England facing a kicking? South Africa ready to put boot to ball again
It may not have been the most entertaining of spectacles, but the heavy kicking approach of South Africa was enough to see off Wales in the semi-finals and book themselves a Rugby World Cup final rematch with England on Saturday.
The Springboks’ 37 kicks from hand was actually only one more than Wales’ total of 36, although Rassie Erasmus’ group played to their strengths and the conditions, and were able to do enough to deny Wales a first ever Rugby World Cup final in what would have proven to be a fitting farewell to Warren Gatland’s time as the nation’s head coach.
It was a performance consistent with South Africa’s other outings in this Rugby World Cup, where the quantity of their kicking outstripped Namibia, Italy, Canada and Japan from the earlier rounds. In fact, the only game where South Africa have kicked less than an opponent in the tournament was in the opener against New Zealand, their only loss so far. Perhaps they were holding something back for what looked like a possible final?
Regardless, their boot-first strategy has got them this far and whilst pessimistic fans have critiqued it, especially in the wake of England’s masterful performance against New Zealand in the other semi-final, it could be the perfect tactic to derail Eddie Jones’ in-form side.
On the surface, a heavy reliance on kicking to try and control the territory battle would seem to play into England’s hands. It’s a tactic that they have mastered over the last cycle and there is no denying how effective it was in their victories over Argentina, Australia and New Zealand. Between Ben Youngs, George Ford, Owen Farrell and the cadre of influential chasers in the back three and pack, England have been able to impose their game on everyone they have faced at the tournament so far.
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Watch: Eddie Jones speaks to the press after England’s win over New Zealand
Where England have been less tested, however, is in how they respond to a well-working kicking game being imposed back on them. Neither Australia nor New Zealand chose or were able to do so, whilst Tonga and the USA similarly came unstuck in that area. In fairness, Argentina had a decent crack at it. What ensued, though, was perhaps Elliot Daly’s most reliable and secure performance at the back, in terms of his defensive output, at the international level.
That said, it is one area of Daly’s game that has been critiqued in the past, especially in terms of owning the space in the back field and dealing with those contested high-balls. It has also afflicted his former Wasps teammate and current Springbok full-back, Willie le Roux. Both teams will be looking at the potential gains they could find if the opposing 15 is not at their sharpest.
England have had a good season but there are plenty of players from across the world who have stood out at the @rugbyworldcup.@TomVinicombe runs his eyes over the potential players of the year.https://t.co/RXIzb6JfjF
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) October 28, 2019
There are also concerns over the fitness of Jonny May, who left the semi-final with New Zealand prematurely, seemingly struggling with his hamstring. A hamstring injury had threatened to keep him out of that game, although he was deemed fit enough to start. If he has suffered from a relapse, it will bring one of Jack Nowell, if fit, Joe Cokanasiga or Ruaridh McConnochie into the starting XV. May’s ability in defence defusing those aerial bombs has been vital for England and his loss would be keenly felt.
Nowell, Cokanasiga and McConnochie all bring their own unique attributes, but none perfectly replicate the skill set of May. McConnochie is arguably the closest, though he has just two caps to his name thanks to a pre-Rugby World Cup injury. Nowell would be the most likely replacement if he is fit again after his hamstring injury, whilst Cokanasiga would offer intriguing offensive possibilities, though he is someone Erasmus would have his team intent on turning and trying to exploit in the aforementioned kicking game.
Faf de Klerk has come in for some unfair criticism this Rugby World Cup as he has contributed heavily to South Africa’s territorial approach, rather than playing with the freedom and opportunistic nature that won him his starting spot in the team. He is playing to Erasmus’ game plan and based on results so far, it’s working. There will be a pressure on him on Saturday to find space, to attempt to move Daly around and if May is out, try to expose any disconnects in the new-look England back three. If May is available and still not 100% after the hamstring injury, that provides opportunities in itself.
Similarly, Handré Pollard will have to kick precisely if South Africa are to beat England at their own game, with Watson and May, again, if fit, two of the better kick receivers in the international arena. The Springboks’ chase isn’t too shabby, either, especially with Makazole Mapimpi and Siya Kolisi among the more effective chasers. Cheslin Kolbe plays above his height and weight, too, whilst Sbu Nkosi can excel in that area also.
Potentially, the final is a coming together of two potent offensive kicking games who will have possible defensive frailties imposed on them by injury and/or full-backs who prosper in other aspects of the game, away from the aerial contest. Both teams have, prior to the Rugby World Cup, looked vulnerable when opposition sides have played a shorter kicking game, drawing the full-backs forward and not giving them time to set themselves to receive the ball. Again, both teams have the athleticism in their chase to really up the pressure.
Of course, if the Daly that showed up against Argentina is now the consistent standard he will bring at 15 and le Roux can rediscover his form from a season or two ago, the two teams could cancel each other out. At worst, it’s an intriguing tactical chess game ahead of kick off, at best it’s the decisive factor in the Rugby World Cup final.
'There is a point, of course, where a villain becomes so good at being bad, that we actually start to love them.'
– @samrobertsrugby inimitable take on Eddie Jones and England's immaculate #rwc2019 bank heist🥀#rwc2019 #ENGvNZL #englandrugby https://t.co/9swbviTueE
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) October 27, 2019
For those insisting that South Africa move away from the approach that has got them to this point, at such a late stage in the tournament, are probably setting themselves up for disappointment. Erasmus will have an ace or two up his sleeve going into the game, but he is unlikely to tinker with the basic approach of his team too heavily.
The Springboks have the kicking options and chasers to make England uncomfortable, they just have to execute consistently and not waste possession with aimless kicks. Territory has arguably been much more important at this Rugby World Cup than possession, but if they gift England the ball cheaply, with the calibre of player the northern hemisphere side has, they will be in for a long evening on Saturday.
Watch: Sam Smith caught up with fans after England versus New Zealand
Comments on RugbyPass
I think he is right, SBW is respected in RSA. The guy who never stood up is a worm. Sseems lots of NZ SBW hate, you do the crime do the time.
11 Go to commentsAfter missing the curfew, the player was simply too “Shagged” to stand up.
11 Go to commentsVernier is probably the best 12 in the world though she has some English competition these days . I am nervous for England because it is unpredictable France and who knows which team will turn up, but they have not yet shown anything that should worry England, Saturday could be a different day. I would be more confident against the BFs.
1 Go to commentsWhat a difference Rodda and Carter made. Rodda has been out for ages but he is really the only world class lock in Australian rugby. Him, Carter and Beale made a huge difference on the weekend. If only they had a few decent props they’d be a much more dangerous team. Hamish Stewart was excellent last week as well. His carrying has improved significantly and has to be next in line after Paisami at 12 for the Wallabies. He’ll benefit hugely with Beale at fullback, there’s just no better communicator in Australian rugby than him and his experience will make a huge difference for the Force. No one sees space like Beale and he’s still sharp. I can see Force making a late charge into the top 8 if they can get some consistency.
2 Go to commentsRodda will be a walk up starter at lock. Frost if you analyse his dominance has little impact and he’s a long way from being physical enough, especially when you compare to Rodda and the work he does. He was quite poor at the World Cup in his lack of physicality. Between Rodda and Skelton we would have locks who can dominate the breakdown and in contact. Frost is maybe next but Schmidt might go for a more physical lock who does their core work better like Ryan or LSL. Swain is no chance unless there’s a load of injuries. Pollard hasn’t got the scrum ability yet to be considered. Nasser dominated him when they went toe to toe and really showed him up. Picking Skelton effects who can play 6 and 8. Ideally Valetini would play 6 as that’s his best position and Wilson at 8 but that’s not ideal for lineout success. Cale isn’t physical enough yet in contact and defence but is the best backrow lineout jumper followed by Wright, Hanigan and Swinton so unfortunately Valetini probably will start at 8 with Wright or Hanigan at 6. Wilson on the bench, he’s got too much quality not to be in the squad. Paisami is leading the way at 12 but Hamish Stewart is playing extremely well also and his ball carrying has improved significantly. Beale is also another option based on the weekend. Beale is class but he’s also the best communicator of any Australian backline player and that can’t be underestimated, he’ll be in the mix.
8 Go to commentsWhy do people keep on picking Ardie at 7 when he's a ball in hand 8? A modern 7 is the lead tackler and ruck clearer which isn't his strength.
14 Go to commentsSly dig there at Ireland’s propensity to back a non-Irish coach. Must really want it. I’m not sure I like ROG very much. Comes off as unpleasant. But he’d gain my respect if he took a number 7 ranked team and turned them into WC winners. Not even back-to-back. Argentina? Scotland? Or how about Wales? France would be too easy, no?
1 Go to commentsA bit of sensationalism, but surprised by the comments about SBW. I’ve always thought of him as a pretty authentic person. There is nothing worse than working with a colleague you’ve seen straight through.
11 Go to comments100% agree with your comment about Touch. I’ve been playing it competitively since Covid. It’s on a Wednesday night after work. It means the weekend is free for time with my family.
1 Go to commentsRodda back is massively important for the Wallabies. Kaitu at hooker important too coz he was very good a few years ago.
2 Go to commentsThe pink cabous might be eligible this year and the Boks don’t need him
8 Go to commentsNasser and kaitu are options for hooker. Especially Nasser. You forgot Rodda who touch wood will be fit at test time and if fit he’s number one. Great partner for the great Skelton and Oz best lineout caller. Third best lock is LSL whom I’d be inclined to sub on for Skelton around 60 minutes. Probably start valetini at 8 because I like a big body back there. Cale should play 6 at the brumbies. For Wallabies definitely cale in the squad but as an apprentice. Dunno who starts at 6 seru wright Swinton hanigan with Will Harris and Harry Wilson not far away. Seru and Swinton my front runners but Swinton is going. Still if we don’t cap seru then Fiji must coz they need his lineout skills and easily compensate for his lack of weight
8 Go to commentsYeah but who was it?
11 Go to commentsThink you might have written this just before the Brumbies got thrashed last weekend
8 Go to commentsI really do believe that Billy Proctor should be selected at least in the larger squad but also it would be my choice at 13, much more a center than Ioane who can still play at wing. Roigard if fit should play, otherwise it should be Perenara or Christie. Also, Iose could deserve a spot at blindside. Of course, being a Canes supporter I’m biased but I really believe that at least Billy P is deserving a chance and being Holland one of the Selectors, I’m having a little hope he could grab it.
14 Go to commentsI would not play Swinton I’d pick Wright or Hanigan. The rest are decent starters, but can’t agree on any subs except Tupou. My take on the subs: Gibbon, Ueslese, Tupou, LSL, Wilson, White, Will Harrison, and Petaia.
8 Go to commentsSBW the biggest moron to pull on a black jersey a park footy player at best
11 Go to commentsSBW is fast becoming a laughing stock, his misplaced comments & lack of insight Is actually pretty sad.
11 Go to commentsJust well you guys are couch 🛋 potatoes selector's, picking a team of greenhorns to play England! “What are you people smoking?” The halfbacks will be Christie, Fakatava, Perenara Props; Newell, Bower, Lomax, Tunga'fasi, Hookers; Asosa Amua when fit, Taylor, Samisoni,
14 Go to commentsQuite frankly, all this is a bit pathetic. The first time Wales get the Wooden Spoon in 21 years and everyone is on the bandwagon for a ‘play-off’ game. Wales have no obligation to Georgia and no obligation to the rest of the Six Nations to play such a game. If they want Georgia in so badly then they need to include South Africa into a Northern Hemisphere competition with 2 leagues of 4 teams with the top 2 competing for the Championship. Sadly, this will end Triple Crowns and Grand Slams forever. Is this really what you want?
4 Go to comments