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Kanko given license to thrill
Thursday, November 12
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Springbok coach Peter de Villiers has told No 8 Ryan Kankowski to “play it your way” in South Africa’s Test against France in Toulouse on Friday evening.
The explosive back rower is renowned for his pace, athleticism and fleet footwork rather than driving the ball up and getting stuck in up front like Bulls utility forward Danie Rossouw (1.97m), who was the other leading candidate to fill in for the injured Pierre Spies at the back of the Bok pack.
Kankowski conceded that the testing European conditions may force the teams to implement a direct, forwards-orientated approach but believes his combination with dual fetchers Heinrich Brussow and Schalk Burger will give the Boks an added edge.
“Heins is a true fetcher and Schalk runs with the ball and does fetching work. To have two fetchers, may be an advantage in a game where you don’t get that much space,” Kankowski told Sport24.
“The French have two good carriers in their loose-trio (Louis Picamoles and Imanol Harinordoquy), but we’re focusing on our game.
“Maybe it’s ice cold on Friday night but still an excellent night to run with the ball. I’m just grateful for the opportunity and want to give my very best.”
De Villiers feels the Boks’ smaller loose trio will stand their ground against their bigger opposition.
“You’ll be surprised how big they (Brüssow at 1,81m, Burger at 1,93m and Kankowski at 1,93m) get when they pull a Bok jersey over their heads. The loose trio is interdependent, but I don’t consider size a problem,” said De Villiers.
Scrumhalf Fourie du Preez, who plays with incumbent No 8 Spies at both domestic and national level, says Kankowski has slotted in nicely since he has similar qualities to that of the big Bulls back rower.
“He is almost the same kind of player as Pierre. Pierre and I have played together a lot and it’s a pity that he’s out, but Ryan is a very good player,” said Du Preez.
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Hit it hard bro
That was a joke...
Dude seriously.. This is the Boks now.. They playing under the same badge.. Leave the provincialism for the Super 14 again.. ok?? Good boy
Kanko, good luck bud. You are going to need it against Thierry Dusautoir, Imanol Harinordoquy and Louis Picamoles. And before you go off the handle again, Crazy, (and start calling me a sh!t supporter) they are the yard stick for the Northern hemisphere!!
I don't think he needs luck, the debate about the best 8th man has been going on for long now meaning that Spies has had good competition from Kanko. We blessed in the way that we lose Spies that he gets replaced by another quality player like Kanko.
Kanko, Smit, Beast, Habana, Pietersen and Steyn had shockers but nobody lost more ball forward than Kanko. 6 times I believe it was. Just not good enough!!!
As for being a sh!t supporter, that's not me. Not by any stretch of the imagination. I'm realistic and happen to know a little bit more than what goes on at ABSA stadium. Get real bud, stop the name calling and try to talk some sense!
Take Sharkbok for example, not a one eyed mongrel like yourself. Can actually see the bigger picture! Catch a wake up sunshine!!!