Is it time that we started talking about Marnitz Boshoff possibly becoming a flyhalf option for Heyneke Meyer?
Now before anyone says it is way too early to start making such calls there are a number of points we need to factor in. First and foremost is the fact that the Lions No10 hasn’t been close to the Springbok team since Meyer became coach – so why now?
There are, after all, plenty of other options available. Morné Steyn has been Meyer’s main man in recent years and Pat Lambie has been the back-up. Johan Goosen is highly rated by the Bok boss and even Demetri Catrakilis has been part of a bigger training squad.
Then there’s Elton Jantjies, who has played two Tests in the last few years and is seen by many as the best attacking flyhalf in the country. The name of the Bulls’ young Handré Pollard has also popped up in discussions.
Taking all these men into account, it leaves Boshoff way down in the pecking order.
But this season, Boshoff has jumped ahead of Jantjies in the queue for the No10 jersey at the Lions and all of a sudden, after a few stellar performances, his name is being mentioned as someone who could play for the Boks sooner rather than later.
Yes, Boshoff is only five games into his Super Rugby career, but he’s played with confidence and maturity and backed his ability to kick the points. So far he’s slotted 20 penalties, eight conversions and six drop-goals ... and missed just two penalty attempts and three drop-goal attempts. It’s a remarkable return and there is no doubt his accurate kicking, including his confidence to take drop-goals, has played a major role in the Lions winning three of their Super Rugby games to date.
Added to that, Boshoff is an excellent line-kicker and some would suggest he has a lot of Steyn in him. Whenever he kicks an up-and-under or long range kick he steps back into his 22m area, scans the field and waits for the return kick. He reads the game well and his option-taking is top-notch. He’s the type of player Meyer likes and believes in ... just think of Steyn and before him, Derick Hougaard, at the Bulls.
In the first few weeks of Super Rugby this year we’ve all seen how crucial it is to have a reliable goal-kicker. But when that man can also slot drop-goals to keep the points ticking over and putting pressure on the opposition, it’s a bonus. Boshoff is doing just that for the Lions; now one’s got to wonder if Meyer will look his way.
With Steyn now playing overseas, Lambie perhaps not quite ticking all the boxes for the Bok coach and Goosen still to prove himself after a long injury lay-off, could Boshoff be the next Bok No10? - The Star