Brilliant Elton an easy choice at No 10, and Juan is my Springbok captain
WE’VE just gone past the halfway mark of this year’s Super Rugby tournament, so I have decided to have a stab at the 15 players who I think – on current form – should be in the Springbok side.
Remember, only players playing Super Rugby were considered, and form was the only benchmark!
Fullback: Cheslin Kolbe Kolbe has played a lot of rugby this year. He has featured in every game for the Stormers, while he was also part of the SA Sevens squad since November. However, he still looks fresh and has put in some notable performances on attack, not only with his running but with the boot as well.
Right wing: Combrinck The Vryheid-born flyer has been a consistent performer
Ruan over the last few years, but has established himself as one of the top finishers in the competition. Combrinck is a balanced runner and an old-school wing who still looks to beat his man on the outside.
Left wing: Sergeal Petersen The Cheetahs star is a special player, and probably one of the most underrated wide men in the competition.
He may not be the biggest wing in South Africa, but he has plenty of skill and speed. The dreadlocked speedster is also a player who can step his way past defenders.
Outside Mapoe Mapoe should have been in possession of the Bok No 13 jersey last year already. He is a great ball-carrier in the middle of the park, but has the skill to be more than just a basher. His
centre:
Lionel defence is solid too.
Inside centre: Juan de Jongh (captain) The reason why I have picked De Jongh at inside centre is because he has played most of his matches in the position so far. And he has done very well, and has given the Stormers plenty of go-forward with his bursts on the inside. His captaincy has also been good.
Flyhalf: Elton Jantjies This is probably the most straight-forward selection. Jantjies is having a brilliant campaign, and has showed his all-round ability. He has been phenomenal on attack, whether it be with the ball in his hands or on the boot. He is also showing maturity in his decision-making.
Scrumhalf: Faf de Klerk De Klerk’s service is quick and efficient, but it’s his game management and decision-making that gets him the nod in my team. De Klerk and Jantjies also form a deadly combination, and there will be some continuity at national level if one picks both of them in the same team.
No 8: Warren (vice-captain) Because this team is about form, and because Nizaam Carr hasn’t played enough matches at eighthman this season to merit a look-in, Whiteley gets the nod. He is an awesome athlete, and his work-rate is
Whiteley simply outstanding. He is also a great linkman.
Blindside flank: Jaco Kriel The Lions man gets around the park with his strong ball-carrying, which includes explosive bursts in the wide areas. Kriel and Siya Kolisi will probably be fighting for this position this year, but Kriel gets the nod, because he has played a lot more matches than his Stormers rival.
Openside Carr Carr’s best matches this season has been at No 6. His performance against the Brumbies was simply outstanding, with him competing against the likes of David Pocock as he worked hard on the ground to make the turnovers. But he also hasn’t forgot about his flair and ball-playing abilities.
flank:
Nizaam No 5 lock: Pieter-Steph du Toit This guy must be one of the best locks in the world at the moment, in terms of his allround contribution on a rugby field. His lineout work has been outstanding, but it’s his workrate that has put him ahead of Lood de Jager in the Bok pecking order.
No 4 lock: Eben Etzebeth Etzebeth’s contesting at lineout time has been simply amazing, which has added another dimension to his game. He is no longer just the enforcer of the pack, but a guy who jumps well in front and who plays with a lot of thought. Absolute world-class.
Tighthead Malherbe The Stormers co-captain is simply the best in the business at the moment, and a young prop
prop:
Frans who seems to know his game inside-out. He is as strong as an ox, but his technique is his biggest weapon.
Hooker: Edgar Marutlulle The Kings No 2 has had a great season under difficult circumstances. He has been special with ball in hand, as he has given his team plenty of go-forward on attack. His lineout throwing is good, while he also works hard at the breakdown to try and steal the ball.
Loosehead Nyakane The Bulls man has probably been the most consistent loosehead this year. He has been scrumming well, while his contributions around the park have also been really good. His experience also counts in his favour in this case, because most of the No 1s in the country are on the same level.
prop:
Trevor