Bok team speaks to continuity

IT WOULD be hard to say that there were shocks in Allister Coetzee’s end-of-year tour team, despite there being four new caps. Warrick Gelant, Lukhanyo Am, Dan du Preez and Louis Schreuder have been given a chance to shine in Europe, but they have all had their times in the Bok camp.

There is much more to take out of those who have been left out.

Many thought that Robert du Preez deserved to get a chance, especially after he bossed Western Province to the Currie Cup final, upstaging Sharks incumbent Curwin Bosch, who has another chance to add to his one cap.

Lions centre Rohan Janse van Rensburg is also left out in the cold, which is especially disappointing for the capped Bok because there is a gap in the midfield with Jan Serfontein excusing himself from the four Tests.

Overall, though, it is a squad that speaks to continuity and further exploring options that have been decided on beforehand.

The likes of Am, Du Preez and Schreuder – from the Sharks – have got to the top from their Super Rugby form, as have the Cheetahs trio of Francois Venter, Uzair Cassiem and Oupa Mohoje.

Basing selection on late Currie Cup form, there would be cases for Du Preez, the flyhalf, Franco Marais at hooker, Kwagga Smith and Burger Odendaal.

But with a few players missing for the final Test against Wales, their call may yet come.