Share

Doubts over Goosen - Mallett

Cape Town - Nick Mallett says question marks remain over whether Cheetahs flyhalf Johan Goosen can play a tactical game.

The Cheetahs were thumped 33-0 by the Stormers at a rainy Newlands over the weekend.

The men from Bloemfontein looked all at sea in wet conditions and it was particularly the performance of their halfbacks - Shaun Venter and Johan Goosen - which didn't impress the former Springbok coach.

Mallett, speaking as an analyst on SuperSport, said Goosen struggled in the slippery conditions.

"What worried me, I didn't think (Johan) Goosen controlled the game well at 10. In those conditions a flyhalf has got to kick, and kick it intelligently and accurately, which he didn't do. They tried their wide game, their handling was poor."

Mallett also praised the Stormers defence and said they outplayed the Cheetahs in every department.

"I don't think the Cheetahs are a bad team, they've just beaten the Brumbies last week at home. They just got caught on a day when things went really badly for them and the Stormers were so much more determined today (Saturday). There seemed a lot more intensity in their play. The Cheetahs were trying to play rugby, but with no real conviction in the ball carrying and aggression in contact, they were losing most of the contact situations, they were going backwards.

"You need your halfbacks to vary the play in those conditions, to put the ball behind that Stormers defensive line and neither (Shaun) Venter nor Goosen did that today. Question marks remain over whether Goosen can play a tactical game, when you need to actually kick the ball and keep it in front of your forwards," concluded Mallett.

The Stormers tackle the Sharks in Durban this weekend, while the Cheetahs have a bye.
We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1470 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2249 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE