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<blockquote data-quote="George Ford" data-source="post: 876221" data-attributes="member: 74118"><p>You're saying if Italy was the 1st test then you would let Pollard start or you just prefer he not start the 1st game on tour? I can't see a reason why Pollard can't start, unless you have news he hasn't recovered from the concussion he sustained or any other injury.</p><p></p><p>Every test is a final for the Boks going forward. It's pointless to let Elton start against Ireland and then bench him the next if one of the Boks' objective is to build confidence in their processes; continuity in selection being 1 of them. Barring injuries, is AC able to nail down his first XV? I think not confidently.</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>Kwagga Smith has undoubtedly been a standout player the last few seasons, but he is not what national selectors would look to in a flank position. Chris Cloete would get a call-up before him if needed. </p><p>I guess it's unfair to be critical of Cassiem's showings after being played relatively out of position, however, the guy has no X-factor. I would rather now opt for JL du Preez to fill the void at 8. The kid has been with the Boks all year and can be regarded as a regular now. I'm sure he has learnt from the bad games we had this year (like PSdT) and although his twin is the regular incumbent at 8 for their union, it would be too much of a ask to start him.</p><p></p><p>It's disappointing to even admit this Bok backline being average at best. A lot of it can actually be attributed to the way Boks play, being a forward orientated game. Even so, there were enough opportunities across all the games for the backs to launch a counter attack from deep, and in most cases the aerial route was chosen - the safer option being the territorial game. Perhaps with a different fullback (like Gelant) at the back we could see more creativity coming off these situations. </p><p></p><p>I just think it's no coincidence for the backs blowing cold when the only player entrusted to ignite the play is Elton Jantjies - too much pressure for the lad unfortunately and the prospect of a back 3 consisting of Gelant, Lleyds & Skosan with the bulk of a midfield combo in Pollard, RjvR & Serf, would be certainly more appeasing to the eye at least.</p><p></p><p>Agreed with Nyakane Louw comment, as long as Dreyer is far from the Bok jersey.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="George Ford, post: 876221, member: 74118"] You're saying if Italy was the 1st test then you would let Pollard start or you just prefer he not start the 1st game on tour? I can't see a reason why Pollard can't start, unless you have news he hasn't recovered from the concussion he sustained or any other injury. Every test is a final for the Boks going forward. It's pointless to let Elton start against Ireland and then bench him the next if one of the Boks' objective is to build confidence in their processes; continuity in selection being 1 of them. Barring injuries, is AC able to nail down his first XV? I think not confidently. Kwagga Smith has undoubtedly been a standout player the last few seasons, but he is not what national selectors would look to in a flank position. Chris Cloete would get a call-up before him if needed. I guess it's unfair to be critical of Cassiem's showings after being played relatively out of position, however, the guy has no X-factor. I would rather now opt for JL du Preez to fill the void at 8. The kid has been with the Boks all year and can be regarded as a regular now. I'm sure he has learnt from the bad games we had this year (like PSdT) and although his twin is the regular incumbent at 8 for their union, it would be too much of a ask to start him. It's disappointing to even admit this Bok backline being average at best. A lot of it can actually be attributed to the way Boks play, being a forward orientated game. Even so, there were enough opportunities across all the games for the backs to launch a counter attack from deep, and in most cases the aerial route was chosen - the safer option being the territorial game. Perhaps with a different fullback (like Gelant) at the back we could see more creativity coming off these situations. I just think it's no coincidence for the backs blowing cold when the only player entrusted to ignite the play is Elton Jantjies - too much pressure for the lad unfortunately and the prospect of a back 3 consisting of Gelant, Lleyds & Skosan with the bulk of a midfield combo in Pollard, RjvR & Serf, would be certainly more appeasing to the eye at least. Agreed with Nyakane Louw comment, as long as Dreyer is far from the Bok jersey. [/QUOTE]
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