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Dublin – Giant tighthead prop Tony Buckley may be central in Ireland’s plans to disrupt South Africa at the breakdowns in Saturday’s test at the Aviva Stadium, BJ Botha has warned.
Buckley stands 1,96m tall and weighs 130kg. He has reportedly even played lock earlier in his career, but the Irish now hope that he can offer a solution to their problematic tighthead berth. John Hayes, who performed well there for several years, celebrated his 37th birthday earlier this week.
Botha, who plays for Ulster and is not available for the Boks due to a wrist injury, says that Buckley’s impact extends beyond the scrums.
“His strength is very much what he does at the breakdowns. He’s a giant and climbs into the ruck. He pours himself through and that can leave the ruck in a mess. He’s very effective at counter-rucking. I would not be surprised if Ireland use a similar tactic on Saturday,” said Botha.
“Buckley is a giant of a man and Ireland currently have a shortage of tighthead props. He will be out to make the position his own.”
Botha believes South Africa’s experienced pack may well carry them through against Ireland, but warns that former Bok assistant coach Gert Smal has helped to get the best out of Ireland.
“Gert has done some really good work with their pack and is an asset for their team. He also knows the Boks.”
Botha believes the Irish were “conservative” with their selections. Captain Brian O’Driscoll has only just shaken off a knee injury.
“They did not really take any risks with their selections. They will miss Paul O’Connell. He has a major impact on the lineouts. It’s going to be an interesting game.”
South Africa will field a very inexperienced backline if Jean de Villiers withdraws due to a groin injury on Friday morning and Patrick Lambie is confirmed as Zane Kirchner’s centre partner.
Yet Botha makes the point that there can be a “domino effect” for the team whose pack takes control.
“Deon Stegmann is the only new player there. It’s a very experienced pack and I believe there’s more than enough to carry us through,” he said.
“The youngsters are getting an opportunity to show what they can do. It may be an advantage that Ireland does not know that much about them. It can make the Boks unpredictable.”
Dublin – Giant tighthead prop Tony Buckley may be central in Ireland’s plans to disrupt South Africa at the breakdowns in Saturday’s test at the Aviva Stadium, BJ Botha has warned.
Buckley stands 1,96m tall and weighs 130kg. He has reportedly even played lock earlier in his career, but the Irish now hope that he can offer a solution to their problematic tighthead berth. John Hayes, who performed well there for several years, celebrated his 37th birthday earlier this week.
Botha, who plays for Ulster and is not available for the Boks due to a wrist injury, says that Buckley’s impact extends beyond the scrums.
“His strength is very much what he does at the breakdowns. He’s a giant and climbs into the ruck. He pours himself through and that can leave the ruck in a mess. He’s very effective at counter-rucking. I would not be surprised if Ireland use a similar tactic on Saturday,” said Botha.
“Buckley is a giant of a man and Ireland currently have a shortage of tighthead props. He will be out to make the position his own.”
Botha believes South Africa’s experienced pack may well carry them through against Ireland, but warns that former Bok assistant coach Gert Smal has helped to get the best out of Ireland.
“Gert has done some really good work with their pack and is an asset for their team. He also knows the Boks.”
Botha believes the Irish were “conservative” with their selections. Captain Brian O’Driscoll has only just shaken off a knee injury.
“They did not really take any risks with their selections. They will miss Paul O’Connell. He has a major impact on the lineouts. It’s going to be an interesting game.”
South Africa will field a very inexperienced backline if Jean de Villiers withdraws due to a groin injury on Friday morning and Patrick Lambie is confirmed as Zane Kirchner’s centre partner.
Yet Botha makes the point that there can be a “domino effect” for the team whose pack takes control.
“Deon Stegmann is the only new player there. It’s a very experienced pack and I believe there’s more than enough to carry us through,” he said.
“The youngsters are getting an opportunity to show what they can do. It may be an advantage that Ireland does not know that much about them. It can make the Boks unpredictable.”
