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Bloemfontein - Springbok loose forward Ashley Johnson would probably make a bigger impact playing flank than eighthman.
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That was the words of Cheetahs coach Naka Drotské, Johnson’s mentor at provincial level.
Drotské believes Johnson - who made his Test debut on Saturday against Australia - was the best Bok loose forward in Sydney and would have kept him on the park for longer.
Johnson was a star for the Cheetahs in the Super Rugby competition when Drotské shifted him to the side of the scrum.
Initially, the loose forward struggled to perform at eighthman, but excelled on the flank.
Johnson also admitted to Sport24 during the Super Rugby competition that the shift had a significant influence on his performance.
Due to several injuries, Danie Rossouw – who played flank against the Aussies – could pack down at lock against the All Blacks.
This would mean that Ryan Kankowski will shift into the Bok loose-trio as flank.
But Kankowski is also an eightman, and it would therefore not be a disruption if Bok coach Peter de Villiers plays Johnson at flank.
Drotské says Johnson makes a bigger impact when he plays forward – as a flank. “If you play eighthman, you in essence play backwards. You have to fall back with the fullback to cover kicks and then run forward with the ball.”
The Cheetahs coach was reluctant to discuss De Villiers’s team selections, but said he would pick Johnson as a flank.
“If I could choose, I would play Ashley as a No 7 flank, but in the same breath, he will probably play eighthman when he returns to play for us. (the Cheetahs)
“Our options are of such a nature. Lappies (Labuschagne) is a lineout man that has to be on the field – and we play Johan Wessels at No 6.
“I don’t understand why they replaced Ashley so early in the game. I believe he was the best of all three of the Bok loose forwards.
“It was a difficult match. The Boks were under pressure the whole time.
“Thus, Ashley's strong point – to carry the ball – wasn't really utilised.
“His work ethic was the best of all the loose forwards. He defended well and I would have kept him on the field,” said Drotské.
Bloemfontein - Springbok loose forward Ashley Johnson would probably make a bigger impact playing flank than eighthman.
Click to BUY the Springbok kitchen
That was the words of Cheetahs coach Naka Drotské, Johnson’s mentor at provincial level.
Drotské believes Johnson - who made his Test debut on Saturday against Australia - was the best Bok loose forward in Sydney and would have kept him on the park for longer.
Johnson was a star for the Cheetahs in the Super Rugby competition when Drotské shifted him to the side of the scrum.
Initially, the loose forward struggled to perform at eighthman, but excelled on the flank.
Johnson also admitted to Sport24 during the Super Rugby competition that the shift had a significant influence on his performance.
Due to several injuries, Danie Rossouw – who played flank against the Aussies – could pack down at lock against the All Blacks.
This would mean that Ryan Kankowski will shift into the Bok loose-trio as flank.
But Kankowski is also an eightman, and it would therefore not be a disruption if Bok coach Peter de Villiers plays Johnson at flank.
Drotské says Johnson makes a bigger impact when he plays forward – as a flank. “If you play eighthman, you in essence play backwards. You have to fall back with the fullback to cover kicks and then run forward with the ball.”
The Cheetahs coach was reluctant to discuss De Villiers’s team selections, but said he would pick Johnson as a flank.
“If I could choose, I would play Ashley as a No 7 flank, but in the same breath, he will probably play eighthman when he returns to play for us. (the Cheetahs)
“Our options are of such a nature. Lappies (Labuschagne) is a lineout man that has to be on the field – and we play Johan Wessels at No 6.
“I don’t understand why they replaced Ashley so early in the game. I believe he was the best of all three of the Bok loose forwards.
“It was a difficult match. The Boks were under pressure the whole time.
“Thus, Ashley's strong point – to carry the ball – wasn't really utilised.
“His work ethic was the best of all the loose forwards. He defended well and I would have kept him on the field,” said Drotské.
