Mapoe’s stint in Japan could cost him dear

ASpringbok squad announcement normally absolutely captures the imagination of the local rugby fraternity, but all eyes will be on the Lions this weekend as they try to capture their first Super Rugby crown and only the fourth by a South African franchise, the other three titles all having been won by the Bulls between 2007 and 2010.

Also reducing the amount of focus on Allister Coetzee’s big selection, revealed after the final, is the fact that there should only be two or three changes to the 33-man squad for the Rugby Championship. The bulk of the Lions team that has already made history will surely be chosen, especially after the tremendous success they anchored in the series against France.

There is going to be one sad omission from the squad, however, with Lions outside centre Li- onel Mapoe, one of the key players in their rise to dominance, a notable absentee.

That’s because the 29-year-old Mapoe’s contract with his Japanese club Kubota does not include a release clause for the Rugby Championship.

With Jan Serfontein and Jesse Kriel settling into their midfield partnership, Mapoe is not necessarily Coetzee’s first-choice No 13, which is no doubt one of the reasons for him turning his back on the Springboks, at least temporarily.

One has to question, however, the long-term wisdom of Mapoe’s move, with the coach no doubt starting to work towards getting his squad together for the World Cup in two years’ time.

Lukhanyo Am, one of the brightest prospects to emerge from this year’s Super Rugby tournament, was originally named in the squad for the France series but unfortunately had to withdraw beforehand due to a fractured cheekbone the weekend before joining the Springbok camp. It now seems likely that the Sharks outside centre will be named in Mapoe’s place and might even make his debut at some stage in the Rugby Championship.

While the Lions lose Mapoe’s representation in the national squad, the return of wing Ruan Combrinck must surely be locked in, especially after his superb display in the Super Rugby semifinal win over the Hurricanes. Tall, strong and quick, with great hands and a thumping boot, he is the type of X-factor player that does actually win games, as he did in the Lions’ quarterfinal scare against the Sharks.

I would go so far as to say that, when fit, the Green and Gold No 14 jersey should be reserved for Combrinck up until the 2019 World Cup.

Lions captain Warren Whiteley has sadly played no part in the finals series due to his groin muscle tear, but is still likely to be named in the Springbok squad. Because of his importance as national captain, he will no doubt be assessed in the next week and a decision will be made over whether he returns against Argentina at home or away, or at all.

The other potential No 8, Duane Vermeulen, is currently indisposed having had groin surgery, which will probably lead to the inclusion of Stormers loose forward Sikhumbuzo Notshe in the squad.

The loose trio that played in the last Test against France – Jean-Luc du Preez at eight, Jaco Kriel at seven and Siya Kolisi at six – delivered an inspirational performance and I would like to see them continue as the starting combination in Whiteley’s absence.