Opportunity for coaches too

THE South Africa A team’s two-match series against the England Saxons will not only be an opportunity for the fringe players who did not make the cut for the Springbok squad, but the coaches too.

Johan Ackermann heads a coaching staff that includes Border assistant Chumani Booi and SWD Eagles’ Abe Davids — all of whom much will be expected from in future.

Given the exciting brand Ackermann’s Lions have produced in Super Rugby and the improvements seen from the Border Bulldogs in the Currie Cup, gives hope and high expectation of an exhilarating clash in Bloemfontein on Friday, in the first match against the Saxons.

“For Ackers, this gives him a chance to test if what he has going at the Lions can be transferred to the national team setup,” former Bok centre Kaya Malotana told Sunday Times.

Having played for the SA A side in 2004 while a member of the Sharks team, Booi knows exactly what representing the team is all about.

“I know what a privilege it is to represent your country. It is not something one is entitled to, but a privilege,” the SA A assistant coach said.

The South Africa A side can expect the going to be tough against what is a more experienced Saxons side.

While Ackermann’s troops boast six Springboks in their armour — Oupa Mohoje, Coenie Oosthuizen, Vincent Koch, Marcel van der Merwe, Nizaam Carr and Piet van Zyl — the English have no less than 10.

Their contingent is led by the experienced lock Dave Attwood, prop Kieran Brooke, flyhalf Danny Capriani and centre Luther Burrell — who have close to 70 test caps combined for England.