Joel Stransky backs Butch James at number 10 for Springboks in 2011 Rugby World Cup
South Africa's Rugby World Cup winning fly half, Joel Stransky, has backed the former English Professional Rugby Union club, Bath Rugby’s fly half, Butch James, to play as the first choice fly half during the Springbok’s 2011 Rugby World Cup (RWC) campaign.
Stransky was part of the South African outfit that lifted the 1995 Rugby World Cup trophy at Ellis Park, Johannesburg. Stransky scored all 15 points in the match for the Boks and his preference for James over Morne Steyn has certainly made the case stronger
for James.
Stransky made the comments while talking to media on Wednesday, July 6. Besides James, he has also suggested that the Sharks sensational back, Patrick Lambie, should be moved and played at the fullback position.
Stransky added that the South African management at this moment had not decided who they will play as their first choice fly half. He said, “I'm not sure right now that the Boks have an idea of who that starting fly half is going to be. To be fair, the
way he has played, it should probably be Butch.”
Providing support for his case, Stransky said, “I, right now, would go for Butch. His ability to make decisions, to play closer to the gainline, defending that channel. All of that, plus his experience, means for me that he would be the fly half.”
James was first choice fly half for the Boks in their 2007 RWC campaign, which earned Boks’ their second RWC title. Stransky further added that the James goal kicking skills have improved since his the last World Cup. However, he has expressed his deep concerns
about the attitude and the consequences of the lack of discipline that is associated with James.
Stransky said, “There is only one thing - whether he will stay on the field, it’s those hot-headed tackles every now and then, and he has had three or four knee reconstructions.”
Stransky also expressed his concern that due to repeated knee related injuries, James might not last the full length of the game and Bulls’ Morne Steyn is a perfect substitute for James.
Sharks coach John Plumtree has also suggested that Lambie should be played at the fullback position instead of playing him as fly half. Both Stransky and Plumtree have urged that the Boks’ need to do well in the upcoming Tri Nations as they can carry the
winning momentum to the upcoming 2011 RWC.
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