Zane Kirchner, Jaco Taute, Joe Pietersen, Hennie Danniler, Pat Lambie ... or Frans Steyn? Who will wear the No 15 jersey against England in the first Test in 19 days’ time?
This is just one of the tough choices facing Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer as the three-Test series draws ever closer ... and he’s still got to factor in Super Rugby and the possibility that some of these players will pick up injuries in the next two weeks. It’s not an easy job being a national coach or, for that matter, a selector.
Any one of these men would do a good job at fullback, but who fits Meyer’s style the best? Which man is the type of player Meyer wants in his team? It’s important to keep this in mind when you, the fan, start your discussions and debates around the braai.
Meyer is a man who backs loyalty, guts, determination and fighting spirit. He’s also a man who prefers playing the experienced man ahead of the young gun but, that said, he’s always been keen to give youngsters a chance to prove themselves.
Having invited almost every senior rugby player in the country to his planning camps recently, South Africa became none the wiser as to who Meyer will pick for the England series, but that will soon change as he’s set to name his first squad in less than two weeks time. And it’s not only at fullback where he’s got a tough decision to make, but in just about every other position too.
Who will be his midfield? Jean de Villiers and Juan de Jongh, or will Steyn move into the No 12 jersey and force De Villiers out or into the No 13 jersey?
Will Francois Hougaard be considered as a scrumhalf or wing, and what role will Fourie du Preez play if he is to be recalled to the side after moving to Japan? If Du Preez isn’t part of the mix, who will be Hougaard’s back-up?
And, in that vein, there is still no certainty on Victor Matfield’s role with the Boks. Will he play or will he be lineout consultant? Time will tell.
The only certainty, I believe, is that Morné Steyn will be the flyhalf in the first Test. In the other positions anything is possible, simply because there’s so much talent available and so many key first choice men sitting out injured.
The make-up of the loose trio is probably the most eagerly anticipated, so too the choice of hooker. Will it be Bismarck du Plessis, Adriaan Strauss or Chiliboy Ralepelle? To accommodate all three, would Meyer consider using Strauss as his hooker, with Ralepelle as the back-up and Du Plessis as a blindside flank?
It’s just a thought, an option. We are all awaiting Meyer’s first big move. – The Star