Get Newsletter

Unfair criticism levelled at Bok wing?

The Springbok's defensive frailties have been well-documented, particularly in 2017 when he proved to be a liability on defence in South Africa's Rugby Championship campaign.

ADVERTISEMENT

It has been more of the same in the Stormers' Super Rugby campaign so far where Rhule has been found wanting on defence on a number of occasions.

However, Feeney says it is harsh to single him out.

"People don't see the quality he [Rhule] brings to training and his professionalism and the research he does," said Feeney. 

"He's been great for us. He missed a couple of tackles, but no more than anyone else. I look after the unstructured defence and I know who misses tackles and who doesn't.

"It [the criticism] is a bit harsh when he misses a tackle on Waisake Naholo. There were a few people that missed him [Naholo].

"He missed one against the Blues on Rieko Ioane… aw that is a big sin isn't it? But people don't look at it like that. 

ADVERTISEMENT

"Have a look at some of the people he has been trying to tackle, they are some of the best-attacking players in the world. He won't be the last to miss Naholo or Rieko, I can tell that for free.

"Individual tackle technique is something we are working on constantly with all our players and for him to get singled out I think is exceptionally harsh."

The Stormers face the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria on Saturday.

@rugby365com

ADVERTISEMENT

Join free

Yokohama Canon Eagles vs Toshiba Brave Lupus Tokyo | Japan Rugby League One 2024/25 | Full Match Replay

Edinburgh vs Glasgow | Celtic Challenge 2024/25 | Match Highlights

Boks Office | Episode 31 | Investec Champions Cup Review

Global Schools Challenge | Day 2 Replay

The Backyard Bunch | The USA's Belmont Shore

AUSTRALIA vs USA behind the scenes | HSBC SVNS Embedded | E04

South Africa v France | HSBC SVNS Cape Town 2024 | Men's Final Match Highlights

Two Sides - Behind the scenes with the British & Irish Lions in South Africa | E01

Write A Comment