Planning ahead
Allister Coetzee has been clear about his goals from the outset. Over the next four years, the Springbok coach will try to build a side that is both competitive and more reflective of SA’s demographics.
When Coetzee was appointed as the new national coach on April 12, he gave the impression both goals were attainable. If he has his way, the Boks will travel to the 2019 World Cup as real contenders for the title, and with a side that is 50% black.
Coetzee recently announced his 31-man test squad for the three-match series against Ireland, as well as a 23-man SA “A” side to tackle the England Saxons in two matches this month. At the unveiling of the two squads, he admitted that transformation factored into selection.
SA Rugby president Regan Hoskins, also in attendance, said the revival of the SA “A” team would expose more players of colour to international rugby, thus increasing the pool of black players available to the Bok coach.
There is a good blend of youth and experience in the test squad. The only surprise omission is that of veteran hooker Bismarck du Plessis, who has been in outstanding form for French club Montpellier in the European leagues. It would seem Coetzee is satisfied with the hookers plying their trade within SA. He will give several youngsters a chance against Ireland this month.
As many as nine uncapped players have been included in the test squad. Garth April, Ruan Combrinck, Faf de Klerk, Nic Groom, Steven Kitshoff, Jaco Kriel, Bongi Mbonambi, Sikhumbuzo Notshe and Scarra Ntubeni should all receive opportunities at some stage in the three-test series. April, Combrinck, Groom, Mbonambi and Notshe have not been part of a wider Bok squad before.
Coetzee has said that he prefers to back local players ahead of those based at overseas clubs. At the same time, he is mindful of the fact that the Boks
‘‘ THERE IS ENOUGH QUALITY AND EXPERIENCE ACROSS THE 31-MAN SQUAD TO ENSURE THAT THE BOKS FIELD A COMPETITIVE SIDE AND MEET THE TRANSFORMATION TARGETS
lost a host of experienced players at the end of the 2015 World Cup. Jean de Villiers, Victor Matfield and Fourie du Preez all retired from international rugby, while Schalk Burger is unavailable for the series against Ireland. All four players led the Boks at some stage during the 2015 season. It’s for this reason that Coetzee has recalled two senior players, Duane Vermeulen and Francois Louw, from Europe. The Bok coach wants to harness the experience of these players and include them in his leadership group. On Monday Coetzee named hooker Adriaan Strauss as Bok captain against Ireland. Vermeulen has been touted for the role for some time, and it can’t hurt that he has worked with Coetzee before at the Stormers. Coetzee will need to get the