Dweba debate: Is it unfair criticism?
SPOTLIGHT: While much of the focus has been on the problems in Joseph Dweba’s Ellis Park performance, Springbok forwards coach Deon Davids preferred to look on the brighter side of things.
Frustration among fans nearly reached boiling point on Monday when Bok head coach Jacques Nienaber revealed his team for Saturday’s clash against Australia in Adelaide.
Many were expecting Malcolm Marx to get the starting hooker role, but their spirits were crushed when they read Dweba’s name there instead.
Dweba was not at the races at Ellis Park in the Boks’ 23-35 defeat to the All Blacks in Round Two of the Rugby Championship
The 26-year-old’s line-out throwing was not up to standard and it kept the Boks on the back foot. He was eventually replaced by Marx well before the half-time break.
However, Davids suggested that it was a bit unfair to only focus on certain areas of his game.
(Watch Deon Davids’ answer to media questions on the Dweba selection ...)
“The contributions he made in different departments are just as important to us as throwing in at the line-out and scrumming,” said the forwards coach.
“If you look at previous games, a hooker in these pressure situations will always get into a situation where you might lose a throw here and there.
“I am just glad that he got the opportunity to play against such a quality team and do well and that is the reason why we are looking forward to him getting another opportunity under pressure.
“It’s about building his experience against great teams.”
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Dweba’s front row partner, Retshegofaditswe NchĂ©, also received his fair share of criticism after that defeat in Johannesburg.
Like Dweba, Nché also keeps his place in the front row for that clash against the Wallabies.
“In terms of the combination of Ox, Joseph and Frans [Malherbe], we are excited to have a quality front row starting and a quality front row coming off the bench,” Davids explained.
“It’s the second or third game this year that they actually start together and I think they will just grow as a combination and get better
“Trevor [Nyakane] is obviously a quality player. He plays at loosehead and tighthead, so any team will miss a quality player like that. But in this team, it is about everyone helping each other to become better and gain experience
“It pushes everyone’s standards and we are very confident and happy that these guys are getting another opportunity.”
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