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South Africa's Bakkies Botha, left, Victor Matfield and Bismarck du Plessis celebrate winning the Tri Nations Cup. (AP Photo/NZPA, David Rowland)
With just over a week until the start of the 2011 Rugby World Cup, rugby lovers over the world are gearing up for what is sure going to be a fascinating tournament. Discussions abound over who has the best chance to win the coveted Webb Ellis trophy.
At this stage, its wide open. All of New Zealand (who are favourites in my opinion), Australia, South Africa, France and England can be said to have a reasonable chance of emerging from the month-long rugby extravaganza as victors.
Defending champions South Africa have the opportunity to do something that has never been done before; defend the title.
The team representing the rainbow nation has certainly got the pedigree. Rugby is steeped in the history of South Africa. The Springbok badge has always been at the top end of international rugby, apart from the years of isolation of course.
And who can forget the amazing scenes that were brought about by the team’s victory on home soil in 1995?
While this history certainly places the champions in a firm position to break new ground in international rugby, does their current squad of players?
There is no mistaking that all-to-familiar whiff of the ‘class of 2007’ that permeates through the 2011 incarnation that the Springboks have presented. No less than 18 players were in the squad that lifted the trophy in Paris.
John Smit leads the side again. His season so far, has been dominated by questions surrounding his place in the side and whether he deserves to be picked at hooker above the inspiring Bismarck du Plessis.
The young Sharks hooker has been a tower of strength, both in the Super 15 and his limited Tri Nations run.
If Smit is to play most of the World Cup, Peter De Villiers is going to have to make a difficult decision. Based on Smits’ performance in the Tri Nations, he should be hesitant to play him at prop, where his captain was seen going backwards at a rate of knots in the scrum.
Smit and du Plessis are joined in the front row by stalwarts Jannie du Plessis (Bismarck’s brother), Tendai ‘Beast’ Mtawarira, Guthro Steenkamp, Chilliboy Ralapelle and CJ van der Linde.
Certainly a rich range of experience and brawn for De Villiers to pick from.
Behind these man-mountains will slot South Africa’s most successful lock pairing of all time. Vice-captain Victor Matfield pairs up with his long time buddy, Bakkies Botha.
Strong in the line-out and cool under pressure, Matfield is a handy leader to have, when Smit is not on the field (something that may happen more often than expected).
Botha, on the other hand, is the enforcer. More often than not, he throws his considerable bulk around the park, with bone-clattering results along with a few disciplinary results too.
Backing the two veterans up in the back row are Johan Muller, Danie Rossouw, Schalk Burger and the monstrously large, Willem Alberts, whose bruising runs will be a great weapon to use off the bench.
The back three sees De Villiers make an inspired decision by picking two, out and out fetchers.
Heinrich Brüssow is a no-brainer. The plucky no. 6 from the Free State illustrated against the All Blacks, how much a team can benefit from the rare skill of poaching a ball through a keyhole.
The selection of Francois Louw on the other hand, is genius. The former Capetonian, who now plies his trade in England’s premiership is the perfect replacement, should Brüssow’s recent injury woes continue.
Rampaging Bulls no. 8 Pierre Spies, rounds off the forward pack.
The Springboks are well covered at scrumhalf. Fourie Du Preez is the likely starter with Ruan Pienaar and Francois Hougaard (both of whom can cover other key positions) providing great cover.
The all-important pivot position can be filled by all of Butch James, the deadly boot of Mornè Steyn, the exciting young Patrick Lambie and the multi-talented Ruan Pienaar.
The first choice centre pairing will be Stormers duo Jacques Fourie and Jean De Villiers. These two have played together for many years, although De Villiers missed out in 2007 due to injury.
Juan de Jongh is the only other actual center in the squad, but Butch James has been handy in the outside channel in the past.
Wing and fullback will be filled by Brian Habana (wing), JP Pietersen (who can play both positions), Patrick Lambie, Gio Aplon, Francois Hougaard, Odwa Ndungane and Francois Steyn.
It has been a long time since Peter De Villiers has fielded such an acceptable squad.
While history has an uncanny ability of repeating itself, this Springbok squad certainly has that mix of youth, experience and talent to do what has never been done before.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.