Ruan Pienaar’s performance at flyhalf for the Springboks during their year-end tour, have vindicated coach Peter De Villiers’ selection gamble.
Rugby 365 reports that since 2006, Pienaar has struggled to find a regular start in the Springbok team with Ricky Januarie and Fourie Du Preez well established in the number nine jersey.
Pienaar has only been in the Springbok run-on side nine times during his 27-cap career, with two of those starts at fullback. But it is his last three Test starts that have been most significant.
De Villiers was heavily criticised prior to the tour for not selecting a specialist flyhalf. Pienaar and Earl Rose’s selections were greeted with doubt and rugby pundits argued that the northern hemisphere conditions will not suit the free-running pair.
Rose did not get a chance to prove them wrong, however Pienaar excelled in his latest role scoring a try against England and landing five conversions and 11 penalties during the year-end tour, illustrating a complete set of skills.
It is yet unclear whether Pienaar will be retained at flyhalf for the Lions series in 2009 but Springbok team manager, Arthob Petersen believes this is only the start of the 24-year old’s career as Springbok flyhalf.
“The tour has shown that Ruan Pienaar definitely has a future as a Test flyhalf.
“He is not yet the complete product but he made great strides over the past month and proved he had what it takes to make the switch. He made a major contribution to the victory over England, both tactically and with the boot.
De Villiers also praised Pienaar’s performances on tour.
“I was very, very happy with the way Ruan came through on this tour,” said De Villiers.
“He has a sense of how to keep the tempo of a game going forward, an eye for the break and an awareness of space and position. I think he’s quite probably the best all-round player in South Africa.
“We took him over as a flyhalf because we need good number 10s in this country and he has shown he can be the man we are looking for.”
De Villiers also gave the tour overall a pass mark, although he did concede that there were areas of their play that demanded attention.
“We reached our goals on this tour and some things went to plan and others need some more looking at,” said De Villiers.
“We got a lot out of the guys and found out just how deep they can dig into themselves when they are asked to.”
bokkejullelekkadinge!
And Sharks pivot pain. I have a strong suspicion that Ruan will be our first choice flyhalf
better than joe pieterson or willem de waal hey.
@robdylan (Comment 2) :
No need for suspicion, I think Plumtree or Ruan have already said that They have an agreement with the boks that that will be the case, I read it just after he was named as the half for the tour.
the thing with scrummy is that its a fun position.sure u have to be fitter than a recce but u get to be the prick u always want to be on the field.flyhalf is so damn serious.
@PJLD (Comment 5) : Still at peddlers?
nee,moved to a shadier spot
@PJLD (Comment 7) : do you ever sleep?
Ruan is gonna be a legend in the 10 jersey – you can write that down now.
@Big Fish (Comment 9) : Ruan is gonna be a legend in the 10 jersey
@robdylan (Comment 8) : when im dead.
@robdylan (Comment 10) :
Write lad – not type.
Here’s a cookie for your efforts though…
Fishy, do I really need to write any more about Ruan? I feel like I’ve written about nobody else for a month or more
@robdylan (Comment 13) :
I’m still waiting for your article on JPP – I think mine might be too nonobjective!
@Big Fish (Comment 14) : My article on JPP: He’s a much better wing than Shane Williams!
I just love how much fun JPP seems to be having, laughing, smiling, playing with reckless abandon, great stuff to see. Professionalism has not tainted his love for the game they play in heaven.
@Dancing Bear (Comment 16) :
Gotta agree with you – we need to remember how young guys like he and Frans are – these guys are prodigies!
@Big Fish (Comment 17) : I know I’ve said it so many times, but the Sharks are so blessed with JPP and Odwa. Both world class wings, with the most amazing attitudes when it comes to looking for work. Let’s not forget that Odwa set Nokwe off on two of his tries, every try by Nokwe was on the left wing, but Odwa was on the left side setting him off for the try. Same thing with JPP and Habs try on Saturday, a try on the left wing scored by the left wing, but the right wing made the last pass.
@Dancing Bear (Comment 18) :
Thoughts on the Sharks 15 (if and when Stefan goes)…
Going to be interesting… as much as I would like to see Steyn there for the Boks… Frans is going to be best @ 12 for the Sharks with Barrit gone…
That leaves Odwa, who has played there… with plausibly Murray moving onto his wing… but at the same time… it’s about time we had a really special 15 again a-la the Joubert era…
JPP has played there and was once touted as their 15 of the future by Dick… his kicking has improved… long gone are the days of shuddering when the high balls go his way…
What to do… what to do?
Any other potential prodigy 15′s coming through the Sharks system?
@bryce_in_oz (Comment 19) :
I have heard mention of one actually – but his name completely slips my mind.
Will post it if I remember.
That said, I think either of Odwa or JPP could be good 15′s.