Ok after a topsy turvy sporting weekend for me (WP u21 won, Wp Lost, United and Ajax won, Vasco lost, Bokke let in a try after try and they still won) I feel I have to write down my thoughts:

Wp u21 flyhalf, Gary Van Aswegen is streaks ahead of any of the flyhalves we have in the province. He is an astute tackler, accurate kicker, a fleetfooted stepper, a killer passer and a willingness to take a gap. He played his heart out against the FS u21s on friday night and even had a little chirp to himself when he did something (in his opinion) wrong. 

Now the senior game had Willem de Waal starting and Lionel Cronje on the bench...every time De waal got the ball between the 22 and 10m he kicked, not into space, but straight up...he missed countless tackles, most notably when he walked out of Bosmans way and then Daniller later. He has no idea how to spark a backline and with this years change in laws he has been shown up to be 1 dimensional and devoid of attacking nous. 

On the outset Lionel Cronje has all the attributes to be a more than capable player but he seems to rely heavily on his frame. He rarely passes to his 12 or 13 and seems to lack a presence with his boot. I fear that we may have just bought yet another player who is not going to live up to his reputation.

Last part about WP's backline: De waal was poor, Frikkie Welsh (granted had Whitehead not injured himself) was atrocious and Conrad Jantjes is PAST HIS SELL BY DATE - he offers nothing on attack and his much talked about boot has very little to offer.

Now onto the bokke:

Well done on coming from behind for the win on Saturday but seriously our tackling is useless especially when it comes to Numbers 12, 1, 5 and 11. 

Jean de Villiers, how much longer must we endure his presence in the green and gold, he struggles to tackle effectively and was a huge part of allowing Genia to score. As a youngster I was taught not to tackle with my arms wide and not to be flat footed and he as an international "world class" centre did both. He does not pass and loves to run with the ball but his running lines are pathetic! All he does is suck in one defender because he is so easy to take down. 

Just one other question why have JDV and Fourie been termed as the best centre partnership? They have only won 1 tournament as a pairing anything together...JDV was on the wing 2004, Steyn and Fourie won the world cup, JDV and Jacobs won the Lions Series. Please bring back De Jongh and Fourie!


 

here-here to that!

not so sure about Guthro though - i think he's having a great season! :-)

i hear you coach
some good valid points..
lets see what everybody comes up with next weekend?
boks, wp etc...

gunthro is not playing bad rugby at present

I really hope WP will at least give Gary van Aswegen some game time in CC this year and blood him into the S15 squad for nect year. They cannot afford to lose another promising youngster, which I'm sure the scouts from other Unions has probably penciled him in as their next big catch.

Eagles wrote: I really hope WP will at least give Gary van Aswegen some game time in CC this year and blood him into the S15 squad for nect year. They cannot afford to lose another promising youngster, which I'm sure the scouts from other Unions has probably penciled him in as their next big catch.

Lets hopes so Eagles, this kid is the real deal! He, Elton Jantjes and Lambie are probably the 2 best young prospects out there at the moment.

WRT Gurthro guys, I agree he is playing well but i believe his tackling technique and especially in open play is a little poor. Its evident that his worked hard on his stamina after last seasons dissapointment but for me he is a bit of a liability when a clever back is running at him.

talking of wpu21 players that are forgotten
maties 10, and last years wp u21 coenie van wyk
after what i saw on saturday against hammies
given the chance this player could shine in the senior setup
not sure why he has not made the grade

theres jurgen visser ad tiger bax still in the mix at wp
but coenie van wyk was teh wpu21 flyhalf..
not sure why they have not backed him at senior level
he could come back and bite us later
definetly a decent provincial player in the making??