Try-machine Goosen likes it loose
Since the inception of the Experimental Law Variations (ELVs) in 2008, it has become a common occurrence for loose forwards to be among the top try-scorers in a particular competition.
With the emphasis moving away from a more structured approach, it is not surprising that flankers who prefer a loose game are thriving.
The Sharks duo of Keegan Daniel and Jacques Botes were the leading try-scorers in last year’s Currie Cup, while Springbok No.8 Pierre Spies has scored four tries in three games for the Bulls in the 2009 Super 14.
The FNB Varsity Cup presented by Steinhoff International has also seen loose forwards take flight with one of its leading try-scorers at present being FNB NMMU’s flanker, André Goosen.
The Man from Framesby Hoër is second on the try-scoring list with four visits behind the goalline – just one try behind the top man, UCT’s Therlow Pietersen, who has touched down five times.
Goosen has ideal physical attributes for making an impact on the game, with his 1.93m, 109kg frame giving him a physique in the mould of Springbok star Schalk Burger.
“I guess I’ve just been lucky to receive all the try-scoring passes,” the flanker laughs in conversation with varsitycup.co.za, “(but) I’m quite pleased with my level of play this season.”
Yet, like any player in a professional environment, Goosen asserts that he has not reached his peak and believes there is “much space for improvement” in his game.
However, personal ambitions aside – and with only two rounds of league action in the 2009 tournament remaining – the NMMU kingpin’s only focus right now is to keep his side from avoiding that dreaded promotion/relegation match later this year.
Says the flanker: “We made a commitment earlier in the year that we would not allow ourselves to land in the same position where we needed to participate in the (promotion/relegation) play-offs to ensure our continued participation in the Varsity Cup.
“I think the team has the necessary skills and guile to win both our remaining fixtures. If we keep up the standard of play and commitment we have shown in our games against TUT and UCT, we will finish respectably,” he adds.
Goosen – who turns 22 later this month – has been part of the team since 2006 and he has nothing but happy memories from the four years he has spent at the club thus far.
However, this year seems to have a special place in his heart, especially since the likes of Springboks André Vos and Hennie le Roux have joined the NMMU coaching staff as technical advisors.
“It’s been absolutely fantastic to have them with us,” Goosen exclaims excitedly.
“Most coaches can teach you basic skills and fitness – but these guys have picked up on small, obscure details that really helps refine your skills.”
In fact, such has been the impact of the duo at NMMU in 2009, Goosen believes the mere presence of former Bok captain Vos and 1995 World Cup-winning centre Le Roux “lifts the guys’ spirits”.
“Our level of commitment in training just suddenly increases,” he says. “It’s amazing how pros like Hennie and André influence up-and-coming guys like us.”
The Men from Port Elizabeth will certainly need to be at the peak of their powers when they meet the Varsity Cup frontrunners, FNB Maties, on Monday, March 9.
Kick-off at the Danie Craven Stadium is at 4.45pm. The match will be televised live on SuperSport 1 and CSN.
By Heinz Schenk
