Kicks win Tests - De Beer
2006-10-29 21:42
Bloemfontein - Kicking - goal kicking in particular - wins Test matches in Europe, former Springbok flyhalf Jannie de Beer has reminded the South African rugby team on the eve of their tour in Ireland and England.
The Springboks seem to be well equipped in this respect.
In André Pretorius, Frans Steyn, Ruan Pienaar, Bevin Fortuin and Butch James they will have skilful goal kickers and punters of the ball.
On last year's northern hemisphere tour, the Springboks tried to beat their opponents by playing attacking, running rugby. This strategy failed, at least partly.
The inclusion of Fortuin, Pienaar and Steyn may indicate that coach Jake White now has a Plan B, revolving on kickers and heavy forwards, for the expected wet conditions
That could be a reason for the inclusion of bigger and heavier forwards such as lock Johan Ackermann and flanker Hilton Lobberts, instead of Kabamba Floors, Luke Watson and Barend Pieterse.
De Beer was the flyhalf in South Africa's last away victory over England. That was in a 1999 World Cup quarter-final in France when he slotted five drop-kicks and scored 34 points.
Importance of good goal kicking
De Beer said at the weekend: "England and Ireland depend a lot on their place kickers.
"I predict that the teams will try to frustrate each other with rolling mauls and tactics around the breakdown points. This could result in penalties."
Playing conditions in Europe during November and December could be a great leveller because of the wet and heavy grounds, said De Beer.
This may increase the importance of good goal kicking.
"I really think the Springboks will do well with the team that was selected," he added.
"As place kicker in Europe, I had to straighten my run-up to ensure the studs under my left boot stayed in the soil.
"This prevented me from slipping, which can happen with an angled run-up.
"I later also used the straighter run-up in drier South African conditions," he said.
Pretorius will be the No 1 goal kicker in the 27-man Springbok team, with Pienaar regarded as his No 2.
Pretorius, Pienaar, Steyn and Fortuin could all be in the starting line-up against England, and even for the first tour match, against Ireland.
O'Gara a potent weapon
This may point towards long touch-kicks to pin the opposition inside their own half of the field and to force them into mistakes there.
De Beer says Ireland will have a potent weapon in flyhalf Ronan O'Gara when they play the Springboks in Dublin on November 11.
"Ireland have a dangerous midfield, but they win most of their matches through good goal kicking," said De Beer.