Give the players a break; there’s a franchise way and a ‘Bok way’

Rugby fans need to understand the following: every team has its own identity and style and whoever plays for that team needs to stick to that identity.

If this means adapting one’s game and what got you into the team, then so be it. That is what is required and that is what is to be done.

The Springboks have a certain style, plan and DNA that works for them and whoever comes into the team as a new pick has to buy into how the Boks play. One’s individuality – the thing that got you into the national team – often has to take a back seat.

It’s simple – fit in with what the team needs and does.

Let’s use Herschel Jantjies as an example. At the Stormers he’s given freedom to play, to have a run, snipe around the edges. At the Boks he will be asked to play a certain way that is perhaps different to how he plays at the Stormers.

So, fans shouldn’t expect Jantjies “the Bok” to play the same way that Jantjies “the Stormer” does when he wears the blue and white jersey.

The same goes for Damian Willemse. I’m really pleased he’s been given a go this weekend against Wales, and rightly so ahead of Aphelele Fassi, because that’s the pecking order at the Boks. Sure, the management could have gone with Aphelele Fassi, and it might be the exciting pick, but let’s be honest, Willemse has been ahead of Fassie in the queue for a while now. It’s his turn.

The same goes for Jesse Kriel; he’s also been part of the squad longer than Fassi has and he’s next in line, so well done to the Bok management for picking according to ranking.

But like Jantjies, Willemse will be asked to play a certain style that suits the Boks, so fans shouldn’t expect him to run at the opposition from deep, like he’s done at the Stormers.

Let’s remember also that guys like Faf de Klerk and Willie le Roux both initially caught the eye in South African rugby because of their attacking, ball-in-hand games. Both men thrilled for the Lions and Cheetahs respectively by running at the opposition, asking questions on attack, and rarely putting boot to ball.

How things have changed since they became Boks. They are far more conservative now, shadows of the attacking players they once were at provincial level, but they are no less effective, even if it is quite different to how they might like to play.

The thing is that when you pull players from several teams, who all play different styles, into one team (the Boks) you need a clear identity of how you’re going to play and whet each person will do. Everyone needs to be on the same page, following one plan – and that’s why we must accept that players will play a certain way, even if we’re not used to them playing that way.

• Our new rugby columnist is Jonathan Mokuena, the recently appointed new head coach of the University of Johannesburg rugby side that plays in the Varsity Cup. Mokuena also previously led the NWU-Pukke to the Varsity Cup title in 2016 and is a former provincial player and coach, and BlitzBoks captain. He is a World Rugby level-three qualified coach and respected rugby analyst. Read all his musings on rugby, every weekend in Saturday Citizen and online, from next week.