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Springbok supporters were left astonished when Adriaan Strauss announced his retirement from Test rugby on Thursday.
In what has been a challenging year for the Springbok captain, many questioned his recent work rate and performance on the field. Strauss has always been regarded as a very good ambassador of the game. Springbok coach Allister Coetzee also showed him a lot of loyalty since taking over the reigns as coach.
Strauss’s announcement came with some interesting additional information. He states that earlier this year he supposedly told coach Coetzee of his plans to retire at the end of this (2016) season. According to Coetzee “he knew since day one” of the Springbok captain’s plans.
Fans are now asking the obvious question of why younger hookers have not been given more game time in recent months. Many are also questioning the exact circumstances of Strauss’s decision, especially now that the Springboks are facing a very difficult tour to Australasia. No doubt the conspiracy theories will abound but the fact of the matter is that the timing of the announcement does not seem ideal.
Two hookers are currently touring with the squad, Bongi Mbonambi and Malcolm Marx. Unfortunately for the Springboks, they have very little international game time between them. Coetzee will have to decide how much of a risk he is willing to take, not only in trying to give these newcomers more game time, but also who will take over the captaincy if Strauss leaves the field. This on a tour where they are about to face the best team in the world in New Zealand.
The Springbok team for the Brisbane Test against Australia has not been announced yet. There will no doubt be a lot of interest in Strauss and who the leadership duties falls to next. Coetzee may also have some difficult questions posed by the press as to how and when he envisaged a leadership change to take place.
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.