Two styles

World's best No.8's look to make an impact

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Posted: Friday October 29, 1999 01:05 PM

Toutai Kefu's ability to make good yardage with the ball is an big part of Australia's game plan against South Africa. Allsport UK/Allsport

LONDON (AP) -- South Africa's Bobby Skinstad is being forced to play a style he doesn't like while Australia's Toutai Kefu has had a style built around him.

How both men cope with those pressures could prove the decisive difference in Saturday's Rugby World Cup semifinal at Twickenham.

The two No.8s are among the most exciting running players in world rugby, although Skinstad's opportunities have been hindered by the Springboks' tactics so far.

"Personally it's a very different game to what I've come to play," said Skinstad. "My tackle count is right up, but on attack I think I only had two balls to take up against England.

"It's not really the ideal situation for an attacking player, but I was chuffed with the way I didn't fall out of the bus."

Skinstad admitted earlier in the tournament that he hadn't played his best rugby, but he started to feel more comfortable in the quarterfinal victory over England.

Skinstad said rival No.8's don't often find each other out on the field, but he is as well placed as anyone to judge Kefu.

"He's got a lot of power, lot of pace, and very good skills for a big guy," Skinstad said. "He's got an uncanny reading of the game. He pops up in corners of the field and scores tries that change games, or perhaps takes an interception, or puts on a tackle that changes the game."

One omission from the Skinstad's list is Kefu's ability to throw an awesome punch, a skill he showed to the world in the Group E match against Ireland.

A flurry of blows left Trevor Brennan with blood streaming down his face and Kefu with a 14-day ban which cost him two games, including the quarterfinal defeat of Wales.

Kefu's ability to make good yardage with the ball is an integral part of coach Rod Macqueen's game plan and it was a blow to lose him for the Cardiff match.

Kefu also squirmed through the game, as Wales held Australia to 10-9 at the hour before two late Wallaby tries sealed the win.

"In the first 60 minutes it was very tight and I thought we needed a bit more go-forward stuff,' said Kefu. "I suppose that's when I felt really disappointed and that I was letting the team down.

"Basically I feel like I owe the guys a favor. I'm just really looking forward to getting out there and playing, more so even that the first game of the tournament because it's a do or die game."

Skinstad, blessed with good looks and a college education, has become his country's most marketable rugby player.

But the trademark runs, with his tongue waggling out of his mouth, which make such striking billboard pictures, have been few and far between.

Skinstad, however, knows his personal preferences must comebehind what is best for the team.

 

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