Q&A On Supersport.com

Yesterday, I took part in a Live Q&A session on supersport.com and thought I would share the transcript with you:

Asked: brett (tel aviv) Tuesday, August 17, 2010 – 14:21
Question:
hey bob, the bok team is once again missing a fetcher to contest the breakdown with richie mccaw. do u agree with this selection?
Player:
Bob
Answer:
I think the selection is a reflection of the times, Juan is a rested, capable player and McCaw has been very good against all comers this season – we have to play forward momentum rugby to keep him off our ball, and work hard to stop him at ruck time on their ball

Asked: Pumezo (Johannesburg) Tuesday, August 17, 2010 – 14:27
Question:
Dear Bob,

What do you think of the inclusion of Aplon, Pieterson, de Jongh and Hougaard in the starting line up?
Player:
Bob
Answer:
Love it – we needs speed, hunger and they a have it in bundles, JF is still suspended

Asked: Darren (Johannesburg) Tuesday, August 17, 2010 – 14:27
Question:
Hi Bob, What do you make of the De Jongh/De Villiers centre combination?
Player:
Bob
Answer:
I like it – JDJ has been the backline find of the last three yrs and JDV is classy

Asked: C-Y (Cape) Tuesday, August 17, 2010 – 14:27
Question:
BOB: Dont you think D vermeulen is a better competitor on the ground to counter the illegal Kiwi play? Spies looks great and yes we all know he is good looking, but the fact is that we need those Kobie Fenwick, Ruben Kruger & Corne Kriges of old to work the unseen magic in the ruck
Player:
Bob
Answer:
DV is talented , and will definitely contribute, but it`s hard to fault spies on the charge – I think they will both contribute to sa rugby

Asked: neil (johannesburg) Tuesday, August 17, 2010 – 14:28
Question:
the scrum half position problem has been created by playing an out of form janurie now we are going into a test against the all blacks with a player that has played 2 games in the 14 months in this position can it be good
Player:
Bob
Answer:
He has loads of talent, and I imaging PDiv is trying things out when he knows it is riskier to keep the same tried but losing combo

Asked: Craig (Cape Town) Tuesday, August 17, 2010 – 14:28
Question:
The team doesn”t look bad but I must say, I am probably, for the first time in a while, and quite nervous about the lineup. I am happy with the loosies..think we will be okay there, although we still do not have a real fetcher. I am concerned about the centre or just nervous. I am fully aware that Juan de Jongh has played really well thus far – but you not think it would have been a better to use Wynand? He has the experience and paying on the highveld he will deliver. he just seems the safer option in this historical game. I am keen to see how Hougaard goes at scummy – think he will do well and same for flip – will be a big moment for him and I believe he will deliver. What are your thoughts bob?? GO BOKKE…
Player:
Bob
Answer:
I also trust and hope they will all come thru, thats right, go Bokke !

Asked: Kev (PE) Tuesday, August 17, 2010 – 14:30
Question:
What changes would you make to the team, if you were chief selector ? (using players in and out of squad currently chosen) ?
Player:
Bob
Answer:
in circumstance I feel we are pretty close to best of what we have – I like a fetcher and a carrier, so maybe look at that but I also trust these players

Asked: Martin (Pretoria) Tuesday, August 17, 2010 – 14:30
Question:
Bob is there any news or suggestion of near future inclusions of talented young players Like Patric Lambie.
Player:
Bob
Answer:
Not yet but Lambie is playing well and looking good for an inclusion soon, what his best position is , will still come out only in time !!

Asked: anton (Cape Town) Tuesday, August 17, 2010 – 14:30
Question:
How do you think the guys will do at the breakdown / set pieces. Can we dominate? NZ is very good at that and even steals our ball at times.
Player:
Bob
Answer:
RM is outstanding at the moment and we can only work on interpreting the rules and refs as well as he does, soon !

Asked: Clemens (Johannesburg) Tuesday, August 17, 2010 – 14:31
Question:
Hi Bob! Think this is a much better balanced side except for Chiliboy and Ricky! Dont you think that Tiaan Liebenberg and Hano Vermaak will be better choices? And maybe Schalk at eightman and Francois and Juan as flanks and Pierre on the Bench?
Player:
Bob
Answer:
maybe – but we have obligations and it is the experience of Ricky that helps him

Asked: David Burger (Johannesburg) Tuesday, August 17, 2010 – 14:31
Question:
Bob, do you think we missed out not having a plan B when decisions started not going our way vs ABs?
Player:
Bob
Answer:
yes, as well as the implementations of our plan A

Asked: Ashley Moodley (Cape Town) Tuesday, August 17, 2010 – 14:32
Question:
Hey Bob, intensity wise, it seemed that the wallabies and the “all Blacks” were a lot fitter , and that we could not keep up with their tempo. Are the boks able to compete with that tempo ? What have they done to ensure this ?
Player:
Bob
Answer:
our squad has played far more rugby than theirs in the last 18 months, hence the worry from prof noakes et al

Asked: John Bainbridge (Port Edward) Tuesday, August 17, 2010 – 14:32
Question:
What has Jano Vermark got to do to make the team, week in and week out he is the best no. 9 in the Curry Cup, but does not get a mention? does he have to move to the Sharks or Bulls????
Player:
Bob
Answer:
Needs to be in a team that consistently wins

Asked: David Burger (Johannesburg) Tuesday, August 17, 2010 – 14:34
Question:
Bob, why is taking so long for you to type boet?
Player:
Bob
Answer:
Clumsy rugby hands !! only started at 14 30 so getting thru as many as I can

Asked: Gerrit (Port Elizabeth) Tuesday, August 17, 2010 – 14:34
Question:
Dear Bob,

What is opinion on the Frans Steyn saga of the last couple of days? Do you think his form is good enough to be included in the Bok squad? If so, where would you play him (Centre or Full back)?
Player:
Bob
Answer:
I think he is good enough but have heard that he may be injured, so wouldn`t favour gambling on him

Asked: Hen3 (Pretoria) Tuesday, August 17, 2010 – 14:35
Question:
Its about time we have a commentator that”s a bit Bok biased! I enjoy your commentating
Player:
Bob
Answer:
That`s very kind, just passionate about our teams and country

Asked: Kobus (Centurion) Tuesday, August 17, 2010 – 14:35
Question:
Hi Bob, what is the mood like in the camp, are the guys planning something special for JS 100th cap.
Player:
Bob
Answer:
Mood has been good, and hope they do something for him – a great player

Asked: Jurgens (PTA) Tuesday, August 17, 2010 – 14:37
Question:
With Smith back as a capable jumper should we have not rested matfield and played 2 aggressive locks in Flip and Danie?
Player:
Bob
Answer:
possibly – but he has been a leader that we need to have attcking the all black lineout

Asked: Jonny Weil (Cape Town) Tuesday, August 17, 2010 – 14:38
Question:
Hi Bob do you think Habana will regain his top form, Schalk one the best loose forwards in the world!!
Player:
Bob
Answer:
certainly hope so !!

Asked: C-Y (Cape) Tuesday, August 17, 2010 – 14:42
Question:
Bob: I know you are more neutral than the Swiss and was quite surprised by you saying something about the refs. What do you think is the reason for the Kiwis being favoured? Or should I say the bokke being hammrd
Player:
Bob
Answer:
Neutralty comes from realism – but I have had a go at the refs because they were collectively poor in our games – there are apparently extraneous factors for this , which I think is unfair

Asked: Sean (London) Tuesday, August 17, 2010 – 14:44
Question:
Hi Bob,
From last season the All Blacks knew that the ”Boks would play the aggressive forward game, so they have developed a game plan around the backs with a strong focus on winning the rucks, thereby nullifying the ”Boks strength at the lineouts and rolling maul. Why have the ”Boks been so slow to adapt. The Wallabys applied the same tactics.

Thanks,

Sean
Player:
Bob
Answer:
sometimes it is hard to see from the top of the tree, the boks weren`t really challenged there last year and I think were caught with their pants down a bit, but are better when the chips are down

Asked: Jan-Adriaan Korff (Cape Town) Tuesday, August 17, 2010 – 14:45
Question:
Hi Bob, wouldn”t have minded having Kirshner on the bench, had a graet game vs WP. What are you thoughts on bringing in another young scrumhalf, apart from Hougaard before 2011 WC. It is just my feeling that Ricky is past his glory days and having two backups after Fourie”s return could help. Depending of course where Div will play Ruan in the future.
Player:
Bob
Answer:
yes, but can`t all play – think Kirchner was injured in the game, he played well, hougaard is the right option for now, then move to utility back for FDP

Asked: Marco Scheepers (Cape Town) Tuesday, August 17, 2010 – 14:45
Question:
Bob,
Can you please tell me why there is such a big difference between last year and this year???
Do you think it could be to much rugby?
If thats the case, should they be rested for the WC 2011?

Thanks and lets hope we can ”run over” the kiwis
Player:
Bob
Answer:
It might be – don`t think we will get too many senior players in the Currie cup

Asked: Wern (Pretoria) Tuesday, August 17, 2010 – 14:46
Question:
I believe the breaking point in this game will be the defence of the Bokke in midfield with Jean Juan. If Nonu gets the upper hand in the middle I see problems for the boys. What do you think Bob
??
Player:
Bob
Answer:
I trust them on defence – and think they will attack better with a combination that knows each other well

Asked: Jenny (CT) Tuesday, August 17, 2010 – 14:47
Question:
Hi Bob,
Your zest for life and personality remind me a lot of Jamie Oliver. Ever meet him when you where in the UK?
Player:
Bob
Answer:
No – would love to though, he does an amazing job for the community, and I love his programs !

Asked: Pieter (Cape Town) Tuesday, August 17, 2010 – 14:49
Question:
Bob you said earlier that we have played allot more rugby than Aus and NZ. Why is that so, whey can we not manage our players better ? Build it into the contract that they are only allowed a certain number of hours to play per year? What’s your thoughts?
Player:
Bob
Answer:
can`t help it if we make finals !! the players need to rest more, and need to negotiate that

Asked: David Burger (Johannesburg) Tuesday, August 17, 2010 – 14:50
Question:
Bob, having been through the Teichman saga with Nick Mallet (who regrets his approach in hindsight) how do you feel about the debate around John S. We all know he is a legend but have to admit the 2011 seems like stretch!
Don”t get me wrong would love to see him lift the WWE trophy in the AB”s backyard!!!
Player:
Bob
Answer:
if teich had been the captain, we would have won that world cup – period, learn from that

Asked: Cobus (Nelspruit) Tuesday, August 17, 2010 – 14:50
Question:
Hi Bob, must say you are very diplomatic.. What type of approach do you anticipate? The old unsuccessful kicking game or a more “in your face – keeping the ball” type of game?
Player:
Bob
Answer:
play in their half, keep the ball, manage the ruck

Asked: Ulrich (Howick) Tuesday, August 17, 2010 – 14:52
Question:
Hey Bob,

When can we expect your comeback?
Player:
Bob
Answer:
ha ha – training for the wildrun.co.za and I feel like a very old man, so never !!

Asked: Ben (London) Tuesday, August 17, 2010 – 14:53
Question:
Hi Bob, do you think the Boks would benefit having a flanker in the mould of Pieter Louw in their side? Perhaps it”s time to cut some of the dead wood and experiment properly with the talent that is available?
Player:
Bob
Answer:
he had a great game on sat – so maybe, but we will see experiments later if this game doesn`t go well

Asked: Tyron (Vredenburg) Tuesday, August 17, 2010 – 14:54
Question:
Hey Bob, dont you think he vuvuzela would have helped the boks more? LOL
Player:
Bob
Answer:
yes i am disappointed that it is not going to be there

Asked: Riaan (Bredasdorp) Tuesday, August 17, 2010 – 14:55
Question:
Hi Bob

I think that FH will become one of the best if not the best scrumhalf in the world and JDJ will be our next Danie Gerber – and i honestly think we have one of the best Springbok teams ever – it would have been perfect if your flare and the heart of James Small, but we cant have everything – what do you think ?
Player:
Bob
Answer:
you can`t have everything !! I like the way they both play – and was a big JS fan too

Asked: Warren (Cape Town) Tuesday, August 17, 2010 – 14:56
Question:
Hi Bob,

I have a few concerns but the 2 biggists ones are: 1. No true fetcher, although I believe the loosies probability the best we can pick. 2. Centre, think we need the strength of Wynand and the experiance. It”s technically his home ground(highveld) so he would have been my choose, not taking anything away from De Jongh. He deserves a place. What are your thoughts?? We will take this one…23-12 Good luck to John on his 100th Cap..will be a great occasion. Good Luck boys..100% bokke
Player:
Bob
Answer:
It will be tough but hope so – magic rugby by ab`s in first games though so we will have to be able to compete

Asked: Frans (Fourways) Tuesday, August 17, 2010 – 14:57
Question:
Hi Bob,

Can you give us the latest update on Brussouw”s return date?
Where can we catch our boys training before Sat”s big one?
Player:
Bob
Answer:
I don`t know – hope he doesn`t rush , sa rugby will have detials of the training, not sure where the guys are

Asked: Pumezo (Jhb) Tuesday, August 17, 2010 – 14:58
Question:
Dear Bob,

Do you agree with Dwyer conclusions to the effect that statistics suggest that refs have been favouring NZ? And why is SANZAR not using Southern Hemisphere refs in Bok games?
Player:
Bob
Answer:
yes – probably because we would suffer the same sort of fate and they couldn`t pin it on someone else

Asked: Andrew (Durban) Tuesday, August 17, 2010 – 14:59
Question:
Hey Bob,do you think we would have still lost all three of our matches so far if dupreez had been available. Seems like he’s even more important to the team than we realized
Player:
Bob
Answer:
he is a great player and strategist too, so we miss him a lot

Asked: Brian (Johannesburg) Tuesday, August 17, 2010 – 15:01
Question:
Hi Bob, what are your thoughts on the inclusion of Butch James on the bench and would you agree that we should maybe give a person like Peter Grant or even Jacques-Louis Potgieter a chance at top level as ultimately they have been playing good rugby over the past couple of seasons?
Player:
Bob
Answer:
Butch is agreat player and an even better team man – he is there for the hard work and has spent a lot of time working to deserve it

Asked: tasleem karriem (cape town) Tuesday, August 17, 2010 – 15:07
Question:
Hi Bob, with the new laws implemented, do you think the Bok game plan can ajust in-time to counter an already dominate AB team come match-day.
Player:
Bob
Answer:
hope so – I have to believe they will be working to turn the tables

Asked: Francois (Pretoria) Tuesday, August 17, 2010 – 15:11
Question:
Hi Bob,

Do you think that Frans Steyn will be part of the WC in 2011? If not why?
Player:
Bob
Answer:
yes I do – and i believe he is too good to be left at home