Play traditional Springbok rugby and attack flyhalf Danny Cipriani’s channel.
Stephen Nell writes for Die Burger that, that was the winning recipe offered by former Wallaby coach Eddie Jones when he was quizzed on how South Africa should go about playing England at Twickenham on Saturday.
“I would really attack Cipriani. He is very weak (on defence) and a young kid, Ricky Flutey on his outside, is also not very strong. That is definitely the channel the Springboks can attack,” said Jones.
“The pattern I would follow is direct rugby. You have to play the traditional Bok style.”
“When England attack, they mostly do it with pick-and-go moves close in, or play it wide in the outside channel.
“You have to spot those attacking patterns. When the English take the ball wide, they attack from depth.”
Jones was a consultant for the Boks during last year’s victorious World Cup campaign. He is currently the director of rugby at English club Saracens.
He therefore has an intimate knowledge of English rugby and his club captain, Steve Borthwick, leads the English.
“Steve is one of the most serious players I have met. He is very determined. He’s also very tough and not at all afraid to demand a lot from his teammates,” said Jones.
“The two captains on Saturday (South Africa are skippered by John Smit) are of a similar ilk.”
While the Boks will only announce their line-up on Thursday, they should have more experience than the English.
“England are a developing side and potentially the best team in Europe,” said Jones.
“They have good young players, but there is not yet a recognisable style. They will be playing together in their third game and would have learned a lot from their defeat to Australia. This could be the Boks’ most difficult game on tour.”
Jones did not hit out at South Africa for their weak performance against Scotland, but offered useful advice.
“South Africa’s attacking play was a bit too simplistic,” he said.
“You see the ball go to Jean de Villiers from a lineout and when you stop the tape there, he is the only guy on the screen. He should have options.
“The detail is lacking and that is something that needs hard work. Sometimes when players get the freedom to express themselves there is less accountability.
“The one thing about South Africa during last year’s World Cup campaign is that every player understood his role in each phase.”
Tweet
Is he still talking?
It Makes sense to me.
@robdylan (Comment 1) :
I don’t think he ever stops, but he is talking sense here IMO.
@robdylan (Comment 1) : Wonder what he has to say about Oz rugby…
I forgot he’s not allowed to do so… 
Yay! Eddie Andrews back in the Bok jersey!!!
@wpw (Comment 5) :
@wpw (Comment 5) : Maybe you should give Eddie Andrews’ number to Stephen Nell…looks like he doesn’t have a lot of contacts to interview…
I don’t think the journos even have to call Eddie Jones anymore… these days he calls them.
Or maybe there’s a regular weekly dial-in teleconference… maybe even a podcast!
@robdylan (Comment 8) :
” Love Jones for the Boks”
It would be nice to hear what White has to say about the Boks… but he probably wouldn’t say anything without consulting Eddie first anyway
Seems SA rugby wants to cash in as much as possible from the Lions.
This from their site:
Tickets in the second phase sales from early next year will be available at Computicket outlets and at their Shoprite and Checkers units early in 2009. Second-phase sales to the general public (from early 2009):
May 30 v Highveld XV (Royal Bafokeng Sports Palace, Rustenburg) – R170
June 3 v Golden Lions (Coca-Cola Park, Johannesburg) – R230
June 6 v Cheetahs (Vodacom Park, Bloemfontein) – R285
June 10 v Sharks (Absa Stadium, Durban) – R230
June 13 v Western Province (Newlands, Cape Town) – R60 (scholars) R130 (standing) R285 (seated)
June 16 v Coastal XV (Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Port Elizabeth) – R170
June 20 v South Africa (1st Test, Absa Stadium, Durban) – R145 (scholars) R1 140
June 23 v Emerging Springboks (Newlands, Cape Town) – R60 (scholars); R115
(standing) R230 (seated) June 27 v South Africa (2nd test, Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria) – R1 140
July 4 v South Africa (3rd test, Coca-Cola Park, Johannesburg) – R1 140
1140 rond seems a bit steep.
Will probably be outnumbered by Lions fans then.
“Unfortunately it means there will be an extremely small number of tickets going on general sale for the three Test matches. We expect them to be snapped up in the second phase of sales in no time even though they’ll cost R1 140.
Rugby supporters at Coca-Cola Park, Loftus Versfeld, Vodacom Park and Newlands will guarantee themselves a ticket to see the Lions in action when they purchase or renew their season ticket at those venues. British & Irish Lions tickets are not included in packages at the Absa Stadium, Durban, but season and suite ticket holders can buy Lions tickets when they renew.
@McLovin (Comment 14) : BLIKSEM!
230 bucks!!
Geez the Jagluiperdjies are getting shafted.
Well that’s me out for a test. Can’t justify that kinda money.
Maybe ABSA will have some screens outside if they’re clever.