Cape Town – In the past, Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer has often emphasised that the team’s captain must also be the best in his position.
Prior to picking-up a knee injury, that was the case with Jean de Villiers who not only embraced the leadership role, but played some of the best rugby of his career.
While mostly partnering Jan Serfontein in midfield, De Villiers wore the number 12 jersey with distinction and played a key role in Meyer’s outstanding run of victories during the 2013 season.
Although De Villiers, who looks set to make his comeback against Argentina in Durban next week, wore the number 12 jersey he was often shifted wider on defence leaving Serfontein to take the knocks usually associated with the inside channel.
Serfontein also looks set to make his comeback, leaving Meyer spoiled for choice in positions that were major concerns at the start of the international season.
Stalwart scrumhalf Fourie du Preez might also feature in next week’s match, and as is the case with the centres, the rugby public was left surprised with the performances of second-choice Ruan Pienaar.
Ideally, there should be a clear pecking order in the team. Meyer has very little time left to test out combinations and will therefore have to make some of the toughest decisions of his tenure as Bok mentor.
Another concern is the flyhalf berth where only Handré Pollard has been given extensive playing time over the last 12 months.
Should the 21-year-old wunderkind sustain an injury, Meyer is likely to hand that responsibility to Patrick Lambie, with either Elton Jantjies or Morné Steyn likely to provide cover.
Jantjies has outperformed Pollard, Steyn and Lambie during the 2015 Super Rugby season but has been given the least amount of exposure at Test level.
When there were opportunities for Jantjies to prove himself, Meyer opted to use Johan Goosen who looked anything but comfortable when placed under pressure.
There are huge challenges in the crucial decision-making department but there are more than enough world-class players to pick from.
For De Villiers, who must earn his place in the team ahead of two youngsters who were outstanding against New Zealand, the next two matches will be crucial.
Should he fail to reproduce the form that saw him win the SA Rugby Player of the Year award in 2013, Schalk Burger should be next in line to lead the Springboks during the Rugby World Cup as he currently is one of the best loose-forwards, both South Africa and the world. - ANA