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Cape Town - Former Springbok flyhalf Errol Tobias believes there are a couple of weaknesses in the Bok side going to the World Cup to defend their crown.
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Tobias is worried about South Africa's defence in midfield and feels the Springboks could be exposed at scrumhalf during the tournament.
"I am worried about the defence of South Africa's centres. Jean de Villiers and Jaque Fourie are not impressing me, especially with the threat the Sonny Bill Williams-factor poses. I think they should have created a spot for a crash-tackler," said Tobias, speaking to Die Burger newspaper.
He feels the Boks should have included four centres in their squad. "Wynand Olivier can feel unlucky," said Tobias.
The former Bok pivot also believes that Griquas scrumhalf Sarel Pretorius should have gone to New Zealand.
He feels the Boks lack a scrumhalf that gives them go-forward momentum on attack.
Tobias says the three scrumhalves chosen (Fourie du Preez, Ruan Pienaar and Francois Hougaard) all play in the same manner.
"They aren't prone to break and play back towards the flanks.
"During the World Cup tournament, South Africa could play opponents like New Zealand, France and England, who possess the same power as them. We won't be able to just overpower those countries. Your scrumhalf needs to be able to bring your (forward) pack into the game," said Tobias.
Tobias was not impressed with Fourie du Preez's performance against the All Blacks in Port Elizabeth on Saturday.
He says the No 9's service was "poor".
"It's one of the reasons why we were not a threat on attack."
WIN your very own personalised Bok jersey
Click to BUY the SA Rugby Annual 2011
Tobias is worried about South Africa's defence in midfield and feels the Springboks could be exposed at scrumhalf during the tournament.
"I am worried about the defence of South Africa's centres. Jean de Villiers and Jaque Fourie are not impressing me, especially with the threat the Sonny Bill Williams-factor poses. I think they should have created a spot for a crash-tackler," said Tobias, speaking to Die Burger newspaper.
He feels the Boks should have included four centres in their squad. "Wynand Olivier can feel unlucky," said Tobias.
The former Bok pivot also believes that Griquas scrumhalf Sarel Pretorius should have gone to New Zealand.
He feels the Boks lack a scrumhalf that gives them go-forward momentum on attack.
Tobias says the three scrumhalves chosen (Fourie du Preez, Ruan Pienaar and Francois Hougaard) all play in the same manner.
"They aren't prone to break and play back towards the flanks.
"During the World Cup tournament, South Africa could play opponents like New Zealand, France and England, who possess the same power as them. We won't be able to just overpower those countries. Your scrumhalf needs to be able to bring your (forward) pack into the game," said Tobias.
Tobias was not impressed with Fourie du Preez's performance against the All Blacks in Port Elizabeth on Saturday.
He says the No 9's service was "poor".
"It's one of the reasons why we were not a threat on attack."
