Johannesburg - There’s optimism in the air about South Africa’s chances of going all the way at the Cricket World Cup which gets underway next weekend, but the same cannot be said of the Springboks’ chances later this year at the rugby showpiece.
Yes, the season hasn’t even kicked off and there are several months to go before the tournament starts in England, but the Boks wobbly form in Europe at the end of last year and their failure to capture the Rugby Championship crown under Heyneke Meyer has left many observers questioning the strength of their challenge.
Many feel the cricket team’s hopes rest on the key players coming off on a regular basis - that is, producing standout performances in the big games - and it’s going to be the same for Meyer and his team in England. If Hashim Amla, AB de Villiers, Imran Tahir or Dale Steyn fail, or pick up an injury, ruling them out of the big games, Russell Domingo’s side will be at a massive disadvantage.
Now, with Super Rugby kicking off on the same weekend as the cricket showpiece getting underway in Australia and New Zealand, Bok boss Meyer will be just as nervy as Domingo that none of his big stars suffer serious injuries over the course of the next few months.
Meyer’s created good depth over the last three years but if the Boks are to win the Rugby World Cup they’re going to need every one of their big name stars to be fit and firing.
Already captain Jean de Villiers is a doubt, and even though he has his detractors and isn’t quite the player he once was, he remains a key member of the squad. His leadership abilities are unquestioned, while his experience in managing the back division should never be ignored. Regardless of his recent form, the Boks will need him, period.
Eben Etzebeth is again starting the season with a niggle - nothing too serious - but Meyer will be praying he gets through Super Rugby unscathed. Scrumhalf Fourie du Preez staying fit will also be crucial, as will Victor Matfield, Duane Vermeulen, Francois Louw, Bryan Habana and Bismarck du Plessis and Adriaan Strauss - two world class hookers.
It’s a Super Rugby season where Pat Lambie and Handré Pollard have to take charge of their respective teams and give Meyer sleepless nights about who’ll don the Bok No10.
With just months to go to the World Cup, no-one who’s in line to be in the final squad will want to pick up a serious injury, ruling them out of the tournament. One wonders how this will play on those players minds in the coming weeks and, also what state of mind Meyer will be in each weekend from now until the end of Super Rugby.
Let’s hope his heart survives it ...
The Star