VIDEO: The 'pros and cons' of Nienaber's utility policy
OPINION: Versatility can be a curse as much as a blessing in the modern game.
It is often said that utility players are in a predicament, given they can struggle to nail down a specific position.
And yet, when it comes to World Cup squads, that same ability to play across multiple positions comes in very handy.
For versatile players like Damian Willemse and Canan Moodie, it can be a great string to have in their bow.
With the injury-enforced absence of centre Lukhanyo Am from the World Cup squad, pundits were fecund with their opinions on what South Africa should do to cover the No.13 position.
In Jesse Kriel, the Springboks have one of the most experienced centres in the world.
He was in fine form against Argentina in Buenos Aires this past weekend, and it was nothing new for the big centre – who formed a formidable midfield pairing with Damian de Allende.
In 2017 nearly half of the players selected for the British and Irish Lions could cover multiple positions on their tour to New Zealand, when they secured a rare drawn series.
Top coaches know how to deploy versatile players effectively.
Rather than seeing a utility player as not good enough to be a specialist in one position, they see the strength in having a player that can effectively deliver in different roles as the demands of the team change.
Am has been exceptional over the past few seasons and it was unthinkable to defend a world title without him.
With his silky hands and magic touch, he was the rock for the Boks in midfield and capped it off with one of his finest moments during the 2019 World Cup Final with a no-look pass to Makazole Mapimpi – who scored the first-ever Bok try in a title decider.
Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber is of the opinion that there is ample back-up in the No.13 jumper and it is clear that he is willing to think out of the box.
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“Jesse is a straight swap for him [Am],” he responded to the obvious question.
“Numerous times over the last six years, a guy like Damian moved out from No.12, so we’ve got options.
“And if you look at the squad that was selected, there is a lot of versatility.
“Canan Moodie can play no.13 and we can play Damian Willemse at outside centre if we have to.
“So there are a couple of options that we have at No.13.”
