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31/01/2008 22:00
Cape Town - Former Springbok and Wallaby eighthman Tiaan Strauss believes Stormers flank Luke Watson can be a success at No 8 in this year's Super 14 rugby competition.
Watson has been employed with much success as a fetcher but there are indications that Stormers coach Rassie Erasmus is going to give him a run at No 8.
"Some people feel Luke and Schalk Burger cannot play in the same loose-forward combination but Luke has a lot of skills. He won't have a problem to move to eighthman, Strauss said this week.
Watson had an outstanding season at No 8 when he played for the Sharks, Strauss pointed out at the launch of the Cape Epic cycling tour. He will make his debut on a mountain bike in the event this year.
Strauss feels there should be no problem if two of the loose forwards play towards the ball because the experimental laws will make the battle for possession at breakdown points of crucial importance this season.
"In my days (at No 8), Doc Craven expected me to play towards the ball. I was also, as is the case with Luke, not a classic eighthman in the mould of Jannie Breedt or Morné du Plessis.
Outstanding analysts
"Robbie Diack is that sort of player. He is also big and strong and has impressed me," Strauss added.
The former Springbok, back in South Africa after ten years in Sydney, feels coaches and players in South Africa are not as scientific in their approach as those in Australia.
"The Aussies are outstanding analysts and approach every match according to their opposition's abilities. South Africans, in contrast, rely more on power.
"The Aussies don't have as many players to select their teams from. Therefore, they look after their players better. In South Africa, players are discarded too easily, particularly when they are injured," Strauss said.
However, he said Erasmus was very scientific in his approach and the Stormers should have a good season.
"Rassie is a thinker. He played until recently and is aware of the new developments in the game."
Strauss feels Erasmus made a good move when he appointed Jean de Villiers as Stormers captain
"Jean has a good head on his shoulders but I am concerned about him getting injured so often.
"Gcobani Bobi is also a good option as captain. He has outstanding skills and is one of the few centres that the Stormers have who can use a sidestep to beat his opponent."
Strauss added that the Stormers would have to sort out their scrumming to be successful.
"If I were coach of the Stormers the scrum would have been the first department that I would want to strengthen."
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