Monday Feature: Straight up Stirling
Mon, 25 Aug 2008 12:19
I know it is always easier sitting on the sideline calling the shots, or as the saying goes: "It's easier to criticise than to create."
However, there is value in stepping back and taking an objective view (if modern journalists can ever be truly objective) and then saying it like it is.
It is with this in mind that I look at how complicated the Springboks make life for themselves and how simple the Wallabies' approach to the game is.
Maybe it does have something to do with coaches - Robbie Deans' simplistic approach to the game as opposed to Peter de Villiers' almost fanciful vision of 'empowering' the players to play an expansive game.
The best example of how easy this game is to play is to look at Wallaby captain Stirling Mortlock. You never see any elaborate passes, fancy footwork or crazy cross-field runs. He takes the ball straight up and hard, making sure he commits defenders.
And, as happened again at the weekend, if you don't bring him down with your first-up tackle, you are in trouble.
Basic stuff, really.
Player of the Weekend: Stirling Mortlock continues to lead the Wallabies with aplomb. Mortlock, who ironically played his 50th Test against the Springboks in Johannesburg last year, also provided the winning touch the last time Australia beat the Boks in South Africa - that touchline penalty for a 19-18 win in 2000.
Mortlock received his greatest honour when he was asked to captain the Wallabies at the 2007 World Cup in France.
And his true commitment to the Wallaby cause is reflected in the fact that in February he announced that he will continue playing for/in Australia until at least the end of 2010 - knocking back sizeable offers from overseas clubs. Australian Rugby Union CEO John O'Neill endorsed this decision saying that Mortlock is a "real captain courageous" and an "inspirational leader".
Brief bio of Stirling
Mortlock:
Position: Centre
Height: 191cm
Weight: 100kg
Date of Birth: 20/5/1977
Test career:
Test Debut 2000 v Argentina, Brisbane
Test Caps 66
Test Points 468
Super 14:
Team: Brumbies
Super 12/14 Points: 904
Super 12/14: Caps 105
Villain of the Weekend: There were two citings after the game - Bok prop CJ van der Linde for charging into an opponent head first and Wallaby flank Rocky Elsom for pulling Victor Matfield down in a line-out. One action, that of Elsom, is said to have caused an injury. However, my vote goes to Van der Linde's brain explosion, rushing head first into a ruck - an action which infamously ended the Super Rugby career of Corné Krige earlier than anticipated. Van der Linde, who is fronting up to a SANZAR judicial committee, is leaving to go play in Ireland for Leinster after the Tri-Nations. He may well have played his last Test for South Africa. In a touch of irony, Elsom, who also faces up to a SANZAR judicial hearing on Monday, has also signed for Leinster.
Disappointment of the Weekend: Without a doubt scrumhalf Fourie du Preez. He is such a talent and a class act. However, he seems to be suffering from post-World Cup syndrome and is nowhere near the form that made him to top No.9 in the world last year. It may be that he - like so many other Boks - needs a more structured game, but this 'freedom' thing doesn't work well with him.
Try of the Weekend: It was brilliant in its simplicity, but Stirling Mortlock's 66th minute score killed off the Boks' last, flimsy hopes of salvaging anything from the game. The try came when Victor Matfield knocked on from the re-start. That gave the Wallabies a scrum and they scored from it in the simplest of ways. Mortlock did a scissors with Giteau and ran 27 metres to score under the posts. He cut past Schalk Burger and then Andries Bekker and then Joe van Niekerk and then Luke Watson, who grasped at his chin.
Quote(s) of the (last) Week:
1. This well-worn cliche, yet again, comes from the Springbok coach, Peter de Villiers: "One big message that we want to get out there is that we will never go out and lose a game on purpose." Yes Peter, we know the team doesn't lose on purpose. But damn, they can at least try a bit harder, play with a bit more purpose and keep their heads up.
2. Also De Villiers, also a cliche: "Rome wasn't built in one day, so I would ask that the public still give us some time." At least the new emperors that reigned in Rome didn't try and break down what was build before they arrived. They used the 'successful' foundations that existed and improved upon it.
What if... : Should the Springboks fall to Australia in their return Test in Johannesburg on Saturday, coach Peter de Villiers's record will drop to an alarming 50 percent success rate (he currently stands at 55.6 percent) - which will see him drop below Jake White (66 percent), Rudolf Straeuli (52 percent), Harry Viljoen (53 percent), Nick Mallett (71 percent) and Andre Markgraaff (61 percent). Only Carel du Plessis' 37 percent is worse in the professional era.
(Stats courtesy of pickandgo.info - rugby365's official stats partner)
Fact of the Week: Australia have won only one Test in Johannesburg - against the Springboks of course - a 11-9 victory in August 1963. They have lost on eight other occasions since 1933.
Noteworthy stats: South Africa had only 44 percent of the possession and 45 percent of the territorial advantage. They also made 17 handling errors, conceded 16 turnovers and missed 14 tackles. Still wondering why they lost?
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