BOBBY STEPS OUT IN WRONG SHADE OF GREEN
Bobby steps out in wrong shade of green
JUST think, Bobby Skinstad the brilliant 22-year-old South African flanker, could have played for Ireland.
If only the Springboks had conveniently ignored his outstanding ability, then, yes, Skinstad would have seriously considered following his friend Dion O'Cuinneagain's example by declaring for Ireland. He even went as far as discussing the-possibility with his dad.
Bobby qualifies for Ireland through his mum, Alana (nee Beary) Born in County Louth, she left as a 15-year-old before eventually marrying and settling in South Africa.
To this day, the Irish connection is very strong in the Skinstad household. Mum and dad Alvin have been back to Ireland twice in recent years to see relatives.
No sooner had the Springbok party arrived in Ireland, than mum was on the phone. "She wanted to know about the weather and had I seen relatives, that kind of thing. I think she wishes she was here." reflects Bobby.
"I was here previously in 1994 when we followed the Springboks and I watched their game against the Barbarians at Lansdowne Road. Ireland's a fantastic place and Dublin is my favourite city.
"In the Five Nations Championship I've always cheered for Ireland. So, I was always aware of the possibility of declaring for them if I didn't get my chance with the Springboks.
"When I discussed it with my dad and it was decided to see how things went. I was studying for a degree and I was lucky enough to break into the national Colts side."
From there, Skinstad"s prodigious talent was quickly recognised. He hasn't put a foot wrong, captaining the South Africa Under 21 side and starring for Western Province before making his debut for the Springboks against England last year.
Having got the nod ahead of one of the game's outstanding flankers Andre Venter for the clash with Scotland last weekend, he was named "man of the match" leaving fans just waiting for more.
WHAT'S really frightening is that Skinstad doesn't believe that he played well against Scotland. "I was very surprised by that man of the match award; I didn't feel I deserved it at all."In the last 20 minutes they must have been it to and I got the ball twice. Maybe that's the way; it was the last impression in people's minds. But I didn't do anything before that to warrant it. I cringe when I look at the video of that wasted opportunity for a score, it was inexcusable."
SO, ominously, Skinstad is looking for a big improvement this afternoon. "I want to be better in defence and I would like to make much more of a difference in attack. There were a few times when I could have got the ball and held passes but players weren't used to me.
"Ireland will provide us with different problems. Up front they are going to be fiery and aggressive which is how everyone has worked out how they can play the Springboks.
"I think it's going to be an encounter which will be a little bit more of a ruck and maul game rather than the expansive game we would like to be playing. We are going to have to marry the two and play a good close game and a good wide game."
It will be Skinstad's first outing against Ireland at test level having sat on the substitutes bench for the summer tests. Was he disappointed not to get a run? "Not at all. It was difficult to be positive about those games, we had just got together, the games were quite physical up front, and that's not really my type of game.
" I don't like the confrontational aspects. I like an open running game where I can get the ball. That was very hard hitting, stop-start rugby.
"I was actually quite chuffed that I didn't get on. But I'm really looking forward to this game against Ireland. As long as the surface is okay then I'm happy."
He also faces an interesting confrontation with friend and former Western Province and Sevens colleague O'Cuinneagain. He describes him as "a hell of a player."
"Dion's a top bloke and I rate him as a player. He's one of the first players who really got hold of sevens rugby in South Africa. He was in a league of his own when he was playing the game, he could create tries out of nothing."
"I played against him when Western Province met Ireland during the summer. It's not pleasant playing against a guy you get on with but I think we are both competitors."
KEITH Wood, the unavailable Paul Wallace and Eric Miller, are other Irish players to warrant a mention while Skinstad also rates David Corkery. All of them presumably rate the 6 foot 4 inch Skinstad, certainly O'Cuinneagain does.
"Bobby really stormed on to the scene in 1997. I played with him in 1996, he was a talented youngster then but now he is one of the best loose forwards in world rugby," points out O'Cuinneagain.
"He's quick but the main thing about him is that he has incredible endurance. He's also got ball handling ability a lot of centres would dream about." O'Cuinneagain believes that Skinstad is a potential Springbok captain, a view which is shared by current coach Nick Mallet.
"'Bobby already captains Western Province, he's going to captain the Super 12 side next year. He's got a very good temperament and people tend to grow with leadership."' stresses Mallet.
"Some people are put off by it other people grow with it. Actually, he likes the buzz of being a captain, he likes the buzz of encouraging his players and he's a great thinker about the game.
If Skinstad is provided with the opportunities then very clearly, Ireland better watch out.
"When he gets himself into open field situations he can really stop two players, put a guy away, or slash through. In a broken play situation, when he is one on one with a back or a forward, he can beat them hands down."
Ouch! If only the Springboks had ignored him and Skinstad had declared for Ireland. Dream on ... .
Fans attending this afternoon's match are-being invited to contribute to the Omagh Fund established by the IRFU. The IRFU will make a significant contribution
JUST think, Bobby Skinstad the brilliant 22-year-old South African flanker, could have played for Ireland.
If only the Springboks had conveniently ignored his outstanding ability, then, yes, Skinstad would have seriously considered following his friend Dion O'Cuinneagain's example by declaring for Ireland. He even went as far as discussing the-possibility with his dad.
Bobby qualifies for Ireland through his mum, Alana (nee Beary) Born in County Louth, she left as a 15-year-old before eventually marrying and settling in South Africa.
To this day, the Irish connection is very strong in the Skinstad household. Mum and dad Alvin have been back to Ireland twice in recent years to see relatives.
No sooner had the Springbok party arrived in Ireland, than mum was on the phone. "She wanted to know about the weather and had I seen relatives, that kind of thing. I think she wishes she was here." reflects Bobby.
"I was here previously in 1994 when we followed the Springboks and I watched their game against the Barbarians at Lansdowne Road. Ireland's a fantastic place and Dublin is my favourite city.
"In the Five Nations Championship I've always cheered for Ireland. So, I was always aware of the possibility of declaring for them if I didn't get my chance with the Springboks.
"When I discussed it with my dad and it was decided to see how things went. I was studying for a degree and I was lucky enough to break into the national Colts side."
From there, Skinstad"s prodigious talent was quickly recognised. He hasn't put a foot wrong, captaining the South Africa Under 21 side and starring for Western Province before making his debut for the Springboks against England last year.
Having got the nod ahead of one of the game's outstanding flankers Andre Venter for the clash with Scotland last weekend, he was named "man of the match" leaving fans just waiting for more.
WHAT'S really frightening is that Skinstad doesn't believe that he played well against Scotland. "I was very surprised by that man of the match award; I didn't feel I deserved it at all."In the last 20 minutes they must have been it to and I got the ball twice. Maybe that's the way; it was the last impression in people's minds. But I didn't do anything before that to warrant it. I cringe when I look at the video of that wasted opportunity for a score, it was inexcusable."
SO, ominously, Skinstad is looking for a big improvement this afternoon. "I want to be better in defence and I would like to make much more of a difference in attack. There were a few times when I could have got the ball and held passes but players weren't used to me.
"Ireland will provide us with different problems. Up front they are going to be fiery and aggressive which is how everyone has worked out how they can play the Springboks.
"I think it's going to be an encounter which will be a little bit more of a ruck and maul game rather than the expansive game we would like to be playing. We are going to have to marry the two and play a good close game and a good wide game."
It will be Skinstad's first outing against Ireland at test level having sat on the substitutes bench for the summer tests. Was he disappointed not to get a run? "Not at all. It was difficult to be positive about those games, we had just got together, the games were quite physical up front, and that's not really my type of game.
" I don't like the confrontational aspects. I like an open running game where I can get the ball. That was very hard hitting, stop-start rugby.
"I was actually quite chuffed that I didn't get on. But I'm really looking forward to this game against Ireland. As long as the surface is okay then I'm happy."
He also faces an interesting confrontation with friend and former Western Province and Sevens colleague O'Cuinneagain. He describes him as "a hell of a player."
"Dion's a top bloke and I rate him as a player. He's one of the first players who really got hold of sevens rugby in South Africa. He was in a league of his own when he was playing the game, he could create tries out of nothing."
"I played against him when Western Province met Ireland during the summer. It's not pleasant playing against a guy you get on with but I think we are both competitors."
KEITH Wood, the unavailable Paul Wallace and Eric Miller, are other Irish players to warrant a mention while Skinstad also rates David Corkery. All of them presumably rate the 6 foot 4 inch Skinstad, certainly O'Cuinneagain does.
"Bobby really stormed on to the scene in 1997. I played with him in 1996, he was a talented youngster then but now he is one of the best loose forwards in world rugby," points out O'Cuinneagain.
"He's quick but the main thing about him is that he has incredible endurance. He's also got ball handling ability a lot of centres would dream about." O'Cuinneagain believes that Skinstad is a potential Springbok captain, a view which is shared by current coach Nick Mallet.
"'Bobby already captains Western Province, he's going to captain the Super 12 side next year. He's got a very good temperament and people tend to grow with leadership."' stresses Mallet.
"Some people are put off by it other people grow with it. Actually, he likes the buzz of being a captain, he likes the buzz of encouraging his players and he's a great thinker about the game.
If Skinstad is provided with the opportunities then very clearly, Ireland better watch out.
"When he gets himself into open field situations he can really stop two players, put a guy away, or slash through. In a broken play situation, when he is one on one with a back or a forward, he can beat them hands down."
Ouch! If only the Springboks had ignored him and Skinstad had declared for Ireland. Dream on ... .
Fans attending this afternoon's match are-being invited to contribute to the Omagh Fund established by the IRFU. The IRFU will make a significant contribution
Further Information
Publisher: IRISH INDEPENDENT
Ref: II/163
Published Date: 28-Nov-98
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