While South Africa finished the year second in the world, and the only side in 2014 to defeated the All Blacks, their two losses at the end of the year against Ireland and Wales exposed deficiencies that will be studiously worked on by the coaching team.
One thing is for certain, there is likely to be some changes to the portfolio after Heyneke Meyer admitted that elements like the team’s kicking weren’t working, while the usually reliable power game of the Springboks wasn’t able to rule proceedings in Dublin and Cardiff.
They did however, during that 27-25 win at Ellis Park over New Zealand, show that they have the breakdown belligerence and attacking sense to match any side.
Even if four losses in their last eight of the year came seemed to come from a lack of crystal concise mindset than anything else, at times kicking, running or passing seemed to come without the smart bomb like precision we usually expect from a Boks team.
The good, bad and ugly of the year…
Good:
The squad depth increases, led by the continued rise of Handre Pollard and Pat Lambie, while South Africa’s typically fertile production line produces talent, even though this is creating some questions over which players may in fact be the Springboks best.
Bad:
For a team and nation that tolerates defeat with the same benevolence at their counterparts in New Zealand, losing two in Europe will be a blow to the psyche, as was the worst incident of all…
Ugly:
The sight of watching Springboks captain and totem Jean de Villiers be stretchered off was something no team needs to see. With an eight month rehabilitation window set, the mercurial centre is now in a race against the clock.
Best players: Victor Matfield showed his qualities as a rugby immortal by forcing his way back into national contention, playing among what is arguably the best back forward five in the business. Eben Etzebeth, Duane Vermeulen and Marcell Coetzee were at their abrasive best. JDV cannot be replaced but Jan Serfontein and Damian de Allende had strong seasons in the midfield.
Tactical overview: For a side that possesses some of the most menacing ball carriers, the occasional insistence to kick caused some head scratching, their aerial pressure game isn’t the same without Bryan Habana screaming down the flanks. When a team matches the Springboks physicality their options seem to drop dramatically. Expect some tweaks from Meyer and his brains trust.
Biggest strength: Rugby is too complex a game to be won by might alone, but when the South Africans find their rhythm and snort steam from their ears no one, not even the All Blacks, can withstand their brutal beauty.
Potential work-on: Consistent and dominant displays throughout the season weren’t as regular as some would like, while ‘with’ the ball, sometimes their work didn’t produce desired results. Low body position, ideal for clearing out bodies which the team excelled at, but it didn’t always present speedy ball for a side that didn’t have a first choice halfback for periods of the year.
Next season? The Springboks will set their sights high, and rightfully so, even if they, as it will be with most, be judged on the Rugby World Cup. Beating the All Blacks is one thing, but maintaining form to win half a dozen matches in Europe based on 2014 results looks to be beyond them without some changes.
This won’t cause the coaching team much alarm, Meyer usually has a solid record in the North, but the second best side in the world will want to bring some momentum in, either from Super Rugby or The Rugby Championship.
The injury to de Villiers is a concern, but the depth is there, while the combination of Pollard and Lambie will want to be matched with some equal class next to them wearing the nine jersey. The back end losses blemished the overall ledger, but the collective health and look of the side is potent and at their superlative finest will back their chances.
@ gunther:
Please step off the soap box……take 3 steps back…..now, dry your legs.
Mmmm, you’re right, once a plod, always a plod 😆
@ nortie:
Almost as irritating as listening to you bleat all day.
gunther wrote:
Glad to hear. Some of them could use a few extra yards….
This year is definitely going to be our year!!!
😀
nortie wrote:
Indeed.
Plus, from the desperation oozing out of Pierre and Flip’s radio plea I figure we could sit anywhere we liked as usual 😉
@ Stormersboy:
They might as well start engraving your name on the Trophy now.
@ Stormersboy:
Yep, most of the blue smurfs will be leaving at half time in any case 😆
gunther wrote:
I wonder if it has returned from the repair shop yet. Apparently the Sharks engraved it quite deep last year. They may have to re-plate it.
The always financially savvy Saaahks were able to negotiate a 2 for 1 special, as they had to redo the Currie Cup trophy as well…..
Look on the bright side.
The tickets should be cheap which means Nortier can buy his own.
😆
@ gunther:
I am expecting big things from our class captain. Box tickets would be nice….
Stormersboy wrote:
Sorry SB, I can’t ask Gunther to give up his tickets to see his beloved Bulls……. 😳 my mistake, I was thinking in Afrikaans, and though you meant die doos se kaartjies. Honest mistake 🙄
@ Stormersboy:
The only way you are going to see any tickets out of the prefect is if his mate atlas sorts them out.
Otherwise you’ll be watching the game on his black and white telefunken met bunny ears.
LOL lots of yuletide cheer going on here I see.
@ nortie:
Nothing honest about a plod.
😆
cane wrote:
I see you and raise you
The Mr. Delivery driver asking directions to Cane’s house
or
His pimp stuck in traffic
Attachment:
@ Stormersboy:
Hohoho!
😆
@ Stormersboy:
Here I was thinking there would be some Real Reconciliation today – being the 16th December – no such luck on RT !! Too many half-empty glasses……..or not ?
nortie wrote:
ET will never go to Lofus
His head won’t get through the turnstiles
Stormersboy wrote:
On Radio Back Veranda?
Stormersboy wrote:
They won’t buy season tickets
The supporters hate Ludeke, have a look on the Bulls website
I think even Treu would be an improvement over Ludeke
@ Victoriabok:
Oh, they’ll buy the tickets…..after that truly heartfelt plea from Pierre, Flip, Akona and Handre, how can they not?
nortie wrote:
No they’re fed up with Frans
If they throw in a spin with a Bulls Babe they might bite 😈
@ Victoriabok:
Check hierdie foto
Attachment:
@ Stormersboy:
22 AMEN SB
@ nortie:
31 Trouble in paradise?
@ Victoriabok:
LOL CANE
Stormersboy wrote:
You must have forgotten aboutbthe “please dont boo” advert
Stormersboy wrote:
Sounds like a
count me in please (work permitting).
Would be nice to make it 3/3 for the visiting team since I’ve been going there recently
57 @ BrumbiesBoy:
Hey you, you stay away from Loftus… you’re a bad omen to them!
Eishhhhhhh!
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