff and a bit sore,” said Roberts.
“But I am confident that Jean will be able to play because his is not one of those serious groin injuries like a groin hernia. There is no visible tear, it is more like the affected area has just been strained. He is just a bit stiff, and of course on the wet and heavy fields we do have to be extra careful.”
Frans Steyn joined the squad on Monday and the chances are fair that he will join De Villiers in the midfield. But assistant coach Dick Muir hinted that while De Villiers and Steyn would make a good pairing, the numbers they wear on their back and their positioning might require some thought.
“Frans is a player that we definitely miss when he is not around and when he returns you can see immediately the impact he makes and how easily he slots in,” said Muir.
“The good thing about Frans is that he can play a number of positions, so he does add considerably to our options. Frans and Jean can definitely play together, but if we did that I think that Frans would have to take up No 12 when we are on attack and then slot into No 13 on defence. Of course Frans can also play flyhalf or fullback if we need him to.
“But that is a bridge we will cross when we come to it,” he added.
I’d like to see the following backline on Saturday:
9. Francois Hougaard
10. Morné Steyn
11. Bjorn Basson
12. Jean de Villiers
13. Frans Steyn
14. Gio Aplon
15. Zane Kirchner
Subs: Ruan Pienaar, Patrick Lambie, Lwazi Mvovo
There is more attacking nip in Hougaard than in Ruan.. and he knows Morné better.
Bryan Habana just does not cut the mustert anymore, either Bjorn or Mvovo at left wing are begging for opportunities….
2 Centres playing at centre is a MUST, with Jean at No 12 to organise, like this past Saturday. Frans is abrasive, so he should fill No 13 well.
Gio should be in his natural position at right wing, at fullback he is sometimes out of position.
A regular Fullback in at fullback and although Zane has those who do not like his play, he is the only recognised fullback on tour….. I won’t be unhappy if Lambie is selected at 15 either, with Zane on the bench as cover.
Will Hougaard show the same composure Pienaar did if its a wet day? Think they will keep the roof open at the Millenium regardless of the weather as the Welsh say they are trying to build towards possible World Cup conditions. After his performance on Saturday think it would be harsh to bench Pienaar, maybe just bring Hougaard on this time in the 2nd half, depending of course how well Morne Steyn plays, if anything I would start Lambie with Pienaar, between them 2 and Frans Steyn you have 3 options of kickers and if that doesn’t go well then you can bring Morne on. Or “accomodate” Morne somewhere else, but like you I would prefer to see Kirchner start at fullback so can’t see Morne playing there. Also don’t think our pack will be as dominant this weekend so the backline will have to lift their attacking game.
2@ Bullscot:
Early indications are that the roof will be closed on Saturday.
@ grootblousmile:
Ok cheers GBS, that goes against what was being said around the Aussie game, maybe they really kept it open last week to try and nullify the dangerous Aussie backs and hope the wet helped their forwards. Whereas this week they may feel our forwards will be a tougher challenge than Aus was but our backs nowhere near as skilled so maybe think a dry field will give them a better chance against us than a wet one, try and make it more of flowing backline game than a forward oriented arm wrestle. Who knows, so much for them building towards World Cup, maybe they think a bigger boost for their chances will be if they beat one of the Southern Hemisphere teams, guess we will see Saturday.
Team announcement expected at 14:30 SA Time
@ grootblousmile:
Ok I’ve read all the comments and on balance agree with this post GBS. The backline is disjointed and the more known combinations we can play the better and then play guys in their correct positions. Basson will get a chance to run on Saturday…watch this space. I dont think Habana is a lost cause, but HE NEEDS REST and we should give the youngsters a go…against Wales Mvovo would be a good choice, heavier conditions and he is very physical. Hougaardt, Morne’ is the correct combo for this game, they know each other and then Morne can play to his potential and lets see if he does less kicking. Lambies natural position is fullback, people forget that because of S14 and Currie Cup….but he is a slight chap and cannot continue in the “crash and bash” mode, he will get hurt at some stage….let Morne give the ball to our big centres and if either of those two make the gap, they have the pace to dismantle the Welsh defense. Forwards to continue as before….and at least one of the Jones is kakking himself to meet up with Bakkies again.
From training video footage it looks like Ruan will be selcted at No 9 again, Morné at No 10 again… the rest is a bit unclear… only drills and handling skills.
The Team has ONE Change only, Frans Steyn in for Zane at 13, with Zane relegated to the bench and Adi drops out of the squad.
The looseforward replacement for the game will be named later in the week.
@ grootblousmile:
OK I can live with that…its actually a good change….Aplon must catch a wakeup at the back though.
9@ 4man:
Indeed he must…
I feel sorry for Mvovo…. this guy has been knocking soooooooo hard on the door this season…
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