Comments on: A Test of Bok depth http://www.sportsleader.co.za/siyabongantshingila/2009/09/04/a-test-of-bok-depth/ Mon, 21 May 2012 12:52:20 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.2 By: Flinty http://www.sportsleader.co.za/siyabongantshingila/2009/09/04/a-test-of-bok-depth/#comment-6841 Flinty Mon, 07 Sep 2009 00:26:42 +0000 http://www.sportsleader.co.za/siyabongantshingila/2009/09/04/a-test-of-bok-depth/#comment-6841 Walloped by the Wallabies. With outrageous ease, too. The All Blacks have now got their "get of of jail free" card, just as they did after two early defeats in 2008, and they are great closers of 3N championships, having done so nine times out of fourteen so far. "Best sides in the world" are the ones who close out competitions, not ones who start off with a hiss and a roar and fade at the end. Remember the BI Lions tests? Walloped by the Wallabies. With outrageous ease, too. The All Blacks have now got their “get of of jail free” card, just as they did after two early defeats in 2008, and they are great closers of 3N championships, having done so nine times out of fourteen so far. “Best sides in the world” are the ones who close out competitions, not ones who start off with a hiss and a roar and fade at the end. Remember the BI Lions tests?

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]]> By: Duncan Keal http://www.sportsleader.co.za/siyabongantshingila/2009/09/04/a-test-of-bok-depth/#comment-6839 Duncan Keal Sat, 05 Sep 2009 07:02:50 +0000 http://www.sportsleader.co.za/siyabongantshingila/2009/09/04/a-test-of-bok-depth/#comment-6839 I agree with you on the need to develop depth at test level, while there is no doubt that a lack of game time results in the bench warmers being rusty. However, looking back on the build up to and the 2007 world cup Graham Henry's attempt to develop two 'world beating teams' led to confusion surrounding his best combinations. The result, another failed attempt by a world class team. History tells us that consistency in selection is what leads to winning teams. In my opinion let players be introduced in lesser fixtures and off the bench, while keeping a winning core on the park. I agree with you on the need to develop depth at test level, while there is no doubt that a lack of game time results in the bench warmers being rusty. However, looking back on the build up to and the 2007 world cup Graham Henry’s attempt to develop two ‘world beating teams’ led to confusion surrounding his best combinations. The result, another failed attempt by a world class team. History tells us that consistency in selection is what leads to winning teams. In my opinion let players be introduced in lesser fixtures and off the bench, while keeping a winning core on the park.

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