Decision time for coach
ERASMUS: INJURIES TO DE ALLENDE, AM, MAPIMPI FORCE RE-THINK FOR PE
Jury still out on whether Willemse or Kolbe get No 15 jersey.
The Springboks’ flyhalf and midfield combination who finished last week’s Test against the All Blacks in Wellington could very well be retained in that order for next weekend’s Rugby Championship clash against Australia in Port Elizabeth.
Coach Rassie Erasmus has some crucial decisions to make after both his centres Damian de Allende and Lukhanyo Am and wing Makazole Mapimpi have been ruled out with injuries.
Disruptions in the second half last week forced Erasmus to replace De Allende with Elton Jantjies, who slotted in at flyhalf with the physical Handre Pollard being moved to No 12, with Kriel moving over to outside centre from wing after both Am and Mapimpi left the field. Cheslin Kolbe came off the bench to play at rightwing in a combination that worked well.
With either Damian Willemse or Kolbe replacing Willie le Roux at fullback in the Friendly City, Erasmus could therefore have to make up to four changes to his backline. Up front his task will be much easier with the starting pack set to remain intact.
All eight players who were released for Currie Cup duty this week are set to rejoin the squad tomorrow and they could be joined by props Trevor Nyakane or Coenie Oosthuizen, centre Lionel Mapoe and wing S’bu Nkosi.
The Boks, in the meantime, return for the first time to the Friendly City since beating Argentina 37-15 there last year and in fact haven’t lost in five Tests in the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium since 2011.
For Bok skipper Siya Kolisi it is a return to the place where he was born and he recalled his own experience when he sent a message to the national Under-15 players who will take part in the Iqhawe Week from October 1-4 at the Bill Jardine Stadium.
“I was determined to change my life and that of my family for the better and I have worked extremely hard to achieve my dream. This is an opportunity for you to do the same, you can do it!” Kolisi told the youngsters.
“We are committed to improving the game for the next generation, some of whom may be the talent discovered at the 2018 Iqhawe Week, said Kolisi.
Kolisi was a Grade 8 pupil from Zwide, outside Port Elizabeth, dreaming of a professional rugby career when he had the opportunity to meet former Bok Schalk Burger, and the Bok skipper shared words of encouragement for the Iqhawe Week participants.
“This is why we have also set aside a portion of our incomes in 2018, not only to sponsor the event, but also to create a potentially life-changing bursary fund to aid young talent.”
Heinz Schenk
Honest guys don’t get far in South African rugby, except if you’re anointed “saviour” of the local game, like Rassie Erasmus. Indeed, the Springbok coach has reached a sort of cult status after last week’s momentous victory over the All Blacks.
And that allows him to be “honest” when stating how you can’t trust politician-speak in terms of whether you’ll be fired or not.
In general, our game reeks of dishonesty.
Coaches and administrators paper over the cracks, either because they don’t care about anything except their own teams or they’re just too scared.
They try to mitigate structural flaws in their game-plans, sing the praises of squads lacking depth and don’t always have sober thoughts on transformation.
It’s for this reason that a man like John Dobson is important.
The Western Province coach is underrated in terms of his coaching ability but also doesn’t command the type of respect he deserves when he addresses issues plaguing the game.
I’m not saying Dobson should suddenly become Springbok coach (but I wouldn’t be against him supplanting the chastened Robbie Fleck at the Stormers).
We need Dobson because he cuts through the bullshit.
Five years ago, he made the controversial point that quotas were needed in rugby because coaches had shown that they weren’t willing to pick non-white players consistently without being forced to do so.
It’s hardly a nice thought but it was the reality.
Last week, Dobson spoke honestly about the shortened, one-round Currie Cup format.
While his counterparts dance around the issue, the Province mentor calls it “frustrating”.
He noted how a single round “lacks integrity” and how it stifles development of players: “It’s become a developmental competition but I’m not sure how much you’re going to achieve in six games, which are all must-wins.”
And then there was the buildup to the match against the Pumas in Mbombela.
It’s obviously important to respect an opponent.
Yet sometimes the compliments are so gut-wrenchingly corny. Not with Dobson. “I have to admit since the arrival of Jimmy Stonehouse there have been some changes, but it’s very much plan A, no plan B rugby and we are prepared.” Province won 57-28. South African rugby needs more of this ruthless honesty.