They say that with age comes wisdom, but right now I’m not so sure. At the time of writing, I have just turned 21 years of age and with it I have been subjected to the most hideous display of Stormers rugby I have ever seen in my life last weekend.
It wasn’t the sort of birthday present I was aiming for, but the newly perceived wisdom I have gained told me to look at the bright side of things that emerged from the conclusion of yet another disappointing year for the South African Conference.
First things first though. I recently wrote an article saying that I do not believe that any South African team has the ability to win the 2015 edition of Super Rugby.
In that article I also stated that I believe that, despite the incompetence of the South African sides in the southern hemisphere showpiece, the national side has every reason to feel optimistic in a World Cup year.
Even after seeing the Stormers perform their annual choke, I am proud to say that I stand by the views of my 20-year-old self.
When looking at the South African Conference there is sufficient reason to feel aggrieved. They have not been performing up to standard for the past three seasons and none of them look to be in a position where they can say that they can win the Super Rugby trophy in the foreseeable future.
When you factor in the facts that almost all of them will be heading into 2016 with plenty of players leaving, and that they have all had a significant shake-up in terms of management the chances become even less.
Indeed, Super Rugby seems a grim prospect in the coming years. The Springboks, however, look to be in a very good place regardless. Man for man, most of the Springbok contenders has been looking good as have the ‘pretenders’ to the green and gold jersey.
Certain stalwarts have cemented their place in the Springbok squad, such as the immovable Duane Vermeulen, Schalk Burger, Handre Pollard, Francois Louw, Victor Matfield and Eben Etzebeth.
Certain ‘pretenders to the throne’ have raised their hands in opposition, like Warren Whiteley, Jaco Kriel, Jesse Kriel, Burger Odendaal, Ruan Combrinck, Faf de Klerk, Elton Jantjies, Ruan Botha and Damian de Allende.
As a collective the Springboks can assemble a squad of players who failed as a collective in separate teams, but performed admirably individually.
In light of this I have penned down a squad of 31 players that I would take to the World Cup. This squad consists of players who possess the experience and level-headedness to face World Cup conditions as well as players who really should be rewarded for their form in Super Rugby.
Players who have already excluded themselves from national duty were not considered, such as the retired Bakkies Botha and Flip van der Merwe. Players who are still in it even with an outside chance like Jaque Fourie, Francois Steyn, Jean de Villiers, Pieter-Steph du Toit and Pat Lambie were considered.
Without further ado, here is my squad. To our Australasian cousins reading this, feel free to name your own squads. As another article has recently shown, it’s always nice to have foreign input without favouritism and provincial bias.
Props:
1. Steven Kitshoff (185cm, 120kg)
While a baby in prop terms, Kitshoff has 50 Stormers caps to his name and has been battling it out with the big boys since 2011.
For me he has been the standout loosehead in the southern hemisphere this year and is long overdue for a national call-up. He is a good scrummager, he tackles, carries and rucks well and his work rate will come in handy in England later this year.
2. Tendai Mtawarira (186cm, 116kg)
The Beast hasn’t been the beast he was in 2009, but he remains an integral part of the green machine.
Infinitely mobile for a man of his size, Meyer must consider using him a little further from the rucks with ball in hand. As demonstrated numerous times throughout his career, Mtawarira causes serious damage when flying down the flanks. His scrummaging is still solid and his experience will be invaluable in a World Cup.
3. Trevor Nyakane (178cm, 120kg)
Though he might not look it, Nyakane has lost around 10 kilograms since last year. Recognising the need to improve his mobility and contribution around the park, Nyakane has been working day and night to condition himself just right and he is the better for it.
Able to pack down on both sides, his diversity is what gets him the call-up in my mind. That is assuming he arrives on time for the flight this time round.
4. Frans Malherbe (191cm, 124kg)
Injury has not been kind to Malherbe, especially when you consider the fact that he is rated all over the world and more importantly, rated highly by Heyneke Meyer himself.
Malherbe along with Kitshoff and Koch has been the scrummaging highlight this year and he will need to replicate those efforts in the Bokless Bok jersey. His work rate is what sets him apart in my view.
5. Vincent Koch (185cm, 118kg)
His first season in Super Rugby has been an enlightening one. Koch was the find of the season for the Stormers and performed admirably against the world’s best.
A bit of a gamble on my part seeing as the crop of props thus far don’t have an awful lot of experience between them, but in reality it was either him or Jannie du Plessis and that one presented itself as a no-brainer to me. Jannie does not deserve the Bokless Bok jersey, even if it is rather ugly this year.
6. Marcell van der Merwe (188cm, 126kg)
A player of raw talent and is destined to play for the Boks for many years. Let’s face it, it isn’t easy scrumming for a Bulls side that has been struggling to scrum for years now, but van der Merwe presents himself as a diamond in the rough.
Like Nyakane, he is also able to play on either side, but it is his ball handling that impresses me the most. He has a nifty offload on him.
Hookers
7. Bismarck du Plessis (189cm, 114kg)
Bismarck hasn’t been his best lately and yet he remains an irresistible choice for the men in green and gold.
When he is on form he is the best hooker in the world by a comfortable margin. He scrums well, he carries with intent, tackles to destroy and acts as a spare loose forward on the ground. Here’s to hoping he regains his mojo.
8. Adriaan Strauss (185cm, 111kg)
Like Bismarck, Strauss has not been what he used to be. Like Bismarck he is still the natural second choice hooker for the Boks.
While not as hard or physically imposing as du Plessis is, his strengths lie elsewhere. He is mobile and a rock with his throw-ins. That and he has the leadership skills needed to make a positive contribution at the World Cup.
9. Robbie Coetzee (188cm, 105kg)
The Lions hooker is not the household name of his Bulls and Sharks counterparts, but Coetzee has proven his worth time and time again in the past two years.
He is not that big, but then he is the new breed of South African forwards that possess mobility, skill and fitness. Unlucky not to have earned an international cap thus far.
Locks
10. Eben Etzebeth (206cm, 117kg)
The first lock that picks himself when a discussion arises about the best locks in the world. Etzebeth has been colossal this year and has steadily regained his reputation of being the no-nonsense lock forward no one wants to face.
At his peak he is the only match for Brodie Retallick.
Not many know this, but Etzebeth too joined the sacred pilgrimage of superior conditioning. When he started he weighed in at 125 kilos and after training rigorously, now he comes in at a weight of 117 kilos and he is the better for it.
Steve Hansen famously called him a freak in 2013, an enormous man capable of reaching unfathomable speeds and mobility.
11. Victor Matfield (201cm, 105kg)
Though not a religious follower of Matfield as some South Africans are, I can see the value a man like Matfield can bring to the side.
Aside from being a leader, Matfield’s legendary lineout prowess continues to influence. He might not be the hard working lock like Sam Whitelock, but he is king in what he does.
12. Pieter-Steph du Toit (200cm, 115kg)
The man who was destined to partner Etzebeth this year only to receive yet another cringe-worthy injury early in the season.
Able to lock down on both sides, du Toit may be one of the more all-round locks in world rugby. He can also play blindside flanker. He can call the lineout like a five and he can smash opponents like a four Here’s to hoping he can make it.
13. Andries Bekker (208cm, 120kg)
The forgotten son of South African rugby. Bekker is the most New Zealand-esque forward in the whole of South Africa.
He has skills that would make most tight forwards blush and he gets around the park nicely. Almost being seven feet tall helps too.
Should either du Toit or Bekker fail to make it for the World Cup, Lions lock Franco Mostert deserves the call from Meyer.
Loose Forwards
14. Francois Louw (191cm, 114kg)
One of the contenders for McCaw’s throne after this year. Louw has been in red-hot form for Bath and warrants his selection beyond any reasonable doubt.
On the ground he is devastating, he has the size to play the Springbok way by smashing into defenders, ball carriers and rucks. He also possesses a passing game that could help against teams with even the staunchest of defences.
15. Schalk Burger (193cm, 114kg)
For a man who stood at death’s door only a few seasons ago, Burger has reasserted himself as a must for the Springboks.
Credit must be given to the stalwart for recognizing the need to change his style of play for his own body’s sake. No longer is he the kamikaze bulldozer with no regard for his body. Seeing him offload like a Kiwi has been a revelation. Schalkie version 2.0 is a new kind of Burger on the menu.
16. Jacques Potgieter (194cm, 115kg)
The surprise package in my squad, but one who completely deserves the reward for his scintillating play for the past two years at the NSW Waratahs.
Potgieter gets the nod over Jaco Kriel, who was very hard to overlook. The reason for this is diversity.
Unfortunately Kriel will only make the cut as an openside flanker and I can’t see him lifting either Burger or Louw from the team.
Potgieter is here because he brings the perfect balance between skill, physicality and aggression. He has the size to act as a hard Willem Alberts type of player and as last year taught us, the Boks play badly without the hard, abrasive type on the blindside.
17. Warren Whiteley (193cm, 105kg)
A player that deserves a booking to the World Cup. The Minister of Defence has a heart of pure gold and is the natural choice as a backup to Duane Vermeulen at eight
Whiteley is the best defender in the southern hemisphere and he is tireless in the ruck and pretty much everywhere else. Able to play the game at pace and has the skills to put men into gaps. Should the unthinkable happen to Duane Vermeulen, Whiteley is our man.
18. Duane Vermeulen (193cm, 116kg)
The very best player in the Republic and my choice as captain should Jean de Villiers not make it in time.
Duane Vermeulen has only been around for three years, but he’s taken the world by storm in that time. Immovable over the ball, destructive in the carry, unbreakable on defence, wise beyond his years. Vermeulen is Springbok rugby personified.
Scrum-halves
19. Fourie du Preez (182cm, 91kg)
Once touted as the best scrum-half in the world by some margin, du Preez is the only scrummie available to South Africa that can play World Cup conditions to perfection.
While it is true that he does not possess the speed to the ruck anymore and that he takes the up and under more times than we’d like, there is no doubt that du Preez has the level-headedness the Boks need at nine in a World Cup. If the conditions are dour I surely would not feel comfortable with either Reinach or de Klerk on the field.
20. Faf de Klerk (170cm, 82kg)
Perhaps the most exciting scrummie to emerge in the Republic since Sarel Pretorius. Faf had an excellent year of Super Rugby and is perhaps a primary threat to Aaron Smith in the foreseeable future.
He is without doubt the best attacking nine in South Africa and what sets him apart is that he seeks to stay involved after he’s passed the ball. It has been a hallmark of his popping up where you least expect him, scoring some nice tries.
21. Cobus Reinach (175cm, 85kg)
Since making his debut for the Springboks, Reinach has given Meyer little reason to drop him out of contention.
He is very much like de Klerk in that he is very fast to the breakdown and involves himself in ensuing play, but if there is one attribute that makes him dangerous it is that he can outsprint some wingers in world rugby.
Fly-halves
22. Morné Steyn (183cm, 93kg)
Like Fourie du Preez, Morné Steyn is absolutely necessary for the World Cup due to the fact that the Springboks need a 9-10 axis that can control a game when the conditions turn down south.
Steyn has proven his worth time and time again when faced with adversity and he provides the experience needed when things go tough. Regardless of the starting 10 you choose, I believe that Steyn is an absolute necessity off the bench.
23. Handre Pollard (189cm, 96kg)
The ‘Wunderkind’ of South African rugby who manage to create two tries and score two tries against the All Blacks in his very first two games against them. Where it not for Pollard, last year’s Ellis Park Test would have resulted in a loss for the Boks.
Pollard seems to be the greatest batch of raw talent to emerge from the Republic ever since Francois Steyn graced the field back in 2006. A big man in the 10 shirt, he has the weight to oppose those big centres running at his channel.
24. Patrick Lambie (178cm, 87kg)
Young, talented, experienced and able to play probably anywhere in the entire backline. There is no reason not to take Lambie along to England.
Throughout his career, Lambie has proven his worth in the northern hemisphere. He was in charge when the Boks went unbeaten in 2012 and he deputised for Steyn up north in 2013. A rare breed able to play both a tactical and open game.
Centres
25. Damian de Allende (189cm, 101kg)
In my view the very best inside centre in this year’s Super Rugby tournament. Ma’a Nonu is by all means worthy of that accolade, but for me de Allende has been colossal on attack for a team that otherwise has the attacking edge of a teaspoon. The amount of defenders he’s beaten this year is insane and against the Brumbies he made a staggering 120 metres in an otherwise dull display by his teammates.
De Allende is a physical specimen that defies logic. The power he generates from his slender looking physique is something to behold and what further substantiates his cause is the fact that he offloads very well in contact and draws three defenders at a time. He can also play wing.
26. Jean de Villiers (191cm, 100kg)
Despite the amazing form of his Stormers partner, de Villiers is every bit as integral to the Springboks as Duane Vermeulen is.
He is a born leader of men, respected by his peers and has the experience that counts. When he is at his best, de Villiers is a contender for one of the best in the world.
27. Jaque Fourie (190cm, 105kg)
South Africa’s biggest problem lies at the number 13, but fortunately Jaque Fourie is back in the mix. There is not one single 13 in the Republic that is world class apart from him.
Fourie did look off form back in 2013 and many would object to his selection because of that, but Fourie is the only natural 13 that can help the Boks. Neither de Villiers, de Allende, Serfontein or, God forbid, JP Pietersen know how to organise a defence and that is one of the primary roles of an outside centre. Whether we like it or not, Fourie is our best bet.
28. Francois Steyn (191cm, 106kg)
How the mighty have fallen. Francois Steyn promised so much and delivered so little in the past few years, but he has the chance to correct past mistakes this year.
Able to play 10, 12 and 15, Steyn has the talent and the experience to help the Boks over the line like he proved in 2011 when he was arguably the best player in green and gold in the tournament.
His weight is no longer an issue and despite limited game time this year, he’s offloaded more times than most of our backs. His kicking will also be instrumental.
Back three
29. Bryan Habana (180cm, 94kg)
The only winger the Republic possesses that can claim to be the best in his position. Neither JP Pietersen, Cornall Hendricks, Lwazi Mvovo or Seabelo Senatla have impressed this year and this leaves Habana as the stand alone.
He has scored more tries than any other South African and he has a good record in World Cups. A no-brainer really.
30. Willie le Roux (185cm, 90kg)
Willie has been the Boks’ key strike weapon for the past two years now and has worked on his aerial skills for the past two seasons.
Le Roux is another versatile player that can play 10, 11, 14 or 15 if need be. He will lead the charge when it comes to attack again this year and thankfully he has sufficient backup in Jesse Kriel.
31. Jesse Kriel (188cm, 95kg)
Kriel’s emergence at the Bulls was a blessing in disguise for Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer. Now the Springboks have not only one, but two very talented fullbacks at their disposal.
Kriel combines speed and strength. He has the knack for finding the gap and while his distribution isn’t where it needs to be, he offers a lot of stability at the back.
My ideal Springboks23 for the World Cup
1. Tendai Mtawarira
2. Bismarck du Plessis
3. Frans Malherbe
4. Eben Etzebeth
5. Pieter-Steph du Toit
6. Francois Louw
7. Schalk Burger
8. Duane Vermeulen (Captain)
9. Faf de Klerk
10. Handre Pollard
11. Bryan Habana
12. Damian de Allende
13. Jaque Fourie
14. Willie le Roux
15. Jesse Kriel
Reserves
16. Steven Kitshoff
17. Vincent Koch
18. Adriaan Strauss
19. Victor Matfield
20. Jacques Potgieter
21. Fourie du Preez
22. Morne Steyn
23. Jean de Villiers
Carl
Guest
Problems do relate to the choice of players but in reality until the coac h root out specific inherent mistakes the boks will be slaughtered so stop playing predictable play,forwards must support the back line, at all times, stop kicking away possession, attack instead of using excess energy to defend all the time, place 2 tacklers on each ball carrier to weaken their legs,scrumhalf should release immediately instead of sending predictable directions to the opposition, double up the team spread in play, stop playing defensively most of the time ....get possession, remove out of form players after 10 minutes not.after 40 minutes, stop playing a 10 man team ..get rid of dead wood, scrum and line out problems bad binding and no challenges in line outs coach stop watching games coach basic proper play
Pommie John
Guest
Er Good hehehe!
Pommie John
Guest
Pietersen for me needs more space and takes more time to get his speed up, outside centre he ma be found wanting at the rwc. At inside and only inside - Damien Allinde is a scary prospect saw him put a few large units on their buts this year, runs well with ball in both hands. I am excited to see what team the Springboks put out and who is on form. I think this world cup is yours to lose, I say this because the northern hemisphere has already showed its cards on how they plan to disrupt your play, so the Bok coaches, as a think tank, have had enough time and are capable of countering these measures. Boks your chance of taking it has never been this god, you have players a plenty "Choose the right ones" and then back them. You can say this about the Ab's at every Rwc, so you guys at 2nd position but on the day you know you can do it.
Digby
Roar Guru
Happy belated birthday. Well laid out.
Taylorman
Guest
Happy birthday for the other day Armand. From memory I spent mine at a beer festival as an surprised guest due to some very well meaning team mates. Oompah band and tall blondes in red skirts serving huge steins of beer. Gosh those were the days. Keep dishing up your obvious knack for humour and love of the game here. :-) SA rugby taking a short back seat for a couple of weeks then BOOM!
RobC
Roar Guru
Thanks AvZ. Not sure the team complies with their current policy re race. I think they are aiming for at least five on tour? Also, HM has worked with a team over a number of years to prep for RWC15. So no changes to the current team, except for standouts and injuries. So imo: - Mort no. Faf, not yet. JackPot no - he plays Cheikball. Not sure about FdP or Frankenstein. JanS is a close partner to Pollard - Standouts from the Stormers ie THPs and DdA. Lions Robbie C, - Agree re Warren White. He is a v strong option. Not just for D, but his expansive attack, and leadership. Equally important is the SB LO, which has been caught out in 2H Im looking forward to seeing Habana back on the paddock. He leveled up last year, which is astounding in itself.
Not Bothered
Guest
Yes, its ridiculous, he has named 3 non white players and that will clearly never happen.
Grent Dosa
Roar Rookie
For the world cup my pack would be Kitshoff, Bissie, Malherbe, Etzebeth, Matfield, Louw, Burger or Whiteley to start but at 7 but alberts on the bench because I feel he plays his best rugby for about 30 minutes in a game, and vermeulen at 8. The backline is a real tough one and there are a lot of question marks for me. 9) is a difficult one I’d probably go with du Preez, Pienaars service is to slow for me I’m not his biggest fan. 10) Pollard vs Lambie! I like pollard more but I would pick lambie. I actually think Goosens got more talent than either of them but hes not ready for that role!11) Habana. Centres would be who evers on form between De Villiers, De Allende and Fourie. 14) Pietersens defence and experience will help him but I really much prefer a wing that looks for more work than he does, hes often dead lazy and not very inspiring on the field.15) would have to be le Roux, Kriel shows promise but hes not ready for a starting role at a world cup, I’d have Goosen as the backup to le Roux
Michael
Guest
If JP Pietersen can outside center, then I don't see why not.
Chivas
Guest
If it helps any I saw the AB's lose to the French on my 21st birthday :-(
Armand van Zyl
Roar Guru
Can Goosen play winger?
Kia Kaha
Roar Guru
Thanks for laying out all the prospects Armand. It's certainly a formidable squad but much like NZ how many new faces will be in the starting team come the knockout round and how many veteran players? In my view the RC away games and the pool games give some time for Meyer to gauge the prospects of new players. Will he give some time to Jean de Villliers or Fourie though which will mean fewer opportunities for de Allende? It's a difficult balance and the relatively easy pool could prove a nuisance.
Harry Jones
Expert
AvZ. Nice one boet. J-Pot... Hmmm The rest is good; but I think you need one more outside back. Goooooosen?
Harry Jones
Expert
Howzit guys. What's the situation with Rudy P?
Michael
Guest
The Steelers has made Bekker unavailable for the World Cup. They have only released Fourie. The scrumhalves will be Du Preez, Pienaar (Don't rule him out so soon) and Reinach. De Klerk and Paige have outside chances of making it. Also, don't rule out Serfontein for inside center. Apparently De Villiers can also play 13. So a group of Fourie, De Villiers, Serfontein and De Allende is a possibility. Jannie du Plessis has been overplayed in recent times. If he gets a well deserved break some time soon, then he stands a chance of making the World Cup. I have a feeling that he will make it anyway. Meyer usually goes more for experience. But he does take a well timed risk now and then. However, a World Cup year isn't the time for risks. This is when you have a established squad built up over the last two years.
Seb V
Guest
As a Brumbies supporter I can certainly appreciate Damian de Allende's attacking abilities. He absolutely carved us up and Lilo, Toomua, Kuridrani are all renowned good defenders. I was amazed at how easy he made it look. Not so sure about this defence though.
Blue
Guest
Nice piece Armand. For the most part wish you were right. However.... I just think Meyer is going to fall back on some of his old favorites like Jannie Doep, F Hougaard, JP and Alberts. Koch or vd Merwe will miss out for Jannie. It's wrong. But will happen. With all the quota issues I see names like Oupa Mohoje (which is exactly why Jacques Potgieter has ZERO chance) and Heinie Adams as certainties. Adams by the way deserves it ahead of Reinach. We will see another few black players in the squad, especially the third hooker and one or two more outside backs. This will cost Kriel,I suspect Willie will be the only travelling fullback, especially if Steyn is in the mix, which he is expected to be from what I understand. Lambie also covers 15.