It is exactly one month until the Springboks face England at Mr Price Kings Park in the first of three test matches, which is also coach Heyneke Meyer’s first series in charge of the Green and Gold. As expected, the Super Rugby season has taken its toll on players all over the country, and the decisions are becoming difficult as Meyer has to decide not only on his strongest available 22 man squad, but also a leader.
With four Super Rugby matches still to be played by each of the South African franchises, and spots in the National team clearly up for grabs, will we see an improvement in the form of certain players over the next month, or will Springbok selection take precedence over teamwork and as a result, individualistic play coming to fore? An article written by Rob in the past few weeks raised the point about the amount of Sharks players that are the best in their position at this point in time, and how we can only really see Bismarck du Plessis pushing for selection. This clear lack of form players at the Sharks will surely hamper players’ selection for the National side, which could force these players to lift their game in the following weeks. We can only hope!
Looking over the list of injuries, a few jump out as being key. Juan Smith has not played any form of rugby in two years now, and even though he would have been an ideal candidate for captain, we all knew that his inclusion would always have been a long shot. The individual that caused the most debate when a new captain was first discussed, Schalk Burger, has only seen 12 minutes of rugby and is ruled out of the test series, with a return to Super Rugby only likely to be in July, if he is lucky.
In the time that the Super Rugby competition has been running, certain players have put up their hand for Springbok selection, and have subsequently been injured and will not be available, like Duane Vermeulen and Jacques Potgieter, both of which were in superb form and able to take on the English in June. Someone like Beast Mtawarira is only recently back from a long term layoff, and will be pushing very hard over the coming weeks to be able to pull the number one jersey over his head.
Taking into consideration all of the above injuries and looking at the form of the Super Rugby teams, but also considering individual players’ experience, I have selected a team that I think would be able to give the English a very good run for their money:
1.Beast Mtawarira
2.Bismarck du Plessis
3.Jannie du Plessis
4.Eben Etzebeth
5.Andries Bekker
6.Heinrich Brussouw
7.Marcell Coetzee
8.Pierre Spies
9.Francois Hougaard
10.Morne Steyn
11.Bryan Habana
12.Jean de Villiers (Capt)
13.Juan de Jongh
14.JP Pietersen
15.Joe Pietersen
The sad reality is that I am not the Springbok selection board, nor am I Heyneke Meyer. I am sure his team will be different from the one I selected, especially when it comes to the inclusion of Eben Etzebeth, where I think Flip van der Merwe or Juandre Kruger will be selected, Marcell Coetzee, where there is a possibility that Dewald Potgieter or even someone like Francois Louw will get the nod.
Amongst the backs, Pietersen and Habana are a must on the wings, unless Basson or Aplon gets the nod ahead of either, and fullback is a personal choice where I think Meyer might select our favourite clown, Zane Kirchner.
A difference might also be seen in the front row, where I have selected an entire Sharks front row, as they would have played together for five matches by the time the first test comes around, but I get the feeling that either of the Bulls props or even Coenie Oosthuizen might see game time ahead of the Sharks pair.
I have selected Jean de Villiers as my captain, but my gut tells me that Pierre Spies might be announced interim captain, as he is a decent leader at the Bulls, and Meyer having a preference for leadership in the forwards instead of in the backline.
So there you have it, my Bok team with a month to go until the first test. We are sure to see injuries to certain of the players mentioned here, we can only hope that they are minimal. For the first time in a while, I am excited to see a Bok team in action.
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So just to get this straight,Fred Zeilinga tweeted the other day that he was going to a camp with his boy Tallycat (Allan Dell),so now is it safe to assume that Fred Zeilinga will replace Johan Goosen in the u20 team seeing as from the 6th to the 10th it’s the Baby Bok team building camp and Fred also happens to be at a camp at the moment
I would say pretty close there, but won’t we have Frans steyn available? I think Meyer will fo Frans 12, JDV 13 and Lambie 15.
I’m glad Potgieter got injured, thsi guy is not springbok quality and there was a reason Sharks did not use him either. He can run as flat out as he wants , but it is not too effective most of the time, and he looses possesion a lot of the time carrying it up. IMO, i don’t ever want to see him in a Bok jersey. Moght be harsh some might say, but with a lot better youngsters i don’t want to see a guy with little rugby talent play ahead of them. He has 110% commitment, but not the skills, nor strength/power/size to be an international blindside flank.
Centre will be JDV, De Jongh and Frans; but whitehead and Jordaan will pushing hard, i still believe Jordaan could break into the Bok setup this year, but most likely only happen the next.
Joe pietersen can be dodgy at times at the back, i’m sure Heyneke would feel a lot more relaxed knowing he has solid lambie at the back.
Our tight five will be the best in world rugby, if nobody gets injured. No doubt our tight five will be the strongest in World Rugby. And that’s how it should be all the time with the Springboks.
You might want to swop JP and Habana there Rich.
Basson? are you sure not spelling mistake?
@JJR (Comment 2) : He won’t play JdV at 13 dude.
@Ludz (Comment 1) : Correct
@Ben (Comment 3) :
That’s what happens when you tinker with the original team you selected.. thanks
@Richard Ferguson (Comment 7) :
@Ben (Comment 3) : Why? JPP always right wing for Boks and Habana left. @Ben (Comment 5) : The way he was talking about Jean de Villiers and his improved Speed he might be tempted to put him at 13 due to the fact that nobody has def. put up their hand for the Bok 13 jersey, yet. De Jongh is a great 12, not 13…he has a great step, but his burst of speed is way too short for 13. He is good for about 20 metres and then he starts carting. IMO
@JJR (Comment 2) :
If Frans is to make this team, it would have to be at fullback.
I cannot see Meyer shifting JdV from 12, he is the best we have in that position in the country..
As for Jordaan, I wouldn’t be too early on the trigger there, there are a fair few centres around that can be selected before him..
I’d prefer Lambie at 15 over Pieterson
@Ben (Comment 5) : I’m not a fan of JDV even being in this team(he gettin old), as i feel the new guys must get their chance; i just think Meyer could play him at 13, we will see what happens
@JJR (Comment 9) : Nah 13 is JdJ’s best position imo. He’s better running into space than creating space.
And the article origanally had JP at 11 and Habana at 14. That’s why I said he might want to change it and he did.
Ya think a guy like Robert Ebersohn or Johann Sadie for that matter would be selected ahead of him and yes Wynand Olivier also,even Marcel Brache,lol
@JJR (Comment 2) : As for Jordaan. I fully agree with Richard. A lot of centres in SA that are better than him. He has proved absolutely nothing yet. A bit silly of you to even mention his name imho.
@Ben (Comment 13) : Sweet, i just think JDJ is more effective at 12
@Ludz (Comment 14) : Refering to who? JDV at 13?
@JJR (Comment 12) : Its not going to happen.
@Ben (Comment 15) :
Yeah..
Look, I think Jordaan has talent, but he took 40 minutes to find his feet against the Highlanders, he ain’t axactly pushing for Bok selection quite yet..
Let him play Baby Boks this year, and get more regular time in the centres in the Super Rugby campaign next year, and we shall discuss his Bok credentials only then..
@JJR (Comment 16) : Don’t you think the Stormers would have used him at 12 and JdV at 13 if that was the case??
@Ben (Comment 15) : That’s fine i will always back this guy, i never said he was 100% ready now, but i think he is def. my 13 for the next world cup, and i would like to see him used as a bok impact player probably next year.
Also like Whitehead more than JDV, but we will see what Meyer thinks and does over the next 3-4 years.
Who not mind seeing a Frans Steyn 12 JDV 13 combo – depending on which shape Frans is in. JDV has played his best games for the Boks at wing, but hardly ever impressed at 12. So perhaps 13 would suit him well
@Richard Ferguson (Comment 18) : Fully agree.
I’m of the opinion that 13 is his best suited position. I hope he gets used there for the Baby Boks.
@Ben (Comment 19) : @Ben (Comment 19) : They can’t afford to have their two best centres on the bench…they have nobody else to select really…i mean they’ve been using Habana and Grant at centre
@JJR (Comment 20) : JdV has actcually been very good when he has played this year. Been in very good form. Much better than last year.
So I for one have no problem with him playing at 12 for the English tests.
@Richard Ferguson (Comment 18) : Ja Agree, people musn’t get me wrong, i don’t think he will be ready this year; but def. next year if he has made The Sharks 13 jersey his own, which i believe he will, then i believe he can make the Boks next year.
@JJR (Comment 23) : I don’t understand??
I mean ahead of Paul Jordaan,not JdV
@Ben (Comment 24) : Yes playing well, but his age totally turns me off, ja maybe England tests it’s fine; but don’t want him to take the gametime, some of our younger players could be getting to gain experience.
I would only use him this year next year…Frans, JDJ, Whitehead, Sadie, Jordaan must be our top centre options…but i also think very young Jan Serfontein is a youngster who will make some statements in the next 2 years, he’s also a guy for the future.
@Ludz (Comment 27) : Brache?? Nee man, hy is K@k
Just wait and see, Jordaan gonna wear a Bok jersey within the next 2 years 
@JJR (Comment 28) :
Why don’t you throw in JJ Engelbrecht, William Small-Smith and JP du Plessis while you are at it..
Because every decent school boy centre in this country will play for the Boks one day..
@Richard Ferguson (Comment 30) :
Hard to justify a rookie in his first year ahead of Flip – who hasn’t been poor.
Coetzee may get in cos of injuries, but equally Meyer could back someone like Alberts on talent, if not form.
Lambie or Fransie will walk in to 15 – can’t believe that Pieterson is even considered after just 8 good games – he is not a youngster needing backing.
Jordaan won’t even be in Meyer’s thoughts, and despite the big calls, Goosen and Koster aren’t close.
@Richard Ferguson (Comment 30) : JP, i think Stormers should’ve utilised him a bit more…we have some really great x-factor young “new school” centres coming through, it’s great!!
William Small-Smith? Not so sure he will make it; JJ don’t think anyone is convinced he has the complete game required for 13, kinda like JPP at 13, IMHO
I’m not throwing in every talented youngster, i’m talking bout the ones that can actually make it, everyone rates Brache, Venter, etc. i don’t think they will make it. Half these youngsters won’t make it thanks to the obsession with experience in Springbok rugby, i want the balance of young and experienced
At least i don’t think Habana is a 14 and Andries Strauss is a 13
Given the fact that Heyneke will have have virtually no time to prepare for the England series, I’m pretty sure he’ll be looking for experience, leadership and settled combinations, particularly for the first test. Expect the backline for the first test to be:
9) Hougaard
10) Steyn
11) Habana
12) De Villiers
13) De Jongh
14) Pietersen
15) Lambie/Steyn
@Big Fish (Comment 32) : Add to that the fact that Goosen and Koster have both been removed from contention by injuries
@Culling Song (Comment 34) :
Even though Lambie has not seen a 15 jersey all year?
That would be a brave call indeed, but if that is how our young incumbent makes it into the Green and Gold, then I like it..
@Big Fish (Comment 32) : I honestly have seen enough to convince me that Eben Etzebeth is Bok quality.
Flip on the other hand is a bit of a hot head imo. Good player yes but he tries too hard to fill Bakkies’ boots.
@Richard Ferguson (Comment 36) : He had also not really seen much of the 15 jersey last year before being called to perform in the position (which he did with aplomb) at the World Cup. Having said that, I’ve amended my post; I think it’s going to be a (close) call between Pat & Frans
@Culling Song (Comment 38) :
Look, I wouldn’t mind at all.. I think Lambie is an amazing fullback..
The team I selected was based on the form of the Super Rugby campaign, as well as putting some combinations together..
@Ben (Comment 37) : Can’t understand how anyone can’t see that this kid is world class! He’s gonna be a Bok Legend.
@Culling Song (Comment 35) : Was koster ever in contention? it’s like saying that Botes is in contention for Bok selection.
@Culling Song (Comment 38) : Frans is mainly used as a centre for Racing. His last outing as a full back was not really that flash
@Culling Song (Comment 35) :
I always felt it was a matter of time before Goosen got injured at 10 his defence is shaky and he is a small oke. Add to that his freakish talent, and opposition players are always gonna target him for softening up. Its why I thought they might shift him to 15 to ease him in first.
I’m aware that he was injured in scoring a try – could have happened even if he was on wing. But physicality was still the issue.
@Ben (Comment 37) :
Saying he is of Bok quality and choosing a rookie ahead of a very good other option, despite a team without a host of experienced players (all coached by a brand new head coach) is not quite the same thing.
Agree he is top notch – just don’t think the timing is right.
@Culling Song (Comment 34) : I also believe that Meyer is going to be very conservative with his selection, I don’t mind that that much… But I’ll flip my lid if Morne plays 10…
(So I guess I should get ready to flip)
@Bokhoring (Comment 41) : Ja, his fullback play has down the drain since going to France.
@Franshark (Comment 43) : Ha Ha, Yup. One guy i really don’t want to see anywhere near a Bok jersey is Wynand Olivier, most unimaginative centre eva!! And the girl hair pisses me off too
@JJR (Comment 45) : seriously Meyer won’t go that far down
@JJR (Comment 40) :
Don’t you read the site rules? Only ageing blondes are allowed to fall in love with young Sharks around here.
This isn’t classical Rome – pederasty is so bourgeois.
@Bokhoring (Comment 41) : he was missing @ the last game they played, wonder why?
A baby shark asks his Dad, “Why do we circle people in the water with our fins showing before we eat them, why don’t we just attack ? “The wise old father shark says to his son ,” Because they taste better without the shit inside them “
@Franshark (Comment 46) : I would think so; but the guy wears a blue jersey, so one never knows 100%.
@Big Fish (Comment 47) : Yo dude i’m 21, i don’t undestand WTH ur 2nd sentence means
And i don’t read books so won’t learn from there either 
@JJR (Comment 50) : He´s just trying to tell you that a `special friendship` with a boy is an upper class pursuit. Or was, at least in ancient Greek times.
Since you´re only 21 you are far more in danger of being the pederastee, so no worries there.
@rhineshark (Comment 51) : To be honest i’m still lost…eish, wat can i say
But if i understand one little thing, it confuses me more, cos i’m a homophobe and a half.
@JJR (Comment 52) :
Ag, don’t worry about it. At least we know you got one of the 3 prerequisites for your Jordaan fixation in place.
Speculation Time!
Okay I`m gonna have a shot.
Meyer:
15 Joe Petersen
I`d rather go with Lambie
11 Basson
13 Habana
12 Jean de Villiers
14 JP Pieterson
10 Morne Steyn
9 Hougaardt
8 Spies
I`ll go with Alberts
7 Marcell Coetzee
5 Bekker
4 Etzebeth
6 Brussouw
3 Jannie
I`ll opt for BJ Botha
2 Bismarck
Chilliboy is my choice
1 Coenie Oosthuizen
@Original Pierre (Comment 54) : Chilliboy over Bismarck?
@Original Pierre (Comment 54) :
And your Captain?
@Big Fish (Comment 53) : wat the other 2?
I’m curios…
Hope Frans Steyn has finally done some proper conditioning work in France; he was a pie before the world cup. Does he think he is Piri Weepu or something…
@Bokhoring (Comment 55) : Of Course. He concedes less penalties and Bismarck will come on with 20 minutes to go.
@Richard Ferguson (Comment 56) : I guess it`s between JdV and Chilliboy.
@JJR (Comment 58) : Just hope Frans doesn`t have the same disruptive influence Piri seems to have . . .
@Original Pierre (Comment 59) : At the start of the season – yes, but Bismarck had cleaned up his act in recent games.
@Bokhoring (Comment 61) : Strauss is in better form than both Chilly and Bis imo.
@Ben (Comment 62) : Remember Meyers Bulls association? Chilly will be bok captain shortly.
@Original Pierre (Comment 63) : Don’t think that will happen dude.
It all depends what Meyer is looking for. If he wants experience he’ll go for Bissie. If he wants form he’ll go for Strauss. Don’t think Chilly will start.
@Ben (Comment 64) : I think it will be one of two situations.
Bissie starting with Chilly on the bench
Or
Strauss starting with Bissie on the bench.
@Richard Ferguson (Comment 36) : Yeah sorry Rich. I don’t see Joe making the Bok squad. He’s been in great form I agree but I don’t think he’s the type of guy Meyer will select..
@JJR (Comment 52) : Don´t worry dude. Big Fish is from Cape Town.
@Ben (Comment 66) :
Joe was my selection, but I do agree, I don’t think Joe will crack Meyer’s nod..
@Richard Ferguson (Comment 68) : Haha sorry I forgot you actually said in your article that you think Meyer might select Krusty.
@rhineshark (Comment 67) : Ha Ha, i went to camps bay once and the sign should’ve said “swim between the flags”…the “L” was removed…reminds me so much of the crap us students get up to during the hols
Richard, Richard… Whereforart thou Richard? Leaving SuperPat out of your Bok predictions? Tsk tsk. Shame on you.
Lots of love
An ageing blonde.
x
@Richard Ferguson (Comment 68) : Not unless Pat gets the nod at 10. My guess is that Meyer will stick with Mr One Dimensional Steyn rather than go for a touch of 3D with Pat. Pat will play 15. Until Morne can’t kick any more. Or hell freezes over. Heaven forbid.
@Big Fish (Comment 47) :
@Shaz (Comment 72) : if Morne has a shoddy first test we could well see Pat in the starting line up in the 2nd. I think Steyn is under pressure.
@Ben (Comment 62) : Agreed, Strauss has been consistently good this season
Everyone expecting a 3 – 0 whitewash?
Poms are missing a couple of players like Tom Croft, Tom Woods, Charlie Sharples and Courtney Lawes.
Reckon their front row will be strong. Coles, Hartley and Corbisiero have had a decent season.
@slammerboy (Comment 73) : Would be great to start that way,,,, some show that we are better that loosing Quarter-finalist….
@slammerboy (Comment 74) : My thoughts too..
@Franshark (Comment 78) :
My thoughtss too..
@Shaz (Comment 73) :
I was wondering which mermaid I would reel in with that bait.
JJR (Comment 57) :
1 is age, 2 is sex, and of course, you can guess what 3 is.