The big question is: How bold are Saru prepared to be when it comes to appointing the next Springbok coach?
While Lions fans may not like it, there’s really only one candidate ready to take the Boks to the next level - and that’s Johan Ackermann.
Yes, it may be a risk because Ackermann hasn’t achieved anything at Super Rugby level and he’s only been in charge at head coach level for four years, but there’s no doubt that if the Boks are to challenge the All Blacks, for example, on a consistent basis and get to a standard of play where they are the “team to beat”, then, I say, go bold, and make Ackermann your coach.
The Lions boss has shown in the last three years he’s up to the task of guiding a team at international level.
Not only has he managed to bring out the best in what a few years ago were a bunch of no-hopers, rejects and aspirants, his team’s style, the players’ skills levels and the team’s attack-minded approach are streets ahead of what the other South African teams are producing.
Yes, Super Rugby has a long way to go and plenty can still happen, but I’m punting Ackermann as the best candidate based on what he’s achieved with the players at his disposal - many of whom are now seriously starting to have “Bok” written all over them - and on the brand of rugby the Lions play.
Sure, Rassie Erasmus and Allister Coetzee are options and have their qualities, but few would disagree that right now and in the next four Test seasons for the Boks to match the All Blacks, a brave and enterprising appointment needs to be made.
For too long now and despite talk by the men in charge, we’ve seen the same from the Boks and it’s time to move in a different direction.
Imagine Ackermann getting the nod and he being afforded the chance to get the Boks playing rugby at Test level the way the Lions do at Super Rugby and Currie Cup level.
It could only be fun and exciting.
Imagine Ackermann being able to pick a bunch of Lions players who week-in and week-out deliver the goods and adding the best of the rest to that squad, and there are several quality men out there. It would be a young, energetic and new-look Bok squad, going out to play an open, expansive game, without fear, but still doing the basics well.
It is no secret the Bok job involves more than a man simply coaching a team, so there is plenty to consider for Saru, but they could do worse than back Ackermann for the job. Whoever it is, Saru need to get the wheels rolling and make a call. We must just hope that the lame decision of appointing an interim coach isn’t taken because, really, what good would that do?
Be bold Saru, make a call and back whoever you put your trust in.
The Star