Photo by Marié Kriel Pohlman
Bart Schoeman and I analysed most of the available footage of 1stXV games (2020) during the "lockdown" weeks and attempted to identify our top players in each position.
The Top openside flanks (#6) we identified were: 1. Rynard Mouton (Monnas), 2. Duan Ludick (Grey College), 3. JW Maree (Middelburg HTS), 4. Isak Nel (Boland Landbou), 5. Herman Visser (Paarl Boishaai).
The following boys also caught our attention: Jaques Marais (Affies), Michael Jonker (Helpmekaar).
Please keep in mind that we could only evaluate players of which we had footage available and our selections were based on the performance on that day. Furthermore, we do not claim that we know all and if you disagree you are welcome to contact me (carl@ruggas.co.za) or Bart (bart@sportscon365.com). If you feel that we missed a player please send details of where we can find the videos and/or links of videos. Coaches and parents are more than welcome to discuss the players and evaluation with the match analysis.
Listen to the discussion regarding the openside flanks (#6) at 12:45 in the above RuggasTV episode
Please keep in mind that any technical and positional evaluation of a player must be reinforced by the following aspects for a player to grow in future and especially after school:
1) Strength of character. Any successful sportsman will need to apply himself in honesty, teamwork and full support of the system that he works under.
2) Work ethic and personal application to improve himself, in sport and off the field. He must be ‘coachable’
3) Lifestyle and value-driven. Being a sportsman full time, semi- or full professional, requires a dedicated lifestyle change to reach set goals and to become a better human being.
Openside Flank (#6) - The openside flanker binds to the side of the scrum that covers the greatest area, while the blindside covers the side nearest the side-line. They bind loosely to the side of the scrum, but still play an important role in keeping the props tight by pushing at an angle. They should be the first forward to a breakdown from a scrum or line-out and are expected to link with the backline or secure the ball at the tackle. They should have a high work rate, meaning the players need to be fit, fast and good at reading the opposition's attacking plays
Position-specific criteria and performance-specific requirements.
General
1) He must be a very dynamic and courageous support player.
2) He must be able to read the game. More of an intuitive player than a reactive one. A “hunter” of the ball narrow and wide
3) He must have a high aerobic capacity.
4) He must sweep and secure at restarts.
Attack & Support
1) He must be able to restore the attack.
2) He must be able to make instant decisions at the breakdown, link with the support players and ball carry the ball with purpose.
3) He must be able to attack the space, stay on his feet, secure the ball on the ground and be able to effectively present the ball.
4) He must support the ball carrier in all parts of the field.
4) he must operate with speed and know the shortest route to the ball (Breakdowns)
5) He must be able to retain and enhance the continuity of the attack.
Defence
1) He must be able to tackle in an actively aggressive or attacking manner.
2) He must excel in stealing the ball at the breakdown.
3) He must attack the ball AND the Ball carrier to effect a turnover/slow the attack down.
4) He must protect the gain line.
5) He must secure the ball on the ground and present it.
6) He must be able to turn defence into attack through accurate field position, aggressive tackling and securing of the ball.
7) He must be quick to get back on his feet (quick reload).
8) He must combine well with 6,8 and 9 in the defence at the scrum.
Set Piece
1) He must provide strong support for the props at the scrum.
2) He must command the tail of line out. Be sharp and quick to react.
Games watched: Milnerton vs Melkbosstrand, Brackenfell vs Durbanville, Bellville vs Stellenberg, SACS vs Boland Landbou, Wynberg vs Paul Roos, Rondebosch vs Paarl Boishaai, Paarl Gim vs Bishops, Affies vs Helpmekaar, Dale vs Muir, Hudsonpark vs Nico Malan, Queen's vs Pearson, Grey HS vs Brandwag, Kingswood vs Selborne, St Andrew's vs Framesby, Graeme vs Marlow, Gonubie vs Mzzomhle, Chief Boklein vs Aplandale, Queen's vs Stirling, Grens vs Toise, Cambridge vs de Vos Malan, Dale vs Port Rex, Selborne vs Hudson Park, Menlopark vs Ben Vorster. Boishaai vs Monnas, Affies vs Diamantveld, Dale College vs Muir College, Grey College vs Welkom Gim, St Alban's vs Kroonstad AHS, EG Jansen vs Invitation XV, Garsfontein vs Kempton Park, Frikkie Meyer vs Stellenberg, Montana vs Die Anker, Waterkloof vs Outeniqua, Boland Landbou vs Middelburg HTS, Pretoria Boys High vs Paarl Gimnasium.
Next week we will include another 18 games of which we received footage of.