Rosslee’s Bok Squad
It’s that time of the year again when us rugby journos get to play Bok selector ahead of the three Test tour to the UK. The Bok squad will be announced after the Currie Cup final next Saturday and - as always - there will be some surprises and players unlucky to miss out.
A rather disappointing Tri-Nations campaign has been somewhat forgotten following a pulsating and gripping Currie Cup. Having the Springboks back in the domestic competition is worth its weight in (Green and) Gold. The sooner the powers that be realise this, find an 10 week period where the top five teams can play each other home and away (with all their Springboks), the better. But that’s a topic for a whole new post.
Here’s the squad that I would like to see selected:
For simplicity’s sake I’ve picked a 30-man squad with two players in each position. The touring team will, no doubt, include a number of utility backs and loose-forwards - but this way makes it simpler to evaluate each player’s merits.
1. Beast Mtarariwa & Gurthro Steenkamp
The Beast was one of the finds of the Tri-Nations and picks himself. Steenkamp looked a little out of sorts for the Springboks, but looks to have found his form for the Bulls.
Unlucky: Heinke van der Merwe
2. John Smit & Bismarck du Plessis
These two pick themselves. Adriaan Strauss will probably also accompany the squad as cover.
Unlucky: Willie Wepener
3. Jannie du Plessis & Brian Mujati
These two will battle it out to replace CJ van der Linde at tighthead. Mujati’s scrummaging has looked a little fragile this season which possibly gives Du Plessis the inside track.
4. Bakkies Botha (Johann Muller) and Danie Rossouw
Bakkies is expected to be fit in time to tour. Danie Rossouw gives versatile cover with Johann Muller on standby should Botha break down.
Unlucky: Johann Muller
5. Andries Bekker & Victor Matfield
Matfield hasn’t been at his best this season and the time could be here for Bekker to usurp him as the number one lineout option.
6. Schalk Burger & Heinrich Brussouw
Burger picks himself while Brussouw deserves reward for a sensational season.
Unlucky: Cobus Grobbelaar
7. Juan Smith & Jean Deysel
Smith’s class is bound to shine through at some stage following a rather disappointing season. Deysel looks the business.
Unlucky: Keegan Daniel
8. Ryan Kankowski & Pierre Spies
Kankowski’s form should see him start ahead of Spies at number eight. Two explosive players with different strengths and weaknesses - they are an asset to any side.
Unlucky: Duanne Vermuelen
9. Fourie du Preez & Ricky Januarie
Again, these are two self-explanatory picks. Ruan Pienaar has stated his preference for playing number nine and this could see him lose out if Butch James is selected.
Unlucky: Ruan Pienaar
10. Peter Grant & Butch James (Ruan Pienaar)
The most eagerly awaited selection is that of flyhalf. Butch James still stands head and shoulders above the alternatives and should be selected for this tour if he’s going to be around for the visiting Lions in ‘09.
Unlucky: Morne Steyn
11. Bryan Habana & Jongi Nokwe
Nokwe’s four-try heroics against Australia make him an automatic selection.
12. Jean de Villiers & Frans Steyn
No doubt we’ll see Steyn continue to shuffle around the backline. I’d most like to see him stick to 12 with De Villiers remaining the first choice.
Unlucky: Wynand Olivier
13. Adi Jacobs & Jaque Fourie
Jacobs was outstanding for the Springboks this year and will make it hard for Jaque Fourie to get back into the starting XV. Fortunately they are very different types of players which gives PdV good options.
14. JP Pietersen & Trompie Nontshinga
Every Springbok squad has to have a compulsory bolter. I’m going for Trompie Nontshinga ahead of the Ndungane twins.
Unlucky: Odwa & Akona
15. Conrad Jantjes & Zane Kirchner
Zane Kirchner might be a little rough around the edges, but he has shown glimpses that he might be ready to make the step up. He’d be unlikely to start - with Steyn, Pietersen & Fourie all capable at 15 - but the experience would be good for him.
So there you have it - that’s the squad I would take overseas. No doubt you’ll want to tell me I need my head read, but make sure to include your squad if you do.
I’m not too sure what I’m going to do this weekend without any real rugby to watch - wish me luck. Enjoy the weekend off. See you on Monday!
Gareth Rosslee
