Posted Wed, 26 Mar 2008
sport365 columnist Robbie Fleck is man enough to admit when he gets something wrong. This week, the former Springbok centre doffs his cap to the Experimental Law Variations (ELVs) and to those teams that have adapted to the changes. If you're a Bulls fan - turn away now.
I did not have nice things to say about the ELVs initially - but I think it was more through a lack of understanding than anything else. Now, a month later, I am actually starting to enjoy the changes in the game as the players, coaches and referees are starting to come to grips with the ELVs.
The Crusaders and the Blues got things spot-on from the onset, but now the likes of the Stormers, the Sharks and the Force are also starting to join in the fun. Now, finally, one can see what the lawmakers were trying to achieve my making these changes and it all boils down to education and the referees' interpretations.
I, for one, have started to understand these laws better, especially in my workings as a coach in the FNB Varsity Cup, and it certainly does not detract from the traditional aspects of rugby. Scrums are still important (especially with defensive teams having to stay back an extra five metres), so too line-outs and teams have started to treasure the ball more instead of kicking it away willy-nilly.
Look at the Crusaders; their first priority when getting a short arm is to go quickly. If nothing is on, they will then ask for a scrum in order to have a steadier platform to work from. The scrum, with the new five-metre law, has become a superb attacking platform. The Crusaders have a powerful scrum and are therefore able to launch their exciting backline from a position of strength. Their last resort is to aimlessly kick away a free-kick - like some of the South African teams do.
Sharks coach Dick Muir admitted that him and John Plumtree got their tactics wrong initially - against the Force and the Stormers - but when they changed their tune, they beat the Bulls at Loftus and the Blues at home. It has been heartening to see Muir's Sharks and Rassie's Stormers come to the party in recent weeks.
The breakdown, under these ELVs, was my major source of frustration initially - but we have worked hard at it at UCT and the guys have scored some cracking tries in the Varsity Cup as a result.
The Stormers, too, have come on in leaps and bounds in that deparment; Luke Watson, Francois Louw and Schalk Burger did exceptionally well at the breakdown against the Chiefs (that's where the game was won), but so too did Andries Bekker, Gcobani Bobo and Schalk Brits - all of whom are worthy ball-winners in their own right.
This new game demands a new type of rugby player - somebody who is fit and strong (especially at the breakdown), but also mobile. In the past, a centre like De Wet Barry was invaluable because of his ball-winning abilities on the ground, but nowadays, you need his ability on the ground and physicality in the tackle, mixed with Matt Giteau's vision and quick feet. That mix would lead to an ultimate player under these new laws.
I, for one, can't wait for Pierre Spies to make his return - he will be exceptional under these new laws with his pace and incredible strength. We do have the players in South Africa - think Skinstad in his pomp in 1999, Joe van Niekerk when he is fit and obviously Spies - to compete with the best of them; it's the coaches that need to wisen up.
It's not for nothing that the Sharks (Dick Muir) and the Stormers (Rassie Erasmus) are coping so well at the moment. They have the two best coaches in the country to call upon.
The Bulls, on the other hand, have their captain and star wing mouthing off in the media about how the new laws don't suit them. That kind of negativity can not be good for the Bulls - in fact, it isn't good for them, as we saw from their performance against the Reds on Saturday.
The Super 14, aside, the FNB Varsity Cup is nearing its climax, with the Easter Festival in George this weekend.
All eight teams will be playing their final three league matches in five days, with UCT playing Stellenbosch on Thursday, NMMU on Saturday and Shimlas on Monday.
After taking the weekend off, the guys reassambled for training on Monday and they're in fine fettle ahead of a tough few days of rugby. We still trained last week, albeit it gently with the emphasis on fun, but the week off from playing has done them the world of good.
Stellenbosch are always tough opponents, wherever or whenever you face them, but we genuinely feel we can beat them.
In the past, UCT sides would perhaps have been happy with a close loss to their traditional rivals - not this side, they truly believe they can claim their fourth win of the tournament and make that home semi-final a reality.
For those of you that will be in the George area during Easter, it would be great to see you at Outeniqua Park some time this weekend. If you're not in the area, most of the games will be televised on SuperSport - with the Ikey Tigers-Maties game one to watch!
My Super 14 predictions for Round Six:
CRUSADERS v WARATAHS:
Friday, March 21 - 8.35am
Christchurch
The Crusaders are the best team in this competition and they have adapted superbly to the new laws - they're physically strong at the breakdown, their backs run super angles and Richie McCaw and Dan Carter are two of the best and brightest players in world rugby.
They will miss Stephen Brett at No.12, but they always seem to come up with a more than able replacement.
Fleckie's prediction: Crusaders to win - they will be too strong for the Waratahs in virtually every facet of play.
BRUMBIES v CHEETAHS:
Friday, March 21 - 10.40am
Canberra
I actually feel quite sorry for the Cheetahs, they have played some good rugby this year and, to a degree, they've adapted to the ELVs under Naka Drotské's coaching.
However, if you pick a second string team against the Crusaders in Christchurch, you can't be surprised when you take 50 points. Personally, I am not a fan of playing a second XV, you need to have your best players out there at all time to get as many points as possible.
Fleckie's prediction: The Brumbies to take this one - they have more experience than the Cheetahs and they're playing at home.
HIGHLANDERS v FORCE:
Saturday, March 22 - 3.30am
Queenstown
The Force have adapted superbly under the ELVs, and it's no surprise when you consider that John Mitchell is their coach. Mitchell, Deans, Erasmus, Nucifora, Muir - they are all brilliant coaches, which is why their teams are playing such good rugby.
The Highlanders, meanwhile, are not the team of old and I can't see them threatening for a play-off spot this season.
Fleckie's prediction: The Force will win their second match in New Zealand.
BLUES v STORMERS:
Saturday, March 22 - 6.30am
Auckland
The Stormers are on a high after two fantastic wins on the road - can they make it three from three?
I think they have a very good chance, but it's no surprise that things are beginning to fall into place for Rassie's side. It was always going to take time, but now they know they can do it and it's that self-belief that makes them such a dangerous outfit at the moment.
The Blues, however, will be hurting after their loss to the Force last week - with Isa Nacewa still out injured and the likes of Nick Evans and Joe Rokocoko also picking up knocks, they will battle.
Fleckie's prediction: I'm going to throw a spanner in the works here... The Blues will miss Evans and Nacewa - they pull the strings in that highly-rated backline of theirs. Stormers to win a thriller.
CHIEFS v BULLS:
Saturday, March 22 - 8.35am
Rotorua
The Bulls have not embraced the new laws and it could get messy for them on Saturday against a side loaded with dangerous runners from broken play - Sosene Anesi, Lelia Masaga, Mils Muliaina and Sitiveni Sivivatu will make them pay!
Their old style of play will not work in the 2008 Super 14. They have a guy like Pieter Rossouw - one of the more creative backs of his generation - on their coaching staff, yet his hands are tied; much like Todd Louden was during the initial stages of last year's Super 14.
One guy that could make a massive difference is Fourie du Preez. As their captain, and possibly the finest rugby player in the world, he needs to put his hand up and embrace these ELVs. He was against the changes from the start and that negativity has spread throughout the squad. He needs to admit that he was wrong - like I have - and the rest of the guys will follow.
If he doesn't, things can only get worse for the Bulls. I hope for the Bulls and Springbok rugby's sake that Fourie changes his - and the team's - mindset.
Fleckie's prediction: The Chiefs will also run them ragged.
LIONS v REDS:
Saturday, March 22 - 5pm
Johannesburg
I saw something in the Lions' performance against the Sharks that made me think twice about writing them off this season. They played some seriously good rugby in some awful conditions.
Loffie knows how to coach kids and teams under his tutelage will never die trying. A guy like Walter Venter has impressed me - at inside centre - he makes his tackles, breaks the line and is a constant threat.
The Reds were good against an admittedly abject Bulls team, but if you give a guy like Chris Latham an inch of space he will kill you.
Fleckie's prediction: The Lions have to win one at home this season. This is that one!
Chat soon,
Robbie Fleck
* Email Fleckie at sport365@365digital.co.za with your Super 14 picks for this week!
* Fleckie's 'Last Word' will appear weekly on sport365.co.za - and also on rugby365.com and iafrica.com - so log on next week for more Super 14 views and predictions.
