VIDEO: The 'variety' that makes Boks a spicy mix
As that familiar proverb goes: ‘Variety is the spice of life.”
Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber certainly subscribes to this school of thought when it comes to the critical position of flyhalf.
Nienaber has four very different flyhalves in his Rugby Championship training squad – injured pivot Handré Pollard, utility back Damian Willemse, Stormers star flyhalf Manie Libbok and season No.10 Elton Jantjies.
They are both contrasting in terms of style and skillsets, as well as the international experience they bring to the Boks.
Pollard, exclusively starting at flyhalf when playing for the Boks, is 29, with 65 Tests and a World Cup winner. He is steady and calm under pressure.
Willemse, who has started eight Tests at No.15 and six at No.10 (his last six Bok appearances all at flyhalf), is definitely a utility who has also slotted in at No.12.
Libbok, who made all three appearances have been off the bench last year, is the most flamboyant of the three and a true gamebreaker. However, there remain some question marks over his ability to remain composed under pressure.
Jantjies, who has also started all 46 of his Test appearances at flyhalf, has dropped down the pecking order in the wake of his personal issues last year. His educated left foot has proven valuable to the Boks in the past, but he also has his critics.
With Pollard unlikely to feature in the Rugby Championship because of a calf injury, he suffered playing for Leicester Tigers in the Premiership, Nienaber will rely on the latter three to get the Boks the momentum they require ahead of defending their World Cup crown in France.
The Bok coach said that in terms of the ‘game strategy’ they have a broad framework for the players to work within, but each player has the freedom to bring his own individuality to the team.
(WATCH as Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber unpacks how he can utilise four very contrasting flyhalves in the national team …)
“Handre [Pollard] has a certain style, but so does Manie [Libbok],” Nienaber said.
“Manie can’t be Handre and Handré can’t be Manie.
“Damian Willemse can’t be Manie and he can’t be Handre.
“Each one of them has their own personality, their own style and their own skillset that makes them different.
“The framework must never be there to push a player into a specific direction or style.
“The player must always bring his own character into our game plan.”
The Bok coach said the calf injury that is delaying Pollard’s return is not much of a setback, because the basic game model ensures they can continue the build-up unhindered.
“The players will adapt, evolve and apply their skillset to that [game plan],” Nienaber said.
“Yes, we may need to get used to a new player there [at flyhalf].
“It is the same with other important players – like Siyamthanda [injured captain Siyamthanda Kolisi]. It is a disruption.
“The ‘platinum prize’ would be to have everybody fit and available.
“It is what it is. We can sit back and complain about the players not being available, but we just move on.
“We are fortunate in terms of the squad that we built in recent years.
“There is good depth and quality in the majority of the positions.”
