Springbok squad announced for Rugby Championship

On what do you base that? Lions had a huge amount of injuries in 2012. And the Lions going down is not good for SA rugby because the Lions are SA prop factory.

Quota selection

Steenkamp has been playing in the best scrummaging league in the world whereas Mtwarira is still technically incompetent with a terrible work rate.

Hi Themba, I agree with you it will be difficult for the Kings to get back, they are going to lose a good number of players, so how do you replace them without super rugby money in a year? As far as the refereeing is concerned, I don't see what the fuss is all about, I have come to the conclusion that you cannot blame the referee anymore, we all know that their interpretations differ, we all know we don't always agree, we all know the laws are ambiguous, so either you get smart and adapt, or you die wondering. Simple as that.

Lifting the rule will send too many young guns over seas, their needs to be a compromise. If you have played more then 40 games for your country you can go OS and still be selected.

Biltong, I don't see the kings winning their way back in at the end of 2014 season. The Lions will be to strong after a season of playing together. I was surprised they beat the Kings at home. Do you believe the ref handled the match wrong? I feel for the kings but to build anything you need a foundation that grows, it was never going to be easy starting in S15, not when you could not hold a spot down in lower comps. I feel sorry for the supporters of the kings but before I banish the Lions, let see how they go with the relegation stick behind them. Also Super rugby format does not support for relegation. BUT we now have it and the Lions against the odds won and deserve their spot.

But a similar issue does affect England: Lancaster has refused to select Sheridan, Nick Kennedy, Steffon Armitage, Wilkinson, and Delon Armitage whilst in France. 1. Super Rugby is in no way comparable to Test rugby, so I don't think that's an issue, and as for a direct comparison, that's an oversimplification because you don't really ever get one on one matchups in rugby because it's a team sport. 2. Europe is in the same time zone as SA, so I'm pretty sure a monkey of average intelligence could engage the clubs with regard to fitness and conditioning. Further, if you are a player you get release dates written into your contract so you can attend national fitness camps where a comparison can take place. 3. You're only being selected on reputation if you're not performing well. 4. Slower conditions for part of the year, but I can't recall any recent games where SH Test sides have been fitter than NH sides. Also, Super Rugby is in no way a parallel of Test rugby, so what good does Mtawarira's fitness do him when he's having his head shoved up his bum by Adam Jones? If you want to be a Test player then you are a professional like Frans Louw or you get fat and lazy like Frans Steyn. It's down to the individual. 5. Refers to above - if you want to play in Japan then make sure you keep fit if you have Test aspirations. I don't believe the money issue too. If somebody offered me less money to relocate to Paris I'd be there in a flash. Europe is a lifestyle experience, and not only that it can benefit players too. Gary Botha, Mujati and Kruger all improved massively when playing in Europe, and SA has big technical issues with their tight five ATM. This to me, and no disrespect intended, is the sort of narrow minded vision you are accusing Meyer of.

Lets see what Meyer does in November, I am hoping that he is only doing this because it is the rugby championship. If he continues to do this in November, then he won't have enough time to build a new squad, then it will be 2011 all over again.

Agree, I forgot that chiliboy is leaving, From what I understand Fourie is only available for the first two home tests, not the last one.

BB, I think you need to add Chilli's name in the list of overseas guys too. As for FdP, I think he's available for all home tests ( not the overseas legs though). Wonder how Suntory are willing to release him for the home tests, but not the abroad ones. Squad's okay- thin at THP and in the backs, whether neither Basson nor Kirchner inspire any great confidence.

Having guys like Du Preez join the squad when it suits them/their club is not great for the team culture, domestic rugby or the future of the Boks.

Horrendous decision - the message is basically that where you play has no bearing and that pathways to the higher levels can be still be blocked by overseas pension collectors. I understand the odd one or two where injury has decimated the top end ranks but to bring back into the fold players who have been overseas for a long time (Steenkamp) where we have depth is ridiculous. The TH conversion of Coenie is also farcical

Agree, let me know if you are coming up to JHB.

Thanks biltong will consider I reckon it could work vise versa,We usually book a B&B or hotel when in Joburg,I'm sure we will chat before the game with confirmations,would be nice to nibble on some biltong while we go on with the usuall rugby tales :-).

That's too bad. Was looking forward to that. My son gets automated texts from Mccaw which is kinda cool but not looking forward to him figuring out they arnt real!

I wanted to, and emailed his website (there is an email address where you can make contact with him) to say I wanted to do a Q&A with him for the Roar, it came back and just said he cannot answer every mail, I got the impression it was just an automated system, which leads me to believe it is more a marketing gig than a genuine manner in which to communicate. So I lost my inspiration. Glad you enjoy the ramblings of a fanatic Rugby supporter. ;)

I am seriously thinking about it, you live in Cape Town? If you are considering going let me know, if you don't have family or friends up here we can make a plan.

Of course you are right BB. He would have forgotten more about Rugby then i will ever know and posses a unique inside knowledge behind all three sanzar members. Unfortunately my bias doe not allow me to make logical judgements at times ;) thank you for your articles very much enjoy them. I remember you mentioned you may do a piece on Habana?

Yes Biltong unless something dramatic happens,havn't made plans though & you?

Are you going to come to watch the test?